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VMs

isis OOLOGIS |

BCR Tie

Mm oDEN] OF BIRDS
THEIS NEST AND EGGS
VOLUME XXXI
Eapiom, Ns \. and Lacon, Ill.
R. MAGOON BARNES, Publisher
1914 \

235324

Gt

: Py
ae i
J

oA

a
pie

esiee
ae

INDEX TO VOLUME XXXI

CONTRIBUTORS

Abbott, Gerald A......... SQ, Zilz, Wiles,
215, 217, 219

rae W aml) er aie. wer disisncierarecus ea wees 74
Bailey, H. H....29, 61, 738, 154, 172, 190
Panleyew Bernard: . Ace geein see aoe 143
Barnes, R. M....1, 10, 21, 28, 41, 46, 50,
Dio By DY, O, Ot, ‘75, 7S, SG, SS, BY;

SO, Os, ICR, WOH, ili, Wis), aes, Ws),
134, 142, 144, 155, 156, 157, 158, 161,
UT, Us, IU, UO), Ww, IOS. ADO, AIL,
202, 203 ,206, 209, 212, 218, 223, 224

Suvari CO) IBS es levee es orate custo 32, 38,

34, 35, 87, 38, 39, 130, 132, 133
IS CIMMTEES se vA iiss iacsstaiseiets suechics he reas 139
TEUICREAS y COESS I aaa tree tira taper rete Myers 178
Bimlerehe Whos: Dy jac ses seca os 190
Brides Dry RODG. ssc srec, ole no ole 77
Carer JAMES: Bes secu oeceieleueye earns 231
CacecmnC ltiond Mie ssrsers nee teense: 222
CloullGlksy, V@ubn IDEN AIS Goseeuuubouccos 184
(GHANA VOI VV Eid Ssitecve cuelage elaverss evecevejenn 143
Cookman, Alfred.......... 50, 151, 154
CTO S Sa GUIS i ees es nicrrecernee eyerciereis (ene 54
Darlington, H. J......... 45, 86, 89, 199
DEKE (GUh;AWeaapooos oon roe oo poe 222
IDIGIKeiyg Sheba oot ob ood bo Dercteeerotd 8,

23, 28, 42, 63, 65, 66, 96, 99, 108,
118, 154, 156, 158, 168, 184, 206

DIG UIC MRM oe dye scnrseisveta os syonsere estes 105
DINO Maint ha oe cust ecstcvekiveuses cee (ers ste le eile 9
IDiGls@im, Worm, IDs Croocaccogounacsone 155
IdGhweNOI Isljbega coo ousoee 224, 226, 227
Evans, L. B. & Logan............. 80
IDTUADENUANO se, UNIO IES bao coaoaqGoor 152

Orr, We TReosohocaso 193, 194, 196
LEAD IY Y= epee) Between Cute Bi 150
@eienllGl, CSOs Whocascaovovcodcc AO, ital
Girplagwan, IREWACM sosscocockoode 30, 138
Greene Oye eet niy cnetere ae 49, 538, 58
Gir@eiml, IBRISOIM JAooasdccoccoccc 223
GiraeimnvOocl, Os Wis codcoocsnasouce 96
Girone, OWE dioscaccacccc0bad0cs 144
Geely Ge Os a sie iscse ea sens erckenencl omer 18
IElenclOny, IRCINeTC! Ooococccnosooeo0 41,

AAS “ale 825 89s 90; 92595; 98
IRAP OM, IRAWL Goooooo0codGdcos 189
aT bees CMa Gakasesrine si cuca senigeoree tora tkenerone 24
SIEVE, IRIGMGM Weoseoocconccgces 155
Ble oree, ID, Woscosoucocoxud0eda00 136

Hess, Isaac H.....76, 156, 166, 211, 212
IBLON VER EN Ge magmas ban. Otc O0 Be 2h BS
68, 106, 162, 168, 165, 167, 168, 169

limeersoll, A\o Ils séocccécbanv0000009 40
JACKS OI; > Wlooscoono TA, IS, TLL, WA)
Ixmelaller, CeO: Weoscos6c0c00cs000500 140
Kentworthy, H. M...... 76, 95, 103, 200
Kohler, Louis S....... wey, Sy, all, wale}
IKMREIP, HOMM IDIAVGIEIN, cadacccococa0s 74
IDEN Genial Soniocinin sree aaron 197, 18, wee
aime mtae Mili pass Accs tre serene: US)7
WONIEStRESty Ras Diss iacsissemeee eerie rs helen 6
TB OMCISS SWE SE tS aie oreetscsnes stictexcantsies ort
TOWER GU acter cay enockel eran nia esoriens cy aston 7
WiENepin ID, IDORVElNGSococcsoc00006 48, 1438
McGreever, Myles S............... 153
INECTZEO Coe Vim Ria sectorse sta) accclinerei iets chee 128
Mer Cers Mallee ys ae miter acme secret 46
Wilken, IRIN WL INS Gsocaqoco0dd 1@; &X0-

HS OG, Oi, (ale ako, B25 aes arcs
183, 191, 212, 221, 223, 224, 231

IV THE OOLOGIST

INOTMAnNy EIENe Stasis eee ee ales
Berry, Eroup (Dssce see ee 101, 102
Pennock; Je sWieege ane veneer 26
Phillips, Chas. L......... 143, 208, 220
Reads) Aci Gy. ezeic cisteuscoaces ee eee ieee 83
Reinecke, Ottomar............ 42, 61,

82, 181, 221, 230
Sanborn, Colin Campbell. .179, 184, 222

Sharpless: (Rar Re seats vegas art oe Meow 56
Simmons, Finlay..... 17, 85, 87, 99, 122
SIMOSOM, IR WWesscaccancccccuces 27, 40,

53, 80, 91, 116, 119, 186, 210, 229
SULUCKION Tem ovicsn chet eenore eee: 104, 105
SUROME: ON, CAR ave aeatnne eae ee 205, 228
Strode, Dr Wi Shock see eee oh 221
Sutton, Geo.) Mieco) eee 141
Maylor BOM sec ek tee ate mee 73
Thayer, John ky os sas 2 ee 46
PHOMpSOn). Ie! Het =e beth ee 204
ZU SESW OW Ae P en DY 6 Fie by aa RU Der ee 157

Treganza, Mrs. Antwonet..146, 147, 148

furnenrs Horace, Ws nice. eee 76
MAST rT OMAGH heey ce pie Eek eo 180
Vos Burgh, Geo. W. H...... 22, 31, 188
Wan: Alstine se Cia hie eres 31
Walker, Alex........ 108, 110, 185, 187
NACH arama, SNe yea a 6, 22, 48, 77
Walland wh OSy pecs tous Ske eee 51
WARIS Ons Rall oliape sce siete tp einen 140
Ware dnt oy Manin Seer uin a” ar Sek rc 201
ILLUSTRATIONS
Adult Birds
Bobolink: (hier beech nce 81
GCS seat uve eee pein aetna oD 5M, 59
Grouse. 2 Soobysets nbs cee ae 198
GG See ci seme sirens sate unre VEE aa 145
Gulla: Perrin gyrase ae 208
Redtail; ) Westerm fo.45.. 555. 008 193
HOD IMs VAT DIO; 9 nee ee ee rea 211
Sandpiper: 2.0 a ee 43, 62
AUP MUSEO C: Vases ce ee eg eee 68
Watlicle boswal! 12) var ae ce en Ia ee 51
WOO COCkss: civeste, Seen er aeaennrs 213
Young Birds
Copommant shee ee ah en 147
Eggs and Nests of Birds
Blackbird, Redwing .............. 198

Cormorant, Double Crested ....... 148

Cranes Sandhills) 15. eee 38
Hage, Bald.2 222... 0. ean 37, 39
Hawk, Red-bellied 3.5254. s5oneee 9
Eleron) Great) Blue. 148
We eRe ye. se ule eee eee 5, 187, 217
Meadowlatka.ls3.c5. 3.5 eee 219
Ovenbird’ 10s cee ee 120
Plover, Upland (52... eee 215
Sandpiper. Spotted ..95. 4. sees 185
Sparrow, Dusky Seaside ..... 132, 133
Stilt Black necked si saemae 180-182
Waterthrush, Louisiana .......... 117
Warbler @ cruleanye eae 115
Chestnut=sided 25 yee 104
Kentucky. 2220s reer 112-113
Mie Gallivacaiyasis ener 108-110
Profi omotainy.- os eee 97
SWWVEWROSOMVEE ok Seek maec a ce 101- 102
Well owe’ eye okt) ula ie se soe ea 105
Miscellaneous
“Annayo Lango” typical Isle of
Pines oboe aaoe oe 83
Gathering Palmetto Cabbage..... 33
Hicapogies Camp, where Snakes
WERE bad 52.0 pea eee aie 34
Migration of Oliver-backed Thrush
bb rea a a Nene al Cone ON etre 1638, 165, 167, 169
Nesting site of Thurber’s Junco..
Beast ee ANALG Carrie ge One 226, 227
Sugar-berry Hammock, a camp in
thei saweenalssi sane eee 33
Typical Miami River Country,
COmn? 55 See eee ee 3
Miscellaneous
BlackiSnakey sa. sien ee ees 4
Black Snake (Coluber Constric-
LOT) 2 oie ah ea arg hCn cae eae 94
COVOUCr ar Gl eae eee ee 138
NC AUS cule rk 0k ieee rk eee 115
Crickets) Carl ake toe aa tear pian aee 149
JUNIE STU Sig ee asi cla oa ane 150
MOCCASIN aU veeis cnle eae haere 39
PORCupIne: oo hema eee 26
RACOOMIEH Esai cleus sue aan een 65
SquirreleiGrey ne ee eee 172
INDEX
Aral Oy iri eee he ian shi, Pee Oe retin 6
PNOU aa dpe ERIN rime Sinn eve tier a Oe 143
Greaitieing Ga eee alex, keh alge

THE OOLOGIST Vv

DOROC OL: oie loys iss ois ers o wediene ebaee ees 147, 157
PAD AE! ce xersyecc,ce tows tore slows eave) ieee 147, 157
PERTUSUS OUE TDN «6 aici salsa sos else: ophe Riveter 52, 124, 197
PATIMOT ICAI (5 Sieie ee oe crates se syte ial s 71, 158

TELT IMEC OIA glty Morano aie sehen nee 20, 82,
126, 187, 148, 162, 191, 218

MERON Corte) cisccae cisco vase leas ove nenelchoud Sonlaie
71, 125, 187, 192, 222

laickbird).. 2... 55, 96, 141, 152, 198
Brewer’s....18, 48, 52, 55, 148, 195
ys ire sss vec saci istenw-sletonsdsusecsaesenere 56

NC WTS ein, Sec ustcveg sy ereislisiaoe le 18, 48,

50, 538, 72, 99, 120, 140, 141,
IOS 83) 19d 195; 198) 199) Zi

TROIS) EN era nae tee race mene aeer 6, 18, 55, 74
Yellow-headed........ 55, 141, 156
Bluebird......... 18, 24, 48, 60, 73, 78,
88, 128, 134, 137, 140, 141, 179
Mionimibaiim! % ss beccie ys cise 146, 197
BES sara der eres ch oeohcu neste Sev ebonti et anens anaistetld 61
Buntine; Imdiso) scet.. 6: 66, 69, 71,
(25 78; 127, 128, 137, 152; 232

JD PAV ALUN as iesceaerpenea a a aren ra aeeea ir 148, 150
Wamaimall: sate 0.cae cle vatete 47, 48, 66, 69,
KOS de 86h der S25 1 Oi 2382
Grav-tailed sis oh eon fs cece es 18
Carcacara, Quadalupe ............ 14
(CORYULOIITE(G Ly ose a cts perso eee mr ae 4h
127, 187, 188, 141, 184, 191, 232
TROT eeu oe develo ane neteiarens eieiens Gales 138
(CLICHE. Sacacceareatenn ere te stcer tee vemercs ace alenedde ey
Yellow-breasted.......... eS WA
137, 155, 156, 171, 232

Whewinke \. s .ssnecee soc 71, 86, 127, 183
G@iniekadees ciismccn ee as 48, 55, 56, 73,
87, 88, 140, 141, 146, 170, 191

PAC@ EY CENT aa caaesnesen ave ai aieveils. so creianaes 53
Ganolinae oes eis css oe 128, 137
AUG SOMMAME SS sis s5 os Sius susie te ooo le 2

IM [roy D On es Wh ab eer ts sty tea Meee 195
Plumbeous ............. 18, 85, 87
Chicken, Prairie, ..22...s 6... 206, 216
Cha OF OIE ae ee Ae aes ea ere cere ee Pare 58, 60
NEO Ol sca steeper a ere husamverernee 6, 125
FAUTCTIC AM Bee aie ce casvoauscs 52, 56, 222
Condor, California....14, 157, 177, 201
BOVOIWAOT are, ee tee wae Fee Sea ae ae) dupeae A8, 5d,

G6, 67, 125 89) 98, sg a22)
126, 128, 141, 148, 144, 152, 155,

156, 159, 160, 191, 199, 223, 230

WAT eth hAaee het ara 123
Cormorant ny wenn hcl 147, 222
Double-crested ........... 149, 158
IFO TAAL oy 3)6 ot 5) Rey col area ee ee 6
White-erested «..5........00060 158
Crane, Sandhill ....... 36, 38, 119, 140
Whooping. .11, 17, 157, 177, 201, 202
‘Creeper, Brown ...5..S. ess cee 191
Crossbill, American...........54, 157
White-winged ................ 54
GEO interes ts elas hosts ts bk Garter eae rant ares 17, 48,

12,80, Oi, 92°96, 1235 136, 140)
141, 152, 177, 201, 206, 212

ANMeriCam'. 3 ni Osse accae cess WSL, IG))
BACK sets aisles wakes Sse ee 55
Clams enue wi eaih toe open 146
BUCA isin ema acim aoe nrte 92
SESS Tae 8 eRe area en ma 6, 72, 126

EB) OME eer ee Nvorratla hs Ge ae 75, 80, 86, 138
Ground cee meta aresoke seen 47, 48
MOUTMIMN SO). se ard ces tenon soe nelle

AR (5s UA5 Asie TALS ASA 190

DOVES ase terre ateto eee 143
Dipper; Amiericanay sy 4-445 ee 195
DWC ligation eet ee AT, 56, 222, 223, 224
Black. .-.. 12; 20; 55, 1245 20; 222
Burhlehead :. vuo) so ee ete 119
ADAM OTS es sits toon See 14, 177
Mailed be ey lees tet k- 5b, 124, 147;
si, Ue Bil, Bae

OAS QuUaAWAS Re Aace ere eees 199
AVC T Se ohmen eee totesctuis seme maeers 10
RWG AY: i se asians eee cee 5. 119, 157, 222
SCAU ies, ss euaueses 6.5 6, 190, 210, 222

AU VA0IG as cnet ears cotta a Pepe MRM tora od, 198
Wood...... Uy 25, IZA ZOO; ZO, 2Le
Duck, Canvas-back ....... 55, 147, 222
AL era es sind cpen ore Ae cect aon hema vane ape 172
TBI Use eet ertia te teisearaert 2 HA EXD, 2) Ble

39, 44,45, 9a, 125, 1901

Goldens Aro meres eio ae 149
IBIS, 5 sooo 6 Raion RoR eee 124, 147
PANG TONE Gill of Waal pe Wa rods lesley est 158
Malcons Praieie; sss cases aes 146, 149
IMM@Gn, CrimTNSOM Goococcocvsoddo0ua 54
POMS Ce ene e eso eters fee eee ee eweyodeen 52
PUTS ie rare ae ee relaione easter ote outeas 1337

VI THE OOLOGIST

WGK cis Giissrese waste telee atte (> i, Al), ae,
140, 141, 148, 191, 192, 222

JAIME ICAM 4c ele ais ae ek secs eke 48
COlloewnbiyZeel sc ooncvccnacco%o0s 199
INOTthHerns thao eee 72, 126
Red-shafted .......... 55, 184, 195
Southern Meee neki ene 137
Flycatcher, Acadian .............. 91
Cresved yee renctrsaien cee 17, 72,

86, 126, 137, 156, 191, 212

Great-crestedie. ain ws jasmin 143
Green-crested ........... 126, 137
IDES interno hols Gea aoe 72, 191,° 206
SCISSOPMIANIEC godocc0cce0cpbKc iy
Sulphur-bellied ............ 86, 87
NVIESTORI arse Sica caterers mies, on meee 225
Gealdiwwiaillle cea. ae eee ate enero aaeleye 157
Geecerirs Salat Ena e 56, 174, 205, 210
Be se ieee ce eur is 15, 20, 24
Canadarsasees- 23, 42, 147, 157, 172
SCROWSISK cae ne aac eet oes MG 15
STO Wie ese eee it ascii ie mae 23

BV Vell lias we leon etal arb ont e ters Ue ance tse 178
Gathimulernrs aaciscssa siete cis execs ase ae 6, 20
EMG eC eae Paes iene stan Gil, Qe), 235)
PULSE Se ea Wan ete oe ee 99
Godwit, Hudsomian’ .22.:..2-..-2-- 216
Mia bled yiisc esos cues sites ciahegesues 216
GOldenseyie: ee eae sis oe waists 53
Golditinchi saaeree ne 72, 126, 141, 1152
SATVOMIC ANG, Skitne 8 shatsceican ate si, Ig)
AMKANSAS Whe. ciaise eee nes 52
Va TO Wir at ee itan tony creda ie ee 52
Gostlawik (42 srr eres enersine ae ae 230
INIMCRI CAN ace nieces als cheeses 55
WiCSTCRM TRG io a. sists e wloualegecenererets 194
Grackle, Boat-tailed......... 6, 18, 123
Bronzed... .18, 72, 96, 140, 156, 191
JEMKON EGE RR eaES arercioncra ciae.6 ee ciabn.6-0 18
PAULT ONS ce aiavevessuscercte wrens A8, 125, 126
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray....... 18, 128,
187, 188, 191

WWGSUGINE G Apaboo sad od soa omoolD 225
(GiOSIDGR cisco oc oebooD oo odo 54, 221
Black-headed ................ 52
(Careline! gooncacccosca 80, 187, 139

I DI eGeayie Ntcep ama tEe OMe nO c GedioearOn 53
Rocky Mountain Pine......... 150

Rose-breasted....60, 127, 128, 137,

BMG a an Gaieteie ecicas sha dae cee 80
154, 156, 184, 191, 206, 207, 221

Grouse: Sos. eo ele soe eee (5s
CanadayRutted s+.) eee eee 194
dShigtz Howse bb alse NUR ecm MREA Rte AG Sica 6 194.
Pinnated: iia: ac eoeneee 216.
IRWUIEClooccac00c ty Cal, WAS, alr), spl
DOOL Ys cee ae eee wees 194, 196:
IBIS coon 006 32, 47, 52, 75, 92, 142, 152
Broad-winged ............. Pl TWAS.

98, 125, 136, 170, 183

Cooper’s..... 71, 125, 187, 140, 170
IDSSEIG SHOMPVONY sooococoenssss 194
IDWGIKS so66u6 44, 72, 90, 92, 147, 158
Ferruginous Rough-Leg....... 55
TBNIS Ta ooo eet eect 21, 125, 200
Florida Red-shouldered..... I, A476
ElG nh ase ee ae ee 58
Krider’s: sak Seca ee 138
Marsh ject oan ae eee eRe Os 1% ZO;
Oy (il, WA, G4 Bwil

PISeon sie. Geen eo ee 5), LST
Red-shouldered ............ 24, 45,

47, 48, 72, 91, 125, 192
Red-tailed.......... 22, 28, 30, 48,

63, 72, 125, 137, 149, 171, 192
Sharp-shinned ............. 20, 30,
WA, 13%, iO, U4
SPaALlOWs nude cee ee oe 6, 47, 48,

55, 72, 125, 137, 1388, 222:

Western Red-tail ........ 193, 194
FLGGON se 2) Aca el es Re 75, 204
Black-crowned Night ...... 18, 45,

52, 128, 124, 147, 158

GRA tisiieE eho gal oh sca a ena 6:
Great, Bluey. sae eee cers 26, 44,

45, 47, 71, 90, 91, 124,
147, 148, 149, 151, 158, 200

Greenies. 6, 71, 91, 124, 221
Tittle Blue rok 2s oc cee 124
Louisiana: oxeewence eee 6
NUON ss Ga ee Tal
SNOWY! Ars Coe oo 147,158:
Jel ooaboAOS| ONO) so00nc0ccoKoa0no0ocd 195.
Black-chinnedi saan eee 52
Broad-tailed ..............0-- 150
Calliopes. 3. 2 sen eee nee 150:
Ruby-throated ........... U5 MAGS

137, 138, 150, 231

THE OOLOGIST

Ibis, White-faced Glossy...52, 147, 158

WYO Fe Ee ecrcicicierca Omid crores 6 32
RIVET Te Sc ohare etn sieicuees ater eiayewe avers 91, 141
IIMGGL aetse2 se oreo ae le Gil, Ay ES,
126, 187, 140, 152, 183, 184

(Caria ay Mae is tec ansieyaierencrate utters 55
Wood IM Wo peri(s hase ah ree icy 48
MANO MME carers vetaie sete aie orsseca ieee 146
WVOOCIMOUSE/S! oii aeei eins see ns 146
JUTOCO Grigonis 61, 62, 91, 105, 207, 228
CAT OUMIMA as copes atovorte oie 61, 62, 137
Gijaiy-hleal died! ciy.ce sc cisrd wee peta e 150
VOM —aedsecetsela: atcbosasaerate scauels 195

Slate-colored...48, 53, 137, 191, 206
Thurber’s. ..224, 225, 226, 227, 228
ESOT G Gres er stadia ck cits eee aviers sce 4, 6, 17,
5S, Vl, Sal, Was, IST, Wes, WS

187, 190, 194, 214, 2116, 217, 221

Kite, Swallow-tailed ............. ia
GUM SASH ST a sce, stays aliehejals ces are 6, 47, 52,
(2, 16, 79; 184, 152, 155

Jee hae\s naeye ene era rde nee 124, 126, 190
SIMS IT eye ecye edigeecensesue as See 60, 72, 126,
13%, 138s 1415 152, 189

PAIS TOS OS i Siaiosiacke Sisvattel Stcctue a Siete 52
HESSIAN Stree icien cate ate sua tevereatsttet ace mi sties ene 87

Golden-crowned....48, 53, 137, 150
Ruby-crowned.18, 48, 137, 150, 191

Western golden-crowned...... 150
HSIN Terie. Serta tee ean emuregeaniaus als 19
Lark, California Horned.......... 52

Desert Horned ........... 149, 158

ELON Ce sreireenonateta c terol nee se evelores ete 218

IVICA OW: (A seclscoterstcnetsicisye mee cose 18, 52,

64, 72, 78, 80, 103, 118, 126, 134,
140, 158, 184, 191, 205, 219, 228

SOMLMEUIME Sine he cea a isis was aionerers 18
NVIESU OTIS Riri cows eteree states: « 148, 195
Prairie Horned ....... 72, 144, 218
LEAVING! WBS aes pence pe Runes eae 66
TLOOMLNSehay erecrenaatetnameic ices 18, 173, 174
Black-throated ............ 56, 146
PRICHIGe>Seoe boson bos auras 154
Yellow-billed ................ 157
Magpie, American ............... 195
Man-o7-war-bird ...............++. 47
pV Mrearratet Ve ree sa cu Buia os caievoispansiencasieponers 12, 86
Purple..... 18, 49, 72, 127, 187, 195
Sivas Deters sce Sat Orne ea Rec 50

VII

INMCT SAIS OR 4h dtc e een ofa leecmisiatere eesente 6
ATMETICAIIP GY Sal patsierets cera Siar 6 oc 53
ETO O Medias 5 Sie ician es mavayeiowie ete be 222
Red-breasted ............ 210, 220
MKoCholmsIOEG ob oooonanoooanee 6, 18, 48,
53, 127, 138, 140, 141

WWIII, ANTCIEMNE 5 ooocoadboncoser 154
Ninth wikie roancsanree tera aiaers 126, 137
TOR AIS aise Ne cei eee ak waa byes hremenever ae: 30
Western Teer siacccrs ciate ae prciake 195
Nutcracker, Clarke’s......... 157, 195
INWUINAEIN@GS, occncccgsc0ann 87, 88, 152
Brown-headed..... Ig, we, Ie”, ask
Whitebreasted......... 18, 66, 67,

13, 85, 127, 138, 191

ORIG See re tice ere escort: Seah 204
AUD ONES ise. sist nortesd arse mae ree 190
leyaillimnoiees 5 Gaoceoacoovec (2, 126,
141, 171, 184, 191

BUM O CEES eaveneis tice is ese eee 52
Ornchandtencwesnee. Si (2, IPAS, B37
OSPREY R EN eee mite) cal 6, 27, 45, 199, 200
PACT C THIG AMIN eraciarensteveieue ly eemenmere rae 194
OuzelecWatern aes cence niereet 146
Owemloin dees aise esha cache U2, sll
WA, WZ, UB ial, Wi.

CORA ashen alate ioe oe nG Siete 1H, Uz
JBEN Cel Caen arkss See if, Bil, 4s, Os, TZ,

125, 138, 139, 183
Barred. ..24, 31, 45, 48, 55, 125, 138

IBUTLOWAN SS Yeas hiss seuseve aeerterecsieye on
Florida Burrowing ........... 32
Great lGray, yen seee se 12, 46, 144
Great Horned...... Bil, 25, 02, 1G
Long-eared............ 45, 90, 126
Senecehqry ise an cae eee 31, 45,

72, 125, -87, 138, 156, 190

Shogteaned sy sseee en. Bil, 2B, 7a
SPOtved ee eo ce 203
MexaseBarne dixie cna ne 139
Texas Sereech ............ 30, 138
Western Horned ......... 146, 195
Paroquet Carolina ssc asec ses 15, 177
IPGIWiCOl ei cpevaeen vowels aussi a nehe 5b, 58, 152
NViOO Cae tee neers 126, 150, 156, 171
Phalaropeingecccrco ia scott ccd ee 216
INOFtHERN Es ioholademerngesstoe ata 218
AVIS OME Siyatie hte enn eee ie 158
Pheasant, Hungarian ............ 90:
1RMDEAIMNECNGO! Goocooudosouboogs 125.

VIII

TOC D OLS haelecciecicc sites 6, 17, 48, 69, 72,
79, 184, 141, 191, 212, 218, 232

Bla clans. bau eee wee Bie raienaoiers 225
Pigeon, Passenger ........... 177, 178
WANES See has Seay Sits ahaa ere 205

Jesh ouoreliy Wi are te ot aerials tHE 55, 147, 157
IB TE Rete Screen eek a acme Rn tet ote 18
IBTO VET ai Rie) pence ea ene 61, 75, 205
Black-bellied ................. 19
Golden eee ee oes aan eee 19
Semipalmated ............... 19
SHOWA et ee eee eerie 158
WHolENNGls so ocaon %, 125, 154, 215, 216
(CJIDIGTU Bi Aen mata cao ma 47, 75, 192, 206
California Valley ............ 49
MIOUMEAIN Esme ero ok os ese aces are 49
TRU Piatra atts ei attctoe ane als ae 137, 161, 205
Bla Ck Feta ol, 4h als, wil, WL
CLAP DEMS Seas ke een aL, BZ
GIT Os aca ee ee tee ea eterna 105, 125
OMAN shee sereaiehiay ena rean wees ee 71- 74

AV aire SMTA ioe suse ea eee Tak, WA, Bez
SVC OWS hese nn noel 14, 195, 202
Reda Dui eee aes lee are eras oo Be 141, 223
TRY eVellalere V0 Ryan es ene oi TUR VEN Ua Lee Han 157
NWVESTOTINY rere ec ae eens 197
Redstart...111, 127, 187, 152, 154, 171
American ...... 118; 122, 150, 191

ESO UGI(6 Ini eeend aa! eee cco balan ice aEmaeee etn 210
Road Runner ............. 49, 141, 142
EVO their eg abel IS, BPA, WAL lays,

58, 60, 73, 78, 128, 137, 140, 141,
150, 183, 206, 212, 223, 228, 232

/Nillob aOR Aur arene ecto Palak, Pale
ATIMNETIGCAMI sie nie eae Ul, 2a
Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied.137, 140, 191
Sandenhinio® wemas nearness ee 19
MAN CpIP Sry cee e tee Rely cae aay ek aera U5
TBYeW He G Lisa ered Rees ere ea tenn asco 19
Bartramian ........... 19, 45, 139
TRC AIS TA eee ect uname 195 1125
IPC CtOrag ee oes ren Aa oesteasersyoeee 19
Red-backed 72. 23-2. 500 5-5 - 42, 88
Semipalmated ............ 19, 181
SS OUDGA eyes ee Sees Hee este olla VerealetaWley duce ene 190
Spoonbill ee ee eee waters Se 1133
Spotted...... 61, 187, 194, 218, 221
WIESE RING cots rare sees aten an eros 19
White-rumped ................ iL)

THE OOLOGIST

Scoter, White-winged......... 210, 220
Secretary Bird 24.425 626. +e 15
Shearwater, Pink-footed .......... 154 ©
SOOty 825 oa cate oe oe 154
Shovelleni. cack sc acces eee IST
Shrike. ie ia sas wc Aer eee ee 48
lorzerheads sa eee 47, 1387
Mierantt: or! i.cclene Soe ol pine 58
Northern 2.32 :20stesct oceans 140
Siskin Pine: 32). cneeeen eeee 53, 150
SMIPSN AA Ea ak were oe aoe 61
Wilson’s.......... 19, 140, 149, 158
SPAENOW 2s ase Pete ns suas cceker eee 142
Bachman’s® 3.2.4 5escco eerie 8, 42
1BY EN Ge Aste eeReREA LONG Otomo ad o0.0'd.¢ 18
Barn 2ien..2 6 ceo os one pe ee 49
Brewers! jscsacmock Ae eno ee 149
Chipping....... 48, 55, 72, 96, 126,
128, 137, 188, 156, 184, 191, 231
CRE pues ec RR ean epee 48, 49, 72
Clay-colored: | .05-ace sete 143
Dusky Seaside....... ex); iley24, 103333
English..... 40, 49, 72, 96, 184, 204
II IG US eRe ate cea 55, 70, 71, 72
119, 126, 137, 189, 191, 224, 232
Grasshopper ......... M2, L263 222
Henslow’s..... 72, 92, 98, 126, 170
IOUS es sae One Sean 65, 126
Intermediates eae. eerie 52
A Bh ol creme ERM intoin G's'O0 oo 55
Mountain ier sacs: cone eee 150
Pine Woods........ 47, 48, 137, 138
SAVANNA esses eke mere 158
Seasides cick ates Oe eee 72, 192
Sharp-tatledi secs eeereoee 72, 192
Song..... 18, 55, 69, 70, 72, 76, 126,
128, 143, 150, 158, 191, 228, 232
TMOG 8 tibia ss Seis ee a 140
WViESDERS Vascne acne 72, 126, 143, 191
Western Chipping ............ 195
Western Vesper ...........6.. 195
Western ela keeya sae eee rene 18
White-crowned........ 53, 150, 195
White-throated..... poll, 7, ish
SQuawikge ease een eee 58, 123
Stilt, Black-necked....... 147, 157, 181

Stanlinek aa) 64, 65, 72, 126, 222

THE OOLOGIST IX

RAO: calc, Soe Sia dove aie 20, 48, 92, 155
—UDINO Bal iss cee sieve aie) he os 199
ESI essa raves sncetia ols wiaieneo cg 18, 50, 74,

75, 124, 127, 137, 154, 155

[EG Wan, Me soleotehcen io, Sioa 6, 18, 72, 127,
137, 158, 188, 189, 191, 195

Onan cache Gehl sate ate iN Mie cits 40, 127
Rough-winged ............. 50, 72,
74, 75, 124, 127, 154, 191

HETROS rege Pan's rors Marts oo hea asa 6, 127, 141

WER othe Se a Na et ee ee 230
NIU ETOI CGO 8 ae tt a ae 201
184 Be ce #1(eY Cle 270 a 201
Huropean White ............. 201
Trumpeter........ Iv, 28, 177, 201
Wan StTImio? a) Oe cs eek eien ce 210, 230

MSVVTIITLE a ca ee et Eee 48
TRIG YEN Waiacieea a kt Saini ae me ea a 46
Chimney. ..17, 72, 126, 137, 140, 191
WRU SY a eeadar ter Par Pa Ee a 157

Tanager, Hepatic ................ ayy
WOMISTANA iis cc5 a0 ess as sic eree so wcle 195
Scarlet yar nae aie 60, 72, 127,

128, 137, 150, 183, 206
SSUNMUTIUGT) <5, oi <)ct oy. veierond- acide ne U2, | UB

Teal, Blue-winged.......... 55, 157, 210
CIMINO... oA 15
Green-winged...124, 147, 157, 194

Tit, Lead-colored Bush............ 146

MIPIM OMS Ot ge cos chicave eters mevene aces 87
CE SHC CE rar ai rara Ake ty Sic haepets Sees 128
SENUMC DEAS uses as esee ec ne ae 86
Tufted. .18, 48, 85, 187, 138, 170, 191

Towhee........ 18, 48, 72, 86, 119, 137,

WAG, Ise, Ie alk, aS, ze 225)

WSN. Sp Gee ten gee Re eee eee eee i ees 12
IBN GHEI CMS seecass aneaeee reat Bee nee 55, 218
(CES OME TD it ara net ee 10, 149
(COMMIT Co lalnciclo creo ee 179

Thrasher, Brown.............. iS, (BY),

(3, 86; 89) 125, 127, 137, 138
140, 141, 179, 184, 191, 218, 220

SP Cuareyeeceenne sean ee ort wat A 149
PIRLINGUTS Inltere rare contrainte grat eae es Sar UL, 15
Audubon’s Hermit........ 150, 195

ES THOM illest se euscsre se tencoa's wuclerese 184

Jal pic) | Opereetaens cice 18, 137, 140, 144
Louisiana Water ...... 72, 95, 98,
ili, 45 se aly alsalS alse.

Northern Water ...........+... 84

Olive-Backed! sn hnc once cee ee 162,
163, 164, 165, 166, 167

MOST aia arctan perce per atenG repre ar 207
Wiaber a ieict 5. «deers 72, 118, 122, 191
WIT O Wer ce a'sc. co Mace oute wre rce sian cteee ters 150
AVNPUES ORES: cate atce Versa ate 73, 128

AY ACY aXG Lcetee Caesar cmte tinea earn ie Lik 69, 70,

73, 122, 128, 137, 138, 191, 232
PUPNISEONEN ee fie 6.2 cine cee ee 19, 61, 67
Turkey, Wild..... 74, 98, 170, 191, 206
BWC CL Ye iis clapecelapaieis eae carne aia aes US35 1970
VA COR Ss Meni me 6, 69, 70, 71, 229, 230
Blue-headed ............ IBY, eA)
Red-eyed..... TUS 2 WA, URS ast,

138, 139, 156, 171, 191, 228, 229
Solitary....72, 91, 98, 191, 229, 230

War bilimig ees s ce au. ores esrecolens 127, 128
White-eyed ........ 18, 70, 127, 137
Yellow-throated...72, 127, 138, 191

YA DTNB OR ek Oli einen e cone meee cS aa 47, 48
Bake ries ae seeete ss Gali o0s 139
"TRUK Wiss eGecsu emacs 6, 17, 30, 47, 48,

90, 125, 137, 139, 140, 142

WWWenelieies Gcoocacc UO, ail, 165 20, We, OB
98, 107, 109, 119, 144, 207, 229

ANUGUID ONES eras vicina ese dis crsercesncterete 150
Blackburnian ............. 12 gale

Oe a, Al, ale, 7a, wea

IBA J20ll Gcocacedcod004e TAL, 7

Black & White. .18, 72, 94, 95, 99,
IG. Wes WA sre yO, algal as

Black-throated Gray ......... 150
Black-throated Green...... 18, 91,
Cy as weal, ale, algal
Black-throated Blue ....... A, WB.
91, 118, 121, 137, 144, 171, 207
Bay-breasted ........... 118, 121
Blue-winged ...... Ue Ue, UB, W92
Cama dia ss ae eens eheetcent ess Sil
98, 99, 118, 122, 140, 171, 207

Caper Mian. Tie sata ree ese 121, 137
Cerulean........ is, TES, Weal, ash
Chestnut-sided ........... 72, 104,
Os), Tals, PAL, alee, leiy, alr/al
ConmectiCuitence. ase eee 122
Golden-winged ............ 72, 98,
99, 100, 116, 119, 170, 171, 191

TOO de dais cis Givens eros arene 10, 91,

98, 118, 122, 137, 138, 171

x THE OOLOGIST

entckiyeeae eeie 10, 72, 112,
118, 118, 127, 144, 168, 183
Keintland4.y; Gea we iets rtepers cron rster 14
MacGillvirays....... 105, 108, 111
Macwoliass 23, 4 cust homenctecr 72, 91,
118, 121, 144, 170, 207

INMOWNEMNE, soos cocoa Glo 91, 118, 122
Vivartlese pens soa ils, zal, Is, gal
NASI sooococsces 118, 121, 191
OranZexcrowmed snes. sens 121
Palliningte Sas a Sat betiees ee eee ee 121, 137
PAT Ula et Se ene ears 18, 118,
gil, Lz, BR, Il), ali, Boa

IB ANAYS ace eee ae 18, 47, 48, 121, 137
IPRA ees ecko eee ee eee 108, 1A, 37
IPOLINOMOURNAY 5 4o0oc000006000RK6 97
SWAMNSOM'S coocccocusoces 101, 102
SViCAMOLO ace ese eae ae 18
PREMMESS CO Se Star teissaeee sess Uke 121
NYAVTTIES a) aTRSHU Se ate eel Sa ar ei 181, 122
Niorm-eabinics a= sss anne 45, 72, 96,
Bis, WS, Tale, Tee, Ib), alse, ish
AVVOO Cig eres aeure namics ria hs Talal
NEMO RA Gite ea eA a 8), TO, al,

0s WOGs ahhh abi Takes eal
128, 143, 150, 155, 191, 223

Yellow-Palm .....%.. 148, 144, 191
Yellow-throated ......... 137, 206
Western Thar USMin eet isaawn howe eevee st 231
HE OUISTAMG eres eye 4, 207, 231
AWWA ra nMiee tet cB ieee me aa mene aie eae 228
IB OOM AEN rateycts wicca siemens 48, 76
Cedanrte her: 48, 72, 127, 137, 184
Whip-poor-will. ..126, 187, 138, 151, 212
Widow, Chuck-will’s ............. 137
WAGE OI. aren ga Sects Micdepscins aceon sesame 55
ATMEL CAM a ee cae eee eelaw ara 10
AVVSUDICS OR eens Rien iormet nas rr tin pe iaatseta il)
VESTER A tice wane ee arte uetacuanoaergnte 158
WOOGCICOEK 5 oS scooccunans 98, 125, 171,
172, 173, 205, 212, 213, 214, 216
American........... 171, 230, 231
Woodpecker inns saan ari: 78, 79, 84,
85, 87, 140, 200, 220, 222, 223

DD OWA Geers fats ee ata Ie, Ws
126, 152, 156, 171, 190, 223
Golden-winged ............... ai
Golden-fronted ............... 87

Hainy. 245 55, 125126, 13% 183) 190

Ivory-billed .......... 36, 177, 201
Pileated......... 6, 44, 65, 66, 72,

82, 84, 98, 137, 138, 170
Red billed: cic) ws haee es eee 9
Red-bellied | <2 3s ieee i337
Red-cockaded ............ 47, 187

Red-headed. .8, 55, 72, 97, 126, 137,,
140, 148, 152, 184, 191, 197, 222, 223

Southern Downy ............. 137
Three-toed 22sec eee 195
Yellow-bellied ............... 17

VV Srna eu betes ase eee 48, 141, 159, 160
Bewicks...18, 80, 81, 187, 138, 230
Carolinale ee cae ae 6, 18, 47, 48,

73, 187, 158, 159, 160, 191

Dotted Canonpar tase shoe 146
Miloniday? conc. eae eee ae 48
HOUSER {2 su ce ey ieee 13, 35
127, 140, 171, 184, 190, 191

Long-billed Marsh...... 20, 73; 127
ROCK OSs Sai eee eee 203
Short-billed Marsh. ..20, 45, 73, 127
Texas -Bewick 2.75.5 ssc cee 139
TPS soo ee ae Ne Pe ames 158
WWALGUEGIPS ooo oon 73, 84, 91, 186, 188
Mellow-lessi men anes 200, 216
Greater: cc aie icescerrc erence ak)
WWESSEr Gs soc aes espero emer Reaae 19
NCGIMOWIEUINIORN, soovocccocsgDDodscce 158
WENAVEING So cacc0ds V5 25 dali, ials,

TD ala, les, Ws, Teal, IT, eat
Western: ico 5 ele dierent 143
Northern. S20. tescticaceyaon 18

caren
opal iy

race oN

var

THE

OLOGIST.

BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY

Vou. XXXI. No. 1.

ALBION, N. Y., JAN. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 318

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

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scription expires with this issue. 305 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, aS well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

We will not advertise the Skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens 0

North American Birds for sale.

These columns are for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses only.—EDITOR.
BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Ill.

FOR SALE—Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNES, Lacon, Il. (1-p)

WANTED. Pair skins each, Bob-White
and Ruffed Grouse. Offerclimbers, Stevens’
Target Pistol, 22 Cal Ridgway’s ‘Birds North
and Middle America,” part 4, publications.
DOES G. TYLER, 1114 Belmont Ave., Fresno,

alif.

FOR EXCHANGE.—One pair Woodcock
taken in 1913, full plumage, perfect condition.
Finely {mounted in dust proof case, glass
front, hand painted background. [I want
skins of shore birds that will relax and
mount. G. A. ABBOTT, 945 Marquette Bldg.
Chicago, Ill.

WANTED.—One pair each of the following
California Candor: Passenger Pigeon, Caro-
lina Paragute, Swallow Tailed Kite, Miss
issiippi Kite, Everglade Kite, Ivory billed
Woodpecker. Gaudoloup Caracara, Trumpe-
er Swan, Whooping Crane and other rare
Specimens. If you have only one write me.

I can use skins suitable for mounting. But
both skins and mounted specimans must be
first class in every way. R. M. BARNHS,
Lacon. Ill.

EGGS.

Im sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.
ee

EXCHANGE.—Personally collected sets of
Mississippi Kite 1-2 1-1, complete data, fifty

‘eggs: for best offers. H. S. SOWERS,

Brownell, Kan. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.— Four well marked complete
sets of two Red-shouldered Hawk. What
sets have you to offer for them? C.G.HART,
East Berlin, Conn. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—For every Sandpiper, Bob
White, Green Heron, Oriole or 5 Brown
Thrasher, or 5 Cardinal eggs, exchange 25¢
Tercentenary stamps. D. INGRAM,
Brampton, Ont. == Gl 1p) aa

II THE OOLOGIST

EGGS, Continued.

TO EXCHANGE,.—Sets with data, North
America and Foreign. Can use many com-
mon kinds of both. DR.T. W. RICHARDS,
We e Navy, 1911 N. St., N. W., Washington

non EXCHANGE.— Personally Collected;
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9: 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4; 194c 3-5; 197 3-4; 225 6-45
226 3-4; 258a 1-4: 432 n-2; 436 n-2" 478c 2-5: 480 2-5:
499 9-5: 554 n- 4; Sea n-3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n-5:
749 n-6; 759a 0-4. O. TREGANZA, 610 U. SS
& T. Bldg., Salt Lae City. Utah.

WILL EXCHANGE a few choice sets, per-
sonally taken such as Limpkin, Sand Hill
Crane, Florida Burrowing Owl, Florida Wild
Turkey, Wood Duck and other rare as well
as many commoner species, with exception
of hummers of all kinds. My wants are sets
from species that visit Florida. Send com-
OSCAR E. BAY-

(2-t)

plete list in first letter.
NARD, Clearwater, Florida.

WANTED.— One set of A. O. U. Nos. 25-43
129-167-178-252-260-301 - 310-352 - 375a - 375d-419-423-
457-474b-498¢-616-652-674-701-733-755.

Two sets

each of 7-145-148-154-160-161-180-243-289b-310c-335-
341-356-356-409-474e-477-505- 608 - 639 - 657 - 726 - 736-
And three sets each of 5-21-55-115-136-153-162-
293a-300a-308-310a-310b-347-351-356a - 383-396-748b-
480-486-542b-562-636-727. Must be A.1. and for
them I offer a very desirable assortment of
R. M. BARNES,

specimens in exchange.

Lacon, Ill.

MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR SALE.—Ffne bound sets of Nidologist
and Osprey, aS wellasa Booey of Hawks and
Owls of U. by isher. PHILLIP
TAURENT. 31 BE. Mt. tee Ave., Phildel oa

2-p

EXCHANGE.— Will exchange some money
for Black Squirrels. How much do you
want? DR. B. A. HAMILTON, Highland
Park, Ill. (1-p)

EXCHANGE. —A_ 5-ft. steel “Rainbow”
casting rod, in good condition cost $8.00. Will
trade for most any sets of eggs with full data.
EARL MOFFAT, Marshall, Texas. (1-p)

WANTED.—Two or Three female Gray or
Cat Squirrels. Must betame. Also one pair
Japanese, or any other real fancy breed of
rabbits. EDWIN P. GUY, 1902 4th Ave.,
Camden, S. Car. (1-p)

I want back numbers of many amature
Natural history magazines. Send me your
list. I will pay the highest prices for those I

want, R. M. BARNES, Lacon. Ill.

WANTED.—For the best cash offer, ‘The
Oologist,” Jan. 1904 to Jan. 15, 1913. Total 108
numbers. EDW. S. COOMBS, 243 Franklin
St.. Boston, Mass.

BIRD LORE TO EXCHANGE.—70 num-
bers. all different; for eggs in Al sets, Book
on birds by John B. Grant to exchange for
sets. R. LOZIER, Attica, O. (2-p)

EXCHANGE.—Back numbers Auk, Con-
dor. Bird Lore, Oologist. some rare. Want ©
certain numbers Museum, Museum News,
Ottawa Naturalist, American Ornithology,
Petrel. lowa Ornithologist and many others.
A.C. BENT, Taunton, Mass. (1-p)

WANTED.—Life history of North Ameri-
can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or
single copies. Also Bird Books and Insect
Book, report any you have. LAURA KEAN,
Stockport, Ohio.

WANTED.—Audubon’s Birds of America,
First subscription, 8 vo. ed. Phila. & N.
Yori, 1840-44. Five dollars ce coy net part will
be paid for numbers 10 and 80. RANKLIN

OOKSHOP, 920 Walnut St., Philadelphia,

a,

BIRD MAGAZINES.—I have about 500
old bird magazines for exchange, including
complete volumes of Auk, Condor, Nidiolo-
gist, Osprey, Oregon Naturalist, me odd
numbers of all of these. W. LEE CHAM-
BERS, 1226 11th St.. Santa Monica, Bal,

CASH FOR BOOKS.—Whole libraries o?
single volumes purchased. What have your
ae OM STE: 72-74 Madison Ave., New

ork.

The Oologist for 1914 will be the best

it has ever been. Subscribe now only
50c.

THE OOLOGIST, Lacon, IIl.

~ “THE OOLOGIST.

Vou. XXXI. No. 1.

ALBION, N. Y. JAN. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 318

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.
eS AC a Se a Ie

VOLUME XXxXI.

Away back in May, 1884, Frank H.
Lattin began the publication of THE
YOUNG OOLOGIST at Gaines, N. Y.
Its circulation at first was very limi-
ted, and largely among boys engaged
in making collections of birds eggs.
At the end of the first year the name
was changed to “THE OOLOGIST.”
As years went by the circulation in-
creased, and the journal—a mere
leaflet—began to acquire a _ rank
among other amatuer bird publica-
tions. Dozens of such blossomed
forth and died—yet there was some-
thing about THE OOLOGIST that
appealed to the bird students of the
country and it survived. Its circu-
lation grew, its influence increased,
until finally THE OOLOGIST be.
came the recognized organ of the
oologist’s of the country, and likewise
an authority with ornithologists.
About 1905 Mr. Lattin retired from
active connection with the magazine.
He was succeeded by E. H. Short.
Both Lattin and Short were egg
dealers, and looked more to the com-
mercial than to the scientific side of
birdom. THE OOLOGIST gradually
neared the brink of the abyss of
oblivion, into which so many of its
contemporaries had plunged to
emerge ho more. In March, 1909,
We purchased the little magazine of
our early days, largely as a matter
of sentiment, to save it from such a
fate, believing there was a field for
such a publication. As we had no
ax to grind, being a dealer in neither

ornithclogical or cological specimens.
Not being in the game for commer-
cial gain, having nothing to sell; we
believed we were in a better position
to impartially serve the patrons of
this publication than others were.
Our aim has been to conduct a real
Oological magazine representative
of all interested in the science, with-
out fear or favor. One in which all
had an interest, and a voice.

At once upon our assuming con-
trol, there rallied to the support of
THE OOLOGIST scores of its old
friends, bound to it by ties of former
years, and the result was gratifying
indeed. We are now publishing a
class of bird literature not excelled
by any other publication, no matter
how pretentious. Our illustrations are
the best that money and science can
produce. Our columns are open and
free to our contributers; are not con-
trolled by any click or circle. Young
as well as old are welcome to record
interesting observations, for we real-
ize that the young naturalist must
begin somewhere, we are willing to
help them begin. The egg fraud has
been almost exterminated, as the re
sult to the campaign waged by THE
OOLOGIST. We begin the new year
and the new Volume XXXI as the
oldest existing bird magazine in the
Uniter States—save one which is but
five short months our senior—with
flattering prospects for 1914. We ap-
preciate the cordial support of our
friends, in the past and crave a con-
tinuance thereof for the future, assur-

9 THE OOLOGIST

ing you all that we will do what we
can to deserve the same.

That you may all know what is in
store, we will take you into our con-
fidence long enough to tell you that
the first article published in THI
YOUNG OOLOGIST, Vol. I, No. 1,
page 1, was entitled “Instructions for
Collecting Birds Eggs.” The writer
has been engaged for 388 years in
making a collection of the nests and
eggs of North American Birds, and
as the result of such extended experi-
ence, believes himself reasonably com-
petent to discuss this subject, and
purposes during the coming year to
publish a series of articles relating to
the modern methods now obtaining
in the making and arranging and keep-
ing of such collections. This may be
illustrated.

We will also publish a complete
authentic “List of the Birds of the
Isle of Pines,’ by C. A. Read. An ex-

haustive review of “The Two Species
of North American Swan.’ A paper

on “The Humming-birds of the United
States.” An “Biblography of the
Amateur Natural History Magazines

of the United Staets relating to birds.”
by Frank A. Bursa. Also a large
number of other splendid observation

papers relating to the birds. We
really believe that we enter the new

year better equipped to serve our
readers than ever before.

Kind reader, please put YOUR
shoulder to the wheel and see if you

cannot secure at least one new sub-
scriber for us, even if you have to
send THE OOLOGIST to some young
friend for the year. It will help a
little, and all the money received by
us goes back into the publication to
improve the same.

Beginning with the next issue THE

OOLOGIST will be mailed flat. Let
us make 1914 the banner year for the

little monthly visitor, that we all
have a common interest in.
The HEHditor.

The Lano Collection.

The public press contains informa-
tion to the effect that the collection
of bird skins gathered by Albert Lano
of Excelsior, Minnesota, and compris-
ing 1500 specimens, has been recent-
ly acquired by the University of Min-
nesota.

This colection contains skins of
birds that are no longer found in
Minnesota. It represents the life work
of Mr. Lano and is one of the most
perfectly prepared private collections
of birds skins to be found anywhere
in the West, and the University is to
be congratulated upon their luck in
securing them.

pho Sa 2 ee
A Rare Find.

Mr. William L. G. Edson, of High-
land Park, Rochester, N. Y., reports
seeing one Hudsonian Chickadee
December 11, 1913, and January 2,
1914, two more. These birds are un-
usual in this locality.

be a eee ee
Books Received.

FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF’ THE
MASSACHUSETTS STATH ORNI-
THOLOGIST, 1912.

This document just comes to hand,
being issued by Edward Howe For-
bush. It contains 34 pages of very
readable matter and a number of in-
teresting illustrations, and contains
much that is interesting to the bird
lover; especially matters relating to
the unlawful killing of birds and the
propogation of wild birds in confine-
ment.

Paap snivenee a Peas
Subscribers Notice.

With this issue we cease mailing
THE OOLOGIST to all subscribers
whose subscription expired with No.
305. This is in compliance with the
United States Postals Laws. We
should be glad to have you renew
your subscription.

The Oologist.

G. Howes

TS RBS RS =e
ohne

Photo by P

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Country,

River

Typical Miami

4 THE

Nesting of the Killdeer near Stam-
ford, Ct.

June 11th, 1912, broke clear and hot,
a perfect day for a collecting trip.
Soon after day break I was on my
way and by 9 a.m. had reached the
wilder country back of Long Ridge,
some eight miles north of Stamford.

The day’s hunt was started along
the Mianus river, a beautiful stream
which winds its way for miles through
great virgin hemlocks which keep the
temperature down and at the same
time boost up the spirits of one who
enjoys the glories of nature. I first
visited a nest of the Louisiana water
thrush, from which I had taken a
fine set of five well incubated eggs
on May 24th. There was no second
set awaiting me however, This nest
was placed under the over-hanging
reots on the bank of a small brook
near the river and was well set in so
as to be completely protected from
rain or anything dropping from above.
Dead leaves served as a foundation,
the remainder of the nest being entire-
ly of fine grasses and roots. Placed
exactly one foot above the water and
about the same distance from the top
of bank.

After examining this nest I started
through some thickets to the north
‘east of the river and had not gone
far before I came upon a huge Black
snake encircled around a Wood
thrush’s nest. The snake was suck-
ing the life blocd of the last nestling,
who was still weakly struggling for

its life: when a blow from my axe
put an end to the tragedy. The en-
tire morning was spent in these

thickets without finding anything of
note.

About 1 p.m. I was greatly sur-
prised to see a Killdeer fly across the
road in front cf me and settle close
by in a field of thin, stunted grain.
As I approached, the bird became

aii) \arA

OOLOGIST 2)

very much excited and acted as
though there was a nest close by.
After two hours I succeeded in find-
ing the four badly incubated eggs. It
took me days to save them, but they
are the pride of my collection. The
nest was fully five hundred feet from
where the bird first attracted my at-
tention. This was probably the male
endeavoring to lead me away and I
admit that he succeeded for a con-
sidrable time. The nest was placed
upon a slight rise in the ground and
consisited of a collection of bulbous
roots, pieces of bone and small stones
raked into a two-inch hollow in the
sod.

Both birds played the broken wing
trick and at the same time gave vent
to mournful screams and notes of
alarm. The female was by far the
bravest of the two birds, allowing me
to approach within fifteen feet of her.
The male never came closer than fifty
feet.

I found the nest by allowing the
female to settle. Then I would walk
rapidly toward the spot where she
had disappeared into the grass. Hach
time I came closer to the spot and
finally after a great many tries, I saw
the four beauties about ten feet to
my right. The eggs measure as fol-
lows: 1.51 x1.10, 1.50 x 1.12, 1.49 x 1.12,
and 1.45 x 1.13.

The Kildeer arrives here about
March 25th, when it may be seen
Singly or in pairs, but I have never
observed it in flucks during the spring
migration. The birds probably arrive
mated, which would explain this fact.
What they eat in the early spring,
before the snow leaves the ground,
would indeed be interesting to know,
as it must be a far different diet from
their summer fare of grasshoppers and
earth worms.

What records are there of the Kill-
deer breeding in Fairfield county?

Photo by P. G. Howes

Nest and Eggs of Killdeer

6 THE OOLOGIST

Near Stamford it is considered as a

very rare and irregular breeder, the

writer knowing of only one other
record. No doubt there are others
still in the depths of Oologist’s note
books.

Paul G. Howes.
oe <><

Birds on the St. John’s River.

On December 5th and 6th, I took a
seventy-five mile trip down the St.
Jchn’s siver. The bird life on this
stream is fairly abundant, especially
in localities where a spring empties
into a lake, as at Lake George. On
one of these spots in the west shore
of Lake George, the coots were presen:

in large numbers, but all species of-

the order Amseres were remarkably
searce; I saw only half a dozen Saaup
Ducks and a couple of Mergansers.

Navigation on the St. John’s is sad--

ly hindered at times by great jams of
Water Hyacinths. These plants drift
about in small bunches, and on them,
1 saw flocks of Boat tailes Crackles,
and Rusty Blackbirds, in company.
On the beacons set by the govern-
ment to mark the channel, and on the
limbs cf the trees overhanging the
river, the Anhinga and Florida Comar-
ant were frequently seen, the former
in his characteristic pose with out-
stretched wings. The Black Vultures
were gathered here and there in large
numbers, choosing for a resting-place,

a dead tree just as they chose a little
later a dead anuman for a feast. The

Turkey Vulture was seldom seen, and
then always alone. This bird seems
to hold aloof from his smaller and
mcre abundant relative.

The tree Swallows, newly arrived
frem the North, were frequently seen,
and another regular winter visitant,
the Phoebe, was both seen and heard
as we passed down the river. An oc-
casional Marsh Hawk soared above
the dismal cypress swamps, which bor-

der upon the St. Johns and a few
flocks of Killdeer flew over them in
search, I suppose, of more original
beaches if the Mucky banks of this

stream may be called such. King-
fisher, Sparrow Hawks, Fish Crows
and Ospreys were seen at times. The

Great Heron was more common than
the (Louisiana ,the Louisiana more
than the Green Heron. A Pileated
Woodpecker was no uncommon sight
as he flashed across the river, and
dived into the woods on the opposite
side. On the shores of Lake George
I found Carolina Wrens, Cat birds,
Mockingbirds, Flickers, Blue Jays,
Vireo, and in the marshes a number
of gallinules.
Robert J. Longstreet.

LeLand, Fla.

2—<—e—
Nest Notes.

This year a colony of Barn Swallows
placed twenty-four nests on the pearl-
line plates and rafters of the barn.
The first settings all contained five
eggs each, which brought 115 young
Swallows to life, one nest being de-
stroyed.

The second clutch run three to four
eggs. One nest I examined was lined
with feathers of the Quiena Fowl.
With none nearer than two miles dist-
ant. On May 23d a pair of Barn Swal-
lows began to build on a board that
had been placed with one end on a
grit and the other over the stantion
in the cow stable, leaving aboue six
inches space between the bcard and
the floor above. Both birds worked
at nest building, and each bird built
a separate nest close to each other.
The nests were finished on June 2d,
and on June 3d one egg was deposited
about 5:30 a. m, in the nest of the
female. The next day at the same
time one in the nest built by the male.
On the 8th of June the female’s nest
had three eggs and the male’s had

THE OOLOGIST 3) (1) ) \o)"! 7

two. Both birds began setting on the
9th. The nests were destroyed on the
16th.

On several occasions during the
late spring and early summer I saw
both male and female of the Wood
duck about a swamp in an open spot
in a big woods. I was unable to find
any nest even in the woods. But one
day very early in August while out af-
ter berries I saw two old ducks and
ten young on the pond. Saw them sev-
eral times up to October ist, and sure
they nested here.

I examined 65 species of eggs this
summer, but took none.

Ruffed Grouse nest found May 18,
1913. Situated under a fallen limb in
edge of a thicket. Nest contained
seven eggs at time of discovery. On
May 20th it contained nine eggs; on
the 21st the female began incubation.
All hatched on June 11th, largest egg
1:56 x 1.12; smallest 1.50 x 1.08.

On May 19th, I found a nest of the
Giolden-winged Woodpecker, ‘contain-
ing six fresh eggs, in a hole fifteen
inches deep excavated in the end of
a stub limb, where it had been cut off
in pruning, All hatched ten days lat-
er. Young left the nest when twenty
days old.

‘On May 25th, 1913, I found a nest
of the Maryland Yellow-throat con-
taining one egg situated in a small
bunch of Swamp.grass. On May 29th
it contained five eggs; the female be-
gan setting on the 30th, and hatched
June 12th. The grass about the nest
was very thin affording no protection
for the young. It was quite amusing
to see the female sit on the side of
the nest from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.
with outstretched wings making a
shadow over the young, while the maie
bird brought soft insects to them for
food.

On June 8th found a nest of the
Blue-winged Warbler, containing six

young birds. The nest was composed
of dry leaves with the stems point-
ing upward and lined with strips of
bark of the wild grape vine. Nest
placed on top of the ground no de-
presion being made for it; it was at
the foot of a small thorn bush in an
open spot in the big woods.

June 15th found a nest of Upland
Plover containing four eggs. They
averaged in size, 1.76 x 1.30; eggs
were placed in a small depression in
rather tall grass in an old pasture.
The nest was lined with a few
pieces of broken straws. The eggs
hatched July 2d; young left the nest
hext day. October 5th found nest
of the mourning Dove with two very
young Doves in it.

S. V. Wharram.
Austinburgh, Ohio.
idk SOMOS NSN Ae Re
Runt Woodpecker’s Eggs.

Under the above heading, I note Mr.
Richard T. Miller’s article in THE
OOLOGIST” for October, 1912. This
article interested me greatly. I have
a small series of Flicker (Colaptes
auratus) eggs, in my collection with
abnormal eggs in the set.

One set of Flicker eggs, 1-8-06, col-
lected in Decatur, Kansas, by myself,
May 9, 1906, measure, 1.09 x .83, 1.13 x
85, 1.07 x .85, 1.08 x .79, 1.12 x .84,
1.10 x .85, 1.12 x .84, .77 x .65.

Flicker, set of six eggs including one
runt, 3-6-08, taken in Decatur Co., Kan-
sas, by Harley Riley, May 14, 1908;
measures, 1.09 x .88, 1.13 x .85, 1.08 x
87, 1.15 x .92, 1.09 x .87, .75 x .59.

Flicker, set of six eggs, including
one runt and one double yolked egg.
1-6-80, collected by Harley Riley, in
Decatur Co., Kansas, June 10, 1908;
measure, 1.15 x .91, 1.07 x .78, 1.07 x
.78, 1.14 x .90, 1.82 x .98 .87 x .74.

Flicker, set of seven eggs including
one runt egg, 5-7-08, taken by myself,
in Decatur Co., Kansas, May 24, 1908;

8 THE OOLOGIST

measure, 1.06 x .84, 1.06 x .85, 1.10 x
teilly AOR) 26 foe WG S00 5 TOS) ox Yay
fore oe BEA

Flicker, set of seven eggs, including
one runt, 9-7-08, collected by myself,
in Decatur Co., Kansas, May 25, 1902;
1.05 x .90, 1.06 x .90, 1.09 x .88, 1.08 x
.88, 1.05 x .88, 1.06 x .90, :89 x .78.

Flicker, set of six eggs, 2-6-09, this
set contains the banner runt of the
series, being about the size of a Bush-
tit’s egg. This set was taken by the
writer, in Decatur Co., Kansas, May
18, 1909; measure, 1.13 x .86, 1.10 x
J3@, dill se 487, WilS se 43, WO ox {34h
52) x .45.

Flicker, set of six eggs, 8-6-11, in-
cluding one runt and one double yolk-
ed egg, taken by: myself, in Decatur
Co., Decatur Co., Kansas, June 8, 1911;
measure 1.18 x .88, 1.20 x .90, 1.20 x
88, 1.18 x .86, 1.31 x .98, .80 x .63.

Red-headed Woodpecker, set of four
eggs, 1-4-09, taken by Harley Riley, in
Decatur Co., Kansas, May 23, 1909;
measure 1.07 x .77, 1.05 x .79, .90 x .78,
.84 x .70.

The sets that were collected by my-
self, were complete when found, so I
was unable to find out when the ab-
normal eggs were deposited, whether
the first or last egg of the set, or be-
tween the two. On June 10, 1908, I
found an Orchard Oriole’s nest with
one normal egg in it; returning the
15th the nest contained three normal
eggs with one runt, this would prove
that this bird at least, did not lay the
runt egg first but whether it was the
last egg of the clutch or the second or
third, is a matter of conjecture. This
set measures .84 x .57, .80 x .56, .80 x
.55, .45 x .34, and was collected in Dec-
atur Co., Kansas, June 15, 1908.

Guy Love.
Oberlin, Kansas.
eT Eos en
Bob White or Meadowlark?
On May the 9th, 1910, while out af-

ter a few sets in an upland pasture
near Clinton, I heard a Bob White
calling a short distance away and so I
started over to investigate. When
nearly over there I flushed a Meadow-
lark from her nest. I took a look at
it and was surprised to find that it
held four Lark and four Bob White
eggs. At almost the same time the
Bob Whites flushed only a few feet
away. I was not after oddities that
day so I didn’t take them, but I have
since wished that I had for I have
never seen anything like it before, al-
though I have heard of them laying
with Guineas before and have often
picked up single eggs in the fields. I
even picked up a fresh one this win-
ter while out hunting.
4 >—e- —-
Bachman’s Sparrow, A Summer Resi-

dent in Southern Pennsylvania.

During the past summer [I spent
several days in company with a Har-
vard Professor working out an old
indian trail which runs near the bord-

er line of Pennsylvania and West
. Virginia, only a few miles from the

extreme South-western corner of the
former State. One rainy afternoon
as we rested beneath some giant oaks
which bordered a deserted field. I
heard the peculiar song of a strange
Sparrow. By carefully creeping near
to where it sat perched, I was able
to hear and watch it a litttle while.
The song seemed to be composed of
the following notes, ‘‘thee-ee-ee-ce-lut,
lut, lut, lut.’” As we approached near-
er the border line I noted several more
of these peculiar Sparrows and watch-
ed them carefully. Upon reaching
home some days later, I made a study
of the recorded actions and habits of
Bachman’s Sparrow. From what I
could learn this Sparrow has in re-
cent years extended its range through
Northern West Virginia. In several
sections it has been found breeding

ace

3
&
a
“e
3
4
ms
3
+
&
ie
¥
os
&
cs
g
&

Drawer of Red-bellied Hawks Eggs in Collection of J. B. Dixon

-—Photo by Mr, Dixon

10 THE OOLOGIST

during the past few summers. I feel

sure the Sparrows I saw were Bach-
man’s Sparrows. If I am right, this
is the first record of the Sparrow as a
summer resident of Pennsylvania.
S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
5 a ead

A New Vernacular Name of the
Flicker.

In Hurst’s New Nuttall’s. Dictionary
published by Hurst & Co., New York,
1890, in the “Supplement of Additional
Words and definitations,’” many of
which are of American origin and
usage, and cannot be found in any
other dictionary, on page 871, I find
the following definition of the Flicker:

FLICKER: — The Golden - headed
Woodpecker, or Yellow Hammer; also
called pigeon-woodpecker, high hole,
Glape, ete, = **

A Flicker with a golden-head would
be a novelty indeed! é

Richard F. Miller.
Philadelphia, Pa.
PUSS eae Ag Cee EI
What an Editor Saw.

And Those He Met.

Friday, July 11, 1913, Ye Hditor,
together with his wife and mother
and chauffeur, started from his home
in Lacon, Illinois, and drove to Chica-
go, passing through the northerly
third of the most productive and high-
ly cultivated state in the Union. Of
course birds in that kind of a terri-
tory were not overly. plentiful, though
many more seen of the more. common
varieties.

Saturday, July 12th, we rolled the
machine onto a steamer at Chicago,
and started for Buffalo. A trip over
the lakes is never without interest.
Sunday, an hour’s stop was made. at
Mackinac Island, that gem of all cre-
ation.

Monday, we sailed down through
the most placid of all the lakes,

Huron, which at that time was like
a wide. sheet of glass, lying under a
blazing July sun. In the afternoon,
the winding channels of the St. Clair
river were traversed, through the
St’ Clair flats, and flanked on each
side by continuous lines of summer
cottages, club houses, shooting lodges
and the like.

While we were nearly always in
sight of Herring Gulls and Caspian
Tern on Lakes Michigan and Huron,
here on the St. Clair flats was a
motley assemblage of water birds,
ducks, gulls, terns, coots, redwings
yellowheads, and many smaller be-
ing observed from the ship’s deck.

Tuesday, July 15th, we arrived at
Buffalo and after driving over to Niag-
ara Falls, returned and spent a half
day with that Prince of oologists,
Ottohar Reinecke. We had never met
Reinecke, but soon learned he was a
typical German scientist of the old
school, painstaking, precise and ac-
curate in everything pertaining to
his scientific pursuits, and genial to
a fault. In looking over his collec-
tion, which was particularly rich in
rare Warblers, we saw many sights
that were a delight to the eye, includ-
ing nice series of Hooded and Ken-
tucky. Also the only set of five eggs
of the American Woodcock that has
ever fallen under our obesrvation,
these being personally taken by Mr.
Reinecke, as in fact, were nearly all
of the more rare specimens in his
collection. He also showed us a
nearly complete series of mounted
specimens of all the North American
Ducks.

We left Buffalo for Rochester, Wed-
nesday morning, running through a
thickly settled territory and over the
magnificent roads for which New York
is noted. The next day, July 17th, we
drove from Rochester, out to Albion
to call on Frank H., Lattin, the founder

THE OOLOGIST 11

of THE OOLOGIST. We found the
Doctor at his home, engrossed in bus-
iness. As we had not seen him since
the World’s Fair, year of 1893, it was
a pleasure to renew acquaintance.
Lattin in his day was probably the
best known bird egg man in North
America. Though he is entirely
out of the game now, he has not losi
all his interest in the subject. He is
at present coroner of his county, and
one of the leading doctors therein,
as well as largely interested in or-
chards, and he told us that apples,
and not eggs, were his hobby at pres-
ent.

From there we drove out a few
miles in the country to the home of
E H. Short. Everybody that knows
a bird’s egg, knows Short, either by
Sight, correspondence or reputation.
We had never seen him, and found a
talkative, genial, active man of about
thirty-five years of age. His den is
a little one story building out in the
country containg three rooms. Here
he does all his scientific work, keeps
his specimens, and packs and ships
from this headquarters. Truly, a
more disorderly appearing place of
its kind has never come under our
observation. It was an astonishment
to us, the readiness with which he
would lay his hands upon specimens,
data, or anything else that he might
want, amid the chaotic surroundings.
The place may have been swept out
and dusted since he first moved in,
though it certainly showed no evi-
dence of that fact. Yet, withal, in
such surroundings, there was an air
of the home of a scientist. Short him-
self was engaged in unpacking and
arranging a large collection of eggs
that he had recently got from F.T.
Pember, the well-known scientist of
Granville, New York, which included
such rare and desirable specimens
as Black Rail, Swallowtail Kite,
Whooping Crane and the like,

Driving back to Albion, we called
at the establishment of A. M. Hddy,
from which THE OOLOGIST is print-
ed and mailed, and found a first class,
thcreughly equipped establishment of
its kind, though were disappointed in
learning that Mr. Eddy himself was
in Hurope.

Leaving there we drove Southward-
ly to Penn Yan, N. Y., arriving there
at sudper time. From here we proned
Verdi Burtch of Branchport, and
soon were on a little electric road
and at his home. Burtch is overhead
in business, being the leading mer-
chant in that vicinity, and apparently
dcing nearly all the business there-
abouts. His collection is one of the
best kept and neatest that we have
ever seen. Of course his series of
Warblers is one of the finest in Amer-
ica. The arrangement of the nest be-
ing unique so far as we know. Hach
Warbler’s nest is placed in a smail
basketlike contrivance made of wire
under which, extending downward, is
another wire similar to the stand of
a glass tumbler. This is inserted in
a square, thin piece of wood forming
a base. These bases of wood are
painted black and are all of the same
size, about four inches square, as we
remember it. The eggs are placed
in the nests and in this way the nests
and eggs may be moved about in a
manner similar to the movement of
trays in the ordinary arrangement of
a collection.

Mr. Burtch’s home is ideally situa-
ted for one with his tastes, being on
a high hill, the back yard sloping
down to the reed grown shores of a
lake, and he told us of the taking of
rails and similar birds’ eggs in his
own back yard. Our only regret was
we could not remain longer here.

At this place we were sorry to miss
C. F. Stone, a phone to his home
bringing tre word that he had gone
hunting.

12 THE OOLOGIST

July 18th we ran from Penn Yan to
Syracuse and from there to Oswego.
On the 19th from Oswego to Water-
town, and on to Alexandria Bay.
Stopping long enough at Laconia to
meet Lewis K. Snyder, whom we
found away from his home. During
this run we saw many of the more
common birds of Northwestern New
York, and of course at Alexan‘lvia
Bay, again came in contact with the
Gulls and Terns. Here we remained
among the Thousand Islands unti! the
21st, driving on that day over abovt
the worst roads we have ever seen,
to Ogdensburg, and fiom ther2 to
Malone, in the northern part of tne
state.

The next day a pleasant drive
through the heart of the Adirondack
Mountains, passing Saranac Lake,
Paul Smith’s, Lake Placid, etc., over
perfectly splendid roads, brought us
to Plattsburgh on the shores of Lake
Champlain. Here we remained until
the 25th. At this point we met Lieu-
tenant Francis B. EHastman of the
United States Army and examined
some of his ornithological treasures,
including the only set of really au-
thentic Great Gray Owl’s eggs that
has ever fallen under our notice. The
story of this set is interesting. The
Lieutenant was travelling through the
interior of Alaska in the early spring,
before the snow had commenced to
melt with a detail of soldiers; and
in crosing a heavily timbered ridge,
discovered the nest of this bird about
thirty feet up in a coniferous tree.
Much to the disgust of his fellow
officers and the enlisted men, he
stopped the whole expedition until
these eggs could be procured, for
which we personally are exceedingly
thankful, because this set now rests
in our collection, and is among our
most treasured specimens.

We had never met Hastman before,

but soon learned he was a very lov-
able and entertaining gentleman. To
hear him detail his experiences at
the far away points where he has
been stationed during his service, is
better than reading a book.

Friday, July 25th, we left Platts-
burgh and drove to Chazy on the
shores of Lake Champlain. Here we
visited the noted Minor Farm, which,
even to an Illinoisan who lives in
the heart of the best farming district
in the world, was a revelation. The
vast expenditure of money and the
wonderful results produced upon the
Muskag-like lands of Northern New
York, were a revelation; not the
least interesting object there being
two immense Martin houses, one of
which was reputed to have two hun-
dred fifty rooms, and every room ap-
parently was tenanted with a pair
of these beautiful birds.

From here we crossed Lake Cham-
plain on a ferry to the Island, and
drove southeasterly across this island,
crosing a bridge into Vermont, wind-
ing up in the evening at Burlington.
While on this island, we _ several
times noted small bunches of Black
Duck that rose out of the edge of the
Lake as we rolled along.

Saturday, the 26th, we drove from
Burlington through the Green Moun-
tains to Montpelier, where we took
lunch and from there to St. Johns-
bury. The roads were indifferent
here, though the trip was one of much
interest.

At St. Johnsbury we stayed Sunday
forenoon, and visited the Natural
History Museum in that place endowed
by Mr. Fairbanks. There are many
specimens of interest there. In the
afternoon, over very poor roads, we
drove to Lancaster, New Hampshire,
much out of our way, to call on Fred
B. Spaulding, whom we had never
met but had-known by correspondence

THE OOLOGIST 18

for nearly thirty years, spending the
evening at his residence and exam-
ining his splendid collection of eggs.
This collection is perhaps the rich-
est in Warblers, personally taken, of
any egg collection in North America.
For authenticity, accuracy and care
in preparation, Fred B. Spaulding has
never been excelled. We found a tall,
studious, sandy complexioned gentle-
man who had every bearing of a real
man, and it is with regret that at the
time of writing this short review of
our stop at his home, where we were
so nicely entertained by himself and
his good wife, that he has passed on.
Would that there were more Spauld-
ings engaged in ornithology in North
America.

Monday, the 28th, we drove from
Lancaster, southeast through the
White Mountains over one of the most
splendid drives in all North America,
to Portsmouth. The next day driving
from Portsmouth down the seashore
to Boston. A more interesting trip
could scarcely be found, stopping a
half day at Salem, noted for its liter-
ary genius and ancient witchcraft.

At Boston of course, one of the
first places visited was the Agassiz
Museum on the Harvard University

grounds. Here we were fortunate in
meeting Professor Hinshaw, and un-
fortunate in not meting Outram
Bangs. Professor Hinshaw gener-

ously placed himself and his time at
our disposal, showing us through the
Museum, where for the first time our
eyes rested upon an egg of the ex-
tinet Great Auk. Also a set of two
ges and a number of adult and ju-
venile skins of the exceedingly rare
Spoonbilled Sandpiper. These had
just come in from Northeast Siberia,
Where they were collected the past
spring by our friend Dixon, of Hscon-
dido, California. At this writing
(January, 1914),Dixon had not return-

ed from the south and his friends are
much worried.

From Boston we skirted the sea-
coast southeasterly passing by and
paying tribute to Plymouth Rock,
and followed the road around to the
very point of Cape Cod, at Province-
town over a rolling, sandy, brush
covered country where many small
and a few large birds were observed.

This territory is sparsely settled,
being occupied almost exclusively by
sea going people. The roads however
are as good as the best boule-
vards in our largest cities. Remain-
ing over night at Provincetown on the
point of Cape Cod, we returned the
head of the machine westerly, August
2d, and arrived at Taunton, Massa-
chusetts, about six o’clock in the even-
ing. To get into communication with
A. C. Bent was but the work of a few
minutes, and in a little while, a small,
thin, wiry scholarly appearing gentle-
man called at the hotel and took us
to his bachelor quarters. Bent is
old enough to know better, but he
still persists in remaining a bachelor.
Here we spent a number of hours ex-
amining the accumulations of this
scientist, who is known as an orni-
thologist of the first rank from one
end of the country to the other and
who, from all the bird men of Amer-
ica has been selected by the Govern-
ment to continue the preparation and
publication of Bendire’s Life His-
tories.

Mr. Bent’s collection of eggs was
the largest private collection we had
seen for many a long day, and is in
excellent condition, being arranged,
kept and stored after the manner of
a true scientist. Here we saw many
rare and unusual eggs, including sev-
eral sets of different varieties of the
Alusian Island Ptarmigan, which, so
far as we know, were unique in their
class. Bent has a collection of which
he may be proud.

14 THE OOLOGIST

Our next stop was at Worcester,
from which a short street-car ride
landed us at the Mecca of all orni-
thologists, the private Museum of
Honorable John EH. Thayer at Lancas-
ter. Here we were met by a short,
fat happy dispositioned man of fifty-
one years of age, much to our aston-
ishment. It had always been our uL-
derstanding, and we think is the gen-
eral understanding of ornithologists,
that Mr. Thayer was quite an old
man. He looks really much younger
than he is.

This Museum, which is open to the
public on certain days of the week,
is devoted entirely to North American
ornithology, and contains the best
representation of this subject to be
found anywhere outside the Natural
Museum. One-third of the lower
floor is given over to the storage
room for skins, of which there are
series upon series, including many of
the very rarest. Another third is
given over to the storage of eggs,
which of course, particularly inter-
ested the writer. Here our eyes
feasted upon a series of nine eggs
of the extinct Great Auk, the largest
series to be found in any one place
in the world, and of which there are

but sixty-seven specimens all told
known. We also saw a_ series of
seven California Condor’s eggs, of

which there are but forty-three per-
fect specimens known. Heggs of ithe
Black Rail, Yellow Rail, Kirtland’s
and many other rare warblers, being
in series. Many specimens being rep-
resented by life groups showing the
male and female and nest (in situ)
with the eggs.

The second floor of this building
contains Mr. Thayer’s collection of
mounted birds, of which the endeavor
has been to secure a pair, male and
female of each specimen and such

species. This is perhaps the most

complete sequence of these specimens
in existence, containing a very large
number of rarities, including a mount-
ed Great Auk, a Labrador Duck, a
pair of Guadalupe Caracara, and many
others, some of which are extinct.
This museum is conducted upon a
business basis. A careful set of
books and records are kept pertain-
ing to everything done and every
specimen received and, sent out.
One of the interesting books is a
visitor’s register, in Which may be
seen the autograph of all scientists
visiting this institution. Strange as
it may seem, the last person to reg-
ister before Ye EHditor was our friend,

OOLOGIST—SEVEN.
A. M. Ingersol of San Diego, Califor-

nia. We are under obligations to Mr.
Thayer for the kindness shown to us
while at his Museum, and appreciate
it much. ’

From here we drove to Providence,
Rhode Island, hoping to see John H.
Flanagan and C. H. Dow, but neither
of them were at home, so we wended
our way along the coast of Long Island
Sound westward, stopping at Saybrook
to call at the home of the late Judge
John N. Clark, and from there to New
Haven, where we drove out to eall
upon Paul G. Howes.

We found Mr. Howes a young man
who had celebrated his arrival at the
age of twenty-one years a few days
before. Here we spent one of the
most enjoyable hours of the entire
trip. Mr. Howes has built a small
private museum of his own. While
he is primarily interested in ornithol-
ogy, yet he is a naturalist of broad
attainments, as will disclose itself
to any persen visiting his place. Here
we saw some of the most beautifully
prepared specimens of birds nests
that we have ever seen. While his
collection of ornithological specimens
is not large, yet the preparation is

THE OOLOGIST 15

unexcelled, and the other specimens
cover a wide range. ‘The place is
equipped with every known modern
device used in the most expensive
museums and herein we observed
some life groups after the manner of
those in the New York Museum ot
Natural History, these being prepared
by Mr. Howes, and are fully as good
as those in New York. One of them
when lit up by electricity, is as fine
a thing of the kind as we have ever
seen.

It is our prediction that twenty
years from now, if Mr. Howes is per-
mitted to remain that long, he will
be one of the best known naturalists
in North America.

From New Haven, our route led us
to New York City, via Bridgeport,
Conn. where we spent a very interest-
ing evening, W. Linfred Dubar, John
Garth and Oto C. Hestings all Oologist
gist subscribers. While in New York
we visited the Museum of Natural His-
tory, meeting, among others, Frank M.
Chapman, who appeared unable or too
busy to give us much of his time.
This Museum of course, has unlimited
means behind it, and is one of the
great and growing institutions in
America. Its collection of birds is
exceptionally good. The collection
of eggs is only medium. It is particu-
larly known however for the life
groups of North American birds pre-
pred under the direction of Frank M.
Chapman, to which there is devoted
an entire room, and this display is weil
worth the time of any person, scien-
tist or otherwise, visiting New York.

We likewise visited the Zoological
Gardens at the Bronx, and here saw
in life many birds that we had never
seen before. Birds from all parts of
the world, including the rare Secre-
tary Bird of India, which is simply a
long legged terrestrial hawk that runs
down its prey instead of swooping
upon it on the wing.

Here we were treated with extreme
courtesy by Professor Hornaday and
his assistant, L. S. Crandall, assistant
curator of Ornithology, the Superin-
tendent of the department of Birds.
At this writing we have just received
from this Institution a pair of Serop-
sis geese, an Australian species which
is about half way between a _ true
goose and the family of wader, in ex-
change for a pair of Blue Geese Semt °
by us.

Driving over onto Long Island we
called at the home of Chauncey W.
Crandall, but he was not there and
we did not get to see his specimens.

Later Mr. Crandall called on us at
the hotel. We found a dark-eyed,
thin, nervous, active man, who has

recently come to realize that he has
practically worn himself out in the
employ of one of the great New York
corporations, having undergone a
nervous breakdown. Crandall ad-
vised us that as soon as he recovers
his normal state of health, that he is
going to get back into the birds egg
game with more energy than ever.

We also called at the home of John
Lewis Childs at Floral Park, New
York. He has a magnificient estate
here and treated us royally, though
at that time he was a lone “widdy
man,” his wife and family being in
Hurope. Childs’ collection of birds
and eggs is one of the best in exist-
ence, and he showed it to us with ev-
ident pride, and at much loss of time
and physical exertion for himself; ail
of which we appreciated.

Many were the rare specimens we
observed there, including a series of
Yellow Rail and Black Rail; also eggs
of the Carolina Paraquet and many
others of equal rarity. Mr. Childs’
private ornithological library is one
of the best known. One of the boks
of which he is exceptionally proud,
and with reason, is a compilation of

16 THE OOLOGIST

his own, relating to the birds of Floral
Park, every breeding species of which
is represented by a hand-colored
drawings by Allen Brooks, the text be-
ing by Mr. Childs.

There is no private collection of
North American birds eggs that is
more complete or more generally
known than that of Mr. Childs, and
he is as enthusiastic in regard to this
hobby apparently as a sixteen year
old boy, and we have no doubt it has
been beneficial to him both mentally
and physically.

Our next stop was at Philadelphia.
Here in the heart of the ornithological
territory, formerly famed by Alex-
ander Wilson and John James Audu-
bon, we met many ornithologists, and
had the pleasure of discussing ama-
teur bird publications with Frank L.
Burns, and renewing acquaintance
with J. Parker Norris, Senior whom
we had not seen for many years.
Also of meeting his son, J. Parker
Norris, Junior, who is an enthusiastic
oologist, and took us to his home and
permitted us to examine the famous
J. P. N. collection.

This is without doubt the largest
private collection of North American
birds eggs in existence in point of
numbers, and contains series after
series of rare and almost unobtain-
able eggs. The collection itself show-
ed something of neglect, and it is to
be hoped that it will not be permitted
to deteriorate from its former high
state of care. No other collection in
North America is better known. It
is a life work of an ardent bird lover,
and is being splendidly continued by
his son. It is a monument of which
they both can well be proud. We of
course hunted up S. N. Rhoads, the
book man and spent a pleasant even-
ing with Messrs. Butler, Longstreet
and Akin.

From Philadelphia, a twenty mile

drive over roads that were so bad as
to surprise us brought us to the home
of Thomas H. Jackson. Hvery reader
of this knows Jackson by reputation
at least. Jackson began to collect
ges, and exchange them way back in
the early ’80’s and Jackson is at it
yet. A short, spare, dark complexion-
ed man with an iron gray mustache,
closely cropped, took us out to his
home and displayed to us his treas-
ures. His wife apparently takes as
much interest in his hobby as he does
himself, and his collection, while not
large in point of numbers, is one of
the most complete so far as varieties
are concerned, that there is. The
care, preparation and arrangement,
neathness and appearance of this col-
lection is not excelled by any that
we have ever seen.

One of the odd things about it is
that the eggs of the larger birds rest
on beds of very fine hickory shavings
which Mr. Jackson gets from the fac-
tory with which he is connected.

Driving back to Philadelphia we
started for Washington, and between
Philadelphia and Baltimore passed
over the most miserable roads that
we have ever seen an automobile ai-
tempt to negotiate; miles upon miles
of rocky hills, in many places with
the soil entirely washed off the road
bed, being simply a loose mass of
jagged, sharp edged irregular shaped
rocks.

In Washington we spent an evening
with Paul Bartsch, a young enthusi- .
astic, active, energetic ooclogist, who
has a splendid collection of personally
taken sets, and whose accuracy and
care in preparation cannot be _ ex-
celled.

At the National Museum, we placed
ourselves in touch with J. H. Riley,
Secretary of the Department of Birds
eggs, and had the pleasure of examing
such of the specimens of the 155,000

THE OOLOGIST 7

eggs there that we desired. Among
others which we especially wanted
to see and examine were eggs of the
Trumpeter Swan, and of the Whoop-
ing Crane. The collection here is so
large that no person could see it all
in any reasonable time, or remember

half that they saw if they saw it all. ©

The arrangement of this collection
is peculiar. The eggs of each separ-
ate variety are placed in a separate
drawer. These drawers contains me-
dium sized trays. These trays are
divided into separate compartments,
just lage enough to hold one egg, by
a series of cross sections runing both
crossways and lengthways of the tray,
made of cotton batting, and in each
division of the tray so made, one egg
is so placed in the cotton batting that
the top of the egg and the top of the
cotton batting are about equal in
height. The sets are not kept separ-
ate, each set by itself, but they are
run along crossways of these small
trays similar to the way type is set up-
on a page, and in locking at the box
containing the specimens, there is no
way of telling where one set ends
and another begins.

To our minds this is a defective
system. Otherwise the method of nest-
ing each egg in the cotton is a good
idea. We have never seen a more
carefully preserved collection of eggs,
nor one that was in a more perfect
condition.

From Washington our road took us
to the Gettysburg Battle Field, then
into Western Pennsylvania, then
North over the National Pike from
Bedford to Pittsburgh, and from Pitts-
burgh, nearly straight West, home on
August 31st. We were gone 50 days
ran 3800 miles and visited 15 states.

The above impresions we thought
might be of interest to those who had
not met the collectors who are above
referred to,

A March Day in Texas.

