\

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

I Bound aM

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

Nebraska
ornithologists' union

1 899- 1 902

EDITED BY

ROBERT H. WOLCOTT

NELIGH AND LINCOLN,
NEBRASKA

NOTE

Reference should be made by readers to the editorial note which precedes
the index at the back of the volume.

EDITORIAL NOTE

The publication of these Proceedings was begun by the Union at a
time when the status of many species of birds in the state was in ques-
tion and the right of others to places in the list doubtful; but at a time,
too, when such differences of opinion existed that no one member could
assume the right, in the absence of conclusive proof, to decide the many
problems that presented themselves. Since that time our knowledge
of the species found in the state and of their distribution has greatly
increased. Much of the knowledge gained has been through the work
of field parties sent out by Prof. Bruner of the Department of Entomol-
ogy and Ornithology of the University of Nebraska, from funds pro-
vided by the state. But there has been also much done along this same
line through the personal efforts of numerous members, including Messrs.
J. M. Bates, M. A. Carriker, Jr., August Eiche, J. S. Hunter, M. H. Swenk,
Wilson Tout, I. S. Trostler, and J. B. Wallace, who have worked in their
respective localities, and of others, including Messrs. L. Bruner, Merritt
Gary, F. H. Shoemaker, and R. H. Wolcott, who have also undertaken
trips at private expense. Certain identifications in the first two Pro-
ceedings have been shown to be erroneous and the proper corrections
are here made.

Oregon Junco; I 17, 26; II 75, 93. All refer to Shufeldt's Junco, /. Iiye-
uialis connedens Coues.

Olive-backed Thrush; I 18. Should have been Wood Thrush, H. iiiiis-
telimis (Gmel.).

Pomarlne Jaeger; I 19. Single specimen taken is a Parasitic Jaeger, S.
parasiticus { Linn. ) .

Laughing Gull, Florida Gormorant, Ginnamon Teal, Little Blue Heron;
I 19, 20. Erase all.

Laughing Gull (?); II 68. Undoubtedly Franklin's Gull, L. franklinii
Sw. & Rich.

Little Blue Heron; II 51. Record, based on hearsay, in absence of cor-
roborative evidence, cannot stand.

Meadowlark; I 14, 25; II 32, 59, 72, 81, 92, 99. All references to Meadow-
lark should be to Western.

Pallid Horned Lark; II 54. Should be Desert H. Lark.

House Wren; I 13, 14, 28; II 30, 58, 93. All references to House Wren
should be to Western House Wren, T. a. ac/cats (Baird).

Pygmy Nuthatch; II 58. Erase.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron; II 59. No doubt referred to Black-crowned.

Barred Owl; II 77. Should have been Western Horned Owl, Budo vir-
ginianus pallescens Stone.

EDITORIAL NOTE

Lark Sparrow; II 78, 81. Maryland Yellowtliroat; I 18 ; II 78, 84. All

refer to the Western forms of the two species.
Yellow-breasted Chat; II 80, 81. Should be Long-tailed Chat. Chewink;

II 81. Should be Arctic Towhee.
Western Nighthawk; II 81. Should be Sennett's Nighthawk.
Vesper Sparrow, Field Sparrow; II 81. Should be Western form of each.
Horned Lark; II 81. Should be Desert Horned Lark.
Traill's Flycatcher; II 77. Specimens taken later at same locality were

identified by authorities at Washington as the Alder Flycatcher,

E. t. iihiormii Brewst.
Vol. II, p. 2. The name of Treasurer, L. Bruner, was omitted from the

list of officers.
Vol. II, p. 82, line 27. For "Horned Grebe" read "Eared Grebe."

No doubt other corrections should be made but at the present time
the condition of our knowledge does not make them seem advisable.

INDEX

Compiled by M. H. Swenk

(In the case of references preceded by an asterisk *, the reader should refer
also to the editorial note which precedes this index. )

Acanthis linaria, I 17, 26; II 100

III 56.
Actitis macularia, I 20, 23; II 52

III 73.
Accipiter atricapillus, III 54; atri

capillus striatulus, I 16; cooperi

I 24; II 52, 76; III 54, 71; velox

I 24; II 52, 76; III 54, 71, 77, 78
Additional Notes and Observations

on the Birds of Northern Ne-
braska, J. M. Bates, I 15-18.
Additional Observations on the

Birds of Northwestern Nebraslva,

J. M. Bates, II 73-75.
Aegialitis meloda circumcincta, I

20; II 52; montana, II 74; semi-

palmata, I 20, 23; vocifera, I 20,

23; II 52, 68. 76. 84; III 70.
Aepyornis, III 27, 28.
Aeronautes melanoleucus, II 54, 69,

77; III 72, 81-83.
Agelaius phoeniceiis, I 25; II 55,

69, 77. 85; III 56. 70.
Aix sponsa, I 19, 22; II 51, 68.
Alca impennis. III 35.
Ammodramus bairdi, II 55, 78;

lecontei, I 26; sandwichensis

savanna, I 26; II 55; sandwich-
ensis alaudinus, I 26; II 60;

savannariim bimaculatus (=s.

perpallidus), II 55, 99; III 74;

savannarum passerinus, I 26; II

55.
Ampelis cedrorum, I 27; II 56; III

57; garrulus, I 27; II 100; III 57.
Anas blanchardi. III 36; boschas,

I 19, 21; II 50; III 53; obscura,

I 19.
Anderson, Geo. P., Note by, II 98.
Anhinga, II 91.
Anortliura^Olbiorchilus.
Anser albifrons gambeli, I 19, 22.
Anthus pensilvanicus. I 28.
Antrostomus vociferus, I 16, 25;

II 54.
Apteryges, III 28.

Aquila chrysaetos, I 24; II 52, 76,
101; III 54, 73.

Archaeopteryx, III 15-21.

Archibuteo ferrugineus, I 16, 24; II
52; III 54, 73; lagopus sancti-
johannis, I 16, 24; II 59, 76; III
54.

Ardea caerulea. *I 20; *II 51; can-
didissima, I 20; II 51, 96; egret-
ta, II 101; herodias, I 16, 20, 22;

II 51, 73; virescens, I 20, 22; II
51, 68, 73.

Ardetta exilis, I 20, 22; II 51, 73.

Arenaria interpres, I 16, 20.

Asio accipitrinus, I 16, 24; II 53,

85; III 51, 54; wilsonius, I 24; II

53, 69; III 54.
Astragalinus tristis. I 26; II 55, 78,

85; III 51, 57, 74.
Auk, Great, III 35, 36.
Avocet. American, I 16, 20; II 59,

83; III 44.
Aythya affinis, I 19, 22; II 84;

americana, I 19, 22; II 51, 68;

III 53; collaris. I 19; II 73; ma-
rila, I 22; vallisneria, I 15, 19, 22;
II 51; III 53.

Baldpate (Widgeon), I 19, 21; II

50, 83, 84.

Barbour, E. H., Remarks by, I 40,
41; The Progenitors of Birds, III
9-39; A Peculiar Disease of Birds'
Feet, II 61-63.

Bartramia longicauda, I 20, 23; II

51, 68, 76; III 73, 76. 77.
Bates, J. M., Additional Notes and

Observations on the Birds of
Northern Nebraska, I 15-18; Re-
marks by, I 37; Additional Ob-
servations on the Birds of North-
western Nebraska, II 73-75;
Notes from Custer County, III
108.
Bird and Nest Photography, I. S.
Trostler, III 89-93.

INDEX

Bird Fauna of the Salt Basin near
Lincoln, J. S. Hunter, I 18-21.

Birds in their Relation to Agricul-
ture, Lawrence Bruner, II 18-29.

Birds as Objects of Study in the
Grades, Chas. Fordyce, II 33.

Birds that Nest in Nebraska, Law-
rence Bruner, II 46-61.

Birds found around Dunbar During
the Winter Months, E. H. Jones,
III 50-52.

Bittern, American, I 20, 22; II 32,
51, 73, 83, 84; III 45, 59, 60, 61,
70; Least, I 20, 22; II 51, 73.

Blackbird, Brewer's, I 25; II 60;
III 45, 68, 70; Red-winged, I 25:

II 25, 55, 69, 77, 85, 87; III 56,

61, 67, 70; Rusty, I 17, 25; II 61;

III 56; Yellow-headed, I 25; II
55, 83, 85, 100; III 43, 61.

Bluebird, I 12, 13, 14, 18, 29; II 40,
41, 58, 69, 79, 87, 88; III 58, 62,
73; Mountain, II 58, 69, 79; HI
66, 73; Western, II 90.

Bobolink, I 13, 14, 25; II 25, 55, 81;
III 45, 61, 62.

Bob-white, I 23; II 32, 52, 68, 72,
74, 84; III 50, 53, 62, 73.

Bonasa umbellus, II 52; III 54.

Botaurus lentiginosus I 20, 22; II
51, 72, 73, 84; III 70.

Branta canadensis, I 19, 22; II
51; III 50, 53; canadensis hutch-
linsii. I 20, 22; III 53.

Breeding Habits of Bell's Vireo,
Merritt Gary, II 46-48.

Bruner, Lawrence, Ornithology in
Nebraska, I 8-11; Remarks by,
I 34. 41; Birds in their Relation
to Agriculture, II 18-29; Birds
that Nest in Nebraska, II 48-61:
A Gomparison of the Birdlife
Found in the Sandhill Region of
Holt Gounty in 1883-84 and in
1901, III 58-63.

Bubo virginianus, I 24; II 53; III
51, 55; virginianus pallescens
(=arcticus), I 24; II 59; III 55,
73, 107.

Bufflehead, I 19, 22; II 84.

Bunting, Indigo. I 27: II 56; Lark,

I 27; II 56, 71, 72, 78; III 45, 61,

62, 68, 71; Lazuli (Lazuli Finch),

II 60, 78, 99; III 62, 68, 71, 86;
Snow (Snowflake), I 26; III 57.

Buteo borealis, I 24; II 52; III 50,
54; borealis calurus, II 59; bo-
realis kriderii, II 52, 76; III 71,

78, 79; lineatus, I 24; II 52;
platypterus (^latissimus), I 16;

II 52, 99; swainsoni, I 16, 24; II
52, 76; III 54,73.

Galamospiza melanocorys, I 27; II

56, 72, 78; III 71.

Calcarius lapponicus, I 26; III 51,
57; ornatus, I 26; II 55.

Galidris arenaria, I 20; II 84.

Gardinalis cardinalis, II 56, 99; III
51, 57.

Carinatae, Toothed, III 31-33;
Toothless, III 33-35.

Carpodacus purpureus, I 26; III 56.

Garriker, M. A., Jr., Some Notes
on the Nesting of the Raptores
of Otoe Gounty, Nebraska, I 29-
34; Notes on the Breeding of the
Prothonotary Warbler, II 42-44;
Observations on Traill's Fly-
catcher, II 44-46; Notes by, II
96, 97, 101; Notes on the Nest-
ing of Some Sioux County Birds,

III 75-89.

Gary, Merritt. Some Bird Notes
from the Upper Elkhorn, I 21-
29; Breeding Habits of Bell's
Vireo, II 46-48; Notes by, II 99;
Some General Remarks upon the
Distribution of Life in Northwest
Nebraska, III 63-75.

Gatbird, I 13, 14, 28; II 28, 58, 69,
72, 79, 81; III 42, 62, 71.

Gathartes aura, I 23; II 52, 76; III
73.

Gentrocercus, urophasianus, II 59;
HI 54, 70, 77.

Gerthia familiaris americana
(=:fusca), I 28; II 60, 69; III 52,
58: familiaris montana. III 58.

Geryle alcyon, I 16, 24; II 53, 69;
HI 55, 71.

Ghaetura pelagica, I 16, 25; II 48,
54.

Changes in the Bird Fauna of the
Prairies in the Past Thirty
Years, L. Sessions, II 71, 72.

Gharadrius dominicus, I 20, 23.

Charitonetta albeola, I 19, 22; II
84.

Chat, Long-tailed, II 57, 78: III 68,
74, 88: Yellow-breasted, I 28; II

57, *80, *81, 92.
Ghaulelasmus streperus, I 19. 21;

II 50, 84.
Chen caerulescens, I 19: hyper-
borea, I 15, 19, 22: HI 53; hyper-
borea nivalis, I 19.

INDEX

Chewink, I 13, 14, 27, *81; II 88.
Chickadee, I 28; II 58, 87, 88. 92;

III 45, 58;. Hudsonian, II 91;

Long-tailed, I 28; II 58, 79; III

52, 58, 75; Mountain, II 90.
Chondestes grammacus, I 26; II

55, *78; grammacus strigatus, III

70.
Chordeiles virginianus, I 25; II 54;

virginianus henryi, II 54, 77, 85;

III 73.
Chuck-Wills' Widow, II 93.
Circus hudsonius, I 24; II 52, 69,

84; III 54, 70.
Cistothorus palustris, I 28; II 58;

stellaris, II 58.
Clangula clangula americana, I 15,

19. 22: III 53; hyemalis=Harelda

hyemalis; islandica, III 53.
Clivicola=Riparia.
Coccothraustes vespertinus, II 75,

97; III 56.
Coccyzus americanus, I 24; II 53,

77, 85; erythrophthalmus, I 16,

24; II 53; III 70.
Colaptes auratus luteus, I 25; II

54. 69, 77. 85; III 51. 55, 73; cafer

collaris, I 16, 25; II 54, 77, 101;

III 55, 73.
Colinus virginianus, I 23; II 52, 68,

74, 76, 84; III 50, 53, 73.
Collecting Trip to Cherry County,

A. J. S. Hunter, II 79-84.
Colorado Ornithological Associa-
tion, History of, II 16.
Colymbus auritus. I 19; II 50; ni-

gricollis californicus, I 15, 19, 21;

II 50.
Comparison of the Birdlife Found

in the Sandhill Region of Holt

County in 1883-84 and in 1901, A,

Lawrence Bruner, III 58-63.
Compsothlypis americana, II 57.
Condra, G. H., Remarks by, I 37.
Constitution and By-laws, I 6-7; II

7-9.
Contents, Table of, 12; II 2; III 2.
Contopus borealis. III 72: richard-

soni, II 59, 69, 77; III 73; virens,

II 54, 74.

Conurus carolinensis. II 53.

Coot (Mud Hen). I 20. 22; II 32.
51. 68, 72, 81. 82; III 43. 59, 61.

Cooper Ornithological Club, His-
tory of, II 13, 14.

Cormorant. Double-crested. I 19. 21;

III 44; Florida, *I 19; II 61;
Mexican, II 91.

Corvus americanus, I 17, 25; II 54,
69; III 51, 56, 70; corax sinuatus,
III 56; cryptoleucus. III 56.

Cowbird, I 25; II 25, 55, 77, 81, 85,
88; III 61, 62, 70.

Crane, Little Brown, I 22; Sand-
hill, I 20, 22; II 51, 84; III 45, 59;
Whooping, I 20, 22; II 61.

Crawford. J. C, Jr., Results of a
Collecting Trip to Sioux County,

II 76-79; Note by. II 101.
Creeper, Brown, I 28; II 60, 69; III

52, 58; Rocky Mountain, II 92;

III 58.

Crossbill, American (+Bendire's),

I 17, 26; II 61, 69, 99; III 45, 56,
72; Mexican, I 26: II 91; III 56;
White-winged, III 56.

Crow. I 17. 25; II 54. 69, 72. 87, 88;

III 45, 51, 56, 70.
Cuckoo, Black-billed, I 16, 24; II

53: HI 70; Yellow-billed, I 29; II

53. 77, 85; III 41. 62.

Curlew. Eskimo. II 21, 72; Long-
billed (Sickle-billed). I 23; II 52,
71. 72. 74. 84; III 59. 65. 73, 77.

Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus, I 17;

II 59. 74, 77; HI 56. 72.
Cyanocitta cristata, I 25; II 54. 69.

77, 85; HI 51. 56, 73.
Cyanospiza amoena, II 60. 78; III

71, 86; cyanea, I 27; II 56.

Dafila acuta, I 19. 22; II 51. 84; III

53.
Delaware Valley Ornithological

Club, History of, II 16. 17.
Dendroica aestiva. I 28; II 57. 78;

III 71; auduboni. II 57. 78; III

72. 87. 88; blackburniae, II 60;
coronata, I 28: H 60, 78: discolor.
II 60: maculosa. I 28: pensyl-
vanica. II 57; rara (^caerulea),
I 28; II 57, 97; striata. I 28;
virens. I 28.

Dickcissel. I 27; II 56. 78. 85; III

61, 62, 71.
Didus ineptus. III 35. 36.
Dinornis, III 28-30.
Dodo. Ill 35-37.

Dolichonvx oryzivorus, I 25; II 55.
Dove. Mourning. I 14, 23; II 52, 68,

72. 76. 81. 84. 87; III 45, 50, 54,

61, 73.
Dowitcher, Long-billed, I 20, 23;

Short-billed, I 20, 23.
Drvobates pubescens homorus

(=oroecus), II 53; III 55, 71;

INDEX

pubescens medianus, I 16, 24; II
53; III 51, 55; villosus, I 16, 24;
II 53; III 51, 55; villosus hylo-
scopus, II 53. 77; III 55, 71, 80.
Duck, Black (Dusky), I 19; II 61;
Canvasback, I 15, 19, 22; II 51,
83; III 53; Lesser Scaup, I 19,
22; II 61, 84; Redhead, I 19, 22;
II 51, 68, 83; III 53; Rlngneck,

I 19; II 73; Ruddy, I 19, 22; 11
59, 83, 84, 100; Scaup, I 22;
Wood, I 19, 22; II 51, 68.

Eagle, Bald, I 24; II 52; III 54;

Golden, I 24; II 52, 76, 101; III

54, 73.
Eaton, Martin Luther, Sketch of,

II 94, 95.

Ectopistes migratorius, II 59.
Egret, Great White (American), II

61, 101.
Eiche. August, Notes by, II 96, 101.
Elanoides forficatus, II 52.
Empidonax minimus, I 25; II 54;

trailli, I 25; II 44-46, 54, *77;

trailli alnorum, III 73; virescens,

II 54, 77.
Ereunetes pusillus, I 16, 20, 23; II

74.
Erismatura jamaicensis, I 19, 22;

II 59, 84.

Falco columbarius, I 16, 24; II 59;

III 54; mexicanus, II 59, 76; III
54, 71, 79, 80; peregrinus ana-
tum, I 24; III 54; richardsoni, II
59; rusticolus gyrfalco, III 54;
sparverius, I 16, 24; II 53. 69, 76;
III 51, 73. 80.

Falcon, Prairie, II 59, 76; III 54,
66, 71, 79, 80.

Finch, Cassin's Purple, II 91; Pur-
ple, I 26; II 99; III 56.

Flicker, Northern (Yellow-shafted),
I 25; II 24, 32, 54. 69, 77, 79. 85,
87, 88; III 51, 55, 62, 73; Red-
shafted, I 16, 25; II 54, 77, 101;
III 55, 73.

Flycatcher, Acadian (Green-

crested). II 54. 77; Alder, II 46;
III 73; Ash-throated, II 93; Great-
crested, II 54; Hammond's, II
93; Least, I 25; II 54; Olive-
sided, II 61; III 72; Scissor-
tailed, II 91; Traill's, I 25; II 44-
46, 54, *77; Western, II 93; Yel-
low-bellied, II 61.

Fordyce, Chas., Remarks by, I 37;
Birds as Objects of Study in the
Grades, II 33.

From a Woman's Standpoint, Miss

Nell Harrison, III 41, 42.
Furnas, Robt. W., The Carolina

Paroquet, III 107.
Fulica americana, I 20, 22; II 51,

68.
Gadwall, I 19, 21; II 50, 83, 84; III

61.
Galeoscoptes carolinensis, I 28; II

58, 69, 79; III 71.

Gallinago delicata, I 16, 20, 23; II

59, 68, 84; III 53.
Gallinula galeata, II 51.
Gallinule, Florida, II 51; Purple,

II 91.

Gastornis, III 31, 32.

Gavia imber, I 19.

Geothlypis formosa, II 57; Phila-
delphia, I 28; II 60; tolmiei, II
78; III 74; trichas, I *18, 28; 11
57, *78, *84; trichas occidentalis,

II 57, 75; III 74.
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, I 29; II 58,

97.
God wit, Hudsonian, I 20; Marbled,

I 20; II 59.

Goldeneye, American, I 15, 19, 22;

III 53; Barrow's, III 53.
Goldfinch, American, I 26; II 55,

78, 81, 85, 87; III 51, 57, 62, 74;
Arkansas, II 93.

Goose, Blue, I 19; Cackling, II 93;
Canada, I 15, 19, 22; II 32, 51;
III 50, 53; Greater Snow, I 19;
Hutchin's, I 20, 22; III 53; Les-
ser Snow, I 15, 19, 22; III 53;
White-fronted, I 19, 22.

Goshawk, American, III 54; West-
ern, I 16; II 91.

Crackle, Bronzed. I 17, 26; II 55,
69, 77, 85, 87, 88, 96; III 56, 62,
68, 70; Purple, II 90.

Graves, A. R., Notes on Birds from
Western Nebraska, II 84, 85.

Grebe, Eared, I 15, 19, 21; II 50,
71, 82; Horned, I 19; II 32, 50,
83; Pied-billed, I 19, 21; II 50,
68, 71, 82; III 43; Red-necked,

II 91.

Grosbeak, Black-headed, I 17, 27;
II 32, 56, 69, 78, 98; III 45, 68,
74; Blue, II 56, 92; III 48-50;
Cardinal, II 56. 99; III 50, 51,
57; Evening, II 75, 97; III 56;
Mountain Pine, II 93; Pine, I
17, 26; III 56; Rose-breasted. I
17, 27, 39; II 38-42, 56, 69; III
50; Western Blue, I 17; II 56,
75; III 48.

INDEX

Grouse, Columbian Sharp-tailed. II
61; Dusky, II 93; Gray Ruffed,

II 93; Richardson's, II 90; Ruf-
fed, II 52; III 54; Prairie Sharp-
tailed, I 23; II 22, 52, 72, 76, 84;

III 54," 61, 62, 68, 70, 77; Sage
(Sage Hen), II 59; III 54, 68, 70,
77.

Grus americana, I 20, 22; cana-
densis, I 22; mexicana, I 20, 22;

II 51.

Guiraca caerulea, II 56; III 48-50;
caerulea lazula, I 17; III 56, 75;

III 48.

Gull, Bonaparte's, I 19; Franklin's,

I 19; II 61, 69; III 45; Glaucous,

II 93; Great Black-backed, II 90;
Herring, I 19; II 68; Iceland, II
93; Laughing. *1 19; *II 68; Ring-
billed, II 50. 83, 99, 100; Sabine's,
II 90; III 107.

Gyrfalcon, II 91; III 54.

Habia=Zamelodia.

Haliaetus leucocephalus. I 24; II
52; III 54.

Harelda hyemalis, I 22; II 97; III
53.

Harporhynchus rufus. I 28; II 58,
69, 79. 85.

Harrison. Miss Nell. From a Wom-
an's Standpoint. Ill 41, 42.

Hawk, American Rough-legged, I
16, 24, 29; II 59, 76; III 54, 61;
Broad-winged, I 16; II 52, 99;
Cooper's, I 24, 29, 30. 31; II 23,
52, 76; III 44, 54, 71; Duck. I 24;
II 61; III 54; Ferruginous Rough-
legged, I 16, 24; II 52; III 54,

65, 73; Fish. II 23. 53; Harlan's.
II 61; Krider's. II 52, 76, 79; III

66, 71, 78, 79; Marsh, I 24, 29; II

52, 69, 84; III 44, 54, 61, 70, 108;
Pigeon, I 16. 24; II 59; III 54;
Red-shouldered. I 24, 29, 30, 31;
II 52; III 40, 44; Red-tailed, I
24, 29, 30, 34; II 52; III 44, 50,
54; Sharp-shinned, I 24, 29; II
23, 52, 76; III 44, 54, 66, 71. 77,
78; Sparrow, I 16, 24. 29, 30; II

53, 69, 76, 79; III 44, 51, 73, 80;
Swainson's. I 16. 24, 29, 34; II
52, 76, 80, 81; III 44, 54, 61, 73;
Western Red-tailed, II 59.

Helminthophila celata, I 28; pere-
grina, II 78. 99; pinus, II 57;
ruficapilla, II 57.

Helodromas solitarius. I 20. 23; II
51, 84; III 71.

Heron. Black-crowned Night. I 20,
22; II 51, 83, 87, 101; III 44;
Great Blue, I 16, 20, 22; II 51,
73; III 45; Green, I 20, 22; 11
51, 68, 73; III 45; Little Blue, *I
20; *II 51; Louisiana, II 93;
Snowy, I 20; II 56, 96; Yellow-
crowned Night, II *59, 91; III
107.

Hesperornis, III 21-27.

Himantopus mexicanus, II 59.

Hirundo erythrogastra, I 27; II 56,
85; III 74.

History of Ornithology in Nebraska
and of State Ornithological So-
cieties in General, I. S. Trostler,
II ]3-18.

Hoatzin, III 22.

How to Popularize Ornithology,
Wilson Tout, I 34-38.

Howe, E. D., Injurious Traits of
the Blue Jay, II 29. 30.

Hummingbird. Broad-tailed. I 16;
II 59; Ruby-throated, I 15; II 34-
38. 54; Rufous. II 93.

Hunter. J. S.. The Bird Fauna of
the Salt Basin near Lincoln. I
18-21; Remarks by. I 34; A Col-
lecting Trip in Cherry County. II
79-84; Notes by, II 96.

Hunter, W. D., Remarks by. I 34,
40.

Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis,
I 19. 21; II 50, 84.

Hylocichla aliciae. III 107; aona-
laschkae pallasi. II 58; muste-
lina. I 29; II 58; III 71; ustulata
swainsoni, I *18, 29; II 58. 79,
85; III 73.

Ibis. Glossy. II 61. 91; White. II
93; Whitefaced Glossy, II 61;
Wood, II 91.

Ichthyornis. Ill 31-34.

Icteria virens. I 28; II 57; virens
longicauda, II 57, 78; III 74, 88.

Icterus bullocki. I 17; II 55, 77; III
70, 83, 84; galbula, I 25; 11 55;
spurius, I 25; II 55.

Injurious Traits of the Blue Jay,
E. D. Howe. II 29, 30.

Internal Parasites of Nebraska
Birds. H. B. Ward. II 63-70.

Iowa Ornithological Association.
History of. II 15.

Jacobs, Mrs. A. M.. Sketch of. Ill
106.

Jaeger. Long-tailed. II 93; Para-
sitic, II 93; Pomarine, *I 19.

INDEX

Jay, Black-headed, II 91; Blue, I
14, 25; II 25, 29, 30, 54, 69, 77,
85; III 51, 56, 62, 73; Canada,
II 61. 92; III 56; Pinon, I 17; II
25, 59, 74, 77; III 56, 62, 72;
Rocky Mountain, II 93; Wood-
house's, II 91.

Jones, E. H.. Some Birds Found
Around Dunbar during the Win-
ter Months, III 50-52.

Junco aikeni. III 57, 72, 85; Gray-
headed, II 91; montanus. III 57;
Montana, II 93; III 57; hyemalis,

I 17, 26; III 51, 57; hyemalis
connectens, III 57; hyemalis ore-
gonus, I *26; II *75; Oregon, I
*17. *26; II *75. *93; Pink-sided,

II 91; Shufeldt's, II 91; III 57;
Slate-colored, I 17, 26; II 61, 88;

III 51, 57; White-winged, II 61;
III 57, 66, 72, 85.

Killdeer, I 20, 23; II 52, 68, 76, 81,

84, 87; III 44. 59, 67, 70.
Kingbird, I 13, 14, 25. 39; II 24, 54,

69, 77, 81, 85; III 67, 70; Arkan-
sas (Arkansaw Flycatcher). I 25;
II 54. 77. 100; III 62, 67, 70; Cas-
sin's, II 93.

Kingfisher. Belted. I 14. 16, 24; II
53. 69; III 44, 55, 71.

Kinglet. Golden-crowned. I 28; III
45. 58; Rubv-crowned. I 28; II
32, 61, 101; III 45. 58.

Kite. Mississippi. II 61. 91; Swal-
low-tailed. II 52, 96; White-
tailed, II 91.

Kittiwake, II 93.

Knot, I 20.

Lanius borealis. I 27; III 51, 57;
ludovicianus, II 60; ludovicianus
excubitorides, I 27; II 56, 69, 78,
85; III 74.

Lark, Desert Horned, II 54. 69. 77,
81, 92; III 56, 65. 74; Horned. II
61. *81. 92; Pallid Horned. II *54.

85. 92; III 55. 61; Prairie Horned,
I 25; II 54, 85. 87. 92; III 51. 55.

Larus argentatus smithsonius. I
19: II 68; atricilla. *I 19; *II 68;
delawarensis. II 50. 99; franklini,
I 19; II 99; Philadelphia. I 19.

Leucosticte. Gray-crowned. Ill 56;
tephracotis. Ill 56.

Limosa fedoa, I 20; II 59; haemas-
tica, I 20.

Longspur. Alaskan. II 93; Chestnut-
collared. I 26; II 55, 71; Lapland,

I 26; III 51, 57; McCown's, II 60;

III 65, 74, 84.
Loon, I 19; Black-throated, II 93.
Lophodytes cucullatus, I 19, 21; II

50, 68, 84; III 107.

Loxia curvirostra minor (+ben-

direi), I 17, 26; II 69; III 56, 72;

curvirostra stricklandi, I 26; III

56; leucoptera. III 56.
Macrorhamphus griseus, I 20, 23;

scolopaceus, I 20, 23.
Magpie. American, II 54, 72, 74, 77;

III 56. 72.
Maine Ornithological Society, His-
tory of, II 14. 15.
Mallard. I 19, 21; II 50, 81, 83; III

53, 61.
Mareca americana, I 19, 21; II 50,

84.
Martin. Purple. I 13, 14, 27; II 56,

69; III 62. 108.
Meadowlark. *I 14, *25; II 25, *32,

*59, *72. *81. *92. *99; Western.

I 25; II 55, 77, 85, 87, 92, 99; III

51, 56, 61, 62, 65, 68, 74.
Megascops asio. I 16, 24; II 53; III

51, 55.
Megistanes. Ill 29. 30.
Melanerpes carolinus. II 53. 101;

III 51. 55; erythrocephalus. I 25;

II 53. 69. 77. 85; III 55. 73; tor-
quatus, I 16; II 53, 69, 77; III
55, 71.

Meleagris gallopavo fera. II 52; III

54.
Melospiza georgiana. I 27; II 56;

III 57; lincolni. I 27. 78; II 85;
III 57. 73; melodia (^fasciata),
I 17. 26; II 56; III 51. 57. 72.

Members, List of, II 10-12; III 6. 7.
Memoriam, In. II 94. 95; III 106.
Merganser. American. I 19, 21; II

50; americanus. I 19. 21; II 50;

Hooded. I 19, 21; II 50. 68. 84,

96. 100; III 107; Red-breasted.

I 19, 21; III 53; serrator, I 19,

21; III 53.
Merlin. Richardson's. II 59. 92.
Merula migratoria. I 29; II 58, 69,

79; III 52. 58. 74.
Michigan Ornithological Club, His-
tory of, II 15. 16.
Micropalama himantopus, I 16. 20,

23.
Migration Records and Nebraska

Records. R. H. Wolcott. II 86-93
Mimus polvglottus, I 18; II 58. 85;

III 71, 88.

INDEX

Vll

Minutes, Abstract of, I 3-5; II 3-6;
III 3, 4.

Mniotilta varia, I 27; II 57.

Moa Birds, III 28, 29.

Mockingbird. I 18; II 28, 58, 85; III
71. 88.

Molothriis ater, I 25; II 55, 77, 85;
III 70.

Morton. J. Sterling, Sketch of. II
106.

Myadestes townsendi. I 18, 29; II
58, 79, 100; III 58, 73.

Myiarchus crinitus, II 54.

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union,
History of, II 17. 18.

Nest of the Ruby-throated Hum-
mingbird, A Late, F. H. Shoe-
maker, II 34-38.

Nesting of Some Sioux County
Birds. The. M. A. Carriker, Jr..
Ill 75-89.

Nettion carolinensis. I 15, 19, 21;
II 84; III 53.

Nighthawk. I 14, 25; II 24, 54. 77.
92; III 44, 61; Sennett's, II 61.
93; Western, II 54. *81, 85; III
65, 73.

Notes. Miscellaneous. II 96-101; III
107, 108.

Notes on Birds from Western Ne-
braska, A. R. Graves, II 84. 85.

Notes on the Breeding of the Pro-
thonotary Warbler. M. A. Car-
riker, Jr.. II 42-44.

Notes on the Distribution and Hab-
its of the Blue Grosbeak in Ne-
braska. M. H. Swenk, III 48-50.

Notes on the Nesting of the Rap-
tores of Otoe County, Nebraska.
Some, M. A. Carriker, Jr., I 29-
34.

Notes Regarding a Chimney Swift
Tree, I. S. Trostler, II 48.

Nucifraga columbiana. I 17: II 59.
77: III 56.

Numenius longirostris. I 23: II 52,
74. 84; III 73, 77.

Nutcracker. Clarke's. I 17: II 59.
77: III 56.

Nuthatch, Brown-headed, II 60. 91:
Pvgmv. II 58. 92: Red-bellied. I
18, 28: II 60. 79: III 52. 58: Slen-
der-billed. II 58. 79: III 66, 72;
White-bellied. I 18. 28; II 58. 88,
92: III 52, 58.

Nyctala acadica. I 24: II 53, 74,
101; III 55; tengmalmi richard-
soni, III 55.

Nyctea nyctea, I 24; III 55.
Nycticorax nycticorax naevius, I

20, 22; II 51, 101; violaceus, *II

59; III 107.

Observations on Traill's Flycatcher,

M. A. Carriker, Jr.. II 44-46.
Odontopteryx, III 33-35.
Officers, List of, I 3; II 3; III 3.
Oidemia americana. I 19; II 101;

deglandi. I 19; II 97. 101; III 53;

perspicillata, I 19; II 101.
Olbiorchilus hiemalis, I 28; III 52,

58.
Oldsquaw, I 22; II 97; III 53.
Olor buccinator. I 16, 20; II 51;

columbianus. I 20, 22; II 51.
Oriole, Baltimore, I 13, 14, 25, 39;

II 25, 32, 55. 81, 101; Bullock's,

I 17; II 55, 77; III 67, 68, 70, 83,
84; Orchard, I 25, 39; II 25, 55,
81.

Ornithology in Nebraska, Lawrence

Bruner, I 8-11.
Ornithology in the Schools, Wilson

Tout. II 30-33.
Oroscoptes montanus, II 60.
Osprey, American, I 24; II 53.
Otocoris alpestris. III 55; alpes-

tris arenicola. II 54. 69, 77; III

56, 74: alpestris hoyti. Ill 55;

alpestris leucolaema. II *54, 85;

III 55; alpestris praticola, I 25;

II 54, 85; III 51, 55.

Our Winter Birds. M. H. Swenk,

III 52-58.

Ouzel, Water, II 61.

Ovenbird. I 28; II 57. 78: III 66.

Owl, Barn, I 24, 29; II 32, 53; III
44. 54: Barred, I 29, 32; II 32,
53. *77; III 44, 46-48, 55: Burrow-
ing, I 24; II 53. 77. 81. 85; III
44, 55, 61, 70; Dusky Horned. II
91: Great Gray, II 91; HI 55;'
Great Horned, I 24. 29. 32; II 53;
III 44, 51. 55; Hawk, II 91: III
55; Long-eared. I 24. 29. 32; II

53, 69: III 54; Richardson's, II
91; III 55; Rocky Mountain
Screech, II 90; Saw-whet. (Aca-
dian). I 24, 29, 32: II 53, 74, 101;
III 55; Screech, I 16. 24, 29. 32;
II 53: III 44. 51. 55: Short-eared,
I 16. 24. 29: II 53, 85: III 44, 51,

54. 61: Snowv, I 24; III 55: Wes-
tern Horned. I 24; II 59; III 55,
73, 107.

Ovstercatcher, American, II 91.

Pair of Young Barred Owls. A. Miss

Elizabeth Van Sant, III 46-48.
Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, I

24; II 53.
Paroquet, Carolina, II 53, 60; III

107.
Parus atricapillus, I 28; II 58;

atricapillus septentrionalis, I 28;

II 58, 79; III 52, 58, 75; bicolor,
I 28; II 60, 97; III 52. 58.

Passer domesticus, I 17; II 55, 69;

III 57.

Passerella iliaca. I 27; III 57.
Passerina nivalis. I 26; III 57.
Peculiar Disease of Birds' Feet, A,

E. H. Barbour, 11 61-63.
Pediocaetes phasianellus campes-

tris. I 23; II 52, 76, 84; III 54,

70, 77.
Pewee. Wood, I 39; II 44, 45. 54,

74; Western Wood, II 59, 69, 77.

92; III 73.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchus. I 15,

19, 21; intermedins. III 35.
Pelican, Brown, II 91; White. I 15,

19. 21; III 44.
Pepoon, Miss Elsie, Water for

Birds, III 40, 41.
Perisoreus canadensis. Ill 56.
Petrochelidon lunifrons, I 27; II

56; III 72.
Pezohaps solitarius, III 35.
Phalacrocorax dilophus, I 19. 21;

dilophus floridanus. 119.
Phalaenoptilus nuttalli, II 54. 77;

III 72, 80. 81.
Phalarope. Northern, I 20; Red, II

93; Wilson's, I 20, 23; II 51, 71,

83; III 59. 62.
Phalai'opus lobatus, I 20.
Phasianus torquatus, II 100; III 54.
Pheasant, Ring-necked, II 100; III

54.
Philohela minor. I 23; II 51.
Phoebe. I 12, 13. 14, 25. 39; II 44.

54. 87, 88; III 62; Say's. I 17; II

54, 77; III 62. 67, 73, 108.
Phororhacos, III 30-32.
Pica pica hudsonica, II 54, 74, 77;

III 56, 72.
Picoides arcticus. III 55.
Pigeon. Passenger. II 59, 60.
Pinicola enucleator leucura (=ca-

nadensis), I 17, 26; III 56.
Pintail. I 19, 22; II 51, 81, 83, 84;

III 53.
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, I 27; II

56; III 57; maculatus arcticus, II

56, 78, 85, 99, 100; III 57, 74, 85,
86.

Pipit, American, I 28.

Piranga erythromelas, I 27; II 56;
ludoviciana, II 56. 69, 78; III 72,
86, 87; rubra, II 60.

Plea for the English Sparrow, A,
Lawrence Skow, I 38-41.

Plover, Belted Piping, I 20; II 52,
84; Black-bellied, I 20, 23; II 84;
Golden, I 20, 23; II 21; Moun-
tain, II 61, 74; Semipalmated, 1
20, 23; Snowy. II 61, 91.

Podilymbus podiceps, I 19, 21; II
50. 68.

Polioptila caerulea. I 29; II 58, 97.

Poocaetes gramineus, I 26; II 55;
gramineus conflnis, II 55, 69, 78;
III 74, 84, 85.

Poorwill, II 54, 77; III 72, 80 81;
Frosted. II 61.

Porzana Carolina. I 22; II 51.

Prairie Hen (Pinnated Grouse), I
23; II 22, 52. 84; III 44, 50, 54,
61, 62: Lesser. II 52, 84; III 54.

President's Address, I 8-11; II
13-18; III 9-39.

Progenitors of Birds, E. H. Bar-
bour, III 9-39.

Progne subis, I 27; II 56, 69.

Protonotaria citrea, II 57.

Quail, II 22. 52. 76, 80, 81. 96; III

62.
Querquedula cyanoptera, I 19: dis-

cors, I 19, 22; II 50, 76, 87; III

70.
Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. I 17,

26; II 55, 69, 77, 85; III 56, 70.

Rail, Black, II 61, 91; King, I 16;
II 51. 84; Sora. I 22; II 51: III 43,
59; Virginia, I 20, 22; II 59; Yel-
low, II 61, 91.

Rallus elegans, I 16; II 51: virgin-
ianus, I 20, 22; II 59.

Raven, American, II 61, 92; III 56;
Northern. II 92, 93; White-
necked, II 61; III 56.

Record of Nebraska Ornithology,
R. H. Wolcott, III 93-105.

Recurvirostra americana, I 16, 20;

II 59.

Redpoll. Common, I 17, 26; II 100;

III 56; Greater, II 90.
Redstart. I 28; II 57: III 74.
Regulus calendula, I 28; III 58;

satrapa, I 28; III 58.

INDEX

Results of a Collecting Trip to
Sioux County, J. C. Crawford, Jr.,
II 76-79.

Rhynchophanes mccowni, II 60; III
74, 84.

Riparia riparia. I 27; II 56; III 71.

Robin. I 12, 13. 14. 29, 39; II 28, 58,
69, 72, 79, 87, 88; III 52, 58, 74;
Western, II 61, 90.

Salpinctes obsoletus, I 28; II 58,
79, 85; III 74. 88, 89.

Sanderling. I 20; II 61, 84.

Sandpiper. Baird's. I 16, 20, 23; II
61. 68. 83. 84, 87, 100; III 59, 71;
Bartramian (Field Plover), I 20,
23; II 21. 51, 68, 72, 76, 81; III
44, 59, 62, 65, 73, 76, 77; Buff-
breasted, I 20, 23; Least, I 23;

II 61, 83; III 44, 59, 71; Pectoral,
I 20. 23; II 68; Purple, II 93;
Red-backed, I 20; II 68; Semi-
palmated, I 16, 20, 23; II 61, 74,
83; Solitary, I 20, 23; II 51, 84;

III 44, 71; Spotted, I 20, 23; II
52, 81; III 73; Stilt, I 16, 20, 23;
Western, II 91; Western Soli-
tary. II 93; White-rumped, I 16,
20, 23.

Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, II 53.
Sayornis phoebe. I 25; II 54; saya,

I 17; II 54. 77; III 73.
Scolecophagus carolinus, I 17, 25;

III 56; cyanocephalus, I 25; II

60; III 70.
Scoter, American, I 19, 93; II 101;

Surf, I 19; II 101; White-winged,

I 19; II 97. 101; III 53.
Scotiaptex cinerea. Ill 55.
Seiurus aurocapillus. I 28; II 57,

78; motacilla. II 57; novebora-

censis notabilis, I 28; II 57.
Selasphorus platycercus, I 16; II

59.
Sessions, L.. Changes in the Bird

Fauna of the Prairies in the Past

Thirty Years. II 71, 72.
Setophaga ruticilla, I 28; II 57; III

74.
Shoemaker, F. H., A Late Nest of

the Ruby-throated Hummingbird,

II 34-38: A Story that Ends
Rightly, III 40.

Shoveller (Spoonbill). I 19. 22; II
50, 68, 83, 84, 100; III 61, 70.

Shrike, Loggerhead. II 60; North-
ern, I 27: II 32; III 50, 51, 57;
White-rumped. I 27; II 56, 69,
78, 85; III 67, 74, 108.

Sialia arctica, II 58, 69, 79; III 73;
sialis, I 18, 29; II 58, 69, 79; In
58, 73.

Siskin. Pine, (Pine Finch), I 26; II
61, 96, 100; III 57, 72.

Sitta canadensis, I 18, 28; II 60,
79; III 52, 58; carolinensis, I 18,
28; II 58; III 52, 58; carolinen-
sis aculeata, II 58, 79; III 72;
pusilla, II 60; pygmaea, *II 58.

Skow, Lawrence, A Plea for the
English Sparrow. I 38-41.

Snipe. Wilson's, I 16. 20, 23; II 59,
68, 84; III 53.

Solitaire. Rodriguez Island, III 35,
37: Townsend's, I 18, 29; II 58,
79, 100; III 58, 66, 73.

Some Bird Notes from the Upper
Elkhorn, Merritt Cary, I 21-29.

Some General Remarks upon the
Distribution of Life in Northwest-
ern Nebraska, Merritt Cary, III
63-75.

Sparrow. Baird's, II 55, 78; Brew-
er's, II 55, 91; III 68, 70, 85;
Cassin's. II 61, 90; Chipping, 1
14, 17, 26; II 55, 78, 79; III 66,
72; Clay-colored, I 26; II 55. 75.
78: Dakota Song. II 61. 93: Eng-
lish, I 17. 38-41: II 26, 29, 30, 55.
69; III 57: Field. I 26; II 55.
*81, 88, 92; Fox, I 27; II 88; HI
57; Gambel's, II 90; Grasshop-
per, I 26; II 55, 81. 92; HI 61;
Harris', I 26: II 87, 88; III 51,
57; Henslow's, II 61; Intermedi-
ate, I 26; II 60; Lark, I 26: H
55, *78, *81; III 61, 62; Leconte's.
I 26; Lincoln's, I 27; II 61, 78,
85; HI 57. 73; Nelson's. II 90;
Savanna, I 26; II 55. 92; Slate-
colored. II 91: Song, I 17. 27: II
56 87, 88: HI 51. 57. 72; Swamp.

I 27: II 56; III 57: Tree. I 26; II
87. 92; III 51, 57; Vesper. I 26:

II 55. *81, 92; Western Field. I
17; II 55, 75; Western Grass-
hopper, II 99: III 65, 68, 74;
Western Henslow's, II 61, 93;
Western Lark. II 93: III 67. 70;
Western Savanna. I 26; II 60;
Western Tree. II 75. 85; III 57;
Western Vesper, II 55, 69. 78;

III 65. 68. 74, 84. 85; White-
crowned. I 26; II 61, 92; White-
throated, I 26.

Spatula clypeata. I 19. 22; II 50,
68, 84; III 70.

INDEX

Speotyto cunicularia liypogeae, I
24; II 53, 77, 85; III 55, 70.

Sphyi-apieus varius, II 53.

Spinus pinus, I 26; II 100; III 72.

Spiza americana, I 27; II 56, 78,
85; III 71.

Spizella breweri, II 55; III 70, 85;
monticola, I 26; III 51, 57; mon-
ticola ochracea, II 75, 85; III 57;
pallida, I 26; II 55, 75, 78; pus-
ilia, I 26; II 55; pusilla arenacea,

I 17; II 55, 75; socialis, I 17, 26;

II 55, 78; III 72.

Squatarola squatarola, I 20, 23; II

84.
Steganopus tricolor, I 20, 23; II 51.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis, I 17,

27; II 56.
Stercorarius pomarinus, *I 19.
Sterna antillarum, I 19; II 50; cas-

pia, I 19; forsteri, I 19, 21; II

50, 84; hirundo, I 19; II 58.
Stilt, Black-necked, II 59.
Strix pratincola, I 24; II 53; III

54.
Story that Ends Rightly, A, F. H.

Shoemaker. Ill 40.
Sturnella magna, I 25; II 59, 69;

magna neglecta, I 25; II 55, 69,

77, 85; III 51, 56, 74.
Suggestions as to an Accurate and

Uniform Method of Recording

Observations, R. H. Wolcott, I 41-

44.
Surnia ulula caparoch. III 55.
Swallow, Bank, I 27; II 56, 81; III

44, 71; Barn, I 27. 39; II 56, 81,

85; III 62, 74; Cliff, I 27; II 56;

III 72; Rough-winged, I 17, 27;

II 56, 81; Tree, I 27; II 56, 78;

III 74; Violet-green, I 17; III 72;
White-bellied, I 13, 14; II 56
(^Tree Swallow).

Swan, Trumpeter, I 16, 20; II 51,
60; Whistling, I 20, 22; II 51, 60.

Swenk, M. H., Notes on Some of
the Rarer Birds of Gage County,
II 100, 101; Notes on the Distri-
bution and Habits of the Blue
Grosbeak in Nebraska, III 48-50;
Our Winter Birds, III 52-58; Ad-
ditional Notes on Gage County
Birds. Ill 107.

Swift, Chimney, I 16, 25; II 48, 54;
White-throated, II 54, 69, 77; III
72, 81-83.

Symphemia semipalmata inornata,
I 20, 23; II 51, 84, 101.

Syrnium nebulosum, II 53, *77; III

55.
Tachycineta bicolor, I 27; II 56, 78;

III 74; thalassina lepida, I 17;

II 56; III 72.

Tanager, Louisiana, II 56, 69, 78;

III 66, 72, 86, 87; Scarlet, I 27,
39; II 56; Summer, II 60.

Teal, Blue-winged, I 19, 22; II 50,

68, 71, 76, 81, 83, 87, 88, 100; III
43, 61, 62, 70; Cinnamon, *I 19;
II 61; Green-winged, I 15, 19, 21;
II 61, 84, 87; III 53.

Ten Years Without a Gun, Wilson

Tout. Ill 42-45.
Tern, Arctic, II 91; Black, I 19, 21;

II 50, 82, 84; III 43, 61; Caspian,
I 19; Common, I 19; II 58; Forst-
er's, I 19, 21; II 50, 82, 84; III
61; Least, I 19; II 50; III 43;
Royal, II 93.

