S!?f Ktntutk^ Wnthlzt Volume XIII WINTER 1937 No. 1 This, our 1937 Winter number, comes to you a trifle later than we had planned but the catastrophe that struck Kentucky towns in January paralyz- ed many businesses and set us back approximately one month. But it is still winter here. Everything still seems to be snugged down. The woodchuck paths, that not long ago were traveled, are now vacant. Tra- dition has it that their makers will peer out of their dens this month to see what the prospects for an early spring will be. On the second of February, those who could get their heads above water, peered out and saw their shadows. Six more weeks of winter! No time is better for the amateur bird student to begin his or her studies than around this time of the year. Concealing foliage is gone ; nests from last season appear ; species are few, many tamer than at other times. All of our permanent residents are easily identified and learned. In addition, we have many winter visitors from the north with the ever- appealing chance of a newcomer for the life list ; not too many, but just enough to draw us into the white woods. Some of the owls are nesting. Robins are appearing on the lawns. Those of us who run feeding stations are st ill attracting the customers and our bird banders' are reaping the harvest of many catches. We may feel a slight touch of spring on certain days but — it surely is still winter. We want it that way. We bird folks still h,ave problems to solve when we won’t be confused with the great tide of the spring migrtahts and the return of our summer residents. We like to think of the words of the beloved John Burroughs — “From out the white and pulsing storm I hear the snowbirds calling; The shee'ed winds stalk o’er the hills, And fast the snow is falling. “On twinkling wings they eddy past, At home amid the drifting, Or seek the hills and weedy fields Where fast the snow is sifting. “The unmown fields are their preserves, Where weeds and grass are seeding; They know the lure of distant stacks Where houseless herds are feeding.” M Z^ 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER KENTUCKY WARBLER’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CENSUS Although the response to our appeal for Christmas Census was very- good, with eleven returns, we were somewhat disappointed in not having any from the Eastern part of the State. However, as we are gradually extending our membership in that direction, we hope to have many fine reports from that section in future issues. The palm for the highest number of species, fifty, goes to the energetic bunch from Bowling Green, Ky., headed by the redoubtable Dr. Gordon Wilson. The Louisville crowd, aided by the enormous flocks of Starlings from the heart of the city, had the most individuals with 6057, 4565 of which were the imported visitors. The second best census, forty-eight species, came from W. M. Walker, Jr., and Sue R. Walker, in Hopkinsville. The summary for the entire state as appearing in the reports, show a total of seventy-six species, numbering approximately 17,204 individuals. The editor takes this opportunity of thanking the workers for their splendid co-operation and urges all of them to make plans even now for the next one, preferably in the same territories. Paducah, Kentucky (along Ohio River near Paducah, Priester’s Lake and rolling upland around Massac Creek Area) December 21, 1936. 6:30 A. M. to 4:30 P. M., clear; wind, none; temperature 30° at start, 55° at return. 45 miles by auto, six miles on foot ; observer alone. * * * * * * Great Blue Heron Canvasback Red-tailed Hawk Bob-white (3 covies) Herring Gull Flicker Hairy Woodpecker Prairie Horned Lark Crow Tufted Titmouse Winter Wren Mockingbird Hermit Thrush Golden Crowned Kinglet Starling Meadowlark Cowbird Purple Finch Red-eyed Towhee Tree Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Swamp Sparrow 2 Duck 12 Sp. ? 3 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Sparrow Hawk 32 Killdeer 12 Mourning Dove 13 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Downy Woodpecker 21 Blue Jay 20 Carolina Chickadee 20 Brown Creeper 1 Carolina Wren 3 Robin 2 Bluebird 1 Migrant Shrike 8 English Sparrow 13 Redwing 15 Cardinal 14 Goldfish 13 Slate-colored Junco 40 9 175 5 1 18 1 1 3 20 4 13 14 12 1 7 11 7 1 45 8 120 White-crowned Sparrow 13 Fox Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow Total 45 species. About 738 individuals. RAYMOND J. FLEETWOOD, Jr. Biologist Soil Conservation Service, Paducah, Ky. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 Summer Shade, Dec. 25. — 9 :00 A. M. to 4 :00 P. M. ; an area with a radius of a mile and a half, with Summer Shade as a center. Sky clear in morning, cloudy in afternoon; light wind. Temp, at start 50, at return 60. Turkey Vuhure, 5; Black Vulture, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Broad-winged Hawk, 1; SparroW Hawk, 1; Bob-white, 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 4; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 6; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 27; Carolina Chickadee, 11; Tufted Titmouse, 18; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Carolina Wren, 3; Bewick’s Wren, 1; Mock- ingbird, 2; Robin, 32; Bluebird, 3; Starling, 50 ; Goldfinch, 3; Tree Spar- row, 12; Field Sparrow, 5; Sla* e-colored Junco, 43; Song Sparrow, 18; Fox Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 5. Total, 31 species, 284 individuals. —ROBERT L. BALDOCK. * ❖ * * * * Marion, Dec. 25 — Near Marion. Cloudy; temp. 51; wind, strong. Red- winged Blackbird, 2; Bluebird, 18; Bob-white, 10; Cardinal, 37; Carolina Chickadee, 11; Cowbird, 4; Crow, 96; Dove, 1; Goldfinch, 26; Flicker, 9; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 9; Marsh Hawk, 1; Blue Jay, 7; Slate-colored Junco, 260; Killdeer, 2; Meadowlark, 18; Prairie Horned Lark, 23; Mockingbird, 11; Robin, 24; Migrant Shrike, 1; Chipping Sparrow, 6; Field Sparrow, 11; Fox Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 4; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Vesper Sparrow, 3; White-crowned Sparrow, 27; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Towhee, 4; Cedar Waxwing, 22; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Bewick’s Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 4; Winter Wren, 2; Marsh Wren, 2; Starling, 8. Total, 40 species, 684 individuals. —DR. T. ATCHISON FRAZER. * * * * * * Madisonville, Ky. (W. W. Hancock farm, Loch Mary, Clear Creek, Atkinson Lake, Spring Lake Wild Refuge, Princeton and Hecla Roads, woods, streets, and open country) — Dec. 26, 7 :30 A. M. to 4 :30 P. M. Cloudy, wind southeast, light to fairly strong, temperature 57 degrees at start, 60 degrees at return. About ten miles on foot. Sparrow Hawk, 1 ; Flicker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 7; Carolina Chickadee, 17; Tufted Thmouse, 11; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 1; Carolina Wren, 10; Mockingbird, 4; Bluebird, 6; Cedar Wax- wing, 12; Starling, 10; English Sparrow, 165; Meadowlark, 2; Cardinal, 32; Purple Finch, 1; Goldfinch, 14; Towhee, 12; Slate-colored Junco, 173; Tree Sparrow, 95; Field Sparrow, 12; White-crowned Sparrow, 2; White- throated Sparrow, 15; Fox Sparrow, 1; Swamp Sparrow, 4; Song Sparrow, 24. Total, 31 species, 659 individuals. Other species seen near the time of the census : Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup Duck, Turkey Vulture, Bob-white (18 on Dec. 24), Robin, Hermit Thrush, Migrant Shrike, and Red-winged Blackbird. —JAMES Wm. HANCOCK. jj; 4s H1 H5 H5 Hopkinsville, Ky., Dec. 24, 1936 — Weather fair ; temperature 42 degrees at start, 50 degrees at finish; time, 8 A. M. to 4 P. M. About Severn miles on foot, equally divided territory of open field and fence row, woodland, 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER and thickets and creek bank along Little River. Observers together. Turkey Vulture, 4; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Bob-White, 7 (flock); Killdeer, 3; Mourning Dove, 24; Great Horned Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Flicker, 18; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 33; Phoebe, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 129 (2 flocks, 85 and 44); Blue Jay, 20 ; Crow, 273 (about 250 in flock after Great Horned Owl) ; Carolina Chickadee, 90; Tufted Titmouse, 103; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Brown Creeper, 3; Winter Wren, 6; Bewick’s Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 24; Mockingbird, 20; Robin, 3; Hermit Thrush, 1 ; Bluebird, 43; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 6; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3; Cedar Waxwing, 105; Shirke, 1; Starling, 9; Myrtle Warbler, 33; Meadowlark, 23; Cardinal, 30; Purple Finch, 40 ; Goldfinch, 103; Towhee, 15; Slate-colored Junco, 295; Chipping Sparrow, 3; Field Sparrow, 147; White-crowned Sparrow, 9; White- Throated Sparrow, 23; Fox Sparrow, 1; Swamp Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 183. Species, 48; individuals, 1860. — J. M. WALKER, Jr., and SUE R. WALKER. * * ❖ * * Bowling Green, Ky. — Dec. 22. — 6:45 A. M. to 4:30 P. M. Sky clear; wind, south, light ; ground bare ; temp, at start 28, at return 42. Three parties in morning, two in afternoon, covering a territory about twelve miles in diameter, with Bowling Green as a center. Common Canada Goose, 18 (this flock wintering here) ; Turkey Vulture, 1 ; Cooper’s Hawk, 1 ; Red-tailed Flawk, 3 ; American Rough-legged Hawk, 1 (studied at close range); Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Bob-white, 10; Mourn- ing Dove, 10; Great Horned Owl, 1; Northern Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Northern Flicker, 18; Southern Pileated Woodpecker, 7; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 11; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 22; Prairie Florned Lark, 4C0; Northern Blue Jay, 24; Eastern Crow, 117 (usu- ally scarce this winter); Carolina Chickadee, 120; Tufted Titmouse, 110; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Brown Creeper, 1; Winter Wren, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 5; Carolina Wren, 15; Mockingbird, 9; Robin, 26; Hermit Thrush, 4; Bluebird, 26; Migrant Shrike, 2; Starling, 3100; Myrtle Warbler, 14; English Sparrow, 240; Meadowlark, 19; Cardinal, 69; Purple Finch, 55; Goldfinch, 53; Towhee, 31; Savannah Sparrow, 3; Slate-colored Junco, 450; Tree Sparrow, 78; Field Sparrow, 87; White-crowned Sparrow, 42; White-throated Sparrow, 52 ; Swamp Sparrow, 7 ; Song Sparrow, 45. Total, 50 species, 5,334 individuals. Other species known to be winter- ing here : Killdeer, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, and Black Vulture. —HAYWARD BROWN, BASIL COLE, L. Y. LANCASTER, CHAS. L. TAYLOR, J. R. WHITMER, GORDON WILSON. ****** Glasgow, Ky. — Dec. 23, 8:00' A. M. to 3:15 P. M. Darter, Wininger, Starr, and adjoining farms; along Beaver Creek and Darter’s Branch. Partly cloudy, no wind, temp. 30. Turkey Vulture, 6; Black Vulture, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Marsh Flawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Mourning Dove, 1 ; Barred Owl, 1 ; Flicker, 15 ; Hairy Woodpecker, 1 ; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 12; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 60; Blue Jay, 53; Crow, 247; Carolina Chickadee, 39; Tufted Titmouse, 35; Carolina Wren, 7; Mockingbird, 7; Robin, 96; Bluebird, 36; Cedar Waxwing, 88; Migrant THE KENTUCKY WARBLER S Shrike, 1; Starling, 216; Myrtle Warbler, 9; Bronzed Grackle, 19; Cow- bird, 14; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 7 (I have often found them very late in the fall) ; Cardinal, 24; Purple Finch, 5; Goldfinch, 51; Red-eyed Towhee, 18; Slate-colored Junco, 228; Tree Sparrow, 89; Savannah Sparrow, 1; Field Sparrow, 4; White-crowned Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow, 50; Swamp Sparrow, 22. Total, 40 species, 1478 individuals. Other birds recorded for this area within a week of the census : Mallard, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Pileated Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hermit Thrush, Meadowlark, White-throated Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Bob-white, and Broad-winged Hawk. —RUSSELL STARR. * * 5fc * * * Louisville, Kentucky (along the Ohio River to Twelve Mile Island and adjacent territory) — Dec. 27, 6:15 A. M. to 4:30 P. M. ; hard rain nearly all day, overcast and foggy, wind northwest, brisk ; temp. 60 degrees at start, 58 degrees at return. Twelve miles on foot and in automobiles. Observers in two parties. Double-breasted Cormorant 1 Tufted Titmouse 53 Black Duck 22 White-breasted Nuthatch 12 Lesser Scaup Duck 200 Brown Creeper 1 Cooper’s Hawk 1 Winter Wren 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 3 Carolina Wren 4 Duck Hawk 1 Mockingbird 5 Sparrow Hawk 7 Robin 1 Herring Gull 23 Cedar Waxwing 40 Ring-billed Gull 1 Starling 4565 Mourning Dove 6 English Sparrow 105 Screech Owl 1 Red-wing 72 Barred Owl 1 Cowbird 3 Belted Kingfisher 3 Cardinal 73 Flicker 3 Goldfinch 23 Red-bellied Woodpecker 3 Red-eyed Towhee 27 Red-headed Woodpecker 1 Slate-colored Junco 211 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Tree Sparrow 104 Downy Woodpecker 13 Field Sparrow 7 Blue Jay 13 White-throated Sparrow 9 Crow 342 Swamp Sparrow 1 Carolina Chickadee 51 Song Sparrow 43 Total, 42 species ; 6057 individpals. — C. W. BECKHAM BIRD CLUB, Evelyn Schneider, Mabel Slack, Dr. Cynthia C. Counce, Floyd Carpenter, Dr. Harvey Lovell, Robert Mengel, W. Barnett Owen, Jr., Janies B. Young, Burt L. Monroe. jjj s]s 5jc sjc sfc jjl Louisville, Ky. (Cave Hill Cemetery, about two blocks from Cherokee Park) — Dec. 27., 1936; 6:30 A. M. to 9:30 A. M.; warm; rain, temperature, 60 degrees; about 1 mile on foot — Mallard, 50; Flicker, 1; Downy Wood- pecker, 2; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 1; Carolina Chickadee, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Mockingbird, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 12; Starling, 20; Cardinal, 6; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Slate-colored Junco, 7. Total, 14 species; 108 individuals. — EMILIE YUNICER. 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Cynthiana, Ky. (To Allen Farm and out Salem Pike)— Jan. 6, 12:30 P. M. to 3:45 P. M. ; cloudy; wind south, slight. Started to rain after I had been out a little over an hour and continued through remainder of afternoon. Temperature 48 degrees at start, 46 at return. Twelve miles in car and about two miles on foot. Cardinal, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Carolina Chickadee, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Starling, 10; Hairy Wood- pecker, 2; Carolina Wren, 3; Mockingbird* 1; English Sparrow, 42; Crow, 13; Song Sparrow, 1; Gold Finch, 23; Blue Jay, 2; Bluebird, 2; Killdeer, 1. Total, 15 species, 121 individuals. —BIRD WELLS RICE. * * * * * 1936 CHRISTMAS CENSUS Summary for the State of Kentucky Double-crested Cormorant, 1; Great Blue Heron, 2; Mallard, 50; Black Duck, 22; Canvasback, 3; Lesser Scaup Duck, 200; Canada Goose, 18; Turkey Vulture, 16; Black Vulture, 2; Cooper’s Hawk, 5; Marsh Hawk, 5; Red-tailed Hawk, 12 ; Red-shouldered Hawk, 3 ; Broad-winged Hawk, 1 ; Sparrow Hawk, 27 ; Duck Hawk, 1 ; American Rough-legged Hawk, 1 ; Bob-white, 65 ; Killdeer, 9 ; Herring Gull, 35 ; Ring-billed Gull, 1 ; Mourn- ing Dove, 62; Barred Owl, 3; Great Horned Owl, 2; Screech Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 18; Downy Woodpecker, 104; Yellow- bellied Sapsucker, 6; Pileated Woodpecker, 9; Red-headed Woodpecker, 11; Flicker, 82; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 54; Phoebe, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 633; Blue Jay, 155; Crow, 1123; Carolina Chickadee, 363; Tufted Titmouse, 363; White-breasted Nuthatch, 30; Brown Creeper, 6; Carolina Wren, 77; Bewick’s Wren, 11; Winter Wren, 11; Marsh Wren, 2; Mock- ingbird, 64; Hermit Thrush, 7; Robin, 97; Bluebird, 141; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4; Cedar Waxwing, 279; Migrant Shrike, 6; Starling, 7996; English Sparrow, 597; Myrtle Warbler, 56; Cow- bird, 36; Red-wing, 82; Meadowlark, 75; Bronzed Grackle, 19; Purple Finch, 115; Goldfinch, 305; Cardinal, 318; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 7; Red-eyed Towhee, 120; Vesper Sparrow, 3; Slate-colored Junco, 1832; Savannah Sparrow, 4; White-crowned Sparrow, 86; White-throated Spar- row, 112; Tree Sparrow, 498; Chipping Sparrow, 9; Field Sparrow, 273; Swamp Sparrow, 40; Fox Sparrow, 7; Song Sparrow, 386. Total species, 76; individuals, approximately 17,204. * * * * * * CENSUS FROM OUR MICHIGAN MEMBER McMillan, Luce CouiTy, Michigan — Dec. 28, 9:13 A. M. to 11 :33 A. M. Weather, overcast, wind north, light. Temperature 21 degrees to 23 de- grees, down to twelve degrees after sundown. Observer alone on skis. Ground covered with an average of about 5 to 6 inches of snow, crusted but not hard enough to walk on. Covered woods, cut-over land, fields, and around McCormick Lake, a distance of three miles. Necessary to stop often as it was noisy walking on crusted snow. Lake frozen over since November 18. 7x Mirakel glass used. Good crop of seeds on iron- wood and in cones of firs, hemlocks, and birches. Eastern Hairy Wood- pecker, 1; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 1; Northern Blue Jay, 3; Black- capped Chickadee, 22 (17 were in one flock; many feeding on seeds of ironwood) ; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; English Sparrow, 25; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 1 ; Common Redpoll, 1 (heard) ; Northern Pine Siskin, 1 (heard) ; Eastern Snow Bunting, 27. Total, 10 species, 84 individuals. Other species observed this month but not today are : Eastern Goshawk, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 1, Dec. 22; Great Horned Owl, 1 (heard hooting) Dec. 5; Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 1, Dec. 24; Northern Shirke, 1, Dec. 8; European Starling, 2, Dec. 27; Eastern Evening Grosbeak, 2, Dec. 24; Eastern Purple Finch, 1, Dec. 25; White-winged 'Crossbill, 3, Dec. 24; Eastern Goldfinch, 2, Dec. 5. In these only the last dates are given. —oscar McKinley bryens. ****** THROUGH THE FIELD GLASS ALBINO JUNCO An early morning trip through Cherokee Park on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 1936) yielded an unusual bird on this dull gray morning which seemed to promise nothing extraordinary. Homeward bound, we had stopped to watch the antics of a flock of lively birds in a tall tree top — mostly Chicadees, Titmice, and Nuthatches. Suddenly, as I ceased looking up for a moment in order to rest my neck, a peculiar flash of white^passed before me. It was too low to have been the under parts of a bird and yet too bird-like to have been anything else. I crossed the road to see better the spot where the white streak had ended and discovered to my amazement a purely white bird the size and shape of a Junco feeding at the base of the hill about seventy-five feet away. Upon studying it closely we found that the head and neck were slightly darker than the rest of the bird; they were a pallid neutral gray. The back, wings, tail, and under parts were entirely white. The pink color of the bill could easily be seen. Along with this stranger were feeding a flock of Slate-colored Juncos, and as these gradually moved farther up the hill the white member of the party moved with them, remaining very conspicuous among the dead leaves until it passed out of sight over the crest of the hill. After searching our books carefully for any other species to which this bird might possibly belong, we felt assured in our first supposition that an Albino Junco was visiting our neighborhood. The bird was seen again near the same location on Sunday, December 27. January 4, 1937. EVELYN J. SCHNEIDER, Louisville, Ky. ****** THE PROTEAN SPARROW Late one afternoon I noticed two or three sparrow-like birds acting for all the world like Flycatchers. They were in the top of a tree of moderate height standing in a strip of woods on the edge of town. Every few moments they would fly out into the air, evidently after insects, and return to their perch in orthodox Flycatcher fashion. Their shape and color however were not those of the so-called Flycatchers ; indeed con- tinued scrutiny more and more revealed their likeness to the common sparrow; and to make the story much shorter than the time I was watch- ing them, I found that my Flycatcher were none other than the birds of our eaves and doorways, the final syllable of whose scientific name, passer domesticus, we are sometimes tempted to emphasize. Since then I have seen them at different times and in other situations faithfully and vigorously aping the characteristic movements of the Pewee and its congeners. Again, walking in a city street where trees were placed some twenty feet apart in the grass plat, I observed a small bird resting on the side of the hole of a tree, its body in a somewhat horizontal position. As I approached, it flew to the next tree, taking about the same position on its 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER trunk, then to the next, and so on for six or eight consecutive trees. I wondered if it could be some unfamiliar member of the family of climb- ing birds, but found that it was certainly my familiar friend in an atti- tude not infrequently assumed. At times, too, when one is on the look-out for birds of rarer feather, he may note a movement in the foliage very similar to that caused by a warbler or vireo, only to find presently that he is watching the antics of the same enterprising and omnipresent member of the avian prole- tariat. How often too it has happened that, being in company with those who kindly ascribe to me some ability to identify our feathered friends, 1 have been asked, “What bird is that?” and have had the pleasure of answering with solemnity, “That is an English Sparrow.” He will fool you too “if you don’t watch out.” There are variations and anomalies not only in behavior but in appearance. There is of course the obvious difference in color between the sexes, and living as they do chiefly and familiarly among the haunts of man they are subject to being at times much discolored with soot and grime. But aside from those differences, substantial variations in color may be noted. I observed recently two females together. One was noticeably darker than the other. And one may sometimes see a female whose breast is very light, approaching to whiteness. Whether their gentlemen prefer the more blond type I do not know. It must be remembered too that the apparent color (if color is ever other than apparent) varies markedly with the light in which the bird is seen. I have seen them, when in flight and catching the bright sunlight, gleam with a a brightness that suggested a bird of decidedly tawny plum- age. Even distinct differences in size are not wanting. They may be real, owing chiefly to age and sex, or apparent, caused by environment or atmospheric conditions. In short, our humble, ubiquitous and most versatile friend will repay a close and s}mipathetic acquaintance. The adult male when clean and freshly groomed is undeniably handsome, and his modestly attired wTife is a lady of grace and beauty. It is interesting too to note that, like other familiar bipeds, some are simply better looking than others. In this case as in others, if one will “look to like,” he well may find that “look- ing liking moves.” — W. FOSTER HAYES, Harvey, Illinois. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Organized April, 1923 President Mr. Brasher C. Bacon, Madisonville, Ky. Vice-President Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green, Ky. Secretary-Treasurer — Miss Evelyn Schneider, 2207 Alta Ave., Louisville, Ky. Meets annually in Louisville during the week of the Kentucky Educa- tion Association ; in the fall at some town or park in the state. Dues: Active, $1.00; Group (of ten or more children under sixteen years of age), 25c a person. Address correspondence about the WARBLER to Burt L. Monroe, 207 No. Birchwood Ave., Louisville, Ky. Send dues to the Secretary- Treasurer, ' Kz 7 (I hr ICrnturkg Warhlrr Volume XIII SPRING, 1937 No. 2 SPRING MEETING The fifteenth annual spring meeting of the K. O. S., held on April 15-16, 1937, at the Seelbach Hotel, Louisville, Ky., began auspiciously with a large attendance. Our president, Mr. Bacon, after his welcome, intro- duced Robert M. Mengel, a young Louisville bird student, who told of his recent trip to Florida and of the many species of birds which he saw there. He illustrated his talk with free-hand drawings in color upon a blackboard. The audience was happy indeed to know that so able and intelligent a young man, who has already advanced far in bird study, is counted among our active members. Mr. Albert F. Ganier, of Nashville, editor of THE MIGRANT, and staunch friend of the K. O. S., spoke of variation among birds, telling of different kinds of legs, wings, bills, feet and talons among different species, giving the purposes of these variations and explaining how struc- ture is adapted to use. He spoke of different types of sound, of various kinds of nests, of textures and shapes of eggs, showing in each case the importance of adaptibility. In conclusion Mr. Ganier urged a continu- ance of bird study, not only for the immediate pleasure to be gained but because in later years the association with the birds, the fields and woods brings about a sense of rejuvenation, calling back memories of earlier days and giving something extremely worthwhile to live for and to enjoy. Mr. Raymond J. Fleetwood, junior bioligist of the Soil Conservation Service at Paducah, Ky., spoke of the work of that service in improving the environment for wild life in Kentucky. Among the reasons for re- ducing wild life population he gave the clearance of shrubbery, briars, and trees from farm land, and the grazing of cattle in the woodlands. Wild life conservation, which includes vegetation and plant life as well as ani- mal and bird life, he stated, is a complex subject which demands much study. A knowledge of the relation of one form of life to another, of the reasons for a decrease of one form of life, is necessary. He told of the work of molding by proper education the attitude of the people to- 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER ward the creatures of the forests and streams so that there may again be an abundance of birds and other animal life. Mr. Ganier then concluded the afternoon’s program by showing lantern slides of many species of birds, their nests and habitats, including the Great Horned Owl, Golden Eagle', King Rail, Cliff Swallows, Missis- sipi Kite, Least Tern, American Egret, Anhinga, Cormorant, and closed with a beautiful colored picture of hundreds of ducks rising in the early morning from a wooded lake on a bird refuge in Arkansas. After the meeting Miss Emilie Yunker showed the bird houses and feeding stations made by pupils of the Louisville public schools and dis- tributed bird sticks, carved and beautifully colored by pupils in the schools. On Friday1 morning sixteen early risers assembled at seven o’clock for a field trip led by Mrs. Dorothy M. Hobson to the ponds and woods in Indian Hills, out the River Road to the Scout Camp and Sleepy Hollow. A total of seventy species was seen, the most unusual for those who usu- ally cover the territory being an Osprey, soaring majestically with grace- fully curved wings, and a flock of Tree Swallows. An American Bittern and two Sora Rails were discovered among the cat-tails, several species of ducks were found on the river, a few warblers had arrived for the late spring, and many of our winter residents were still at hand. The group would have enjoyed spending the entire day together in the field, but the luncheon necessitated hastening back toward town. Forty members attended the luncheon at the hotel at twelve thirty. Dr. T. Atchison Frazer, with the subject, “Random Shots,” told of many interesting observations he had made during his rtcent studies : a Cow- bird shot in Kentucky in midwinter which had been banded in Texas in July; the interest of a Cowbird in the incubation of her egg which she had laid in a Phoebe’s ntst; the discovery of a false bottom in a Yellow Warbler’s nest in which had been laid a Cowbird’s egg; observations on the feeding of young Carolina Wrens; the possession by Starlings of Blue bird cavities and Woodpecker holes; and many other interesting and entertaining facts. Mr. S. E. Perkins III announced the meeting of the Wilson Ornitho- logical Club in Indianapolis in December, inviting as many as possible from Kentucky to< attend. Mr. Bacon paid tribute to Miss Emile Yunker for her many years of faithful service to the K. O. S. and thanked her for the exquisite flowers which decorated the tables. The afternoon session opened with Mr. Perkins, treasurer of the Wilson Ornithological Club, as the first speaker. He described the unusual Great Blue Heronry in Starke County, Indiana, and illustrated his talk with colored lantern slides depicting the flowers, shrubs, trees, animals and birds of the forest in great profusion. The Great Blue Heron nests and the many birds in the tamarack trees were of special interest. The lantern slides were followed with moving pictures of these majestic birds is their nesting territory. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 Dr. Gordon Wilson told of his bird experiences since 1931 over many parts of the country. He spoke of the new birds he added to his list each year and where they had been found and told of the pleasure of re-encountering the same birds in far different localities at different times of the year. He spoke of the absorbing interest in learning each year new facts about old friends, reminding us that all these experiences even though seemingly trivial in themselves, when accumulated ultimately make up a life experience. Dr. Rodney D. Book, of Corning, Ohio, spoke of many points of be- havior in the Tk mouse, which he has studied closely for twenty five years. Their behavior when feeding, mating, behavior of the young, his identi- fication of individuals by singular characteristics, and several problems regarding these friendly birds to which he has found no solution, formed a delightfully interesting talk. Dr. Wilson thanked the visiting speakers, — Mr. Ganier, Mr. Perkins, Dr. Book, Mr. Fleetwood — for their kindness in having come to Louis- ville to take part in the program and expressed to the neighboring organ- izations our appreciation of their interest. With sincerest gratitude in the heart of each of us to every speaker during the two days’ session for the illuminating facts that were given, their entertaining presentation, the encouragement and added stimulus to continued study and observation, the fifteenth annual spring meeting was brought to a close. —EVELYN J. SCHNEIDER, Louisville, Ky. * ❖ * * * * BIRDS OF KENTUCKY By Brasher Collins Bacon and Burt Beavelle Monroe 5. WHITE PELICAN, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (125) The very few authentic records which we have been able to gather on this species indicate that it is a very rare transient in Kentucky. RECORDS : “Found on the Ohio River at Louisville and abundant at Henderson” (Audubon). Fulton County: “It is not rare during the migration season, and is occasionally noted during the winter. A few are said to winter regularly at a small lake in Missouri just across the river from Hickman. On May 10, 1887, one was captured on the Mississippi River near Hick- man and brought to me for identification. I know of no other instance of its occurrence in the summer, nor any evidence of its breeding in this locality. This bird had probably been crippled during its migration” (Pindar). Reelfoot Lake: “A rare transient species; the line of migra- tion from its breeding grounds in the northwest to its winter home on the, Gulf Coast lies considerably west of the Mississippi Valley. It some- times appears as early as late August on the Mississippi. One taken in 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER the fall of 1918 on the lake was mounted by Mn Seth Curlin, of Hickman, and shown to the author at the Walnut Log Lodge. On October 3, 1926, two, which had been on the lake for approximately a month, were shot by a gunner. One of these were mounted and is now in the state Museum at Nashville. Steve Crossley who had been a hunter here for years, stated in 1919 that he had seen one or two on the lake nearly every season. Further south along the river, they have in times past been recorded as occurring in large flocks. A recent record of a flock of sixty-four, seen on September 18, 1934, near Memphis, has been made by Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Coffee” (Ganier). 6. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT, Phalocrocorax auritus (120). A fairly regular migrant in Kentucky and as this species has been found nesting in “Cranetown” at Reelfoot Lake, and in Henderson County and near Barlow, it is quite probable that they may nest frequently in the swamps and along the rivers of western Kentucky. RECORDS : Fulton County: “A common migrant, a fairly common summer habi- tant, and rare in winter” (Pindar). “Regular migrant may breed in the state” (Funkhouser). Lexington : “October 9, 1919” (A. Roark) ; Ballard County (W. A. Anderson); Nelson County: “A rare migrant; Bardstown, one record; an immature bird shot from a flock of seven on September 30, 1916, by a local hunter. I am unable to state to which geographical race this specimen is referable” (Blincoe) ; Reelfoot Lake : “A common per- manent resident but much more abundant in early spring and fall. One of the most characteristic birds' of the lake and since it keeps to the open water, is large and conspicuous, the ‘Nigger Goose’ always makes an im- pression on visitors. During April and May thousands of these birds con- gregate on the lake, but most of them pass on to the northwest and Canada, and only about two hundred pairs remain to breed. Up to a few years ago these were divided into two colonies, one at the head of the lake just south of the Kentucky line and the other at the head of Big Ronaldson Slough four miles northwest of Samburg. Their nesting is now confined to the latter colony where they share a ‘Cranetown’ with Herons, Egrets and Water Turkeys. The first mentioned colony was visited on April 26, 1919, at which time there were approximately seventy-five nests of the Cormorant with one hundred twenty-five nests of Ward’s Heron, all averaging from eighty to more than a hundred feet up in aged cypress trees. The ‘Cranetown’ at the southwest side of the lake was )ast visited on May 25, 1931, at which time there were about fifty nests of the Coro- fnorants with five times as many of the Wards’s Heron. A visit here eleven years later, May 29, 1932, showed a greatly augumented population, there being estimated to be two hundred Coromorant nests in the colony” (Ganier). Bowling Green: “I have only two records, three on May 2, 1927, and one on May 8, 1935, on the McElroy Lake” (Gordon Wilson). Jefferson County: “I have seen these birds on the Ohio River especially near the vicinity of Goose Island, in November in rather large numbers. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 13 During the fall of 1935, I saw as many as two hundred' at one time resting on the water and in the trees” (Monroe). “Also recorded near Goose Island on April 22, 23, 1933 ; Indian Hills Pond, September 22, 1933, four birds. Ohio River at the west end of Louisville, November 13, 1933, ten birds; November 15, 1933, seven birds” (Carpenter & Monroe). Hen- derson County:: “On June 16, 1936, in company with Mr. Daniel H. Jazen, Regional Director, Game Management Division, U. S. Biological Survey, we visited a Heron Rookery in Henderson County, located 12 miles west of Henderson, and two miles east of the head of Diamond Island, on the Ohio River. Here we found three nests each of Double-crested Cormo- rant and American Egrets and two hundred nests of Ward’s (Great Blue) Heron, nearly all of the nests had young birds. The nests were placed in pecan, maple, oak and gum trees about sixty feet from the ground. I also visited a rookery near Barlow, on the Mounds City, 111., road locat- ed east at Ax lake, between the lake and the bluffs. In this colony were three nests of the Double-crested Cormorant and two of the American Egrets and about three hundred nests of Ward’s (Great Blue) Heron, the majority of which were placed in cupelo gum trees” (R. C. Soaper, U. S. Game Management Agent). Hopkins County: “A very rare transient. Pond River, one killed by hunters October 7, 1907, one observed October 1, 1922, one August 27, 1925, two September 21, 1928; Atkinson Lake, one bird observed on October 29, 1929; Spring Lake Refuge, one bird observed September 28, 1930, one bird stayed on the lake from October 9 to 13, 1931, one bird observed on October 5, 1932” (Bacon). 7. WATER TURKEY, Anhinga anhinga (118). Due to its retiring nature and secretive habits, this species is prob- ably overlooked in localities in the state where it doubtless occurs. It is very doubtful if they nest in Kentucky although they have been found nesting near Big Ronaldson Slough a few miles south of the Kentucky State line. RECORDS : Fulton County: “Abundant in the spring and fall, common in the summer, and rare through the winter” (Pindar). “It is a rare visitant” (Funkhouser). “I found it near Wickliffe, Ballard County, August 28, 1927; Calloway County, probably a rare summer resident” (Gordon Wilson). Reelfoot Lake : “During a number of trips to Reelfoot Lake in the past, this species has not been seen in summer ; also it was thought the lake was beyond the northern limits of its range. However on May 29, 1932, at least fifty pair were found nesting in the ‘Cranetown’ at the north end of Big Ronaldson Slough. The nests very much resemble those of the Cormorants, being substantially built up of cypress twigs and snugly lined with shreds of cypress bark. In most of them four or five eggs were noted, no young having hatched as yet” (Ganierj. Hopkins County: “A very rare transient. I have never observed them on the lakes ; they seem to prefer the deep recesses of the big woods along the creeks and rivers. Clear Creek, one bird seen July 7, 1908; Pond River, near Green Rivej*, three birds on July 18, 1912; Pond Creek, three birds on August 22, 1917; Clear Creek, one bird November 11, 1924; Clear Creek, one bird September 2, 1925; Pond River, two birds October 14, 1928; one bird September 2, 1932 (Bacon). 14 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER OBSERVATIONS IN FLORIDA It was my good fortune this February to spend two weeks in Florida. The place visited was Nokomis,' a small town south of Sarasota on the West Coast. The region is ideal, both ornithologically and otherwise. Ninety-six species were recorded and I must confess that little hard work was done. Single lists often numbered forty-eight species and four thousand or more individuals. Interesting birds seen were the Florida Sandhill Crane, Audubon’s Caracara, Royal Tern, Brown Pelican, Cabot’s Tern, Piping Plover, Snowy Egret, Ward’s Fleron, Louisiana Heron, and many others. Bald Eagle were common, as many as eight being seen in a day. Two nests of the Eagle were found. On one was a Great Horned Owl and on the other the Eagles. The latter nest contained two three quarter grown fledgelings of which I got good photographs. Speaking of photography, it nearly ruined me in several ways! Finan- cially, and in disposition. After stalking a. Heron for hours through slush and mud and rattlesnake-infested palmetto it is extremely irksome to have him fly away just as the exposure is about to be made, which always happened. Other birds photographed were Florida Cormorants, Logger Head Shrikes, Bald Eagles, Common Loons, Gulls, and Vultures. One experience which I remember very well was a trip made to the swamps of the Myakha River which runs about fifteen miles back from the Coast. The jungles and hammocks following this stream are ex.reme- ly beautiful in their trophical vegetation, moss, and bird- life. Snakes, too, were very abundant there. Interesting features were the great num- bers of wintering Robins, the many Shrikes, and Florida Barred Owls. The Florida Pileated Woodpecker is also found there, but I was unable to And it. Many othtr birds, sights, and experiences I lack the room to record. However, it is only beginning to do justice to the State of Florida to say that it is an Ornithologist’s Paradise. —ROBERT M. M ENGEL, Louisville, Ky. * * * * * * BANDED REDPOLL IS FOUND: OSCAR BRYENS GIVEN A -THRILL Oscar McKinley Bryens, one of Michigan’s most active and accurate bird banders, and a member of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, has just received a thrill such as comes only once or twice in the life of a bird banner. L all came in a notice from F. C. Lincoln, of the United States Bureau of Biological Survey which informed Bryens that “Redpoll No. 1-48334 had been found by Miss Louise Damagalla in Pine County, Minn., on April 8, 1936.” Added to this was the note: “As far as I can find, this is the first return and recovery of the Redpoll.” Bryens, who lives at MacMillan, near Newberry, had put a little numbered band on the leg of that Redpoll on April 18, 1934. He never THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 15 saw the bird again. It might have perished in its arctic nesting grounds, for all he knew. And then, just a few days ago came this notice from Washington. Bryens looked through his careful file-index of banded birds. And there he found the record — a bird banded two years before! The first time that a banded Redpoll had ever been recaptured away from the original banding station! During the same season that Bryens banded the Redpoll, he had banded another bird in the same flock, which came back to the Bryens station two years later. “It is of interest to see how far apart they wintered, two years after being taken in the same locality,” he comments. By banding birds as a hobby, Bryens is helping to gather information about the movements of our song birds, and other data which add to the sum of human knowledge. Bryens first began banding in 1924, but not until 1930 did he catch his first Redpoll. Since then he has placed bands on 249 of! these birds which come into Michigan during the winter. The little Redpoll is a cheery, fluffy, t pretty li'tle bird which summers in Arctic America, but leaves with the first advent of autumn. It is streaked below and red capped. The males have a rosy or pinkish breasts. Bryens reports the first one to arrive on October 15 and the last one to leave on May 10. They feed chiefly on weed seeds that project above the snow and also seeds of birch and cone-bearing trees. Some years these birds may come as far south as Detroit. This year, none have been re- ported, perhaps due to the mildness of the winter. * * * * * * LOUISVILLE MEMBER HONORED At the fifteenth annual meeting of the Inland Bird Banding Association held at the Chicago Academy of Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, November 28, 1936, Mrs. Dorothy M. Hobson, 1155 Dove Road, Louisville, Kentucky, was elected Bird Banding Councilor for Kentucky. Each of the twenty-three States and Provinces in the Inland Bird Banding Association is represented with a Councilor excepting Nebraska. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Mrs. Hobson is a member of both the K. O. S. and the C. W. Beckham Bird Club of Louisville. She has done excellent work in her bird banding and her articles will appear in the “Kentucky Warbler” from time to time.] * % * * * * JOHN JAMES AUDUBON IN HENDERSON, KY. By Susan Starling Towles What William Penn is to Philadelphia, John James Audubon is to Henderson, Kentucky, the old Transylvanian town, rich in traditions of 16 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER its pioneers, its heroes of many wars, and its olc| planter? ideas that valued a town, as did the Greeks, according to the quality of its people, rather than their number. Of all of its honored ones the “American Woodsman” is the best re- membered. His - name is all about the town, being given to a park, a church, a school, a street^ a tourist’s camping ground. The name may be seen on milk and ice wagons, and many humble enterprises bear it. Audubon coffee and cigars are offered for sale. An important enlarge- ment east of the town, and near to his old refuge at Dr. Adam Rankin’s farm, “Meadow Brook,” is called “Audubon.” At Henderson is the mother Audubon Society of the State. The schools keep his birthday ; annually the children write papers about him and take pride in the onetime citizenship that is so valuable an artistic and inspirational asset of their community. Here and there through the county, families hold as a precious posession a set of his BIRDS AND QUADREPEDS, a print from his folio edition, or a drawing of manu- script— perhaps a few nails from the ruins of his old mill. Many are the stories and traditions of his life here, and when the great beech on which he had inscribed in delicate letters, “J. J. Audubon, 1814,” had to be cut down, it wasa small tragedy. And so Henderson is happy in having a world-honored hero. For him she hopes to make a shrine that it may be a sort of Mecca to all bird lovers and the safe place for Audubonians. (To that, shrine, the members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society will travel in October, 1937, for its Annual Fall Meeting. The announce- ment that this meeting would be held in Henderson was greeted with great enthusiasm. No other place in the State of Kentucky could be more appropriate for the gathering and we are taking this opportunity of inviting all members and all friends of the Society to gather with us in this Mecca in the Fall. Make your plans now.) THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Organized April, 1923 President „...Mr. Brasher C. Bacon, Madisonville, Ky. Vice-President.... Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green, Ky. Secretary-Treasurer — Miss Evelyn Schneider, 2207 Alta Ave., Louisville, Ky. Meets annually in Louisville during the week of the Kentucky Educa- tion Association; in the fall at some town or park in the state. Dues: Active, $1.00; Group (of ten or more children under sixteen years of age), 25c a person. Address correspondence about the WARBLER to Burt L. Monroe, 207 No. Birchwood Ave., Louisville, Ky. Send dues to the Secretary- Treasurer. Stiff SCfntwrkg Harblfr Volume XIII. SUMMER, 1937 No. 3 Summer — that period of retirement for all birddom between early July and mid-August — may be aptly called the ‘‘Resting Time of the Birds.” That is, for most all. Nesting is over, you say, when you start out on your tramps in late summer ; but do not be too sure. There is a gorgeous mite — golden yellow with black wings — who might just be starting to nest. It is the Goldfinch who adds the incentive which keeps the ornithologist afield. Hay and grain fields have turned from green to yellow or tawny. Many are already harvested. The wild, uncultivated pastures are aglow with golden-rod, sprinkled with masses of the beautifully contrasted purple of the “iron” weeds. Bird songs are no longer heard, to any great extent. Instead, the. air is full of the monotony of “insect music.” But wait. There is the buzzing sound of the Grasshopper Sparrow and the sharp note of the Dickcissel. There is the whistling of the wings of the Mourning Doves as they rocket into the grain fields. Sure, there are still birds to be found. Then — it is September. August — the month of retirement for the birds — has passed. It is September — the month of restlessness for the birds. You will see them begin to flock among the weeds and shrubs along the roadsides and streams. For many weeks, they have been gather- ing on the telegraph wires and in the tree tops. You will see the swal- lows, martins, blackbirds, robins, warblers and shorebirds, as they move into their long southern flights. “There are days in late September,” writes Mr. Dallas Lore Sharp, “when the very air seems to be half of birds, especially toward nightfall, if the sun sets full and clear; birds going over; birds diving and darting about you; birds along the rads and ridge-poles ; birds in the grass under your feet ; birds everywhere. You should be out among them where you can see them.” Assuredly, you should be out among them — always. Summer — the “Resting Time of the Birds.” But not the resting time of the bird student. * * * * * * THE McELROY FARM— SEASON OF 1937 By GORDON WILSON, Bowling Green, Ky. The season of 1937 has brought the largest lake and the largest num- ber of species of birds to the McElroy Farm in my entire acquaintance with it. The very heavy rams of January and February caused the under- ground streams to overflow and cover nearly a thousand acres of farm diUL 24 '44 18 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER land. Numerous other similar places blocked the highways leading to the farm, so that I was unable to visit it until January 30. Since then I have hardly missed a week on my trips, and on some weeks I have had two or three. The fairly dry spring and early summer have caused the lake to disappear more rapidly than it did in 1935, my greatest previous year. The numbers of waterfowl that have been recorded this year exceed in species and individuals all previous records. Fifty-four water and wading birds and three unusual rap tores constitute my finds at the time of writing this paper, eleven ahead of the whole 1935 season. I have had the good fortune to share the lake with many of my friends among the ornithologists of Kentucky and Tennessee. Professor L. Y. Lancaster and Professor C. L. Taylor, two of my colleagues, have made several trips with me. Misses Mabel Slack, Evelyn Schneider, Dorothy Peil, Helen Peil, and Frances Anderson and Mrs. Dorothy Madden Hobson spent March 27 and 28 in observation there. Floyd S. Carpenter visited it with me on April 10 and 11. On April 24 Burt Monroe joined Professor Lancaster and me for a tour of the area ; the next day Mr. Monroe and I were joined by Dr. George R. Mayfield and Mr. Albert F. Ganier, of Nashville. Here are the waterfowl in the order in which they were first seen : — COMMON MALLARD (Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos) January 30-April 17. Common. KILLDEER (Oxyechus vociferus vociferus) Always seen. Common. AMERICAN PINTALL (Dafila acuta tzitzihoa) January 30-May 18. Abundant. A crippled female through the summer. BLACK DUCK (Anas rubripes subsp.?) February 7-April 24. Common. A pair or three individuals through the summer. BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Querquedula discors) February 7-May 1. Abundant. A half dozen or so through the summer. COMMON CANADA GOOSE (Branta canadensis canadensis) February 7-April 11. As many as 60 at a time. AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana americana) February 20-May 18. Abundant. A scattering few through the summer. LESSER SCAUP DUCK (Nyroca affinis) February 2-May 18. Abundant. HOODED MERGANSER (Lophodytes cucullatus) March 2. Four birds. REDHEAD (Nyroca americana) March 2-27. Fairly common. LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Totanus flavipes) March 6-May 26. Common. OLD-SOUAW (Clangula hyemalis) March 6-April 3. As many as four seen on four trips. SHOVELLER (Spatula clypeata) March 6-May 18. Common to abundant. HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) March 6. One. And again on March 15. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 19 PECTORAL SANDPIPER fPisobia melanotos) March 15- April 25. Common to abundant. WILSON’S SNIPE (Capella delicata) March 15-May 7. Common. AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE (Glaucionetta clangula americana) March 15- April 7. As man}' as 20 at a time. GREEN-WINGED TEAL (Nettion carolinense) March 15-April 24. Common. AMERICAN GOLDEN PLOVER (Pluvialis dominica dominica) March 15. One. RING-BILLED GULL (Larus delawarensis) March 15-30. Eight being the largest number. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS (Totanus melanoleucus) March 23-May 1. Common. WHITE- WINGED SCOTER (Melanitta deglandi) March 23. One bird. CANVAS-BACK (Nyroca valisineria) March 27-April 17. Twenty as the highest number. BLUE GOOSE (Chen caerulescens) March 27-May 1. Fifteen on April 17. RING-NECKED DUCK (Nyroca collaris) March 27- May 9. Fairly common. I found a female of this species, apparantly unable to fly, on June 22. Also seen June 26 and 30. COMMON LOON (Gavia immer immer) March 29-April 25. Eighteen on the first date. HOLBOELL’S GREBE (Colymbus grisgena holboelli) March 30. One bird. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Squatarola sauatarola) March 30. Two birds. May 18. One bird. WESTERN WILLET (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus) March 30. One bird. PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps podiceps) March 30-April 25. Rare. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) March 30 — through the season, with immature ones in May and June. Four as the largest number. WOOD DUCK (Aix sponsa) April 3. Two birds. LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus scolopaceus) April 7-May 1. Seven as highest number. BALDPATE (Mareca americana) April 10. One bird. April 11, ten birds. BUFFLE-HEAD (Charitonetta albeola) April 10-17. Two being highest number. EASTERN SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria solitaria) April 10-May 18 and again after June 17. Fairly common. UPLAND PLOVER (Bartramia longicauda) One on April 10 and 11. GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias herodias) April 11— through season. Rare. SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularia) April 17 — through season. Rare. 20 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER LEAST SANDPIPER (Pisobia minutilla) April 17-May 22 and again June 13. Common. HORNED GREBE (Colymbus auritus) April 17. Two birds. EASTERN GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens virescens) April 24 — through the season. Fairly common. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) April 25-May 25. As many as 25 at a time. COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo hirundo) May 7. Three birds. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Mergus serrator) May 7. Four birds. SORA (Porzana Carolina) May 9. One bird. LITTLE BLUE HERON (Florida caerulea caerulea) May 18. Two birds. BLACK TERN (Chlidonias nigra surinamensis) May 18-June 13. Two on the first date. One on the last. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Ereunetes pusillus) May 22-26. Fifty as the highest number. PIPING PLOVER (Charadrius melodus) May 26. Fifteen birds. AMERICAN EGRET (Casmerodius albus egretta) June 13. One bird. BAIRD’S SANDPIPER (Pisobia bairdi) June 13. One bird. KING RAIL (Rallus elegans elegans) June 13. One bird. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nyctanassa violacea violacea) June 26. Three birds. The following RAPTORES surprised and pleased me : SOUTHERN BALD EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus) One on April 10, while Carpenter was with me. OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) One on April 24 and 25, while Monroe was with me. DUCK HAWK (Falco peregrinus anatum) One on April 25, while Ganier, Mayfield and Monroe were with me. I saw a Duck Hawk again on June 11. (June 30, 1937) * * * * * * THE FINEST SHOW ON EARTH By BIRD W. RICE, Cynthiana, Ky. I have a box seat for the finest show on earth. No, it isn’t the theatre, a ball game or even a horse race. It’s — yes, you have guessed it — the show presented by the birds. The west window in my bedroom overlooks the garden and here, comfortably seated, with screen and window raised, I can observe the birds without being seen by them, a decided advantage. Not only during migration does this window attract me but all through the year there is something interesting to see. In winter, I can watch THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 21 the birds that visit my feeding station and during the nesting season, I discover many secrets. This morning (May 2nd), I was awakened, as usual at this time of the year, by a chorus of bird song. Cardinals, Brown Thrashers, Catbirds, Song Sparrows, Tufted Titmice and House Wrens all seemed to be trying to out-do each other. Suddenly during a lull, I heard a song new to me. It sounded a little like a Wood Thrush, yet it most certainly was not. I never did discover the musician’s name, but it served to pique my curiosity and get me out of bed and dressed quickly. Seated at my window with binoculars and note book on the sill, I set down the birds as I saw them. The list follows : Catbird Eastern Cardinal Brown Thrasher Cape May Warbler Olive-backed Thrush Blue Jay Bronzed Crackle House Wren Yellow Warbler Starling Song Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Robin Tufted Titmouse White-eyed Vireo Wood Thrush TBack-thrmted Green Warbler Mockingbird Blackburnian Warbler Nashville Warbler Orchard Oriole Maryland Yellow-throat Crested Flycatcher Chimney Swift Not a bad list for one yard in one day! Just why the Mockingbird decided to pay me a visit today, I do not know. They come to my feeding station all through the winter, but with the first sign of spring, they leave for the country, I suppose, without so much as a song for their board. I saw the White-throated Sparrows in our garden this Spring on April 16th. I expect each day to find they have gone on north and arm de- lighted that they are lingering for a while. The Maryland Yellow-throats have been around since April 18th, and not a day passes that I do not hear “witchity, witchity,” even if I do not always see the little black-masked bird. The Wood Thrush arrived April 21st, and the Olive-backed Thrush April 30th. Of course, the Hermit Thrush stopped with us earlier. So far, I have not seen a Yellow-breasted Chat. They usually come with the Yellow-throats. During the past ten days, other feathered visitors to the garden have been : Kentucky Warbler Black and White Warbler Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Gray-cheeked Thrush Worm-eating Warbler Magnolia Warbler Yellow-throated Vireo American Redstart Oven-bird Hooded Warbler Ruby-crowned Kinglet These are busy, happy days for the bird lover and my west window will claim much of my time through the rest of the season. ****** A DUCK HAWK NEAR BOWLING GREEN, KY. On April 25, 1937, Prof. Gordon Wilson piloted a group of us to Mc- Elroy’s pond south of Bowling Green, in order that we might view the assemblage of migratory waterbirds that has made the place famous. Since Prof. Wilson is planning to present his weekly tabulation of these birds in another article, I will mention only what I regarded as the most 22 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER interesting bird we found present at this 600-acre ‘wet-weather” lake. This was a Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum), an immature, doubt- less enroute to some northerly breeding ground but tempted to tarry by the plentiful quarry on every hand. The falcon was first noted by the writer, as he and Burt Monroe were rounding the east end of the lake, as it swung about in the air attracted either by several Blue-winged Teal on the wa'er or by a flock of 50 Lesser Yellowlegs on the shore nearby. An hour later, it appeared at the south end of the lake above a large flock of Coots. Thirty minutes afterward, however, it was located at what appeared to be its real headquarters ; a shallow inlet into the lake in which were congregated hundreds of ducks, Coots and shorebirds. When the falcon flew low toward them, the shorebirds would arise in confused, mass flight and the water-fowl would mill about on the surface or dive. We watched the bird for more than half an hour but did not actually see it capture quarry. However, on one occasion it dived through a milling flock of Yellowlegs without capturing a victim. Shortly after, it flew down into an old corn field near us and alit upon a prostrate stalk as though seeking a lowly field mouse for a change in its bill-of-fare. This is a first record for the Bowling Green area. Those in our party were Gordon Wilson and son, Gordon Jr., Burt Monroe, G. R. Mayfield and the writer. — A. F. GANIER, Nashville, Tenn. * * * * * * AN INTERESTING WINTER VISITANT ON THE OHIO RIVER One of the most interesting and spectacular of American birds is the Duck Hawk (Falco peregrinus anatum). Few living creatures can surpass him in courage, speed and audacity. It has been the good fortune of Louisville bird students to have the opportunity of close acquaintance with one of these birds. In the fall of 1934, the Duck Hawk was. first discovered on the Ohio River by Mr. Floyd Carpenter. The bird has shown a partiality to the neighborhood of Goose Island ever since then, although it has been seen on Six Mile Island and a short distance further up the river. It has returned each year to the same locality. I saw the bird about nine times during the past winter, the first date being Novem- ber 14, and the last date, March 6. The hawk, if it is the same dne, has been in adult plumage since first seen three years ago. Apparantly it likes Goose Island, which is on the Kentucky side about eight miles upstream from the center of Louisville, because of the excel- lent view from the island and the many gulls and ducks in the vicinity as well as neighboring pigeon roosts. Although I have never seen it capture anything, it has several times been observed while feeding. I once saw a Double-crested Cormorant terribly frightened by the Duck Hawk as the former came to roost at the same spot in which -the latter was sitting without seeing the hawk. Not until the Cormorant approached with set wings and outstretched feet did he see the stolid hawk confront- ing him. That Cormorant made one of the quickest U-turns and fastest departures in Cormorant history. We hope that the Duck Hawk may be found nesting north of here on the river, although it is highly improbable. Audubon recorded it nest- ing along Green river and it nests at the present day at Reelfoot Lake. Be that as it may, we do have the Duck Hawk in winter and we hope it returns again next year. Perhaps it will bring a family with it. —ROBERT MENGEL, Louisville, Ky. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 23 DISTRIBUTION OF INDIVIDUAL BIRDS IN ONE VICINITY The similarity of individuals of various species makes it virtually im- possible for the observer to accurately determine the number of individuals in any given vicinity. Therein lies one of the advantages of bafnding. The author lives in the Broadmeade-Strathmoor district in Louisville. The heavy planting of shrubbery and evergreens about the homes and the fact that this area lies on the outskirts of the city, makes it a mecca for bird life. One species that has found this vicinity perfectly suited to its needs is the Eastern Cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis cardinalis). When the writer began his banding station on Thanksgiving Day, 1936, he estimated that he had eight or ten Cardinals feeding at his station. The actual number of individuals banded from the above date to the beginning of the nesting season — approximately May 1, 1937 — proves how erroneous such an estimate can be, for the actual number of individuals banded as seventy-five — forty males and thirty-five females. One would properly wonder where all of these Cardinals came from. The fact is that during the winter the young birds roam over a fairly large area, spending no great amount of time at any one spot. Adults remain, as a general rule, in the area in which they nested during the preceding summer but make no effort to defend their “territory” until the next mating season arrives. From then on, until the nesting season is over, each male has his own territory which he defends against any and all intruders of the same species. Sometimes fir's territory is only a part of a back yard ; again it may include a fairly large area. Thus far, only two males, No. 36-219413, banded Dec. 6, 1936, and No. 36-219407, banded Dec. 7, 1936, are feeding at the author’s station and the banding dates would indicate that they remained in the territory all winter. With the coming of Fall, the nestlings of this summer will commence their wanderings and although you may imagine that you are seeing the same Cardinal at your feeding station each morning, the chances are that you may be seeing any one of twenty-five or more, one of which — the male whose territory included your home — will remain with you all winter. —JAMES BOSWELL YOUNG, Louisville, Ky. jf; :je sjs SHORT-EARED OWL AT LOUISVILLE, KY. The incentive for writing this paper came, when, on talking with Burt Monroe, I found that the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus flammeus) was a rare transient and winter resident which he had never recorded himself. This called to mind several incidents which at the time seemed insignificant but suddenly appeared important. In October, 1933, Short-eared Owls had taken up residence in a grassy meadow not far from Bowman Field, the Louisville Airport. There they were often seen in company with Marsh Hawks. It was unusual to see one, however, without flushing it. In November, two were killed, one of which is in the writer’s possession. On the following day, a flock of nine was flushed at one time. The group circled higher and higher in the late afternoon sky, with their peculiar batlike flight, and finally disappeared in the gathering darkness. Two more owls from this flock were later killed by a hunter and sent to Eugene Wenz, who still has them, for mounting. A cold, rainy day in late Fall found the author near Buechel, Ky. A strange shape in a tree turned out to be a Short-eared Owl, perched 24 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER about thirty feet up, which, in itself, is rather unusual since this owl is rather terrestrial in habits. This record was on November 21, 1936 —ROBERT MENGEL, Louisville, ky. * * * * * * NESTING OF THE EASTERN HOUSE WREN AT LOUISVILLE, KY. The subject of much controversy in the state in recent years has been that small, brown mite, the Eastern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon aedori). It has been claimed by some, and perhaps correctly, that the House Wren formerly did not nest at all in Kentucky. Apparently, accord- ing to Brasher Bacon, this Wren absolutely does not nest at Madisonville, Hopkins County, Ky., and Carlisle Chamberlain says that it does not nest in Oldham County, the Bewick’s W rein (Thryomanes bewicki bewicki) being the “house” wren there. In view of this, I would like to cite records in my knowledge of the House Wren’s nesting at Louisville. The only wren I remember in my childhood is the House Wren and it was not until four years ago that I made the acquaintance of the Bewick’s Wren. The House Wren nested on, our place in Village Drive for several years. At least five nests were definitely identified and a set of six eggs, now in the collection of Burt Monroe, was taken. Not only did the Wrens nest there, but built in boxes nailed twenty feet up on the back of the house. I also have fragments of egg shells from several other abandoned nests. Miss Mabel Slack tells me that House Wrens have raised broods in her yard for two years, and now are nesting further down the street. Summing my records up, I find the House Wren has nested at the following places: Village Drive, Louisville, 1931-1932-1933-1934 ; Murray Avenue, 1937 ; Alta Avenue, 1936-1937; Everett Avenue, 1935-1936-1937 ; Mockingbird Valley, 1937 ; Buechel, Ky., 1937; Glenview, Ky., 1937. During all the period I have not found the Bewick’s Wren nesting closer to Louis- ville than Buechel, where both species were found nsting. It would seem then that the Bewick’s Wren prefers farms and small towns as nesting situations while the House Wren is more a bird of the city suburbs, although not confined to it altogether. Any further evidence on this subject would be appreciated, and it is suggested that members throughout Kentucky cooperate in this study. —ROBERT MENGEL, Louisville, Ky. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Organized April, 1923 President . _...Mr. Brasher C. Bacon, Madisonville, Ky. Vice-President.... Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green, Ky. Secretary-Treasurer — Miss Evelyn Schneider, 2207 Alta Ave., Louisville, Ky. Meets annually in Louisville during the week of the Kentucky Educa- tion Association; in the fall at some town or park in the state. Dues: Active, $1.00; Group (of ten or more children under sixteen years of age), 25c a person. Address correspondence about the WARBLER to Burt L. Monroe, 207 No. Birchwood Ave., Louisville, Ky. Send dues to the Secretary- Treasurer. IK ettturkg Marbler Volume XIII. FALL, 1937 No. 4 FALL MEETING OF THE K. O. S. “ON THIS CORNER STOOD THE GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORE OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON— 1810-1820.” Thus reads the memorial tablet marking the location of John James Audubon’s store in Henderson, Kentucky. Past yellow banks and red banks the Ohio winds through the “Pehny- rile,” curving a gentle course. On the Kentucky side the river flows by noble wooded, beautifully colored, autumn hills. The chirps and actions of migrating birds, the gentle fail ng leaves, the faintly audible odor of the fragrant, pungent “pennyroyal.” lend a peaceful note to a lovely set- ting. The river curves where it is viewed from the site of the Audubon Mill Park. Here is the “corner” where the members of the Kentucky Ornithological Society will stand and pay silent tribute to the memory of the man from whose “store” of ornithological knowledge many of us received the “merchandise” necessary to sustain our enthusiasm and to urge us to carry on. LOUIS AGASSIZ FUERTES — A SKETCH — By Dorothy Madden Hobson, Louisville, Ky. August the twenty-second of this year marked the tenth anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest artists of bird-life — Louis Agassiz Fuertes, who was accidentally killed in crossing a railroad at Unadilla, N. Y. This untimely passing occured while Fuertes was on his way to his home in Ithaca, N. Y., after he and Mrs. Fuertes had spent the preceding weekend with the Chapmans in the Catskills. Of him Dr. Frank Chapman wrote : “His death at the age of fifty- four years, in his physical prime and when his art was approaching its finest expression, was an irreparable loss to ornithology and an over- whelming catastrophe to his friends. To me life has never been the same. Twenty-six years had passed since Fuertes and I had made our first trip together. The trials of camp life and the inconveniences of travel in remote places are too often beyond the endurance of fair.weather travel, ers, but with Fuertes they merely supplied the acid test that proved the pure gold of his nature. His clear-eyed, sunny temperament, his resource- fulness and generosity, his simplicity and genuineness, his spontaneous humor and originality of expression made him the ideal companion in <#U 124 4-i 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER camp and out. One never tired of being with Fuertes. The end of each expedition found us planning another.” Fuertes’ works were first brought to the attention of ornithologists in 1895 when Coues exhibited the work of his protege at the A. 0. U. meet- ing in Washington, D. C. The following year when he was a junior at Cornell where his father was a professor, Fuertes, himself, appeared at the meeting of the A. O. U. and another group of his drawings was ex- hibited. They were the sensation of the meeting. He was at that time already illustrating Citizen Bird for Dr. Coues and Mabel Osgood Wright. Beginning with Bird’ng on a Bronco in 1896, the books he illustrated include Citizen Bird, Birdcraft, Handbook of B”rds of the Western United States, Cones Key Handbook of Birds of the Eastern United States, Upland Game Birds, Waterfowl, Birds of New York, the Burgess Bird Book and the Birds of Massachusetts. Although he is gone, much remains in Ithaca, N. Y., to remind one of the great artist who lived there. Many friends he had and about town it is said that he was always the best-loved member of the University community. These friends all have words of praise and admiration for the man. Two or three years ago, when a young Cornell professor, who had been reared in Ithaca, was visiting us in Louisville I asked him if he had known Fuertes. the bird artist. His face brightened and he half questioned, half exclaimed, “Uncle Louie?!” Fuertes, who had loved children and who had always maintained a keen interest in the Boy Scout organization had been his beloved scoutmaster. The bird sanctuary at the head of Lake Cayuga in Ithaca is a memorial to the artist-naturalist and is called the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. It was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1933 while we were in Ithaca. The ornithology library also is named in his honor, being called the Fuertes Room. A collection of original Fuertes paintings decorates the walls, while the falcons the artist used as models are also on exhibition. To me, one of the high points of last summer, which was spent in Ithaca, N. Y., was a visit to the Fuertes home there where his charming widow continues to reside. The cheerful fire burning in the fire-place, the old mahogany furniture, the books and pictures and gracious Mrs. Fuertes, herself, created an atmosphere long to be remembered. The num- erous pictures on the walls claimed our attention at once ; each picture was closely examined and admired while Mrs. Fuertes made interesting comments concerning it. The loveliest of all that of a flight of geese, hung over the mantle. Her husband saw this scene from the window of their home, “but, artist-like,” she commented, “he didn’t have the right kind of paper when he needed it, so he had to use two sheets of paper in order to have the size he desired.” She added that many people had seen and admired that picture and had asked for it. It was a favorite of both Mr. and Mrs. Fuertes and they did not wish to part with it, so attention was always called by them to the seam in the center and they would exclaim, “You wouldn’t want that!” Instead, Fuertes would make a copy on a single sheet of paper, but never did he succeed in duplicating the charm of the original. On the wall to the right of the fire_place was a lovely painting of moths — this, too, was the work of Fuertes. A painting by Abott Thayer’s daughter was admired. Her distinguished father, an artist-naturalisf, the discoverer of “counter-shading” was a friend and teacher of Fuertes. The latter always gave Thayer credit for the technique he developed. Mrs. Fuertes called our attention to a lovely flower painting suggestive of Japanese composition. A Japanese artist and admirer of her husband, but unknown to the latter, called upon him one day, but Fuertes was not at home. The caller left this painting as a gift to the “great Fuertes” THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 and asked to have his respects paid to the artist. Fuertes was delighted with the gift. Clever Christmas cards Major Allen Brooks had sent Mrs. Fuertes were shown to us. At the time of his passing, Fuertes was working on the illustrations for Forbush’s Birds of Massachusetts and other New Eng- land States. To complete this unfinished work, Mrs. Fuertes procured the service of Brooks. Mrs. Fuertes unwrapped a huge package which contained a great number of sketches by her husband. They had recenty been on exhibi- tion at Goodspeed’s in Boston. How carefully and almost reverently we handled those precious sketches! Many of them were recognized as those used to illustrate various bird bocks with which most of us are familiar. As we admired and studied these works of art she told us interesting bits about her famous husband. She said that unlike Mrs. Frank Chapman, who frequently accompanied her husband on expedi- tions, she remained at home “caring for the babies'’ while Fuertes went on the b:rd trips which took him to the Bering Sea, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, California, Nevada, Texas, Minnesota, Florida, the Bahamas, Yucatan, Mexico, Columbia and last of all Abbys- sinia. The wife of the artist never knew what to expect next. One night she arose to heat the baby’s milk and to her consternation found and heard a Loon in the bath tub where her husband had placed it for an experimental purpose. She told of the enigmatic telegram heralding his arrival from an expedition, “Bombay and 1 will arrive” at such and such a time ; Bombay proved to be a parrot — a mils parrot Fuertes thought but to his surorise Bombay laid an egg on Feb. 22, whereupon the artist re- marked, “Bombay cannot tell a lie.” Mrs. Fuertes told about the sub- case prank played upon him by Dr. Chapman. The latter in his book Autobiography of a Bird Lover also relates the joke. It seemed that as Dr. Chapman and Fuertes boarded a train for Vera Cruz, Mexico, the former saw an old negress carrying a suitcase similar to the one Fuerfes had packed to take on the trip. “See here, Louis,” I said, “that woman has your suitcase.” (Fuertes forgot for the moment that Chapman had persuaded him to leave that piece of baggage behind) “ ‘So she has,’ he answered, and with a ‘That's mine, Auntie,’ proceeded to dispossess her. Result, vociferous mdignation on her part, realization and chagrin on Louis, unconcealed joy on mine.” As we were preparing to leave, our hostess asked if we would like to see Fuerte’s studio which was apart from the house ; but to my disap. pointmenf the key could not be found. George Sutton, who uses the sfudio when he is in town, had misplaced the key before leaving for the Adirondacks. As a result of this memorable visit I came away from Ithaca with an original sketch by Louis Agassiz Fuertes — a beautiful head of the Wilson’s Snine, which was originally used to illustrate Florence Merriam Bailey’s Birds of the Western United States. * * * * * * “SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND” By Leonard C. Brecher, Louisville, Ky. On quite a number of occasions I have been asked, “What do you see in look:ng at the birds all the time?” or “Why do you tramp the fields every time you get a chance, in preference to doing more useful, or more worthwhile things?” Well, the answer to those questions is that the same urge that posseses the explorer, the pioneer, or the laboratory research THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 28 worker is dominant here. In addition, there is the pleasure of meeting old friends as they return season after season, as well as the added; satis- faction of greeting one that hasn’t been seen for several years, or the thrill of meeting a distinguished stranger. Many of these strangers with whom we would become acquainted are in our vicinity, available for an interview, if we are only! there at the right time and place to greet them. Some of them are rather bold, and obliging- ly cross our paths, but others, of a more retiring nature, elude us and re- quire the perseverance of a reporter to corner them. And so it is that I, along with countless others, go looking, greeting old companions, searrh'ng for an old acquaintance, awaiting a noted personage to add to my list of friends. At the Falls of the Ohio, we of Louisville have a unique opportunity. These are no ordiary falls, in the usual sense of the word, but the bare exposed fossilized rock of the river bed. In the fall of the year, when the flow of the water is low, so that most of it is impounded behind the dam, there is an area several blocks wide and a mile long, filled' with “pot holes,” crevices, and flat rock, either dry or covered with shallow water. Here the shore birds gather to feed in fluctuating numbers — a veritable paradise for them and for the bird lover too. On August 21, when the water was low enough to get out on this table land, a group of us found 5 Black Terns, 2 Caspian Terns, between 30 and 40 Kildeer Plover, about 6 Semi palmated Plover, 18 Semi palmated Sandpipers, 14 Least Sandpipers, 1 spotted Sandpiper, 2 Pectoral Sand- pipers, 8 Lesser Yellowlegs, and 12 Green Herons. These were regular visitors or permanent residents, but the noted s4 rangers were also found. We had a beautiful view of 5 Snowy Egrets, resplendent in the sunlight. Their yellow feet showed clearly as they lifted their black legs out of the water. Then we had several very close views of a Willet. After we ap- proached to within twenty feet it took wing, and a half hour later, while we were protected by a group of willows, it glided back, about 50 feet away. After trailing it, we noticed that it limped slightly, evidently having been hurt at some time. And to complete the afternoon’s surprises, 2 Dowitchers were seen. On another occasion almost a month later, on the 18th of September, we found a Golden Plover, 9 Killdeer Plover, 7 Spotted Sandpipers, 7 Sanderlings, 14 Pectoral Sandpipers, 2 Dowitchers, 6 Blue-wing Teal, 3 Black-crowned Night Herons, and an Osprey. Due to the fact that the water was rather high this day (as it had been more often this season than others), we couldn’t get close enough to identify positively many smaller Sandpipers, Yellowlegs, and others. The high spot of this trip was watching the Osprey. It came from downstream, ’till almost opposite us, then it circled, swooped to the water near the Indiana shore, rose, cir- cled and then, when directly over the middle of the stream, plunged abrupt- ly into the water. It completely disappeared from sight and after a few seconds it emerged with a gleaming fish in its talons. It then headed for the Indiana shore where we thought it would perch. Instead, it rose higher and headed downstream and inland until it was lost to view in the clear blue sky. To us the amazing thing was the distance it flew before it found a suitable place to eat its meal. However, bird life is not limited to the Falls of the Ohio, and just as many interesting finds can be made up the river, in the ponds, and even the hills. At various times in the first three weeks of September, I have seen Common Terns, American Egrets, Little Blue Herons (mostly the young with their white plumage), and Great Blue Herons. On the 21st we saw a Duck Hawk, which is a very early record for this vicinity, but we had a very good view of him as he perched on a dead THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 tree on Goose Island. He was facing toward us and his large yellow feet and the black mustache-marks stood out clearly in the early morn- ing sun. On Sept. 19th I was out in the Oldham County hills, looking for warb- lers. I had turned my glasses on many of these yellowish creatures, now and then identifying a Redstart, a Black-throated Green, or a Chestnut- sided. For the most part they were too indistinctly marked for me to positively name them, but “Seek and Ye Shall Find.” I was seated on a log watching a Flycatcher on a small dead tree about 30 feet away. Sud- denly a small bird with a black throat flew to one of the dead branches. “ClFckadee,” I murmured to myself as, I swung my glasses to check. “What’s this? A yellow7 head? Seems like I’ve got something here! It can’t be a Black-throated Green — too clean and white and no wing bars. Wa't, that’s a yellowish patch on the wings — Boy, I remember that pic- ture in Reed. The Golden Winged.” Seek and ye shall find — only I’ve been seeking that one almost twenty years! ****** NESTING OF THE WORM-EATING WARBLER IN HOPKINS COUNTY, KENTUCKY On May 11th, 1935, while a small group of persons, myself included, were hiking in the woods near the Robert Schmetzer farm, about ten miles from Madisonville, one of the party, Charles Mangum, chanced to flush a small bird from its nest on the ground. He called to me and I found the nest to be that of the Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus). The nest was a neat little structure, built among leaves, and contained three white eggs, speckled wdth brown. Later, the nest, eggs and bird were collected, and these are now in the collection of Mr, Brasher C. Bacon, of Madisonville, Ky. This is, so far as I have any knowledge, one of the first established records on the nesting of the Worm-eating Warbler in the State of Kentucky. —JAMES WILLIAM HANCOCK, Madisonville, Ky. ****** RECENT RECORDS OF THE MISSISSIPPI KITE A trip to Tunnel Mill Scout Camp, four miles east of Charlestown, Ind., on June 26, was made unusually interesting by the accidental discovery of a bird rarely seen in this neighborhood. Although the sun shone brightly there were in the distance dark clouds and an unmistakable thunderstorm. As I watched this distant storm from a hill top, I stopped to observe a few soaring Turkey Vultures through my glasses. Within the field of view there was another bird which had not been visible to the naked eye. Obviously different from the Vultures, with a tail com- paratively long and narrow and the wings recurved somewhat from back to front, this bird soared higher and faster and with far greater ease and grace than the Turkey Vultures. It resorted to flapping only twice and then for only a few strokes each time, but I could see that its wing stroke was more rapid than that of a vulture. Once it glided to a height low enough so that its partly light, partly dark underparts could easily be seen. Its wing spread was two-thirds that of a Turkey Vulture. I watched it for fully five minutes before it went out of sight. The bird was undoubtedly a Mississippi Kite (Ictinia Misisippiensis), and I remembered two other occasions when Mississippi Kites had been 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER discovered in a similar manner while in Bernheim Forest. Once, while I w’las observing a Cooper’s Hawk through glasses, the Kite came into the field of view, far above and beyond the Hawk. Several hours later I saw the Kite skim across a wide gap in the trees just over the tree tops. On the second occasion, while watching Turkey Vultures in flight, I discovered a Kite soaring in the field of view, though it had not been noticed with the naked eye. In this connection it may be interesting to note Alexander Wilson’s observations concerning the Mississippi Kite :* “In my preambulations I frequently remarked this hawk sailing about in easy circles, and at a considerable height in the air, generally in com- pany wfith the turkey buzzards, whose manner of flight it so exactly imitates as to seem the same species, only in miniature, or seen at a more immense height. Why these two birds, whose food and manners, in other respects, are so different, should so frequently associate together in air, I am at a loss to comprehend. We cannot, for a moment suppose them mutually deceived by the similarity of each other’s flight : the keenness of their vision forb’ds all suspicion of this kind. They may perhaps be engaged, at such times, in mere amusement, as they are observed to soar to great heights previous to a storm; or, what is more probable, they may both be in pursuit of their respective food. One. that he may reconnoitre a vast extent of surface below, and trace the tainted atmosphere to his favourite carrion ; the other in search of those large beetles, or coleopterous insects, that are known often to wing the higher regions of the air ; and which, in three individuals of this species of hawk which I examined by dissection, were the only substances found in their stomachs. For several miles, as I passed near Bayo Manchak, the trees were swarming with a kind of cicada, or locust, that made a deafening noise; and here I observed numbers of the hawk now before us sweeping about among the trees like swallows, evidently in pursuit of these locusts.” Though Wilson wondered at this association, our knowledge of aero- nautics today teaches that in order to continue soaring, birds must remain in the field of rising air currents. Incidentally, such air currents exist to the front and to the side of an approaching storm. Since these currents are often local, soaring birds will frequent the same current and will therefore be seen together. As the location of air currents changes, the birds fly together as the current moves. Wilson’s writing also confirms my observation of the Kite skimming the tree tops, probably in pursuit of insects, even as they were seen a century and a quarter ago. —FLOYD S. CARPENTER, Louisville, Ky. * American Ornithology ... by Alexander Wilson. Edinburgh, 1831. Vol. I, P. 72-73. * * * * * * IMPORTANT NOTICE On many occasions, we have called the attention of members of the K. O. S. to the request we have been making for back numbers of the Warbler. The wanted numbers are Vol. I, No. 4; Vol. IV, No. 3 ; Vol. V, Nos. 1 and 4. Anyone having these copies for sale, or who can give us information as to where they can be secured, are urgently requested to contact the Secretary, Miss Evelyn J. Schneider, of 2207 Alta Ave., Louisville, Ky., or to communicate directly with Mr. George Seth Guion, 1701 American Bank Building, New Orleans, La. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 LEON O. PINDAR CHAPTER ORGANIZED AT MADISONVILLE At an enthusiastic meeting held at the Spring Lake Club, September 23, a bird and nature club was organized for the purpose of cooperating with the Kentucky Ornithological Society in the study and conservation of bird life, to engage in the study of nature in all its phases, and to encourage conservation of the natural resourses of Kentucky. Brasher C. Bacon, president, and one of the three founders of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, outlined the purpose of the meeting, including plans for a year’s program of group activities which included Spring and Fall field days, overnight and weekend camping and weekly meetings at Spring Lake Refuge which will be maintained as headquarters. The organization is to be known as the “Leon O. Pindar Bird and Nature Club,” named for the late Dr. Leon O. Pindar, veteran ornithol- ogist and one of the founders of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. The organization is an extra curricular activity of the Madisonville High School and under the direct supervision of Mr. Bacon. The faculty, composed of outstanding authorities on na+ure study and the out-of-doors were introduced to the club by Mr. Bacon and included: Mr. J. E. Threlkeld, club activities; Raymond J. Fleetwood, ornithology; Sherwood C. Nichols, forestry; James K. Harrison, woodcraft and camping; S. Jamerson Jones, Biological Survey Activities, and Miss Marguerite Win- stead, girls camping activities. Adult and Student groups will be main- tained. The following officers were elected : Raymond J. Fleetwood, president ; Robert J. Wilson, vice-president; Miss Thelma Gentry, secretary-treasurer; Miss Florence Tomblinson, James Kelley and Henry J. Tudor, councilors, and Jas. W. Hancock, curator. MISS THELMA GENTRY, Secretary, Leon O. Pindar Bird and Nature Club. * * * * * * JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CHAPTER ORGANIZED AT HENDERSON A chapter of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was organized at Henderson, October 16th. The organization is to be known as the John James Audubon Chapter, named for the well known artist and ornithol- ogist who lived in Henderson, from 1810 to 1820, and to whose memory the Audubon Memorial Park is dedicated. Mr. Brasher C. Bacon, president of the society, assisted in the organi- zation, outlining the purpose of the meeting, which also included out-of- door programs for the coming year. The Audubon Chapter is very fortunate in the fact that it will have the Audubon Park and Museum for its studies. The local chapter will cooperate with the Kentucky Ornithological Society in the study of the bird life of Henderson County. It will function with the community of Henderson in promoting interest in John James Audubon and the Audubon Memorial Park. Spring and Fall field days, weekly meetings, and field trips are planned to points of interest, all phases of nature will be included in the programs. The following officers were elected: Mr. Virgil D. King, president; Mr. Fred T. Boone, vice-president; Miss Kathryn Gibson, secretary- treasurer; Miss Susan Starling Towles, Miss Maud Musgrave, Mr. David Clark, Mr. Oscar Letcher were elected councilors of the club. MISS KATHRYN GIBSON, Secretary, John James Audubon Chapter. 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER SWAINSON WARBLER IN BULLITT COUNTY A trip to Bernheim Forest on June 27 brought another interesting discovery. Down along Wilson Creek, where a small branch enters, I came to a pool of water with much rank undergrowth; bulrushes abounded, and trees and weeds grew in profusion along the sides. There were many small birds in the trees, but one in particular attracted my attention as being very unusual. I thought immediately that it looked like a Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis Swainsoni), but on account of its rarity began looking for the marks of the Worm-eating Warbler. With me was Theo White, not an accomplished bird student, but a man with singularly accurate observation and keen hearing. I asked him to note carefully all the markings of this bird. For at least five minutes it stayed within thirty to a hundred feet of us and sang frequently its loud, clear, cheerful song, unusually loud for a warbler. Theo confirmed my observation that the top of the head was a solid color, that there was a dark streak through the eye and a light stripe above it ; the underparts were whitish and unstreaked. I read to Theo from Peterson and Reed, without giving the names of the birds, the descriptions of all those with which the Swainson’s Warbler might be confused; in each case he chosfe the description of the same bird as fitting our loud little songster. On showing him pictures, with the names covered, he again chose the same bird. In each case it was the Swainson’s Warbler. The habitat and the nature of the song checked with the description in Reed and in the Hand- book of the Warblers of North America. Since it sang so vigorously and continuously on this late June day, I conjectured that it was possibly a male singing in the region of its nest. Although we looked carefully, however, we discovered no nest. I had never before seen a Swainson’s Warbler in life. Only the skins in the C. W. Beckham Collection. —FLOYD S. CARPENTER, Louisville, Ky. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY Organized April, 1923 President Mr. Brasher C. Bacon, Madisonville, Ky. Vice-President ...... Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green, Ky. Secretary-Treasurer — Miss Evelyn Schneider, 2207 Alta Ave., Louisville, Ky. Meets annually in Louisville during the week of the Kentucky Educa- tion Association; in the fall at some town or park in the state. Annual membership dues in the Kentucky Ornithological Society, $1.00. Address correspondence about the WARBLER to Burt L. Monroe, 207 No. Birchwood Ave., Louisville, Ky. Send dues to the Secretary- Treasurer. mnd <^m 1950 APR 2 5 ^ONAL MUS^ W inter 1938 Vol. 14 No. 1 HCfntiirkg “To sift the sparking from the dull and the true ®lfe . . . Warbler from the false is the aim of every Ornithologist” Volume XIV WINTER 1938 No. 1 SOME BREEDING BIRDS OF LETCHER COUNTY, KENTUCKY By DR. J. J. MURRAY, Lexington, Va. Papers on the bird life of the mountains of eastern Kentucky have been so few that even the incomplete notes presented in this article may be of some interest. There is possibly no area of similar extent and importance in the whole Appalachian region about which so little has been written. The chief papers that I can call to mind are those by Arthur H. Howell (Auk, July, 1910, 80 Kentucky species) ; Dr. Witmer Stone (Auk, July, 1921); and the migration studies by R. E. Horsey (Auk, January, 1921, 1923, 1927). The country in Letcher County is very rough, with narrow valleys and small farms; low, wooded hills, irregular in outline; and a few higher mountain ranges. The eastern boundary of the county, along the Virginia-Kentucky line, is formed by the Black (Cumber- land) Mountains, rising in places to 3,500 feet. Pine Mountain, run- ning roughly north and south through the eastern half of the county, almost reaches 3,000 feet. The lower ridges run from 1,500 to 1,800 feet. The North Fork of the Kentucky River runs westward through the county, its valley being about 1,000 feet at its lowest point. Some of the tributary valleys are considerably higher. All of this territory, except the upper reaches of the mountains and higher ridges, is definitely Carolinian in character. Carolinian species press up even on the highest mountains and mingle there with typical Transition forms. There was no suggestion of Canadian fauna even on the great Black Mountain above Lynch in Harlan County, at 3,500 feet. From June 4 to 11, 1935, I spent a week at the Stuart Robinson School, near the mining village of Blackey, Letcher County. Unless otherwise indicated all observations were made along Rockhouse Creek, which drains into the Kentucky River near Blackey. The elevation of the creek valley at the school is just above 1,000 feet. Some negative results may be of interest. I was very much sur- prised that not a single Turkey Vulture was seen during the week. Neither did I see a Crow. No hawks were seen, which seems strange in such country, and no owls. I did not see a Green Heron nor a Kingfisher along the stream. There were no Meadowlarks or Red- Wings, there being no suitable places for either of these birds. Blue Jays were not noted except on wooded ridges. Towhees were absent in the valleys in places which seemed admirably suited for them, 2 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER although a few were seen on the ridges. The list of birds which were noted follows: 1. Bob- white. Common. 2. Mourning Dove. Scarce. 3-4. Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoo. Cuckoos were fairly common. I think both forms occur, although the only bird which I saw well enough to identify positively was the Black-billed. 5. Whip-poor-will. One heard on two nights, 5th and 6th, near the school. 6. Chimney Swift. Common. 7. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Fairly common. 8. Flicker. Only three seen, one at the top of Pine Mountain, the others near Blackey. 9. Downy Woodpecker. Common. 10. Phoebe. Fairly common, both in the valley and on the ridges. 1 . Acadian Flycatcher. Abundant. 12. Wood Pewee. Common. 13. Rough-winged Swallow. Some five pairs along the creek. Two occupied nests, in the face of a limestone cliff above a railroad track. I was interested in the type of nesting cavity, which was new to my experience. They were not excavated by the birds but were small natural cavaties in the rock. I am told by Mr. Burt L. Monroe that similar sites are often used near Louisville. I could not reach the nests with my hand. 14. Blue Jay. Only one seen, on Eastern Rocks, a high hill above Blackey. 15. Carolina Chickadee. Fairly common. 16. Tufted Titmouse. Fairly common. A nest with five or six well-grown young in a hole in a small dogwood on the 6th. They were not shy and fed the young while I was standing near. An adult did not leave the nest while I peered in. 17. Bewick’s Wren. A male singing on a dry hillside above Blackey. 18. Carolina Wren. Abundant. Young out of the nest, on the 5th. 19. Mockingbird. One pair on the campus. I was shown an empty nest where a brood had been raised that season. 20. Catbird. Fairly common. 21. Brown Thrasher. Fairly common. 22. Robin. In all only four or five pairs. 23. Wood Thrush. Abundant. Young birds just from the nest. 24. Bluebird. Uncommon. Young on telephone wires, being fed, on the 10th. 25. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Fairly Common. A pair acted as if I were near a nest. 26. Cedar Waxwing. Only two seen. 27. Starling. Some three pairs at the school. Carrying food. 28. White-eyed Vireo. I heard the unmistakable song once along the creek. On the 11th I found one about two-thirds of the way up Pound Mountain from Jenkins. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 29. Yellow- throated Vireo. One on the 6th. 30. Red-eyed Vireo. Abundant. 31. Black and White Warbler. Fairly common at all elevations. 32. Parula Warbler. Abundant. 33. Yellow Warbler. Abundant. Carrying food on the 5th. The song of these birds differed from that in western Virginia, being shorter and with a more brilliant quality, somewhat like the Red- start’s song. 34. Cerulean Warbler. At least eight singing males. 35. Yellow- throated (?) Warbler. On the 6th I heard a brilliant warbler song, with a quality like the song of the Louisiana Water- thrush, coming from the top of a high pine on a wooded hillside. Following it up I found a pair of warblers of the dominica species feeding several young. As it was so high and the sunlight so blind- ing I could not tell whether the line over the eye was yellow or white, but as the song of the Sycamore Warbles is said to be very different from this song I took these birds to be the Yellow- throated. 36. Prairie Warbler. One each day at several places, one of them being high up on Easter Rocks near where a Scarlet Tanager was seen. 37. Oven-bird. Fairly common. 38. Louisiana Water- thrush. One fully-grown young bird fol- lowing an adult near the creek on the 10th. 39. Kentucky Warbler. Two pairs. 40. Maryland Yellow- throat. Fairly common. The song of these birds was also noticeably different from that of our Virginia birds, though the difference is not easy to express. The Virginia bird says, “witchety, witchety, witchety;” while the Kentucky birds said, “tseet-e-rer, tseet-e-rer, -tseet-e-rer, tseet.” 41. Yellow-breasted Chat. Common everywhere. This Austral bird was singing even at the top of the Black Mountain, in close proximity to the Mountain Vireo and the Chestnut-sided Warbler. 42. Hooded Warbler. Fairly common. Carrying food. It was seen along the creek, and also on the Pine and Black Mountains. 43. Redstart. Fairly common. 44. English Sparrow. Abundant around houses. 45. Orchard Oriole. Fairly common. 46. Baltimore Oriole. One male on the 8th. 47. Cowbird. A few around the school dairy barn. 48. Scarlet Tanager. Common on the higher hills above the creek. Seen on Pine and Pound Mountains. 49. Summer Tanager. Uncommon. A few on the lower hills near the creek; one seen in Poor Fork Valley between Pine Mountain and the town of Cumberland; one seen half-way up Pound Mountain. At this last place I could hear a Scarlet Tanager above me and a Summer Tanager below singing at the same time. On the 7th I found a nest with three small young, 10 feet up at the top of a small walnut tree over-grown with Virginia Creeper vines. 50. Cardinal. Abundant. 51. Indigo Bunting. Abundant. Nest on the 7th with four fresh eggs. 52. Goldfinch. Common. 4 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 53. Towhee. Absent in the valley; one on Easter Rocks; com- mon on Pine Mountain; one on Pound Mountain. 54. Chipping Sparrow. Abundant. Carrying food. 55. Field Sparrow. Abundant. 56. Song Sparrow. Abundant along the streams. * * * # * * KENTUCKY WARBLER’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CENSUS ; The response to our appeal for the Christmas Census was some- what under that of last year and as a result, there v/as a decrease of four in the number of species recorded from 1936. However, the seven state lists turned in made up in quality what they lacked in numbers. Many fine discoveries were made including a new bird for the state check list. Louisville, aided tremendously by waterfowl on the Ohio River, was able to head the list with 55 species and 11,650 individuals, top- ping the Bowling Green list of 48 species and 3876 individuals. Competition is becoming keener each season and adds zest to the undertaking. It is disappointing that several lists sent in last year were miss- ing this year. We hope those members will take part in 1938. We welcome the list of Ercel Kozee from the “far East” and thank him, as well as the old stand-bys for their co-operation. * * * * * * Madisonville, Ky. (Spring Lake, Brown Meadow Lake, Manitou and back) — Dec. 21; 6:30 A. M. to 3:30 P. M. Clear; wind south, strong; temperature 27 at start; 43 at return. 46 Miles by auto; 2 miles on foot. Scaup Duck, 5; Turkey Vulture, 1; Black Vulture, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 7; Bob- white, 18 (covey); American Coot, 1; Mourning Dove, 5; Screech Owl, 1; Northern Flicker, 2; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 12; Crow, 30; Carolina Chickadee, 8; Tiifted Titmouse, 3; Brown Creeper, 1; Carolina Wren, 6; Mocking-bird, 5; Robin, 1; Bluebird, 3; Starling, 150; English Sparrow, 135; Meadowlark, 15; Cardinal, 21; Goldfinch, 9; Red-eyed Towhee, 10; Slate-colored Junco, 80; Tree Sparrow, 15; Field Sparrow, 3; White-throated Sparrow, 25; Song Sparrow, 21. Total, 33 species, about 505 individuals. RAYMOND J. FLEETWOOD, SHERWOOD NICHOLS. ****** Madisonville, Hopkins County, Ky. (W. W. Plancock farm, Loch Mary, Clear Creek, Spring Lake, Princeton and Hecla Roads, woods, streets and open country) — December 30, 1937, 7:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Calm; foggy in early morning, cloudy remainder of the day. Temperature 43 degrees at start, 53 degrees at return. About nine miles on foot. Sparrow Hawk, 3; Bob-white, 16; Flicker, 14; Pileated Wood- pecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Wood- THE KENTUCKY WARBLER S- pecker, 6; Blue Jay, 18; Crow, 8; Carolina Chickadee, 14; Tufted Titmouse, 14; Winter Wren, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 17; Mockingbird, 8; Robin, 12; Hermit Thrush, 4; Bluebird, 17; Cedar Waxwing, 3; Starling, 10; English Sparrow, 300; Meadowlark, 3; Red-winged Blackbird, 28; Cardinal, 50; Purple Finch, 5; Goldfinch, 18; Red-eyed Towhee, 22; Slate-colored Junco, 61; Tree Sparrow, 103; Field Sparrow, 1; White-crowned Sparrow, 5; White- throated Sparrow, 13; Fox Sparrow, 2; Swamp Sparrow, 9; Song Sparrow, 24. Total, 37 species, 833 individuals. Other species recorded December 28 — Lesser Scaup Duck, 4; Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; American Pipit (?) 4. JAMES WILLIAM HANCOCK. ***** & Bowling Green, Ky. — Dec. 20, 7:00 A. M. to 4:30 P. M., Smith, Covington, and Nye farms; along Drake’s and Jennings Creek; Sally’s Rock; an area about thirteen miles in diameter. Cloudy; ground bare; wind, northwest, brisk; temp. 28 at start, 40 at return. Observers in three parties. Black Vulture, 3; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Bob-white, 19 (one flock of 15); Mourning Dove, 7; Screech Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Flicker, 13; Pileated Woodpecker, 8; Red- bellied Woodpecker, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 29; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 5; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 22; Prairie Horned Lark, 136; Blue Jay, 60; Crow, 1000; Carolina Chickadee, 116; Tufted Titmouse, 71; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 3; Carolina Wren, 34; Mocking- bird, 51; Robin, 36; Bluebird, 46; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 4; Cedar Wax wing, 130; Starling, 596; Myrtle Warbler, 17; English Sparrow, 430; Meadowlark, 32; Eastern Red-wing, 20; Bronzed Crackle, 3; Cardinal, 122; Purple Finch, 136; Goldfinch, 58; Red-eyed Towhee, 46; Slate-colored Junco, 329; Tree Sparrow, 42; Field Sparrow, 79; White-crowned Sparrow, 46; White-throated Sparrow, 22; Fox Spar- row, 6; Swamp Sparrow, 10; Song Sparrow, 50. Total, 48 species, 3876 individuals. Other species known to be wintering here — Red- tailed Hawk, Killdeer, Migrant Shrike, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Win- ter Wren, Turkey Vulture. HAYWARD BROWN, JO ALLEN BRYANT, L. Y. LANCASTER, CHARLES L. TAYLOR, J. R. WHITMER, GORDON "WILSON. ?***** Glasgow, Ky. — (Starr, Darter, and Wininger Farms; along Beaver Creek, west of Glasgow). Dec. 23. 7:30 A. M. to 3:15 P. M. Cloudy; wind, northeast, light; ground bare; temp. 42 at start, 46 at return. About twelve miles on foot. Canada Goose, 40; Turkey Vulture, 2; Black Vulture, 5; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Bob-white 11; Mourning Dove, 40; Northern Flicker, 13; Pileated Woodpecker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 11; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 7; Prairie Horned Lark, 55; Blue Jay, 30; Crow, 941; Carolina Chicka- 6 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER dee, 56; Tufted Titmouse, 60; Bewick’s Wren, 1; Carolina Wren, 21; Mockingbird, 5; Robin, 14; Bluebird, 21; Starling, 28; Myrtle Warbler, 27; Meadowlark, 42; Bronzed Grackle, 5; Cardinal, 49; Goldfinch, 29; Purple Finch, 39; Red-eyed Towhee, 37; Slate-colored Junco, 103; Tree Sparrow, 25; White-crowned Sparrow, 16; White-throated Sparrow, 60; Fox Sparrow, 10; Swamp Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, 49. Total, 38 species, 1895 individuals. Also found during Christmas week — Mallard, Marsh Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Cedar Waxwing, and Brown Creeper. RUSSELL STARR. ****** Louisville, Ky., and vicinity (Cherokee Park, Cave Hill Cemetery and along Ohio River and surrounding territory from the Falls to Twelve Mile Island. All well within 15 mile diameter circle). Dec. 26. 6:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Pale sun; ground bare; wind, light from N. E.; temp. 33 degrees at start and 43 at end. About 15 miles and return, on foot and in automobile. Observers in three parties. Double-crested Cormorant, 1; Common Mallard, 4; Black Duck, 25; Canvas-back, 10; Lesser Scaup Duck, 111; American Golden-eye, 2; White- winged Scoter, 1; Ruddy Duck, 1; Red- tailed Hawk, 1; Red- shouldered Hawk, 5; Duck Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 6; Killdeer, 2; Herring Gull, 81; Ring-billed Gull, 4; Mourning Dove, 5; Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Flicker, 19; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 13; Red- headed Woodpecker, 32; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Hairy Wood- pecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 12; Blue Jay, 38; Crow, 557; Carolina Chickadee, 21; Tufted Titmouse, 58; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 6; Winter Wren, 1; Caro- lina Wren, 8; Mockingbird, 18; Robin, 52; Hermit Thrush, 3; Blue- bird, 14; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 5; Starling, 10,000 plus (these roost in the business district of the city) ; English Sparrow, 100; Meadow Lark, 10; Redwing, 2; Bronzed Grackle, 50; Cardinal, 95; Purple Finch, 8; Goldfinch, 11; White- winged Crossbill, 5; Red-eyed Towhee, 56; Slate-colored Junco, 98; Tree Sparrow, 3; Field Sparrow, 1; White- throated Sparrow, 57; Swamp Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow, 15. Total, 55 species; about 11,650 individuals. Duck Hawk seen by B. L. Monroe. This bird has been seen a number of times since it arrived here in September. White-winged Scoter seen at about 50 yards to 500 yards, in flight and on water. White wing patches and dark body seen clearly by LaFollette, Monroe and Car- penter. White-winged Crossbills seen at close range by Ganier and Slack. Their crossed bills and white patches on the wing plain. Other species seen in the same territory during the census period — Buffle-head; Hooded Merganser; Turkey Vulture; Black Vulture; Golden Eagle (sharply defined black end of tail and white spots under wings seen by Monroe and Carpenter) ; Bald Eagle; White- crowned Sparrow and Myrtle Warbler. MABEL SLACK, JAMES LaFOLLETTE, ROBERT MENGEL, BURT L. MONROE, JAMES B. YOUNG, FLOYD CARPENTER, ALBERT F. GANIER. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 Cynthiana, Ky. — (Allen and Lair Farms) — Jan. 2, 9:00 A. M. to 12:00; 1:30 to 4:15 P. M. Clear; wind, southwest, light; temp. 34. Great Blue Heron, 2; Killdeer, 1; Crow, 54; Bronzed Grackle, 1; English Sparrow, 30; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Southern Downy Wood- pecker, 3; Carolina Chickadee, 35; Tufted Titmouse, 13; Starling, 60; Mockingbird, 1; Flicker, 1; Bluebird, 2; Goldfinch, 3; Carolina Wren, 5; Cardinal, 8; Slate-colored Junco, 26; Tree Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 7; unidentified Duck, 1. Total, 20 species, 257 individuals. BIRD WELLS RICE, W. G. WIGLES WORTH. ****** Johns Run, Carter County, Ky. — December 26, 1937, 8:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. Clear with sun shining most of the time. Tempera- ture 32 degrees to 38 degrees. About 8 miles on foot in wooded and open field areas. Red- tailed (?) Hawk, 1; Bob- white (two coveys), 19; Crow, 2; Chickadee, 32; Tufted Titmouse, 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Flicker, 1; Winter Wren, 2; Hermit Thrush, 2; Bluebird, 6; Goldfinch, 3; Red-eyed Towhee, 6; Slate-colored Junco, 102; Chip- ping (?) Sparrow, 2; Cardinal, 20; Song Sparrow, 5. Total, 16 species, about 214 individuals. ERCEL KOZEE. ****** 1937 CHRISTMAS CENSUS Summary for the State of Kentucky Double-crested Cormorant, 1; Great Blue Heron, 2; Mallard, 4; Black Duck, 25; Canvasback, 10; Lesser Scaup Duck, 116; American Golden-eye, 2; Ruddy Duck, 1; White- winged Scoter, 1; Canada Goose, 40; Turkey Vulture, 3; Black Vulture, 10; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red- shouldered Hawk, 5; Sparrow Hawk, 19; Duck Hawk, 1; Bob- white, 85; American Coot, 1; Killdeer, 3; Herring Gull, 81; Ring-billed Gull, 4; Mourning Dove, 57; Barred Owl, 2; Screech Owl, 2; Belted King- fisher, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 13; Downy Woodpecker, 55; Yellow- bellied Sapsucker, 9; Pileated Woodpecker, 52; Prairie Horned Lark, 193; Red-headed Woodpecker, 65; Flicker, 63; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 52; Blue Jay, 158; Crow, 2592; Carolina Chickadee, 282; Tufted Titmouse, 229; White-breasted Nuthatch, 11; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 8; Carolina Wren, 91; Bewick’s Wren, 6; Winter Wren, 4; Mockingbird, 88; Hermit Thrush, 9; Robin, 115; Bluebird, 109; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5; Cedar Waxwing, 138; Starling, 10,844; English Sparrow, 995; Myrtle Warbler, 44; Red- wing, 50; Meadowlark, 102; Bronzed Grackle, 59; Purple Finch, 188; Goldfinch, 131; White-winged Crossbill, 5; Cardinal, 366; Red-eyed Towhee, 177; Slate-colored Junco, 799; White-crowned Sparrow, 67; White-throated Sparrow, 177; Tree Sparrow, 191; Chipping Sparrow, 2; Field Sparrow, 84; Swamp Sparrow, 26; Fox Sparrow, 18; Song Sparrow, 171. Total species, 72; individuals, 19,292. ****** CENSUS FROM OUR MICHIGAN MEMBER McMillan, Luce County, Michigan — Dec. 25. 9:07 A. M. to 11:40 A. M. and 1:23 P. M. to 2:58 P. M. Weather, clear at start, becoming overcast at about 11:00 A. M. and remaining so during most of the 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER remainder of the day. Temperature ranged from 5 degrees to 21 degrees F. Wind, northeast in morning, changing to east in after- noon; light. Snow averaged about one foot deep. Covered four miles on skis. The forenoon being chiefly cut over land and the; south, east and north sides of McCormick Lake; lake frozen overt for at least one month. In P. M., covered woodland in which there were many large trees and no cutting down in it since before the year 1912, and then the only “very best” trees. Seven power Mirakeb glasses used. Hairy Woodpecker, 2 (one tattooing; the other had just dug out a large white grub from the decayed wood of a beech tree. The grub being frozen, it was placed in a crevice in order to be picked in small pieces) ; Blue Jay, 2 (at feeding station) ; Black-capped Chickadee, 7 (some feeding on seeds of ironwood) ; White-breasted. Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; English Sparrow, 15; Even- ing Grosebeak, 3 (feeding on seeds of hard maple) ; Pine Grosebeak, 32 (feeding on seeds in birch cones) ; Snow Bunting, 1. Total, 10 species, 79 individuals. Cones on birch and evergreen trees, not plentiful. Beechnut crop rather favorable, but most may be off of trees. Hard maple seeds were plentiful, only scattering trees that any seeds remain. OSCAR McKINLEY BRYENS. ****** INDIANA CENSUS BY K. O. S. MEMBER Bloomingdale, Ind. — (To Turkey Run State Park and vicinity). December 23. 