March 29, 1913, I started from home
in Houston, Texas, about 8:15 a. m.,
carrying a small package of lunch and
a .22 target rifle: I never like to take
a tramp in the woods without the .22
and a few mustard-seed shells, al-
though one always sees rarer birds
When he has no weapons.

It was nearly nine o’clock before
I got out ef the city limits onto an
old country road running west of
Houston and along the edge of a par-
ticularly fine strip of wooded land.
A slight north wind was blowing, the
weather was fine and clear, and it
was just the day for an enjoyable
trip through pine woods.

ope
Very few birds were seen before
entering the woods, but as_ sev-
eral stages of landscape were cov-

ered during the day I was able to
record a goodly list of species. <A
wet, grassy “flat,” open prarie, pine
woods, thickets ‘bottom woods, culti-
vated fields, and mixed, open woods
followed one another in due order.

I left the pine woods about 4:30 p.
m., and reached home by 5:30. The list
of birds for the day’s amble is as
follows:

LEG UB UCU EEN Bac Malina ter emia. asm ent Ne 7
IB OD AWARE 52 ics spe hg le tes Se 3
MIO DEMINE DOVE coocedcaacanccnsces 2
AAD elec VA DINED I ets Nae tooo ey mime 3 ore 11
Black ss Viiltur en scam aeons case 4
Mian sinteietaiw Kali anes, cave tens ates taeeaclts i
Florida Red-shouldered Hawk..... 4
IB ariite © wile iaee cy biie aaieevaaue sea ea Pea il
Downy Woodpecker ............... il
Yellow-bellied Wodpecker ........ i
ICI Orie. Seats amen one tact an ta aati See atte 10
Clarimaioneyy SwAhte ssoccecccoccoeccns 1
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher .......... 1
Crestereblvcatchenn ne mnene cee nne 1
Jed eK GXs] OX Stires ern ae oai aie Cece OOO eRe iL
JENDYe\ carl FS Nie ae eeonSneee ORR) in, a eee ee eRe 11
Crowe erases ci: a hcol niek 6 tNOOR ELSE antec!

18 THE OOLOGIST

Red-wineed Blackbird eeiacerreien: 2
Southern Wieadowlanke tyr aten-ienicien 3
Brewers Blackbind) Qeesaceee cree 22
muisiny: IEICKdoiel soopacoe0900009000 5
Hlonida (Grackiley so haccscermeisciorciercnte 6
Boat-valledmGracklem een oeeiaaereeerr 6

Baird’s Sparrow
Western) ark Sparrow 2....)-+-44- ik
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
TROWINISS Serre acietirecs cette ounce tacomate Intec 2

Gieinycienilecl (Cayechingl soosecuoco000c 1
Pumpilies ivilaimtint Ses c.c teens once se en 5
Bamiker Siwiallliowe os enrccsreceacta ncn sian sce 5
Wihite-evedymVaAmeOl secracems cers ec cus 7
Black and White Warbler ........ 4
Western Parula Warbler ........ 3
Miyimtle- Wriarsllies sania Saas une ols rh
SAVGeaMoree! WWENMONIGR: soscbecsooccans 4
Black-throated Green Warbler..... 2
PIMC WV ATOUET Bena One ais eee ea oes 4
Northern Yellow-throat ........... 3
IEPA Mesa cpa Reagent tied eae cares SE 3
NGO Chelan S DiGi sidney pee a 17
IBIFONT IMMPARINGIE, ¢s60c0008000000000 2
Carrolibngy Wine 55 85a auld sonbobe. 3
Bie wake Wiheilyyersniat cotinine ol 1
EV OUSES AWiRCMeame cee escorts Mer aton eal 2
White-breasted “Nuthatch ......... it

Brown-headed Nuthatch yy

Munwec! WiUMOWISE .occcsceccscnseac 13
IPlmuanerorulsy (CIMICKAGES 5 oo0c0ccaccocs a
Ruby-crowned Kinglet ............ 19
Blue-sray Gnatcatcher ............ 1
Leal Gieroa ihr ADO PWIA, son eats a mia ier N ee 2
EVO IS Sere are Rs oi esa Mere henna il
SUS To i cea Ske ee er eee erm ie Gr On 4
54 Species 261
Finlay Simmons.

= 2p e

George Guelph’s Migration Notes.

Mr. Guelph’s scientific survey ot
wildbird migration on the shores of
Lake Ontario follows:

“To those who love the birds simply
from an aesthetic standpoint, to the
student who wishes to become more
familiar with the birds, or to the nat-
uralist desiring to make a scientific

study of the mysteries of bird migra-
tion, there is no better vantage point
than along the shore of Lake Ontario.
It is the main line of flight, the aeriai
highway of both land and water birds
in going to and returning from their
nesting grounds to the north. Some
species of land birds fly directly
across the lake, but the great bulk of
them follow closely along the shore.
In the Spring their flight is from West
to East, and in the Fall it is the re-
verse.

“There are over two hundred spe-
cies of birds which may be looked
for regularly along the lake during
the time of migration, besides about.
twenty other species which may oc-
cassionally be found, and twelve
which have been recorded but a few
times, and are very rare. Then, also,
there is always the possibility of find-
ing something new.

There is but a short period between
the time when ice first begins to show
signs of breaking up in the Spring
and the freezing again in the late Fail
but what some species of birds are
migrating. Hardly have the late
Spring migrants all passed: north be-
fore some species are beginning to.
return on their southern journey.
The past Spring the Loons were still
seen on the lake up to the fifteenth
of June. The bulk of the Ring-billed
and Herring Gulls did not leave until
about the twentieth of June. By the
first of July the Bronze Grackles were
beginning to be seen in small flocks,
and by the eleventh the Barn Swal-
lows were gathering in the marshes
at evening to roost. Most of the
young Red-winged Blackbirds had be-
gun to leave the marshes by the fif-
teenth. As early as the seventeenth
of July the Black-crowned Night
Herons began to appear, and by the

twenty-third they were seen daily.”

They usually continue to straggle
along until the latter part of Septem-

THE OOLOGIST 19

ber, when the few remaining ones
leave for the south.

A few Semi-palmated Plover and
Lesser Yellow-legs appeared on July
26th. At this time these birds had
already covered many hundred miies
of their journey south, as they breed
in the far north, from the James Bay
region almost to the Arctic coast. The
Semi-palmated Plover is one of the
commonest species in the fall and its
migrations cover a longer period than
any of the other shore birds. They
are usually found along the lake from
the latter part of July until the first
of October.

On the twenty-eighth day of July
there was a large flight of shore birds.
Lesser Yellow-legs, Semi-palmated
Plover, Least and Semi-palmated
Sandpipers appeared very commonly,
together with a large flock of Pec-
toral Sandpipers, or “Grass Snipe.”
All remained more or less common up
to September first, when the Lesser
Yellow-legs began to leave and the
Greater Yellow-legs to take their
place. By the twenty-ninth of July
the Bartramian Sandpipers, or “Up-
land Plover’, as they are known to
most sportsmen, had begun their long
journey to the plains of Argentina,
where they spend the winter. They
appeared regularly up to the four-
teenth of August, when the main
flight had passed. This bird breeds
in a few favorable localities in Mon-
roe county.

Quite a number of Wilson Snipe
have been seen about the marshes
throughout the summer, and no doubt
some have nested here. A _ solitary
Turnstone was seen on July twenty-
ninth. The first Golden Plover was
seen August sixth, and the first Black-
bellied Plover on the eighth.

On the fifth of August a few west-
ern Sandpipers made their appear-
ance, and since then they have been

seen occasionally up to the first of
September. In general appearance
they are very much like the Semi-
palmated Sandpiper, the little Sand-
piper so common along the lake shore
during August, but they are of a dark-
er and more rusty color and have a
longer and stouter bill. This western
variety breeds in the northwest coast
region of Alaska. During their fall
migration some of them take an over-
land trip to the Atlantic coast, a few
stopping en route along the shore of
Lake Ontario. These diminutive
Sandpipers, hardly larger than Spar-
rows, at this early date were already
more than three thousand miles in an
air line from their breeding grounds.
The power of flight and the long dis-
tances covered by some of the shore
birds during their migrations are truly
marvelous.

A few Baird and Whiterumped
Sandpipers have been seen, but they
are never very common. But very
few Sanderling have yet appeared,
the main flight occurring during the
latter part of September and the fore-
part of October.

Three species of shore birds were
observed that are of rare or unysual
occurrence in western New York—
the Hudsonian Curlew, Willet, and
and Knot. A single Hudsonian Cur-
lew was seen on July twenty-eighth,
and four Willet on August ninth. A
single Willet was seen on August
twenty-fourth, and it remained near
the same locality for a number of
days. Possibly it was a straggler
from those previously seen. Willet
are fairly common on the Atlantic
coast, more so in the south, but their
occurrence on Lake Ontario is very
rare. A single specimen of the Knot
(Tringa canutus) appeared on August
twenty-seventh and remained for sev-
eral days. This species was formerly
fairly common along the Atlantic

20 THE OOLOGIST

coast during migration, but there are
very few instances of its having been
found in western New York, and its
occurrence, with that of the Willet,
are very rare bird records for Monroe
county. The Knot breeds far in the
Arctic regions, both in America and
in the Old World. In America it mi-
grates south in winter to the extreme
southern part of South America. Its
scientific name “canutus” pertains to
Canute, King of Denmark, with whom
this bird was a favorite.

A Blue Goose, one of the rarest of
the larger waterfowl to visit this lo-
cality, was recorded here April fifth.
There are but six records of its having
ever been observed before in this
State, four of which are from Long
Island and two from the eastern part
of the State, which leaves this as the
only record of the occurrence of this
species in western New York.

Another interesting record, prob-
ably more so to bird lovers than to
sportsmen, is the occurrence in Mon-
roe county of the Short-billed Marsh
Wren. Four pairs of this species of
Wren have nested in one of the
marshes at the lake this summer. It
is hardly distinguishable, except at
close range, from the common Long-
billed Marsh Wren. Its nest, how-
ever, is considerably different, being
built of much finer material, averag-
ing smaller, and is placed along the
border of the marsh among the reeds
and marsh grass; whereas the Long-
bill’s nest is usually placed deeper in
the marsh among the flags, and is
composed mostly of coarse dead flag
leaves. The nest of these species,
like that of the Long-biled variety, is
a globular affair, with a small entrance
in one side. It is attached to the
stout upright marsh grass stalks, the

leaves of which are closely woven
into the nest. For an inner lining
they use the soft down from the dead
cat-tails. One pair of birds, or rather

the male will build several nests,
only one of which is used. While the
female is engaged with her household
affairs the male occupies his time in
nest building. These four families
had a total of seventeen nests, and
as late as August thirty-first one bird
was still busily engaged in building
another.

Gallinules, or ‘Mud Hens,” are
more plentiful this season than for a
number of years, and numerous broods
of young are to be found in nearly
all the marshes along the lake. There
was unusually high water in the lake
this year, and as a result the marshes
and flats have been flooded, making
ideal conditions for marsh or shore
birds.

Black Duck have been quite com-
mon throughout the season, and no
dcubt some have nested here. Some
good-sized flocks of ducks are now
coming in, and there will no doubt be
some good shooting when the season
opens. The early ducks are more
plentiful now than they have been for
some time past.

The nesting season being over, the
Gulls have returned, the first fight of
account occurring on August tenth.
Marsh Hawks are returning, together
with an occasional Sharp-shinned
Hawk. <A few young Bobolinks are
still to be seen, although the main
flight has passed. Several species
ef Warblers are now migrating, also
a number of other species of our small
land birds. Swallows of nearly all
varieties have been very plentiful
during the migration this year. The
oricles have migrated, and with them
many of the songsters that have glad-
dened our woods and fields during the
bright June days.

While some species of birds are now
migrating, and with some the main
flight has already passed, a great
many have not yet left the vicinity
of their summer homes. With the
passing of one species another arrives
to take its place, and so on until late
in the fall when the storms and chil-
ling winds bring down from the north
those hardy birds which spend wine
winter with us.

Bird life in general has been very
plentiful along the lake this season,
and the prospects for an early in-
crease in the ranks of our feathered
friends are very bright.

THE OOLOGIST Ill

Bird Books

Bonaparte’e List of Birds of

Europe - - $ .00
Su._ith’s The Canary, 12 collorea!
plates, 1870 - 1.50

Tegetmeier’s The Homing Pigeon,
Illus., 1871 -

Canary Stale, A Manual for Eirad
Keepers, Illus. - - 1.00

Bird Neighbors, School edition;
colored plates, 1899 -

Life of Andubon, edited by his
widow; Portrait, 1869 -

A Book of Wild Things. Colored
plates of umes by Lappeumese
artists 1.00

Autograph eters of John Burroughs
and other naturalists; also engraved
portraits.

State House Book Shop
221 Sth St. Philadelphia, Pa.

1.50

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

Published Bi-monthly by the
Coop2r Ornithological Club of California
Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study” can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in
the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address

W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,
Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal.

BENJAMIN HOAG
STEPHENTOWN, N. Y.

Oologists Tools and Supplies, Books and
Magazines of every description. Send for
lists. Write your special wants for quetations
by letter. I can save you money.

Cut the Lining Egg Drills: 4 selected sizes for
$1.00. Ifnot the best you ever used re-
turn and get your monpry.

Regular Ege Drills: No.0, 20c; No. 1, 20e; No,
2, 25c: No. 3, 35c; No. 4, ‘45¢; "No. 5, 50c.
Blowpipes: a0 best nickle. No.1, 40c; No. 2.

30c; No. 3, 20c.

Embryo Hooks: Nickle plated, 25c.
No, 2, best quality straight

Embryo Scissors:
Finest quality straight,

or curved, 50c.

$1.00; curved, $1.25

Best Steel Climbers: With strap, $2.75; with-
out, $1.90.

Books and Magazines: Let me quote and send
list. Ican supply anything in print, and
always have old out of print books and
back vol1mes of magazines.

All prices prepaid

BEGINNING WITH

The February Number
WE i
Commence the Publication

OF A

Series of Articles

ON

Collecting and Preparing

Ornithological and Oologist Specimens

THE OOLOGIST

Now is the time to fill your files of The Oologist and =
bind them up

THE OOLOGIST

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Vol. XX VI, 1909, Nos. 258 to 269. 1.50
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Wil PP OXeXoxa ater tes ethene cs 2.50
VOUS SNEXOXGE Genta coe Sie. an Pomel mel easel 1.50
R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, Ill.

2y} ST MON]

dn wisy} pug

pue jsIs0[0Q ey], JO Softy anoA [[IJ 0} SUIT?

“!

i

THE OOLOGIST.
BIRDS--NESTS-EGGS
TAXIDERMY

VoL. XXXII. No. 2.

ALBION, N. Y., Fes. 15, 1914.

“Wola No. 319

BRIEF

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YHAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid. 319 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
] Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1908, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 38, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

We will not advertise the skins, nests, 5
These columns are for the use of those desiring

North American Birds for sale.

eges, or mounted specimens of

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses only.—H DITOR.

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R.M. Barnes. Lacon, I.

FOR SALE—Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNES, Lacon, Ill. (1-p)

WANTED. Pair skins each, Bob-White
and Ruffed Grouse. Offer climbers, Stevens’
Target Pistol, 22 Cal Ridgway’s** Birds North
and Middle America,” part 4, publications.
ON G. TYLER, 1114 Belmont Ave., Fresno,

alif.

FOR EXCHANGE.—One pair Woodcock
taken in 1913, full plumage, perfect condition.
Finely {mounted in dust proof case, glass
front, hand painted background. I want
skins of shore birds that will relax and
mount. G. A. ABBOTT, 945 Marquette Bldg.
Chicago, Ill.

WANTED.—One pair each of the following
California Candor: Passenger Pigeon, Caro-
lina Paragute, Swallow Tailed Kite, Miss
issiippi Kite, Everglade Kite, Ivory billed
Woodpecker, Gaudoloup Caracara, Trumpe-
er Swan, Whooping Crane and other rare
specimens. If you have only one write me.

T can use skins suitable for mounting. Bp
both skins and mounted specimans must ye
first class in every way. R. M. BARNES,
Lacon. Ill.

EXCHANGH#.—I desire to exchange bird
skins generally. A few sets and skins of
Prothonotory Warblers in May. DR. W. 5S.
STRODE, Lewistown, I[llinois. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Two English Ring-
neck Phesants, Knot B. B. Plover, mounted
birds for rare mounted Warblers. A. J.
RICHARDS, Lowland Cottage, : Nahant,
Mass. ‘1-p)

Birds, Animals, Game, Heads and Fish,
mounted t> ue to life. Animal skins tanned
and made into. rugs and robes. Will also
relax and mount dried skins of birds and
animals if desired. Stave mounted Hawks
and Owls to exchange with skins of animals
good for mounting. FRANK ESPLAN,
Richmond, Minn. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Collection of twelve
hundred and ninety North American birds.
One hundred and fifteen of the birds are
mounted, and the rest made up in skins.
Over three hundred and fifty species are
represented in the collection. For further
information address: PHILIP LAURENT,
31 Hast Mt. Airy Ave.. Philadelphla, hee

-p

Il THE OOLOGIST

FOR SALE.—Two pairs Canada Geese
$10.00 a pair, one Hutchins Goose, $5.00. One
pair Golden Eagles, $15.00. PORTAGE WILD
ANIMAL CO., Box 223, Portable La Prairie,
Manitoba, Can. (2-p)

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canyvas-back Shovel-
ler, Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUN<INGER. Secor, IIl. (2-p)

EXCHANGE.—I desire to exchange for the
following Bird Skins, Nos. 218, 225, 264, 226,
292, 395, 395, 397, 398, 399, 403. 404, 410, 411, 413, 414,
443. 471, 524, 599, 768. 483, 503, 534. 514. 605, 513.

Exchange of eggs also desired. D. V. HEM-
RREE, Roswell, Ga. (2-p)

EGGS.

In sending im your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

EXCHAN‘+EK.— Personally collected sets of
Mississippi Kite 1-21-1, complete data, fifty
eges; for best offers. H. S. SOWERS,
Brownell, Ian. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.— Four well marked complete
sets of two Red-shouldered Hawk. What
setshave you tootfer forthem? C.G.HARY,
East Berlin, Conn. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—For every Sandpiper, Bob
White, Green Heron, Oriole or 5 Brown
Thrasher, or 5 Cardinal eggs, exchange 2c
Tercentenary stamps. W. D. INGRAM,
Brampton, Ont. (1-p)

TO EXCHANGE.—Sets with data, North
America and Foreign. Can use many com-
mon kinds of both. DR.T. W. RICHARDS,
Bs 5 Navy, 1911 N. St., N. W., Washington

FOR EXCHANGE.— Personally Collected;
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9: 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4; 194¢ 3-5; 197 3-4: 295 6-4:
226 3-4; 258a 1-4; 432 n-2:; 436 n-2° 478c¢ 2-5: 480 2-5:
492 2-5; 554 n-4; 560a n-3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n-5:
749 n-6; 759a n-!. A. O. TREGANZA, 610 U. 3.
& T. Bldg., Salt Lake City. Utah. (1-p)

ER Ae rt or Nt
WILL EXCHANGE.—Birds, Eggs, Miner-
als, Coins and Curios for pieces of wood or I
Will buy. Write for particulars. S. V.
WHARRAM, Austinburg, Ohio. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—Eggs of Texas birds, Owls,
Hawks, Vultures, and many others with
data. Send lists. RAMON GRAHAM, “Taxi-
dermist,” 401 W. Leuda st., Ft. Worth, Tex.

(1-p)
a ai a a

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

WILL EXCHANGE a few choice sets, per-
sonally taken such as Limpkin, Sand Hill
Crane, Florida Burrowing Owl, Florida Wild
Turkey, Wood Duck and other rare as well
as many commoner species, with exception
of hummers of all kinds. My wants are sets

from species that visit Florida. Send com-

OSCAR E. BAY-
(2-t)

WANTED.—One set of A. O. U. Nos. 25-43
129-167-178-252-260-301 - 310-352 - 375a - 375d-419-423-
457-474b-498e-616-652-674-701-733-755. Two sets

341-356-356-409-474e-477-505- 608 - 639 - 657 - 726 - 736-
And three sets each of 5-21-55-115-136-153-162-
293a-300a-308-310a-310b-347-351-356a - 383-396-748b-
480-486-542b-562-636-727. Must be A.1. and for
them I offer a very desirable assortment of
specimens in exchange. R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, Ill.

FOR SALE.—One pair Black Foxes. best
Northern stock, $5000.00; one pair Silver
Foxes, $33.00; one pair Cross Foxes. $400.00;
one pair Lynx, $75.00: two nair Mink, $50.00
each. One pair Martin, $125.00. PORTAGE
WILD ANIMAL CO., Box 223, Portage La
Prarie, Manitoba. (2-p)

EXCHANGE.—Ringtail Bob Cats, Badgers,
Gray Foxes, Civits, Squirrels, Land, Maine
Turtles, Snakes over two feet, other mam-
mals and birds, aliveorin meat. Sets. Nests,
Minerals, Shells, Indian Relics. offer. Cash
Kodaks.. Films, Minerals. Shells, Curios,
Stamps, Enlarged Portraitsin Crayon, Water
Color or Pastel, Bendires. Mt. Union Studio,
Alliance, Ohio.

plete list in first letter.
NARD, Clearwater, Florida.

HOW-
(1-p)

Allletters answered. L. R.
SLEY, Culver, Oregon.

MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR SALE.—Ffae bound sets of Nidologist
and Osprey, as well as a copy of Hawks and

Owls of U. S., by A. K. Fisher. PHILLIP
WACURIENT 31 H.Mt. Airy Ave., ee
a. -p)

WANTED.—Two or Three female Gray or
Cat Squirrels. Must betame. Also one pair
Japanese, or any other real fancy breed of
rabbits. EDWIN P. GUY, 1902 4th Ave.,
Camden, 8. Car. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—Back numbers Auk, Con-
dor, Bird Lore, Oologist, some rare. Want
certain pumbers Museum, Museum News,
Ottawa Naturalist, American Ornithology,
Petrel. lowa Ornithologist and many others.
A.C. BENT, Taunton, Mass. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

VoL. XXXII. No. 2. ALBION, N. Y. Fes. 15, 1914. WHOLE No. 319

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

FEBRUARY

February is the month the Great Horned Owl begins to “Hoo hoo hoo-000”
as he hunts an abandoned hawk’s nest, or a great hollow in some hugh
forest monarch, in which his mate may lay two, three and rarely four great
White spherical eggs. Likewise the Hagle looks up his last year’s erie, and
settles to home building or rebuilding. The Hawks careen through the sky
looking for likely places in which to hide their coming treasures. The oologist
hunts up his climbers and wanders over hill and dale looking for these same
treasurers. But let us all remember that the Sparrow Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk,
Red-shouldered Hawk, and all the Owls except Bubo Virginianus, are beneficial
birds, and their eggs already a drug with collectors. So, fellow oologists, take
no more of these than you want for your own collections. They are no good

for exchange purposes.—Hditor.

A LETTER

“T have been getting THE OOLOGIST for thirty years. It is better now
than it has been in all those years.—George Miller, York, Pa.’’

AN APOLOGY.

In the last number of THEH OOLOGIST we announced that hereafter this
magazine would be mailed flat. We at that time thought that we had al!
arrangements for so doing completed. The envelope company had our money
and we had their acceptance of the order. Since that time we have heard
nothing from them. Unless we receive these envelopes in time for the March
mailing we will arrange with some other concern than the Samuel Cupples

Envelope Co., for cur supplies of this kind in the future.—Hditor.

2 THE

Series of Eggs of the Red-Tailed Hawk

Two eggs, slightly incubated, bluish-
white ground, speckled, spotted, and
blotched with several shades of red
brewn and undermarkings of lilac
scattered over the whole surface of
the egg. In one, the heaviest mark-
ings are principally in the larger end
with a few handsome blotches on the

sides. Measure 2.24x1.78, 218x1.82
inches; form, thick oval. Nest of
sticks in large Burr Oak. Locality,
Dodge Cc., Columbus, Wis.; date,

April 6, 1895.

Two egz2s, badly incubated, greenish-
blue, one is without markings, the
other is beautifully marked with dots,
spots and blotches of burnt sienna
principally toward the larger end, on

Which are the larger and heavier
markings; ferm, thick oval; measure
2.33 X1.79, 2.45x1.82 inches. Nest of

sticks in White Peplar, against body.
Locality, Columbia Co., four miles S.
W. of Columbus, Wis.; date, April 14,
1895.

Three eggs, incubation slight, light
bluish white ground, from ‘quite
coarsely and heavily marked in one,
over the whole surface, to sparing
marks in number three, with yellow-
brown and lilac in spots and blotches,
mainly blurred into each other; form,
thick oval; measure, 2.45 x 1.91,
x1.96, 2.46x1.95 inches. Nest of
sticks, against body of tall White Pop-
lar. Locality, Celumbia Co, near Co-
lumbus, Wis.; date, March 21, 1898.

Two incubation advanced,
white with a bluish tint: one is quite
thickly marked over the whole ege,
with specks, spots and blotches of
dark yellowish undermarkings, heav-
iest on the smaller end, the markings
srow finer and thinner toward the
larger end; the other is very sparing-
ly marked, having but a few of the
dark brown blotches, mainly on the
smaller end shows a few tiny scrawls;

2.53

+o
e3ss,

a

ooLoaist 7/(2), \%\))

shape, oval; measure, 2.33 x 1.86, 2.35
x 1.80 inches. Nest of sticks on limb
of Black Oak. Locality, Columbia Co.,
four and one-half miles S. W. of Co-
lumbus, Wis.; date, April 2, 1898.

Three eggs, fresh, grayish or bluish
white: the markings in all three is a
middle marking of red-brown,, over-
marking of rich seal brown, under
markings of lilac, layed on in specks,
and spots and a few blotches; in num-
ber one very sparingly marked; num-
ber two slightly heavier, and number
three quite heavily; the two browns
are much blended ana again blended
into the undermarkings of lilac; in
number one the markings are more to-
ward the smaller end; number two,
the larger end, and in three the small-
er end. Form, oval; measure 250 x
200, 2.50 x 1.95, 2.51 x 2.00 inches. Nest
of sticks against body of White Pop-
lar. Locality, Columbia Co., four miles
S. W. of Columbus, Wis.; date, March
20, 1899.

Two eggs, advanced, pale bluish
white, one unmarked, the other light-
ly blotched with pale yellow, brown
and lilac; form, thick elipse; measure,
2.16x1.75, 2.24x1.80 inches. Nest of
sticks on limb of Black Oak. Leeal-
ity, Columbia Co., one and one-half
miles west of Columbus, Wis; date,
April 15th, 1899.

Geo. W. H. vos Burgh.
Zion City, Illinois.
<0
Albino Robin.
Ss. V. Wharram.

While visiting at a Taxidermist
shop I saw, amonz other things, a
snow white robin with pink eyes. The
taxidermist said that a pair of robins
had built in a small tree near his
house. He watched them with some
interest and found that they all seem-
ed well when hatched. However, when
they began to feather out one showed
white and the old ones threw it from

THE OOLOGIST 23

the nest. Mr. Coon placed it in an
old nest and fed it. It was able to fly
when one day he found it dead be-
neath a tree in his yard.
°—<—e
Nesting of the Northern
Pennsylvania.
(Corvus Corvax Primcipalis.)

It so happened that in the spring of
1912, a friend of M. R. C. Harlow’s,
while trout fishing in the mountains of
Clinton County, Pa., discovered the
nest of the Northern Raven which held
young birds. Upon Harlow’s hearing
ef his friend’s find, he decided to visit
the place later.

On the morning of the 13th of
March, 1913, Harlow and I left the
State College by train and landed at
a small town nine miles from our des-
tination. From this place we tramped
Southward through a mountain gap
which finally led us into an open, level
space of country. In the distance we
could discern a deep valley formed by
two mountain ridges, and toward this
we made our way. From the report
of Harlow’s friend we were to tramp
up this ravine for a couple of miles,
but when we had traversed that dist-
ance we could find no traces of a
rocky cliff where the nest was situat-
ed. However, after we had gone a
mile further up the ravine we came to
an abrupt turn in it, which revealed
two sandstone ¢liffs, containing many
indentations. The rocks were well cov-
ered with gray lichen.

We decided to investigate the upper
cliff first. I walked up small logging
railroad, over which the log trains
passed frequently, and had a plain
view of the cliff. Some distance up
the side I could see a large indenta-
tion in the rocks ;upon our making a
noise a Raven flapped from this crev-
ice and sailed away over the hemlocks
which covered the mountain side.

It was not long until I reached the

Raven in

above the base of the cliff, and peered
over the rim of the nest, upon five
large eggs of greenish color well
blotched with darker green.

The nest was composed of large
sticks and inner strips of Hemlock
bark, and was well lined with dry
grass, a little green moss, and white
hair from the belly of a deer. It rest-
ed upon the bare, damp rocks.

The Raven did not utter a note; she
was seen but once after she left the
nest, and then kept out of our sight.

A few pairs of Ravens regularly in-
habit the wilder mountainous coun-

try of Pennsylvania and West Virgin-
ia. However, few nests have ever
been reported from either of these
states.

It might be interesting to mention
here, that we feund on old est of the
Winter Wren built in a crack in the
rocks, three feet above the nest of
the Raven,

S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
2+—< 2
Wild Fowl Notes.

G. T. Skarns of Minneapolis, Minn.,
shot a Trumpeter Swan (Olor bucci-
nator) October 8, 1813, at Woodcoc
Lake, near Spicer, Minn. There was
enly this single bird. It was with a
flack of seven or eight Canada Geese.
We have seen the bird mounted.

One of the three Trumpeter Swans
on our home grounds died the third
week in January and is now in the
Field Museum. It was a young bird
trapped in Montant and sold to the
Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo. This leaves
seven known specimens cf this species
living in confinement. We have lost
three of these rare birds within the
past three years. They are much hard-
er to keep than Whistling Swans.

We have recently added to our wild
Fowl a peculiar hybrid. Without
doubt Snow Goose (Chen hyperbor-

24 THE OOLOGIST

eus hyperboreus), and Blue Goose
(Chen caerulescens). And without
question the only living example in
confinement in the world. It has the
size, shape, bearing and under color-
ing of the Snow Goose and the upper
parts are typical Blue Goose. Indeed
a rara avis.—Hditor.

2)

Hunting for a Barred Owl’s Nest.

By C. C. Hart, Hast Berlin. Conn.

It was on Easter morning, March
21st, 1913, I arose early, ate my break-
fast, placed some lunch in a paper and
was off to the woods to look for an
Cwl’s nest. The day was ideal. The
sun shone brightly, and the air was as
Warm and balmy as a day in June.

I started out through the open lots
and followed along the Mattahbassetr
River in the direction of Mt. Higby,
which is located about three imites
south of my home. Many conimon
birds were seen and heard, Robins,
Bluebirds and Meadowlarks were sing-
ing everywhere, and now and then an
early Butterfly would flutter to and fro
in the warm sunshine. At length 1
reached a small piece of Hemlock
woods joining the main portion of
woodland that extends down on the
Mountain for two or three miles. Here
was a beautiful waterfall, from a
stream that empties into the Maita-
bassett River. As I stood watching
the torrents of water leaping over the
falls, a Hairy Woodpecker fluttered
across to a dead tree and drummed
for a while and as I started up a stee;
wood road, a flock of about fifty Cedar
birds flew from tree to tree along a
row of large Cedars. On my right was
a number of large dead Chestnut trees,
some of which appeared to be good
nesting sites for the Barred Owl, but
after banging on them with my cane
I decided that there was “nothing do-
ing.” T[ followed along examining all
the dead trees and old Hawks’ and

Crows’ nests in sight, but with no re-
sults so when I came to a suitable spot
I sat down and lunched, had a smoke
and thought over the situation. The
woods were mostly second growth in
that section so made up my mind to
cut across to the east for about a
mile and try a large piece of timber
where I had taken Red-shouldered
Hawks’ eggs the previous year. I fol-
lowed down the side of the mountain
through a small grove of Hemlocks,
Where I discovered a couple of old
nests which appeared to have been
those of the Sharp-shinned Hawk, one
of which may be fruitful in May when
I will make another trip. It was only
a few steps across a small stream and
up cver a knoll when I was to reach
the big woods, but you can imagine
how I felt when I beheld the timber
all cut off, and a portable engine with
lumber piled on each side looming up
in the center of the cut-off. My hopes
of finding an Owl’s nest were certainly
discouraging. I had tramped the
woods year after year, mile after mile,
looking for Barred Owls’ nests, all
with no results, but I was determined
that I should find one this year if such
a thing were possible. I was rather
dazed to come on to such a situation
So unexpectedly and, therefore, hard-
ly knew what turn to make next. I
strolled through the cut-off and sgor-
rowfully gazed at the remains of a
Red-shouldered Hawk’s nest in the top
of a large Chestnut tree that had been
cut down and from which, the previous
year, I had secured a beautifully mark-
ed set of eggs. At the eastern extrem-
ity of this cut-off was a small piece of
Hemlock woods situated on lower
ground, so I concluded to wind up my
day’s hunt with this. As I entered the
edge of the woods I noted two large
trees near by—a Chestnut and an
Ash; two small Hemlock trees had
been cut down, which I was afraid in-

THE OOLOGIST 25

dicated that this piece was soon to get
the axe. I sat down on one of the
fallen trees to meditate and as I was
just about to go and bang on the
Chestnut, I noted a shadow pass over
the ground, and upon looking up, saw
a Barred Owl flying over my head and
in a direct line leading from the Ches:-
nut tree. Casting my eyes along the
large dead tree I noticed that the top
leoked as if it had been broken off, but
from the ground I was unable to tell
Whether it was hollow cr not. It ap-
peared to be and as I could see no
cavity in the large Ash tree close by
concluded that it must be the right
one. Although I was looking for
Owls’ nests, I had left my climbing
irons at home sce would have to leave
my hidden treasures until the follow-
ing Saturday, when my half-holiday
trom business would again permit me
to make the trip. I disliked very much
to go away without a look into the
nest, nevertheless, I felt that it was
rather early for a full set of eggs. But
what if they should cut off the woods
before the next Saturday! Well, |
decided to take a chance so withdrew
and jeurneyed toward home. I saw
nothing of very great interest on my
return trip, but was well pleased with
the day’s results.

On the following Saturday after-
neon, March 28th, I loaded myself up
With climbing irons, collecting box,
hatchet and large strap and boarded
a car that took me within about a
mile of the wocds. I hurried along up
the moutnain and through the woods
and in due time reached the nesting
site, put on my climbing irons, placed
the strap of my collecting box over
my shoulder and proceeded to climb
the tree. The bark was thick and cor-
rugated and it was slow, hard climb-
ing, but I stuck to it and soon had
about sixty feet of tree between me
and the ground. Did I find a cavity?

No! The top of the tree was as solid
as the rock of Gibraltar. Well! I
was simply stung, and after I hugged
the tree long enough to recover from
the shock, I gazed around back of me
over to the big Ash tree, and there on
the upper side of a large limb, not
visible freom the ground, was the real
nesting cavity of the birds, a couple
of fluffy feathers at the edge of the
hole told the story. I was disgusted,
came down the tree, rested and pond-
ered on how I would be able to reach
the nest. It was no use, the Ash was
a giant, about four feet in diameter
with thick brittle bark, too uncertain
and risky for me to climb with irons.
It was then late in the afternoon and
I was forced to give it up and return
home. I gave the problem consider-
able thought during the next few days
but was unable to ascertain just how
I could safely reach the nest. How-
ever, nearly a month later, on the 26th
of April, while hunting for Hawks’
nests in this same locality I made an-
other visit to the tree. I carefully
sized it up, and noted a limb about 8
inches in diameter that grew out over
a tall Hemlock tree which stood about
twelve feet from the Ash. If I could
get from the top of the Hemlock on to
that limb and work myself along to the
crotch of the Ash tree I would have no
further trouble in reaching the nest.
It was a ticklish job, but nevertheless
I did it, and reached the nest where
I found two pipped eggs just on the
verge of hatching. I carefully examin-
ed them, placed them back in the nest,
and covered the opening I had made
with a piece of loose bark. I then
proceeded to get back along the limb
to the Hemlock tree which required
all the coolness and nerve that I pos-
sessed but I felt that the satisfaction
of examining the nest and eggs re-
paid me for all my trouble. The bird
left the nest as soon as I reached the

26 THH OOLOGIST

top of the Hemlock tree, she hooted
several times and stayed about in
close by trees, occasionally snapping
her mandibles, her feathers were
slightly raised, which gave her the ap-
pearance of an unusually large bird,
but the eggs appeared rather small,
as | compared them in my mind with
those I have in my cabinet. They rest-
ed on a thick bed of dry leaves at
the bottom of a cavity of about a foot
in diameter by four feet deep.

I hope that some others who have
had more experience in taking sets
of owls’ eggs will tell us something

about their trips.
a ee

The Eagles and Herons of Oneida
Lake.

Fifteen miles nerth of my home
town (Syracuse, N. Y.) on the north
shore cf Oneida Lake, is a large wood-
ed swamp, caused by overflow from
the lake. For many years this swamp
has been a nesting place for numbers
of Great Blue Herens, and a pair of
Bald Hagles, have nested there also
for a number of years.

Having heard of this herony from a
local bird student, a Mr. Hames, my
father, a naturalist friend of his, and
myself determined to visit the swamp,
and see the home life of the Eagles
and Herons. :

So, on the morning of June 7, 1909,
we three, Mr. Hames, and a friend of
his, Mr. Pasons, who was to be the
climber of the party, took a trolley to
the point across the lake from the
swamp occupied by the Herons. Here
We rented a launch, and two flat-
bottomed row-boats and set off across
the lake. After about a thirty minute
run we reached the opposite shore and
anchored the launch a couple of hun-
dred feet from the land. Then we
got into the row-boats and began to
make our way over the logs and
through the brush and reeds of the
flooded woods.

After an hour of this strenuous work
the Hagle’s nest came into view, a
great mass of sticks and grass, about
sixty feet up in a dead Ash tree. As
we drew near, the mother bird flew off
the nest and circled around it, scream-
ing at the top of her lungs. When we
reached the foot of the tree, the climb-
er put on his climbing irons, and tak-
ing a long rope and a bag, in which to
lower the young birds, started to
climb to the nest. As he drew near,
the female Hagle became very excited
and flew around him, uttering pierc-
ing shrieks, but she soon flew away.
When he reached the nest, he found
it eecupied by three young Hagles and
the remains of several fish. Mr. Par-
sons, the climber, caught the EHaglets,
and putting them in the bag, lowered
them, by means of the rope, into one
of the boats at the foot of the tree.
They were. queer, ungainly looking
fellows. Evidently they had been
hatched at different times, for they
varied greatly in size, the smallest be-
ing about the size of a small hen, and
completely covered with dcwn; while
the largest was about as large as very
large rooster, and had most of his
wing feathers. They were not old
enough to stand on their feet, but were
very active with their large curved
beaks and immense claws. We set
them on a log and although the light
was very bad we succeeded in getting
some pictures of them.

While we were thus occupied with
the Haglets, Mr. Parsons was making
himself comfortable in the great nest.
It was composed of sticks, some of
which were a couple of inches in
diameter. A layer of sod was on top
of the sticks. It was about four feet
across the top and five feet through.

When we had finished with the
young birds we put them again into
the bag, and they were hoisted to the
tree top, and placed in their aerial

THE OOLOGIST Br

home, none the worse for their little
adventure. Then Mr. Parsons decend-
ed, and we set off in the two boats in
quest of the Heron Rookery. As we
drew away from the tree, the old
Hagles returned to their nest with a
couple of large fish, and when we last
saw them, the Haglets were greedily
eating, and probably telling their par-
ents of their strange adventure.

After we had worked our way
through the swamp for about a half
hour we began to hear the coarse
ercakings of the Herons, and soon we
saw the great birds flying around their
nests in the tree tops. The nests
were mostly in Water Hlms and there
were as Many as five or six nests,
sometimes, in one tree. We did not
try to make any estimate of the num-
ber of birds nesting, but it is claimed
that about three hundred pairs nest
there annually. The nests all seemed
to contain young, so there was no use
trying te get any good eggs. After en-
joying the unusually interesting sights
offered by this Rookery, we started
for the lake. Arrived there, we board-
ed the launch and made our way io
the cpposite shore, where we took the
trolley for the city, having spent a de-
lightful day in the open.

J. W. Pennock, Tarrytown, N. Y.
o <P o-
Broad-winaged Hawk.

May 31st, 1912, while R. C. Harlow
and myself were working along a steep
mecuntain side that faced the river we
heard a hawk note that was strange to
me. { just got a glimpse of the bird
iteslf.

Locking about we were unable to
see a nest. Nothing but a Porcupine
in sight, lew down in a little hemlock,
so after getting the prickly fellow
down and having a little fun with him
we let him go and started on out the
mountain. We had gone but a little

distance when a Hawk, alighting close ©

by and calling her note which was
new to me, but was at once recognized
by Mr. Harlow as a Broad-wing.

Climbing up I found four nicely
marked eggs, pretty well covered with
fresh Birch leaves. According to Mr.
Harlow’s experience in the Hastern
part of the state four eggs is a large
set. Two or three being the usual
number.

I had never expected to find this
Hawk breeding here as in over twenty
years I have never seen or had but
pesitive records. One being of an
adult Broad-wing that was brought to
be mounted. The other record was of
one that I shot myself a few years ago.

R. B. Simpson, Warren, Pa.
ope
Nesting of the Osprey at Pompton
Lake, New Jersey, During the
Spring of 1912.

On the 13th and 14th of April of
that year a pair of Ospreys (Pandion
halieatus carolinensis) appeared on
Pompton Lake, Passaic Co. New
Jersey, and were seen diving and fish-
ing thrcughout both days over the en-
tire length of the lake. Later on May
2d, I was informed by several of the
natives that a pair of Fish-hawks had
ecmmenced a. nest on the west shora
ef the lake in a dead poplar.

On May 15th I visited the site of
the nest and found the female incubat-
ing a clutch of three eggs apparently
completed cnly several days prior t»
this visit. These eggs measured 2.45
x 1.86: 2.44x1.80, and 236x192 and
were pale cream color heavily blotch-
ed with brilliant chestnut brown es-
pecially at the large end where the
bletchings were intermingled with a2
decidedly deeper shade of brown. Tne
nest was a bulky mass of sticks about
three feet across and one a half feet
deep and was placed on a horizonial
branch close by the trunk of the tree
about forty feet from the ground.

9g THE OOLOGIST

On June 9th the nest was again
visited and was found to contain a
breed of three, about eight days old
and in perfect condition. The parents
remained in the close neighborhood
while I was near their offspring utter-
ing noisy cries of protest and oc-
casionally the male would sweep down
within a dozen feet of their home ap-
parently with the idea of frightening
me away. All about on the platform
of the nest and on the ground were
many fragments and bony masses of
catfish, pickerel and sunfish.

This breed remained in the vicinity
threughout the summer and dis-
appeared about September ist.

This is the first nest of this species
at this point since the year of 1903,
When another pair located here and
reared a family of two.

Louis S. Kohler.
Bloomfield, N. J.

°—<p>- >
Some Exneriences with the Red-Tailed
Hawk.
The Red-tailed Hawk is the most

abundant species of Hawk found in
Scuth-western Pa One who tramps
cver any of the ridges of hill in this
region will scarcely fail to notice one
of the fne birds sailing gracefully over
the felds or woods in seach of its
prey. Hach fall and winter numbers
of these beautiful birds are slain by
hunters and farmers who believe that
any member of the Hawk family is
their enemy.

The Red-tailed Hawk may be found
nesting in most any of the woods that
contain trees suitable for the purpose.
Generally, I believe, these Hawks se-
lect the larger white oaks that stand
in deep wooded hollows,—at least that
is where I have found a number of
them nesting. Another situation after
chosen, is a steep wooded bank above
seme creek or river.

During my boyhood days I frequent-

ly accompanied a local ornithlogist on
his long tramps in search of nests of
the Red-tailed Hawk. Many times I
saw these graceful birds swoop from
their nests with a shrill scream. Then,
I also saw a number of beautiful sets
of Hawks eggs which this man brought
down from the oak-tops. Such experi-
ences caused me to become greatly in-
terested in these Hawks so that as T
grew older, each spring found me
tramping through the woods in search
ef new nests. Quite a number of
times I found occupied nests, high up
in great oaks; but to climb those trees
and procure the eggs was a task be-
yond my ability. At times I ascended
part way up-the trees, but then a shak-
ing knee and a look downward were
sufficient,—Hawk’s eggs were certain-
ly not werth their pains!

When March of 1907 arrived the
usual “Hawk fever’ attacked me and
sent me in search of nests. Several
I found up perhaps eighty-five or nine-
ty feet—and the trees! mercy! But
finally I did locate an accessable nest.
I eculd see it frem a distance of half
a mile down the valley, and sailing
above it was the male Hawk. As I
came near the place, a small clump of
oaks, chestnuts and hickories, I found
that this nest was in the dead top of a
large chestnut tree which leaned
Over the deep ravine. The nest was
up sixty-five feet, above the base of
the tree. A hard rap with the climb-
ing irons caused the setting bird to
Swcop from the nest and join her mate
in a tall hickory nearby. As I ascend-
ed the tree both birds circled over the
ravine and screamed frequently. When
I reached a point some ten feet from
the nest I found that the trunk of the
tree was dead the rest of the way up.
I summoned my “reserve force” and
crept up, the remaining ten feet ex-
pecting to hear a crash and feel my-
Self passing downward through the at-

THE OOLOGIST 29

‘mosphere. But upon reaching the nest,
‘I peered over the rim upon two dirty,
-peorly spotted eggs. All fear of fall-
ing now vanished. My first set of Red-
tailed Hawk’s eggs was at hand! I
packed the eggs carefully and decend-
ed the tree. During all my experi-
ences with nests and eggs I can truly
say that never before nor since did
“bliss and felicity reign supreme.”

_ March of the following year was as

warm and pleasant as any June time.

The Red-tails built early and had
about completed laying by the 24th.
The first nest found was in the top of
a large white ocak that stood on a
wooded hillside. It was eighty-five
feet up, and proved to be a hard climb.
From this nest I collected three of the
handsomest Hawk’s eggs I have ever
seen. All three of them are beautifully
blotched with dark reddish-brown.

Hight miles west of town I discover-
ed an old Hawk at home in the triple
crotch of a tall white oak that stood
in a wooded hollow. No amount of
pounding on the tree would cause the
old bird to leave. But when the
climber was half way up she sailed
away to return time after time, almost
hitting his head. J] never saw such a
pugnacious Red-tail.

Early in April another Red-tail’s
nest was found in a wooded ravine
some two miles from town. It was
ninety-five feet up in the top of a tall
white oak. From the road, a quarter
of a mile away, the nest could be plain-
ly seen; so large and conspicuous it
was! From this nest I secured two
beautifully marked eggs. One is en-
tirely covered with spots over the
larger end; and the other is more cr
less streaked with dark red.

Since finding the preceeding nests
quite a number of others have com«
under my observation. Most of these
nests held but two eggs. I noticed
that some Hawk’s would desert a nest

if the incompleted set were handled,
whole others did not seem to care,
and returned. Of over twenty nests
which I examined I procured a number
of good photographs, but not one show-
ing the nest and eggs at a close range
owing te the difficulty of securing a
suitable position from which to take
exposures. S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
>< fe
Eagle Notes from Virginia.

Haliztus Cleucocephalus. Bald Hagle.

Eagle time is nearly with us once
more, a fact brought home to me forci-
bly a short time ago. I was out in the
woods looking for a flock of wild turk-
eys that I had previously located,
when happening to glance up I recog-
nized one of my Bald Eagle trees.
There it was, not twenty-five feet
away, and going closer I found the tell
tale marks of my climbers, worn by
the Billy Crispin when last with me.
This was the last tree visited in Feb-
ruary, 1913, and yielded a fine set of
two fresh eggs. Billy left me that
afternoon for home, but expecting to
stop in Maryland en route to collect
a set from an old stand-by tree of his
in that State. Little did I think when
we said good-by it would be the last
I would see of him. I made few notes
ef his visit in detail, as I expected to
leave the write up to him, and so
stated in the May OOLOGIST (pages
85-88). Should anyone have come into
pessession of his field notes, I would
appreciate their writing up this trip,
but if none appears I will try and util-
ize in a short article my notes from
ledger and data sheets.

Crispin was a fearless and magnifi-
cent climber, and I cannot but feel
that if he had stuck to trees, he would
have been alive today. On his first
visit to me, he became acquainted with
a special strap and belt that I had
made for eagle trees especially, and

30 THE OOLOGIST

he used it on every occasion when
with me, as well as promising me tha‘
he would have one made like it for
his climbing elsewhere.

During the latter part of October,
November and December the eagles
build new and repair old nests, and
are now all ready to commence house
keeping again. Every time I think of
eagles I think of Billy Crispin, what
eood trips and hikes we had together.
Every time I see an eagle tree now If
take off my hat to the memory of Billy
Crispin, and am proud to remember
him as one of the best workers, good
hearted bird men I have ever met.

H. H. Bailey,
Newport News, Va, Jan. 1, 1914.
oe

Hints on Hawk, Owl and Vulture.

(Haunts and Locality.)

In my experience with these three
most interesting birds, I find the old
stupid Vulture among the most ignor-
ant class of Birds. He is so absent
minded that the moon and sun are
both the same to him on many occa-
sions. I have collected from one pair
of Turkey Vultures four different sets
in the same Boisdare Hedge, and
would still be collecting them had not
the hedge been cut. i find Black Vul-
ture the most weary of the Vulture
tribe. The female will fly off the eggs
long before one gets very close to the
nest, at least that is the way for me.
When hunting Vulture eggs, I walk
very slowly along a rocky hillside in-
habited by Vultures and keep close
watch ahead of me to see them fly cut.
But the Turkey Vulture is quite differ-
ena in my experience with them. I
have honestly pulled them off the nest
and have proof for it. The Vulture |
pulled from under a large rock to se-
cure her eggs had a very rare set,
nearly snow white. I do not find white
ones often. The Turkey Vulture in-
habits mostly, hedges, thickets, bush

But one usually always
fnds Mr Black Vulture in the most
rocky part of a hill side and many
times they lay their eggs at the end of
draws, anyone, valleys, etc, or any
where there is shelter. I have never
found them unsheltered, but have
found the Turkey Vulture in the open,
with no visible shelter. [I have a large
collection of both kinds of Vultures
and some very rare sets.

Next, comes the Texas Night-hawk,
or Bull Bat as some call them. I see
no reason for calling them Bats. They
can bat no better than the Crested
Flycatcher. I usually find the Night-
hawk’s nest around places where there
is a little gravel or rocks; also on
Prairies and I have found them many
times in the middle of untraveled
roads, but never have found them in
brush or timber. I have never found
set containing three eggs, but there
are naturalists here that have. I know
of one young man here that found
twenty-five sets in one season, and
out of the twenty-five sets he found
one set containing three eggs, although
the third eggs were smaller. When
the Night-hawk is flushed, one must
go to the place where it is thought she
flew from. The steps must be easy
and light or the eggs will be stepped
on. If the eggs cannot be found, if
the hunter will go about a quarter of
a mile distant, lie down, and watch
fer the Night-hawk, he will be sure to
get her locality, and when she goes to
the eggs again, they can be found. I
have also had experience with Red-

piles, ete.

tailed Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks,

and other of the
Night-hawk is the
of the Hawks to me.
The Owl next. I have found a num-
ber of their eggs, but will start out on
the Texas Screech Owl. I find him
located in a hellow tree, just down the
creek out in a stump and maybe under

but the
interesting

species,
most

THE OOLOGIST 31

a bank or rock as he is likely to be
any where any time and not the least
frightened of mankind. My last set
of Screech Owls was found in a hollow
tree about ten feet from the ground.
The set consisted of four round eggs
of a dirty white color. Mr. Barn Owl
is next on the program; and he may
be called Barn Owl, but I have found
him inhabiting large holes in banks.
I crawled in a large hole in search of
Owl eggs and saw a Golden colored
Owl setting way back in the hole. I
punched her with a stick and she
came at me, because that was the only
way she had of escaping. I caught
her quickly but let her loose when she
plunged her claws in my arm, but she
had me and I could not get her off. I
finally got her feet tied with a hand-
kerchief. J caged her for study -pur-
poses. I have also caught Barred
Owls, Screech Owls, and Burrowing
Owls all in their respective nests. I
find that the Short-eared Owls occupy
mostly dark holes and caves.
Ramon Graham.

Fort Worth, Tex.
<>

Series of egas of the great Horned
Owl.

Though my series of these eggs is
small, I am very proud of same, for
they are not plentiful here, and best of
all I collected them myself and pre-
pared them in Al style; the whole lot
being blown through exceedingly small
holes and thoroughly cleansed. All
sets are complete and with full data

April 10, 1897, I found a nest of the
Great Horned Owl, containing young
Owls, three in number at least five or
six weeks old. I determined to do
better the next time.

Great Horned Owl, three eggs, pure
white, little gloss: form between thick
eliptical and oval: measure 2.28 x 1.80,
2.22 % 1.78, 222 x 1.78 inches: very
slightly incubated. Nest an old
Hawk’s nest of sticks, up fifty-three

feet, in a Poplar Tree, in a large piece
of timber well retired. Locality, Col-
umbus, Co., four and one-half miles S.
W. of Columbus, Wis., date Feb. 18,
1898.

Great Horned Owl, three eggs, pure
white, slightly glossed; form thick
Oval; measure 2.28 x1.78, 2.25 x 1.80,
2.28x1.80 inches; incubation fresh.
Nest in an old Hawk’s nest in a Poplar
fifty feet up, near public road, date
March 21, 1898, locality Columbia Co.,
four miles S. W. of Columbus, Wis.
This I think was the second laying of
the same pair I robbed Feb. 18. Some
boys had shot the old female this day
and the crows had punctured two of
the eges.

Great Horned Owl, two eggs, pure
white, and showing little gloss; form
thick oval; measure 2.22 x1.75, 2.24 x
1.78 inches: incubation advanced.
Nest an old one up» about thirty feet
in the forks of a limb of a Burr Oak,
not far from a road, in a grove. Date
March 21, 1899, locality, Columbia Co.,
Columbus, Wis., (9 miles W.)

Great Horned Owl, two eggs, pure

white with little gloss; form thick
oval: measure 2.25x1.80, 2.25 x 1.86
inches, incubation slight: The same

nest from which I collected the set in
Feb., 1898. Date March 3, 1902, local-
ity, Columbia Co, four and one half
miles S. W. of Columbus, Wis.

Great Horned Owl, two eggs pure
dull, glossy white; form thick oval;
measure 2.18 x 1.77, 2.22 x1.73 inches;
incubation slight. Nest the same as I
took sets from in 1898 and 1902. Date,
February 28, 1903; locality Columbia
Co., four and one-half miles S. W. of
Columbus, Wis.

George W. H. vos Burgh,
Zion City, Illinois.

—o <f>—-e—
A Freak.
I have an egg that is quite a curi-
osity to me. A friend of mine shot a

32 THE OOLOGIST

hawk and removed the egg from the
bird and brought it to me. The egg

is about the size of a Sparrow Hawk’s

egg, of a pale green color, about the
color of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo’s egg,
with about a dozen pin point brown-
ish marks.

When the egg was brought to me i
could not name it, so asked the party
to take me to the hawk. We went, but
outside of a few feathers, there was
nothing to be seen. Something had
made away with the carcass.

Near where the bird was shot was a
nest in a small pine tree that I ex-
amined, and think it was an unused
Sharp-shinned Hawk’s nest.

Now the question arises, do eggs
change shape or size after the shell
is formed, and at what stage of the
game do they take on the markings?

I neglected to state that it was ten
days after the bird was shot that I
knew about it. C. HE. Van Alstine,

Burning Springs, W. Va.
2 <p—o—

Two Months in the Everglades.
Part II. Continued from Vol. XXX,
Page 294.

On this trip I made my first ac-
quaintance with the Florida Burrow-
ing Owl. This happenea out on what
is known as the Big Prairie. These
cunning little polite fellows are sure
a sight and deserve more and better
protection than they receive. Because
of their holes in the prairie tripping
up the ponies of the Cow hunters,
these men never let an opportun-
ity pass to kill a ground Owl. They
nest in colonies of a couple of pairs
to a dozen or more, although I was
not fortunate in finding more than four
pairs in any colony, this is due to
many reasons. These owls seem to
dislike settlers and will move away at
once if anyone builds near them, also
many are killed by Polleats and I dug
out in one day burrows of 12 Owls

that showed by fresh tracks they were
occupied, and found in each a Pollcat
but no Owls, no doubt in my mind but
that the Cat had surprised both birds
in the hole and devoured them. I
killed the Cats.

These “Kitties” seem to be some-
what different species of Skunk. Bur-

‘rowing Owls dig a burrow form 6 to 10

feet in length and have an enlarged
chamber at end and eggs are laid on
dry cow dung and sets I found were
from 4 to 6. and incubation was start-
ed. I expect to spend some time in
1912 photographing and studying these
owls as believe it is only a question of
a very few years when the Florida
Burrowing Owl will be no more.

Late in March I visited a large rook-
ery of Wood Ibis. I had left my canoe
as far up a creek as I could go and
with a guide tramped through ham-
mock and prairie to a cypress where
they nested. When in 1% mile of the
place knew it was too late to get eggs
as the young could be heard at this
distance uttering their continual
grunting noise. This rockery contain-
ed over 500 occupied nests and nests
were from 90 to 100 feet up in the tall
cypress and each tree contained from
4 to 20 nests. In some instances as
many as 4 nests were on one limb and
would touch one another. I learned
that Wood Ibris were very gentle and
not given to quarreling. I picked out
the tallest tree and climbed up so I
could get a view over the rookery and
it was a sight I'll never forget. Hach
nest contained young Ibis about the
size of grown leghorn chickens, pure
white with a heavy yellow bill and
after the first start of surprise at se2-
ing me the youngsters paid no more
attention to me than if I were one of
them. The old ones came and fed as
near as 30 feet to me. It was raining
when [I left camp and had stopped
about time we reached the rookery

THE OOLOGIST

Sugarberry Hammock, a camp in the Sawgrass
—Photo by O. E. Baynard

30

34 THE OOLOGIST :

Hiccopogee Camp, where Snakes were bad
Ps haere mana —Photo by O. EH. Baynard

THE OOLOGIST 35

Gathering Palmetto Cabbage
—Photo by O. H. Baynard

36 THE OOLOGIST

and when I had been up in the tree a
few minutes the late afternoon sub
blazed out in full force and shining on
the immaculate white of the birds
showing against the dark green of the
dense Cypress trees, made a picture
no one could fully describe. How I
wished for my camera that I had left
in camp. There is no telling what I
would have given to have had it for 4%
hour. I stayed around this vicinity
fer five days but it rained some all
the time and I never had a chance to
get a single picture. However it is as
well as they would of been in the bot-
tom of the canal with the balance of
the plates. It was while up in this
rookery I located a nest of Ivory Billed
Wood-peckers. I had located the male
bird on my arrival and he stayed
around all evening. The hole was
placed in a live cypress above a large
limb and could not be seen from the
ground and when I spied the new hole
about 90 feet up, all thoughts of the
Wood Ibis was abandoned for the
time and I made a record, I am sure,
coming down the tree I was in and
going up to the Ivory Billed hole, felt
sure the female was in the hole and
Was sure put out when I found that
it was an uncompleted hole. I search-
ed good the next five days I stayed
here and never saw another hole or
anything of the female bird so judged
some one had shot her as the pair
were seen here earlier in the Spring
by the guide and that was the real
reason I was here. However from his
fondnes for this location I have hopes
he will find a mate by 1912, and give
me an opportunity to study and photo-
graph this almost extinct bird.

Late one evening while hunting for
Sand Hill Cranes nests I came across
one in a bunch of flaggs in a small
pond on a prairie. It was drizzling
rain and the old bird never left the
nest until I was within 30 feet of her,

I felt at once she had young just
hatched or pipped eggs as at no other
time could one get within 100 feet of
them. She had one egg that contained
a noisy youngster but was not pipped.
As I wanted a young crane I decided
to take the egg with me and if it
hatched alright and if it died in shell
I would save the shell anyway. After
3 hours I reached camp which was in
an old cabin launch not in commission,
that I used during the nasty weather.
After supper the youngster in the-shel!:
seemed livelier than when first found
and as I had no way of keeping egg
warm, took egg to bed with me and
held it in my hand up against my body
all night. Some time near morning I
was awakened by the crane pipping
out and he made such an effort that
the egg rolled out of the blankets and
I was sure startled at first, thinking
it was a snake. While I was a suc
cessful “incubator” I did not make out
so well as a “brooder” and the young
crane only lived 5 days, but it was so
cold and rainy and having no way to
keep it warm, he had no chance at all.
The episode of the crane furnished lots
of amusement to the few settlers in
this region.

Cranes are an interesting bird.
Their bugle like notes are heard
further than birds can be seen. They

fly in undulating curved line and each
croaks in turn. I had a friend who -
hatched a few eggs and raised the
young and he said they fed on Grass-
hoppers, worms, frogs and _ snakes.
Think it was an “off” year on nesting
as ponds on prairies were so low there
were few available nesting places and
saw hundreds of birds flying in pairs
all the time. Before daylight one
morning I left camp for turkey roost
but failed to find any turkeys. I was
just emerging from a hammock on the
Prairie when about 34 of a mile away
I heard the rolling calls of the Sand-

THE OOLOGIST

Nest of a Bald Eagle, 125 feet up
——Photo by O. H. Baynard

37

38 THE OOLOGIST

hills and stopping I soon made out
quite a number of them congregated
on a slight rise on the prairie and saw
at once that I was going to be present
at one of their Indian dances. There
were over 100 birds and they would
raise their heads high and _ slowly
walk around, suddenly they lowered
there heads and began bouncing and
jumping high in the air. Sometimes
with raised wings, often dropping
across each others paths. After a few
minutes they increased their speed
and began croaking, becoming louder
all the time to the “Big Noise.” This
dance lasted 5 to 6 minutes and died
out until another bunch arrived, when
the performance was repeated. I
watched the dance for fully % hour

when I heard the guide blowing his
horn, this seemed to alarm the dancers
and they slowly made off feeding to
windward. thought this
dance was sort of a myth but I now

I always

know better and feel proud I was able
to see it once in my life.

While on the Prairie I learned to
eat Palmetto cabbage. This is the bud
of the Cabbage Palmetto.and is a fine
article to eat, much better than garden
cabbage. I visited one place called
the “Devil’s Garden” so called an ac-
count of the Cabbage Palmetto grow-
ing in such abundance there. Camp-
ing on the Prairie in dry weather is no
joke, fleas and red bugs keep one
awake all the time. One night we
heard a wolf, first and only one I ever
heard in Florida. Found an abundance
ef small squirrels in places and they
made a fine addition to our bill of fare.
They seemed different somewhat to
our grey squirrel in northern part of
the state.

Had one experience on the Prairie
with Moccasin. Was wading ankle
deep in flagpond looking for Crane
nests, seeing a large moccasin ahead
I shot him with rifle, and was reload-

Everglade Sand Hill Crane Fruit
—Photo by O. E. Baynard

THE OOLOGIST 39

Nest and Eggs of a Bald Eagle, 125 feet up, December 25, 1911
—Photo by O. E. Baynard

40 THE OOLOGIST

ing when I felt something tugging at
my trouser leg. Looking down I saw
a huge moccasin with his fangs hung
in my pant leg trying to get loose.
Quickly dropping the rifle I reached
down and grabbed him by the neck
just as he got his fangs untangled and
we had it back and forth, I and the
snake, I happened to have one foot on
his tail and that gave me an advan-
tage. I reached in my pocket with my
right hand and getting my knife out
opened it with my teeth and began to
saw his head off, evidently a painful
cperation for him as he ejected venom
all over my shirt and when I finally
severed his head I picked up the rifle
and staggered out of the pond to dry
land where [I lay down and put in an
hour of as violent vomiting as I ever
experienced and I was three days in
recovering from the nausea caused by
the peculiar odor of the snake.

While this trip was not as much of
a success from a collecting standpoint
as I had wished nevertheless it was a
delightful experience and I shall al-
Ways remember it as one of ‘the
times” of my life. Now that I know
the “ropes” I trust to have better luck
with photographs, etc., in 1912. As I
shali start early in January and spend
about four months in this interesting
and wild region. Oscar H. Baynard.

<2
Cliff Swallow and Sparrow.

This summer late in June I visited
a farmer friend of mine on a Saturday.

He has two large barns on his
place and under the eaves of one of
these was quite a colony of Have
Swallows. JI counted forty nests under
the eaves and on the side opposite
the house I noticed that a consider-
able amount of straw and hay pro-
truded from some of the Swallow’s
nests. By lengthing out a ladder IT
was able to get up to the nests and ex-
“amine them. I found that ten of the

“New York,

Swallow’s nests had been appropria-
ted by English Sparrows. The nests
as soon as finished had been filled with
straw and hay and all held young
sparrows. Some were ready to leave
and some just hatched. The undis-
turbed nests were full of young swal-
lows or well incubated sets.

I don’t believe I ever read or heard

of the sparrows using Swallow’s nest
in this way before, and wonder if this

often happens.
R. B. Simpson,
Warren, Pa.
ie ee
Personal.

Mr. John Williams, one of the fore-
most naturalists of Iowa, writes us
that last summer he enjoyed a trip,
taking him to Boston, New London,
Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Washington, etc., where he met many
of the prominent naturalists and
scientists, and of course, enjoyed the
experience, the same as did Ye Hditor.

A. M. Ingersol of San Diego, Cali-
fornia, writes: “I made a seven
months’ sight-seeing journey last
year, visiting various points of inter-
est between Quebec, Cuba, Massachu-
setts and Idaho and had the pleasure
of meeting scme grand men who are
interested in my hobby. Spent hours
in examining specimens and talking
Over bird nesting experiences. Of
course the greatest sight of all was
John EH. Thayer’s collection.

“We were in Cuba two months and
through kind assistance of Baynard,
Martin and Nicholson, I was able to
get an unlimited collecting permit, and

had counted on taking a lot of good
specimens in that collector’s paradise,
but my health again failed, and I was
too weak to climb trees and lacked
strength to wade swamps. So my en-
tire take for the year was only forty-

eight sets.”

THE OOLOGIST III

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Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171.. 1.20
Vol. XVIII, 1901, Nos. 172 to 1838. 1.20
Vol. XIX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 198... 1.20
Wolly 2Ox6 UOR INGS, 106 Wo Wiss 6 120
Vol. XXI, 1904, Nos. 198 to 209.. 1.20
Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221.. 1.20
Vol. XXIII, 1906, Nos. 222 to 233. 1.20
Vol. XXIV, 1907, Nos. 234 to 245. 1.20
Vol. XXV, 1908, Nos. 246 to 257.. 1.20
Vol. XX VI, 1909, Nos. 258 to 269. 1.50
Vol. XX II, 1910, Nos. 270 to 281. 1.50
Vol. XXIII, 1911 Nos. 282 to 295. 1.50
Vol. XXIX, 1912, Nos. 293 to 305.. 1.50

VOR DINERO AT 209): AA LO ee LES as 2.50
ViOs, XEON ise) ers ae eT 1.50
R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, IIl.

9}e] 0} 9q uoOs AeuUl }J
dn wi9y} pulq
pue sIs0[0Q ay, JO Safly anoA [[I¥ 0} OUIT} 9Y} ST MON

U
THE OOLOGIST.
BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY
ViOle xXGxexl, No. 3. ALBION, 'N. Y., Mar. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 320

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, HEtc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid.9({320 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1908, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

————oooaoEoEOD ooo So. oF mounted Specimens of
eggs, or mounted specimens 0

We will not advertise the skins, nests,

North American Birds for sale.

These columns are for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such, specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses only. —EDITOR

Senne

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Il].

FOR SALE—Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy ‘black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. ee M.
BARNES, Lacon, Il. 1-p)

WANTED.—The skins Of the Wighapene.
Mexican, Dwarf, Spotted, Xanthus, Flam-
mulated and the Arizona Screech Owls, also
skins of the Elf Owl. Cash or exchange, write
if-oniy a single specimen. H. AITKEN.
Leesburg, Fla. (3-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.— Fine skins of 273, 289a,
320, 477a, 501, 51la, 513, 549, 550,575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. ~ + (3-14)

Birds, Animals, Game, Heads and Fish,
mounted. true to life. Animal skins tanned
and made into rugs and robes. Will also
relax and mount dried skins of birds and
animals if desired. Stave mounted Hawks
and Owls to exchange with skins of animals
good for mounting. FRANK ESPLAN,
Richmond, Minn. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE .—Birds, Skins and
mounted; many varieties. Will exchange for
desired specimens. Send stamp with idee
list for mine. A. RUSSELL SMITH, tes
Hill, Penna., Mount Carmel Ave.

Hill, Penna., Mount Carmel Ave. (ip)
EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,
White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Egyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Quail:
and Hungarian algun ees H.. J. JAGHR,
Owatomia, Minn. ; _ (5-p)

SE Ee eee
EXCHANGES.—I desire to exchange bird
skins generally. A few sets and ‘skins of
Prothonotory Warblers in May. DR. W.S.
STRODE, Lewistown, Illinois. ~ (1-p)

So ee ee ee eee
FOR EXCHANGE.—Two. English. Ring-
neck Phesants, Knot B. B. Plover; mounted
birds for rare mounted Warblers. A. J.
RICHARDS, owvlsas ponnaee: Nahant, '
Mass. \1-p)

ee

FOR EXCHANGE.—Collection. of twelve:
bundred and ninety North American birds..
One hundred and fifteen of the birds are.
mounted, and the rest made up in skins,
Over three hundred and_ fifty species are
represented in the collection. For further
information address: PHILIP LAURENT,
31 East Mt. Airy Ave.. Philadelphla, Peana:

=p

fm

FOR SALE.—Two pairs Canada Geese
$10.00 a pair, one Hutchins Goose, $5.00. One
pair Golden Eagles, $15.00. PORTAGE WILD
ANIMAL CO., Box 223, Portable La Prairie,
Manitoba, Can. (2-p)

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler, Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider, Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from Ualifornia).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUNSINGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

EXCHANGE.—I desire to exchange for the
following Bird Skins, Nos. 218, 225, 264, 226,
292, 395, 395, 397, 398, 399, 403. 404, 410, 411, 413, 414,
443. 471, 524, 599, 768, 483, 503, 524, 514. 605, 513.
Exchange of eggs also desired. D. V. HEM-
RREE, Roswell, Ga. (2-p)

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

EXCHANGE.—Sets of the following: 289,
406, 461, 617, 719, 731. 597, and others. Want 331,
360, 365, 429, 507, 601. WILLIAM PLANK,
Decatur, Ark.

I want sets of Hawks, Owls, Water Birds
and many land species. What have you?
Send your list. All correspondence answered.
eIUIS) CRORE: Suite 1, Purvis Bldg., Edmon-

on, a.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Sets of Turkey and
Black Vultures, Barn and Screecn Owls and
Red-tailed Hawk. Prefer a pair of good
climbing irons or wili take eggs. WOOD-
RUFF, YEATES, 1416 Cooper St., Fort
Worth, Tex.

EGGS.—Bulwer’s Petrel, Curlew, Whim-
brel, Divers (3 species) Iceland and Green-
land Falcons, Skuas, Plovers various. Clear-
ance prices. Catalogue tree. H. T. BOOTH,
8 Cranbury Road, Frelham, Eng. (1-p)

_ FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs. Nests and Oologist papers for sets
Of 128. 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364. 368, 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD S. COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Commo
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

NE ANN a Maho RE TY NEL i
FOR EXCHANGE.—Personally Collected:
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9; 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4; 194c 3-5; 197 3-4; 225 6-4:
226 3-4; 258a 1-4; 432 n-2; 436 n-2: 478¢ 2-5: 480 2-5:
492 2-5; 554 n-4; 560a n-3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n-5;
749 n-6; 759a n-4. A. O. TREGANZA. 610 U. s.
& T. Bidg., Salt Lake City, Utah. (1-p)

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

I THE OOLOGIST

WILL EXCHANGE a few choice sets, per-
sonally taken such as Limpkin, Sand Hill
Crane, Florida Burrowing Owl, Florida Wild
Turkey, Wood Duck and other rare as well
as many commoner species, with exception
of hummers of all kinds. My wants are sets
from species that visit Florida. Send com-
OSCAR EH. BAY-

(2-t)

plete list in first letter.
NARD, Clearwater, Florida.

WANTED.—One set of A. O. U. Nos. 25-43
129-167-178-252-260-301 - 310-352 - 375a -375d-419-423-
457-474b-498e -616-652-674-701-733-755. Two sets
each of 7-145-148-154-160-161-180-243-289b-310c-335-
341-356-356-409-474e-477-505- 608 - 639 - 657 - 726 - 736-
And three sets each of 5-21-55-115-136-153-162-
293a-300a-308-310a-310h-347-351-356a - 383-396-748b-
480-486-542b-562-636-727. Must be A.1. and for
them I offer a very desirable assortment of
specimens in exchange. R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, Ill.

FOR SALE.—One pair Black Foxes, best
Northern stock, $5000.00; one pair Silver
Foxes, $35.00; one pair Cross Foxes. $400.00;
one pair Lynx, $75.00; two pair Mink, $50.00
each. One pair Martin, $125.00. PORTAGE
WILD ANIMAL CO., Box 223, Portage La
Prarie, Manitoba. (2-p)

EXCHANGE.—Ringtail Bob Cats, Badgers,
Gray Foxes, Civits, Squirrels, Land, Maine
Turtles, Snakes over two feet, other mam-
mals and birds, aliveorin meat. Sets, Nests,
Minerals, Shells, Indian Relics, offer, Cash
Kodaks, Films; Minerals, Shells, Curios.
Stamps, Enlarged Portraitsin Crayon, Water
Color or Pastel, Bendires. Mt. Union Studio,
Alliance, Ohio.

FOR EXCHANGE.—One 45 Colt automatic,
1 Auto-strop safety razor (new). 1 Dayton
Ohio Computing scale, 3 beam, glass plat-
form, cost $110.00, 1 6-foot show ease, 1 6-foot
Metal Frame Showcase, 1 4 foot Showease, 1
set 16 gauge re-loading tools, uncut Agates
and Opals from the famous Opal Springs.
Will exchange for eggs in sets with and
without nests. or books on Ornithology and
Oology. Allletters answered. L. R. HOW-
SLEY, Culver, Oregon. (1-p)

MISCELLANEOUS.

FOR SALE.—Ffne bound sets of Nidologist
and Osprey, as well as a copy of Hawks and
Owls of U. S., by A. K. Fisher. PHILLIP
eee CEST 31 E.Mt. Airy Ave., Padre

a. =2

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large and very fine, one Chnstolite

‘Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,

Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine,
will sell for £5.00 cash with order. KE. W.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, Il. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—17 ft..steel ‘Bristol’ fly rod,
with nickel plated pivot reel. Practically
new, used twice. Cost $8.00, price $4.00. F.A.
HEMPHILL, 326 Union Ave,, Elizabeth, N. J.

THE OOLOGIST.

Vout. XKXI. No. 38. ALBION, N. Y. MAr. 15, 1914. Wrote No. 320

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

ENFORCE THE GAME LAW.

The last Congress passed a comprehensive Federal Game Protection Act,
which, if enforced as it should be, will be of great benefit to the bird life of
the country. There seems to be an idea amongst some that hunters licenses
issued prior to the passage of this game law and prior to its going into force
would prevent the enforcement of the law against those holding such licenses.
Such is not the case.

The Federal Game Law is now in force, and while it does not supersede, yet
it adds to all other game protection laws in the states. A person may be fined
under a state law for violating the local game law of such state, and may be
arrested, prosecuted and fined under the Federal Law for the same violation.
In other words, the Federal Law is cumulative and the killing of one bird, the
killing of which is a violation of law, may subject the offender to a punishment
both under the State and Federal Laws.

We trust that every subscriber to THE OOLOGIST will appoint himself
as a committee of one to see that the Federal Law is strictly and impartially
enforced in his community this coming spring; at least so far as the same
relates to all game birds and water fowl, without fear or favor.

Any assistance that the editor can be in producing such a result you are
all at liberty to call upon him for—R. M. Barnes.

A LETTER

Hon. R. Magoon Barnes,
Dear Mr. Barnes: :

Please accept my hearty congratulations for the great strides that the
paper has made under your leadership. The Oological fraternity is surely
indebted to you. Very sincerely yours,

Richard C. Harlow.
State College, Penna.

42 THE OOLOGIST

Red-Backed Sandpiper.
Tringa Alpina Pacifica,
also called Blackbellied Sandpiper or
Oxbird, when in Fall plumage they go
as Leadbacks, Blackbreast or Red-
back. To my knowledge this Sand-
piper was never taken here.

A friend of mine, Mr. Rappich of
2293 Main street, was gunning this
Fall, November 2d at Longpoint on the
shores of Lake Erie cn a marshy wet
spot covered with herbage so famil-
iar to the old time hunters like
Charles Gerber, Steve Roberts, Hd.
Fish, Arthur A. Bissel and others, and
was fortunate enough to bag a great
many Wilson or locally called Hng-
lish Snipe, several large Yellow-legs
and last but not least a smaller Sand-
piper that had the habit of bunching
together.

After one discharge of his gun, he
found six of them in the long marshy
grass. As he had never seen any Sand-
pipers like these before, he concluded
to take them home and present them
to me for further investigation.

Several hundred feet from the shore
is a bar where he saw a great many
Wild Geese, presumably the Canada
Goose, but it was impossible to get
near enough to shoot some, as they
Were exceedingly shy and wary.

Atter coming home, Mr. Rappich
was kind enough to send me the six
Sandpiper. As coarse shot were used,
I was fortunate in mounting two of
them and used one skin for identifi-
cation, which proved beyond any
doubt that it is the Red-backed Sand-
piper, which breeds within the Arctic
Circle, and to my best information
there are none of. their eggs in any of
our collections.

There is of course every degree of
intergration between summer and win-
ter plumage, but this species may al-
Ways be known by its slightly curved
bill. It flies and feeds in flocks and

is an unsuspicious rather stupid little

Snipe. Less active than most of this
family.
The accompanying picture was

taken from the Work of John James
Audubon, (1780-1851) the great Amer-
ican Ornithologist, made almost 100
years ago, now in possession of the
Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences
through the kindness of Dr. Roswell

Park. Ottamar Reinecke.
—_——_—_——__ *<s—__——_——_———_

Possible Nesting of Bachman’s Spar-
row (Peuaea aestivalis bachmani.)
in Southern Pennsylvania.

S. S. Dickey.

A few years ago my friend, Mr.
James Carter, discovered near Way-
nesburg, what I believe to have been
the nest and egg of Peucaea aestiva-
lis bachmani. Mr. Carter, who is an
enthusiastic ornithologist, was walk-
ing through a field of grass and weeds
that bordered on an oak wood, when
he caught sight of a strange nest rest-
ing in a grass clump. Upon close ex-
amination he found that the nest was
an arched affair of grassblades and
stems, and that it held a single white,
glossy, unmarked egg. Careful watch-
ing nearby failed to reveal the owner
of the nest. At the end of a few days
Mr. Carter returned to the field and
found that the nest had been desert-
ed as only the single damp egg rested
within. It has been my great pleasure
to examine carefully this single spe-
cimen (measuring .74x.53 inches). It
will be seen that the measurements
closely resemble those commonly re-
corded for eggs of this sparrow. To
my knowledge this species has never
been recorded as a summer resident
of Pennsylvania, with the single ex-
ception of my record of the past sum-
mer. At that time I found several
pairs of the birds inhabiting the wild-
er country some ten miles south of
Waynesburg and but a few miles from
the West Virginia border line.

45

THE OOLOGIST

44 THE OOLOGIST

With Will Crispin.

For several years I had known and
admired Will Crispin as a fearless and
indomitable climber, but during the
last year of his life I not only admired
him because of his prowess but lov-
ed and respected him as a man who
was clean and straight as an arrow.
God might have made better men than
Will Crispin but I never met them.
We had been corresponding for about
two years and through Will I came to
know more of Jackson, Sharpless and
Darlington, men whom I admired for
what they had accomplished and of
whom the student of oology can be
just as proud as was Crispin to call
them his friends.

About two years ago he wrote me
and proposed a scheme to help each
other. Crispin was very anxious to
personally take sets of the Pileated
Woodpecker, Northern Raven and
Duck Hawk, while my ambition tended
toward Great Blue Herons and Bald
Hagles. The result was that we plan-
ned to work together during the sea-
son of 1913. During late February I
went all the way to Wilmington to
meet Will on a trip to a Bald Hagle’s
nest but missed connections and fail-
ed to meet him. At that time he had
just returned from a trip after Hagles
and wrote me in glowing terms of the
prince of Oologists, H. H. Bailey,
whose recent book is an ever lasting
monument to himself. Disappointed
I returned to the College while Will
collected several fine sets of Hagles.

A little later I sent him a set of four
Northern Raven which he was very
anxious to obtain, it being one of the
five sets from Pennsylvania. Later
We corresponded concerning the Duck
Hawk’s nest at Nockamison and when
I wrote to Will that I contemplated
a visit about April 15th he gladly offer-
ed me his ropes which he had used
on an earlier trip and had left near

Golden Rule, it

the base of the cliffs. At this time I
remonstrated with him concerning his
going over the cliff alone but he did
not seem to regard the descent of the
cliff as anything especially difficult
and told me he would try for a later
set in May. On April 8th I spent the
day with him in a trip to the Great
Blue Herony near his home and later
we inspected his collection. Little
did I suppose as I bade him farewell
on the morning of April 9th and heard
his cheery “Good luck, Richard” that
they would be the last words that I
would ever hear him utter. We found
the Duck Hawk’s nest empty and
were informed by another party who
was also in search of the eggs that
only one bird was about so on we
went, after my climbers had made suc-
cessful descent to the nest over the
slippery rocks.

On May 5th, 19138, Will wrote me
that he thought there would be eggs
there by that time, and ended, “By
the time you get this I will be over
the rocks.” My feelings may well be
imagined then, when I picked up the
paper and read of his tragic death.
Later I learned that the eggs had been
secured by another party who deliber-
ately slandered me and accused me
of taking them. At the present time
I could in a half hour secure affida-
vits to show that I was not within a
hundred miles of the nest after April
11th and as to the party’s reason for
accusing me after he had secured the
eggs for himself, I am at a loss to
state. The one thing I wish to make
clear is that Will Crispin to the day of
his death was one of my firmest
friends. He always played square and
how a person could treat a man like
Will dirty is beyond my comprehen-
sion. And I can’t help thinking that
if there is a heaven, Will is there, for
if ever there was a disciple of the
was he, Frank,

THE OOLOGIST 45

cheery, open-hearted and fearless;
cool, collected, careful and conscien-
tious—Oology can justly point to his
record with a finger of pride and the
only consolation to us who remain is
that we may ever follow his example
and place honor first, and self last.
Richard C. Harlow.

a

William B. Crispin Collection.

After disposing of nearly all the
eggs that belonged to the late William
B. Crispin, a description of some of
the most prominent sets will no doubt
be of interest to those who never saw
them. I will only mention those col-
lected by him personally.

Nest and sixteen eggs of Wood Duck
found while in the woods hunting
Great Blue Herons. The eggs were
far advanced in incubation, making it
“necessary to bore auger holes about
Y% inch in size in order to save them.
The nest, eggs and portion of the tree
that contained them are now at the
Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila-
delphia, a permanent and safe rest-
ing place for such a valuable set.

Crispin had a very large series of
3-4-5-6-eges of the Great Blue Heron,
also Black-crowned Night Heron of
3-4-5 that were collected in the state
of New Jersey.

A set of five eggs found on May 26,
1912, of the Bartramian Sandpiper
near his home, pleased him more than
any other single set. The eggs are
very handsome and containing the un-
usual number of five eggs, makes it
rare and desirable. His series of Red-
shouldered Hawks of 3-4-5 eggs all
taken in New Jersey, were also very
fine and handsome.

He had a large series of Bald Hagle
consisting of 1-3 8-2 4-1. These eggs
were found in Virginia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jer-
sey. As these eggs were described
before in this magazine I will only

say that some of them were blown
with very small holes. There was a
rivalry between Crispin and I as to
who could blow an Hagle egg with the
smallest hole. He spent two hours
on one set and was a little ahead of
me as my patience would not hold our
that long.

In Ospreys Crispin had some of the
most handsome sets of three and four
eggs that any one could find. I have
no hesitation in saying that Crispin
collected in his time nearly a thousand
eges of this species and he retained
about one hundred for himself. He no
doubt kept the best eggs for his own
cabinet consisting of 20-3 12-4. A set
of three has one runt egg, 1.82 x 1.52:
the only runt egg of the Osprey I know
of. Of all the eggs in the bird family
I think the Osprey offers the greatest
diversity of shape, colors, sizes of
any and gives the collector the best
epportunity to make a display of egg
beauty that is a constant joy and de-
light to admiring eyes:

Crispin’s sets of Barn, Barred, Long-
eared, Screech, and the Great Horned
Owls all found in New Jersey were
pleasing to look upon. They were all
blown with small holes, clean and
white as a new sheet and mostly in
large series.

A set of seven Short-billed Marsh
Wrens found in the state and the only
cne he ever collected, was considered
by him a very rare find. One set that
he prized highly was N-6 Worm-eating
Warbler found in Pennsylvania in 1911
while out hunting with Sharpless ana
Jackson.

Crispin’s collection was small in
quantity but rich in quality. What
he had was accurate in identity and
genuine beyond question. It was
most unfortunate that he was taken
at a time when he was apparently at
the zenith of his career, having just
secured a permit for the state, a thing

46 THH OOLOGIST

he had craved for a long while. I
have several of his sets which I hope
to keep if possible because each one
has a history known to Crispin and I
only. They were collected when we
were out together far from home in
wagon or auto.
EK. J. Darlington.

Wilmington, Del.

SATE Se eee ees _ ae

Eggs of the Black Swift.
(Cypseloides niger borealis.)

By John H. Thayer.

I had the good fortune to obtain
from M. A. G. Vrooman of Santa Cruz,
California, his whole series of Black
Swift (Cypseloides niger borealis)
eges. Mr. Vrooman was the first to
discover the eggs of this species. He
first found the bird breeding in Santa
Cruz County, California, June 16, 1901.
he ege was placed on a small shelf,
behind a tuft of green grass, in a
slight depression in wet mud, on the
face of a dripping cliff under a projec-
tion, about 90 feet from the breakers
below. He described this set in The
Auk, Vol. 18, Page 294. :

It is a curious fact that this bird
lays but one egg. Mr. Vrooman kind-
ly gave me the skin of a nestling about
five or six days old. I give the meas-
urements of the eggs I have, in Milli-
meter:
30x19.
295x195,

30 x 20.
28 x 19%.
28 x19.
PT Xx 9),
28x18.

——*—<>_e—__.

AD oF Ww LH HE

Great Gray Owls Eggs.

J. Parker Norris, of Philadelphia,
calls our attention to the fact that
while in Philadelphia last summer we
saw in his collection a set of the ex-
tremely rare eggs of the Great Gray
Owl. This fact we had overlooked

in writing our review of our last sum-
mer’s trip.

The eggs in Mr. Norris’s collection
are accompanied by the skin of the

parent.—Hditor.
He

Florida Notes.
By a Tenderfoot.

My people moved to Miami this fall
and [ had the pleasure of coming south
with them, for the first time. School
has kept me tied up in the North until
this year, and the letters that I have
received from father in the past win-
ters, while he spent the cold season
here, have made me anxious to see the
South.

The southern end of Florida
wonderful place in many ways. The
tropical trees and flowers are a
strange and beautiful sight to the
“Yankee.” Of course, the birds inter-
est me the most, so I will give a few
extracts from my notebook pertain-
ing to them. Before I begin I wish
to say that not being an authority on
birds there may be a mistake or two
in my identification of a few species,
and I would appreciate it if some of
my readers would correct me.

My father and I intended to get out
on Christmas day but the rain sent
us home, so just for spite we got up
at five a. m. the next Sunday and made
a day of it.