Thrasher. Brown, I 28; II 28, 58,

69, 79, 85; III 62; Sage. II 60, 91.
Thrush, Audubon's Hermit, II 93;

Gray-cheeked, II 91; III 107;
Hermit, II 58; Olive-backed,

I *18, 29; II 58, 79, 85; III 66, 73;
Willow, II 61, 93; Wilson's, II 61;
Wood. I 29; II 40, 41, 58; III 41,
45, 71.

Thrvothorus ludovicianus, II 60.
Titmouse, Tufted, I 28; II 60, 97;

III 52, 58.

Totanus flavipes, I 20, 23; II 51,
68, 84; III 71; melanoleucus, I
20, 23; II 51.

Tout, Wilson, How to Popularize
Ornithology, I 34-38; Remarks
by. I 37; Ornithology in the
Schools, II 30-33; Ten Years
Without a Gun, III 42-45.

Towiee, I 27; II 56; III 57; Arctic,

II 56, 78, 85, 99, 100; III 57, 74,
85, 86; Green-tailed, II 90.

Treasurer, Report of, II 6; III 5.

Tringa alpina pacifiica, I 20; II 68;
bairdi, I 16, 20, 23; II 68, 84; III
71; canutus. I 20; fuscicollis. I
16, 20, 23; maculata, I 20, 23; 11
68: minutilla, I 23; III 71.

Trochilus colubris, II 54.

Troglodytes aedon, *I 28; *II 58;
aedon aztecus, II 58, 79; III 74.

Trostler, I. S., Remarks by, I 34;
History of Ornithology in Ne-
braska and of State Ornithologi-
cal Societies in General, II 13-18;
Notes Regarding a Chimney

INDEX

Swift Tree, II 48; Bird and Nest

Pliotograpliy, III 89-93.
Tryngites subruficollis, I 20, 23.
Turkey, Wild, II 22, 52, 60, 72; III

54.
Turnstone, I 16, 20; II 100.
Tympanuchus americanus, I 23; II

52; III 50, 54; pallidicinctus, II

52, 84; III 54.
Tyrannus tyrannus, I 25; II 54, 69,

77, 85; III 70: verticalis, I 25; II

54, 77, 100; III 70.

Van Sant, Miss Elizabeth, Young
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, II 38-
42; A Pair of Young Barred Owls,
III 46-48.

Vireo, belli, I 27; II 46, 57, 75;
Bell's, I 27; II 46-48. 57, 75;
Black-capped, II 61, 91; Blue-
headed, II 57; flavifrons, II 57,
97; gilvus, I 27; II 57; gilvus
swainsoni, II 60, 78; III 74;
noveboracensis, II 57: olivaceus,
I 18, 27; II 56, 78: III 74; Plum-
beous, 11 57, 78, 93, 98; III 66,
72, 87; Philadelphia, II 61; Red-
eyed, I 18. 27, 39; II 56. 78; III
45, 74; solitarius. II 57; solita-
rius plumbeus. II 57. 78; III 72,
87; Warbling, I 27, 39; II 57, 97;
Western Warbling, II 60, 78, 93;
III 66, 74; White-eyed. II 57;
Yellow-throated. II 57, 97.

Vulture. Black. II 23, 91; Turkey,
I 23. 29, 30; II 23, 52, 76, 80, 81;
III 73.

Wallace, J. E.. Notes by, II 97.

Warbler, Audubon's, II 57, 78; III
66, 72, 87, 88; Bay-breasted. II
92; Blackburnian. II 92; Black-
poll, I 28; II 61; Black-throated
Blue, II 92; Black-throated Green,

I 28; II 61; Blue-winged, II 57;
Black and White. I 27; II 57;
Canadian, II 61, 91; Cape May,

II 61. 91; Cerulean, I 28; II 57,
97; Chestnut-sided. II 57; Con-
necticut. II 93; Golden-winged,
II 91; Hooded, II 61, 92; Ken-
tucky, II 57: Macgillivray's, II
61, 78, 92: III 67, 74; Magnolia.

I 28; II 61; Mourning, I 28; II
60; Nashville, II 57, 96, 97;
Orange-crowned, I 28; II 32, 61;
Palm, II 92; Parula, II 57; Pine,

II 92; Prairie, II 60; Prothono-
tary, II 42-44, 57; Sycamore, II

61, 91; Tennessee, II 61, 78, 99;
Townsend's, II 93; Virginia's, II
91; Wilson's, I 28; Worm-eating,
II 61; Yellow, I 13, 14, 28; II 5/,
78: III 62, 68, 71; Yellow-rumped,

I 28; II 60, 78.

Ward, H. B., Remarks by, I 20, 21;
40, 41; Internal Parasites of Ne-
braska Birds, II 63-70.

Water for Birds, Miss Elsie Pep-
oon. III 40, 41.

Waterthrush, II 90; Grinnell's, I
28; II 57; Louisiana, II 57.

Waxwing, Bohemian, I 27; II 27,
32, 100; III 45, 57; Cedar, I 27;

II 27, 56; III 57.
Whippoorwill, I 13, 14, 16, 25; II

24, 54.
Willet. Western, I 20, 23; II 51, 84,

101; III 59.
Wilsonia pusilla, I 28.
Woodcock, American, I 14, 23; II

51.
Woodpecker, Arctic 3-toed, II 95;

III 55; Batchelder's, II 53; III
55, 71; Cabanis' (+Harris', Nebr.
citations of), II 53, 77, 79; III
55, 66, 71, 80; Downy, I 16, 24;
II 24, 32, 53, 88: III 51, 55;
Gairdner's, II 91; Hairy, I 16. 24;
II 24, 53; III 51, 55; Ivory-billed,
II 91; Lewis', I 16; II 53, 69. 77,
79; III 55, 66, 71; Northern
Hairy, II 91; Northern Pileated,
II 61, 92, 95; Red-bellied, II 53,
101; III 51, 55; Red-headed, I 25;
II 53, 69, 77, 85; III 55, 62, 73;
Yellow-bellied, II 53.

Wolcott, R. H., A Twenty-three
Years' Record Kept by Dr. A. L.
Child of Plattsmouth, Nebraska,

I 11-15; Suggestions as to an Ac-
curate and Uniform Method of
Recording Observations, I 41-44;
Remarks by, I 40; On Migration
Records and Our Nebraska Rec-
ords, II 86-93; In Memoriam —
Martin Luther Eaton, II 94. 95;
Notes by, II 99. 100; Record of
Nebraska Ornithology, III 93-
105; Note by. III 108.

Wren, Baird's, II 90: Bewick's. II
61, 92; Canyon, II 93; Carolina,

II 60, 92; III 108: House, *I 13,
*14 *28: *II 30, *58, *93; Long-
billed Marsh, I 28; II 58. 83; III
45. 61; Rock. I 28; II 58, 79, 85;

III 65, 74, 88, 89; Short-billed

INDEX

Marsh, II 58; III 108; Western

House, 11 58, 79, 93, 99; III 74;

Winter, I 28; III 52, 58.
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus, I

25; II 55, 85.
Xema sabini, III 107.
Yellowlegs, Greater, I 20, 23; II

51; Lesser, I 20, 23; II 51, 68,

84, 100; III 59, 62, 71.
Yellowthroat, Maryland, *I 18, 28;

II 57, *78, *84. 92; Western, II

57, 75; III 68, 74.

Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,
Miss Elizabeth Van Sant, II 38-
42.

Zamelodia ludoviciana, I 17, 27; II
56, 69; melanocephala, I 17, 27;

II 56, 69, 78, 98; III 74.
Zenaidura macroura, I 23; II 52,

68, 76, 84; III 50, 54. 73.
Zonotrichia albicoUis, I 26; leuco-
phrys, I 26; leucophrys interme-
dia, I 26; II 60; querula, I 26;

III 51, 57.

I

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

AT ITS

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

Lincoln, Nebr., Dec. 16, 1899

EDITED BY ROBT. H. WOLCOTT

IN BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE UNION

Neligh, Nebr.

Merritt Gary, Printer

January, 1900

r

1. The Snow bird: Junco hieinalis. 2. White-throated Crown Sparrow:
Zonotrichia albicollis. 3. Fox Sparrow: Passerella iliaca. 4. Tree
Chipping Sparrow: Spizella monticola.

(From Agricultural Year Book for 1898).

PROCEEDINGS

NEBRASKA OKNITHOLOCUSTS' UNION

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

Lincoln, Nebr., Dec. lb, 1899

EDITED BY ROBT. H. WOLCOTT

IN BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE UNION

Neligh, Nebr.

MkkkittCarv, Printer

January, 1900

CONTENTS.

Abstract of Minutes Pages 3-5.

Constitution and By-Laws " 6-7.

1. President's Address, Ornithology in Nebraska " 8-11.

Prof. Lawrence Bruner, Lincoln.

2. A Twenty-three Years' Record Kept by Dr. A. L. Child,

Plattsmoiith, Neb Dr. R. H. Wolcott, Lincoln. " 11-15.

3. Further Notes and Observations on the Birds of Nebraska ... . " 15-18.

Rev. J. M. Bates, Long Pine.

4. The Bird Fauna of the Salt Basin, near Lincoln " 18-21.

Mr. J. S. Hunter, Lincoln.

5. Some Bird Notes from the Upper Elkhorn " 21-29.

Mr. MerriTT Gary, Neligh.

6. Nestitig Habits of the Raptores of Otoe County " 29-34.

Mr. M. a. Carriker, Jr., Nebraska City.

7. How to Poptdarize Ornithology, Mr. Wilson Tout, Utica. " 34-38.

8. A Plea for the English Sparrow " 38-41.

Mr. Lawrence Skow, Omaha.

9. Suggestions for an Accurate and Uniform System of Record-

ing Observations Dr. R. H. Wolcott, Lincoln. " 41-44.

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.
NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

OFFICERS.

PRESIDENT Pkof. L,a\vkence Bkuner, Lincoln.

VICE-PRESIDENT Mr. I. S. Tkostlek, Omaha.

RECORDING SECRETARY Dr. R. H. WotcoTT, Lincoln.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY Mr. W. D. Hunter, Lincoln.

I Chairman, Mr. J. R. BonvveIvL. Nebr. Citv.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ..DeanChas. Fordyce, Universit}- Place.

/ Rev. J. M. Bates, Long^ Pine.

ABSTRACT OF MINUTES.

The meeting was called to order in the Laboratory of the Department
of Entomology and Ornithology, Room 103, Hall of Mechanic Arts, the
University of Nebraska, at 11:20 a. m., Dec. 16, 1899, President Bruner pre-
siding.

Fourteen persons were present.

Mr. W. D. Hunter read the report of the committee of the local society
having- in charge the matter of a state organization, showing that 66 per-
sons had signified their willingness to take part in the movement and that
43 of these had voted for officers for the first meeting-. The result of the
ballot was as follows: President, Prof. Lawrence Bruner; Vice-President,
Mr. I. S. Trostler; Recording Secretary, Dr. R. H. Wolcott; Corresponding
Secretary, Mr. W. D. Hunter; Executive Coinmittee, Mr. J. R. Bonwell.
Rev. J. M. Bates, Dean Chas. Fordyce.

It was moved b^^ Dr. Wolcott that those who participated in the organ-
ization of the society be constituted the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union,
and that those present in behalf of the Union do formally endorse the ac-
tion of the committee having in charge the measures leading to the org-an-
ization of the same.

The draft of a constitution and by-laws prepared by the Executive
Committee was, in the absence of the chairman, read bj- Mr. W. D. Hunter,
who also presented a revised draft prepared after an informal conference
of several members previous to the meeting. Attention was called to the
few changes suggested, and after further minor changes had been proposed
and accepted it was moved by Dean Fordyce that the constitution and by-
laws as amended be adopted, which motion prevailed.

It seeming desirable that the objects of the Union and its relation to
the already existing Nebraska Academy' of Sciences be defined. Dr. Wolcott
and Mr. Hunter were appointed a committee on resolutions to formulate a
statement to that effect.

(4)

On motion of Dr. Wolcott it was decided that all who should become
qualified as active members by the pa^'iiient of dues previous to the next an-
nual meeting be considered charter members.

The Corresponding Secretary read the list of those who had previously
signified their intention of becoming members.

A communication from Mr. A. C. Tryon of Avoca, la., containing prop-
ositions by which the "Western Ornitholog-ist", the first number of which
is to appear in January, 1900, should become the official organ of the Un-
ion, was read, and on motion of Mr. Trostler the communication was re-
ceived and laid on the table.

The question of publishing the proceedings of the Union was discussed
and favorably considered, and a motion prevailed, made by Mr. Trostler
and amended by Dean Fordyce, by which the matter was left to the Exec-
utive Committee with power to act.

Attention being called to the fact that the officers for the ensuing year
could not be chosen in accordance with the provisions of the constitution
it was moved by Dr. Wolcott that in compliance with the section providing
for the filling of vacancies the Executive Committee prepare a list of offi-
cers for the ensuing year, and present a report to the Union previous to
the final adjournment. Carried.

On motion the meeting- was adjourned at 12:30 to meet again in the af-
ternoon.

The meeting was then called to order at 2:15 p. m., in the same room
and by President Bruner, who presented his annual address on "Ornithol-
ogy in Nebraska".

Forty-nine persons were present.

Dr. Wolcott read the following report from the committee on resolu-
tions:

Whereas, There already exists in this state a Nebraska Academy of Sci-
ences the field of which embraces Ornithology, in order to better define the
relationship of the new society to the older organization and to announce
more definitely the objects for which the Union is established; and

Since the Nebraska Academy of Sciences concerns itself with the dif-
ferent sciences from a more strictU' technical point of view, and aims es-
pecially to encourage original investigations concerning the various branch-
es of science; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union announces its de-
sire to assist the Academy of Sciences so far as may be possible in the
prosecution of the work of the latter, but at the same time claims as its own
field the extending and the intensifying of the interest in Ornithology
throughout the state, and especially in the schools, the fostering of all
measures tending to the protection of the bird life of the state, and the col-
lecting- of data of all kinds which may be of aid in arriving at a complete
knowledge of the Nebraska bird-fauna.

Dr. Wolcott then read a paper on "A Twenty-three Years' Record kept
by Dr. A. L. Child, Plattsmouth, Nebr."

Rev. J. M. Bates read a paper on "Further Notes and Observations on
the Birds of Nebraska."

(5)

Mr. J. S. Hunter read a paper on "The Bird Fauna of the Salt Basin
near Lincoln."

In the absence of the author, the Corresponding' Secretary read a paper
by Mr. Merritt Gary on "Some Bird Notes from the Upper Elkhorn."

Mr. M. A. Carriker, Jr. read a paper "On the Raptores of Otoe County."

Mr. Wilson Tout read a paper on "How to Popularize Ornithology."

Owing to the absence of Mr. Lawrence Skow, a paper by him entitled
"A Plea for the English Sparrow" was read by the Corresponding Secre-
tary.

(The discussions provoked by the reading of the several papers will be
found following them).

On the suggestion of Rev. Mr. Bates the constitution and by-laws
adopted at the forenoon session were read for the benefit of those who were
not then present.

Dean Fordyce read the report of the Executive Committee containing
nominations of officers for the ensuing year, as follows:

President Mr. I. S. Trostler, Omaha.

Vice-President Miss Caroline Stringer, Wayne.

Recording Secretary Mr. George E. Condra, Lincoln.

Corresponding Secretary Mr. W. D. Hunter, Lincoln.

I Chairman, Dr. R. H. Wolcott, Lincoln.

Executive Committee -: Dean Chas. Fordyce, University Place.

( Rev. J. M. Bates, Long Pine.

Mr. Condra begged to be excused from serving as Recording Secretary
on account of press of other work. The report was accepted and adopted,
and on motion of Dr. Wolcott the resignation of Mr. Condra was also ac-
cepted and Prof. E. H. Barbour made Recording Secretary in his stead.

The program of papers was then concluded by the reading of a paper
by Dr. Wolcott on "Sug-gestions for an Accurate and Uniform System of
Recording Observations."

The newly-elected officers were then introduced to the society and Pres-
ident-elect Trostler took the chair.

It was moved and carried that the society extend its thanks to the re-
tiring officers for their labors in behalf of the organization, and especially
to Mr. W. D. Hunter, upon whom has fallen the burden of the clerical work
in organizing the Union.

Dr. Wolcott announced that Mr. Merritt Cary had offered to print what-
ever stationery the Union might need free of charge, and the society voted
unanimously to accept his generous offer and to tender to him the thanks
of the Union.

On motion the society adjourned sine die at 5:45 p. m.

(Signed) RoBT. H. WOLCOTT,

Recording Secretary.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS,

ARTICIvE I. (Name and Object.)

Sec. 1. This association shall be known as The Nebraska Ornitholo-
g^ists' Union.

Sec. 2. Its object shall be to promote the study of ornitholog-y by more
closely uniting- the students of this branch of natural history in the state
of Nebraska.

ARTICLE II. (Members.)

Sec. 1. Members shall be of three classes: active, associate, and hon-
orary.

Sec. 2. Any person residing- in Nebraska, not less than sixteen years
of ag-e, may become an active member on receiving- a majority vote of the
members present at any meeting-. Members of this class only shall have
the right to vote and hold office.

Sec. 3. Any person interested in ornitholog-y may become an associate
member on receiving- a majority vote of those present at any meeting.

Sec. 4. Honorary members shall be elected for their eminence in or-
nitholog-y.

ARTICLE III. (Quorum.)

Sec. 1. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be one-fifth of
the total active membership.

ARTICLE IV. (Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. The officers of this Union shall be: a President, a Vice-Presi-
dent, a Recording Secretary who shall also act as Librarian, a Correspond-
ing Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Sec. 2. There shall be a standing- Executive Committee consisting of
three members elected by the Union, with the President and Recording
Secretary as ex-officio members. The chairman shall be the elected mem-
ber of the committee that receives the largest number of votes.

ARTICLE V. (Duties of Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. Duties of the President. It shall be the duty of the President
to preside at all of the meetings of the Union, to appoint all committees
not otherwise herein provided for, and to perform such other duties as may
properly pertain to the office.

Sec. 2. Duties of the Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the Vice-
President to act in the absence or incapacity of the President.

Sec. 3. Duties of the Recording Secretary. It shall be the duty of the
Recording Secretary to keep a record of the meeting-s of the Union, to coun-
tersign all orders and documents issued by the President, to superintend
the publication of the Proceedings of the Union, to act as Librarian, and
to perform such other duties as properly pertain to the office.

Sec. 4. Duties of the Corresponding Secretary. It shall be the duty
of the Corresponding Secretary to conduct the general correspondence of
the Union, to prepare the program of the meetings, to send out the call for
such meetings, and to perform such other duties as properly pertain to the
office.

Sec. 5. Duties of the Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer
to receive and have charge of all moneys of the Union and to pay such bills
as are endorsed by the President and Secretary.

(7)

Sec. 6. Duties of the Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of
the Executive Committee to fix the date of the annual meeting-, to fill by
temporary appointment offices left vacant bj^ removal or by death, to
nominate three persons for each of the several offices that are to be filled
annually, and to decide election in case of a tie.

ARTICLE VI. (Election of Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. The election of all officers and standing committees shall be
by ballot of all the members of the Union through correspondence, and the
Corresponding Secretary shall send a list of the nominees of the Executive
Committee to each member by the first day of November in each year.

Sec. 2. The term of office shall extend from the end of one annual
meeting to the end of the next one.

ARTICLE VII. (Meetings.)

Sec. 1. The annual meeting of the Union shall be held at such place
as the majority of the members through correspondence shall select, and
at such time as the Executive Committee shall decide.

ARTICLE VIII. (Dues and Assessments.)

Sec. 1. The annual dues of the active members shall be one dollar
(fl.OO).

Sec. 2. The annual dues of associate members shall be fifty cents
($0.50).

Sec. 3. A general assessment may be levied by a two-thirds vote by
mail of all the members.

Sec. 4. In case of failure to pay dues before the close of the year, a
member shall forfeit his right to the publications of the Union.

Sec. 5. In case of failure to pay dues for two years a member shall be
dropped from the roll of the Union.

ARTICLE IX. (Amendments.)

Sec. 1. An amendment to this constitution may be adopted by a two-
thirds vote of the active members, one month notice of proposed amend-
ment having been given.

BY-LAWS.

Sec. 1. The actual amount expended by the officers in carrying on the
correspondence of the Union shall be refunded to them.

Sec. 2. All members in standing shall receive gratis one copy of the
publications of the Union.

Sec. 3. All papers presented at the meetings shall be the property of
the Union and shall be filed with the Librarian.

Sec. 4. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as fol-
lows: 1. Reading of minutes; 2. Reports of officers; 3. Reports of
committees; 4. Proposal of names and election; 5. Announcement of
election of officers and committees; 6. Presentation and discussion of pa-
pers and remarks; 7. Installation of officers; 8. Adjournment.

Sec. 5. Article VIII may be varied at any meeting by a vote of a ma-
jority of the members of the Union.

Sec. 6. Application for membership must be made to the Executive
Committee and such application must have the endorsement of at least one
member in standing, which shall be expected to be a proper recommenda-
tion of the candidate.

Sec. 7. Any of the By-laws may be amended or repealed b^' vote of a
majority of the active members.

PAPERS AND DISCUSSIONS.

I'KKsiDENT's ADDRESS— ORNITHOLOGY IN NEBRASKA.

PKOF. I,A\VKENCE BKUNEK.

You all know that Nebraska is comparatively young" and is, therefore,
behind some of the other states in a great many ways. Whether or not our
state is behind as reg'ards ornithology remains to be seen. In the presen-
tation of this subject today I have no written paper, but shall take up the
points I wish to bring before you as they come to me.

In the first place it must be confessed that ornithology in Nebraska is
n(-)t very old. We have, it is true, some writing-s on this subject that have
appeared from time to time, indicating in a way just what birds have been
observed, what their distribution is, something concerning" their food hab-
its, a trifle regarding the possibility for the future, etc., but aside from
this we are behind a great many other states in a number of ways. We
have perhaps fewer workers who are interested in birds in this state than
are to be found in some of the neighboring states. Althoug^h these work-
ers may be fewer in number, I think there is no doubt that they are more
earnest in the work they are doing. Four years ago it was suggested by
some one at one of the meeting's of the State Historical Society that we as
citizens should know a little more about our birds. "If the birds are of an)'
use to us we ought to know it", are the words that were used by the speak-
er at that time. According-ly as Entomologist and Ornitholog-ist, and a
few other "gists" to the Horticultural Society, I was asked to get together
some notes on Nebraska birds that might be of value to the members of the
Horticultural Society and others. I myself had been studying birds in a
kind of dilatory way for twenty-five years prior to the meeting here referred
to, and had accumulated some notes on the species belonging to portions
of Nebraska where I happened to be at different times. Letters were also
written to the various persons residing" in the state who were known to be
more or less interested in the study of birds. A list of the names of fifty-
six different persons was g-otten together and from these persons were ob-
tained the notes that they had made concerning the birds of Nebraska. A
compilation of these notes resulted in bringing together a larger list of
birds for Nebraska than has been obtained in any other state in the Union.
Four hundred and sixteen different species and subspecies, according to
this list, had been taken or seen within the present limits of the state.
These notes were arranged practicalU- in the form you see them in this
pamphlet I hold in my hands. Each person who furnished such notes is
g"iven full credit for what he did. The compiler of the notes onlj' holds
himself responsible for the references to which his name is attached.

It was further found that, of the 416 different species and subspecies
that had been taken in Nebraska, 227 at that time had been found breeding
within our boundaries, indicating that at least this number among these
are at home in Nebraska, for wherever a bird rears its young there is its

(^0

home. If it is not found at home at all seasons of the year it is simpU' be-
cause it has g-one visiting', or to winter in some other region with milder cli-
mate. A bird is a sort of aristocrat and able to visit different climes. We
cannot all go to Florida in winter, but birds can if they so desire. Not-
withstanding this habit of many of our birds of retiring- to the southward,
moi-e than one hundred species have been taken or seen inside our borders
during winter, representing- the fact that at least this many winter here.
(Juite a number of these that winter with us also spend the summer here.
A few others come to us from the regions farther north and remain over
winter.

Now why is it that we have so many birds in Nebraska? I do not like
to be referring to that old worn-out subject of the location of Nebraska, the
variation in surface configuration of the state, the difference in altitude of
different sections, and so on, but lean hardU' avoid speaking of these points
here. Everj' one of you upon looking at that map of Nebraska can see that
it is located centrally between the floor and ceiling; just about such a posi-
tion has Nebraska with reference to the rest of the states. In the south-
east corner it reaches but little more than 800 feet above tide water; we
have a belt of timber along- the eastern edg-e of the state; there are isolated
groves immediateh' back of this with prairie between; and farther on are
found broad prairies without timber belts; and still farther west are found
plains conditions. "We have moist, medium and arid regions in the state.
We have mountain, plain, prairie, and forest conditions. The Missouri
river with its broad valley is a great roadway for the migrating birds in
passing from the south to the north, and from north to south. The branch-
ing valleys with their streams extending^ back towards the west form other
roadways for the birds in their distribution over the state. The lakes of
the sandhills, and the sandhills themselves, offer retreats for birds that find
no suitable home in anj- other region except these particular localities. You
see, as I said, we are half way between the east and the west, the south and
the north, and we receive birds from all of these regions. We have nearly
all the forms that occur in the eastern states. The eastern edge of Nebras-
ka possesses the same bird fauna as Iowa, Illinois, and other states of like
latitude. As we proceed a little farther west we find birds which come in-
to the countr3' from Mexico and reach our central and western regions.
These are those that are at home on the Mexican plateau and on the eas-
tern slopes of the Cordilleras of Mexico during portions of the year; and
then still farther west we come to the mountain conditions. Diverging
from the Rockj^ Mountains, the Black Hills range extends toward the north-
east into South Dakota, and again giving off a spur to the eastward fur-
nishes in Pine Ridge suitable conditions for mountain birds along a great
portion of our north and northwestern territory-. We also have a number
of bird visitors in northwest Nebraska in winter that do not reach western
Kansas, or Iowa and regions farther east. Although we have very little
water in the shape of lakes and ponds in the state, there are few water
birds of the United States not strictly maritime but that reach Nebraska;
in fact some seem to be more partial to the waters of our state than to tho.se
of more eastern localities.

(10)

Although we have diiiie but comparatively little in the way of gather-
ing statistics concerning the birds of Nebraska, we have, as you may read-
ily see, laid a fair foundation for the beginning of a study of these crea-
tures. It has already been acknowledged by the action of the legislature
of Nebraska that this state is to take an eminent position among- the states
of the Union as a bird protector. We have established a Bird Day in our
public schools. But two or three other states have done likewise. We were
the first to establish Arbor Day; Pennsj-lvania was the first to establish
Bird Day. We came in second or third, I do not remember which. Besides
this our Department of Public Instruction has taken up the matter in ear-
nest and distributes each year for Bird Day and Arbor Day a program to be
used in all the public schools throughout the state, giving at least one-half
of this publication to birds, and the other half to trees, shrubs and flowers.
In the University of Nebraska Experiment Station we have always insist-
ed that birds are essential to farmers and fruit growers, and have endeav-
ored to show by publications from time to time that these creatures otight
to be protected because of their usefulness. A year ago, or thereabouts, a
little bulletin or leaflet called "An Appeal for the Protection of Our Birds",
was prepared in this Department. This was not original, but was sent out
from the Department for the efl'ect it might have in the direction of bird
protection. Up to date something like twenty or twenty-one thousand of
these leaflets have been distributed. At least three-quarters or more of our
daily and weekly papers have published the bulletin in full; besides, a num-
ber of monthly periodicals have copied it and spread it among their read-
ers; hence the citizens of the state beg-in to conceive the idea that bird pro-
tection is not to be a fad but a reality.

I have always maintained that birds are a sort of equalizer in nature,
and have frequently made addresses in which it was stated that insects
were made for some purpose, and that purpose was "for birds to eat", and
that "birds were made to eat insects". Here is an equilibrium for you. If
we kill the birds there will be a superabundance of insects; if we permit
the insects to increase then the birds will also need to be increased. We
must keep the number of birds up in order to keep the insects down. If by
any chance we should have more birds than we have insects to feed them
with, the birds would simply go to other states for such food.

Now I have conceived the idea that we, as an organization of bird lov-
ers of Nebraska, have a mission before us. Whether I am right in this or
not will remain for you to say. While we can study birds with reference
to their moulting, their food habits, their migration and other habits, we
should, I believe, make bird study something even more than this in our
state. It strikes me that we have a mission to bring the study of ornithol-
ogy into our public schools. Every one of us is intensely interested in this
matter, and if we go at it in the right way there is no reason why this or-
ganization cannot prepare a manual on Nebraska birds to be used in our
schools. There are certainly enough persons in the Union who have suffi-
cient interest, and who are capable of getting together the manuscript for
such a manual. Just now we are trying, in fact, not only ourselves, but
the entire school system of the state is trying, to introduce what we choose

(11)

to call "nature study" into the schocjls. We in America have dropped be-
hind so far in this respect in comparison with all other countries that we
are beyinnint^- to be in earnest, and whenever an American is in earnest he
moves, and moves rapidly. We have taken up Nature Study as a branch
of instruction in our schools. Birds appeal to most people more strongly
than do other thing's in nature. There seems to be a spot in our makeup
which is stirred to life whenever birds and bird habits are spoken of. This
being true there is certainly a chance for the revival of interest in nature,
if we can bring out the matter of birds and bird study in our schools. Be-
sides reviving an interest in nature study I believe we will soon create a
sentiment all over the state in favor of the protection of birds. This fact
was brought to my notice most forcibly while in South America a couple
of years ago. I went out to hire someone to assist me in collecting speci-
mens for the University' of Nebraska. There seemed to be only one person
available at the time — a Swiss boy about twenty or twenty-one years of
age. He was the only one apparently in that reg^ion who did not try to
kill every bird that came in sight. In speaking to him concerning this
trait he said that at home they were taught better than to kill birds. He
came to South America when nine j^ears old. I have heard since that ev-
erybody in Switzerland is taught to respect bird life. This reminds me
that we have a paper on the program by one of our members, a Dane, who
makes a plea for the English Sparrow. Now here in this ornithological
union, I believe there are comparatively few friends of the House Sparrow,
but this man is an exception. He was raised in a country where the good
people feed their birds during winter. In Germany they do likewise. I^et
us take a hint from these nations and take care of our birds too.

Let me now thank you for this honor of being able to make the first
official talk to the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union.

A TWENTY-THREE YEARS' RECORD KEPT BY DR. A. E. CHILD
OF PLATTSMOUTH, NEB.

DK. R. H. WOLCOTT.

Dr. A. L. Child was barn in Rochester, Vt., in August, 1810, and was
largely self-educated, though graduated from the Randolph, Vt. Grammar
School in 1830. He einigrated to the West in 1833, studied medicine at Cin-
cinnati, O., and practiced his profession for six years; engaged in teach-
ing in different places in Ohio for eight years; and then travelled
during the following four years. In April, 1857, he removed to Cass Co.,
Neb., and went to farming at Glendale. In the fall of 1869, being elected
Probate or County Judge, he removed to Plattsmouth, where he resided
till 1883, when, we are informed, he removed to Kansas City, Mo. He is
now deceased.

He was not a scientific man, according to the ordinary meaning of the
term, but was evidently a lover of nature and a close observer of natural
phenomena. He was in correspondence, at first with the Smithsonian In-
stitution and later with the U. S. Sigmal Service, and kept a ver\' full me-

(12)

teorolug'ical recurd, beg'inning in 1858 and continuing, with a partial inter-
ruption from 1869 to 1873, till 1883. This record is in the possession of the
local U. S. Weather Bureau, and through the courtesy of Mr. G. A. Love-
land, the writer has been allowed the privilege of examining it.

Scattered through the pages of this record are numerous references of
interest to the biologist — notes on the occurrence of grasshoppers, the time
of appearance of flowers and birds in spring, etc. — and at the end is a sum-
mary headed "Progress of Seasons". Under this caption a table compiled
by Dr. Child, and bearing date Jan. 26, 1874, was printed in the "Omaha
Republican", and under the same title was published in the Transactions
of the State Board of Agriculture in 1879, a more extended review bringing
the record up to the end of that year. In the original record this summary
is brought down to the beginning of 1883.

These different summaries agree, except for a few discrepancies due to
errors made in transcribing, and excusable in view of Dr. Child's advanced
years. The notes in the body of the original record which is under exam-
ination, however, are by no means so full or so accurate as in the summar-
ies at the end, and this leads to the natural inference that either it was
compared with other records and corrected and amplified by facts obtained
from other sources, or else that it was only a part of the record kept by its
author. Prom internal evidence the former supposition seems the more
probable, and the probability is increased by the fact that the summary
just referred to contains records on birds not included in the published
summary of 1879, although antedating by several years the date of publi-
cati<jn of the latter. If the other be true, it is most desirable that the miss-
ing portion be found and placed where it will be permanently preserved.
In either case the writer believes the summary may be accepted essentially
as it stands, for Dr. Child was apparently both careful and accurate, and
not likely to have published anything not perfectly reliable.

It is interesting to glance through the record. The very cold winters
were those of 1859-'60, '72-'73, '74-75, and '80-'81, and of these '80-'81 was
the most severe, the mean temperature for the three winter months being
14.14°, or 7.56° below the normal, and there being thirty-six days during the
winter on which the temperature fell to below the zero point. Under date
of March 23, '81, is this note: "The first really pleasant day since Nov. 1,
1^80— 143 days." The winter of '74-'75 was also a noteworthy one; under
date of Feb. 17— "The mean temperature since Dec. 28, to date, fifty-one
days, is 7.50°!!!". The very warm winters were those of '62-'63, '75-'76 and
'77-'78, the mean for '75-'76 being 7.47° above the normal, and that for '77-
'78, 11.31° in excess, while in each one of the three seasons the temperature
reached zero onlj' three times. January of 1880 was much the warmest Jan-
uary recorded, the mean for the month exceeding the normal by 14.54°, and
during the month Dr. Child noted Bluebirds, Robins, Phoebes and Spar-
rows. On the 8th he says, "Ground thawed out in many places and spring-
like weather, birds, etc., prevail"; on the 25th, "A tint of green on cotton-
wood timber."

Of the springs, those of '58, '60, '63, '76 and '78 were particularly early,
and those of '62, '67 and '81 especially late; while the warmest springs as a

(1--0

whole were these of '68, '78 and '79, and the coldest those of '67 and '72.
March, 1867, was the coldest March recorded. "The coldest March report-
ed b_v the Agricultural Department in Annual Reports since 1853 was that
of Vermont in 1863, viz: 19.8°. Our present March is 2.89° below that, and
21°III lower than the average of 9 years past." On June 2nd and 3d, 1867,
we read, '"The first real spring- or summer daj-s this season." "As March
of 1867 was an unprecedented cold one so March of 1868 was an equalh' ex-
treme warm one. 26.94° diflferencell" The warmest March recorded was
that of 1878; on the 26th peaches andg^ooseberries were in bloom.

The appearance of birds in spring is shown in the "Summarj'" which
follows, and which is an exact copj' of the orig^inal, except that one species
is omitted, the "Sparrow", under which name several species were evident-
ly confused, that in several places where comparison with the body of the
record makes it evident that errors in transcribing were made such are cor-
rected, and that additions were made from the same source.

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(14)

The discrepancies existing between the summary and the original rec-
ord were, in the case of the Swallow and the Catbird, so radical that the
writer did not feel justified in making them in the table but will add here
the dates obtained from the latter source. For the Swallow they are Apr.
16, '66; Apr. 26, '67; May 1, '68; Apr. 28, '69; Apr. 29, '72; May 1, '74; May
15, '75. For the Catbird, Apr. 28, '66; May 8, '67; May 1, '68; Mar. 28, '69
(probably an error); Apr. 28, '72; Apr. 27, '73; Apr. 30, '74; May 14, '75;
Apr. 26, '76; May 1, '77; Apr. 18, '78.

"Of the birds, the Blue Jay, Robin and Bluebird can hardly be termed
migratory, as at most any time during the winter a few warm days will
bring theni around us; to leave again if it becomes too cold. " — Trans. State
Board Agr. for 1879.

In this summary the "Swallow" is the White-bellied Swallow [Tachy-
cincta bicolor Vieill.), the "House Martin" doubtless the Purple Martin
{Prognc siihis Linn.), and the "Pewee" is the Phoebe {Sayoniis phoebe
Lath.).

The average date of arrival of any species may be reckoned by count-
ing for each year the number of days from the earliest recorded date to the
date for that year, averaging these figures, and then adding to the earliest
recorded date the number of days corresponding to the average so obtained.
Thus for the Robin, during twenty years the earliest recorded date is Feb.
3, '77, the latest Apr. 20, '67, the average obtained 41, or the average date
of arrival Mar. 16. It is evident that to take a date midway between the
earliest and latest dates would lead to error, for it would give an undue ef-
fect to a very early or a very late date, which may have been in the one
case due to an accident, and in the other to deficient observation. In this
computation winter dates are neglected since it is only the migrants with
which we are dealing.

This method gives the following average dates of appearance, taking
the summary as printed above:

Bluebird,

Av.

of 11 yrs.

Mar.

1

Catbird, Av.

of 23 yrs.

Mav 1

Robin,

' 20 "

"

16

Bobolink, '

' 14 "

" 3

Phoebe,

' 10 "

"

22

Kingbird,

' 14 "

" 4

Chewink,

' 13 "

"

31

Bait. Oriole,

6 "

" 5

Purp. Mart

in, '

9 -

Apr.

20

White-bellied

Whip-poor-

will, '

' 12 "

"

25

Swallow, '

' 24 "

" 8

Wren,

' 24 "

"

28

Yel. Warbler, '

8 "

" 9

If the dates afterward given for the Swallow and Catbird be substitut-
ed for those in the summary, the dates become, respectively, May 5 and
April 30, or practically the same as above.

Other dates appear here and there in the record. Aside from those for
"Plover", "Cranes", "Geese", "Ducks", "Yellowhammers", "Ground Spar-
rows", "Flickers" and "Chickadees", all of which are either resident
throughout the year or not referable to any particular species, we find the
dates which follow: Meadow Lark, Mar. 19, '66, Apr. 7, '67, Mar. 16, '68,
Mar. 27, '69, Apr. 29, '73, Apr. 10, '74; Chipping Sparrow, Mar. 22, '66;
Kingfisher, Mar. 27, '66, Apr. 6, '67, Mar. 23, '68, Apr. 8, '69; Mourning
Dove, Apr. 20, '66; Woodcock, Apr. 7, '67; Nighthawk, Mar. 26, '69, May

(15)

16, '74; Humming-bird, May 16, '80.

Under date Mar. 17, 1879, we find this note: "Earlier flocks of Wild
Geese and Brants usually make this a haltinjj^ place in both their northward
and southward passage and feed in the cornfields till the spring- or winter,
as the season may be, is more fully settled. Late flocks pass v^ry high, di-
rectly on, with no halt. This morning a large flock, verj' high, passed on
their return south. Very noisy and excited, yet with no delay. They
seemed to feel that they had been badly fooled and were returning to await
more springlike weather!". And under date of May 7, the same year:
"Very singular appearance of Wild Geese or Brants. Immense flocks of
many thousands going directly north, very high. The usual season for
this direct passage is from March 1st to April 10th, in flocks not often ex-
ceeding 30 or 40. But today the flocks often contained hundreds, and flocks
spread east and west as far as the eye could reach. They were passing over
for nearlv a half hour."

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIRDS OF
NORTHERN NEBRASKA.

KEV. J. M. BATES.

In 1896, I gave to Prof. Bruner my notes and observations on the birds
of Northern Nebraska, centering in Valentine and Cherry Co., and cover,
ing eight years. During that time, as since then, I had been reporting the
migration of birds to the Division of Ornithology at Washington, and
studying with the aid of Ridgwaj^'s Manual, Coues' "Birds of the North-
west", and such other helps as I could obtain without too great outlay.
Two years ago a lad in Long Pine High School, W^ill Smith, became much
interested in ornitholog}', partly, I trust, through my influence, and his co-
operation has been of great value in pushing the investigations. Several
of the birds enumerated below would have been still unobserved by me
without his assistance. I present here a few notes, chiefly in regard to
ranges, that will have some value in a revised edition of "Nebraska Birds",
and may have an interest for the present hearers. I will make use of num-
bers as well as Latin and English names, in case any present should wish
to open their books and follow me.

4. Colymbus nigricoUis californicus (Heerm.) — American Eared Grebe.
Two were shot south of Long Pine, May 18, '99. b3' Will Smith.

125. Peleca7ius crythrorhynchos Gmel. — American White Pelican.
June 5, '97, I saw 15 on a lake south of Wood Lake, Cherry Co. The sea-
son was very late, and perhaps that accounts for their delay in moving
north.

139. Ncttion carolitiensis (Gmel.) — Green-winged Teal. Winters in
Cherry Co. Shot in January bj' Lieut. Stotsenburg, my lamented friend.

147. Aythya vallisneria (Wils.) — Canvas-back Duck. Bred at Irwin
in '96 and '97, and Hackberry Lake in '97, the young being shot Sept. 1.

151. Clangula clangula aniericana (Bonap.) — American Golden-ej-e.
Winters in upper parts of Long Pine Creek. Shot Dec. 10, '96.

169. Chen liypcrborca (Pall.) — Lesser Snow Goose. Arrives earlier
than Canada Goose, often about Sept 4.

(16)

181. Olor buccinator (Rich.) — Trumpeter Swan. Used to breed on
Watt's L,ake, 25 miles south of Valentine, when the ranches were new and
few; also on Swan Lake, at the head of the Little Blue.

194. Ardca herodias Linn. — Great Blue Heron. In the spring of '97
I saw one several times on Pine Creek.

208. Rallus elcgans Aud. — King Rail. Reported to me as on Bal-
lard's Lake, Sept., '98.

225. Rccurvirosira americajia Gmel. — American Avocet. Breeds
just across the line in South Dakota, 30 miles northwest of Valentine, and
undoubtedly in the state.

230. Gallinago delicata (Ord) — Wilson's Snipe. A pair seen May 18,
'99, at Merriman, indicating the possibility of breeding there.

233. Micropalniahimantopus (Bonap.) — Stilt Sandpiper. Shot at Long
Pine, as well as in Cherry Co.

240. Tringa fiiscicollis Vieill. — White-rumped Sandpiper. Not un-
common at Long Pine, May 25.

241. Tringa bairdii (Coues) — Baird's Sandpiper. Bishop Graves sent
me a skin taken at Kearney, '99.

246. Erennctcs pusillus (Linn.) — Semipalmated Sandpiper. Seems to
be considered rare, but shot at Long Pine as well as Valentine.

283. Arenaria intcrprcs CLiinn.) — Turnstone. Shot by Will Smith 20
miles south of Long Pine, May 19, '99. Only two records in our Report,
both from Lincoln. So far as I can ascertain the Spotted and the Solitary
are the only true Sandpipers that breed in our portion of the state.

334a. Accipiter atricapillus striatulus Ridgw. — Western Goshawk.
One was shot at Kennedy, Cherry Co., Oct., '96, and I think is common out
there.

342. Biiteo swainsoni Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Almost as com-
mon as the Marsh Hawk, and undoubtedly breeds.

343. Biiteo latissimiis (Wils.)— Broad-winged Hawk. Shot and mount-
ed about 12 years ago, at Long Pine.

347a. Archibutco lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.)— American Rough-
legged Hawk. Killed in Cherry Co.

348. Archibutco fcrrugincus (Licht.) — Ferruginous Rough-leg. Killed
at Kennedy, Nov., '98, and wintering there.

357. Falco colnmbarius Linn.— Pigeon Hawk. Shot at Long Pine,
Dec. 29, '97, a large female. Whether it sometimes winters I do not know.

360. Falco sparvcrius Linn. — Sparrow Hawk. Breeds at Long Pine
in Cliff Swallow holes, with Rough-winged Swallows.

367. Asio accipitrinus (Pall.) — Short-eared Owl. Breeds on open prai-
rie at Long Pine.

373. Megascops asio (Linn.) — Screech Owl. Breeds at Long Pine.

388. Coccyzus crythropthalmus (Wils.) — Black-billed Cuckoo. At Long
Pine, May 9, '97. Seems to be rare.

390. Cervic alcvon (Linn.) — Belted Kingfisher. Winters on Pine Creek.

393. Dryobates villosus (Linn.)— Hairy Woodpecker. Shot at Long
Pine, Dec. 29, '97, and winters.

394. Drvobates piibesccns medianus (Swains.) — Downy Woodpecker.
At Long Piiae, April 10, '96.

408. Mclancrpcs torquatus (Wils.)— Lewis's Woodpecker. Winters at
Long Pine and Valentine, but rare.

413. Colaptes cafer (Gmel.)— Red-shafted Flicker. Winters at Long
Pine, being seen Feb. 6, '97, at 20 below zero.

417. Atitrostoimis vociferus ( Wils. )— Whippoorwill. Very rare, being
seen once in Cherry Co., and once in Long Pine canyon.

423. C/irctura pclagica ( Linn. )— Chimney Swift. Breeds at O'Neill
and Atkinson, and I am confident that I saw it several years ago at Long
Pine.

432. Selasphorus platycercus ( Swains. )— Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
At Bassett, Sept. 10, '99, I had the pleasure of watching one of these little

(17)

beauties, and by observing" it both sitting- and rtyin<4% took in the points s-)
that I had no difficulty in identif^ving- it next day, on reaching home, as a
female Broad-tail. They are ver3' rare with us. Whether the Rubj'-throat
is found with us is a question not answered, as my note in Prof. Bruner's
Report isonh' a g-uess at the species, and may have been the same thing-
seen many years ag^o at Valentine.

4.^7. Sayoniis saya ( Bonap. ) — Say's Phoebe. After seeing- and hear-
ing (jne of these flycatchers in Chadron and Valentine, and wondering
what it could be, I succeeded in sh(Kjting- one on May 9, '98, on the roof of
the g-overnment building- in Valentine without getting- the authorities af-
ter me. The bo^'s in Chadron declared that it bred there. I think I saw
it only April 11, in Chadron.

488. Corpus anicricanus Aud. — Common Crow. I do not know of its
breeding- west of Grand Rapids, on Niobrara River, north of Stuart.

491. Xucifraga colunibiana ( Wils. ) — Clarke's Nutcracker. One was
taken at Long- Pine vrith a wounded wing-, Sept. 29, '98. We afterwards
learned that there was a flock of 20 at a ranch 20 miles southwest.

492. Cyanoccphaliis cyanoccphalits (Wied)-Pinon Jay. Breeding- at
Holly, Sheridan Co., north of Rushville, July 15, '97.

508. Icterus hullocki ( Swains. ) — Bullock's Oriole. Very common at
Ivong Pine.

509. Scolt'cop/iagus carolinus ( Miill. ) — Rusty Blackbird. Remains at
Long- Pine as late as Nov. 3.

511b. Ouiscalus quiscula ceucus ( Ridgw. ) — Bronzed Grackle. I found
a nest last summer 4 feet from the g-round in a pine that was about 5 feet
high. I had always supposed they built in the tops of large pines.

515. Pinicola cnuclcator canadensis (Cab.) — Pine Grosbeak. Shot
March 1, '99, in Long Pine can^'on.

521. Loxia curvirostra }iiinor ( Brehm ) — American Crossbill. Shot at
Long Pine, Nov. 2, '98, feeding- with Junco hyemalis on hemp seed in the
canyon.

528. Acantliis liiiaria (Linn.) — Common Redpoll. Shot Feb. 2, '97,
in Long- Pine can^-on. Seen since, in small flocks, at Kennedy. A common
winter visitor.

Passer doiiu'sticus (Linn.) — English Sparrow. Has gone out to

the ranches, 4.) miles from Valentine, and has taken the railroad through
to the end of the state.

569. Spizella socialis (Wils.) — Chipping Sparrow. I never took one
of these birds until July 26, "99, and cannot tell whether the^^ are common
or strangers.

563a. Spizella pusilla arenacea Chadb. — Western Field Sparrow.
This extremely shy and interesting bird has been very common around our
streams this year. Reported by me but once before, and by no one else.

567. Junco hyemalis ( Linn. ) — Junco. Taken at Long Pine. I have
the impression that the Oregon Junco is the rnore abundant w4th us, but it
needs further study.

581. IMelospiza fasciata (Gmel. ) — Song Sparrow. In Long Pine can-
yon, but rare, I think.

595. Zauielodia ludoviciana (Linn.) — Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Long
Pine canyon. May 16, '99. Surely very rare in our parts.

596. Zantclodia uielanocepliala (Swains.) — Black-headed Grosbeak.
Nesting in a hedge at Long Pine, June 14, '99, and not uncommon.

597a. Guiraca ccrrulea lazula ( Lesson ) — Western Blue Grosbeak. In
Cherry Co., June 7, '93, and I think also in July this 3'ear.