7:45 A. M. to 3:15 P. M. Sun shining most of time; light northwest wind. 24 Degrees at start; 39 degrees at return. About 9Y2 miles on foot, 15 miles by automobile. Red- tailed Hawk, 1; Flicker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Red- headed Woodpecker, 29; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Prairie Horned Lark, 25; Blue Jay, 18; Crow, 40; Black-capped Chickadee, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 21; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Bluebird, 4; English Sparrow, 50; Cardinal, 13; Goldfinch, 3; Slate colored Junco, 15; Tree Sparrow, 76; Song Sparrow, 25. Total, 20 species, 340 individuals. DOROTHY M. HOBSON. ****** AN UNUSUALLY EARLY RECORD FOR THE SNOWY OWL In the last issue of the WARBLER I stated the adage, Seek and ye shall find. I also declared that while, in the majority of cases we have to search, diligently and patiently, in a bird’s most favorable environment, sometimes unusual visitors boldly cross our paths and thrust themselves upon us, so to speak, without our meriting the event. An example of this thesis was never more aptly demonstrated than by what occurred on Saturday, November 6. On this afternoon, to us a memorable one, Mr. Floyd Carpenter, Miss Evelyn Schneider, Mr. Burt Monroe, and the writer, set out in search of American Pipits. To this end we were riding up the River Road east of Louisville, toward Oldham County, where there was a country Golf Course and many plowed up fields, a location where Pipits had been found in previous years. As we neared the foot of Twelve-Mile Island we noticed a big white hump or spot in the very THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 top of a large sycamore tree, growing on the Kentucky shore. The tree was bare of leaves and its white branches glistened in the sun. Yet, in the extreme top where a branch had evidently been broken off, was this lump, whiter than the limbs of the tree. As we pulled over to the side of the road to investigate, two members of the party simultaneously suggested a Snowy Owl. “Sure, let’s make it a Snowy Owl!” cried another. “Say, you fellows, you needn’t be kid- ding, that is a Snowy Owl!” Having thus determined the probability of a great find, we drove up opposite the tree, which was about one hundred yards away. There we carefully trained our glasses and a thirty-power telescope on the bird, comparing it with descriptions in our guides. There was absolutely no question left as to this being a y Snowy Owl (Nyctea Nyctea). The dark spots on the head, as well as the horizontal markings on the breast, were clearly visible. The bird was facing us and we had a perfect view of it, as it turned its head around, now to the left and now to the right. This gave us a good profile view of the head and, in the clear sunshine, against a blue sky, every detail was discernible. As we had cameras with us, pictures were taken with both an Argus Camera, carrying color film, and with an Exacta, using super- sensitive panchromatic film. Mr. Carpenter, who took these shots, made them at different distances and finally obtained one directly under the tree in which the owl was perched. After Mr. Carpenter had gotten back to the car, the owl took wing, flying directly over us, its tremendous wings casting a shadow on the ground before us. It flew inland toward the Indian Hills woods, until it was lost to sight, about three quarters of a mile away. Subsequent search failed to locate it, but we had approximately an hour’s leisurely view of the owl, from 2:15 to 3:15 P. M.; temperature 61 degrees. Since two of the party happened to be game wardens, conversations for the remainder of the afternoon was all on the fate of the white bird — game season was on and perhaps some gunner would take a pot-shot at this unusual target. This is the sixth record of its occurrence in Kentucky in recent years, but Audubon says of it, “Scarcely is there a winter which does not bring several of these hardy natives of the North to the Falls of the Ohio at Louisville.” He then goes on to describe how they seized fish which had been trapped in the ‘pot- holes’ or pools of water in the rocks. But to conclude, and draw the moral to my tale! We then pro- ceeded on our search for Pipits, but not a Pipit did we see, even though the environment and time were perfect for them. But who cared that day about the absence of Pipits, for the afore-mentioned ‘unmerited event’ had happened. The unusual visitor had thrust itself upon us, and we had gained a life record. A Snowy Owl in Kentucky on a clear, warm, early November day! LEONARD C. BRECHER, Louisville, Ky. * % * * * # [Editor’s Note — On the 12th of November, this owl was found on a farm near Avoca, Kentucky. The farmer’s wife discovered her cows pushing the lifeless body of the bird around the field. Mr. Al. Mirus, a member of the Beckham Bird Club was consulted, and he mounted this specimen, a female, which was claimed by the farmer’s son for the library of Anchorage High School. The owl had not 10 THIS KENTUCKY WARBLER been shot, but its body was badly bruised, whether from striking an auto or from the cow’s sport, we will never know. However, it now presents a handsome appearance.] * * * * * # FALL MEETING, 1931 The 1937 Fall Meeting of the K. O. S., held at Henderson, on October 22-24, is one that will long remain in the memories of those who were present. By far the largest group ever to attend a fall session assembled for the various meetings. The hospitality of the Henderson members and other citizens, the attractions of interest in the city, the excellence of the programs, and the fellowship and ex- change of experiences enjoyed in the associations all conspired to- ward a highly exceptional meeting. At the opening session on Friday evening, Dr. Gordon Wilson spoke on “Christmas Bird Sensuses,” giving many experiences from the nineteen consecutive censuses in which he had participated. The reasons for these censuses, how to organize them, a resume of the birds seen, and the advantages and pleasures of this form of activity were enthusiasticaly told. It was encouraging to hear that according to Dr. Wilson’s observations birds are now seen in con- siderably larger numbers than when he began, and some species, especially those protected about homes and farms, have shown de- cided increase. Mr. Samuel E. Perkins, III, Treasurer of the Wilson Ornitho- logical Club, spoke about “The Pets of Audubon.” His gathering to- gether from numerous sources the bits of information and the stories of Audubon’s dogs, particularly Zephyr and Dash, his horse Barro, the sparrow hawk Nero, the trumpeter swan, and others proved interesting and entertaining. At the business session on Saturday morning were discussed many questions relating to the Society, showing a stimulation of interest not hitherto evident. Reports from the three chapters, the C. W. Beckham Bird Club in Louisville, nearly three years old, and the newly formed chapters in Henderson and Madisonville, gave evi- dence not only of increased membership but of more active participa- tion and more wide-spread activities. At the conclusion of the busi- ness meeting Miss Susan S. Towles, of the Henderson Historical Society, spoke on “Audubon in Henderson,” and exhibited many of the folio prints and interesting articles from the Audubonian Collec- tion. Under the leadership of Mr. Virgil King, a trip was made on Saturday afternoon, to the Audubon Memorial Park, a mile north of the city, where high on a hill overlooking a majestic stretch of the Ohio River, in the midst of four hundred acres of rolling land and thick woods, is being erected the Audubon Museum, a gray stone building in the Norman style of architecture. While climbing about the temporary scaffolding, peering into the round tower, the large main gallery, and other rooms, we envisioned the completed edifice with its exhibitions of prints, mounted birds, books and portraits, birds nesting in the masonry, the formal garden laid out with the wheel from Audubon’s grist and lumber mill in the center, and the French gate house near by. Leaving the Museum we were taken to another section of the park, where, as we walked along the beautiful woodland paths, observed the view from the lookout tower, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 11 and enjoyed the log fire in the rustic shelter house, we pictured to ourselves Audubon himself, in this lovely country, observing and gathering materials for the paintings which brought him fame. On returning to the city, we visited the Public Library, where are many of Audubon’s folio prints and other interesting items. Dinner on Saturday evening proved a memorable occasion, with thirty-three bird enthusiasts present. Each one related briefly an interesting and entertaining experience during the year in con- nection with bird study. This means of becoming acquainted with each other and the enjoyment of companionship have made these annual informal dinners occasions which we anticipate with rare pleasure. Reluctantly we tore ourselves away to attend the evening session with its group of noted speakers. Mr. C. E. Dudley, Superintendent of Schools in Henderson, ex- tended a cordial greeting and praised the interests and work of the K. O. S. A large group of members of the Evansville, Indiana, Audubon Society were among the visitors. Mrs. Fred C. Laskey, well known for her excellent work and integrating of results, spoke on “Bird Banding,” giving briefly its origins and history and telling many of her experiences in banding over ten thousand birds (108 species) in a period of six years. Mrs. Laskey stressed the importance of banding in obtaining many kinds of information as well as the pleasure in the work and the privilege of having rare birds close at hand. Mr. Albert F. Ganier showed many lantern slides of unusual pictures which he had made, including hawks, owls, the Bald Eagle, Mississippi Kite, with their nests, eggs, and localities. His views of Reelfoot Lake, together with the King Rail on its nest, the nest of the Least Tern, American Egrets, Cormorants, Anhingas, and Great Blue Herons found there, were of unusual interest. Dr. George R. Mayfield, in speaking on “How to Learn the Warblers,” mentioned the importance of keen eyes, a good ear, and unlimited patience. He stressed the need of learning individual characteristics, spoke of the thrill of locating by ear what cannot be seen, and described the habits and songs of many of the warblers. We could not help but agree with Dr. Mayfield that the beauty, habits, elusive ways, and the songs of the different species, all recommended these birds to intensive study. Dr. Gordon Wilson, in concluding the last session of the meeting, expressed the indebtedness of the Society to Mr. King, local chair- man, for his capable work in making all arrangements, to Mr. Dudley for his cooperation, to the boy scouts for their helpful services as guides and ushers, and to the newspapers for the articles printed. Every member and visitor felt deepest gratitude to the speakers, especially those who had come from considerable distance to give us the benefit of their years of study and experience. On Sunday morning, under the leadership of Mr. King, and Mr. R. C. Soaper, a field trip was made to the heronry, fourteen miles west of Henderson. After helping each other through the tangled woods, jotting down the birds we observed along the way, we reach- ed the tall trees laden with nests of herons, egrets, and cormorants. Again we regretted the necessity of returning to town, and a hasty 12 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER dinner, the bidding of farewells, and departure fo^ various parts of the state marked the end of one of the best attended, most enthusiastic and stimulating meetings ever held. Some time ago you were informed by the Secretary-Treasurer of the K. O. S. that there would be a delay in this issue of the Ken- tucky Warbler and that there was a surprise in store for you. We believe that you have already guessed it. The cover and the change in size of the Warbler, this issue, marks a decided departure in design from the past issues and initiates the style that is to be followed in the future. The problem of working within a limited budget has been an annual one, but the oficers of the Society have seen fit to advance. They believe that a “bigger and better” organ will bring in more paying members and that we can give more for the money than heretofore. Undoubtedly, the change is a big improvement. The cover lends more charm, while the increased size allows for more material. The cover was designed and executed as a generous contribution to the Kentucky Warbler by Mr. Albert F. Ganier, whose work is already well known to many of our readers through the medium of the Tennessee Ornithological Society and its organ, the “Migrant.” He has been one of the guiding hands in our own State Society, and. together with Dr. Gordon Wilson, of Bowling Green, has furnished the inspiration for the progress of the K. O. S. We take this oppor- tunity to thank him for the splendid co-operation he has always given us. A new cover, a new size, new birds, new members, and a new year — 1938 should be the best in our history. Get behind your Society — pay up your dues, boost the K. O. S., contribute to the Warbler, and above all, help increase the membership. EVELYN SCHNEIDER, Secretary, Louisville, Ky. * * H* A ce derived from bird study. Our dues of one dollar are very small only revenue. We are anxious to increase of the magazine and our ability to do so will depei on the growth of our membership. Each member tl to at least one new member ye An Annus Spring Meet at the time of the conventic eociation. An Annual ;tober at some place of srship is open to non-re every year at lentucky Educatic and Field Day interest in Kentucky. Me to resic J " we Correspond! foe sent to 1 castle Ave. relating it D; King, and . irer, 231 iblieatie KvI; )uisville, Ky. . contribute articles and 3 Warbler and these chers College, Bowling Gr ✓oo' Ha Mam tiNTUCKY Summer 1939 Will HI mill is k \ jL&fi , V - ' V f > ' ,■' . V.V-: • ' • ' - .. ■ ■ ■■■'. • : . . :.•■•:■■; nil linaia "■'■V"\V: -r^ ■-'■ ,; \ :■ - * ' V , ' , - * - 1 -v ; * * , i ,. ^ £* * ’ v* •* 4 'V,.*: yyy..y.yo . y y," -y-.. :■ ■ .; ■ .. ■ ■ ■ ’;m ; *' y - ■?>•■ ■; ' >:••■■ :.v • • : •;.> * •. • y - ... - y .y .. - *.y- :, $■ ,y ■&?:■■■% v.» ^y-:. .? -V;/ ^ . . '. 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MENGEL An examination of previous published literature pertaining to the birds of Kentucky discloses a noticeable lack of specimens in the authorization of species attributed to the state. Moreover, the very paucity of the records themselves indicates the lack of knowledge Of the birds, particularly aquatic varieties, occurring in Kentucky. Thus a summary of the water and wading birds recorded in recent years in the area about Louisville and adjacent to the famous Falls of the Ohio River should contribute to our ornithological knowledge Of this region. Since the time when Audubon’s tales of bird life around the mystic and little-known Falls intrigued bird students by reference to Snowy Owls fishing at the pot-holes in the ice and the nesting of Swallow-tailed Kites and Ospreys, there has been little persistent study in this area. In 1930 the authors began a cursory study of the present-day bird life here, and in the past four years have made an exact study, verifying all records with specimens where possible. The area included in the work extends along the Ohio River from a point on the western edge of the city of Louisville, in Jeffer- son County, to a point in Oldham County approximately fourteen miles upstream. This area includes, in order of succession from west to east, the following excellent waterbird territories: Sand Island, with its gravel bars; the “pool” between the old dyke and the Falls; the Falls proper; the harbor at Louisville where the only inland Coast Guard Station is located; Towhead Island with thick masses of Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) ; Caperton’s Swamp; Six Mile Island with its Black-crowned Night Heron rookery; Goose Island, and finally Twelve Mile Island, surrounded by wide expanses of river, the last perhaps the most attractive place for ducks for many miles upstream or down. The Falls of the Ohio, where most of the work on the shore- birds was accomplished, is unquestionably one of the most alluring places for migrating water birds in this section of the United States. ^During the days of Audubon and Wilson, the Falls consisted of a series of cascades creating a natural fall in the river of twenty-six feet to the mile. Many sand and gravel bars protruded below and above the drop but these have been considerably altered by the build- ing of dams and a canal. The first canal, built by a private company in 1830, fifteen years or so after Audubon’s work, was the first JUN © -4 26 THE KENTUCKY WARBLEK alteration to be made in the river’s flow. The United States Govern- ment gained control of the canal shortly after the year 1842 and since that time has enlarged it three times, the last time in 1921. The first dam, built of timber, was erected in 1879 and was removed in 1912. The first concrete dam was built between the years 1909 and 1911 and was removed in 1928. The present dam, an “L”-shaped obstruction which gives the Falls their present form, was completed and filled with water in October, 1927. The total length of the present dam is 8626 feet, blocking off the flow of the river for about a quarter of a mile extending from the Indiana shore and holding it to a parallel channel for approximately three-quarters of a mile downstream. This dam controls the stage of the river for the navigation of boats and furnishes power for the hydro-plant at the west end. It has obliterated all of the bars above Louisville. The short arm of the “L” is a fixed concrete wall over which a small amount of water falls, making a channel winding down near the Indiana shore. The long arm consists of a series of steel v/ickets, which, when lowered or raised by the government tug-boat, control the pool stage of the river. Water splashing over these v/ickets when they are closed spreads over a large area of pot holes in the rocks and supplies much food for the migrating hordes of shorebirds stopping here on the fall migration flight. Beyond the water-covered area are large expanses of bare rock and sand dunes, providing varied habitat for many species. At the lower end of the dam, a small sand island has formed. There a thick grove of willow trees furnishes roosting places for many herons and flocks of small passerine birds. Although only distant a few blocks from downtown Louisville, the Falls proper is suggestive of another world. From the top of the dam, one is afforded a double view. Behind are the tall buildings of the city, their shadows falling across the water’s edge; before and below spreads a panorama of many acres of low-lying rock, riddled and seamed with sluices, pools and pot holes, glaring brilliantly in the sunlight. One need only descend the fourteen-foot iron ladder of the dam abutment to enter a bird haven of rare possibilities. The purpose of this article is to present in orderly form what is known of the v/ater birds occurring in this area. This, it is hoped, will provide a sound basis for further investigation. No effort has been made to define the precise status of many species in their ap- pearance here. The very nature of the river renders spring observa- tions in the Falls area generally difficult or impossible. High water conceals the Falls until mid-summer at least, and also provides numerous other suitable places in the region, tending to scatter the transient birds over a much wider terrain. It will be noted accord- ingly that the greater part of the shorebird observations are made in late summer and early fall. No attempt has been made to include birds appearing here but recorded by sight alone excepting such birds as the Wood Ibis, White Pelican and Snowy Egret, which can hardly be mistaken by the observing ornithologist, or those birds which have been seen under repeated and extremely favorable circumstances. Species which are difficult to identify under normal conditions and where no specimens were taken have been purposely excluded. Moreover no effort has been made to include other than water- birds although it would be well to mention briefly a few of the “land birds” which are attracted to this area. Enormous mixed flocks of THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 27 swallows and blackbirds course the river and gather at the Falls during late summer and early fall. The Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus leucocephalus) has been noted riding the ice floes of the river in February and perched in the large sycamores in Novem- ber and March. One single Duck Hawk (Falco peregrines anatum) has appeared each winter since 1934 and forages from its favorite lookout on Goose Island. A lone Snowy Owl (Myctea nyctea) was recorded November 6, 1937. Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus carolinesis) gather in flocks of four or five at a time during April and Septem- ber, and American Pipits (Anthus spinoletta rubescens) feed among the rocks and sand dunes of the Falls in September. (Continued in Fall Issue of The Warbler) *$***# ABSTRACT OF AN ADDRESS GIVEN BY TOM WALLACE, EDITOR OF THE LOUISVILLE TIMES, K. O. S., SPRING, 1939 To study birds through books, to poke about field and woodland and along lakes and watercourses, to look at them without bestirring ourselves to protect them from extermination is, it seems to me, somewhat anaemic. We should look to their perpetuation. We should be alive to the fact that they are menaced by the public’s apathy, by the fact that they have few friends in legislative bodies. Plentiful bird liwe is a symptom, charmingly visible, of nature in balance. We cannot have all of the birds, all of the varieties of birds, we should have unless we protect forests; but we cannot have economic welfare, lastingly, without protecting forests; for without forests to protect streams, to keep springs flowing, as well as to provide material for making almost countless varieties of neccessities of our modern life, the land would become barren, would not support for any great length of time, human life. Ornithologists should be supporters of a whole group of projects which are referred to under the general term “conservation.” They should do more than give their approval to state and national forests; to game sanctuaries; to legislation to remove pollution from streams, lakes, estuaries, even the sea, which at many points along our coasts is used for recreation; to creation of state and national parks, which are automatically refuges for every sort of wild life. They should maintain contact with legislatures and insist upon good laws being made and enforced. They should aid in educating various classes which are lamentably ill-informed, although some of them regard themselves as first-class conservationists. One of these classes, fortunately by no means so benighted as it was not long ago, but not so well-informed as, for its own interest, it should be, is made up of sportsmen. Only the most advanced sportsmen know enough about predation to reach intelligent decisions as to what species of birds or animals should be rated harmful and destroyed as vermin. Many sportsmen still imagine, in the profundity of their ignorance, that all hawks and owls are “varmints” of the air and should be destroy- ed, although informed people have known for generations that this is not true. Many farmers are quite as much in error. Many a farmer will devote valuable time to snooping about with a shotgun trying to kill a bird he calls a chicken hawk, a bird that rarely kills poultry, not because it would not, like you or me, like chicken, but because it was created for and is better fitted for other hunting. 23 THE KENTUCKY WARBLES Pennsylvania is the most advanced game and fish restoration state, yet, under a law promoted by its misguided sportsmen, it paid out $287,000 in bounties for hawks and owls before it learned the folly of that procedure. And before the Pennsylvania bounty law was passed, the Federal Department of Agriculture, and all well-informed students of bird life, knew that it was unwise to inaugurate hawk and owl slaughter to protect game and most unwise from the point of view of agriculture to permit it. Protection of birds, through legislation, has been the inspiring enterprise of sundry prominent Americans who have realized that missionary work on a large scale is necessary to prevent really dis- asterous occurrences. Read ADVENTURES IN BIRD PRO- TECTION, by Thomas Gilbert Pearson, president emeritus of the National Association of Audubon Societies, if you would have a picture of what was done, what had to be done, to put an end to a vast trade in plumage of ornamental birds; birds killed by hundreds of thousands, transported by the shipload, to make ornaments for women’s hats. But if you would learn about predation, about the mistakes of those who selectively destroy — and I think the National Association of Audubon Societies has made some mistakes along that line in the fairly recent past, although upon the "whole its work has been marvelously good — study the books of Dr. Aldo Leopold, of the University of Wisconsin. In the past fox hunters have striven to prevent reckless destruc- tion of foxes, quail hunters believing that all foxes should die, scientists knowing that foxes destroy species which are more de- structive of quail than foxes are. Mistakenly bird protectors have striven to exterminate raccoons, overlooking the fact that for un- counted centuries there were many raccoons, and many birds where raccoons ranged. In Germany, less than a generation ago, woodpeckers became rare because the thorough German forest planters and timber harvesters kept the forest so pruned of dead wood that the wood- peckers had no place in which to live and produce their young. Finally it became necessary to make artificial woodpecker holes and hang them in the woods, because the woodpecker is a valuable pro- tector of trees against harmful parasites. Yet many ill-informed Americans suppose that because woodpeckers peck on wood, they harm trees. They are one of the many varieties of forest police, varying in size from the Pileated, almost as large as a Crow, to the tiny Downy. Other species of birds are still smaller, creeping about the bark and leaves. In Germany there are farms devoted to hatching and rearing hawks and owls, to be liberated in behalf of agriculture: birds to police the fields and woodlands against predators which men hardly ever see and do not recognize as destroyers of grass or grain or bird life when they see them. There are sportsmen, and farmers, who believe crows should be exterminated by every sort of murderous mechanical means, or by poisoning; but scientists, not opposing sensible control measures where crows become destructive, know that these birds do some harm and some good and should not be destroyed utterly. Within a decade I heard a Kentucky game and fish bureau officer recommend killing Kingfishers because they eat fish, a foolish project, of course. In Florida, as Dr. Pearson’s book tells you, professional fishermen THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 29 clubbed thousands of baby pelicans to death on the nest, believing' them destroyers of fish on a large scale, but ornithologists discovered that they live mainly on a species of fish men find inedible. Farm- ers, in nine cases out of ten, still regard the skunk as a “varmint” that kills fowls. Scientists know that the skunk, although sometimes it kills a young chicken or perhaps steals an egg, is highly useful as a destroyer of grubs that in turn destroy trees; and trees provide, among other things, homes for the birds that you like to study. A den of sknuks has lived under my chicken house all winter and is welcome to remain there. I personally feed the chickens when I am at home. I have not yet found any effect Of the skunk den except that there are no mice in the laying-mash container. Not many farmers or sportsmen know that a Monkey-faced Owl is worth eight cats as a mouser and kills birds only very rarely. The Audubon law, protecting non-game birds, including all but two varieties of hawks and all but one variety of owls, is on Ken- tucky's statute books but is poorly enforced. You should insist that the Game and Fish Department enforce it. Eagles are protected by law and should be protected by the law’s enforcement. Conservation of wild life depends upon education, which is not nearly so widespread as it should be. Help to spread if. Above all things keep an eye on your state's law-makers and law-enforcers: upon the law-makers during sessions of the General Assembly and upon law-enforcers all the time. * * * * # # FIELD DAY AT OTTER CREEK By Beckham Bird Club On Sunday, May 14, 1939, the Beckham Bird Club, Louisville Chapter of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, held its annual Spring Field Day at the Otter Creek Reservation in Meade County. This area, consisting of 2500 acres, in a rugged, primitive setting, was acquired by the Federal Government for recreational purposes and is being developed by the National Park Service. Camping facilities in a safe, sanitary, and healthful camping atmosphere have been provided, and a portion of the area is devoted to general pick- nicking; all the remainder is being reserved for reforestation and a wild life refuge. The reservation is in a cavernous neighborhood where there are comparatively few surface streams; drainage is chiefly through sinkholes and caves. Otter Creek, however, deeply entrenched, flows through the area and empties into the Ohio River a little upstream. The high cliffs that border the river afford many picturesque scenes, and a walk along the railroad at the foot of the cliffs is no less interesting. A number of caves, several so large that one can walk upright in them for some distance, with streams emerging from them, afford enjoyable side trips. The upland country contains both bare fields and second-growth timber. The Club had engaged one of the camping units for Saturday and Sunday, and five enterprising members spent Saturday night there. On Sunday, after the arrival of twenty-two members and friends, three observation parties were formed, each covering a different territory. The groups met at headquarters in the afternoon and reported their results. After eliminating possible duplications, the total list for the day contained 88 species and 624 individuals. 