It was a warm, cloudy morning with
a gentle south-east breeze, and the
thermometer at twenty-six. We rode
cur wheels to the “Hammock” which
is about two miles down Biscayne
Bay, to the south of Miami. The “Ham-
mock” is the most dense growth of
trees and vines that one could imag-
ine. The live oaks, covered with Span-
ish Moss and orchids are most com-
mon and they darken the woods much.
This thick growth extends for about
a mile and a half along the bay and
inland about a mile,

is a

THE OOLOGIST 47

Upon arriving at the edge of the
woods, we dismounted and walked
along the white, rock road which ex-
tends through to Cocoanut Grove,
five miles to the south. The place
seemed alive with birds in the trees
and over head. Five turkey buzzards
were sailing over head and five pine
woods sparrows were chattering in
the bushes on the edge of the woods.
On the way from home we had seen
seven buzzards, one sparrow hawk,
six gulls, ring billed(?), two pine
warblers, and one loggerhead shrike.
As we proceeded the familiar note of
the black-throated blue warbler was
heard and five of these little fellows
were busily getting breakfast. Two
more were seen a few moments later
and then not a bird was seen or heard
until we arrived at the fringe of low
bushes on the south end of the Ham-
mock, where the open pine land be-
gins. Here we saw a ecatbird, carolina
wren and two cardinals.

Near the road was a trail which
wound back through the Hammock to
a private road, this runs parallel with
the country road and is used by the
peeple who have winter homes along
the bay front. Wm. Jennings Bryan
owns a beautiful place in the center
of the thick jungle. To continue my
story, we hid our bicycles and started
down this trail. I was a few yards
ahead and jumped a good three feet
off the ground when a covey of at
least fifty quail went up right in front
of me. The air was full of them for
a minute. Also saw a blue jay as we
walked along. Crossing the private
road we continued to the bay shore
and found that our trail led to an Jn-
dian well, called ‘‘The Devil's Punch
Bowl.” The well is cut out of solid
rock. A space five feet deep was. cut
back into a ledge and then the well
was cut about six feet deep and two
and a half across. The water is fresh

although the well is not more than
twenty feet from the shore of the bay,
which is salt water. The underground
flow is toward the ocean.

Coming back.to the road two cat-
birds and a Fla-red shouldered hawk
were seen. We left the Hammock: and
rede along a bit of glade land. On the
inland side of the road lay a reef cov-
ered with pines and saw palmettoes.
Saw a cardinal, kingfisher, sparrow-
hawk, loggerhead shrike, red-cockaded
woodpecker, blue jay and a great blue
heron as we rode along..A red should-
ered hawk was screaming back in the
open pines A little farther on two
ducks, a buzzard, and a man-o-war
bird were in the air over the bay.

Turning inland through the open
pine country and citrus groves, we
headed toward the glades. Put up an-
other covey of twenty quails, saw five
sparrowhawks at one time, also more
buzzards and shrikes. We rode on
till our rock highway turned into a
trail which led along a glade contain-
ing about fifty acres. This land was
covered with tall waving marsh grass
and down through the center a few
bushes grew, giving the appearance of
a creek bed. All this does not have
much to do with birds, but it may
give some of my northern friends an
idea of the country down here. This
glade was walled in on all sides by
tall yellow pine timber. They have a
particularly tough and curly grained
variety here which is known as Dade
County pine.

Our trail led us to a rock road and
we stopped to eat when we reached it.
Saw a ground dove and a couple of
hawks were making the woods ring
back ef us. A shrike sat near and
was imitating the hawks. IJ had never
heard cne do this before and am wond-
ering if it is a common occurrence. A
mocking bird was the first bird seen
as we started on. Two sparrow hawks

48 THE OOLOGIST

were seen, also two pine woods spar-
rows and three buzzards.

We stopped at the grove of an old
cracker, with whom we became ac-
quainted on a previous trip. He is
a bird lover and knows a lot about
the feathered tribe. Hven birds come
up to his door and eat crumbs. Pine
warblers, phoebes and ground doves
were about in his front yard.

Starting on we saw two wrens. I
may say here that these wrens are un-
doubtedly Florida Wrens, a_ sub-spe-
cies of the Carolina, but of this I am
not positive. We were riding back to
the northwest of town and before we
crossed the Miami river we counted
twenty-one buzzards, four pine woods
sparrows, one ground dove, one rec-
shouldered hawk, six pine warblers,
one shrike, one mockingbird, one spar-
row hawk, and two phoebes. We rod?
about two miles northwest of the town
then circled around coming home
along the bay On the way one mock
ing bird, three phoebes, two pine warp:
lers, two sparrow hawks, and two
Florida jays were seen. The last bird,
as well as the first seen was the tur-
key buzzard.

The day turned out fine and always
that cool breeze from the ocean which
makes a trip like this enjoyable. In
all we saw twenty-one species and two
hundred and sixteen individuals.

Miller T. Mercer.
—— ~~. ~<—
Birds Scarce.

The birds began leaving this sec-
tion very early, last Fall the Swallows
and Swifts leaving by the middle of
August. From that time on there was
a noticeable decrease in the number
of all species of birds. Although the
winter has not been so very severe
and the usual supply of food seems
abundant, very few birds ef any kind
have been about. I have been in the
fields and woods every day and many

days I have not seen a single bird,
even the Barred Owl that has been so
abundant seems to have left this sec-
tion. A few Golden Crowned Kinglets.
have been here all winter.

S. V. Wharram.

— -. > — ——__—__

Birds Observed Around Marshaii,
Texas, February 1, 1914.
ChippinesSparrowe see eee 59
Blue: Jaye? 28: ceuiee sls oe aoe 11
Turkey Vulture. 22. 2.3..c56 eee 9
Loggerhead Shrike ............... 2
Slate colored Junco .............. 27
Mi@elkaine IeteGl sooccocdovcccvccabGe a
Celie Web WAU 5566 600000000000 18
Blwe~ Bind (sic. Behe. fee eee 30
Fved—Manille dit ekaiwake ieee ene 3
Meadow liark ~ 2.32... 025. sues 24
Americano hhicher ammeter 15

Somerton IW sooo ovocoeoccnv0one 3

AMUN! AVINONOWISE Gocoaccccsocccvcnc 6
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet ........... 22
TOWEE.! os Nas Se eee 1
GROW seeks cae ieee eee eee i)
BoC. Chickadee .3205. 2a eee 20
Cardinal 25.2 22sec hee ne ee 4
Cow: Bird (csi ee eee 17
Re AW. Bik: Bird: au eae eee 10
Brewer Bike Bind) s.o55 eee eo 13
Purple Crackle 2.50) son nee 29
Bohemian Wax Wing ............ 6
Mota. fence aes pe ie oe 281
DeLoach Martin.
ope
An Answer.
The February number of THE

OOLOGIST contained an article from
Mr. R. B. Simpson, of Warren, Pa., in
which he wonders if the English Spar-
rows often use the nests of Clift Spar-
rows. I regret to say that this con-
dition prevails in this section to a
great extent. Formerly the Clift Spar-
rows were numerous here and I] have
seen as many as sixty Swallows’ nests
under the eaves of a single barn, with
from fifteen to twenty of them occu-

THE OOLOGIST 49

pied by the sparrows. The Swallows
are becoming quite scarce about here,
only a very few barns are now inhabit-
ed by them and then but a very few
nests in a place. The Barn Swallows
are also being imposed upon by the
Sparrows but the Purple Martin seems
to be holding out with this nuisance.
S. V. Wharram.
Austinburg, Ohio.

The English Sparrow has driven the
Cliff Swallow entirely out of Marshall
Co., Ill. Formerly they were here
every summer by thousands. None
have nested in the county within ten

years.—R. M. Barnes.
Oi —__

Bird Books.

Perhaps some of the readers of THE
OOLOGIST will be interested to know
that a few days after Christmas, 1913,
when I was in a Boston book store,
I saw a set of eight volumes of the
small edition of Audubon’s “Birds of
America,” which were offered for sale
at Fifty-seven Dollars for the set. The
books were, of course, second hand.
but they were in fine condition.

Some time ago, in another book
store in the same city, I saw D. G. El-
liott’s large work in two volumes on
the “New and Hitherto Unfigured
Birds of North America,’ which was
offered for sale at Ninety Dollars.

Whenever I visit the city and have
any spare time, I look around the
book stores to see what bird books
they have on hand. Occasionally I no-
tice a copy of Wilson’s Ornithology.
Studer’s “Birds of America” was form-
erly not uncommon in two of the larg-
er stores but I haven’t seen a copy on
sale there for the last three years.
However, it is not so rare as the others
anyway and usually sells for less than
Ffteen Dollars.

The last copy of Studer’s which 1
saw on sale was in a small store which
deals almost exculsively in second

hand books, and the price asked was
Thirteen Dollars, but the proprietor
of the store finally said he would let
them go for Seven Dollars. The book
was bound in leather and was un-
doubtedly a bargain at that price, but
I did not care especially for it so did
not take it, but I understand that it
was sold shortly afterward.

I thought that possibly some of the
collectors in other parts of the United
States would like to know the prices
at which some of our old bird books
could be obtained by watching close-
ly the Boston stores. The prices quot-
ed above are the lowest I have found
on the books mentioned and are con-
Siderably lower than I usually find
them.

H. O. Green.
Stoneham, Mass.
2—<
Newspaper Ornithology.
We are in receipt of a marked copy

of the Santa Ana (Cal.) Daily Regis-
ter of February 26, 1914, wherein some

person by the name of Andrew Joplin
gives a hair raising description of the
manner in which the Road Runner is
exterminating the California Valley
Quail, by eating up the young. And he
describes an imaginary contest be-
tween a pair of old birds and a Road
Runner to save their brood; all of
which is pure fiction, and has a ten-
dency to do a vast amount of_harm.
Publications of this kind are distinct-
ly injurious to real ornithology and
preper game protection.

The Road Runner is a_ beneficial
bird, living largely upon insects, small
reptiles and lizards. As illustrative
if the mighty knowledge possessed by
the aforesaid Joplin, it is but necessary
to call attention to the fact that in
the article above referred to, among
other misstatements will be found the
following, viz:

“The Mountain Quail lays WHITE
EGGS!”

50 THE OOLOGIST

An Important Commission.

Milo B. Denny, the artist of Cedar
Rapids, lowa, has just received a com-
mission from the “Bund denbscher
Forscher,’ a naturalist society of Han-
Germany, to furnish over two
hundred water color drawings of the
birds of this country to illustrate a
book “Near Arctic Bird Life’ to be
written for said Society by Reverend
W. F. Henninger of New Bremen,
Ohio, and concerning this employment
Mr. Denny writes us:

“T also beg to state that my con-
tract to do this was landed through
the publicity in THE OOLOGIST.”

<_< —____
Anent Rough-Winged Swallow’s Nests.
s Does the Rough-winged Swallow
ever line its nest with feathers?
Most of the Bird books say that this
material is used, but never in my ex-
perience have I found any feathers in
the many nests I have examined. Nor
has my friend, R. C. Harlow; and the
late Harry K. Jamison, another care-
ful observer, remarked upon the ab-
sence of feathers in the Rough-winged
Swallow’s nests, that he and his
friends had found.

Let us hear from competent observ-
ers regarding this subject.

Is the picture in Reed’s “North
American Birds’ Eggs,’ purporting to
be a Bank Swallow’s nest in situ, real-
ly a nest of the Sand Martin or is it a
Rough-winged Swallow’s nest, (which
it certainly looks like)? We should
like to know and expect to have more
to say at another time on the subject.

Richard F. Miller.

over,

Philadelphia, Pa.

——- ———___+_ @—_____—__—-

Notes.
Charles R. Keyes, one of Iowa’s
foremost Naturalists, has returned

from more than a year’s absence in
Europeon countries.

It is with sorrow that we announce
that J. Claire Wood of Detroit, than

whom few Michigan ornithologists are
better known, -is now and has been
for the past three months, confined to
a hospital, suffering with tuberculosis.
We extend our stricken brother our ex-
treme sympathy.

We are pleased to notice the im-
provement in “The Guide to Nature,”
published by the Agassiz Association
under the management of Edward F.
Bigelow. Last summer we came
through its home town, Arcadia, Con-
necticut, and were much impressed
with the appearance of the place As
a desirable location for a naturalist.

pice eels ee

Observation of Bird Life in the Dom-
inguez Sloughs.

By Alfred Cookman, Ornithological In-
vestigation, Southern Div., California.

During the nesting season of 1913,
Professor L. W. Welch and the writer
spent mcst of our spare time on the
area known as “Dominguez Sloughs,”
about four miles north of Long Beach.
The sloughs are not at Dominguez
proper, but about two miles south from
the junction.

Recently a great waterway has been
built, which attracts many birds found
in bays and marshes. The slough is
about two miles in length and one hun-
dred yards in width. On the north-
western section there has grown a
dense growth of swamp willows so
compact one finds it difficult to go
among them. On the southern side
are small rolling hills, covered with
mustard stalks and grain. All through
the marsh are tules towering from five
to ten feet in height. The slough is
margined with a dense growth of water
plants. .

As we approached this region, the
air seemed filled with the songs and
call-notes of the marsh birds. The
San Diego red-winged black birds,
hundreds of them, seemed to be hold-
ing a meeting that reminded one of a
political convention, Their harsh

51

THE OOLOGIST

PIVIIIM 'O Wf AQ oFoYG—
II] ‘uooey ‘awopy

s

é

JOWIPA 9y} 3e

IMOF PIIM

52 THE OOLOGIST

notes echoed and re-echoed among
the tules and could be heard half a
mile away. Over this great pond dra-
gon-flies hawk at midges; on a dead
tree near the bank a kingfisher has
his perch from which, on our approach,
he swooped down, twirling his watch-
man’s rattle; in the swamp near by
we frightened up a bittern and sever-
al American Coots; and in the shal-
lows, near the shore, the White-faced
Glossy Ibis was seen, standing knee
deep in the water, waiting patiently
for his victims.

On one occasion we directed our at-
tention to the willows and cottonwood
trees bordering the slough on the
north and northwest and observed the
following birds: Willow Goldfinches,
Brewer Black Birds, Bullock Orioles,
House Finches, Black-crowned Night
Herons, Arkansas King Birds, pair of
Black-chinned Humming Birds and one
lone Black-headed Grosbeak. The Wil-
low Goldfinches were nesting in the
swamp willow trees.

They construct a compactly woven
cup-shaped nest, composed of plant
fibre, lined with down and other soft
materials.

The Willow Goldfinch of California
is in form, color and habits so exactly
like the goldfinch or “thistle bird” of
the east that one wonders why west-
ern ornithologists have made a sub-
species of him. His shorter wings and
tail and -his small black cap are the
only points of difference.

The House Finches were nesting.
We counted fifteen nests on our first
visit to the slough. They construct
a beautiful little compactly woven cup,
composed of grass and vegetable fibre,
lined with feathers, horse-hair and
leaves. The House Finch is popular-
ly known through California as the
Linnet, and is one bird for whom the
residents have little praise. So num-
erous are these birds and so destruc-

tive to fruit that a continual warfare
is waged against them by poison and
gun. To the tourist, the pretty pink-
breasted songsters are one of the at-
tractive features of the garden, where
they take the place of the robin of the
Hast.

We have watched the finches feed
their young, by regurgitation at first
and later with fresh food, and very
rarely do they bring fruit to the nest.
Seeds of various weeds and small
green caterpillars formed the larger
part of the diet, at least of the nest-
lings. We firmly believe they will
some day be found to have accomplish-
ed a fair amount of good to offset the
evil charged against them, if in no
greater way than by eating the seeds
of injurious weeds.

We will not go into detail, and de
scribe the characteristics of all the
birds in this locality, but among the
mustard stalks on the hillside facing
the slough, was seen the Western
Meadowlark, Arkansas and Willow
Goldfinches, a flock of a hundred or
more feeding upon the seeds of the
weeds or plants and would fly up as
you come near, only to alight again
a few feet farther on singing the same
gay “perchicorese, per chic-o-ree”’ as
do their eastern kinfolk. The Califor-
nia Horned Lark was seen hopping
about in company with a large flock of
House Finches and Intermediate Spar-
rows.

During the six hours we spent on
our last visit to this great bird land,
the following birds were observed: a
flock of American Coots, known by
the hunters as the “mud hen” swim-
ming on the northwestern bend. We
saw that some were nesting among the
tules on the eastern side. The same
flock of Blacked-crowned Night Herons
at rest among the cotton wood trees
on the south side, we expected to find
them nesting in the tules. but the sea,

THE OOLOGIST 58

sen was yet early and no nests were
found. They are abundant residents
in all parts of California, breeding in
suitable localities.

As we approached this region from
the southwest end, the pretty plover
announced its name in plantive cries
“Kildee, Kildee.” It is abundant every
where and is known to every country
boy. Its nest is on the bare ground iz
the edge of an upland meadow or
marsh, but the eggs are so protective-
ly colored that you might pass it with-
out notice. A large flock of Killdeer
were feeding at the edge of the slough
and upon our intrusion into the marsh,
rose high over our heads crying ‘Kil-
dee, Kildee.”

Professor Welch spied a canoe hid
among the tules and with it we were
able to row in and out among the
tules and visit the many nests of the
San Diego Red-winged Black Birds
that were nesting so abundantly all
about us among the reeds. They
usually breed in large colonies, though
single families, consisting of a male
with several wives, quite Morman like,
may be found sometimes in a small
slough, where each of the females
builds her nest and rears her own lit-
tle brood, while her liege lord displays
his brilliant colors and proudly struts
in the sunshine.

As we were returning home from our
recent visit we noticed several White-
erowned Sparrows, chasing each other
round and round, as if at play, while
the sweet voiced Mocking Bird sang
his evening song from a telephone pole
Gut a short distance away, and as one
of our sweet voiced poets sings:

The birds around us hopped and played;
Their thoughts we could not measure:
But the least motion which they made,

It seemed a thrill of pleasure!
SS 3 SS

An Unusual Find.
On November 8th, 1913, while walk-

ing through the woods near the Wake-
field and Stoneham town line I found
five small birds lying dead on the top
of a stone wall. Presumably these
birds were shot nearby by boys and
were afterward thrown away as uSe-
less. Three were Golden crowned
Kinglets, one was a Slate-colored Jun-
co, and the remaining bird was an Aca-
dian Chickadee (Penthestes hudsoni-
cus littoralis), the first one I ever saw
here, although I have been over that
same territory hundreds of times. I
understand that these Acadian Chick-
adees have been observed in several
places in southern New England this
winter. H. O. Green.
Stoneham, Mass.

A Flight of Pine Grosbeaks.
Although the present winter (1913-
1914) is severe, with heavy snows and
much cold weather, very few northern
visitors have appeared and with the
exception of a few American Mergan-
sers and Golden-eyes and an occasion-
al Herring Gull about the open water
on the river, and a few common land
birds the fields are nearly deserted.
The cold and snow however, brings
to mind other winters when northern
birds were common, especially the
winter of 1906-07, when the only real
flight of Pine Grosbeaks appeared that
we have had in twenty-five years.
During the winter of 1903-04 a few
were about but during 1906-07 they
were quite common, together with
large flocks of American and White-
winged Crossbills and Pine Siskins.
The first of the 1906-07 flight was
seen on Thanksgiving Day when, while
hunting hares back in the mountains
I first heard and then saw two birds.
From then on until December 21st on
about every trip I saw or heard Gros-
beaks. On the 2ist I found a flock of
twenty-five feeding in an ash. The

‘day was dark and the tree was tall. I

54 THE OOLOGIST

could not tell whether there were any
adults or not.

On January 11th I found eight feed-
ing in a large maple and as it was a
sunny afternoon I soon saw that one
was a fine red male. A shot secured
it. On January 23d while fox hunting
I found the feeding ground that I had
been looking for all winter. It was a
grove of Ash at the base of a steep
and heavily timbered mountain. About
seventy-five birds were scattered about
feeding, and the snow was covered
with their cuttings. But as the day
was snowy and stormy I could tell
nothing about their color, and as it
was a couple of nice red fellows I
wanted for my collection, I went away
and left them.

Next morning, the 24th, was the
coldest of the winter. At eight o’clock
it was still 20 degrees below zero on
my porch and bitter cold, but as it
was clear I started. An hour and a
half of hard walking through the deep
snow and I had arrived at the feeding
ground. The trees were covered with
frost and I was often startled by the
sharp pistol-like reports from the
timber. It was much colder up there
in the woods than in town and I was
kept busy while there, keeping my
fingers, face and feet warm. There
must have been fully one hundred
Grosbeaks there though and I could
scarcly see the red fellows. After
sizing them up I picked out two beauti-
ful red ones and secured them in per-
fect shape. [I then spent over two
hours in watching them. I had to keep
moving most of the time and finally
got so chilled that I had to get a move
on to keep from freezing.

All the time I was there there were
always plenty of birds feeding. When
feeding they were quiet and sat in
one place as long as they could reach
seed. Those not feeding were noisy
and restless and were constantly call-

ing. Flocks were coming and going
all the time. Some flocks would come
around the mountain side while others
would plunge straight down from the
top of the mountain. Before starting
to feed the flocks would almost always
first alight in some big hemlock or
hardwood and in a few moments drop
into the Ash. On the tall dead hem-
locks and large living ones little flocks
would alight and every now and thea
one would sing. Couldn’t tell whether
or not just the red ones did the sing-
ing. About one out of twelve or fif-
teen was a fine red one so the pro-
portion of adults was small.

While visiting with the Grosbeaks
I saw some very large flocks of Ameri-
can and White-winged Crossbills but
these always alighted in the hemlock
and fed on the small cones. I was
very much surprised to see one little
bunch of four or five Crimson Finches
come into the Ash and feed with the
Grosbeaks.

I would like to have spent the day
with them as I will probably never
have such another chance, at least in
this region, but it was so cold that
when I did finally leave I had to plough
along at top speed for a long ways be-
fore the blood got to circulating right
and then I was half frozen when I
finally reached home.

February lst a flock of nine birds
were still about the ash but a visit
ten days later revealed no trace of
them and I have nct seen any since.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Penna.
elu RED AS a
Netes from Alberta, Canada. e

To -the writer's knowledge THH
OOLOGIST has never been favored
with any notes from this part of the
country, so I will endeavor to give a
few for the benefit of its readers.

On May 28th, 1913, a party of four
composed of the writer and three

THH OOLOGIST 5d

friends, took a trip to what is called

Pigeon Lake; this lake is about 25

miles long and lays about 60 miles

southwest of Edmonton.

We took a train on the evening of
the 27th, which took us to a small town
not very far from the lake, from where
we drove out that evening. We stop-
ped at a friend’s place for the night
and were up bright and early the next
morning. The following birds and
nests were seen:

488 Black Crows in great flocks.
Nest containing three _ eggs,
found in willow bush.

498 Blackbirds in great numbers.

552 Lark Sparrow.

560 Chipping Sparrow.

563 Field Sparrow.

581 Song Sparrow;
seen on wing.

509 Rusty Blackbird.

510 Brewer Blackbird. Nest contain-
ing three eggs, found in willow
bush.

495 Cowbirds.
males.

761 Robin. Several nests were found.
Birds very plentiful.

In the afternoon we went to the
thicker woods where we found the fol-
lowing:
735a Chicadees. Large number’ seen

in a willow thicket.

761 Robin. Very plentiful.

709 Rusty Blackbird. Several were
séen on wing.

357 Pigeon Hawk. Pair was seen fly-
ing about several large stumps.

360 Sparrow Hawk. Nest discovered

in old Flicker’s hole; 4 eggs.

Pewee. Several were seen dur-

ing the afternoon. f

848 On a high hill very thickly wood-

ed we found a nest of the Ferru-

ginous Rough-Leg in a high Pop-
lar tree. The nest contained three
eggs which were taken.

About a half mile east of this

several were

Great flocks of fe

461

334

nest we heard the screams of a
hawk and on investigating we
were surprised to find a nest of
the American Goshawk. I have
never known Hawks to build as
close as the above two did. The
nest was an unusually big one in
a tall poplar tree. It contained
1 egg which we did not take.
Barred Owl. One was seen flying
past us towards a big wood on
the left.
484 Canada Jay. Several pairs were
seen in the vicinity of the Hawks
nests.

393 Hairy Woodpecker. One was
seen on a dry stump.

406 Red-headed Woodpecker. Nest
found containing 4 eggs.

413 Red-shafted Flicker. Several

were seen through the day.
This completed our first day’s out-
ing. The next morning we started for
a trip along the shore of the lake,
where the following birds and nests
were seen:
497 Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Large
numbers along a certain part of

the shore. Several nests were
taken.

132 Mallard Duck... Large flocks on
the lake.

77 Black Tern. Large numbers over
our heads during the entire day.
60 Bonaparte Gull. Large numbers

were seen sailing above our
heads.
133 Black Duck. Large flocks. Nest

found containing 8 eggs.

143 Pintail. Several were seen.

135 Widgeon. Pair were flushed from
a bunch of cat tails.

139 Green Winged Teal. Large flocks
on the lake.

140 Blue winged Teal. Several along

the shore.
147 Canvas Back. Pair flew over our
heads. .
2 Holboell Grebe. Several were

seen close to the shore.

56 THE OOLOGIST

(J)

Horned Grebe. Several flocks
seattered over lake.

1 Western Grebe. In large num-

bers.
9 Black-throated Loon. One seen
on wing.
221 American Coot. Several nests of

these were taken.
331 Marsh Hawk. One seen flying
along the shore.

This finished the day , which was
thoroughly enjoyed. We saw a num-
ber of other birds which we could not
identify, owing to the distance we
were away from them.

If the Editor will be good enough to
publish this account I will send in
some more notes of birds I have come
in contact with in this Providence.

I am going out on a trip this spring
and I will be glad to offer some of the
information I may gain, for the bene-
fit of the readers of THE OOLOGIST.

Gus Crossa.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
—_—_—_er > o—_____—_

Oologists of the Future.

Audubon societies all over these
United States have for some years
past been using every means to sup-
press the oologists, and with such suc:
cess that these devoted students of
the natural sciences, among the young-
er men, are becoming rare. The only
excuse for attack is that they destroy
_ the birds. Some of the older egg col-
lectors think they have been unrea-
sonably persecuted, for be it known
that the average collector does not
take many specimens. Neither does
he waste them. But even this poor
prop has been knocked from under the
Audubon Platform during the past
year, for birds in many parts of the
country are becoming so numerous as
to be a serious nuisance and there is
now absolutely no reason why the
oologist should not take what speci-
mens he needs even if there ever was

one. Here in my home town of West
Chester, the Crow Blackbirds come in-
to town by the thousands. Roosting
on our trees, their droppings make the
streets impassible for foot passengers
in one district. Over in Chester Val-
ley, some fifteen miles from here, is
a Crow roost made up of probably thir-
ty thousand individuals, and there is
absolutely no danger of oologists ex-
terminating them.

Last Sunday I read in the papers
that ducks and geese were so numer-
ous in Washington and Oregon that
farmers had to go to the expense all
the season of hiring men to keep the
birds off the wheat fields. I have seen
on the Sacramento meadows hundreds
of acres so covered with geese that
you could not see the ground between
their bodies. On our own Delaware
marshes and also on Long Island
Sound the ducks are there now
simply in myriads. Here in Pennsyl-
vania all fall the fields and lowlands
have been simply alive with Chicka-
dees, a thousand times as many as
there were five years ago.

And take the birds in general, they
are nearly all of them much more
numerous than in years past. Is there
any reason for suppressing the oolo-
gist? I can see none. It is time to
call a halt in this bossing of the Au-
dubon societies. This country seems
to have gone crazy on the bossing bus-
iness. The women want to boss us
at the polls; the temperance people
want to boss us when we get thirsty,
the national Congress wants to boss
the trusts and banks; the doctors and
the legislatures want to boss us with
their eugenic laws; and now after fifty
years of patient study we are stopped

from collecting eggs when we need
them. Say, I am going to move out
if this thing keeps on.

R. P. Sharples,

57

THE OOLOGIST

soured “WW ‘WY Aq oJoYqG—
uoode7 }e 989905) on|q puke Mous

58 THE OOLOGIST

The Migrant Shrike.

I have never noticed a record of the
Migrant Shrike (Lanius Ludovicianus
Migrans) (Palmer) in THE OOLO-
GIST. As the bird is rather rare, a
few records may be of interest.

The first one I ever saw was on the
salt marshes at Revere, Mass., quite
a few years ago and unfortunately |
did not make note of the exact date.

The second one I found was at the
salt marshes bordering Forest River,
Salem, Mass., on August 26, 1911.

On September 2, 1911 I saw another
one on the Revere marshes, and on
August 24, 1912, I saw one at Forest
River, Salem, Mass.

Considering the rarity of this sub-
species I feel very fortunate to have
seen four of them.

H. O. Green.
Stoneham, Mass.
SSS
Collecting Birds Eggs.
How I Began.—R. Magoon Barnes.
Te

In the years that past, before the
days of Audubon Societies, and kin-
dred organizations, almost every boy
at one time or another of his youth,
made a collection of birds eggs. It
was so in the course of the Natural
evolution of the future man. His
mother and father took it as a normal
stage of development, and his sisters
as a usual boyish freak. Soon strings
of eggs hung in the boy’s room, prepar-
ed by punching a hole in each end
with a pin. Many were the rare and
almost unheard of specimens obtained.
The Pewee, Chippie and Robin vied
with the “Knot Bird,’ “Squawk,” and
“The Henhawk” for first place. Many
men gray and bent today look back to
their egg collecting days as among the
most pleasant of their lives. These
collections were unusually short lived.
One or two seasons usually sufficed to

use up the enthusiasm, and the mice

usually did the rest—to the eggs.

benefit is here.

It did the boys a world of good. Hx-
ercised their young legs. Filled their
growing lungs with outdoor air and
ozone. Occupied their minds and kept
them often out of greater mischief. No
boy is learning much wrong nor going
far to the bad while ranging the fields
and hills, climbing mountains or wad- -
ing swamps studying nature. Would
that more mothers and fathers realiz-
ed this truth. If so more boys would
be encouraged and fewer discouraged
in these healthful, beneficial pursuits,
and there would be fewer boys on the
streets learning evil every hour.

A different time is here now and a
different condition confronts us all,
Ornitholcgists and Oologists alike.
Laws, some of them beneficial and
some positively idiotic, stare us in the
face. Clubs, societies and the like
surround us on every hand. Some of
the members of which are very practi-
cal and some complete cranks, fit only
for the mad house. The field Natura;
list and the student naturalist are to-
day literally between the devil and the
deep sea. There are no more earnest
practical game, and bird protectionests
than these very bird men exist. Yet
they are far from being extremists.
The extremist injure the cause, the
conservative aids it. There must be
moderation in all things.

So today the Oologist must be one
at heart and must be in the game with
some definite idea or object in view.
The old days of indiscriminate and un-
limited collecting are gone, gone for
good, and rightfully so. The day for
real beneficial collecting for the pur-
pose of permanently preserving the
specimens ultimately for the public
The day of commer-
cialism in these matters is rapidly
passing and with it the greatest incen-
tive for fraud.

Believing as I do, that the young
collector of these times must begin

THE OOLOGIST

Canada Geese at Lacon

—Photo by R. M Rarnes

59

60 THE OOLOGIST

with a definite idea of making his col-
lection a permanent thing, either of
his own and for his own, or by ulti-
mately placing it in some public insti-
tution, or even of selling the collection
when his interest in it wanes, to some
other who will pick up the thread
where it has been severed by the sale;
I have determined to give the young-
er collectors, the beginners among
THE OOLOGIST readers, the benefit
of my nearly forty years of Oological
experience along some lines.

Before doing so it might interest
some to know how I began, and how
I happened to begin. Here is the story:

One afternoon on a beautiful day in
late May, 1875, while sitting under a
shady tree on the lawn at my home in
Lacon, listening to the conversation
between my father, George O. Barnes,
and a cousin of his, Charles A.
Barnes of Jacksonville, Illinois, who
later became a Judge and was also Su-
preme Chancellor of the Knight of the
Pythias of the World and who died
abroad in December, 1913: I took my
first birds egg lesson. Charley, as we
called him, had been a student at Ann
Arbor and had been compelled to quit
school on account of failing health,
had stopped to make us a visit on his
way home. I had seldom come in con-
tact with a real college man in those
days, so looked up to him on all occa-
sions. During the conversation a
Robin flitted past and into a small
pine tree near by. Charley arose,
walked leisurely to the tree, parted
the boughs and looked into the nest
while the old bird protested loudly.
He then came back, sat down and
turning to me said:

“Magoon, did you ever colleet birds
eggs?” JI plead not guilty on the spot.
Then with much interest he opened
up and told me all about making a
collection of birds eggs, of his own
collection and of The Oologist of

tidings.

Utica, N. Y., in which, dear reader,
you will find his name more than once.
All this to a thirteen year boy was a
revelation. And with wide eyes I
drank in his every word. The entire
thing was new to me; but interested
me mightily. That night I lay awake
until away into the night formulating
plans for the future “collection.” The
news was too good to keep! The next
morning bright and early I was at my
Cousin Charley Thomas’ home and to
him [ excitedly unfolded the great
news. Directly we bolted our break-
fast and started out to spread the glad —
Soon we had a party of eight
boys composed of ourselves, Frank
Lester, ‘““Beardy’ Ames and others I
do not remember. At once this army
took the field against the poor birds.
We agreed that the discoverer of the
nest should have the first egg by right
of discovery, the rest to be distributed
one to each as far as they would go
to the one who should first exclaim
“Kirst egg!’ The second to the first
saying “Second egg!” and so on. Many
were the heated arguments and almost
battles that day as to who were en-
titled to the spoils under this process
of distribution.

Well I remember the first nest
found. A Scarlet Tanager’s, well out
toward the end of a long bough of an
Oak tree some seven feet above
ground. In our haste and anxiety we
spilled all four of the eggs on the
ground and smashed them. A Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, several Robins,
Blue Birds and Chippies, one Cookoo
and a King bird’s nest were all raided.
Holes from a quarter of an inch up
were punched into the ends of each
ege with pins and the contents blown
out. Tired and footsore, we wended
our way homeward, dinnerless and
dirty, as the sun sank low that even-
ing. But what of all that, we were
making a “Collection of Birds Eggs.”
Great Sport!

THE OOLOGIST III

Zoological and Museum Specimens Collect-
ed. H. AITKEN, Leesburg, Fla. \3-p)

FOR EXCHANGH.—Preseryed Specimens

of Reptiles with all collectors. C.A.CLARK,

60 Lynnfield St., East Lynn Station, ee
-p)

QU1CK.—First check for $10.00 takes Mar-
bels 12, game Getter used 10 Shots, with extra
Shells aud Cartridges. In fine shape, or will
take yen Screech Owl’s Skins or Hlf Owls.
H. W. AITKIN. Leesburg, Fla. (1-p)

Bird Books

WANTED.—Nos. 233, 236, 270, 300, of The
Oologist, for which $ .25 each will be paid.
R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Ill.

TE ETE cash or exchange, Vol.
XV, nee a 2,5, 6, of the Condor. Vol. XXX
Nos. 1 7 of the Oologist. DELOACH
MARTIN: Marshall, Texas. (1-p)

I WILL PAY CASH for Vol. 1-2-3-4-5 Bird
Lore Vol. 1-2-3-4 1897-98 Bird and Nature.
EARL HAMILTON, 400 Walnut St., Ver-
sailles, via McKeesport P. O., Pa.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Colored plates from
Studer’s ‘Birds of America,” for back num-
bers of the Auk or other bird magazines. H.
O. GREEN, 3 Marble St., Stoneham, Mass.

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western

Ornithology

Published Bi-monthly by the
Cooper Ornithological Club of California

Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study’’ can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in
the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address
W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal.

BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
pay youfor yours? Vols 1-2-3-10 complete or
odd numbers. Also Vol.7 No.1, Vol. 9 Nos.
3-5-6, Vol. 14 No. 2. Vol. 15 No. 2. J. N.
SWIFT, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p)

WANTED.—Life history of North Ameri-
can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or
single copies. Also Bird Books and wae
Book, report ee) you have. LAURA KHAN,
Stockport, Oh

WANTED.—Bird Lore, Vol. I Nos. 4 and 6
wae index, Vol. II No. 2, Vol. III Nos. 1, 2

Vol. 1X Index. Reply stating price, to DR.
W.M. TYLER, Massachusetts Ave., Texines
ton. Mass. (1-p)

WANTED.—Century Magazines for 1912 and
1913. Will pay eash, name price. Can offer
335-4 and balance cash. Address. DR. W. M.

MARTIN, Masonic Temple, - Wellington; Kan.

(

MAGAZINES WANTED.—Will pay cash
for many bird magazlnes. Whole volumes
of singles, what have you? Send your list.
All correspondence answered. GUS
choses. Suite 1, Purvis Bldg., Edmonton,

a.

WANTED.—Books, Magazines and Pamph-
lets about Birds and Natural History Sub-
jects. In all cases state what you have and
the lowest cash prices. No other prices co1-
sidered. Address, FRANK BENDER, 128
Fourth Ave., New York City. (3-14)

Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-

tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study of bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages, the latest 506
pages. The magazine has grown
but the price remains the same.

$1.00 per annum
D. APPLETON & Co.,

29 West 32d St.,
New York City

gist and <

Now is the time to fill your files of The Oolo

bind them up

They are going fast

THE OOLOGIST

Back Numbers of The Oologist

Fifteen Cents

Numbers 19, 20, 22, 27, 28, 29, 40, 45,
50, 60, 61, 63, 64, 65, 70, 74, 80, 93,
114, 115, 126 134, 135.

Twenty-five Cents

Numbers 10, 18, 15, 16, 54, 55, 56, 75,

87, 128, 127, 128, 129, 144, 149.
Thirty-five cents

Numbers 9, 66-7, 77, 78, 79, 89, 90,

Wat ails ake, ANG.
Fifty Cents :

Numbers 1, 14, 18, 31, 34-5, 42, 53,
86, 111, 130, 132, 137, 139, 140, 158,
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One Dollar

Number 44. Reprint, 50c.

All other numbers will be sold as

long as the stock lasts at Ten cents.

Complete volumes of THE OOLO.

GIST unbound,, as long as the supply
lasts, until further notice will be sold

at the following rates only:

Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12....... $2.10
Wo, Jil, US85, INGS, IB WO We. oo o6o6 5 1.00
Vol. Ill, 1886, Nos. 15 to 20...... 1.25
Vol. IV, 1887, Nos. 21 to 25-26... 1.00
Vol. V, 1888, Nos. 27 to 38...... 2.80
Vol. VI, 1889, Nos. 39 to 50...... 2.70
Vol. VII, 1890, Nos. 51 to 62..... 2.15
Vol. VIII, 1891, Nos. 63 to 74.... 1.45
Vol EXealls 92 NOSED CONS Gneneee 2.20
Vol. X, 1893, Nos, 87 to 98....... 1.90
Vol. XI, 1894, Nos. 99 to 110..... 1.45

WO 200 USS INOS.) Tall: wo) WAS 5 AAD)
Vol. Xd, 1896, Nos. 123 to 127. . 1.00
Vol. XIV, 1897, Nos. 128 to 139.. 3.45
Vol. XV, 1898, Nos. 140 to 149... 1.95
Vol. XVI, 1899, Nos. 150 to 161.. 2.00
Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171.. 1.20
Vol. XVIII, 1901, Nos. 172 to 183. 1.20
Vol. XTX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 196... 1.20
Vol. XX, 1908; Nos, 196 to 197-7. 1.20

Vol. XX) 19045 Nos.-1198 to 209... 1:20

Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221.. 1.20
Vol. XXIII, 1906, Nos. 222 to 233. 1.20
Vol. XXIV, 1907, Nos. 284 to 245. 1.20
Vol. XXV,-1908, Nos, 246 to 257.. 1.20
Vol. XVI, 1909, Nos. 258 to 269. 1.50
Vol. XX TI, 1910, Nos. 270 to 281. 1.50
Vol. XXIII, 1911 Nos. 282 to 295. 1.50
Vol. XXTX, 1912, Nos. 293 to 305.. 1.50

Vio Pe XERO CT AUS ee ee ARR a 2.50
WAC) ans @,O), ete a iin ee P a sey oe HR 1.50
rR. M. BARNES,
Lacon, Ill.

dn way} pulq

9}e] 0} 9q uOoOs AeUI 7]
pue jSIZ0[OQ ey], JO softy unoA [[IJ 07 9UIT? oY) ‘SI Moy

oe

THE OOLOGIST.

BIRDS--NESTS-EGGS
TAXIDERMY

VoL. XXXI. No. 4.

ALBION, N. Y., APRIL, 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 3821

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Btc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

-serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
‘your Oologist. It denotes the time your
‘subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid.9;320 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
dntermediate numbers at the rate of one
Dumber per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

i ET

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

We will not advertise the Skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens OF

North American Birds for sale.
to make bona fide exchanges 0
ses only.—E DITOR.

BIRDS

_ J
WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Ill.

ee EEE eee
FOR SALE —Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNES, Lacon, Ill. -p

WANTED.—The skins of the McFarlans,
Mexican, warf, Spotted, Xanthus, Flam-
mulated and the Arizona Screech Owls, also
skins of the Elf Owl. Cash or exchan re, write
if oniy a single specimen. H. AITKEN.
Leesburg, Fla. (3-p)

=

=

~S
4

FOR EXCHANGH.— Fine skius of 273, 289a,
320, 477a, 501, Sila, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
-coln St., Bosten, Mass. (3-14)

EXCHANGE-—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,
White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Egyptian Geese, Black
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGER,
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

These columns are for the use of those desiring
f such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

OWLS.—I want baby Owls in the white
downy stages, Salted or Scientific and skins
of Elf Owls. I have Marble’s Game Getter to
exchange. H. W. AITKEN, New Toe ee

Gen. Del. -p

FOR SALE.—Two pairs Canada _ Geese
$10.00 a pair, one Hutchins Goose, $5.00. One
pair Golden Eagles, $15.00. PORTAGE WILD
ANIMAL CO., Box 223, Portable La Prairie,
Manitoba, Can. (2-p)

Sareea neater Siete

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler. Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from Ualifornia).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUN<INGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

EGGS

a
FOR EXCHANGE.—Offer Nos. 196-201-206-
214-221-293-299-230-231-232-277-293 of Oologist for
Mee 266 and 307. L.S. KOHLER, Bicones
IN. de (1-p)

NO
FOR EXCHANGEH—Data Blanks, Printing,
eggs, Nests, Oologist papers, for sets of 128-

189-218-229-258-275-285-364-368-375-542a-546-611 and

others. EDWARD S. COOMBS, 243 Franklin

St., Boston, Mass. (1-p)

fy

_—
—

FOR SALE.—One pair climbers. Address
BE. M. KENWORTHY, 1125 West St,, Wil-
mington, Del. (1-p)

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O.Box 98. (1-p)

EPRI Siratinen Coat re ER
WANTED TO EXCHANGE.—Broken sets
with data for sets of eggs in good condition.
Send list. Address, E. M@. KENWORTHY,
1125 West St.. Wilmington, Del. (1-p)

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

EXCHANGE.—Sets of the following: 289,
406, 461, 617, 719, 731. 597, and others. Want 331,
360, 365, 429, 507, 601. WILLIAM PLANK,
Decatur, Ark.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Sets of Turkey and
Black Vultures, Barn and Screech Owls and
Red-tailed Hawk. Prefer a pair of good
climbing irons or wili take eggs. WOOD-
RUFF, YEATES, 1416 Cooper St., Fort
Worth, Tex.

EGGS.—Bulwer’s Petrel, Curlew, Whim-
brel, Divers (8 species) Iceland and Green-
land Falcons, Skuas, Plovers various. Clear-
ance prices. Cataloguefree. H. T.
8 Cranbury Road, Frelham, Eng.

_ FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs, Nests and Oologist papers for sets
of 128, 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364, 368, 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD S. COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

) Wanted eggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

(1-p)

=e EE ee

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

eR ec re le Ee eV MEN ar

WANTED.—One set of A. O. U. Nos. 25-43
129-167-178-252-260-301 - 310-352 - 375a -375d-419-423-
457-474b-498e-616-652-674-701-733-755. Two sets
each of 7-145-148-154-160-161-180-243-289b-310c-335-
341-356-356-409-474e-477-505- 608 - 639 - 657 - 726 - 736-
And three sets each of 5-21-55-115-136-153-169-
293a-300a-308-310a-310b-347-351-356a - 383-396-748b-
480-486-542b-562-636-727. Must be A.l. and for
them I offer a very desirable assortment of
specimens in exchange. R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, Il.

THE OOLOGIST

WANTED.—The set of 390 Belted King-
fisher, 1-7, seven eggs, fresh, collected Msy 12,
1899, at Frankford, Philadelphia County,
Penn’a., by the undersigned. Who has it?
Will give two first class sets of seven Belted
Kingtisher’s eggs, personally collected, in ex-
ehange for that particular set. For particu-
lars address. RICHARD MILLER, 2069 East
Tioga St., Philadelphia, Penn’a.

MISCELLANEOUS.

will sell for %5.00 cash with order. EK. W.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, I11. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—17 ft. steel “Bristol” fly rod,
with nickel plated pivot reel. Practically
new, used twice. Cost #8.00, price #4.00. F. A.
HEMPHILL, 226 Union Ave,, Elizabeth, N. J.

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in lots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. S. KOHLEK,
Bloomfield, N. J. (i-p)

Bird Books

WANTED.—Nos. 233, 236, 270, 300, of The
Oologist. for which $ .25 each will be paid.
R. M. BARNHKS, Lacon, Il.

WANTED.—For cash or exchange, Vol.
XV, Nos. 1, 2, 5,6, of the Condor. xX
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THE OOLOGIST.

VoL. XXXI. No. 4.

ALBION, N. Y. APRIL, 15, 1914.

Wrom No. $21

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

Arenaria interpres.

Turnstone,
also called “Brant-Bird,” ‘“Beat-Bird,”
‘“Horse-foot Snipe,’ and from its

variegated colors, ‘“Calico-back.”’ This
splendid looking bird derives its name
“Turnstone” by turning over with its
stout bill, well adapted for this work,
small stones and shells to find crust-
aceans and worms for subsistance. It
possesses a strong body, the head is
comparatively large, the bill shorter
than the head, constricted at base,
somewhat concave above the nostrils,
slightly bent up and tapering from the
middle to a rather sharp point; nasal
groove broad and shallow, similar to
Plover, legs rather short and stout;
wings long and pointed; plumage pied
or somber.

In the latter part of May small
flocks congregate on the edge of Buf-
falo Creek near Clinton Street and at
Cazenovia Creek near the Glue Fac-
tory, when the Spotted Sandpiper is
near its nest.

At this time it has beautiful bright
colors as can be seen on the Photo.
It is now on the migration to the far off
northern countries. It breeds through-
out the northern sections of both con-
tinents and wanders southward along
the seacoasts of both countries.

In America it breeds commonly in
the Barren Lands of the Arctic Coast
to the Anderson River Districts, on
the Islands of Franklin and Liverpool
Bays, nesting in June and July. In the
Hudson’s Bay country the eggs are
laid in June. I have an interesting set

of 4 eggs taken May 26, 1896 at Tor-
nea, Lapland. They are very large for
the size of the bird, and their color
is greenish-drab, spotted all over with
brown, size 1.60 x 1.17.

Beautiful plumage, lineliness and
easy movements distinguish the Turn-
stone from other plovers. He is hard-
ly ever seen to be quiet, except at
noontime for a few minutes, standing
still on one place. During the rest of
the time the Turnstone is in constant
motion from morn to sundown. Dur-
ing flight he is equally restless.

In the early part of September they
migrate to the southern climate and
finally winter in the Gulf States and
South America. At this time they have
changed their bright colors to a dark-
grayish color. Of this kind I have a
specimen which I shot on the stone
pier near the Starchworks below
Blackrock a great many years ago on
Election-day.

This is one of the most interesting
birds and a great many of our gun-
ners have undoubtedly shot them with-
out knowledge what a rare specimen
it is for the Naturalist.

Mounted specimens in Spring and
Fall plumage and a fine set of 4 eggs
can be seen in my collection.

Ottomar Reinecke.
eh ee pers
Junco-h-Carolinensis.

(Carolina Junco.)

Most oologists associate a Junco’s
nest with the ground, and so did I until
the summer of 1913. A long protract-
ed return attack of my tropical fever

OOLOGIST

THE

6

‘PH—OUIN[OA SIU} JO ZF 9Sed 99S UOTIAIIOSep IOW

THE OOLOGIST 63

made me seek the high altitude about
May 15th, and in company with my
father, who is still very much an ac-
tive collector, we settled in a hereto-
fore unworked section at 4500 ft. alti-
tude. We were a little late for first
sets of Junco, the majority having
large young, but we were glad to find
at last actual nesting birds, though
they had long supposed to have bred
in this State. By July Ist we were
elated to find numerous handsome
second sets, and it is one of these
second sets in particular I shall refer
to. Cold and rainy weather, and often
snow, is prevalent at this altitude dur-
ing their first setting, April 10th to
25th, consequently the birds make
their nests under the overhanging
rocks and road banks, giving the great-
est amount of shelter from dripping
water above. By the middle of June,
the wocds are carpeted with a luxuri-
ous growth of woodland ferns, grass
and greens of every description. The
farmers of the adjoining lowlands take
advantage of this pasture for their
cattle and drive up into the higher
mountains nearly all their stock for
the summer months. These countless
bands cover every foot of ground,
trampling down all the low vegetation
they do not eat, and caving off or land-
sliding the road banks. It is evident
therefore that most of the ground
building birds, especially the Juncos.
have a large percentage of their nests
destroyed, unless they take to the
very rocky ground or dense under-
growth bcrdering the streams. This
we found to be the case with the
Juneos; they had evidently learned
the lesson from experience. While
we were working up a bottom, adja-
cent to one of the largest streams, I
almost fell over a Carolina Junco,
calmly sitting on her nest in a thick
clump of Rhodendrum, five feet above
ground. She proved no exception as

a close setter, and allowed me to al-
most tcuch her before flushing. It
was such an unusual location for a
Junco that I called my father from the
other side of the stream to see it, as
well as to verify my identification.
The date was June 14th, the nest a
typical Junco structure of dry grasses,
weed stems, and some moss, lined
with hair. The four eggs were incu-
bated about three days. Altitude 4000
feet. This was the only nest found at
such a height or location above ground,
though one other nest with four young
Was discovered in a dense clump of
blackberry bushes, height 214 feet up.
Harold H. Bailey,

Newport News, Va.
SS SS SS SS

A Great Tree Climber.

There lives in Waynesburg, Penn-
sylvania, an admirable man. His name
is Scott—Hugh Scott. Mr. Scott is
now nearly sixty years of age and
has, since his boyhood days, been an
ardent hunter of racoon, ‘‘coon-hunter”
is what he is popularly termed. It
has been his delight for many years
to follow the dogs in a hunt for his
favorite game. Hugh’s experience in
coon hunting developed his climbing
ability wonderfully, many a night has
he mounted to the higher branches of
some mighty oak and pushed a. racoon
to the ground for the dogs. Today I
hail Hugh Scott as the greatest tree
climber in these parts.

During the past Spring Mr. R. C.
Harlow and I found some nests of the
Red-tailed Hawk which were up in
giant oaks and inaccessable to us,—
one was exactly one hundred feet
above the ground in a huge white oak,
as straight as an arrow and fifty feet
to the first limb. We were too eager
to examine the set of eggs from that
nest, so I called on friend Hugh for
assistance. He stood at the base of
the giant oak, strapped on his climb-

64 THE OOLOGIST

ers, and gazed upward. “She’s the
hardest one I ever tackled yet” was
all he said. But he slowly ascended
the great oak and finally reached the
first limb,—poor old chap, he was
well winded, but he reached the nest
and secured the three large eggs. Few
elimbers could have reached the nest;
Hugh did so because he is gifted with
great nerve and a spirit that never
says die.
S. S. Dickey.

* He
Publications Received.

University of California Publications
in Zoology; Vol. 12 No. 4, March 20,
1914.

An Account of the Mammals and
Birds of the Lower Colorado Valley,
by Julius Grinnell.

This is a splendid contribution of
221 pages, 1 map and 21 figure plates.
Tt deals with a little known territory
and describes a floating boat trip from
Needles, California, to about the Mex-
ican border near Yuma, Arizona, 285
miles by river and near 150 miles in
an air line. Stops or camps were made
at 29 different points beginning at
Needles, February 15th and ending
near Pilot Knob, May 15, 1910.

Besides other Zoological specimens,
1374 birds and 22 sets of eggs were
obtained, all of which now rest in the
Museum of the University. Professor
Grinnell was accompanied by Frank
Stevens, Joseph Dixon and L. Hollis-
ter Jones, all well Known scientists.

The publication consists of an intro-
duction, a description of the itinerary,
—of the Colorado River, a resume of
the Zonal and Faunal position of the
region and of the associational areas
and of the effect of the river on the
distribution of birds and mammals.
Also a bit of the birds numbering 150
and copious notes based on their ob-
servation, besides much other matter
relating to the mammals.

This is an unusually good output
relating to an almost unworked re-
gion and we are glad to say is rather
freer than we might fear, of attempts
to name supposed local varieties of
birds based on superfine, infinitismal,
unimportant differentiation, for which
the author deserves the thanks of orni-
thologists generally. We have had too
much of that in the past.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
PUBLICATIONS IN ZOOLOGY, Vol.
Ill No. 14, February 27, 1914.

“A DETERMINATION OF THE
ECONOMIC STATUS OF WESTERN
MEADOW LARKS,” by Harold C.
Bryant.

This is one of the most thoroughly
exhaustive papers that we have seen
in a long time. It is well prepared,
nicely arranged, and will long stand
as a last work upon the subject. As
the result of 1920 Meadowlarks sacri-
ficed in this investigation the conclu-
sion is reached that the Western
Meadowlark is a beneficial bird, and
not an injurious one; a fact which was
known to practically everybody be-
fore the investigation was inaugurat-
ed.

It is a mistake to give serious con-
sideration to the carpings of a few
hair-brained self-interested people
who are to be found in practically
every community relating to the tre-
mendous distinctiveness of some par-
ticular species or family of birds,
about which they usually know very
little or nothing at all, and it seems
a shame to sacrifice so large a number
of our feathered songsters to prove
that which everybody except a few

people of this class already know.
0 <0

Starlings.

The Starlings have come to stay.
This winter thousands swarmed the
country around Philadelphia in flocks,
one containing fully seven hundred

THE OOLOGIST 65

birds, and, during the blizzard of
March 1-2, they ventured into the city
and fed in back yards and in gardens.
Many frequented the city dumping
grounds and found an abundance of
food among the refuse.

Will the Starling prove to be such
an obnoxious pest as the House Spar-
row? I am afraid it will become a
worse nuisance. If they continue to
multiply and increase in the next few
years as they have during the past
several seasons, we shall have Star-
lings by the millions.

I think they are going to be a ser-
ious nuisance to our city nesting birds
as they nest earlier than any of our
birds that nest in holes and preempt
all such places by being permanent
residents.

Richard F. Miller.
—2>—<e
The Pileated Woodpecker in South-
Western Pennsylvania.

In the wilder and less frequented
parts of South-western Pennsylvania
a few pairs of the Pileated Woodpeck-
ers are still found. During late sum-
mer and early fall hunters for squir-
rels report having seen four or five
of these birds in the larger clumps of
woodland. A friend of mine, who lives
some twenty miles Southwest of Way-
nesburg, recently told me that he has
seen aS many as five of these Wood-
peckers at a time. He said that late
this summer he had seen two birds
fly across a deep gully. One he shot
into a bunch of five and killed a single
bird. In a deep wooded ravine some
three miles from town a pair of Pi-
leateds spent their time for several
seasons. A friend and I saw the birds
picking at some tree trunks so we
made a search for the nest. However,
we failed to find it. One snag showed
signs of old nesting holes, one of
which I examined showed signs of re-
cent digging. At another woods an

old man told me he had seen two birds
and had killed one of them. The
woods in this section of the country
are composed largely of huge white
oak trees, many of them over one-hun-
dred feet high. In such places the
Pileated Woodpeckers would certainly
find suitable places to nest. Next
spring I intend to make some trips to
the: larger woods and try to find a
nest, and, if possible, secure some
photos of a nest and eggs.
S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
o—<>_e—

A card from F. T. Pember of Gran-
ville, New York, advises us that he is
wintering amid the orange groves of
Riverside, California, collecting in-
sects and botanical specimens, and
that he will go north into the British
Columbia country about April 1st. He
says “March 16th, I found a Barn Owl’s
nest with six eggs.”

o—~<G>e-
Pileated Woodpecker of Northern
West Virginia.

Late in July, 1913, in company with
some friends I went for a fifty mile
hike into the mountains bordering the
Cheat River of Northern West Vir-
ginia. One morning as we ascended
a mountain traii I noticed numerous
“Diggings” in the trunks of the chest-
nut trees which abound there. I knew
these injuries to the trees had been
caused by the Pileated Woodpeckers.
So I kept a close watch for the birds.
Towards noon we reached the highest

* point of the mountain ridge, 2,800 feet

above the sea level. As we emerged
from a dense growth of young trees
two Pileated Woodpeckers flew from
the road ahead of us and lit on the
trunk of a huge oak tree nearby. Soon
one of them took fright and dashed
away through the woods; the other
bird remained a few moments then
hurried after its cackling mate. In

66 THE OOLOGIST

talking with the mountaineers I learn-
ed that these great Woodpeckers are
still quite plentiful in that region of
the mountains. Many huge old snags
showed former nesting holes of the
birds. In such a dense growth of tia-
ber it would certainly be a task to
find the Pileated’s nest.

Waynesburg, Pa.

S. S. Dickey.
— oe
Punctured Cowbird’s Eggs.

In the April, 1912, OOLOGIST, page
261, I published an article on Punc-
tured Cowbird’s Eggs, wherein I care-
lessly asserted that “during the many
years I have studied the birds I have
found but one or two punctured Cow-
birds eggs,” but after carefully search-
ing my records of nests containing
Cowbirds eggs I find myself mistaken
in this belief as I have three other rec-
ords of punctured eggs. These rec-
ords I overlooked when I hastily
searched my note-books for data upon
this subject.

On July 8, 1908, at Bustleton, Phila-
delphia County, Pennsylvania, I found
a rotten, punctured Cowbird’s egg in
an empty Indigo Bunting’s nest. On
June 2, 1910, at Fox Chase, this Coun-
ty, I examined a deserted Cardinal’s
nest containing a punctured Lazy-
bird’s egg. And the third punctured
egg of Molothrus I found on May 29,
1905, at Torresdale, this county, also
in a Cardinal’s nest, which held one
ege of the owner with the incubation
fresh.

In the first two cases the Cowbird
presumably deposited her unwelcome
eggs in the empty nests and the own-
ers promptly and quite rightly desert-
ed them after breaking the eggs un-
doubtedly by jabbing their bills
through the shells.

Let’s hear from others upon the sub-
ject. In another paper I shall write
about infertile Cowbird’s eggs in nests

containing eggs and young of the own-
ers, an occurrence as rare in my ex-
perience, as punctured Cowbird’s eggs..
Richard F. Miller.
+}
Late.

Isaac EH. Hess of Philo, Illinois, re-
ports birds very slow about arriving
this Spring. “My winter list since
January 1, numbers only twenty-six
species. Hverything about two weeks.
late here.”

We note the same condition about.
Lacon.

+f o—

Nesting of the White-Breasted Nut--
hatch in Central Pennsylvania.
(Sitta Carolinensis carolinensis).
About the village of State College,

which lies in the middle part of Cen-
tre County, Pa., small tracts of decid-
uous woods are to be found on slop-
ing banks and the tops of low rolling
hills. These clumps of woodland seem
to favorably attract the White-breast-
ed Nuthatch. In this region I saw
more of these birds than have come
under my observation elsewhere.

It was my good fortune to be able
to spend some spare time with these
Nuthatches during the nesting season
of 1913. On the afternoon of April 22,
accompanied by a friend, I went to a
woods a short distance back of the

village. Here I had heard the Nut-
hatches utter their peculiar nasal
“Zquack”’ as I walked through the

woods at an earlier date. When we
arrived at the woodland no Nuthatches
were to be found, but we seated our-
selves on a log and proceeded to watch
for them. After waiting here a half
hour we detected the faint note of a
Nuthatch which seemed to come from
the more distant part of the grove.
We at once hurried in that direction
and soon located the male bird. He
flitted about the trunks of small oaks
busily engaged in procuring insect-

THE OOLOGIST 67

eggs. Finally he took wing and flew to
‘a small grove of oaks that stood 200
feet from the main woods. Upon our
hurrying to this grove we found the

‘Nuthatch and were so fortunate as tO...
see him go to a knot hole, 30 feet up

ain the main trunk of a straight black
‘oak. This tree stood on the very bord-
er of the grove, and was one foot in
thickness at the base. When we had
watched a short time the female bird
came from the hole and accompanied
by her mate, searched over the tree
trunks nearby. I soon procured the
climbing irons and ascended the tree.
Upon close inspection the nest was
found to contain 7 fresh eggs, and was
about 8 inches below the entrance-
hole. It was composed of soft pieces
of inner tree bark.

While I was at the nest the female
bird came back and quite near to me
‘once—within two feet of my head—
and kept up her alarm note.

On the morning of April 25, I tramp-
ed to a wood lying some two miles
east of the village. Here I found a
male Nuthatch flitting about the tree
trunks, and eventually followed him to
his nest where he fed the female.
‘This nest was built at the bottom of
an 18-inch cavity with a round knot-
hole for an entrance. It was situated
22 feet up in a small, bending, white
‘oak tree that stood on a bank well
‘strewn with white oaks. When I as-
cended the tree I found the nest to
hold 8 well spotted eggs, which rested
‘on an abundant lining of rabbit’s fur
and pieces of inner tree bark. The
female was extremely anxious at my
‘presence and lit only a foot above me
while I was at the entrance of her
home.

On the afternoon of May 17, I was
fortunate enough to find a third nest.
It was built in a large natural cavity,
7 feet up in the main trunk of a lean-
ang apple tree that bordered on an

apple orchard, of medium size. The
female bird was captured upon her
nest which held 5 fresh eggs. When I ©
urned two days later I found that a

sixth egg chad been added. This last
egg was faintly marked, due, I believe,
_ to the fright of the bird when she was

caught upon my first visit to the nest.

This nest was a slight affair, being
only a little rabbit’s hair and dry
grass, lying on decayed wood dust,
twelve inches from the large entrance
hole.

I shall add in closing that it is not
an easy matter to locate the nests of
these birds. On account of patience
that is required to follow them to their
home, for they are extremely wary
and lead one a merry chase before
going to the nest.

Ss. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.

2—~<>e
Notice.

The plate on page 43 of the March
issue of THE OOLOGIST is of a Turn-
stone.

A description of the plate on page
67 of this issue will be found on pages
15 and 16 of this volume.

<2
The Cowbird in Philadelphia and
Vicinity.

According to Stone’s “Birds of East-
ern Pennsylvania and New Jersey”
(Page 30) the Cowbird (Molothrus
ater) is “a common summer resident”
in the vicinity of Philadelphia, but,
according to my experience as an ac-
tive field ornithologist during the past
seventeen years in this locality, it is
rather a scarce summer resident, par-
ticularly in the northeastern part of
Philadelphia County. In this region,
I have found it’s eggs and young only
fifty-five times, or on an average of
three nests a year, out of an examina-
tion of about 4800 nests of birds in
which the Cowbird has been known to

ar

Z

CGT

% oe

THE OOLOGIST 69

lay its eggs. Certainly a low record
in a locality where the Cowbird is
supposed to be a common breeder.
And during 1913 I did not see a Cow-
bird in the nesting season or find any
of its unwelcome eggs or young in the
many bird’s nests I examined.

I record below the few Cowbird’s
eggs and young I have found in bird’s
nests in the vicinity of Philadelphia
and shall have more to say in regard
to several in another paper. It will
be noticed, however, that I have never
found more than one Cowbird’s egg
or young bird in a nest.

1. June 12, 1897; Holmesburg, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg
in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing
one fresh egg of the owner.

2. May 19, 1898; Gloucester Coun-
ty, N. J.—One fresh broken egg in a
Brown Thrasher’s nest (Oologist, 1912,
p. 261).

3. May 25, 1898, Blue Grass, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One half incu-
bated egg in Song Sparrow’s nest con-
taining two eggs of the owner, both
also half incubated.

4, June 13, 1898, Frankford, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One half incu-
bated egg in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest
containing three half incubated eggs
of the owner.

5. June 1, 1899, Sandiford, Philadel-
phia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
White-eyed Vireo’s nest containing
three fresh eggs of the owner.

6. June 9, 1899, Sandiford, Philadel-
phia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing three
fresh eggs of the owner.

7. May 26, 1900, Sandiford, Philadel-
phia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Wood Thrush’s nest containing four
fresh eggs of the owner.

§. June 16, 1900, Holmesburg, this
county.—One one-third incubated egg
in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing
two eggs of the owner about the same
in incubation.

9. June 23, 1900, Holmesburg, same
county.—One fresh egg in Red-eyed
Vireo’s nest containing three fresh
eggs of the owner.

10. June 28, 1900, Holmesburg, same
county.—One fresh egg in Red-eyed
Vireo’s nest containing three fresh
eggs of the owner.

11. May 7, 1901, Blue grass, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Pheebe’s nest containing one egg of
the owner, which contained a tiny
puncture.

12. May 28, 1901, Valley Falls, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Indigo Bunting’s nest containing three
fresh eggs of the owner.

13. May 31, 1901, Frankford, Phila-

delphia County, Pa.—One fresh punc-
tured egg in empty Indigo Bunting’s
nest (Oologist, 1912, p. 261).
14. May 31, 1901, Frankford, same
county.—One fresh egg in Wood
Thrush’s nest containing three fresh
eggs of the owner.

15. May 31, 1901, Frankford, same
county.—One fresh egg in Indigo Bunt-
ing’s nest containing two fresh eggs
of the owner, one with a small punc-
ture.

16. July 11, 1901, Frankford, same
county.—One fresh egg in Red-eyed
Vireo’s nest containing three fresh
eggs of the owner.

17. July 11, 1901, Same locality as
above.—One half-grown young in Red-
eyed Vireo’s nest containing two
young of the owner, one, half and the
other about one-third grown and not
half as big as the hoggish Molothrus
which I removed. ;

18. May 12, 1902, Wissinoming, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One egg, incu-
bation begun, in Cardinal’s nest con-
taining three eggs of the owner about
the same in incubation.

19. May 20, 1902, same locality as
last. —One fresh egg in an empty and
deserted Yellow Warbler’s nest, part-

70 THE OOLOQGIST

ly covered | by additional lining ma-
terial. a

20. June 11, 1902, Wissinoming, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa—One naked
young in Yellow Warbler’s nest con-
taining one naked nestling of the own-
er and of the same age apparently.

21. May 8, 19038, Frankford, Philadel-
phia County, Pa.—One slightly incu-
bated egg in a Song Sparrow’s nest of
three eggs of the owner and all simi-
larly incubated.

22. May 13, 1904, Rockledge, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
empty, deserted Song Sparrow’s nest.

23. May 29, 1905, Torresdale, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing two
fresh eggs of the owner.

24. May 29, 1905, same locality as
above.—One freshly broken egg in
Cardinal’s nest containing one fresh
ege of the owner.

25. April 25, 1906, Torresdale, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg
in Cardinal’s nest containing three
fresh eggs of the owner.
eG: May 19, 1906, Holmesburg,Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One slightly in-
cubated egg in Yellow Warbler’s nest
containing three slightly incubated
eges of the owner.

27. May 25, 1906, same locality as
last—One egg, incubation started, in
Yellow Warbler’s nest containing four
eggs of the owner, incubation all be-
gun.

28. June 5, 1906, Torresdale, Phila-
delphia County, Pa—One half-grown
young in nest of Yellow Warbler con-
taining three half-grown nestlings of
the owner. The worthless Molothrus
was removed.

29. June 5, same locality as preced-
ing.—One nestling about half grown
in Yellow Warbler’s nest containing
a rotten egg and three young of about
the same age, of the owner; I remov-
ed the young parsite.

30. May 23, 1907, Rockledge, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One highly in-
cubated egg in Cardinal’s nest coa-
taining three eggs of the owner with
large embryos.

31. May 23, 1907, Bustleton, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
White-eyed Vireo’s nest containing
one fresh egg of the owner.

32. May 28, 1907, Torresdale, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Yellow Warbler’s nest containing four
fresh eggs of the owner.

33. May 25, 1908, Blue Grass, same
county as last.—One fresh egg in an
empty Field Sparrow’s nest; nest evi-
dently deserted.

34. June 1, 1908, Rockledge, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Song Sparrow’s nest containing four
fresh eggs of the owner.

35. June 10, 1908, Holmesburg, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One slightly in-
cubated egg in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest
containing three eggs of the owner,
all also in about the same state of in-
cubation.

36. June 13, 1908, Harpers, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One slightly in-
cubated egg in Red-eyed Vireo’s nest
containing two slightly incubated
eggs of the owner.

37. July 1, 1908, Chestnut Hill, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg
in Wood Thrush’s nest containing two
fresh eggs of the owner.

38. May 5, 1909, Frankford, this
county.—One fresh egg in Song Spar-
row’s nest containing three fresh eggs
of the owner.

39. May 11, 1909, Andalusia, Bucks
County, Pa.—One egg incubation start-
ed in Cardinal’s nest containing two
eggs of the owner with incubation
about begun.

40. May 13, 1909, Pensauken, Cam-
dem County, N. J.—One slightly incu-
bated egg in Song Sparrow’s nest con-
taining three eggs of the owner, In

THE OOLOGIST © 71

which the incubation was but slightly
advanced in all. An abnormal set.

41. May 20, 1909, same locality as
preceding.—One fresh egg in Field
Sparrow’s nest containing three fresh
eggs of the owner.

42. May 28, 1909, Collegeville, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Yellow Warbler’s nest containing
three fresh eggs of the owner.

43. June 18, 1909, Andalusia, Bucks
County, Pa.—One addled egg in Yel-
low Warbler’s nest containing an in-
fertile egg of the owner.

44, June 18, 1909, same locality as
above.—One infertile egg in Yellow
Warbler’s nest containing two infer-
tile eges and two half-grown young of
the owner.

45. July 8, 1909, Bustleton, Philadel-
phia County, Pa.—One punctured, rot-
ten egg in empty Indigo Bunting’s
nest.

46. May 6, 1910, Crescentville, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa.—One highly in-
cubated egg in Cardinal’s nest con-
taining three eggs of the owner, and
all with large embryos.

47. June 2, 1910, Fox Chase, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One punctured
ege (fresh) in empty Cardinal’s nest.

48. June 17, 1910, Holmesburg, Phil-
adelphia County, Pa—One egg with
dead embryo one-third developed, in
Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing two
nestlings several days old of the own-
er.

49. May 25, 1911, Rockledge, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One egg about
three days incubated in Ovenbird’s
nest containing four of the owner all
about as far advanced in incubation.

50. May 28, 1911, Gladwyne, Mont-
gomery County, Pa.—One egg one-
third incubated in Chewink’s nest con-
taining three eggs of the owner in
about the same state of incubation.

51. June 6, 1911, same locality as
preceding.—One fresh egg in Indigo

Bunting’s nest containing one fresh
egg of the owner.

52. June 14, 1911, Bustleton, Phila-
delphia County, Pa.—One fresh egg in
Red-eyed Vireo’s nest containing two
or three broken eggs (shells of the
owner.)

53. May 1, 1912, same locality as
preceding.—One pipped egg in Car-
dinal’s nest containing one new born
young and two pipped eggs of the
owner.

54. May 5, 1912, same locality as
above. One half-incubated egg in Car-
dinal’s nest containing three eggs of
the owner, in which incubation was:
aboue one-half in two and infertile in:
the third.

55. May 28, 1912, same locality as
last.—One fresh egg in empty and de-
serted nest of the Yellow-breasted
Chat.

Richard F. Miller.
oj ©

There have been two Sunny Owls
shot here (Northeastern Philadelphia)
this winter. One was taken by an un-
cle and both specimens have been
mounted.

Richard F. Miller.

2 <>

Nesting Dates for Pennsylvania and
New Jersey.

. Least Bittern, June 15; 5 eggs.

. American Bittern, May 26; 4 eggs.

Great Blue Heron, April 8; 6 eggs.

Green Heron, May 12; 4 eggs.

Night Heron, Apr. 9; comp’d nests.

Clapper Rail, July 2; 2 eggs.

Sora Rail, May 26; 4 eggs.

. Virginia Rail, May 28; 6 eggs.

. Black Rail, July 2; 8 eggs.

. Florida Gallenule, June 15; 7 eggs..

. Killdeer, May 6; 4 eggs.

. Bob-white, May 28; 21 eggs.

. Ruffed Grouse, May 9; 8 eggs.

. Mourning Dove, May 27; 2 eggs.

. Marsh Hawk, May 25; 5 eggs.

. Cooper’s Hawk, May 16; 4 eggs.

ee
aAmMNRwWNHMHEHES

THE OOLOGIST

7. Red-tail Hawk, March 29; 3 eggs.
. Red-should’d Hawk, Apr. 15, 3 eggs
. Broad-winged Hawk, May 26; 2

egss.

. Duck Hawk, April 12; 3 eggs.

. Sparrow Hawk, April 29; 5 eggs.
. Barn Owl, April 7; 5 eggs.

. Screech Owl, April 9; 3 eggs.

. Great Horned Owl,

March 27; 3

young.

. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, August 2; 2

young.

. Kingfisher, May 12, 7 eggs.
. Hairy Woodpecker,

May 238; 4
young.

28. N. Downy Woodpecker, May 26; 4

3) I

CS ww &
Co DO

. Henslow’s Sparrow,

egss.

. N. Pileated Woodpecker, May 16; 4

eges.

30. Red-headed Woodpecker, May 26;°

4 eggs.

. Northern Flicker, May 8; 7 eggs.
. Chimney Swift, July 1; 4 young.
3. Ruby-throated Hummer,

June 4;
nest.

. Kingbird, June 4; 3 eggs.

. Crested Flycatcher, May 28; 2 eggs
. Phebe, May 7; 5 eggs.

. Least Flycatcher, June 4; 3 eggs.
. Prairie Horned Lark, March 27; 3

egss.

. Northern Raven, March 13; 5 eggs.
. Crow, April 8; 5 eggs.

. Fish Crow, May 12; 2 eggs.

. Starling, May 12; 2 eggs. :

. Cowbird, May 27; 1 egg.

. Red-wing Black Bird, May 26; 4

egess.

. Meadowlark, May 17; 5 eggs.

. Baltimore Oriole, May 25; 5 eggs.
. Orchard Oriole, July 3; 4 eggs.

. Bronzed Grackle, May 1; 5 eggs.

. Goldfinch, August 15; 4 young.

. English Sparrow, April 28; 5 eggs.
. Vesper Sparrow, May 18; 4 eggs.

. Grasshopper Sparrow, July 20; 4

eggs.
Mave 2a D
eges.

D4.

86.
87.

. Blue Wing Warbler,

. Kentucky Warbler,

Sharp-tailed Sparrow, June 9; 4
eggs.

. Seaside Sparrow, July 2; 4 eggs.

. Chipping Sparrow, May 8; 4 eggs.
. Field Sparrow, May 7; 4 eggs.

. Song Sparrow, May 7; 4 eggs.

. Swamp Sparrow, June 15; 4 eggs.
. Towhee, June 4; 4 eggs.

. Indigo Bird, June 7; 4 eggs.

. Scarlet Tanager, May 24; 2 eggs.

. Purple Martin, July 2; 4 young.

. Cliff Sparrow, June 4; 4 eggs.

. Barn Swallow, June 4; 5 eggs.

. Rough Wing Swallow, May 26; 5

eges.

. Cedar Waxwing, June 7; completed

nest.

. Red-eyed Vireo, June 14; 3 eggs.
. Yellow-throated Vireo, May 27; 4

eges.

. Solitary Vireo, May 24; 4 young.
. Black and White Warbler, June 2;

5 young.

. Worm-eating Warbler, May 23; 6

eggs.
June 11; 5
eggs.

. Golden Wing Warbler, May 23; 5

eges.

. Yellow Warbler, June 14; 4 young.
. Black-throated Blue Warbler, June

2: 4 eggs.

. Magnolia Warbler, June 2; 4 eggs.
. Chestnut-sided Warbler, June 4; 4

egess.

. Blackburnian Warbler, June 4; 3

egss.

. Ovenbird, June 4; 5 eggs.
. Water Thrush, May 22; 5 eggs.
. Louisiana Water Thrush, May 24;

5 eggs. :
June 11; 5
young.

. Maryland Yellow-throat, May 26;

1 egg.

. Yellow-breasted Chat, June 11; 3

eges.
Canadian Warbler, June 1; 5 eggs.
Catbird, May 24; 3 eggs.

THE OOLOGIST 73

88. Brown Thrasher, June 4; 4 eggs.

$9. Carolina Wren, May 13; 2 eggs.

90. Winter Wren, May 16; completed
nest.

91. House Wren, May 27; 7 eggs.

92. Long-billed Marsh Wren, June 15;
5 eggs.

93. Short-billed Marsh Wren, July 10:
5 eges.

$4. White-breasted Nuthatch, May 7; 7
eggs.

95. Chickadee, May 8; 7 eggs.

9€. Wood Thrush, June 4; 4 eggs.

97. Wilson’s Thrush, June 5; 4 eggs.

98. Robin, May 6; 4 eggs.

99. Bluebird, April 25; 4 eggs.

All these nests were actually ex-
amined during the season of 1913 and
though there were many field trips
necessary to approach the century
mark, the writer feels a singular pride
in doing so and believes that as
a record of nesting species in
these two states it will stand
for years to come. Let us hear
from some of the noted Ornithologists
of Pennsylvania, such as Thomas H.
Jackson, J. Parker Norris, R. P. Sharp-
jess, H. J. Darlington, Frank L. Burns,
G. B. Benners, Richard T. Miller, R. B.
Simpson, Witmer Stone, Samuel S.
Dickey, J. W. Jacobs and H. J. Camp-
bell. Richard C. Harlow.

eS Sg sc ae
A Young Ornithologist.
Dear Editor:

I am a twelve-year-old subscriber to
THE OOLOGIST and think it a fine
magazine. While strolling through the
woods Sunday, the 22d of February,
1914, I was surprised to see at my feet
a dead bird, with a broken leg, and
the prettiest little bird I ever saw. I
‘do not know whether it was a male or
female, but I am sending you a pic-
ture of him and a complete descrip-
tion. It would oblige me very much if
you will tell me about this bird. I
‘drew this picture myself and it is life
size.

Description: “Top-knot,” brown;
tail, gray, blending into black with
the tips of golden yellow; wings, dove,
darker at tips; back, brownish dove
color; breast, lilac, underneath yellow;
feet, black; bill, black; mouth, pur-
ple inside. I am enclosing envelope
for reply and would like for you to re-
turn the picture.

Yours truly,
Boyd Taylor.
—-<>—_e
Editor of The Oologist.

Dear Sir: Your open letter to the
readers of THH OOLOGIST “to help
enforce the game laws” is a step in
the right direction. With few excep-
tions, there is no body of men more
fitted and willing to enforce these laws
than the active collectors who know
the conditions of game and birds in
general, in their counties and sur-
rounding territory better than the war-
dens ,themselves. It seems a _ pity
therefore, to see such activity ex-
hibited against collectors, especially
by men who were collectors at one
time themselves and who have risen
to their present positions entirely
through their former activity in col-
lecting birds, mammals and eggs.

Mr. Sharpless’ article on page 56, is

~ only a mild form of complaint of what

is heard from one end of the country
to the other, the majority of whom, in-
stead of stopping collecting continue
to do so, and do not publish their data,
thus losing to each and every state
many fine records of various sorts. It
has become so bad in some states that
men who have contributed liberally
to past literature are now not putting
their names on skin labels or data
blanks until same are out of the state.
The time is close when the bird lov-
ers and collectors will break away
from such societies as countenance
such activity against the best protec-
tionests there are. Cannot such ener-

74 THE OOLOGIST

zy be directed against the prowling
cat and the wandering dogs, which
destroy more game than all the col-
lectors put together?
H. H. Bailey.
We indorse every word of the above.
—Hditor.

R. M. Barnes,
Lacon, Ill.

Dear Sir: Looking over the March
issue of your well conducted paper at
my son’s yesterday, carried me back
to my old collecting days and you may
gather a little wheat from the chaff
herein.

You may remember I was a crank
on nests, considering them the most
distinguishing part of most sets.
Rough-wing Swallows’ holes were al-
ways started thus o while Bank Swal-
lows were oval. The former were of
much coarser straw, bulkier and never
with feathers. Rough-winged eggs
have a glossy Woodpecker texture
shell while Banks are very brittle and
delicate and if incubated at all, hard
to make a nice set of.

Of course I had series of some spe-
cies showing variation but would leave
it to any ordinary ornithologist to be
my judge as to whom was responsible
for the decrease in birds instead of
the Higher Authority who has one
code for himself (elastic) and another
for the average lover of birds (non-
elastic). Whereas I could plead guil-
ty to six sets of Lora Rails. The
sportsmen will shoot twenty-eight to
forty dozen birds a day and of course
this has no effect on the decrease.
Whereas on a trip to Florida I would
take one set of Wild Turkeys eggs,
the sportsmen would go off and shoot
thirteen birds, bring them in spoiled
as the heat was great, and throw them
on the garbage pile. I have seen this
with my own eyes and it is not hear-
say. Thus I might go through the en-

tire list from a to z, but fear to worry
you with the old-fashioned ideas of
one of the old school who pleads guil-
ty to being the best friend birds have
had—bar none.
Hastily yours,
H. T. Bailey.

o <> 0

Birds of the Future.

I have read, with interest, Mr. R. P.
Sharpless’ paper, entitled “Oologists
of the Future,’ in the March number
of THE OOLOGIST, but I cannot
agree with his views where he goes to
such extremes. His accusation against
the Audubon Societies is “that they
have been using every means to sup-
press the oologists and with such suc-
cess that these devoted students of
the natural sciences among the young-
er men are becoming rare.” He fur-
ther claims that “the only excuse for
attack is that they destroy the birds.”
But is not THIS a sufficiently worthy
cause for attack? Then he says that
even this argument used by the Audu-
bon Societies is now valueless, on ac-
count of the fact that “birds in many
parts of the country are becoming so
numerous as to be a serious nuisance
and that there is now absolutely no
reason why the oologist should not
take what specimens he needs, if there
ever was one.” As example of his
bird-increase claim he points to the
fact that in the town of West Chester
Crow Blackbirds are over-numerous
and are a distinct annoyance. He fur-
ther states that he has lately read in
the papers that Ducks were very
abundant in Oregon and that he has
seen them so in several places.

But are not all these cases simply
exceptions which prove the rule? Can
it be that the hoards of bird-conserva-
tionists in this country are mistaken
in believing that our bird life is rapid-
ly diminishing? According to Mr.
Sharpless they are, for he says “that

THE OOLOGIST

take the birds in general, they are
nearly all of them more numerous
than in years past.

I should like to suggest as instan-
ces of my argument that the avian
forces of this country are rapidly ap-
proaching; not only a serious and tell-
ing reduction in their numbers, but in
some cases facing a total annihala-

tion; the cases of the Plover, Sand-
pipers, Herons, Quail, Grouse, the
beneficial species of Hawks and

Owls, Doves, Thrushes, Warblers and
several other species of Passerines.
While of course some of these may
not be directly affected by the oolo-
gist, yet certainly many of them are;
and the cases of all, I think, answer
the contention that birds, in general,
are increasing.

Where it is really publically benefi-
cial, I would not ask the oologist to
cease his work, but private collections
in these days are of so little value
that it cetrainly seems a pity to de-
prive the world of its avifauna for this
cause.

John Dryden Kuser.

Bernardsville, N. J.

Private collections are the begin-
ning of public collections. Few, very
few, if any, of our present-day orni-
thologists of note but began by mak-
ing a collection of eggs. Only a few
days ago a number of datas, signed in
a cramped boyish hand “Joe Grinnell”
passed through our hands. This is
the well known professor Joseph Grin-
nell of the University of California.
The

reputable private collectors will not

This is only one case in point.

be driven out by over-enthusiasts.
Such do more injury than good to the
cause of reasonable protection.—HKdi-

tor.

Rough-winged Swallow Nests.

In answer to Mr. R. F. Miller’s re-
quest, page 50, March issue of THE
OOLOGIST, I offer my obServations in
connection with nest building of the
Rough-winged and Bank Swallows.
During many seasons observation of
these birds, especially the Rough-wing-
ed, I have never found feathers in the
nest of the Rough-winged, always
some darker material like dry bits
of leaves or pine needles. The nest
referred to in Reed’s North American
Bird Eggs, page 282, is undoubtedly
that of the Rough-wing, the lining be-
ing typical of that species.

My experience with the Bank Swal-
low has always been that generally
feathers were used as a lining, but
when not used, fine straws of light hue
took the place of the dark lining in
the Rough-winged nests.

A more detailed description of these
two species will be found on pages
260-262, “Birds of Virginia.” That Mr.
Miller is a most careful observer is
brought out by his noticing the picture
referred to, and I only hope such close
study won’t lead him into the ranks
of the hair splitters, for we need them
in the ranks of the oologists.

H. H. Bailey.

+p} e
Kindness.

While sitting by the window on the
20th of February I noticed a large bird
fly into a White Cedar tree beside the
woodshed door. For several days the
heavy snow, wind, and unusually low
temperature had made it very diffi-
cult for birds of any kind to procure
food, and I started at once to find out
what feathered stranger had been
driven to my door by hunger and cold.
One may easily imagine my surprise
when approaching to within a few feet
I saw a Mourning Dove settling down
for the night. The temperature was
below zero, yet knowing that any at-

76 THE OOLOGIST

tempt to catch such a timid bird
might only result in driving it to a
less sheltered place, I left it for the
night. In the morning I found it in
the wood-shed nearly frozen. Picking
it up I placed it in a covered basket
with some bread crumbs, fine bits of
suet, and some water, and left it in
the kitchen. By noon it had recover-
ed completely and was eager to get
out. That afternoon I took it into the
laboratory at school and brought it
before my classes in Biology. The
next day was bright and a little warm-
er. When I opened-the basket at the
door my Mourning Dove took to flight,
as eager to get away as it had been to
come. Horace F. Turner.

North Woodbury, Conn.

Feby. 20, 1914.

<< e
Gypsy Birds.

On February 26th I enjoyed the first
Bohemian Waxwing vaudeville of my
bird study. The entertainment came
unannounced and though a quiet af-
fair was none the less enjoyable.

Had not my two-year-old baby
daughter called my attention to “pitty
birdies” she was pointing to through
the window I might never have seen
my rare visitors.

Bohemian Waxwings are a common
sight from northern Illinois to higher
latitudes but I assure you the fortieth
parallel which pierces central Illinois
sees few flights of Bohemians. The
Cedars, while very irregular, are apt
to be seen any day. A young observer
Noble Field of Bement, in the county
just west of us, reported a flock of
Cedar Waxwings the same week but
I am suspicious that he also observed
a flock of Bohemians.

The big blizzard occurred February
23d to 24th and no doubt the even
dozen of northern beauties alighting
in my maple tree were forced south
because of it.

They sat silently for

some time. Finally one began with
his squeaking whistle and then all
joined in the chorus. While intently
observing them and realizing that it
might prove my only experience, they
arose in the air as one bird and sharp-
ly wheeling, soon disappeared in the
south.

Isaac EH. Hess.
Philo, Ills.

-—<}e
Early Birds.

On January 10, 1914, while I was
walking along the shore of the Brandy-
wine, which is the name of a stream
running through the northern part of
the city, I heard the rattling charr-r-r,
carrry, of the Belted Kingfisher. Up-
cn investigation, I found two Belted
Kingfishers feeding and flying along
the shores of the stream. The Belted
Kingfisher does not usually get here’
until March.

EK. M. Kenworthy.
Wilmington, Del.
—°—~<fe

A Runt Song Sparrow’s Egg.

On May 16, 1913, at Holmesburg,
Philadelphia County, Pa., I found a
Song Sparrow’s nest upon the ground
in a bunch of thick nettles by a clump
of Young Willows, along a creek. It
held one runt egg which I collected
as I noticed that a brood of these birds
had been raised in the nest by the ex-
creta-smeared rim, and nesting scales
in the bottom. The nest was typical.

The runt ege is now in my collec-
tion. It was yolk-less. It is short, or
rounded oval in shape, grayish white
in color, profusely streaked and spot-
ted all over, with reddish-brown and
sub-shell markings of pale lavender,
thickest on the larger end. It meas-
ures only .52 x .44 inches.

Richard FE. Miller.
Philadelphia, Pa.