615. Tacliycineta tlialassina ( Swains. ) — Violet-g-reen Swallow. It may
be of interest to state that I found this bird at Newcastle, W^'o., in '96, and
have never seen it anywhere else. According" to all accounts it ought to be
found in my range.

617. Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Aud. ) — Roug"h-winged Swallow. Com-
mon in Long Pine canvon.

(18)

624. I'ireo olii<acciiS (Linn.) — Red-eyed Vireo. Very common in L,ong-
Pine canyon.

681. Geofhlypis friciia.s ( Linn. )^Maryland Yellow-throat. Breeds in
Long Pine canyon.

703. Miinhs poly,^lottos (Linn.) — Mockingbird. Sent me from Kear-
ney last July — therefore breeding.

727. Si'fta caroliuoisis Lath. — White-bellied Nuthatch. Long Pine
canyon.

728. Sitfa caua.ioisi.s Linn.— Red-bellied Nuthatch. Nov. 2, Long
Pine canyon.

754. Myadcstcs toivnscndii ( Aud. )— Townsend's Solitaire. Winters in
Long Pine canyon, from Oct. 20 to March 22.

758a. Hyl'ocichla ustulata sivainsoni ( Cab. )— Olive-backed Thrush.
Our book lia.s no note of its breeding, but it bred abundantly in Long
Pine canyon this year.

766. Sialia sialis ( Linn. ) — Bluebird. I hear that it breeds a little in
our vicinity. I shot one about Sept. 1, '98, that was evidently immature,
but may have been mig^rating thus early.

The progress that we have been able to make, with very little time to
give the subject, since the publication of Prof. Bruner's Report, shows that
there is much still to be done in the investigation of range, breeding hab-
its, and relative abundance of species and varieties, as well as of their eco-
nomic relations to man. The present condition of our knowledge is per-
haps not without credit to our state, but it can certainly be much increased
by this diffusion of what we have, and the collection of that which is in
the possession of isolated individuals, through the workings of this Union,
which has now brought us bird-lovers together for the first time.

THE BIRD FAUNA OF THE SALT BASIN, NEAR LINCOLN.

MR. J. S. HUNTEK.

A few miles west of Lincoln is a small lake about three-quarters of a
mile long and half a mile wide, covering about two hundred acres. The
banks slope gradually to the water, and are covered with a scant growth
of grass. The water averages between two and three feet in depth. This
body of water is called by hunters "The Lake", and by society people
"Burlington Beach". It is a semi-natural lake. Formerly there was a
salt basin, in which there was very little water and a great deal of mud.
Then a scheme was devised to make a lake for a pleasure resort, so across
the lower end of the basin a dam was built, and at the upper end a channel
dug connecting with Oak Creek. The water is very salty and supports
comparatively little plant or animal life.

But during- the fall and spring'- migrations of the water fowl it seems
to be a very attractive spot for them. During the two seasons there is
scarcely a day but that one may see one or more flocks of ducks or geese,
and numerous shore birds. There is so little concealment that the ducks
do not have much trouble in keeping- out of range of a gun. Most ducks
are killed from boats. Two local hunters ths past fall killed 157 ducks of
various species during six afternoons in a boat. Days when, in a twenty
or thirtv miles' tramp along the creeks one will not see a duck, there will

(19)

be several nice flocks at the lake. I have seen quite often as many as four
or five thousand ducks on the water at one time.

The following list is made up of my own and the records of other mem-
bers of the local Bird Club.

3. Colymbiis aurifiis Linn.- Horned Grebe. Frequent.

4. Colymbus uii^n-icollis califoruicus (Heer;n.)-American Eared Grebe.

^^^t^"^^' Podilvmhus podiccps (Linn.)-Pied-billed Grebe. Common.

7 Cavi'a imbcr (Gunn.)— Loon. Uncommon xr . .«

36. Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.)-Pomanne Jaeger. Very rare.

^la I ariis anrenlaiiis s.mithsonianus Coues-Herrnig Gull. Kare.

^^4." iMvus dclaivaranis Ord- Ring-billed GulL Uncommon.

58. Larus atricilla Linn. -Laughing Gull. Frequent.

59 larus franklinii Sw. & Rich.-Franklin s Gull Common.

60' Larus Philadelphia (Ord)-Bonaparte's Gull. Uncommon.

64'. Sterna easpia Pall.-Caspian Tern. Very rare.

69 Sterna forsieri Nutt.— Forster's Tern. Uncommon.

7o' Sterna hirundo Linn.— Common Tern. Uncommon.

74. Sterna antillarum (Less. )-Least Tern. Uncommon

77. Hydrochelidon nigra 5//r/;/«;«^;/^^MGmel. )-Black Tern. Com-

'"""l20. Phalacroeorax dilophus (Swains.)-Double-crested Cormorant.

^""""nOa. Phalacrocorax dilophus floridanus (And.) --Florida Cormorant.

^^""125. Pclecanus erythrorhynchos Gmel.-American White Pelican. Fre-

'^'"'^-'9 Menranser americanus (Cass.)-American Merganser. Rare.

130'. Merganser serrator (Linn. )-Red-breasted Merganser Rare

131. Lopfwdvtes cucuUatus (Linn.)-Hooded Merganser. Frequent.

132. Anas boschas Linn.— Mallard. Common.

133. Anas obscura Gmel.— Black Duck. Uncommon.
135. Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.)-Gadwall. Common.
137. Mareca americana (Gmel.)-Baldpate. Uncommon.

139. Nettion carol inensis ( Gmel. )-Green-winged Teal. Common.

140. Querquedula discors ( Linn. )-Blue-winged Teal. Common^

141. Ouetquedulacvanoptera ( Vieill. )-Cinnamon Teal. \ erN rare.

142. Spatula clvpeata {l^inn.)—'^\\oxe:\ler. Common.

143. /;aA7a ar///« (Linn. )— Pintail. Coinnion.

144. .-://r5A^;/i-« (Linn. )- Wood Duck. Frequent.
146. Wi'//n'««;;/.'r/Va;/a (Evt.)-Redhead. Frequent.

147 A'vthva vallisncria (Wils. )-Canvas-back. Frequent.

149. A'vtliva affinis ( Evt. ) -Lesser Scaup Duck. Frequent.

150. Avt/iva collaris ( Donov. ) -Ring-necked Duck. \ ery rare

151. Clangnla clangula americana ( Bonap. )-American Goiden-e> e.

^^''\st!'''charitonetla albeola (Linn.)-Buffle-head.^ Common.

Ib3. Oidemia americana Swains.— American Scpter. \ ery rare.

165. Oidemia de^iandi Bonap.-White-winged Scoter. Rare.

166. Oidemia pcrspicillata (Linn.)— Surf Scoter. Rare.

167. Erismaturajamaicensis (Gmel.)-Ruddy Duck. Common.
169. Chen hxperborea (Pall.)-Lesser Snow Goose. Common

169a. Oien hyperborea nivalis ( Forst. )-Greater Snow Goo^,e. Fre-

"^"^"169.1. Chen ccerulescens ( Linn. )-Blue Goose. Rare . ., p^^_

171a. Anseralbifronsgambeli ( Hartl. )-American \^ hite-fronted Goo>,e.

^''172. Branta canadensis ( Linn. )— Canada Goose. Common.

172;i. Jiianta cauadcnsis htitchinsii ( Rich. )-- Hutchins's Goose. Com-
mon.

180. Olor coluiiihiauiis (Orel) — Whistling- Swan. Rare.

181. (.Vor buccinator (Rich.) — Trumpeter Swan. Rare.

190. Botaiinis Icntiginosiis (Montaj^-. ) — An;erican Bittern. Common.

191. Ardctta cxilis (Gniel. ) — Least Bittern. Rare.

194. Ardca herodias L,inn. — Great Blue Heron. Uncommon.

197. Ardea candidissiina Gmel. — Snowy Heron. Rare.

200. Ardea coerulca Linn. — Little Blue Heron. Rare.

201. Ardca vircsccns Linn. — Green Heron. Common.

202. Nycticorax nycticorax na-vius ( Bodd. ) — Black-crowned Nig-ht
Heron. Common.

204. Crriis americana ( Linn. ) — Whooping Crane. Rare.

206. Czriis uicxicana (Mxill). — Sandhill Crane. Rare.

212. Rallus virginianus Linn. ---Virginia Rail. Common.

221. Fulica americana Gmel. — Coot. Common.

223. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.) — Northern Phalarope. Uncommon.

224. SfeganopHS tricolor (Y'iqiW.) — Wilson's Phalarope. Common.

225. Reciirvirostra americana Gmel. — American Avocet. Uncommon.

230. (•allinago delicata ( Ord ) — Wilson's Snipe. Infrequent.

231. Macrorliamplius griseus (Gmel.) — Dowitcher. Infrequent.

232. IMacrorJiainpluis scolopaceus (Say) — Long-billed Dowitcher. In-
frequent.

233. iMicropalania Iiimaiitopiis ( Bonap. ) — Stilt Sandpiper. Uncom-
mon.

234. Tringa caniitus Linn. — Knot. Very rare.

239. Tj-inga niaculata Vieill. — Pectoral Sandpiper. Uncommon.

240. Tringa fuscicollis Vieill. — Bonaparte's Sandpiper. Common.

241. Tringa hairdii ( Coues ) — Baird's Sandpiper. Very common.
243a. Tringa alpina pacijica (Coues) — Red-backed Sandpiper. Very

rare.

246. Ereiinetes pKsillus (Linn.) — Semipalmated Sandpiper.

248. Calidris arenaria (Linn.) — Sanderling. Rare.

249. Limosafedoa (Linn. )— Marbled Godwit. Infrequent.

251. Liniosa hceniastica ( Linn. ) — Hudsonian Godwit. Infrequent.

254. Totanus nielanolcucus ( Gmel. ) — Greater Yellow-legs. Uncom-
mon.

255. Totanus flavipes (Gmel.) — Yellow-legs. Common.

256. Helodronias solitarius ( Wils. ) — Solitary Sandpiper. Frequent.
258a. Sympheniia seinipalinata inornata Brewst. — Western Willet. In-
frequent.

261. Bartramia lo}igicauda (Bechst. ) — Bartramian Sandpiper. Fre-
quent.

262. Tiingifes subrujicollis (Vieill.) — Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Un-
common.

263. Actitis inacularia (Linn.) — Spotted Sandpiper. Uncommon.
270. Squatarota squatarola ( Linn. ) — Black-bellied Plover. Uncom-
mon.

272. Charadrius doininicus Miill. — Golden Plover. Frequent.

273. ^Egialitis vocifera ( Linn. ) — Killdeer. Common.

274. ^-Egialitis seniipalmata Bonap. — Semipalmated Plover. Common.
277a. ^-Kgialitis ineloda circumcincta Ridgw. — Belted Piping Plover.

Rare.

283. Arenaria interpres ( Linn. ) — Turnstone. Very rare.

DISCUSSION.

DR. H. B. wakd: "It is perhaps a very minor point, but of some impor-
tance in accounting for the birds at the lake, that the water is compara-

tively ricli in the minute life upijn which mtinv of the water-birds feed ex-
tensively'. It has been found that the amount of such material in the wa-
ter is relatively large, althoui;h the visible animal and plant life of the lake
is small. 1 do not doubt that the water-birds find pretty f,'-<jod feedinj;- there
in spite of the apparent barrenness of the water."

SOME BIRD NOTES FROM THE UPPER EEKHORN.

MK. MKKKITT CAKV.

It miyht be well to state in the beginning- that, while I have entitled
this paper "Some Bird Notes from the Upper Elkhorn", the actual locality
in which the notes have been collected is Nelig^h. However, as Nelig-h is
situated in nearly the center of the Upper Elkhorn Valley, the topography
of which varies but little, these notes will doubtless give a'ou a good idea
of the avifauna of the region in general.

This list of Neligh birds, incomplete as it is, is the result of no little
labor, the greater portion of my spare time during the past four years hav-
ing been employed in its compilation. But it has been a labor of love, and
has afforded me rare enjoyment. I present the list with the hope that it
may be an incentive toward the compilation of more local lists, of which
we are in great need; and also that it may at least more definitely fix the
range limits of some migTatory species.

Following is the list, arrang-ed in the order adopted b^' the American
Ornithologists' Union in its Check-Eist:

4. Colyuibiis nioricollis ca/ifoniiciis (Heerni. ) — American Eared Grebe.
Not common. Seen only during the spring migration, in the latter part
of April.

6. Podilyuibiis podiccps (Einn.) — Pied-billed Grebe. Common mi-
grant. Arrives earh' in April and leaves in November. Have seen them in
summer, and a few doubtless breed in favorable localities.

69. Sterna forsteri Nutt. — Forster's Tern. One seen in October, '98.

77. HydTocliclidon nigra surinaincnsis (Gmel. ) — Black Tern. A reg-
ular mig-rant. Arrives Ma3' 5 to 15; leaves in latter part of August.

120. Plialacroiorax di'lophus (Swains.) — Double-crested Cormorant.
A lone stragg-ler killed on the Elkhorn in Nov., '96; also May 15, '99.

125. Pelccanus crythrorhynchos Gmel. — American White Pelican. Mi-
gratory, not verv common. Several killed at Nelig-h during the eariv nine-
ties. Oct. 25, '98; Apr. 3, '99.

129. Merganser americanus (Cass.) — American Merganser. Migra-
tory, common. Arrives early in April, leaves Oct. 25 to Nov. 5.

130. Merganser serrafor {Li'mn.) — Red-breasted Merganser. Rather a
rare migrant. Nov. 6, '96; Apr. 19, '99.

131. Lophodytes ciicullatiis (Linn.) — Hooded Merg-anser. A male killed
on the Elkhorn in Nov., '97.

132. Anas hoschas Linn. — Mallard. MigratorN', common, a few remain-
ing to breed. Arrives Feb. 25 to Apr. 1; leaves Oct. 15 to Nov. 20.

135. Chaiilelasvius streperiis (Linn.) — Gadwall. Common mig-rant.
Mar. 15 to Apr. 15; Oct. 10 to Nov. 1.

137. Mareca americana (Gmel.) — Baldpate. Abundant during mig-ra-
tions. Same dates as preceding.

139. Xettion carolinensis (Gmel.) — Green-winged Teal. Our common-
est duck in earlv spring- and late fall. Sometimes seen in midwinter. Feb.
25 to Apr. 1; Sept. 9 to Nov. 20.

(22)

140. Qucrqucdula discors ( L,inn. ) — Blite-wing-ed Teal. An abundant
migrant and breeder. Arrives Apr. 1 to 15, breeds in June, and leaves
Sept. 10 to Oct. 15.

142. Spatula clypcata (Linn.) — vShoveller. Common migrant and sum-
mer resident. Same dates as last.

143. Dafila acuta (Linn.)— Pintail. Mig-ratorv, abundant. Usually
first duck to arrive in spring-. Feb. 25 to Apr. 1; Sept. 25 to Nov. 10.

144. Aix spoiisa (Linn.) — Wood Duck. Summer resident, common.
Apr. 1 to Oct. 20.

146. AytJiva auicricana (Eyt. ) — Redhead. Migratory, not common.
Mar. 1 to 30; Oct. 15 to Nov. 20.

147. Aythya vallisncria ( Wils. ) — Canvas-back. Rare migrant. Same
dates as preceding.

148. Avtiiva inarila (Linn.) — American Scaup Duck. Mig-ratory,
common. March 10 to 30; Oct. 20 to Nov. 20.

149. Aytliya affiuis (Eyt. ) — Lesser Scaup Duck. Common during- mi-
grations. Same dates as last.

151. Clangiila clangula anicvicana ( Bonap. ) — American Golden-eye.
Rare migrant.' Mar. 5, '98; Mar. 25, '99.

153. Cltaritonetta albeola ( Linn. ) — Bufiflehead. Migratory, not very
common. Nov. 10, '96; Apr. 18, '99.

154. Harclda hycinalis ( Linn. ) — Oldsquaw. A female was shot by
me in Oct., '98.

167. Erisniatura jainaiccnsis ( Gmel. ) — Ruddy Duck. Common mi-
grant. Oct. 20 to Nov. 10; Mar. 15 to Apr. 1.

169. Chen liypcrborca (Pall.) — Lesser Sno-w Goose. Migratory, com-
mon. Arrives last of March, and leaves Oct. 15 to Nov. 20.

171a. Anscralbifrons i^aiiibcli ( Hartl. ) — American White-fronted Goose.
Rare mig-rant, arriving in April and leaving- in November.

172. Branta canadensis ( Linn. ) —Canada Goose. An abundant mi-
g-rant. Feb. 25 to Mar. 30; Oct. 15 to Nov. 20. Has been seen in January.

172a. Branta canadensis liutchinsii (Rich.) — Hutchins's Goose. Mi-
gratory, common. Same dates as last.

180. Olor coluinbianus (Ord) — Whistling S-wan. A not uncommon
migrant, arriving in March. Not noted in fall.

190. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag. ) — American Bittern. Summer
resident, common. Apr. 1 to 15; Oct. 10 to Nov. 1.

191. Wrc/dV/a t';irz7/5 (Gmel. )— Least Bittern. Ver^^ rare. One seen in
April, '98.

194. Ardea herodias Linn. — Great Blue Heron. Not abundant. May
21, '99. Usually observed in August and September.

201. Ardea viresccus (Linn.) — Green Heron. An abundant summer
resident and breeder. Arrives Maj^ 1 to 10; breeds May 20 to Aug. 1; leaves
Sept. 15 to 30.

202. Nycticorax nycticorax ncrvius ( Bodd. ) — Black-crowned Night
Heron. Summer resident, common. Arrives Apr. 15 to May 1; breeds
May 20 to June 15; leaves Sept. 20 to Oct. 10.

204. Grus aiiiericana CLi'inn.) — Whooping Crane. A rather common mi-
grant. Mar. 20 to Apr. 1; Oct. 15 to 30.

205. Grus canadensis CLtinn.) — Little Brown Crane. Very rare. One
killed in May, '95.

206. Grus inexicana ( Miill. )— Sandhill Crane. Migratory, common.
Mar. 25 to Apr. 10; Oct. 1 to 20.

212. Rallus virginianus Linn. — Virginia Rail. Common migrant and
summer resident. Arrives May 1 to 10; breeds Mav IS to 25; leaves Sept.
25 to Oct. 15.

214. Porzana Carolina ( Linn. ) — Sora. Moi'e plentiful than the preced-
ing species. Migration and breeding dates the same.

221. Fulica americana Gmel. — American Coot. Common summer
resident. Ai-rives Apr. 1 to 15; breeds May 25 to June 15; leaves Sept. 20
to Oct. 10.

(23)

224. Sfci^cuiopiis tricoloy ( Vieill. )- Wilson's Phalarope. Mi.i,'-ratory,
common. Arrives Apr. 20 to May 1. Not noted in autuinn.

228. Philohcla minor (Gmel. ) — American Woodcock. A few killed
years ag'o on the Clearwater, ten miles west of Nelig'h.

230. CjaUina^s;o delicata (Ord) — Wilson's Snipe. Common migrant.
Apr. 10 to May 1; vSept. 25 to Nov. 15. A few remain throughout the win-
ter, along spring creeks.

231. Maij-or/iai)tp/tns ^i-isciis (Gmel.) — Dowitcher. A large flock, May
1(1, '9').

232. MacrorhaDiphus sco/opaccus ( Sa^' ) — Long-billed Dowitcher. A
few in company with the preceding, May 16, '99.

233. Micropala})ia liijuantopus (Bonap.) — Stilt Sandpiper. One taken
May 10, '99.

239. Tririoa iiiaculafa Vieill. — Pectoral Sandpiper. Migratory, com-
mon, Apr. 15 to Ma3' 1; August 15 to Sept. 1.

240. Tringa fiiscicollis Vieill. — White-rumped Sandpiper. Rather
common migrant. May 1 to 15. Not observed in autumn.

241. Tringa bairdii (Coues) — Baird's Sandpiper. A common mi-
grant, usually seen in company with the Least Sandpiper. Apr. 20 to May
15; Aug. 15 to Sept. 1.

242. Tringa minutilla Vieill. — Least Sandpiper. Abundant during
migrations. Apr. 30 to May 15; Aug. 15 to Sept. 10.

246. Ereitnefes pusillus (Linn.) — Semipalmated Sandpiper. Common
migrant in company with the preceding- species.

254. Totanus )nclanolcucus (Gmel.) — Greater Yellow-legs. Somewhat
common during migration. Apr. 20 to May 10; Aug. 15 to Sept. 20.

255. Totanus Jiavipcs ( Gmel. ) — Yellow-legs. An abundant migrant.
Saine dates as last.

256. Helodro)nas s,olitariiis ( Wils. ) — Solitary Sandpiper. Common
migrant and summer resident, Apr. 20 to Maj' 10; Sept. 1 to 20.

258a. Synnphcuiia scuiipaluiata inornata Brewst. — Western Willet. Sev-
eral seen early in May, '99.

261. Barfrainia longicauda ( Bechst. ) — Bartramian Sandpiper. Sum-
iner resident, common. Apr. 25 to May 10; Aug. 1 to Sept. 15.

262. TringUcs subruficoUis { Vieill. ) — Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Rare
migrant, a small flock seen Aug. 12, '99.

263. Actitis macitlaria ( Linn. ) — Spotted Sandpiper. Common sum-
mer resident. Apr. 20 to May 10; Sept. 1 to 20.

264. Niinietiius longirostris Wils. — Long^-billed Curlew. Formerly
common, now somewhat rare. Arrives May 5 to 15.

270. Squatarola squatarola ( Linn. ) — Black-bellied Plover. Small flock
in April, '98.

272. Charadrius do})iinicus Mxill. — Golden Plover. Rare mig-rant. Sev-
eral killed in April and October, '98.

273. ^Egialifis vocifcra (Linn.) — Kildeer. An abundant summer res-
ident and breeder. Arrives Mar. 1 to 15; breeds in May and leaves Oct. 1
to 15.

274. ^-Egialitis scuiipaluiata Bonap. — Semipalmated Plover. Migra-
tory, not common. Arrives in latter part of April. Not noted in fall.

289. Colinus virginianus ( Linn. ) — Bob-white. Resident, common.
Breeds from May until September.

305. Tyuipanuchus auicricanus (Reich.) — Prairie Hen. Resident, com-
mon. Breeds from latter part of May until August.

308b. Pediircctcs phasianellus cauipcstris Ridgw. — Prairie Sharp-tailed
Grouse. Formerlj' abundant, now rare. One killed in the fall of '98.

316. Zenaidura uiacroiira (Linn.) — Mourning Dove. Summer resident,
abundant. Arrives Apr. 1 to 10; breeds from last of April until September;
leaves Oct. 10 to Nov. 1.

325. Cathartes aura ( Linn. ) — Turkey- Vulture. Somewhat rare; usu-
ally observed about the first of Ma3-, and in latter part of September.

(24)

331. Circus htidsonhis (Linn.) — Marsh Hawk. An abundant resident,
breeding late in May.

332. Accipitcr vclox ( Wils. ) — Sharp-shinned Hawk. Common in fall,
winter and sprinjf.

333. Accipiter cooperii ( Bonap. ) — Cooper's Hawk. Somewhat rare.
Several seen in fall of '99.

334. Accipitcr atricapillus ( Wils. ) —American Goshawk. Somewhat
common as a winter resident.

337. Buteo borealis (Gmel. ) — Red-tailed Hawk. Not common. Sev-
eral seen Oct. 6, '99.

339. Biiteo lineatus ( Gmel. )— Red-shouldered Hawk. Rare. Oct. 6,
'98.

342. Bnfco sivainsoni Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Migratory, com-
mon; summer resident, rare. Saw an immense flock of these hawks on
their southward migration Aug. 28, '99. [Cf. Auk XVI, Oct., '99; pp. 352-
353] .

347a. Archibiiteo lagopus sancti-johannis ( Gmel. ) — American Rough-
legged Hawk. Rather abundant in fall, winter and spring.

348. Archibiiteo fcrriiginciis ( Licht. ) — Ferruginous Rough-leg. Rare.
One found dead in the brush along the Eikhorn, where it had been left by
some hunter, Dec. 25, '99.

349. Aqiiila c/iryscctos (Linn.) — Golden Eagle. Rare. One shot Mar.
11, '97. Another seen during November and December, '98.

352. HalicFctus Icucoccphaliis (Linn.) — Bald Eagle. Rarely seen.

356. Falco pcrcgrinus aiiatnm (Bonap.) — Duck Hawk. Very rare.
One shot in the spring of '96.

357. Falco columbarius Linn. — Pigeon Hawk. Common in fall, win-
ter and spring. Apr. 27, '98; Sept. 28, '99.

360. Falco sparvcrius Linn. — American Sparrow Hawk. Abundant
in late spring and early fall.

364. Paiidion haticctus carolincnsis (Gmel.) — American Osprey. Rath-
er common in early May and September.

365. Strix pratincola Bonap. — American Barn Owl. Not txncommon.

366. Asio ci'ilsonianus ( Less. ) — American Long"-eared Owl. Common
resident. Breeds late in March and early in April.

367. Asio accipitriiius ( Pall. ) — Short-eared Owl. A somewhat com-
mon resident, more often seen in late fall.

372. Nyctala acadica (Gmel.) — Saw-whet Owl. Winter resident, some-
what common.

373. jMcgascops asio (Linn.) — Screech Owl. Resident, not common.
Breeds in April.

375. Bubo virginianus (Gmel.) — Great Horned Owl. Somewhat rare.
Seen only in winter.

375a. Bubo virginianus arcticus ( Swains. ) — Western Horned Owl.
Very rare. One seen Apr. 8, '99.

376. Nyctca nyctca ( Linn. ) — Snowy Owl. After heavy snowstorms
in winter.

378. Spcotyto ciinicularia liypogcra (Bonap.) — Burrowing Owl. An
abundant resident. Breeds in April and May.

387. Coccyzus avicricaiius ( Linn. ) — Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Common
summer resident. Arrives May 10 to 20; breeds June 1 to 10; leaves Sept.
1 to 10.

388. Coccyzus crythrophthalmus ( Wils. )— Black-billed Cuckoo. Not
so common as last. Migration dates the same, but breeds June 6 to July 4.

390. Ccryle alcyon (Linn.) — Kingfisher. Summer resident, common.
Arrives Apr. 1 to 10; breeds June 1 to 20. Frequently observed in winter.

393. Dryobatcs villosus (Linn.) — Hairy Woodpecker. An abundant
resident. Breeds May 5 to 20.

394c. Dryobatcs pubcsccns incdianiis ( Swains. ) — Downy Woodpecker.
Resident, common. Breeding dates same as last.

(2o)

4()h. Melancrpcs crythroccphalus (Linn.) — Ked-headed Woodpecker.
Common summer resident and breeder.

412a. Colaptcs ainaiiis lutcus Bang's — Northern Flicker. Resident,
common. Breeds May 1 to 20.

413. Colaptcs cafcr ( Gmel. ) — Red-shafted Flicker. Not so plentiful as
preceding. Seen in summer, and doubtless breeds here.

417. AntrostoniHS vocifcrus ( Wils. ) — Whippoorwill. Summer resident.
not conamon. Breeds May 15 to June 1.

420. Clwrdeiles virginianiis (Gmel.) — Nighthawk. Abundant sum-
mer resident. Arrives Ma3' 10 to 20; breeds earlv in June; leaves Sept. 1 to
10.

423. Chcrfiira pclas^iia (Linn.) — Chimney Swift. Rare. Several seen
Apr. 30, '99.

444. TyraniiKS tyrannus (Linn.) — Kingbird. An abundant summer
resident. Arrives Mav 1 to 10; breeds throug"hout June; leaves Sept. 1 to
10.

447. Tyrannus vcrticalis Say — Arkansas Kingbird. Not uncommon
as a mig^rant, but rare as a summer resident. May 5 to 20; Sept. 10 to 20.

4.%. Sayoniis phoebe ( Lath. ) — Phcjebe. A soinewhat irreg'ular sum-
mer resident. Arrives Apr. 10 to 20; breeds Apr. 20 to May 5 (1st brood);
JuU' 1 to 15 ( 2nd brood ). Not noted later than August.

466. Enipidonax traillii ( Aud. ) — Traill's Flycatcher. Migratory, com-
mon. Probably a summer resident. May 5 to 20; Aug. 10 to Sept. 1.

467. Pimpidonax minimus Baird — Least Flycatcher. Rather common
migrant, May 10 to 20. Not noted in autumn.

474b. Otocoris alpcstris praficolu Hensh. — Prairie Horned Lark. Res-
ident, abundant. Raises two broods, the first in March or early April, and
the second in June.

477. Cyanocitta cristata (Linn. ) Blue Jay. Summer resident, very
abundant. Arrives Apr. 20 to Mav 1; breeds May 5 to 20; leaves Sept. 20
to Oct. 10.

488. Corvus anicricanus Aud. — American Crow. Resident, common.
Breeds Apr. 1 to 15 ( 1st brood ); Ma^- 30 to June 15 ( 2nd brood ).

494. Dolichouyx oryziz'oriis (Linn.) — Bobolink. Common summer
resident. Arrives May 1 to 10; breeds Mav 20 to June 10; leaves Sept. lo
to 20.

495. Moloihrus atcr (Bodd.) — Cowbird. Summer resident, abundant,
breeding throughout the summer.

497. Xantlwccphalus xanthoccphalus ( Bonap. ) — Yellow-headed Black-
bird. An abundant summer resident. Arrives Apr. 10 to 20; breeds earlj'
in May; leaves Oct. 5 to 30. I saw one individual Nov. 26, '99.

498. Agclaitis phoeniccus ( Linn. ) — Red-winged Blackbird. An abun-
dant migrant and summer resident. Arrives Mar. 5 to 20; breeds May 10
to July 15. Usually leaves Oct. 10 to 20, but was common until Nov. 25 the
present year.

501. Stiirnella magna ( Linn. ) — Meadow Lark. Somewhat rare sum-
mer resident. Arrives Mar. 5 to 20; breeds Mav 1 to July 15; leaves Oct.
10 to 30.

501b. Sturnclla magna neglecta ( Aud. ) —Western Meadow Lark. An
abundant migrant and summer resident. Same dates as last.

506. Icterus spuriiis ( Linn. ) — Orchard Oriole. Summer resident, com-
mon. Arrives May 5 to 15; breeds June 5 to 20; leaves Sept. 1 to 10.

507. Icterus galbula (Linn.) — Baltimore Oriole. An abundant sum-
mer resident. Arrives May 5 to 17; breeds June 1 to 15; leaves Sept. 5 to
15.

509. Scolccophagus carolinus ( Miill. ) — Rust^- Blackbird. An abundant
mig^rant, and not uncommon winter resident. Oct. 1 to Apr. 15.

510. Scolccophagus cyanoccplialus ( Wagl. ) — Brewer's Blackbird. Not
as common as preceding species. Same dates of migration, but not noted
in winter.

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511b. Oiiisialus quiscula crncus ( Ridg-w. ) — Bronzed Grackle. Summer
resident, abundant. Arrives Mar. 25 to Apr. 10; breeds May 1 to 15; leaves
Oct. 1 to 15. This year remained a month longer, until Nov. 20.

515. Pi)iicola cnuclcator canadensis (Cab.) — Pine Grosbeak. Two
seen and one shot Nov. 22, '98.

517. Carpodacus piirpureus (Gmel. ) — Purple Finch. Somewhat irreg-
ular migrant. Oct. 16, '98; Oct. 20 to 25, '99. Not noted in spring.

521. Lo.via ciirvi rostra »ii)ior (Brehm) — American Crossbill. Irreg-
ular migrant and winter resident, not common. Several seen as earh' as
Aug. 29, '98.

521a. Loxia curvirostra stricklandi Ridgw. — Mexican Crossbill. Rare
straggler. I shot a female Dec. 9, '98.

528. Acanthis linaria (Linn.) — Redpoll. Very irregular winter resi-
dent, November to April. Some years entirely absent.

529. Astragaliniis fristis ( Linn. ) — American Goldfinch. Abundant
resident. Breeds July 10 to Aug. 20.

533. Spinus pinus ( Wils. ) — Pine Siskin. A common but irregular
migrant and winter resident.

534. Passcrina nivalis (Linn.) — Snowflake. A small flock Mar. 16, '99.
536. Calcarius lapponicus ( Linn. )— -Lapland Longspur. Abundant

winter resident. Oct. 15 to Apr. 1.

538. Calcarius ornatus ( Towns. ) — Chestnut-collared Longspur. Mi-
gratory, common. Apr. 10 to 25; Oct. 1 to IS. One individual seen Aug.
12, '99, and several early in September.

540. Pooccctcs g-raini>icus (Gmel.) — Vesper Sparrow. Common mi-
grant and summer resident. Apr. 10 to 25; Oct. 15 to 30.

542a. Ai/iinodrainns sandzvic/icnsis saz'anna {Wils.) — Savanna Sparrow.
Migratory, common; probably a summer resident. Apr. 20 to May 1; Oct.
1 to 10. "

542b. Ainuiodrainits sandwichcnsis alaudinus (Bonap. ) — Western Sa-
vanna Sparrow. I took one in October, '99.

546. Auiniodramus savannarum passerinus (Wils.) — Grasshopper
Sparrow. Summer resident, abundant. Arrives May 1 to 10; leaves Sept.
30 to Oct. 10.

548. Aimnodramus Icconteii ( Aud. ) — Leconte's Sparrow. Rare mi-
grant. One taken Apr. 15, '99.

552. Chondcsles iiraimnacus ( Say )-— Lark Sparrow. Common summer
resident.

553. Zonotrichia qucrula ( Nutt. )— Harris's Sparrow. Migratory, com-
mon; winter resident, rare. May 1 to 15; Sept. 20 to Nov. 1. A small flock
remained throughout the severe winter of '98-'99.

554. Zonotrichia Iciicophrys ( Forst. ) — White-crowned Sparrow. Com-
mon migrant. Apr. 25 to May 10; Sept. 22 to Nov. 1.

554a. Zonotrichia Icucophrys intermedia Ridgw. — Intermediate Spar-
row. Not quite so common as last. Same dates of migration.

558. Zonotrichia albicollis ( Gmel. )- White-throated Sparrow. Abun-
dant migrant. Apr. 15 to May 10; Sept. 18 to Nov. 1.

559. Spizella monticola ( Gmel. )— Tree Sparrow. Winter resident,
abundant. Oct. 5 to Apr. 12.

560. Spizella social is ( Wils. )— Chipping Sparrow. Migratory, com-
mon. Summer i-esident, rare. May 5 to 15; Sept. 1 to 20.

561. Spizella pallida ( Swains. )— Clay-colored Sparrow. An abun-
dant migrant. Same dates as last.

563. Spizella pusilla ( Wils. )— Field Sparrow. Summer resident, com-
mon. Arrives Apr. 18 to May 1; breeds in latter part of May; leaves Sept.
25 to Oct. 10.

567. Junco hyemalis ( Linn. )— Junco. Migratory, common, but some-
what rare in the winter months. Arrives from the north the first of Octo-
ber, and leaves in April.

567a. Junco hyonalis oregonus ( Towns. )"Oregon Junco. Rare. One

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seen Oct. 16, '98, and a few more later in the month.

581. Melospiza fasciata ( Gniel. ) — Sonc;f Sparrow. Mig-ratory, com-
mon; summer resident, rare. Apr. 5 to 30; Sept. 1 to Nov. 1. Rarely ob-
served in winter.

583. Mclospr^a liinoliiii (And.) — Lincoln's Sparrow. Mi^^ratory, com-
mon. Apr. 20 to May 6; Sept. 15 to Oct. 20. One individual of this spe-
cies remained throughout the winter of '98-'99.

584. Melospiza gcorgiana { Lath. )— Swamp Sparrow. Common mi-
grant and summer resident. Arrives early in May; breeds June 1 to 10;
leaves last of September.

585. Passcrclla iliaca (Merrem)— Fox Sparrow. Migratory, frequent.
Arrives in April and leaves Oct. 3 to Nov. 15.

587. Fipilo cryt/u-ophf/ialiniis (Linn.) — Towhee. Common migrant and
summer resident. Arrives Apr. 10 to 20; breeds late in May; leaves Sept.
20 to Nov. 3. Several seen Nov. 22, '98.

595. Zaniclodia liidoviciana ( Linn. )— Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Sum-
mer resident, common. Arrives May 4 to 12; breeds early in June; leaves
Sept. 8 to 26.

596. Zamelodia mclanoccphala (Swains.) — Black-headed Grosbeak.
Rare. May 9, '98. Also several seen earlj^ in September, '98.

598. Cyanospiza cyanca (Linn.) — Indig-o Bunting. Summer resident,
not common. May 30 to Sept. 1.

604. Spiza amcricaiia ( Gmel. ) — Dickcissel. Summer resident, abun-
dant. Arrives Maj' 15 to 25; breeds early in June; leaves Aug-. 20 to Sept.
.5.

605. Calauiospiza viclanocorys Stejn. — Lark Bunting. Common sum-
mer resident. Same dates as preceding species.

608. Piranga crvthrjmclas Vieill. — Scarlet Tanager. Summer resi-
dent, rare. May 10, '99.

611. Progne siibis ( Linn. )— Purple Martin. Abundant summer resi-
dent. Apr. 15 to Sept. 1.

612. PetrochcUdon liinifrons ( Say )— Cliff Swallow. Summer resident,
irreg^ular.

613. Hirundo cryf/iroqastra Bodd. — Barn Swallow. Common summer
resident. Arrives Apr. 19 to Ma\' 1; breeds in May and June; leaves Sept.
20 to Oct. iQ.

614. Tachycincta bicolov ( Vieill. )— Tree Swallow. Migratory, com-
mon; summer resident, rare. Arrives May 1 to 10; breeds in latter part of
May. Not noted in fall.

616. Clivicola riparia ( Linn. )— Bank Martin. Summer resident, very
common. Arrives Apr. 12 to 25; breeds in May; leaves late in September.

617. Stelgidoptcryx scrripcnuis ( Aud. )— Rough-winged Swallow. Not
common. I found a nest with three fresh eggs July 3, '97, under the Elk-
horn bridg-e at Neligh.

618. Ampelis garriilus Linn. — Bohemian Waxwing. Irregular win-
ter visitor. I saw several small flocks Feb. 1, '98, which remained until
latter part of March.

619. Ampelis ccdroi-uiii ( Vieill. )— Cedar "Waxwing. Migratory, not
cominon. Arrives in May and leaves Oct. 10 to 20.

621. Lanius borealis Vieill. — Northern Shrike. Winter resident, com-
mon. Oct. 24 to Apr. 1.

622a. Lajiius ludovicianus excubitorides ( Swains. )—\Vhite-rumped
Shrike. A somewhat rare summer resident. Breeds late in June.

624. Virco olivaccus ( Linn. ) — Red-eyed Vireo. Common summer res-
ident. Arrives May 1 to 10; breeds May 25 to July 1. Leaves Sept. 1 to 10.

627. Vireo gil'vus (Vieill. ) —Warbling Vireo. Migratory, not com-
mon. Same dates as preceding- species.

633. J'iiro bellii Aud. — Bell's Vireo. Summer resident, abundant.
May 23 to Sept. 9. Breeds last of May.

"636. Mniotilta varia (Linn.) — Black and White Warbler. Common

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during- mig-rations. Apr. 28 to May 10; Aug-. 26 to Sept. 8.

646. Hclminthophila cclata (Say) — Orang-e-crowned Warbler. An
abundant migrant. May 2 to 12; Sept. 18 to Oct. IS.

652. Doidroica cesiiva (Gmel. ) — Yellow Warbler. Our most abundant
warbler. Arrives Mav 1 to 10; breeds last of Mav and all of June; leaves
Aug-. 20 to Sept. 5.

655. Jh'iidroica coronata ( Linn. ) — Yellow-rumped Warbler. Mig-ratory,
abundant. Apr. 25 to May 12; Oct. 4 to 15.

657. Dcndroica maculosa (Gmel.) — Magnolia Warbler. Present in
fair numbers during- mig-rations. May 16 to 22. Not observed in autumn.

658. Dcndroica vara Wils. — Cerulean Warbler. Rare. A female, May
17, '99.

661. Dcndroica striata ( Forst. ) — Black-poll Warbler. Common mi-
grant. May 5 to 24.

667. Dcndroica z'ircns ( Gmel. ) — Black-throated Green Warbler. Rare.
Late in April, '98, and May 4, '99.

674. Sciurus aiirocapillus (Linn.) — Oven-bird. Common mig-rant.
May 5 to IS; Sept. 1 to 10.

675a. Sciurus novcboraccnsis notahilis ( Ridg-w. ) — Grinnell's Water-
Thrush. Rare mig-rant. May 16, '99.

679. Cicothlypis philadclpliia (Wils.) — Mourning- Warbler. Migratory,
not uncommon. May 16 to 24, '99.

681. Ch'othlypis trichas (Linn.) — Maryland Yellow-throat. Common
mig-rant and summer resident. Apr. 29 to Oct. 1.

683. Ictcria Z'ircns (Linn.) — Yellow-breasted Chat. Migratory, com-
mon; summer resident, rare. May 17 to Sept. 10.

685. U'ilsonia pusilla (Wils.) — Wilson's Warbler. A somewhat com-
mon migrant. Apr. 28 to May 13. Also Sept. 2, '99.

687. Sctophaga ruticilla "(Linn.) — American Redstart. An abundant
migrant, and probably a summer resident. May 10 to 20; Aug-. 30 to Sept.
8.

697. Anthus pcnsilvanicus ( Lath. ) — American Pipit. Migratory,
common. Arrives in April and leaves in October.

704. (lalcoscoptcs cai'otincnsis ( Linn. ) — Catbird. An abundant sum-
mer resident. Arrives May 7 to 20; breeds in June; leaves Sept. 10 to 25.

705. Harporhynchus riifus (Linn.) — Brown Thrasher. Very common
summer resident. Arrives Apr. 25 to Maj^ 4; breeds last of May and in
June; leaves Sept. 15 to 30.

715. Salpinctcs obsolctus (Say) — Rock Wren. Migratory, rare. Lat-
ter part of April, '97.

721. Troglodytes crdon Vieill. — House Wren. Summer resident, abun-
dant. Arrives May 11 to 17; breeds in June; leaves Sept. 1 to 10.

722. Anorthura hionalis (WieiW.) — Winter Wren. Rare. Sept. 15, '98.

725. Cistothorus palustris ( Wils. ) — Long-billed Marsh Wren. Some-
what common as a migrant, and probably a summer resident. Arrives late
in April, and leaves Sept. 15 to 30.

726. Ccrthia fauiiliaris fusca (Barton) — Brown Creeper. Mig-ratory,
common; wintt^r resident, rare. Arrives Apr. 1 to 15; leaves in October.

727. Sitta carolinensis Lath. — White-breasted Nuthatch. Somewhat
common as a winter resident, October to April.

728. Sitta canadensis Linn. — Red-bellied Nuthatch. Migratory, some-
what rare. Sept. 15, '98; Sept. 25, '99.

731. Parus bicolor Linn.— Tufted Titmouse. Rare. Apr. 22, '99.

735. Parus atricapillus Linn. — Chickadee. Resident, common.

Breeds in April.

735a. Parus atricapillus scptcntrionalis (Harris) — Long--tailed Chicka-
dee. More plentiful than preceding.

748. A'cgulus satrapa Licht.— Golden-crowned Kinglet. Mig-ratory,
rare. Oct. 16, '98.

749. Rcgulus calendula (Linn.) — Rubj^-crowned Kinglet. Fairly com-

(29)

moil diiriii','- migrations, but somewhat irre<,^ular. Apr. 1 to 20; Oct. 1 to
15.

751. Poliopfila ccerulea ( Linn. )— Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. A not un-
common migrant. May 9, '98; Apr. 29, '99.

754. i\fvadcs/cs tocV}isc)idii ( Aud. ) — Townsend's Solitaire. Rare sti"ag-
gler. Feb.' 16, '99.

755. Hylocichla miistcliiius ( Gmel. ) — Wood Thrush. Summer resident,
common. Arrives May 4 to 15; breeds in June; leaves earh' in September.

758a. Hylocichla ustulata szvainsoni (Caban.) — Olive-backed Thrush.
Common migrant. May 1 to 20; Sept. 10 to 20.

761. Meriila viigratoria ( Linn. ) — American Robin. Common in
spring, summer and fall. A few remain throug^hout the winter, feeding
about open springs. The main body arrives from the south early in March,
and leaves in October and November. Breeds in April.

766. Sialia sialis (Linn.) — Bluebird. An irregular summer resident.
Arrives in April; breeds from May to July; leaves in September and
October.

SOME NOTES ON THE NESTING OF THE RAPTORES OF OTOE
COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

MK. M. A. CARRIKEK, JK.

The contents of this paper are taken from observations made by my-
self during the past four years, and nothing is entered of which I entertain
the least doubt as to its accuracy, unless special mention is made of the
fact.

The most of my observations were made in the eastern part of the
countj', along the Missouri River and the small streams and creeks running
into it. This section was formerly covered with a heavy growth of timber,
and is so still in many places, affording excellent places of concealment
and breeding sites for the numerous Raptores common to this section of
the country. Here also can be found in abundance the small mammals on
which they depend for food for themselves and their young.

The Raptores which, to my knowledge, breed here, are: Turkey Vul-
ture, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Sparrow
Hawk, Saw-whet Owl, Screech Owl, Long-eared Owl, Barred Owl and
Great Horned Owd.

In addition to the above I have taken the following species, which are
merely migrants here: American Rough-legged Hawk, Marsh Hawk,
Swainson's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl.
The Marsh Hawk w^as secured in November, and remained, I think, on ac-
count of the abundance of food; for the locality in which it was secured
abounded in field mice, which it had been eating. The Rough-legged,
Swainson's and Sharp-shinned Hawks were secured in the latter part of
March, and were probablj^ migrating. I secured a male and female Short-
eared Owl December 21, 1897, from a flock of seven. They were in a large
tract of hay-land, intersected with grass-grown hollows, which gave them
refuge during the daytime. I could find no trace of them the next spring
or summer, and came to the conclusion that they were congregated there

(30)

ill the winter, on account of the abundance of food, as is frequently the
case with this species.

The Turkey Vulture is very common, especially along the river, where,
standing on one of the high bluffs on a summer day, it is rarely the case
that one cannot see from one to a dozen, sailing lazily along, following the
course of the river in their search for food. The nesting begins about the
last week in May, when one or two eggs are deposited; generally two. The
site is a hollow tree or stump or beside some decayed log in the thick tim-
ber, and I have never found them breeding farther from the river than the
wooded bluffs which skirt its banks. One nest was found in the hollow
top of an immense linden tree, and every attempt to flush the bird from
the cavitj' was unsuccessful until a lighted paper was dropped into it,
which ignited her tail feathers, and broug-ht about a hasty and undignified
departure, leaving the two beautifully marked eg-gs to be secured.

The most common hawks are the Red-tailed and Cooper's, both breed-
ing quite extensively in all parts of the county, but more abundantly along
the river.

The Red-shouldered and Sparrow Hawks are less abundant, the Red-
shouldered being quite rare, as I have never found it breeding but once,
when I located a pair on a heavily timbered creek twelve miles south of
Nebraska City, known as Camp Creek. The nest was placed among the
larger limbs of a Cottonwood tree growing near the creek, and towering up
to the tops of the trees growing on the top of the high banks. As near as
I could estimate, it was about 60 feet from the ground. On April 11, 1899,
I secured two fresh eggs from the nest, which was a very loosely built
structure of large twigs, lined with bark. The eggs were brownish white,
heavily washed and blotched with light brown and lilac.

Sparrow Hawks are very abundant in the early spring, but many pass
on north to their breeding g-rounds, leaving fewer to breed here than would
be expected from their early abundance. The only nest observed was
found May 7, 1898. It was located in an old cavity, probably made by a Flick-
er. The cavity was in a Cottonwood stub about twelve feet from the
ground, and from its appearance had been used several years by the Spar-
row Hawk. It was near an old, unoccupied house, standing alone upon a
hilltop almost bare of trees. The nest was composed of grass, feathers
and other rubbish and contained five fresh eggs, from which the female
had to be removed by force, and at the expense of not a few scratches. The
Sparrow Hawk generally frequents some small isolated grove or a small
creek with trees along its banks. Their principal food is mice and g-rass-
hoppers. I think it must have been the abundance of mice around the old
house which caused the above-mentioned pair to take up their abode there,
because there was a wooded creek less than a qtiarter of a mile from the
place. They begin to arrive in March, and are nearly all gone by the first
of November.