30 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER As far as we know, this is the first time that the birds of the area have been systematically recorded. Undoubtedly some areas were overlooked that would have yielded additional species. Notably absent from the list are shore birds and marsh birds. The area has no permanent marshy or swampy land, however, and no lake. Much of the land, too, has only recently been taken out of cultivation, and when some of this acquires a wilderness status, additional species will appear. We were fortunate in having a perfect day, and every one en- joyed the trip in this new territory. We hope, of course, to check our results at some comparable period in the future. Here is the list of our birds: Green Heron, 1; Turkey Vulture, 5; Black Vulture, 5; Bobwhite, 5; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Killdeer, 1; Mourning Dove, 8; Black-billed Cuckoo, 1; Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 4; Whip-poor-will, 3; Nighthawk, 3; Chimney Swift, 36; Ruby- throat- ed Hummingbird, 6; Flicker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Red-head- ed Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Kingbird, 4; Crested Flycatcher, 8; Phoebe, 16; Wood Pewee, 10; Acadian Flycatcher, 6; Rough- winged Swallow, 14; Barn Swallow, 3; Purple Martin, 7; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 19; Carolina Chickadee, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 14; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; House Wren, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 3; Carolina Wren, 15; Mockingbird, 2; Catbird, 11; Brown Thrasher, 4; Robin, 8; Wood Thrush, 7; Olive-backed Thrush, 9; Gray-cheeked Thrush, 4; Veery, 1; Bluebird, 3; Blue-gray Gnat- catcher, 14; Starling, 12; White-eyed Vireo, 17; Yellow- throated Vireo, 4; Red-eyed Vireo, 17; Tennessee Warbler, 1; Yellow Warbler, 6; Magnolia Warbler, 3; Cape May Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Black- throated Green Warbler, 5; Blackburnian Warbler, 2; Syca- more Warbler, 5; Chestnut-sided Warbler, 3; Bay-breasted Warbler, 1; Blackpoll Warbler, 5; Pine Warbler, 2; Prairie Warbler, 9; Oven- bird, 4; Louisiana Water-thrush, 4; Kentucky Warbler, 5; Maryland Yellow- throat, 10; Yellow-breasted Chat, 20; Wilson’s Warbler, 1; Canada Warbler, 1; English Sparrow, 4; Meadowlark, 10; Red-winged Blackbird, 10; Orchard Oriole, 1; Baltimore Oriole, 4; Bronzed Grackle, 8; Cowbird, 10; Scarlet Tanager, 6; Summer Tanager, 10; Cardinal, 21; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1; Indigo Bunting, 30; Gold- finch, 30; Towhee, 15; Chipping Sparrow, 9; Field Sparrow, 12; Song Sparrow, 4. Total, 86 species, 624 individuals. * * * * * * NOTES FROM MARION I have had some very interesting and unusual experiences in my observations this spring. About the middle of March a strange bird appeared in my garden, and for several mornings I heard him sing; but I could not see him. After several unsuccessful attempts I located him while singing. At once I recognized him as a Wren and knew that he must be the House Wren, as I already knew and have known always the other species. About March 25 he built a nest in a gourd in my garage, and, not being satisfied with it, tore it up and built another. He seemed to like the second one very well; but he went to work in another place. Before he got very far with this third one, his mate arrived on the scene. She inspected both nests and did not seem to like either. So I put up another gourd in a small evergreen about three feet from the ground. That was on April 1. The next day I went to Bowling Green to join the party at the McElroy Place, and when THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 31 I returned Sunday evening, I found this last gourd about full of all sorts of sticks and grasses, with a lining of feathers. The very next day there was an egg in it. Seven eggs were laid, and incubation began. The male seemed to lose his zest for singing after incubation began and would sing only occasionally. On April 25 another pair of House Wrens came into our garden and proceeded to build in a small wren house which my daughter had moved from place to place hoping it would be occupied. It is rather interesting to have two pairs of these wrens nesting in one garden when they are unusually a species nesting farther north. Some time ago a pair of Flickers drilled a cavity in a dead poplar in our yard, laid their eggs, and seemed to be perfectly happy until a pair of Starlings decided they wanted a new home. They had a battle royal for several days, and the Starlings seemed to be the winners. They carried out the Flicker’s eggs one at a time and dropped them near our fish pool and began to carry nesting material into the cavity. For a few days I thought the war was over. But the Flickers came back with a determination to use their own home, routed the Starlings, threw out their nest, and started housekeeping anew. This morning, May 21, 1939, a friend of mine brought in a strange bird for me to identify. At a glance I saw it was a Loon. After careful study I found it was the female Red-throated Loon. I cannot account for this bird’s being in this territory at this time of year unless it got lost in flight. —DR. T. ATCHISON FRAZER. * * * * * * A NEW RECORD FOR ONE DAY For many years I have tried to see how many species I could find in a single day in the midst of the spring migration. As long ago as 1923 I hung up a record that had remained unbroken until 1939. That record was 97 species. On April 22 of this year I de- termined to set a new standard, since the usual hosts of spring migrants were here, and the McElroy Lake was still yielding numer- ous species. Accompanied by Russell Starr, a fine bird student, I went before daybreak to Professor L. Y. Lancaster’s cabin at Sally’s Rock, fourteen miles northwest of town. There we struck the horde of warblers and found 70 species of birds before 8:30. Business kept me engaged until 1:30, when we went to the McElroy and Chaney Farms, south of town. There we added 40 species to our list, making a total of 110 for the day, 13 more than my previous best record for one day. This list is issued as a challenge to all of the K. O. S. people. Preserve your best record for one day and send it to me next spring for our Summer, 1940, issue. It ought to be as fascina- ting to do this as to make a Christmas Census, now such a live part of our K. O. S. Here are my birds: Horned Grebe, 2; Pied-billed Grebe, 25; Great Blue Heron, 1; Green Heron, 6; Black-crowned Night Heron, 4; Mallard, 10; Black Duck, 20; Baldpate, 10; Pintail, 25; Blue-winged Teal, 400; Shoveller, 200; Wood Duck, 4; Ring-necked Duck, 20; Lesser Scaup, 25; Bufflehead, 4; Ruddy Duck, 6; Turkey Vulture; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Bob- white; Coot, 3000; Semipalmated Plover, 2; Killdeer; Wilson’s Snipe, 5; Spotted Sandpiper, 2; Greater Yellow-legs, 10; Lesser Yellow-legs, 30; Pectoral Sandpiper, 15; Least Sandpiper, 1; Dove; Chimney Swift; Belted Kingfisher; Flicker; Pileated Woodpecker; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Red-headed Wood- 32 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER pecker; Southern Downy Woodpecker; Kingbird; Crested Flycatcher; Phoebe; Prairie Horned Lark; Tree Swallow; Rough- winged Swallow; Barn Swallow; Purple Martin; Blue Jay; Crow; Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; White-breasted Nuthatch; House Wren; Bewick’s Wren; Carolina Wren; Mockingbird; Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Robin; Wood Thrush; Hermit Thrush; Gray-cheeked Thrush; Bluebird; Blue- gray Gnatcatcher; Golden-crowned Kinglet; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Migrant Shrike; Starling; White-eyed Vireo; Yellow- throated Vireo; Red-eyed Vireo; Black and White Warbler; Prothonotary Warbler; Worm-eating Warbler; Golden-winged Warbler; Tennessee Warbler; Yellow Warbler; Magnolia Warbler; Myrtle Warbler; Black-throated Green Warbler; Sycamore Warbler; Black-poll Warbler; Pine Warb- ler; Prairie Warbler; Palm Warbler; Yellow Palm Warbler; Louisiana Water- thrush; Maryland Yellow- throat; Wilson’s Warbler; Redstart; English Sparrow; Meadowlark; Red- winged Blackbird; Bronzed Grackle; Cowbxrd; Scarlet Tanager; Summer Tanager; Cardinal; Indigo Bunting; Purple Finch; Goldfinch; Towhee; Sa- vannah Sparrow; Grasshopper Sparrow; Henslow’s Sparrow; Bach- man’s Sparrow; Slate-colored Junco; Chipping Sparrow; Field Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; White- throated Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; Song Sparrow. —GORDON WILSON. * * * * * * OUR FALL MEETING Our fall meeting this year is to be held at Paducah, at the in- vitation of Paducah Junior College and several of our members in the city. The exact dates will be announced a little later. As usual, it will be in October, probably about the middle. Plan to be with us and be on the lookout for a postal card announcing the exact time. ****** EARLY LIFE OF THE K. O. S. Since a very large percentage of our membership have come into the K. O. S. within the last five or six years, it seems to the editor that it would be wise to tell again some of the early history of our organization. As early as 1919 some of us widely scattered bird students contemplated a state society, but nothing beyond a friendly exchange of letters resulted. Mr. A. F. Ganier, whom I have so often called our godfather, urged several of us to lay plans for a state group and encouraged us by telling of the beginning of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. During the winter of 1922-23 Dr. L. Otley Pindar, of Versailles, Mr. B. C. Bacon, of Madisonville, and I exchanged numerous letters and planned to meet in Louisville during the week of the K. E. A. to talk Over organization plans. At the last minute Mr. Bacon found he could not get away from his work but sent suggestions in the form of a constitution, which I still have in my files. Dr. Pindar and I met in the Seelbach Hotel and worked nearly a whole afternoon on plans. Since our society had three members, we elected ourselves officers: President L. Otley Pindar; Vice-President, B. C. Bacon; Secretary-Treasurer, Gordon Wilson. The local press gave us a good notice, which at once caused several people to affiliate with us, including such stalwarts as Miss Emilie Yunker. As secretary- treasurer, I began writing to all prospective members and was able to find enough interest to schedule a rather full program for the following year, 1924. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 33 The 1924 meeting was held on April 25, in the Leather Room of the Seelbach Hotel. The three officers were re-elected, and the fol- lowing additions were made: members of the Executive Committee: Professor Frank L. Rainey, Centre College, Danville; Miss Emilie Yunker; Mr. J. B. Cox, Murray State Normal School. Mrs. Merit O’Neal, of Louisville, was chosen historian of the society. At this same meeting the new society was affiliated with the Wilson Ornithological Club, of which I was then the secretary. The society was invited to Bowling Green for a fall meeting. (Later this date was canceled, because the Wilson Ornithological Club was holding its Thanksgiving meeting in Nashville, and our members decided to attend that in as large numbers as possible. That was our first joint meeting with the Tennessee Ornithological Society, too, a type of meeting that we hope will long continue). Since none of the minutes of our fist program meeting were ever printed, as THE KENTUCKY WARBLER did not come into existence until January, 1925, it would be well to recall the speakers and their titles. It is doubtful whether we have had any more delightful or varied program in the whole history of the K. O. S. Mr. Carl D. Herdman, of Bowling Green, discussed “Human Characteristics of Birds, or Birds as I Know Them,” an intimate picture of the birds on his five-acre bird sanctuary just outside Bowling Green. Mr. Ben J. Blineoe, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly of Bards town, spoke on “Birds of Nelson County,” a brilliant study that later appeared in AUK. Miss Emilie Yunker gave an account of how the children of Louisville make friends with the birds, par- ticularly in Cherokee Park. Professor L. Y. Lancaster, of Western Teachers College, reported on bird-banding as he and the present editor had begun it in 1924. Mrs. Merit O’Neal, of Louisville, pleaded for a more widespread and effective bird study in the schools. Dr. L. Otley Pindar listed all the articles on Kentucky ornithology that he had been able to accumulate in his lifetime of bird study. (It is a deep regret to the editor that this paper was lost; it would be one of the most valuable things the K. O. S. could have in its archives.) The concluding talk was on methods of keeping records, by Gordon Wilson. Thus began our society, a pretty live infant, it seems to me. From time to time I may tell of other important events in the history of the K. O. S., in order that all of us may know what we are affiliated with and what its previous history has been. 34 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER RAKE OK HARB-TO-FINB BIRDS ON THE LAST TEN BO WRING GREEN CENSUSES |1929|193Q|i931 11932|1933[ 1934:| 1935 {19361193711938 Great Blue Heron 1 ! 1 21! Canada Goose ^ i | 43 210 18l Common Mallard ~l 1 1 2 Wood Duck 1 I 2 Lesser Scaup 1 1 1 i| Sharp-shinned Hawk J 1 2 Red-shouldered Hawk — 1 Rough legged Hawk l ! Z Killdeer 3 70 7 2 1 Wilson’s Snipe 1 ! i Screech Owl 1 1 l Great Horned Owl | 1 1 i i Barred Owl 1 i i Belted Kingfisher 1 i I 2 Winter Wren 1 3 3 2 l 6 Hermit Thrush 2 6 1 1 4 2 Pine Warbler l Red-winged Black- bird 1 6 20 12 Cowbird 250 23 Rusty Blackbird 90 6 1 6 36 Bronzed Grackle 1 13 2t| 4 7 75 3 5 Savannah Sparrow 1 1 1 l'| 3 3 10 Fox Sparrow 1 1 1 I 6 IZ Swamp Sparrow 1 00 1 T“l CO 5 10 J 25 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 35 This list does not include merely species that are found in small numbers; it deals with species that are difficult to find or that occur in differing numbers when found. The White-breasted Nuthatch, not in this list, is never found in larger numbers than 8, but it appears in nearly every census from 1918 to 1938. Similarly, the Marsh Hawk is normally rare but is found in about its usual numbers year after year. Some of the species in the list need explanation because of their being entirely absent from some lists but regular in others. The swamp birds — Hermit Thrush, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Spar- row, and Winter Wren — almost regularly appear when our censuses included the Chaney Swamp, where they are found every winter in fair numbers. The Canada Goose winters here sometimes on the C. A. Smith Ponds, near the city; in other winters it is wholly absent. This brief little article illustrates how valuable our censuses be- come year by year. In 1930 we felt our total of 31 species was almost a failure, but included in this census were three of our rarest winter finds: Wilson’s Snipe, Rusty Blackbird, and Fox Sparrow. Every year since 1931 we have had two or three parties and have thus covered more representative territory and recorded more of the hard-to-find species. For the suggestion for this little study I am indebted, as so often, to Mr. A. F. Ganier, who might be called the godfather of our K. O. S. ****** the Mcelroy farm— season of 1939 The season of 1939 on the McElroy Farm has been in many ways the most enjoyable of the numerous years that I have studied birds there. Water ran in the ditch practically all winter, but the fields were not covered until early February. My first trip to yield any water birds was made on February 11, when Mallards, Black Ducks, Pintails, Shovellers, and Hooded Mergansers were already there in numbers, although the water was not more than fifty acres in extent. From then on through March and early April the ducks were plentiful. The Pintails and Ring-necks reached their height about March 15, there being about a thousand of each species. The Lesser Scaup and Blue-winged Teal became quite common by April 1. For a single day, April 1, when the bird students were here, there were more than a hundred Red-breasted Mergansers on the lake, but by the next day all had gone but six. In general the total number of ducks has been hardly so high as in 1935 and 1937, but I have recorded 20 species during the season, the best year’s record. Other unusual numbers were the following: Coots, in mid- April, 3000; Pied-billed Grebes, 25 on April 22; Black-crowned Night Herons, 45 on April 2; Semipalmated Plovers, abundant about the middle of May; and Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, quite plentiful on May 20. In many ways the days of the field trip, April 1 and 2, were the best of the entire year, since we saw on those two days 41 species of water birds of the 54 species listed for the whole season, much the best record for the year. Several species were more abundant on these days than at any other time, and several species were recorded only then. The year has brought some new species to my list for the farm: Cory’s Least Bittern, 1, May 27; Gadwall, 1 on April 2 and again on April 7; Greater Scaup, 1 on April 1 and 2; Bonaparte’s Gull, 2 recorded by Dr. L. Y. Lancaster and Dr. and Mrs. Olin Sewall Pet- tingill, Jr., on April 12 while they were taking some moving pictures of the lake and its birds; Least Tern, a mated pair on April 30. The THU KENTUCKY WARBLER 36 Holboell’s Grebe was recorded three times, last on May 27. I listed the Double-crested Cormorant twice and the Egret once, the latter on the Chaney Lake, a mile away. Two of the small ducks that are exceedingly rare here were observed in small numbers several times at close range: the Ruddy and the Bufflehead. In the field across the road from the house I found 4 Upland Plovers on April 1 and 7 on April 7. The Baird’s Sandpiper, recorded only twice before, ap- peared in as large numbers as 10 on May 17. I also listed 6 Red- backed Sandpipers on May 14, the second record for this species. The Loon, listed in 1937, appears several times on my 1939 records, 4 for March 30, 2 for April 1, and 1 for April 2. I have been unable to find any nests with eggs or young, though I found eight or ten nests of Coots that had been started and abandoned. Young Black-crowned Night Herons were listed on June 6. The Chaney Farm, so much like the McElroy Farm in its temporary lake, has been hard of access this year, because the water has been so high. Each of the lakes covered more than 300 acres. I have been to the Chaney Farm several times but usually only Supplemented the list already made at the McElroy Farm. The McElroy Lake disappeared on June 10, but the Chaney Lake remain- ed for ten more days. My long-delayed article on the farm, with a summary of all of my studies, has been accepted for publication by THE WILSON BULLETIN and should appear within the near future. Here are the water birds listed for the season of 1939: Loon, Holboell’s Grebe, Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, American Egret, Green Heron, Black- crowned Night Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, American Bit- tern, Cory’s Least Bittern, Canada Goose, Blue Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, Gadwall, Baldpate, Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Wood Duck, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Canvas- back, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, American Golden-eye, Buffle- head, Ruddy Duck, Hooded Merganser, American Merganser, Red- breasted Merganser, Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, Upland Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Western Willet, Greater Yellow-legs, Lesser Yellow-legs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Red-backed Sandpiper, Semi- palmated Sandpiper, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Bonaparte’s Gull, Common Tern, and Least Tern. ^ # * WOODCOCK NESTING NEAR GLASGOW Russell Starr has reported to the editor that he has found a family of young Woodcocks in a swamp near Beaver Creek, two miles southwest of Glasgow. $ $ $ $ HOW FAR SOUTH IN KENTUCKY DOES THE SONG SPARROW NEST? Does the Song Sparrow nest in your territory? Please report to the editor any summer records of this species. It has been found between Munfordville and Elizabethtown in summer and seems to be a regular summer resident, or all-year resident, north of Elizabeth- town. THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1923, for the purpose of encouraging the study of Kentucky birds and to sponsor measures for their protection. It has functioned continuously since that time, has accomplish- ed much upon its objectives, and looks forward with optimism toward a fine field of endeavor. Ornithology — the study of birds — is a fascinating interest and pastime and each year its devotees increase in numbers. One of the chief objectives of the Society is to band together those who hold this kindred interest, to encourage them in their work, and to “show the way” to others. Our members should therefore endeavor to enlist the interest of others in the study of birds and help them on toward a good start. Each of these new recruits should then be invited to become members of the Society so that they may more fully participate in the pleasure to be derived from bird study. Our dues of one dollar are very small and constitute our only revenue. We are anxious to increase the size and quality of the magazine and our ability to do so will depend entirely on the growth of our membership. Each member therefore is requested to bring in at least one new member yearly. An Annual Spring Meeting is held every year at Louisville at the time of the convention of the Kentucky Educational As- sociation. An Annual Fall Meeting and Field Day is held in October at some place of special interest in Kentucky. Mem- bership is open to non-residents as well as to residents of the State. Correspondence relating to membership and dues should be sent to Virgil D. King, Secretary-Treasurer, 2324 Bonny- castle Ave., Louisville, Ky. All members are invited to contribute articles and notes for publication in the Kentucky Warbler and these should be sent to Dr. Gordon Wilson, Teachers College, Bowling Green, Ky. /OG/ liNTUCKY Autumn 1939 w. Ji yt -4 5C?ttturk}j “To sift the sparkling from the dull and the true Warbler from the false is the aim of every Ornithologist ” Volume XV AUTUMN, 1939 No. 4 PROGRAM OF THE FIFTEENTH FALL MEETING THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY PADUCAH, KENTUCKY OCTOBER 20. 21. 1939 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, IRVIN COBB HOTEL 7:15 P. M. — Registration. First Public Program. 7:45 P. M. — Burt L. Monroe, President, K. O. S., presiding. “Greetings’' Miss Shirley Durham, Paducah “Response”..... Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green “The Attitude of the Conservation Department To- ward Bird Life in Kentucky” Major James Brown, Conservation Department, Frankfort. “Bird Banding” (illustrated with motion pictures) James Boswell Young, Louisville SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 9:30 A. M. — Business Session, Irvin Cofob Hotel. 1:30 P. M.^ — Field Trip, Forrest Durand, leader. 6:00 P. M. — Dinner, Irvin Cofob Hotel. “Interesting Bird Experiences,” Round Table Dis- cussion, speakers limited to five minutes each. 8:00 P. M. — Second Public Program, Irvin Cobb Hotel. “Methods of Bird Study” Dr. Gordon Wilson “Efforts of the Soil Conservation Service to Im- prove Conditions for Bird Life in Kentucky,” (illustrated with lantern slides) Forrest Durand, Paducah NOTE: Make reservations for the dinner with Miss Shirley Durham, Sans Souci, Apartment D. ****** WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB AT LOUISVILLE Don’t forget that the Wilson Ornithological Club will hold its annual meeting this year at Louisville. The dates are November 24 and 25. Make your plans to be on hand at this first meeting of the W. O. C. in Kentucky. ****** OUR CHRISTMAS CENSUSES Be sure to take a Christmas Bird Census this year and send the results to the editor. For forms to use, consult the January issue of THE KENTUCKY WARBLER. Year by year interest has grown in this work; you should become a vital part of it. sm © u 33 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER OBSERVATIONS OF WATER-BIRDS AT THE FARES OF THE OHIO By BURT L. MONROE and ROBERT M. MENGEL (Continued from Summer, 1939, issue) Once during the last four years the Ohio River has frozen com- pletely over, this during the exceptionally cold winter of 1935-1936 when sub-zero temperatures prevailed at Louisville for over a week. At the subsequent break-up, ice floes of arctic resemblance were formed; and great heaps of ice, fifty feet in height in places, lined the river banks. Coincident with this anomalous cold spell came unprecedented numbers of cold-weather waterfowl. Many Old- Squaws and American Merganser drakes were noticed, and other species were generally abundant. Such conditions, however, are ex- tremely unusual in this area and have no lasting effect on the repre- sentation of winter waterfowl. Unless it is stated otherwise, all specimens taken are at present in the possession of the senior author. Common Boon (Gavia immer imrner) — Recorded frequently dur- ing April and November. Large flocks numbering between fifty and one hundred individuals appear in the vicinity of Six Mile and Twelve Mile Islands in November. Specimens were taken April 6, 1933 and November 11, 1938. Holboell’s Grebe (Colymbus grisegena holboelli) — A rare bird in this area. One seen March 17, 1934, on a pond just off the river bank near Goose Island. A specimen was secured near Tv/elve Mile Island on October 23, 1938. Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus) — -Flock numbering twenty-five or thirty birds seen during late October and early November. Single birds have been recorded occasionally from March 21 through May 13. One individual remained in this area as late as June 17, 1934,' but there was no evidence of nesting. One specimen taken October 23, 1938, near Tv/elve Mile Island. Pied-Billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps podiceps) — A breeding bird in this area, appearing March 5 and remaining until November 22. White Pelican (Pelecamis erythrorynonos) — Two of these birds appeared on the Falls of the Ohio on September 5, 1938 and were recorded by Dorothy Madden Hobson (Auk 56:327, 1939). Double- Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus auritus) — Winters sparingly at Louisville. Recorded most often in the months of April and November, in the vicinity of Goose Island. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias herodias) — Recorded in each month of the year except January, February, and December, but not as yet found breeding at Louisville. Five or six may be seen at one time feeding at the Falls during late August and September. American Egret (Casmerodius albus egretta) — During the north- ward migration or wandering in late July and August, these birds congregate on the Falls and at Towhead Island in flocks of approx- imately one hundred. They generally appear in this region on July 22 and have been recorded as late as October 15. Specimens were secured July 25, 1936, and August 28, 1937. the Kentucky warbler S9 Snowy Egret (Egrefta thnla thula) — Six birds were seen on August 21, and nine on August 22, 1937. Their yellow feet were easily noted as the birds flew and waded about the Falls. Little Blue Heron (Florida caerulea ©aemXea) — Their numbers here equal those of the American Egret, with which they associate. Most birds recorded are in the white plumage, very few of the blue phase being noticed. Seen from July 22 to September 16. Eastern Green Heron (Butorides virescens virescens) — Most abundant, breeding in numbers in this area along the Ohio River. Arrive March 27 and leave October 21. Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli) — * The Falls is the chief feeding ground for the colony of these birds which nest in the Cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides) on Six Mile Island. Another colony nests in Southern Indiana and congregates on the Falls. The colony on Six Mile Island consists of approximately one hundred and seventy-five nests and is growing in size each year. This bird is a resident here from March 25 to October 12. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) — Recorded most often in the spring during the months of April and May in Caperton’s Swamp. A specimen was taken April 19, 1936. Eastern Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis exilis) — Found breeding in Caperton’s Swamp every year since study began. Never found in numbers. Latest date September 11. Wood Ibis (Mycteria americana) — -One bird; first seen at a small pond in Floyd County in Southern Indiana, a very short distance from the Fails, on August 5, 1934. It appeared on the Falls proper on August 12 and was recorded again on August 18. Whistling Swan (Cygrnis eolumbianus) — Two birds, one adult and one immature, seen on the Ohio River near Six Mile Island on December 22, 1935. Common Canada Goose (Brant a canadensis canadensis)' — Often seen in flight over Louisville in March and October. Occasionally rests along the Ohio. Eleven birds recorded near Six Mile Island October 23, 1936. A flock of twenty-one remained near Twelve Mile Island from March 14 to March 21, 1937. Lesser Snow Goose (Chen hyperborea hyperborea)- — On October 18, 1936, thirty-one of these birds were seen in company with a large flock of Blue Geese in flight over the city. Five were recorded November 8, 1935, in a flock of Blue Geese. Blue Goose (Chen caerulescens) — Often recorded in migration over this region. On rare occasions it rests on the Ohio, where it has been taken by hunters. An immature bird was secured October 24 1938. Common Mallard (Anas platyrynchos platyrynchos)— Winters in considerable numbers along the Ohio River, mostly in the vicinity of Twelve Mile Island. Red-Legged Black Duck (Anas rupripes rapripes). Common Black Duck (Anas rupripes tristis) — Both forms un- questionably appear in this region. Great numbers winter in the vicinity of Twelve Mile Island. A series of skins will be necessary to determine the relative abundance of each race. 40 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Gadwall (Chaulel&smus streperus) — Recorded in fair numbers mostly in April and November. European Widgeon (Mareca penelope) — On February 22, 1939, three of these birds were found on Lentz's Fond, a wet-weather pond near Harrod's Creek, Jefferson County, Kentucky. There were two males and a third bird which seemed to be a female. One male ap- peared again on February 25, 26, 27, and 28. On February 28 it was collected. Baldpate (Mareca americana) — Common in late March and April. Numbers also recorded in November. American Pintail (Dafila acuta tzitzihoa) —Recorded along the Ohio in each month from September to April. Abundant in middle of February. Green-Winged Teal (Nettion carolinense)— Not found in sizeable flocks. Recorded March 14 to April 14 and November 11 to Decem- ber 5. Bine-Winged Teal — (Querquedula discors) — Most abundant from August 18 to October 2, and from March 18 to May 10. All ponds in the vicinity of the Ohio River in this region are literally covered with them in the spring. Shoveller (Spatula elypeata)- — Fairly common pond duck in March and April. Not so numerous along the river although fair numbers are taken by hunters in November. . Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) — Increasing amazingly in the last few years. Breeds near Goose Island, Rose Island, and Caperton's Swamp. Young birds were found at all three spots during 1938. Redhead (Nyroca americana)- — Winters rarely in this area. Taken occasionally by hunters in November. Three birds were killed November 11, 1938, and three others seen December 26, 1938. Ring-Necked Duck (Nyroca collaris)— Flocks numbering 1500 to 2000 were observed on March 21 and March 28, 1937. Specimens were taken on former date. Also recorded in November, December, January, February, April, and May. Canvasback (Nyroca valislneria) — Recorded sparingly in the months from November to March. Flocks of twenty-four and twenty- two seen on March 20 and March 21, 1937, respectively. Lesser Scaup Duck (Nyroca affinis)- — Known here as the “little bluebill,” this duck is most abundant during the winter months, many records being made from late October to middle May. American Golden-Eye (Glaucionetta clangula americana)—- Winter resident from November 15 to April 13. Baffle-Head (Charitonetta albeola)— A winter resident from November 10 to April 13. Old- Squaw (Clangula hyemalis)— This bird arrives in the fail from November 25 to December 10. These are usually immature birds and females. A few only seen at a time, but in severe weather in January and February we see fair-sized flocks of adults. It usually leaves us as soon as the weather opens but has been seen rarely as late as the middle of March. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 41 White-Winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) — Irregular in habits, it has been recorded spasmodically from October 25 to middle February. Two specimens were taken November 29, 1936, and two more November 6, 1938. American Scoter (Oidemia americana) — Of very rare occurrence here. Two specimens taken November 9, 1938. Ruddy Duck (Erismatura jamaicensis rabida) — Increasing num- bers are appearing in this area. During November, 1938, flocks of fifty or more were often recorded. Rare in winter. Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) — Records secured from November 14 through April 23. Four specimens secured Novem- ber 16, 1938. American Merganser (Mergus merganser americamis) — The most abundant of the Mergansers at Louisville. Recorded as early as November 3, mostly females and immature males. Old males usually arrive with the advent of extreme weather and leave as soon as the weather moderates. Two adult male specimens were taken February 2, 1936. Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus serrafor) — Never very common here. Male bird taken April 7, 1935. These birds are recorded most often in February, March and April; occasionally in December, January, and February. Sandhill Crane (Gras canadensis tabida) — One bird seen in a la.rge pasture on each day from March 31 through April 6, 1938. The only other record for this species at Louisville was secured on March 19, 1933, when thirteen of these birds were seen in flight over the Ohio River at Goose Island. King Rail (Rallus elegans elegans) — Summer resident, breeding sparingly in Caperton’s Swamp and other marshy areas. Adult bird Captured and banded April 21, 1937. Specimen taken in Caperton’s Swamp July 20, 1936. Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola limicola) — An uncommon transient in marshy areas near the Ohio River. One bird taken April 25, 1936. Sora (Porzana Carolina) — Spring and fall migrant, most records being secured from middle April to middle May. Florida Galiiimle (Gallinula chloropus cachinnans) — Recorded in Caperton’s Swamp April 26, 28, May 4, 9, and 19. A specimen was Secured October 5, 1938, when one struck a wire during migration. American Coot (Fulica americana americana) — Very abundant during spring and fall migrations. Rafts of them appear on the Ohio in April, late October, and November. Occasional birds seen during the summer months. Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus ) —-Two birds seen on Septem- ber 5, 1937, on the Falls, one collected. On August 27, 1938, another was seen. A day later, August 28, 1938, one was collected here by a member of the field party of the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. Semipalmated Plover (CSiaradrius semipalmatus) — Seen often on the Falls about the gravel and sand bars. Specimens taken here dated September 6 and September 13, 1938. 42 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER KslMeer (Oxyechus vociferas vociferns) — Very common breeding bird at Louisville. In late summer and early fall it is ubiquitous, especially on the Falls, where great flocks gather. It is a permanent resident in this area. American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica dominica) — Records on the Falls for September 3, 8, 9, 11, 16, 18, 19, 20 and October 1. Specimens taken September 11 and September 18, 1937. A third specimen taken September 11, 1938, is now in possession of the Cin- cinnati Museum of Natural History. Black-Bellied Plover (Squatarola squatarola) — One bird taken. September 18, 1937. These birds are found on the Falls regularly each year on various dates from July 22 to October 1. They are never found in numbers here, usually single birds or in groups of two to five. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpret morfneUa) — Seen on the Falls from September 1 through September 27. Two specimens, both females in the winter plumage, were taken September 27, 1936, and September 7, 1937, respectively. American Woodcock (Philohela minor)-— Breeds sparingly in Jefferson County but most often recorded in months of March and November. Wilson’s Snipe (Capella delicata) — Fairly common migrant in spring and fall. Records range from March 6 to May 13 and from September 1 to November 15. Upland Plover (Bartra-mia Ion gicauda ) A flock of fifteen seen at Airport on July 30, 1938. Specimen taken on September 6, 1937. Present in small numbers from mid-summer to November. Spotted Sandpiper (Actltis macular la) — Quite common. Record- ed in each month from April to October. Plentiful on the Falls in August and September. Eastern Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria solitaria) — Common spring and fall migrant. It leaves so late in spring and returns to us so early in the summer months that it seems never to leave. The latest known date here was June 2, and the earliest arrival in the fall was July 9. Western Willet ( Cntopt rophorus semipalmatus inornatus) — One record only; a single bird was seen on the Falls on August 21, 1937, and was collected on August 22. (Auk, 55:678, 1938). Greater Yellow-Legs (Tetanus melanoleucus) — Recorded sparing- ly from April 1 to May 13 and from August 7 to November 5. Speci- mens taken April 12, 1936, and September 11, 1937. Lesser Yellow-Legs (To tan us flavipes) — Much more common than the preceding species. Large flocks recorded from April 1 to May 22 and from July 21 to October 21. Pectoral Sandpiper (Pisobia melanotos) — Excluding the Killdeer, this bird is by far the most abundant shorebird on the Falls. From July 22 to October 1 they may be found in numbers feeding among the potholes near the wickets of the dam. They are also found in considerable numbers from April 3 to May 15 on the mud flats near the Ohio. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 43 Baird's Sandpiper (Fisobia foairdi) — Extremely rare on the Falls and mud flats of this area. Two birds were seen on August 27 and one bird on August 28, 1938, on the Falls. A single bird remained on the mud flats near Caperton’s Swamp for the entire week of Sep- tember 5 through September 11, 1938. Least Sandpiper (Fisobia rainutilla) — Plentiful in late August and early September. Also found in fewer numbers in May. Speci- mens taken September 6 and September 13, 1936. Long-Billed Howitcher ( Limnodromus griseus scolopaeeus) — On August 19, 1939, a specimen of this bird was taken by the senior author on the Falls. Sight records made previously on August 12, 19, 21 and September 1, 2, and 18, during the years 1936, 1937 and 1938. Stilt Sandpiper (Micropalama himantopus) — Recorded April 3, 17, and May 7 on mud flat near flooded cornfield in region of Six Mile Island. Records on the Falls secured August 28, September 1, 5, 7, and 8. On August 28, 1938, a specimen was secured for the Cin- cinnati Museum of Natural History. This bird was taken on the Falls. On September 8, 1938, the senior author took a bird on a mud flat above Towhead Island. Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ereunetes pusillus) — Seen in large numbers along with the Least and Pectoral Sandpipers. Specimens taken August 23 and September 6, 1936, and August 27, 1938, on the Falls. Western Sandpiper (Ereunetes maurii) — The first specimen of this bird for the state of Kentucky was taken by the authors on July 22, 1939 on the Falls. The bird still retained an amazing amount of the summer breeding plumage. The skin was examined by Dr. Josselyn Van Tyne, of the University of Michigan, who compared it with the museum collection and verified the identification. Two more specimens were taken on August 13, 1939. In all probability, this sandpiper occurs here in more numbers than heretofore suspect- ed. Buff-Breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subrufieollis) — Three indi- viduals of this species were observed walking among the rocks and sandhills on the Falls on September 17, 1936. Two were collected. On August 27, 1938, another bird was collected and presented to the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History. These sandpipers were also observed August 26, 1938, two birds; Sentember 11, 1938, one bird. (Auk, 55:678, 1938). Sanderling (Croeethia alba) — These birds are seen here in flocks of twenty or thirty individuals and appear each year with regularity. They have been recorded from early August to October 12. Two specimens, taken August 2, 1936, show traces of the brownish breed- ing plumage. A third specimen, taken September 11, 1937, has changed to the winter plumage completely. Wilson's Phalarope (Steganopus tricolor)— One bird was seen on Lentz’s Fond near Six Mile Island on May 6 and 7, 1933. One bird was seen on the Falls on September 28, 1937. Herring Gull (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) — The most abundant Gull of our region. Many hundreds winter here, arriving as early as September 28, and remaining as late as May 5. A favorite place for them is Sand Island, below the Falls of the Ohio, where they gather in great numbers in mid-winter. 44 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER King-Billed Gull (Laras delawarensis) — -Seen often with the Herring Gull but not nearly so plentiful. A specimen, an immature bird, was taken on the Falls of the Ohio August 31, 1938. Bonaparte’s Gull (Laras Philadelphia) — These Gulls usually ap- pear in the harbor about April 8, although an occasional bird is seen as early as March 27. About thirty of them fed in the harbor on April 8, 9, and 10, 1937, and about the same number on April 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 1938. Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri) — Many of these Terns accom- pany the Common and Black Terns on the Falls and along the river. Specimens were taken on August 30, 1936, and identified by the outer white web of the tail as in contrast to the darker outer web of the Common Tern. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo hirundo) — Seen in fair numbers with the Forster’s and Black Terns. Recorded in April, May, August, and September. Specimen taken on the Falls on October 4, 1936. Least Tern (Sterna antillarum antillarum) — Although found breeding in Fulton County, this small Tern is not recorded often at Louisville. Records here since the beginning of this study consist of three birds found in the vicinity of the Falls on September 10, 1933, and one bird on August 2, 1934. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia imperator)— -This Tern is a very regular autumn migrant to the Falls of the Ohio, appearing as early as August 4, and recorded regularly from August 21 through September 20; most often seen in groups of two, three, or four birds but has been seen in flocks numbering as high as fifteen. Black Tern (Chlidonias nigra surinamensis) — The most abundant of the Terns in this region and plentiful on the Falls in autumn. Most of the birds seen here are in the pied plumage but an occasional individual in the black plumage is found, one such specimen being taken August 22, 1937. Other specimens were secured August 23, 1936. * * * * * * MISS SCHNEIDER IN ALASKA Miss Evelyn Schneider attended several sessions of the American Ornithologists’ Union and the all-day field trip in California this summer. The Cooper Ornitholigists’ Club were hosts and, according to Miss Schneider, left nothing to be desired in hospitality. After this meeting Miss Schneider went by steamer to Alaska. She writes to the editor: “I added several birds to my life list. Ravens were as common as Crows here; Bald Eagles became so numerous that we ceased to record them; beautiful Violet-green Swallows abounded all through the country; and seeing at close range such birds as Surf Scoters, White-winged Scoters, Little Brown Cranes, Pomarine Jae- gers, Black-footed Albatrosses, Bohemian Wax wings, and hearing throughout most of the interior the song of the Hermit Thrush — all gave us tremendous thrills. Alaska is a most marvelous country— to visit.” ****** BROOKS HILL TRIP Our president, Burt Monroe, and Bobby Mengel had a great trip to Brooks Hill, in Bullitt County, on June 24. They report having THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 45 found plenty of Scarlet Tanagers, Hooded Warblers and Pine Warb- lers on the high elevations there. Burt also barely escaped at bite from a copperhead and came away jittery. CERULEAN WARBLER AT AUDUBON PARK On June 6, 1939, I visited the Audubon Memorial Park, at Hen- derson. While I was eating lunch near the Shelter House, I heard the song of the Cerulean Warbler. Naturally I tried to find the bird, but the best I could do was to determine that the song was coming from one group of trees. The song was somewhat intermittent, and during the silent periods 1 ate. After lunch I selected a place that gave me a good view of the group of trees. After about fifteen minutes I had the satisfaction of seeing the bird and watching it while it sang. I do not know the summer status o fthe Cerulean but thought its presence in Audubon Park worthy of mention. — W. M. WALKER, JR., Knoxville, Tenn. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ SUMMER RECORDS FROM CUMBERLAND NATIONAL FOREST By ROBERT M. MENGEL Mr. Edgar Ritchie and I, both of Louisville, were very fortunate in spending the period of July 2-7, 1939, near the Rockcastle River in Laurel County, Kentucky. The area lies in the Cumberland National Forest on the Cumberland Plateau, at an altitude which ranges from 1000 to 1300 feet. The closest town of any size is London, twenty miles northwest. The region is characterized by the typical wilder- ness of the Cumberland Plateau, with Jersey and short leaf pines mingling with oak on the uplands and hemlock prevailing in the valleys. The underlying sandstone shows in the form of many sheer cliffs, especially where the Rockcastle River has carved out its deep gorge. This rugged terrain is ideally suited to many wilder and more unusual forms of bird and animal life, and many miles of it are virtually unexplored. According to apparently reliable information gleaned from one of the older residents, the Raven left the locality close to fifteen years ago and the eagles (both species) about the same time. The Duck Hawk still remains and breeds in at least one fine bluff on the river. Interesting tales were told of days when Ravens croaked continually from the valley and when young stock suffered heavily from the ravages of Golden Eagles. In the unbroken wilderness stretching to the north and south of the Rockcastle it seems possible that a few of these may remain. In the six days spent in the forest 68 species of birds were listed, about ten of which, however, were seen only in cleared land on the fringes of the wooded places. Here is an annotated list of the birds recorded: Turkey Vulture (Gathartes aura septentrionalis) — A few were noted each day. Sharp-SMnned Hawk (Aeelpiter velox velox) — One was seen fly- ing across a CCC road on July 5. Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperi)-— Two recorded. Red-Tailec! Hawk (Reteo borealis borealis) — Only two seen, both on the last day. Duck Hawk (Faieo peregrinus anatum)— A single bird was seen soaring high above some cliffs on the Pulaski County side of the river on July 5. On the next day an eyrie was found in the face of a 130-foot sheer cliff on the Laurel County side at the head of Rock- 46 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER castle Narrows. This was invisible from its own side of the River and was not seen until we had swum the river. It is perhaps the only definitely known Peregrine nest in Kentucky, although there should be other pairs about many of the splendid "cliffs of the forest. Eastern Sparrow Hawk (Falso sparverius spar ver ins) > — Strangely not seen by us but said by the residents to be common. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus subsp.) — A grouse was flushed on the afternoon of March 29, when I first visited the area, and an- other on July 2. Recent investigations indicate that Kentucky grouse might be the northern form (togata), but, until this is established, we must remain uncertain. Eastern Bob- White (Colinus virginianus Virginia mas) — Fairly common. Mourning Dove (Zenaidura macroura carolinensis)- — A few were seen in cleared places. Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus Americana) — Fairly common. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus virginianus) — Heard hoot- ing near camp almost every night. Common. Whip-Poor-Will (Antrostomus vociferus vociferus) — Common; as many as five heard every night. Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagiea) — Common. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) — Noted on five occasions. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus lu tees)— Fairly common. Southern Pileated Woodpecker (Ceophloeus plieatus pileatus) — « Seven seen and heard during our stay. Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Centurus Carolines) — Only three recorded. Red-Headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes ery thr ocephalus ) — Only one seen. Eastern Hairy Woodpecker (Bryobates villosus villosus) — Two were recorded, on July 5 and 6, respectively. Northern Downy Woodpecker (Dry ©bates pubescens medianus) — » Fairly common. Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis)— A flock of six was observed on July 2, two on July 6, and four on July 7, all in two small pine groves. They were closely observed on all occasions and each time were discovered by their continual chattering. This is one of the first records of this rare woodpecker in Kentucky. Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyr annus)— Fairly common. Northern Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus erinitus boreus) — Com- mon. Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) — Fairly numerous; nests in the crevices of the cliffs. Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) — Recorded twice along the river bank. Eastern Wood Pewee (Myiochanes virens) — Judged fourth most abundant bird recorded during our stay. THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 47 Purple Martin (Progne subfs subis) — A few noted in the forest. Very abundant about London, where a flock estimated at over 1000 roosts near the courthouse. Florida Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata florincola) — Not very com- mon. A specimen taken at Pickett Forest, Tennessee, 40 miles south- west, in June, 1937, indicates that the southern form breeds on the Plateau. Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos subsp.) — Fairly common; probably the southern form. Carolina Chickadee (Penthestes carolinensis carolinensis) — Com- mon. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) — Quite common. Northern White-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis caro- linesis) — At least one every day. Bewick’s Wren (Thry ©manes bewicki bewicki) — Heard singing around some of the farms. Carolina Wren (Thry ©thorns ludoviciaims ludovicianus) — Fairly common. Mockingbird (Minins polyglottus) — Noted about clearings and on the road. Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) — Quite common everywhere. Eastern Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rafum) — Only two record- ed. Eastern Robin (Terdus migratorius migratorius) — Fairly com- mon in open woods. Wood Thrush (Hylociehla mustelina) — Common at all times. Bluebird (Siaiia sialis sialis) — Fairly common. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea caeruiea) — Three found on July 6. Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)— It has established itself around London and is beginning to make its appearance in the woods. White-Eyed Vireo (Vireo griscus griscus) — Common. Yellow-Throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) — At least one listed each day. Red-Eyed Vireo (Vireo oil vacuus) — Common. Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia) — Fairly common along streams. Black-Throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens virens) — Com- mon, mostly in the hemlocks along the streams. Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus pinus) — Abundant in all pine woods. Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor discolor) — Vied with the Hooded Warbler for the honor of being the most common bird. Oven-Bird (Seiurus aiirocapillus) — Frequently heard and seen. Louisiana Water-Thrush (Seiurus motacilla) — Recorded once, on Cain Creek, a tributary of the Rockcastle River. m THE KENTUCKY WAEBLEB THE KENTUCKY WARBLER Publication of the Kentucky Ornithological Society Issued for the Seasons Subscription Price $1.00 Per Year (Includes membership to state organization and local chapters) Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) — Common. Maryland Yellow-Throat (Geothlypis trichas trichas) — Fairly common in clearings. Yellow-Breasted Chat (Icteria virens virens) — Common and noisy. Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) — Very common; heard almost continuously. English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) — Seen about the farms. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturneila magna magna) — Observed three times along the CCC road into the forest. Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula subsp.) — Quite a number were en- countered near London; these may be the eastern variety or inter- mediates. Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)— Common at all times. Eastern Cardinal (Richinondena cardinalis cardinalis) — Fairly common, even in thick timber. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) — Common. Goldfinch (Spinus tristis tristis) — Seen several times. Bed-Eyed Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)- — Common. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savaimarum australis) — * Five recorded in small fields along the road. Scarlet Tanager (Piranga eryihromelas) — Rather common, most- ly in higher places. Bachman’s Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis bachmaiil) — Heard singing on at least six occassions. Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina passerina) — Rather com- mon. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla pusilla) — Common, Song Sparrow (Melospiza meiodia subsp.) — Recorded twice at London. This is an unusually southern record. The Laurel County birds may represent the Eastern Song Sparrow rather than the Mississippi. The following birds wrere not recorded but should occur in the Forest as summer residents: Green Heron, Black Vulture, Broad- Winged Hawk, Killdeer, Black Billed Cuckoo, Screech Owl, Barred Owl. Nighthawk, Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, Golden-Winged Warbler, Blue-Winged Warbler, Parula Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Yellow-Throated Warbler subsp., Redstart, and Rough- Winged Swallow. O' THE KENTUCKY ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1923, for the purpose of encouraging the study of Kentucky birds and to sponsor measures for their protection. It has functioned continuously since that time, has accomplish- ed much upon its objectives, and looks forward with optimism toward a fine field of endeavor. Ornithology— the study of birds — is a fascinating interest and pastime and each year its devotees increase in numbers. One of the chief objectives of the Society is to band together those who hold this kindred interest, to encourage them in their work, and to “show the way" to others. Our members should therefore endeavor to enlist the interest of others in the study of birds and help them on toward a good start. Each of these new recruits should then be invited to become members of the Society so that they may more fully participate in the pleasure to be derived from bird study. Our dues of one dollar are very small and constitute our only revenue. We are anxious to increase the size and quality of the magazine and our ability to do so will depend entirely on the growth of our membership. Each member therefore is requested to bring in at least one new member yearly. An Annual Spring Meeting is held every year at Louisville at the time of the convention of the Kentucky Educational As- sociation. An Annual Fall Meeting and Field Day is held in October at some place of special interest in Kentucky. Mem- bership is open to non-residents as well as to residents of the State. Correspondence relating to membership and dues should be sent to Virgil D. King, Secretary-Treasurer, 2324 Bonny- castle Ave., Louisville, Ky. All members are invited to contribute articles and notes for publication in the Kentucky Warbler and these should be sent to Dr. Gordon Wilson, Teachers College, Bowling Green, Ky. . /O O' Krntitrkg “To sift the sparkling from the dull , and the true Marker from the false, is the aim of every Ornithologist” Volume XVI WINTER, 1940 No.l OUR FALL. MEETINGS The fifteenth annual fall meeting of the Kentucky Ornithological Society was held at Paducah on Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21. On Friday evening at the Irvin Cobb Hotel we were greeted by representatives of the Paducah Junior Chamber of Commerce; to this greeting Dr. Gordon Wilson responded by giving a brief history of the society. Major Joseph Brown, the head of the Conservation Department of Kentucky, discussed the attitude of his department toward wild life in Kentucky. Mr. James Boswell Young read an interesting paper on “Bird Banding,” enumerating many of his choicest experiences as a bander. Saturday, October 21, was devoted to two outings and an evening program. The first outing took us to Lake Genevieve, a good-sized private lake near Reidland; in the afternoon we went to some re- forestation projects, led by Mr. Forrest Durand, of the Soil Conserva- tion Service. In spite of the very dry and warm weather we had good success in finding birds: Bluebird, Robwhite, Red- winged Black- bird, Catbird, Cardinal, Crow, Brown Creeper, Dove, Flicker, Gold- finch, Bronzed Grackle, Pied-billed Grebe, Sparrow Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Marsh Hawk, Blue Jay, Junco, Killdeer, Kingfisher, Golden- crowned Kinglet, Meadowlark, Prairie Horned Lark, Mockingbird, Phoebe, Robin, Solitary Sandpiper, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, English Sparrow, Tufted Titmouse, Hermit Thrush, Towhee, Myrtle Warbler, Downy Wood- pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Bewick’s Wren, Carolina Wren, Winter Wren, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Great Blue Heron, Blue Goose (a flock of 25, probably the first record for Paducah), Pintail, Rusty Blackbird, Starling, Canada Goose. In the evening, again at the Irvin Cobb Hotel, Dr. Wilson dis- cussed “Methods of Bird Study,” and Mr. Forrest Durand spoke on “Efforts of the Soil Conservation Service to Improve Conditions for Bird Life in Kentucky.” Because there were so few of our members present, the business session was postponed until the meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Club, in Louisville, on Friday, November 24, where the following officers were elected for the next year: President — Miss Evelyn Schneider, Louisville. Vice-President — Dr. L. Y. Lancaster, Bowling Green. JW 9 ^ THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 2 Secretary-Treasurer — Mr. Virgil D. King, Falmouth. Councillors — Eastern — Major Victor K. Dodge, Lexington. Central — Mr. Floyd S. Carpenter, Louisville. Western — Miss Shirley Durham, Paducah. Former Presidents — Dr. T. Atchison Frazer, Marion; Mr. B. C. Bacon, Madisonville ; Dr. Gordon Wilson, Bowling Green; Mr. Burt L. Monroe, Louisville. A committee was appointed to revise the constitution and present it at the spring meeting. The Pindar Fund was authorized to be invested in Building and Loan stock. Numerous discussions were given about bird study and protection. There were twenty-five mem- bers present and voting. * * * * * * CHRISTMAS CENSUSES We have an excellent number of Christmas censuses, from our members within the state and from some of our members in Tennes- see, Indiana, and Michigan. There are 86 species on the State lists, a new high for us. The editor wishes to thank every one of the contributors for making this our best census. ****** Nashville Tenn. (Radnor Lake, Overton Hills, Warner Parks, Bell- meade, Westmeade, Hill Estate, River Road and bottoms, Paradise Ridge, Marrowbone Lake, and suburbs of Nashville). Dec. 24: 4 A. M. to 5 P. M. Ground bare and wet; no wind; temp. 34 at start, 41 at 4 P. M. Seventeen observers in 6 groups, as follows: Party I, 4 observers, 15 hours, 15 miles afoot; Party II, 4 observers, 9 hours, 5 miles afoot; Party III, 3 observers, 6Y2 hours, 2 miles afoot; Party IV, 3 observers, 5 hours, 3 miles afoot; Party V, 2 observers, 4 y2 hours, 5 miles afoot; Party VI, 2 observers, 7 hours, 3 miles afoot. Total miles afoot, 33; total hours afoot, 37. Horned Grebe, 2 (on Cumber- land River): Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Common Mallard, 9; Black Duck, 21; Gadwall, 1; Ring-necked Duck, 23; Lesser Scaup, 10; American Golden-eye, 5; Hooded Merganser, 21; Turkey Vulture, 7; Black Vulture, 57; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2; Cooper’s Hawk, 2; Red- tailed Hawk, 8; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 24; Bob-white, 53; Kill- deer, 34; Woodcock, 2; Wilson’s Snipe, 3; Mourning Dove, 3; Barn Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 3; Barred Owl, 2; King- fisher, 4; Flicker, 60; Pileated Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 13; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 10; Downy Woodpecker, 40; Phoebe, 4; Horned Lark, 210; Blue Jay, 26; Crow, 350; Carolina Chickadee, 102; Tufted Titmouse, 60; White- breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 1; Winter Wren, 10; Bewick’s Wren, 7; Carolina Wren, 42; Mockingbird, 112; Robin, 684; Hermit Thrush, 4; Bluebird, 103; American Pipit, 53 (1 flock); Migrant Shrike, 1; Starling, 11,200 (5,000 at a roost in magnolias); Myrtle Warbler, 26; English Sparrow, 65; Meadowlark, 35; Rusty Black- bird, 314; Bronzed Grackle, 4 (a flock of 1,500 seen two days later); Cowbird, 30; Cardinal, 285; Purple Finch, 45; Goldfinch, 54; Towhee, 47; Savannah Sparrow, 4; Slate-colored Junco, 252; Field Sparrow, 62; White-crowned Sparrow, 14; White-throated Sparrow, 260; Fox Sparrow, 16; Swamp Sparrow, 59: Song Sparrow, 55. Total, 68 species; 15,007 individuals. A Red-headed Woodpecker was seen on December 26. — Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Abernathy, Paul Bryant, John B. Calhoun, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 3 Albert F. Ganier (compiler), Conrad Jamison, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Laskey, Mary Lee, Francis Lawrence, Arthur McMurray, C. E. Pearson, John Pritchett, Leo Rippy, Jr., J. A. Robins, William Simpson, H. S. Vaughn, and G. B. Woodring. (Twenty-fifth annual census of Nashville Chapter, Tennessee Ornithological Society). ****** Johns Run, Carter County — December 26; 9:00 A. M. to 4:15 P. M. Cloudy, with about two inches of snow; temp. 28 to 34. About 8 miles on foot in wooded and open-field aceas. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Mourning Dove, 19; Flicker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Crow, 9; Carolina Chickadee, 22; Tufted Titmouse, 12; Carolina Wren, 7; Hermit Thrush, 1; Starling, 5; Cardinal, 22; Goldfinch, 4; Red-eyed Towhee, 1; Slate-colored Junco, 58; Tree Sparrow, 25; Field Sparrow, 20; Song Sparrow, 42. Total, 18 species, 254 individuals. — ERCEL KOZEE. ****** Anchorage, (Anchorage, areas around Worthington, O’Bannon, Harrod’s Creek, and Gotion; Ohio River; and connecting roads). Dec. 23; 3 A. M. to 5 P. M. overcast, snow in afternoon; wind, light, south- east; temp. 29 at start, 35 at return. Observers in groups as fol- lows: Party I, 1 observer, 7 hours, 5 miles afoot; Party II, 1 observer, 6 hours, 3 miles afoot; Party III, 2 observers, 7 hours, 2 miles afoot; Party IV, 2 observers, 5 hours, 4 miles afoot; each party also worked from cars at some times. Total miles afoot, 14; total miles by auto, 65; total hours, 25. Common Loon, 1; Horned Grebe, 3; Great Blue Heron, 1; Common Mallard, 1000 (est.); Black Duck (probably both races), 1500 (est.); Pintail, 7; Ring-necked Duck, 10; Lesser Scaup Duck, 34; American Golden-eye, 2; Bufflehead, 3; Ruddy Duck, 1; Hooded Merganser, 14; American Merganser, 10; Cooper’s Hawk, 3; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 4; Bald Eagle, 1; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 35; Bob- white, 1 covey (number undeter- mined); Killdeer, 3; Herring Gull, 43; Ring-billed Gull, 3; Mourning Dove, 150 (est. of 1 flock); Screech Owl, 3; Great Horned Owl, 2; Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 3; Flicker, 5; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 34; Northern Homed Lark 25 (est.); Prairie Horned Lark, 275 (est. of one flock of about 300, mixed); Blue Jay, 22; Crow, 600 (est.); Carolina Chickadee, 83; Tufted Titmouse, 125; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, 2; Winter Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 23; Mockingbird, 13; Robin, 1; Bluebird, 15; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 15; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3; Migrant Shrike, 1; Starling, 2000 (est.); English Sparrow, 400 (est.); Meadowlark, 44; Red- winged Blackbird, 3; Bronzed Grackle, 1; Cow- bird, 1; Cardinal, 140; Purple Finch, 11; Goldfinch, 3; Towhee, 2; Slate-colored Junco, 550 (est.); Tree Sparrow, 175; Field Sparrow, 4; White-crowned Sparrow, 16; White-throated Sparrow, 31; Fox Sparrow, 1; Swamp Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 28. Total, 68 species; 7681 (est.) individuals. The following species were also seen during the week of the census: Baldpate (2) and Black Vulture (1) on Dec. 17 and Rough-legged Hawk (1) on Dec. 21. The Great Blue Heron was observed, with binoculars and 25x telescope at 250 yards, in flight over the river. — E. C. Hume, Jr., James LaFollette, Robert M. Mengel, and Burt L. Monroe (Members of the Rafinesque Ornithological Club). 4 THE KENTUCKY WAKBLEK Falmouth (Watershed of Middle Fork of Grassy Creek in Grant and Pendleton Counties, a triangular area of 28,000 acres) — Dec. 30; 7:00 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Morning cloudy; afternoon clear; temp. 22 at start, 28 at return; ground covered with six inches of snow; 47 miles by automobile, iy2 miles on foot. Turkey Vulture, 2; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 6; Kill- deer, 1; (heard calling overhead after dark); Mourning Dove, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 59; Carolina Chickadee, 112; Tufted Titmouse, 46; Winter Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 11; Mockingbird, 2; Bluebird, 7; Starling, 81; English Sparrow, 225; Bronzed Grackle, 1; Cardinal, 44; Purple Finch, 1; Goldfinch, 4; Red-eyed Towhee, 12; Slate-colored Junco, 168; Tree Sparrow, 78; White-crowned Sparrow, 12; White-throated Sparrow, 8; Swamp Sparrow, 5; Song Sparrow, 36. Total, 33 species, 949 individuals. —VIRGIL D. KING. s ifs Bloomingdale, Ind. (from Madden Farm west to Adams Levee along the Wabash River and return by way of the Rockport Hills, all well within a 15-mile diameter). Dec. 26; 8:00 A. M. to 3.00 P. M., cloudy, wind, northeast, light; temp. 24 at start, 28 at return. On foot 6 miles, by auto 30 miles, observer alone. Mallard, 11; Wood Duck, 4; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Flicker, 30; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 28; Prairie Horned Lark, 52; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 415; Carolina Chickadee, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 21; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 1; Carolina Wren, 1; Bluebird, 12; Starling, 115; English Sparrow, 126; Cardinal, 26; Goldfinch, 11; Slate-colored June*"'. 53; Tree Sparrow, 165; Song Sparrow, 15. Total, 24 species, 1,107 in- dividuals. Other species seen on the Madden Farm almost every day of the census period: Bob-white, Mourning Dove, Meadowlark, and Cowbird. —DOROTHY MADDEN HOBSON. ^ 5H 5>S * * * Tolu (McMurray and Hurricane Creeks; ten-mile area on Ohio River, in Crittenden County) — Dec. 28; 8:30 A. M. to 5:00 P. M„ Observer alone. Pied- billed Grebe, 4; Canada Goose, 52; Brant, 170; Mallard, approximately 5,000 on Ohio River nearly opposite Cave-Inn Rock State Park, Illinois; Pintail, 87; Lesser Scaup, approximated 500; Wood Duck, 20; American Merganser, 37; Cooper’s Hawk, 3? Red-tailed Hawk, 11; Bald Eagle, 3; Osprey, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 5; Bob- white, 154; Killdeer, 18; Wilson’s Snipe, 23; (?) Sandpiper, 28; Mourning Dove, 90; Screech Owl, 4; Great Horned Owl, 4; Belted Kingfisher, 7; Flicker, 11; Pileated Woodpecker, 4; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 10; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 40; Blue Jay, 22; Crow, 2500 (est.); Carolina Chickadee, 22; Tufted Titmouse, 14; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, 3; Bewick’s Wren, 6; Carolina Wren, 8; Mockingbird, 7; Bluebird, 15; Migrant Shrike, 4; Starling, 25; Myrtle Warbler, 10; Meadowlark, 3; Red- winged Blackbird, 21; Bronzed Grackle, 18; Cowbird, 14; Cardinal, 102; Purple Finch, 19; Goldfinch, 5; Slate-colored Junco, 24; Field Sparrow, 2; White-throated Sparrow, 8; Fox Sparrow, 15. Total, 50 species, 9164 (est.) individuals. —CHARLES JONES. * # * sj: sf: * Marion (Various sections of Crittenden County) — Dec. 17., temp. 46; no wind; clear. Mallard, 20; Black Vulture, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 6; Bob- white, 24; Dove, 2; Screech Owl, 2; Flicker, THE KENTUCKY WARKLEK, 5 10; Pileated Woodpecker, 7; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Downy Wood- pecker, 9; Hairy Woodpecker, 9; Prairie Horned Lark, 24; Blue Jay, 13; Crow, 65; Carolina Chickadee, 36; Tufted Titmouse, 45; Marsh Wren, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 1; Carolina Wren, 11; Mockingbird, 13; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 32; Migrant Shrike, 4; Starling, 22; Meadowlark, 5; Cowbird, 14; Cardinal, 69; Goldfinch, 2; Towhee, 5; Slate-colored Junco, 162; Field Sparrow, 16; Chipping Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 2; Vesper Sparrow, 2; White-crowned Sparrow, 2; White- throated Sparrow, 3; Fox Sparrow, 4; Swamp Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow, 7. Total, 40 species, 659 individuals. — C. L. AND DR. T. ATCHISON FRAZER. if * # # * * Glasgow (Richey, Starr, Darter, Wininger Farms; along Beaver Creek) — Dec. 24; 7:20 A. M. to 4:10 P. M. Clear, light snow on ground; wind, N. E., strong; temp. 31. Twelve miles on foot. Turkey Vulture, 8; Black Vulture, 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red- tailed Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Bob- white, 22; Mourn- ing Dove, 8; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Flicker, 4; Pileated Woodpecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 9; Prairie Horned Lark, 5; Blue Jay, 11; Crow, 589; Carolina Chick- adee, 38; Tufted Titmouse, 42; Winter Wren, 1; Carolina Wren, 17; Mockingbird, 1; Bluebird, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 8; Migrant Shrike, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 4; English Sparrow, 27; Cardinal, 41; Purple Finch, 13; Goldfinch, 46; Red-eyed Towhee, 4; Slate-colored Junco, 182; Tree Sparrow, 51; Field Sparrow, 21; White-crowned Sparrow, 5; White-throated Sparrow, 65; Fox Sparrow, 8; Swamp Sparrow, 7; Song Sparrow, 29. Total, 39 species, 1291 individuals. There had been a light fall of snow the night before, and the wind was still wild. There were few birds to be seen until near noon, when the sun became very bright. The oddity of the census was the failure to find two very common species, the Starling and the Meadowlark. —RUSSELL STARR. * * * * * # Springfield, Tenn. (Large marshy area between Springfield and Cedar Hill) — Dec. 31; 9:00 A. M. to 4:00 P. M. Fair in morning; cloudy in afternoon. No wind; temp. 13 at start, 25 at return. Observers in two parties, about six miles on foot. Turkey Vulture, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 4; Bob- white, 9; Killdeer, 5; Mourning Dove, 19; Barred Owl, 2; Flicker, 37; Pileated Woodpecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 22; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 30; Prairie Horned Lark, 11; Blue Jay, 51; Crow, 96; Carolina Chickadee, 23; Tufted Titmouse, 75; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Brown Creeper, 2; Carolina Wren, 35; Mockingbird, 5; Robin, 3; Hermit Thrush, 8; Bluebird, 8; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Migrant Shrike, 2; Starling, 11; Myrtle Warbler, 21; English Sparrow, 16; Meadowlark, 147; Rusty Blackbird, 63; Bronzed Grackle, 18; Cardinal, 70; Purple Finch, 7; Goldfinch, 9; Red-eyed Towhee, 77; Savannah Sparrow, 8; Slate- colored Junco, 159; Tree Sparrow, 29; Field Sparrow, 21; White- crowned Sparrow, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 44; Fox Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, 11. Total, 46 species, 1178 individuals. — John B. Calhoun, Conrad Jamison, Jr., Arthur McMurray, A. F. Ganier, William Simpson, and Gordon Wilson. * * * * * * Louisville (Ohio River from Sixth Street to Taylor Creek; Chero- kee Park, Cave Hill Cemetery, Indian Hills, Prospect area and ad- jacent territory, by car and on foot) — Dec. 17; 7 A. M. to 4 P. M. 6 THE KENTUCKY WAEBLEE Clear; wind, S. W., light; temp. 49 at start, 59 at return. Observers in groups as follows: Party I, 5 observers, 10 miles by car, 7 afoot, 8 hours; Party II, 1 observer, 30 miles by car, 3 afoot, 9 hours; Party III, 3 observers, 10 miles by car, 10 afoot, 15 hours; Party IV, 1 ob- server, 1 mile afoot, 1 hour; Party V, 1 observer, 3 miles afoot, 3 hours; Party VI, 1 observer, 4 miles afoot, 4 hours. Total miles by car, 50; total miles afoot, 28; total hours, 40. Pied-billed Grebe, 1 (first Christmas census record; seen on Ohio River near Indian Hills Road and watched through 24x glasses by Miss Slack and Dr. Lovell) ; Mallard, 6; Wood Duck, 8 (first Christmas census record; seen on lake at Sleepy Hollow by Miss Schneider and party) ; Lesser Scaup, 3; American Golden-eye, 5; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 4; Marsh Hawk, 3; Sparrow Hawk, 30; Bob- white, 8; Killdeer, 3; Wilson’s Snipe (first Christmas census record; seen by Mr. Carpenter near Goose Creek); Herring Gull, 2; Mourning Dove, 1; Screech Owl, 1 (found dead); Barred Owl, 2; Belted King- fisher, 8; Flicker, 7; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 13; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 26; Prairie Horned Lark, 8; Blue Jay, 28; Crow, 154; Carolina Chickadee, 78; Tufted Titmouse, 82; White- breasted Nuthatch, 10; Brown Creeper, 8; Winter Wren, 6; Carolina Wren, 25; Mockingbird, 33; Robin, 8; Bluebird, 13; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 3 (first Christmas census record; seen by Miss Schneider and party); Cedar Waxwing, 8; Migrant Shrike, 2; Starling, 14,000 (estimate of those roosting on buildings in downtown area); Myrtle Warbler, 2; English Sparrow, 109; Meadowlark, 20; Cardinal, 108; Purple Finch, 7; Goldfinch, 30; Red- eyed Towhee, 10; Slate-colored Junco, 250; Tree Sparrow, 92; Field Sparrow, 5; White-crowned Sparrow, 46 (3 flocks); Fox Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow, 38. Total, 52 species, 15,329 individuals. White throated Sparrows were seen during the census week, but are very rare this winter. The rarity of the ducks was due to the open winter thus far. — Leonard C. Brecher, Floyd S. Carpenter, W. M. Clay, Amv Deane, James LaFollette, Vera Henderson, Harvey B. Lovell, Helen Peil, Evelyn Schneider, Mabel Slack, Audrey Wright, Emilie Yunker — Members of the Beckham Bird Club, Louisville Chapter of the Kentucky Ornithological Society. % si: :£ SJ: Hueysville, Floyd County (Along Beaver Creek and return by way of wooded mountainside) — Dec. 25; 9:00 A. M. to 3:00 P. M. Clear; six inches of snow; temp. 25 to 32. Total miles, 4; observer alone. Sparrow Hawk, 1; Bob- white, 3; Mourning Dove, 3; Hairy Wood- pecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Carolina Chickadee, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Carolina Wren, 15; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2: White- breasted Nuthatch, 2; Starling, 20; English Sparrow, 15; Red-winged Blackbird, 20; Meadowlark, 15; Cardinal, 20; Goldfinch, 4; Slate- colored Junco, 25; Field Sparrow, 8; Song Sparrow, 15. Total, 19 species, 186 individuals. —JOHN A. PATTEN. * * # * « $ Science Hill— Dec. 25; 8:00 to 10:00 A. M. and 1:30 to 3:00 P. M. Clear; two inches of snow; temp. 25 to 35; two miles through fields and swamp lands; observers together. Bob- white, 4: Mourning Dove, 20; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downv Woodpecker, 1: Blue Jay, 2: Crow, 15; Carolina Chickadee, 9: Tufted Titmouse, 15; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Carolina Wren, 6; Mockingbird, 4; English Sparrow, THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 7 25; Meadowlark, 100; Cardinal, 11; Goldfinch, 5; Slate-colored Junco, 80; Tree Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, 10. Total, 18 species, 312 indi- viduals. —BEN AND DAN WESLEY. * * * * * * McMillan, Luce County, Michigan — Dec. 25. Cloudy; 3 to 4 inches of snow; temp. 24 to 26; strong northwest wind; lake frozen over since December 15. Covered 4 y2 miles, on foot, through cut-over land, woods, fields, and shore of McCormick Lake. Canada Ruffed Grouse, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Northern Shrike, 1; English Sparrow, 21; Common Redpoll, 1 (heard); Snow Bunting, 240. Total, 9 species, 275 individuals. Other species observed this month: Greater Prairie Chicken, Northern Dov/ny Woodpecker, Starling and Canadian Pine Grosbeak. Weather conditions have been favorable for birds so far this season, since there have been no severe snow storms nor cold waves. The absence of Siskins, Crossbills, and others is due to a scarcity of cones on birches and evergreens, maple seeds, and beech nuts. Buds on birches, ironwoods, and hazel bushes — the favorite food for the Ruffed Grouse — are plentiful. —oscar mckinley bryens. ****** Bowling Green (Chaney, McElroy, Covington, Smith and Honaker farms; along Jennings Creek; along Drake’s Creek) — Dec. 17; 6:45 A. M. to 5:00 P. M. Clear; wind, southwest, light; temp. 45 at start, 60 at return. Observers in groups as follows: Party I, 2 observers, 12 miles on foot, 9 y2 hours; Party II, 2 observers, 12 miles on foot, 9Y2 hours; Party III, 2 observers, 12 miles on foot Qy2 hours. Totals: hours, 25^; miles, 38. Diameter of area covered, 15 miles. Canada Goose, 11; Turkey Vulture, 25; Black Vulture, 9; Sharp-shinned Plawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-teiled Hawk, 5; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Bob- white, 3; Killdeer, 2; Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Mourning Dove, 40; Screech Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 3; Belted King- fisher, 2; Flicker, 25; Pileated Woodpecker, 8; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, 15; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 33; Prairie Horned Lark, 98; Blue Jay, 56; Crow, 738; Carolina Chickadee, 94; Tufted Titmouse, 60; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 4; Brown Creeper, 10; Bewick’s Wren, 3; Carolina Wren, 44; Mockingbird, 36; Robin, 18; Hermit Thrush, 10; Bluebird, 81; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 5; Cedar Waxwing, 137; Migrant Shrike, 1; Starling, 1088; Myrtle Warbler, 46; English Sparrow, 388; Meadowlark, 73; Red- winged Blackbird, 22; Bronzed Grackle, 5; Cardinal, 129; Purple Finch, 22; Goldfinch, 80; Red-eyed Towhee, 15; Savannah Sparrow, 4; Slate-colored Junco, 220; Field Sparrow, 4; White-crowned Spar- row, 75; White-throated Sparrow, 44; Swamp Sparrow, 16; Song Sparrow, 51. Total, 54 species, 2913 individuals. Other species recorded during Christmas week: Mallard, Tree Sparrow, Winter Wren. — Jo Allen Bryant, Charles Jones, L. Y. Lancaster, Russell Starr, Charles L. Taylor, Gordon Wilson. ****** SOIL CONSERVATION AND BIRD LIFE By FOREST DURAND (Given at Paducah Meeting of K. O. S.) It is with considerable hesitance that I come to speak before your group tonight, for although I have been interested in birds from my earliest remembrance, I fully realize my short-comings as an orni- 8 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER thologist. You have listened during this meeting to several very interesting addresses and discussions hy people well versed in the field of bird lore, and I doubt if there is much that I can add to what they have said concerning the field of ornithology. Therefore, I wish to thank you for your courtesy in inviting me to speak at this time and also for the time which you have already allotted me today. However, even though I might not be even an amateur ornith- ologist or be connected with this field of study in any way, I feel that through the service with which I am connected we have a com- mon ground of thought and interest. As an ornithological group you are interested in bettering conditions for birds and related forms of wildlife. Primarily you are interested in the preservation of an adequate breeding stock and the maintenance of favorable environ- mental conditions of ample food, water, and cover. What is neces- sary for this? Land! And here is the common ground upon which we meet. For land to be favorable to bird life it must be kept in a certain condition. The fertile topsoil must be held in place. It must not be allowed to wash down and choke up the streams and ponds where the Herons and Kingfishers live. The rolling hillsides must be kept in meadow and pasture to conserve the fertility of the soil and offer a home for Meadowlarks and Mourning Doves; the steep hillsides must be kept in woodland, which holds the land in place and fur- nishes a habitat for innumerable forms of wildlife; if gullies are present, they must be planted with trees and shrubs, which both rebuild the scarred soil and provide a home for Quail and Sparrows; if woodlands are unfenced, burned, and trampled by stock, they must be fenced in order to give young trees a chance to grow and furnish a haven for Warblers and Vireos; if fences cross the slope, they must be allowed to vegetate, form a barrier to erosion and a travel lane for the Mockingbird, the Cardinal, and the Catbird. If sheet-eroded pastures have been worn transparent by rain and overgrazing, they should be sown with sericea to rest and recuperate the tired earth and furnish food for birds. If ponds are being converted into stink- ing mud puddles, they must be protected from stock trampling and have their borders planted with vegetation in order that they may become healthful sources of drinking water for farm animals, things of beauty on the landscape, and homes for water fowl. Soil conservation and wildlife conservation go hand in hand. They are inseparable. That thin, life-giving placenta, that source of all existence, both plant and animal, which spreads over the earth’s surface and which has been worn through in far, far too many places — the soil must be restored and preserved. Without it there can be no birdlife or life of any other kind. Bare gullies produce no upland birds; sheet-eroded fields furnish no food for Killdeer, Quail, or Meadowlarks; passerine birds find scanty quarters in burned or stock-trampled woodlands; and sandpipers, grebes, or ducks find little encouragement in sand-clogged streams or muddy ponds. These conditions must be improved, and, further than that, they must be improved on private lands, for most of the country still belongs to private individuals. If a state or federal agency sets up a refuge of one acre and private landowners clear off two acres of woodland, the total amount of land where birds might live has been reduced. If the State Conservation Department establishes a thousand-acre refuge and farmers througout the state cut down or burn two thousand acres of bushy fence rows, the sum total of wild- THE KENTUCKY WARBLER 9 life area has been reduced. If a county builds a fifty-acre lake and on private land one hundred acres of ponds go dry or fill up with silt, our waterfowl and shorebirds have less territory than before. We may be able to go to these special public places and see interest- ing things, but it is the private land which must continue to produce the bulk of our birdlife. It is here that the Soil Conservation Service comes into the picture, for this service, through its demonstration projects and CCC Camps, reaches out to the private landowner and the farmer and working with him establishes certain practices on his farm, which both conserve the soil and improve conditions for wildlife. I have some figures which I would like to read to you. In the state of Ken- tucky on private lands cooperating with the Soil Conservation Service : 12.000 acres of trees have been planted. Many of these acres prior to planting were gullied shambles devoid of all life, both plant and animal. Usually borders of planting areas are set with trees and shrubs particularly suited to wildlife utilization. Thousands of yards of cropland and pasture gullies have been set with shrubs and vines. Approximately 4,000 acres of strip cropping have been establish- ed. 18.000 acres of existing woodlands, many of which were formerly devastated by the trampling feet of livestock, are now protected by fences. Though these figures represent great improvements for birds and wildlife in this state, the farms upon which this work has been done are scattered. They are really only demonstrations. From this point on, whatever is accomplished depends largely upon to what extent private landowners adopt practices which have proved suc- cessful on these demonstration farms. I feel that organizations such as yours can accomplish much by encouraging such a spread of practice. Probably the Soil Conservation Districts Program, which has been started in thirty-six states, offers the greatest opportunity to date, for under this plan local landowners organize and administer a conservation program of their own. These districts are authorized to call upon not only the Soil Conservation Service but any other federal or state agency which might be concerned for aid in carrying out their program. Every member of this society should acquaint himself with the possibilities of the Soil Conservation District Plan, for I sincerely believe that as these locally organized and administered conservation programs spread over the land, they will result in a great improvement of con- ditions for birdlife than anything which has been done since the white- man first landed on these shores. I would like to again call your attention to the fact that under a district plan this betterment of conditions would not be confined to scattered farms but would spread over all lands composing a district. A BREEDING BIRD CENSUS By VIRGIL D. KING In the spring of 1937 the Soil Conservation Service planted black locust seedlings on a bare and badly gullied three-acre field on the farm of Francis S. Simpson (Grant County, Kentucky). Before the 10 THE KENTUCKY WARBLER locusts were planted, the field yas fenced, and the owner agreed not to pasture the field for at least five years. These precautions were taken because over-grazing is closely associated with severe erosion; also, grazing often destroys the habitats of many forms of wildlife. The field was so severely eroded and destitute of vegetation at the time of planting that few, if any forms of wildlife could have subsisted on it. The black locust seedlings have grown rapidly, and native vegetation has thrived under protection. As a result, a good cover has developed, and active erosion has been stopped. The writer made a study during the past summer of the bird life on the field. The study attempted to determine how extensively the field was being utilized by birds. This information would indi- cate the extent to which the field had been made attractive to wild- life. The first attempt to find nests was made on May 29. Five Field Sparrow nests, one Grasshopper Sparrow nest, and one Meadowlark nest were found. Subsequent observations of these nests and at- tempts to find other nests were made on June 2, June 10, June 20, July 13, July 21, August 9, and October 16. Fifteen occupied nests of six different species were located: Field Sparrow, 7; Grasshopper Sparrow, 1; Indigo Bunting, 2; Meadow Lark, 1; Catbird, 3; and Yellow- breasted Chat, 1. The periodic observation indicated that young were successfully brooded in thirteen of these nests. The accompanying table gives additional data. Eight unoccupied nests were found. Although unoccupied when found, there was evidence that most of these nests had been occupied by fledglings during the summer. The unoccupied nests were, for the most part, those of the Field Sparrow. Five of these nests were first found on October 16. These nests, together with two found on July 21 and August 9, respectively, indicate that at least seven dif- ferent pairs of Field Sparrows reared two broods on the field. Other birds observed feeding in the field were, Downy Wood- pecker, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-eyed Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Goldfinch, Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, and Yellow- billed Cuckoo. It would be impossible to calculate the number of insects which the aforementioned birds consumed during the summer and even more difficult to estimate their value to the farmer. It can be safely concluded, though, that the bird-life-carrying capacity of the field has increased several hundred per cent since 1937. % * ❖ * Hs * THE SONG SPARROW IN KENTUCKY The request of the editor in our summer issue has already borne some fruit. You will recall that you were urged to report on the seasonal status of the Song Sparrow in your particular area of the state. Leonard C. Brecher reports that the species is found the year- round at Louisville. Robert Mengel found it in July at London. Dr. Wilfred A. Welter reports that it breeds in the mountains to the Tennessee line. Other items about the Song Sparrow would be ap- preciated by the editor. LOCATION Black- | berry §1 5h * o3 « ■g P g bo m a) © Ground poverty grass x base of locust X 03 p « O J ft P rH | DATE OF OBSERVATION AND CONTENTS 04 bo P | July 21 co iH P o N P 5 | June 10 empty | 2 eggs | 2 young ** © a p *7S 3 young deserted 4 eggs May 29 3 young | 3 eggs ! 2 eggs Nests and Species Field Sparrow 1 Field Sparrow Field Sparrow O > I > ft * Is CO ra ) bo >> bo P > rH H-1 73 fa c3 ft m u P P E o bp 'O p 73 ; * .Q I -M |