THE OOLOGIST III

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The Oologist has brought me much
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Am very much pleased with the
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Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
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Announcement is made of a plan
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The birds figured in color are
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THE OOLOGIST

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GIST unbound,, as long as the supply
lasts, until further notice will be sold
at the following rates only:

Vol. I, 1884-5, Nos. 1 to 12....... $2.10
Vol. II, 1885, Nos. 13 to 14....... 1.00
Vol. III, 1886, Nos. 15 to 20...... 1.25
Vol. IV, 1887, Nos. 21 to 25-26... 1.00
Vol. V, 1888, Nos. 27 to 38...... 2.80
Vol. Vi, 1889, Nos. 39 to 50...... 2.70
Vol. VII, 1890, Nos. 51 to 62..... 2.15
Vol. VIII, 1891, Nos. 68 to 74.... 1.45
Vol. IX, 1892, Nos. 75 to 86...... 2.20
Vol. X, 1893, Nos, 87 to 98....... 1.90
Vol. XI, 1894, Nos. 99 to 110..... 1.45

Vol. XII, 1895, Nos. 111 to 122.. 1.60
Vol. XIIT, 1896, Nos. 123 to 127.. 1.00
Vol. XIV, 1897, Nos. 128 to 139.. 3.45
Vol. XV, 1898, Nos. 140 to 149... 1.95
Vol. XVI, 1899, Nos. 150 to 161.. 2.00
Vol. XVII, 1900, Nos. 162 to 171.. 1.20
Vol. XVIII, 1901, Nos. 172 to 183. 1.20
Vol. XIX, 1902, Nos. 184 to 195... 1.20
Vol. XX, 1903, Nos. 196 to 197... 1.20
Vol. XXI, 1904, Nos. 198 to 209.. 1.20
Vol. XXII, 1905, Nos. 210 to 221.. 1.20
Vol. XXIII, 1906, Nos. 222 to 233. 1.20
Vol. XXIV, 1907, Nos. 234 to 245. 1.20
Vol. XXV, 1908, Nos, 246 to 257.. 1.20
Vol. XYVI, 1909, Nos. 258 to 269. 1.50
Vol. XX TI, 1910, Nos. 270 to 281. 1.50
Vol. XXIII, 1911 Nos. 282 to 295. 1.50
Vol. XXIX, 1912, Nos. 293 to 305.. 1.50

Mio -SXOXeXad Ra evan eee rar ana 2.50
Wi Te EXONS ae Sas yn pe eg eh Set 1.50
R. M. BARNES,
Lacon, III.

dn uray} puiq

938] 0} oq uoos AvuUl 7
pue jsiZ0[0Q ey], JO Soply unoA [I] 0} OUT? 94} ST MON

HE OOLOGIST.—

BIRDS--NESTS--EGG
TAXIDERMY

ANS

VO XOXO. INO: 5:

ALBION, N. Y., May, 15, 1914.

WHOLE No, 822

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. it denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid,9/320 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
ecember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens 0

North American Birds for sale.

These columns are for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses onlv.—HEDITOR.

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Ill.

POR SALE —Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,

white nead markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNBHS, Lacon, Ill. (1-p)
WHO WANTS SOME CHOICH SKINS

OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)

FOR EXCHA NGE.— Fine skins of 273, Z8va
320, 477a, 501, 5lla, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14)

W ANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler. Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from Ualifornia).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUN -INGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

KOR SALE.—One pair climbers. Address
BE. M. KENWORTHY, 1125 West St, Wil-
mington, Del. (1-p) _

Pee ee sae alae Nr ae
-WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., eee
-p

EGGS.

Im sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skims and eggs, we would ap-
preeiate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical crder, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O Box 98. __(1-p)

EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,

White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Hgyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGER,
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

2

II THE OOLOGIST

TO EBXCHANGE.—For eggs in sets. Hun-
dreds of singles and sets. Also arrow heads,
old fire arms and mounted birds. MEARL
B, WHEELER, East Randolph, N. Y. (1-p)

TO EXCHANGE.—For sets, shot guns,
brass band instruments, bird skins, re-
volvers. gold watches and fishing tackle.
MEARL B. WHEELER, East Randolph, N.
ie (1-p)

WANTED TO EXCHANGE.—Broken sets
with data for sets of eggs in good condition.
Send list. Address, KE. M. KENWORTHY,
1125 West St.. Wilmington, Del. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—Sets of the following: 289,
406, 461, 617, 719, 731. 597, and others. Waot 331,
360, 365, 429, 507, 601. WILLIAM PLANK,
Decatur, Ark.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Sets of Turkey and
Black Vultures, Barn and Sereech Owls and
Red-tailed Hawk. Prefer a pair of good
climbing irons or will take eggs. WOOD-
RUFF, YEATES, 1416 Cooper St., Fort
Worth, Tex.

EGGS.—Bulwer’s Petrel, Curlew, Whim-
brel, Divers (8 species) Iceland and Green-
land Falcons, Skuas, Plovers various. Clear-
ance prices. Catalogue free. H. T. BOOTH,
8 Cranbury Road, Frelham, Eng. (-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs. Nests and Oologist papers for sets
of 128. 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364. 368. 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD 8S. COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wanted eggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

2 : 436 n-2 478¢ 2-5; 480 2-5;
492 2-5; 554 n-4; 560a n-3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4: 748a n-5;
749 n-6; 759a n-4. A. O. TREGANZA, 610 U. ~.
& T. Bldg., Sait Lake City, Utah. (1-p)

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

Sa ee eS eee

WANTED.—One set of A. O. U. Nos. 25-48
129 167-178-252-260-301 - 310-352 - 375a - 375d-419-423-
457-474b-498e-616-652- 701 - 733 - 755.4 Two. sets
each of 7-145-148-154-160-161-180-243-289b-310e-335-
341-356-356-409-474e-477-505- 608 - 639 - 657 - 726 - 736-
And three sets each of 5 21-55-115-136-153-162-
293a-300a-308-310a-310h-347-351-356a - 383-396-748b-
480-486-542b-562-636-727. Must be A.l. and for
them I offer a very desirable assortment of
specimens in exchange. R. M. BARNES.
Lacon, Il.

WANTED.—For exchange specially fine
sets of Bartram Sandpiper, Cedar Bird,
Osprey, all Longspurs and from Nos. 540-592
and Nos. 598-605. No. rubbish, throw-outs,
made-up clutches, soiled or ink-marked sets
wanted. OFRFERED—Best material only.
European Snipe, Dunlin, Ring Plover. Golden
Plover and from Labrador, Mandts Guille-
mot, Redpoll, Red Phalarope, etc. E. R.
SKINNER, 73 Primrose Mansions, Battersea
Park, London, England. (1-p)

WANTED.—The set of 390 Belted King-
fisher, 1-7, seven eggs, fresh, collected Msy 12,
1899, at Frankford, Philadelphia County,
Penn’a., by the undersigned. Who has it?
Will give two first class sets of seven Belted
Kingtisher’s eggs, personally collected, in ex-
change for that particular set. For particu-
lars address. RICHARD MILLER, 2069 East
Tioga St., Philadelphia, Penn’a.

MISCELLANEOUS,

WANTED —Indian Relics for cash or ex-
change. Also'finely mounted specimen birds.
DR. A. E. PAYNE, Riverhead, N. Y. (1-p)

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large and very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine,
will sell for 45.00 cash with order. E. W.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, I]. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—17 ft. steel “Bristol” fly rod,
with nickel plated pivot reel. Practically
new. used twice. Cost #8.00, price 4.00. F. A.
HEMPHILL, 326 Union Ave., Elizabeth, N.J.

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in Jots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. 8. KOHLER,
Bloomfield, N. J. (1-p)

EXCHANGE—Savage Hammerless repeat-
ing rifle, 1903 model. Shoots 22 short, long or
long rifle. For a 28 gauge shot gnu. Write
forparticulars. NOBLE FIELD, Bene Tl.

-p

100 two cent Jamestown Exposition 1907,
100 one cent and 50 two cent St. Louis Ex-
position stamps 1904 unused, for best cash
offer. H. P. ATTWATER, 2120 Genesee St.,
Houston, Texas. (1-p)

Bird Books

WANTED.—Nidiologist, Vol. 1, No. 6, for
cash. EARL FORREST, 261 Locust Ave.,
Washington, Penn’a, (1-p)

WANTED.—Nos. 233, 236, 270, 300, of The
Oologist. for which $ .25 each will be paid.
R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Il.

WANTED.—For cash or exchange, Vol.

XV, Nos. 1, 2,5, 6, of the Condor. Vol. XXOX
Nos. 1 to 7 of the Oologist. DELOACH
MARTIN, Marshall, Texas. i1-p)

FOR SALE.—List of back Numbers,
Oolvgist. Vol). 7, 7-8-9; Vol. 8, Nos. 1-9: Vol. 9.
No. 10. No. 103, 113, 134, 141, 143, two copies,
145-147-148. two copies, 181-196-197-205-223-224-
230-237-242-244-245- 247-248-250- 251-252- 253-257- 261-
268-282. W.E. SURFACRH, Decatur, Iil. (ep)

Zio

NOTICE.—Is your library going to be the
only one without a copy of “The Birds of
Virginia?” Of the one thousand edition only
about one hundred remain, and no more will
be printed. Price $3.00. Address the author,
HAROLD H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va.

WANTED FOR CAS4U.—Condor Vol. 8
complete; Vol. 9 Nos. 1, 4, 6; Vol. 10, No. 2.
Bird Lore, Vol. 7. No. 1; Vol. 3, Nos. 12333
Vol. 2, Nos. 2, 3; Vol. 1, except No: 1.) J. E.
SLOANAKER, Palisades, Colo. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

Vou. XXXI. No.5. | ALBION, N. Y. May, 15, 114. Weare Me. 322

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Til,
a a a ee re

WITH NATURE

The cliff-top has a carpet
Of lilac, gold, and green:

The blue sky bounds the ocean,
The white clouds scud between.

A flock of gulls are wheeling
And wailing round by seat;
Above my head the heaven,
The sea beneath my feet.
—Dr. Robert Bridges.

CLEAN.

In the February number of Tue Ootoeist I had an adv. for
specimens of wood. I received many answers and made several
exchanges and must say that I have dealt with a fine and honest
set of men as can be found. So much for a clean paper and one
that is growing in good work. Keep on.—S. lV. Wharran.

78 THE OOLOGIST

COLLECTING BIRDS EGGS.
What is Needed—Preparing Specimens.
R. Magoon Barnes.

II
It is useless, even wanton, to collect
eggs of our birds unless with a defi-
nite purpose. Hggs are absolutely
worthless or worse unless properiy
collected, prepared, preserved and re-
corded. To do these things one must
be equipped with some things, chiefest
of which is a settled determination to

do whatever is done well.

First of all you will want a note-
book in which to record your observa-
tions. Do not rely on memory for any-
thing, the fuller and more complete
the notes the better. From two to a
half dozen egg drills and a blow-pipe
or two are necessary. Get the “cut the
lining” kind of drills of assorted sizes.
These with the blow-pipes may be had
of dealers in such instruments. They
should be thoroughly cleansed after
each using. Some sort of a receptical,
a cigar box filled with cotton or some-
thing of the kind is necessary to carry
eggs in while afield and a safe and se-
cure one in which to keep them after
coming home. A copy of the Ameri-
can Ornithologists List (The A. O. U.
List) and either ‘“Bailey’s Birds of the
Western United States,” or Chapman’s
“Birds of Hastern North America’ will
be well nigh indespensible. Likewise
Charles K. Reed’s “North American
Birds Hggs” or Oliver Davies’ “Nests
and Hggs of North American Birds”
will be found of some help.

Assuming you have some or all of
the above let us start out some bright
spring morning in quest of specimens.
The sun is bright and warm; there is
a slight balmy South wind. Spring is
wearing her splendid garb of fresh,
bright green and her brow is garland-
ed with bloom of riotous color while
perfume floats in the air. With a col-
lector’s box full of cotton slung over

our shoulder and our note-book in our
pocket we start out, full of anticipa-
tion and life.

We know the Woodpeckers nest in —
holes, and Meadowlarks on the ground
while Robins in trees and Indigo Bunt-
ings in bushes. We are starting a col-
lection and of course begin with the
common varieties.

Suppose we find a Robin’s nest in
an Apple tree. Here is what we do or
should do. First make absolutely sure
it is a Robin—of course we know a
Robin, but later we may find some
nests where we do not know the birds.
So begin right now to look and be cer-
tain of the identity of the owner of
the nest. Then we climb up and peep
into the nest. Only two eggs! An in-
complete set so we leave them and
pass on.

Next we find a Blue Bird’s nest in
an abandoned Woodpecker’s hole in a
small dead limb of an Apple tree. We
are first very sure it is a Blue Bird.
The identity of the bird is ALWAYS
first. Then we look into the nest.
Five fresh eggs! Good! Our first
specimen for ‘our collection.” How
shall we get them out? Our hand is
too large to get into the hole. It is
not so very far to the house and we
go back and borrow a saw. Slowly
and very carefully we saw the small
limb off below the nest and lower it
to the ground, turn it slightly over and
take a spoon out of our pocket and
lift out the beautiful blue eggs one at
a time. These we roll separately in
cotton and place in our cigar box.
Then we take our note-book out and
sit down and enter the following:

‘““(1) 766a-5. Nest 7 feet up in an
abandoned Woodpecker’s hole in dead
limb of an Apple tree in an orchard.
Birds seen, eggs fresh, nest saved.
Remarks. This nest was on the south
side of the tree and the opening was
toward the south east. The cavity

THE OOLOGIST 79

was § inches deep and the opening
2% inches across. Nest typical, of
fine grasses, weeds and feathers.”

Then we replace the note-book in
our pocket and place the figure (1)
on the nest stub, stand it up against
the foot of the tree where we can get
it when we return home, and pass on.

Next we find a Phebe’s nest under
a bridge across the road, stuck onto
one of the projecting rocks of the re-
taining walls. The bird is gone in a
flash but we know her. The nest con-
tains six eggs, a very unusual num-
ber, but they show signs of incubation,
however we decide to chance it so
carefully remove the eggs and as with
the Blue Bird’s eggs roll each one care-
fully in cotton and place them in our
collecting box. Then, after removing
the nest and wrapping it in a news-
paper cornu copia and marking it (2),
we enter in our note-book:

“(2) 456a-6. Nest stuck on a pro-
jecting stone of a retaining wall of
a bridge across the Lacon and Henry
road 5 miles north of Lacon, 7 feet
above the creek bed and 3 feet from
bridge floor. Birds seen. Nest of root-
lets, moss, fine grass and mud, lined
with hair and feathers. Heggs, six, a
very unusually large number; incuba-
tion commenced. Nest saved.”

We pass on and find a Kingfisher’s
nest in a hole in the cut bank of this
same creek. As the birds fly about
we admit we are for sure stumped.
We remember reading in one of
Wood’s books that the nest of this
bird was almost untakable in it’s nat-
ural state and likewise have a vivid
recollection of reading in THH OOLO-
GIST Vol. xxvi, page 92 of the tragic
death of Richard Smithwick, who dug
into a bank after a nest of this spe-
cies and crawled into the hole he dug
when the earth caved in on him and
smothered him. But we must have
these eggs! Are we not forming a

collection of eggs and we have no
Kingfisher’s eggs yet. Well we go to
a nearby farm house and borrow a
spade. As luck would have it the
nest was not over three feet below
the top so we scramble up to the nest
hole and insert an arm full length
without finding anything but air. Then
we get a small switch and push it as
far as possible with the same result.
This makes fully six feet of the tunnel
we have explored. Then we go up on
top and dig down to the burrow. To
our surprise we find it at two feet and
four inches, showing it slopes upward.
After cleaning away the dirt and dig-
ging almost two times as much as was
really necessary in the hot sun, we get
where we can see the eggs. Seven of
them at the enlarged end of this nine
foot tunnel, lying there on the soil
with only a few straws about them.
Disappointed? Yes! Where is the
beautifully fashioned and delicately
assembled nest of white fish bones
and scales that I had been taught to
expect? A Myth? Yes, and nothing
more. Then the eggs were not as
white as we had expected. Or are
they dirty? Yes, and they, like Wood-
pecker’s eggs, must be the most care-
fully cleaned both inside and out of
all dirt, foreign matter and the last
vistage of contents with perfectly
clear water, else the taking of them is
in vain. They will surely spot and
blotch and ultimately become entire-
ly ruined unless this care is used in
preparing them. We pack these speci-
mens, with more care and more cotton
because they are larger and heavier.
Then we carefully collect the few
straws composing the nest, place them
in some more newspaper marked (3)
and in our pocket. Then we enter in
our note-book:

“(3) 390a-7. Nest in a burrow 9
feet deep in the side of a creek bank
7 feet above the creek and 3 feet

80 THE OOLOGIST

down from the surface in sandy soil,
composed of a few straws at the en-
larged end, and sloping upward. Open-
ing 4x3 inches. Birds seen; eggs
dirty but fresh.”

Then we start home. Across the
fields we travel when suddenly from
under foot flutters a mass of feathers.
Finally it rises awing and floats away.
A Meadow Lark! Looking down we
see a tuft of grass with a small open-
ing in the side. Peering in, five fresh
eggs are disclosed and transferred,
cotton-wrapped, to our collecting box.
Then we sit down beside the nest and
enter in our note-book:

“B0la-5. Nest on the ground in a
pasture, partially sunk into the
ground, in the middle of a tuft of last
year’s grass arched over and lined
with finer grasses. Eggs fresh. Fe-
male flushed from nest. Nest saved.”

Nest saved! Yes. But how? As
we are not far from our own home we
go there, get another spade and a
small box 8x10 inches and three
inches deep. We carefully cut the sod
around the nest and under it to the
same size and depth as the box, being
careful at all times not to in the least
disturb the nest or grasses about it,
and slip the spade under it, setting the
sod with the nest into the box. All
the time we are handling the whole
affair most delicately, else we ruin
it. And if properly and carefully done,
we have preserved one of the very
hardest kind of specimens,—a ground
sunken nest amid vegetation.

We then go home for the day with
four nests and four sets of eggs.

Se UR EY iy oo eee
Cardinal at Warren, Penna.

The Cardinal Grosbeak as a rule
only occurs here at intervals as a
straggler. While common enough in
the southern part of this state it is
only at long intervals that one is
seen here.

This winter a pair have been living
about town. They have been here all
winter and are still with us. It has
been a severe winter too, with heavy
snows and many zero mornings; one
morning 24 degrees below. A few days
ago the female flew against an office
window and was killed but the male
is still here.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Penna.
BURST SO ie ee
Large Sets.

I find that on the 9th day of April,
1911, my brother and I collected a set
of Crow eggs numbering nine. .We
had never heard of a set of more than
six being collected before.

We have in our collection three sets
of three Mourning Dove. We once
found a set of four, but they just
hatched, so we haven’t the eggs to
show for that. ;

A set of five Yellow-billed Cuckoo
has a permanent place in our collec-
tion, collected on the 10th day of July,
1911, about two weeks before we found
the four Dove eggs and in the same
nest.

Also we have a set of five Blue Gros-
beak collected the sixth of June, 1911.
Is fives of Blue Grosbeak very un-
usual?

L. B. and Logan I. Evans.
Wilsey, Kan.

In our collection is a set of nine
eggs of the common Crow, which were
collected twenty miles southwest of
Lacon and sold to Harry R. Taylor of
Nidiologist fame. When he broke up
his collection we purchased the set
and they now rest in our cabinet with-
in twenty miles of where they were
laid.

Sets of five Yellow-billed Cuckoo
are not very unusual.—Hditor.

Hike 2 ee ee
Large Set Bewick’s Wren.

Riley Halleman reports a set of 11

Bewick’s Wren eggs taken at San

“THE OOLOGIST

Male Bobolink

81

82 THH OOLOGIST

Antonio, Texas, this spring. This is
the largest set of which we have any
knowledge.

2G <e
Bobolink.

Dolychonyx Oryzivorus, also called in
the Southern States, Reed- or
Rice-bird.

Of all our natural songsters the
Bobolink is the most noted and popu-
lar. Descriptions of his songs so fre-
quently appear in literature, that even
those who have not heard it, must
form a good idea of its enchanting
music.

“That rollicking jubilant whistle,
That rolls like a brooklet along—
That sweet flageolet of the meadows,

The hubbling Bobolink song.”

The Bobolink is too well known to
need description—They enter the
Southern States the last of March or
the first of April and by the middle
of May have reached their summer
homes in our immediate vicinity.

When the Bobolink comes to us in
May he is wearing his bridal dress of
black and buff, and very attractive it
is. His mate or wife is quite differ-
ently attired in a streaked sparrow
like costume. After family cares are
over, in common with all birds, both
Bobolink and his wife, shed their now
worn plumage and an entire new one
is grown, and the male looks very
much like the female. The bright col-
ors have disappeared.

The nest of the Bobolink is exceed-
ingly difficult to find. It is built in a
natural cavity of the ground, among
the tall grasses of a meadow. We had
seen several male Bobolinks on this
side of Stony Point, on the then called
Tifft farm. Being provided with a
long rope of 60 feet or more, we tied
the ends to the lower part of our leg
and trailed, keeping a sharp lookout
along the rope. Within twenty min-
utes we had found two nests.

Several years later, near the Tona-
wanda Swamp, about fifty miles north-
east of Buffalo, N. Y., a friend of ours,
went a little ways from the farm-house
early in the morning, climbed on the
roof of a schoolhouse, and silently
watched when the male Bobolink flew
to the nest, we supposed to bring food
to his mate. He located the place and
found easily from four to six nests.

They lay from five to seven eggs,
and queer to say, each set is differen:-
ly colored and marked, no two sets
alike.

After raising their brood they gath-
er in flocks and return to the South-
ern States and are found in immense
numbers in the rice-fields and marshes,
and are trapped and caught in large
quantities, to be sent to the Hotels
in Washington, where they are serv-
ed as Rice- or Reed-Birds. If the Bob-
olink would not be well protected in
our Northern States, they would have
been exterminated long ago. To my
knowledge they have increased in this
locality.

From the rice-fields they migrate to
South America and have been observ-
ed south of the Amazon River where
they again drape themselves in bridal-
dress for their return to the United
States where the

Bobolink has come, and like the soul
of a sweet season, vocal in a bird,
gurgles in ecstacy we know not what,
Save June! Dear June! Now God be
praised for June.

Ottomar Reinecke.
2° e
Nesting of the Northern Pileated
Woodpecker.

Of the various birds found in the
Pennsylvania forests, none possesses
the attraction for me that the Pileated
Woodpecker does. He is at once so
reserved, so lordly that his very pres-
ence lends an air of nobility to his sur-
roundings.

THE OOLOGIST

“Arroyo Largo,” Typical Isle of Pines Stream

——Photo by A. C. Read,

83

84 THE OOLOGIST

When I arrived at State College,
some six years since, I soon discover-
ed that the surrounding mountain side
held many good things but their dist-
ance from College and the character
of the country made short trips almost
an impossibility. The Woodpeckers
seemed limited to the big slashings of
the mountain country and the timber-
ed swamps. Frequently I saw the
birds but the great distance which
they travel made it exceedingly diffi
cult to trace them to their homes. At
last in the spring of 1912, I located a
pair in March that were drilling a hole
in a big, dead sugar maple in a dense
wooded swamp some four miles from
the College. All during March and
April the female bird could be found
working at the hole while the male
kept guard near by and warned her
with his flicker-like calls.

About April 20, the female appear-
ed to be sitting but I gave her ten
days more and when I climbed the tree
on April 30, the action of the female
made me almost sure that there were
eggs. However I wanted to be sure
and as the location of the nest pro-
hibited the use of a mirror or the cut-
ting out of a small piece of wood, I
still left the nest. On May 2d, I re-
turned and flushed the female from
the hole. On climbing up the danger-
ous, dead stub and cutting out the
hole, my chagrin may well be imagin-
ed when I found but two pearly white
fresh eggs. The hole was of course
ruined and the birds left though they
were very fearless about the nest.
The hole was two feet deep and went
straight in for six inches before it
turned down into the heart of the tree.
The distance to the ground was forty
feet. In 1913 this swamp was all cut
out and no trace of the woodpeckers
could be found.

In 1912 I also located a pair in a
dense slashing in Hundington County

some fourteen miles from College, but
was unable to find the nest. Harly in
1913 I located this pair again and
found them working on a tree near
the edge of a swamp. On May 7th,
Mr. Samuel Dickey and myself went
to this swamp and Mr. Dickey found
the nest, with four fresh eggs, record-
ed in a recent number of THE OOLO-
GIST. Several other pairs were locat-
ed but no further nests were found at
this time.

I had about given up hopes for any
further success with the Pileated
Woodpecker during this year when I
took a trip to La Anna, Pike County,
on May 16. Here in the Pocono Moun-
tains I knew the birds nested but they
were extremely wary and rare and
the large wooded areas amply conceal-
ed the few nesting pairs.

On the morning of May 18, after at-
tending Sunday School, I walked up
a little path through a small section
of primeval Hemlock and hardwoods
to visit a couple of nests I had found
previously. First I stopped at a Win-
ter Wren’s nest under the roots of
an upturned Hemlock but it was emp-
ty and the lining was partly torn out.
A little farther on I stopped to in-
spect a beautiful nest of the North-
ern Water Thrush holding three eggs.
As I neared the upper end of the woods
I was surprised to hear the ringing
call of the Pileated Woodpecker. I
started looking about and in a few mo-
ments saw a large hole seventy feet
up ina ‘partly dead top of a Sugar
Maple. In response to a _ hurried
thump on the tree a scarlet crested
head appeared at the hole. After din-
ner I changed my clothes and procur-
ing a large leather strap, returned to
the tree with my fiance. It was fifty
feet to the first limb and I could not
reach half way around the trunk but
I wanted that nest. Now it is quite
a job to take two hundred and twenty

THE OOLOGIST 85

pounds, fifty feet up in a tree so I fas-
tened myself on with a strap and start-
ed the ascent. About thirty feet up
a White-breasted Nuthatch flew out
of a knot-hole into my face and look-
ing in I saw seven pretty eggs, but as
they appeared very glossy and incu-
bated I did not disturb them. The
Woodpeckers hole faced southeast
and was bored straight in for four
inches and then down twenty-two
inches where it enlarged into a pear-
shaped cavity. Here lay the four eggs.
They would probably have hatched in
three more days but by great care and
the use of caustic potash, they were
saved as perfect specimens.
Richard C. Harlow.
ee a Sg
Tufted Titmouse Notes.

The Tufted Titmouse (Bacolophus
bicolor) is an abundant resident in
the woodlands of Harris County,
Texas, and a trip cannot be made in
Such woodlands without seeing large
numbers of these birds in company
with Plumbeous Chickadees, as they
search through the tree-tops and
among the branches of the moss-cov-
ered deciduous saplings on the edges
of woods.

As common as the Titmouse is dur-
ing the breeding season I had never
found a nest with a set of eggs.

Indeed, in May, 1911, I had located
a nest of this bird high up in a dead
and swaying pine stump thirty feet
from the ground. But the trunk was
a good three feet in diameter and of-
fered very little hold. I buckled on
my climbers, but it was no use for
each time I socked my climbers in as
deep as I could I simply gouged out
large hunks of the rotten wood. The
birds evidently had young as I saw
them carry what appeared to be small
insects into the cavity.

But on March 238, 1913, while out
for a day with the birds in company

with Mr. C. L. Brock of Houston, we
happened to pass an old oak stump
some twenty feet high and one foot
in diameter, which was about a hun-
dred feet or so from the edge of a
strip of timber west of Houston. No
birds were in sight, so it was with
little hope that I climbed up and
searched each broken branch. The
tree was swaying with my weight and
I was preparing to climb down when
I heard a rustling in a stub of a five
inch limb. Pulling the bark away I
found a Titmouse setting in a small
natural cavity between the bark and
the solid wood of the limb.

No manner of pounding would make
the bird leave the nest, so as a last
resort I stuck in two fingers and grasp-
ed her by the tail feathers and yank-
ed her forth. Before I could secure
a good hold on her she slipped from
my fingers.

She lit on a pine branch about six
feet off and began a loud scolding and
calling and was soon joined by the
male. To make identification of the
set of eggs certain I called to Mr.
Brock and he secured the female with
a well directed load of mustard-seed
from my .22. Later examination show-
ed that she was a typical easterner
and not one of the many intermediate
so often run into in this county.

Turning my attention to the nest, I
found that it was placed in said nat-
ural cavity about eleven inches from
the entrance; the branch was about
six inches long and the nest was thus-
ly seen to be about five inches into
the trunk of the tree, the wood of
which was very rotten. The nest was
a mass of various kinds of rubbish;
pieces of dead elm leaves, horse hair,
cast off snake skin, little chips of the
oak bark, pieces of dead grass, cow
hair, small green lichens, weeds, and
fine plant fibres were all thrown to-
gether with no sign of lining. The

86 THE OOLOGIST

eggs were five in number, nearly fresh,
and very well-marked specimens, al-
though the markings were somewhat
fainter than is usual with the species.

I could not see for the world how
the bird managed to get out of the cav-
ity. It seemed easy enough for her
to get in, by going head first, but there
was not room enough for her to turn
around and she would have been com-
pelled to back out; there was barely
enough room in the back part of the
cavity for her to squeeze in over the
eggs.

These five eggs measure: .72 x .56,
(2X .55, .73 x .56, .70 x .56 and .71 x .56
inches.

One intermediate between the east-
ern form and the Sennett’s Titmouse,
collected about four and a half miles
west of Houston, contained a small
tape worm or hook worm of some
sort in between the intestines, and it
is a wonder to me that the bird was
as healthy and fat as it seemed to be.
The tiny parasite immediately died on
being brought into the cold winter air,
the bird having been skinned afield.

Finlay Simmons.
Houston, Texas.
ope
Elevated Nests of the Towhee.

On June 26, 1910, I found a nest of
the Towhee in some scrubby growth
near Oil City, Pa. The nest was typi-
cal in every way but was placed four
feet up in some beech sprouts, much
after the fashion of the nests of the
Cardinal. At that time the female
was sitting on two eggs.

Again on August 7, 1912, I found a
Chewink’s nest near Edge Hill, Mont-
gomery County, Penna., with the fe-
male sitting on the half incubated
eggs. The nest was up probably three
feet in the forks of some young White
Oak sprouts along the road and again
resembled greatly the situation chosen
by the Cardinal.

The writer desires to add these two
instances to the several published
records of this trait of some Chewinks.
The fact remains however, that the
Chewink is preeminently a ground
nesting occasionally in such species
as the Brown Thrasher and Dove.

Richard C. Harlow.
st oe
eae ee |
Henry W. Beers.

We regret to chronicle the death of
Henry W. Beers of Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, for many years a subscriber
to THE OOLOGIST, and a member of
the leading circle of collectors of
birds, skins, nests and eggs. His
death was caused by pneumonia after
a two months’ illness and he leaves
a wife and six months old boy, to
whom we extend our sincere sympa-
thy.

It was a regret at the time that we
did not meet Mr. Beers when at
Bridgeport last summer. His collec-
tion is full of rare specimens and
choice material.

What Are They?

I have 1-5 marked Sulphur-bellied
Wlycatcher that came from the collec-
tion of the late Wm. B. Crispin. The
eggs are very pale cream color, glossy.
One egg is marked all over with small
reddish and lavender dots. One is
similar to the first only the dots are
more indistinct. The others are al-
most plain but show a_ similarity.
The sizes of the five eggs are 1.00x
68, 1.00 x .67, 1.00x68, .92x65, 87x
.64. Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher eggs
look like Crested Flycatchers while
these are more like Martins. The
data reads as follows:

No. 451 Name, Sulphur-bellied Fly-
catcher. Collected by F. B. Armstrong.
Locality, Tampica, Mexico. Date, May
17, 1904. Set mark, 18-5. Incubation

THE
fresh. Eggs in set, five. Identity, no
question. Nest, Feathers, wood and

so forth in deserted cavity of Golden-
fronted Woodpecker.

I have looked through Reed’s book
several times to see if I could place
this set and failed completely. The
Sulphur bellied Flycatcher lays five
eggs and they nest in a deserted cavy-
ity and it is apparent the set is some
kind of a Flycatcher. Can anyone sug-
gest a name for them? Who is the
man that traded them to Crispin? If
he reads this please write and state
where and how he got them.

HE. J. Darlington.
Wilmington, Del.
°°

Plumbeous Chickadee.

In Harris County, Texas, the Plum-
beous Chickadee is a common resi-
dent, and breeds sparingly. In winter
they are common in all woodlands in
company with Titmice and Kinglets
and roam through the tree tops in
small droves, searching in the bark
of the trees for insects and insect
eggs, upon which they feed most com-
menly.

The majority of cavities are ex-
cavated by the birds themselves, and
only on one or two occasions have I
found a nest in a natural cavity or a
cavity dug by woodpeckers.

March 28, 1911, I discovered a cavity
with entrance in the top of the china-
berry stump which the birds had se-
lected. Green branches grew all
around the jagged break and complete-
ly hid the entrance, which was seven
feet from the ground. The cavity was
seven inches deep and three eggs were
resting on a scanty lining. I watched
this nest for some time but no more
eggs were laid.

More nests were found until April
15th of that year; on that day I found
a nest in a fence post along an old
country road running west of Houston.

OOLOGIST 87

The parent bird was on the nest so I
tried to scare her off; that wouldn’t
work so I took a small twig and tried
to lift her off. It had no effect what-
ever, except to make her stick closer
to the nest. After a great deal of
trouble I managed to flush her and
found that the nest contained two
eggs, one of normal size and the other
a tiny runt.

June 1, 1910, I had the luck to find
a Chickadee nest containing three hait-
grown young, which shows to what
a late date they will nest.

The Chickadees are very antagonis-
tic, and in early March, 1912, I observ-
ed a pair drive a pair of Brown-headed
Nuthatches from a newly finished cav-
ity and take possession.

March 30, 1912, I found a nest in a
dead pine stump in a large clearing in
the pine woods west of Houston. The
nest was in a natural cavity in the
side of the stump four and a half feet
from the ground, probably caused by
a pithy chunk of the wood falling out.
The cavity was 31% inches deep and 2
inches wide and contained a mass of
fine green moss and lichens, cedar
bark and a few feathers. It contained
four eggs, somewhat incubated.

April 20, 1912, I examined a Chick-
adee’s nest in a post in the center of
a plowed field about a hundred yards
from a strip of timber. The year
previous a Red-headed Woodpecker
had excavated his domicile and rear-
ed a fine brood of young. The Chick-
adees had slightly deepened the cav-
ity, making it 12 inches in depth, and
packed the bottom with a mass of
lichens and tiny buds of the elm tree.
It contained five pipped eggs.

May 12, 1912, I found a nest of five
fully fledged young in a dead pine
stump in a clearing south of Houston.
This cavity was nine feet up, the high-
est I have ever found one of these
nests.

88 THE OOLOGIST

March 22, 1913, I stopped to look at
a last year’s Brown-headed Nuthatch
cavity which I had had the misfortune
to cause the birds to desert on March
9th of the previous year, and which
on April 13th had contained five Blue-
bird eggs. I found a Chickadee had
taken possession and deepened the
cavity. Tearing off the side of the
cavity I counted seven well-marked
eggs. The nesting material was com-
posed principally of cow and horse
hair, and contained downy hen feath-
ers, pieces of leaves, plant fibre, fine
grasses, cedar bark, tiny chips from
the work of the Chickadees, small
pieces of cotton and a few tiny green
lichens.

Nearly every one of the Chickadee
nests are found in fence posts along
the edges of country roads skirting
timber, and not far from farm houses.

Both parents appear to set on the
eggs, which usually hatch in eleven or
twelve days. The young stay in the
nest about two weeks, always hungry
and keep the parents hopping to Sse-
cure food for them.

Three appears to be aS common a
number of eggs in a set as any; the
set of seven mentioned above is the
largest set I have ever found. The set
of four eggs collected March 30, 1912,
measures: .59x45, 59x .46, .59 x .46,
and .59 x .45 inches. The set collected
March 22, 1912, was fresh and meas-
ures .55x.46, .57x.45, .59x.45, 59x
44, .57x.46, .59x.45, and .57 x .46
inches. The runt egg mentioned above
as collected on April 15, 1911, is of
normal shape, had perfect markings
and looked like a minature of the aver-

age Chickadee egg, for in size it meas-
ured .30 x .26 inches, by far the small-
est egg of any kind that I have ever
seen.

Finlay Simmons.
Houston, Texas.

The Gold Finch.

On July 24, 19138, I found the nest of
a Gold Finch, containing five eggs and
one Cowhbird’s egg. Was somewhat
surprised on noticing the Cowbird’s
ege. Thinking this rather uncommon,
I took the eggs, and nest because it
is the first time, that I ever saw this
species containing the egg of the
Cowbird. The set was fresh, and easy
to blow.

On July 13, 1913, I took nest and
eggs—a set of four—with one Cow-
bird’s egg.

2—~<e

Red Backed Sandpiper Eggs.
Dear Mr. Barnes:
Attention “Ye Hditor.”

Mr. Reinecke of Buffalo, New York,
recites his interesting record as to
the occurrence in his community of
the Red-backed Sandpiper. Mr. Rein-
ecke even goes so for as to conclude
his remarks by stating eggs of this
bird are, to the best of his knowledgs,
unknown in collections. This might
be an appropriate time for me to re-
fer to my series of Shore Birds’ eggs
and supply a little data as to the
breeding of the American Dunlin.

Probably the most interesting of
my four sets of Red-backed Sandpiper,
is a set of three taken, together with
the parent, at Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This capture was made by Mr. A. J.
Schonnebeck, one of the pioneer Orni-
thologists of Wisconsin, and an Hon-
orary member of the Milwaukee Aca-
demy of Sciences.

I know of no other record for the
United States. Another clutch is the
take of Mr. Wm. H. Snyder of Beaver
Dam, Wisconsin, who was with the
Philadelphia Academy of Sciences’ ex-
pedition collecting at Point Barrow,
Alaska, in 1898. The other two sets
are from Franklin Bay and identified
as well founded in every instance.

I might add that Mr. Joseph Grin-

THE OOLOGIST 89

nell, who collected the eggs of the
Hudsonian Curlew, which are in my
collection, has also procured the eggs
of the American Dunlin in the vicinity
of Kowak Delta, Alaska.

Sincerely,

Gerald Alan Abbott.
pull Se een SE TE es ee
Subscribers.

We are getting short of “copy.” Get
busy. Copy without photos is wanted,
as well as that accompanied by photos
relating to rare birds. Help us in
keeping up THE OOLOGIST.—Hditor.

ip Si Dee eat
Peculiar Nesting of the Scarlet
Tanager.

In spite of the fact that the Tanager
is a common breeding bird over the
larger part of the state of Pennsyl-
vania lying within the Alleghanian and
Canadian life zones, I have never
found but very few of their nests. The
clear, cheerful song of the male is fre-
quently heard but to the author at
least the nesting secrets have always
been an enigma.

It was with pleasure then that on
July 10th, 1909, I heard the harsh
“chip-churr” of the female which
usually means that a nest is close by.
A short search revealed it, placed in
the fork of a horizontal yellow birch
about eighteen feet above the water
of one of those trout streams for
which the Pocono Mountains are just-
ly famous. The set of four almost
fresh eggs were typical in all par-
ticulars but were unfortunately broken
before blowing.

I often passed over a bridge near

this point and heard both Tanagers..

Owing to the lateness of the season, I
supposed that no second attempt at
nesting would be made. Imagine,
therefore, when on the morning of
July 2ist the female was observed
starting a nest on a horizontal limb
of a yellow birch directly over the

road. The nest was completed on
July 27th and on the 29th held one
egg, readily discernible from the road.
On August 4th the nest was collected
and was found to contain a handsome
set of five eggs.

Owing to my small experience with
tne Tanager I can not speak with au-
thority concerning the size of their
sets but I was under the impression
that complete sets almost invariably
consisted of three or four eggs and
had never heard of a set of five. At
all events, a second setting of five at
a date so late in August and from a
pair which had previously laid but
four eggs is worthy of notice.

Richard C. Harlow.
2—<f eo

Scarlet Tanager.

Anyone who has seen the male Scar-
let Tanager in his natural Habitat,
with his body of irridescent red, blend-
ed with his wings and tail of lustrous
black, could not fail to appreciate the
unexcelled beauty of this bird. In
looking for the nest the collector is
assisted by hearing the call note of
jep-there, jep-there, jep-there. The
nest is pretty sure to be some where
in the vicinity. They generally place
the nest near the end of a horizontal
limb from 15 to 30 feet from the
ground, on the edge of a woods, over
a road or near a path.

I found a nest May 27th, 1906 with
four eggs and one Cowbird at Pocop-
son, Pa., in Black Oak 21 feet from the
ground and 18 feet out. The nest was
over a public road and the only way
to get the eggs was to stand a ladder
on end, brace it with ropes one way
while my brother held it from going
side-ways. I secured~ the nest and
eggs.

On June 19, 1909, I found a nest near
Wilmington, Del., with three eggs, in-
cubation commenced, near the end of
a limb about 15 feet high in an Oak

90 THE OOLOGIST

tree on the edge of woods. I got a
friend to collect this set as I was too
heavy to go out on the limb. As he
went out the limb bent down with his
weight until he was nearly upright-
heels first. It was amusing to see
him back up the limb with the nest in
one hand giving vent to his feelings
with numerous grunts until he had
them safe.
EE. J. Darlington.

Wilmington, Del.

0~<Q>o
900 Kinds of Birds in the Canal Zone.

On one little island in Gatun lake,
formerly known as Lion hill, before
the impounded waters of the Chagras
river isolated it from the rest of the
canal zone, are more species of birds
than in any one locality in the west-
ern hemisphere. HE. A. Goldman of
the biological survey, department of
agriculture, in two short collecting
trips to Panama, has procured about
300 different species of birds and it is
estimated that a larger variety is to
be found within the limits of the canal
zone than in any one state in the
United States—about 900. In the
neighborhood of Gatun at the Atlantic
entrance of the canal alone no less
than 250 species have been found.

SAE Tea AEE EAM lc
After Great Blue Herons With Will
Crispin.

Of a number of field trips taken dur-
ing 1913, the recollection of none is
so sacred in my mind as is the one to
the Great Blue Herony near Salem,
New Jersey. True, no rare specimens
were found but it marked,the last out-
ing which I took with my friend, Will
Crispin, ere he fell in pursuit of the
Peregrine’s nest at Nockamixon. Will
had invited me down some time be-
fore and as I was near Philadelphia at
that time in search of Long Hared
Owls and Duck Hawks I decided to
take a chance on the earliness of the
season and run down on April 8th.

-several

I reached Woodstown, New Jersey,
at about 6 p. m., where Will met me
in his car and we started for the woods
about four miles outside of Woods-
town. Along the road a number of in-
teresting birds were observed, among
them being a pair of imported Hungar-
ian Pheasants. We left the car along
the road near the big woods and start-
ed through the heavy timber, startling
flocks of Turkey Buzzards
from the leafless trees on the way. As
we reached the outskirts of the Her-
ony, the great birds stood up on their
nests and then sailed over us in the
dusk uttering their harsh cries. Prob-
ably sixteen pairs of birds were breed-
ing in this place, the nests being plac-
ed well up in the tops of the tall,
straight chestnuts from sixty-five to
eighty-five feet above the ground in a
high, dry section of the woods.

The first nest I inspected was sixty-
eight feet up in a triple crotch of a
Chestnut, being a very large structure
of sticks and twigs, slightly cupped
and somewhat lined with cat-briar. It
held but two eggs and as a nest in a
nearby tree which Will ascended at
the same time likewise held but two,
our hopes fell.

However, after a seventy-four foot
climb I reached the next nest, built in
the same manner in a double crotch
and found a fine set of five eggs which
to Will’s astonishment proved a week
incubated when they were blown. All
the trees and nests were somewhat
spattered with the chalky excrements
of the birds.

The next nest I reached was seven-
ty-five feet up in a double fork and al-
so held five eggs.

Nearby I hurriedly ascended to a
very large nest about eighty feet up
and found another set of five eggs, in-
cubated several days. It was now
nearly dark but I made one more climb
to a nest seventy-two feet up in the

THE OOLOGIST 91

double forks of a large Chestnut and
was rewarded by a set of six eggs, in-
cubated about four days.

There were a number of other nests
at this place but I was well content
and we hurried back to the machine
through the deepening shadows, con-
gratulating ourselves that the Herons
had been so early. The evening was
spent blowing the eggs and looking
over Will’s magnificent collection of
personally taken sets. Little did }
think as we planned together that the
Peregrines which interested Will so
greatly would be the cause of Oology
losing one of its best caste while the
world would mourn one of the finest
men she ever produced. And my eyes
fill up yet as I recall his cheery ‘“‘Good
luck, Richard” with which he bade me
his last earthly farewell.

Richard C. Harlow.
o<P—0

A Day of Records.

June 6, 1912, was cloudy with occa-
Sional showers, and as it had rained
and stormed the night before the day
was cool and just right for a ramble
so I concluded to put in the day down
the river at my old stamping grounds.
After an hour’s walk I turned off and
worked along the side of a mountain.
This mountain is very steep and rises
straight from the river’s edge. It is
covered with a thick forest of mostly
hemlock and in summer is the home of
some of the rarer breeders. Although
Blackburnian, - Black-throated Blues
and Greens, Canadians and Hooded
Warblers, as well as Juncos, Winter
Wrens and Solitary Vireos were sing-
ing about I saw no nests of interest
and finally came to the top of one of
the numerous cliffs or slides.

As I stepped out on the rocks on
top of this cliff, there not thirty feet
below me sat an adult Bald Hagle on
a fallen hemlock. We saw each other
at the same time and the old fellow

exceeded the speed limit getting away
from that vicinity. Eagles are some-
times seen here along the river but
are usually in the gray plumage.
Adults are seldom seen so here was
something worth recording for a start-
er.

About the bars and islands at my
favorite ducking grounds I found plen-
ty of Spotted Sandpipers and flushed a
female off her four eggs on a little
grassy spot on the gravel bars. There
were several Killdeer and green
Herons about, also one Great blue, a
few Crows and a pair of Red-shoulder-
ed Hawks.

On the first flat amid the tangle and
rank growth the Mourning Warblers
were singing everywhere. Taking a
stick I hunted about carefully and in
a short time I found a nest containing
two eggs. The mosquitoes were such
a pest though that I soon had to quit
and go back on the second flat in the
heavier timber. Here I found several
nests of the Magnolia Warbler and out
on the limb of a hemlock I found a
Blackburnian’s nest containing one
egg. On visiting this nest a few days
later I found it had been robbed by a
squirrel or Jay.

In a lot of low brush I saw a beau-
tiful nest of the Hooded Warbler cor
taining four eggs.

Along a little stream where the tim-
ber was open and all hardwood, I was
watching a Redstart working on a
nearly finished nest when I heard a
strange note. It seemed familiar and
I quickly remembered it from my
West Virginia experiences. I soon
found the author and sure enough it
was an Acadian Flycatcher. While
watching it I saw it was building a
nest. Visiting the place later on I
found the female sitting on three eggs.
This record alone was well worth the
trip to me, for although a common
enough bird far south of us, this is

92 THE OOLOGIST

the only time I ever saw the bird
here. So it not only added a new one
to my county list but added a new one
to my list of breeding birds.

As it had rained at intervals and
the brush was very wet, I was pretty
well soaked so headed back to the riv-
er, coming out at a little field. I had
just about reached the bank of the
river when I saw a Hawk flying down
over the middle of the stream. A
flock of swallows were in hot pursuit.
When nearly opposite me a couple of
Crows flying over, turned and started
in pursuit. The Hawk then turned
and came in right past me. As it
neared me it uttered a peculiar note.
A sort of rapidly repeated ‘kak, kak,
kak,” quite different from any hawk
note with which I was familiar. As
it passed me very close and low down
I saw it had a Swallow in its talons.
I could also see its markings very
plainly and had no trouble recogniz-
ing an adult Duck Hawk. If I had
only had my old “Parker” along 1
would have secured a fine specimen
and something new. This is the only
Duck Hawk I ever saw to recognize,
although I have often wondered why
I never met it during migrations.

I saw nothing more unusual on my
way home but was very much pleased
with the result of this trip for even if
I didn’t add anything to my collection,
I added two new birds to my County
list, also a new breeder besides hav-
ing spent a very interesting day.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Penna.
<>
A Peculiar Nest of the Clapper Rail.

Along the whole New Jersey sea
coast the Clapper Rail is everywhere
an abundant bird. Time was, when
the natives sallied forth with basket
and collected their eggs as a delicacy
for the table but stringent laws have
Since put an end to this practice. As

a rule the birds are limited to the salt
meadows, skilking in the long marsh
grass and along the edges of the
streams which penetrate the marshes
in all directions.

It was late in May, the 22d, to be ex-
act, of the year that I was exploring
a tract of country near Cape May, New
Jersey. The object of my search was
the Henslow’s Sparrow and with this
bird in mind I had turned back from
the salt marshes to the drier fields
covered with a growth of last year’s
dead grass. The presence of a sing-
ing male in a small field promised a
possible reward and I started on a sys-
tematic search, beating the clumps of
dead grass with a switch, when sud-
denly a large brown bird jumped clum-
sily up in front of me. Glancing down
I saw the nest, hidden under a large
tuft of dead grass, rather scantily
built and containing ten eggs of the
Clapper Rail. Meanwhile the bird
from a distance of about sixty yards
kept up a noisy clatter.

Now the peculiar feature of this
nest was the fact that it was placed
in a high, dry field, covered with dead
grass, surrounded on all sides by
woods and fully half a mile from the
salt meadows. Why the bird came to
leave her accustomed haunts I am at
a loss to know. The constant persecu-
tion by the Field Crows on the salt
meadows does much to decrease the
number of eggs hatched but I am loath
to credit the Rail with an amount of
intelligence that would direct it to the
safety of the locality where it was
found.

Richard C. Harlow.
oo sta a UNS

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THE OOLOGIST.

BIRDS—NESTS--EGGS qos" tui.

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TAXIDERMY ( JUN 18 19

—

WHOLE No. 823

ie Tan —r ah} eh

‘VoL. XXXI. No. 6. ALBION, N. Y., JUNE, 15, 1914.

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
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FOR SALE —Thoroughbred
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TRADH.—18 A. farm. Will take #175 cash
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Muscovy

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Tigi ele dit CAL ie eS EE eee

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
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ia THE OOLOGIST

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
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numerals im your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
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think justly so.

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
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and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGER,
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THE OOLOGIST.

Vou. XXXII. No. 6. ALBION, N. Y. JUNE, 15, 1914. WHoLe No, 823

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

JUNE
The Warbler Month.

We are giving you this month an OOLOGIST almost exclusively dedicated
to the Warbler family. These tiny bits of bird life are among the most remark-
able of our birds. Interesting at all times to all bird students, attractive at all
times to everybody, because of their manifold activities, beautiful plumage and
wonderful range of habits and habitat. Covering the continent as they do from
the southernmost part of Florida tothe northernmost lands of Alaska, their mis-
sion seems to be to pass through the more temperate zone just at the time the
forests are budding into bloom and breaking into foliage; they search the
innermost recesses of the new growth for the minute insect life which would
be destructive beyond measure.

We hope the present issue of THH OOLOGIST will be satisfactory to our
readers, even though a few of the illustrations you will find therein have been

published before——The Editor.

94 THE OOLOGIST

The Black and White Warbler.
(Mniotilta varia.

Throughout the northern counties
of New Jersey, especially in Passiac,
Bergen, Sussex and Warren Counties,
this striped black and white Warbler
is a common summer resident. They
arrive in this section from April 25th
to May 4th and remain, in more or
less abundance, according to the years
in which the observations are made,
until October 1st to 10th.

One very unusual feature of this
species is the fact that during some
years they are very common through-
out their period of residence in cer-
tain localities, whereas during others
they are entirely wanting. As a fur-
ther explanation of this feature, my
field notes for the past eleven years
have indicated numerous examples of
this fact. During the years 1902,
1905, 1906, and 1909, this species was
very common in northern Passaic
County in the vicinity of Greenwoog
Lake. Again this present year they
are rather abundant. During 1903
and 1904 they were entirely wanting
and not a single specimen was en
countered, either during the migra-
tions or during the summer. In 1907,
1908, 1910, 1911 and 1912 they were
rather common but not near as abund-
ant as during the years 1902, 1905,
1906, and 1909. In Sussex and Ber-
gen Counties during the years 1903,
1904, 1910 and 1911 they were abund-
ant at points within fifteen or twenty
miles of Greenwood Lake. I have
attempted to learn the reason for this
varied distribution from year to year,
but have arrived at nothing as a uni-
form abundance of food has apparent-
ly been present and there has been
practically little difference in the
weather conditions.

Up to the present season, however,
there has been no nests of this species
located and although I have investi-

gated nearly all the available sites
where they might nest, nothing has
ever presented itself. In 1907 and
1910 the young birds of this species
were seen near Ringwood, Passaic
County.

This season was more prolific and
two nests were located on May 15th,
within fifty feet of one another on
the easterly slope of the Bearfort
Mountains, about five miles south of
the southern extremity of Greenwood
Lake. Both of these were located di-
rectly on the ground among the loose
stones near the base of two shagbark
hickories in a rather damp and weedy
ravine about half way up the side of
the hills. The nests were similar in
appearance and were composed of
strips of bark, plant fibers, grasses
and decayed leaves and were lined
with fine grasses. On May 24th these
nests were again visited and found to
contain four and five eggs, respect-
ively. These eggs were white, spotted
and wreathed with numerous spots of
reddish brown and lavender, and
measured .65x.49; .64x.49; .65x.53 and
.63x.50 and .66x.50; .65x.50; .67x.49;
.64x.49 and .65x.48. On May 27th the
nests were again visited and, in both
cases, the males were found on the
nest.

On June 5th the nests both contain-
ed young about two days old. All the
adults, both male and females, were
bringing food to the young at fre-
quent intervals. This food consisted
wholly of small insects, scale and lar-
vae, which they gathered from the
adjacent trees. During all of the times
when in the vicinity there was one or
the other of the adults at the nest con-
tinually, never leaving the young un-
guarded. On the morning of the 8th,
the brood of four proved a tempting
morsel for a Black Snake (Coluber
constrictor) and he quickly devoured
them. The other brood grew very

Tile OOLOGIST 95

rapidly under the efficient care of the
adults, and on June 20th were seen in
the vicinity still in the care of the
adults, who were still providing as-
siduously for them as during the early
stages of their homelife. On this
latter date another brood of three
with parents were located at New
foundland in a copse of white birches
about three weeks old.
Louis §. Kohler.
—°—~<fe
Nesting of the Black and White
Warbler.

Throughout a large section of Pen-
nsylvania lying within the Alleghani-
an and Canadian life zones the Black
and White Warbler is a common nest-
ing bird. A few nests have been
found in the southern counties but
the birds are far more common in the
central and northern counties of the
state, though in the true primeval
northern forests they are very scarce.

A number of times I have found
nests of this strikingly marked little
bird but invariably they were found to
contain young. At that time the par-
ents obvious anxiety readily points
out the locality of the nest and a care-
ful search usually discloses it at the
base of a stump or under a fallen
branch or log. In the Pocono Moun-
tains I have found two nests during
June, 1906, and to my surprise, both
were placed fully two feet above the
ground in cavities in old _ rotten
stumps and both held five young.

On the morning of May 7th, 1910,
I was exploring the bottomlands of
an almost inpenetrable swamp in
Stone Valley, Huntington County, Pa.,
and about fourteen miles from State
College. While working my way along
the banks of the little pools in search
of Louisiana Water Thrush nests I
suddenly came upon a small Warbler’s
nest, placed half way up in a bank
along a pool and a little back from

the main creek. At that date it was
almost completed, but I readily identi-
fied it as the nest of the Black and
White Warbler tho no birds were seen.
On May 18th I returned and flushed
the female from a beautiful set of five
almost fresh eggs. She flew off chirp-
ing in the dense tangle of Rhoddoden-
drons, but seemed apparently very
little concerned. The eggs are rather
thickly and evenly spotted with fine
flecks and dots of reddish brown and
lilac. Later, my friend, Samuel Dick-
ey, took a set in the same locality.

On June 2nd, 1913, I found a nest
hear La Anna, Pike County, Pa., with
four full fledged young. The set in
this instance must have been com-
pleted by May 12, and as several other
nests found about June 6th have held
young, it can be seen that the Black
and White is an early nester, usually
having complete sets by May 20th.

Richard C. Harlow.
2p e
My Start.

Hach year about the first of April,
or before, we feel restless. It is the
call of the woods and streams.

About the first of April, 1912, I be-
gan to catch the fever. At that time
I did not know as much about birds’
nesting as the ordinary cat, so I de-
cided to get acquainted with Mr. EH.
J. Darlington in some way or other
and as he only lived about five houses
from me that was not hard.

When I first started I had only the
barn yard duck eggs and these with
a hole in each end big enough to
crawl through. I got acquainted with
Mr. Darlington about April 20, 1912;
he invited me up but we were going
away for the summer on June 10, and
you know “Absence makes the heart
grow fonder,’ so I waited. When I
came: back from my vacation, I de-
cided to go up and see him as soon
as I could, so, on Sept. 30, 1912, I

96 THE OOLOGIST

went to see for the first time a real
collection of birds’ eggs and a real
Oologist.

When I went to the door the first
thing he did was to take me up and
show me his eggs, and I think I almost
pestered him to death with the ques-
tion ‘“Wasat.” When I left he gave
me 1-5 crow and 1-4 English Sparrow
eggs and told me to come up again,
which I did.

Wilmington, Del. H. M. Kenworthy.
sa dR LSS ee
Albino Blackbird.

On the tenth day of September,
1913, I had brought to me a very
oddly marked specimen of the bronzed
Grackle (I. q. Aneus). I had heard
of this bird several times during the
late summer, it having been noticed
with a small flock of the Grackles
feeding on the different lawns of the
city and was finally taken by a local
sportsman and brought in to me to
be mounted. It was of normal size
and proved to be a young male. Its
color was light greyish white, tail al-
most pure white with just a tinge oi
the gray, just enough so that the plu-
mage was not in any part a good clean
white color. The breast had a few
very dark brown feathers in a patch
as did also the tops of the wings at
the base and these extended across
the back between the wings. Eyes
were very light brown, beak light
drab, legs and feet black. Outside of
its plumage this specimen was no dif-
ferent in size and shape than any oi
the Bronzed Grackles. It was taken
while in the company of a small flock
of the blackbirds and was still alive
when I received it as only a wing was
broken by a 22-calibre rifle ball. I
disliked very much to kill it, but final-
ly decided it would be next to impos-
sible to keep it alive, so it is now
mounted and in the home of the
sportsman who took it. I should have

liked very much to have seen this
specimen after it had moulted, think-
ing that perhaps its new plumage
might have been perfectly white.
O. M. Greenwood.
Notice.

The series of articles now running
in THE OOLOGIST by the editor re-
lating to collecting and preserving
the nests and eggs will continue to
appear at intervals of two months,
until the entire subject has been cov-
ered.

Nisei en ease iN Se
The Worm-Eating Warbler.
(Helmitheros virniworus)

In parts of South-western Penna,
the Worm-eating Warbler is a toler-
ably common summer resident. Ar-
riving late in April or early in May,
we find them flitting about the lower
undergrowth of wooded ravines or
steep hillside woods. Here they glean
many harmful insects from the vege-
tation. From time to time they sing
their dainty song which so resembles
that of the Chipping Sparrow.

In Greene County, nesting time ex-
tends from May 14 to June 5. For
nésting purposes small ravines, well
strewn with fallen leaves, and con-
taining a splashing brook at their
bottoms, seem to be favorite places.
Some birds select steep wooded hill-
sides for their homes. The sight
chosen is ordinarily a depression at
the base of some small sapling. At
times a clump of woodland weeds will
serve the purpose of a nesting place.

In a large wooded ravine some two
miles from my home I! found the
Worm-eating Warblers nesting each
year. Once they built at the base of
a dogwood sprout. Here the female
Warbler deposed but two eggs, for a
luberly Cowbird added two of hers.
During another season the Warbler
placed their nest beside a fallen dead
limb; and chance favored them this

97

THE OOLOGIST

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98 THE OOLOGIST

time, for the Cowbird kept away; so
the Warbler deposited six white eggs
which were well sprinkled with dots
of reddish-brown.

Quite a number of nests are de-
gserted each year on account of the
Cowbirds which lay their eggs in
them. And it is not uncommon for
the female Warbler to suppress the
laying of a full set after the Cowbird
has visited her home.

After examining some thirty nests
of this Warbler I find five eggs to be
the usual number to a clutch, although
three and four are common sets when
the Cowbird has deposited one or
more of her eggs.

Most of the nests examined by my-
self were composed of dry Oak and
Maple leaves, and were lined with
flower stalks of the hair moss, (poly-
tryichium commune). A few nests
lacked this lining of the flower stalks
and were warmly lined with black
horse hairs. Once the birds are lo-
cated, it is no great task to discover
the location of the nest. Thorough
searching over the banks of the small
wooded ravines is sure to bring good
results.

Waynesburg, Pa.
2p}
Nesting of the Worm-eating Warbler
in Hundington County, Pa.

During the spring of 1913, my friend,
Mr. S. S. Dickey, and myself did a
great deal of field work in a moun-
tainous section of Hundington Coun-
ty, lying about foutreen miles south-
west of State College. It is a beauti-
ful stretch of country, full of unspect-
ed realities and unrealized expectan-
cies and affording a striking example
of how the Carolinian life zone is
pushing up on a region once Alle-
ghanian and even Canadian in char-
acter. Many birds that are absent at
State College breed here, among the
rarer species being the Woodcock,

S. S. Dickey.

-Vireos.

Wild Turkey, Northern Pileated Wood-
pecker, Raven, Broad Winged Hawk,
Canadian, Hooded, Golden-winged and
Blackburnian Warblers, while some
low boggy fields furnish probably the
only colony of Henslow’s Sparrow
nesting in the state.

I had previously noted the occur-
rance of the Worm-eating Warbler
here in the summer, but had never
for a moment expected to find- them
regularly in the northern ravines
which sheltered such species as the
Black-throated Green, Blackburnian
and Canadian Warblers and Solitary
On May 8, while Mr. Dickey
and I were working up through an al
most inpenetrable Rhoddodendron
swamp in search of a Pileated Wood-
pecker’s nest, | saw a Worm-eating
Warbler with a muddy leaf in it’s bill
fly past me. I was unable to make
much progress thru the thick growth,.
but took the same general directiow
that the bird had taken toward the
high bank that bordered the swamp-
Here I soon saw both birds again and
found the female busily engaged im
making her nest part way up the
steep bank at the foot of a sprout.

On May 23, we were again in the
vicinity and thru the driving rain we
started out to work another bank
where I had previously located an-
other pair of birds. Beating up and
down the hillside, a small bird sud-
denly darted out from under Sam’s
foot and stooping over he saw the
beautiful nest and the unusually large
set of six eggs which it held. The
nest was placed at the foot of a smalk
clump of Laurel, half way up the slope
and composed of leaves and weed
stalks, being lined with tendrils and
the red hair moss.

We then went up the bank where
I had seen the pair building earlier
in May. Due to the change in growtir
I had some little trouble in locating:

THE OOLOGIST .

the nest and nearly trod on it. The
female never flushed off and chipped
in true warbler fashion, soon attract-
ing a Black and White, two Louisian-
ma Water Thrushes and a Canadian.
‘The nest was about thirty feet from
the bottom of a very steep hillside
and at the base of a small mountain
maple sapling. It was built of leaves,
tendrils and weed stalks and lined as
usual with the Red Hair Moss. The
set consisted of the most beautiful
ezes I ever saw, but were unfortun-
‘ately lost along with some other rari-
ties on the return trip.

On May 24, we went down the creek
and worked the steep hillside and
ravines in that locality. Several more
Worm-eaters were heard but due to
the great amount of hillside to be
covered we found only one more nest.
Tt was cunningly concealed at the
base of a small sapling on a hillside
and held three very small eggs. The
next day the female was sitting on
a set of four, when the nest was
taken.

Mr. Dickey has had a wide experi-
ence with this species in Greene Co.,
but to me it was a pleasant introduc.
tion to a bird that I had met but once
before thru the kindness of Mr.
Frank L. Burns at Berwyn. Taken all
in all I would class the Worm-eating
Warblers as a regular, tho scarce
breeding bird in Hundington County,
and trust to continue the acquaintance
begun under such charming circum-
stances, during the coming year.

Richard C. Harlow.
2 <g>
Nesting of the Florida Gallinule
Harris County, Texas.

Both the Florida and the Purple
Gallinulea are rare summer residents
in Harris County, Texas, seen in the
marshes and prairie swamps where
the tule grass grows high and the
Teeds and.grasses almost hide the

_in

e

99

water. Although the Purple Gallinule
is more common of the two, I have
never found its nest, and the follow-
ing notes are written from the only
nests of the other bird I have ever
found:

On May 28, 1910, I found several
nests of the Florida Gallinule in some
marshes in the San Jacinto River
bottoms adjacent to Galveston Bay.
In the edge of one of the lagoons or
Swampy lakes, where the water was
nearly a foot in depth and the grasses
and reeds grew nearly as high as
one’s head, I was looking at a num-
ber of Red-winged Blackbird nests
when I saw an empty platform of
reeds matted together and about six
inches in height. This set me to
searching and I soon found severar
more, all empty. I thought my search
was to be for nought, when I happen-
ed to flush a bird from a clump of tall
grasses; I saw at once it was a Florida
Gallinule, and turned my attention to
the nest and found six soiled buff-
brown eggs, sparingly spotted over
the entire surface with small specks
and spots of various shades of brown.
The nest was cunningly concealed
over three inches of water and built
up ten inches of reeds, Johnsons grass
and saw grass, entirely surrounded by
tall reeds with only a single path
leading away from the nest.

I have never taken the time to re-
turn to that locality, and hence have
found no other nests.

The six eggs in the set mentioned
above measure: 1.77x1.27, 1.76x1.26,
1.75x1.25, 1.73x1.26, 1.72x1.27, and 1.67
x1.23 in.

Houston, Texas. Finlay Simons.
te NL I lars
The Golden-Winged Warbler.

Early in May, 1913, while I was
searching for nests of the Northern
Pileated Woodpecker in a mountain
valley in the Northern border of Hun-

100 THE OOLOGIST

tingdon County, Pennsylvania, I
chanced to hear several Golden-wing-
ed Warblers as they sang from the
tops of small trees bordering on open
briery spaces of ground, at the base
of a mountain ridge. As later May
approached I decided to investigate
these places in hope of discovering a
nest that I might photograph.

On May 24th, I decided to search
over the space of ground, about an
acre in extent, at which I had heard
the first Golden-winged Warbler sing-
ing. The day was warm and fair, and
as I approached the place I hoped to
hear the Male Golden-wing singing,
but he was not to be heard on this
day.

I began at the top of this space of
ground and searched carefully all the
clumps of briers, weeds and grasses.
IT had gone over the whole space
pretty carefully when I finally reached
a low, damp patch of grass and briers.
There nestled in a clump of green
wiry grass lay the nest. It was made
of dry Oak leaves, well lined with fine
strips of bark. Several blackberry
brier stalks supported it. At this
time it held three fresh eggs. I at
once .left the vicinity and returned
three days later when I flushed the
female from the five fresh eggs and
secured an excellent photograph of
the nest and eggs in situation.

After finding the first nest I search-
ed over a space of ground about one-
half mile away and located a second
nest which held two fresh eggs. This
nest was built in a short clump of
weeds by a bunch of blackberry briers
and was about ten feet from the
mountain road. The finding of the
preceeding nests acted as a stimulus
for further searching, so walked to an
extensive space two miles distant
and part way up a gently sloping
mountain side. Here I could hear a
Golden-wing singing from the top of

a small tree that stood at the road-
side. There were a great many weeay
patches growing from damp, springy
places and among these I searched
for some time. Finally I located a
nest in a clump of tall weeds in a
wet place, by the border of the woods.
The female was sitting and flushed
upon my coming near, revealing five
well marked eggs all fresh. She was
anxious at my presence and Kept up
a continual chipping.

Several days later a friend and I
returned to this place and discovered.
two more nests. The first, which my
friend found, was located in a bunch
of grass by a clump of alder bushes;
it held five young birds. This was
the 30th day of May and a time co
expect young birds. I found a nest
built in a clump of ironweeds at the
woodside. The female flitted from
five heavily spotted eggs as I ap-
proached.

Farther down the valley I found
another nest built six inches avove
the ground in a clump of raspberry
briers that grew in a slight open
space near the border of the woods.
The female bird did not sit so close-
ly here but left while I was some dis-
tance away. This nest held five well
spotted eggs, which were slightly in-
cubated.

At several other suitable open
spaces at the base of the mountains
I heard Golden-wings singing. How-
ever, these places were so extensive
that a thorough search would require
a great deal of time.

While the female Warblers are in-
cubating the males spend a great
deal of their time flitting about the
tops of small trees uttering their faint
dreamy songs. However, they seldom
sing on dark, cloudy days but seem
to prefer the sunshine for their music.

Waynesburg, Pa. S. S. Dickey.

THE OOLOGIST 101

Nest and Eggs of Swianson’s Warbler in Palmetto Fialms
—Photo by Troup D. Perry

THE OOLOGIST

102

Allod ‘q dnoiy, 4q o,o[q—
soued ul Ja;quej, SUOSUIeMS JO

pue 4son

THE OOLOGIST 108

Nesting of the Prarie Warbler.

There is a pleasure resort called
Great Falls, which is situated in Vir-
ginia, fourteen miles North of Wash-
ington, D. C. During the latter part
of May, of a few years ago, I made
several trips to this place in search
of birds’ nests. Upon a hill lying a
short distance back of the Potomac
River, I found a thicket of briers and
‘low Oak saplings that bordered on
a wood of considerable extent. Up-
on my first trip to this place, about
May 20th, I discovered the partly built
nest of some Warbler. May 24th I
returned to the place again, and found
the nest to hold three small eggs. I
waited some time for the bird to come
to the nest but she did not return.
Several days later I came again to
the nest. The day was rainy so I ex-
pected to find the bird at home. In
this, however, I was disappointed.
The nest now held four beautiful
pale greenish-white eggs speckled in
wreaths of dark brown. I went away
from the nest and returned in an hour.
This time two Warblers kept up
sharp chipping notes from the low
undergrowth. Soon J saw one bird
go to the bush which held the nest,
and I socn recognized it as the Prairie
Warbler. The nest was built in a
triple crotch, four feet up in a low
white Oak Sapling. It was made of
strips of weeds and vegetable down.
Waynesburg, Pa..

S S. Dickey.
Si ST Re ao
A Find.

On May 17th, while out collecting
with
through a field, when I stopped, and
looked around. All of a-.sudden a
meadow lark flushed with a loud whirr
of wings from a nest containing six
of the prettiest meadow-lark eggs I
ever saw. Incubation was begun.
Wilmington, Del HE. M. Kenworthy.

Mr. Darlington, I was walking .

One of these birds nested in the
front yard of my home place this
season and laid seven eggs—hatched
every one of them on May 18th, and
at the time of writing this, June
ist, 1914, the little fellows are fol-
lowing the parents about the place
begging for food.

ee EAE ee ee a ESE
Henry W. Beers.

Henry W. Beers, whe died at his
home at Bridgeport, Connecticut, April
4, 1914, and of whose death we no-
ticed in. the May issue, we wish to
say that thereby The Oologist lost a
true and old friend, and the bird fra-
ternity one of its leading lights. He
was long recognized as an authority
on the birds in his neighborhood and
had a wide knowledge of the birds
of the country. Many of his notes
and observations on birds are fully
quoted by the late publication issued
by his native state, “THE BIRDS OF
CONNECTICUT.”

During his long years of life he
neld a rank and position in his own
home for strict business integrity,
good habits, and general all around
citizenship excelled by none. His
love for and knowledge of the birds
was a predominating characteristic
of his life, and a tender chord is
touched in the following from the pen
of his bereaved wife:

“When Mr. Beers was sick, when he
was too weak to want anything else,
even for me to play softly on the

piano to help quiet him, he would ask

me to read a little from THE OOLO-
GIST. I told my mother it seemed
sometimes as he would almost pass
away with one of these papers in his
hands, as there was a short time he
tried to read himself. The Sunday
Mr. Beers was taken sick, he read a
sketch in The Oologist about the

death of a friend in New Hampshire

104

THE OOLOGIST

Nest and Eggs of Chestnut-sided Warbler
—Photo by J. D. Stierle

THE OOLOGIST 105

(Fred B. Spaulding) one of his bird
friends.”

It is a pleasure to us to know that
even in a slight measure the efforts
of The Oologist may have in some
degree eased the declining hours of
this real, true man. Mr. Beers leaves
a monumental collection of speci-
mens as a reminder of his untiring
interest and industry in his chosen
study.

Me Sea ss

A recent raise in the river here at
Lacon, disclosed many King Rails in
nests, that had been built at a lower
stage of water, and many eggs were
floated away and destroyed.

eS eee
Chestnut-sided Warbler.
“Data of Nest.”

June 22d, nest completed and ready
for eggs.

June 30th, second visit to nest and
it contained three partly incubated
eggs.

July 6th, third visit to nest, contain-
ed two young (new hatched) and one
egg. The photo here was taken on
the above date, of parent bird on the
nest.

July 13th, went to the nest again,
prepared to get some pictures of the
birds, but the nest was hobbed—being
empty, and nothing could be seen of
our birds.

The nest was composed of grasses,
in outer edge of Red Raspberry bush-
es two feet from ground, very much
concealed. :

Marshfield, Wis. J. F. Stierle.
pot SE SES le ee eee
Some Notes on MacGillivray’s
Warbler.

Macgillivray’s Warbler is the most
abundant of any of our Warblers in
this locality. It is among the latest
of any of our summer residents to
return to us in the spring. During
my five years migrations observations

in this locality, the earliest date of
their arrival was April 28, 1908, and
the latest date May 10, 1912. .In- aver-:-
age seasons they arrive the ist to
the 3rd of May, and by the 20th of
September the last ones are all gone
for their winter homes.

It is not a bird of the real thick,
and tall timber sections. Its habitat
is dry hillsides, slashed over lands,
bushy pastures, in fact any real
bushy, brambly wildwood, with de-
lightful, luxuriant growth of young
fir, hazels, dogwood, snowberry, ar-
rowhead, and especially sallalberry
bush, the whole overgrown and twined
with myriads of runners of the briar,
making the whole scene a most im-
penetratable jungle.

In these surroundings we find our
sombre little friend is at home, lead-
ing a quiet secluded life keeping
mostly close to the ground where he
gleams his subsistance among low
bushes and from the ground.

They are not near as active or ner-
vously disposed as most of our war-
blers are; the males can frequently
be seen sitting on a low dead limb,
almost motionless, uttering their song,
running somewhat like this: ‘‘Visht-
visht-visht-vit-view.” The closest I
can compare it with, is the Junco’s
song, but it does not sound near as
sweet or musical as the latter. The
females keep more closely in seclu-
sion, treading their way close to the
ground in the dense underbrush, very
seldom showing above the brush,
consequently they are hard to observe.

To my knowledge the birds are
mated when they arrive from their
winter’s sojourn and will at once
choose the place where they decide
to make their summer home. They,
however, will not start housekeeping
immediately, but seem to prefer a
week or two in real happy carefree
life before taking the tedious task

THE OOLOGIST

Nest and Eggs of Yellow Wrabler
—Photo by P. G. Howes.

THE OOLOGIST 107

they have to perform. The pairs are
quite a distance away from the other
of their specie, as a close neighbor
will cause an everlasting lot of trouble
and fight.

Nest building begins the last week
in May, and up to the 20th of June
nests containing fresh eggs may be
found, but the largest per cent build
about the 25th of May. The nests are
always very carefully hidden in a
thick clump of bushes or weeds and
the fast growing fern is calculated to
complete the work of screening it.
It is built quite loosely and bulky;
dry twigs, grasses, weedstems, vines,
bark strips and sometimes moss, en-
ter into the outer composition, while
the lining consists of fine weed root-
lets, round grass stems or hair, oc-
casionally a few feathers and some
cocoon silk is also used. The eleva-
tion is from slightly above the ground
till to six feet up. Those of the maxi-
mum elevation are built in the tops
of close little fir trees or cedar trees.

The number of eggs in a full com-
pliment, ranges from three to six,
that is the largest I have ever seen,
although I have been told by quite a
reliable observer that he has seen a
set of seven eggs. By far the most
clutches consist of four eggs.

During nest construction and lay-
ing the birds are quiet and shy and
it takes considerable time and pa-
tience to identify the nest of the
birds; even during the first ten days
of incubation it is exceedingly diffi-
cult to catch the bird at home. As
soon as the nest is approached and
no matter how cautious that is under-
taken the female seems ever alert,
and will slip off from the nest, oppo-
site from the direction where the in-
truder comes and all by what its
movements can be traced is the light
trembling of the weeds and ferns as
she hops in a large circle around the

nest. When incubation advances and
after the young fill the nest the par-
ents are not near as cautious as in
the first stage but will greet the in-
truder with vehement chipping. The
male is the boldest, but the female
shows plainly and joins her mate in
the scolding chorus. In two instances
the birds were bold enough to fly up
against my face in their attempt to
draw my attention away from their
nest and half-grown brood. The
young remain in the nest for 18 days;
and after leaving the nest they cling
to some bush and are continually
calling for food, both parents are kept
busy in supplying nourishment for
the ever open mouths. Old and young
remain in the vicinity of the nesting
place until they congregate for mi-
gration.

I will close by giving the reader
some notes and data from my field
book, regarding the nesting of Opor-
ornis Tolmier, Tolmie Warbler, as

No. 1, Date, May 30, 1908; In a
pateh of slashed over land: with
heavy sallal growth; built beside a
log in sallal bushes, 16 inches above
the ground, well concealed by growth
of ferns. It was composed of long
weed stems, several dry sallal leaves,
shreds of fern, lined with fine grass,
rootlets and a few horse hairs. The
nest contained four eggs apparently
far incubated. However, when ex-
amined June 10, the eggs were not
yet hatched; June 16, four young oc-
cupied the nest.

No. 2, Date, June 9, 1908; On a
steep, brushy hillside, in ranky
growth of ferns, sallals and hazel

brush; built in a clump of hazel, 19-
inch elevation. It was saddled on a
number of small twigs, composed of
weedstems, much dry fern leaves and
strips of fern bark, lined entirely
with black rootlets. It was very frail
and loosely put together; contained

108 THE OOLOGIST

j
so

Nest and Eggs of McGillvray’s Warbler
—Photo by Alex Walker

THE OOLOGIST 109

four very uniformly marked eggs, in-
cubated about one week.

No. 8, Date, June 2, 1909; At the
edge of a woods, in dense fern and
briars; at the north slope of a little
knoll caused by a windfall. The nest

was placed.at the foot of a tiny fir, -

directly on the ground. It was com-
posed of dry leaves, bindweed stems,
shreds of bark and grass, lined with
white, dry grass blades, a very typi-
cal nest of this specie, except that it
was on the ground. It contained five
partly incubated eggs, June 13th the
young hatched and June 28th the
young accompanied the parents in
the brush close to the nest.

No. 4, Date, June 5, 1909; In brushy
land with thinly scattered large fir
trees; built in the dense top of a
scrubby little fir five feet above the
ground, saddled on and twined among
the numerous small twigs of the fir;
composed of bark strips, weedstems
and grasses, lined with fine black
rootlets and a few feathers. It con-
tained four slightly incubated eggs.

No. 5, Date, May 29, 1910; In a
brushy pasture with scattered patches
of brush, among the cleared fields;
located in a little scrub oak, forty-
two inches above the ground, saddled
in three horizontal twigs against the
trunk; composed of dry weedstems,
oak leaves, twigs and some caterpil-
lar’s silk, lined with rootlets and some
hair. It contained five small nestlings,
the place was visited again on June
12, when approached the young flew
out of the nest and hung on to the
bushes and limbs nearby. This is
the earliest nesting record I have.

No. 6, Date, June 11, 1911; Along a
hillside thickly overgrown with hazel,
poison oak and small firs; built four-
teen inches above the ground in the
branches of a buckbrush tangle, it
was partly saddled, partly suspended
among the branches, composed of

grasses, barkstrips and various weed
stalks, lined with a number of smaller
feathers, some hair, but chiefly round
white grasses. It contained six very
finely marked eggs which were ap-
parently far incubated. June 21, this
was occupied by five young and one
infertile egg.

No. 7, Date, June 14, 1911; Aspen
woods with dense sallal growth; nest
built in sallal bushes at 9 inches ele-
vation, very frail, loose nest; entirely
composed of bindweed vines lined
with softer vines and leaflets of same
weed. Its outer form was very en-
longated, some branches measuring
over one foot long while the widest
dimension was five inches outside.
This nest contained four eggs, incuba-
tion slightly begun; two of the eggs
were very clearly marked, fine speci-
mens, the third was considerable
lighter and the fourth was almost
unmarked.

No. 8, Date, June 7, 1912; In tract
of scattering timber built in a clump
of snowberry bushes; situated 20
inches above the ground on and be-
tween. small twigs. A neat, compact
nest composed of weedstems, grasses
and hairs sparsingly lined with black
horse hairs and one feather of a Sooty
Grouse. It contained four eggs which
were incubated about a week.

No. 9, Date, June 9, 1912; At the
edge of a clearing in a partly swamp-
land hillside built in the horizontai
fork of a hazel bush, 28 inches above
the ground; very well concealed in
the dense growth of bindweed and
rank ferns. This nest is a marvel of
compactness and size for this Warb-
ler; the walls are compact 114 to 21%
inches thick; it is neatly and deeply
cupped. The cavity measures two
inches in daimeter and 1%, inches
deep. Into its composition have en-
tered, bindweed stems, several thistle
stems, ferns and grasses, lined with

THE OOLOGIST

110

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JOIQUeAA S,ABUAIJIDOIN

jo sbB6a pue yson

THE OOLOGIST 111

soft grasses and some horsehair. It
contained four very finely marked
eggs which were about half incubated.

No. 10, Date, May 19, 1912; While
myself and Mr. Alex Walker were
strolling through a large tract of
brushy pasture land, trying to see all
we could on the line of bird-life, I
struck with my light cane into a clump
of bushes saying, ‘“‘This would be a
typical place for a Macgillivray’s
Warbiler’s nest,” and Mr. Walker, who
was new to our western field, took a
better look into the bushes, and im-
mediately called, “there is a nest start-
ed here.” J took a look at it and could
see the crude outline of a nest, which
I at once identified as a Macgilli-
vray’s nest. May 22, I went to see it
and found it completed; May 23, it
contained one egg; May 26, it held four
eggs; May 27 the female sat, when
I approached, but when I came within
two rods of the nest she disappeared,
and on looking into the nest, beheld
five eggs of uniform size. The female
had laid an egg every day.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Walk-
er I am able to enclose a photo taken
from a close range. It was built in
the forks of a hazel bush 18 inches
above the ground, well hidden in the
rank fern and weeds. It was composed
of weedstems, grasses, some dry fern
leaves and barkshreds, lined with fine
dry grass and some horse hair. On
one side the material extends out to
a point of three to four inches from
the nest. It was rather loosely put
together, however, well cupped; cavi-
ty dimensions 214 inches in diameter,
depth, two inches. During the photo-
graphing process neither of the par-
ents made their appearance nor any
protest.

EH. J. Dietrich.

Oregon.

Piease!

Send us a lot of short interesting
notes, fresh from the field. Those
that will occupy from one to ten lines.
Every one of you have something of
that sort that the rest of us ought to
read.

EAL Hen a eg ee
The Maryland Yellowthroat.

At Bloomfield, New Jersey and in
the nearby towns, this species of
Warblers are without doubt the com-
monest of the Mniotiltide which an-
nually visit us and remain here dur-
ing the summer months with the pcs-
sib'e exceptions of the Yellow Warp-
ler and Redstart.

No marsh or brookside, however
small, in this section can be consider-
ed complete without at least one pair
of these active and beautiful sylvan
masqueraders of the brooksides and
lowlands, and usually as you approach
a patch of swampy woodlands, es-
pecially where the skunks cabbage
and catbriers abound, the first out-
burst of avian melody which will greet
you is the “Witchery, witchery, wit-
chery” of the Yellowthroat.

These birds arrive in the vicinity
abcut May 7th, and in most cases they
become a common summer resident,
nesting and rearing their families
with us each year and remaining after
their household duties have been per-
formed until the last of September.
The 10th of October usually finds them
well on their way south and what few
that remain after this date are mere
stragglers and of rare occurrence.

Of the numerous nests of this spe-
cies of Wood Warblers, which I have
found from year to year in this ter-
ritory, the homelife of one family of
the Spring of 1910 held forth several
things of unusual interest and below
I have outlined a few of the incidents
and happenings.

On the tenth of May, while tramp-

112 THE OOLOGIST i

Nest and Eggs of Kentucky Warbler
—Photo by T. H. Jacksom

THE OOLOGIST 113

Nest and Eggs of Kentucky Warbler
—Photo by T. H. Jackson

114 THE OOLOGIST

ing through a small swamp on the
banks ,of a small winding stream
where the skunk’s cabbage, wild hel-
lebore and catbriers grew most lux-
uriantly, I came upon a pair of these
birds quietly stealing about among the
low vegetation. Owing to their rest-
lessness and anxiety, I became con-
vinced within a few moments that
they were attempting to conceal their
little home from my notice. I search-
ed very industriously for a long time
in the neighborhood but could not
find any trace of their domicile. On
the eleventh and twelfth I again vis-
ited the swamp in hopes that I might
find the nest, but on these days my
searchings were as on the first day,
quite in vain. On the morning of the
thirteenth as I noiselessly approached
the spot, I passed a clump of catbriers
about ten feet from the brook and
close by my feet a flash of dingy yel-
low fluttered by and on looking down
beheld the long sought for nest in this
clump about four inches from the
ground. It was rather a bulky mass
of plant fibers, grasses and weeds.
deeply cupped and lined with fine
grasses and a few horsehairs and con-
tained two white eggs with reddish-
brown and gray especially at the larg-
er ends. The set when completed on
the 16th contained four eggs quite
uniform in appearance.

During the period of incubation the
female very jealously guarded her
treasures and would allow me to ap-
proach within four feet of her he-
fore she would leave the nest anu on
coming closer would slide off and re-
main in the close vicinity uttering an
alarm note similar to that of the Yel-
low Warbler. The male very rarely
came near the nest until the eggs
hatched on the 29th and then for the
first four days very attentively as-
sisted the female in caring for the
youngsters. On the fifth day he dis-

appeared and was not again seen in
the neighborhood of the nest.

The mother bird very successfully
reared her brood until the tenth day.
At this time on visiting the nest found
that one of the youngsters had been
killed by some animal, apparently, as.
all that reamined of its little body was
the feet and head and a few blood-
stains about the nest. The other three
had not been molested and on the
15th of June they left the nest and
for a week after were seen daily un-
der the guidance of the patient lit-
tle mother among the vegetation bord-
ering on the brook. At the age of
25 days one of the youngsters caught
its bill in a crack in a hickory log
and in his struggles to release him-
self broke the upper mandible of his
beak close off at the nostrils. For
three days after the accident he was
about but in a weak and emaciated
condition and then disappeared. The
other two however, grew daily and.
were about the swamp for a month
and a half with the mother bird.

The adult birds continued to sing
until the moulting season and then
became quite silent and as the sum-
mer declined into autumn were occa-
sionally seen in the vicinity of the
nest and at other times quietly steal-
ing about in the undergrowths.

On the 29th of September they went.
south and during this spring returned
to the same neighborhood and at the
present time are caring for a family
of five about a week old. I say the
same pair because of certain marks
of distinction which both of the birds:
have. These are, in the male, the loss
of the middle toe nail on the left foot,
and in the female a frizzled appear-

ance of the feathers which is quite
different from the usual plumage of
these birds.

Louis S. Kohler.

THE OOLOGIST 115

Cats.
Do not overlook the fact that at this
season of the year cats destroy a. very
large proportion of the young birds
that are hatched within the towns of
the country. Every dead cat is a good
eat. None others are. If you love
the birds shoot the cats.
- op
The Yellow-breasted Chat.
(Icteria virens)

In northern New Jersey wherever
the wayside and bypaths are bordered
with low thickets and where this bird
is sure of escaping detection, this
chatterbox of the warbler family is
sure to be heard in outbursts of var-
ied musical strains and gutteral notes
such as would do justice to any of the
Mimidae, the true mockers.