The Cooper's Hawk is by far the most abundant of our hawks, and
seems to have the worst reputation among the farmers. It is merely a
summer resident, arriving in March and departing at the first cold snap in
the fall. It is the boldest and most fearless of our species, nearly always

(31)

nesting' in some grove or on some creek not far from a farm house. Its
food consists mainly of chickens, mice, gophers, young squirrels, and oth-
er rodents, while once I caught one in the very act of eating a quail which
it had captured from a flock hiding under a vine-covered tree, the marks of
the strug'g'le showing' plainly on the light snow, fallen the night before.
The nesting dates run from the 26th of April to the 17th of May, for fresh
eggs of first sets. Second and even third sets will be deposited in case the
first and second are taken. The nests are almost invariably placed in a
thick bunch of trees and from fifteen to forty feet from the ground, and are
generallj^ about the size of a Crow's nest, but are constructed entirely of
small twigs, with a nearly flat top and a scanty lining of bark or leaves.
The number of eggs to the set varies from three to five, generally four.
The coloration is generally a buffy-white background, though often with a
bluish tinge, with scanty markings of light chestnut and lilac. Rarely a
set will be found with one or more of the eggs beautifully marked.

But of all our hawks, the most interesting to me is the Red-tailed
Hawk {Biiico borealis). It is the largest of our species, and in its habits
much resembles its larger relative the eagle, as perched on the top of some
scarred old giant of the forest it watches in haughty silence for its luckless
quarry, or soaring overhead, its eye sweeps the ground in search of
food; or when, seeking to protect its nest from the plundering oologist, it
rushes savagel3' at the unwonted shape ascending the tree, while its hoarse
screams echo over the treetops. It frequents more than any other place
the wooded bluffs overlooking the river, and often its nest is built in the
tallest and most conspicuous tree on the side of such a bluff, facing the river,
as if it loved the grandeur of the scene and wished to instill into its off-
spring the same spirit. More often, though, the nest will be found just ov-
er the ridge from its ej-rie, or in some giant Cottonwood growing out of a
cleft in the hills. Whatever the situation, however, it is always placed above
the tops of the surrounding trees, and thus is easy to find; for, if
one is certain that it is in the vicinity, all he needs to do is to select the
highest point of view and carefully scan the surrounding country with a
field glass until he sees it. This hawk generall}' stays the year round in
the same locality, and if not disturbed too often, will build its nest year af-
ter 3-ear in the same tree, by either adding to the old structure, or construct-
ing a new one, while if disturbed, merely choosing the nearest suitable tree.
The nest in some cases, thus becoming a huge affair, is easily seen from a
distance. It is alwaj's a large, compact, well-made structure. I can recall
no instance of the finding of the eggs of a Red-tailed Hawk in a flimsy or
poorly-made nest.

The nesting nearly always begins in the latter part of March and fresh
eggs may generally be found from March 25th to April 10th. The number
of eggs runs from two to four, averaging three. I ni3'self have never found
a larger set than three, but saw a set of four collected \iy another part^-.
If the first set is taken a second set will nearly' alwaj's be deposited, some-
times in the same nest, but more often in a new nest not far from the first.
Second sets almost invariably contain two eggs; I know of but one case
where three were laid. The eggs are bufi^y white, or with a bluish tinge.

(32)

blotched and spotted with britfht chestnut and rufous. The marking's va-
r\' much in different eggs; some eggs may be almost immaculate, while others
are blotched over the whole surface, presenting a beautiful appearance. I
could give many more interesting facts concerning the habits of this ina-
jestic bird, but the time will not allow me to do so.

We will now consider the other branch of the Raptores, the Strig'es, or
Owls.

On but two occasions have I ever seen our smallest owl, the Saw-whet
Owl, and have never been able to collect any of their eggs myself, but wa.s
told of a set of five collected near Nebraska City about seven years ag^o,
by Messrs. N. H. Reed and H. E. Hershey of that place.

The Screech Owl is much more plentiful, there being- hardly a creek or
patch of timber without one or more of these interesting little owls. They
seem to like Cottonwood groves, where they take up their residence in a de-
serted Flicker's hole. I have frequently taken eggs from such positions.
The red variety is not as common as the gray. Like the majority of the
owls, the Screech Owl does not migrate, but remains in the same place the year
round, and if not disturbed too often will lay in the same hole year after
year. Its food consists almost exclusively of mice of various kinds and
ground squirrels. I have never found the bones or skull of a bird in the
pellets of a Screech Owl, or in fact of any other owl. The best way to find
one of them in the summer is to go along- a creek or through a g-rove where
there are trees overgrown with grape vines, when, by shaking- these vines, it
will not be long till one will be flushed. They do not resort to the holes
much tmtil cold weather or in the breeding season. Eggs are deposited
from the 20th of April to the 12th of May. However, it is very uncertain
when they will lay. One year I found a set of six badly incubated eggs on
April 21st, and again have taken fresh eggs on May 7th. The average
number of egg-s is five. The nest is made of leaves and grass, lined with
feathers pulled from the breast of the female. On one occasion I took
from her nest a female, which had pulled the feathers from her breast until
it was almost bare.

The lyong-eared Owl was very plentiful eight or ten years ago, but is
quite rare now. At present I know of but one pair, which lives in a tan-
gled patch of timber growing on the river bottom about four miles south-
east of Nebraska City. Two years ago there was another pair on a small
creek, but they have disappeared. I know very little of the habits of this
bird, as it is shy and difficult to approach, living as it does in the dense
woods, overrun with vines and creepers. I have found three nests with
eggs of this species; one set of four, April 10, 1897; one, April 7, 1898; and
one of five eggs April 8, 1899. The first two were fresh, but the last was
badly incubated. The two first were in willow trees g-rowing near a creek,
and about thirty-five feet from the ground, the last in a small vine-covered
tree. All were old crow nests fitted up with a lining- of grass and feathers.
On two occasions the bird did not return after being- flushed, but once the
female returned with the male and both fought me savagely wliile I was
securing the eg-gs. With snapping mandibles and erect ear tufts they had
little resemblance to a bird.

The Barred Owl has been until the last year quite common. I former-
ly knew of six pairs within a radius of seven miles of Nebraska City on the
west side of the river, but this season I was unable to locate a sing^le nest,
althoug-h I saw three pairs of birds. The reason for this was that all the
old trees, containing- the cavities in which they formerly bred, had been
cut down and the birds compelled to seek new locations, and as I had no
time to look for them they were not found.

The Barred Owl in this section always lays its egg^ in a natural cavity
of a tree, while the Great Horned Owl nearly always lays in open nests.
Their food consists of squirrels, rabbits and other smaller rodents. The
breeding- commences about the middle of March unless the season is un-
commonly late. On March 23d, 1897, I collected three sets in tjne day, all
partly incubated — one set of two, one of three, and one of four eggs. The
average number of eg-gs is three, rarely four. The nest is made by scratch-
ing up some of the rotten wood which forms the bottom of the cavit}', and
putting a few feathers on top of it. Sometimes there is no attempt at nest-
making- whatever, while again there will be quite an elaborate nest of
leaves and feathers. This species, tog-ether with Biido virginiaiiiis, inhab-
its almost exclusively' the heavy timber skirting the Missouri River.

Lastly, the Great Horned Owl completes my list of the breeding Rap-
tores of Otoe Co., Neb. This is a most interesting- bird to me, because I
have had occasion to observe its ways more than those of any other Owl.
Until 1898 it was practically unknown to me, but on March 30, 1898, I col-
lected my first set of their egg-s. The two eggs were badly incubated, and
were probably a second set, as on March 28, 1899, I found that a pair that I
had robbed had a second set of two eg-gs. Contrary to later observations
this first nest was in a very exposed position, being- in a larg-e cottonwood
tree about four hundred yards from any other trees. The nest was a bul-
ky affair, probably an old nest of Buteo borealis repaired somewhat aiid
lined with grass and feathers and some bark shreds.

Feb. 18, 1899, I collected a set of three eggs from a well-built nest in a
larg-e black oak tree, growing in a ravine amongst the bluffs. The eggs
were partly incubated, showing that they must have been deposited at
least ten days before, making the date for laying probably Feb. 8. March
4 I secured a set of two fresh eggs from another pair, and on March 8 found
a nest with two newly hatched birds, apparently about five days old. The
nest contained, besides the young owls, the hind quarters of a rabbit and
a full-grown rat. On April 2nd, 1898, I found two nests with nearly fledged
young, one nest containing two and the other three. When I climbed to one
of the nests the female attacked me so suddenly and unexpectedly as to
almost make me lose my hold on the tree. I had just time to throw my
g-loved hand before my face when she struck it with terrific force, tearing
the glove and severely lacerating \\\y hand with her sharp claws. Before
she could repeat the dose I manag-ed to scramble up among the limbs, where
I was comparatively safe from her attacks. The young in the nest were
as savage as their parents, throwing their wings forward and snapping-
and hissing at the intruder like little demons. I took two and kept them
about four months, when one escaped, and the other became so unbearably

(34)

ferocious that I was compelled to put an end to him. When young' they
would stand on my arm and eat from my fingers, but as they grew older
they became so wild that I could not handle them with safety to myself,
and then merely threw their meat in to them to be fought over. They were
supplied with water all the time I had them, but I could never see that they
drank a drop.

This owl is very destructive to rabbits and sqixirrels, as well as to rats
and other small mammals. I have frequently found parts of rabbits, squir-
rels and rats in their nests, and in the timber where they are found small
g"ame is always conspicuous by its absence.

DISCUSSION.

MK. w. D. HUNTEK Called attention to the peculiar distribution of Swain-
son's Hawk in Nebraska. Mr. Gary notes it as rare at Neligh, and Mr.
Carriker only as a migrant at Nebraska City, while here at Lincoln it is a
verj^ common summer resident. It is interesting- as an illustration of the
restriction of a bird whose powers of flight are remarkable, to certain local-
ities which are particularly to its liking. He had "often seen flocks of
from six hundred to a thousand passing during- migrations."

MR. TROSTivER said that Mr. Dickinson of Gresham, Nebr., had reported
to him that the species had never been seen there except during migrations.

PROF. BRUNER had frequently observed this hawk in considerable num-
bers in the western part of the state. Whenever there occurred a plague
of grasshoppers in any particular locality' there would also be found large
numbers of this hawk, feeding upon the insects.

MR. J. S. hunter: "The Red-tailed Hawk seems to have quite a habit
of using the same nest year after year. There is one nest a few miles from
Ivincoln, occupied one year by a pair, the male of which was killed. The
next year the same female was found using the nest with another male.
The female was shot that season and the next year the male had another
mate, the nest having been used since by that pair." Certain peculiarities
in plumage enabled the observers to identify the individual birds.

HOW TO POPULARIZE ORNITHOLOGY.

MR. WILSON TOUT.

Do we want to popularize Ornitholog}'? Can our science be made pop-
ular? Would the people derive any benefits from a study of the birds, and
would the birds gain or lose by such a course? These are the questions
that should be considered and answered before an attempt is made to tell
the how.

Not many years ago I was a boy running- over the meadows and through
the groves of Central Nebraska. Here I began the study of the birds, en-
tirely of my own accord, as no one ever sugg-ested the subject or aided me
in mj' researches. I took the birds' eggs and made a small collection,
which, as time went on, was increased until I had a large number of the
eggs of our commonest forms in my collection. Unknowingly, I began to
systematize my work along- this line, thus laying the foundation for the
work in the science which was to follow. But at what a sacrifice! Collec-
tion after collection was destroyed bv accident or otherwise, and each time

(35)

with a new determination I proceeded to start in again. My lessons were
valuable to me, but at such a cost to the birds. If every ornithologist were
to exact such a tribute from his subject as my earlj' experiences led me to
take, bird life in Nebraska would not show a per cent gain as some of our
eastern ornithologists claim to be the case.

When consciousness of my folly came to me I had no one to blame.
My mother, pleased at my interest and happiness, did not remonstrate with
me, as she was also unaware of the extent of the injury I was inflicting up-
on the birds of our vicinity.

No teacher had ever explained to me that I might learn of the birds with-
out harming them. No bird-student lived in our town to help me and I
was forced to find my own means. The desire to know of their lives led
me to seek the only things available — the eggs.

While scientists were wrangling over the classification of some ob-
scure subspecies, or spending their time and means trying to determine
the exact relationships of various orders, I was endeavoring to gain a
knowledg-e of the commonest forms by the sacrificing of more embryo lives
than I can ever hope to atone for. In my own case would the birds have
been benefited by a little "popular ornithology"? Could I have learned the
habits of the wren, robin or swallow by the application of a little pedagog-
ical instruction? I hold for the affirmative.

Again, why this longing on the part of our rurals for city life? Our
cities are crowded with people who come there seeking what they imagine
they do not have in their country homes. Do they know what they leave?
I believe a popular Horticulture, a popular Geologjs and a popular Ornith-
ology would help in keeping our farmer bo3"s contented with their lot, hap-
pj' in the study of nature, and its forms and freaks. I believe there are
scores of young men in Nebraska who were raised on a farm, and 3'et do
not know the names of ten of our common birds. With them a hawk is a
hawk; a duck is a duck. Good and bad are classed together and suffer the
penalty of not vice, but ig-norance. Would a popular Ornithology benefit
this class of people?

For years our Audubon and kindred societies have been endeavoring-
to stop the use of birds and plumes for millinery purposes. Do thej' seem
to succeed? TheN^ cannot secure prohibition so thej^ are urging local op-
tion. But without education I fear the result will be as it has been so far, large-
ly in favor of the plume hunter, and against the birds. To carry the figure
farther, the innocent must suffer for the license.

I am convinced that a great duty lies before us as bird students. If we
are to study birds we must have birds to studj-. If we are to have the birds
we must give them better protection. In order to do this we must carry on
a campaign of education. Make the birds popular with the masses and their
own merits will secure their safety!

How can we popularize Ornithology? I once heard of a Catholic mis-
sionary who said; "Give me the training of a child for the first twelve
years of its life and I will show you a devout Catholic at three score years
and ten." His remark showed a keen insight into human nature, and rings
of pedagogical soundness.

(36)

Why are teachers compelled to teach of Alcohol and Narcotics? The an-
swer is in the priest's remark. The impression made on a child's mind is
forever. Then why should we not impress the elements of ornitholog-y on
these susceptible minds when the result will be a solicitude for the welfare
of our avifauna for three score years and ten. I maintain that, had my
teachers understood the principles of this subject, their words would have
found a ready listener, and thousands of feathered throats would now be
caroling a blessing- on those teachers' words for protection.

Then I would make the schools the first and greatest means of popular-
izing ornitholog-y. A gentleman writing in Recreation once said that for
every boy you interested in birds you made an q^^ collector. As much as
to say, "Keep the boys in ignorance of the birds."

In one school I know of, ornithology is taught as a separate branch of
study, every day. Now in my teaching experience I have made several
hundred ^^^ collectors — but they are Sparrow-egg collectors. In this school
where ornithology is taught, from the "Busy Bees" to the graduating- class,
I predict that when spring comes there will be 150 more friends for the
birds than there were last fall. They have in their cabinet a large num-
ber of Sparrow eggs, hundreds of nests and nearly 300 of those fine-colored
plates from Birds and All Nature. As yet they have no mounted speci-
mens, but it is entirely because they are unable to purchase them on ac-
count of lack of funds. Perhaps some day someone who has extra specimens
will present us with a few, and so win the gratitude of a whole lot of little
people who want to know more of these birds. They have named their
classes, their literary societies and sing-ing clubs after their feathered fa-
vorites. I am only citing this school as an example of what can be done
through the schools. Each member of this association has it in his power
to start this work in his own schools. Volunteer to help the teacher and
see how quick they will be to call on you for aid.

Often editors are willing to print your own remarks on the birds of
your vicinity. Under the heading- "Ornithology for Farmers" much good
might be done by publishing- short articles on the birds of your vicinity
from the economic standpoint. If you are in earnest you mig-ht visit your
milliners and solicit their aid in bird protection. You may be sure your re-
marks will recur to them when they are picking- out their fall styles. Again,
for the promotion of popular ornithology the work being- done by the mag-
azine. Birds and All Nature, is of the right kind. While from a scientific
standpoint exception might be taken, the resemblance of the plates to
the subject is striking, and the low price makes them within the reach of
those who cannot afford the finer works. We who are assembled could not
do without our magazines of a scientific nature, but to the average person
they are of passing interest or entirely beyond comprehension.

I would not seek to make of every person an ornithologist, but enough
of our energies might be spared to correct the abuses of ignorance, and of-
ten superstition. Nor would I condemn all egg collecting. For those
who intend to make a study of eggs a large collection is very necessary
and justifiable, but for the average schoolboy to collect several hundred
eggs, and then throw them aside after the fad has worn off, is equal to

(37)

wanton destruction, and should, if possible, be prevented.

Do we want to popularize Ornitholoj^y? I believe I have stated my side
of the question, that we do want to popularize our science, fairl}', and with-
out prejudice. The living- question for us is bird protection.

How can we secure the best results? I would say by education. Get
the teachers at work, get the sportsmen interested in the observation of
game laws, urge the importance of bird protection on the people, show the
folly of using- "stuffed" birds for head ornamentation, and a silent revolu-
tion in favor of the birds is bound to take place. Then every roadside will
teem with the brood of the quail, the drowsy yeomanry will be awakened
by the early matin of our friendly robin, and the thrasher, securely tipping-
the topmost twig' of a towering tree, and shaking his little throat, will
send forth a song the wild, artless harmony of which will gladden the
hearts of mankind, and inspire them to nobler thoughts. Then men will
bow their heads before the g-ush of melody bursting- from every coppice
and impenetrable bramble, and, looking- through Nature, will see Nature's
God.

DISCUSSION.

DEAN CHAS. FOKDVCE: "I think the writer of this paper has referred
to a practically undeveloped field. If ever we are to do much in science we
must get into the common schools. Even though apparatus is not costly,
and thoug-h books are not very costly, they make that a plea that they can-
not touch this work. Now I believe it is true, and it has been my observa-
tion when in the schools over the state, that there is very little science work
being done, except along- restricted lines. In some way I believe that this
Union oug-ht to reach out and help the teachers, who are teaching inost of
the children of the state. The majority of our citizens are educated below
the high school. In some way, either by simplifying- the work that is to
be given, by simplifying apparatus, or by doing both, it seems to me that
we must reach out to these teachers and to these pupils."

MR. G. H. condka: "I know personally of Mr. Tout's work, and thor-
oug-hly believe just what Prof. Fordyce has said. There are so many who
think that if you were to mention this matter to the pupil in the public
school, he would immediately become an egg collector, and that we would
make scientists of them all. It is not our mission in the public school to
train scientists, but to get the pupil enthusiastic, to lead him to seek for
truth, and to show him something real. If the birds are referred to as liv-
ing thing-s I know you will lead the boys and girls to the love of birds, and
they will not want to kill them. Mr. Tout is leading the teachers of his
county to study birds in just the manner he has described.

REV. J. M. bates: "I know I am speaking truly when I say there are
manj' teachers who cannot tell a meadow lark. We must teach the teach-
ers before we can expect much work done in this line."

MR. TOUT: The woi-k I outlined in the paper is, I believe, practicable.
I believe that the teacher must know more about a subject than he is able
to give to his classes. I would saj' that I do not believe in a teacher taking
up the subject of birds, or any science, and tr3'ing to teach it unless he
knows something about it. I know that at the York County' Institute last
summer we had an inspiration. Mr. Condra was there, and the last day
we had almost a bird day, and the teachers there are doing fairly satisfac-
tory work with the knowledg^e they gained from that institute. The plan
suggested here of teaching the teachers is the most important thing in in-
troducing ornithology in the public schools.

(38)

Attention was called to the following outline taken from Chapman's
"Bird-Life", and recommended by Prof. Bruner to the teachers of the
state:

A BIRD'S BIOGRAPHY.

1. Description. Of size, form, color and markings.

2. Haunts. Upland, lowland, lakes, rivers, woods, fields, etc.

3. Movements. Slow or active, hops, walks, creeps, swims, tail wag-

ged, etc.

4. Appearance. Alert, pensive, crest erect, tail drooped, etc.

5. Disposition. Social, solitary, wary, unsuspicious, etc.

6. Fi^iGHT. Slow, rapid, direct, undulating, soaring, sailing, flap-

ping, etc.

7. Song. Pleasing, unattractive, continuous, short, loud, low,

sung from the ground, from the perch, in the air,
etc.; season of song.

8. Call-notes. Of surprise, alarm, protest, warning, signaling, etc.

9. Season. Spring, fall, summer, winter, with times of arrival

and departure, and variations in number.

10. Food. Berries, insects, seeds, etc.; how secured.

11. Mating. Habits during courtship.

12. Nesting. Choice of site, material, construction, eggs, incuba-

tion.

13. The Young. Food and care of, time in the nest, notes, actions,

flight.

A PLEA FOR THE ENGLISH SPARROW.

MR. LAWRENCE SKOW.

At the present time a great deal is being said and written about the
possibilities of destroying the so-called "Sparrow pest", and having been
a careful student of birds in both this country and Europe for the past
thirty years, I believe that I can speak from the standpoint of an exper-
ienced observer upon this question.

Denmark, my native country, is principally a horticultural and agri-
cultural country, and small things are carefully considered when they have
any bearing upon those industries. If the English Sparrow has done any
considerable damage there it would surely be known, and means devised
for their destruction, as is done in regard to all destructive birds and mam-
mals.

One of the foremost arguments advanced against the Sparrow in this
country is that, on account of their numbers, they drive out other birds and
deprive them of their nesting places.

In Europe, where the English Sparrow is present in far greater num-
bers than anywhere in America, Starlings, European Tree Sparrows, Nut-
hatches, Wheatears, Titmice, Swallows, Swifts, and several other varieties
of birds that use cavities as nesting sites, find plenty of locations for their
nests, and abound around every farm house, living in peace with the Eng-
lish Sparrow as a near neighbor. In the vicinity of Omaha I have observed
that not one in twenty suitable cavities in trees are occupied by birds of
any kind; which shows that there is plenty of room for the Bluebirds, Mar-
tins, Wrens, Chickadees and others to breed.

(39)

During the past summer I spent a g'reat deal of time at an orchard and
vinejard near Florence, in this county. During previous years the owner
of this place has killed the English Sparrows at every opportunity. His
charge against them was that they nested in his wren boxes. I remonstrated
with him and induced him to put up more boxes, and make the entrances
of some of them too small for the sparrows, but large enough for the
wrens to enter, and the result was that wrens and Sparrows were numerous
around the house this year. In the door3'ard one tree contained nests of
Kingbird, Orchard Oriole, and Warbling Vireo; other trees near the house
contained nests of Baltimore Orioles, Robins, Kingbirds, Red-eyed Vireos,
Wood Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and under the
eaves of the buildings were nests of Phoebes and Barn Swallows. Around
this place it seemed as if there were nests in every available place, and all
the birds lived in peace and raised their broods of 3'oung, feeding them
mostly upon insects caught in the orchard, vineyard and garden plot.

In previous years tent caterpillars were ver^' abundant, but this year
not one of their nests was to be seen around this place, although they were
numerous in other portions of this county. Worm-eaten apples were very
rare in this orchard this year; and while neighboring gardeners complained
very much of green cabbage worms, there were very few of them found in
a cabbage patch near this house.

A flock of about fifty English Sparrows have made their winter quar-
ters around this house and frequently visit the corn crib, but the owner of
the place says "they are welcome to the corn, as they have well earned it",
and he vows that he will protect them in the future.

One complaint against the Sparrows is that the^' are such prolific
breeders. This should redound to the credit of the Sparrow, as when the
young are in the nest they are fed almost exclusively upon insects. Mr.
W. D. Hunter of the University of Nebraska had a very interesting exper-
ience with the English Sparrow as a grasshopper destroyer upon the uni-
versity campus. I will let him relate this in his own way, merely drawing
your attention to it. I consider the English Sparrow to be one of the best
friends that the farmer and fruit-grower has, and I have arrived at this
conclusion from my experience in this country and in Europe, where they
have been carefully studied for many years.

Dr. Brehm in "Bird-Life" states that Frederick the Great of Germany
offered a bounty of six pfennigs ( about 1% cents) per head for English
Sparrows, and everybody went Sparrow hunting. Thousands of dollars
were paid out for destroying the supposed corn-robbers. The consequence
of this was that the trees were soon covered with the larvae of noxious in-
sects, and stood not only without fruit, but also without leaves. Then it
was that the great king wisely took his hand off from Nature's machinery,
which he thought he could improve. He countermanded his orders regard-
ing the destruction of the Sparrows and immediately proceeded to re-intro-
duce the birds, undergoing great expense to secure live birds from other
portions of Europe, and these were very carefully protected.

We should profit by the experience of the Germans, and not destroy
this bird and then afterwards bring others back to do the work that would
have been done at first, had the birds been given the opportunity.

(40)

DISCUSSION.

MR. \v. D. hunter: "Something like four orfive years ag-o, owing- to
a remarkably favorable season, a great many grasshoppers came in the fall
of the year to the university campus to deposit their eggs, the campus be-
ing at that time well watered, while the surrounding gardens and lawns
were not kept in such favorable condition. In consequence of this we had
a terrible plague of grasshoppers the next year. About the time the first
brood of Sparrows began to inspect thing's and feed out of the nest they
discovered the insects and beg-an devouring them. We soon noticed a great
many of the birds on the campus, and as they are protected here, the small
boys being kept out, it was not long before the work of extermination was
carried on to such an extent that there no grasshoppers left on the campus,
which was the only place in this vicinity" of which this was true."

Mr. Hunter called attention to the fact that the published investiga-
tions of the Department of Agriculture referred to only 522 stomachs, tak-
en at different times throughout the year, and represented only mature
birds. He did not think the results could be taken as final.

DR. woivCOTT: "Experience shows that assumptions in regard to an
introduced species based on facts observed in its original home are likely
to be misleading. I believe the Eng^lish Sparrow distinctly injurious. In
Michigan they do great damage to wheat, and often paths beneath rows of
trees by roads adjacent to wheat fields are strewn with chaff and remnants
of heads of g-rain. They also do inuch damage to fruit, pecking into grapes
and peaches."

DR. WARD could conceive that the Sparrow might be of advantage in
town or country, but gave one or two points with reference to its positive
damage in cities. The foreigner, introduced into Troy, N. Y. about 1870,
supplanted the native song-birds, fights between the two being witnessed
in the streets before the latter finally disappeared. Elms, which at that
time lined the streets and were so well developed that they arched over the
roadway as an almost continuous avenue of shade, were, in consequence,
within a few years entirely destroyed by bugs. The birds defiled public
buildings and destroyed a splendid ivy which adorned one of the finest
churches, and which was the pride of the whole city.

PROF. BARBOUR must go ou record as an enemy of the Sparrow, but
thought we ought to be careful in drawing our conclusions. In the wheat
fields of Ohio and Indiana he had seen forty-acre fields about the margin
of which, through a belt twenty feet wide and extending entirely around
the field, one could find only here and there a kernel of wheat. After the
wheat was cut the birds completely riddled the cap-sheaf, leaving no grain
at all. They also destroyed growing corn by picking through the husk,
and then eating- the soft kernels of the ears. He knew of farmers who had
abandoned the attempt to raise g-arden truck, owing to the injury infiicted
by the birds, that pick off the sprouts as fast as they appear above ground.
He called attention to the effect on architecture. It is changing the char-
acter of designs, everything in the nature of relief or carvings in stone be-
ing avoided, since that furnishes hiding places for the birds. Beautiful
buildings in various parts of New England are rendered unsightly by net-
ting and boards put up to keep away the pests. In certain cities of that
region they are extremely numerous; in one storm 300 perished under the
eaves of a single church, and the loss from the storm made no perceptible
difference with the Sparrow population. The noise is a disagreeable fea-
ture. In certain places in Philadelphia it was difficult to talk on account
of the incessant chatter.

MR. w. D. HUNTER thought that although the Sparrow did defile ma-
sonry, it more than compensated for that by destroying insects in cities
where other birds would not molest them.

(41)

PROF. BAKBOUK oiice couiited the number of larvae taken from a sing-le
elm tree in front of his window on the Yale campus in one afternoon by a
Sparrow, assisted b^' his mate, and found it to be about 2.S0. When the
nestling's to which the^' were carried, and also the old birds were g-orged
with the food, the male continued to collect the larva;, picking them to piec-
es on the flagging in front of the building. But the good thus done b_v the
birds seems small compared with the enormous amount of injury.

DK. ward: "There are two sides to the argument based on the des-
truction of insects. The destructive power of the native insectivorous
birds must be deducted from the destroying capacity of the Sparrow to get
the real balance of affairs."

PROF. BRUNER had some evidence against the Sparrow. The birds that
the Sparrow drives out are migratory, being here only during the season
when insects are available, while the Sparrow remains with us and does
harm during a part of the j^ear when the other birds would be away. The
Sparrow is not insectivorous to the same degree as the birds supplanted,
and is not at all a destroyer of hairj' caterpillars, or insects injurious to
shade trees. As a destroyer of insects in gardens, such as cabbage- worms
and grasshoppers, he is near the head, but aside from a very few kinds of
insects the Sparrow is not an insect-destro^-er. In regions, as in that in-
fested by the gypsy moth, where the Sparrow has driven out the cuckoos,
orioles and other birds which feed on hairy caterpillars found on shade
trees, it has been found necessary to resort to artificial means on a large
scale to keep down the insects. Rethought, had they had the opportuni-
ty, the native birds would have proven of great assistance in this task.

SUGGESTIONS AS TO AN ACCURATE AND UNIFORM METHOD
OF RECORDING OBSERVATIONS.

DR. K. H. WOLCOTT.

In the author's intercourse with ornithologists in various parts of the
country he has had frequent occasion to notice the variety of meanings as-
cribed by different persons to the words commonly used to denote the
abundance of birds. In comparing lists of the birds of different states he
has found it impossible to contrast, except in a verj' inexact manner, the
relative abundance of the species treated; and in the comparison of lists of
different dates the same difficulty is met with. The perusal of any state
list, our own included, gives one little upon which to base an idea as to the
density of the bird-population in different parts of the state, or as to the
manner in which any given species is spread over the state.

Prof. Bruner's list of Nebraska birds contains thirty-four words used
by different correspondents to denote the relative abundance of different
species; and an examination of eight state and sectional lists furnishes,
curiously, a list of words precisely the same in number, but not identical.
These are partly well-chosen, partly not; some are euphonious, some very
awkward; many are evidently sj^nonymous, and used for the sake of varie-r
ty; part of them are exact in significance, but most of them very indefinite
in their meaning, though the conception maj' have been clear enough in
the mind of the writer.

Terms indicative of the habit of appearance, such as solitary or gregar-
ious, of the manner of distribution, whether local or general, and of the

(42)

time of appearance, as residents, migrants, etc., are in common use, and
with prettj' definite meanings. But no terms denoting number are in use,
or, so far as the author can learn, have ever been proposed. With the end
in view of suggesting such terms the labor of preparing this paper was
begun.

First the dictionaries were searched for words with exact significance
as to number, but none were found. It was evidently necessary to ascribe
to the tenns selected arbitrary meanings. In making this selection it seem-
ed to the author that the following should be avoided: Awkward express-
sions; negative terms, as ?iot common, not rare, etc.; terms unfamiliar in
ornithological literature, as sparing, few, etc.; terms commonly associated
with other ideas than that of number, as copious, plentiful, etc.; and final-
ly the use of indices or subscripts seemed unwise as savoring of the techni-
cal, and not likely to commend itself to the majority of observers. In the
eight state and sectional lists only the words common, abundant and ra/r
were used by all, occasionally by five, and scarce, freguetif, numerous and
uncommon each by only two. Common appeared in combination with nine
adjectives, rare with five, ntinierous with five, and abundant with four. At
first it appeared desirable to avoid entirely the use of qualifying adjectives,
but a sufficient number of good words did not seem available, so the writer
fell back upon the use of the adjective very, which was the one most used
by the authors of the lists previously mentioned.

The number of words to be employed and their significance was the
most serious problem of all, and here the otily aid at the command of the
writer was found in the "bird horizons" published from time to time in the
Wilson Bulletin; so that any suggestions along this line must be merely
tentative, and subject to change after a practical application of the scheme
here proposed. In the attempt to formulate a scheme, the mile and the
square mile presented themselves naturally as the units of linear distance
and area, while the numbers 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 were decided upon as an easj'
series to remember, and as having an appropriate relationship to one
another, so far as could be judged from the above lists. Owing to the
greater abundance of birds during mig-ration when the linear distance
would be most used, while in a formal treatment of the birds of a given lo-
cality the areal unit would be employed, it seems possible to adopt the
same series of numbers for both cases, applying them in a slightly differ-
ent manner.

The result is embodied in the following table of meanings:

Number observed

Number of pairs breeding

Very abundant:

over

21 to the mile.

over

21 to the square mile.

Abundant:

from 11 to 20 "

from 11 to 20

Very common:

'•

6 to 10 "

"

6 to 10

Common:

"

3 to 5 "

"

3 to 5

Numerous:

"

2 "

"

2 "

Frequent:

"

1

"

1

Occasional:

1 to each 2 miles.

1 to

each 2 square miles.

Infrequent:

"

3 to 5 "

"

3 to 5 "

Scarce:

"

6 to 10 "

"

6 to 10

Rare:

"

11 to 20 "

"

11 to 20

Very rare:

"

21 miles or over

"

21 miles or over.

(43)

These numbers may not allow of sufficient rang-e and may be found
not to be the most appropriate, but that must be decided experimentally.

The application of this scheme would involve the counting- or the care-
ful estimation of the birds seen, and a consideration of the distance or area
covered. If the observer were recording- the I'esults of a day's trip, or of
a journey of longer duration, he would divide the total number of a g-iven
species noted by the number of miles covered, without reg-ard to whether
the birds were seen in one or two larg-e flocks or as scattered individuals, it
seeming- inadvisable to attempt to express this difference except by a specific
statement of the fact, if for any reason it should seem desirable to do so.
If the observer, on the contrary, were desirous of preparing a formal list of
the birds of a given region, certain areas, as sections or quarter-sections,
etc., here and there throughout the region under consideration could be se-
lected, gone over carefully, the number of pairs of a given species breeding
in the area estimated, the average of the different areas taken, and from
this the number in the whole region and the abundance of the species ob-
tained.

The use of this scheme would open up many questions now unanswer-
ed, such as those of the exact duration and intensity of migration waves
and whether these culminated in a single maximum or presented several
crests, the graphical method of presentation of this subject being then ap-
plicable. It would be possible to work out the exact components of avian
faunae and to present maps showing the density of bird population;
while no doubt other lines of investigation would suggest themselves.

We in Nebraska possess opportunities for work exceeding those of al-
most any other state. The character of the surface is such that the region
lends itself very readily to the application of such a scheme as the one pro-
posed; while here is the meeting place of many of the eastern and western
subspecies, and the variety of conditions is so great, that hardly any other
state in the Union could present so instructive a series of maps as might be
compiled for Nebraska, if the distribution of the different species were
carefully worked out, for area, for limits of subspecies, and for abundance.
These are the questions which should be urged upon the ornithologists of
the state, these the subjects suggested to the student, and this the sort of
ornithological work which should supplant the work of the mere collector.

The following words are suggested as applicable to the time of appear-
ance of different species:

Resident: Here throughout the year and breeds.

Summer resident: " during the summer

Winter resident: " during the winter; breeding farther north.

Spring migrant: " " spring migration.

Fall migrant: " " fall "

Winter visitant: " " winter for a limited period only, and

onU' under certain favorable conditions.
Summer visitant: " during the summer for a limited period only, and

only as a wanderer.
Accidental: presence here due to abnormal conditions and not to be

again expected.
Regular ( prefixed to proper words above ): Appearing every year.

Irregular " " Not appearing every year.

(44)

Species may also be said to be generally or locally distributed, and solitary'
ur gregarious.

L,ack of time precludes a more extended discussion of the subject pre-
sented. An argument in favor of a perfectly accurate and uniform system
of recording observations is not necessary — its lack must have been felt by
all, and the wonder is that some scheme has not before been proposed.
This paper is presented merely as a step in that direction, and with the
hope that its suggestions may be applied by members of the Union, their
value tested, and such modifications made as experience may show to be de-
sirable.

PROCEEDINGS

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

Omaha, Nebr., Jan. 12, 1901

Lincoln, Nebr.

State Journal Company, Printers

October, 1901

PLATE I

^^^^^^K ^'

1

" "••Vi ■;''^.i\

A CHIMNEY SWIFT TREE

PROCEEDINGS

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

Omaha, Nebr,, Jan. 12, 1901

mA^ALM^'^

Lincoln, Nebr.

State Journal Company, Printers

October, 1901

CONTENTS

PAGE

Abstract of !Minutes 3

Constitution and By-Laws 7

List of Members 10

Papers :

President's Address — Ornithology in Nebraska, and State Ornitho-
logical Societies — I. S. Trostler 13

Birds in Their Relation to Agriculture — Lawrence Bruner 18

Injurious Traits of the Blue Jay — E. D. Howe 29

Ornithology in the Schools — Wilson Tout 30

Birds as Objects of Study in the Grades — Chas. Fordyce 33

Xest of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird — F. H. Shoemaker 34

Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks — Elizabeth van Sant 38

Breeding of the Prothonotary Warbler — M. A. Carriker, Jr 42

Observations on Traill's Flycatcher — M. A. Carriker, Jr 44

Breeding Habits of Bell's Vireo {Tireo bellii) — Merritt Gary 46

Xotes Regarding a Chimney Swift Tree — I. S. Trostler 48

Birds That Nest in Nebraska — Lawrence Bruner 48

A Peculiar Disease of Birds' Feet — E. H. Barbour 61

Internal Parasites of Nebraska Birds — Heni-y B. Ward 63

Changes in the Bird Fauna of the Prairies — L. Sessions 71

Birds of Northwestern Nebraska — J. M. Bates 73

Collecting- Trip to Sioux Coimtj' — J. C. Crawford, Jr 76

Collecting Trip in Cherry County — J. S. Hunter 79

Birds from Westei-n Nebraska — A. R. Graves 84

Migration Records and Nebraska Records — R. H. Wolcott 86

Martin Luther Eaton— R. H. Wolcott 94

Miscellaneous Notes 96

PLATES
I (Frontispiece). A Chimney Swift Tree.
II — IV. Nest of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Xotk. — These plates, with the exception of that showing eggs, are from
photographs taken September 9, when the nestling was either sixteen or
seventeen days old, and about ready to leave the nest. The eggs shown in
the other plate are not those involved in this history; facilities were lacking
for photographing the ne«t successfully while it contained eggs, so other eggs
of the same species wer*: introduced later.

V — IX. Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.

X. A Peculiar Disease of Birds' Feet.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

OFFICERS

T'RESTDENT I. S. Tuostler, Omaha

VKE-PRESIDEXT Caroline Stringer, Wayne

RECORDING SECRETARY E. H. Barbour, Lincoln

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY R. H. Wolcott, Lincoln, vice

W. D. Hunter, resigned on removal from the state
I Chairjian, R. II. WoLCOTT, Lincoln

EXECUTIVE CO^VBIITTEE '; J. M. Bates, Callaway

[ ...Chas. Fordyce, University- Place

ABSTRACT OF MINUTES

The second annual meeting- of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union,
A\hieh convened in the lecture room of the Omaha City Library, January
1;.'. I'.iOl, was called to order by President Trostler at 10:45 for the morn-
ing business session.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer's rejiort was read by Lawrence Bruner, whereupon it
was moved by R. H. Wolcott that it be received as read and be referred
to an aviditing committee to be appointed by the chair. The Corre-
sponding Secretary then reported as follovrs on the results of the recent
balloting for officers: President, Erwin H. Barbour, Lincoln; Vice-Presi-
dent, Elizabeth van Sant, Omaha; Cori-esponding Secretarj', J. C. Craw-
ford. Jr., West Point; Recording Secretary, R. H. Wolcott, Lincoln;
Treasurer, Charles Fordyce, University Place; Executive Committee,
Lawrence Bruner, Lincoln. Frank H. Shoemaker, Omaha, and I. S.
Trostler, Omaha. A list of proposed members was read by the Corre-
sponding Secretary, and on his motion all were declared unanimously
elected. The Secretary announced the present membership to be 95.

4 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

On motion of R. H. Wolcott new^ business was introduced and desir-
able changes, corrections, and amendments to the Constitution were
read and exiilaiued at length by hiin. Whereupou, by motion of J. S.
Hunter, the amendments as read were adopted, the changes to appear
in the revised draft of the Constitution as published in the Proceed-
ings of the present meeting*. A list of names sugg"ested for honorary
membership was read by the Secretary, and on motion of Chas. Fordyce
the following, all of whom had rendered important aid to the cause of
bird protection in the state, w^ere declared unanimously elected. Ex-
Gov. E. W. Furnas, Brownville; Hon. J. Sterling Morton, Nebraska City;
Hon. J. C. Crawford, West Point; and Dr. Geo. L. Miller, Omaha.

As an expression of recognition by the society of the work of Mr.
G. O. Shields, Editor of Recreation', the Committee on Resolutions was
instructed to draft suitable resolutions, to be transmitted to him by
the Recording Secretary before publishing in the Proceedings. In the
absence of J. H. Ager, State Warden of the League of American Sports-
men and a member of the society, Lawrence Bruner reported upon an
important measure for the protection of fish, game, and birds to be
presented for legislative action at the present session and proj)osed the
following resolution:

Whereas, The National League of American Sportsmen and the Ne-
braska State Fish and Game Protective Association, — organizations
formed for the purpose of securing better protection against illeg-al
and wanton slaughter of the fish, game, song and insectivorous birds
of the state, — have prepared, with a view of presenting to the legisla-
tnre, a bill designed to effect this purpose:

Therefore, we, the members of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union,
in annual meeting assembled, do unanimously approve of and endorse
said bill, and request the meml)ers of the legislature to enact its pro-
Aisions into law.

R. H. Wolcott suggested the names of several libraries and institu-
tions i]i the state which should receive regularly the Proceedings of
the society, and the matter was referred to the Executive Committee.
After the reading of a careful presentation by Mr. Wolcott of the desira-
bility of making a complete reference collection of Nebraska birds, and
of storing rare and solitary specimens, notes, records, exchanges, etc.,
in fire-proof apartments, it was moved by Chas. Fordyce that the ac-
cumulating projierty of the society be stored at the University of Ne-
braska, in fire-proof quarters to be selected bj^ the Recording Secretary.
The following- resolutions governing future iiermanent records proposed
by R. H. Wolcott were adopted by the society:

1. That this Union recognize three kinds of records — jjositive, proba-
ble, and doubtful.

2. That a record be considered as j)ositive if (a) based upon an actiial
specimen preserved, or (b) in the absence of an actual specimen, be
based upon an observation made by an experienced observer, and con-
cern a common species.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 5

3. That a record be considered as probable when not based upon an
actual specimen, but (a) be made by an experienced observer, concern
a sj^ecies not common but with well marked characters and the bird be
clearly seen, or (ft) be made by an inexperienced observer and concern
a common and well-known species.

4. That a record be considered as doubtful when not based upon an
actual specimen, and (a) thoiigli made by an experienced observer con-
cern a species not common, and the bird be not seen, or (ft) be made
bj' an inexperienced observer and concern a bird not common and well-
known.

5. That any record not based upon an actiuil S])ecimen but wliich
would otherwise be considered as positive, and which controverts exist-
ing jjositive records, be considered only probable until substantiated by
the taking' of a specimen.

G. That any record that would otherwise be considered as probable,
but which controverts existing- positive records be considered as doubt-
ful until fvillj' substantiated.

7. That the record committee be instructed to use these definitions
in judging- records, and that the members be requested to recog-nize
them in the preparation of manusci'ipt for publication.

S. That any case which in the opinion of the record committee be not
fairly judged by the application of these definitions be submitted, to-
gether with the evidence, to the Union for final action, and that the
individual have the right to appeal to the society from a decision of
the committtee ^vhi(■h he may consider unjust.

Lawrence Bruner rejiorted on plans for publishing the Proceedings
which met A\'itli the approval of the society, whereupon it was voted,
that he and the Recording Secretary be constituted a committee to con-
fer with Hon. R. W. Furnas, Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture,
relative to the matter. The meeting then adjourned till the afternoon.

During the noon recess dinner was served to the visiting members
by the local members in the Commercial Club.

At 2 o'clock the meeting was again called to order for the reading of
papers.

At the close, the Committee on Resolutions submitted the following
report, which Avas approved by the society on motion of Mr. Benedict:

Resolved, by the Xel)raska Ornithologists' Union, that it extend to
the Library Board of Omaha its cordial thanks for the use of the lecture
room of the Library Building- for the annual meeting.

Resolved. That we, as memi)ers of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union,
express our keen a])preciation of the courteous reception given us by
the Omaha members, and also thank the press for favors received.

Resolved, That the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union express its recog-
nition of the excellent work done by ]\[r. G. O. Sliields, Editor of Recrea-
]ion, in the interests of better bird and game protection; and

Be it further resolved. That the Corresiionding Secretary be instructed
to send him a copy of this resolution.

Resolved, That the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union assure Mr. J. H.
.\ger, as Game AVarden of the League of American Sportsmen, of its
firm support in his endeavor to i^rocure the jjassage of the proposed bill
for the better protection of Nebraska birds.

b NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION

Eesolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be instructed to present
copies of these resolutions to the press.

H. M. Benedict,
J. S. Hunter,
Merbitt Gary,

Committee.

The Auditing- Committee, consisting of Messrs. Hunter, Fordyce, and
Carriker, reported that the accounts had been examined and found cor-
rect, and upon motion of Chas. Fordyce the report was adopted and
the committee discharged.

Lawrence Bruner discussed a plan by Lew Franklin, of Lincoln, for
encouraging children to learn consideration and care for birds, by put-
ting up bird houses for certain species, to which end Mr. Franklin has
designed a simple, inexpensive and serviceable type of suspended nest.

The newly elected president, Erwin H. Barbour, of Lincoln, was in-
ducted into office by the retiring jiresident, and after a brief considera
tion of minor details the meeting was declared adjourned.

Erwin H. Barbour,

Recording Secretary.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER TO JANUARY 12, 1901

RECEIPTS

41} ]\Ienibershiii fees — Active (charter) $40.00

16 Membership fees— Associate (charter) S.OO

4 Membership fees— Active, for 1901 4.00

6 Membership fees — Associate, for 1901 3.00

5 Annual dues— Active, for 1901 8.00

Sale of additional copies of Proceedings 10.60

Total $79.60

EXPENDITURES

Reporting First Annual Meeting $4. 62

Stenographic work in connection with oi'ganization 2.10

Postage fi ■ 00

Printing of Proceedings First Annual Meeting 60.00

Money order fees 20

Balance 6. 68

Total $79. 6Q

Lawrence Bruner,

Treasurer.

SECOND AXNUAL MEETING

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

ARTICLE 1. (Name and Object.)

Sec. 1. This association sliall be known as The Nebraska Ornitholo-
g'ists' Union.

Sec. 2. Its aims shall be to promote the study of ornithology by
more closely iinitino- the sttidents of this branch of natural historj^ in
the state of Xebraska, to encourage the study of ornithologj- in the
schools of the state, and to foster the caiise of bird protection.

ARTICLE II. (Members.)

Sec. 1 ]\Ienil)ers shall be of three classes: active, associate, and hon-
orary.

Sec. 2. .-vny resident of Nebraska, not less than sixteen years of age,
maj' become an active member on receiving a majority vote of the mem-
bers present at any meeting. Onlj' members of this class shall have
the right to vote and hold office.

Sec. 3. Anj' person interested in ornithology may become an asso-
ciate member on receiving a majority vote of those present at any
meeting.

Sec. 4. Honorar\' members shall be elected for their eminence in
ornithology or for distinguished services in furthering the aims for
which this Union is established.

Sec. 5. Applications for membership in the interim between meet-
ings may be considered by the Executive Committee, and the apiilication
granted by a unanimous vote of the committee.

Sec. G. Any person elected a member of any class shall remain a
member of that class until he present a written request to be changed
to another, either to the Executive Committee or to the Union in
meeting.

ARTICLE IIL (Quorum.)

Sec. 1. A quorum for the transaction of business shall be one-fifftli
of the total active membership.

ARTICLE IV. (Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. The officers of this L^nion shall be: a President, a Vice-Presi-
dent, a Recording Secretary who shall also act as Librarian, a Corre-
sponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Editor.

Sec. 2. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of three
members elected by the Union, with the President and Recording Secre-
tary as ex-officio members. The chairman shall be the elective member
of the cominittee that receives the largest number of votes.

Sec. 3. Standing Committees on Records and on Migration shall be
appointed by the President with the concurrence of the Executive Com-
mittee.

ARTICLE V. (Duties of Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. Diities of the President. It shall be the duty of the Presi-
dent to ]n-eside at all of the meeting's of the Union, to appoint the

8 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

standing coniinittees provided for in Art. IV, Sec. 3, and to perform such
other duties as may properly pertain to the office.

Sec. 2. Duties of the Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the
Vice-President to act in the absence or incapacity of the President.

Sec. o. Duties of the ]\ecordinf>- Secretary. It shall be the duty of
the Recording Secretary to keej) a record of the meetings of the Union,
to countersign all orders and documents issued by the President, to
suiaerintend the publication of the Proceedings of the Union, to act as
Librarian, and to perform such other duties as properly pertain to the
office.

Sec. 4. Duties of the Corresponding Secretary. It shall be the duty
of the Corresponding Secretary to conduct the general correspondence
of the Union, to prepare the program of the meetings, to send out the
call for such meetings, and to perform such other duties as properlj-
pertain to the office.

Sec. 5. Duties of the Treasurer. It shall be the duty of the Treas-
urer to receive and have charge of all moneys of the Union and to pay
such bills as are endorsed by the President and Secretary.

Sec. 6. Duties of the Editor. It shall be the duty of the Editor to act
with the Eecording Secretary in the publication of the Proceedings.

Sec. 7. Duties of the Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of
the Executive Committee to fix the date of the annual meeting, to act
on applications for membership as provided in Art. II, Sec. 5, to concur
in the ajipointment of standing committees as provided in Art. IV, Sec. 3,
to fill by temporary appointment offices which shall become vacant, to
nominate three persons for each of the several offices that are to be
filled annually, and to decide election in case of a tie.

AETICLE VI. (Election of Officers and Committees.)

Sec. 1. The election of all officers and the Executive Committee shall
be by a mail ballot of active members of the Union, a majority of those
voting being required to elect, and the Corresponding Secretary shall
send a list of the nominees of the Executive Committee to each member
by the first day of November in each year.

Sec. 2. The term of office shall extend from the end of one annual
meeting- to the end of the next one.

ARTICLE VII. (Meetings.)

Sec. 1. The annual meeting of the Union shall be held at such place
as the majority of the members shall by mail ballot select, and at such
time as tlie Executive Committee shall decide.

ARTICLE VIII. (Dues and Assessments.)

Sec. 1. The annual dues of the active members shall be one dollar
($1.00), due at the time of election to membership and on the date of
each annual meeting thereafter.

Sec. 2. The annual dues of associate members shall be fifty cents
(.$0.50), due at the time of election to membership and on the date of
each annual meeting thereafter.

Sec. 3. A general assessment may be levied, if, all the members being
notified, two-thirds of those voting shall assent.

Sec. 4. In case of failure to pay dues before the close of the year, a
member shall forfeit his right to the publications of the Union.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 9

Sec. 5. In case of failure to pay dues for two years a member shall
be dropped from the roll of the Union.

ARTICLE IX. (xiraendments.)

Sec. 1. An amendment to this constitution may be adopted by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members, one month notice
of proposed amendnieiit having' been given.

BY-LAWS.

Sec. 1. The actual amount expended by the officers in carrj-ing- on
their oflficial duties shall be refunded to them.

Sec. 2. All members in good standing shall receive gratis one copy
of each of the publications of the Union. Other copies of the publica-
tions may be distributed under sanction of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 3. All papers presented at the meetings shall be the property of
the Union and shall be filed with the Librarian.

Sec. 4. The order of business at the annual meeting shall be as fol-
lows: 1. Reading of minutes; 2. Reports of officers; 3. Reports of com-
mittees; 4. Proposal of names and election of members; 5. New busi-
ness; 6. Announcement of election of officers and committees; 7. Pre-
sentation and discussion of papers and remarks; 8. Installation of offi-
cers; 9. Adjoiirnment.

Sec. 5. Application for membership must be made to the Executive
Committee and such apiilication must have the endorsement of at least
one member in good standing, which shall be expected to be a proper
recommendation of the candidate.

Sec. G. Any of the By-laws maj- be amended or repealed bj' vote of
a majority of the active members.

10 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

LIST OF MEMBERS

Corrected to October 1, 1901. Names of charter members indicated by an asterisk.

HONOKAKY

Crawford, Hon. J. C West Point

Furnas, Ex-Gov. Robert W Brownville

Miller, Dr. George L Omaha

Morton, Hon. J. Sterling- Nebraska City

ACTIVE

*Ager, J. H., State Warden L. A. S 1604 F St., Lincoln

*Asliburn, H. B Gibbon

*Barbour, E. H., Ph. D., Prof, of Geol., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

*Bates, Eev. J. M., A. M Callaway

*Benecke, Frank Sj'brant, Eock Co.

*Benedict, H. M., A. M.. Tnstr. High School 221 No. 24th St., Omaha

"Bonwell, J. R Nebraska City

*Bruner, Lawrence, Prof. Ent. and Orn., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

*Caldwell, Miss Anna 920 So. 18th St., Lincoln

*Carriker, M. A., Jr Nebraska City

*Cary, Merritt Neligh

*Clements, Frederic- E.. Ph. T)., Adj. Prof. Bot., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

Colt, Will C Badger

*Condra, Geo. E., A. ]\I., Asst. Pi-in., High School 5 Halter Blk., Lincoln

*Crawford, J. C, Jr West Point

-Dales, J. S., Jr 1242 P St., Lincoln

*Dickinson, J. A Gresham

*Dillon, H. M Crete

"Eiche, Ang-ust 1133 O St., Lincoln

*Ford3'ce, Chas., Ph. D., Dean Nebr. Wesleyan Univ University Place

*Foster, F. C 31 Burr Blk., Lincoln

Frey, C. H 1133 0 St., Lincoln

"Froley, J. A Stromsburg

*Graves, Bishop A. 11., D. D Kearney

"Harrison, Miss Nell York

*Hayward, ISfrs. Mary Smif li Chadron

*Hershey, H. E Nebraska City

*Howe, E. D Table Eock

*Hunter, J. S 1416 1 .'Sth St., Denver, Colo.

"Hunter, W. D., A.M., Field Agt. U. S. Dept. Agri Washington, D. C.

Huntington, Chas. S 2924 Dodge St., Omaha

Jacobs, Mrs. A. M Wayne

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 11

*Jones, E. H Dunbar

Leffert, Frederick A. C West Point

Lobingier, Mrs. Ella B 1022 New York Life Bldg., Omaha

Loveland, ISfrs. G. A 1347 L St., Lincoln

Lowrj', H. B., M. D 843 So. 10th St., Lincoln

Mullen, K. F Cor. Railroad Ave. and Madison St., South Omaha

*Munro, Rev. G. A Columbus

Pajme, Mrs. Geo. H 3602 Lincoln Bvd., Omaha

-Pearse. A. S.. Tnstr. Hig-h School 2205 So. 10th St., Omaha

*Penner, J. H Beatrice

"Pierce, W. Dwight 3016 Mason St., Omaha

Pittman. Miss Sadie P 2022 Webster St., Omaha

*Reed, J. A Spokane, Wash.

Reid, Miss Mary A 607 No. 20th St., Omaha

Scott, E. H 319 Omaha Nat. Bank Bldg., Omaha

-Shoemaker, F. H 433 Omaha Nat. Bank Bldg.. Omaha

Smart, E. N., M. D Madison

*Smith, Will Long Pine

"Stewart, W. J Fullerton

*Stringer, Miss Caroline '. Wajnie

Summers, H. S., M. D West Point

*Swenk, Myron H 20th and L Sts., Lincoln

*Tout, Wilson, Supt. Schools Utica

*Towne, Geo. L., Pub. "Nebraska Teacher" Lincoln

*Trostler, L S 4246 Farnam St.

*^van Sant, Miss Elizabeth 2960 Half-Howard St.. Omaha

*Walker, A. B University Place

Wallace, J. E 605 So. 13th St., Omaha

*Ward, H. B., Ph. D., Prof. Zool., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

Williams, Rev. John 523 No. 19th St., Omaha

*Wolcott, R. H., A. ]Sr., M. U, Adj. Prof. Zool., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

ASSOCIATE

Anderson, Geo. P Dannebrog

Barnell, Sumner State Fish Hatchery, South Bend

Bassett, S. C Gibbon

*Bell, ]\rrs. A. T 2208 T St., Lincoln

Brown, C. O State Tiulustrial School, Kearney

*Bruner, INliss Amy West Point

*Bruner, Uriah West Point

Bruning, W. H Cedar Bluffs

Burnett, Miss Lida S 602 So. 30th St., Omaha

Burnett, Miss Louise 0 602 So. 30th St., Omaha

Carr, Claude Lexington

*Cornelius, Mrs. A. B Humboldt

*Cross, Rev. R. T York

12 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS^ UNION

"Dakin, Miss Sarah T 1826 P St., Lincoln

Franklin, Lew 1244 S St., Lincoln

*Gleason, ]\irs. T Utica

*Haecker, A. L., Adj. Prof. Dairy Husb., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

Hinman, C. H David City

*Hoobler, Miss Emma Lono- Island, Ivans.

Huntington, L. C 2924 Dodge St., Omaha

""Lanning, W. H Hastings

"Love, D. L , Brownell Blk., Lincoln

]McAra, ^[iss Margaret L 2437 Harnej- St., Omaha

Mockett. Ed. R 2110 A St., Lincoln

Mohler, Wm Falls City

Myers, G. W., Supt. Schools Harrison

O'Connor, D C. Supt. Schools Norfolk

I'epoon, Miss Elsie Table Pock

*Peterson, N. F Brunswick

*Pierce, Roy G 3016 Mason St., Omaha

*Sessions, L Norfolk

Snodgrass, M. P., Sujit. Schools Wisner

*Taylor, W. Edgar Ruston, La.

*Wolcott. :Mrs. P. H 1826 F St., Lincoln

*Wolfe, Miss Clara Peru

Wood, Miss Emily 2410 Charles St., Omaha

SUMMARY

Honorary members 4

Active members 63

Associate members 36

Total 103

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 13

PAPERS

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS— IllSTOKY OF ORNITHOLOGY IN NE-
BRASKA, AND OF STATE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETIES
IN GENERAL

I. S. TROSTLER, OMAHA

It is a AAell established fact that org'anized work along any of the
lines of study or scientific research will yield better and more satisfac-
tory'^ results than will unorganized, individual efforts. The establish-
ment of an ornithological society for Nebraska has been a hobby of
mine for a number of years. I have watched the work of other state
ornithological societies ^dth considerable interest and it will be my
effort to give a short sketch of the work done by the societies of other
states and some of the particulars regarding the formation of our
Nebraska Ornithologists' LTnion.

^lost of the information reg'arding' the societies of other states Avas
given me by their members, and I desire to thank !Messrs. Chester Bar-
low, of Santa Clara, California; Ora W. Knight, of Orono. Maine; R. H.
Wolcott, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Fred. M. Dillie, of Denver, Colorado, and
F. L. Burns, of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, for the aid thej' have given me.

THE COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB OF CALIFORNIA

The foremost state ornithological society in this country is the Cooper
Ornithological Club of California (named in honor of Dr. James G.
Cooper of that state). This club was org-anized June 22, 1893, at San
Jose, bj' Messrs. W. H. Osgood, F. A. Schneider, H. R. Painton, and
Chester Barlow. New members were added from time to time, and
at the end of three jears the club was upon a firm footing. I am unable
to enumerate the exact number of members at the end of each year,
until January 1, 1898, when the club had 77 active members. On January
1, 1900, there were 85 and November 1, 1900, 110 active and 3 honorary
members.

For convenience in holding meetings the Cooper Ornithological Club
is divided into two divisions, a "Northern Division" and a "Southern
Division." Both "Divisions" are under the control of what is termed
"the Club-at-Large," Avliich has its executive power vested in the
"Northern Division." In this way both Divisions act as a unit upon
general questions and hold meetings in their portion of the state at
regular intervals. The meetings of the Northern Division are held bi-
monthly, those of the Southern Division monthly. The attendance at
the meetings averages 15 to 20 members.

14 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

The dues of the club are $1.50 per year.

The publications of the club are of two series: The Condor, its offi-
cial organ, a 24-page bi-monthly magazine (the initial number of
^Yhich was published in January, 1899), and the Pacific Coast Arifaiina,
which will consist of a series of special paisers embracing- articles of
excejitional merit and too great length to appear in the Condor. The
first number of the latter series is now published. Before the iiublica-
tion of the Condor extracts from the records and papers were published
in the Nidologist and the Osprey.

The present officers of the Cooper Ornithological Club are: Of the
Northern Division and the Club-at-Large — W. Otto Emerson, Pres.;
Theodore J. Hoover, Vice-Pres.; Chester Barlow, Sec; Donald A.
Cohen, Treas. Of the Southern Division — A. I. McCormick, Pres.; Frank
S. Daggett, Vice-Pres.; Howard Kobertson, Sec; and H. S. Swarth,
Treas.

It has no members outside of California. Enrolling nearly, if not all,
of those interested in ornithology within the state, it has the hearty
support of the entire membership, and numbers among its members
some of the leading scientists of the coimtry. It is the largest and oldest
society of its kind in this country and bids fair to continue its good
work.

THE MAINE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

The Maine Ornithological Society was organized in 1893 as a corre-
sponding society. The founders were Prof. Wm. L. Powers, of Gardiner,
J. C. Mead, of North Bridgeton, and Stephen J. Adams, of Cornish. This
organization was first called the United Ornithologists of Maine, the
name being changed to the present one in 1899. From the beginning
the membership increased steadily, and in 1895 its roll showed 31 mem-
bers.

In the latter part of 1896 the society commenced its first active work
and secured space for the publication of its proceedings in the Maine
Sportsman. The membership in January, 1897, was about 50, consisting
of active, honorary, corresponding- and associate members. In Decem-
ber, 1896, the first meeting of the society was held at Gardiner, and
since that time annual meetings have been held each year, — in January,
1898, at Portland; in December, 1898, at Waterville; in December, 1899,
at Brunswick, and in December, 1900, at Lewiston.

In 1897 a List of the Birds of Maine was published under the auspices
of this society by the Maine State College. In January, 1899, the societj'^
began the publication of the Journal of the Maine Ornithological Societij,
a 12-page quarterly, in which were published the proceedings and papers
presented at their meetings.

The first officers of the Maine Ornithological Society or, as it was then
called, the United Ornithologists of Maine, were: Stephen J. Adams,
Pres.; Prof. Chas. B. Wilson, Vice-Pres.; Ralph Rockwood, Treas., and
Prof. W. L. Powers, Sec. The officers for 1900 were Prof. W. L. Powers,

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 15

Pres.; Capt. H. L. Spinney, Vice-Pres.; A. H. Norton, Sec.-Treas.; J.
Merton Swain, Editor; and Professors A. L. Lane and O. W. Knight,
Councillors.

Up to 1896 the annual dues were 50 cents, but in that year they were
increased to $1.00. This society is an active one and is doing- g-ood work.

THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

The Iowa Ornithological Association was org-anized as a correspond-
ence association, June 15, 1894, and in October of that year had 20 active,
4 associate, and 2 honorary members. In January, 1897, the membership
was 51 active, 22 associate, and 3 honorarj'- members.

In 1895 work was begun upon a List of Iowa Birds by a committee
appointed for that purpose. The work is not yet completed.

The first meeting" of the Iowa Ornithological Association was held
at Iowa City, August 22 and 23, 1895, 9 active members being in attend-
ance. The second annual meeting was held at Mount Vernon, July 29
to 31, 1896, and the third annual meeting at Manchester, September 1
to 4, 1897. No meetings have been held since 1897. The publication of
the luua Ornithologist was begim by the association in October, 1894. It
was a 16 to 28-page quarterly. The last number was issued January,
1898.

The first officers of the Iowa Ornithological Association were: Ernest
E. Irons, Pres.; Carleton K. Ball, Vice-Pres.; David L. Savage, Sec, and
W. \Y. Loomis, Treas. The officers for 1898 were: J. H. Brown, Pres.;
Mrs. M. A. Treim, Vice-Pres.; J. Eugene Lew, Sec; and David L. Savage,
Editor and Treas.

Originally the dues of this association were 25 cents per anniim, but
this was changed to 40 cents per annum. In 1895 the dues were again
changed to $1.00 per annum for active and 40 cents iier annum for as-
sociate members.

Although from outward appearances the Iowa Ornithological Associa-
tion is dead, I have information from some of its members that they
feel sure that they will be able to revive the old life and interest, and
from what I know of the members I think that they will succeed, and
trust that the association will in time shake off its lethargy and re-
assume its former activitj".

THE MICHIGAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

The Michigan Ornithological Club was organized as the Kent Ornitho-
logical Club, December 5, 1894, at Grand Rapids. At that time the mem-
bership consisted of young students with but two or three older heads
to guide and direct. The Kent Ornithological Club remained as a local
club for about one year, until in 1895 ajiplications came from ornithol-
ogists in different parts of the state for admission to the club. In this
way the Kent Ornithological Club became the ^lichigan Ornithological
Club on December 12, 1895, with 13 charter members. Meetings were

16- NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

held in Grand Rapids and the organization was practically controlled
by the local members. A number of the members of the old society
ceased to take part in the work of the clnb on account of their opposi-
tion to the expansion into a state organization and the membership
increased very slowlJ^ In Februai'y, 1897, the club numbered 37 active,
16 associate, and 8 honorary members, and by the end of that year 53
active, 41 associate, and 9 honorai'y members were upon the roll. In
December, 1898, there were 57 active, 68 associate, and 9 honorary
members.

In January, 1897, the publication of the Bulletin of the Michigan
Oniltholoflical Cluh was commenced. It was a IS-page quarterly, the
last number i^ublished being dated April, 1899. Later a movement was
started with the object of inducing- the Michigan Academy of Sciences
to publish the proceedings of the club, but so far without result.

In December, 1897, the first meeting away from Grand Rapids was held
at Lansing and a new constitvition was adopted. The last annual meet-
ing was held in Detroit, December 27, 1898, where an effort to stir up
some of the old-time enthusiasm was made. This seems to have failed
as the club is now in a dormant state. The annual dues were 50 cents
for associate and $1.00 for active members.

The first officers of the Michigan Ornithological Club were: A. R.
Durfee, Pres.; R. R. Newton, Vice-Pres.; W. Earle Mulliken, Sec; C.
A. Whittemore, Treas. The officers elected at the last annual meeting
were: W. A. Davidson, Pres.; James B. Purdy, Vice-Pres.; L. Whitney
Watkins, Sec; Mrs. F. A. Kelsey, Treas.; and Benton R. Laraway,
Librarian.

With the membership that this club had, there is no reason why they
should not reorganize and I trust this will soon be accomplished,

THE COLOEADO OBNITHOLOGTCAL ASSOCIATION

Something over a year ago the Colorado Ornithological Association
was organized in Denver. A few meetings were held and the association
seemed to fall asleep. The only information which I could obtain re-
garding it is embodied in a recent letter from Mr. Fred M. Dille, wherein
he states, "The Colorado Ornithological Association is practically ex-
tinct. It has never really mutually agreed to disband so perhaps it still
exists and is only sleeping, like a skin which may be relaxed some day.
We quit holding meetings, and that was about the end of it. There
are good ornithologists in the state, but they could never get together
on account of the expense."

THE DELAWARE VAl.I.EY ORNITHOLOGICAE CLUB

Although not strictly a state organization, the Delaware Valley Or-
nithological Club may properly be enumerated under this head, as the
control of the club is in the hands of the active members, all of whom
reside in Pennsvlvania.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 17

This club was organized in Philadelphia, February 3, 1890, with 7
members. The oflficers at that time were Wm. L. Bailej*, Pres., and
S. M. Rhoads, Sec.-Treas. In 1892 there were 9 active and 17 associate

• members and in 1898 there were 14 active, 42 associate, and 21 corres-
ponding members. The dues are $2.00 per annum for active and $L00
ior associate members. Meetings are held twice each month, from
October to May inclusive, in the Ornithological Room of the Academy
of Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia.

The publications issued bj- this club up to this time are: Abstracts
of Proceedings of the DelaAvare Valley Ornithological Club for 1890-91;

-the same for 1892-97; and the same for 1898-99. The Birds of Eastern
Pennsylvania and New Jersej- (185 pp., frontispiece and 2 maps).

THE NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

In .January, 1894,1 published a notice in the Oologist of Albion, New York,
requesting Nebraskans interested in ornithology- and oology to send

. me their addresses. I received replies to this notice from C. C. and M.
Pew, Hebron; J. S. and A. Pyfer, Odell; L. J. Pickett, Wahoo; R. S.
Waugh, Plattsmouth; F. C. Bececke, Chadron; H. W. Kerr, Hastings;

.A. Wilson Tout, Riverton; J. A. Dickinson, Gresham; and one or two
others. I corresponded with these with reference to meeting at some
central point for the purpose of forming a state organization but for
various reasons we could not "get together." In 1895 I again essayed the
l»ringing together of these bird students for this purpose, and as before
I failed.

In. XS96 I tried to arrange for a meeting during the State Fair in
Omaha, but I could not secure enough who would promise to be here
.at one time to secure a representative meeting, so I let the matter rest
until earh^ in 1898, when I wrote to about twenty-five ornithologists in
this state asking if they could and would try to visit the Trans-Missis-
sippi Exposition at a time suitable to the largest number so that we
could have a meeting and organize. I also had a notice to this effect pub-
lished in the Musevni, of Albion, New York, and in the Osprey for Aiiril and
May, 1898. A number of those written to replied to my letters, but their
dates were qtiite various, and as most of them could not be changed I
:finally concluded that it would be useless to try and organize in this way.
A number of these persons called upon me during the summer of 1898
while visiting the Exposition and all of them seemed to favor the
organization of a state association.

In May, 1899. after a short correspondence, J. R. Eonwell and M. A.
Carriker, of Nebraska City; J. A. Dickinson, of Gresham, F. H, Shoe-
maker, Miss van Sant, and mj^self, of Omaha, arranged a preliminary
organization, which was named the Nebraska Ornithologists' Associa-
tion. Aboiit this time the existence of the Nebraska Ornithological
•Ckib of Lincoln, which had been organized about three months be-
fore, was brought to our notice by Dr. Wolcott and Prof. Bruner, and

18 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

with a view of more satisfactorily arranging- matters we petitioned the
Nebraska Ornithological Club to open their membership to the entire
state.

The Lincoln organization appointed a committee, of which Mr. W.
D. Hunter was chairman, to correspond with refernce to the organiza-
tion of a state society and May 26, 1899, the committee sent a letter
to all whom they knew to be interested in ornithology in this state,
stating the matter in hand and outlining a plan of organization, with
the happy result that on July 15, 1899, an election was called by the
committee which resulted, forty-three persons participating, in the
election of the following officers of the preliminary organization: Prof.
L. Bruner, Lincoln, Pres.; I. S. Trostler, Omaha, Vice-Pres.; W. D.
Hunter, Lincoln, Cor. Sec; E. H. Wolcott, Lincoln, Rec. Sec; J. R.
Bonwell, Nebraska City, Prof. Chas. Fordyce, Lincoln, and Rev. J. M.
Bates, Long Pine, Executive Committee.

The first annual meeting of Nebraska ornithologists was called
to meet at Lincoln, December 26, 1899, and at this meeting the perma-
nent organization of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union was effected,
constitution and by-laws adopted and officers elected.

With the election of those whose applications are now at hand the
Union will have over ninety active and associate members. The pro-
ceedings of our first annual meeting- were published in a neat pamphlet
and from present indications our organization is on a sound footing,
with prospects of a bright and useful future.

BIRDS IN THEIR RELATION TO AGRICULTURE

LAWRENCE BEUNER, LINCOLN

When civilized man takes possession of new regions and begins culti-
vating the soil and establishes his sovereignty there, the equilibrium
as it existed upon his arrival is very quickly disturbed. One or more
of the many forms of life — plant and animal — that w^ere previously
held within certain limits gain ascendency. The introduction of new
crops that furnish an abundance of the proper food for some insect,
enables this form to increase out of all proportions and harm soon
results. The killing off of certain other forms of life that naturally
keep still others in check also assists in disturbing the equilibrium
further. The cutting doAvn and clearing away of forests removes the
shelter and homes of others, as does also the turning under of prairie
grasses. Then, too, many of the natural residents of primeval forests
and virgin prairies shun the sight of man, hence they gradually with-
draw from the region, and their influence for good or evil goes with
them. Since the majority of such forms are timid and inoffensive
creatures, their withdrawal only adds that much more to the already

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 19

■overbalanced conditions. Year by year the gap which at first was
scarcely noticeable becomes widened, so that frequent inroads are
made and harm results. Instead of trying to ascertain the true cause
for all this trouble perhaps exactly the wrong thing is done by the
settlers. This of course only has the effect of further widening the
gap between safety and danger. Since an insect or other animal be-
comes noticeablj' harmful only when present in alarming numbers, it
stands to reason that anj'thing which favors such an abnormal in-
crease is a factor in disturbing nature and should be quickly rectified
where possible. In order that these disturbances should be looked
after the all-^^ise God of the universe created birds and gave them the
power of flight that they might the more readily move about rapidly
from place to place where their services might be needed in balancing:
affairs. Hence birds have naturally and rightfully been called the
"balancers" in nature. This being true, let us see just what their re-
lations are to agriculture.

The farmer sows in order that he may reap an increased measure
of what he has sown. In doing this he must first turn over the soil.
This destroys manj^ existing plants as well as animals that depend upom
them for food. The plants thus turned down cannot regain their
position and must of necessity die. Not so with many of the animals-,
however, which soon work their way to the surface. Some of these
attack the growing plants which have been made to occupy the place
of those destroyed by the plow. Others take wing and seek suitable
food in adjoining districts where they add to the numbers already
drawing upon the vegetation up to the point of possible continued
supply. Here, then, the scales begin to vibrate. In the field the new
and tender crop entices the ever-shifting individuals of myriads of
forms that have been crowded out elsewhere. The result here too is»
or would be, very disastrous were it not for the timely visit of flocks
of birds likewise in search of food.

It is during the period of first settlement of a country, when the
fields are small, few and widely separated, that injury may and fre-
quently does result from birds. It is then a problem that needs care-
ful consideration, not only for the time being, but also for the future
welfare of that country. If animal life is destroyed indiscriminately
and without intelligent forethought, calamities unforeseen are sure to
follow in the not distant future.

Birds can be useful to man in many ways. They can benefit him by
carrying the seeds of various plants from place to place so as to assist
him in establishing new groves in which to find shelter from the cold
in winter and refuge from the heat of the noonday sun in summer.
They plant various shrubs by the wayside that spring up and later are
laden with luscious fruit. They also carry the spawn of fishes and
small crustaceans among their feathers into new waters, and feed
upon the countless seeds of weeds that are scattered broadcast over

fiO NEBRA'SKA ORNITHOLOGISTS^ 'tlNlON

the face of thei eSrth;, Somfe kinds livfe almost exc'liisively itpori insects^
while others hunt out the small rodents that would, if left to^ them-
selves, destroy "gr^at quantities of grain an<i other ■ vegeta-tion. Still
other birds benefit mankind by acting as scavengers in the removal
of putrid and other offensive matter which would endanger bur health.
In addition to all these varied direct benefits which are brought about
by the presence of birds, man is further indebted to these creatures
for the cheer which their gay music, bright plumage and pleasant man-
iiers bring to him. The birds form a carefully organized army of police
Which is engaged in keeping affairs balanced' in nature.

But we can go even further summing up the benefits that men may
derive from the birds." A great many kinds ruake excellent food, while
others furnish sport and pleasure to a large number of men and boys
who seem to require a certain kind of entertainment while accom-
panied with dog and gun. Dead birds when embalmed as mummies
and attached to the head-gear worn by some g-irls and: women are also
claimed to cause much happiness.

Birds as Enemies.-— It 'would be ridiculous for me t6 assert here that
iio injury ever results from the presence of birds on the farrti^ or in the
'Orchard. Quite a nuniber of different species are' continually stepping
<)ver to the wrong side of the "ledger" as it were, and commiting depre-
dations of various kinds Avhich if considered alone 'would render the
perpetrators liable to severe punishmfent — in some cases even Unto
'death. Some of the crimes that can be charged to the feathered tribe
are cherry and berry-stealing, grape-puncturing, apple-peclcing, corn-
pulling, grain-eating, the unintentional carrying from place to place
of some kinds of scale insects that happen to crawl on their legs and
feet, the possible spreading of hog cholera by crows and buzzards,
the robbing- of the poultry yard, and lastly some birds are accused of
making noises that awaken us from our slumbers in the morning.

Some of these crimes are genuine and are to be deplored, while
others are more imaginary than real. A few of them could be pre-
sented in part or altogether, while others might be diminished if we
were inclined to take the trouble to do it.

' After all that can be said pro and con concerning the usefulness
of birds in general there remains no doubt, in the minds of thinking
people at least, as to the value of these creatxires. It is only the vicious,
biased, and thoxightless persons who continue ruthlessly to destroy
birds indiscriminately without first pausing to consider whether or
not it is a proper thing to do, whether it is right or Avrong.

Food habits.— So varied is this task of evening up in nature mentioned
above that if attended to properly the workers must be numerous in
individuals and possess widely different habits. That such is the case
can readily be seen by the following brief account of the various
groups of our Nebraska birds, along with brief statements of their food-
iiabits.

.iSfiCQND: ANNUAL MEETING 21:

, The, Grebes and L(Oons feed chiefly upon snails and other aquatic
animals such as are; found about their haunts,: They also capture
many grasshojipers and similar insects that happen in their way. They
cannot, therefore, be classed among the especially beneficial birds,
neither can they be tejrmed injurious on account of what they eat. '

The Gulls, provided as they are with long wings and great powers for
flight, are not confined to the sea-coast, hence they reach far inland
in their migrations, feeding extensively upon insects like locusts, Juner
beetles, crickets, etc., large numbers of which they destroy annuallyw
Several kinds of these birds are known to follow the plow and pick up
the white grubs and other insects that are turned up and laid bare.
In early days, Avhen grasshoppers did much harm in this state, numer-
ous flocks of these birds were seen to feed upon these insects.

The Cormorants and Pelicans are chiefly destroyers of flshes an(J
frogs, hence can hardly be classed among the most .beneficial forms;
but whether or not they do any more than to maintain the necessary
equilibrium in that particular part of the vast field of nature it is diffir
cult to judge without time for investigaition.

The various Ducks and Geese which are also nearly as aquatic ia
their habits as some of the foregoing, frequently leave their haunts
and make excursions into the surrounding country where in summer
they feed iipon locusts, beetles and other injurious insects. They also
partake of considerable quantities of vegetable food, as grains, wee^
seeds, grasses and other herbage. While not included among the in-
sectivorous forms these birds do much towards diminishing the ever in-
creasing horde of creeping and jumping things. Ducks and geese on
the other hand are largely utilized by us as food; while their feathers
make comfortable pillows and coverlets.

The Herons, Cranes, and Kails are frequenters of marshes and the
margins of streams and bodies of water, where they assist in keeping-
the various forms among the animal life balanced. Fishes, frogs, snails,
insects, and crustaceans are alike devoured by them.

The Snipe, Sandpipers, Plovers, Phalaropes, Curlews, etc., are great
destroyers of insects. Moving as many of them do in great flocks and
spreading out over the meadows, pastures, and hillsides, as well as
among the cultivated flelds, they do a large amount of careful police
service in arresting the culprits among insects. They even pry them
out of burrows and crevices in the earth where these creatures lurk
during daytime only to come forth after nightfall to destroy vegeta-
tion. The large flocks of Eskimo Curlews that formerly passed through
eastern Nebraska did magnificent work during years when the Rocky
■Mountain Locust was with us, as did also the equally large flocks of
Golden Plovers. The Bartramian Sandpiper even now is a great factor
each simimer in checking the increasing locusts on our prairies.

The various members of the Grouse family, while belonging to a
grain-eating group, are certainly quite f)rominent as insect destroyers.

22 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Especially is this true with respect to the Quail, Prairie Hen, Sharptailed
Grouse, and Wild Turkey, all of which are occupied most of the summer
months in capturing and destrojang- vast numbers of such insects as
are found on the prairies. Grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, caterpillars,
and similar insects comprise the bulk of their insect food — forms that
are all among- the most numerous as well as destructive species. In
writing about these birds as insect destroyers Prof. Samuel Aughej^
writes:* "I happened to b© in the Republican Valley, in southwestern
Nebraska, in August, 1874, when the locust invaded that region. Prairie
chickens and quails, that previous to their coming had a large number
of seeds In their stomachs, when dissected, seemed now for a time to
abandon all other kinds of food. At least from this onward for a
month little else than locusts were found in their stomachs. All the
birds seemed now to live solely on locusts for a while." In Avinter and
at other times of the year when insect life is scarce and diflficult to
obtain these birds feed more or less extensively'' upon seeds and other
kinds of vegetation. Some even enter cultivated grounds and seek
food that belongs to the farmer, thereby doing more or less direct in-
jury. The extent of such injury, of course, depends upon the number
of birds engaged in the depredations, and also on the time over which
it is allowed to extend. If corn and other grain is harvested at the
proper time, but little damage ensues; but if alloAved to remain in the
field throughout winter, much of the crop is liable to be taken b3' the
birds.

Perhaps no other bird that frequents the farm pays higher prices for
the grain it eats than does the Quail. Living about the hedgerows, groves,
and ravines, where insect enemies gather and lurk during the greater
part of the year, this bird not only seizes large numbers of these en-
emies daily during the summer months when they are "abroad in the
land," but all winter through it scratches among the fallen leaves and
other rubbish that accumulates about its haunts seeking for hibernat-
ing insects of various kinds. Being a timid little creature, the Quail
seldom leaves cover to feed openlj^ in the fields, and therefore does but
little actual harm in the way of destroying grain. In fact it only takes
stray kernels that otherwise might be lost. This bird is one of the few
that feeds upon that unsavory insect, the chinch-bug; and the number
of this pest that occasionally are destroyed by it is really astonishing.
No farmer or fruit-grower should ever kill a quail himself nor allow
anyone else to hunt it on his premises.

Our domestic fowls, save ducks and geese, from which so much direct
income is derived throughout the year, belong here. It would be folly on
my part to assert that they are useless to the farmer. Besides furnish-
ing eggs and meat for the table, they are great aids in keeping down
a variety of noxious insects during spring, summer and fall.

The various species of Doves or Pigeons are not, as a rule, thoiight

®See 1st Report U. S. Entomological Commissiou, p. 361.

SECOND ANXl'AL MEETING 23

of as being especially harmful, yet repeated examinations of their
stomach contents would indicate that their food seldom, if ever, con-
sists of anything but grains and various kinds of seeds along with
other particles of vegetation. The good done by these birds as de-
stroyers of weed seeds more than pays for the harm done by them as
grain-eaters.

Recent careful study with reference to the food habits of Hawks and
Owls carried on by the United States Department of Agriculture go
to show that these birds, with but few exceptions, are the farmer's
friends rather than his enemies. It appears that the good which they
accomplish in the way of destroying mice, gophers, rabbits and other
small mammals along with great quantities of noxious insects far ex-
ceeds the possible harm they do by the occasional destriiction of
poultry and other birds. A critical examination of the actual contents
of about 2,700 stomachs of these birds showed that only six of the
seventy-three species found in the United States are injurious. Three
of these are so rare that they need not be considered. Of the remaining
three the Fish Hawk is only indirectly injurious; hence but two re-
main to be considered, viz., the Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks.
"Omitting the six species that feed largely on poultry' and game, 2,212
stomachs were examined, of which 56 per cent contained mice and other
small mammals, 27 per cent insects, and only 3% per cent poultry and
game birds."

The food habits of both the Tiirkey Vulture and the Carrion Crow, or
Black Vulture, are of such a nature that the destruction of these birds
should be prohibited. In fact, in many of the states this is done by
law. They live almost exclusively upon carrion or decomposing animal
matter, and in this manner aid in the prevention of diseases that might
result from the presence of such tilth. They raaj^ however, be the cause
of indirectly spreading hog cholera where animals that have died from
this disease are left unburied or iinburned.

The Cuckoos are among the few birds that habitually feed upon hairy
caterpillars, such as the various "tent-making" species. They also de-
stroy large numbers of other caterpillars, and do not object to beetles
and other insects which they find among the foliage of trees. Although
shy birds they are frequently seen in cities, where thej^ do their share
in protecting the shade trees from the ravages of insect defoliators.

Taking the Woodpeckers as a family, there are few persons but who
will readily admit that these birds comprise a very useful group. Feed-
ing, in fact, as most of them do, upon the larvfe of wood-boring in-
sects, they can readily do much greater good for the actual number
of insects destroyed than if they destroyed only those that feed upon
the foliage of trees. Xot unfrequently will a single borer kill an entire
tree if left to itself, Avliile hundreds of foliage-feeding caterpillars of
the same size have but little effect upon the appearance, to Say nothing
of the health, of the same tree.

2^ NEBRASKA OKMTHOLOGISTS' UNION

Mr. F. E. L. Beal, assistant in the Division of Ornitholog3- and Mam-i
malogy of the United States Department of Agriculture, in summing up
the results obtained from the examination of 679 stomachs of these
birds, writes as follows:*

"In reviewing the results of these investigations and comparing one
species with another, without losing sight of the fact that comparative
good is not necessarily positive good, it appears that of seven species
considered the Downy Woodpecker is the most beneficial." He then
goes on to give the food habits based on contents of the stomachs of
our most common species. "Judged by the stomach examinations of
the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker and Flicker it would be hard ta
find three other species of our common birds with fewer harmful quali-
ties."

The Flicker is one of our most common woodpeckers in Nebraska and
does much towards keeping down a number of different kinds of in-
sects. It is very fond of ants as a diet, in fact is partial to them, and
this element forms almost half of its entire food-supply during the
year. It also occasionally feeds upon the chinch-bug, as can be attested
by the fact that the stomach of a specimen killed near Lincoln con-
tained in the vicinity of 1,000 of these bugs. It is also a fruit-eater to
the extent of abowt one-quarter of its entire bill of fare, but nature,
not man, furnishes the supply. It takes the Avild kinds in preference to
those that are cultivated.

The Whippoorwill, Night Hawk, and Swifts feed entirely on insects,
and must consequently be classed among the beneficial birds. They all
capture their prey while upon the wing, and naturally destroy large
numbers of troublesome kinds.

The various species of Flycatchers, as the name implies, destroy in-
sects which they capture for the most part while on the wing. Flies
and allied insects are quite prominent on their bill of fare; but these
by no means are the only kinds of insects destroyed by them. Many
a luckless locust, butterfly, moth or even beetle is snapped up and de-
voured by the different species of the family. The Bee-bird, or Kingbird
as it is more frequently called, sometimes even catches bees. These
latter, however, consist largely of drones, hence comparativeh' little
harm is done.

One should be unprejudiced in order to write a fair biography of
even a bird, or group of birds. To say that I am ^vithout such preju-
dice with reference to some of the members of the family of birds now
to be considered, would be a falsehood. Still, I shall endeavor to
give as unbiased testimony as possible with reference to their food-
habits at least, and let the reader judge for himself as to Avhat would
be the proper treatment for these birds. Taking the family as a whole
that which is made up of birds like the Crows, Eavens, Magpies, Jays,
Nut-crackers, "Camp -robbers," etc., though some of them have unenvi-

■••■'See Bull. No. 7, Div. Ornith. & Mammalogy, p. 9.

PLATE II

XEST OF THE KVBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING, 25

able names and reputations at least, are not realh' as bad as we are
sometimes requested to believe them to be.

The Crows, Eavens, Magpies, and immediate relatives are what might
be termed "omnivorous" in food-habits, eating everything that comes
their way. Crows, however, have been shown to feed largely on in-
sects, which in great measure at least, offsets the harm done in other
directions. They also feed on various substances, the removal of which
is for the general good.

The Eaven is too rare a bird in this state to be taken into considera-
tion in respect to food-habits, and the Magpie certainly can be put
out of the question of doing any possible harm for the same reason.
This leaves then to be considered, the Jays, of which we seem to have
six or seven distinct kinds; but only two of these are at all common.
The Blue Jay is found over the entire state, and is familiar to every-
body. The second species is found only in the western and north-
western portions among the pine forests, and is known as the Pinon
Jay or "Camp-robber" — the latter name not very flattering to the bird
I must confess.

The Blue Jay does much of the mischief that is laid at the door of
the Eobin, orioles, thrushes, and other birds, and then sneaks away un-
observed. He also destroys large numbers of insects and robs the
nest of some small birds.

In the Bobolink, Meadowlark, Orioles, and Blackbirds we have some
of the most important insect destroyers among the feathered tribes.
The Bobolink is with us only during the summer months when it is
entirely insectivorous; and the same can be said of the Cowbird, al-
though the latter has the bad habit of compelling other birds to rear
its young.

In the Eed-winged Blackbird we have a friend that we little dream of
when we see the large tiocks gathering about our corn-fields during late
Slimmer and early fall. During the balance of the year it is engaged
most of the time in waging war on various insect pests, including such
forms as the "grub-worms," cut-worms, gras.shoppers, army worm, beet
caterpillar, etc. Even when it visits our corn-fields it more than pays
for the corn it eats by the destruction of the worms that lurk under the
husks of a large per cent of the ears in everj- field.

Several j-ears ago the beet fields in the vicinity of Grand Island were
threatened great injury by a certain caterpillar that had nearlj' defoli-
ated all the beets growing in many of them. At about this time large
flocks of this bird appeared and after a week's sojourn the caterpillar
plague had vanished, it having been converted into bird tissues. jN^um-
erous other records of the eflficiency of their labor as destroyers of
insect pests might be quoted in favor of this bird, but I do not believe
this to be necessarj^ although considerable evidence has been recorded
of its destroying both fruits and grains.

The Baltimore Oriole has received such a bad reputation here in Ne-

26 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

braska as a grape thief during the past few years that I feel inclined to
g'ive extra time and space in endeavoring- to "clear him" of such an un-
enviable charge. This, however, I hardly think necessary when the
facts in the case are known. As insect destroyers both this bird and
the Orchard Oriole have had an undisputed reputation for many years;
and the kinds of insects destroyed by both are of such a class as to
count greatly in their favor. Caterpillars and beetles belonging to
injurious species comprising 9G per cent of the food of three speci-
mens killed is the record we have in their favor. On the other hand,
grapes have been punctured only "presumably by this bird, since he has
so frequently been found in the vineyard and must be the culprit."
Now I myself have seen the Oriole in apple orchards under compromis-
ing circumstances, and have heard pretty strong evidence to the effect
that it will occasionally puncture rijie apples. It also belongs in the
same family with some generally acceiited "rascals," hence I will ad-
mit that possibly some of the charges with which he is credited may
be true; but I still believe that most of the injuries to grapes in this
and other states must be laid to the English Sparrow.

If we take pains to water our birds during the dr3^ seasons they will
be much less apt to seek this siipply from the juices of fruits that are
so temptingly near at hand. Place little pans of water in the orchard
and vineyard where the lairds can visit them without fear of being
seized bj^ the house cat or knocked over by a missile from the alert
"small boy," and I am sure that the injury to fruit, to a great extent
at least, will cease.

Eecent investigations tend to prove that the Grackle or Crow-Black-
bird does more good than harm and should be protected.

Our Sparrows and their allies, taken together, form a very extensive
family of very beautiful as well as useful birds. Like the warblers,
they occupy themselves with searching for and destroying insects all
summer long; but this is not all they do that is good. In fall, winter,
and early spring, Avhen Mother Earth has lost her brilliant green and
rests in sombre browns or beneath ice and snow, the longspurs. Snow
Bunting, Snowbird, and some of the siJarrows that have remained
with us are busily engaged in gathering for themselves a living. They
hop and fly about from place to place searching for and picking up
little seeds of grass, grain and weeds, of shrubs and trees, and ap-
propriating the same to their iise, chirping merrily as they work
away. The European House Sparrow, or the English Sparrow as it is
more commonly called, has the ^^'orst reputation of the entire family.
But even this bird has some redeeming traits.

The "Tanagers are insect destroyers, feeding- for the most part on
such forms as attack the foliage of trees.

All of our Swallows are insect destroyers, capturing siich forms as
gnats, flies, etc., which they seize while on the wing. The large col-
onies of different species of these birds that breed within the state, as

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 27

^'ell as those that pass through during- their migrations, destroy vast
numbers of these insects. They should be protected.

The Waxwings, both the Cedar Bird and Bohemian Waxwing, feed
principally upon berries, etc., which they find throughout the year.
Still, in his studies of the food contents of the stomachs of a variety
of birds taken in a certain orchard that was overrun with canker-
worms, Professor Forbes found that the seven specimens of the Cedar
Waxwing had eaten nothing but canker-worms and a few dung beetles,
the latter in such small numbers as to scai'cely count. The number of
caterpillars eaten by each bird ranged from 70 to 101.

The Shrikes or "Butcher Birds" are known as veritable "brigands"
or "pirates" w^hen it comes to the destruction of other forms of life.
They are true to their name, and "butcher" for pastime large num-
bers of insects, mice, lizards, small snakes, and even a few birds.
They then fly to some thorn bush or barbed-wire fence and impale the
luckless victim and leave it for future use, or to dry up and finally
blow away. The good they do will outweigh the harm.

The food of the various Greenlets or Vireos is made up almost en-
tirely of insects, of which a large per cent are caterpillars, such as
infest shade trees and the larger shrubs. They should be protected
and encouraged, about the orchard in particular.

In the words of that pleasing writer. Dr. Elliott Coues,* "The War-
blers have we always with us, all in their own good time; they come
out of the south, pass on, return, and are away again, their appear-
ance and withdrawal scarcely less than a mystery; many stay with
Tis all summer long, and some brave the winters in our midst. Some
of these slight creatures, guided by unerring instinct, travel true to
the meridian in the hours of darkness, slipping past like a 'thief in
the night.' stopping at daybreak from their lofty flights to rest and
recruit for the next stage of the journey. Others pass more leisurely
from tree to tree, in a ceaseless tide of migration, gleaning as they go;
the hardier males, in full song and plumage, lead the way for the
"weaker females and yearlings. With tireless industry do the warblers
befriend the human race; their unconscious zeal plays due part in the
nice adjustment of nature's forces, helinng to bring about the bal-
ance of vegetable and insect life without which agriculture would be
in vain. They visit the orchard when the apple and pear, the iieach,
plum, and cherry are in bloom, seeming' to revel carelessly amid the
SAveet-scented and delicately-tinted blossoms, but never faltering in
their good work. They i^eer into the crevices of the bark, scrutinize
■each leaf, and explore the very heart of the buds, to detect, drag forth,
and destroy those tiny creatures, singly insignificant, collectively a
scourge, which prey upon the hopes of the fruit-grower, and which,
if undisturbed, would bring his care to naiight. Some warblers flit in-

*Key to North American Birds, p. 288.

28 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

cessantly in the terminal foliag-e of the tallest trees; others hug- close
to the scored trunks and gnarled boughs of the forest kings; some peep^
from the thicket, coppice, the impenetrable mantle of shrubbery that
decks tiny water-courses, playing at hide-and-seek with all comers;,
others more humble still, descend to the ground, where they glide with,
pretty mincing steps and affected turning of the head this way and
that, their delicate flesh-tinted feet just stirring the layer of withered
leaves with which a past- season carpeted the ground. We may seek
warblers everywhere in the season; we shall find them a continued sur-
prise; all mood and circumstance is theirs."

;Much could be written concerning the food-habits of the various
members of the group of Thrushes, Mocking-birds and Wrens. Three
of the species at least are known to be more or less destructive to-
fruits, viz.. Catbird, Brown Thrasher, and Mocking-bird. Still, if we
take into account what these birds eat during the entire time spent
within the state, the balance sheet stands in favor of the birds as in-
sect destroj^ers. The Avrens are j)re-eminently insect destroyers, and
the others are not much behind them in this respect.

The members of the family of Nuthatches and Tits feed for the most
part on insects. But we lack very definite figures regarding the kinds-
and numbers of insects that each destroys. We can be sure, however,,
that any favors shown them will not be thrown away.

The Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluebirds, etc., are all beneficial as insect
destroyers, and might be well comiDared with the Eobin, which is de-
scribed quite fully beyond, only they are even less liable to commit in-
juries to fruits.

The Robin has certainly been accused often enough of being a.
first-class rascal to warrant the belief that there must be at least
some grounds for such accusations being made. In his examination
of 114 stomachs of this bird, taken during ten months of the year,
Professor Forbes, of Illinois, found the contents to consist of 65 per-
cent insects and 34 per cent of fruits and seeds. In the estimates of
these food percentages taken by the Robin, as well as by other birds,,
bulk for bulk is taken, i. e., a quart of caterpillars or other insects is.
equivalent to a quart of cherries or a quart of berries. Professor Forbes
asks this question: "Will the destruction of seventeen quarts of aver-
age caterpillars, including at least eight quarts of cut-worms, pay for
twenty-four quarts of cherries, blackberries, currants, and grapes?"'
and then answers it in these words: "To this question I, for my own
part, can only reply that I do not believe that the horticulturist can
sell his small fruits anywhere in the ordinary markets of the world
at so high a price as to the Robin, provided that he uses proper dili-
gence that the little huckster doesn't overreach him in the bargain."
Miich more might be said in favor of the Robin had I the time and
space at my command.