This strange but handsome bird, in

addition to its sedentary vocabulary,
has a very ludicrous flight song which
in this locality he very seldom utters
and one must visit and be his com-
panion many times before they will
detect. him in the act of performing
it. ;
However, upon their arrival with
us, which takes place between May
10th and 15th, this bird becomes a
regular and common inhabitant of its
chosen habitats throughout this sec-
tion throughout the summer until
September 20th at which time they de-
part for the South without ceremony
or ado. j
Towards the end of May the observ-
er may find their nests in various lo-
cations always at low elevations and

never very far from a ready supply

Cerulean Warbler’s Nest Fifty feet up, May 21, 120)
3

116 THE OOLOGIST

of water in which they may be able

to enjoy frequent immersions and
baths. One pair of the polyglots
whose nest was located in a low

thicket of alders and catbriers at Has-
kell, N. J., on May 28th, 1904, owing
to its proximity to my residence, af-
forded an excellent opportunity to
study their homelife. This pair com-
pleted their home, which was com-
posed of grass, strips of bark and
leaves and was lined with fine grass,
just prior to my discovery of it. On
June 3d the set was completed and
consisted of four white, distinctly
marked with numerous shades of
brown, grey and faint traces of laven-
der. During the period of incubation,
which occupied fifteen days, the male
was never seen near the nest but
could be heard in the near vicinity
performing continually from _ early
sunrise to sunset, its multinoted songs
and calls and protesting very vigor-
ously my intrusions. On the morn-
ing of the 19th the eggs hatched and
then he became a very industrious
and lovable father, providing both the
young and the mother bird with an
abundance of food, mostly insectivor-
ous. This disposition of his part was
but short lived as after the fifth day
his assiduity abated and until the
young left the nest usually remained
in the vicinity quietly applauding in
low notes the efforts of the female
in her search for subsistence to satis-
fy the hungry throats of her offspring.
Just prior to the leaving of the nest
a great calamity occurred and two of
the youngsters formed a delightful
meal for a house cat. The other two,
however, grew to a healthy adult
stage and remained with the parents
until the time came for them to de-
part for their winter home in the
South. In addition to this brood, four
others were reared successfully, so
far as I know, “in the vicinity that
-year. » Louis S. Kohler.

A List of the Warblers of Doddridge
County, W. Va.

As the Warblers are..one:of.the most
interesting families of birds to the or-
nithologist and as it is seldom I no-
tice any articles on bird life in West
Virginia, the following list may be of
interest.

This is a list of Warblers noted dur-
ing a several years’ residence in a
rough, mountainous, poorly watered
and strictly hardwood region in Dodd-
ridge Co. The ground covered was of
limited area, but as my work kept me
right out among the birds in all kinds
of weather the chance to observe was
of the best.

The country was very mountainous.
No water except small streams that
dried up each summer. No swamps
or marshes. The timber was entirely
hardwood so that the warblers found
there would be those inhabiting or mi-
grating through a hardwood, moun-
tainous region away from water or
large valleys.

1. Black and White Warbler—Ar-
Tives about the middle of April with
the first of the warblers. Common mi-
grant. Quite common as a breeder.
Nests easy to find by watching the
birds, but female hard to flush as she
sits close.

2. Worm-eating Warbler — Arrives
late in April and is quite common as
a migrant. During the summer quite
a few remain to breed. Rather shy
and secretive. Found it difficult to
flush the old bird from the nest but
not hard to find by watching the birds
while building.

3. Blue-winged Warbler — Expected
to find this warbler in summer but
during my entire stay I only saw one.
That one I secured early in the sea-
son (April 21st) from a small mixed
flock of warblers.

4. Golden-winged Warbler—Arrives
about April 20th. Not very common

117

THE OOLOGiST

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118 THE OOLOGIST

put during summer is scattered about
in suitable locations. Nests were
rather hard to find here as the birds
ranged about considerable in bushy
and grassy places.

5. Nashville Warbler—Rather rare
spring migrant. Did not see it in the
fall. a

6. Parula _ Warbler—Arrives- quite
early (April 12-21). Common migrant
and quite common breeder.

the ground.

7. Yellow Warbler. Arrived April
17th to May ist. Rather scarce: A
pair was found now and then about
thickets along the streams near fields
and farms. Not a common breeder, as
the country was hardly suited to them.

8. Black-throated Blue Warbler—Ar-
rived late in April and not:noted later
than May 20th. Not very common.

y. Myrtle Warbler—This' warbler
usually one of the commonest mi-
grants, was seldom noted-here. Think
they must follow the larger. valleys
mostly during migrations. ‘At my
home here in Warren they are abund-
ant in spring along the river valley
but are rarely seen on the mountains.

10. Magnolia Warbler—Arrives about
Ist of May. Not common as a mi-
grant and not noted later than May
20th.

11. Cerulean Warbler—Arrives Apr -

20th to May 1st. Common. almost from
the day of their arrival. One of the
most common of the breeding warb-
lers. Can be heard singing anywhere
in woodland. Nests high and hard to
find except by watching the female
during nest building time.

12. Chestnut-sided Warbler — Ar-
rives about May ist and not noted
later than May 20th. Not at all com-
mon and only a few seen each season.

13. Bay-breasted Warbler—Harly in
May each season a few pass. Occa-
sionally a small flight.

Found.
number of nests from 8 to 60 feet from_-

14. Blackburnian Warbler—Not com-
mon but a few were seen each season
during the early part of May.

15. Black-throated Green Warbler—
Arrives from April 11th to 24th. Quite
a common migrant.

16. Oven-bird—Arrives April 21st to
May ist. Not common as a migrant

~ and: only a few pairs were found as
- breeders.

17. Water-thrush — Arrives. early.
One season March 27th. Not very
common but a few pairs stayed
through summer and nested along the
streams in wooded hollows.

18. Kentucky Warbler—Arrives last
week of April-and is quite common
throughout summer. Found quite a
few nests but was never able to detect
the old bird in the act of nest-build-
ing.

19. Mourning Warbler—Rare mi-
grant only noted a few times in early
May.

20. Maryland Yellow-throat — Ar-
rives late in April and is quite a com-
mon summer resident.

21. Chat—Arrives late in April.
One of the common birds in summer.

22. Heoded Warbler—Arrives last
week in April. Quite common in sum-
mer and quite common breeder in all
suitable woodland.

23: Wilson’s Warbler—Rare migrant
only noted a few times in early May.

24. Canadian Warbler—Regular but
not common migrant in early May.

25. Am. Redstart — Arrives Aoprit
20th to 24th. Quite common and quite
a few pairs remain to breed.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Pa.

“> :
An Unmarked Set of Kentucky Warb-
ler’s Eggs.
During the spring of 1906, I located
a number of nests of the Kentucky
Warbler, in Green County, Pennsyl-
vania. Among them, on May 26, was

THE OOLOGIST 119

a nest containing four practically un-
marked eggs.

The nest was composed of dry Oak
leaves and was well lined with black
rootlets. It was situated in a clump
of young elder shoots; and was be-
side a small growth of elders stand-
ing on a sandy flat, close to a run of
clear water, deep down in a wooded
ravine.

The four eggs which this nest held
are of the usual size, but they are
perfectly white with the exception of
a few pinpoint dots of yellowish-
brown that are scarcely discernable.

Although I have examined some
forty nests of Oporonis formosus, this
was the only nest containing unmark-
ed eggs. :

S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
SE SS aie ek

Hdward R. Ford of Chicago, reports
the following unusual sets: Field Spar-
row, two eggs, and five Cowbirds in
the same nest, all being incubated by
the diminutive Spizella.

A Meadowlark nest containing four
eggs of the Meadowlark, one Cowbird
and one Bobolink.

eee K

Winifred W. Lyon _ reports ‘four
Sandhill Cranes in the Calumet River
region near Chicago, May 2d. These
birds are getting scarce.

He also reports Bufflehead and Rud-
dy Ducks staying in the Jackson Park
Lagoon at Chicago. This shows the
disposition of these birds to seek the
protection of humanity when it is ac-
corded them.

Sa eg Soe See

Walter A. Goelitz of Revina, IIll.,
reports the unusual find of a Towhee’s
nest with one egg of the owner and
eight of the Pavacite Cowbird.

COS AS SS ee ee
The Warblers of Warren Co., Penna.

Warren Co., Pa., is rough and moun-

tainous.

Warren on the Allegheny River, is
1200 ft. above sea level and some of
the highest ridges are close to 2200.
A great part of the county is wild
land. As much of this wild land is
covered with a hemlock growth and
the conditions are very much Cana-
dian, a number of birds including
some of the warblers that usually
breed farther north are well repre-
sented here in summer.

For this same reason there are sev-
eral of the warblers that are found in
this state farther south of us that I
have only seen on several occasions
or not at all.

In early May when the warbler
flight is on in full swing the trees
and shrubbery is beginning to leaf
out along the river valley but back on
the hills has hardly started. This
causes the earlier part of the migra-
tion to follow the valley and after
rains or storms are sometimes very
abundant in favorable places along the
river. More species of the warbler
family are found in this county than
of any other family of birds.

In Pennsylvania about 40 species of
warblers are known to occur or have
occurred and of these I have noted 30
species in Warren County. Of these
I have found 16 species breeding, hav-
ing personally taken eggs within a
few miles of Warren.

The following is a brief list but may
be of interest to some of Pennsyl-
vania readers of THE OOLOGIST who
live where the conditions are differ-
ent:

1. Black and White Warbler—Rath-
er scarce aS a summer resident but
common as a migrant spring and fall.
A few pairs are scattered about dur-
ing the breeding season.

2. Golden-winged Warbler — Rare.
Took an adult pair in July, 1905, and
saw an adult May 28th, 1911 and one
May 23d, 1913.

THE OOLOGIST

120

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THE OOLOGIST 121

3. Nashville Warbler — Irregular
spring and fall migrant. Occasionally
met with singly or in pairs during a
flight. The only flock I ever met with
was in early May, 1901, when I saw
fully a dozen in some large thorn
bushes. This warbler has been found
breeding in the mountains in this state
but I have never met with it here in
summer.

4. Orange-crowned Warbler — Aeé-
cording to all accounts this warbler
is rare anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Have a pair of adults in my collection
that I took here.

5. Tennessee Warbler—Regular but

rather rare spring migrant. Rare in
fall.
6. Parula Warbler—Regular sum-

Common migrant. At
times abundant. Usually nest high
here and hard to find. Have found
nests in hemlocks as well as hard-
woods.

7. Cape May Warbler—Rare spring
migrant. Seldom see over two or
three during a season and some sea-
sons not any. Have no fall record.

8. Yellow Warbler. Common sum-
mer resident.

9. Black-throated Blue Warbler—
Summer resident throughout this vi-
cinity in all suitable situations. Some
of the most beautiful warblers nests
I have ever found were nests of the
Black-throated Blue.

10. Myrtle Warbler—Common and
at times abundant migrant spring and
fall. The great bulk of the warbler
flights here is composed of Myrtles.

11. Magnolia Warbler—Summer res-
ident and common migrant. Far the
most common of the northern breed-
ers found here.

12. Cerulean Warbler — Straggler.
Have two records, one taken in May,
1890, and the other May, 1891.

13. Chestnut-sided Warbler—Regu-
lar summer resident in slashings, bar-
rens and brushy areas generally.

mer resident.

14. Bay-breasted Warbler—One of
the later migrants to appear. Some
seasons rather scarce but usually
about the middle of May there is quite
a flight when for a few days they are
quite common.

15. Black-poll Warbler—Last of the
warblers to arrive. Some late seasons
not reaching us until May 20th, and
always staying later than any of the
others that all pass on north. Have
seen it as late as June 12th. Abund-
ant in the fall, arriving as early as
August 18th (1894) and have seen it
as late as October 12th (1902).

16. Blackburnian Warbler—Summer
resident. One of the rarer of the
warblers that remain to breed. Nests
in hemlocks out on a horizontal limb
and must as a rule nest quite high
as they are hard to find although the
birds themselves can be heard sing-
ing usually well up among the bran-
ches.

17. Black-throated Green Warbler—
Summer resident. Arrives’ early,
usually with the very first of the Myr-
tles and is a common migrant. Dur-
ing the summer they can be heard
singing but keep up so well they are
seldom seen. Nests high in hemlock
and birch. By watching the old birds
I have found nests over 60 feet from
the ground. Have found one though
as low as 10 feet up.

18. Pine Warbler— Rare summer
resident and irregular migrant. Only
know of two places here where this
warbler breeds. There are two little
pine groves nearby each of which is
annually the home of a pair of these
warblers. These two pairs arrive the
last week in April, some seasons as
early as the 23d. Usually the very
first warbler I see or hear each spring
is one of these two pairs of Pines.
Nest high. One set that I took was 70
feet up. ‘

19. Palm Warbler—Irregular and

122

rather rare. Spring and fall migrant.
Occasionally noted early in May and
again late in September.

20. Oven-bird — Common summer
resident anywhere in woodland.

21. Water-thrush—Summer resident
put not common. More common as
a migrant. An occasional pair can be
met with in the mountains in summer
along the larger streams.

22. Louisiana’ Water-thrush — Took
one here August 24th, 1894. The only
one I have ever seen to recognize.

23. Connecticut Warbler—Straggler.
Have often looked for this warbler
but never saw but one. That one I
took September 21, 1902.

24. Mourning Warbler—Summer res-
ident. Not at all uncommon as a
breeder and found in very much the
same situations as the Yellowthroat.
The female is shy and secretive and
the nests difficult to locate.

25. Maryland Yellow-throat — Sum-
mer resident. Rather common any-
where about brush, briars and weeds.

26. Chat—Never met the Chat here
but once as already recorded in THE
OOLOGIST. First heard and located
the male on May 28, 1911, and latter
found there was a pair. June 8th I
found their nest and eggs.

27. Hooded Warbler—Summer resi-
dent. Not common but found in suit-
able brushy ridges in hardwood tim-
ber. :

28. Wilson’s Warbler—Rather rare
Spring and fall migrant late in May
and again in September.

29. Canadian Warbler—Summer res-
ident, in suitable situations along
mountain streams and fern covered
ledges of rocks. Nests under banks,
under the roots of upturned trees and
amongst the ferns and moss on the
sides of large rocks and ledges. A
close sitter and hard to flush.

30. American Redstart—Rather com-
mon summer resident. Found any-

THE OOLOGIST

where where there are trees.

Of the 16 species found breeding
here I have only found five (Yellow,
Chestnut-sided, Yellow-throat, Hood-
ed and Redstart) to be victims of the
Cowbird. As the most of the warb-
lers found here nest back in the wood-
ed regions and the Cowbird is more
an inhabitant of cleared districts,
most of the waerblers here escape the
task of raising Cowbirds.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Penna.

2p:
Nesting of the Wood Thrush in Texas.

In THE OOLOGIST for June, 1913,
I read, with much interest, an article
on the Wood Thrush nesting in Mis-
sissippi; however, the name of the
writer is not given. He proceeds to
state that in going over one of his
bird books, he saw where the Wood
Thrush was confined to the Hastern
and Northeastern States. I had ob-
served that myself in nearly every
one of the books except in Prof. Ridg-
way’s “Birds of North and Middle
America,” where the bird is said to
breed west to Texas, and probably to
Harris County, with a query after the
latter. J

I do not know where Prof. Ridgway
gets his data in reference to the Wood
Thrush in summer in Harris county,
for Dr. Nehrling gave the bird as a
winter resident in his list of 1882,
and later Houston ornithologists have
not, to the best of my knowledge,
published any notes on the species:
hence I am writing these few notes on
a nest I found near Houston, several
years ago.

On April 29, 1911, while wandering
through a patch of open deciduous
woods on Buffalo Bayou about six
miles west of Houston, I spied a nest
in plain sight on a bare limb about
twelve feet up in a small oak sapling. ©
The nest was set firmly on a horizon-

THH OOLOGIST

tal fork about three feet from the
trunk, and was unlike any nest which
had ever come under my observation.
I was up to it in a hurry and on look-
ing in found the nest to contain one
blue egg and one egg of the Dwarf
Cowbird. The nest was composed of
grasses, weed stems, inner fibre of
Spanish moss, and fine rootlets, and
shaped into a very neat bowl, molded
thickly with mud. No mud showed
outside, but inside was as smooth as
a piece of pottery, as if it had been
rounded by hand. Into this had been
placed a lining of fine rootlets and
grass stems. The sides of the nest
were almost perpendicular to the bot-
tom, and exactly like nests of the Boat-
tailed Grackle which have come un-
der my observation. It was 234 inches
in depth externally, 2 inches in depth
inside, 434 inches in diameter exter-
nally and measured 3% inches across
the opening.

On May 6, when I again visited the
locality, I found both eggs thrown out
on the ground beneath the nest and
broken.

On the first day the birds did not
appear until I was leaving, but on
the second day’s visit they were si-
lently watching from a neighboring
tree, uttering no sound. The nest was
visited several times more but no
eggs had been laid so the nest itself
was collected.

Finlay Simmons.
Houston, Texas.

ESCH a Tale NEOs ieee aoe
Summer Residents of the Pensauken
Creek, New Jersey.

By Richard F. Miller.

The Pensauken Creek is a two-
branched tide-water tributary of the
Delaware River in the southwestern
part of New Jersey, and forms the
boundary line between Camden and
Burlington Counties; both branches
rise near the little hamlet of Eves-

123

boro, in Burlington County, and slug-
gishly wend their tortuous way north-
erly for some eight or nine miles,
uniting at Fork’s Landing, where the
main creek flow its serpentine course
of about five miles in a westerly direc-
tion and empties into the river just
below Palmyra, about six miles above
Camden City.

It is navigable for seven or eight
miles by small boats, but is slowly be-
coming shallower, especially the up-
per branches, where the streams are
almost choked in places by rank
growths of adequate vegetation which
render navigation impossible except
by canoes and similar crafts.

There are no extensive patches of
woodland along the creek, but belts
of trees occur irregularly on the
banks and consists mostly of oaks of
several varieties, the scarlet and
chestnut oaks being the commonest
kinds, ash, beech, chestnut, black gum,
hackberry, buttonwood, Jersey pine,
red apple, etc.; thickets of alder, but-
tonbush, sweet pepperbush, willow
and arrow-wood abound in places and
dense tangles of wild grape vines,
greenbrier, poison ivy and creeper
vines run riot everywhere. Di-
rectly back from the streams and ex-
tending in many places clear down to
the water edge, are cultivated fields
and orchards of apple and pear. On
these farms are many groves and
woodlots, and in one of these woods
not far from the creek there is a crow
roost which is used annually by
thousands of crows, and another
grove harbors a small heronry of the
Black-crowned Night Heron, or
Squawk, as it is locally called. —

The upper branches are the wildest
and less frequented and marshes oc-
cur abundantly along the creek and
consist of patches and contiguous
growths of wild rice (locally called
Reed), calamus and cat-tails and other

124

reeds, everywhere interspersed with
Peltandria, Spatterdock, Sagattaria,
Pontederia, and other waterplants;

sedges of various kinds abound, form-
ing in places, large swamps of tus-
socks in which the Swamp Sparrow
finds a congenial home.

On. the Camden County side of the
ereek are several large sand banks in
which breeds multitudes of Bank
Swallows, a few Rough-winged Swal-
lows and several pairs of Belted King-
fishers; the Bank Swallows are evi-
dently decreasing.

My ornithological researches on the
Pensauken Creek extends over seven-
teen years, made chiefly during the
breeding season, as the stream is easi-
jy accessible from Philadelphia by
boat, train and trolley, and although
incomplete aside from their scienti-
fic value, they are written so as to at-
tract others to this neglected ornitho-
logical paradise.

Species listed without any annota-
tions are of doubtful occurrence, but
are nevertheless included, for, until
the region is thoroughly worked, no-
body can tell whether they occur or
not. Such species, however, are very
few in number.

1. Podilymbus podiceps.
ed Grebe.

2. Hydrochelidon surinamensis ni-
gra. Black Fern—An adult was seen
on July 9, 1913, on the North Branch,
which, according to a reliable farmer,
had been about for two weeks, togeth-
er with another, which, however, we
did not observe. This species is of
extremely rare occurrence in New
Jersey in summer and I was, naturayr-
ly, surprised to see it “at home” on
the creek.

3. Anas rubripes. Black Duck—
Rare breeder on the upper branches.
Mr. C. J. Hunt and the writer has fre-
quently seen it and farmers and fish-
ermen report it of annual occurrence.

4. Anas platirhynchos. Mallard.

Pied-bill-

THY OOLOGIST

5. Nettion carolinensis. Green-wing--
ed Teal—A bunch of five were seen
on July 8, 1913, on the North Branch
and constituted my only summer rec-
ord and I was as astonished to see
other species not supposed to occur
in South Jersey in summer.

6. Aix spousa. Wood Duck—Rare
breeder. A pair was reported to have
bred near Parry, Burlington County,
on the North Branch, in a woods, in
the Spring of 1897. The nest was in
an old partially-torn out Flicker’s
hole about thirty feet up in a dead
tree and the young were eight or nine
in number. I have rarely seen the
bird on the creek in summer.

7. Botansus lentiginous. Bittern—
Probably not a rare breeder. Mr. C.
J. Hunt saw one on May 30, 1907, and
I have seen it twice in summer, Aug-
ust 1, 1912, and July 7, 1913. I also
observed one as early as March 30,
1902, near the mouth of the creek,
which was an unusually early migrant.

8. Ixobrychus exilis. Least Bit-
tern—Common. I have a set of five
eggs in my collection which I collect-
ed on June 8, 1902, at West Palmyra.

9. Ardea herodias. Great Blue
Heron—Occurs all summer, but does
not breed, these birds being feeding
individuals from heronries over thirty
miles away.

10. Herodias egretta. Egret — A
not rare southern wanderer, occurring
frequently in July and August, and
becoming less common annually. I
saw one August 11, 1913, near the
mouth of the creek and my brother
George observed one as late as Sep-
tember 1, 1912, on the North Branch.

11. Hgretta candissimia. Snowy
Hgret—Formerly a common wanderer
from the South in July and August,
but does not occur any more. I saw
one near the mouth of the creek on
the river flats on July 16, 1904, an
adult male with recurved plumes (cf
Auk, 1907, p. 436).

THH OOLOGIST 125

12. Florida cerulea. Little Blue
Heron—Not a rare southern wanderer
in July and August, and remaining
until September 1, which is my latest
record. Reported plentiful during the
flights of ‘“‘white herons” in 1900 and
1902, and all birds seen were in the
immature white plumage.

13. Butorides virescens. Green
Heron—Common summer resident.

14. Nycticorax nycticorax nevius.
Black-crowned Night Heron—Common,
but most of these birds are feeding
and roosting individuals from nearby
heronries. There is, however, a small
heronry in a woods close to the creek.

15. Rallus elegans. King Rail—
There are no records of this species
but it probably occurs as a rare breed-
er.

16. Rallus virginianus. Virginia Rail
—Common summer resident.

17. Porazana carolina Sora.

18. Creciscus jamaicensis. Black
Rail.

19. Gallinula galeata. Florida Gal-
linule.

20. Fulica americana. Coot—Rare
summer resident. My father saw one
or two birds in late July, 1912, and I
observed one on July 8, 1913. Sever-
al years ago a farmer found a nest
containing a dozen eggs which he tried
to hatch under a hen.

21. Philohela minor. Woodcock—
Rare summer resident.
22. Pesolia minutilla. Least Sand-

piper—I saw two or four birds on
July 8, 1913, on the North Branch,
probably unusually early transient.

23. Bartramis longicando. Upland
Plover.

24. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sand-
piper—An abundant breeder.

25. Oxyechus vociferus. Killdeer—
Not a rare summer resident.

26. Colinus virgianus. Bobwhite—
Rare and decreasing.

27. Bonasa umbellus. Ruffled Grouse

—Formerly on the extreme upper
branches, according to the accounts
of old residents.

28. Phasianus torquatus. Ring-neck-
ed Pheasant—Now a resident as it
has recently been liberated in the vi-
cinity. Several pairs breed near the
creek during the summer of 1913.

29. Zenaidura macroura carolinen-
sis. Mourning Dove—Common sum-
mer resident. JI have eggs from this
creek which I took from Rolin, Purple
Grackle and Brown Thrasher’s nests,
and have found incubated eggs as
early as April 13.

30. Cathartes aura spetentrionalis.
Turkey Vulture—Stragglers are daily
seen. Undoubtedly breeds on the ex-
treme upper branches.

31. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk
—Occasionally seen and must breed. I
saw one on August 1, 1912, an adult fe-
male, on the North Branch.

32. Accipiter velox. Sharp shinned
Hawk—Rare breeder.

33. Accipiter cooperi.
Hawk—Scarce breeder.

34. Buteo borealis. Red-tailed Hawk
—Decidedly rare.

35. Buteo lineatus.
Hawk—Rare.

36. Buteo Platypterus. Broad-wing-
ed Hawk—Scarce and probably in-

Cooper’s

Red-shouldered

creasing.

37. Halietus leucocephalus. Bald
Hagle.

38. Pandion halietus carolinensis.

Osprey—The Fish Hawk is occasion-
ally seen but probably does not now
breed although it formerly nested.

39. Falco sparverius. Sparrow
Hawk—An uncommon breeder.

40. Aluca practincola. Barn Owl—
Rare breeder.

41. Asio wilsonianus.
Owl—Not a rare resident.
42. Asio accipitrinus. |
Owl. ;

43. Strix varia. Barred Owl—Ex-
ceedingly rare breeder.

Long-eared

Short-eared

126

44, Otus asio. Screech Owl—Com-
mon resident.

45. Bulo virginianus.
Owl.

46. Coccyzus americanus. Yellow-
billed Cuckoo—Common summer resi-
dent.

47. Coceyzus erythro phthalmus.
Black-billed Cuckoo—Rare and de-
creasing.

48. Ceryle alcyon.
er—Common breeder in
banks.

49. Dryobates villosus. Hairy Wood-
pecker—Rather rare.

50. Dryobates pubescens medianus.
—Downy Woodpecker. Common resi-
dent.

51. Melanerpes’ erythrocephalus.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Hxceeding-
ly rare. A pair bred for many years
in a big dead buttonwood on the up-
per North Branch.

52. Colaptes auratus luteus. Nor-
thern Flicker—Common summer resi-

Great Horned

Belted Kingfish-
the sand

dent. It occasionally nests in old
piles in the creek.
53. Antrostomus vociferus. Whip-

poor-will—Very rare and confined to
the extreme upper branches.

54. Chordeiles virginianus—— Night-
hawk—Not a common breeder.

55. Chetura pelagica. Chimney
Swift—Common summer resident.

56. Archilochus colubris. Ruby-
throated Hummingbird—Rather un-
common.

57. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird—
Common, usually nesting in the but-
tonwoods on the banks of the creek.

58. Myiarchus crinitus. Crested Fly-
catcher—A pair has nested for many
years under an open-fronted wharf.

60. Myiochanes virens. Wood Pe-
wee—Common, nesting in the woods
and orchards, and occasionally over
the creek.

61. Hmpidouax
crested Flycatcehr.

virescens. Green-

THE OOLOGIST

62. Cyanocitta cristata. Blue Jay—
Common resident.
64. Corvus ossifragus. Fish Crow

—Rather rare. I collected a set of
four incubated eggs on May 19, 1912,
from a large nest high up in the top
of a big scarlet oak in a swampy
woods near the mouth of the creek.

65. Sturnus vulgaris. Starling —
This newcomer is just now a rare
breeder but promises to become com-
mon as it is increasing fast in num-
bers everywhere about Camden and
Philadelphia.

66. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobo-
link—I observed two birds on July
8, 1913, which constitute my only sum-
mer record.

67. Molothrus ater. Cowbird—This
pest does not appear to be very com-
mon as I have found but few of its
eggs and never observed many of the
birds.

68. Agelaius pheeniceus. Red-winged
Blackbird—An abundant breeder.

° 69. Sturnella magna. Meadow Lark
—Not a very common resident.

70. Icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole
—rather uncommon.

71. Icterus gallula.
ole—Not very common.

72. Quiscalus quiscula. Purple
Grackle—Common summer resident.

73. Passer domesticus. House Spar-
row—A common pest.

74. Astragalinus tristis.
—Fairly common resident.

75. Ammodromus savannarum aus-

tralis. Grasshopper Sparrow—Rare.

Baltimore Ori-

Goid finch

76. Passerherbulus henslowi. Hens-
low’s Sparrow.

77. Pecetes gramineus. Vesper
Sparrow—Common breeder.

78. Spizella passerina. Chipping

Sparrow—Common Breeder.

79. Spizella pusilla. Field Sparrow
—Abundant summer resident.

80. Helospiza melodia. Song Spar-
row—An abundant resident.

THE OOLOGIST

81. Melospiza georgiana.
Sparrow—A common breeder.

Swamp

82. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Che-
nink—Common summer resident.
83. Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal

—Common resident.
to August.

84. Zamelodia ludocisciana. Rose-
breasted Grosbeak—Rare breeder. I
found a nest on the North Branch on
July 7, 1913 in which young were rear-
ed.

85. Passerina cyanea.

Nests from April

Indigo Bunt-

ing—Rather scarce breeder, but in-
creasing.
86. Piranga erythromelos. Scarlet

Tanager—Quite rare.
87. Piranga rubra.
ager.
88. Progue subis.
Scarce breeder.

Summer Tan-

Purple Martin—

89. Petrochelidon Jlunifrous. Cliff
Swallow.
90. Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn

Swallow—Common summer resident.
Nests under the road bridges and

open-fronted wharfs as well as in —

barns.

91. Iridoprocue bicolor.
low.

92. Riparia riparia. Bank Swallow
—Abundant and decreasing.

93. Stelgidopteryx serripennis.
Rough-winged Swallow—Not a rare
breeder, more common some years
than others.

94. Bombycilla cedrorum. Cedar
Waxring—Not a common breeder.

95. Vireosylva olivacea. Red-eyed
Vireo—Common summer resident.

Tree Swal-

96. Vireosylva gilva. Warbling
Vireo—Quite rare.
97. Lanivireo flarifrous. Yellow-

throated Vireo—Very rare.

98. Vireo griseus. White-eyed Vireo
—Common summer resident.

99. Mniotilta varia. Black and
White Warbler—Rather uncommon
breeder.

127

100. Vermivora pinus. Blue-winged
Warbler—Rare breeder. On July 7
and 8, 1913, on the North Branch, I
saw a pair and then two or three fledg-
lings.

101. Compsothlypis americana usu-
ex. Parula Warbler.

102. Dendroica estiva. Yellow
Warbler—Very common summer resi-
dent.

103. Dendroica vigorsii. Pine Warb-
ler—Rare breeder on extreme upper
branches.

104. Dendroica discolor. Prairie
Warbler—Very rare breeder.
105. Sevirus aurocapillus. Oven-

bird—Rather uncommon breeder.

106. Oporornis formosa. Kentucky
Warbler—A doubtful breeder. The
record in Stone’s “Birds of New Jer-
sey,” of this species breeding on the
Pensauken Creek is erroneous as Mr.
C. J. Hunt has never found its nest
there.

107. Geothlypistrichas. Maryland
Yellow-throat—Common breeder.

108. Icteria virens. Yellow-breast-
ed Chat—Rare breeder, but increasing.

109. Setophaga ruticilla. Redstart—
Rare summer resident (c-f Auk, 1910,
p. 343).

110. Mimus polyglottus. Mocking-
bird.
111. Dumetella carolinensis. Cat-

bird—Abundant summer resident.

112. Toxostoma rufum. Brown
Thrasher—An abundant breeder.

113. Thryothorus ludovicianus. Car-
clina Wren—Rather an uncommon res-
ident.

114. Troglodytes «don. House Wren
—Common breeder.

115. Cistothorus stellaris. Short-
billed Marsh Wren.
116. Telmatodytes palustris. Long-

billed Marsh Wren—Common summer
resident.

117. Sitta carolinensis. White-
breasted Nuthatch—Rare breeder.

128 THE OOLOGIST

118. Seolophus bicolor. Crested Tit-
mouse—Not a rare resident.

119. Penthetes carolinensis. Caro-
lina Chickadee—Common resident.

120. Polioptila cerulea. Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher.
121. Hylocichla maustelina. Wood

Thrush—Common summer resident.
122. Planesticus migratorius. Robin
—An abundant breeder.
123. Sialia sialis. Bluebird—Com-
mon breeder.

2 e
Cowbird’s Eggs.

I read with great interest Mr. Mil-
ler’s article on Cowhbird’s Beggs in
the April “Oologist.”” I am sorry that
during the years I lived in the coun-
try, in Middlesex County, near Lon-
don, Ontario, that I did not keep a
census of the Cowbird’s Hggs, and
the nests in which I found them. I
found them very plentiful in that dis-
trict, and have no hesitation in say-
ing that I found on an average at
least ten eggs per season for ten
seasons, and needless to say none of
those I found ever hatched. I was
never fortunate enough to find a nest
containing a young cowbird though.

Although, as I have stated, I kept
no accurate record, I can remember
having found them in the following
bird’s nests: Yellow Warbler, Chest-
nut-sided Warbler, Song Sparrow,
Vesper Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow,
Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, In-
digo Bunting, Wilson’s Thrush, Wood
Thrush, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-
breasted Grosbeak.

On looking over my data and notes
in connection with my collection of
bird’s eggs, I find some items which
may be of interest to “Oologist” read-
ers, and which I herewith submit.

During the month of June 1894, I
found five nests of the Indigo Bunt-
ing in a five-acre patch of wild rasp-
berry bushes, four of which contain-

ed one egg each of the Cowbird, and
four eggs each of the Owner. The
other nest had five Buntings’ eggs,
one of which was a runt, no larger
than a goldfinch’s.

June 5th, 1902, found a Scarlet Tan-
ager’s nest on the horizontal limb
of a maple near the edge of the wood.
I had three eggs of the owner and
two cowbird’s eggs. The latter I de-
stroyed.

These are the only two cases in my
experience where more than one Cow-
bird’s egg was found in a nest at the
same time. The only set of Chest-
hnut-sided Warbler’s I ever collected,

resulted in three Cowbirds being
“nipped in the bud.’ My notes read
as follows:

May 14th, 1886—Nest discovered
empty.

Ma’y 16th—Nest contained one egg
of owner, and one Cowhird’s egg
which I removed.

May 18th—Nest contained two eggs
of the owner, and another Cowbird’s
egg which I removed.

May 22nd—Nest contained four
Warbler’s eggs and another Cowbird’s
egg. On this day I collected the set,
and still have the three Cowbird’s
eggs in my cabinet.

Have any of our readers had a sim-
ilar experience? It would be inter-
esting to know whether the same
Molothrus laid all three eggs. Here

is a large field open for some enthu-
siastic Oologist. Had I the oppor-
tunity again, I should certainly de-
vote more time to the study of this
miserable and destructive, but at the
same time very interesting parasite.
Toronto, Ont. J. R. McLeod.

May 9th, 1914.

oT SLR gO aR

The spring here at Lacon has been
unusually hot and dry, with the result
that many of the birds are nesting
earlier than common.

THH OOLOGIST Til

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ame your specialty

Everything in Natural History

ERNEST H. SHORT

Boz 173 Rochester, N. Y

Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study of bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
pages. The magazine has grown
but the price remains the same.

$1.00 per annum
D. APPLETON & Co.,
29 West 32d St.,
New York City

IV THE OOLOGIST

Egg Collectors Take Notice

I desire at once the following first class
specimens, and for these | offer a very desir-
able assortment of oological specimens in ex-

change. Send me your lists at once.

1 set A. O. U. 2 sets A. O. U. 3: Sets AwOn Wr
25 145 Ss)
43 148 115

129 154 136
167 160 1S
178 161 162
252 180 593a
260 243 300a
301 289b 308
310 310c 310a
352 335 310b
375a 341 SHOL
416 356 347
419 356a 351
423 409 356a
457 474e 383
474b 505 396
498e 608 478b
616 639 480
652 657 486
701 726 542b
SS 730 562
7 5 636
21 dae

R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Ill.

THE OOLOGIST.

BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY

Vou. XXXII. No. 7.

ALBION, N. Y., Juuy, 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 324

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Htc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSORIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid.9{320 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with ber issue
1912. Other expirations can be compated by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 38, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

e will not advertise the skins, nests, 5
These columns are for the use of those desiring

North American Birds for sale.

eggss, or mounted specimens 0

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses only.—E DITOR.

a

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, I11.

FOR SALE—Thoroughbred Muscovy
Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNES, Lacon, Il. (1-p)

WANTED—To exchange nests, skins, eggs,
with data; also reptile eggs. Send list. J.P.
Balls 6001 Frankford Ave.. Feat

a. -p

FOR EXCHANGH.— Fine skins of 273, 289a
320, 477a, 501, 511a, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14)

TRADE.—18 A. farm. Will take #175 cash
and $150 in bird skins or eggs or both. If,in-

terested write me. W.G.SAVAGH, Delight,
Ark. (1-p)
Birds, mostly mounted; some skins. Will

exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists pr>mptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.

FOR SALE.—One pair climbers. Address
BE. M. KENWORTHY, 1125 West St,. Wil-
mington, Del. (1-p)
rags i ash rR DOGO EEE oO Ae oo ee

WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Des ae

-p

NOTICE.—3 offered to anyoue who can
show me a nest of the Bob-white or Hum-
minghbird containing eggs within a reason-
able distance of Pittsburg, Pa. Address,
THOS. D. BURLEIGH, 825 N. Negley, Ave.
Pittsburg, Pa.

nN

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND.
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)

W ANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler. Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, eee Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUNSINGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

nian Insti¢ up
D
2

JUL 16 214

ii THE OOLOGIST

EXCHANGE —Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,

White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for EKgyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAG Be
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

TO EXCHANGE.—For eggs in sets. Hun-
dreds of singles and sets. Also arrow heads,
old fire arms and mounted birds. MEARL
B, WHEELER, Hast Randolph, N. Y. (1-p)

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O.Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 343 2-2 2-3:
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3 1-4;
416 1-2; 419 1-2; 533 1-4; 589a 1-4; 715 1-6. E. J
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

WANTED.—To exchange sets of eggs for
No. 493 Starling, for any eggs not in my
cabinet. NELSON EF. WILMOT, 24 New St.,
West Haven, Conn.

FOR EXCHANGE.— Skins 881, 371, 372, 373.2,
379 Will take a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts. 400 Paves Ditnas Reptile
book, $2.50. Closing out extra skins. H. W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa.

(1-p)

"FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 oor:
land Ave., Edgewood. K. I. (1-1)

FOR EXCHANGHE.—Sets of Turkey and
Black Vultures, Barn and Screech Owls and
Red-tailed Hawk. Prefer a pair of good
climbing irons or wili take eggs. WOOD-
RUFF, YEATES, 1416 Cooper St., Fort
Worth, Tex.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs, Nests and Oologist papers for sets
of 128. 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364. 368, 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD S. COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.— Personally Collected:
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 182 1-9; 185 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4: 194¢ 3-5: 197 3-4; 295 6-4:
226 3-4: 258a 1-4: 432 n- 9: 436 n-2: 478c 2-5: 480 2-5
492 2-5: 554 n-4; 56a n- 3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n- bis
749 n-6; 759a n-4. O. TREGANZA, 610 U. ~,
& T. Bidg., Salt hes City. Utah. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Complete sets, origi-
nal datas and first class, of A. O. U. No. 1, 6,
11, 13, 16, 35, 49, 53, 54, 77, 80, 120, 194, 201, 202, 212°
219, 991, 264%, 969, 271, 329 (at #1 per egg), 333,
337, 337b, 339 and 348. Want original sets with
complete data, and many of the very com-
mon ones can be used. Send list of anything
you have and will try to do business with
you. Absolutely guaaantee every specimen
iy suit you. R. L. MORE, Box 608, Vernon,

exas.

FOR EXCHANGE.—White Pelican, Cal
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocat, Stilt, and
many others, all first class with data. Send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, mee

peeeeN2= |)

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 famlies and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speverer. 8.

I have for exchaage many fine sets, per-
sonally taken, finely prepared, among which
194b 1-5 1-6, 199 1-4. 218 1-8, 219 1-9.
228 oa 289b oa ae ile oe 295 - 300b 1-14, |

3474 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b J ile 4 Send your lists and
get my full list. E . POPE, Colmesneil,
Texas.

MISCELLANEOUS.

WANTED~—Indian Relics for cash or ex-
change. Also!finely mounted specimen lous s:
DR. A. E. PAYNE, Riverhead, N. Y. (-p)

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large ana very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine.
will sell for $5.00 cash with order. EH. W.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, I11. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—17 ft. steel “Bristol” fly rod:
with nickel plated pivot reel. Practically
new. used twice. Cost #8.00, price #4.00. I. A.
HEMPHILL, 326 Union Ave,, Elizabeth, N.J.

FOR SALE.—Cocoons_ of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in Jots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. S. KOHLE ,
Bloomfield. N. J. (1-p)

EXCHA NGE--Savage Hammerless repeat-
ing rifle, 1903 model. Shoots 22 short, long or
Jong rifle. For a 28 gauge shot gnu. Write
forparticulars. NOBLE FIELD, Benieny Il.

=}9)

WANTED. —Type and printer’s supplies.
Have Natural history, medical and other
books, skins for mounting, mounted speci-

tery, massage machine. J. J. W
dermist. Augusta, Ga. (1-p)
oo a oe

100 two cent Jamestown Exposition 1907,

position clams 1904 unused, for best cash
offer. H. ATTWATER, 9120 Genesee au
Houston, ' texas. (ie

Bird Books

WANTED.—Nos. 233, 236, 270, 300, of The
Oologist. for which § .25 each will be paid.
R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Ill.

FOR SALH.—List of Rec

a

145-147-148. two. copies, 181-196- i te ee
230-237-242. 244-245- 247-248-250- 251-252- 253-257- 261-
268-282. W.E. SURFACE, Decatur, Ill. fe

hid ener ae eM EE ncer eM NGeuR ey
WANTED.—Bird Lore Vol. I Nos. 2 and 6
with index; Vol. II No. 2; Vol. III No. 3.
Will pay $2 each in original covers. DR. W.
M. TYLER, Lexington, Mass.

THE OOLOGIST.

VoL. XXXII. Neo. 7. ALBION, N. Y. JULY, 15, 1914. WHola® Bo. 824

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Laeonm, Ill.

CONGRATULATIONS

In this issue of THE OOLOGIST, we present to the bird loving fraternity,
the first record of the nesting of the Dusky Seaside Sparrow (Passerherbulus
nigrescens) as the result of the labor and kindness of Oscar E. Baynard of
Florida. Baynard is to be congratulated upon being the first to discover and
record the nidification of this rare bird. THE OOLOGIST is to be congratulated
upon being the medium through which this very interesting scientific informa-
tion is first communicated to the world, and the readers of THE OOLOGIST
are to be congratulated on being the first to receive this information. We are
all under more obligations to Baynard not only in this instance, but for many

other things than we realize.—Hditor.

130 THE

The Dusky Seaside Sparrow.
Passerherbulus Nigrescens.

For the past three years every time
I have taken up the Chapman’s Hand
Book it has invariably opened to page
394 and the first thing that my eye al-
Ways saw after the description of 551
Dusky Sparrow were the words, “Nest
and Hggs Unknown,” this happened
so often that it became monotonous
and I decided that I would try and
change this. A bird whose range cov-
ered only a few square miles, and one
that had been known to science for
forty-one years, and whose nest had
never been found, was a “slam” on the
ability of us true Oologists. That its
nest had been hunted for diligently by
several well known Oologists I knew,
so I knew that when I finally decided
to make a search for it that my work
was cut out, but the opportunity pre-
senting itself and feeling “‘lucky” 1
decided to make a strenuous effort to
locate a nest. From a trip I had once
made on the Hast Coast of Florida lat-
er in the summer I knew that the nat-
ural obstacles of a trip of this kind at
this season of the year would be great,
especially in view of the fact that I
Was in poor health generally and un-
der the doctor’s care. Hearing that
my old “side kick” and collecting part-
ner of several years in Micanopy,
Henry Simpson was on a vacation and
not knowing what to do to kill time I
invited him to meet me at a small vil-
lage on the Indian River and help me
on the trip as I was afraid to venture
alone on the trip feeling weak as I
did. He gladly consented to accom-
pany me and then | knew for a cer-
tainty that if the Dusky Seaside Spar-
row laid eggs we would capture a few.

Starting on May 17th I met him as
per schedule and as there was a gale
blowing on the Indian River and no
boats of any kind or size was ventur-
ing out, I chartered a good large yacht

‘one time

OOLOGIST

and outfitted it for a ten day cruise as
I figured that that would be long
enough for the trip. Being held up
by the weather I decided to visit Salt
Lake near Titusville, where Mr. Chap-
man had found a few birds, we repair-
ed there on the train and hiring a
buggy we drove out there and put in
a day in hunting the marshes of this
Lake We saw no birds of the species
we were looking for here. On our re-
turn to our boat and the weather be-
ing some better the next day we start-
ed out on the River and for a week we
cruised the entire length of Merritts.
Island, visiting every place where
there had ever been any records of
the Dusky Seaside Sparrow, but find-
ing none at any of them. We run into
a little creek on the morning of May
21st and run the boat aground and
taking the small skiff rowed up the
creek in the shallow water and about
100 yards up I saw a Black Sparrow
that I felt at once was the one we were
looking for, hastily rowing in closer I
killed the bird and upon dissecting
same found it to be a male evidently
in full breeding. This sure made us
feel good so we plunged into the marsh
which stretched for miles and miles
away to the highlands of the Island.
When in a few yards, the Dusky Spar-
rows began to get up all about and
I guess we saw at least 20 birds at
setting about in a dense
growth of Glasswort (Salicornia ma-
cronota) which carpeted the Island ~
as far as the eye could see. We lost
four hours in searching for nests in
the higher bunches of this vegetation
and had about given up hopes of find-
ing a nest. As we ate dinner we dis-
cussed the subject very thoroughly
and Simpson had about made up his
mind that this species was “‘ovivivipar-
ous” and did not lay eggs at all but
had young like an animal, it did not
seem possible that with the vigorous

THE OOLOGIST | 13k -

search we had made that we could
have passed over the nests, we would
mark the exact spot from which we
saw a bird appear and hunt for a
space of twenty feet in each direction,
getting down on our knees and go over
every spot. I then suggested that we
take a long rope that I had brought
along for the purpose and “drag” the
Glasswort and see what results we
would have. This we did and it was
not long before we flushed a bird that
appeared to have been startled from
its nest; dropping our rope we walked
into the middle of the rope and began
hunting and about fifty feet ahead of
the rope we found it on the ground
nicely concealed from sight above and
it contained three heavily incubated
ges, the nest was composed of grass
and was about an inch above the
ground. To say that we were elated
is expressing it mildly and we did a
regular Indian Tango or some other
kind of dance. The eggs were a pale
greenish white heavily speckled and
sprinkled with brownish and measured
as follows: .80x.56; .83x.56; .79x.57.
After finding this set we kept on
and flushed many birds but the mosr
minute searching failed to disclose
another nest. Returning to our boat
near dusk we laid our plans for the
next day and vowed we would find
more nests or never leave the spot.
The next day we tried another beat
uv the Island and it was not long un-
til we found a trio of young birds just
beginning to fly, I captured one after a
long chase, he would run on _ the
ground just like a rat and in chasing
him I saw several adult birds likewise
and immediately came to the conclu-
sion that that was one reason we had
not been more fortunate in finding the
nests. There was no cattle grazing
here so that the birds at the very first
noise hopped from the nests and ran
along on the ground for a long way

and then came into view and were
probably fifty feet from their nests
when they first appeared. Atter get-
ting wise to their tactics we changed
ours and began working to the wind-
ward all the time so as to get nearer
to them before they heard us, this
proved the right thing and it was not
long before we came upon a nest of
three young birds that left the nest on
our getting within a few feet of them,
this nest was made exactly like the
first one in every way and in the four
days we found two more nests of
young and two more sets of eggs, the
second set of eggs contained five and
were heavily incubated marked very
similar to the first set and measured
as iollows: “283x585 .62x.0; 219X507
.82x.59; .83x.59. The third set contain-
ed three eggs which measured assay) 2
.52x.58; .82x.59 and were heavily in-
cubated, in fact one of them was pip-
ped when we got back to the boat and
I was unable to save but one egg of
this set. This last nest was the only
one that was not within an inch of
the ground, it was up in a bunch of
dried Glasswort about ten inches from
the ground and we surprised the fe-
male on the nest; she was evidently
asleep and coming up to her to wind-
ward in a hard wind she did not hear
us.

I have hunted eggs over this state
in all kinds of places, and many of
them hard places, but this trip taken
as a whole was about the toughest,
proposition I ever tackled. The mos-
quitoes were about in hordes day and
night and the heat was terrific not-
withstanding the stiff wind that blew
most of the time. Then the marsh
was very dry and abounded in rabbits,
this no doubt was what attracted the
snakes to it, because we were all the
time dodging Moccasins and Rattle
snakes, one could not see where he
was walking in the Glasswort as it

anetiind

THE OOLOGIST

189

JUBISISSY S Puvudeg ‘q “O Aq O}0YG—
PLEL ‘co ABW ‘mouueds apiseag Aysnq ay} JO ySsou 9Y4} 0} Bulzulod pueudeg "4 ‘CO

133

THE OOLOGIST

preudeg “HO Aq 0J04Yq—
Mouueds apiseag Aysnq jo sbhHa pue ysay

134 THD OOLOGIST

was about knee deep at the shortest
and up to ones waist in some places
and tangled up so that one had to lift
each foot high up to get over it and
could not see where he put it down,
three ocacsions I was near enough to
a rattle snake to have been struck be-
fore he gave his warning and after
one of them rattles within three feet
of a fellow in such a place it takes the
keen edge of nest hunting off for a
while. Moccasins, while as deadly as
the Rattler, are more sluggish and un-
less one actually steps on him he is
not likely to bite, however hunting
under such circumstances keeps ones
nerves wrought up to the highest pitch
all the time.

The Sparrows were in full song,
such as it was, not being familiar
with the song of the Seaside Spar-
row I am unable to say if it is anything
like the Dusky or not. This so? g was
similar in many ways to the song of
the Grasshopper Sparrow and the in-
sect like part of the song is more pro-
longed and somewhat louder than in
the Grasshopper Sparrow. The song
of the Dusky cannot be called sweet in
any particular but its harshness
matches well with its surroundings.
All of the six nests that we found
were open at the top and none of them
Were arched over.

The photographs secured on the
trip were not much good as conditions
were not favorable for this kind of
work and when one is hunting nests
there is little time to be lugging a
camera around and taking pictures,
however, the ones shown will give an
idea of the nesting site of this bird,
etc.

The first two sets mentioned above
with nests and skins of the parent
birds are in the Museum of J. KE. Thay-
er of Lancaster, Mass.

Oscar EH. Baynard.
Clearwater, Florida.

Collecting Birds Eggs.
The Preparation of Specimens.
(By R. Magoon Barnes.)
TI.

Having arrived home with a set of
5 Bluebirds, a set of 6 Phoebe, a set
of 7 Kingfisher and a set of 5 Meadow-
lark, the next thing is to prepare these
specimens in such a way that they
will last and make a desirable appear-
ance when placed in the cabinet.

The first thing to do is to lay aside
each set of eggs separately on a cloth
or layer of cotton batting, something
that will prevent them from rolling;
then procure a basin of water, a tum-
bler filled with water and the blow
pipes and drills we have before men-
tioned; sit down at a low table or on
a door step or some similar place, so
as to bring the basin above the ob-
ject you sit upon.

We will commence now with the
preparation of the set of Blue Bird’s
eggs. Picking up one of the speci-
mens, look it over carefully to see if
there are any stains or any foreign
matter on it which cannot be remov-
ed, and if there is, that is the side we
will blow it on. First pierce the shell
with a fine pointed pin or needle, then
select the smallest of the blow pipes.
which should be No. 0, carefully insert
the point of the drill in the hole left
by the needle, and holding the egg be-
tween the thumb and finger of the
left hand, with the larger end away
from you, and the second finger under
the smaller end of the egg slowly twirl
the drill back and forth with the
thumb and finger of the right hand,
gradually enlarging the oriface until
you have drilled clear into the egg.
If you have the right kind of a drill
the rear end of the burr part of the.
drill will cut the lining as it enters the
egg. If it does not do this, it will be
necessary to draw the drill back un-
til the rear of the burr comes in con-

THE OOLOGIST 135

tact with the inner surface of the shell
at the hole made by the drill. A few
more twirls will then cut the lining.
‘Then withdraw the drill, turn the egg
over, still holding it between the
thumb and finger of the left hana,
take a small blow pipe and hold the
point of the same near the oriface
of the egg, turning the egg upside
down over the basin of water. Then
blow through the blow pipe and the
air will gradually enter the egg and
force the contents out of the same
hole.

After the entire contents of the egg
has been blown out in this way, then
take some water in the mouth from
the tumbler of water standing near-
by and blow the water through the
blow pipe into the egg. Do this with
some force, but not enough to destroy
the egg shell. After the egg has been
blown full of water, then blow the
water out of the egg. Repeat this two
or three times until the contents of
the egg is thoroughly cleansed out,
for any foreign matter of any kind or
any of the contents of the egg that
may be left in will surely stain the
shell and ultimately destroy the spe-
cimen.

After this has been done and you
are sure that the contents of the egg
is entirely out and the inner surface
of the shell thoroughly cleansed, then
lay the egg upside down with the hole
resting on a small piece of blotting
paper. This should be clean and not
ink stained.

Continue the same process with each
one of the eggs in this set, laying them
side by side on the blotter when the
blowing is completed. They should
be left in this position until they are
thoroughly dry, and all the other eggs
taken should be drilled in exactly the
same manner, using care to see to
it that the sets do not become mixed,
and that each different set is kept sep-
arately until marked.

If the eggs are not thoroughly
cleansed, their taking and preparation
Will be all to no purpose, for they will
finally become spotted and ultimately
disintegrate. It is always important
to use the smallest drill possible on
each egg.

The above is the proceeding for
blowing all eggs which are fresh.
Makes no difference whether they are
the size of a goose egg or the size
of a Hummingbird’s egg. The same
proceeding is followed from beginning
to end.

Assuming now that all of the eggs
we took on the day before above men-
tioned have been blown and arrang-
ed on the blotter as directed, and have
been left there long enough to become
thoroughly dry, the next thing is to
mark them. The marking of speci-

mens is one of the very important
steps in their preparation. Care
should be taken to mark each set

neatly, legibly and according to the
system used by Oologists. They
should be marked with a soft, pointed
lead pencil unless you are a high class
expert with India ink like E. J. Court
at Washington and a few others of
his kind, who are very rare indeed;
but if you are then you may assay
the use of India ink.

The set of Bluebird*s eggs shoula
be marked as follows: Above the
blow hole on the larger end of the egg
and near the blow hole should be plac-
ed neatly the figures 776, which is
the number of the Bluebird in the
American Ornithologist’s Union (‘“‘A.
O.U.”)- Check List of North Ameri-
can birds. To the right of the blow
hole should be placed a short straight
line as near aS may be opposite the
center of the blow hole. Above this
line should be placed the letter “a”
and beneath the line the figure ‘5.”
The letter “a” indicates the fact that
this was the first set of Bluebirds

136 THE OOLOGIST

taken this year. Any subsequent sets
should be indicated by the letters \), @;
d, ete. The figure 5 beneath this line
will indicate the number of eggs in the
set. If the set had been 4, 6 or 7 the
numbers 4, 6 or 7, according to the
number of eggs in the set would be
placed beneath this line. And be-
neath the blow hole should be placed
numbers designating the year in which
the set was taken, as 1910, 1911, or
1912, or whatever the year might be.
Hach egg in the set should be marked
in exactly the same way.

In this way it is easy to keep track
of the specimens. The A.O.U. number
will at once identify the specimen, the
set number “a-5” will show that it is
the first set taken and that there were
five eggs in it. The year number be
neath the blow hole will show the year
in which it was taken, and reference
to the data or the original note book
would disclose these same figures.

Having marked all of the eggs
taken according to the above method,
the next important thing is to place
them in a dark cabinet of some kind
with closely fitting drawers that wil
exclude both the dust and light. The
light will cause many specimens to
fade; in fact, nearly all. Dust if it set-
tles upon the egg and and the atmos-
phere then gets damp, will set up a
peculiar character of fungus growth
on the shell that will ultimately dis-
figure the eggs for all time; particu-
larly those having solid color, like the
Bluebird, Catbird, Wood Thrush and
the like.

‘Of course it follows that the-larger
the egg the easier it is to blow. Like-
wise the larger the egg, the same rules
apply to prepare it with as small a
drill hole as possible.

Many times it will be found that the
specimens taken are more or less in-
cubated, though it is a bad practice
to take incubated eggs unless they

‘tirely justified.

are spécimens of unusual varieties. In
that. case of course the taking is en-
The blowing of a
badly incubated specimen is a mat-
ter of tedious, hard work. Frequently
you will have to use an embryo hook
as well as a pair of very fine, sharp
pointed embryo scissors and cut the
embryo within the egg through the
oriface made by the drill with the
scissors and drag it out, piece at a
time with the embryo heck, or force
small pieces of it out by inserting the
point of the blow pipe entirely within
the shell of the egg. To do this neat-
ly and softly will require a larger
hole in the shell and much patience
and care.

It is mever very satisfying to at-
tempt to use caustic potash or any
similar substance for the dissolving
of the contents of an incubated speci-
men, as is sometimes recommended,
for the reason that ultimately the shell
of the egg so treated will disintegrate
entirely and the strong alkaline ac-
tion will injure the tint and colors on
the shell.

After a little practice it is not hard
to become proficient in the prepara-
tion of specimens of this kind, and you
will discover that your standing and
rank as an oologist will depend very
largely upon the character of your
work in preparing your specimens.
Accuracy, neatness and cleanliness

above all things should be your motto.
<P o

From Georgia.

As I have noticed THH OOLOGIST
never has, since I have been a sub-
seriber, contained any notes from
Georgia, I have decided to try to write
a little about the birds which I have
identified here near my home, com-
mencing under date of April 10, 1914
and up to date of May 9, 1914.

1. Broad winged Hawk, 3.

2. Common Crows, 50.

moO cS OF P&H

10.

THE OOLOGIST

. Sharp shinned Hawk, 2.

. Cooper’s Hawk, 4.

. Red-tailed Hawk, 2.

. Turkey Vultures, many.

. Sereech Owl, 1.

. Mourning Doves, hundreds.

Bob Whites, 20.
One Rail but not sure of the

species it is but think it No. 2110.

pelts
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Te
18.

Robins, hundreds.

Sparrow Hawk, 2.

Pigeon Hawk, 1.

Southern Flickers, 25.

Pileated Woodpeckers, 2.

Hairy Woodpecker, 5.
Southern Downy Woodpecker, 6.
Red cockaded Woodpecker, 1

male.

18),

. Red-headed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 12.
Woodpeckers, 4

. Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2.

. Chuck Will’s Widow, 1.

3. Whip-poor-will, 1.

. Night Hawks, 2.

. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 10.
. Scarlet Tanagers, 10.

. Summer Tanagers, 50. ~~

. Hepatic Tanagers, 1 male.
. Cardinals, 25.

. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 5.

. Purple Finches, 6.

. Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 2.

. Black-throated Blue Warblers, 1.
. Indigo Buntings, 3.

. Bluebirds, 5.

. Blue Jays, 25.

. Blackburnian Warbler, 6.

. Redstarts, 5.

. Golden-crowned Kinglets, 2.

. Black-throated Green Warblers,

leeeer

rd r
ang! ot

. Hooded Warblers, 10.

. Yellew-throated Warblers, 6.
3. Pine Warblers, 25.

: American Goldfinches, 20.

. Parula Warblers, 4.

. Cape May Warblers, 15.

. Palm Warblers, 2.

OV Or OT Ol Str Or Ot Ot HS
Aa tf wwe oo oO

|

co |

Sy} 3]

|
a oF WD HEH S&S

=

187

. Prairie Warblers, 6.

. Myrtle Warblers, 100.

. Chestnut-sided Warblers, 4. —~
. Cedar Waxwings, 12.

. Yellow-breasted chats, 12.
. Crested Flycatchers, 4.

. Towhees, 20.

. Orchard Orioles, 1 male.

. Green-crested F'lycatchers,
. Bank Swallows, 25.

. Red-eyed Vireos,. 20.

. White-eyed Vireos,- 2.

. Blue-headed Vireos, 2.

. Worm-eating Warblers, 1.

. Piney Woods Sparrow, 1.

. Chipping Sparrows, 100.

. Field Sparrows, 50.

. White-throated Sparrows, 50.
. Oven Birds, 5.

. Louisiana Water Thrushes, 4.
. Wood Thrushes, 100.

. Carolina Wrens, 8.

. Bewick Wrens, 2.

. Hermit Thrush, 1.

. Slate-colored Junces, 25.

. Carolina Juncos, 4.

. Tufted Titmouse, 4.

. Blue Gray Gnatecatchers, 14.
. Carolina Chickadees, 8.

. Brown-headed Nuthatches,
. King Birds, 10.

2 Capbinds\ 3-0

. Loggerhead Shrikes, 2.

. Black and White Warblers,
. Black Pole Warblers, 6.

. Purple Martins, 10.

. Barn Swallows, 25.

85.
86.
87.
88.
89.

10.

bo

Bobolinks, 25.

Brown Thrashers, 50.
Chimney Swifts, 25.
Spotted Sandpiper, 2.
Maryland Yellow-throat, 4.

I will also make note of the nest of

birds of the different species.

T have

located nests of this spring beginning
at April 1, 1914, two nests of Pine

Warblers,

one of Bluebird, four of

Carolina Wren, two of Carolina Chick-
adee, one of Louisiana Water Thrush,

138 Sei THE OOLOGIST

two of Hooded Warbler, two of Yellow
‘hroated Vireo, two of Blue Gray
Gnatcatcher, two of Field Sparrow,
four of Chipping Sparrow, four of
Brown Thrasher, one of Red-eyed
Vireo, one of Ruby-throated Humming-
bird, one Dove, four of Wood Thrush.

I will also make note of the species
that are rapidly growing to be scarce
here which was awiul plentiful here
15 years back: White-breasted Nur
hatch, very scarce now; Brown-headed
Nuthatch, Kingbird, Sparrow Hawk,
Tufted Titmouse, Mockingbird, Cedar
Bird, Bewick Wren, Pileated Wood-
pecker, very scarce; Pine Woods Spar-
row; most all other species are hold-
ing their own very well.

Well, Mr. Barnes, as this is my first
letter of this nature I have ever writ-
ten, please excuse mistakes and if
you think this letter worth publish-
ing in THE OOLOGIST, you may pub-
lish same. Probably some of the read-
ers of THE OOLOGIST would like to
know a little about the birds that are
found in Milton County, Georgia.

D. V. Hembree.
Roswell, Ga.

ope

First Sets Taken This Season, 1914.

This month of April being the be-
ginning of the egg season, Mr. Trice
and I started on a walk, west of here
to explore a creek that run into the
Trinity River called Howard’s Branch.
We first passed through the Forest
Park two miles west, which has a
large collection of birds and animals,
after studying the birds, we went on
west to the Howard’s Branch. We
found three hawks’ nests but had no
luck. Also several nests of young
crows and eggs. As we do not col-
lect them, we passed them by. On
up the branch was a large thicket.
Finding a hawk’s nest half built I
told Trice te hide and find out what
kind of a hawk was building it, and

I went on hunting in the thicket,
which is about one-half mile straignt
through. While I was crawling along,
looking in every place a vulture could
lay, I was disturbed by a Turkey Vul-
ture flopping through the brush. Going
to where she flew out, I found a set of
gas in under a large fallen tree.
Then I went back to see Trice. He
found it to be a Red-tailed Hawk
working on the nest, so we left this
tree going on up the creek. Coming
to a large tree, I spied a snug little
hollow that had owl feathers hanging
to the sides, so up I go and before I
got half way up the tree a Texas
Screech Owl flew out. Then I was
encouraged. There I collected a set
of four fresh Screech Owl’s. We
found no more that day and learned
that the Vultures, Hawks and Owls
were not laying in full blast in that
neck of the woods. Arriving home we
decided to get in our EH. M. F. 30 and
hit it for a Vulture ground, 25 miles
northwest of Ft. Worth. We arrived
and made camp, set out hooks on the
river and took a little walk up a creek
to Owl Springs. We found a set of
five Barn Owls in a large hole near
the spring. Then going up on the hill
from the spring we found three
Kreider’s Hawks in a tree on the hill
side. Going back to camp, we had a
nice fish on the lines. Retiring for
the night in our “Dog Tent,’ we were
amused by the Whip-poor-wills, Bar-
red and Screech Owls and the howling
of the Coyotes. We left camp next
morning finding plenty of vulture
grounds but no eggs. While coming
down a hill we flushed a little bird
which appeared to be brown. We
found four white eggs about the size of
a Cat Bird’s and looked fer the bird
but could not find her, so we took
the eggs anyhow. The nest was built
on the ground out of grass and lined
with horsehair. The bird was fast in

THD OOLOGIST 139

flight and hard to tell what kind it
was. While looking in under rocks at
the top of a large hill I stepped on a
large rattlesnake and tumbled back-
ward down the hill but I had one
friend and it was a tree which caught
me before [ came to the thirty foot
bank, so I was safe, and grabbing a
dead limb and some rocks, I succeed-
ed in killing my enemy whieh was
five feet long and had four young rab-
bits in him. That evening we collecr-
ed a set of four cardinal and on April
12th we found 2 sets of Turkey Vul-
ture, one set of Black Vulture, Field
Sparrow 1-5, Field Sparrow 2-4, Field
Sparrow 3-5 and Field Sparrow 4-4.
We caught two nice cat fish and killed
what rabbits we needed to eat.

April 13th we found Cardinal 2-4,
Field Sparrow 5-5, killed a pair of Barn
Owls and one Texas Barred Owl.

April 14th, we went back to the
Fort finding 3-4 Cardinal, 6-4 Field
Sparrow and 1-4 Texas Bewicks Wren
and a fresh nest of Red-eyed Vireo.
Also shot a poor-will, which are rare
around here. We arrived home all O.
K. and we expect to go again soon,
but I guess I will go by myself as Mr.
Trice is patrolling the border with
the National Guards.

Hope all collectors good luck this
season.

R. Graham.
Fort Worth, Tex.
ee ee ee eee
Nesting of the Bartramian Sandpiper
At New Market, Va.

This spring while on a hike with
the corps of cadets of the Virginia Mil-
itary Institute, I had the pleasure of
observing the breeding of this rapidly
decreasing bird, the Bartramian Sand-
piper or Upland Plover.

In the early morning of May 14th,
while walking through a large mea-
dow bordering the Shenandoah River,
I heard the musical note of this bird.

After looking around I discovered the
bird flying low over the field. This
suggested to me that there was a pos-
sibility of a nest somewhere in the
field.

I searched up and down the meadow
for a long time without success and
Was about to give up when a Bartram
flew up about 20 feet in front of me.
This encouraged me to look longer
and I soon made out the four eggs
neatly lying in a slight hollow in the
bare ground, with a few pieces of
dead grass under them. They sure
were a sight for bad eyes. After eare-
fully locating the nest I withdrew and
watched for the female to return.

I had a long wait, but finally she
flew into the field. She could not see
me as I was behind a pile of fence-
rails. She flew in wide circles over
the field, but each one was a bit clos-
er to the nest. Till finally she lit
near it. I waited till she had plenty
of chance to settle, then walked care-
fully up towards the nest and was al-
most within two feet of it before she
left, fluttering off somewhat in the
manner of a meadow-lark. As she flut-
tered she gave vent to plaintive cries
of distress. The male did not appear.
I packed the eggs carefully and was
continuing my way out of the field
When much to my surprise a second
Bartram flew up and fluttered through
the grass at my feet. I soon discov-
ered the second nest containing four
pipped eggs. The female flew around
me scolding in her musical cry. As
the eggs were too far incubated to
preserve, I did not disturb them. And
after watching the actions of the fe-
male for a while I left the field.

I have always imagined from arti-
cles read concerning the nesting
habits of this bird, that their nest was
most difficult to locate. [I had to
hunt fairly hard for the first but did
not have so much trouble to locate it

140

as the female always staid close by.
Is this not rather unusual?

The eggs proved very heavily incu-
bated. This fact I suppose is respon-
sible for the females staying close to
the nests. The second nest was with-
in fifty feet of the first. Is this not
rather unusual also?

I was very glad cf a chance to ob-
serve the nesting habits of this bird
as they are rapidly becoming scarcer
each year.

Later on I had a conversation with
the farmer who owned the field in
which the nests were found. I asked
him if he had noticed any birds nest-
ing in his field. He said, “Oh yes,
there’s a new bird around there. I
know them very well, they are ‘Night-
ingales’.”’ I tried to tell him the truth
but nothing could ccnvince him that
he was wrong so as “ignorance is
bliss’ and I had a good set of eggs, I
let the argument drop.

A. Benners, V. M. I.
Lexington, Va.
9 }
A Brown Thrasher’s Nest.

On May 20 of this year I found a
Brown Thrasher’s nest with two eggs.

One of the eggs was:barely visible.
It formed a part of the bottom of the
nest and probably was laid before the
nest was completed so when the bird
finished it, the egg was a part of it,
being almost buried in the lining. This
nest was deserted June 2.

I have found many nests of the
Brown Thrasher but this is the first
that I found to be constructed in such
a manner.

George H. Koehler.
Bridgeport, Conn.
NESSES SS ICES SE UE
Notes From the Vicinity of Johnsburg,
Missouri.

1914— January
3. One Turkey Buzzard seen in morn-

ing. Also one of Cooper’s Hawk.

THH OOLOGIST

13. A small flock of Chickadees were
seen in evening.

19. One Mockingbird.

21. A great many Tree Sparrows.
Temperature was 20 degrees above

zero. Also a Flicker.

February:

3. One pair of Robins; the sun was
shining; ‘temperature 32 degrees

above zero.

21. One Red-headed Woodpecker. -

25. One Canadian Warbler. Snow on
ground.

28. About 15 Bluebirds.

March:

4. One Meadow Lark in evening

5. One Robin.

8. Seven Meadow Larks. : :

10. About. 75 Bronzed Grackles. dur-
ing drizzling rain.

15. One House Wren.

16-27. During. this time ola and
Bronzed Grackles became very

common.

28. One Red-winged Skate One
Cooper’s Hawk, and a pair of
Towhees.

29-31. A-pair of Yellow-bellied Sap-
suckers. Thousand of Bronzed
Grackles and hundred of Robins.

April: :
3. One pair of Hermit Thrusts
6. One Chimney Swift.

7. One Sandhill Crane.

8. One Great Northern Shrike.

12. Several Wilson Snipes. Found

Crow’s nest in crab apple 11 feet

from ground, contained four eggs,

three similar, fourth greatly elong-
ated with black all over large end,
elsewhere sparsely specked. Found
one Red-bellied Woodpecker’s
nest in dead elm 12 feet from

ground. One Blue Jay’s nest in
cedar tree, twenty feet from
ground. Piece al aa ioe

3, Found another crow’s nest 60 feet

up in oak, a

THE OOLOGIST

14. One yellow-headed Blackbird (Rare
here); one pair Brown Thrashers
and Cowbirds.

15. Crow’s nest containing five eggs
advanced in incubation. One Blue-
bird’s nest in fence post held four
eggs.

17. Wren’s nest containing three eggs.

18. One Mourning Dove. One Robin
nest.

20 A large flock of Gold finches. Two
Tree Swallows, one Least Bittern,
and one Mockingbird. Brown
Thrasher’s nest in bush 2% feet
from ground, with four eggs.

24. Another Robin nest, one Flicker
hest, three feet from ground. A
large number of doves.

25. One Baltimore Oriole.

26. One Kingbird. Two Jay nests,
first twenty feet up in small oak,
second three feet up in hedge-
thorn. One Crow’s nest contain-
ing four eggs. One Phoebe’s nest
five eggs, one young.

27. One Catbird. One Chickadee’s
nest in fence post, five eggs. One
Brown Thrasher’s nest just com-
pleted.

28. One Red-winged Blackbird’s nest.

29. One Red-winged Blackbird’s nest.
One Chickadee’s nest, one egg.
One Crow’s nest in oak thirty feet
high, crow stayed on nest while
I walked underneath, hitherto un-
known act.

30. A great number of Blackbird nests
today. One crow’s nest containing
four fresh eggs. One Redbird’s
nest containing two eggs. One
pair Baltimore Orioles.

May:

1. One Redbird’s nest overhanging
water, placed on several black-
berry vines, water six inches be-
low bottom of nest. Nest contain-
ed three eggs.

Ralph R. Wilson.

Jonesbnrg, Mo.

141

The July issue of the Guide to Na-
ture re-publishes the half-tone “The
Habitat Group of the Maplewood Mu-
seum, Stanford, Connecticut,” that
first appeared in THE OOLOGIST,
showing bird life of the Canadian
Zone. The more our exchanges boar-
row from THE OOLOGIST the better
they will be.

Sa eee
The Interesting Road-Runner.

To me, Roadrunners are the mcet
interesting and fascinating birds
which have come under my observa-
tion. In the vicinity of my home thy
would hardly be called rare, yet |
would hesitate in calling them con)-
mon. During 1913, three nests wees
found, while this year I have found
four; one of which has proven a grea‘
source of pleasure to me.

The first nest, feund on April 13,
was situated in a tangle of stretchber-
ries and bushes, in the main fork of
a stunted oak. It contained ten eggs,
whose history was decidedly varied.
Four of these eggs were hatched the
next day, three more two days later,
two were very fresh, and one proved
infertile. This would certify the state-
ment made by “Bird Lore,’ some time
ago, concerning the occupation of one
roadrunner nest, by several birds.

Nest No. 2 was 3 feet 4 inches from
the ground in a bush at the summit cf
a steep descent. The nest was very
rudely constructed, and contained
three fresh but soiled eggs on April 25.

‘The third nest was in a small val-
ley, built on top of a mockingbird
nest, about seven feet from the ground.
Water often surrounded the tree, and
the nest was composed largely of de-
bris found on the roots and branches
of the tree. On April 28 this nest con-
tained three young and one egg.

As these nests were some distance
from my home they were not visited
regularly, but one nest about % mile

142 | THE OOLOGIST Tae aoa

from our place was placed so advant-
ageously for observation, that it was
under my notice for several days. On
April 29 this nest contained six rath-
er well developed young, and two in-
fertile eggs. The nest was fully one
foot deep and a foot and a half in di-
ameter. It was placed 8 feet up, in a
grape vine tangle. Unlike the young-
sters in nest No. 1 these birds were
sullen and resented being touched,
The others were very amiable crea-
tures and seemed to enjoy the sensa-
tion of being petted. The birds in
Nest No. 4 were sleek and well fed
while those in Nest No. 1, were abso-
lutely unable to be satisfied. How-
ever, the birds in the last nest attract-
ed me most, and I took two of them
home with me, much to their displeas-
ure.

Adult road runners are curious
enough but the young ones are more
so. Their mouths were blood red,
while their eyes were surrounded by
pale blue, naked, skin. Their black
skinned bodies were covered scanti-
ly with pin feathers,—some bursted,—
and long, coarse white hairs. The
feathers grew very rapidly and the
hairs dropped off as the birds develop-
ed. The longer I kept them the more
their sullenness seemed to leave them

and they pleased me greatly by clap--

ping their mandibles together. As the
birds grew to know me, they became
fearless and hungry. They would rush
savagely at me, wings extended, and
flapping mouths open, and demand
food without delay. From the very
first, the size of the mouthful did not
concern them nearly so much as how
quickly they could get it disposed of
It was some weeks before they could
really run, and I was quite often im-
patient to test their speed. From the
first they enjoyed a very varied diet,—
horned frogs, sparrows, snakes, liz-
ards, meat and even beetles. Until

May 16 or 17, they did not pick up any-
thing for themselves, but after that,
they picked up almost everything,
which they found leose. A little lat
er I took them walking with me, In
a road, near our house, we would walk
up and down together, the birds al-
ways being glad to rest every time I
would stop. The boys who knew us,
frequently went walking too, and a
very interesting observation was
made. <A friend of mine and I lay
down upon the road, and the birds
promptly seated themselves on me.
My companion then happened to put
his head on his hand, when immediate-
ly the birds went to him. I then sat
up,—they came to my shoulders, and
when he stood up they went to him.
This shows the birds’ love for a high
place. They would scan the skies and
follow constantly with their eyes, a
turkey yulture or hawk which was fly-
ing past. As yet they have never cap-
tured a lizard, or snake for themselves,
but tiny tree-toads, beetles, caterpil-
lares, moths and frogs are all subject
to their fatal attacks.
George Miksch Sutton. |
2 Se
Books Received.

DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARING
SPECIMENS of. MAMMALS, BIRDS,
FISH AND REPTILES, by Stanley GC,
Jewett.

Published by Oregon Fish & Game
Commission. :

This is a splendid little 20 page re-
sume of the subject treated, accom-
panied by illuminative illustrations
and coming from a man with such ex-
tended field experience, is an addition
to the literature on this subject, and
of convenient size and shape to be
carried into the field. aS

THE EMU, Vol. XIII, Part II, Octo-
ber 1, 1913. ae

This issue of The Emu gives a de-
scription of a “Commonwealth Collec-

«

THE OOLOGIST 148

tion” being a description of a collec-
tion of eggs gathered together by H.
L. White, a resident of Australia, ac-
companied by three colored plates il-
lustrative of 35 varieties of eggs. This
collection exceeds 800 Australian spe-
cies, each with data, accompanied by
over one thousand bird skins, and
shows the life work of a real scientist,

In examining it one is struck with
the evident difference in coloration of
the eggs of the birds of Australia as
compared with those of North Amer-
ica, being as a rule more highly col-
ored and much more given to irregular
lines and streaks.

— ot
The Dovekie on the New England
Coast.

The morning of January 5, 1914, af-
ter a severe storm, about ten Dovekies
—Alle alle—were noticed strewn along
the ocean beach near Oak Bluffs, Mar-
tha’s Vineyard, Mass. Two showed
signs of life and were taken to a house
and cared for. They seemed to ap-
preciate the warmth and the rescue
from the storm, but they ‘refused food
and both died before night. The peo-
ple were sorely disappointed as they
liked the appearance of the plump,
downy-feeling “Little Auks,”’ as the
Hneglish call them, and they hoped to
keep them for awhile, at least, for
pets. This, of course, would have
been exceedingly difficult, on account
of the pelagic habits of the species.

This is a swift bird awing but it does
not, as a rule, make extended flights.
The small wings and the comparative-
ly heavy body militates against this.
As a result, after being buffeted about
by a heavy, prolonged storm the Dove-
kie is very liable to succumb and be
driven ashore.

The two birds especially mentioned
were sent me as was one from Chath-
amport, Mass., December 13, 1913, and
all are now in my collection.

pine stub twenty feet tall,

I understand that the species was
more plentiful than usual along the
New England coast during the winter
of 1913-14.

Charles L. Phillips.
Taunton, Mass.
2—~—<>
A Well Occupied Tree.

On April 23 while walking through
a field I saw a Flicker fly from a hole
about three feet from the top of an old
On climb-
ing up I found that the Flicker nest
was new but contained no eggs, but
in a hole in the top of the tree I found
a Screech Owl setting on two incu-
bated eggs. On examining the tree
twe weeks later I found a set of seven
Flicker eggs in the Flicker hole.

Nine days later I collected another
set of Screech Owl eggs out of the
Flicker hole. And on the other side
of the tree a set of four Red-headed
Woodpecker.

D. Loach Martin.
Mr. Martin also reports ‘a set of
eight Great Crested Flycatchers eggs
taken May 27.

—————————_- <0

Cowbird’s Eggs.

June 23, 1913, I found a Brewer’s
Blackbird’s nest in a wild rose thicket
two and a half feet from the ground
containing three eggs of the owner
and four of the Cowbird.

T have also found Cowbird’s eggs in
the following nests that I am certain
of but have not dates: Yellow Warb-
ler, Maryland Yellow-throat, Clay-col-
ered Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Song
Sparrow and Bobolink in Minnesota;
also Yellow Warbler, Western Yellow-
throat, Lazuli Buntin, and Western
Meadowlark in Montana.

Bernard Bailey.
Elk River, Minnesota.
ES EAL ey oes eeu

Nesting of Yellow Palm Warbler.

While crossing a somewhat bushy
pasture on May 8th, I saw a Yellow

144 THE OOLOGIST

Palm Warbler with some dead grass
in her beak and in a short time she
carried it to a mossy knoll out in the
pasture about 50 feet from edge of
woods. In about 10 days time I went
again; there was two Warbler eggs
and a Cowbird egg. I removed the
Cowbird egg and in four days more
went again and found three Warbler
eges with the female setting. She
did not leave the nest until my hand
was within a foot of her when she
fluttered along on the grass to the
edge of the woods and while she kept
near enough to be seen readily did
not seem to care much what happen-
ed. The nest was sunken into the
moss and well under a leaning apple
bush and partly hidden by dead grass.
It was well made for a ground build-
er, of dead grass finer inside and lin-
ed with quite a number of small feath-
ers. This bird nests in Northern
Maine in fair numbers every year but
starts in so much earlier than the
other Warblers that one usually finds
young instead of sets. Nests are us-
ually under boughs of some coniferous
bush and all I have seen have had
quite a number of small feathers for
lining. The eggs are somewhat like
some sets of Magnolia Warblers I
have taken, having a somewhat cloud-
ed effect in the markings, but are
quite good size, as large as those of
the Black-throated Blue Warbler.
W. J. Clayton.

I found a Cowbird egg in a Hermit
Thrush’s nest the same day I found
the egg in the Warbler’s nest. He is
a family of three now and all are
doing well, all about same size and

color. Wein ©:
Oe
One On Us.
In the June issue, we published

(Page 113) a half tone of a Mourning
Dove’s nest with a young bird and
egg. This was labeled “Nest and Hggs

of Kentucky Warbler” and credited to
our friend T. H. Jackson.

Curiously enough this very mistake
occurred once before, (See Vol. XXVII
pg. 63). The cut we intended to re-
print last month will be found in Vol.
XXVII at page 113.

We have been expecting that Jack-
son would kill us, and don’t know as
we would blame him very much, but
as we have not heard from him, sup- |
pose he prefers to suffer in silence.
Maybe he regards us as past redemp-
tion. Possibly he may be right, for
surely there is no excuse for such a
blunder either the first or the second
time.

peta eases INS A SE
Prairie Homed Lark.

While walking in the country on
April 12th, I found my first homed
lark’s nest. The bird sat very close,
and flushed from a nest that was lined
with nothing but fine grasses, which is
unlike the description given by other
Oologists, most of them stating that
the nest is usually lined with feath-
ers. It contained four very slightly
incubated eggs. I am certain that it
was a homed lark, but am not positive
of the exact species. Is it not rather
late for the nesting of a homed lark
in this part of the state? I will be
very thankful to anyone giving the de-
sired information.

Owen J. Gromme.
Fon Du Lac, Wis.

No, it is not unusually late-——Hditor.
_--*<—e-

We have recently added to our col-
lection a perfect set of four eggs of
the extremely rare Great Gray Owl
(Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa) taken

in Alaska very near the Arctic Circle.
Really authentic sets of eggs of this
bird are exceedingly rare in collec-
tions, and of course we prize the addi-
tion very much.

THE OOLOGIST Iii

EXCHANGE.—January, February, March,
Bird Lore, 1913, for Nos. 806-307-309-310-311-312
313-314 of The Oologist or some Bird books.
GRANT HALEY, Springford, CAT:

-p

I WILL PAY CASH for Vol. 1-2-3-4-5 Bird
Lore Vol, 1-2-3-4 1897-98 Bird and Nature.
EARL HAMILTON, 400 Walnut St., Ver-
sailles, via McKeesport P. O., Pa.

WANTED FOR CONSE —Condor Vol. 8
complete; Vol. 9 Nos. ft 6; Vol. 10, AG: 2
Bird Lore, le "7, No. Hol, 3, Nos. 5 BE
Vol. 2, Nos. 2, 3; Vol. Fe ‘except No. 1. ye Ip
SLOANAKER, Pp cades Colo. (1- 2)

“NOTICE. —Is your library going to be the
only one without a copy of “The Birds of
Virginia?” Of the one thousand edition only
about one hundred remain, and no more will
be printed. Price $3.00. Address the author,
HAROLD H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va.

BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
pay you for yours? Vols 1-2-3-10 complete or
odd numbers. Also Vol.7 No.1, Vol. 9 Nos.
3-5-6, Vol. 14 No. 2. Vol. 15 No. 2. J. N.
SWIFT, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p)

W ANTED.—Life history of North Ameri-
can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or
single copies. Also Bird Books and Insect
Book, report any you have. LAURA KHAN,
Stockport, Ohio.

WANTEWD.—Books. Magazines and Pamph-
lets about Birds and Natural History Sub-
jects. In all cases state what you have and
the lowest cash prices. No other prices con-
sidered. Address FRANK BENDER, 128
Fourth Ave., New York City. (3-14)

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology;

Published Bi-monthly by the
Coop>r Ornithological Club of California
Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

’

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study”’ can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in
the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address
W. LEE CHAMBERS, Fus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal.

“The Condor’’ are —

WANTED. Bird Lore since 1907. Willpay
cash. Send list and price. Single numbers
and complete volumes. H. A. DOOLITTLE,
Box 444, Painesville, Ohio. (4-p)

BIRD LORE FOR SALE.—Vols. IV to
date. unbound, to be sold In one lot. Also
duplicates and parts of Volumes I to XV.
State numbers wanted and best cash bid.
Only favorable offers to get replies. T. L.
a NEE 2207 Jenny Lind St., McKees-
por a

ineteen years in the business

ew lists just out

ame your specialty

Everything in Natural History

ERNEST H. SHORT

Boz 173 Rochester, N. Y

Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made ofa plan
for the cooperative study of bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
pages. The magazine has grown
but the price remains.the same.

$1.00 per annum
D. APPLETON & Co.,
29 West 32d St.,
New York City

IV THE OOLOGIST

Egg Collectors Take Notice

| desire at once the following first class
specimens, and for these | offer a very desir-
able assortment of oological specimens in ex-
change. Send me your lists at once.

1 set A. O. U. 2 sets A. O. U. 3 sets A. O. U.
ame 145 55
43 148 115

129 154 136
167 160 153
178 : 161 162
252 180 593a
260 243 300a
301 289b 308
310 310c . 310a
352 335 310b
375a 341 311
416 , 356 347
419 356a 351
423; 409 356a
| 457 474e 383
474b 505 396
498e 608 478b
616 639 480
652 657 486
701 726 542b
733 730 562
7 5 636
DA 727

R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Ill.

THE OOLOGIST.

BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY _

VoL. XXX. No. &

ALBION, N. Y., Ave, 15, 1914.

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Htc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional i in-
serted for less than 25 cents. LEMON et CS eUE eMC anon ee
TAKE NOTICE. Entered as second-class matter De-

SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
‘subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
‘all arrearages must be paid.9({320 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

cember 21, 1903, at the post office at.
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

; We will not advertise the Skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of

North American Birds for sale.

These columns are

for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses onlv.—HDITOR.

—

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon. Ill.

FOR SALHEH-—Thoronughbred

Muscovy

Ducks; Glossy black, white winged birds,
white head markings $5.00 a pair. R. M.
BARNES, Lacon, Il. (1-p)

WANTED—To exchange nests, skins, eggs,
with data; also reptile eggs. Send list. J.P.
paUE: 5001 Frankford Ave.. aes
Pa. 1D

FOR EXCHANGE.— Fine skius of 273, 28¥a
320, 477a, 501, 511a, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14)

TRADE.—18 A. farm, Will take #175 cash

and $150 in bird skins or eggs or both. If in-
terested write me. W.G. SAVAGE, Delight,
Ark. (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—Skins 381-371-372-373.2-379.
Will take a few baby turtles, also snake and
lizzard parts, 400 page Ditnas reptile book
$2.50. Closing out extra skins. HARRY W,
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, Penn.

FOR SALE.—One pair climbers. Address
BE. M. KENWORTHY, 1125 West St,, Wil-
mington, Del. (L-p)
(eS

WANTED.—Skins or mounted specimen of
Trumpeter Swan, Olor buccinator or notes
and records of this species, or the location of
specimens in museums or collections.
a k. COALE, Highland Park, Lake

Oh. JLilil.

eS

Birds, mostly mounted: some sgins. Will
exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists pr»mptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.
gS ee SIN i a Re eet Se ee

WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Dee Oe

19)

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler, Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-

door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter

-p)

SAMUEL HUNSINGER. Secor, Ill.

WHOLE No, 328"

II THE OOLOGIST

NOTICH.—#3 offered to anyoue who can
show me a nest of the Bob-white or Hum-
mingbird containing eggs within a reason-
able distance of Pittsburg, Pa. Address,
THOS. D. BURLEIGH, 825 N. Negley, Ave.
Pittsburg, Pa.

———

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)

EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,

White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Egyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGER,
Owatomia, Minn. (-p)

TO EXCHANGE.—For eggs in sets. Hun-
dreds of singles and sets. Also arrow heads,
old fire arms and mounted birds.
B, WHEELER, East Randolph, N. Y.

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
‘our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

Anyone with a set of Mexico Jacana to ex-
change. Address, ERNEST A. BUTLER,
3857 N. 7th Street, Phila., Penn.

Choice Cabinet Sets with full and accurate
data, Satisfaction guaranteed. DR. M. T.
CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St., Augusta, Ga.

I have for exchange, beautiful sets with
nests. of Cairn’s Warbler, Carolina Junco,
and common sets from this section, Send
list of what you can offer, H. H. BAILEY,
Newport News, Va.

FOR EXCHANGE.—White Pelican, Cal.
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocet, Stilt, and
many Others. All first class with data, send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Nevada:

-p

THXCHANGE. I desire to obtain sets of
261-277-281-208-177. I can offer extra fine sets
~ 3’s and 4’s Osprey in eee ROLAND
; pete 1009 Irving St., N. W., Washing-
on

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. ?. O.Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 343 2-2
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3
416 1-2: 419 1-2; 533 1-4; 539a 1-4; 715 1-6. E
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

WANTED. —To exchange sets of eggs for
No. 493 Starling, for any eggs not in my
cabinet. NELSON BE. WILMOT, 24 New St.,
West Haven, Conn.

FOR HXCHANGE.—Skins 381, 371, 372, 373.2,
379 + Willtake a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts, 400 Pages Ditnas Reptile
book. $2. 50. Closing out extra skins. H. W
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, ree

(1-p)

2-35
1-4;
0 de

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wanted eggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

ue EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs, Nests and Oologist papers ‘for sets
of fog isp, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364, 368, 375, one
546, 6ll and others. EDWARD'S. COOM
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. i

FOR EXCHANGH.—Personally Collected.
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9; 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8;
ls 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4; 194c 3-5; 197 3-4; 225 6-4;
226 3-4; 258a 1-4: 432 n-2; 436 n-2; 478c 2-5: 480 2-5;
492 2-5: 554 n-4; 60a n-3; 562 n-4: 583 n-4; 748a n- 5
749 n-6; 759a n-4. O. TREGANZA. 610 U. :
&T. Bidg., Salt ieee City. Utah. Gene

FOR EXCHANGE.—Complete sets, origi-
nal datas and first class, of A. O. U. No. 1, 6,

919, 221, 264*, 269, 271, 399 "(at #1 per egg), 333,
337, 337b, 339 and 348. Want original sets with
complete data, and many of the very com-
mon ones can be used. Send list of anything
you have and will try to do business with
you. OTE N guaaantee every specimen

to suit you. R. L. MORE, Box 608, Vernon,
Texas.
“FOR BXCHANGE.— White Pelican, Cal.

Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocat. Stilt, and

many others, all first class with data. Send

lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Nae
o-D

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs.
containing about 112 families and 1350 species.
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps) ©
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

I have for exchange many fine sets, per-

p 1 5
228 1-4, 289b 1-14, 293 1-12, 295 1-13, 300b 1-14, 307
1-9, 310 1-14, 310e 1-15, 331 1-5, 333 1-4, 334a 1-3,
335. 1- 4, 1-5, 337a 1-3, "Texas Red-shoulder 1-3,
1-4, 339 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-2, 1-3, 342 13, 345 1-2.
3474 1- 3, 368b 1- Dp 373b 1- 4, Send your lists and
pet my full list. HK. FB. POPE, Colmesneil,

exas.

MISCELLANEOUS.

To exchange for stone relics several copies
of Harpers Illustrated Weekly from 1860 to
1973. L.A. PARRE, Batavia, Ill.

FOR SALE—A wall cabinet containing
about one hundred other specimens. Price
$15. O. M. GREENWOOD, Manchester, Iowa.

WANTED-—Indian Relics for cash or ex-
eee nes Alsolfinely mounted specimen Jones
DR. A. EK. PAYNE, Riverhead, N. Y. (1-p)

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large Sal very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine,
will sell for 5.00 cash with order.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, I]. (1- =p) ee

WANTED.—Type and printer’s supplies.
Have Natural history, medical and other
books, skins for mounting, meunted speci-
mens, fishing tackle, shells, minerals, bat-
tery, massage machine. J. J. WIRZ, Taxi-
dermist, Augusta, Ga. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

Vou. XXXII. No. 5. Ausion, N. Y. Ava, 15, 1914. Wate No, 328

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., amd Lacon, Ib.

Gulls of the Great Salt Lake

146 THE OOLOGIST

Glimpses of Bird Life in Utah.
By Mrs. Antwonet Treganza

Wonderful are the hosts of feather-
ed creatures that live everywhere
about us, a few miles from our very
door. If Utah had a sea coast, she
could boast of more birds than any
other state in the Union; but, even
without a coast, she lays claim to
some two hundred and ten species that
have actually been found breeding
here. There are many others; for the
varying topography attracts widely
different species. The great long val-
leys that lie between the mountain
ranges, the rising foothills, the coni-
ferous forests of the slopes, and even
the crowning summits are tenanted
with bird life. Countless thousands
are to be found in the rookeries on
the Islands of the Great Salten Sea,
and on that eternity of marsh and
slough formed by the Bear River over-
flows; over the great waste of alka-
li flats, the seemingly barren stretches
of desert, every canyon, every green
field—in fact, there is hardly an acre
that does not provide a home for some
bird. Besides the birds that are resi-
dent from year to year, others from
the Rockies and the Sierras and from
Canada and the South have often
been found breeding here, far out of
their prescribed range. Then, too,
what a blessing are the hosts of mig-
ratory birds that pass northward in
the spring, southward in the fall, de-
vouring the eggs and larvae of insect
—enemies of the horticulturist.

On a bright, clear day in early
March we are tramping up City Creek
Canyon. A few miles onward are
some precipitous cliffs, and with rope
ladder we have gained access to a
sheltered crevice where a sober, big-
eyed Western Horned Owl sits erect
beside his crouching mate, who is per-
haps brooding over a clutch of three
white eggs. Above us are several pairs

of Prairie Falcon; from the scrub oak
come the discordant notes of the
Woodhouse Jay and Magpie. For a
moment all is still, when a flood of
music bursts into the air—a rippling,
joyous melody from the throat of a
tiny, Dotted Canyon Wren. We visit
the nest of a Water Ouzel fastened to
the side of a rock, but the little fel-
low is not at home. Along the way are
cheery groups of Mountain Chickadee
and Mountain Bluebird. The year is
yet too young for these birds to be a
nesting, but they are all here waiting
for the balmier days.

On a cold, bleak day in late March,
we are ninety miles from Salt Lake,
2,000 feet on the side of a mountain,
making our way over the crusted
snow to the home of the Clark’s Crow
or Camp Robber; and justly is he
named, for time without number, has
he not invaded your mountain camp
and robbed you of your piece of soap
er your tooth brush hanging on the
side of a pine tree? During the breed-
ing season this bird is silent, and so
shy and wary, that to gain any knowl-
edge of its home life is almost impos:
sible unless one lives in the high
mountains the year around. MHere
where pine nuts are plentiful we find
the Pinon Jay, the Mountain Chicka-
dee, and the Lead-colored Bush-Tit.

The spring rains have come, but
the first week in April is clear, so we
take the train to Brigham City, and
from there go out to the sloughs. It
is late when we make our camp, but
we are astir with the first rays of the
morning’s sun. The air is filled with
a medley of honks and squawks and
the dull whirr of wings as the birds
are preparing for their flight inland to
breakfast in the neighboring fields and
sloughs. There are hundreds and
thousands of birds. As we sit about
our camp fire at breakfast, we watch
them pass by—single birds, pair after

THE OOLOGIST 147

Young Cormorants
Salt Lake, Utah

pair, small flocks, and long lines, and
wedges. There is the Canada Goose,
the Great Blue Heron, the Black-
Crowned Night Heron, the Mallard,
the Pintail and the Canvasback, the
Shoveller, the Baldpate, the Green-
wing Teal, and the Cinnamon Teal.
The humid mist of the early morn-
ing is rising, so we take a duck boat
and course along the runways, wind-
ing in and out of the tules, gliding so
silently that we take a setting Canada
Goose unawares; and surprise a col-
ony of Black-crowned Night Heron.
For a moment or two the sun is dark-
ened by several large flocks of White-
faced Glossy Ibis passing over-
head, coming in from the open lake;
a frantic duck dashes madly through
the air closely pursued by a hungry
Duck Hawk; the air is filled with the
warning cries from a colony of Avyo-
cets, as they circle closely above our
heads; and as we land upon a mud

flat, the little Black-necked Stilts rise
from their nests, making their way to
the water’s edge, where they flap their
wings, and scold and feign lameness,
for where the marsh grass fringes out
cnto the mud flat, is a slight depres-
sion scratched in the ground, contain-
ing four greenish-buff eggs boldly
marked with brownish black.

This paradise of the water bird af-
fords also a refuge for the beautiful
Snowy Heron and Hgret, which the
ruthless plume hunter has so wantonly
slaughtered. During the last few
years they have increased in numbers,
doubtless because Utah offers them
the protection that until recently they
ceuld not find elsewhere. The Long-
billed Curlew is another of the rare
shore birds that is bordering upon ex-
tinction, owing to the rapid advance
of civilization. Looking through our
field glasses we see an occasional lone
sentinel on duty, guarding his home

Nest of Great Blue Heron (above), nest of Dou-
ble Crested Cormorant (below). On an Island in
Great Salt Lake, Utah.

THE OOLOGIST 149

where his mate crouches flat with
head and bill prone to the ground,
and whose protective coloration is so
perfect, that except for the alert,
beady eyes, she appears but as the
dry, sprangling marsh grass. It is
dusk as we are making our way back
through the fields, and we stop for a
moment to watch the wonderful song-
flight of the Wilson Snipe, and listen
to the clear whistle of the Long-billed
‘Curlew.

This lovely May day we are on our
way to Saltair, where the Amorita is
tugging at her anchor. We put off,
and a brisk breeze soon takes us to
Antelope Island. Herethe bird life
varies little from the adjacent main-
land, so we sail around the northwest
end where White Rock rises precipit-
ously out of the water. Here is the
first evidence of the home of the Cali-

fornia Gull and the Great Blue Heron, _

whose nests are built everywhere in
the crevices of the boulders. A run
of about four miles brings us to Hgg
Island. Well is it named, for here the
rookeries are teeming with thousands
of birds, and our intrusion brings forth
a screaming, squawking remonstrance.
On the rocks and boulders are the
nests of the Great Blue Heron and a
colony of Double-crested Cormorant;
on the beaches the California Gull lays
its eggs. So numerous are they that
one can scarcely walk without step-
ping upon them. Who does not love
the quiet, peaceful Gull that is held
so sacred by the inhabitants of Utah?
for only the aid of the gulls enabled
the people to withstand that terrible
visitation of crickets that came upon
the early pioneers in 1848.

On Fremont Island we find only the
American Raven, induced there by the
sheep. On Hat Island are the rooker-
ies of two colonies of American White
Pelican and thousands of Gulls. How
awkward is the Pelican on land, but

launched in the air he has a wonder-
fully firm, steady flight. Stretching
from Hat Island towards Carrington
is a long sandbar, on which the grace-
ful Caspian Tern raises her brood.
Gunnison is the most densely popu-
lated island. The immense accumu-
lations of guano give evidence of the
ages during which these same birds
have been its only residents, and here
is the home of all the sea birds men-
tioned, except the Caspian Tern. A
night spent on these islands of con-
gested bird life is surely a revelation;
for with the first grey streaks of dawn
the heavens above the islands are fill-
ed with a circling, whirling, scream-
ing, squawking bevy of winged life as
the birds are preparing for their
fight inland for food, some fifty or
sixty miles.

It is still the month of May, and
we are over a hundred miles from Salt
Lake. All is desolation and solitude
as we stand looking over the great
reaches of desert, mountain and sky,
watching the train disappear in the
distance like a tiny black reptile,
creeping over the sand. We have
come to study the American Raven,.
and are soon reminded of his pres-
ence when we hear his free, wild call.
Farther on, several pairs are feasting
on a breakfast of carrion. Working
our way up the cliffs to their home
on the bare ledge, we arouse the
scream of the Red-tail Hawk and the
shrill notes of the Prairie Falcon. We
stop to watch the wonderful flight of
a Golden Hagle as he floats upon the
air, noting his direction as a possible
clue to his eyrie. It is seven miles
back to the train, and as we walk
briskly along, we are cheered by the
happy songs of the Desert Horned
Lark, the Sage Thrasher, and the lit-
tle Brewer Sparrow.

It is five in the morning on the 6th
of June. If you will take the rear seat

150 THE OOLOGIST

of the motor-cycle we will run down
to Big Cottonwood. In thirty minutes
we leave the beaten path and enter
the heart of the woods. It is like en-
tering a Cathedral where sublime
voices are pouring out their praises to
God on High. Have you ever heard
that ethereal, spiritual song of the Au-
dubon Hermit Thrush at dawn? It is
glorious. The Mountain Song Spar-
row, the Willow Thrush, the American
Redstart, the Yellow Warbler, the
Black-throated Gray Warbler—these,
too, are greeting the morning in song.

We linger for a time to gather scien-
tific data and make observations, pro-
ceeding up the canyon on foot that
we may study the birds along the
way. Here we find the same species
and many additional ones, until we
reach the Alpine Lakes and coniferous
forests of the higher altitudes where
there is so much interesting bird life
crowded into one short season. Along
the rushing torrents, where the spray
splashes upon them, are the homes of
the Willow, and Audubon Hermit
Thrush; in the dense willows beside
the streams, the Robin, Mountain Song
Sparrow and Lazuli Bunting build
their nests. We hear the warning
cluck of a Gray-headed Junco, and
look under a boulder or fallen tree for
his setting mate; under the shelter of
an Indian poke weed we often take a
Lincoln or White-crowned Sparrow
unawares. In the tall pine trees the
Audubon Warbler, the Pine Siskin,
the Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak,
the Calliope and Broad-tailed Hum-
mers, and both the Ruby and Western
Golden-crowned Kinglets bring forth
their tiny fledglings. The sombre lit-
tle Western Wood Pewee, clothed in
gray, builds a gray nest on an old,
dead, gray branch of a huge aspen;
and so on we might continue, for there
are sO many more interesting bird
homes we could visit. These few

glimpses are but a meagre panorama
of a short season afield—From Utah.
Educational Review.
Boe es ee
Nesting of the Ruby-throated
Hummingbird.

On the 12th of June of this year
while walking through a bit of wood-
land looking for Searlet Tanager’s:
nest where I had often heard one sing-
ing on previous occasions, I chanced
by under some oak trees, I heard a
humming sound above me and on look-
ing up, saw a female hummingbird
light on a limb, in her beak she held
some material for her nest but on see-
ing me she dropped this and began
preening her feathers. I kept perfect-
ly still, watching her for a short time,
when off she flew so quickly (that she
reminded me of a huge June bug rath-
er than a bird) only to alight on a dead
limb a little farther away, back she
came but would not disclose her cosy
little home. After a little while she
flew away in her bullet-like flight
which gave me a good opportunity to
move farther away and conceal my-
self before she returned. This time
I was more fortunate as she soon re-
turned and flew to the end of an oak
limb and then away. I hurried to the
spot and looking up could just make
out the nest which closely resembled
a small knot. Two days later I vis-
ited the nest and she was sitting but
did not disturb her, later on the 17th
I again returned as I wished to exam-
ine the nest and eggs. She quickly
flew off the nest and hovered in the
air above my head making a humming
sound with her wings. The nest was
placed on the dead outer limb of an
oak about one foot from the end of
the branches which held two white
eggs the size of small beans, it being
composed of plant down, covered on
the outside with lichens at a height of
twelve feet from the ground on the

THE OOLOGIST 161

edge of a clearing in a thicket. On all
my visits not once did I see the male
although I suppose he was not far
distant.

Observations were made in Musk:
ka, Ontario.

George H. Gerald.
EES ere Sr pl tS eg eal
Nesting of the Whip-poor-Will.

While gathering Pink Lady Slippers
on the 3rd of June, 1912, that grew
plentiful in the spaghm moss on the
edge of a rocky piece of woods, I was
passing near a small hemlock when
up flew a brown bird on silent wings
which alighted on a log a few yards
away. A second glance at the bird I
identified her being a whip-poor-will
and that she appeared anxious about
something as she hissed at me with
her feathers ruffled up. I examined
the ground very carefully and was
about to leave. I caught sight of the
two eggs lying on last year’s leaves
under the lower branches of the hem-
lock tree. They were creamy white
with faint marking of brown and lav-
ender. The country about was mostly
covered with pine, hemlock and cedar
with a number of maple and birch
trees interspersed here and there.

Observations were made in Musko-
ka, Ontario.

George HE. Gerald.
ps ie ee eS re oa |
Herons.

In the town of Webb, Herkimer Co.,
N. Y., I have discovered a healthy col-
ony of Great Blue Herons. I located
the colony last fall (19138) while deer
hunting and on April 25 this spring
again visited it. We then counted 20
nests that had been repaired, all in
the tops of beeches fifty to sixty-five
feet up, and over forty birds. Colony
on top of small hill in dense Adiron-
dack woods two miles from nearest
water. R. T. Fuller.
Pulaski, N. Y.

Observations of Bird Life in Los Ange-
les County, District A.

By Alfred Cookman, Deputy
Fish and Game Warden for Los
Angeles Co., Southern California.

I was thinking that possibly a few
notes of our observations of bird life
in Los Angeles County, District A,
might interest the readers of TH
OOLOGIST, I write this:

Last week, Prof. L. W. Welch and
the writer spent two days making ob-
servations of the bird life in the Sun-
set Beach, Bosca Chico and Lomita
Gun Club Reservations along the coast
in the south, southeast sections of Los
Angeles County in Southern Califor-
nia. We spent our nights on the cold
sand by the “Sad sea waves” and dur-
ing the day went hunting in the gun
reservations and securing notes on
the nesting habits of the marsh birds.
We watched the homeward flight of
the sea birds at evening tide and
again, their feeding in the neighbor-
ing sloughs very early in the morn-
ing.

The writer is preparing a treatise
en the nesting habits of the birds of
Los Angeles County. Special atten-
tion is given to the nest building, man-
ner of general house-keeping and the
economic relations of the many kinds
of birds in this territory. The writer
has been working in the San Pedro
Harbor territory for nearly two years.
This territory covers about thirty-
three miles. During the nesting of
1913, we record sixty-three species
and over eight thousand individual
birds observed in nine districts in this
region. Fifteen miles east from Point
Fermin to Naples via Seal Beach to
Sunset Beach and sloughs north and
northeast was carefully surveyed dur-
ing the months of May, June, July and
December. During the latter part of
July to the 15th of August, the writ-
er covered over twenty-five miles of

152 THE OOLOGIST

the territory from San Pedro proper,
west along the coast from Point Fer-
min to Point Vincentee and seaward
ten miles. From March 10th to May
15th, we journeyed inland visiting
“Nigger Sloughs”’, thence east to the
“Dominguez Rancho” via the “Domin-
guez Water-way” to the “Dominguez
Sloughs”’, southeast of the rancho.
The Rancho lies about ten miles
northeast of San Pedro and “Nigger
Sloughs” is four miles north of Wil-
mington. Wilmington is two miles
east of San Pedro. Throughout the
entire year, the bird life in the “Sig-
nal Hill” district, two miles northeast
ot Long Beach, Long Beach is seven
miles east of San Pedro, has received
careful attention and a complete sys-
tematic survey has been made of this
district in view of the fact that Profes-
sor Welch and the writer are residents
of the city of Long Beach.

During the nesting season of 1914,
we returned to the same field to study
the nesting habits of the birds. Our
observations during the nesting sea-
son of the year 1913 was largely
from an economic standpoint and to
make a census of the bird life in this
territory. More complete and syste-
matic notes are being taken through-
out this year and thus far, we have se-
cured some very interesting notes
from our field observations. The re-
sults of our work we are not prepared
to publish as yet, but expect to have
them ready sometime in the near fu-
ture.

We were royally entertained at the
various gun clubs and in fact, wher-
ever we have been carrying on our or-
nithological survey, the public have
treated us with the kindest respect.

Throughout the year, the writer has
lectured before clubs and schools in
various counties in Southern Califor-
nia on the Nesting Habits of the Birds.
The object of my lecturing was to

awaken in the minds of the people to
whom I was previleged to address, a
deeper interest in the study of the
feathered songsters and to plea for
those creatures who can not plea for
themselves. Last month, the writer
was privileged to address the Parent-
Teachers Association of Whittier. The
lecture was given out of doors in the
Central Park. It was a pleasing sight
to witness 1,500 school children stana-
ing erect with their right hand raised
and in one accord exclaim, “We will
promise so to do.” At the close of my
lecture, I had them pledge allegiance
to the birds, to do all in their power
to attract them to their city and to
protect them from harm and from un-
timely death.

Most of our observations were made
on foot, although automobiles often
conveyed us to the desired locality.
Our observation of the bird life at sea
and along the coast was accomplish-
ed by the use of several steam laun-
ches from San Pedro. There is one
little boat, the “Anton Dorhn”’’, a thir-
ty-five foot launch, the property of the
Venice Marine Biological Station of
the University of Southern California,
which we were privileged to use on
several occasions.

We have almost finished our survey
of the San Pedro Harbor territory
and next year, we expect to devote a
large part of our time in the San Ga-
briel Mountains in Southern California
studying the hawks and owls inhabit-
ing the Mt. Lowe to Mt. San Bernar-
dino via the West Ford Range to
Christal Lake and Mt. Wilson district.

OER ee
A Day With the Birds at Weeping
Water, Nebraska.

On Saturday, May 30, 1914, I ac-
companied the annual foray of the
Botanical Seminar of the University
of Nebraska for a day’s outing in the
neighborhood of Weeping Water. This

THE OOLOGIST 153

village is situated about thirty-five
miles east of Lincoln, nearly eighteen
miles west of the Missouri river, and
along a small stream bearing the same
name. The woods are mainly of bur
oak and white elm, with a sprinkling
of red oak, scarlet oak, walnut, bass-
wood, hackberry, hickory, locust, box
elder, ash, plum, cherry, etc., with
the usual accompanying shrubs and
vines.

In this sylvan, hilly region, I gave
my time to the study of such wood

birds as were to be found. During
the day I observed and identified
thirty-five different kinds. Of these

the catbird was far the most abund-
ant and I saw over fifteen of them.

Next in order of abundance was the
mourning dove which was to be found,
especially in the morning, along rail-
road beds, but was very rarely to be
seen later on in the day. Then there
was the towhee which is quite fre-
quently, if not often, found hereabouts.

I have usually not seen many tanag-
ers on one trip but on this one I came
across them frequently. They build
their nests so as to overhang the paths
and roads, and far out on branches,
where it was extremely difficult to se-
sure them. The bird itself was usually
to be seen on the top of a high tree
where it would not be very conspicu-
cus.

At this time of the year the black-
birds, the red-winged and the cowbira,
are not to be seen frequently; but I
was surprised how scarce they really
were. I saw only two birds the whole
day, one early in the morning and an-
other late at night, and both were the
red-winged.

The downy woodpecker was also
scarce while the red-headed woodpeck-
er was seen several times. On obser-
yation the red-headed woodpecker
was found to nest chiefly in a dead
limb of a willow tree, overhanging a

creek, pond, or some other body of
water.

Kingfishers were also seen along
the creeks and in the marshes, es-
pecially the latter. This bird nests in
the ground but I saw two sporting
about a nest as though it was their
own which was in a thick growth of
young willows, some twenty feet from
the ground.

Other birds frequently seen were
the indigo-bird, goldfinch, crow, blue
jay, pewee, nuthatch, kingbird and
the cardinal bird.

Fred L. Fitzpatrick.

Fs

A Red Start Record.

Here are my four years’ experi-
ments with American Redstarts along
the Concord River. This river, as it
will be remembered, was formerly the
favorite life resort place of famous
men such as Thoreau, Emerson and
Sanborn. As follows:

May 18, 1911, A redstart’s nest
(partly completed) found in a young
ash tree about fifteen feet up.

May 13,1912. Redstart caught busy
constructing a new nest in the crotch
of a young ash tree about seven feet
up.

May 15, Redstart, No. 2, nests in
white birch about 25 feet up.

May 20, Redstart, No. 3, builds a new
one in black birch about seven feet
up.

May 23, Redstart, No. 4, busy at
nest building in black birch about
twenty feet up.

May 18, 1913. Redstart’s nest in
white birch about twenty feet up.

June 20, two more redstart’s nests
found in low elevation, (4 to 6 feet
from the ground). One in an elder-
berry bush. 4 eggs in each nest. Be-
lieved to be second breeding.

July 17, 1913. Another redstart’s
nest in black birch about 12 feet up.
Three eggs.

154 oa os (PE OOLOGIST

May 20, 1914. Redstart seen on
nest in black birch about ten feet up.

July 5, Redstart’s nest about 30
feet up in ash tree. Seen both sexes
feeding young every time they could.

July 5, Redstart nest found in a
crotch of an elderberry bush about
four feet from the ground. Three
eggs in it. Flowers in bloom. Be-
lieved to-be second breeding.

July 19, Three full-grown young of
same species there.

Now I am going to write a few notes
on some tragedies of rose-breasted
grosbeak’s nests along the Concord
River.

May 18, 1911. A rose-breasted gros
beak’s nest in the fork of a young sap-
ling about 20 feet up. Male around it
Female not seen. One week later the
nest was cancelled. Branches of the
tree showed fresh broken.

May 20, 1913. Another nest of same
species found in same place as it was
in 1911. Five days later female seen
on it. June 6, same female still on
it. June 20, nest not there. Branches
of tree showed fresh broken.

Myles S. McGeever.
Lowell, Mass.
sa a
Breeding Records of the Upland
Plover.
(Bartramia longicauda)

Breeding records of the Upland
Plover, (Bartramia longicauda) in Vir-
ginia are so rare now, that I was much
pleased to find a pair on July 19th,
1913, at Massanetta Springs, Rocking-
ham County with young a few days
old. When first seen the old birds
made a great outcry, and finally got
the young into an uncut wheat field,
where I could not follow them. A
gentleman who was with me at the
time, informed me they formerly bred
commonly in Fauquier County and
when shot during the fall months,
were very fat. A few pairs bred this

season (1914) in Montgomery County,
and from other records coming to us,
they were more common breeders in
the state this year, than for a number
of seasons past.

H. B. Bailey.

2

Sea Birds Ashore.

On July 2d, 1914, Prof. L. W. Welch
and the writer found dead on the sand
three miles west of Sunset Beach in
Los Angeles County, Southern Cali-
fornia, three pinkfooted sheerwaters
(Puffinus creatopus), three sooty
shearwaters (Puffinus griseus), one
Pacific Loon (Gavia pacifica) and an
Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus
antiquus).

The shearwaters were covered with
oil and this is the cause for their
deaths. The Ancient Murrelet was
shot. Three holes penetrated its left
side and one limb was gone. This is
the first Ancient Murrelet I have seen
in this territory.

Alfred Cookman.
Dept. of Biology,
University of So. California.
Sa ESO ee a
Rough Winged and Bank Swallows.
By 8S. S. Dickey.

Owing to the neglectful and unsci-
entific observations of a local oologia\,
I was for some years past led to be-
lieve that the bank swallow nested in
the vicinity of Waynesburg, Pennsyl-
vania. Upon reading some recent arti-
cles concerning the two swallows
(Riparia riparia and Stelgidopteryx
serripennis; and, again, upon compar-
ing my observations on the swallows
with those of my friend, Professor
Richard C. Harlow, I was sufficiently
interested to peruse my recorded notes
relating to these birds and to make a
further study in the field.

I formerly thought that the swallows
which resorted to crevices in rocks,
stone walls, etc., for nesting sites were

THE OOLOGIST 155

rough-wings; while those that regu-
larly inhabited holes in banks, I was
led to believe were bank swallows.

Recent literature relating to these
swallows implies that riparia invar-
jably lines its nest with feathers or
similar material while serripennis
uses blades of grass, pieces of yel-
low straw, and at times, horse hairs.
In addition to such lining thére afte
frequently found, small leaves of
black willow (salix nigra); leaflets of
the locust (Rabinia psevdo-acacia), or
petals from the blossoms of flowering
dogwood (Cornus florida).

May 24, 1898, I found what I then
supposed was a nest of the bank swal-
low. It was built one foot back in a
burrow which had fallen away in the
lower part, causing the excavation to
extend upwards about 30 degrees.
This burrow, I am quite positive, was
not made by the swallows. The nest
Was composed of weed
blades of dry grass and small leaves
of the willow, (salix nigra). The
swallows flew about near the run
which bordered the five foot clay bank
that contained the nesting hole. I
watched these birds for some time
and concluded they were bank swal-
lows. After a careful examination of
the five eggs, and considering the con-
ditions of the nest and its site, I feel
sure that they belonged to Stelgidop-
teryz serripennis.

A number of other nests which 1!
examined were lined with blades of
grass or small leaves, and none held
feathers. The burrows used by the
swallows were in most cases partly
excavated and abandoned ones of the
belted kingfisher. In several instances
the burrows had coved in towards the
entrances, and had drifted out some-
what, making the identity of the orig-
inal excavator of them quite obscure.
However, I feel safe in stating that
all holes in banks, occupied by swal-

stalks and .

. beneath.

lows, were originally made by king-
fishers, and I at once concluded that
the birds inhabiting them were not
bank swallows but rough-wings; since
bank swallows are said to excavate
their own nesting burrows.

To make further proof, I examined,
during the past spring, several swal-
lows and each proved to be S. serri-
pennis. I feel sure that Riparia riparia
does not nest in this locality.

The Yellow Bréasted Chat.

Mr. Edward F. Bigelow, president
of the Aggasiz Association, calls our
attention to the remarkable fact that
so far as his investigations go, the
Yellow-breasted Chat has never been ~
photographed in life. We had never
thought of this before, but if it is a
fact, it is remarkable, and we trust
that the cameras will shortly be point-
ed in goodly numbers at this yellow
gowned vocal acrobat.

Happy Famtily.

On June 5th, 1914, Mr. John Bell
called our attention to a Yellow Warb-
ler’s nest containing four Warbler’s
eggs and one Cowbird’s egg in a tangle
of Prairie roses along the edge of the
Lily Pond Highland Park, Rochester,
IN, Wo

The Cowbird‘s egg and one of the
Warbler’s eggs hatched out on June
9 and as none of the other eggs were
hatched the two lived in comfort and
good fellowship.

The nest was visited almost every
day and no evidence of quarreling be-
tween them was seen, in spite of the
fact that the Cowbird was twice the
size of the Warbler.

The day before they left the nest on
June 20, they were side by side and
well feathered out, the Warbler was
beginning to show the yellow tinge
Wm. L. G. Edson,
Richard EH. Harvey.
Rochester, N. Y.

156

You ought to have taken the Cow-
bird’s egg out when you first found
the nest. Then probably all of the
Warbler’s eggs would have hatched.
—Hditor.

Field Glasses Great Aid.

On May 17th I was assiduously
watching a pair of Blue-grey Gnat-
catchers in the timber. I followed the
- flight of one and while sweeping down
the branches with my glasses, a slight
movement arrested by eyes.

On the under side of a dead branch
was an excavation that my eyes alone
would never have discovered. Had
not the head of a female Downy Wood-
pecker appeared every few seconds
dropping the last chips from her al-
most completed home, I would have
left in ignorance of the presence ot
the nest.

Not a sound was made as she put on
the finishing touches. May 7th deliv-
ered me the set of five fresh eggs and
a nest branch so perfect in excavation
that I mounted it in true museum
style. Tsaac H. Hess.
Philo, Ils.

lc ae aS pel
Yellow-Headed Blackbird.

For the first time in twenty years
of bird study, I am able to report the
Yellowhead in east central Illinois
(Champaign county). The lone indi-
vidual visited us April 29-30,-May ist
and 2nd. He stayed with a company
of Bronzed Grackles and followed
them in the plowed fields picking up

worms. Isaac HK. Hess.
OD

The Chipping Sparrow.

I haven’t looked into a nest of the
Chipping Sparrow in eight years.
This formerly common summer resi-
dent is certainly gone from this local-
ity. What is the experience of ye
Editor regarding this bird that we
hear so little about any more?

Isaac BH. Hess.
Philo, Illinois.

THH OOLOGIST

Woods Birds in Village.

The slaughter of the woodlands has
at least given our villages a few more
residents. This June several pairs
of Screech Owls, three pairs Rose-
breasted Grosbeaks, one pair Red-
eyed Vireo, one pair Crested Flycatch-
er and a half dozen pairs Wood Pe-
wees are making their summer homes
with us.

Isaac H. Hess.
2 SS A eS

“Treganza” a Bird Loving Family.

We are under obligations to Mrs.
Treganza for the article on the Birds
of Salt Lake appearing in this issue.
The name Treganza is inseparately in- —
terwoven with the study of Utah birds.
Father, son and daughter. No more
accurate observers exist; gifted in be-
ing able to transcribe their observa-
tions attractively to paper, we deem
it a lucky day for the readers of THE
OOLOGIST when copy from any of
this family of nature students reaches
this office.—Hditor.

seg Sa eae Se
Sets of Five Eggs from the Yellow
Breasted Chat. :

In Southwestern Pennsylvania the
Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria v.
vierns) is a quite common summer
resident, nesting in patches of black-
berry briers or haw bushes that grow
in deserted fields. During the past
few years it has been my pleasure to
examine a number of nests of this spe-
cies but three of which held sets of
five eggs each. The first nest to con-
tain five eggs was found May 29,
1904. It was built four feet up in a
red haw bush that grew in an open
field, close to a second growth wood-
lot. One of the eggs of this set was
noticeably smaller than the remaining
specimens. The second clutch of five
eggs was discovered May 18, 1905, and
was built four feet up in a wild crab
apple bush that stood near a clump of

THE OOLOGIST 157

bushes, in a corner of a grassy field.
‘The eyes of this set were especially
large. The last set of five eggs was
found on May 21, 1908. It was built 3
feet up in a clump of black haw bushes
that stood above the bank at a road-
side and just below a large wood.
‘These specimens resembled each other
both in size and in color, being es-
pecially well marked for eggs from
Icteria v. virens.
S. S. Dickey.
ae tae Ac Ba
J. W. Preston’s Collection.

We have recently acquired all that
part of the collection of birds eggs
that we could use of the collection of
J. W. Preston of Spokane, Wash.,
about thirteen hundred in number.
This lot includes such rare and much
wanted specimens as eggs of the Yel-
low-billed Loon, Whooping Crane,
American Crossbill, Clark’s Nutcrack-
er, California Condor, Vaux’s Swift,
etc. It is a valued addition to our ac-
cumulations, and one of these times
we may inflict upon our readers a re-
view of some parts of this collection.
—Hditor. R

SRE eee
Notes From Bear River Marshes,
Utah.

By Edward Tregonza.

These marshes are probably, with
their contingent mud flats, wet or dry,
one of the largest breeding grounds
in the interior mountain country.

They are situated on the northeast-
ern margin of the best game preserves
of the state, which are controlled by
several gun clubs, far and near. These
marshes are composed of the deltas
of Bear and Weber rivers. The de-
posit or silt carried down the rivers
meet the resistance of the lake and
forms these large marshes, many
miles square; they are favorite feed-
ing grounds for many species of birds
during the spring and fall migrations.

Also desirable breeding grounds for
many species of water and shore
birds.

This vast expanse is covered, al-
most as far as the eye can see south
and west, by a dense growth of tule
and cattails.

The mud flats are either a deposit
of the rivers at high water or drown-
ed lowlands caused by -back-water of
floods.

After one enters the marshes he
finds many narrow open and very
crooked water currents; these consti-
tute the delta, with an occasional la-
goon, or open space 100x250 feet
more or less, where the birds sport.

Our camp is at one of the gun club
sheds, which proves to be quite com-
fortable at night and during a storm.

Birds note in Bear River Marshes
and contingent flats, two trips:

Canada Goose—41 nests located.

Mallard—Fairly common, breeding
many resident.

Shoveller—April 2, 1911. More in
evidence than all other species; later
not common, but breeding.

Pintail—Common, breeds freely.

Gadwalls—Quite common, breeds,
nests found far from water quite of-
ten.

Green Winged Teal—Many seen,
breeds.

Blue Winged Teal—Met quite a
number, breeds.

Cinnamon Teal—Common;
freely.

Ruddy Duck—Many found, breeds.

Ballpate—Fairly common, breeds.

Redhead—Common, breeds freely in
cattail marshes and tule tussocks.

breeds

Killdeer—Common, breeds in all

meadows above and in adjoining
marshy flats.

Black-necked Still—Common, on
mud flats.

Am. Avocet—Common, on mud

flats.

158 THE OOLOGIST

Snowy Plover—Breeding on dry al-
kali flats.

Great Blue Heron—Several hundred
in colony.
Snowy
breeding.

Black Crowned night Heron—Com-
mon, breeding.

White faced Glossy Ibis—Large
flocks seen every morning coming
from the farther marsh fields.

Am. Egret——On July 17th, 1910, a
colony in which 64 nests were found
containing young and eggs in various
stages of incubation, being so late in
the season I considered that these
birds must have been driven from
other localities.

Long-billed Curlew, on the grassy
ridges between the waterways also in
the dry meadows adjoining.

Double Crested Cormorant—Fre-

Heron—Several colonies,

quently seen flying inland, evidently

from Kgg Island.

White crested Cormorant—Same 2s
above.

Western Willet—Along the margin
of the narrow water ways leading into
the marshes, not common.

Wilson’s Snipe—In the marshy
meadows before one comes to -the
marshes proper.

Desert Horned Lark—On the dry
sandy sage-brush knolls in the flats.
Common.

Meadow lLark—In all grass mea-
dows.

Yellow throat—A few seen in tules.

Song Sparrow—Often heard, but
seldom seen. In old tule marshes.

Savannah Sparrow—Common in salt
grass near margin of marshes.

Wilson’s Phalarope—Seen breeding
in pools near grassy flats.

Duck Hawk—Seen almost every
morning and evening seeking prey.

Tule Wren—Seen and heard every-
where along water ways in tule.

Barn Swallows—All barns near the
marshes have its colony.

Am. Bittern—Usually common, but
this year (1911) very scarce.

This is a record of two four-day trips
to these grounds, including time of
travel.

—_—_<_e
In Denver:

While in Denver early in July on a
short business trip it was our pleas-
ure to make the acquaintance of Mr.
J. D. Figgins the director of the Col-
orado Museum of Natural History. We
found him a very pleasant and enter-
taining gentleman and much inter-
ested in Ornithology. It was a satis-
faction to have him call attention to
his recent contribution to THH AUK,
Vol. XXXI No. 1, while discussing the
unfortunate drift of some ornitholo-
gists toward infinitismal and unjusti-
fiable subdivision of species of birds
into alleged geographic races. This
cur readers all know we abhor.

We found a real up to date museum
and one that bore evidences of re-
cent and substantial growth and of
having a master mind at the head.—
Editor.

Eee ens am A I
The Carolina Wren.
(Thryomanes ludovicianus ludovi-
cianus).
By S. S. Dickey

It is now March and during the past
few days the cheery song of the Caro-
lina Wren has sounded from the briers
and brush that cover a steep hillside
near my home. Not only as spring
approaches does this spry bird send
forth its shrill song but upon any
bright day of autumn or winter one
may chance to hear the wren’s music
as it pauses to sing from a safe re-
treat.

In Southwestern Pennsylvania this
Wren is quite an abundant species. He
fiits about brush heaps, hops over
board piles, and scans every nook
and crevice in search of his favorite

THE OOLOGIST 159

food. Insects and their eggs, larvae,
and spiders comprise his bill of fare;
myriopods are also taken when pro-
curable. I have watched these birds
devour a quantity of “bugs” which
dwell upon or near the ground. They
must do an enormous amount of good
work in destroying insect pests, even
though they do destroy numerous ben-
eficial arachnids.

As the bright sunny days of early
spring shed their radiance over the
fields and woods these wrens repair
to suitable places in which to build
their nests. They do not seem partic-
ular in regard to where they shall
establish their abode: the sod banks
of roadsides; the damp rooty soil that
often borders streams of water; de-
serted corners in outbuildings; or per-
haps an old hat, a shoe, or some dis-
carded piece of clothing that has
been hung away in a quiet nook,—
each will answer the purpose of a
nesting site.

The materials selected for nest
building consist of coarse weed stalks,
strips of inner tree bark, soft grass
blades, horse hair, and many other
constituents. A warmly lined domi-
cile is constructed and four, five, and
rarely six eggs are deposited therein.
If the repulsive Cowbird adds an egg
of hers the wren often discontinues
the laying of a full set of eggs and we
usually find but three or four. The
female sits closely upon her beauties
and at the lapse of twelve days the
callow young come into the world.
Now the parent birds are kept busy
provding their offspring with nour-
ishing food. The youngsters grow
rapidly and in a short time leave the
nest to seek a living for themselves
in the great out-of-doors.

The Carolina Wren has always
been one of my favorite birds, and
during’ the past ten years I have had

some excellent opportunities for mak- —

ing a study of its nesting habits.
The first nest that I ever found was
built in a cavity at the top of an old-
fashioned fence-gate arch. The wood
had rotted away from the boards, mak-
ing an opening large enough to ad-
mit the wrens. To this place they
carried building material, constructed
a cozily lined nest, and deposited five
pretty eggs,—pure white and speck-
led with shades of reddish-brown.
This was in early May, 1902, and I had
not long been collecting eggs. I pre-
pared the specimens poorly then, and
of course made second class data.

As the years passed a number of
wrens’ nests came under my observa-
tion. Saturday, April 18, 1903, in com-
pany with a school chum, I went to
hunt birds’ nests in a creek valley
some four miles from home. Towards
noon as we tramped up a road which
led through a ravine away from the
valley, I spied a ball of green moss,
tucked away in among the overhang-
ing sod, at the roadside bank. Glanc-
ing in I could see five beautiful fresh
eggs, resting on a lining of red cow’s
hair and pieces of snake skin. The
bird was not at home, nor did she ap-
pear while we were in that vicinity.

Some days later I found another
nest of the Carolina Wren in over-
hanging roots. The bank in which
the nest was situated was only a few
feet from a railroad track, and lay at
the base of a steep wooded hillside.
At this time the nest held two fresh
eggs. Upon returning to it a few days
later—April 27—I found the female
peacefully sitting upon five pretty
eges, more heavily speckled than
those of the preceding set. The nest
was a large ball of green moss (Poly-
trichium commune) mixed with grass
and leaves, and lined with hair.

On May 22, 1903, some boys who had
been playing ball in a field adjoining
town reported to me that they had

160 THE OOLOGIST

found a wren’s nest in a privy that
stood in the rear of a church build-
ing. I at once went to the place, and
sure enough, there in the corner of the
hollow eave, I found the nest. It was
made of bark strips, weed stalks,
roots and moss, and was warmly lin-
ed with hair. It held five pretty fresh
eggs which I collected and now have
in my posession. These five eggs are
speckled and spotted chiefly about the
larger ends with light reddish-brown
and lilac. A number of pin-point dots
cover the remaining shell surface.
The eggs measure: .73x.60, .75 x .60,
504432 LO), 60D X¢ (OILS GVA OA

One morning late in June, 1909, as
I was picking my way over the rough
stony mountain side which bordered
the Cheat River of Northern West
Virginia, I chanced to find a small
shingle shed which had some time
since been constructed by lumbermen.
Upon entering this shed I was greet-
ed by a fine sight. There in a small
pot-hole on the side of a huge rock
which formed one side of the shed,
rested a Carolina Wren’s nest, with
the bird at home on five incubated
eggs. She made a great fuss when I
caused her to flush from it; but in
spite of her outcries I collected the
five eggs and they now adorn my ser-
ies of eggs of Thryomanes 1. ludovicia-
nus.

Several nests of this species that I
examined held eggs of the cowbird
Molathnusater. A nest found April
22, 1905, was built behind some over-
hanging sod, in a bank bordering a
public road. It was composed of moss,
weedstrips, leaves, weeds, and dry
grass, and was lined with hair. The
bird laid but three eggs when a Cow-
bird deposited one of hers. These
eggs were sprinkled over the entire
shell surface with dots of a reddish
tinge. April 24, I found a nest built
in a depression of. the sod, at the base

of an apple sprout, which grew on 2.
bank at the roadside. The female
incubated three eggs of her own and
one of the Cowbird’s. Some years lat-
er two more nests of this wren, con-
taining eggs of the Cowbird, came un-
der my observation.

I have known of six nests which
held sets of six eggs each. One found
by a boy, in May, 1905, and brought
to me, was built in the corner of a
small shed that stood by a public road-
side. June 17, of the same year, a.
boy living near the creek which flows.
past the lower part of town, showed
me a nest in a privy that stood on a
creek bank. The bird was incubating
six eggs. These I collected and have
in my series. They are heavily mark-
ed specimens, being well spotted with
reddish brown over the entire shell
surface. May 21, 1906 I discovered
a nest and six eggs in the sod bank
above some outcropping sandrocks.
The nest was principally of green
moss, and was lined with strips of
grape vine bark and soft hair. The
bird was quite pugnacious at my pres-
ence and made a great fuss when I
collected her treasures. These eggs
were lightly marked with spots and
specks of brown and lavender.

Harly in April, 1908, I found a Wren
building in a depression at the base
of an American elm (Ulmus ameri-
cana) sprout on a bank at roadside,
and high up ona hill. April 19 it held
six lovely eggs which were finely dec-
orated with spots and wreaths of
light reddish-brown and lavender. The
eggs of the Carolina Wren offer such
variation in markings, size and shape
that they are quite desirable for ser-
ies, making an attractive exhibit. The
markings range from light reddish-
brown through lilac and lavender.
The average measurement of a num-

ber of specimens is: .74 x .60 inches.

THH OOLOGIST Ill

FOR SALE.—17 ft. steel ““Bristol’”’ fly rod
with nickel plated pivot reel. Practically
new, used twice. Cost 8.00, price #4.00. F. A.
HEMPHILL, 826 Union Ave, Elizabeth, N.J.

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in lots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. 8S. KOHLER,
Bloomfield. N. J. (i-p)

EXCHANGE—Savage Hammerless repeat-
ing rifle, 1903 model. Shoots 22 short, long or
long rifle. For a 28 gauge shot gnu. Write
forparticulars. NOBLE FIELD, peek Tl.
a ED

100 two cent Jamestown Exposition 1907,
100 one cent and 50 two cent St. Louis Ex-
position stamps 1904 unused, for best cash
offer. H. P. ATTWATER, 2120 Genesee St.
Houston, Texas. (1-p)

SUMMER CLEARANCE.—MUS EUM
QUALITY GAME HEADS. African heads,
fifteen different species, many very rare,
record big-horn sheep, Wyomihg antelope,
Newfoundland caribou Elk, Mexican Pec-
cary, Asiatic Black Antelope, Siberian Polar
Bear, Calif. Black and Brown Bear. Buy
your den trophies now. Satisfaction guaran-
teed. List on application. P. I. OSBURN,
Orange, Calif.

Bird Books

WANTED.—Nos. 233, 236, 270, 300, of The
Oologist. for which § .25 each will be paid.
R. M. BARNES, Lacon, Ill.

FOR SALH.—List of back Numbers,
Oologist. Vol. 7, 7-8-9; Vol. 8, Nos. 1-9; Vol. 9,
No. 10. No. 103, 113, 134, 141, 143, two copies,
145-147-148, two copies, 181-196-197-205-223-224-
230-237-242-244-245- 247-248-250- 251-252- 253-257- 261-
268-282. W.E. SURFACH, Decatur, IJ].

(1-p)

WANTED.—No. 11, Vol. XXIII, Noy. 1906
issus of The Oologist, for which I will pay
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W ANTED.-—Bird Lore, Vol. II. No. 2. Will
pay $4.00 in original covers. DR. W. M.
TY LER, Lexington, Mass.

FOR SALE.—Vol. 5 (1879-81) of the Utica,
N. Y. Oologist bound. Price %. R. M.
BARNES.

WANTED.—Vols. I and II of Condor, for
cash or sets. Don’t forget me when you send
out your lists. I may have something you
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FOR EXCHANGE, Bird Lore, Vols. 12
and 14 complete and No’s. 3 and 6, Vol. 13;
also. Auk Vols. 28 and29complete. Wanted
eggsin sets. C. G.HART, East Berlin, Conn.

FOR SALE.—Suppressed Sheet of the Orni-
thologist and Oologist, Vul. 8 No. 11, pages 83
to 86. Contains racy critical notice of the
first meeting of Organization of the Ameri-
can Ornithologist’s Union, and of the old
Nuttall Club. We have secured a few copies
of this from sale of the effects of J. M. Wade.
It was not published, after strenuous
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entitled ‘““Plain English.”? Price postpaid,
cash or stamps with order—50 cents.
FRANKLIN BOOKSHOP, 920 Wilmot St.,
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EXCHANGE.—January, February, March,
Bird Lore, 1913, for Nos. 306-307-309-310-311-312,
313-314 of The Oologist or some Bird books.
GRANT HALEY, Springford, Chtane )

19)

I WILL PAY CASH for Vol. 1-2-3-4-5 Bird
Lore Vol, 1-2-3-4 1897-98 Bird and Nature.
EARL HAMILTON, 400 Walnut St., Ver-
sailles, via McKeesport P. On ras

WANTED FOR CASH.—Condor Vol. 8
complete; Vol. 9 Nos. i 4, 6; Vol. 10, No. 2.
pind Lore, Vor ae No. 1; Vol. 3, Nos. 1, 2, 3;
Vol. 2, Nos. : Vol. ie "except ish ty dle 1b)
SLOANAR ER, 4S aliodge Colo. (1-p)

NOTICE.—Is your library going to be the
only one without a copy of “The Birds of
Virginia?” Of the one thousand edition only
about one hundred remain, and no more will
be printed. Price $3.00. Address the author,
HAROLD H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va

BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
pay you for yours? Vols 1-2-3- My complete or

odd numbers. Also Vol.7 No.1, Vol. 9 Nos.
3-5-6, Vol. 14 No. 2. Vol. 15 No. 2. J. N.
SWIFT, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p)

W ANTED.—Life history of North ?Ameri-

~ can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or

single copies. Also Bird Books and Insect
Book, report any you have. LAURA KEAN,
Stockport, Ohio.

W ANTED.—Books. Magazines and Pamph-
lets about Birds and Natural History Sub-
jects. In all cases state what you have and
the lowest cash prices. No other prices con-
sidered. Address FRANK BRENDES 128
Fourth Ave., New York City. (3-14)

WANTED. Bird Lore since 1907. Will pay
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and complete volumes. KEK. A. DOOLITTLE,
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BIRD LORE FOR SALE.—Vols. IV to
date, unbound, to be sold In one lot. Also
duplicates and parts of Volumes I to XV.
State numbers wanted and best cash bid.
Only favorable offers to get replies. T. L.
McC ONNEEE: 2207 Jenny Lind St., McKees-
port, Pa.

Back Numbers of the Warbler

Allissues of the Warbler can be supplied
at following prices

First Series Vols, 1 and 2, 1903-4, 12 nos. com-
plete for 50c.
Second Series vere tae 4 Nos. complete for 50¢e

1906, 4 25
i? Ses lOO: ee ci 82.00
: Peed cues ANTES a Bh i ** 25¢
: we By TEIN), TL a * 25¢
: r * @, Bi or 25
; hina eee OMe si = * 2.00

Second Series contain some beautiful plates
of rare eggs, Vols, 3 and 7 are out of print,
only a dozen or two copies left.

J. L. CHILDS,
Floral Park, N. Y.

IV THE OOLOGIST

Egg Collectors

| have the largest and most extensive
exchange list in existence in North America

today.

eggs to complete some of my series.

| want many common varieties of

Send

me your list of duplicates before all of the
best of my material is gone.

R. M. BARNES

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

Published Bi-monthly by the
Coop2r Ornithological Club of California

Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

“‘The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study” can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in

the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address
W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal.

Lacon, IIl.
Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 isthe Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study ef bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
pages. The magazine has grown
but the price remains the same.

$1.00 per annum
D. APPLETON & Co.,
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New York City

THE OOLOGIST. -

BIRDS NESTS-EG@esS /°.

TAXIDERMY

WO LOO, ING 29),

ALBION, N. Y., Sept. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 329

BRIE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Htc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

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Examine the number on the wrapper of
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Entered as second-class matter De-
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of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

_ We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted specimens of
North American Birds for sale. These columns are for the use of those desiring
to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

HDITOR.

ses only.

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Ill.

WANTED—Skins of N. A. Snipe, Plover,
ete. in first class shape for mounting. Must
be Al. ARTHUR G. RUECKERT., 2252 N.
Kostner Ave., Chicago, [1]. i1-p)

WANTED—To exchange nests, skins, eggs,
with data; also reptile eggs. Send list. J.P.
Be 5001 Frankford Ave.. Philadelphia,

a. (2-p

FOR EXCHANGE.— Fine skins of 273, 289a
390, 477a, 501, Sila, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. AMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14:

TRADHE.—18 A. farm, Will take #175 cash
and #150 in bird skins or eggs or both. If in-
terested write me. W.G. SAVAGE, Delight,
Ark. (1-p)

eee

EXCHA NGE.—Skins 381-371 -372-373.2-379.
Will take a few baby turtles, also snake and
lizzard parts, 400 page Ditnas reptile book
$2.50. Closing out extra skins. HARRY W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, Penn.

Q

=a)
oo
i

6S EE

WANTED—Fine skins only of most Sand-
pipers. Offer fine sets of eggs, 300a, 412a, 466a,
ee eee 567, 584. H. MOUSLEY Eee

5 (A), =)

RS ig See ee eee ee ee

FOR EXCHANGE—Two nicely mounted
Western Horned Owls. and many first class
sets for eggs of Birds of Prey. ERNST. 5.
NORMAN, Mulvihill, Manitoba. (1-p)

SKINS FOR EXCHANGE—ASl, 70. 77, 180,
151, 154, 190, 246, 248, 283a, 367. 478e, 5ilio. ©: Iu.
PHILLIPS. 5 W. Weir St.. Taunton, aoe ;

-p
Baile desk ee ee

WANTED.—Skins or mounted specimen of
Trampeter Swan, Olor buccinator or notes
and records of this species, or the location otf
specimens in museums or eollections.
HENRY K. COALEK, Highland Park, Lake
Co., Ill.

a a ieice es iat ae See eee

Birds, mostly mounted: some skins. Will
exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists pr>mptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.

WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave.., pee eee

-p

i a a I a

II THE OOLOGIST

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND

GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)

EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada. Hutchins,
White. fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Hgyptian Geese, Black,

Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J JAGER
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler, Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.

SAMUEL HUNSINGHER. Secor, Il. (2-p)

ia ee ee eee

WANTED—Living healthy birds of the
following species for aviary: Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Eastern and Western Evening
Grosbeaks, Eastern and California Pine
Grosbeaks, Eastern and Western Blue Gros-
beaks, and Pyrrhuloxias. Expenses attend-
ant upon capture of these birds, and fair
remuneration will be paid. Write in ad-
vance in regard to state permits. Corres-
pond with: F. W. HENSHAW, Redwood
City. San Mateo County, California.

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerwus im your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
(hem together hit and miss, as some of
cur readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

Anyone with a set of Mexico Jacana to ex-
change. Address, ERNEST A. BUTLER,
3807 N. 7th Street, Phila., Penn.

TO EXCHANGE.— For eggs in sets. Hun-
dreds of singles and sets. Also arrow heads,
old fire arms and mounted birds. MEARL
3, WHEELER, East Randolph. N. Y._ (1-p)

Private collector wishes 0 exchange
British Sea Birds’ Eggs, also Indian. for
wneriean or others. CAPT. O. NICHOLLS,
R. G. St. George, Bermuda. (d- p)

WANTED. 394c, 612, 616

Fine sets 3934,

636, 655, 722. 756. one Hne sets 300a, 412a, 466a,
529, 5424, 567, 581. H. MOUSLEY HATLEY,
P.Q. (1-p)

a eI a

I have for exchange, beautiful sets with
nests. of Cairn’s Warbler, Carolina Junco,
and common sets from this section, Send
list of what you can offer. 5 Jal, BAILEY,
Newport News, Va.

FOR EXCHANGE.—White Pelican, Cal.
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocet, Stilt, and
many others. All first class with ‘data, send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Nevada.

3-p

FOR EXCHANGE.— Personally Collected.

1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9; 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4: 194¢ 3-5; 197 3-4; 225 6-4;
226 3-4: 258a 1-4: 432 n-2: 436 n-2: 478¢ 2-5: 480 9-5:
492 2-5: 554 n-4: 560a n- 3; 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n- 5
749 n-6; 759a n-4. A. O. TREGANZA, 610 U.S.
& T. Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. (1-p)

~EXCHANGE. I desire to obtain sets of
261-277-281-208-177. I can offer extra fine sets
of 3’s and 4’s Osprey in exchange. ROLAND
A COORG 1009 Irving St., N. W., Wasbing-
on

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Hureka, Cal. P. O.Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 343 2-2 2-3;
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3 1-4;
416 1-2; 419 1-2; 533 1-4; 539a 1-4; 715 1-6. EK. J.
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

WANTED.—To exchange sets of eggs for
No. 493 Starling, for any eggs not in my
cabinet. NELSON HE. WILMOT. 24 New St.
West Haven, Conn.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Skins 3881, 371, 372, 373.2,
379 Will take a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts, 400 Pages Ditnas Reptile
book. $2.50. Closing out extra skins. H. W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, ee

AO)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRHS, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

aHOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-

g, Eggs. Nests and Oologist papers for sets

e ibs. 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364, 368, 375, 542a,

546, 611 and others. EDWARD § - COOMBS ;
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Complete sets, origi-
nal datas and first class, of A. O. U. No. 1, 6,
11, 13, 16, 35, 49, 53, 54, 77, 80, 120, 194, 201, 202, 212°
219, 221, 264*, 269, 271, 329 (at &L per egg), 333,
337, 337b, 339 and 348. Want original sets with
complete data, and many of the very com-
mon ones can be used. Send list of anything
you have and will try to do business with
you. Absolutely guaaantee every specimen
o suit you. R. L. MORE, Box 608, Vernon,

exas.

FOR EXCHANGE.—White Pelican, Cal.
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocat, Stilt, and
many others, all first class with data. Send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Ne
3-p

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (Stans)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

I have for exchange many fine sets, per-
sonally taken, finely prepared, among which
are: 6 1-8, 194b 1-5 1-6, 199 1-4, 318 1-8. 219 1-9.
298 1-4, 289b 1-14, 293 1-12, 295 1-13, 300b 1-14, 307
1-9, 310 1-14, 310c 1-15, 331 1-5, 333 1-4, 334a 1-3,
330 1-4, 1-5, 337a 1-3, Texas Red-shoulder 1-3,
1-4, 339 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-2, 1-3, 342 1 3, 345 1-2,
347a 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4, Send your lists and
Fel my full list. EH. F. POPE, Colmesneil,

exas.

MISCELLANEOUWS.

To exchange for stone relics several copies
of Harpers Illustrated Weekly from 1860 to
1873. L. A. PARRE, Batavia, Ill.

WANTED-—Indian Relics for cash or ex-
change. Alsojfinely mounted specimen birds.
DR. A. E. PAYNE, Riverhead, N. Y. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

Vor. XXXII. No. 2. ALBION, N. Y. Sepr. 15, 1914. W HOLE No. 329

e

Owned and Published Tie ane. by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

MIGRATION

The Fall migration is now with us. The wonderful instinct that causes ine
birds to wander back and forth over the lengths of the continent semi-annually
lias been the wonder and the admiration of the ages. From the mightiest to the
tiniest, nearly all birds, save a few resident species, move Spring and Fall across
many or few degrees of latitude; some ranging all the way from the Arctic
shores to Patagonia; others wandering over comparatively short distances.
Some traveling at such immense altitudes as to be scarcely discernable; others
being almost terrestrial in their movements.

The roll of the Crane and of the Swan coming from the sky at such altitude
that the bird responsible for it frequently cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The little Rail travelling much of its distance skulking on foot amid the vege-
tation of the earth’s surface. Some making the prolonged flight from the shores
of Nova Scotia to the shores of South America without a single halt; others
flitting trom tree to tree and bush to bush, but always in the same direction.
Little, comparatively is known in regard to the migration of the birds,
though very much has been written. Such observations as are presented in
P. G. Howes’ contribution to this month’s Oologist will do much to elucidate and
make plain that which is now more or less evolved in mystery. No ornithologi-

eal publication publishes a higher class of scientific papers than that presented

by Mr. Howes in this issue, and we wish to thank him for the contribution.
Editor.

- ue S

te 10 aes

162 THE
Fall Migration of the Olive-Backed
Thrush, 1912.

(Hylocichla Ustulata Swainsoni)
By Paul G. Hawes, Stamford, Conn.

“Pooorp - peenk - pue- pooorp.” The
night voices fill the September air;
wierd, almost awesome are these
whistles of the migrating thrushes,
guided by some unknown power
through thousands of miles of space
to their winter home in the tropics.
It is thrilling indeed when one hears
the sound high in the air and far in
the distance. Gradually it comes
closer as the bird flies steadily south-
ward. As it passes, unseen, directly
over head, again the cry floats down
to earth and a fainter answering cail
in the north, teils one of a companion
or perhaps a mate. Thus the voices
echo back and forth across the sky
from evening ’till early morn, when
the birds drop down from the high
road of travel to feed and rest in the
friendly woods and thickets. I know
of many bird voices and ealls, but
none of them could be used as a com-
parison, for the notes of the Olive-
backed Thrush are quite distinct from
those of any other bird that I am
familiar with. Not the metalic
“Peenk” of the migrating Bobolink
nor the sharp “peet peet” of the sand-
pipers, but a singular mellow and al-
most plaintive whistle, sweet-toned
and far reaching, seems best to de-
scribe the calls of this thrush.

This fall, between September 5th,
and October 17th there passed a horde
of these birds, more than the writer
has ever seen before, over and
through the country about Stamford.
The migration started on September
5th, when about fifty birds, compris-
ing two larger flocks than I had ever
noted, dropped down out of the sky
into a small patch of woodland about
5 A. M. I managed to secure two of
these birds which proved to be young
males.

OOLOGIST

The appearance of these flocks
gave me the idea of studying and re-
cording the interesting points of the
migration as shown in the figures i,
2, and 3. This idea was to mark out
a square upon the ground; six hun-
dred feet, being the length of its sides.
By this method one might note each
bird that passed through a corres-
ponding area of sky, this area being
directly above the square upon the
ground. Not only could the bird be
noted, but the exact direction could
be taken and easily recorded in the
figures.

On the morning of the fifth, four —
singles were noted and these, to-
gether with the two flocks, totals
about fifty-four specimens, noted be-
tween the hours of 5 A. M. and 7 A. M.
The singles were all flying several
hundred feet in the air, in a south-
westerly direction, none of them com-
ing down to rest. The two birds which
J took had nothing in their stomachs,
and the flocks began at once upon
the berries of the common Hider
(Sambucus Canadensis). . x

The morning of September 10th
found me again at my “Bird Square”
before sun up, and this time, a flock
of twenty-five (afterwards splitting in-
to two smaller ones), three flocks of
ten birds each, and four singles were >
noted in one hour. This total of
fifty-nine birds were seen in exactly
one half of the time that the fifty-four
were seen on September fifth. (Com-
pare Fig 1 and 2.) None of the birds
noted on the tenth came down, and
all of them were flying very high.
Notice that the temperature for 7 de-
grees lower on the tenth than on the
fifth and that the barometer was also
10-100th lower.

September sixteenth found this ex-
traordinary bird movement at its
height. The temperature was eigh-
teen degrees lower than on the fifth,

THE OOLOGIST 163

MIGRATION oF OLIve- BACKER THRUSH. 1G742..
September S™® 1912,

Conditions: Wealner Clear. Temper dLure T2°. Baroméler 30.10 Incnes.

an ee
Z eee
re a7 co
ec Z Za
ca apy 7
. 7
-
(EER “2 4
Za a
= Zo a
Pia a ea
7
oa PA a
- Ba eee eons
sie o EE Bea
27 Z DB aso
i: oa aa
a a ale
2 7 ae
ae a << Baise ear
a pa en ated
ae Zz — — tT FLOCK: >
Z To ae iy
ee oo ee 7
2 — ey a Wee
pnt ed _) -
ae a a
7 2 a
a ae
a we =
7 ae
ma ane
tad -
7 Pe t
Z Ue pe
Be 7 je
ye 2
BO io}
Z ie)
ae 9
a
ce
7
,
-
2
7
7
4
7
“a
“ae
Dn
Z
7k
Ayo"
ne: ©
ec:
Oo
7
=
2
7
2
va
7
N 7
2
7
WwW a ye
Ss 7

Fig, 1.

Birds wWuick Passed Turougn Given Area OF Sky,

Belween SAM. And T A.M.
Migration of Olive Backed Thrush Sept. 5, 1912. Drawing by P. C. Howes.

164 THE OOLOGIST

and eleven degrees lower than on the
tenth. The barometer was also lower
than on either of the other occasions,
reading 29.90 inches. I reached the
“Square” at 5 A. M., and by the time
an hour had passed, more birds than
ever had been seen. First there came
single birds, one after another, until
fifteen had been recorded in my field
note book. These were all fiying
steadily southwest and roughly speak-
ing they were perhaps one hundred
and fifty, to two hundred feet in the
air. Had it not been for their con-
tinual calling to one another, it would
have been impossible to even guess at
their identity. At just six o’clocx
two flocks containing twenty-five birds
each, appeared in the northeast. The
fiocks were about two hundred feet
apart, flying at the same level and
not over one hundred feet from the
ground. All of these birds dropped
into the woods near by to feed. They
had probably been in company for
some time as they flew similarly (see
Fig. 3), and after a short rest left
the woods together, flying to a thicket
some five hundred feet away where
they remained all day. The total
number of birds noted in one hour
on this morning was sixty-five, which
is more than is usually seen here dur-
ing an entire year!

After the sixteenth the numbers of
individuals dwindled rapidly. On the
morning of the eighteenth I took two
more young males from a band of
twelve which were found in a thicket.
On the twentieth 1 saw three in the
woods about 7 A. M. These birds
were feeding upon the ground at the
foot of some cedar trees. They were
very shy and took wing when I ap-
proached with my gun. A slight drop
in the temperature on the night of
the 27th, brought a few more down
from the north, seven being noted on
the morning of the twenty-eighth in

the woods, and with them was a sin-
gle Hylocichla guttata pallisi. After
this none were seen until October
9th, when I succeeded in taking a
male in fine plumage from a band of
two individuals. The stomach of this
bird was well filled with parts of
a large locust, many weed seeds and
one very large downey seed, as large
as, and about the same shape as a
pumpkin seed.

On the morning of October 10th,
about 8 A. M., three Olive-backed
Thrushes were noted in the woods
near my home. One of these birds
had lost most of its nape feathers
so that the skin of its neck could be
plainly seen, and being thus plainly
marked, I decided to watch the birds
carefully through the day, keeping
tabs upon their movements. This
was not difficult and they stayed in
the same locality during all of that
day, quietly feeding and occasionally
calling to one another in well modu-
lated voices. At 5:15 P. M., they be-
came restless and as darkness came
on several other birds of the same
species joined the band of three which
I had been watching. These new
comers came from various parts of
the woods and I had not been aware
of their presence during the day. It
is possible that they had been to-
gether on the previous night’s jour-
ney and had scattered in the woods
at daylight, only to band together
again at evening. By 6 o’clock it was
entirely dark and soon I heard the
flock leave the woods. They must
have mounted straight in the air to
a desired height, as I could hear them
calling directly above me for quite
some time before the voices began
to grow fainter, telling that they had
turned southward. I had often won-
dered at what time the birds started
their night’s journey and this obser-
vation was indeed a fortunate one,

THE OOLOGIST 165

MIGRATION OF OLIVE~BACKED THRUSH.
September 10™ 1912.

Conditions: Wealuer Clear. Temper alure 65° Baromeler 30.00%

<— 600FT—

Fig, 2.

Birds Wuicn Passed Througn Given Area OF
Sxy, Bélween SA.M. And 6 Al.

Migration of Olive Backed Thrush Sept. 10, 1912. Drawing by P. G. Howes.

166 THD OOLOGIST

As I have seen birds come down to
rest as early as 5 A. M., and on the
other hand, leave for the night’s jour-
ney at 6 P. M., it is not unlikely that
this species travels the air for eleven
hours at a time. If they cover two
hundred miles in a night, which is
not a maximum figure by any means,
their rate of speed while in the air
would be slightly over eighteen miles
per hour, which, as near as I could
judge, was about the speed that the
individuals traveling in the early
morning were making.

Six birds were seen about 10 A. M.,
October 14th, and a single restless in-
dividual on the 17th, marked the last
of the migrating thrushes seen at
Stamford.

According to the latest ornithologi-
eal literature, the breeding range of
the Olive-backed Thrush -is: The
lower Hudsonian and Canadian zones
from N. W. Alaska to S. Ungava, and
New Foundland, south to Kenai Pen-
insula, Alaska, H. Oregon, Nevada,
Utah, Colorado, N. Michigan, New
York and in mountains from Massa-
chusetts to Pennsylvania, and W.
Virginia.

Just how the birds migrate is im-
possible to say, but it will be remem-
bered that all of the birds seen flying
over my bird square, were traveling
almost directly southwest. Now if
it should happen that the birds fly all
the way to their winter home in south-
ern Mexico and Central America, in
a perfectly straight line, it would be
very likely and evident that those
noted in the locality from which I am
writing came directly from New
Foundland and Nova Scotia. If one
were to draw a straight line as an
imaginary migration route from east-
ern New Foundland to say Pueblo in
Mexico, the route would pass through
Stamford, where all of the birds were
noted by the writer. Another route

might be from eastern N. F. to New
Orleans, where the birds might join
forces with other northern migrants
coming down by way of the Mississ-
ippi valley and thence to their winter
home by land, or over the gulf, as
shown in the map (Fig. 4. This map
was drawn from one in the Century
Atlas and although too small to be
very accurate, it gives a fair idea of
the possible migration routes
tioned above.

This is indeed an interesting prob-
lem and some time in the future I
hope to be able to definitely estab-
lish the exact route taken by these
birds. Fall migration notes are all
that is needed and it would be of
great assistance if all those possess-
ing such data would report them to
the Oologist.

The following table gives an idea of
the entire migration as observed by
the writer at Stamford, Connecticut.
It will be seen that eleven observa-
tions were made each on a different
day, the first bird being seen on Sep-
tember 5th, and the last on October
17th, which credits a migration pér-
iod of just about six weeks. Average
temperature of the eleven observation
days 62 degrees Fahr. In all 221
Olive-backed Thrushes were recorded.

Owing to the conditions of the
Scientific permit in Connecticut, the
holder thereof is limited to five birds
of a species per year, and owing to
this fact, I was unable to make more
stomach examinations than those
mentioned in the article and table.

PAUL GRISWOLD HOWES,

Stamford, Conn.

Migration of the Olive-backed Thrush

at Stamford, Connecticut, 1912.

2 <>
Making good As a Bird Man.

When you have succeeded in de-
veloping a reputation in any line of
endeavor in your respective commuin-

men-

THE OOLOGIST 167

MIGRATION OF OLIVE- BACKED THausH.
September 16% WO.

Conditions: Wedluer Clear. THermomeéter 54° Barometer 29.90 =

Birds wuicu Passed THrouSu Given Area OF

Sky, Belween 5 A.m.And 6AM.
Migration of Olive Backed Thrush, Sept. 16, 1912. Drawing by F. G. Howes.

168 THE OOLOGIST

MIGRATION OF THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH AT STAMFORD, CONNECICUT 1912

WEATHER NO. SEEN

REMARKS

‘Two taken. Stomachs empty.

‘(Two taken. Stomachs contained
Elderberries )

(One taken. Stomach Insects and
weed seeds.)

i\Very restless.

‘Very restless.

DATE ey connie
Sept. Oth, Clear 71220, 54
« 9th,| Be Oe | D)
oo Ola os sal 59
eee eelo talon a o4 | 65
ae ae tine BEEBE i 12
Os ie, 60 3
ieee Otinn ae AG Secs 7
Oct. 9th,) Cloudy 65 | 2
ce Othe uf Oma 10
“14th, Clear, 58 | 6
OG a Ee aOae il
nA aa
11 DAYS | TEMP.62 | 221

| |

ity, have you noticed how seldom the
fates will turn the wheel to help you
along the road of fame?

I have just experienced the oppo-
site sensation. Recently while in
company of a Men’s Bible Class pic-
nicking in the woods, I was called
upon for a short bird talk. I heard
the song of a Kentucky Warbler a
short distance away and made him
my subject. Finally as each present
admitted familiarity with the Ken-
tucky’s song, I invited them to follow
me with my glasses and get a peep
at the author. When acquainted with
the form and color of this favorite
woods Warbler, I enlarged upon his
nesting habits, explaining that only
the advanced students are so fortu-
nate as to find the Kentucky’s nesi.
I told them that only the expert Oolo-
gist had any show at all toward study-
ing the nesting habits of this bird at
first hand, for he was an adept de-
ceiver and was the limit at stratgic-
ally enticing intruders away from his
admirably concealed nest.

Fate must have directed my foot-
steps, for just as I had finished my
peroration, a female Kentucky flushed

directly at my feet and there nestling
at the base of a small sapling was
her beautifully finished hair-lined nest
containing three well-wreathed eggs.
Slowly and with manifest awe, the 42
interested amateurs in nature study,
filed past and took their first look at
a Kentucky Warbler’s nest “in situ.”

It is needless to say that “‘Uncie
Cy” was boosted up another notch as
a real ornithologist and thus are some
reputations made. May 28th, 1914,
Kentucky Warbler, 3 eggs.

ISAAC EH. HESS.
Philo, Ills.

ope

Some Central Pennsylvania Birds.

During the spring of 1913, I had the
pleasure of spending several days of
May and early June in the mountain-
ous country of Huntingdon and Cen-
tre Counties, which lie in the central
part of Pennsylvania. The mountains
there are well covered with second
growth of timber, consisting of oaks
and chestnuts, with here and there
clusters of hemlocks and pines. May
7, in company with Mr. R. C. Harlow,
I made a trip to an extensive valley
which is surrounded on three sides

THE OOLOGIST 169

Two PossiBLE MigRATION RouTES OF

THE OLIVE~ BACKED THRUSH: —

Figs 4,

Arrows: REPRESENT RoutES OF MIGRATION.

DoTTED AREAS WINTER
RANGE OF SPECIES.

Two possible routes of Olive Backed Thrush Migration. Drawing by R. G. Howes.

170

by mountain ridges. Late in the af-
ternoon of this day, we saw a Pileated
Woodpecker near the border of an old
timber slashing. On the following
day we discovered the nest some
thirty feet up in a dead red-maple
snag. Upon examination this nest
was found to hold four fresh eggs.
During this same trip we noted a
number of migrating and _ resident
Warblers. In some briery thickets
we heard Golden-winged Warblers
singing, and along the wooded hili-
sides we caught the faint notes of
both Black-and-white and Worm-eat-
ing Warblers. Parula and Magnolia
Warblers flitted about in the pines
and hemlocks, both of them being
summer residents. Old nests of the
Magnolia Warbler were seen on ths
ends of several drooping hemlock
branches. In the extensive growti
of oaks which covered a _ knoll, I
searched for Wild Turkeys. A farmer
told me he had flushed an old bird
from her nest, but I failed to find it.
During this search I flushed a Ruffled
Grouse from a nest and thirteen eggs,
beside a fallen dead white pine. The
nest was simply a deep depression
warmly lined with dry leaves and
Grouse feathers. Some days later I
flushed another Grouse from her nest
and a single egg. Upon visiting the
nest a few days later it was found
deserted. Beside a rail fence which
bordered a wood I found the nest and
remains of a grouse. The old bird
had evidently been killed by some
prowling animal; egg shells were
strewn-about near the nest. Several
Chicadees were seen, and a nest dis-
covered. It was seven feet up in a
dead apple tree stump that stood in
a clearing at the base of a mountain.
The mother bird sat closely, but soon
flushed, revealing seven slightly in-
cubated eggs. During a later visit
Mr. Harlow found another Chicadee’s

THE OOLOGIST

nest, three feet up in an apple stump,
beside a small orchard. It held eight
heavily incubated eggs. A tufted Tit-
mouse was heard to call frequently
from a wooded hillside; it was the
only one noted in the whole region.

May 23, we made a second visit to
this valley and found a number of
birds nesting.

May 24, was a very wet day, but
during the afternoon we set out for
a search for nests of the worm-eating
Warbler. Mr. Harlow had seen a
Worm-eating Warbler building during
our first visit to the place. On a steep
bank which was well strewn with
oak saplings, laurel bushes, and
clumps of rhododendron, | searched
caretully for a Worm-eater’s nest and
was so fortunate as to flush a female
Warbler from her nest and six beau-
tiful fresh eggs. This nest was built
in a slight depression in the soil, and
was protected by a bunch of fallen
dry leaves. Farther on we came to
the nest Harlow had found being
built; the female fiushed from six
heavily wreathed eggs. A couple of
days later I found a third nest of the
Worm-eater built in the bank of a
small ravine; it held four fresh eggs.
In the evening we searched for the
nest of a pair of Henslow’s Sparrows
which Mr. Harlow had discovered in
a low wet pasture field. The Spar-
rows were so wary that we failed to
locate their nest. However, a couple
of days later I found the nest and five
incubated eggs; it was built in a de-
pression at the side of a slight drain,
and was somewhat arched over. Dur-
ing later trips two more nests of the
Sparrow were found. One held four
eges and the other four young birds.

Among the raptores we _ Saw,
Cooper’s Sharp-shinned, and broad-
winged Hawks; the broad-wing nests
here regularly and Harlow found a
nest and two fine eggs during a pre-

THH OOLOGIST 171

vious season. We saw a Short-eared
Owl that had been nailed up on the
side of a hunter’s cabin, and a Red-
tailed Hawk which the farmer had
nailed to his barn door. At one place
erows were seen chasing a pair of
Great Horned Owls.

Hooded, chestnut-sided, black-
throated green, black-throated blue,
and black-and-white Warblers were
frequently seen. Louisiana Water:
thrushes and Maryland Yellow-throats
were abundant.

On May 30, Mr. David EH. Harrower,
accompanied me to the valley, and he
discovered a beautiful nest and four
eggs of the Hooded Warbler. ‘This
nest was built about four feet up in
some low saplings. Redstarts were
nesting, but any amount of search-
ing failed to reveal a nest. Oven-
birds were common, and I found three
nests. In a clump of raspberry briers,
1 flushed a female Golden-winged
Warbler from her nest and five fine
eggs; it was built four inches above
the ground. A pair of these Warb-
lers could be heard singing at any
suitable clearing where there were
plenty of briers for them to hide in.
Altogether six nests were found con-
taining eggs or young. In each case
five was complement of the nest. Mr.
Harrower found a Chestnut-sided
Warbler’s nest four feet up in a clus-
ter of low bushes; it held four eggs.
As I passed through a small second
growth woods of chestnuts which lay
on a slight hillside, T caught sight of
a female Black-and-White Warbler as
she sat on her cozy nest, at the base
of a sugar maple sprout. She sat so
closely that I was able to approach
within three feet of her and secure a
fine photograph. She soon fluttered
from her nest and revealed five beau-
tiful eggs, resting on the warm lining
of horse hair. ;

In a large woods three miles down
the valley Harlow and I found the

nest of a pair of Solitary Vireos. It
held four young birds. The parents
came to the nest frequently with food
for the young. This nest was built
in a small fork of a flowering Dog-
wood tree that grew at the base of a
hill. Nearby we found a number of
Parula Warblers which were undoubt-
edly nesting in the huge white pines,
but we failed to find a nest. Some
days later Harlow found a Blackburn-
ian Warbler’s nest in an unaccessable
position high up in a large white pine.
Under a bank of sod, by a pool of
water, he found a nest and five lovely
eges of the Louisiana Water-thrush.
Harly in June several nests of the
Maryland Yellow-throat were found;
all of these held less than five eggs.
Yellow-breasted Chats were seen and
a nest with four eggs found in a brier
patch. In some of the deeper and
more secluded ravines J saw Canadian
Warblers but failed to find a nest.

IT saw Northern Ravens several
times as they flew from mountain
ridge to mountain ridge. These birds
nest on the secluded rocky cliffs in
the wilder parts of the maintains.
A nest found on March thirteenth
held five eggs. The nest was a huge
affair of sticks, and was warmly lined
with hair from the belly of a deer.

Quite a number of commoner birds
were seen, such as House Wren, Bal-
timore Oriole, Dawny Woodpecker,
Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Wood Pewee, ete.

American Woodcock were most
plentiful of the game birds seen. Dur-
ing twilight we watched and heard
their flight song. This is a beautiful
sight. The male bird rises high in
the air, hovers there singing, then
suddenly drops to the earth. He is
answered by the female who utters
the peculiar notes, “scape, scape.”
The Woodcocks nest here during early
April. S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.

172 THE OOLOGIST

Bird Notes from Virginia.

Sunday, February 15th, found me
out in the woods looking at the eagle
(Haliaetus clenocephalus) tree men-
tioned in the February issue of the
Oologist, page 29. I thought the pair
might try to fool me by laying early,
especially as I had fooled them last
season. A light snow had fallen on
the 13th but had melted, leaving water
standing in every low spot in the
woods, and I had some difficulty in
keeping my feet dry while working
deeper into the timber. As I came
within twenty feet of the huge line
pine towering above the surrounding
~ timber, I was disgusted to find two
things evident at a glance, first, that
the nest was deserted—second, water
blocked my headway. As I glanced
around to find a small hummoch to
jump to, my eye was attracted to
some dark spots appearing on the
water, over what had been a slight
elevation or hummoch. The more I
looked the less I believed my eyes,
for there, not six feet away was a
set of four Woodrocks (Philohela
minor) surrounded by water and al-
most completely covered. The melt-
ing snow had caused the water to
rise so high that the bird had evident-
ly deserted them the day before, as
she was not around and they were icy
cold. Did I get my feet wet? Well,
I guess! And so happened my earl-
iest record of Woodcock eggs for Vir-
ginia. February 9, 10, 11 and 12.

On February 19th we found a heavy
snow with us again, and no prospects
of eagles on the 22d, which is my
regular day for fresh eggs in this sec-
tion. Sunday, the first of March found
a rainy, dreary day, so as I am neither
a millionaire or draw a salary for
collecting eagle eggs for some Mu-
seum, I passed it up. Fortune fa-
vored me again with a fine day on
the 8th and taking a friend with me,
we caught the 6:30 A. M. train for a

a

good trip. Twenty miles ride by
train and eight miles by spring wagon
brought us to the fiirst tree—a giant,
four and a half feet across the stump
—seventy feet to the nest. Hvery
evidence of eggs below the tree, and
a heavy blow on the trunk with a-
light wood knot sent the female
screaming from the nest. How the
country boys’ eyes popped and with
mouths opened and bated breath, they
watched to see the two eagles which
were now around tear the climber
limb from torso. But as usual the
birds disappeared in the blue sky and
the boys, who always gather around
when they hear the eagles are to be
robbed, turned homeward, sadder but
wiser in eagle lore.

What! Young, at this time of year,
yes, five and six days old, and weil
supplied with two freshly killed and
plucked Pie-billed Grebes (Podilym-
bus podiceps). Eggs laid last week
in January, another early record.

Was there a load stone? No, I
never found one, and poor Billy Cris-
pin told me he never found one either,
the nearest approaching being an oys-
ter shell with a hole in it. We leave
the Grebes on the ground, pack the
young in cotton and are off again to
the beach, five miles away where a
launch is to take us across to a point
where a friend had told me “were
three eagle nests.”’ Five miles across
the water, a wade ashore in leaky
boots and nothing in sight but a flock
of Canada geese on the other side of
the point. Back over the same water
and road, and ten miles in the oppo-
site direction to look at a tree from
which Billie Crispin took a set of
two last season. Away the old bird
flew as we came in sight of the tree
—sure signs—and as the under side
of the nest is reached, sixty feet up,
out pops a big grey squirrel, who’s
home is neatly tucked away in the
heavy frame work. Two eggs is the

THH OOLOGIST 173

erop and as the wagon leaves us here
we “hike” it back to the railroad sta-
tion to wait for the down train, reacli-
ing home at 8 o’clock P. M.

Sunday, the 15th, finds me at my
Woodcock Hagle tree once more and
sure enough, a revolver shot brings
her off, but the water makes it impos-
sible to reach without a wagon and
liook. es

Tuesday, the 17th, finds us bound
up on the 5:20 P. M. train, a buggy
drive of a mile, half in water up to
the wheel hubs, and we are there.
No Woodcock eggs in the nest, only
two eagle eggs, no load stone either,
so back home by the light of the
moon.

To date, 3-21-14, finds bad snow and
ice once more, so I presume this ends
all eagle trips for this season, while
Woodcocks have had to lay not less
than three times, a necessity not
blameable to oologists, much as some
persons would like to.

Harold H. Bailey.
ET ee aa
Gavia Imber.
(Loon)

Before I came to Manitoba, I lived
in Ontario near the shores of beauti-
ful Doe Lake, where the loons were
regular summer visitors. As the lake
was about 9 miles long, though nar-
row, there would have been plenty
of room for several pairs of loons,
but, as a matter of fact, only one pair,
evidently the same one, came every
spring to stay there the summer.

About two miles west of Doe Lake
was another smaller lake, the Rainy
Lake. Between these two lakes the
loons had two aerial routes; a north-
ern route, direct over my house, for
traveling westward to Rainy Lake
and a more southerly route for the
return passage. The northerly route
was very seldom, if ever, used for
eastward travel and vice versa. The
pair very seldom traveled together;

cne generally went first, making the
air fairly tremble with his far sound-
ing call to his mate, who as a rule,
followed a few minutes later. “Waan-
l10-0-0-0-0-0-0, wah-ho-0-0-0-0,” was the
general trend of the note, while on
the wing, but, when swimming in the
water, their note sounded more like
a fierce, diabolical laugh.

For six years I tried in vain to lo-
cate the nest of this Great Northern
Diver. The 24th of May was annually
spent at the Narrows of Doe Lake,
where I believed the nest to be, as
the birds spent more time around
there, than anywhere else. The shores
of these two lakes were very rough,
rocky and deep, which fact of course
was an advantage to the loons, but a
great drawback to the nest-hunter.
The loons generally had a good laugh,
and no doubt, at my expense, when
they finally saw me set sail on the
“White Wings” (my clipper sail boat),
and take a homeward tack across the
lake, sick and tired of the nesv-
hunter’s job.

Now (1914) I am living in northern
Manitoba, and as the luck would have
it, I am located once more between
two beautiful lakes. Once more have
Y come in contact with the loons and
once more they are having their aerial
route, this time north and _ south,
some 200 feet above the roof of my
home. Early this spring a pair of
loons arrived and it seemed to me
that they were going to locate their
homestead near mine, on the north
shores of Birch Lake (the largest one
of these two lakes).

But as the end of May drew nearer
and I had not been able to locate the
nest yet, though I had searched for
it several times and had taken in all
the observations that I thought of any
value, I commenced to think that pos-
sibly the nest is at the other end of
their daily routine.

So on the 31st of May I started out

174 THE OOLOGIST

towards Stony Lake, which is about
a mile north of Birch Lake. The lake
itself is nearly round, maybe a quar-
ter of a mile or so across. The shores
are low and level; some sandy beach
and some of more swampy nature.
When looking over the iake, one will
see an old muskrat house here and
there.

I did not have to look long for the
loon’s nest this time. At a great dis-
tance I could see a black object on
top of one of the muskrat houses.
As I got nearer I could see the male
bird in the water some 200 yards or
so from the nest. As I kept coming
nearer and the male bird saw that
there was an intruder nearby, he
thought it high time for an alarm.
“FHo-lee-ee-00, ho-lee-ee-00” is what he
tremulously tooted. Like through a
great speaking trumpet this warning
went to the lady of his heart. That
then is their alarm note, so different
from their ordinary call note “wah-
ho-oo.” Just as soon as the alarm
was given, the dark object slid off
the muskrat house; just one plunge,
and it was out of sight. Before I got
to the nest, the female was swimming
away out in the lake, as unconcerned
as if nothing had happened. I had
to do a little wading in order to get
to the nest, but wasn’t it worth the
while? Here, on top of the moss-
covered roof of the domicile of the
muskrat, in a shallow depression, not
more than an inch deep, lay the two
treasures of this “Lady of the Lakes.”
The top of the mound was about 10
inches above the water and the water
“outside of it about 3 feet deep, just
nicely deep enough for a dive. When
comparing this mound with several
others in near vicinity, I noticed that
this particular one was the only one
that had deep water along side of it.
From this I gather, that the loons
are taking that advantage into consid-
eration when selecting a nesting site.