After having carefully scanned the foregoing notes concerning the

' ■ SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 29

food-habits of our birds we cannot afEord to continue indifferent in
our treatment of them, nor can we even allow our neighbors to kill
them though we ourselves have decided to reform in this respect. We
inust work for a change of heart in our neighbors also.

INJURIOUS TKAITS OF THE BLUE JAY

E. D. HOWE, TABLE ROCK

Ornithologists, like other people, seem to be subject to the laws of
fashion. It is very much in style for every one who writes about birds
lo condemn the English Sparrow, without any very good reason that
I could ever discover, and it it equally fashionable to argue that the
31ue Jay is a pretty good sort of a bird, in spite of its bad reputation.
We are told that chemical analysis only reveals the presence of birds'
■eggs in about one per cent of the stomachs examined. Before accept-
ing this as an entire vindication of the Blue Jay's character, I should
"want more particulars as to the time of year when those examina-
tions were made, and how many birds' eggs were available as an ar-
ticle of diet at the time of each examination. From my observations,
I should say that if a Jay is captured at any time when he has not
been eating eggs, it is owing to his inability to get any, and not from
any conscientious scruples in the matter.

Now as to what I have seen. On one occasion I observed a Blue Jay
sitting on the side of a nest, pecking vigorously at something within.
I climbed up to the nest and secured a mourning dove's egg with a hole
in the side. This, to me, is more convincing evidence than any num-
laer of chemical analyses. At another time I saw a Jay making the
same motions at an orchard oriole's nest, but in this case I was not
able to examine the nest. Having thus obtained positive knowledge
of the Blue Jay's habits, when I have found eggs disappearing from
nests of robins, kingbirds and mourning doves, I have charged them
^all up to the Jays, possibly at times unjustly. I have, however, an-
other reason for believing in the predatory habits of the Blue Jay,
and that is the instinct of other birds. Whenever a commotion is
lieard in the tree tops, a Jay can generallj^ be found responsible for
it. I grew quite familiar last summer with a certain scolding note
irom the Warbling Yireo, and close observation would generally show
a Jay near its nest. I do not think the birds would universally recog-
nize the Blue Jay as an enemy unless they had some reason for it.

Around my own home, Blue Jays seem to be supplanting other birds,
robins, orioles, and blackbirds, formerly numerous, seem to be get-
ting scarcer every year, while Blue Jays and Blue Jays' nests are to
'be seen everywhere. It is customary to accuse the English Sparrow

30 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

of being- responsible for the disappearance of all other birds, but in
southeastern Nebraska, at least, I believe the charge to be unfounded
for this reason. It is the House Wren particularly that the Sparrow
is accused of driving- off, and on Orchard Grove farm, where I live, the
House Wren is the one kind of bird, except the Blue Jay, that seems
to get more numerous every year. The reason, to me is clear. It is
not the English Sparrow, but the Blue Jay, that is driving off the birds,
and the Wrens build their nests in places where the Jays can not get
at them.

Now I have a little story to tell concerning another phase of the
Blue Jay's food habits. The Blue Jay can eat kernels of corn, which
small birds can not do. It happened once that I had a crib of corn
some distance from the house, unused during the summer. It was
covered with hay, but at one corner the covering got off, leaving the
corn exposed. I saw Blue Jays flying to that hole during the summer.
When in the fall I emptied the crib, there were at least half a bushel
of empty cobs by that hole in the cover.

I am therefore convinced that from the standpoint of a Nebraska
farmer, Blue Jays are injurious, and we should do our best to put a
check to their increasing numbers.

OKNITHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS

WILSON TOUT, UTICA

In a paper read before the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union last year
I attempted to give the reasons why the study of the birds should be
a part of the curriculum of every public school. It again becomes a
pleasant task to discuss the subject along educational lines, but I shall
not again attempt to make an extended plea for the introduction of
elementary ornithology into the schools of the state.

The solution of the bird protection problem can never be reached
by courts, laws, or officers. The small boy is one of the chief offend-
ers, and these vestments of authority seldom cover or even reach his
thoughtless acts of destruction. If all of the boys could be shown the
harmful results of killing the birds and destroying their nests what
an army for bird protection there woxild be within a few years. If
the girls were taught the folly of pandering to the demands of fashion
when it calls for the sacrifice of countless innocent victims the game
wardens now needed to protect our birds would have to seek some
other vocation if they Avould still prosper. The school is the founda-
tion of reform movements in other lines — why not in this?

In the former paper I gave the why and where; in this paper I
shall attempt to give the how and when of bird study.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 31

The first objection ventured to a proposal for having bird study in
the schools is that the course is already crowded and no room remains
for a new study. The objection would be rational if it were proposed
to introduce a new stud3\ Birds cannot be studied from books and
very few schools have access to mounted specimens. Saturday excur-
sions, observations on the road to and from school, and in country
schools even at recess and during- school hours will furnish subjects
for conversation lessons at odd times and much needed material for
language and composition work. In one school I know of, the whole
school organized themselves into a club for the study of the birds.
They met at 4 o'clock twice a week and compared notes for about
twenty minutes. This did not detract from their school work but on
the other hand increased the interest in the regular studies.

Bird study should be begun as soon as the child starts to school. The
seeming interest of these little tots in their reading and number lessons
pales before the glow of wonder and enthusiasm as they tell of finding
a bird's nest on the way to school or hear the story of the birds from
their teacher. Let a teacher mention finding a sparrow's nest and the
school turns into an experience meeting; each little one having a story
of its own to tell. In the country school this is especially true, as the
pupils have a better chance to observe birds than the children of the
cities.

I have had to work out my own plan of bird study in the schools, as
I have never chanced to get any one else's plan. I have had some
successes and some that were not successes, but from these expe-
riences I have formed a plan that I believe overcomes most of the diffi-
culties.

In primary grades social talks with the pupils is the best method.
Let the pupils talk as much as possible. Take a single bird for a lesson
and show a picture. The colored photographs from the magazine
Birds and All Nature are the best I have seen. By a judicious use of
questions and statements bring out the distinguishing features of the
bird you are studying. I have no patience with the teacher of birds
who asks such questions as: How many feet has a bird? What is its
body covered with? How many eyes has a bird? What is a bird's nest
for? etc. The dull pupil does not learn anything and the bright boy
is disgusted. The pupils will tell about the habits, food, nesting places,
eggs, call, etc., of the common birds.

If you are studying the Woodpecker, call attention to the peculiari-
ties that distinguish it from other birds. You should consider its stout,
sharp bill, its peculiar feet, its short stiff tail feathers, its habit of
drumming, and its undulating flight. Tell the story of how' the Wood-
pecker got its red head and black and white dress and have the pupils
learn a verse or two from the many that are to be found in the readers
and teacher's journals. Before the interest lags close the period, al-
ways leaving something for the next time. At the next lesson, if

32

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

during the right reason, you will have several facts from pupils who
have seen and observed a Woodpecker during the period since the
previous lesson. Never fail to treat of the good points of a bird and by
a vote have it declared either a "good bird" and worthy of protection
'or a "bad bird" deserving of extermination. The teacher can mould
the opinion of the school in accordance with established facts.

In the grammar and high school grades a different plan works best.
Here every pupil should have a note book in which he should record
liis own observations. These should include the time of arrival, num-
bers, nesting, food, departure, acts of depredation, value to roan, etc.
Every note should be dated to be of value. Encourage the pupils to
Tiring specimens to school. In the course of a year the pupils will find
several dead birds and capture several alive. Shooting birds for speci-
mens should not be tolerated. Last year we had twenty-two birds
brought to school for study. Among those brought alive were the
Barn Owl, Coot, Horned Grebe, Meadowlark, Barred Owl, and Flicker.
'Several diiferent kinds of ducks were brought and a number of dead
Tairds, among them a Black-headed Grosbeak, Golden-crowned Warbler,
Bohemian Waxwing, Downy Woodpecker, and American Bittern. I
mention these to show the actual iJossibilities in this line.

At the end of the year we made a table like this:

Numbers

3

>

o
H

c
1

to

i

s

02

no

C

CD

c

as

G

'to

£

c

ai

1

o
o

<

Authority

1. Barred Owl

2. Baltimore Oriole

Rare

Common ....
Uncommon.

X

X

X

X

X

...'...

Seen
Seen

3. Ruby crowned Kinglet

4. Bob-white

5. Canada Goose

X

Reported

Seen

Seen

Common ....
Common ....

X

X

X

X ■ ■ -

6. Bohemian Waxwing,.

Common . . .

X

Seen

The table does not need nu;ch explanation. A list is made' up from
'the notes of all of the pupils but each marks his own. One pupil will

see the Northern Shrike and mark it "seen," while another can only
'mark it "reported." No bird is put on the list without the approval

of the teacher. Last year we had seventy-three birds on our list,

and I can answer for every one of them.
Now I believe this to be true bird stiidy and its utility and common

sense are its defense. Only fifteen minutes about twice a week was

needed to keep the notes and the time was not missed. An interest was
"aroused and the diversion from regular school work was pleasing. Many

pupils rejjort an added pleasure in verifying their notes and observa-

PLATE III

NEST OF THE RUBY-THROATED HUMMIXGBIRD

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 83

tions during- the summer vacation and all voted for a continuation of
the study during the present school year.

I have never taught a school where I did not have bird stvidy and I
have never heard an objection. It is not a good plan to annovmce the
first daj' of school that you intend to introduce bird study into the
school. Such a course will arouse a storm of opposition. Just start
it very gradually after you have the school well under control and no
one will suspect an innovation until you have the pupils converted and
the patrons realize the value in the added interest of the children in
their school work. And renienil)er that bird protection should be the
keynote.

The state laws protecting game and song birds should be discussed
and better ones proposed. Spring- shooting of migrants should be dis-
couraged. Superstitions about birds should be exposed. Errors in
popular ideas should be corrected. Prejudices should be overcome but
truth must prevail. A love of the birds must not blind one to the fact
that some are destructive to the agricultural and horticultural inter-
ests of the state. A healthy sentiment in favor of the birds in the
schoolroom will down the boy who shoots Meadowlarks just for fun
and he will be an outcast until he reforms.

I would urge every member of this Union to think upon this matter
and do something to encourage the study of birds in the schools of this
state. Our constitution gives this as one of the objects of the Union's
existence, and yet as an association I fear we have done very littl* for
the teachers of our liublic schools. The time is passing rapidly. Every
year hundreds of boys and girls are finishing- the courses and leaving
the schools of Nebraska. They know nothing- of the value of our
bird fauna and in their strivings to become real men and women they
imitate their vices as well as their virtues and join the ranks of bird
destroyers, the men for sport and pleasure, the women for decora-
tion. As students of bird life and champions of its protection our
duty is plain and if future generations blame ns and we attempt an
excuse they will mock us by repeating our big words and showing our
little deeds. The school is the field and we are responsible for the
harvest. What shall it be?

BIRDS AS OBJECTS OF STUDY IN THE GRADES

CIIAS. FORDYCE, UNIVERSITY PLACE

[This iiaper was i>rinted as numbers three and four of a series of pam-
phlets entitled Nature Study in the Elementary Schools, prepared by
Professor Fordyce and issued by the Superintendent of Public Instruc-
tion of Lancaster county, dated respectively November and December,
1900, and is not here reprinted. — Editor.]
3

34 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

A LATE NEST OF THE RUBY-THIIOATED HUMIsriNGBTRD

FRANK 11. SHOEMAKER, OMAHA

On the loth of last July, an ornithological friend mentioned to nie the
fact that he had found a nest of the Ruby-throated Hunmiing-bird with
two young, in the woods near Belle\T,ie, about eight miles from Omaha.
He kindly directed me to the nest, and three daj^s later I attemi^ted
to find it. ^i.y friend had described the location, and stated that I might
know the tree by the i^resence of a nest of the Acadian Flycatcher on
one of the lower branches, almost overhanging a wagon road. I missed
my directions, however, and failed to find the tree.

On August 19, as I was leaving a shady ravine where I had been
watching a vireo, I hapijened by the merest chance to see a nest of
the Humming-bird, placed about eight feet from the ground upon a
horizontal branch. I at once recalled my July directions, and went to
the opposite side of the tree to look for the Flycatcher's nest, finding
it as described. A well-worn road lay not more than twenty feet from
the tree. This of course convinced me that the nest was the one for
which I had made the unsuccessful search, so I climbed the tree w^ith
the intention of cutting off the branch. This I was about to do when I
saw^ to my surprise that the nest contained two eggs. Still siipposing
it to be the nest which on July 13 had contained two young birds
about ready to leave, I was at a loss to understand the circumstance,
when I caught sight of another nest on a branch three feet higher.
This was weather-beaten and misshapen, and plainly the one described
to me; while the nest with eggs, not forty inches from the old nest,
was beyond a reasonable doubt a second nesting of the same birds.
The second nest was in perfect condition, the lining being soft and
thick, and the rims and outer walls covered with sea-green lichens
closely bound with an almost invisible mesh of spider webs. Both
nests were situated upon the branches about eight feet from the trunk
of the tree. I saw neither of the parent birds, though I remained in
the immediate vicinity for some time.

To ascertain the date of most common nesting in this latitude, I
consulted all available works on ornithology, over twenty in number,
embracing such authorities as Audubon, Wilson, Coues, Eidgway, Ben-
dire, Maynard, and Davie, as well as state or local treatises such as
those of Oberholser, Hatch, Butler, and Cook, finding the dates to
range from May 10 to July 15. In all these works I found but two
detailed references to late nests. Mr. Oberholser mentions a nest \vith
eggs found July 24 in Wayne county, Ohio, and Major Bendire speaks
of a nest with fresh eggs August 7. I regret to state that no partic-
ulars are given concerning the nest last mentioned, as to locality or
even latitude. This investigation convinced me, however, that August
19 is an excei)tionally late date. The few nests with eggs which have

SECOND ANXUAI. MEETING 35

come under my observaticm in this region have been found in June.
I have also seen several nests in .Tuly with young- birds.

On August 20 the nest contained a young bird about three days old,
the remaining egfi; apparently being infertile. The little one Avas far
from luiudsonie. \vi1li black skin, ragged iilnmage tracts, stubby bill,
and tiuopened eyes. Tlie uiotlier l)ird was about the nest, and I saw her
feed the young three times, though she was very shy and would not
approach the nest while I was near.

]\ry next visit was on September 3. The nestling's eyes were now
open, and he had grown rapidly. A little clump of elms stood near,
and in this I secreted myself, having thus an excellent iJlace of observa-
tion not more than eight feet from the nest. Very soon the mother
bird appeared, and after a wary approach alighted upon the edge of the
nest and thrust her bill far down the throat of the young bird. I could
see h€r throat move as she regurgitated the food. She left her bill in the
little one's throat for about six seconds, then withdrew it. This opera-
tion was repeated four times, with intervals of three to six seconds be-
tween. She tried to feed it a fifth time, but the young bird would not
open its bill, and after several efforts she desisted and flew away. She
kept up a continuous chatter while about the nest, except when actually
feeding. Her note consisted of two syllables as a rule, though some-
times a single chirp, always of the same j)itch and duration, repeated
.'^everal times in succession; a verj- simple chirp, fairly clear, but not
loud. She commenced this vocal greeting when ten or fifteen feet from
the nest, always approaching cautiouslj', making short dashes and
hovering after each. When the little one heard her note or the sound
of her AAdngs it was at once on the alert, answering her calls in kind,
though much less strongly, and straightening its neck for the expected
food. After feeding she came to my place of concealment and hovered
not three feet away, making- short lateral dashes and viewing me from
every side with great agitation, with a continuous chirping. After this
inspection she dashed away over the treetops, and did not return for
three-quarters of an hour. Upon her return she was too wary to go
near the nest, and flew away after again viewing me carefully. In a
half hour she came back, first approaching the nest, then coming to my
elms, inspecting me several times before her maternal bravery bore her
to the edge of the nest. She inserted her bill three times, and again
made several attemiDts to feed the little one after it was satisfied. I
remained at the nest fifty minutes after she left, but she did not again
return during- that time.

During the absence of the mother I frequently' examined the young
bird quite closely. There was a perceptible swelling under the skin
at the base of the neck, due, I assumed, to the frequent feedings. It
seemed to have no fear, its leading instinct being to take food. I
should mention another instinct, however — its determination to avoid
a fall was quite remarkable. Having on this occasion no means of

36 NEBRASKA ORXITHOLOGISTS' UNION

elevating- the camera, I foujTd it necessary to tip the nest quite sharply
to obtain a photograph, and at first moved with great caution for fear
of nj)setting the little one; hut I soon became convinced that it would
take care of that matter. I removed the infertile egg" and gave little fur-
ther attention to the angle of the nest. T had left the egg thus long for
fear the parent bird would resent any change at my hands. Koom was
becoming valuable with the growth of the little one, however, and
with an available space only three-fourths of an inch in diameter
and one-half inch deep there was none to spare for the egg. In fact,
as the growth of the bird continued, it became to me more and more
a matter of wonder that two young humming-birds can possibly share
so small a nest — two being- invariably the number of eggs deposited.

I ventured to take the young bird from the nest for the purpose of
photographing it upon my finger, to haA'e an adequate means of con-
veying an idea of its tiny proportions. I bent down the branch and tied
it securely, so that I might use both hands; but even then I felt much
as a jew^eler might if he were to attempt to handle the delicate parts
of a watch with his fingers. With an ever-present fear of a fall, the
little one clutched the bottom, of the nest, and brought away two
tufts of the silken lining. It was too young to perch, but clung bravely
to my forefinger with a little aid from me in balancing. To my regret,
I heard the mother bird's wings the instant I exposed the plate. She
dashed wildljr about the nest several times looking for her young,
then flew away over the treetojis. I repaired the rumpled lining with
as little delay as possible and replaced the young bird in the nest, with
guilty visions of a xn-ovoked desertion and a hungry little Hummingbird
vainly waiting, then withdrew to a more distant i^oint than usual. I
recalled all the iDicturesqiiely absurd stories of birds — hiimmingbirds
in particular, as I remembered on this occasion — dropping dead when
their nests were discovered; or poisoning themselves and perhaps the
whole family if the eggs or young were touched, and spent a very
anxious ten minutes trying to assort the true from the false and await-
ing develoiiments, when the mother bird returned and promptly re-
sumed her duties.

The little one was very active and bright, frequently turning- about
in the nest and moving- its wings to different positions. Once it
stretched its neck straight above the nest to its full extent, and held
it so for over a minute.

After office hours on the 7th I started for the nest — a six-mile street-
car ride and a two-mile walk from the end of the line. The young Huni-
mingbird had grown remarkably. I was greatly surprised to find that the
feathers of the back, even at so early an age, had a distinctly greenish
cast, with the iridescence quite marked. The breast and imder parts
were whitish and the throat white. The tail had grown i^erceptibly;
the middle feathers were black and the outer feathers broadly tipped
with white. There were two distinct touches of white about the eyes.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 37

one ahove and one below. The feathers had become sufficiently long
to cover all parts of the body. The feet and bill were black, the latter
having- lengthened surprisingly. The bird was still fearless, and after
the usual opposition about leaving the nest jierched contentedly upon
the tip of my finger. It took advantage of this airy i^osition to exercise
its wings, which it did time after time, with sufficient rapidity to pro-
duce a fairly audible humming sound. When it did this I could feel
the tiny feet clutch more closely.

On the 9tli I left home at half past ten o'clock with camera and
twelve plates, half fearing that the little wings had by this time car-
ried away vay subject. I approached the nest reader for such a misfor-
tune, but the 3'oung Hummingbird was still in possession, and I
hastened to renew my acquaintance. Within the two days since my
last visit, however, it had become possessed of another instinct — that
of fear. As I touched the branch the bird left the nest and fluttered
to the ground ten feet away, dropping lightly upon a bed of molding
leaves. I soon had it in my hands, and was delighted to find that it
was willing to take up matters where we had dropped them, and dur-
ing the four hours which I spent at the nest it sho^ved no further signs
of fear. The glossj'' green of the back had become more noticeable,
and the black feathers of the tail no^v had a violet iridescence. I was
almost certain that the bill had grown perceptibly within forty-eight
hours, in spite of the fact that the ornithologists declare the growth of
the bill to be very slo^v. The feathers had become smoother and pre-
sented a fairly mature appearance. The little one had acquired am-
bitious tendencies, and promptly climbed and fluttered to the highest
available iierches. When placed at the bottom it clambered manj^ times
to the top of my ladder of four fing-ers. As ui^on the occasion of my
preceding visit, it seemed to enjoy clutching my finger and exercising
its wings. It proved an admirable jihotographic subject, and eleven
of the twelve plates which I exposed were successful. One photograph
of particular interest shows the young bird with neck stretched to its
full extent; the mother bird flew over and the little one prepared to
meet her. I had the pleasure of seeing- the feeding repeated several
times that afternoon.

During all the time I spent at the nest — a total of twelve and one-
half hours on five separate days — I did not see the male parent. It
seems to have been fully established by observers that the male takes
no further interest in the family after the completion of the nest, as
a rule; perhaps leaving even that duty to the female in most cases.

On the Sth of September occurred the terrible Galveston storm.
On the night of the 10th the storm reached Omaha, and it ^^vas quite
severe, with strong wind and heavy, cold rain. I thought many
times of the little home on the branch in the woods, and wondered
whether the little one and the mother could cling to the frail, swaj'-
ing nest tlirougli the long cold night. I shall never know; but dur-

38 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

ing- my numerous visits at the nest I acquired an interest and a sense
of proprietorship which prompt me to hope and feel that the little
family found its way safely beyond our borders before the cold frosts
set in.

YOUNG ROSE BREASTED GROSBEAKS

ELIZABETH VAN SAJST, OMAHA

The method adopted in studjing the young- of the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak has been to form a close personal acqiiaintance with individ-
uals of the species. To make this acquaintance more intimate, the
young birds have been taken from the nest before they were old
enough to recognize their change of surroundings, and have been reared
^vith a number of birds of ditferent species. They have never known
the limitations of a. cage, being given the libertj^ of a room specially
devoted to the feathered members of the household. A screen door
divides their apartment from the adjoining- room, and admits of their
being observed without putting upon them the restraint of a human
jiresence. No effort has been made to tame or train them, the object
being to see what they are, not what they can be made.

When taken from the nest they were about a week old. Their heads
and backs were adorned with long white fuzz. The plumage tracts on
either side of back and breast were thickly studded with i)in-feathers,
while great patches of bare skin intervened. Their eyes were open
occasionally, b\it at best were sleepy-looking and unintelligent, while
their grotesquely large beaks added to their quaint appearance. They
were put into an old nest of the Chat, and for a few" days slept most
of the time covered with flannel. They displayed marvelovis activity
at feeding time, standing on their tip-toes, begging- loudly and flutter-
ing their Avings incessantlj'. It was droll to see them preen their pin-

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 39

feathers with their great clumsy beaks, and it was especially ludicrous
to see them bestow as much care upon the patches of bare skin as upon
their fe^v feathers. After si^ending- several days in the nest they sud-
denly became restless, refused to remain covered, and finally clambered
over the edg-e of the nest. They were without excejition the most in-
tractable youngsters I ever cared for. Wood thrushes, bluebirds and
orioles after leaving the nest were content to sit quietly for manj'
minutes at a time, and Avould remain on a j)erch waiting their turn to
be fed, fluttering their wings and begging while the others received at-
tention. But the grosbeaks were never still a minute. No sooner
wonld one get a mouthful than he Avould start off across the room
clambering over varioiis objects, or fluttering along the floor, all the
while uttering- his complaining note. Over and over they would have
to be brought back and fed. and only when their stomachs were fvill
would they become more quiet. They had a funny habit of standing
face to face, both mouths wide open, each begg'ing" the other to feed
him. They would also go to the dish which contained shreds of raw
meat and eyeing some piece which looked particularly tempting, would
open their mouths, flutter their wings and coax it to go in.

Shortlj' after they had left their nest they showed an unwillingness
to be cuddled into it for the night, and as their plumage was still scant
I feared they would be cold xmless covered w^hile they slept. So a
perch was put across a small j)asteboard box and the birds put on the
perch, and then the top of the box was covered Avith flannel. Late in
the evening I peeiied in to see hoAv they were getting along. One of
the little birds was still clinging bravely to his perch, but his head was
hanging down nntil his beak touched the bottom of the box fully two
inches below the perch. He was rescued from his uncomfortable posi-
tion and not allowed to attempt that method of sleeping again nntil he
became stronger. They soon show^ed signs of tucking their heads under
their Avings while sleeping. One evening one of them w^as observed
asleep with his head very perceptibly tvirned to one side. The next
evening he got so far as to twist his head around until it touched his
side, but not imtil the third evening did he succeed in getting it into
a comfortable attitude for sleeping. I had always supposed that this
custom of birds was an actual thrusting of the head beneath the wing.
But my observations on half-fledged birds first showed me that the
wing remains in its natural position and the head is simx^ly laid along
the side just above tlie wing. After the birds are fully fledged the
feathers are fluffed about the head, completely concealing it and giv-
ing it the appearance of being hidden under the wing. For some time
I thought that all the young birds were going to turn their heads to
the left side, and was searching diligently for some structural reason
for it. when one evening one of the g'rosbeaks was caug-ht sleeping
with his head turned to the right, and from that time they were as
apt to sleep with the head turned one way as the other.

40 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

After a few days of the restlessness of whieh I have spoken, the
grosbeaks developed a new trail. In the nnrsery department of the
bird room there were at the same time young- of the Wood Thrush,
Bluebird and Grosbeak. Their various methods of receiving- me when
I went into the room formed an interesting- contrast. All would be
clamorously hungrj^ The wood thrushes would greet the opening- of
the door by coming- with upraised wings as fast as their feet could
bring- them to meet me, all the while uttering a pretty musical trill,
and as soon as they could fly, they would alight upon my shoulders or
hands. The bluebirds would remain where they hapjjened to be, but
would set up a vociferous appeal, accomiianied by a most wonderful
whirling motion of the wings. Exit the grosbeaks, equally hungry, at
the first click of the latch straightened themselves into an erect posi-
tion and remained perfectly rigid until they were toviched, and then,
like a flash they lost their rigiditj^ and commenced begging as insist-
ently as the others. I frequently tried the expermiment of feeding the
other birds and paying no attention to them, to see if they would yield
to the temptation, but their instincts were stronger than their ap-
petites. I have observed this same method of concealment in young
grosbeaks in the woods.

Another instinct, of which this was a forerunner, was their natural
wildness. As soon as they learned to fly they began to grow wald, and
long before they could feed and care for themselves they grew afraid
and had to be caught and held a few^ minutes before they would take
the food from my hands.

When just thirty days old the male w^as first heard to warble, and a
few days later the female began to sing. Their efforts were by no
means the full song of the mature bird. They sang with swelling
throats and quivering bodies, but with beaks nearly closed, only oc-
casionally opening theiu and letting- out a louder, stronger note.

The plumage changes of the Grosbeak have formed an interesting-
study. My observations have been made upon three males and one
female. From these observations I learn that the sexes can be dis-
tinguished by their plumage upon the first appearance of pin-feathers.
This will be before the bird is a week old. In the male the feathers
along the inner edge of the wing are pink, while those of the female
are buff. The color can be plainly seen through the transparent sheaths
of the feathers even before they burst. The wing linings are an ex-
quisite rose color with the first plumage. In each of the three males
one or two iiink feathers appeared upon the breast with the first plu-
mage. When about six weeks old they began to molt. One of them
molted after a fashion ])eculiar]y his own. He lost almost every
feather upon his body, although his beautifnl wings remained intact.
He was a singnlar looking- object, and excited the curiosity of the
other birds to such an extent that it became necessary to isolate him
until his jilumage was in a measnre restored. But as if to compensate

PLATE IV

NEST OF THE RUBY-THEOATED HUMMINGBIRD

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 41

for his woe-begone ajjpearaiH-e at this tinu", his new coat was far more
l^erfect than any of the others ac<]iiired. 'i'he second ijlinnage contains
a very ])erceptible aTnonnt of tlie rose color on the breast. The basal
two-thirds of each featlier is rose-coh>red, while the tip is tan with a
darker streak in the center. The result is that the rose color is partly
concealed, showing- distinctly when the feathers are rumpled or parted.
The distinction between the sexes became evident in the other plumag-e
as well as that of the breast. Patches of black and white appeared
on the wing- and back of the male, while the lower half of the breast
and belly were whitish. The female remained brown, with the entire
breast thickly streaked with darker. Both sexes retained the stripes
on the head.

The character of the feathers varies in the different species I have
had under close observation. The feathers of the Grosbeak and Wood
Thrush are peculiarly brittle, and the wing and tail feathers ai*e easily
broken. The plumage of the Grosbeak lacks the soft and smooth ap-
pearance that some of the others iiossess. The Orioles and Bluebirds
are much trimmer in appearance, and the feathers of the wings and
tail seem strong-er and tougher and are seldom broken.

The beaks of the grosbeaks in infancy were also very brittle, and
on several occasions the tips of the upper mandibles were broken off,
and bled considerably. Afterwards new tips grew on, though a notch
Avhich appeared some months later in one of the beaks still remains.
None of the other birds raised in captivity ever Avere troubled in this
way, although all had beaks much more slender and apparently more
delicate than those of the grosbeaks.

As occupants of the bird room the grosbeaks possess many interest-
ing characteristics. They are extremely sociable, being almost invari-
ably seen together. When one feeds, the other feeds; when one bathes,
the other bathes; they generally sleep on the same branch at night, and
folloAV each other about the room in the daytime, although they pay
little attention to the other birds. They are not very airy upon the
wing, and are decidedly awkward on their feet. When they hof) from one
end of the window sill to the other it sounds as if they were shod with
wooden shoes. They are extremely suspicious of anything new, and
will eye it closely, turning the head from side to side, with the bodj^
poised ready to retreat precipitately at a moment's notice. They oc-
casionally venture to take food from my hands, but always snatch it
and fly as though they had done it at the risk of their lives. They show
no signs of wildness when I am in the room, so long as I do not
attempt to touch them. When caught in the hand they do not seem
alarmed as do some of the bii ds, but simply watch their chance to
seize a finger with their strong beaks. I wish it were possible to give
each of you a demonstration of the power of their beaks. They seem
to know just how to select the most sensitive places upon the hand, and
their method of holding on and chewing is truly scientific. But strange

42 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

as it may seem, although possessed of so powerful a weapon of defense,
they never use it in their disagreements with the other birds. The limit
to which they seem to go in quarreling is to open the beak threaten-
ingly and complain loudly. I have never seen them make an effort to
bite one of the other birds. The orioles, on the other hand, iise their
bills promptly and effectively in an altercation, and the wood thrushes
will defend themselves when cornered by striking with their beaks.

The Grosbeak prefers seed as a regular diet, but he will leave his
seed cup any day for a laiece of fresh meat or a meal worm, and in
fact eats freely of the soft foods provided for the insect eating birds.
They are the heartiest eaters in the bird room, standing for many
minutes beside the food dishes, while the other birds are content with
one or two mouthfuls at a time.

They are full of amusing pranks, still retaining many of their comical
baby ways. While they could probably have been tamed and made
more companionable, their independence and individuality have made
them all the more interesting as a study.

NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER

M. A. CARRIKER, JR., NEBRASKA CITY

A mile southeast of Hamburg, Iowa, the Nishnabotna River breaks
through the chain of bluffs which slvirt the Missouri River on the east
side, and before the advent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
way, wound along down the bottom for about thirty miles, finally emp-
tying into the Missouri River ten miles due south of Rockport, Missouri.
It gave the railroad company so much trouble by washing out their
track that they finally cut a new channel direct to the river, so that it
now empties into the Missouri River a short distance above Peru, Ne-
braska. This left about twenty-five miles of the old bed of the river
filled with water and in communication with the Missouri. Its mouth
has gradually filled up until now the Missouri has access only during
high water. As a result this forms one of the best natural fishing
resorts for many miles around, being- richly stocked with croppie, perch,
buffalo, Gei-man carp, sunfish and biillhead. The channel has gradually
grown wider until many of the willows lining its banks are now decay-
ing stubs, standing in the water, and forming nesting sites for numerous
chickadees, fiickers, red-headed, hairy, and downy woodpeckers.

With the many deserted holes for nesting sites and the thick groves
of Cottonwood, elm, maple and willow trees lining the banks, for feed-
ing' grounds, Ave have a perfect summer haunt for one of the most
beautiful and interesting warblers, the Prothonotarj'. It arrives as
near as I can tell about the last week in April, but being- in that
locality only at infrequent intervals, I have no knowledge as to the

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 43

exact time ■when nest building begins, how long a time the bird con-
sumes in this work, etc. That the birds do not all deposit eggs at the
same time is evident from the fact that nearly fresh eggs and young
of various ages were found on the same day.

For two seasons I had noticed the birds in that locality and in the
spring of 1900 I resolved to locate a nest if possible. With this end in
view I went down as soon as school closed at the State University.

The second day after mj' arrival, June 5. while sitting on the bank
of the stream idl}' watching my float, a Prothonotarj^ Warbler alighted
on a stub standing in the Avater about twenty feet from the bank where
I sat. I was all attention in a second, and as it clung for a moment to
the edge of an old hole in the stub, I saw that it held a worm in its
bill. Then the slender bill of the female appeared at the opening, fol-
lowed by the beautiful golden head. After uttering a few purring
notes the male gently put the worm in its mate's mouth and then flew
to the grove on the opposite side of the stream, into which it disap-
peared. Keeping myself well hidden I watched for perhaps twenty
minutes, during which time the male came four times ^vith a worm for
the incubating female. When I approached the nest, the female flushed
as the boat g-razed the stiib. She fle^v into the grove opposite and I did
not see her again until an hour afterward as I was passing, ^vhen both
birds were clinging to the stub, but flew away at the approach of the
boat. The large nest cavity was half filled with twigs and decaying
shreds of bark and leaves, while the top of the mass Avas hollowed out
and lined with fine bark shreds to form a receptacle for the eggs.
Owing to the fact that the stub stood in the water and the nest was
only a short distance above it, the nest materials were quite damp and
much decayed. The nest contained six almost fresh eggs with a pure
white ground color and profuselj^ spotted and specked with reddish
lilac. The eggs measure, respectively, .70x.5.5; .75x.57; .74x.57; .73x.56;
.78X.56. Farther down stream two nests were located by watching the
birds as they carried food to the occupants, which in these cases
proved to be young birds instead of the incubating female as in the
first instance. These nests were in stubs standing in deep water but
the holes were six and eight feet respectively above its surface. I did
not ascertain the number of young in the nests, not wishing to break
open the holes and expose the young.

One thing about the action of the parent birds was strange to me
and wholly different from anything I had ever noticed before in regard
to the actions of warblers when their young Avere disturbed or in
danger. If one of the birds happened to be present when the nest was
disturbed or even approached, it merely flew away without any of the
usual manifestations of alarin so common among- birds and did not
return until the intruder had disappeared. As a general rule the birds
are shy, occasionally ajipearing- singly on the outskirts of a grove and
before 30U are fully aware of its presence, it has flashed away through

44 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

the trees like a sunbeam. Ag-aiu you will be startled by a little burst
of song from a thicket close by; but you will have to look closely and
with great care before you are able to detect its author as he sways on
a slender limb near the ground. The song consists of a series of single
syllables, delivered in rapid succession, starting in loud and clear, but
gradiially running together towards the end and mvich resembling
tsicect, Uweet, sweets wect-swect.

Their food seems to consist largelj^ of caterpillars, which they must
get almost exclusively from the trees, since they are very seldom seen
feeding on the ground. As long- as food is plentiful and the weather
favorable they remain with us, but gradually drift southward when
conditions are unfavorable. My last trip to their locality was made
September 3, when I saw several birds. How long they remained after
this I do not know. Careful obsei-vation will yield much that is inter-
esting concerning this bird. As far as I have observed its nesting
habits here, they agree quite closely with those described for the
species on the Illinois lliver, Illinois, as published by W. E. Loucks. It
has been found breeding near Omaha and on both sides of the Missouri
Eiver as far north as the middle of the state, but never so commonly
as in the locality which I have described.

OBSEKVATIONS ON TRAILL'S FLYCATCHER

J[. A. CARRIKER, JR., NEBRASKA CITY

This shy little denizen of the Alissouri River willow swamps was
entirely unknown to me until 1897, when on July 19 I made its ac-
quaintance. I had gone fishing to what is known as the "Slough,"
■across the river from Nebraska Citj'. This is a body of water in the
form of a half horseshoe, Ijing along the east side of what was form-
erly the bed of the Missouri River. It is about three miles long and from
tw^enty-five to one hundred yards in width, the lower end being con-
nected with the river during- high water. On the east side the land is
high and dry, while the strip on the west side between it and the river
is low and marshy and covered with a thick growth of swamp willows
from three to fifteen feet in height according to the amount of moist-
ure in the soil. Small sloughs and ponds ai'e scattered about, and
altogether it forms a most excellent feeding and breeding ground for
many of our marsh birds.

The fish having ceased to find anything of interest in my most care-
fully prepared bait, I gave iip in despair and started out on a rummage
among the thick willows bordering the stream. It was not long before
I was attracted by a bird song-, seemingly a mixture of that of the
Pluebe and Wood Pewee, yet differing from both. It being new to me
I made everj^ possible effort to get a glimpse of the bird. I was just

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 45

starting on again when I saw a nest which had escaped my notice in
the search for the bird, and which I took for that of the Yellow
Warbler. However, upon examination it proved to be somewhat of a
surprise, since it was entirely new to me. Jt was in an upright crotch
of a small willow, about five feet from the graund, and the spot where
the tree grew was entirely surrounded bj' Avater about a foot deep,
leaving a small island perhaps five feet in diameter.

This nest was made of gray and brown bark fibers quite compactly
woven together, and lined smoothly Avith fine bleached grass stems,
and contained four of the most beautiful eggs I think I have ever seen.
They were about the size of the Wood Pewee's egg, only more slender
The rich creamy background was profusely blotched and dotted with
bright chestnut, one egg having the entire side covered by a blotch.
Much to mj regret I was unable to blow them, the incubation being too
far advanced, but they Avere identified as being those of Traill's Fly-
catcher. This must have been a second set for I found slightly incu-
bated eggs the next year on June 11.

This second nest was found not far from the one of the previous year.
I was slowly picking my Avay through the thick willows in water nearlj^
knee deep when I caught a momentary glimpse of a little gray bird as
it fiashed up about fifteen feet ahead and disappeared aniong the
willoAvs. A second later I saw the nest from Avhich it had been flushed
and at once recognized it as that of Traill's Flj^catcher. It was just
seven feet above the surface of the water. The nest Avas almost identi-
cal with the one found the previous year, the same materials and con-
struction being present, and I have since found it to be prcAalent Avith
the species in that localitj'. This nest contained three nearly fresh
eggs, AA'hieh had the same creamy background and chestnut markings,
except that the markings AA^ere confined to dots and specks over the
surface instead of the blotches. The female soon returned and I
secured her, thus making* the identification positive. Although I
searched diligentlj- I found no more nests that summer, but during the
summer of 1899 I Avas rewarded by securing tAA'o sets, one of four eggs
and the other of three, Avhich may have been an incomplete set since
the eggs AA^ere fresh and the female absent from the nest. These nests
AA-ere found June 17, and in the same general locality as the prcA'ious
ones.

The first Avas located at the edge of a small pond, Avhere the willoAVS
Avere about two inches in diameter and from fifteen to tAventy feet in
height, and groAving so closely as to make a passage betAveen them
difficult. The nest Avas five feet from the ground and supported on the
side of a main trunk bj^ tAvo small tAA'igs. It Avas typical in material
and construction. The second AAas in an entirely' different situation, j-et
it cannot be said to form an exception to the general type of locality
chosen. In this instance there AA'as a small area of ground perhaps tAVo
fee(t above the surface of the slough, Avhich it bordered, and overgroAvn

46 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

with shrubby willows, while the ground beneath was covered by a thick
growth of sAvamp grass and sedges. In an upright crotch of a willow
slightly larger than the rest and about fovir feet from the gi'ound was
placed the ncKst. Again we have the typical construction and material;
in fact I know of no other small bird in which there is so little varia-
tion in size, material and construction of the nest. The three fresh
eg'gs were marked slightly heavier than those found a few hours be-
fore, and were smaller in size.

After looking in vain for two years for a heavily marked set similar
to those found in 1897, I have come to the conclusion that this is not
the typical marking of the egg- and that those that were so beautiful
by reason of the heavy markings were abnormal eggs, the parallel of
which I fear I may never again have the good fortune to find.

After describing the nesting site of this little flycatcher it is hardly
necessary to add that it is extremely shy and retiring in its habits, and
very easily escapes the notice of even the experienced collector.

I am informed by J. S. Himter, of Lincoln, that in that vicinity it
frequents hedges along country roads, while Dr. Wolcott reports that
in Michig-an its relative, the Alder Flycatcher, is partial to alder thickets
of meadow lands and along the creeks. This seems to indicate that
the species. is exceedingly versatile in its breeding habits, easily becom-
ing accustomed to the various conditions in which it may find itself.

BEEEDING HABITS OF BELL'S VIEEO (VIREO BELLI!)

MERRITT CARY, NELIGII

This timid recluse of the shrubbery is found only in the central and
southwestern plains region of the United States, its range extending
eastward to Iowa and Illinois, northward to southwestern Minnesota
and the Dakotas, and thence southwestward to Mexico. Perhaps in
no other situation is this bird so much at home as in the plum and
choke-cherrj^ thickets in the canyons of our western Sand Hills.

Bell's 'S'ireo arrives from the south late in May, just as the rearguard
of the warbler host is leaving for the north. In four or five days the
birds have arrived in force and almost immediately spread out over the
country in search of suitable shrubbery for nesting sites; the denser
the thicket the better it seemirg to suit their tastes. Frequently two
or three pairs will select the same jDatch of plum brush for their sum-
mer residence, especially if it covers considerable area; in fact, I have
in one instance found nests of this species not more than ten feet
apart. But in small thickets of plum and choke-cherry one pair usually
has its abode, the male pugnacioiisly driving off all intruders of the
same species.

The nest is a neat affair, usually hung by the bird from an upright

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 47

crotch on a plum branch aboiit half way between the ti^j and the main
trunk. The average heig'ht of the nests I have examined is about three
feet and a half, though I have several times found nests of this species
hung from a crotch on a horizontal branch within a foot and a half of
the ground, much lower, in fact, than the tops of the weeds which
closelj^ surround it. They are as a rule thick-walled, deeply-cupped
structures composed mainly of weed fibers, dry leaves and fine strips
of the inner bark of trees, firmly woven together. The lining is of fine
grass and rootlets. Nests examined average about two and a quarter
inches in width by two and one-half inches in depth, outside diameter,
and one inch and five-eighths in width by one inch and three-fourths in
depth, inside diameter. It is thus seen that they are a little deeper in
proiJortion to their width than are nests of other species of Vireos.

The eggs, laid the first or second week in June, are generally four, of
a creamy-white ground color, sijaringiy speckled with small dark red
spots, especially towards the larger end; these interspersed with small
lavender shell markings. Eggs vary a great deal in regard to the
amount of speckling but as a rule have smaller and fewer spots than is
the ease with those of other Vireos. In a set of five from Texas be-
longing to Mr. M. A. Carriker, Jr., the reddish speckling is reduced to a
minimum, what few spots there are being- very minute. One of the
eggs of this set was especially interesting, being entirely' immaculate.

The Bell's Vireo is shy and retiring- in the extreme, being ver^- seldom
observed unless especially sought after. Even then the glimi^se is but
momentary, as it is a very restless little body and on the move nearly
all the time. Adding to this lively disposition the dull colors of the bird
it is not strange that it is seldom observed. Furthermore, the Vireo
rarely appears on the edge of the thicket but keeps back well within
the shadows so that even the momentary glimpse is unsatisfactory.
Bell's Vireo is seen to the best advantage in the early days of September
just previous to its departure for the south. At that time it keeps
company with the Eed-eyed and Warbling Vireos in the cottonwoods
and willows along streams.

I know of no sounds with which I can correctly compare the song of
this bird and it is certainly bej'ond the power of words to describe it.
Speaking in a general way it is a peculiar jumble of odd notes, given
in a quaint manner. Once heard it cannot be confounded ^vith any
other bird song. When strolling around plum i^atches in June I have
frequently been accosted from the depths of the thicket by sounds
which greatly resemble the word "p-r-a-i-g-h" given forth with great
vehemence and rapidity. After close watching I find the source of
these noises to be a Bell's Vireo, and the nest is usually found in the
same thicket. These notes I have also heard in July and August, so it
is doubtless an alarm note used in all cases of excitement.

My observations on the habits of this bird have not been restricted
to the vicinity of Neligh. I have also observed it closely at Long Pine,

48 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

in Brown County, Nebraska, where choke-cherry patches in the canyons
are favored nesting" sites.

Taken altogether the habits of this shy bird are extremely interest-
ing-. Doubtless many other facts concerning- its life history can be
broug'lit to light upon more thorough investigation.

NOTES I^EGARDING A CHIMNEY SWIFT TREE

I. S. TROSTLER, OMAHA

The subject of the accompanying- photograph (Frontispiece) is a hol-
low bass-wood stvib which stood for many years one and one-half miles
north of Bellevue, Nebraska, and about sixty yards from the Burlington
and Missouri River Railway track near the Missouri River.

This tree was occupied for two successive years by a pair of Chimney
Swifts {Chwtura pelagica). June 8, 1897, a set of six eg-gs, one of which
lay at the bottom of the cavity in the tree, was found, and June 2»,
1898, a set of five eggs was found by Roy Mullen and J. E. Wallace.

The swifts that occupied this tree were probably from a colony that
had formerly occupied a large chimney some two and one-half miles
northward, which was taken down in 1896. In 1899 this tree was cut
down.

BIRDS THAT NEST IN NEBRASKA

LAWRENCE BRUNER, LINCOLN

The place where a bird builds its nest and rears its young is just as
surely home to it as is the place of our childhood to us. This being true
Nebraska is the home of a relatively large number of distinct species
of varied habits. Up to the present time we have definite records of the
nesting of 20."] species and sub-species, and a list of 40 others that are
very probable nesters, while there are 60 others which jjossibly occa-
sionally breed within the state.

A discussion of the reasons for so large a list of birds nesting within
the sta,te would be interesting- here, bvit would require a little more
space and time than can be given for such an elucidation. The high
altitude of western and northwestern Nebraska will partially explain
the subject. It will be seen that, on account of its central location, the
elevated nature of the western portion, and the varied surface con-
fig-uration of the state as a whole that what is affii-med above must be
true.

From the standpoint of a bii-d. then, Nebraska is not. so bad a state
in which to live, although from the following accounts it will be seen
that many species of these creatures can not be overly particular as to

PLATE V

YOUNG ROSE-BRKASTED GROSBEAKf

Abuut ten days old. July 2.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 49

exactly Avhat should constitute a home. Some of the ])laees where we
may look for these homes tliat are established for the time are the
followiug': A hollow depression in the ground among the dreary Sand
Hills or barren i'ad Lands, in recking' bogs, miry swamps or on the
rolling i)rairics; a (lcc|) ci-cvicc between the rocks of perpendicular
cliffs in the northwestern ])art of the state. It may be on the other
hand a neat lit tie nest placed in the deep recesses of the shady wood
or in the deserted bui-row of a prairie dog or some other mammal; or
perhaps the home may be established within or ujion the decayed trunk
of a fallen tree, or it might be that even a worn out boot or an old
tomato can has furnished the reqinred location. Other birds may be
equally well satisfied with the top of a fence post or a secure sjiot in
an old brush pile, while the bare ground at the foot of some monarch
of the forest or even a nook about the barn or house, as well as a crovss-
beam beneath a bridg-e, will suit the tastes of certain species. Still
others of oiir birds find secure resting- places for their nests in the forks
of a branch or limb, or it may be at the tip of a slender twig" far out on
the end of a swinging branch. Again some of our birds prefer to con-
ceal their homes in a low busli or tuft of grass or a delicate bower of
ferns, as will likewise a shelving- rock provide the necessary home for
still others. Even the chimneys of our own abodes are made the
resting- places for homes of certain birds, as are also the sides of barns
and houses beneath the sheltered eaves, and a hundred other localities
which are regularly selected by these creatures when establishing
homes for themselves.

Whether the home or nest is a scooped-out depression in, to us, an
iniinviting mud flat, a floating home anaong- the bullrushes or a neatly
woven basket hung to a swinging reed; whether it is an adobe struc-
ture plastered upon the face of an overhanging cliff or under the eaves
of a barn it is jiist the same to these creatures.

The nesting of so many distinct kinds of birds within a ]3rescribed
region is very significant since it is during the growth of the young
birds that a larg-e amount of very highlj'- nutritious food is required.
P'rom the standpoint of the farmer and fruit-grower this fact is of the
utmost importance, since most young birds are fed almost entirely on
an insect diet during the time spent in the nest and for a short time
afterwards. The same can also be said of many of the birds that leave
the nest as soon as hatched. Therefore, during the growth of the
young birds the quantity of such food which is gathered b^y the parent
birds over the entire state must be relativel3^ enormous. Taking as a
basis for our estimations the figiires g-iven in my leaflet entitled A Plea
for the Protection of Our Birds we would have about 75,000,000 birds
or approximately 35,000,000 to 40,000,000 pairs that nest here. Should
each pair of this large number rear four young there would be required
a sufficient food supply for from 140,000,000 to 160,000,000 young birds.
If, as we suggested in that paper, a single bird requires on an average
4

50 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

25 insects per day, the enormous number of ionr billions of insects or
35,000 bushels of 120,000 insects would be required during- each day to
feed the yovmg birds alone. But young birds need much more food than
do old ones and we should at least double this quantity for the young-
birds. Then to this must l)e added that required by the parent birds
themselves while taking- care of the young-, making- a grand total of
86,000 bushels or 107 car loads of 20 tons each, provided we allow 50
pounds as the weight of a bushel.

Some of these birds are exceedingly numerous in individuals, while
others are comparatively rare. Some exhibit greater, while others
show less ingenuity in the biiilding of their nests. Some are naturally
protected by coloration, while others purposely take great precaution
in hiding their homes. Taking all in all, the assignment to their par-
ticular places among those that are occupied by different birds while
rearing their young- depends greatly on their food habits and bodily
structure desci-ibed in another paper.

The following lists will in a measure indicate the comparative abun-
dance and distribution of our native Nebraska birds:

I. — A LIST OF THE VABIOUS BIRDS THAT HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN FOUND
BREEDING WITHIN THE STATE, TOGETHER WITH SOME BRIEF NOTES CONCERN-
ING THEIB OCCURRENCE

3. Colymbns auritus Linn. — Horned Grebe. Cherry Co., in alkali lakes

(Bates, Trostler), not rare.

4. Colyvihus nigricoIHs calif ornicus (Heerm.). — American Eared Grebe.

Near Omaha (I. S. Trostler); Cherry Co. (J. S. Hunter), not com-
mon.
6. PodUim'bus podiceps (Linn.). — Pied-billed Grebe; Helldiver; Dabchick.
Common over state.

54. Larus delowarensis Ord. — Eing-billed Gull. Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

69. Sterna forsteri Nutt. — Forster's Tern. Swan Lake (L. Bruner) ;
Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates), not common.

74. Sterna antillarum (Less.). — Least Tern. Near Omaha (L. Skow).

77. HydrocheJidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.). — Black Tern. North and
central part of state, common.
129. Merganser americunus (Cass.). — American Merganser. Cherrj^ Co. (J-
M. Bates); West Point (L. Bruner).

131. Lophodytes cuculhitus (Linn.). — Hooded Merganser. Cherrj^ Co. (J.

M. Bates).

132. Anas hoscJias Linn. — Mallard. Not uncommon over state in suitable

places.
135. Chaulchismus streperns (Linn.). — Gadwall. Holt Co. (L. Bruner).
137. Mareca- americana (Gmel.). — Baldpate; American Widgeon. Cherry

Co. (J. M. Bates),
140. Querquedula discors (Linn.). — Blue-winged Teal. Common over the

state (numerous record?;).
142. Spatula clypeata (Linn.). — Shoveller Duck. Common over the state

(numerous records).

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING '**^' 51

143. Daflln acuta (Linn.).— Pintail; Sprig-tail. Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

144. Aix sponsa (Linn.).— Wood Duck; Summer Duck. Suitable localities

over eastern half of state (several records).
HC). AiithiKi tiiiintrdna (Eyt.). — Red-head Duck. Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).
347. A.i/thi/d raUi.sticrin (Wils.).— Canvas-back Duck. Cherry Co. (J. M.

Bates).
i~2. Hranta aiiuidciisis (Linn.). — Canada (!oose. Occasionally on larger

streams, northward.

180. OJor colKinhioiius (Ord). — Whistling Swan. Swans used to nest on

several of the lakes in the Sand-hill Eeg-ion; but which one, if not
both, were thus noted cannot now be determined.

181. Olor huccinator (Rich.). — Trumpeter Swan. See note under 180.

"Used to breed on Watt's Lake, 2.5 miles south of Valentine, when
the ranches were new and few; also on Swan Lake, at the head
of the Little Blue" (J. M. Bates).

100. Botdunis leutiginosus (Moniag.). — Bittern; Thunder Pumper. An
in-eg-ular nester over most of state (several records).

191. Ardetta exilis (Gmelin). — Least Bittern. Common breeder in east-
ern Nebraska (several records).

194. Ardea herodias Linn. — Great Blue Heron. Common along- larger
streams (various observers).

197. Ardea candidlssinta Gmelin. — Snow-j- Heron; Little W^hite Egret.
Oak Creek, near Lincoln, 1895 (August Eiche).

200. Ardea ccerulea Linn. — Little Blue Heron. Thirty miles north of

Omaha (I. S. Trostler).

201. Ardea virescetis (Linn.). — Green Heron; Poke. A common breeder in

the state.

202. yiicticorax nycticorax narius (Bodd.). — Black-crowned Xight Heron.

Omaha (L. Skow); Lincoln (J. S. Hunter); Xeligh (M. Cary).
206. Grus mexUana (Miill.). — Sandhill Crane. A common breeder in por-
tions of Sand-hill Region (L. Bruner, J. M. Bates).
208. Rail us elegatis And. — King- Rail. Omaha (L. Skow, I. S. Trostler).
214. Porzana Carolina- (Linn.). — Sora Rail; Carolina Rail. An abundant

breeder in the state.
219. Gallinula yaleata (Licht.). — Florida Gallinule. Omaha (L. Skow^) ;

breeds in June (I. S. Trostler).
221. Fulica americana Gmelin. — Coot; Mud Hen. Breeds generally over

state Avhere conditions are favorable.
224. Steganopns tricolor (Yieill.). — Wilson's Phalarope. Cherry Co. (J. M.

Bates, I. S. Trostler).
228. Philohela minor (Gmelin). — American Woodcock. West Point (L.

Bruner); Omaha (L. Skow).

254. Totanus melauolencus (Gmel.). — Greater Yellow-legs. Holt Co. (L.

Iiruner) ; Peru (G. A. Coleman).

255. Totanus flacipes (Gmel.). — Yellow-leg-s. Cherrj^ Co. (J. M. Bates).

256. Eelodromas solitarius (Wils.). — Solitary Sandpiper. Cherry Co. (J.

M. Bates).
258a. Symphemia semipalmata inornata Brewster. — Western Willet. Holt

Co. (L. Bruner); Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).
261. Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). — Bartramian Sandpiper; Field

Plover. Over entire state, common.

52 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

263. Actitis iHaciihiria (Linn.). — Spotted Sandpiper. Fonnd breeding over
greater part of eastern half of state (various records).

2(54. Xiiniciiiiis Inni/iroittris Wils. — Long-billed Curlew. Fairly common in
Sand-hill Eegion of state (Bruner, Bates).

273. jlUjUiJltis rocifera (Linn.).^Killdeer. A common breeder.

277(1. ^J^Jyialitis mclodii fircu))icinct(i IJidgw. — Belted Piping Plover. Cherry
Co., June, 1900 (J. S. Hunter); Dannebrog, 1S90, 1900 ((!. P. Ander-
son).

289. Colinus rirgiiiionus (Linn.). — Bob-white; Quail. An abundant breeder
throughout the state.

300. Boiiasa vnihcllus (Linn.). — RufFed Grouse. Rockport (L. Skow).

305. Tjimpanuchus aviericaims (Riech.). — Prairie Hen; Pinnated Grouse,
(^uite general over the state.

307. Tympanuchus pallid ici net us Ridgw. — Lesser Prairie Hen. Cherry
Co. (J. M. Bates). This bird was formerly much more plentiful
than at present (L. Bruner).

308&. Pedloecetes jiliashinelhis cam pest r'\>i Ridgw. — Prairie or Common
Sharj)-tailed Grouse. A very common breeder in the Sand Hills
and north\vest-\vard.

310. Meleayris f/alloparo frni (Vieill.). — Wild Turkey. Formerly quite
abundant along the -wooded streams, but now almost or quite ex-
tinct in state.

316. Zenaidiira iiiacroura (Linn.). — Mourning Dove; Carolina Dove; Turtle
Dove. Common over entire state.

325. (Uithartcs aura (Linn.). — Turkey Vulture; Turkey Buzzard. A not
uncommon summer resident and breeder (varioiis records).

327. EJanoidfs forficatiis (Linn.). — Swallow-tailed Kite. Rockport (L.
Skow); near Greenwood, August, 1896 (Aiigust Eiche).

331. Circus hudso)iius (Linn.). — Marsh Hawk. Breeds generally over the

state.

332. Accipitcr cchix (Wils.). — Sharp-shinned Hawk. Sioux Co., May 30,

1900 (J. S. Hunter); Nebraska City (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

333. Accipitcr cooperi (Bonap.). — Cooper's Hawk. Breeds quite generally

over the state.
337. Butco horcalis (Gmel.). — Red-tailed Hawk. Eastern half of state,

common.
337f/. Buteo hoi'calis kridcri Hoopes. — ^Krider's Hawk. Sioux Co. (Cary,

Crawford, Hunter).
339. Butco lincatus (Gmel.). — Red-shouldered Hawk. Omaha (L. Skow);

Steven's Creek, near Cheney, ISIay 3 (J. S. Hunter) ; Nebraska City

(M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

342. Butco swainsoiii Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Quite genei'al over the

state. Migrates in flocks.

343. But(0 platypterus (Vieill.). — Broad-winged HaMk. A common breeder

along the Missouri River in eastern Nebraska.

348. Archihuteo fcrrunincus (Licht.). — Ferruginous Rough-leg; Ferrugin-

ous Buzzard. Nests on hillsides and rock ledges from middle
Nebraska, westward, not rare.

349. Aquiht clirysactos (Linn.). — Ciolden Eagle. Sioux Co., Scott's Bluff,

etc., not rare.
352. Ualia'ctus 1cu(o>cp]ia1iis (Linn.). — Bald Eagle; White-headed Eagle.
Rockford (A. S. Pearse); Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

SECOND AXNUAL MEETING 53

3()(). FiiJco sitarreriiis Linn. — American Sparrow Hawk. A general breeder
in wooded i)ortions of the state, and in canyons in the northwest,
where it bnilds in clefts in rocks.

364. Pumlion halUietus carol ineii sis ((imel.). — Osprey: Fish Hawk. Rock-

port, Florence (L. Briiner).

365. <.S7n> pifitiiicohi Bonap. — American Barn OavI; Monkey-faced Owl.

A number of records of the nesting- of this owl within the state
are at hand.

366. Asiii irilsouianiis (Less.). — American Long-eared Owl. A common

breeder in state (niimerous records).

367. -l-s?o fi(cii)itriiiKs (Pall.). — Short-eared Owl. Dodge Co., on ground

in A])ril (L. Bruner); Lincoln (R. E. Preston).

368. Si/Diiiivi )irhiilosum (Forst.). — liarred Owl. Breeds over state wher-

ever large trees are found.

372. Xi/cfiile ficadira (Cmel.).— Saw-whet Owl. Nebraska City (Hershey

and Reed by Carriker).

373. Mrfjascops osio (Linn.). — Screech 0\\1. 0"ite a common breeder over

the state.
375. Buho rh-ffhihintis ((imel.). — Oreat Horned Owl. A fairly common

nester in Nebraska (several records).
37S. Siirotyta ainicuJarUi liiiiXKjiva (Bonap.). — Burrowing Owl. A very

common owl in ])ortions of the state where it is resident and

breeds.
382. ConiirKS cai-ornifiisis (Linn.). — Carolina Paroquet. Formerly quite

abundant, but now absent from state. Hayden reported it along

the ^[issouri to month of the Platte.

387. Coc<!/ziis americainift (Linn.). — Yellow-billed Cuckoo. A common

nester in the state, reported by all the bird lovers.

388. Cdccuzus criithroiihthdliiiiis (Wils.). — Black-billed Cuckoo. Breeds

over the state, but less common than the preceding.

:;iM). Ccrjilc iilciion (Linn.). — I?elted King-fisher. Thoughout the state in

suitable localities.
393. Dn/ohfites rillosus (Linn.). — Hairy Woodpecker. Throughout the

state (a number of records).

o'Xlr. Ih i/ohatcs lillosiis hifloscoims (Cab.). — Cabanis's Woodpecker. Breeds

in Sioux Co. (Bruner, Wolcott, Hunter); northwestern Nebraska,

common (Dr. Agersborg).
'Mir. Dij/ohdtrs imhesceiis tnrd'utnus (Swainson). — Downy Woodpecker.

Over entire state, east\\ard, common.
304?>. Dri/Dhdtfs iivhcsrcns lunnonis (Caban.). — Batchelder's Woodpecker.

Sioux Co. (Bi-nner, Hunter, Wolcott).

402. SjihfirdpicUK rariux (Linn.). — Yellow-bellied Woodiiecker; Y'ellow-
bellied Sap-sucker. West I'oint (L. Bruner, J. C. Crawford, Jr.);
Omaha (L S. Trostler).

406. Mclfinrrpes rri/throrcplialii'^ (Linn.). — Red-headed Woodpecker. Over
the entire state.

408. Mchiiirrpcft torqiiatiis (Wils.). — Lewis'.s Woodpecker. Long Pine (J.

AL Bates); Sioux Co. (Gary, Crawford, Hunter).

409. MeUinerpes cnrolinus (Linn.). — Red-bellied Woodpecker. Nebraska

City (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

54 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

412. Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. — Flicker; Yellow-shafted Flicker. A

very common breeder in state, especially eastward.

413. Cokiptes cafer coUaris (Vigors). — Eed-shafted Flicker. Cherry Co. (J.

M. Bates); Sioux Co. (Bruner, Cary, Crawford, Hunter).

417. Antrostomus rocifervs (Wils.). — Whippoorwill. Eastern half of state

(a number of records).

418. Phahrnoptilns mitlaJii (Aud.). — Poorwll. Entire state, but more

common northward and westward.

420. ChordeUes vwginianus (Giael.). — Nighthawk. East of the lOOth me-
ridian, quite common, and possibly also westward.

420fl. ChordeUes virginianus henryi (Cass.). — Western Mghthawk. Quite
common in the Sand-hill Region and westward.

423. Chcetnra pelagica (Linn.). — Chimney Swift. A common breeder in
eastern Nebraska.

425. Aeronautes melanoleucus (Baird.). — White-throated Rock Swift. Pine
Ridge of Dawes and Sioux Cos., quite plentiful (L. Bruner).

428. Trochilus coluhris Linn. — Ruby-throated Hummingbird. A not un-
common breeder in eastern Nebraska (a number of records).

444. Tgranniis tyranniis (Linn.). — Kingbird; Bee-bird. Common over the
entire state.

447. Tyrannus rertiealis Say. — Arkansas Flycatcher. JNIost common west-
Avard, but over greater part of state.

452. Mi/iarclnis erinitus (Linn.). — Great-crested Flycatcher. Occurs as a
breeder over most of state.

456. Sayornis phoel)e (Lath.). — Phoebe; Pewee. Quite common in Nebraska

eastv^ard, less numerous westward.

457. Sayornis saya (Bonap.).- — Say's Phoebe. A rather common bird in

western Nebraska where it sometimes nests about houses.

461. Vontopus rirens (Linn.).— Wood PcAvee. Omaha (L. Skow, I. S. Tros-
tler); Peru (G. A. Coleman).

465. Eiiipidonax virescenft (VieilL). — Green-crested Flycatclier; Acadian
Flycatcher. Omaha (L. Skow, I. S. Trostler). '

466r/. Empidonax traiUii (And.). — Traill's Flycatcher. Omaha (Skow,
Trostler).

467. Empidonax tniiihirus Baird. — Least Flycatcher. Occasionally in north-
eastern part of state (Aughey) ; Omaha (L. Skow).

474m. Otocoris alpestris leiieohrnia (Coues). — Pallid Horned Lark; White- ^
throated Horned Lark. Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

474&. Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. — Prairie Horned Tiarlc. Eastern
and middle jiortions of state, common.

474c. Otocoris alpestris arenicola Hensh. — Desert Horned Lake. Cherry
Co. (J. M. Bates); Sioux Co. (L. Bruner).

475. Pica pica hudsonica (Sab.). — American Magpie. Cherry Co. (J. M.
Bates); Sioux Co. (L. Bruner, Cary, Crav^^ford and Hiinter). Origi-
nally as far east as the mouth of Platte.

477. Cyanocitta cristata, (Linn.).- — Blue Jay. Entire state and becoming
more numerous than formerly.

488. Corviis americanns Aud. — Common Ci-ow. State at large, becoming
more numerous year after year.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 55

494. I)()lh-hon}i.f uri/zirarus (Linn.). — Bobolink. Sand-liill Region, where it

is very common on low, wet meadows.

495. Molnthnis (iter (I'.oild.). — Cowbird. Throughout the state, quite

common.

497. Xaiitliocciihdlii."; .rrnitJioccphdliis (Uonap.). — Yellow-headed Blackbird.

A common summer resident and breeder in Nebraska, but more
frequent northward.

498. AfjeUihiK iilKriiieeus (Linn.). — Red-winged Blackbird. Breeds through-

out the state where it is very numerous.
501fl. StunieUa moiina neglecta (And.). — "Western Meadowlark. Through-
out the state, but most abundant in central and western portions.

506. Icteriix sptirius (Linn.). — Orchard Oriole. Moderately common as a

breeder ^vithin the state.

507. Icterus ffftlbula (Linn.). — Baltimore Oriole. A very common breeder

in the state. es]7ecially eastward, although not absent from the
\vestern portions.

508. Icterus huUocki (Swains.). — Bullock's Oriole. Ft. Robinson (L. Bru-

7ier) ; Sioiix Co., where it is a not rare summer resident (L. Bruner).

511. Quiscalvs fjuhciila (nieiis (Ridgw.). — Bronzed Grackle. A verj^ com-
mon breeder in middle and eastern Nebraska.

529. A stromal inus tristis (Linn.). — American Goldfinch. Over the entire
state, not uncommon.

COO. Passer (Jomesticus (Linn.). — European House Sparrow; English Spar-
row. Breeds in Nebraska.

538. Calcarius ornatus (Towns.). — Chestnut-collared Longspur. Holt
county (Will Colt): breeds in the state (I. S. Trostler).

540. Pnoecetes (iramineiis (Gmel.). — Vesper Sparrow; Grass Finch. Breeds
throughout the state in fair numbers (numerous records).

540^/. Pnoecetes (/roni incus cou finis Baird. — Western Vesper SpaiTow.
Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

54l.'f/. Anni)fj<hrinnis smi(hrichevsis saranna (Wils.). — Savanna Sparrow.
Breeds Avithin the state (several records).

54."). Anuiiodrnmiis htiirdi (And.). — Baird's Bunting. Sioux Co. (L. Bruner);
a rare breeder (T. S. Trostler).

54(). A)iniio(Jrai))us sdroiiiianiv) posseri)ius (Wils.). — Grasshopper Sparrow;
Yellow-winged S])arrow. A common summer resident and breeder
in the state, eastward.

'>4i)(i. AiiniKxlramus Sdronnariun pi rimirKlits: (Ridgw.). — Western Grasshop-
per Sparrow. Cherry Co. (J. ]M. Bates); Broken Bow and Thed-
ford (A. K Fisher).

.">.":.'. (' Ji 0 lift est es (irammdcus (Say). — Lark Finch; Lark Bunting. A very
(•oninu)n breeder in the Sand Hills and ■westward; rarer eastward.

.")()(). XpizclUi socialis (Wils.). — Chipping S])arroAv. A common breeder in
the state according to the records at hand.

561. Sinzella pdllida (Swains.). — Clav-colored Sparrow. Cherry Co. (J.

M. Bates).

562. SpizcJla hreireri Cass. — Brewer's S]iarrow. Cherry Co. (J. INL Bates).

563. i^pizclJa piisilla (Wils.). — Field Sparrow. A very common breeder in

eastern Nebraska.
563«. fipizella pusiJIa orenacca Chadb. — Western Field Sparrow. Broken
Bow, July 8, 1893 (A. K. Fisher); Long Pine, July 11, 1900 (J. M.
Bates).

56 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

581. Melosplza melodia (Wils.). — Song- Sparrow. A not very common
breeder over the state (several records).

584. Melospiza georglana (Lath.). — Swamp Sparrow. Lincoln (J. S. Hun-
ter); Neligh (Merritt Cary).

587. PipUo eri/tlirophth(ili)iiis (Linn.). — thewink; Towhee. A common sum-

mer resident and breeder over eastern half of state.

588. Pipilo maciiJafiis arcticus (Swains.). — Arctic Towhee. Dawes Co. (R.

H. Wolcott, J. S. Hunter, L. Bruner) ; Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).

593. Cardinalis (•aitlinaUs (Linn.). — Cardinal (Jrosbeak. Soutlieastern por-
tions, fairly common.

595. Zamelodki liidoriciana (Linn.). — Bose-breasted Grosbeak. Quite com-
mon as a l)reeder and summer resident in eastern half of state.

59(i. Zaiiielodia niehntoeephahi (Swains.). — Black-headed Grosbeak. Long-
Pine, June 14, 1899 (J. M. Bates).

597. (jiiiraca ca'ndea (Linn.). — Blue Grosbeak. Broken Bow. July 8, 1893;

Bed Cloud, July 2, 1893 (A. K. Fisher).
597c/. frKiraca ca'rulea ln~n1a (Lesson). — Western Blue Grosbeak. Cherry
Co., June 7, 1893, July, 1899 (J. M. Bates).

598. Cyanospiza cjjaiiea (Linn.). — Indig-o Bunting-. A rather common

breeder in eastern third of state.

604. Spiza ainericfiiui (Gmel.). — Dickcissel; Black-throated Bunting. An

abundant breeder in Nebraska.

605. Calamospiza mel(nioc(jnji< Stejn. — Lark Bunting. A very common bird

in summer where it breeds.
607. Piratif/a ludopiciana (Wils.). — Louisiana Tanager; Crimson-headed

Tanager. Sioux Co. (L. IJruner) ; cari'ying nest material June 1,

1900 (Cary, Crawford).
()08. Pirain/a erythromelas Vieill. — Scarlet Tanager. Eastern part of the

state as a summer resident and breeder.

611. Prorjne suhis (Linn.). — Purple Martin; House Martin. 15i-eeds (|uite

commonly over the state where nesting places are available.

612. PrfrnchcUdon liniifrotis (Say). — Clift" Swallow; Eaves Swallow; j\Iud

Swallow. An abundant bird where suitable breeding ])laces are
to be found.

613. Hirundo crythroiKiKtra IJodd. — Barn Swallow. All over the state in

moderate numbers.

614. Tachycineta hicolor (Vieill). — White-bellied Swallow; Tree Swallow.

Sioux Co. in holes in banks (L. Bruner); Omaha (L. Skow) ; in
holes in stumps (1. S. Trostler).

615. TdcJii/eiiirta tJuilossinri (Swains.). — Violet-green Swallow. Sioux Co.

(L. Brimer).

616. Vlivicola riparid (Linn.). — Bank Swallow. A common breeder in the

state.

617. Stelgidoptefy.r scrripciDiis (And.). — Rough-winged Swallow. A not

rare breeder in this state. Breeds in same places as does the

preceding.
619. A)iipeUs crdnDiiiii (Vieill.). — Cedar Bird; Cedar Wax-wing; Cherry

Bird. Omaha (L. Skow).
622f/. Ldiiius liidovwi(inn>i exruhitoroidcs (Swains.). — White-rumped Shrike.

All of eastern half of the state but more especially southward.
024. TiiTO olirricciis (Linn.). — Red-eyed Vireo. Quite common over eastern

half of state, less so westward.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 57

()27. Tirco t/ilvKS (Vieill.). — Warbling- Vireo. Quite common a.s a sum-
mer resident and breeder in eastern Nebraska.

G28. Vireo fiarifrons Vieill. — Yellow-throated Vireo. Xot rare as a breeder
in the state southward and eastward.

629. Tireo .solitariiiH (Wils.). — Blue-headed Vireo. West Point (L. Bru-
ner); Omaha (I. S. Trostler), rare.

(i29?>. Vireo f<o1ifarius iilumhciis Cones. — Plnnil)eous Vireo. Sioux Co., May,
1899 (Bruner, Hunter, Wolcott).

631. Vireo novehoracensix ((imel.). — White-eyed Vireo. Not rare as a
summer resident and breeder in the state.

633. Vireo heUii Aiid. — Bell's ^'ireo. This is our cominonest vireo in Ne-
braska where it breeds in almost every plum thicket, as well as in
other places.

636. MniotiUa raria (Linn.). — Black and White Creeping Warbler. Breeds

over eastern half of state sparing-ly (several records).

637. Protonotfiria eitrea (Bodd.). — Prothonotarv Warbler. Omaha (L.

Skow. I. S. Trostler); Nebraska City (M". A. Carriker, Jr.).
641. Helmiiitliojiliihi iiiiius (Linn.). — Blue-vving-ed Yellow Warbler. Found

breeding- near Omaha in 1900 (J. E. Wallace).
64.5. Helmiutho[tlii](i ruficainUa (Wils.). — Nashville Warbler. Nebraska City

(M. A. Carriker, Jr.).
648. CoDipsothlypis amerixaun (Linn.).— Parula Warbler. "Rearing their

young- in various parts of Nebraska" (Bull. No. 2, Div. Ornith.).
652. Deiidroiea frstira (Gmel.). — Yellow Warbler; Summer Yellow Bird.

Found breeding over the entire state, common.
656. DeiHlroiea amluhoiii (Towns.). — Audubon's Warbler. Sioux Co., May

20, 1900 (Bruner, Cary, Crawford, Hunter).
658. Deiidroiea rara (Wils.). — Cerulean Warbler. Found breeding near

Omaha, 1900 (Mullen, Wallace. Shoemaker, van Sant).
6.")9. Dcndroiea peiinsi/Jroniva (Linn.). — Chestnut-sided Warbler. Onuiha

(L. Skow, I. S. Trostler).

674. »s'r(Mr»s (lurocopiUus (Linn.). — Oven-bird; Golden-crowned Thrush.
A common summer resident and breeder in the state.

675(/. Seinrus novehoraceiisis uoiahilis (Ridgw.). — Grinell's Water Thrush.
Sioux Co. (L. Bruner).

676. Sriiinis niotneiUa (Vieill.). — Louisiana Water Thrush; Large-billed

Water Thursh. Peru ((i. A. Coleman); Omaha (1. S. Trostler);
Omaha, not uncommon (Roy ^Mullen, F. H. Shoemaker).

677. Grofhh/pis foriiio.m (Wils.). — Kentncky Warbler. Omaha (L. Skow);

I'eru (G. A. Coleman).

681. (leothlijids trichas (Linn.). — ^Maryland Yellow-throat. Common over
the eastern portions of the state.

681ff. (IrothJi/ins trielmK occidnitnlix Brewst. — Western Maryland Yellow-
throat. Less common than the preceding, and more westerly.

683. lateria rirens (Linn.). — Yellow-breasted Chat. Quite common as a
breeder in the state, especially in eastern portions.

683«. Icteria rircns lonoictiiida (Lawr.). — Long-tailed Chat. Sioux Co. (R.
H. Wolcott).

687. Sctophaga rvticilhi (Linn.). — American Redstart. Found as a sum-
mer resident and nester over the greater part of state.

58 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

703. Mimus polyglottos (Linn.). — Mockingbird. Sidney, North Platte and

Lincoln (L. Bruner). This bird is becoming more abundant than
formerly in the state.

704. Galeoscoptes caroliiiensis (Linn.). — Catbird. A very common nester

over the entire state in suitable places.

705. Horpfirhijnrhiis rufus (Linn.). — Brown Thrasher. Nearlj' as com-

mon as the preceding throughout Nebraska.
715. Sfilpinctes olmjJetns (Say). — Rock Wren. Sioux Co. (L. Bruner);

Cherry Co. (J. M. Bates).
721. Tiof/lodytes a'don Vieill. — House Wren. Eastern half of state, rarer

westward.
721&. Troyhxlytcs frdou aztecns (Baird). — Western House Wren. Perhaps

the commoner form here in the state.

724. Cistothonis Stella ris (Licht.). — Short-billed Marsh Wren. In suitable

places west to middle of state.

725. Cistothonis [KilKStris (Wils.). — Long-billed Marsh Wren. A fairly

common breeder in the state, especially in the Sand-hill Region.
727. Sitta caroHiioisis Lath. — White-bellied Nuthatch. Eastern Nebraska,

Avhere it is a common nester.
727a. ySitta carolinensis aculeata (Cass.). — Slender-billed Nuthatch. Quite

common westward, less so in eastern part of state.
730. l^ltta pygnuea Yig. — Pygmy Nuthatch. Omaha, "a rare resident,

breeds" (L S. Trostler).
735. Parus atrlcapiUus Linn. — ^Chickadee; Black-capped Titmouse. Quite

common in eastern Nebraska.
735o. Paivs atricnpillns septentrionalis (Harris). — Long-tailed Chickadee.

Found nesting oAer entire state, most abundant in western por-
tions.
751. PoUoptUa cirnilcd (Linn.). — Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Omaha and

Bellevue (Mullen, Trostler and Wallace).

754. Myadestcs toirnseiHlii (And.). — Townsend's Solitaire. Sioux Co., May

25, 1900, two nests (Cary, Crawford, J. S. Hunter).

755. Hylorichla vtustdimis (imel. — Wood Thrxish. A not iincommon nester

in Nebraska where it is quite generallj" distributed.

758«. Hi/lociehhi ustvlatas siniiiisonii (Caban.). — Olive-backed Thrnsh. Long
Pine (J. M. Bates); Sioux Co., in breeding season (L. Bruner).

75U/>. ]{ii1ocichla aoiKilftschkd' ixiJlasii (Caban.). — Hermit Thrush. A Ida
(Bull. No. 2, U. S. Div. Ornith.).

761. Mcrula mlgratoria (Linn.). — American Robin. Entire state, common.

7()(). Sialia sialis (Linn.). — Blnebird. Over the entire state, but less com-
mon than formerly.

7(;s. t<i<ilia arctica Swains. — Rocky Mounlain Bluebird. Sioux, Dawes and
Scott's Bluflt" Cos. (L. Bruner).

ir. — A LIST OF SrC'lI OTIIEBS of OI'R birds as tTNDOUBTEDLY BREED HERE,
BUT CONCERXING WHICH MORE DEFINITE DATA AS TO SUCH BREEDING IS
DESIRED, TOGETHER WITH RECORDS WHICH ARE DEFINITE BUT NEED VERIFI-
CATION

70. fiterna hiruiuJo Linn. — Common Tern. Observed in Cherry Co.. June,
1900 (J. S. Hunter); and in Holt Co., July (L. Bruner).

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 59

167. Erismatiira jamoicenfiift (Gmel.). — Eiiddy Duck. Several pairs seen on
lakes in Cherry Co., June 7, 1900, where it probably breeds (J. S.
Hunter) .

203. Xi/cticorax inolaceus (Linn.).- — Yellow-crowned Night Heron. "Rare,
breeding- at McCook" (Ludwick).

212. RoIIiisi virfiiiiiainis Linn. — Virginia Eail. Supposed to breed in vicin-
ity of Omaha (I. S. Trostler).

225. Recurvirostra americana Gmelin. — American Avocet. A very jirobable

breeder in central and western part of state about the alkali lakes
where the birds have been seen during late spring and svimmer.
It has been foiind breeding by J. ^NL Bates just across the line in
South Dakota.

226. HiuKiiitopns mermtnus (Miill.). — Black-necked Stilt. A rare visitor

eastward, but more frequent in w^estern part of state. Said to

nest in western Kansas.
2;;0. GaUinaffO delkata (Ord). — Wilson's Snipe. Breeding at North Platte

(jNI. K. Barnum). Was also seen in Cherry Co., June 3 to 10, 1900,

by J. S. Hunter, and late June (I. S. Trostler).
240. Lhnosa fedoa (Linn.). — Marbled Godwit. This bird has been observed

a number of times during summer, but no nests have been taken

to mj' knowledge.
309. Cc)itrore7rits uropliaslanus (Bonap.). — Sage Grouse; Sage Cock. A

permanent resident in the Hat Creek Valley of Sioux Co., w^here it

is reported to nest.
315. Ectopisies iiiiffrotorins (Linn.). — Passenger Pigeon. Perhaps entirely

extinct so far as its occurrence in Nebraska is concerned, formerly

fairly abundant along the IMissouri River.
337?). Biiteo borcniis cftlnrus (Cass.). — Western Red-tailed Hawk. .Tamaica,

near Lincoln, May 12, 1891 (R. E. Preston).
347f/. Archihuteo Utijopus i^ancfi-joJnninis (Grael.). — American Rough-legged

Hawk. Among the buttes of northwestern part of state (L. Bru-

ner.

355. FfiJco mcvicfiuuH Schleg. — Prairie Falcon. Sioux Co., IMay, 1900 (Bru-
ner, Cary, Crawford and J. S. Hunter).

357. FfiJco colnmharius Linn. — Pigeon Hawk. Breeds at McCook (Lud-

wick).

358. Friho )ic]i<irdstjiiii Ridgw. — Richardson's Merlin. According to A. K.

Fisher this hawk breeds from western Kansas northward.

375rt. liuhn riiy/inhintis paUcseeiiH Stone. — Western Horned Owl. Sioux
Co. (L. Skow, "W. D. Hunter).

432. Sduxphorus. ithitifceniis (Swains.). — Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Not
rare on Pine Ridge from Long Pine westward.

462. Covtopns riclmrdsomi (Swains.). — Western Wood Pewee. Omaha (L.
Skow); Western Nebraska (Aughey).

491. Xucifraf/a colunihiaiia (Wils.). — Clarke's Nutcracker. Sioux Co., rare

(L. Bruner).

492. Cjjftiifjccphalus riitiiincrphdlKK (Wied). — Maximilian's Nutcracker;

Pinon Jay. Sioux Co., entire year (L. Brimer).
501. iiturndla magna (Linn.). — Meadov.lark. A number of records refer
to the typical form as breeding within the state east of the 100th
meridian. Is this a fact?

60 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

510. ScolecopJwflus cyaiiocci)h(ilus (WagL). — Brewer's Blackbird. Indica-
tions tend to show that this bird breeds sparingly in western and
northwestern Nebraska (L. Bruner).

539. lihiinchophoneH nircotniii (Laiir.). — ]\IcCown's Long-s]3ur. Summer-resi-
dent, rare (Taylor); may breed in the state (Trostler).

542?>. Am 1110(1 ranniN xdiKlirichcnsis alaxdiiins (Bonap.). — Western Savanna

Sparrow. Omaha (L. Skow).
554«. ZoHOtrlchia Jnicophri/n ynnihrHi (Xntt.). — Intermediate Sparrow.

Lincoln (J. S. Hunter).
599. ('jiaiiospLza (iiiiuna (Say). — Lazuli Bunting; Lazuli Finch. Sioux Co.

(L. Bruuer).
GIO. Piran(ja nibra (Linn.). — Summer Tanager. Lincoln (R. E. Preston);

Omaha (L. Skow).
622. LnniusJmloncianuH (Linn.). — Loggerhead Shrike; Butcher Bird. West

Point (L. Bruner).
Q-lla. Thro ijUlvis surninsoiii Baird. — Western Warbling Yireo. Sioux Co.,

May 23, 1900 (Cary, Crawford and J. S. Hunter).
655. nendroiea coronata (Linn.). — Yellow-rumped Wrbler; Myrtle War-
bler. It is said by Ludwick to breed at McCook.
662. Dendroica blackb)inii(r {(imel.). — Blackburnian Warbler. Breeds at

McCook (Lndwick).
673. Dcndroha discohn- (Vieill.). — Prairie Warbler. Eastern Nebraska

(Aughey).
679. (leothluiJis philodrlphio (Wils.). — Mourning Warbler. Eastern Ne-
braska (Oliver Davie).
702. Onm-oiites iiio)if(iniis (Towns.). — Sage Thrasher. Alliance, Nebraska,

July 12, 1893 (A. K. Fisher).
718. TJiri/othorus Indoriciaims! (Lath.). — Carolina Wren. Said to be a rare

breeder in the southeastern corner of state.
726. Ccrthia fdiiiilhiris amcriroini-s (Bonap.). — Brown Creeper. Omaha (I.

S. Trostler); found nest in knot hole near Dakota City (Aughey).

728. Sitta ((iiiadoisis Linn. — Bed-bellied Nuthatch. A rare bird over the

entire state, seen by several observers a.s late as latter part of
^May, but no actual records of nesting at hand.

729. Sittd pusUhi Lath. — Brown-headed Nuthatch. Sioux Co.. February

26, 1896, "a single specimen of a nuthatch Avith brown head seen
but not taken" (L. Skow). This is included on the above record
since the nuthatches are practically non-migratory.
731. I'arus hicolor Linn. — Tufted Titmouse. Said by I. S. Trostler to be ,
a rare resident near Omaha.

Formerly several of the birds listed here were regularly at home within
the state, but these have now almost t)r entirely disappeared at nest-
ers at least. Some of these that might be menticmed are the Wild
Turkey, Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parocpiet, and the Trumpeter and
AVhistling Swans.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

61

lir. — A LIST OF POSSIBLE BREEDERS IN NEBRASKA, BASED OX VARIOUS
RECORDS WHICH MIGHT BE TAKEN AS FAIRLY RELIABLE CIRCUMSTANTIAL
EVIDENCE TOWARDS ESTABLISHING THEIR RIGHT TO BE PLACED IN THIS LIST,
BUT WHICH CANNOT BE GIVEN AT THIS TIME ON ACCOUNT OF LACK OF SPACE

59. Franklin's Cull. .'iOit.

120«. Florida Cormorant. 521.

i:)?,. Dusky Dut-k. 5:^3.

l.']9. Green-wiu'jed Teak 547.

141. Cinnamon Teal. 547«.

149. Lesser Scaup Duck. 554.

18fi. Glossy Ibis. 566.

187. ^Yhite-faced Glossy Ibis. 567.

196. Great White Egret. 578.

204. Whooping' Crane. 581/.

215. Little Yellow Raik 583.

216. Black Rail. 626.

241. Baird's Sandpiper. 630.

242. Least Sandpiper. 639.
246. Serai-palmated Sand])iper. 646.
248. Sanderling-. 647.
278. Snowy T^lover. 650.
281. Mountain Plover. 657.
308rt. Columbian Sharp-tailed 661.

Grouse. 663m.

329. Mississippi Kite. 667.
337(1. Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk.

356. Duck Hawk. 680.

405. Pileated Woodpecker. 684.

418«. Frosted Poor-will. 6S6.

420c. Sennett's Xighthawk. 701.

459. Olive-sided Flycatchei*. 719.

463. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 749.

474. Horned Lark (typical). 756.

484. Canada Jay (484«?). 756w.

486. American Raven. 761f/,

487. White-necked Raven.

Rusty lilackbird.
.\merican Crossbill.
Pine Siskin; TMne Finch.
Henslow's Sj)arrow.
Western Henslow's Sparrow.
White-crowned Sparrow.
White-winged Junco.
Slate-colored Junco.
Cassin's Sparrow.
Dakota Song- Sparrow.
Lincoln's Song- Sparrow.
I'hiladelphia Yireo.
Black-ca])ped Yireo.
Worm-eating- Warbler.
Orange-crowned Warbler.
Tennessee Warbler.
Cape May Warbler.
Magnolia Warbler.
Black-poll Warbler.
Sycamore Warbler.
Black-throated Green War-
bler.
Macgillivray's Warbler.
Hooded Warbler.
Canadian Warbler.
Water Ouzel.
Bewick's Wren.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Wilson's Thrush.
Willow Thrush.
Western Robin.

A PECULIAR DISEASE OF BIRDS' FEET OBSERVED IX CENTRAL

NEBRASKA

ERWIN H. BARBOUR, LINCOLN

As curator of the State Museum, objects of varied kinds come to the
notice of the writer, and there may be found a possible justification
for wandering- from one's own field of investig-ation far enough to make
mention of certain pathological specimens which may be of interest to
the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. In south central Nebraska there
is a dermal affection prevalent among birds, and a presumably similar
affliction among rabbits, of a nature so serious as to apparently merit
exact and critical investigation by some student. The distressing nature
of the malady may be judged of in part by a glance at the fig-iire, while

62

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

that of the birds may be seen in Plate X, figures 1, 2, 3, 4, which show
the scutella of the feet grown into curved, over-lapping, horny ex-
crescences, so crowded together as to render the toes jjartially immov-
able, and preventing them from touching the ground in the customary
way. This leads at once to an abnoi-mal growth and consequent distor-
tion of the claws. The feet thus altered and enlarged are impediments
indeed, adding to the weight of the bird in flight, hindering freedom
of movement when upon the ground in search of food, or when attempt-
ing to perch upon boughs, and obviously being greatly in the way upon
the nest. It is to be doubted if incubation is possible in such cases.
Judging from cases reported, Kearney and Buffalo Counties are about

the center of the affected district. It
seems more than a coincidence that
this is also the region where the so-
called "horned" rabbits are common-
est. Hunters in these counties often
report that in certain j^ears four out
of five rabbits must be thrown away
because of the prevalence of "horns"
generally growing about the mouth
and nose, but occasionally upon the
limbs. According to the hvmters, the
affliction is so common in certain
years that it seems to be universal,
and it is repeatedly stated that hun-
dreds are shot to be rejected. They
are almost invariably more or less
emaciated and ill-conditioned crea-
tures generally. The excrescences,
which resemble veritable horns, are
black in color, firm, though fibrous,
in texture, and in shape exactlj'^ like
a miniature horn a couple of inches
long. The firmness of texture is such
that the horns are capable of taking
a polish like true horn. They ai'e
strictly dermal, and when the skin
is fresh a small slightly irritated and
inflamed patch may be seen encir-
cling the base of each cornu. The
cornua are often so crowded togethei;
Head of "horned" rab})it. around the nose and mouth that

one fails to see how the unfortunate victim ever obtained the food nec-
essary for bare subsistence. A number of such examples have been re-
ceived by the State Museum during the past five or six years, some of
them being mounted, while others are preserved in alcohol.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 63

Unfortunately there has been no opportunity tor observing either the
rabbits or the birds in tlie field, and since the specimens at hand have
dried the writer fails to find the cause of the trouble, which, neverthe-
theless, seems to be attributable to some species of mite, possibly a
Harcopteft. Amonj^' poultry the disease known as "rough leg" or "scaly
leg-" is caused by the mite Sfircopirs ))iufaii>i, living- parasitically under the
scales of the forward part of the foot and metatarse known respectively
as the acropodium and acrotarsium. The result is a roug-hening- and
distention of the parts affected, and finally weakened vitality, g-eneral
debility, and even death of the fowl in extreme eases. In the case of
the domestic fowl it is a disease readily curable, but not so in the case
of the wild animals and birds, which possibly become instrumental in
the transmission of the mite, for, so far as the writer can see, the dis-
eases are identical. In anticipation of the evil resulting from the possi-
ble transmission of this disease from barnyard to barnyard by the
blackbirds to which the disease seems to be confined, the writer ventures
beyond his legitimate field of pursuit to urge upon some student the
recognition of this as a matter worthy of special investigation.

INTERNAL PAEASITES OF NEBRASKA BIRDS

HENRY B. WARD

Repeated inquiries regarding the prevalence of internal parasites in
our birds and the significance of these forms for their hosts leads me
to present here a brief statement of our present knowledge on this
subject, together with short references to the work of past observers,
in the hope that this may lead to the accumulation of sufficient data
for a more complete handling of the topic at some future time. In the
historical review which opens the paper reference is made only to the
more recent writers and those in particular whose work bears on the
ecological side of the question.

In that chapter of his work which is especially devoted to the Entozoa
of game birds and those of the common fowl Cobbold (69) says that the
epidemic of 1867 among- grouse in Great Britain was not due, as be-
lieved by many, to the prevalence of cestoid Entozoa. He tabulates 21
species which have been found in pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail and
barnyard fowl. Most of them are innocuous, a few harmful, and only
one, the gapworm (Sijiif/avius tracheaUs v. Sieb.), of serious import. He
refers to our lack of knowledge of the adults, our absolute ignorance
of their development, and concludes vsith the observation that in his
experience the forms are regularly very numerous, but cannot be satis-
factorily defined or identified. What he says is almost equally true
at the j)resent day and an unfortunate limitation on the study of this

64

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

subject. The indispensable Compendium of Helminthology, by von
Linstow (78), and its appendix (89), lists the recorded parasites, in-
cluding- those of birds, up to the year 1889. Considering- the magnitude
of the task there are few omissions, and the references enable one to
follow the literature of avian ])arasites; but the author does not at-
tempt to deal critically with species, giving- only the precise record of
each author quoted. It is interesting to siimmarize the records given:
nearly one thousand hosts are listed as sheltering- about 2,700 kinds of
parasites, many of which, however, are identical species. The numbers
for the individual groups are given in the following table:

Comj)endium up to 1878 Appendix 1878 to 1889
Names of Avian Groups No. of No. of No. of No. of

Used Hosts Parasites Hosts Parasites

1. Psittaci .30 45 4 5

2. Coccygomorphae 50 87 27 28

:!. Pici ' 21 38 5 6

4. JMacrochires 23 42 5 7

5. Passerinae 18G 456 79 115

6. Eaptores 94 360 43 77

7. Gyrantes 8 14 6 8

8. Easores 40 112 25 44

9. Brevipennes 2 5 6 10

10. Grallae 66 280 35 67

11. Ciconiae 40 156 19 34

12. Lamellirostres 51 362 24 43

13. Steganopodes 12 30 7 14

14. Longipennes 30 131 18 27

15. Urinatores 16 103 8 12

Total 669 2221 311 497

In two pa])ers.Lonnberg (89 and 90) records with great care the results
of extended helminthological studies on the cestodes of Sweden and
Norway. A considerable percentage of the hosts examined were birds.
In addition to statistical information regarding the parasites morpho-
logical data of importance are also included. Eeference should be
made in this connection to the admirable manual of Eailliet (93-5)
which gives the most complete account available of all the parasites
found \a domesticated animals, including also inany associated wild
species. Many important references to avian parasites are made in this
work.

Miihling (98) has subjected the birds of Eastern Prussia to careful
examination and finds in 445 hosts belonging to eighty-one species about
51 per cent infected, a number coincident with that observed here in
Nebraska among doiuestic fowls. The full tables of this author are
valuable records of the distribution of the jjarasites among the hosts
studied; unfortunately he gives no data reg-arding the frequence of
infection nor, save in a ver3' general way, of the abundance of the
ditferent species of parasites. Volz (99) investigated the prevalence of

PLATE VI

YOUNG ROSE-BKEASTKD GROSBEAKS

Female, July 10.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 65

nematodes, or round worms, in birds from the vicinity of Freiburg
i. Br., (lerniany. Uc lOiniil tliirty species of iiarasites in thirty-two
hosts. Two hosts eai-li liarboivd five species of ^larasites, two four each,
three three each, four two each, and the remainder only a single
s])ecies of parasite. In general The crow, rajjtores and gallinaceous
birds wei-e worst infected with nematodes in respect to nnmbers both
^ f .species and of individnals present. Hansmann (99) found that of
species infected .'JO per cent of the individuals harbored trematodes, a
figure which has only relative vahie, as in the same lot of birds enough
uninfected species were contained to reduce the percentage to 20. The
infection was in most cases light.

The results of the most extended study yet made by any investigator
are given by Woltfhiigel (00). The large majority of the birds he studied
came from the vicinity of Freiburg in Baden, but a number of foreign
birds which had been held in captivity were obtained from the Zoologi-
cal Garden at Basle, Switzerland. Among the 630 birds investigated, 231
harbored cestodes, 124 trematodes, 252 nematodes, and 41 Echinorhyn-
chi, while 180 were free from parasites. Percentages cannot be calcu-
lated from these fignires without further consideration since, for
instance, land birds are rarely infested by Echinorhynchi, but ducks
commonly, so that the total depends evidently on the number of ducks
examined.

Wolffhiigel examined 73 species belonging to 62 genera of birds and
found in them 19 species of trematodes. 35 of cestodes, 25 of nema-
todes, and 9 of Echinorhynchi. There are extensive tables showing full
details of the extent and character of infection manifested by each bird
examined, and a careful diseu.>sion of structural details in a number of
new and poorlj' known species of cestodes.

The most extensive and important American contribution to the dis-
tribution of avian parasites is that by Stiles & Hassell (96). It deals
primarily with tapeworms of poultry, but the species treated are also
found in other birds. The discussion given by these authors affords the
only accessible source of information regarding certain foreign publica-
tions of importance on some of the avian cestodes. Many figures from
such inaccessible authorities have been reproduced so that the i^aper
gives a comiJlete presentation of the work done on the forms cited
therein.