¥

In shape the eggs resemble those of
a domestic goose. The color is very
dark clay brown, with black and gray-
ish spots evenly distributed all over
the semi-glossy surface of the entire
ege. Incubation fresh on the 31st ot
May. Size of eggs: 3.25 x 2.11 and
3.26 x 2.10. Whether this is the aver-
age size or smaller, I am not prepared
to say, as I have no other specimens
for comparison. C. A. Reed, in his
Bird Guide (part I) gives the average
size as 3.50 x 2.25 and Ottomar Rein-
ecke, in an article in a recent issue
of the Oologist (Vol. XXX, No. 11)
states that the average size is 3.50
x 2.20.

In closing this episode I may say
that the two loons are at this minute
swimming in Birch Lake, within a
couple of stone throws from my door.

Ernest S. Norman.
Mulvihill, Manitoba.
ee
A Record of the Nesting of the Black-
Billed Cuckoo at Philadelphia.

The Black-billed Cuckoo, never a
common bird in the vicinity of Phila-
delphia, is now of extremely rare oc-
curance in this locality, in summer as
T haven’t seen any birds or found any
nests for several years past.

In view of the fact it is of impor-
tance to place on record the nests of
the Black-billed Cuckoo which I have
found here during previous years, as
the data will show how uncommon a
bird it has always been and will prob-
ably add something to our knowledge
of nidification.

Unless stated otherwise, all nests
were found in Philadelphia County,
Pa., and most of them were discov-
ered in the Northeastern part of the
County.

1. Four fresh eggs, July 7, 1898,
Frankfort: Nest twenty feet up in a
big apple tree in edge of small or-
chard; placed about twenty feet out
cn a horizontal limb, near the extrem-

THE OOLOGIST

ity over a road. A slight depressed
platform of small sticks, lined with
several dry leaves and walnut catkins.
Female flushed; stayed away in si-
lence while nest was robbed.

2. Two fresh eggs, July 29, 1899,
Holmesburg: Nest seven feet up in:

a willow along a creek and eight feet:
out on a horizontal limb, four inches’

175

the side; eliptical in shape and meas-
ured 1.12 x .87 inches.

6. Two fresh eggs, June 12, 19038,
Frankford: Nest six feet up in an
alder bush along creek in alder thick-
et, containing many willow and White
Ash Trees, placed on a horizontal
branch near the top. A platform of
dry cucumber vine stems, lined with

thick, in a cluster of sprout. A plat-# several dry willow leaves and willow

form of small sticks and twigs, lined’ #4 catkins;

with dead willow leaves; it measures)
= top and was half an inch deep,
x one and one-half inches thick. Eggs
cs light blue; eliptical; size, 1.11 x 79,
Three eggs, two fresh and onejpy. 1.05 x .83 inches. Female reluctantly

‘ea flushed off the nest.

seven inches across the top, and wasii
depressed half an inch.
was flushed.

far advanced, June 18, 1902,
ford: Nest eight feet up in a poison-|’
ivy vine-covered spicewood push,'
placed on the vines and twigs, in a
woods. Composed of small sticks and“
twigs, lined with oak catkins, loosely
put together and about half foot wide
across the:top and depressed half an
inch. Heggs eliptical; light blue, one
a darker shade; size, 1.15 x .91, 1.14
x .88 inches. Female was flushed.

4. Two eggs, one half incubated
and the other far advanced, June 21,
1902, Lanndale: Nest placed five feet
up in top of large, thick clump of
blackberry bushes in field beside
thicket at bottom of low railroad em-
bankment, well hidden from view by
the foliage. A shallow bottom of
leaves, weed stalks and grass stems,
lined with grass stems and two
leaves. Eggs light blue, eliptical;
size, 1.15 x .88, 1.12 x .84 inches. Fe-

\| male flushed off nest.

5. One rotten egg. October 16,
1902, Frankford: Nest long deserted
was twelve feet up in a triple crotch
of a willow sprout along three-fringed
creek and was loosely put together
and made of small sticks and twigs,

\\and lined with fine weed and grass

stems, very slightly depressed. The
, was dirty and disclosed a hole in

The female}:

We

at
re
eM

fairly well constructed. It
# measured about six inches across the
and

' 7. Three eggs, one fresh and others
_ begun in incubation, June 12, 1903,
Frankford: Nest in same alder tract
‘as the preceeding, about one hundred
yards away, placed five feet up in a
double elder crotch amidst a thick
clump of these bushes in the creek
pank, within ten feet of the stream,
and well hidden like the other; made
of few twigs and dry herbaceous
(wild cucumber) vine stems, loosely
put together, and lined with dry wil-
low leaves and catkins. It measured:
Outside 6% inches; inside, 4 inches;
depth outside, 1% inches; inside, %4
inch. Eggs light blue and eliptical;
size 1.04 x .79, 1.06 x .84, 1.04 x .80
inches.

8. Two naked young and a half in-
cubated egg, June 14, 1905, Frankford:
Nest six feet up in a tangle of spice-
wood bushes and blackberry priers
in edge of woods, fairly well hidden,
and near a yellow-bellied Cuckoo’s
nest containing three eggs. Losely
put together and made of small sticks
and twigs lined with hickory catkins.
Hardly depressed. Brooding female
almost touched, behaved very excited-
ly, cried and fluttered about. Nest
empty on 22d.

9. Nest just started, June 6, 1905,

176 THE OOLOGIST

at Holmesburg; nest four feet up in
an alder crotch in bushy field and sub-
sequently deserted by the touchy bird
whom I watched place a twig in it.

10. Three rotten eggs, August 1,
1905, at Frankford, in a Yellow Bill’s
nest, containing three addled eggs of
Americanus. Nest placed five feet up
in a clump of blackberry bushes along
wood at bottom of a steep, bushy rail-
road embankment and close to the
nest I found on June 14, 1905. It was
a shallow platform of small sticks and
twigs lined with pignut catkin. As
the Black-billed Cuckoo’s eggs reposed
upon the Yellow-bill’s I concluded that
the nest must have been built by the
latter and that erythroplithalmus,
either too lazy to build a nest or
through destruction of hers laid her
eggs in Americanus’ nest. None of
the eggs were preservable on account
of decomposition, in fact two of them
exploded in my hand while I was ex-
amining them, showing me the rotten
contents, so I hastily dropped them.
The eggs were typical of each species,
those of the Americanus being as
usual noticeably larger and darker in
coloration.

Query: Was the nest deserted
when the Black-bill laid her eges in
it and if so what caused the bird to
abandon it after laying her eggs?

11. Two piped eggs containing
dead embryos, September 1, 1905,
Frankford, (in Juniata Park). Nest

placed fifty-seven inches up in ham-
mock of Virginia Creeper and wild
cucumber vines, between the branches
of Spicewood sprout in woods; well
hidden. <A platform of sticks and
twigs loosely put together, and lined
with dry leaves and ironwood; hardly
an inch deep but 9 inches across the
top. The embryos had not been dead
long as decomposition had not set in.
Eggs typical. Owners were probably
killed.

12. One large rotten egg, Septem-
ber 13, 1905, Frankford. Supposedly

of this species on account of its color.
Nest was thirty feet up in a black
gum tree on wooded bank near creek,
placed about 8 feet out on a hori-
zontal limb and the highest Cuckoo’s
nest I have ever seen. Loosely put
together and made of sticks and twigs,
lined with dry leaves and grass; it
measured 8 inches across the top,
and was 1% inches thick. Hardly
depressed. Hgg globular and light
blue; size 1.20 x 1.20 inches, and un-
usually large Black-bill’s egg and an
unusually spherical egg.

13. Four eggs, incubation begun,
June 19, 1906. Petty’s Is., opposite
Philadelphia, Camden County, N. J.
Nest was placed 514 feet up in a ham-
mock of herbaceous vines in bushes in
thicket near middle of Island and well
hidden. Well made of small sticks
and twigs, and lined with dry leaves
and grasses. About 5 inches wide
and 4% inch deep. Light blue in color
and eliptical in shape of normal size;
eges nest-stained like many Cuckoo’s
eggs.

14. Three young several days old,
June 19, 1908, Sandiford. Nest 4%
feet up in pear tree in edge of thicket,
along roadside, placed 4 feet out on a
horizontal limb. Typical in composi-
tion.

15. One fresh egg, June 29, 1908,
Frankford. In a Yellow-bill’s nest con-
taining one egg of the owner of the
nest that was slightly incubated, al-
though a Black-bill was flushed from
the nest. It was 8 feet up in a small
willow tree at bottom of steep rail-
road embankment and along a marsh,
placed up on the slanting stem 2.
inches thick, in a cluster of sprout. |
Loosely made of sticks and twigs, |
many over a foot long and ¥% of an |
inch thick; thickly lined with willow
catkins with adhering scales. Out- |
side width 414 inches (exclusive of |
extremes), inside 314 inches; outside
depth 2 inches; inside %4 inches.

Richard F. Miller.

THH OOLOGIST Ill

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large and very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
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will sell for #5.00 cash with order. KH. W.
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WANTED.—Type and printer’s supplies.
Have Natural history, medical and other
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FOR SALE.—17 ft. steel “Bristol” fly rod,
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new. used twice. Cost #8.00, price #4.00. HF. A.
HEM PHIULL, 326 Union Aye,, Elizabeth, N. J.

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in lots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. S. KOHLER,
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EXCHANGE—Sayage Hammerless repeat-
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SUMMER CLEARANCE.—MUSEUM
QUALITY GAME HEADS. African heads,
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‘Bear, Calif. Black and Brown Bear. Buy
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Bird Books

FOR SALE.—List of back Numbers,
Oologist. Voi. 7, 7-8-9; Vol. 8, Nos. 1-9; Vol. 9,
No. 10. No. 103, 113, 134, 141, 1483, two copies,
145-147-148, two copies, 181-196-197-205-223-224-
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-p

FOR SALE—A Wall Cabinet containing
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WANTED, FOR CASH—The O & O for
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WANTED.—Vols, I and II of Condor, for
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FOR EXCHANGE, Bird Lore, Vols. 12
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FOR SALE.—Suppressed Sheet of the Orni-
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It was not published, after strenuous
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entitled ““Plain English.” Price postpaid,
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HXCHANGE.—January, Kebruary, March,
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BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
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Back Numbers of the Warbler

Allissues of the Warbler can be supplied
at following prices

First Series Vols, 1 and 2, 1903-4, 12 nos. com-
plete for 50c.
Second Series Meena N os.complete for d0¢

, 1906, 25
= So) ars Babe ile - * 62.00
; Weenie SA ASOT Dies ry * 25¢
“ “51999 1“ “ “ORG
“ “se B90 1 & “O56
; Seth pile LOLS elie 2 * 2.00

Second Series contain some beautiful plates
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only a dozen or two copies left.

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Floral Park, N. Y.

IV THE OOLOGIST

Eg¢ Collectors

| have the largest and most ex-
tensive exchange list in existence
in North America today. [| want
many common varieties of eggs to
to complete some of my Series.
Send me your list of duplicates
before all of the best of my material

is gone.
R. M. BARNES,

LACON, ILL. :

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

ia

Published Bi-monthly by the y

Se
Cooper Ornithological Club of California
Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Sayarth

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific

but edited in such a way that a be-

ginner of ‘‘Bird Study” can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in

the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address
W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Cal.

Box 173

Lattin-Short Standard Cata-
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address, Best Bond Paper,
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Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study of bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary MRedpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
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but the price remains the same.

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te

THE QOLOGIST.

BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY

VoL. XXXI. No. 10.

ALBLON Nie Yo, Ocm 15, O14:

WHOLE No. 830

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wanted, Exchange, For Sale,

serted for less than 25 cents.

>( f Ete., inserted in this department at 25 cents
for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid. 330 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1908, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

We will not advertise the skins, nests, eggs, or mounted Specimens Of

North American Birds for sale.

These columns are for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such Specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses onlv.—E DITOR.

BIRDS

WANTED-—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, Il.

WANTED—Skins of N. A. Snipe, Plover,
etc. in first class shape for mounting. Must
be Al. ARTHUR G. RUECKERT. 2252 N.
Kostner Ave., Chicago, Il. (1-p)

I have a few finely mounted birds on hand

5 Who wants them? First class

taxidermy work done at lowest prices. LES-

TARSPEER, Taxidermist, See ae
-p

FOR EXCHANGE.— Fine skins of 273, 289a
320, 477a, 501, 51a, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14)

TRADE.—18 A. farm. Will take 3175 cash
and $160 in bird skins or eggs or both. If in-
Perested write me. W.G.SAVAGE, De,

rk. -p

EXCH ANGE.—Skins 381-371-372-373.2-379.
Will take a few baby turtles, also snake and
lizzard parts, 400 page Ditnas reptile book
$2.50. Closing.out extra skins. HARRY W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia. Penn.

W ANTFD—Fine skins only of most Sand-
Offer fine sets of eggs, 300a, 4124, 466a,

pipers.
529, 542a, 567, 584. H. MOUSLEY HATLEY-
P. Q. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE—Two nicely mounted

sets for eges of Birds of Prey. ERNEST. S.
NORMAN, Mulvihill, Manitoba. (1-p)

SKINS FOR EXCHANGE—Sl, 70. 77,_ 130,
151, 154, 190, 246, 248, 283a, 367, 478e, 51lb. C. L.
PHILLIPS. 5 W. Weir St..Taunton, Meee ;

=}9)

WANTED.—Skins or mounted specimen of
Trumpeter Swan, Olor buccinator or notes
and records of this species, or the location of
specimens in museums or collections.
HENRY K. COALE, Highland Park, Lake
Co., Ill.

Birds, mostly mounted; some skins. Will
exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists promptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.

WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Detroit Mice

-p

II THE OOLOGIST

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)
EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,
White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Egyptian Geese, Black,

Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGER,
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler, Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider, Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUNSINGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

W ANTED—Living healthy birds of the
following species for aviary: Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Eastern and Western Evening
Grosbeaks, Eastern and California Pine
Grosbeaks, Eastern and Western Blue Gros-
beaks, and ’Pyrrhuloxias. Expenses attend-
ant upon capture of these birds. and fair
remuneration will be paid. Write in ad-
vance in regard to state permits.
pond with: F. W. HENSHAW, Redwood
City, San Mateo County, California.

EGGS.

In sending in your exehange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals im your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

Anyone with a set of Mexico Jacana to ex-
change. Address, ERNEST A. BUTLER,
3857 N. 7th Street, Phila., Penn.

Will exchange for desirables of similar
rarity, sets of A. O. U. 95, 114.1, 81, 134, 295, 301,
302. 310, 327, 330, 354. 356, 389, 416, ‘417, 419, 639, 641,
654, 666, 677. THOMAS H. JACKSON, 304 N.
Franklin St., West Chester, Pa.

Private collector wishes 10 exchange
British Sea Birds’ Eggs, also Indian, for
American or others. CAPT. O. NICHOLLS,
R. G. A., St. George, Bermuda. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Nos. 191 1-3, 477 1-5.
488 2-5, 498 2-4, 6501 1-5, 510 1-4,, 581 1-4, 619 2-4.
705 1-5, 1-4, 7211-6, 7251-5, 761 1-2. I can use
nearly everything. WALTER A. GOELITZ,
504 John St., Champaign, Ill. (1-p)

I have for exchange, beautiful sets with
nests, of Cairn’s Warbler, Carolina Junco,
and common sets from this econ Send
. BAILEY,

list of what you can offer. H. H
Newport News. Va.

WANTED.—From original collector sets of
eggs of Yellow-throated and Swainson’s War-
blers, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Aplomado
Falcon, Bird Lore’s in Vol. X (10). Cash or
exchange. C. MILLS CASE, 7 Holcomb St.,
— Conn. (1-p)

492 2-5; 554 n-4; 560A, n-3: 562 n-4; 583 n-4; 748a n-5;
749 n-6; 759a n-4. O. TREGANZA. 610 U.S.
& T. Bldg., Salt Thies City, Utah. (1-p)

~EXCHANGE. I desire to obtain sets of
261-277- 281-208-177. I can offer extra fine sets
of 3’s and 4’s Osprey in exchange. ROLAND
i eee 1009 Irving St., N. W., Washing-
on. D.C.

FOREXCHANGE About two hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O.Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGH.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 343 2-2 2-3:
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3 1-4;
416 1-2: 419 1-2: 533 1-4; 539a 1-4; 715 1-6. E. J.
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

WANTED.—To exchange sets of eggs for
No. 493 Starling, for any eggs not in my
cabinet. NELSON E. WILMOT, 24 New St.,
West Haven, Conn.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Skins 381, 371, 372, 373.2,
379 Will take a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts, 400 Pages Ditnas Reptile
book. $2.50. Closing out extra skins. H. W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, ie

al ©)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs. Nests and Oologist papers for sets
of 128, 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364, 368, 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD S. oO
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass.

FOR EXCHANGE. —Complete Senet cones
nal datas and first class, of A. O. U. 1, 6,
11, 13, 16, 35, 49, 53, 54, 77, 80, 120, 194, 201, 503. 312.
219, 991, 264%, "269, 271, 329 (at 1 per egg), 333,
337, 337b, 339 and 348. Want original sets with
complete data, and many of the very com-
mon ones can be used. Send list of anything
you have and will try to do business with
you. Absolutely guaaantee every specimen
He) suit you. R. L. MORE, Box 608, Yemon,

exas.

FOR EXCHANGE. — White “Pelican, ‘CAL
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocat, Stiit, and
many others, all first class with data. Send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Newade:

a-p

NEW CATALOGUE of Exotic Birds’ Eggs
containing about 112 families and 1350 species
and exact localities can be had at 25c (stamps)
by Kosmos Institute, Berlin W. 30. (Ger-
many) Speyerer, 8.

I have for exchange many fine sets, per-
sonally taken, finely prepared, among which
are: 6 1-8, 194b 1-5 1-6, 199 1-4, 218 1-8, 219 1-9.
228 1-4, 289b 1-14, 293 1-12, 295 1-13, 300b 1-14, 307
1-9, 310 1-14, 310c 1-15, 331 1-5. 333 1-4, 334a 1-3,
335 1-4, 1-5, 337a 1-3, Texas Red-shoulder 1-3,
1-4, 339 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-2, 1-3, 342 1 3, 345 1-2,
347a 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4, Send your lists and
ae my full list. H. F. POPE, Colmesneil,

exas.

MISCELLANEOUS.

To exchange for stone relics several copies
of Harpers Illustrated Weekly from 1860 to
1873. L. A. PARRE, Batavia, I

WANTED—Indian Relics for cash or ex-
eae Alsolfinely mounted sp oun lois
DR, A. E. PAYNE, Riverhead, N. Y. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

Vou. XXXI. No. 10. ALBION, N. Y. Oot. 15, 1914. WHOLE NO. 3830

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

IN MEMORIAM

The last of a race of countless millions. A Passenger Pigeon (Ectopises
migratorius) died at the Zoological Gardens of the City of Cincinatti, Ohio,
September 1, 1914.

With it a harmless, beautiful and economically valuable bird vanished forever
from the face of the earth. Only anotheradded to the large list of sacrifices to
the brutal vandalism of caee It joins the Great Auk, the Carolina Paraquette,
the Labrador Duck and others similarly banished. Soon to be followed by the
splendid California Condor, the stately Trumpeter Swan, the beautiful Ivory-
billed Woodpecker and the magnificent Whooping Crow.

O! Will such scandalous, malicious and uncalled for destruction ever cease?
It makes us sick to think of it. Too sick to write of it. The bird net, the shot
gun and the cautiousless hunter have done and are doing this work every day.

Readers of THE OQLOGIST, put your shoulder to the wheel wherever you

are and see that it is stopped in your own location at least.—Hditor.

178 THE OOLOGIST

The Last of the Passenger Pigeon.
While on a trip in Ohio I had the
pleasure to visit the Zoo at Cincinnati,
cn August 19, 1914, and there saw the
last of the race of the Passenger
Pigeon. It is a female and she is dy-
ing slowly of old age. Death was but
a question of a few days and when she
passes into the realm of the unknown
there will be none to survive her. She
was at that time unable to sit on her
perch and was on the bottom of her
cage with her wings drooping, and
was very weak and feeble. She is 29
years old, a ripe old age for a bird of
this kind. Superintendent Sol Ste-
phan said that four pairs of Passeng-
er Pigeons were inmates of the Zoo in
1877. The young came and at one
time there were thirteen there and the
surviving one among them and the
little flock seemed prosperous but as
years went by one after another died.
The last male bird died four years ago.
Then an effort was made to find a
new mate for the surviving female but
none could be found. Mr. Stephan said
that for four years a reward of $1,000
has been hanging up for the produc-
tion of a mate but there was none
forthcoming. Mr. Stephan said that
when she died her body would be sent
to the Smithsonian Institute. Re-
markable is the fact that the race of
the Passenger Pigeon has been cut
down from millions to a single bird
within the memory of the present
generation. In August, 1896, I shot a
female which I saw light in a walnut
grove near San Jose, Ill., which I
mounted and have in my collection.
This was the last live Passenger
Pigeon which I have seen in Illinois.
O. S. Biggs.

San Jose, Ill.

We have seen this bird, which has
since died—a number of times, both
before and after the death of the

others mentioned as being in this Zoo
with her. Here is what one of the
most influential of the Illinois papers
has to say on this subject:
THH LAST WILD PIGEON.

Announcement is made of the death
in the Cincinnati zoo of the last wild
pigeon in the known world. For some
years past a standing reward of $1,500
has been offered by the members of
the National Audubon Society for a
living mate for this captive bird but
no response has been received. A sim-
llar reward was offered by an orni-
thological society of New York to any
one in the United States who would
discover a wild pigeon nest but noth-
ing came of it. It is assumed that the
species is now wholly extinct on the
American continent and on the face of
the earth.

There is a touch of sadness in this
announcement to those who still re-
member the millions of these beautiful
birds that used to sweep in migratory
flight across this country. Every man
who was a boy in those days can still
picture to himself the long extended
and graceful lines in which they
moved, column after column, in rapid ~
succession, for hours and even days.

And there is also a touch of indig-
nation against the ruthless pothunters
who have worked this destruction. In
many instances it has been a destruc-
tion of these birds, not for the use of
their flesh on the table, but a destruc-
tion for the mere sake of destruction
—wanton and brutal to a degree. And
yet with this object lesson before us
there are pothunters in this country
today—some of them here in Illinois—
who are trying to have the courts in-
validate a recent law of congress for
the protection of the migratory birds.
They have hunted the wild quail and
prairie chicken to their last hiding
place and if allowed their way would
put the wild goose and wild duck in

THE OOLOGIST 179

the same grave with the wild pigeon.

To check this vandalism is the puf-
pose of the Audubon Societies through-
out the country. It is the purpose of
many movements and organizations
, among school children, promoted by
educators and lovers of nature. It
should be the purpose of every true
sportsman and every good American
citizen. It is time to cease making
war on the birds and use all legal ef-
forts to stay the hand of the pothunt-
ers who are bent on the destruction of
the nation’s patrimony of beauty—

Bloomington Pantagraph, Sept. 25,
1914.

—————EE ess
Notes From Northern Illinois, High-

land Park, III.

The perseverence of some birds is
shown by the following incident. On
May 14, 1914 a set of five bluebird
eges were collected from a hole in an
old stump. On May 19, another set of
five was taken. On June 21, there
were five healthy young ones about a
week old in the nest. No new nest-
ing material was brought in, that in
the first nest being used for all three
sets. I amt sure it was the same pair
of birds who had all three sets.

Although I don’t suppose, sets of five
Brown Thrasher are uncommon, I was
surprised at the large number found
by my friend, Mr. W. A. Goelitz, of
Ravina, Ill., this spring. On May 19,
1914 a nest with five eggs was found
in some grape vines 8 feet up. On
May 22 another nest with five was
found on the ground, and on June 7 a
third nest with five was found in a
willow bush about four feet up. All
these were within a radius of one mile.

I know Towhees raise two broods

but I was surprised to find a set of
three fresh eggs on August 9, 1914.

Colin Campbell Sanborn.
Highland Park, Ml.

K. B. Squires reports that ‘Common
Tern are again very plentiful at New-
port, Rhode Island, reporting some of
the beaches there to be literally white
with these birds. We are glad to note
the increase.

SON Ia el seat
Courtesy.

One of the older Oologists whose
rank is exceeded by none that we
know of, writes us, among other
things, as follows:

“T think it might not be a bad idea
for the Hditor of THE OOLOGIST to
preach a little sermon to his readers
sometime, on the subject of courtesy.
This does not apply to the older mem-
bers of the fraternity, as much as to
the new and younger brothers. The
point being that all answers to adver-
tisements should be acknowledged at
once, even if the lists sent do not con-
tain anything desirable, and that when
a request is made that the list be re-
turned, such a request should be com-
plied with. It is quite a bit of work
sometimes to make out a list if one
does not happen to be within reach of
a typewriter. It means copying by
hand, which is tiresome after a while.”

We think the above suggestion is
a good one and are sorry to say that
we really feel that The Editor himself
is sometimes subject to the above
criticism. It is a good idea to reply
to correspondence of all kinds by re-
turn mail, or within a few days. This
is especially so where a party sends
a list which he desires to be returned
to him. We presume there are times
when there is a good excuse for not so
doing, and with us it is some chore
to keep up with a reasonably succes»-
ful law business, do as much work
with an egg collection as we do, pub-
lish and edit a magazine such as THE
OOLOGIST, without at times neglect-
ing our correspondence. However, we
endeavor ,to do the best we can

180 THH OOLOGIST

—Photo by John G. Tyler

Nest and Eggs of the Black-necked Stilt, Showing unusual set of Five Eggs
Situ. Fresno, Calif., May 11, 1914.

THE OOLOGIST 181

though at times letters and communi-
cations must of necessity lie un-
answered for as much as thirty days.
This without any intentional lack of
courtesy on our part.
SEE Leet W eC Aer:
An Unusual Set of Eggs of the Black-
Necked Stilt.

Himantopus mexicanus (Muller).

Throughout all the overflowed pas-
ture lands near Fresno, California,
one of the most common and by far
the most conspicuous birds is the
Black-necked Stilt. Arriving usually
in early April and remaining only un-
til September this species can be con-
fidently looked for at any time during
the summer months.

About seven miles from Fresno is a
twenty acre pasture with a depression
in one end that always holds some
water. Late in the fall it is shallow
and stagnant but earlier in the season
a pond is formed that is often four or
five acres in extent. Here I have found
the Stilts earlier than at any other
place in the valley and here, too, they
remain later in the Summer.

Around this pond a colony of fifteen
or twenty pairs of the long-legged
black and white waders have nested
year after year and have furnished me
many pleasant experiences while
studying their nesting habits. On
May 11, 1914, while passing this pond
in an auto, I noticed that several birds
were occupying nests built out in the
salt grass at the east end of the pond,
but as I neared the west end only two
stilts could be seen on nests. One of
these was on a little island some dist-
ance out in the water. I had no de-
sire to disturb these birds and was in
somewhat of a hurry so paid little at-
tention to this bird.

The other nest was on a small point
of land not ten feet from the roadside
and as the owner was sitting in a most
unconcerned manner, I knew that she

was covering a set of eggs. Then the
possibility of finding a new type of
markings came to mind so I stopped
the machine and started to get out
and investigate but at the first move
in her direction the bird arose and
stalked away with noies of protest, re-
vealing to my gaze the only set of
five eggs of this species that I have
ever discovered.

The following day I returned with
a camera and secured a small photo-
graph of the nest and eggs. This nest
was much more elaborate than is
usual with this species, being a well
built, saucer-shaped structure, compos-
ed entirely of weathered and bleached
grass stems. The five eggs were about
half incubated and were remarkably
uniform in size, shape, coloration and
markings.

In view of the circumstances sur-
rounding the finding of this set and
the actions of the birds in the colony,
I think there is hardly a possibility
that more than one female contributed
to this complement of eggs. The dif-
ferent pairs in this colony have al-
ways shown a tendency to scatter
their nest over a large area and it is
only on rare occasions that I have
found two nests placed close together.

John G. Tyler.
fice gna a LA LG BE ees
Semipalmated Sandpiper.

While on a day’s vacation on the
Canadian side of Lake Hrie about
eighteen miles from Buffalo in the lat-
ter part of August, strolling along the
sandy and gravelly beds, I had the
good fortune to observe three or four
flocks of Semipalmated Sandpiper on
their migration to the Gulf States
down to Brazil.

As far as we know, they breed in the
Arctic Regions.

In the First Vol. of Birds of New
York, N. Y. State Museum in Albany,
Director John M. Clark gives a full de-

<

OOLOGIST

THD

182

IajAL “) uyor Aq o0[~q—
PLEL ‘ob ABW “se ‘ouseuy
“FINYS pexdou-ySe/q 24} JO 931G BuljsonN pue ysan jeordAL

THE OOLOGIST 183

scription and their almost lifesize col-
ored pictures.

I now have several well mounted
specimens in my collection.

Ottoman Reinecke.
Pre RACERS WERE eee
Further Nrtes on the Summer Resi-
dents of Philadelphia County.

For additional data on the Summer
Birds of Philadelphia County, Pennsy]l-
vania, see Oologist, 1910, page 116 and
1912, page 208. These records are
enumerated so as to make the list
more complete.

273. Killdeer. I found a nest on
May 8, 1913, at Frankford in rather an
exposed situ; it was in the center of
a cinder head upon the ground along
the unfinished Northeast Boulevard,
within several yards of a frequently
used dirt road and not two yards from
a narrow gauge railroad, then unused.
The nest, a depression in the cinder
two inches deep held four eggs con-
taining large embryos and was lined
with many white cinders. The pile
was not half a foot high but over a
yard in area and the eggs were hard-
ly discernable when I stood over them
so well did they harmonize with the
surroundings.

3438. Broad-winged Hawk. At
Holmesburg on May 20, 1912, I collect-
ed my first set in this county, consist-
ing of two slightly incubated eggs
which is one of the very few clutches
ever taken in Philadelphia, where the
hawk is a very rare breeder.

265. Barn Owl. In my last paper
Oologist 1912, page 210) I inadvert-
ently stated that this species had been
bred in the Alexander Henry School
House, in Frankford, when it should
have been the Henry Herbert School
House in Frankford. I saw a Barn
Owl on August 7, 1912, at Olney, gaz-
ing out of a hole over seventy feet up
in a big red oak, but it never nested
in the cavity, nor has it been seen

since in it, and I am still vainly trying
to find a nest in the county. I have
been told that Barn Owls nest and
have nested for years in the steeple of
a Catholic Church in Kensington,
which is built thickly up with houses
and mills, and close to the Deleware
River, but I have never verified it.

393. Hairy Woodpecker. On May 1,
1912, I found two nests at Holmesburg
and Bustleton containing four eggs
each; fresh in the first set and slight-
ly advanced in the other, beside sev-
eral nests in 1913 with young.

587. Chewink. My efforts to find a
nest of this rare breeder are still a
failure, but I observed a fledgling on
June 9, 1913, at Bustleton, thus estab-
lishing a breeding record although I
could not locate the nest.

608. Scarlet Tanager. At Bustleton
on July 18, 1911, I found a nest con-
taining three well incubated eggs, and
June 18, 1912, within a hundred and
fifty feet of that nesting site found a

nest holding three fresh eggs. Both
nests were in Buttonwoods.
639. Worm-eating Warbler. For an

account of the nesting of this species
see Oologist 1912, page 375, wherein
there is described a nest with four
egsg which I found on June 4, 1912, at
Chestnut Hill.

677. Kentucky Warbler. Have found
many nests containing eggs and young
in the County beside the one mention-
ed in Oologist 1912, page 210. This
species is extending its range in North-
eastern Philadelphia as a pair bred in
a woods at Frankford in which they
were never seen before in my expert-
ence.

756. Veery. I reported in the Oolo-
gist, 1912, page 210, of having a hazy
recollection of having read somewhere
that this species had been found breed-
ing at Germantown. The account as
I now recall it was published in a
nature article in the Philadelphia Rec-

184 THE OOLOGIST >

ord’s Miscellany Page over a dozen
years ago and it mentioned a nest be-
ing found at Upsal and I think con-
taining eggs. Who the writer was or
anything else regarding the paper I

cannot remember but would very much >
like to know as the Veery is an eX--

tremely rare breeder anywhere in
southeastern Pennsylvania and partic-
ularly so in this county.
Richard F. Miller.
oo —
A Queer Set of Cedar Waxwing. _
On August 12, 1914, while looking
for nests with a friend, I saw one ten
feet out on the limb of a white oak
tree and about twenty feet up. It was

made of grass and I took it to be a=

Waxwing’s nest, but on climbing up
and examining it I found eggs re-
sembling those of Red-winged Black-
birds.

and my friend and I watched the nest
from a distance. Soon a bird flew into
the tree and after hopping around a
bit, settled on the nest. It was a Wax-
wing.

The nest was rather bulky and built
entirely of grass. The eggs were of
rormal size. All of them had the
ground color of Red-winged Black-
bird’s eggs but three were plain and
the other two had black scrawls and
markings near the larger end. One of
these resembled a question mark. The
nest and eggs are now in my collec-
tion.

Colin Campbell Sanborn.
Highland Park, Ill.
pA Ro BER SEINE Aes te
Birds of an lowa Village.

Eldora Iowa is a town of about 3,000
inhabitants, situated in the central
part of the state. I had occasion to
visit a friend there on May 15, 1914,
and while I had no opportunity to ob-
serve birds afield, I was surprised at
what I saw in the village.

I was sure it was a Waxwing’s ©
nest but to make certain I came down —

One pair of Blue Jays had a nest in
a tree near my friend’s house, and a
pair of Robins were nesting in another
tree near by. Mourning Doves were
to be seen everywhere, and Red Head-
ed Woodpeckers were particularly
abundant. Baltimore Orioles, Chip-
ping and Hnglish Sparrows, House
Wrens, Catbirds, Red Shafted Flickers
were to be seen. A pair of Rose-
breasted Grosbeaks were evidently
preparing to nest in the shrubbery
near the house. On the outskirts of
the town the Western Meadow Larks
and Brown Thrashes were abundant.

Here is a list of the birds I saw in
the village during my day’s stay: Rose
Breasted Grosbeak, Blue Jay, Balti-
more Oriole, House Wren, Robin, Cat-
bird, Chipping Sparrow, English Spar-
row, Mourning Dove, Red Headed
Woodpecker, Red Shafted Flicker,
Western Meadow Lark, Brown Thrush.

John Lewis Childs.
Se a aa
The Killdeer.

The Killdeer has interested me for
some time. Although I have known
the bird since I was a small boy, and
have frequently found them inhabit-
ing plowed fields during the nesting
season, it has only been in recent
years that I looked upon my first nest.

June 2, 1908, a farmer residing some
two miles west of town reported he
had found a Killdeer’s nest contain-
ing three eggs. On the morning of the
day following I went to the field where
he was hoeing young corn and he
showed me where to find the nest. It
was simply a slight depresison beside
a hill of corn and was lined with bits
of stone. The three eggs it held were
far advanced in incubation. Both
birds watched me from a distance but
did not come near

June 4, 1909, a farmer telephoned
me that he had found a nest and four
eggs of the Killdeer in his corn field.

THE OOLOGIST 185

—Photo by Alex Walker.

Nest and Eggs of the Spotted Sandpiper, Taken at Mulino, Ore., May 27, 1912.

186 THE OOLOGIST

I went to his farm and found the fe-
male bird on her nest. She was quite
wary, however, and hurried away as
I approached. The nest was simply a
depression beside a hill of corn. The
field lay on a hillside, not far above a
river. The farmer told me he had
worked all around the nest.

In April of the following year I
found another nest of the Killdeer
holding three incubated eggs. This
nest was in a sandy corn field, near a
large creek.

In 1913, one night about 8 o’clock
towards the middle of April as I was
tramping along a public road near
State College, Centre County, Pa., I
heard two Killdeers calling in a low
pasture field down by a creek. A few
days later I returned to this place
and found the pair of birds still inhab-
iting the wet grassy meadow. They
seemed nervous at my presence, but
although I stayed there about two
hours they showed no signs of having
a nest. In one week I returned, and
after a careful watching, saw one of
the birds go to a small “hump” of sod.
1 ran towards this place and flushed
the Killdeer from her nest and three
eggs. She made a great demonstra-
tion and spread her wings and tail
as if she were injured. The nest was
visited again later and a fourth egg
had been added. The nest was simply
a slight depression in the damp sod,
well lined with pieces of drift mater-
ial; bits of wood and grass stubble.

May 1, I discovered a second pair of
killdeer in a field one mile east of the
College. Once I scared the bird from
the vicinity of her nest and she sailed

away to join her mate, screaming
shrilly all the while. I went away and
returned in a half hour. The bird

flushed near the same place in which
I had first seen her and lit upon a
knoll not far away. I searched care-
fully over the ground and was about

to give up when just in front of me,
I spied the nest and four eggs. This
nest was just a depression beside a
stone and was well lined with wheat
stubble. The birds pretended lame-
ness and uttered their notes frequent-
ly.

At several other places I saw Kill-
deer and felt quite sure they had nests
nearby; but a careful searching and a
long wait failed to reveal them to me.

S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.
0 Aes Sea ee
The Winter Wren.

This hardy little fellow arrives early
in April and is met with up until Nov-
ember. When we have an early spring
I occasionally note this bird late in
March and during a late fall it is often
met with well along in November.
Have never seen the Wren but once in
winter. The winter of 1890-91 was a
very mild one and on January 4, 1891, ~
I saw one.

During the migrations it can possi-
bly be found anywhere in the wood-
land but when settled for the summer
it is found only in the mountains.

The Winter Wren is not uncommon
as a summer resident.in Virginia for-
ests and large second growths where
there is plenty of hemlock, laurel and
mossy logs. In such places its odd
and rippling song entirely different
from any other bird’s song heard in
this region, can be heard in the gullies
and along the mountain streams. This
little fellow is shy and secretive keep-
well hidden among the logs, thickets
and fallen tree tops. Usually allows
a close approach before he takes a
short flight to dodge into the next
hiding place. If one happens to sit
down close by he will soon appear and
flutter about scolding all the while, but
remain quiet and he will soon forget.

Nest building begins early in May.
A close search of any locality inhab-

THE OOLOGIST 187

Nest and Eggs of the Kildeer, Taken at Mulino, Ore., May 27, 1912.
—Photo by Alex Walker.

188 THH OOLOGIST

ited by a pair of Winter Wrens usual-
ly results in finding four or five decoy
nests of this wren for he has a habit
of building such nests, the same as the
other species of Wren found here. The
real nest though is difficult to locate.
In this region the nests are usually
found on the under side of an old de-
cayed moss-covered log lying off the
ground in places, and under the roots
of partly fallen and upturned trees,
especially hemlocks. When under-
neath a log, the crevice or hole is ex-
cavated by the bird as the fresh pieces
of decayed lying about on the ground
shows. When under a partly uprooted
tree the nests are placed among the
roots and usually well under and hid-
den. I have also found nests in crev-
ices underneath large overhanging
rocks and among mossy roots on steep
banks along streams.

The nests are quite bulky and are
built up against the log or dirt of the
upturned root, the entrance being a
small hole about one and one-fourth
inches in diameter. They are built of
moss with a few fine dry sprigs of
hemlock mixed in. The entrance is
always rimmed about with these fine
sprigs. Decoy nests are smaller and
not so bulky as the real nest, and are
never lined. All the good nests I have
found have been thickly lined with
feathers.

The sets usually consist of five to a
clutch, often four, and in one case six.
The females are close setters and
when disturbed are rather slow to
leave. After the young leave the nest
the whole family roam about for some
time.

T have read several times that these
Wrens will desert the nest if at all dis-
turbed or even if a finger is inserted
to feel inside but that is not the case
with me. At different times I have
felt inside the nests to determine
whether or not they were decoys, and

in so doing have disturbed the ent-
rance more or less. Several times I
have found the nests all lined and
ready for eggs and on visiting the
place later have found the female at
home on her eggs.

Last year while Mr. Harlow was vis-
iting me we were one day (May 3ist),
exploring among some large rocks
that lay along the brow of a steep
mountain-side, when we discovered
a Winter Wren’s nest in a crevice well
under a large overhanging rock. I[n-
serting a finger in the entrance we
found the nest to be empty, and as
the Winter Wren usually in this vicin-
ity, has its full set laid by May 15-20,
I supposed the nest to be a decoy so
pulled it out for examination. It came
out in good shape and we were surpris-
ed to find it all lined with feathers and
apparently all ready for eggs. We put
the nest back and in a few days later
on being in that vicinity I paid the
nest a visit and was greatly surpris-
ed to find a wren peering out of the-
entrance. Investigating I found her
to be sitting on four eggs. This in-
stance certainly did not look as if
they were easily disturbed and quick
to desert.

R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Pa. .

0 arg nes Sa Pee
Fate of the Swallows.

Mysterious fate seemed to direct all
of my doings at the opening of the
new year, and the month of May found
me installed on a farm. I afterwards
attained the rank of blowhard and liar,
when I attempted to initiate certain
others in the mysteries of the general-
ly unknown world—known to us
cranks as Nature. Well along in the
spring a pair of Barn Swallows start-
ed a home on the site of a former one
in the horse stable; now the horse
stable contained a treasure to me, in
the shape of a most beautiful and rare

THH OOLOGIST 189

cream-colored mare, with white eyes
and white mane and tail, this is a rare
type of a horse. I have owned and
known some thirty odd cream colored
horses but only one of this type, con-
sequently I spent a deal of my spare
moments petting this little mare, and
being quite near the Swallow’s nest,
and also interested in it. I closely ob-
served the progress the birds made in
building until one cold blustery day
when the nest was nearly completed,
it became necessary to close the back
horse stable door, thereupon the birds
were compelled to desert it but began
another in the cow stable at once. This
nest being directly over me at milking
time I also had an opportunity to
watch it, especially as there were
three hungry, lazy, tough, well fed cats
also tenants of this barn; every thing
progressed lovely till the nest was
all ready for the eggs, when one night
as I entered the cow stable, I heard an
angry growl, | knew instantly what
that meant and seizing a club that
stood handy I went after the cat. I
thought the bird still alive, as I could
just make out the bird in the semi-
darkness, I soon routed the cat and
chased him out but could not get the
bird. Well, of course that broke up
this pair, either the male got a mate
or another pair started another nest
in the cow stable, which was also de-
serted because of the closing of a door.
About this time a pair built a nest in
the hog house, as I was especially not
interested in this filthy department of
the farm, I lost track of this pair and
their home until one day in Septem-
ber, I overheard the farmer tell his
wife that the little bird that had a
nest in the hog house was clinging to
its nest, head down, stone dead. I
investigated and found the female just
in the position he had said, with wings
outspread, truly stone dead, but why
was she there, a closer look showed

me two strong white (white mind you)
horse hairs looped about one knee
had held her prisoner until death came
by starvation or fright. Not one pair
of birds succeeded in raising their
young on this farm so far as I know.
It seemed to be the fate of all these
Swallows to fail.
George vos Burgh.
RPE tr Be ere ete Ca
Breeding of the Kingbird at Wasaga
Beach, Collingwood, Ont.

1. June 16, 1914. Nest built on
top of last year’s nest, on dead stump
4 feet above water, 3 eggs (advanced.)

2. June 16, 1914. Nest on horizon-
tal limb of apple tree 12 feet up, 3
fresh eggs (complete setting).

3. June 17, 1914. Nest on dead
stump 2 feet above water, 4 fresh eggs.

4. June 19, 1914. Nest 6 feet up in
bush, 3 eggs (advanced). —

5. June 21,1914. Nest 2 feet above
water in grapevine tangle, 1 white egg,
nest deserted.

6. June 21, 1914.
above water on bush,
(complete setting).

te Sune 215 OWay
above water in bush,
(complete setting).

8. June 27, 1914. Nest 20 feet up
on horizontal branch of spruce, 3 pure
white eggs.

9. June 27, 1914. Nest 10 feet up
en horizontal branch of apple tree, 2
eggs (advanced).

10. Jnue 28, 1914. Nest 714 feet
up in grapevine tangle, 4 fresh eggs
slate blue, with blackish spots at large
ends.

11. July 11, 1914. Nest 4 feet
above water, 2 eggs long and narrow
with purplish blotches at large end.

12. July 12, 1914. Nest 5 feet
above water in grapevine tangle, 3
fresh eggs (complete setting).

13. July 17, 1914. Nest 3 feet
above water in bush, 38 fresh eggs
(complete setting).

Nest 2. feet
3 fresh eggs

Nest 1. foot
3 fresh eggs

190 THE OOLOGIST

14. July 238, 1914. Nest 8 feet
above water on grapevine tangle, 3
fresh eggs (complete setting).

House Wren

July 1, 1913, one heavily incubated
egg of wren in nest of English Spar-
row, which contained four English
Sparrows just incubated. Two feet
away under some beams, wren’s nest
with fovfr fresh eggs.

Paul Harrington.

a) Ure een ee ee
Prof. D. B. Burrows of Lacon, I11.,
left a few days since to take up his
year’s school work in Texas. Though
little seen in print, the professor is
one of the best naturalists of our ac-
quaintance and has had far more ex-
perience with Texas birds than most
Texas ornithologists. He recently en-
riched our collection with a nest and
set of eggs of the rare Audubon’s
Oriole, taken by himself. Thanks.

—_—__—_—_—_——- 9 <>

Sign of the Times.

It is with pleasure that we look for-
ward to the arrival of THE OOLO-
GIST and the CONDOR; both of which
treat its readers and members with
equal rights to all! To any one read-
ing the first of the editorial notes of
the last Condor, page 242, it is more
than evident that Joseph Grinnell has
the welfare of the Cooper Club at
heart, and that he thinks too much of
the club as a whole, to see disruption
in the ranks of the members and sup-
porters, even though a majority voted,
“two to one in favor of expansion.”
We also remember the democratic
way Joseph Grinnell saw vanish an-
other cherished wish of his in the
Condor, “simplified spelling” by put-
ting it up to the club supporters in
open vote, “special privilege to none.”
No wonder the Club and the Condor
has forged thead, and the “Big Men”
who held back from joining a Club of
workers, have seen their folly and

dropped into its membership list one |
by one. We wish the men who contro] »
the “Auk” and the A. O. U. destinies,
could follow the lead of Joseph Grin-
nell and the Condor, and think more |
of the working men as a whole of to-
day, than their personal desires. We
are now looking forward to the Octo-
ber “Auk” in hopes to hear of the long
looked for changes in the A. O. U. by-
laws which we have heard whispered
around, were to take place. We have
however, seen no notice in any of the
late “Auks,” asking the various classes
of members who give their financial
support to the A. O. U. to cast their
votes in the open, for the proposed.
amendments, similar to the method
used by the Cooper Club. We are glad
to see the Wilson Club has taken this
same broad minded Grinnell into its

_ membership, he will be a useful man

to have on the Committee of Nomen-
clature when the time arrives for such.
work. <A study of the membership
list of that club will convince every
one, that its members can gather to-
gether sufficient material to pass upon
any and all proposed new sub-species
that its workers may bring forward in
the future. We trust the Auk and
the A. O. U. officers may soon join the
democratic movement “special privi-
lege to none.”
H. H. Bailey.

Newport News, Va.

peste, Cia BEF Deere ES
Birds Seen On a Day’s Tramp in Alle-
gheny Co., Pa., May 2, 1914.
Morned Grebe, 4.
Scaup Duck, 5.
Solitary Sandpiper, 1.
Spotted Sandpiper, 5.
Killdeer, 2.
Mourning Dove, 5.
Screech Owl, 1.
Belted Kingfisher, 5.
Hairy Woodpecker, 1.
10. Downy Woodpecker, 8.

82) Ce) SI GON pe OS

THE OOLOGIST 191

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, 2.
Red-headed Woodpecker, 2.
Flicker, 15.

Chimney Swift, 10.
Crested Flycatcher, 1.
Phoebe, 3.

Least Flycatcher, 1.
American Crow, 6.
Bobolink, 6.

Cowbird, 3.

Red-winged Blackbird, 10.
Meadowlark, 8.

Baltimore Oriole, 2.
Bronzed Grackle, 5.
American Goldfinch, 3.
Vesper Sparrow, 1.
White-throated Sparrow, 15.
Chipping Sparrow, 3.

Field Sparrow, 10.
Slate-colored Junco, 3.
Song Sparrow, 15.
Towhee, 10.

Cardinal, 3.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 8.
Barn Swallow, 10.
Rough-winged Swallow, 2.
Red-eyed Virea, 1.
Yellow-throated Vireo, 4.
Black and White Warbler, 5.
Worm-eating Warbler, 2.
Golden-winged Warbler, 3.
Nashville Warbler, 3.
Yellow Warbler, 8.

Myrtle Warbler, 4.
Cerulean Warbler, 20.
Blackburnian Warbler, 1.

Black-throated Green Warbler, 1.

Yellow Palm Warbler, 1.
Oven-bird, 10.

Water Thrush, 1.

Louisiana Water Thrush, 1.
Maryland Yellowthroat, 1.
American Redstart, 8.
Catbird, 5.

Brown Thrasher, 2.
Carolina Wren, 1.

House Wren.

Brown Creeper, 2.
White-breasted Nuthatch, 2.

60. Tufted Titmouse, 1.

61. Chickadee, 1.

62. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1.

65. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 4.

64. Veery, 2.

65. Wood Thrush, 8.

66. American Robin, 15.

Thos. D. Burleigh.
Ere Br LO 5 a ee
Fhiladelphia Bird Notes.

A heavy wind-storm swept over
Philadelphia on the evening of April
2, 1912, uprooted “Old Baldy,” a big
oak tree in Independence Square,
which was more than a hundred and
fifty years old. It received this name
from the famous Bald Eagle which
was owned by Charles Wilson Peale,
the artist, when he had a museum in
Independence Hall. He kept the Eagle
in a cage built around the tree which
at that time was even of large size and
beauty. It is now mounted in the hall
museum where it is admired annually
by thousands of visitors.

It was the custom to bring the chil-
dren to the Square to see Old Baldy,
the Hagle, and it was probably the first
attempt of a zoo in the country. The
big tree was chopped up and people
carried off chips of the wood as relics
of Old Baldy, the tree, and as me-
mento of Old Baldy, the Eagle. The
tree is reported to be one of the last
left in the Square which stood there
when the Declaration of Independence
was read.

According to the Rittenhouse broth-
ers, Wild Turkeys and many Pheas-
ants or Ruffed Grouse, were killed on
the Wissachicken Creek, as late as
1845. The Grouse occurred much lat-
er and bred on the wooded ridges.
Philadelphia is now the only one of
the 67 counties of Pennsylvania in
which the Ruffed Grouse is not found,
on account of its small size and dense
population.

The State Game Commissioner has

192 THE OOLOGIST

been for years restocking the state
with Quail, with the exception of Phil-
adelphia and Cameron counties, which
the report ingeniously says, ‘‘Philadel-
phia county, not adapted, because of
its dense population to the raising of
Quail,’ and “Cameron county whose
severe winters renders it impossible
to keep Quail alive unless fed.” It is
not altogether true that Philadelphia
county is not conductive to the rais-
ing of Quail, for although it is the
smallest and most densely populated
county in the state in proportion to its
size, it has more idle, uncultivated and
farm lands adapted to the raising of
Bob-white, than probably any of the
other counties in this comomnwealth.

Robert Robertson, one of the three
riggers who christened the statue of
William Penn, on the City Hall, when
it was completed, had in his possession
when he died, over two years ago, a
stuffed Flicker which, it was reported,
he took alive from a nest it had built
in William Penn’s coat, a week after
the statue was in place. This is high-
ly improbable as the last portion of
the statue was placed in position on
the tower on November 28, 1895, un-
less it nested in the unfinished effigy,
which is also improbable. The bird
was undoubtedly caught alive in the
coat where it had either sought shel-
ter or a roost.

Richard Miller.
Philadelphia, Pa.
pl RECS SRN UE anal
The Beers Collection.

Henry W. Beers of Bridgeport, Con-
necticut, one of the best known oolo-
gists of that state, and whose death
has heretofore been noticed in THE
OOLOGIST, amassed during his life-
time, a very large collection of North
American Birds eggs, containing some
of the most splendid series in exist-
ence; particularly those of the Broad-
winged, Red-shouldered, Red-tailed

and Sharp-shinned Hawks, besides the
Seaside and Sharp-tailed Sparrow,
Louisiana Water Thrush, and Blue-
winged Warblers.

This collection Ye Hditor has re-
cently acquired, and spent about two
weeks in Bridgeport packing and pre-
paring the same for shipment to La-
con.

Owing to the magnitude of the col-
lection it will be a long time before it
is unpacked and arranged; but when
this is done, we will have, without
doubt, the largest and best exchange
list that exists in North America, for
we are not in a position to use in our
own collection, to exceed one-eighth of
the specimens we received.

uta pang DEE NS See ete eS
An Acknowledgment.
Ye Editor wishes to express his ap-

preciation of the courtesy extended
to him while at Bridgeport, Connecti-
cut, recently by Thomas J. Hawley, a
young and enthusiastic ornithologist
of that city, and a very intimate and
close friend of the late Henry W.
Beers, deceased; he having charge of
the final disposition of the collections
of the late Mr. Beers, which have been
purchased by us.

No person could have been more
kind, more thoughtful, or more help-
ful than Mr. Hawley. Not the least
pleasant part of our association with
Mr. Hawley was an opportunity to
meet W. Winifred Dunbar, Otto C.
Hestings, Mr. Ford and Game War-
den Williams, beside some other mem-
bers of the bird fraternity of Bridge-
port at the home of Mr. Hawley where
a very pleasant evening was spent in |
the interchange of ornithological rem- |
iniscences.

THH OOLOGIST III

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large save very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are MEE, fine,
will sell for #5.00 cash with order. Ww.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, Ill. dps

WANTED. —Type and printer’s supplies.
Have Natural history, medical and other
books, skins for mounting, mounted speci-
mens, fishing tackle, shells, minerals, bat-

tery, massage machine. J. J. WIRZ, Taxi-
dermist. Augusta, Ga. (1-p)
Black-footed Ferret, adult female, skin

with sku!l, one leg damaged in trap, for best
offer. GUY LOVE, R. R. No. 5, Oberlin,
Kans. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Goes cpia Moths in Jots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. S. KOHLER,
Bloomfield. N. J. (i-p)

EKXCHANGE.—Auto Strop Safety Razor
(new) for the following sets: 1-27-37-54-104-106.
ee aN BROs., 1011 Fourth St., La Portes

nd G-p

100 two cent Jamestown Exposition 1907,
100 one cent and 50 two cent St. Louis Ex-
position stamps 1904 unused, for best cash
offer. H. P. ATTWATER, 2120 Genesee St.,
Houston, Texas. (1-p)

SUMMER CLEARANCE.—MUS EUM
QUALITY GAME HEADS. African heads,
fifteen different species, many very rare,
record big-horn sheep, Wyomihg antelope,
Newfoundland caribou Elk, Mexican Pec-
cary, Asiatic Black Antelope, Siberian Polar
Bear, Calif. Black and Brown Bear. Buy
your den trophies now. Satisfaction guaran-
teed. List on application. P. I. OSBURN,
Orange, Calif.

Bird Books

FOR SALE.—List of back Numbers,
Oologist. Vol. 7, 7-8-9; Vol. 8, Nos. 1-9; Vol. 9,
No. 10. No. 103, 113, 134, 141, 143, two copies,
145-147-148. two copies, 181-196-197-205- 233- 224-
230-237-242-244-245- 247-248-250- 251-252- 253-257- 261-
268-282. W.H. SURFACH, Decatur, Iil.

(-p)

FOR SALE.—Large number of magazines,
Ornithological and Botanical Scientific and
Exploration notes, Purchaser must take the
lot. Suap, $15.00 postpaid. Send for list.
GUSS CROSSA, Suite 1, Purvis Block, Ea-
meonton, Alta. (1-p)

WANTED, FOR CASH—The O «& O for
August 1885. Address H. M. KENWORTHY,
1125 West St., Wilmington, Del.

W ANTED.—-Bird Lore, Vol. II. No. 2.. Will
pay $4.00 in original covers. DR. W. M.
TY LER. Lexington. Mass.

FOR SALE.—Vol. 5 (1879-81) of the Utica,
N. Y. egloeist bound. Price *. R. M.
BARNES

WANTED.—Vols. I and II of Condor, for
cash or sets. Don’t forget me when you send
out your ree I may have something you
can use. S. SHARP, Escondido, Cal.

Se — Ornithologist and Oologist
Vol, 1-5, Osprey Vol. No. 2 and 4 Bull, Cooper
C list Vol. 1 No. 3. Address with price.

W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lincoln St., Boston,
Mass. 10-14

FOR SALE.—Suppressed Sheet of the Orni-
thologist and Oologist, Vol. 8 No. 11, pages 83
to 86. Contains racy critical notice of the
first meeting of Organization of the Ameri-
can Ornithologist’s Union, and of the old
Nuttall Club. “We have secured a few copies
of this from sale of the effects of J. M. Wade.
It was not published, after strenuous
objection by friends of the editor. It is
entitled ““Plain English.” Price postpaid,

cash or stamps with order—50 cents.
Si ee BOOKSHOP, 920 Walnut St.,
ila., Pa

KXCHANGE.—January, February, March,

3ird Lore, 1913, for Nos. 306-307-309-310-311- O12.

313-314 of The Oologist or some Bird books.
GRANT HALEY, Springford, Ontario:
-p

I WILL PAY CASH for Vol. 1-2-3-4-5 Bird
Lore Vol, 1-2-3-4 1897-98 Bird and Nature,
EARL HAMILTON, 400 Walnut St., Ver-
sailles, via McKeesport P. (Oy, Je,

WANTED FOR CASH.—Condor Vol. 8
complete; Vol. 9 Nos. 1, 4, 6; Vol. 10, No. 2.
Bird Lore, Vol. 7, No. 1; Vol. 3, Nos. 1, 2, 3:
Vol. 2, Nos. 2, 3; Vol. 1, except No. 1. J. L.
SLOANAKER, Palisades, Colo. (1-p)

NOTICE.—Is your library going to be the
only one without a copy of “The Birds of
Virginia?” Of the one thousand edition only
about one hundred remain, and no more will
be printed. Price $3.00. Address the author,
HAROLD H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va.

BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
pay you for yours? Vols 1-2-3-10 complete or
odd numbers. Also Vol.7 No.1, Vol. 9 Nos.
BO NON IE INO), 25 Wo, Ib) IN@s By als IN
SWIFT, Stockport, Ohio. (1-p)

W ANTED.—Life history of North »A meri-
can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or
single copies. Also Bird Books and Insect
Book, report any you have. LAURA KEAN,
Stockport, Ohio.

WANTED.—Books.,. Magazines and Pamph-
lets about Birds and Natural History Sub-
jects. In all cases state what you have and
the lowest cash prices. No other prices con-
sidered. Address FRANK BENDER, 128
Fourth Ave.. New York City. (3-14)

Back Numbers of the Warbler

Allissues of the Warbler can be supplied
at following prices

First Series Vols, 1 and 2, 1903-4, 12 nos. com-
plete for 50c.
Second Series Vol. 1.1905, vine os.complete for 50¢

2, 1906, 25¢

i tenon OO Tavl bens € * $2.00
+6 ot oe 4) 1907, iL oe +e ee 25¢
3 Se Bs ICIS) ti is * 256
Fee Ont ONO las rs ~~ 205€

: eee gen (oe lO Selig es * 2.00

Second Series contain some beautiful plates
of rare eggs, Vols, 3 and 7 are out of print,
only a dozen or two copies left.

J. L. CHILDS,
Floral Park, N. Y.

IV THE OOLOGIST

Egg Collectors

I have the largest and most ex-
tensive exchange list in existence
in North America today. I want
many common varieties of eggs to
to complete some of my series.
Send me your list of duplicates
before all of the best of my material

is gone.

R. M. BARNES,

LACON, ILL.

Box 173

Lattin-Short Standard Cata-

logue of N. Am. Birds Eggs $ .25
Check List of N. Am. Birds,

DA .30
“Birds & Birds Homes,’’ Short .15
Oologist Outfits with complete

instructions for collecting,

preparing and shipping eggs .50
Our Best Oologist’s Outfit

with case 5 :
Taxidermist’s Outfit with case

and instructions for skinning
and preserving birds and

small mammals = 2.00
Our Best Taxidermist’s Outfit

with best case and complete

Instructions for Mounting

Birds = - -
Data Blanks, your name and

address, Best Bond Paper, »

1000 - - : 2.00

ERNEST H. SHORT,
Rochester, N. Y.

4.00

4.00

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

Published Bi-monthly by the

Cooper Ornithological Club of California
Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study”’ can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated
by the highest quality of half tones.

Our subscription rates are $1.50 per year in
the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address

W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angele Cal.

Bird-Lore

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study cf bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
pages. The magazine has grown
but the price remains the same.

$1.00 per annum
D. APPLETON & Co.,
29 West 32d St.,
New York City

THE QOLOGIST.
BIRDS--NESTS--EGG$
TAXIDERMY
VoL. XXXII. No. 11. ALBION, N. Y., Nov. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 38381

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc., inserted in this department at 25 cents

for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid. 330 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
number per month.

We will not advertise the skins, nests, Sie
These columns are for the use of those desiring

North American Birds for sale.

Entered as second-class matter De-
cember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 3, 1879.

DN

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

esses, or mounted specimens of

to make bona fide exchanges of such specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

ses only.—H DITOR.

BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
er Swan. R. M. Barnes. Lacon, I11.

WANTED—Skins of N. A. Snipe, Plover,
etc. in first class shape for mounting. Must
be Al. ARTHUR G. RUECKERT. 2252 N.
Kostner Ave., Chicago, Il. (1-p)

I have a few finely mounted birds on hand
to exchange. Who wants them? First class
taxidermy work done at lowest prices. LES-
TER SPEER, Taxidermist, Bento

-p

FOR EXCHANGH.—Fine skins of 273, 289a
320, 477a, 501, S5l1a, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
eoln St., Boston, Mass. (8-14)

Seen eee
TRADHE.—18 A. farm. Will take $175 cash

and $150 in bird skins or eggs or both. If in-
EPnestod writeme. W.G.SAVAGE, Peestto
rk. -p

a ee

EXCHANGE.—Skins 3881-371-372-373.2-379.
Will take a few baby turtles, also snake and
lizzard_ parts, 400 page Ditnas reptile book
$2.50. Closing out extra skins. HARRY W.,
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, Penn.

WANTED—Fine skins only of most Sand-
pipers. Offer fine sets of eggs, 300a, 412a, 466a,
a0 542a, 567, 584. H. MOUSLEY one

-Q. 9)

in

FOR EXCHANGE—Two nicely mounted
Western Horned Owls. and many first class
sets for eggs of Birds of Prey. ERNEST. S.
NORMAN, Mulvihill, Manitoba. (1-p)

DS
SKINS FOR EXCHANGE—Al, 70. 77, 130,
151, 154, 190, 246, 248, 283a, 367, 478e, S1lb. C. L.
PHILLIPS. 5 W. Weir St.,Taunton, Mass
-p)
a
WANTED.—Skins or mounted specimen of
Trumpeter Swan, Olor buccinator or notes
and records of this species, or the location of
specimens in museums or collections.
anita K. COALE, Highland Park, Lake
o., Tl.

EEE

Birds, mostly mounted; some skins. Will
exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists promptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.
SSN ane eaed eet sees sai oe pea ee ee eae,

WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., Dette ae

-p

II THE OOLOGIST

Have annmber of very fine mounted Am.
Wood Cock. Willexchange for A 1 skins of
hawks. Want skins of mounted Spoon-bill
Sandpiper. K. W. KAHMANN, 2457 Lincoln
Ave., Chicago, Il.

Anyone wishing to exchange bird skins
please send list and I will send my list of
duplicates per return mail. J. A. WEBER,
Palisades Park, N. J. (1-p)

WANTED-—A 1 Bird Skins also eggs in sets.
Send list of what ae have to exchange.
EDW. E. ARMSTRONG, 207 N. Michigan Av.,
Chicago, Il. (1-p)

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. -p)

EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,

White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Hgyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood Ducks, Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. H. J. JAGHR,
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

WANTED.—Skins for mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canvas-back Shovel-
ler. Born or Monkey-faced Owl, Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider, Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUNSINGER. Secor, Il. (2-p)

WANTED—Living healthy birds of the
following species for aya Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Eastern and estern Evening
Grosbeaks, Eastern and California Pine
Grosbeaks, Eastern and Western Blue Gros-
beaks, and Pyrrhuloxias. Expenses attend-
ant upon capture of these birds, and fair
remuneration will be paid. Write in ad-
vance in regard to state permits. Corres-
pond with: F. W. HENSHAW, Redwood
City. San Mateo County, California.

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
-preciate it if you would arrange the
numerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, 2nd not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complaining, and we
think justly so.

a eee sR ie ORE

Will purchase large hardwood drawer egg
cabinet, also complete egg blowing outfit,
used bird books, all in good condition. 3
W. BRANDT, 7625 Lexington A ve., Cleveland
Ohio. (1-p)

ee a le
FOR EXCHANGHE.—Personally Collected
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3; 132 1-9; 135 1-7: 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1-7; 167 1-6; 187 3-4; 194¢ 3-5; 197 3-4: 225 6-4:
226 3-4; 258a 1-4; 432 n-2; 436 n-2: 478c 2-5: 480 2-5;
492 2-5; 554 n-4; 560a n-3; 562 n-4: 583 n-4; 748a n-5,
749 n-6; 759a n-4. A. O. TREGANZA, 610 U.S.
& T. Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. (1-p)

I should like to hear from collectors who
will exchange bird skins for first class sets
of eggs such as 273, 329, 343, 393. 394c, 423, 461,
587, 598, 608, 617, 627, 659, 674, 676, 677, 725, 751. 1
want mostly common species, e. g.. 3, 6, 7, 11.
13, 30, 32, 40, 51, 58, 69, 70, 74, 77, 104, 106, 129, 131,
132, 133, 139, 214, 263, 273, 316, 333, 337, 360, 375, 388,
390, 423, 428, 456, 465, 495, 506, 511b, 546, 598, and
many others. S. 8. DICKEY, Waynes-
burg, Pa. (1-p)

Will exchange for desirables of -similar
rarity, sets of A. O. U. 95, 114.1, 81, 134, 295, 301,
302. 310, 327, 330, 354, 356, 389, 416, 417, 419, 639, 641,
654, 666, 677. THOMAS H. JACKSON, 304 N.
Franklin St., West Chester, Pa.

Private collector wishes to exchange
British Sea Birds’ Eggs, also Indian. for
American or others. CAPT. O. NICHOLLS,
R. G. A., St. George, Bermuda. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Nos. 191 1-3, 477 1-5.
488 2-5, 498 2-4, 601 1-5, 510 1-4,, 581 1-4, 619 2-4,
705 1-5, 1-4, 721 1-6, 7251-5, 761 1-2. I can use
nearly everything. WALTER A. GOELITZ,
604 John St., Charapaign, Tl. (1-p)

I have for exchange, beautiful sets with
nests. of Cairn’s Warbler, Carolina Junco,
and common sets from this section, Send
list of what you can offer. H. H. BAILEY,
Newport News, Va.

WANTED.—From original collector sets of
eges of Yellow-throated and Swainson’s War-
blers, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Aplomado
Falcon, Bird Lore’s in Vol. X (10). Cash or
exchange. C. MILLS CASE, 7 Holcomb St.,

Hartford, Conn. (1-p)

EXCHANGE. I desire to obtain. sets of
261-277- 281-208-177. I can offer extra fine sets
of 3’s and 4’s Osprey in exchange. ROLAND
a ee 1009 Irving St., N. W., Wasbing-

on, D.C.

FOREXCHANGE Abouttwo hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data,
which I desire to exchange for bird skins
suitable for mounting. FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O.Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 343 2-2 2-3;
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3 1-4;
416 1-2; 419 1-2; 533 1-4; 539a 1-4; 715 1-6. E. J.
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Skins 381, 371, 372, 373.2,
379 Will take a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts, 400 Payes Ditnas Reptile
book. $2.50. Closing out extra skins. H. W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, ae

“Dp

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Listsexchanged. KARL SQUIRES, 70 Moor-
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p) ;

FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Kegs. Nests and Oologist papers for sets
of 128, 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 864, 368, 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARD S. COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston, Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—White Pelican, Cal.
Gull, Baird’s Cormorant, Avocat, Stilt, and
many others, all first class with data. Send
lists. J. LABARTHE, Thompson, Novag

o-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Complete sets, origi-
nal datas and first class, of A. O. U. No. 1, 6,
11, 18, 16, 35, 49, 53, 54, 77, 80, 120, 194, 201, 202, 212,
219, 221, 264*, 269, 271, 329 (at tl per egg), 333,
33/7, 3370, 339 and 348. Want original sets with
complete data, and many of the very com-
mon ones can be used. Send list of anything

‘you have and will try to do business with

you. Absolutely guaaantee every specimen
i suit you. R. L. MORE, Box 608, Vernon,
exas,

THE OOLOGIST.

VO. wa KT. No. 11. ALBION, N. Y. Nov. 15, 1914. WHOLE No, 831

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.

Hunted Unto Death; a Wounded Western Redtail in Montana
—Photo by Earl R. Rorrest.

A harmless beneficial bird, a Western Red-tailed Hawk hunted unto death
by the causeless shot of a bird butcher in Montana.

194 THE OOLOGIST

A List of Birds Observed in the Big
Hole Basin, Montana.
Harle R. Forrest

The following list is by no means

complete. It was made from May 19,

1913, to July 9, 1913, and only covers .

a small area of the Big Hole Basin.
This basin or valley is located in Deer
Lodge and Beaverhead counties, Mon-
tana. It is surrounded on all sides
by high rugged mountain ranges.
Vhese notes were taken principally in
the Continental Divide Range on the
side of the basin at the foot of these
mountains. While some notes were
taken in other parts of the basin they
Were made principally in Township 1,
North Range 16 West, Township 1,
North Range 15 West, Township 1,
South Range 15 West, and Township

1, South Range 16 West. A total of
34 species were identified.
Anas boschas. Mallard. Common

on the streams and swamps in the val-
ley during the latter part of May.

Nettion carolinensis. Green-winged
Teal. Common on the streams and
swamps in the valley during the lat-
ter part of May.

Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpip-
er. Common about small mountain
lakes. Probably breeds. Found in the
Canadian zone.

Aegialitis vocifers. Killdeer. Com-
mon in the basin and on the open low-
lands. Not seen in the mountains.
Probably breeds as it was observed
during the breeding season.

Dendragapus obscurus fuliginosus.
Sooty Grouse. Very common in the
fir and pine forests of the mountains.

Breeds. Found in the Canadian zone.
Dendragapus franklinii. Franklin
Grouse. Commonly called “Fool Hen”

because of its lack of fear. Several
were caught at different times by
workmen, but were always released.
During the open season they are of-
ten killed with clubs and stones. They

are very common in the mountains.
Breeds. Found in the Canadian Zone.

Bonasa umbellus togata. Canadian
Ruffed Grouse. Very common. They
Were heard drumming around camp
and all through the woods as soon as
we arrived, and a large number were
seen. Breeds. Found in the Canadian
zone,

Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk.
Seen occasionally flying over the mea-
dows in ‘the basin. Probably breeds.

Accipiter atricapillus sariatulus.
Western Goshawk. The nest of a pair
was found in the top of a small pine
tree about 35 feet from the ground. It
contained four young that were about
four or five days old on June ist.
One adult was shot thus making the
identification positive. The nest was
rather bulky and was composed of
large sticks, lined with small twigs.
The nest was visited a number of
times and one bird was always found
on guard. They were very aggressive
and attacked me once while climbing
to the nest. Found in the Canadian
zone.

Buteo borealis calurus. Western
Red-tail. The most common hawk seen
in the mountains and on the open
country of the basin. A pair was al-
ways to be found in the vicinity of
every gopher “town”. The farmers of
the Big Hole regard them as their
friends and try to protect them as
much as possible. They are very tame,
and one can approach quite close to
one that is sitting on a fence post.
Breeds. Found in the Canadian zone.

Faleo sparverius phaloma. Desert
Sparrow Hawk. ‘Common in the open
country in the basin below the moun-

tains. Breeds. Found in the Cana-
dian zone.
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis.

American Osprey. One was observed
at a small lake in the mountains,
where it was watching for fish. Prob-

THE OOLOGIST 195

ably breeds. Found in the Canadian
zone. :

Bubo virginianus pallescens. West-
ern Horned Owl. Two were observed
in the woods near camp, and were
heard almost every night. They are
said to be rather common in the basin.
Breeds in the Canadian zone.

Picoides americanus dirrsalis. Al-
pine Three--toed Woodpecker. Very
common in the mountains. Breeds.
Found in the Canadian zone.

Colaptes cafer collaris. Red-shafted

Hlicker. Seen ocacsionally in the
mountains. Probably breeds. Found
in the Canadian zone.

Chorideiles virginianus henryi.
Western Nighthawk. Rare. Only one

specimen seen and that was in the
mountains. Prebably breeds. Found
in the Canadian zone.

Pica pica hudsonica. American
Magpie. Common in the basin. Not
observed in the mountains. Breeds.

Corvus brachyrhynchos. American
Crow. A few observed in the. basin.
Not seen in the mountains. Probab-
ly breeds.

Hummingbird. Several were seen in
the mountains but the specie was not
identified. ;

Nucifrage columbiana. Clark Nut-
cracker. One of the most common
birds in the mountains. There were
always large numbers of them around

camp, and they were very tame.
Breeds. Found in the Canadian zone.
Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged

Blackbird. Seen occasionally in open
valleys and in swampy land in the
basin. Breed.

Sturnella magna neglecta. Western

Meadowlark. Common in the fields
and meadows in the basin. Not seen
in the mountains. Breeds.

Huphagus cyanocephalus. Brewer

Blackbird. Common about streams,
and irrigated and marshy land in the
basin. Not seen in the mountains.
Probably breeds.

Poocaetes gramineus confinis. West-
ern Vesper Sparrow. Seen occasional-
ly in the basin and at the base of the
foothills, but never in the mountains.
Probably breeds.

Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-
crowned Sparrow. Seen ocacsionally
in the lower valleys in the thick wil-

low brush along streams. Probably
breeds.
Spizella socialis atizonae. Western

Chipping Sparrow. Fairly common in
the mountains. Probably breeds.
Found in the Canadian zone.

Junco montanus. Montana Junco.
One of the commonest birds seen in
the mountains. They were very tame
and were frequently seen in camp. A
pair built a nest and raised a brood
of young within five feet of one of

the tents. Found in the Canadian
zone.

Piranga ludoviciana. Louisiana
Tanager. A few were observed in the
mountains in the vicinity of camp
Frobably breeds. Found in the Cana-
dian zone.

Progne subis. Purple Martin. Very
plentiful at Bowen Post Office in the
basin, where boxes had been put up
for them. Breeds.

Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swal-
low. Common about farm buildings in
the basin, but not observed in the
mountains. On June 20th I saw a
large number gathering mud from a
small stream near Bowen Post Office
for nests.

Cinclus mexicanus. Americana Dip-
per. One specimen seen along a small
stream in a rocky gorge in the moun-
tains. Probably breeds. Found in the
Canadian zone.

Parus gambeli. Mountain Chicka-
dee. One pair was observed in the
forest near camp. Probably breeds.
Found in the Canadian zone.

Hylocichla guttata auduboni. Audu-
bon Hermit Thrush. The nest of one

196

THE OOLOGIST

Sooty Grouse in its Native Haunts
—Photo by Harl R. Forrest

THE OOLOGIST 197

pair was found breeding in the thick
forest high in the mountains. The
nest contained two eggs on June 10th.
Hound in the Canadian zone.

Merula migratoria achrustera. West-
ern Robin. Common in the mountains.
Probably breeds. Found in the Cana-
dian zone.

Cialia arctica. Mountain Bluebird.
Mairly common. Seen around ranch
buildings in the basin, and occasional-

ly seen in the mountains. Breeds.
Hound in the Canadian zone.
oO <2

A Full Stomach.

On September 26th I received a Bit-
tern (Botaurus lentiginosus) which
was shot on the fresh water marshes
in the southern part of Philadelphia
On examining the contents of the
stomach I found the following: Seven
specimens ef Necconocehalus palus-
tris, an insect closely resembling and
allied to our Katydids; one specimen
of the De Kay’s brown snake (Storeria
De Kayi) six inches long, one water
snake (Natrix sipedon) nine inches
long, and three meadow mice (Micro-
tus pennsylvanicus) each four and a
half inches long. All the specimens
were in first class cendition except one
of the mice, which was partly digest-
ed. In my time, I have examined the
stomachs of a thousand or more birds,
but for a full stomach this bittern
“takes the cake.”

Warren in his “Birds of Pennsyl-
vania” cites a case of a bittern in
which the stomach contained two
snakes ABOUT eighteen inches in
length—another case of a full stomach.
J Philip Laurent.
Philadelphia, Pa.
ie Ate eee

Some Towhee Nests.

In May, 1914 number of THE OOLO-
GIST, is an article “Elevated Nests of
the Towhee,’ in which the author
cites two instances of Towhees nest-

ing one at a four foot elevation and
the other at an elevation of two feet.
He was of the opinion that the Tow-
hee commonly nested on the ground.
I would like to add a few more instan-
ces of elevated Towhee nests. In
fact,, I have never found a nest on the
ground, although the birds are plen-
tiful around Clinton.

On May 2, 1911, I found a Towhee
nest containing three young in a brush
pile on the side of a hill in a pasture
near town. The brush was about two
and a half feet high and the nest was
in the top of the pile.

April 14, 19138. Towhee nest in a
small oak bush, containing three eggs
Nest was about two feet above the
ground and was in an open place.

Same day. Towhee nest in a small
cedar tree in a gully, about four feet
up and containing three eggs. Both
of these nests were in the growth
along a small branch and were only a
few hundred feet apart.

May 31, 1913. Towhee nest in a
cedar tree in a patch of woods above
a railroad cut. This nest was easily
six feet up and the tree had to be
climbed to secure the set cf three eggs
Which are now in my collection.

June 6, 1913. Towhee nest in a
small redhaw bush in a large plum
thicket. Nest was about two feet up
and contained two eggs.

June 16, 1914. Towhee nest contain-

‘ing three eggs, in a small bush in the

woods. This nest was only a foot and
a half from the ground.

June 21, 1914. Towhee nest with
three eggs in a small cedar in open
woods. Nest was three feet up.

June 28, 1914. Towhee nest in a
small cedar in a patch of open wood-
land. This nest was two feet up and
contained one egg. A few days later
the female was flushed from the nest
which then held three eggs.

Many other nests have been found

198 THH OOLOGIST

—Photo by J. B. Lackey

THE OOLOGIST 199

which were certainly Towhee nests
and all of them were elevated. Pos-
sibly one reason for this is because we
have very little ground growth here
suited to Towhee nests.
J. B. Lackey.

Clinton, Mississippi.

NED a PR ae ST he

Double Blackbird Nest.

On June 17, a friend and I were ex-
amining a colony of Redwing nests
which were in a thicket of young wil-
lows growing in a dry pond near town.
There was a large colony of nests, de-
serted for the most part, as this is late
for Redwings here, but one discovery
Wwe made was rare at least for us. In
one small willow a Redwing nest had
been built a month or so earlier and
then another had been built immedi-
ately above this one, so close that the
bottom of the top nest touched the
rim of the lower nest. Both were well
preserved and both were empty. I
think, however, that both at one time
held eggs. I would like to know the
history of these nests. We have no
Cowbirds here so the lower nest was
not deserted because a cowbird egg
was laid in it, and I can think of no
good reason for placing them _ so
close together. J. B. Lackey.
Clinton, Mississippi.

po ee
An Albino.

Albert J. Kirn of New Cambria, Kan-
sas, reports an Albino Bank Swallow,
alsost pure white. Also a Red-headed
Woodpecker’s nest containing five
eggs. August 13th which is late. Al-
so numerous hybrids Red-shafted plus
Golden-winged Flickers.

BEES E ae Se ee eae A

The Wilson Bulletin.
. No. 88, Sept., 1914, contains three
things that especially caught our eye.

First, a statement on page 119 that
the stomach of an Old Squaw Duck
found floating in Jackson Park, Chi-
eago, April 1, -1914, contained 140

whole minnows averaging two inches
in length, besides many fragments of
others. lLet’s see; one hundred and
forty minnows two niches long would
be two hundred and eighty inches of
minnows. This equals twenty-three
and a third feet of minnows ‘besides
many fragments.” Whew! Some fish
story to tell on a poor dead defenseless
duck.

Second, Mr. Jones mourns on page
148,—“‘There are too few short field
notes.” Right you are Professor. It
looks much like the published wails
of Ye Editor when we are short of
copy. But it is still true, “‘There are
too few short field notes.”

Thirdly and lastly, as the parson
would say, we note Brother Stephens
on page 157 has declared war on “W.
L. M.” of The Auk’s Book Review staff
because in a review W. L. M. charges
Brother Stephens with having publish-
ed certain matter relating to the con-
tents of birds’ stomachs as the result
of “over enthusiasm.” Stephens says
(vetween the lines) the reviewer is
after him because he has trespassed
upon “the peculiar domain of the Bi-
ological Survey,’ in presuming to
study the contents of birds’ stomachs.

We had supposed over enthusiasm
usually resulted from what one got
into the bird student’s own stomach;
not from what they got out of a bird’s
stomach. However, if Brother Ste-
phens will keep off the sacred pre-
serve, W. L. M. may let him alone. We
hope so anyway. As an ornithologist
we always had great respect for the

Dove of Peace.
—_—_—_ 2 e—__—_

Ospreys.

I had the opportunity to look over
the egg notes of the late William B.
Crispin not long ago, and found some
interesting reading in connection with
the taking of his Osprey eggs.

His first set was taken in 1892.

200

Only one set of three was recorded.
Not until 1906 did he commence to
make any unusual records in the way
of securing the eggs. From 1906 to
1912 he was most active in the field
and took on an average over 100 eggs
each year.

His records show that he took 20-1,

36-2, 262-3, 22-4—340 sets. I have the
last set he took, marked in ink 430-3,
found May 2, 1913.

Of the 22-4 he found, he kept 12-4 for
himself. I never was able to purchase
but 1-4 from him in all those years. I
had four sets altogether in my collec-
tion, but three sets were secured by
other means.

That left 6-4 he parted with to
others, showing how hard it was for
anyone to secure from him sets of
four Osprey which he considered rare,
and difficult to get.

Nearly one-half of these Ospreys
were taken in Delaware; the balance
in New Jersey. Since his death there
have been no Ospreys taken that I am
aware of in or near his locality.

The record of securing nearly 1000
Osprey eggs may not be a subject to
blow about, especially now when all
eggs May not be a subject to blow
about, especially now when all egg
men are keeping mum about the num-
ber of sets they get. But at the same
time, I believe that Billy Crispin got
more Osprey eggs in seven years of his
most active work than any other col-
lector did in the same time.

The farmers love to see the Fish
Hawks flying around and strongly ob-
ject to anyone robbing their nests.
They are of no benefit to man as far
as I can see, living on fish, like the
Great Blue Herons.

They lay a second set when their
nest is molested, so what’s the objec-
tion to us taking their eggs, that are
so beautiful in various shapes and
colors? HK. J. Darlington.
Wilmington, Del.

THE OOLOGIST

Hunters Beware.

We noticed in the Shrewport Times
recently where the United States mar-
shal has made an arrest for killing a
woodpecker and two arrests for killing
wood ducks. These are migratory
birds and Uncle Sam says you must
let them alone.

AON NUN gig SN eae
A Hog.

A good example of a bird extermin-
ator was revealed to me today. I
was talking to a man about the birds
and in the course of our conversation
he mentioned that in one day he had
killed as many as eleven Curlews and
eighty-two, Yellow-legs. He also men-
tioned that the people who made laws
to protect the birds did not know what
they were doing as the birds did not
do any good and were, in fact, ruinous
to the farmers. I tried to reason with
him but when I found that he was
beyond reason I left him in disgust.
Instead of people preventing the col-
lecting of eggs, they should attend to
bird-butchers like him.

HK. M. Kenworthy.
Wilmington, Del.
IE aes Ss
A Complaint.

We are in receipt of a complaint “by
C. W. Chamberlain of 36 Lincoln St.,
Boston, Mass., against certain dealings
had by him with Mr. G. W. Stevens,
formerly of Alva, Oklahoma, and we
have written and re-written Mr. Ste-
vens without getting any reply to our
communications. The complaint made
by Mr. Chamberlain seems to be based
upon sufficient foundation, and we are
very sorry to have to call the attention
of our advertisers to this misunder-
standing. But the dealings referred to
arose because of advertisements in-
serted by Mr. Stevens in these col-
umns.—Hditor.

Just Remarks.
I am noticing in the October issue

THE OOLOGIST

of THH OOLOGIST
“In Memoriam,’ a sentiment with
which I am entirely in accord. I
notice his reference to the ‘splendid
California Condor, the stately Trum-
peter Swan, the beautiful Ivory-billed
Woodpecker and the magnificent
Whooping CROW.”

I must admit that I was somewhat
puzzled over the correct identification
of the latter species, but I think I
place him all right. I recall to memory
an occasion about four years ago while
collecting on the edge of a swamp
bordering on a field of corn stubble, a
somewhat obstreperous crow coming
down the line too close to me ere he
saw his mistake. When he saw me he
let go one startled and raucous Whoop,
and turned a complete summersault
in the air trying to get back to the
home plate before he was put out.

On the spur of the moment, and be-
ing a little startled myself, I let go a
charge of sixes and hit that crow in
no vital place. I think it was where
his steernum attached to his duodinum
and some of his lesser light,—and you
ought to have heard that Crow
whoop. He whooped it up to beat the
band for a quarter of a mile. He was
a Whooping Crow all right, but from
the abnormal size and volume of the
white streak he left behind, I could not
see anything specially magnificent
about him.

in the Hditor’s

Frank S. Wright.
Auburn, N. Y.

The above comes in our mail and is
altogether too good to keep. Hditing
THE OOLOGIST six hundred miles
from the place of publication is hard
enough, but when the proof reader
cannot tell a Crow from a Crane, it
is what Sherman called war.—Hditor.
ky eS

Black Necked Swan.
October 15th we added to our col-

201

lection of live birds, a pair of these
rare and beautiful swan. Coming
from the Southern Hemisphere the
seasons will be reversed for them, and
we do not know how they will stand
our northern climate, but determin-
ed to take a chance on it which, if
unfortunate, will be expensive.

The birds are about two-thirds the
Size of our great American Trumpeter
Swan. They have pure white body
and wing feathers with a black neck
and head, a small white line passes
from the base of the bill pack over and
under each eye, a mere pencelling.
The legs are a very light purplish
lavender color and the bill of the same
color with a salmon colored saddle
like knob at the base of the upper
mandible covering the anterior third
of the same. They swim with the
arched neck of the Huropean Mute or
Park Swan. Altogether they are truly
elegant and graceful birds of seeming-
ly mild disposition, and very tame.

But few pairs of these rare birds
can be found in North America, none
of course in a wild state. Their home
is in the southern part of South Amer-
ica, and we deem ourselves lucky to
secure such specimens. The books
tell us that unless protected from the
cold they are likely to go blind in ex-

treme weather, and of course this com-

ing season being their first in the
northern Hemisphere, the danger will
come with their first molt.

Later. The female has just died.—
‘Editor.

Ss a eae
They Never Recover.

A letter from far away Mexico con-
tains among other things the follow-
ing:

“T was a subscriber to your publica-
tion twenty-five years ago, from my
boyhood in Illinois, and wish to renew
my acquaintance with lovers of bird
life, for I have never recovered from
my active interest in nature.”

202

A College Bird Course.

This year Waynesburg College has
instituted a course in Ornithology,
under my direction, with a large class
enrolled. The course comes under the
department of biology and gives three
hours credit throughout the school
year. It has as its chief aim the iden-
tification of our native birds. We have
one laboratory period, one lecture per-
iod, and one trip to the field each
week.

The laboratory work consists in the
examination of bird skins and mounted
specimens and the filling in note books
the following outline:

1. Name of Bird. State sex as
shown by the signs gj male; 9 female.
Also state briefly the color differences
in male and female if any.

2. Give the order under which the
species comes; also the family.

' 3. Give Geographical Range.

4. Description: (a) Colors of parts,
(b) Measurements:

(1) From tip of bill to tip of tail.

(2) Length of bill.

(3) Length of tail.

(4) Length of wing.

General Haunts.

Description of nest and eggs.

Food and Hconcmic Importance.
(Full notes here).

8. Remarks.

(1) Times of Migration
Region.

(2) Is the Species Resident, Sum-
mer Resident, Transient vis-
itor ,or Straggler in this Re
gion?

(3) Does the Species nest com-
monly or rarely in this region?

(4) How are the legs and feet ar-
ranged? Describe them brietf-
Ly

9. Make a careful drawing of the
bill.

As a text we use Chapman’s Bird
Life, a splendid work for the class

D> NO

sy

in this

THE OOLOGIST

room, published by D. Appleton and
Cempany. Some attention is given to
Morphology and Taxonomy but less
stress is placed upon these depart-
ments than on others. During field
trips the students record each species
observed and look it up in their text
books after returning home. The stu-
dents seem to be greatly interested
in the subject and feel that a knowl-
edge of our birds is not amiss in their
college course. Teachers and others
interested in bird courses are earnest-
ly requested to write me concerning
the work done at Waynesburg College
—address, Biological Laboratory.
i SA pe AU eae
Books Received.

BULLETIN, DEPARTMENT OF AG-
RICULTURE NO. 128: DISTRIBU-
TION AND MIGRATION OF NORTH
AMERICAN RAILS AND THEIR AL-
LIBS. )

This is a very well prepared paper
by Wells W. Cooke, though there are
some omissions. It takes up each of
the several species and gives their
winter, summer and breeding ranges,
platted cn skeleton maps of North
America, an extremely good idea.

One cf the late and interesting rec-
ords of the Whooping Crane which
seems to have been overlooked is that
made by John F. Ferry at Quill Lake,
Saskatchewan in the summer of 1907.
And a like omission is noted in regard
to the Yellow Rail.

REPORT OF THE ILLINOIS
STATH MUSHUM OF NATURAL
HISTORY FOR 1911-1912.

This is a very well prepared annual
report of this institution, that portion
of the same particularly interesting
to the ornithologist, being a list of
the birds and eggs now lodged in the
Museum.

<2
Another Doubtful Geographical Race.
The ceaseless search for sub-specific

THD OOLOGIST: 203

geographical races of North American
birds, based largely upon superficial,
‘and upon imaginary, and more than
often untenable grounds, we are sorry
to say, still continues.
The last issue of The Auk contains
a paper on the subject of the Bushtits
of Western United States. In order to
arrive at the conclusions therein set
forth, and which are admittedly of
doubtful foundation, the author saying,
“such a study as the present one is
obviously incomplete.” It is recited
that a series of four hundred skins of
these innocent little birds was exam-
ined. The author, after an examina-
tion of four hundred skins, leaves the
status and range of these birds in as
uncertain an atmosphere as seems to
pervade the conclusions reached in
said paper. It may ultimately become
necessary to sacrifice four hundred
thousand and possibly exterminate the
species before we can finally deter-
mine just whether or not there is, or
is not, a shade difference in the color-
ation of the birds from one county in
California from those in another coun-
ty.
Likewise the last issue of The Con-
dor (Sept.-Oct., 1914) contains a de-
scription, as the author dubs it, of “a
supposed Island race” of the Rock
“Wren. This wonderful discovery is
based upon the examination of ONE
single isolated skin (and so was the
supposed discovery of an Arizona race
of the Spotted Owl, except in that in-
stance the skin was a mumified, dried
up, direlect that was found in the
dry wash of a creek and the descrip-
tion promptly published of it regard-
less of what effect the water, sun and
long exposure to the elements may
have had upon the color of the feath-
ers of the poor victim).
This new and imaginary island form
of the Rock Wren is described as “il-
lustrating intergradation between the

two” species. It may be possible to
settle with scientific exactness the:
status of some new and heretofore un-
described species or family of birds,
upon examination of one single speci-
men when the characteristics are
strongly marked, but to attempt any
such differentiation of merely geogra:
phic sub-species, upon such an amount
of material appears to us as absolute- -
ly beyond the bounds of possibility.

Would it not be better to await a
thorough investigation of these new or
supposedly new gecgraphical races of
birds until some definite conclusions
might be arrived at, based upon the
examination of a reasonably sufficient
amount of material, before rushing
into print?

If such a course were pursued, pos-
sibly the names of some of our orni-
thologists might not go thundering
down the vast ages to come as the first
to discover and describe some of these
alleged geographical races, but on the

other hand, some of them might not

be bulletined in ornithological litera- —
ture as having described and attempt-
ed to foist upon the ornithology of the
world so very many such alleged or
supposed races, which upon examina-
tion proved untenable, and were re-
jected by the A. O. U.

Within the past year the writer has
been upon both the Atlantic and Paci-
fie coasts of this countrty, and at
many, many intermediate points, al-
ways hunting up those interested in
ornithology when time would permit,
and during that time has conversed
with a large number of thoroughly
scientific ornithologists, many of them
of note in that line. There is a uni-
form feeling existing in this country
today among ornithologists that this
imaginary, hair-splitting based upon
a description that something is “sim-
ilar to” something else and “slightly
different” from some other thing, has

204

gone to such extremes as to bring our
science to the verge of ridicule among
real thinking people.

The recent description of an alleged
sub-specific geographic form of one of
the Herons based upon a skin that was
afterwards discovered to be a juvenile
of one of the well known species, be-
ing a case in point. The Hditor has
repeatedly had occasion to express his
views on this subject and in so expres-
sing them has merely re-voiced that
which has been poured into our ears
practically every place we have gone,
and wherever we have met ornitholo-
gists.— Editor.

Deeg UNI GN
Thanks! ;

In a letter from Lillian L. Beers,
widow of the late Henry W. Beers, to
the Editor, relating to the recent pur-
chase of the collection of eggs made
by Mr. Beers in his lifetime, the fol-
lowing among other things is found:

“Tt gives me great pleasure to ex-
press my appreciation of your unfail-
ing courtesy and consideration in con-
nection with the packing of Mr. Beers’
collection. As you will so well under-
stand, it was not an easy thing to me
to see my husband’s collection, repre-
senting the work of a lifetime, broken
up and sold. But it will always be a
satisfaction to know that it went into
hands of one who could appreciate
its worth I want to thank you
for your kindly interest and the fair
treatment you have shown in your
business relations with me. It has
been a pleasure to deal with one so

}
courteous and fair minded.”
—-———_~2S oe —_ ——_—--

Note.

W. A. Strong, San Jose, California,

reports taking an English Sparrow,
February 18th with the head and back
light rusty brown, wings and tail much
lighter and throat and under parts
nearly white,

THE OOLOGIST

Likewise under date of July 2d
makes the announcement that he has
seven dead- cats this year to his
credit. Let the good work go on.

June Here and Elsewhere.

Your latest number comes to hand,
while we are enjoying June weather;
Oriolus is singing in the appletrees
before I am out in the morning. How
different are the nesting habits of his
kind from those of the Emperor Pen-
guins in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to Mr. Wilson of the “Dis-
covery” expedition, they nest in the
dead of winter, in the middle of the
Polar night, (in the month of June), in
cold that may reach 50 degrees below
Zero.

These birds come together on a solid

iceberg to lay a single egg. There are

no preparations, no nest. To keep the
ege off the ice, the penguin places it
on his feet, held between the legs, pro-
tected by a fold of skin covered with
feathers, at the base of the abdomen.
As the incubation last nearly two
months, the birds, of which not many
are engaged in brooding, pass the egg
to one another in turn. At the begin-

ning of September the egg is hatched.

There is only one chick to ten or more
adults, and as every one of these lat-
ter wishes to brood, there is much
struggling to get possession of the lit-
tle ones, sometimes causing death.

This seems as wonderful as any of
Baron Munchausen’s stories ,and yet
it may be read in more ample form in
the Smithsonian annual report for the
year 1912.

Some years ago, a gentleman from
this section where I now live publish-
ed a monthly, “Birds and All Nature”
very liberally illustrated with colored
plates, and to my mind those repre-
senting eggs and nests were faraway
the best. I have a hope that THE
OOLOGIST may have a circulation

THE OOLOGIST 205

sufficiently large to print it to take up
and continue that part of “Birds” work.
J. Thompson.
Cold Brook, N. Y.
pe aN ore at ee eed Tas
Bird Law Has Won Advocates in Many
States.
Measure to Prevent Slaughter Has the
Support of Thousands.

Washington, DCE heb. 28.——A
young man, armed with a 22-caliber
rifle, picked up from the base of a
fence post the body of a meadowlark
he had just killed, merely to prove his
accurrate eye. The act excited no
comment from a passing farmer who
owned the field.

Had someone told him that the
young man with the rifle had careless-
ly thrown away a protective agent
worth $5 in cash a year, the farmer
would have inquired into the matter
which so closely touched his pocket.

It is not the argument of the nature
lover, the tender-hearted bird lover,
that is being made; the United States
each year is coming nearer the time
when it will consume all its own food-
stuffs and be forced to import the pro-
duction lacking. The productivity of
the soil must be maintained and in-
creased, and birds are an essential
part of this scheme of economy. To
protect birds is to protect dollars. Not
once during the hearings and debates
on the McLean bill was anything said
about the brutality of killing birds
for fun; the argument was entirely
on economic and legal lines. And the
Senate, after bristling with objections,
' smoothed its ruffled self when the bill
finally came to a crucial point and it
was passed by unanimous consent.

The argument in favor of this meas-
ure, which provides “that all wild
geese, wild swans, brant, wild ducks,
snipe, plover, woodcock, rail, wild
pigeons and all other migratory and
insectiverous birds which in their

northern and southern migrations pass
through or do not remain permanently
the entire year within the borders of
any State or Territory, shall here-
after be deemed to be within the cus-
tody and protection of the government
of the United States,’ were based on
facts adduced by naturalists and by
the Department of Agriculture.
Ravages of Insects.

As long ago as 1904, Dr. C. L. Mar-
latt, who based his conclusions on the
crop reports of the Department of Ag-
riculture, estimates that the agricul-
tural losses in this country resulting
from the ravages of insects amounted
to $795,100,000 per year. This is twice
the value of the property destroyed in
the San Francisco earthquake and fire.
It would build three navies as large
as the one the United States boasts.
The immensity of the figure can be
shown in a score of other ways—it is
almost as large as the national debt, it
is nearly 5 per cent of the entire value
of farm products produced last year
and it would equal the pension roll for
five years. -

Were it not for birds, which have
been ruthlessly slaughtered for years,
it is believed that the vegetation of
the country would have practically dis-
appeared. Insects threaten the earth.
Weather, parasites, fungi, poisons and
birds keep down the numbers, but of
all these agents birds are most effec-
tive.

According to the United States Bio-
logical Survey, the green leaf louse,
or aphis, destructive to hops and other
valuable crops, will reproduce their
kind, if undisturbed, at the rate of
ten sextillion per year. Such a popula-
tion would cover every inch of land
above water. But thirty-eight varietieu
of birds feed on the aphis and similar
pests and the threatened devastation
is held off year after year. t

One pair of potato bugs will pro-

206 THE OOLOGIST

duce from 50,000,000 to 60,000,000 of
their kind a year. The natural in-
crease of one pair of gypsy moths
would defoliate the United States in
eight years, according to one of Uncle
Sam’s experts. The locust, army
worm, cinch bug and others reproduce

with equally alarming rapidity.
Against these myriads which threa-

ten vegetable life and, in turn, the ani-
mal life which feeds on it are natural
agents to preserve the balance in na-
ture.

The appetite of a bird is not a pro-
verb. Why it is not is uncommon hard
to determine. The observed feats of
birds are much more remarkable than
those of pigs or other animals with
large appetites.

Voracious Appetites.

Birds eat most of the time and in-
sects are their principal diet. The old
bird is quite as revenous as the young.
A young crow will eat twice his weight
in a day. A young robin has been
known to eat sixty-eight angle worms
in a day; scarlet tanagers have accom-
plished the feat of eating thirty-five
gypsy moths a minute for eighteen
minutes at a stretch; the yellow-
throated warbler is credited with be-
ing able to devour 10,600 tree lice in
a day. An Ontario scientist fed a
young robin seventy-five cut worms a
day for fifteen days and the bird seem-
ed willing to continue the remarkable
feat.

Game birds, no less than insectiver-
ous birds, live on insects. Prairie
chickens, quail, grouse and wild tur-
keys feed their young very largely on
insects.

In this appetite, a demand for tiny
prey in huge quantities, which wakes
with each new sun as eager and strong
as on the day before, lies a large part
of the safety of the crops of the United
States... Senator McLean, speaking in
behalf of his bill, quoted with approval

the statement that “men who have
had this subject at heart and in hand
for many years assert that bird life is
one of the most indispensable balanc-
ing forces of nature.”

Game and insectiverous birds have
been charged with feeding on seed to
such a degree that they prove destruc-
tive to crops. Careful observation, ac-
cording to the Biological Survey, dis-
proves this contention.—San Francisco >
Bulletin. W. A. Strong.
San Jose, Cal.

SSS
Copy Wanted.

We are very short of copy. What
is especially desired is short pithy bird
notes and observations unaccompanied
by illustrations. We have on hand a
very large amount of illustrated copy.
We want articles unaccompanied by il-
lustrations.

The December number will be out
promptly on the 15th of the month
and possibly the 10th and all advertise-
ments must reach us here at Lacon by
the first of December.—Hditor.

©—<B> -o

Early June Birds of Cresson, Cambria
County, Pa.

Cresson is a small town and summer
resort lying on the Allegheny moun-
tain plateau, in Hastern Cambria Co.
During the first week of June, 1913, a
friend and I made a trip to this region,
having heard that it was inhabited
each summer by several species of
“Northern birds.’ At noon, on June
6th, we left the train and made our
way to a road which led away from the
town and through a wood. No sooner
had we entered this wood than the
pretty song of a Slate-colored Junco
reached our ears. Nearby a Least Fly-
catcher sat perched in a small tree,
uttering its peculiar notes. Some dist-
ance further on we heard the clear
notes of a -Rose-breasted Grosbeak,

THE OOLOGIST

which perched in a tall tree by a farm
house yard. At the farm house we ar-
ranged to stay for a couple of days.
After procuring lunch we went to a
large wood a short distance west of
Cresson. As we neared its edge we
could hear the sweet song of a veery
nearby. Several Black-throated Blue
Warblers were also heard singing from
the deeper parts of the wood. Beside
a Cluster of huge white pine trees we
stopped to rest a moment and soon
heard the buzzing of a Parula Warbler.
I made a eareful search for the
nest but failed to find one. Be-
side a large tulip tree stump, I
flushed a female Junco with feeding
material in her bill. I made a search
and found two young birds perched on
the lower branches of some saplings.
My friend went into the woods and
soon found a nest of the Magnolia
Warbler. It was built on the end of a
drooping hemlock branch and was
about thirty feet above the ground.
Upon examination it was found to con-
tain four incubated eggs. The Black-
throated Blue Warblers kept up their
singing, so I decided to search care-
fully among the low beech sprouts for
a nest. Finally I found one built in
a cluster of low sprouts; it was two
feet up and held a single egg which
had been sucked by some prowler. I
made a further search for the nests of
the Warbler but failed to find any new
ones.

However, I did discover two or three
last year’s nests. In a small beech
sapling I found a newly constructed
nest of the Veery Thrush. Careful
hunting among the low hemlocks re-
vealed another nest of the Magnolia
Warbler, but as yet it held no eggs.
Later two more nests of this Warbler
were found,—one was fifteen feet up
in a hemlock and the other was five
feet up in some tall briers that border-
ed the wood. Both of these nests held

207

four eggs respectively. In a low beech
sprout, I found a second nest of the
Veery which held a single blue egg.
In the evening we walked to a dense
slashing east of town. Here we heard
a number of Juncos and Verrys sing-
ing their evening songs. We also not-
ed several Canadian Warblers; one
of them made quite a demonstration
at our presence but we failed to find a
nest. At one place a Junco made some
fuss, so my friend watched it for a
short time and finally saw it take
building material to a newly made
nest; it was a depression under the

corner of a large lime stone which lay

by a path, just inside the woods. At
this place the Juncos were quite num-
erous. As darkness approached we
decided to go back and return on the
morrow.

We were up early the following
morning and on hand in time to hear a
number of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
singing. Several Black-throated Blue
Warblers sang from the tangle of rhod-
odendron, so I went in to search for
a nest. However, I failed to discover
it, even though the female bird made >
a great fuss. In a slender beech sap-
ling we found a Rose-breasted Gros-
beak’s nest which held but two eggs.
Further on were two more nests of
this bird but they held no eggs at
that time. The Canadian Warblers
were certainly nesting nearby because
they seemed so annoyed at our pres-
ence. In the deep ravine they became
tolerably common. At one place we
saw a Northern Raven fly across the
wooded hill. Louisiana Water-thrushes
were quite numerous in the ravines
where clear streams splashed along.
The country about Cresson seems to
be suited for some of the Northern
birds but comparatively few of the
common and more Southern birds were
noticed. S. S. Dickey.
Waynesburg, Pa.

208 THE OOLOGIST

re

Nez

Mounted Herring Gulls and Set of Eggs
—Photo by C. L. Phillips

THE OOLOGIST Bast

WANTED.—To exchange sets of eggs for
No. 493 Starling, for any eggs not in my
cabinet. NELSON E. WILMOT, 24 New St.
West Haven, Conn.

WANTED.—A_ good set of Bald Eagle,
Swallow-tailed Kite, Hverglade Kite, Sharp-
shinned Hawk, Gray Sea Hagle, Duck Hawk,
Chuck-will’s Widow, and Mexican Jacana.
Dk. M. T. CLECKLEY, 457 Greene St.,
Augusta, Ga. (3)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Large 16-inch Fling
Lock pistol, pre $5.00. Exchange for first
class sets. JAMES O. JOHNSON, 310 North
Main St., Southington, Conn. (2-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Butterflies and moths
for eggs in sets or others, many common
ones wanted. Would like a co DY of “The
Butterflies of the West Coast. JOHN
GRAVES, 1057 62nd St., Oakland, Cal. (1-p)

I have for exchange many fine sets, per-
sonally taken, finely prepared, among which
are: 6 1-8, 194b 1-5 1-6, 199 1-4, 218 1-8, 219 1-9,
228 1-4, 289b 1-14, 293 1-12, 295 1-13, 300b 1-14, 307
1-9, 310 1-14, 310c 1-15, 331 1-5, 333 1-4, 334a 1-3,
335 1-4, 1-5, 337a 1-3, Texas Red-shoulder 1-3,
1-4, 339 1-3, 340 1-2, 341 1-2, 1-3, 342 1 3, 345 1-2,
347a 1-3, 368b 1-2, 373b 1-4, Send your lists and
get my full list. EK. F. POPE, Colmesneil,

exas.

MISCELLANEOUS.

To exchange for stone relics several copies
of Harpers Illustrated Weekly from 1860 to
1073. L. A. PARRE, Batavia, I11.

WANTED—Indian Relics for cash or ex-
change. AJlsojfinely mounted specimen birds.
DR. A. KE. PAYNE, Riverhead. N. Y._ (-p)

FOR SALE.—Cocoons of the Promethea
and Cecropia Moths in lots as desired. Price
five cents each, postpaid. L. 8S. KOHLEkK,
Bloomtield, N, J. (1-p)

EXCHANGH.—Auto Strop Safety Razor
(new) for the following sets: 1-27-37-54-104-106.
Pan BROS., 1011 Fourth St., La oe

Ind. -p

For Collectors, a fine collection of speci-
mens, all large and very fine, one Chnstolite
Tourquoix Matrix, Toursonite Tourmaline,
Californite, Kuzite, Semi Opal, Amazon
Stone, Opal Wulfernite. Opals are very fine,
will sell for +5.00 cash with order. KE. W.
KELLY. Box 186, Seneca, III. (1-p)

WANTED.—Type and printer’s supplies.
Have Natural history, medical and other
books, skins for mounting, mounted speci-
mens, fishing tackle, shells, minerals, bat-
tery, massage machine. J. J. WIRZ, Taxi-
dermist. Augusta, Ga. (1-p)

Bird Books

FOR SALE.—List of back Numbers,

Oologist, Vol. 7, 7-8-9; Vol. 8, Nos. 1-9; Vol.
No. 10. No. 103, 113, 134, 141, 143, two. ace
145-147-148, two copies, 181-196- 197-205-223-224-
230-237-242-244-245- Oy 948-250- 251-252- 253-257- 261-
268-282. W.E. SURFACH, Decatur, I1l.
(1-p)
WANTED. — Ornithologist ae Oologist
Vol. 1-5, Osprey Vol. No. 2 and 4 Bull, Cooper
C list Vol. 1 No. 3. Address with price. C.
W. CHAMBERLAIN, 26 Lincoln St., Boston,
Mase, 10-14

WANTED.—The Auk, Volume IV (1887).
Will pay cash or exchange other publications
for same. HARRY C. OBERHOLSER, 1444
Fairmont St., N. W. Washington, D.C. aes

-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—National Geographic
magazines for good sets of any birds of ane
Write, stating what you have. S.V. W
RAM, Austinburg, O. (1-p)

I, Nos.

WANTED.—Oregon Naturlist Vol.
2-12., Vol. II, No. 1, Bulletin of the Cooper
Club Vol. I. Nos. 2-3-5, and Nidologist Vol. I.
Offer good exchange in skins or magazines.
STANLEY G. JEWETT, 582 Bidwell Ave.,
Portland. Oregon. (1-p)

FOR SALE.—Cash only. “Bird Lore,”
Vols. 4 to date, unbound, to be sold in one
lot. American Ornithology,” Vols. 2-3-4-5-6;
“The Condor,” Vol. 4; also odd numbers of
each magazine. A. L. MARSHALL, Box 75,
Weeping Water, Nebr. (1-p)

WANTED?—Can any Oologist subscriber
in rural Southwest in any manner employ @
young literary couple who are out of door
people, healthy, resourceful, capable,
travelled and welleducated. Has never been
afraid to work hard with hands or brains.
Give us an excuse to serve you! Box 15,
Winterton, Sullivan Co., N. Y (1-p)

EXCHANGE.—January, February, March,
Bird Lore, 1913, for Nos. 306-307-309-310-311-312,
313-314 of The Oologist or some Bird books.
GRANT HALEY, Springford, Crane

-p

I WILL PAY CASH for Vol. 1-2-3-4-5 Bird
Lore Vol. 1-2-3-4 1897-98 Bird and Nature.
EARL HAMILTON, 400 Walnut St., Ver-
sailles, via McKeesport P. O., Pa.

WANTED FOR CASH.—Condor Vol. 8
. 9 Nos. i 4, 6; Vol. 10, No. 2.
: Vol. 3, Nos. 1, 2, 3;
; Vol. te "except MOGs dis 16
SPOANAR ER, Palisades, Colo. (1-p)

NOTICE.—Is your library going to be the
only one without a copy of “The Birds of
Virginia?” Of the one thousand edition only
about one hundred remain, and no more will
be printed. Price $3.00. Address the author,
HAROLD H. BAILEY, Newport News, Va.

BIRD LORES WANTED.—What shall I
pay youfor yours? Vols 1-2-3- 0 come OE
Also Vol. 7 No.1, Vol. 9 N
14) Nowe.) Volta) Nos 25 0J: N.
Giae Stockport, Ohio. (1-p)

WANTED.—Life history of North Ameri-
can Birds, Bendire; Bird Lore, volumes or
single copies. Also Bird Books and_ Insect
Book, report any you have. LAURA KEAN,
Stockport, Ohio.

WANTED.—Books. Magazines and Pamph-
lets about Birds and Natural History Sub-
jects. In all cases state what you have and
the lowest cash prices. No other pees con-
sidered. Address FRANK BEN aR 128
Fourth Ave., New York City. (8-14)

FOR SALE.—Large number of magazines
Ornithological and Botanical Scientific and
tixploration notes, Purchaser must take the
lot. Bo $15.00 bo Send for list.
GUSS CROSSA, Suite 1, Purvis Block, Ed-
monton, Alta. (1-p)

Iv THE OOLOGIST

Egg Collectors

] have the largest and most ex-
tensive exchange list in existence
in North America today. I want
many common varieties of eggs to
to complete some of my series.
Send me your list of duplicates
before all of the best of my material

is gone.
R. M. BARNES,

LACON, ILL.

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

Published Bi-menthly by the
Coop2r Ornithological Club of California

Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

“The Condor’’ is strictly scientific
but edited in such a way that a be-
ginner of ‘‘Bird Study” can easily un-
derstand it.

The articles in ‘‘The Condor’’ are
written by the leading Ornithologists
of the United States and are illustrated

_by the highest quality of half tones.

Qur subscription rates are $1.50 per year in
the United States and $1.75 in a Foreign coun-
try. Sample Copy 30c.

Address
W. LEE CHAMBERS, Bus. Manager,

Eagle Rock, Los Angele Cal.

STATEMENT of the Ownership, Man-

agement, Circulation, etc., of The
Oologist, published monthly at Albion,
N. Y., required by the Act of August
24, 1912. Editor, R. Magoon Barnes,
Lacon, Ill.; Managing Editor, R. Ma-
goon Barnes, Lacon, Ill.; Business
Manager, R. Magoon Barnes, Lacon,
Ill.; Business Manager, R. Magoon
Barnes, Lacon, Ill.; Publisher, R. Ma-
goon Barnes, Lacon, Ill.; Owner, R.
Magoon Barnes.

Known bondholders, mortgagees and
other security holders, holding 1 per

cent or more of total amount of bonds,

mortgages, or other securities: None.
R. MAGOON BARNES.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 15th day of October, 1914.
(Seal) ERNA THIEDOR,
Notary Public.

Bird-Lase

No. I of Vol. XVI, issued Feb-
ruary 1, 1914 is the Christmas Bird
Census number, containing reports
from over 200 observers who con-
tributed to this annual event.

Announcement is made of a plan
for the cooperative study of bird
migration.

The birds figured in color are
the Redpoll, Hoary Redpoll,
Purple Finch and Wood Thrush.

The first volume of Bird-Lore
contained 214 pages. the latest 506
pages. The magazine has.
but the price remains the

$1.00 per annum.

D. APPLETON & Co.,
29 West 32d St.,
New York City

~ J

= | a RB
THE OOLOGIST.
BIRDS--NESTS--EGGS
TAXIDERMY

VoL. XXXI. No. 12.

ALBION, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 329

BRIEF SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wanted, Exchange, For Sale, Etc.,
for each 25 words for one issue; each additional word 1 cent.

serted for less than 25 cents.

inserted in this department at 25 cents

No notice in-

TAKE NOTICE.
SUBSCRIPTION, 50 CENTS PER YEAR

Examine the number on the wrapper of
‘your Oologist. It denotes the time your
subscription expires. Remember we must
be notified if you wish it discontinued and
all arrearages must be paid. 329 your sub-
scription expires with this issue. 317 your
subscription expired with December issue
1912. Other expirations can be computed by
intermediate numbers at the rate of one
mumber per month.

We will not advertise the skins, nests,

North American Birds for sale.

Entered as second-class matter De-
ecember 21, 1903, at the post office at
Albion, N. Y., under the Act of Congress
of March 38, 1879.

In answering advertisements in
these columns mention “The Oologist,”
and thereby help us, as well as the ad-
vertiser and yourself.

eges, or mounted specimens of

These columns are for the use of those desiring

to make bona fide exchanges of such Specimens for scientific collecting purpo-

HDITOR.
BIRDS

WANTED—Live American Wild Trumpet-
-er Swan. R.M. Barnes. Lacon, II).

WANTED—Skins of N. A. Snipe, Plover,

etc. in first class shape for mounting. Must

-=be Al. ARTHUR G. RUECKERT. 2252 N.
Kostner Ave., Chicago, II]. (1-p)

T have a few finely mounted birds on hand
to exchange. Who wantsthem? First class
taxidermy work done at lowest prices. LES-
TERSPEER, Taxidermist, Penton

(1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine skins of 275, 239a
320, 477a, 501, 511a, 513, 549, 550, 575a, 703, 729, and
others, for skins or eggs not in my collection.
Send lists. C. W. CHAMBERLAIN, 36 Lin-
coln St., Boston, Mass. (3-14:

TRADE.—18 A. farm, Will take #175 cash
and $150 in bird skins or eggs or both. If in-
terested write me. W.G.SAVAGE, Delight,
Ark. (1-p)

OW ANTED.—Skins or mounted specimen of
Trumpeter Swan, Olor buccinator or notes
and records of this species. or the location of
area ers in museums or collections,
ze a K. COALE, Highland Park, Lake
Co., Ill.

ses only.

WANTFD—Fine skins only of most Sand-

pipers. Offer fine sets of eggs, 300a, 412a, 466a,
ae 567, 584. H. MOUSLEY ee
5 Nag -p

FOR HEXCHANGE—Two nicely mounted
Western Horned Owls. and many first class
sets for eggs of Birds of Prey. ERNEST. 5.
NORMAN, Mulvihill, Manitoba. (1-p)
Burn pineal oie eee ee ee ee eee

SKINS FOR EXCHANGE—Sl, 70. 77, 130,
151, 154, 190, 246, 248, 283a, 367. 478e, Sllb. C. L.
PHILLIPS. 5 W. Weir St..Taunton, Mees

(Lp

Birds, mostly mounted; some sKins. Will
exchange for desired specimens, if first class.
Send stamp and exchange lists promptly.
A. RUSSELL SMITH, Edge Hill, Pa.

—— - = a
WANTED.—Bird skins, American or For-
eign. Offer in exchange mounted bird skins
and eggs in sets. Send lists. JESSE T.
CRAVEN, 811 Roosevelt Ave., ean gece
9)

ee
FOR EXCHANGE.—Beautifully mounted
R. T. Hummingbirds, Scarlet Tanager, Rose- .
breasted Grosbeak, and 50 varieties, for
others or skins. What have you? Also
skins, nests and eggs to trade. DR. J. P.
BALL, 5001 Frankford Ave., eden
Pa. # -p

5

SKINS.—-646b. 652b, 653, 654a, He 676, 681a.
681c, 68le, 682, 682.1. Write C. L. PHILLIPS,
5 West Weir St., Taunton, Mass. (1-p)

ee Rs A a aS Ue
FOR EXCHANGE.—Skins 381, 371, 372, 373.2.
379 Will take a few baby turtles, also snake
and lizard parts, 400 Payes Ditnas Reptile
book, $2.50. Closing out extra skins. H. W.
AITKEN, 2020 Arch St., Philadelphia, ae
1-p

Over 400 mounted birds, mammals and rep-
tiles. Eggs in sets. Foreign and United
States coins. Columbia stamps, a few sets
of St. Louis Exposition unused. Book on
raising skunks, 50c. Tanning process, Guinea
Pigs. Oologist from about 1888. What can
you offer? ALMON KIBBE, Mayville, oe

(i-pD

Have a nnmber > of very fine mounted Am.
Wood Cock. Will exchange for A 1 skins of
hawks. Want skins of mounted Spoon-bill
Sandpiper. K. W. KAHMANN, 2457 Lincoln
Ave., Chicago, Il].

Sera AS Tie ste et a ot MM RTS NN DE ee EES
Anyone wishing to exchange bird skins
please send list and I will peu my list of
duplicates per return mail. J. A. WEBER,
Palisades Park, N. J. 1-p)

ee atc ee gE RN NT SE ae
WANTED-—A 1 Bird Skins alsoeggsin sets. ©

Send list of what you have to exchange.
EDW. BE. ARMSTRONG, 207 N. Michigan Av.,
Chicago, Ill. 1-p)

WHO WANTS SOME CHOICE SKINS
OF LOWER CALIFORNIA WATER AND
GAME BIRDS? Skins of the best class.
Very moderate prices. GEO. PRIESTLY,
Garden Grove, Calif. (2-p)

EXCHANGE—Live Wild Canada, Hutchins,
White-fronted, and Snow Geese, Wild Ducks,
and Pheasants for Egyptian Geese, Black,
Brant, Mandarin and Wood aes Qauil
and Hungarian Partridges. SAGER:
Owatomia, Minn. (5-p)

~WANTED.— Skins for. mounting of female
Wood Duck, Red-head Canyas-back Shovel-
ler.JHorne or Monkey-facedlOw], Great Grey
Burrowing, Pigmy or Elf Owl. Also Trap-
door Spider. Farantula, Copper Head Snake
Skins, Mansanedo Wood (from California).
State prices and measurements in first letter.
SAMUEL HUN-INGER. Secor, Ill. (2-p)

ET a a A rl as eR ea na

WANTED—Living healthy birds of the
following species for aviary: Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Eastern and Western Evening
Grosbeaks, Eastern and California Pine
Grosbeaks, Eastern and Western Blue Gros-
beaks, and Pyrrhuloxias. HExpenses attend-
ant upon capture of these birds, and fair
remuneration will be paid. Write in ad-
vance in regard to state permits. Corres-
pond with: F. W. HENSHAW, Redwood
City, San Mateo County, California.

EGGS.

In sending in your exchange notices
for nests, skins and eggs, we would ap-
preciate it if you would arrange the
humerals in your exchange notice in
their numerical order, and not tumble
them together hit and miss, as some of
our readers are complainine: and we
think justly so.

EXCHANGE.—Auto Strop Safety Razor
(new). Can use many common sets. What
have you to offer? PAHRMAN BROS., 1011
Fourth St., La Porte, Ind.

THE OOLOGIST

EXCHA NGE-—A few sets of Red-shouldered
and Cooper Hawks. Wanted, sets of 132, 136,
140, 141, 143, 146, 160; also 30, 30a, 32. C. GL
HART, East Berlin, Conn. (1-p)

EGGS. Bulwer’s Petrel, Iceland Gull, Cur-
lew, Plovers, exchange for Osprey, Bartram
Sandpiper, etc. Send lists. Also have some
good sets of foreign for sale cheap. H. T.
BOOTH,8 Cranbury Road, Fulham, ingidid:

Will purchase large hardwood drawer egg
cabinet, also complete egg blowing outfit,
used bird books, all in good condition. H.
W.BRANDT, 7625 Lexington Ave., Cleveland
Ohio. (1-p)

Will exchange for desirables of similar
rarity, sets of A. O. U. 95. 114.1, 81, 184, 295, 301,.
302. 310, 327. 330, 354, 356, 389, 416, 417, 419, 639, 641.
654, 666, 677. THOMAS H. JACKSON, 304 Ne.
Franklin St., West Chester, Pa.

Private collector wishes to exchange
British Sea Birds’ Eggs, qe Indian, for
American or others. CAPT. O . NICHOLLS,
R. &. A., St. George, Bermuda. — (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Nos. 191 1-3, 477 1-5.
488 2-5, 498 2-4, 501 1-5, 510 1-4,, a8] 14. 619 2-4,
705 1-5, 1-4, 721 1-6, 725 1-5, 761 1-2. can use
nearly everything. WALTER A. GORLIEE.
504 John St., Charipaign, Ill. (1-p)

I have for exchange, beautiful sets with
nests. of Cairn’s Warbler, Carolina Junco..
and common sets frum this Sec HOu Send
list of what you can offer. H. H. BAILEY,
Newport News, Va.

WANTED.—From origina) collector sets o£
eggs of Yellow-throated and Swainson’s War-
blers, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Aplomado
Falcon, Bird Lore’s in Vol. X (10). Cash or
exchange. C. MILLS CASE, 7 Holcomb St.,
Hartford, Conn. (1-p) -

EXCHANGE. I desire to obtain sets of
261-277- 281-208-177. I can offer extra fine sets
of 3’s and 4’s Osprey in sete: ROLAND
Ee Bone 1009 Irving St., N. W., Washing-

on ;

FOREXCHANGE Abouttwo hundred va-
rieties of eggs in sets, A. 1. with good data.
which I desire to exchange for bird skins.
suitable for me une FRANKLIN J.
SMITH, Eureka, Cal. P. O Box 98. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—207 14 1-5 1-6; 348 2-2 2-4;
348 2-3 4-4; 349 1-1; 352 2-1; 355 3-4 3-5; 364 1-3 1-3.
416 1-2; 419 1-2; 533 1-4; 539a 1-4; 715 1-6. B. J;
DARLINGTON, Wilmington, Del.

FOR EXCHANGE.—Fine sets Common
Tern, Showy North and South American
Butterflys in insect proof cases. Atlantic
coast shells and curios. Wantedeggs in sets.
Lists exchanged. KARL sQUIRES, 70 Aieots
land Ave., Edgewood, R. I. (1-p)

FOR EXCHANGE.—Data Blanks, Print-
ing, Eggs, Nests and Oologist papers for sets:
of 128. 182, 218, 229, 558, 275. 285, 364, ee. 375, 542a,
546, 611 and others. EDWARDS - COOMBS,
243 Franklin St., Boston; Mass. 1-p

FOR EXCHANGE.—Personally Collected;
1, 3-4; 53 5-3; 54 3-3: 132 1-9: 135 1-7; 139 1-6; 141 1-8:
142 1.7; 167'1-6: 187 3-4; 194c 3-5; 197 3-4; 225 6-4
226 3-4: 258a 1-4: 432 n-2: 436 n-2° 478c 2-5; 480 2-5.
492 9-5: 554 n-4; 56a, 3: 562 n-4: 583 n-4; 748a n-5,
749 n-6; 759a n-4. O. TREGANZA, 610 U.S
8T. Bldg., Salt Lake City, Utah. (1-p)

THE OOLOGIST.

VoL. XXXI. No. 12.

ALBION, N. Y. Dec. 15, 1914.

WHOLE No. 329

Owned and Published Monthly, by R. M. Barnes, Albion, N.Y., and Lacon, Ill.
——————————

Vol. XXXII.
With this issue we close Volume
Thirty-one of THE OLOGIST. We
have published therein forty illustra-
tions and pages. While it has not been
up to our anticipations and hopes, we
surely have served our readers with
more and better of its kind than they
could have gotten any other place on
earth for Fifty Cents.

The articles on the North American
Swan which we proposed publishing,
has not been completed. The list of
the Birds of the Isle of Pines was post-
poned at the request of one of the
greatest of our Scientific Institutions,
and the Bibliography of Amateur Bird
Oological and Natural History publi-
cations is still in the making. The
third and final proof now being in pro-
cess.

All these articles will appear later
in THE OOLOGIST. We regret the

confusion of numbers appearing in

this Volume.

1915

The coming year is a promising one
for bird students. We can look for-—
ward with much pleasure to what is
coming. The Federal Migratory Bird
Law will do much for the birds, and
every reader of THE OOLOGIST
should assist in its enforcement.

Legitimate scientific collecting for
both public and private collections
will not suffer. The camera man,—
that best of all bird students, will be
increasingly Bane. and the thousands
of loyal friends of THE OOLOGIST

will do what they can to make it bet-

ter than ever. No magazine ever had
a more loyal clientele;—there is a

sentiment in it that we truly appreci-

ate. R. M. BARNES.

210 THE OOLOGIST

A Great Flight of Grebes.

Of late years the Horned Grebe is
not very plentiful but up to a few years
ago there almost always was a day or
two during April when there would
be quite a few Grebes passing.

On April 25th, 1893 occurred a most
remarkable flight.

On the 24th it was warm and clear.
There were no waterfowl about except
a single Grebe seen at noon. Toward
evening it clouded. The wind shifted
to the northeast and became brisk,
along in the night a steady rain set
in. On the 25th the wind had increas-
ed and all day it blew hard. It was
cold too and there was frequent show-
ers. At daylight on the 25th the Horn-
ed Grebes were everywhere.

I spent the day at my favorite duck-
ing grounds down the river and that
day I saw more Grebes than I ever ex-
pect to see again. All day long flock
after flock kept coming up the river.
At times I could see four or five flocks
coming at once. Here and there were
flocks floating down stream and you
could not walk any distance along the
shore without seeing whole droves
come piling out of the overflowed wil-
lows ahead of you. I laid around a
good deal in the heavy bush and be
hind drift at what we called the “dead-
water.” A piece of quiet water along
the shore that was always a fine feed-
ing ground for water-fowl. As the
river was high, flocks of Grebes float-
ing down gathered in this place, other
uocks flying decoyed and came as did
ducks and at times great flocks of
Gulls hovered and circled about. At
times three or four hundred Grebes
were in this place at once and it was
surely a great sight to me. Occasion-
ally something nice in the duck iine
came along and I would shoot. Then
there would be a tremendous scatter-
ing but right away they would begin
dropping in again and were soon as
thick as ever.

Beside the Grebes there were a good
lot of Bonaparte Gulls. Some flocks
of over one hundred came along dur-
ing the day and during the morning an
occasional big Herring Gull passed.

A few flocks of five to twenty Long-
tails and Bufflehead came along and
several flocks of Lesser Scaup. Also
saw singles or pairs during the day of
Blue-wing Teal, Ruddy, Wood-duck, R.
B. Mergansers, Mallard, Black duck,
Whistlers and one pair of Whitewing
Seoters. A large flock of Geese were
reported seen but I didn’t see any and
think it was rather late for Geese.

Most of the Grebes were in full dress
but a few were still in winter plumage
and many were in all stages in be-
tween.

There must have been thousands
and thousands of Grebes in this flight
as reports from places between here
and Pittsburgh, one hundred eighty
miles south of us by rail and between
here and Olean, N. Y., sixty miles
above us all stated that great num-
bers of “hell divers” were seen and
many were shot.

Parties who came up from Pitts-
burgh that day said that they could
look out of the car windows any time
and see plenty of Grebes.

Here at Warren the shooting sound-
ed like a fourth of July celebration
and a large number were killed. At
Oil ‘City, Olean and other places a
great many were shot and altogether
the flight must have suffered severe
loss.

Some gunners here killed as high
as eight and ten at a single discharge
into the huddled flocks along the
shore. There did not seem to be any
flight or increase of land birds at all.

Next day but very few were seen
and probably most of those seen were
wounded birds.

Old timers and settlers along the
river tell me they never saw such num-

THE OOLOGIST eee 211

53 pi? 5 \ * 5
TE LOS Ah ph a erie |

Albino Robin at Philo, Ill., Sept. 7, 1913
—Photo by Isaac E. Hess

212

bers of “hell divers’ before, although
years ago great flights of water-fowl
often occurred in April.
R. B. Simpson.
Warren, Pa.
PORE WEDS ee a
An Albino Robin.

I am sending you for THE OOLO-
GIST a photograph of an Albino Robin,
making its home in Philo this summer.
His back and tail is alternate black
and white with an almost pure white
breast. He chirps and digs earth-
worms just as the ordinary Robin but
his relatives seem to regard him with
suspicion. I have had my camera plac-
ed for him for three weeks and Sun-
day morning after setting focus I was
engaged in entangling my string to
snap the shutter when he splashed in
for his morning bath. Imagine my
feelings when I realized the opportun-
ity missed because I was not ready.
However I scared him out hoping he
would return and finish his oblations.
Here is reproduced his pose just as he
alighted again on the pan. I suppose
his pink eyes are responsible for his
sleepy look as you well know pink
makes little impression on a camera
plate. I shall hope for other poses
but THE OOLOGIST deserves the first
(probably) picture of a live wild Al-
bino bird ever taken. It is rare to see
an albino—it must be regarded as for-
tunate when one is photographed in
its wild state.

Isaac HE. Hess.

So far as we know, this is the first
photograph of a wild Albino Robin
ever taken or published, and we con-
gratulate Brother Hess on his rare
luck and splendid success. It is his
fault that THE OOLOGIST is furnish-
ed this “scoop,” which is a nice thing
to close up the year with, and we sure-
ly appreciate it.

Oscar Baynard with his Dusky Sea-
side Sparrow article and Hess with the

THE OOLOGIST

above photo, have enabled us to make
two hitherto unattained records in or-
nithology this year, and we have an-
other of the same kind and fully as
important for the January issue.
pe ah eS
A Correction.

In my paper “Summer Residents of
the Pensauken Creek, N. J.” publish-
ed in the June OOLOGIST, there oc-
curs two omissions and a slight con-
founding of data of one species, as
follows:

58. Crested Flycatcher. Not common.
59. Phoebe. A pair has nested for
many years under an open-fronted
wharf. This data should be in-
cluded here and not under the
Crested Flycatcher.
Crow. Common.
Richard F. Miller.

—$_?<>2—__—_—___—_

Nine Unusual and Interesting
Experiences.

In the Spring of 1913 one of my
“Pet” Woodcocks could not be located...
Whenever I entered the brushy pas-
ture the male was flushed but I was.
evidently not looking in the proper
place for the cunning female. I was
climbing through the fence at the con-
clusion of my fifth unsuccessful at-
tempt at locating her only to perceive
the bead-like eyes peering through a
mass of brittle oak leaves, away from

the shelter or portection of any hazel,

alder or sumach. The situation in
which she was squatting was one that.
might be considered typical as a nest-
ing site for Whip-poor-will. No nest

_ Was in evidence, not even the custom-

ary hollow in the soft soil. Could she
He sheltering four little fellows so
early in the spring? She seemed al-
most glued to the spot and flushed
only after being touched. There were
four very dark shaded eggs lying
loosely on the uneven leaves without
any semblance of the arrangement so

213

THE OOLOGIST

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214 THE OOLOGIST

characteristic with our shore birds.

Carefully surveying the cover with-
in a radius of fifteen feet I presently
discovered the original nesting site up
the hill a few yards from where the
eggs now lay. The downy feathers
and one-half of the shollow plainly
showed where the motherly breast
had rested when incubation first be-
gan.

During recent heavy rains a portion
of the slops had been washed away and
with it the lower rim of the nest, al-
lowing the four eggs to roll from their
original resting place down the leafy
incline. Regardless of this disturb-
ance the eggs were intact and the
mother had succeeded in gathering
them together and successfully cov-
ering all four.

I stooped, gathered some soft, damp
soil, reshaped the nest and covered
the area with dead grasses and leaves,
then I replaced the four eggs with
points together. In ten minutes the
parent was incubating her clutch in
«the re-made nest ,and as I bent over
her chunked form I could almost feel
that there was a look of appreciation
in her eyes.

Another Woodcock was detected at
the base of a briar. She was cover-
ing four handsome eggs. There was
a triangular scar on her forehead
which might have been caused by a
thorn or barbed wire. This served as
an identification mark and when I re-
visited the spot shortly afterwards
the duties of incubation were progress-
ing but the bird with the scar was not
on the job. Another Woodcock slight-
ly smaller and presumably the male,
was at home.

The following year the Woodcock
with the patch on her forehead took
up a nesting site in close proximity to
the old one, which is conclusive evi-
dence that the same pair of birds re
turned to their old haunts and’ fur-

thermore, (at least in the case of the
Woodcock above) both sexes assist im
the duties of incubation.

Along the boarder of one of the lit-
tle tributaries of our Calumet region
I have always looked for a pair of
Weodcock. I found my first nest there
in 1901. Several seasons ago I started
to make my annual tour of inspection
and this clump of willow and hazel
was on my route. Peering cautiously
ahead I perceived the male motionless
but “sitting high” which was conclu-
sive evidence that beneath him was
nothing oolegical and so I started to:
find his affinity. Finally she crossed
through the brush to the leeward and
after thoroughly canvassing the neigh-
borhood I could not even detect an in-
complete set. I did, however, feel
that someone had robbed me, (and the -
bird) of the eggs because there was a
neat hollow at the base of a little pop-
lar. Three little fluffy brown feathers
were there. A bird’s body had certain-
ly caused the depression. I never had
known of a woodcock who made much
attempt at nest building, especially
when no eggs were in evidence, so I
concluded to wait two weeks and pos-
sibly find the the second clutch. There
was no doubt but that a second clutch
would be laid if the first had been
taken, but possibly someone else
would beat me to it.

Returning April 24th I naturally
went direct to the spot which I imagin-
ed centained the four handsome eggs
early in the spring, and believe me,
the female was squatting over that
very cavity and as I lifted one wing
I could see the large ends of four fine
eges.

A Killdeer followed me over a
gravel slope from which the sod had
all been .removed. Watching her
through my field glasses I noticed
she returned to a little knoll and there
squatted. I approached. She depart-

THE OOLOGIST 215

—Photo by G. A. Abbott

Nest and Eggs of Upland Plover

916

ed from another direction and I saw
one egg in a little hollow.

Repeatedly I visited the same cover
and watched her withdraw from iden-
tically the same area, yet the number
of eggs had not increased. Could it
be that she was incubating only one?
On the thirteenth day subsequent to
the finding of the first egg I again
watched the fleet footed creature trip
over the uneven sod and as I approach-
ed the nesting site I was surprised to
see that the full compliment of four
eggs had finally been deposited.

I was in northwestern Minnesota
during June, 1913. With my Indian
guide, Joe, we were beating the grassy
knolls and a Prairie Chicken arose
twenty feet ahead. She left a nest of
ten eggs. One hundred yards further
and I came upon another Chicken sit-
ting in regular woodcock fashion ex-
cept she moved her eyelids periodical-
ly and nervously. [ have never seen
a sitting woodcock move a muscle un-
til actually disturbed. It was remark-
able how this Prairie Hen allowed us
to stand within three feet of her and
I thought what a splendid opportunity
to photograph a pinnated grouse on
her nest. Three days later sixteen
empty shells convinced me why this
Prairie Chicken was so attached to
the nest from which [ never disturbed
her.

Near the source of the great Missis-
sippi we came upon three broad, shal-
low pools with very muddy borders.
An imaginary line around the edge of
all three would have been equal to a
triangle with three equal dimensions
of four hundred yards each. We first
saw the pot holes June 14th and 27
Marbled Godwit were probing in the
oozy soil. They were tame, noisy and
several of them very solicitous. Three
groups of Phalarope comprising both
sexes were alternotely wading and
swimming in the dirty water and they

THE OOLOGIST

too gave evidence of concern when we
approached certain portions of the
marshy boarders. Noisy Yellow Legs
of both varieties paroled the borders
and two large flocks of little shore
birds apparently Least and Semipal-
mated Sandpipers flew nervously from
pend to pend not allowing us to get
within one hundred and fifty yards of
them. Upland Plover could be heard
whistling on the elevated knolls in
every direction and from two to eight
birds were always in the air soaring
or volplaning to the cover of unbroken
raw prairie.

We could find the nests of the Bar-
tramians but repeated searching would
not reward us with a single nest of
any other wader, so I returned next
day determined to obtain a few of the
birds at least.

I teok five Marbled Godwit and saw
a lone wader in the midst of one of the
boggy pools, which, to my surprise,
was a handsome plumaged Hudsonian
Gedwit. I disturbed none of the Phal-
arope but it is quite evident they were
not nesting at the time we visited the
place.

The Godwits were extremely fat, full
plumaged, but apparently non-breeding
birds.

This is the third time I have chanc-
ed upen small flocks of shore birds
during June but in each instance the
species were without either young or
eggs so far as our extensive observa-
tiens went. In all probability many of
our waders do not breed until the sec-
ond season and are attracted to certain
places where their particular food is
abundant and the community is im-
mune from disturbance by either the
agriculturist or the shooter.

Mr. B. W. Nelson, one of the pioneer
ornithologists of the Great Lake re-
gion used to cover the Chicago area
from the Calumet marshes southeast,
north to the Skokie and blind river

217

THE OOLOGIST

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EL6L ‘AeW

‘’9aP|[IM JO SHH] pue json

218 7 PHE
sloughs on the State line between IIli-
nois and Wisconsin. He describes Wil-
son’s Phalarope as out-numbering all
other shore birds, the Spotted Sand-
piper not excluded. This delicate lit-
tle variety still inhabits our local
marshes but in very limited numbers.
An unusual wet spring will possibly
detains a small colony of half a dozen
pair and they are soon divided into
two groups. The more conspicuous
flock consists wholly of the brightly
streaked female and they divide their
time between the shallow lake sides
and the muddy flats. The males are
strictly at home and were one to judge
them from their behavior and plum-
age he would by all means consider
them not only figuratively but literal-
ly the mother birds.

A few years ago I found four nests
in one little area and the little birds
would vacate the eggs before I was in
sight of the nests. Their manner of
flight at the time was suggestive of
the Black Tern but their note of warn-
ing was a feeble attempt at offering
any protest. The birds are long wing-
ed and fly with remarkable ease, stop-
ping momentarily to hover over the
nest whenever they pass near it.

It is to be regretted that these dain-
ty little creatures have diminished so
in numbers. They are almost dove
like in their actions and one can hard-
ly think of them as being a game bird
so unsuspicious are they when either
breeding or migrating.

In early September some years ago I
took a male Northern Phalarope in
eur Calumetiregion which appears to
be the only ‘record of northern I[lli-
nois.

Bobolinks are abundant in our
prairie sloughs and adjoining hill
sides. They are far more numerous

than any other ground nesting bird,
but their distribution is, of course,
eratic and in many localities through

OOLOGIST

Illinois they are practically unknown
as summer residents.

Two springs ago I found a Bobo-
link’s nest which was three inches
abcve the ground in the crotch of a
weed stalk. This seemed extremely
peculiar and after removing the eggs
and carefully examining the plant I
came to the conclusion that the nest
when constructed was placed upon the
ground but the rapid growth of this
particular stalk had carried the nest
in to a most unusual situation. Most
Bobelink nests are securely hidden
and they are hard to find considering
the abundance of the bird.

With us we have the Horned Lark
twelve months in the year. (I refer to
the sub-species, Prairie Horned Lark.)
The first nest is sometimes completed
as early as February 25th and golf
players on our public courses in the
city limits have on several occasions
come upon nests early in March con-
taining eggs which were in the course
of incubation. One nest in particular
was built adjacent to a new drift and
approximately fifty people passed with-
in five feet of the abode every day.

Gerard Alan Abbott.
Chicago, Ills.
—<—_—_____—¢ <> —_____—_
Died.

Sidney Dickinson, an enthusiastic
bird student and supporter of THE
OOLOGIST, died at his home in
Thompson, Iowa, September ist, leav-
ing a large circle of friends and ac
quaintances to mourn his untimely
decease.

We are*just advised of the death of
Dr. M. A. Steele of Portsmouth, Rhode
Island, a subscriber to THE OOLO-
GIST and an earnest bird student.

po Raa
Very Unusual.

Guy W. Lay of Sidney, Illinois, re-

ports finding a Brown Thrasher’s nest

with four eggs in the cavity of a wil-

219:

THE OOLOGIST

Hoqqy “V ‘HD Aq oJoYG—
SL6L ‘API “Y4e|Mopes| JO S66A pue ysay

220

low tree; the old bird was much at
home sitting on her eggs as would be
a Woodpecker or any other cavity
nesting species.
pen Rae OS AOE EE ES
Herring Gull.
Y Larus argentatus.

Doubtless nearly every one who
visits the haunts of this bird is more
or less familiar with its appearance.
It is a large, clean looking species
some 4% ft. in extent. The young of
the year have a brown appearance; the
birds of the second year a mottled or
marbled aspect, and the adults of three
or more years are white with pearl-
gray backs, a little black on tips of
primaries, and bill is yellow with ver-
milion spot near top of under mandi-
ble, while feet are flesh-color and iris
is white. It is said that a bird of this
species has been known to live 44
years.

The birds range from Cuba in win-
ter to the Arctic in summer. They
are especially abundant along the New
England coast during fall, winter and
spring, and a careful observer will note

a few during the summer months,

which fly down from their southern
preeding limit, in search of food. Also
they may at times be seen migrating
over the land, flying very high... ~

During the present winter [ have
observed thousands of these along
Cape Cod. At Providence one is en-
abled to study them at close range.
Large flocks frequent the wharves and
harbor, where considerable refuse is
obtainable from the wholesale fish
houses and their fleets. Here, when a
favorable feeding place was located,
a large number of birds would congre-
gate and hundreds would swim grace-
fully around the spot. Occasionally
one would duck its head and disappear
for a second or two under water, it
would probably emerge with a small
dead fish, or a piece of fish, and take

THE OOLOGIST

wing to avoid’ having the morsel
snatched from its mandibles by a com-
panion. In doing this it would strike
the water three or four times with its
webbed feet to gain impetus, and then
give itself two or three vigorous.
shakes in the air to rid its plumage of
water. It would then draw up its’
feet so that they were not noticeable,
and gracefully fly to a distance to en-
joy its food. No doubt, it would soon
return for more, as hundreds of the
birds were circling over the spot.

Several years ago I spent a week on
the Nova Scotia coast, in the vicinity
of Annapolis Bay, and noticed that.
this was the most common gull at that
place. The excessive tides of the Bay
of Fundy expose an abundance of food.
for the sea birds there. I have observ-
ed a bird of this species which follow-
ed a steamer for twenty-five miles.
This is a habit, the purpose of which
is to gleam the refuse thrown over-
board.

These birds utter a whining, or dis-

tressed note in a low tone and also

have a-harsh “kuk” which they occa-
sionally utter six or eight times, and

--also a more pronounced “chee-ah”. A

few White-winged Scoters were with
the flocks at Providencetown. The lat-
ter seem to feel secure if the gulls
show no suspicion.

At Plymouth I noticed a few Great-
blacked Gulls with this species, and
the Herring Gulls were trying to roba
flock of Redbreasted Mergansers of
their catches. The latter were too
agile, however, for the gulls. There
were about twenty Mergansers in flock
and in an hour’s observation I failed to
see a gull get a fish. The Mergansers
got them, but by rapid swimming and
diving managed to retain their prey.
I thought they seemed to enjoy out-
witting the gulls, for the Mergansers
did not seem inclined to leave the spot.
At times these guils succeed in’ steal-
ing from the Mergansers.

‘THE OOLOGIST

. This species is said to catch some
live fish, to feed on shell fish and crust-
aceans and to drop hard-shelled spe-
cies upon the rocks, to break shells
and render contents more easily ob-
tainable.

This gull breeds from No Man’s
Land, an island some twenty miles off
shore from Rockland, Me., to the sub-
Arctic coasts, breeding abundantly at
certain points in Labrador. [I beileve
they also breed commonly around the
great lakes, where the desired insular
protection is best.

Nests are usually composed of
sticks, moss, sea-weed or analogous
material, with considerable depres-
Sion for eggs and it may be placed on
the ground, on rocks, or if much dis-
turbed, on high stumps or in tree tops.
The eggs are greenish or grayish
brown or drab with numerous spots,
blotches and scratches of different
shades of brown more or less over the
entire surface. The conventional
wreath of spots at the larger end is
often in evidence. Three eggs are
usually laid and the downy young
closely resemble the egg. The colora-
tion affords both the best possible pro-
tection, as they resemble the conglom-
erate stones rounded by the ceaseless
action of the sea, and might be easily
over-looked by enemies.

Half tone represents two adult
males, and a characteristic set of eggs.

(The half tone plate accompanying
this article showing the mounted male
and female bird and a set of eggs will
be found on page 208 of this volume
(November issue, 1914).

Charles L. Phillips.
Taunton, Mass.
—__—___ +o —_—_——_-
Nesting of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak
in South Jersey.

On July 7th, 1913, near Lenola, Bur-
lington County, N. Y., on the north
branch of the Pensauken Creek, where

221

I was camping for several days I
found an empty Rose-breasted Gros-
beak’s nest in a small maple grove.
lt was in an arrow-wood sprout seven
feet high, placed about five feet upon
Several horizontal limbs beside the
stem, and loosely situated. It was a
typical nest of the species and so far
as I could judge no young had been
raised in it. I think it had been rob-
bed as it was along a path and no
Grosbeaks were observed anywhere in
the neighborhood.

The rarity of this species as a nester
in South Jersey makes it desirable to
record the discovery of this nest.
There are only two records of its
nesting in this part of the state; Bever-
ly, a few miles above Lenola, and
Haddonfield, several miles south of
Where my nest was found.

Richard F. Miller.

Oddities in Coloration.

I have in my collection, the Virginia
Rail, clear white sets; some are slight-
ly marked and finely; some are very
dark blotched.. Among the Killdeer
and Spotted Sandpipers several sets
that have a double yolked egg, fully
again as large as the others in the sets.

Several years ago I was with a
friend in the Tonawanda Swamp. We
found the nest of a Marsh Hawk with
three eggs. My friend shot the Marsh
Hawk and mounted it. When in the
act of skinning, we found one egg in-’
side, which is of the same color as
the Green Heron’s eggs, light bluish
color, and as I keep my collection in
completely dark drawers, it has until
today kept the bluish color.

Ottomar Reinecke.
Buffalo, N. Y .
—_—__———_ ++ ——______—.

Results of the Federal Bird Law.

November 11th and 12th was spent
With a few friends at Thompson’s:
Lake on the Illinois river. The closed

222 THE OOLOGIST

season for spring shooting already
seemed to show its results at this lake.
Not many Canvasbacks come this way
formerly in the fall, but last week they
were here by thousands. The middle
of the lake for five miles was simply
covered with them, at one time three;
a male and two females swam into my
bilnd and the yall staid with me I
made a fine skin of the male.

Other ducks cbtained were several
each of Ruddy, Black Jack, Bluebills
(Secaup), a pair of Hooded Mergan-
sers, a male Wood Duck, some Teal,
several Mallards, a female Cormorant,
a pair of Pied bill Grebes. Skins were
made of all the finer specimens. Amer-
ican Coots were too common to shoot
at, though many hunters were doing
it in mere wantonness. A few Bob-
whites were secured. Though it was a
little too early for the main flight
of Mallards, other ducks were here in
greater numbers than had been observ-
ed for many years.

Dr. W. S. Strode.
Lewiston, Ill.
ee
Infinitismal Subdivisions.

Out of many letters received since
the November issue of THE OOLO-
GIST came off the press, we extract
the following from just one, which is
signed by one of the most prominent
of eastern ornithologists:

“T have just read in your November
issue of THE OOLOGIST, your re-
marks ‘Anent Hair-splitting, Microsco-

pic Subspecies.’ Good. Give us more;
them’s my sentiments.”

ORR So ee Se LE
Snakes Eat Birds Eggs.

May 30, 1914 I flushed a Grasshopper
Sparrow from her nest of four eggs in
a meadow and left them to go back
next day and get a set of five, as I
hoped. The next day I went to the
nest and all of the eggs were gone,
while the nest remained in perfect con-

dition. I hunted all around on the
ground, but could not find any eggs or
pieces of shells.

I soon flushed another Grasshopper
Sparrew from her nest, which had one
egg, and later found another with two
eges, and one with three eggs, all in
the same field. In a couple of days I
went back to look at the nests and
every nest was empty like the first that
I had found. The nests were all in
perfect order, and there was no stock
in the field. What was the cause of
this; will they carry their eggs to an-
other nest or not?

Guy W. Day.

The cause of the foregoing disap--
pearance of eggs is without doubt the
black snake or blue racer. These
snakes are inveterate egg thieves.—
Editor.

—_—-— >
The Starling at Hartford, Connecticut.

It is estimated that there are over
ten thousand Starlings roosting night-
ly in the two spires of the Cathedral
on Farmington avenue. There are over
three thousand roosting in the pine
and hemlock grove in Kenny Park
across the street from my house and
they keep up a constant chatter all
night. They are increasing at an alarm-
ing rate as they raise from four to
six young to a brood, and two broods a
year. They are driving out the Flick-
ers, Sparrow-hawks and other birds
very fast. They do not as yet seem to
trouble small fruits or grain in feed-
ing their young, they go to a plough-
ed field for the food. It is only a
matter of a few years when they will
be a pest.

Clifford M. Case.

a
Small Woodpecker’s Eggs.

On May 25, 1914, I took a queer set
of Red-headed Woodpecker eggs from
a hole in a dead stub about fifteen
feet up. There were three eggs in the

THE OOLOGIST

set. One was the normal size of this
bird’s egg, one was about the size of
a,Downy Woodpecker’s egg and the
last was as large as a Robin’s egg.
This last one was very fresh and the
shell was so thin and soft that it broke
when I was removing it from the nest.
'vhe other two which I now have were
more advanced in incubation.

After*reading Mr. J. B. Jackey’s and
A. C. Harlow’s articles on elevated
nests of the Towhee, I should like to
give my experience in regard to such
nests. In the last four years I have
examined ten Towhee nests, five of
which were placed at elevations of
from one to six feet. All of these ele-
vated nests were found in July and
August and were no doubt second sets.
rhe ones found in the spring were all
on the ground. The two nests found
by Mr. Harlow were on June 26 and
August 7, both late. [I think that in
the spring when there is no thick
under brush the birds nest on the
ground, but that when they come to
raise the second brood the under brush
is thicker and the nests are placed at
an elevation.

Colin Campbell Sanborn.

Highland Park, Ill.

It is not unusual to find runt or un-
dersized eggs—one or more of them in
Woodpeckers nests.—Editor.

BA eg dad “tk
Unhatched Cowbird’s Eggs.

The finding of unhatched Cowbird’s
eges in nests containing young birds
of the nest owner is of rare occur-
rence, and Bendire in his monograph
on the Cowbird mentions this fact.
Instances of this kind, however, have
been recorded and I have found un-
hatched Cowbird’s eggs in several
nests as follows:

In June 18th, 1909, at Audalusia,
Bucks County, Pa., I found an infer-
tile Cowbird’s egg in a Yellow Warb-
ler’s nest containing two halfgrown

223:

and also two infertile eggs of the own-
er. On the same day and at the same
place I found an addled Cowbird’s
egg in a Yellow Warbler’s nest con-
taining an infertile egg of the owner.

On June 17th, 1910, at Holmesburg,
Philadelphia, Pa., I found a Cowbird’s
ege with a dead one-third formed em-
bryo in a Red-eyed Vireo’s nest con-
taining two small naked young of the
owner.

As is well known, in most cases,
the Cowbird’s egg is usually the first
one to hatch out in a nest, but the
above three cases the eggs failed to
incubate.

Richard F. Miller.
ete astern ee eee
A New Contributor.

A few days ago on the way home
from my office I was waylaid by a nine
year old subscriber, who stated he
saw in the November issue that we
needed copy; and handed us the fol-
lowing contribution (which is here
reproduced verbatim) and another,
with the statement, “Here are a couple
of stories for your paper.”

Genius must bud before it blooms,
and must make a beginning some-
where and some time!—Hditor.

The Red Bird.

In the summer I found a Red Bird’s
nest in the orchard which contained
three fresh eggs. On July 7th my broth-
er busted the eggs. The other day I
found the nest on the ground. I put
it in a small apple tree and I am go-
ing to keep it. And my brother got a
whipping for it.

Harrison Jay Green.
Lacon, Ill.
2
Don’t Be a Game Hog.

One party murdered one hundred
forty ducks on the opening day of the
hunting season, yet if an oologist col-
lected one hundred forty eggs of any

224

species of duck what a howl would be
raised from the Audubonites and bird
protectors and particularly from gun-
ners. Yet these one hundred forty
eggs would probably have been laid by
fourteen pairs of birds only and at
the worst only that number of birds
would be destroyed. But they are not
destroyed for in a couple of weeks
longer they would all have had second
clutches.

As a factive field oologist eighteen
years standing I can speak authori-
tively on the subject of bird destruc-
tion vs destruction of birds by egg col-
lectors, from experience in this vicin-
ity.

Most of the closest naturalists who
condemn oological collecting have
large collections of birds, many in
large series, and these men, least of
all should keep their mouths closed in
regard to egg collecting.

An egg collector can rob every nest
(if he can find them) in his vicinity
and the birds will show no decrease in
number, but let a skin collector during
the nesting season get in his murder-
ous work in the same locality and the
local oologist will note a useful de-
crease in birds. I speak from experi-
ence, although the birds in this in-
stance were killed by illegal gunners.

Richard F. Miller.

A Field Sparrow’s Egg in a Maryland
Yellowthroat’s Nest.

On June 7th, 1914 at Stone Harbor,
N. J. I found a Maryland Yellow-
throat’s nest containing three eggs of
the owner and one Field Sparrow’s
ege. Incubation was highly advanced
in all and I was unable to save this
unique “set.”

The nest was placed upon the
ground in a bunch of low yarrow weeds
at the base of a low red cedar sprout
in the edge of a bayberry thicket at
the bottom of a low sand dune and

THE OOLOGIST

was well hidden. The female yellow-
throat was flushed off. The eggs of
both species were typical specimens in
every respect.

Richard F. Miller.

PAY UP.

It takes money to run a magazine,
large or small. Money comes from
subscriptions and advertisements.
With this issue, many subscriptions
run out. Under the U. S. Postal laws,
we cannot send “The Oologist” to any
one more than a year in arrears on
subscription.

We trust all whose subscription ex-
pires with this issue will renew at
once while the matter is fresh in mind.
Also let each one make a special ef-
fort to enlarge our subscription list -
by adding at least another name be-
sides their own to our list.

The only way to keep up interest is
to enlarge our circle of bird students
and observers.. Send in your own sub-

scription and another fora friend. DO -

IT NOW.—Editor.
eS ee ee
Some Notes on the Sierra or Thurber’s.
Junco.
(Junco hyemalis thurberi).

Most everyone is familiar with some
of the species of Juncos, more or less,
in their winter quarters, and during
migrations, but very few know them in
their breeding haunts among the deep:
canons and along the back slopes of
the Sierras; at least, such is the rule
that obtains here in Los Angeles Coun-
ty. Further north along the higher
Sierras they are probably more com-
mon; but here in the lower coast:
ranges they are anything but plenti-
ful, and of so shy and retiring a dis-
position, that you may wander through
their breeding ranges for days and
never see a single one, or even hear
the silvery broken warble of the black--
headed male. ;

THE OOLOGIST

1 have found them breeding in the
Sierra Madres, as low as the 3000 foot
level, and never above 5000 feet. I do
not say that five thousand feet is their
breeding limit, but in a period extend-
ing over six years, a careful search
has never revealed a nest of this spe-
cies at a higher altitude. Their favor-
ite haunts are the deep cleft canons of
the back slopes, where a mountain
stream dashes and tumbles over the
lichen stained rocks and blusters
boldly down the ragged falls, singing
gayly through the summer days, and
breaking the lonely silences at night,
with its unceasing murmur. Here
along some mossy cliff where the rocks
are draped with ferns and the wild
Columbine hangs its trumpet shaped
flowers, where the fronds of the mai-
den hair ferns are asparkle with the
drip, drip of the rock springs above.
Given then a small shelf and clump
of lush grass amongst the dripping
ferns, and a careful search—may—re-
veal a nest with the demure little
mother sitting close, and hidden from
view by the close clinging growths.

Not always though, do they choose a
secluded spot in which to hide their
nest, for I well remember a nest I
tound that was situated under a small
overhanging bank, beside a stream and
less than three feet from cur burro
trail. My wife and I had probably
passed within a few feet of the sitting
bird dozens of times a day, and when
I finally located the nest I found my
footprints within twelve inches of the
nest; and yet I don’t believe the fe-
male was ever frightened off.

As showing the fearlessness of this
pair, I may mention that this nest was
built and laid in after we had made
our camp. So there was no necessity
for the birds to keep this spot, as
would have been the case if the eggs
had been laid before we arrived. This
nest was about six inches from the

225

waters edge, and built under, and of
the small reddish rootlets of a nearby
tree that had been washed clear by
the spring torrents. This nest was
quite dry inside, differing in this re
spect from the majority of the nests
that I have examined along the cliffs
Where they are invariably wet inside
and out. This wetting may account
for the infertile eggs that I have found
at various times, never more than one
in a nest though.

The females of this species so far
as my experiences go to show, share
with Western Gnatcatcher, the same
trait of sitting close to their nests,
never moving until your hand is al-
most touching them, and then dashing
off with a sharp note of protest, and
like the gnatcatcher they keep flying
close around you, continually keeping
up a plaintiff “percheep, percheep,” as
long as you continue near ithe nest.
The males are usually more wary and
keep some distance off, seldom ap-
preaching closer than a hundred feet
of you, and then keeping pretty well
hid in the tops of the nearby trees.
While being such close sitters, I have
tound it almost impossible to get a
picture of the bird on the nest owing
to their situations. Most nests that I
have found would average ten to fif-
teen feet above the stream, and in
such a position on the face of the cliffs -
that they were scarcely less difficult to
get at than their near neighbors, the
Western Flycatchers, and Black Phoe-
bes; but unlike these, in that thelr
nests are never visible until you part
the ferns and dripping grasses above
them. Four eggs are the-rule, al-
though I have found them incubated
with three, and in one instance, with
five, which all hatch.

The adults could often be seen feed-
ing in the underbrush and along the
hillsides, scratching among the leaves
and rotten bark, much as the Towhees

226 THE OOLOGIST

Nesting site of Thurber’s Junco
—Photo by C. D. Hagner

THE OOLOGIST 299

Nesting site of Thurber’s Junco—H. A. Edwards, pointing
—Photo by C. D. Hagner

228

‘do, and seldom going into the trees
sexcept when disturbed or frightened.
‘They have a faint purling warble
which just fits in with the dripping of
the springs around their homes, and
is a fit mate for the whispering winds

stealing amongst the pines and down Be:
I have never .

these lonely canon sides.
heard them singing during the day,
and only by careful listening could I
hear them in the early mornings, or
more plentiful at eventide as the yel-
low sun slipped over the distant peaks.

They are a peaceful, shy, but wholly
lovable little tribe that while away
the warm summer times in the cool
shades of the mountain slopes; and
next to the Waxwings I know of no
other bird that presents such a trim,
spick and span appearance in the
breeding season. March usually sees
the last of them in the valleys around
Los Angeles, and they seldom appear
again much before Christmas time.
Breeding dates range from the middle
of May to late in June, and occasion-
ally into July, but June is a favorite
month.

I haven’t been able to determine
positively so far whether they raise
two broods in a season or not. Nests
vary greatly as to building materials;
some being composed entirely of small
tendrills and rootlets without any
other lining at all; others of dry
grasses and leaves, and some of fern
fronds, mosses, and lined with feath-
ers, etc. The eggs have a slightly
pinkish tinge when fresh, but are a
delicate bluish white, when blown,
sprinkled with minute specks of red-
dish brown and a few larger spots
over the surface, ringed around the
larger end with chestnut brown and
grayish lavender. They vary little in
different sets, and averages slightly
smaller than the common Song Spar-
row. After the young leave the nest
it is almost impossible to see a Junco

THE OOLOUIST

of any age whatever. They scatter
along the pine clad slopes, and into
the distant ranges, keeping so close
to the underbrush and bushy canons
that after the end of July they seem
to have all disappeared.

+] hope this year to get more com-
plete data on the nidification of this
species, particularly the number of
broods raised in a season; and also to —
make some observations as;to food,
etc. H. Arden Edwards.
Los Angeles, Cal.

+p
The Meadowlark will be Spared.

The Meadowlark has been on trial
before the legislature this session and
has been put to a very severe test for
its life and the existence of its spe-
cies. The question has been whether
it should be outlawed and declared the
prey of everyone who would take its
life, or be spared for the good it does,
and it appears to win.,on its merits,
The aesthetic side of the case has
been considered, the fact that the lark
is one of the most beautiful and joy-
ous of cur native birds, but it has
been judged on its economic value only
and seems to have proved its worth.
There can be little question but that
the Meadowlark is one of the best of
our native insectivorous birds, and in
proof of this the university has made
a thorough investigation of its habits.
lt is conceded that it eats some grain
in the season, as does the Robin also,
but its destruction of insect pests is so
great, especially during the nesting
season—the season when insects are
at their worst—that it pays for its
slight destructive work many times
over. There is no greater natural
check on our destructive insects than
birds. It is nature’s check on insect
redundancy, and their destruction can
only result in an enormous increase in
the pests that destroy our orchards,
our gardens and our farms. The dam-

THE

age done by our beneficial birds is a
mere bagatelle compared with the
good they do us.—San Jose Mercury.
W. A. Strong.
San Jose, Cal.
_ OO
The Solitary Vireo.
(Lanivireo solitarius solitarius).

The Solitary is by far the earliest
arrival among the Vireos and is usual-
ly two Weeks ahead of the other.

From records kept for a number of
years past of the arrival and departure
of migratory birds I find that the Soli-
tary has arrived on dates ranging from
April 18th to May ist, according to the
severity of the season but always
about two weeks in advance of the
other Vireas and a few days ahead
of the earliest of the Warblers.

Almost all the other small migrants
when they first appear are found along
the river valley where vegetation is
more advanced and food is more plen-
tiful.

The Solitary, however, is just as apt
to be first heard back in the mountains
and is always more common there
than along the valley.

After the migrations have set in in
earnest the Solitary is common.

When snow storms occur during the
migrations in May, numbers of Warb-
lers and Vireos sometimes appear in
town about the fruit and shade trees
and at such times I usually see a few
Solitaries but ordinarily the Solitary
is never about town.

As a summer resident it is quite
common in the mountains in the heav-
ier forests where there is plenty of
hemlock.

In such situations the Solitary can
be heard singing overhead at most any
time. Its note is like the Red-eyes but
is loudér, richer and fuller. Their
scolding note are also deeper and
harsher. The Blue-headed begins nest-
ing quite early and many have full

OOLOGIST 299

sets before the bulk of the Warblers
and Vireos have fairly begun nest
building.

I have frequently come upon females
gathering nesting material and at such
times they did not seem to be shy or
show fear. I always found it an easy
matter to keep the bird in sight until
she reached the nest. The male fre-
quently accompanies the female to
and fro while nest building and at
several nests where I spent some time
on different days watching operations
I found that the male bird helped at
times. In this vicinity they do not
nest very high. I have never found
one over twenty-five feet from the
ground and have found several nests
not over four feet up.

The majority of nests are built in
hemlocks. Ocacsionally a beech is
chosen and I have found several close
to the ground in with hazel and other
bushes on hardwood timbered ridges.

In size, build and general appear-
ance I do not believe they can be dis-
tinguished from the Red-eyed but they
vary considerably in structure and
decorations. A Vireo’s nest in a hem-
lock though is certain to prove to be
a Solitay’s and I have yet to find a
Red-eyed or other Vireo’s nest in a
hemlock.

Some nests of the Solitary are hand-
somely decorated for in the deep and
shady forests they inhabit they have
an abundance of lichen, cobwebs and
decorative stuff to choose from.

The eggs are, if anything, heavier
marked than the Red-eyed, although if
a number of sets of both kinds were
placed together I do not believe they
could be distinguished with certainty
by color or markings.

The Solitary usually lays four eggs
sometimes only three but as a usual
thing four are laid. With the Red-eyed
there is a full set. Although I have
peeped into many a Red-eye’s nest I
never could find a set of four.

230

One nest of the Solitary that I found i

was only four feet up in witch hazel in
hardwood timber and not far from the
edge of the woods. In this nest I
found three eggs of the Vireo and one
of the Cowbird, thereby adding the
Solitary Vireo to the list of victims of
the Cowbird of this region. As a rule
though this Vireo would nest in the
deep woodlands where the Cowbird
would not be found. The females when
on the nest have always been very
tame. When within reach of the
ground they sit very close and will al-
low a person to walk up within a cou-
ple of feet before leaving.

Several times I have found nests in
beech saplings in little forked twigs
and almost against the trunk.

Several years ago I found one way
out on the end of a long drooping limb
of a big hemlock. It was fully thirty
feet from the trunk of the tree and di-
rectly over a good sized mountain
stream. In order to examine it I
tied a forked stick to the end of a
pole and climbing a beech that grew
within ten feet of the nest I pulled the
limb around within reach.

Several years ago a pair of Soli-
taries built in a little hemlock direct-
ly under one of my Goshawk nests.
They laid a set of four.eggs but were
not disturbed by their big neighbors
overhead. In the fall it is common dur-
ing the migrations in late September
and early October.

R. B. Simpson.

Warren, Pa.
oo

The Whistling Swan.

Last year I had not received any
information of the occurrence of this
Swan at Niagara Falls. EHarly this
year I had instructed my friends to in-

form me when they appeared. About

a month later than in previous years,
T received a message that they had ar-
rived. The lateness of their appear-

THE OOLOGIST

ance may be due to the late spring, as
they leave their home in the Gulf of
Mexico on their migration to the breed-
ing grounds on the Yukon River or the
small lakes on the coast and islands
of the Arctic Sea.

On their_weary flight to the breeding
grounds, they are hungry and exhaust-
ed, they drop in that lakelike expanse
of water above the Falls, for rest and
food. They are safe during daylight,
but in dark nights float towards the
falls, go over the rapids and finally are
carried over the Horseshoe Falls to
their destruction. In descending they
are so badly hurt and maimed coming
in contact with the rocks below the
water, and their life is crushed out.
In the early morning their lifeless
bodies are swooped by the currents
to the shore. Hardly one survives, but
as the Gorge is perpendicular and im-
possible for them to fly up, they are
easily captured. A few years ago to
my knowledge more than a hundred
lost their lives.

Acocrding to best information about
thirty were picked up this spring. They
are clear white with a yellowish
streaky spot on the side of the black
pill. I saw one specimen that was per-
haps a hundred years old, as they at-
tain a great age. The top feathers
of the head were black and the side
of the lore was entirely yellow.

As the migration of the Swan to
their northern breeding grounds and
their final ending has only been re-
corded within the past twelve or fif-
teen years, it can be imagined what
immense numbers have been killed be-
fore.

The Buffalo Society of Natural Sci-
ence has a group of six, that has no
equal in the United States, presented
by me.

The weather seems to have fo effect
to the migration of the American
Woodcock in our locality. They ar-

THH OOLOGIST 231

rive here about the middle of March
and have full compliment of eggs in
the early days of April.
Ottoman Reinecke.
pee OE stg SR
Just Notes.

The Bewick’s Wren is rather a com-
mon summer resident in the south-
western corner of Pennsylvania. De-
Serted houses and out buildings situ-
ated on high ridges are his favorite
nesting sites, and he is not at all par-
ticular where he places them. Nests
have been found in old hats, trousers,
tin-cans, buckets, buggy-tops and on
top of sheep-shears.

S. S. Dickey has made a special
study of this busy little wren and his
series of their nests and eggs is the
finest I have ever examined. Although
the Bewick’s Wren will return to the
nest in most instances after the eggs
have been touched, the following is
very unusual:

June 2, 1910, a small boy discovered
a Bewick’s nest in a buggy shed. The
nest had contained five fresh eggs, two
of which the boy destroyed. I remov-
ed the remaining three eggs and left
the nest undisturbed.

June 12, 1910, while passing the shed
a Bewick’s Wren flew out, looking into
the nest I was surprised to see six
eges. Two of these later proved to
be slightly incubated.

Referring to my notes, I find that
every nest found containing abnormal
eges has been deserted. Very likely
this is but a.coincidence but it pre
sented a problem to me.

My first record is April 20, 1907,
when an American Robin’s nest was
found containing two abnormally
large and very much elongated eggs.
The nest was deserted after the laying
of the second egg.

May 19, 1912, a Red-winged Black-
bird’s nest was discovered in a mea-
dow, the nest contained three eggs,
two of which were normal, the third

Was a runt which measured .73 x .55.
Incubation had begun in the two nor-
mal eggs, but when the eggs were dis-
covered they were cold and covered
with dew.

August 19, 1914, a Louisiana Water-
thrush’s nest imbedded in the bank of
a small stream was discovered. The
nest held five eggs, four normal speci-
mens and one almost as small as a
Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s’ egg.
The egg measured .50x.41. The four
normal eggs were partly devoured by
ants, the runt however was unharm-
ed. Some distance further up the
Same stream, another Waterthrush’s
nest was found which gave every indi-
cation of having held young birds. As
but a single pair of birds occupy one
small woods, this discredits the theory
that the parent bird had been killed.

The question arises in my mind: Do
birds in most cases desert their nests
when any marked departure from the
normal appear in the eggs? I would
be glad to hear from others better
versed on the subject than myself.

James B. Carter.
Waynesburg, Pa.

Large Sets of Birds Eggs.
By Richard F. Miller.

During the past seventeen years as
an active field ornithologist I have
found large sets of the following spe
cies, in regions where the species
abounds, all of which are commonly
credited in the books as laying from
three to five eggs.

Chipping Sparrow—Out of an exam-
ination of forty nests of this species
containing sets and young birds, I
have found only one set of five eggs.
This set was discovered on May 19,
1906, at Blue Grass, Philadelphia Coun-
ty, Philadelphia, and as incubation was
highly advanced, the set was not pre-
servable. It was partially abnormal
set too, being elongated and extra
long and another was immaculate.

232 THE OOLOGIST

Catbird—I have found four sets of
five eggs of the Catbird and have ex-
amined six hundred and forty-five
nests to find them. They were col-
lected May 28, 1907, at Torresdale,
Philadelphia County, Pa., incubation
slight; June 1, 1913, at Bustleton, this
county, Pa., incubation one-third; May
20, 1906, at Pensauken, Camden Coun-
ty, N. J., incubation fresh; and May
19, 1906, at Holmesburg, Philadelphia
County, Pa., incubation slight.

Wood Thrush—I have examined four
hundred and thirty nests of this spe
cies in the vain quest of a set of five
eggs.

Yellow-breasted Chat—But twe
nests containing five eggs or young oy
this moonlight songster has come un-
der my observation in the one hundred
and twenty-seven nests I have exam-
ined. The first of these was found on
July 16, 1907, at Frankford, Philadel-
phia County, Pa., and held five naked
young (no Cowbirds) and was certain-
ly a large brood for a second setting;
the other nest contained five eggs, one
infertile and four containing large em-

bryos and was found at Chestnut Hill,
Philadelphia County, Pa.

Field Sparrow—Of the one hundred
and sixty-four nests of the species
which I have examined but three held
over four eggs or young. They are as
follows: (1) May 20, 1909, Delair,
Camden County, N. J., five eggs, one
infertile and four almost hatched;
(2) June 3, 1912, Bustleton, Philadel-
phia County, Pa., four half-grown
young and one infertile egg; (3) May
25, 19138, Walnut Hill, Montgomery
County, Pa., five hatching eggs.

Indigo Bunting—I have found but
one set of five eggs in the one hundred
and twenty-nine nests of this species
I have examined and this set was
found on June 8, 1906, at Rowland-
ville, Philadelphia County, Pa., and in-
cubation was highly advanced, pip-

ped in two and the eggs were extra
large ones too.

Robin—c-f Oologist 1912, page 330
for my data on large sets of this spe-
cies.

Phoebe—The only nest of this spe-
cies holding more than five eggs I
found on April 30, 1901, at Holmes-
burg, Philadelphia County, Pa., in a
spring house; it consisted of six fresh
eggs and was one of the sixty nests
that I have examined in hopes of find-
ing over five eggs.

Cardinal—The books assert that this
species commonly lays three and four
eggs, but out of an examination of
two hundred and ten nests I have
found only three holding over three
eggs. As follows: (1) May 6, 1906,
Pensauken, Camden County, N. J., four
pipped eggs; (2) April 30, 1908, Torres-
dale, Philadelphia County, Pa., four
fresh eggs; (3) June 2, 1912, Bustleton,
Philadeluphia County, Pa., four fresh
eggs and a second set, the first con-
sisted of three fresh eggs.

Song Sparrow—Some books state
that this species lays from four to
seven eggs, but five is the highest
number of eggs or young I have ever
seen in the four hundred and thirty
nests J have examined.

Swamp Sparrow—Out of the Five
hundred and sixteen nests of this spe
cies to come under, my notice only
one held over five eggs or young. This
was found on June 1, 1905, at Brides-
burg, Philadelphia County, Pa. and
consisted of six eggs, two sets of two
and four respectively; the couple was
fresh and incubation in the four was
two one-half and two infertile. They
were laid by two females as the set
of two were much smaller than the
other clutch and different in markings:

We regard the foregoing as one of
the very best of the oological articles
of the year appearing anywhere, bar
none.—Hditor.

THB OOLOGIST

ORNITHOLOGICAL MAGAZINES
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i

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rectory is invaluable to naturalists
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VII

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VIII

Egg Collectors

I have the largest and most ex-
tensive exchange list in existence
in North America today. I want
many common varieties of eggs to
to complete some of my series.
Send me your list of duplicates
before all of the best of my material

is gone.

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LACON, ILL.

THE CONDOR

A Magazine of Western
Ornithology

Published Bi-monthly by the
Cooper Ornithological Club of California

Edited by J. Grinnell and Harry S. Swarth

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derstand it.

The articles in
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THE OOLOGIST

STATEMENT of the Ownership, Man-

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Oologist, published monthly at Albion,
N. Y., required by the Act of August
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goon Barnes, Lacon, Ill.; Business
Manager, R. Magoon Barnes, Lacon,
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Census number, containing reports
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The birds figured in color are
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$1.00 per annum
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