The check-lists given by Hassall (98, 9Sa, 9Sb) are invaluable to scien-
tific workers for the full and exact treatment of the synonjmj- of the
liarasites. Though only domesticated birds are given here the same
species of parasites are more or less frequently met with among wild
fowl.

In a previous paper (Ward, 98) I have given a discussion of the para-
sites of domesticated birds based on observations made in Nebraska.

66 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

The effects of parasites, tlie degree of infection, and the general fea-
tures of preventive treatment are discussed. To this are added data
regarding- the taxonomy of some of the more common forms, their life
history and the diseases they produce. This article was followed by a
second (Ward 9Sa) one section of which contains a synopsis of examina-
tions made on domesticated birds at Lincoln and on some from a
neighboring state from Avhich the following percentages appear for

the chick:

Cestodes Nematodes Total No.

Free alone alone Both examined

Nebraska 51 16 IG 16 99

Iowa 23 23 14 40 100

It also was shown that the liability to cestode infection decreases
rapidly with growth, but that the liability to nematode infection
increases with age. Whether this holds true of other species or under
other conditions than those of domestication remains to be investigated.
The case demonstrates, hoAvever, that in all conclusions the factor of
age must be considered.

It would be impossible to make mention here of all the morphological
work which has been done recently even thoug-h it is of great value to
the worker in helminthology. Numerous papers by Cohn, Fuhrmann,
Hausmann, Liilie, Lonnberg, Kowalewski, Railliet, Volz, Wolffhiig-el, and
others, have contributed to clear up the confusion existing in this
group and make its complete revision possible.

Regarding the morphology of the avian parasites from this country,
it may be said that a i^aper by Linton (92) constitutes almost the only
record of any extent since the brief notes of Leidy published many
years ago. Linton described the parasites of six species of birds from
Yellowstone National Park examined in August, 1890, together with a
few Entozoa collected at Guaymas, Mexico, in February, 1891. It is
unfortunate that the accounts given are not sufficiently extended to
perm.it of ready use by others.

From this laboratory Ransom (00) described a peculiar species of
cestode known thus far only from the alimentary canal of the turkey.

"It is not easy for people unacquainted with the phenomena of
parasitism and with the mode of distribution of the Entozoa," says Cob-
bold, "to shake off the very prevalent notion that tapeworms are
generally only in diseased or unhealthy animals. This old and erro-
neous idea has been handed down from age to age, and it will probably
prevail among us for many years to come" (69, p. 66). The frequence
of iJarasitic infection in birds has been clearly shown by the preceding
abstracts from various authors. It is now imiDortant to inquire con-
cerning the bearings of this fact. In the first place it may be safely
affirmed that none of these species are dangerous to man. Not only
that the alimentary canal and its adnexa are universally removed be-

SECOND AXNUAL MEETING 67

fore the birds are cookefl, hut also that the species of Entozoa which
are at home in l)ircls are not such as attack man; and should one come
bj' chance into the human alimentary canal, it would not be able to
maintain its position there. At least in all the recorded observations
on human parasites, which have been more carefully studied than those
of any other host, there is no mention of the occurrence of an avian
form. On the other hand the influence of the parasite on the host is
of importance. Birds are, comparatively speaking, badly infested with
parasites, and in proportion to the volume of the host the parasites are
proportionately large so that their effect must be all the more notice-
able. The draft on the host for nourishment, the Irritating effect of the
parasite in the alimentary wall, and the tendency to occlude the canal
are all factors which must be considered. But the most unfortunate
fact in the presence of parasites is the possibility of an epidemic which
is given thereby.

It is a characteristic feature of Entozoa that the reproductive jjower
is greatly above that of free-living species in view of the conditions
which ordinarily combine to destroj' the larva before it can reach a new
host. Under usual circumstances, then, only a small fraction of the
embryos develop to mature individuals. There arise, however, from time
to time such conditions as bring to maturity an unusual number of
l^arasites. What siich conditions are cannot be stated in general, for it
depends upon the life historj- of each particular species. It may be
that a wet year, the abundance of some other form of animal in which
one stage of the life history is passed, a mild winter, or even more
trivial factors bring about unexpectedly- a radical increase in the num-
bers of a certain parasite, and there results in consequence a parasitic
epidemic v^^th serious results to birds of a given species and territory.
Such eiiidemics, due to cestodes and to trematodes, are recorded in
Europe among game birds and no doubt are more frequent than is
evinced bj- the records.

In view of these facts it is important to secure more extended infor-
mation regarding the degree of infection to which American birds are
subject and the species of parasites by which they are infested. During
the past eight years the Department of Zoology at the University of
Nebraska has been collecting material and keejiing very precise records
of these facts for such Nebraska birds as could be examined. There
are included in the hosts examined both native and migratory birds,
and the records have been made by a considerable number of observers
to all of whom I am much indebted for the assistance given thus.

Considering first the question of the species of parasites found, one
may say that the statement of Cobbokl (69) regarding the parasites
of English birds is equally true of these from Nebraska birds; they
cannot yet be satisfactorily defined or identified. It will be the work
of some time to determine clearly how many are new^ and how raany

G8

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

agree with known, but poorly described, European forms. Thanks to
the careful work of a nixmber of investigators at Konigsberg and at
Basle, the latter are being steadily worked up and it is planned to
effect the same result here. In view of the large number of forms yet
unknown is seems wise at present, however, to withhold all names
rather than to publish many blanks in the list. Of many forms more
material is needed for the determination of that now in hand and any
gifts will be gladly received. Specimens can be preserved with ease in
formol (5 to 10 per cent), better if a few drops of acetic acid has been
added, and sent in this fluid or in alcohol. The head of the parasite is
of importance for the determination of the species as are also the ripe
segments at the opposite end of the chain.

The appended table gives a list of the species of birds thus far ex-
amined, the number of individuals found infected and free, and the
kinds of parasite represented. In arranging the list of hosts the num-
bers and names of the A. O. U. check list have been followed without
exception:

Name of Host

57a

58.
131.

140.

142.

144.

146.
201.

221.
230.
239.

241.
243a

255.
261.

273.

289.
316.

Podllymbus podiceps (Linn.).— Pied-billed
Grebe

Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues.
—Herring Gull

Larus atricilla Linn.— Laughing Gull(?).. . .

Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.) —Hooded
Merganser

Querqueduladisoors (Linn.) .—Blue-winged

Teal

Spatula clypeata (Linn.). — Spoonbill —

Aix sponsa (Linn.) .—Wood Duck

Aythya americana (Eyt.).— Redhead.
Ardea virescens Linn.— Green Heron.

Locality

1^

Fulica americana Gmelin.— Coot

Gallinago delicata (Ord).— Wilson's Snipe.
Tringa maculata Vieill. —Pectoral Sand-
piper

Tringa bairdii (Coues). — Baird's Sand-
piper*

Tringa alpina paciflca

backed Sandpiper

Snipe — sp. indet

(Coues) . — Red-

Totanus flavipes (Gmel.).— Yellow-legs

Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.).— Bartra-

mian Sandpiper

yEgialitis voeifera (Linn.).— Killdeer

Colinus virginianus (Linn.)- — Bob-white...
Zenaidura macroura (Linn.) . — Dove

Creston, la

Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr

Creston, la...
Lincoln, Nebr

Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr

Lenox, la

Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr

Lenox, la

Creston, la. . .
Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr
Creston, la...

Lincoln, Nebr
Creston, la...

Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr

Lincoln, Nebr

Lenox, la

Lincoln, Nebr
Creston, la...

Creston, la...
Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr
Polen, la

1
2

I 1
1

1

I 1
I 1

' 6
I 3

! 1

1 1

1

' 7

ad.

ad.

2

1
ad
ad
ad. 5 6

1

ad. 1
ad.
juv.
ad.

ad.

ad.
juv.

,iuv.
ad.
ad.
ad.

5h

*May have included other species, though most of them undoubtedly this.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING

69

Name of Host

Locality

■■2£

<w'^ :

^2;^

P
Sz

i o
Z3 c

3 O

33L

360.

366.
390.
406.

425
444.

462.
474-

477.

488.

498.

501.
501b.

511b.

.521.

540(1

595.

596.

607.

fill.
622a

Circus hudsonius (Linn.). Marsh Hawk. . .
Falco sparrerius Linn.— Sparrow Hawk

Asio wilsonianus (Less.). — Long-eared Owl

Ceryle alcyon (Linn.i .—Kingfisher

Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.) . — Red-
headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.). — Lewis's
Woodpecker

Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs.— Northern
Flicker

.\eronautes melanoleucus (Bairdj. — White-
throated Rock Swift

Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.).— Kingbird

Lincoln, Nebr
Sevmour. la. .
Pine Ridge, Nb,
Lincoln, Nebr
Lincoln, Nebr

Contopus richardsonii (Swains.). — Western
Wood Pewee

Otocoris alpestris arenieola Hensh. — Desert
Horned Lark

Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). — Blue Jay

Corvus americanus Aud. — Crow

Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). — Red-winged
Blackbird

Sturnella magna (Linn.).— Meadowlark —
Sturnella magna neglecta (Aud.) .—Western

Meadowlark

Quiscalus quiscula aeneus (Ridgw.). —

Bronzed Grackle

Passer domesticus (Linn.). — English Spar-
row

Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm).— Ameri-
can Crossbill

. Pooecetes gramineus conflnis Baird. —
Western Vesper Sparrow

Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). — Rose-
breasted Grosbeak

Zamelodia melanocephala(Swains.) .-Black-
headed Grosbeak

Piranga ludoviciana (Wils.). — Louisiana
Tanager

Progne subis (Linn.) .—Purple Martin

. Laniusludovicianus excubitorides (Swains.)
— White-rumped Shrike

Polen, la..

Pine Ridge,Nb

Creston, la...
Creston, la. ..
Lincoln, Nebr

Pine Ridge ,Nb

Polen, la

Polen, la

Creston, la

Pine Ridge, Nb

PineRidge,Nb

Polen, la

Lenox, la

Lincoln, Nebr

Lincoln, Nebr

Polen, la

Creston, la. ..

Lincoln, Nebr

Creston, la...
Lincoln, Nebr

704.
705.

726.
761.

766.
768.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). — Catbird
Harporhynchus rufus (Linn.). — Brown

Thraslier

Certhia familiaris americanus (Bonap).—

Brown Creeper

Merula migratoria (Linn.) .—Robin

Polen, la

Lincoln, Nebr

Pine Ridge, Nb

Pine Ridge ,Nb

Lincoln, Nebr

Pine Ridge,Nb

Pine Ridge ,Nb
Creston, la. . .

Creston, la.. .
Seymour, la. .
Polen, la

Polen, la

Sialia sialis (Linn.) . — Bluebird

Sialia arctica Swains. — Mountain Bluebird.

Polen, la

Polen, la

Creston, la...
Lincoln, Nebr
Creston, la. ..
Pine Ridge, Nb

1 1 ad.
1 ad.
1 { ad.
1
ad

3 ad.

2 juv.

3 ad.

1 ad.

1 ad.

1 juv.

1 '....

1
1 ad.

1 juv.

2 ad.
1 ad.

1 ad.

2 ad.

3 juv.

2 ad.

1 ad.
6 ad.

ad.

ad.

2 ad.

1 ad.

5 ad.

4 ....

1 ad.

1 ....

1 ....

1 ad. 1
1 ad. 1

1 ad.! 1

70 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

LITERATURE CITED
COBBOLD, T. S.

69. Entozoa. Supplement. London; 1869. 124 pp.
Hassall, a.

98. Cheek-List of the Animal Parasites of Chickens. Circnlar No. 9, U.

S. Bureau of Animal Industry. 7 pp.
98a. Check-List of the Animal Parasites of Turkeys. Circular No. 12,

U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry. 3 pp.
98b. Check-List of the Animal Parasites of Ducks. Circular No. 13, U.

S. Bureau of Animal Industry. 7 pp.
Hausmann, L.

99. Zur Faunistic der Vogeltrematoden. Centralb. Bakt. und Para-

sitenkunde, 1. Abt., XXVI, 447-453.

A^ON LiNSTOW, O.

78. Compendium der Helminthologie. Hanover; 1878. 382 iJp.
89. Nachtrag-. Hanover; 1889. 151 pp.
Linton, Edwin.
92. Notes on Avian Entozoa. Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., XV, 87-113, Pis. IV-
VIII.

LONNBERG, EiNAR.

89. Bidrag' till kannedomen om 1 Sverige forekommande Cestoder.

Bihang till K. Svenska Vet.-Akad, Handlingar, XIV, 9. 69 pp., 2
pis.

90. Helminthologische Beobachtung-en von der Westkiiste Norw^egens.

loc. cit., XVI, 5. 47 pp.
MtJHLiNG, Paul.

98. Die Helminthen-Fauna der Wirbeltiere Ostpreussen's. Archiv fiir

Naturgesch., 1898. 118 pp., 4 pis.
Railliet, a.

93-5. Traite de zoologie medicale et agricole. Paris, 1893-5.
EAN.SOM, B. H.

00. A Nev\^ Avian Cestode — Metroliaslhes Ivchla. (Studies from the Zool.
Lab., Univ. of Nebr., No. 36); Trans. Amer. Micr. Soc, XXI, 213-
226, Pis. XIII, XIV.
Stiles, Ch. W., and Hassall, A.
96. Tapeworms of Poultry. Bull. 12, U. S. Bureau of Animal Industry.
88 pp., 21 pis.
VOLZ, W.

99. Statistischer Beitrag zur Kenntniss des Vorkommens von Nema-

toden in Vogeln. Rev. Suisse de Zool., VI, I. 189-198.
Ward, H. B.

98. The Parasitic Worms of Domesticated Birds. (Studies from the

Zool. Lab., Univ. of Nebr., No. 22); Proc. 13th Ann. Meet. Nebr.

State Poultry Assoc. Feb., 1898. 18 pp.
98a. Rejiort of the Zoologist. (Studies from the Zool. Lab., Univ. of

Nebr., No. 28); Ann. Rept. Nebr. State Bd. Agric. for 1897, 257-

279. July, 1898.

WOLFFHXJGEL, K.

00. Beitrag zur Kenntnis der Vogelhelminthen. Tnaug.-Dissert. Frei-
burg i. Br., 1900. 204 pp., 7"pls.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 71

CHANGES IN THE BIllD FAUNA OF THE PllATrvlES IN THE PAST

THIRTY YEARS

r,. SESSIONS, NORFOLK

No one who luis lived long- in Nebraska can fail to note the changed
appearance of our state since the first settlers attempted home-making
on open prairie land ^vlthout the companionship of trees to shelter
them from sun and storm, and immediate care they gave to planting a
little grove of some rapid growing variety of trees which were to meet
this want. And while waiting, memory seemed ever taunting them with
thoughts of the old home wnth its trees and birds. But the birds in their
journeyings northward stopped to inspect the little grove and soon a
partnership was formed with the homesteader, and family after family
came to cheer him with their songs, and to aid in successfully combat-
ing the hordes of hungry insect pests which came swarming in from all
sides.

In the spring of 1S71 it was the writer's good fortune to see the prai-
ries of northeast Nebraska in their native beaut3% No overstocked
pasture lands giving an impression of barrenness, but a rich growth of
new grass covered, both upland and valley, with many tints of green.

The larger water courses were marked by a narrow belt of cotton-
woods, but beyond this the counti-y was almost destitute of tree or
shrub. The supply of water in the uplands was very limited, especially
so in the clay lands, and Chestnut-collared Longspurs and a few Lark
Buntings were about the only evidences of bird life to be seen.

Along the valleys favorable conditions of food and shelter attracted
birds in great numbers and species; their tameness being in marked
contrast to the habits of their relatives in older states, and afforded
the lover of birds many rare opportunities of noting their ways. I wish
I could picture with my pen the wonderful abundance of certain fam-
ilies of birds at that time and so clearly draw the lines that by contrast
with the i^resent we might realize our loss.

Perhaps the most interesting scenes in bird life were to be found
arcnind ])rairie sloughs and small ponds in the Sand Hills. I have now in
mind one of these ponds, located but a short distance from my home and
which covered only about one acre in surface, where in the spring of
1876 I found Blue-winged Teal, ]Mud Hens, Eared and Pied-billed Grebes,
Godwits, Long-billed Curlews, Wilson's Phalaropes, and a long list of
sandpipers busily occupied with their homemaking. But herds of cattle
have long since destroyed these favorite nesting places. The same is
true of many of our creek valleys where sheltering thickets of wild
plum, willow and other shrubs formerly aft'orded attractive homes for
tree birds. But now well trodden muddy banks, close-cropped herbage
and broken thickets afford but little attraction for our songsters.

72 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

To meet some of these losses we find that the groves planted on nearly
every section, often every quarter section, with thickets of giant weeds
groAving- in the fence corners, and watering troughs in every j)asture
and farmyard were quickly noted by the birds, and no time was lost
in occupying the new fields. Now we find the familiar forms of our
tree birds, such as thrushes, the Eobin, the Catbird, orioles, jays and
woodpeckers in great abundance. As proof of this a farmer friend told
me he had just killed fifty thrushes to save eight or ten quarts of rasp-
berries.

The Meadowlark, my especial favorite, remaining with us nearly the
entire year, cheerful in song, a model of industry and without a single
evil habit, has prospered and is foxmd in goodlj^ numbers everywhere.
Formerly the Eobin was to be seen in small flocks during spring and
fall keeijing close to the shelter of trees along the valleys. And not till
1885 Avas I able to find a pair nesting, but since then they have increased
rapidly. I have seen flocks of them about my home in mild weather
during every month of the past winter. We have noted with pleasure
the added numbers each year of the joyous little songster, the Lark
Bunting (C. melaiwcori/x). The Eskimo Curlew was at one time very
abundant and during the spring time moved northward in great num-
bers, reminding the homesteader of flights of passenger pigeons, and
were given the name of "Prairie Pigeon." The large flocks and singular
tameness proved a tempting mark for murderous guns. The Eskimo
Curlew has long since ceased to be a feature of prairie life.

The Field Plover, comrade of the Meadowlark, and one of the few
sweet songsters of open land whose every move is g-race itself, Avas for-
merly abundant, but lawless shooting has greatly reduced their numbers.

Botdiirus Iciitiffiiiosvs, Avhose love call boomed forth from every prairie
slough, has become quite rare. While the Long-billed Ciirlew and Mag-
pie, formerly common birds, have entirely disapjieared from our list.

The Wild Turkey, noblest of oiir game birds, and at one time abundant
wherever timber afforded them a home, is exterminated. The Sharp-
tailed Grouse also has disappeared, but our little friends, the "Bob-
whites," have prospered and are now very abundant.

The Crow has alwajs been a somewhat rare bird with us. A few pairs
nest here each year but surroundings do not seem to be just to their
taste.

Of llaptores mauA' sjiecies were well represented t)n our ]jrairies,
where gophers, scpiirrels, mice anrl insects furnished tliem an abundant
supply of food. The rapid decrease in numbers of our birds of prey has
been very marked. The man Avith a gun seems to have inherited as
strong a prejudice against lunvks and oaa'Is as tlie ordinary mortal has
for snakes.

Mourning Doves noAv make their home in every farm grove, and I re-
gret to note the groAving desire to class them as game birds. The little
scavengers are very useful to the farmer in destroying a vast amount

a £

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 73

of weed seed to say nothing- of their social disposition and harmless
ways.

[At this point the author was interrupted by a sicloiess which pre-
vented further work on the pajier. It is to be hoped that at some future
date he may resume his writing- on this interesting- subject. — Editor.]

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIOXS ON THE BIRDS OF NORTHWESTERN

NEBRASKA

J. ir. BATES, LOXG PINE

It falls to the lot of some, through lack of time or ability, to confine
themselves to the elementary work, in natural science, of observing- and
reporting-. I am unfortunately one of those who are thus limited, and
I can offer, after eleven years of interest in the birds of Nebraska,
nothing- that indicates intense study. I am, I reg-ret to say, unable to
make the subject anything- more than an incident in my life and a side
issue of the natin-e study I love so well. I take thought that others may
be able to do better work for the little side-light that I may throw upon
the work. The birds that are new to me keep coming, and the year 1900
has been very intei-esting-, according- to the time I have devoted to the
subject.

As my chronological notes have been sent to Washington, I will take
the birds in the order observed in our Nebraska list.

150. Aytliya coUarls (Donov.). — Ring-necked Duck. October 8, in look-
ing over two hundred ducks killed for market at Cody, I found one that
was new to me and took notes. It is noteworthy that Apgar in his sup-
posedly popular work on the Birds of the United States, should not
mention the most conspicuous mark on the duck, the broad white band
one-third from ti]> of bill. November S. I and a friend shot two out of
a flock of twent}-, at ISIerriman. Those s|)ortsmen to whom I have men-
tioned it say they have not seen it.

190. Botnvriis Iriitif/iiioKits (Mcmtag.). — American Bittern. Was seen
November 10 near Long Pine and probably later. I have seen it a little
later some years. No doubt it tarries as long- as snakes and frog-s are
at larce.

191. Anletta r.rili!^ (Gmelin). — Least Bittern. I saw one Least Bittern
while trouting on the Boardman Creek in Cherry County. .Tuly 7 — appar-
ently a verj'^ rare bird up our way.

194. Ardea heroilias (Linn.). — Great Blue Heron. On June 26, while
trouting on the Fairfield Creek in northwestern Brown County I found
the tracks of the Great Blue Heron in the mud, too long for any other
bird, I am sure. This indicates a new breeding locality.

201. Ardea vircsrcus (Linn.). — Green Heron. July 17, I had the pleasure

74 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

of a good view of the Green Heron at Neligh, where it breeds. T am sure
it does not come as far west as Brown County.

246. Erriiiivtc-s inisilliis (Linn.). — Semipalmated Sandjiiper. This bird
was seen, I feel sure, on lake shores near Merriman, Cherry County, June
6. It is reported to me as summering there. The habits of this bird
will bear more investigation, and I hope to throw more light itpon them
later on. I bespeak the co-operation of all who hear or read this paper.
I see that one Nebraska note reads "Peru, rare — breeds (G.A.Coleman)."'
The question is whether anyone knows it to breed in Nebraska, or
whether this is simply a natural inference drawn from its lingering-
presence in June and July.

264. NumeniMS longirostris (Wils.). — Long-billed Curlew. September 6,
I shot, at Kennedy, Cherry County, a young Long-billed Curlew, in fine
condition. I have never seen them after August heretofore.

281. JSu'utlitis iiiontaiia (Towns.). — Mountain Plover. June 6, I saw
four plover at Merriman whose markings and fearlessness indicated
Mountain Plover. Unfortunately I had no gun with me. I shall go
armed next time. They were new to me.

289. Colimis rirgiiitdHiis (Linn.). — Bob-white. June 26, the Quail were
flying in large broods as well as the old birds, on Fairfield Creek, Brown
County, in response to the remarkably mild and early season. It was
not imcommon to mow ovit the quails' nests in Connecticut the first of
July, and they were not the "second crop."

372. Xt/vtdla acadica (Gmel.).— Acadian Owl. November 30, Will Smith,
one of our members, found a Saw-whet Owl dead in Long Pine Canyon.
As the bird has been saved, it is a welcome addition to our too few
notes on this species.

461. Contoints rirens (Linn.).— Wood Pewee. May 21. the Wood Pewee
was taken in Long- Pine Canyon. I recall hearing the same notes there,
four or five years ago. July 25, I saw several, young and old apparently,
on Snake Creek, Cherry County, while out with Prof. Barbour.

475. Pica pica hudsomca (Sab.).— American Magpie. Breeds at Chadron.
I shot a fine specimen there in October. The note in our book stating
on my authority that it breeds in Cherry County is a mistake, I think.
On November 20 it was reported as wintering on the Niobrara north
of Long Pine. Whether this migration is due to a premonition of a
hard winter, or to the scarcity of food owing to the excessive drouth
that prevailed this year west of Cherry County, becomes an interesting
question.

492. Cyanocrphalvs cyaiioccphahis (Wied). — Pinon Jay. Appeared in Long
Pine to the number of fifty to a hundred, about September 15, and at
Kennedy, Cherry County, five or six about the same date. I saw them
October 18, and above November 1. Since then have had no opportunity
to observe. They bring up the same question as the Magpie. We are
l^erfectly willing they should return to their native wilds, to kill the
wild birds rather than loot our chicken yards.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 75

514. Corcothrauxtrs vrspertiiins (Cooper). — Evening Grosbeak. October
27, I was fortunate in securing- a male and two females of the Evening-
Grosbeak. I saw about twenty. T am snre they are rare with us, though
1 am so little in the canyon at that season that I ought not to speak
confidently.

559a. Si)izella inouticola oclwacca (Brewst.). — Western Tree Sparrow.
October 15, I shot the Western Tree Sparrow at Kennedj^ and had it
identified at Washington.

561. Spizella pnllida (Swains.). — (lay-colored Sparrow. Is mentioned by
two reporters in our list as arriving- in May and October. It was the
most common bird in the brush at Long Pine, Augaist 25, this year.

563r/. Spizclla ptisilla arenacca (Chadb.). — Western Field Sparrow. We
were fortunate enough to find a lielated nest of the Western Field Spar-
row in Long Pine Canyon, where it Avas reported last year. July 11. The
nest contained three eg-gs. and Avas in a young oak, about eight feet
from the ground; the markings as described for th^i species. We took
several birds at the same time.

567fl. J unco liiicvialis oregoiius (Towns.). — Oregon Junco. I said last year
in my notes regarding the Oregon Junco that it was doubtful whether
our Long Pine birds were not chiefly to be referred to the variety. I
find this October that they are about as abundant with us as the com-
mon Junco.

597a. Guiraca ccrnileo laziila (Lesson). — Western Blue Grosbeak. Sep-
tember S, I took a female Western Blue Grosbeak at Kennedy. I must
confess that the species and variety seem to me a little mixed. Mine
is all right as to size but the wing bands agree better with the descri]i-
tion of the species; while one in the iiossession of Will Smith at Long
Pine, taken in breeding season has the size of the species and the wing
markings of the variety. We run up against a large subject that is not
yet settled in Botany nor in Ornithology.

633. Tireo hcllii (Aud.).— Bell's Yireo. Was identified by Mr. Merritt
Carj', in Long Pine Canyon, August 25. but was too smart for us, and we
failed to prove the contention.

6Sla. Gcothh/pis trirJias occidcntrilis (Brewst.). — Western Yellow-throat.
September 10, I shot the Western Marj'land Yellow-throat at Kennedy
— a bird new to me.

These fe^v notes indicate what might be done in our field by a person
better trained to the work, with younger eyes, and niind not Avholly
taken up with field botany, as mine is in my spare moments. The notes
are worthy of preservation, no doubt, but I question whether they ought
to take the valuable time of this assemblv.

76 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

EESULTS OF A COLLECTING TKIP TO SIOUX COUNTY

J. C. CRAWFORD, JR., WEST POINT

The party consisted of Professor ])runer. Messrs. J. S. Hunter, Meri-itt
Cary, and myself, and arrived at Hari-ison on May 18, 1900. Professor
Briiner had to return to Lincoln May 22, while the rest stayed until
June 1. On the afternoon of our arrival, we drove out to Monroe
Canj^on, where we camped.

The country is an excellent one for collecting. The canyons extend
across the country in a line from northeast to southwest with the
table lands to the southeast and the Hat Creek valley with the Bad
Lands to the northwest.

The trees in the canyons are mainly pines on the sides, and at the
bottoms elm, maple, birch, cottonwood, ash and willow are mingled
with the pines. The canyons are well watered, nearly every one having-
a creek, with branches running" from the many side canyons.

Here our collecting- was done; the only variation being a trip to the
Bad Lands on May 20, and the observations made on the table lands on
the way out and on the rettirn.

140. Qiicrqiicdnla discors (Linn.). — Blue-winged Teal. A few seen May 19,
at Andrews.

261. Bartramia longimuda (Bechst.). — Bartramian Sandpiper. Seen May
18. near Crawford; also June 1, on table lands near Harrison. Com-
mon.

273. JEiiiaJitiH vmifrra (Linn.). — Killdeer. May 18; also seen in the Bad
Lands, May 20.

289. VoJimts rirginiamis (Linn.) — Quail. May 18, near Andrews.

:joS. Fedioccctes sp. — Sharp-tailed Grouse. One May 20, on the edge of
Bad Lands, but not secured.

:!1(). ZciKiidura macronra (Linn.). — Mourning- Dove. Very common.

325. Cuthartcs aura (Linn.). — Turkey Vulture. Common.

332. Accipiter velox (Wils.). — Sharp-shinned Hawk. Breeding. A nest

found May 23, and the set of five eggs secured yater.

333. Arciiiitvr cooiJcrii (J5onap.). — Cooper's Hawk. One seen May 19.
337«. Butco hoiralis kridrrii Hoopes. — Krider's Bed-tail. Found breeding

on a high cliil: about eighty feet from the base. From a tree

near by we were able to see that the nest contained two eggs,

but we could not get at them.
3-12. Bittco .sirainsoiii Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Seen May 19.
347a. ArchibuUo laj/opus sancti-iohannis (Gmel.). — American Bough-legged

Hawk. May IS, a hawk was seen which ^vas supposed to be a

Rough-leg, and was so dark that it seemed this species, but we

were not close enoug-h to be positive.
349. A(jvlhi chnjsactos (Linn.). — Golden Eagle. One seen May 23.
355. Fah-o mexicanus Schleg. — Prairie Falcon. One was seen May 18.
360. Falco sparverius Linn. — Sparrow Hawk. A very common hawk.

Found breeding and eggs secured.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 77

368. Syrnium ncMilosiwi (Forst.). — Barred Owl. Heard every night.
378. Speotyto cuniciiJarid Jnii)0(i<r(i (Bonap.). — Burrowing- Owl. Seen May 19.
387. (U)ccyzns avirrirainis (Linn.). — Yellow-billed Cuekoo. A few seen.
;ii);{('. Dryobatrs rilloxiifi InjloHcopUH (Cab.). — Cabanis's Woodpecker. Breed-
ing-. Two sets, one of four and the other of tliree, found ^fay 28

and 29, respectively.
4()(). Mchincrpes erylhrocephdliis (Linn.). — Bed-lieaded AVoodpecker. Seen

at various times in the canyons.
408. MchtncriHS torquatus (Wils.). — Lewis's Woodpecker. Found in the

canj'ons wherever dead trees predominated. One nest was found

about sixty feet from the ground in a dead tree, but contained

no eggs. This same tree yielded a set of five Sparrow Hawk's

eggs.
41 2r/. CoJapies aiiratus lutcus Bangs. — Northern Flicker.
413. CoUiptes cafer caUarls (\'igors). — lled-shafted Flicker. Both were

seen in the canyons in about equal numbers.
418. Phalwnoptilus nuttaJlli (And.). — Poorwill. Heard vei-y commonly

every night and one seciired.
420. Chorileiles sp. — Nighthawk. Seen June 1.
425. Aeronautes melanoleucus (Baird). — White-throated Swift. Many were

seen and were breeding- in a large cliff, but we could not get at

them.
444. Tyrannus tyrtDinus (Linn.). — Kingbird. Seen May 18, and also in the

canyons.
447. Tyroiiniis vcrticalis Say. — Arkansas Kingbird. Maj 18, and also in

the canyons. Common.
457. Sayornis saya (Bonap.). — Say's Phoebe. One was found building a

nest in the canj'ons May 31, and one shot in the Bad Lands; also

on buttes on table lands.
462. Coiitopus richardsoiiii (Swains.). — Western Wood Pewee. A single

specimen secured May 24.

465. Eiiipklonax virescens (Vieill.). — Acadian Flycatcher. One shot May

26.

466. Eiiipidonax traillii (And.). — Traill's Flycatcher. Seen several times.
474r'. Otocoris aljyestris arcnicola Hensh. — Desert Horned Lark. Seen on

the table lands above canyons.
475. Pica pica hudsonica (Sab.). — American Magpie. A g-ood many seen,

and one found with young May 23.
477. Cyanocitta cristata (Linn.). — Blue Jay. Seen May 18.

491. Nucifraga cohnnhiana (Wils.). — Clarke's Nutcracker. One bird seen

which is doubtfullj' referred here.

492. Cyanoceplialus cyanoccplialus (Wied). — Pinon Jay. Very common.
495. Molothrtis ater (Bodd.). — Cowbird. Seen May 18.

498. Agclaiiis phccniceia^ (Linn.). — Red-winged Blackbird. Seen May 18,

and several in the Bad Lands !May 20.
5016. tStiinieUd magna ncglccta. (And.). — Western Meadowlark. Seen on

the table lands and in the Bad Lands. Common.
508. Icterus biillocki (Swains.). — Bullock's Oriole. One secured Maj- 24.
5116. Quiscaliis quiscitJa wneus (Eidgw.). — Bronzed Grackle. Seen near

Crawford.

78 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

529. Astragalinus tristis (Linn.). — American Goldfinch. Several seen.

540. Pooccetes sp. — Vesper Sparrow. A few seen.

545. Ammoilramun bairdii (And.). — Baird's Sparrow. Seen, May 18, on

table lands.
552. Cliondcstcs gi'duiniacus (Say). — Lark Sparrow. Common on table

land.s and in Bad Lands.

560. Sirlsella socialis (Wils.). — Chipping Sparrow. Breeding-. A set of

three eggs collected June 1.

561. Sinzclld- pallida (Swains.). — Clay-colored Sparrow. Several seen in

Bad Lands.

583. Melospi^sa lincolnii (And.). — Lincoln's Sparrow. Seen May 24.

588. PipUo maciilatus arcticus (Swains.). — Arctic Towhee. Common.

596. Zamclodia melanoccpliala (Swains.). — Black-headed Grosbeak. Sev-
eral specimens shot.

599. Cyaiiospiza amociia (Say). — Lazuli Bunting. One seen May 18.

604. Spiza ainciicana (Gmel.). — Dickeissel. May 19, near Harrison.

605. Calaniospiza vieJanocorus Stejn. — Lark Bunting. Seen in Bad Lands

May 20; common.
607. Piranf/a Ivdoviciana (Wils.). — Louisiana Tanager. Common. On June

1 a female was seen carrying material to build a nest.
614. Tachjjcmeta hicolor (Vieill.). — Tree Swallow. Five or six seen, May 28.
622(/. Laniiis ludoviciamis excubitoridcs (Swains.). — White-rumped Shrike.

A pair seen May 20, on the edge of Bad Lands, and one secured.
624. Tirco oliraceus (Linn.), — Bed-eyed Vireo. Three shot and others

heard.
627«. Tireo g'tlvns siraiii><oni Baird. — Western Warbling Vireo. One shot

May 22.
6296. Tireo solitarius pJumbeus (Coues). — Plumbeous Vireo. The most

common vireo there; several shot.
647. Hehninthophila prrcgriiia- (Wils.). — Tennessee Warbler. One was

seen May 19.
652. Dcndroica a'stica (Gmel.). — Yellow Warbler. A few seen near Craw-
ford.

655. Deiidroica coroiiata (Linn.). — Myrtle Warbler. One bird seen May 20,

which is doubtfully referred here.

656. Dendroica audiihoni (Towns.). — Audubon's Warbler. Very common,

A nest found May 20, but contained no eggs, and unfortunately
the female ^vas shot for identification.
674. Scinriis aiirocapiJlun (Linn.). — Oven-bird. Heard along nearl}' every
creek in the canyons.

680. Geothhjpis tohiiici (Towns.). — Macgillivray's Warbler. On May 22,

Mr. Cary and myself saw a bird which was doubtfully referred
here. Mr. Cai'y informs me that later acciuaintance with the
bird at Newcastle, Wyoming, makes his positive that it was this
species which ■\ve saw.

681. Gcothlypis trichafi (Linn.). — Maryland Yellow-throat. One specimen

secured Mnj 21.
6S:!«. Icteria rircvx loiH/icavda (Lawr.). — Long-tailed Chat. Each thicket
of underbrush seemed to ha\e (tne, but although several were
shot at none were secured.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 79

704. (kileuscvptes varoliiK-iisis (Linn.). — Catbird. Seen but once.

705. Hafporhynchus mfiix (Linn.). — Brown Thrush. A few seen.

715. tSalir'nictes ohnolctus (Say).- — ]lock Wren. Heard at the rims of the
canyons all aroimd and one shot.

7:21. Trof/lodjjtcs acdon aztecus (Baird). — AVestern House Wren. Comnion,
and one shot.

727ff. Sitta caroHnriif<is aculcnta (Cass.). — S]ender-l)illed Nuthatch. One
shot May 2L

728. 8itta canadoisis Linn. — Bed-bellied Nuthatch. One seen May 28.

735a. Pariis atricapiUus septentrional is (Harris). — Long-tailed Chickadee.
A nest found May 30 which had one young- bird and one egg-.

754. Myadestes townsendii (And.). — Townsend's Solitaire. Two nests were
found. The first on May 25, was found near the bottoni of a dry
canyon, placed on the ground inside of an old burned tree, and
contained four partly incubated eggs. The second, May 27, was
also found in a dry canyon, but this time in a jioclvet in the side
of a (\yj creek bed aboiit four feet from the bottom. This con-
tained no eg'gs, the set having- been collected by a bullsnake which
was killed near there. Examination of the stomach showed four
badly inciibated and broken eggs.

758ff. HylocicJiJa nstulata swainsoni (Caban.). — Olive-backed Thrush. Quite
common and several shot.

761. Morula miijraloria (Linn.). — Bobin. Nesting- and a set of eggs
secured.

766. Sialia sialis (Linn.). — Bluebird. A pair shot May 25.

768. Sialia arctica Swains. — Mountain Bluebird. Seen nearly e\er3' day
on the sides of canyons near the toji.

In addition a sandj)iper and a thrush were seen which were not
specifically identified.

The nesting of some of the birds seems to be especially' interesting.
The Krider's Hawk nested on a cliff; the Harris's Woodpecker laid
only four and three eggs, while five is, I believe, reg-arded as a set. The
Chickadee had but one egg and one young-, and in addition was in a
tree with a Sparrow Hawk. The Lewis's Woodpecker and a Sparrow
Hawk had nests in one tree, and a Flicker was even fl.ushed from a
hole in the same tree, where it probably intended nesting. The Chip-
ping- Sparrow had only three eggs. The Bobin and the Hawks seemed
to be the only ones that had fiill sets, with the exception of the
Solitaire noted above.

A COLLECTING TRIP IN CHEBBY COUNTY

J. S. HUNTER, LINCOLN

A party consisting of Professor Bruner, J. C. Crawford, Jr.. Merritt
Cary and myself sx^ent the latter part of May, 1900, in Sioux County.
Instead of coming directly home from there I stopjjed off at Valentine,
Cherry County, and visited another very interesting- section of our state.

80 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

I suppose that not many members of the Union have had the pleasure
of visiting that region, and perliaps as a result have only a vague idea
of its appearance; so T \vill endeavor to give you a more definite picture
of it.

Valentine is located in the northeast part of Cherry County, near Fort
Niobrara. Like many other western towns it lies out on the open prairie
unprotected from winds or sun. About two miles to the north, the north
bluff of the ^linnachaduza Kiver rises high above the flat prairie in the
foreground. Now and then a ledge of white limestone crops out, look-
ing like snow from a distance. Many of the buildings in Valentine are
built of stone quarried along this bluff. To the south a little farther
away can be seen a few pine trees along the top of the bluffs of the
Niobrara River. To the east and west the open lirairies extend, amost
as far as the eye can see. The locality chosen for mj' ^vork \vas among
a number of small lakes, about 30 miles south and west of Valentine.
Having missed the stage going out in that direction, I would have been
seriously delayed had it not been for the kindness of Professor Watson
of the Valentine schools, through whom I secured transportation for
myself and baggage on top of a wagonload of merchandise going out
to a store at Simeon, a post office about 25 miles out in the Sand Hills.

About eight miles from town we crossed the Niobrara. The river
her& is a beautiful streami, perhaps 60 yards wide, running swift and
clear between high bluffs which it has eroded in the Arikaree sands.
We followed the river for about a mile before reaching a side canyon
through which the steep bluff could be ascended. The part of the valley
on either side of the river is thickly covered with low trees and bushes
with now and then an occasional taller tree reaching above the rest.
At the base of the bluff these give way to pine trees, which grow scat-
teringly along the face of the bluff. As we wound along the brush-
lined road numerous birds were heard calling and singing. The mellow
whistle of the Yellow-breasted Chat sounded above all others, except
the "Bob-white" of the Quail. After a stiff pull up the side canyon the
top of the bluff was reached. Here we stopped for a few minutes to
rest the horses and to eat our lunch. The view was one of the prettiest
I have ever seen, the air so clear that far-away objects were brought
near. Looking toward the northeast Valentine rests on the prairie,
a darker spot on a lighter-colored background; beyond and extending
in an unbroken line as far as the eye can see toward the northwest is
the north bluff of the Minnachaduza. To the west, and about four or
five hundred feet below, the glistening river extends until lost to view
behind a bend of the canyon. From a gnarled pine tree near bj' a
Swainson's Hawk looks sleepily on, taking wing as we api^roach and
joining a flock of Turkey Buzzards over the river for a moment before
resting on a tree across the canyon. Looking in the ojiposite direction
the faintlj^-marked trail is lost to view over the hills in the distance.
We followed this trail for a number of hours before coming to Gordon

PLATE YIII

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS

Male. October 14.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 81

Creek. A short distance below where we crossed this stream, it flows
into a canyon, but above this point it runs throngh a low, marshy coun-
try, now and then spreading out into a grass-filled lake, and again flow-
ing- through a narrow bed between low banks overhung by heavy slough
grass. We followed up the Gordon till late in the afternoon, and then
came in sight of a small cottouwood grove, the first timber seen since
leaving the Niobrara River. These trees had been planted several years
before by the man with whom I spent the night.

The birds observed along the way so far were:

.Vlong the Niobrara: Bank Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, Turkey
Buzzard, Swainson's Hawk, Yellow-breasted Chat, Chewink, Quail, Spot-
ted Sandpiper, Catbird, Orchard Oriole, Kingbird (also seen in cotton-
wood grove).

Along Gordon Creek: Killdeor, Bartramian Sandpijier, Blue-winged
Teal, Mallard, Pintail.

Along road: Western Nighthawk. the most abundant bird seen, ob-
served feeding all day; Lark Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Field Sparrow,
Grasshopper Sparrow, Cowbird, Horned Lark, IMeadowlark, ISIourning
Dove, Bobolink, Burrowing Owl.

Tn cottouwood grove and around ranchers' houses: Goldfinch, Balti-
more Oriole, Barn Swallow.

The next day, June 3, I rode on to the lakes. The streams in the Sand
Hills are for the most part few, but swift and. clear, as streams in a
new country are apt to be. The water fiows over a stony bed. Cas-
cades and falls are numerous, and some exceedingly prett3\ One, on
account of the fact that it is a plunge over an Arikaree limestone ledge,
has been named by Professor Barbour of the State University the
"Arikaree Falls."

In the Lake Region the drainage is imperfect, the water collecting
in ponds and lakes in the lower eastern ends of the valleys. These
vallej-s are often fifteen to twenty miles long, and are separated at
the ends by low ranges of hills, and on the sides by steeper hills that
are almost impassable by wagon. The bodies of water vary in size
from small i^onds to a lake five or six miles long by nearly two wide,
and are thirty- or more feet deep. Some are alkaline, while others are
fresh, and although the water is warm it is not undrinkable. The alka-
line lakes are for the most part free from everything except the minute
forms of plant life, but the fresh-water lakes are full of vegetation.
Trout Lake is one of this kind. Around this lake I did most of my work.
The eastern end is comparatively iree from reeds and rushes, while the
western end is so full of them that it is almost impossible to force a
boat through, since they grow very close and often to a height of from
eight to ten feet. In the open water the bottom is entirely covered
by Chara and other similar water plants.

The first nest that I found that was new to me was that of the Coot.
It was in a small jjatch of rushes about thirty feet from the shore, and

6

82 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

was built upon a platform of broken-down rushes in water about two
feet deej}. The nest was constructed of the ends of bitten and broken-
oif rushes, and although the nest was quite deep, the base was about
four inches from the water and dry. It contained seven eggs of the
usual color. All of the fifty or more Coot's nests that I found were in
aLout the same kind of a location, mostly, however, farther from the
shore; were constructed of the sanae kind of rushes, and high and dry
out of the water. The egga varied in number from one to eleven, and
izi incubation from fresh to almost hatched. I did not see any young
Coots.

The Pied-billed and Eared Crebes are also common breeders, the for-
mer the more abundant. Neither were breeding in colonies, the nests
being- widely separated. The}' were built upon floating' platforms of
rushes in the more open water and anchored to the living rushes.
Nearly all of the nests of the Pied-billed Grebe that I found were so
low down that the eggs were in water. Incubation was quite far
advanced. The largest set taken was eight, the smallest, four. A young
Pied-billed Grebe that I caught and now have mounted could not have
been more than a few hours old; it was, when caught, at quite a dis-
tance from any nest, and I saw nothing of the parent birds. It is cov-
ered with soft down, in color uniform black, the breast, belly and chin
whitish; along- the body there are several stripes of whitish; also one
through either ej'e and one over the eyes coming together at the base
of the upper mandible. Near the base of the skull at the back of the
head is a small patch of brown. The bill is large and shaped as in the
old bird; the wing very small and weak; the feet large and strong, Avith
serrulations as in the old bird. The Horned Grebe in this lake as a rule
built higher out of the Avater but the nest does not difEer materially
from that of the Pied-billed Grebe. All the nests that I found of both
birds had the eggs covered with wet rushes. Although I waited patiently
for several hours I did not see the birds go to or from their nests.

The Forster's and Black Terns were common, there being aboiit sixty
pairs of the former and twenty of the latter around the one lake. The
birds were gathered in a colony on the north side of the lake where
the nests were placed on masses of rushes; the Forster's having taken
' the higher and more desirable spots, the Black being compelled, as the
space was limited, to occupy the less desirable, where the eggs were
frequently in water. In some cases quite a nest was built of rush stems
and leaves, in others the cavity was shajjed in the top of the floating
mass of rushes. One set of four of the Forster's was taken, the number,
however, usually being two or three. Incubation was well advanced,
young birds being numerous; these were thickly covered with long
down. The back irregularly marked with brown and black. The lower
parts light brown. The wings, in marked contrast to those of the yoimg
Grebe, are long and strong. I found on putting a bird just out of the
egg in the water that it at once began to swim. The Black Terns were

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 83

not so far along in incubation, fresh eggs being the rule. This bird
seems to be more careless in building, not using as much material in
constructing the nest as the Forster's.

In the taller canes near the shore the Long-billed Marsh Wrens were
abundant, for although T could not see more than fifteen or twenty
feet around me, 1 could quite often count ten or twelve of the spherical
nests. On investigation, however, only one or two would have eggs in
them, others being old, and still others seemingly having been built
for practice. For the most part the clutches were incomplete, the birds
not having commenced to set. The nests were all from three to five
feet from the ground, were built of rushes and leaves closely woven
together, a small o])ening l)eing left for entrance, and fastened strongly
to the reeds.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird here seemed to prefer a patch of rushes
separated from the shore by a narrow strip of water. The nest was
suspended between four or five rushes about eighteen inches from the
water and was strongly built of rush leaves and stems. Few nests had
eggs, the birds not having finished building.

The two Blue-winged Teal nests that I found were quite differently
located. The one was about one hundred feet from the edge of the lake
on high, dry ground, while the other was back in the hills nearly three-
quarters of a mile from the water. I was surprised to find a nest so
far from the lake but was told by settlers there that' it was nothing
unusual to find nests even two miles from water. The birds had scraped
a shallow hole in the ground and lined it ^vith grass and roots and a
few feathers from their breasts. No covering was over either but the
over-hang-ing grass so nearly concealed them that they could not be
seen a few feet away. The birds both clung closelj^ to the nest, one not
leaving until my foot was nearly resting on her back. The first con-
tained nine fresh eggs, the other twelve badly incubated ones.

My time was so limited that I could not work even the one lake as
well as I would have liked to do, and as a result my list of breeders is
not as large as it ought to be. The following list of birds observed ■will
show a few that uiDon further investigation will probablj' be found to
breed there:

Horned Grebe, several j)airs; Ring-billed Gull, about ten pairs seen
around an alkali lake; Mallard, common; Gadwall, common; Widgeon,
common; Spoonbill, common; Pintail, common; Eed-head, common; Can-
vas-back, about ten pairs were seen; Euddy Duck, common on one lake;
American Bittern, common; Black-crowned Night Heron, came to the
lakes every night to feed, leaving about sunrise; Wilson's Phalarope,
common, in going across a meadow several pairs would follow calling
and crying as if their nest was near; Baird's Sandpiper, several seen;
Semi-palmated Sandiiiper, common; Least Sandpiper, common. This
and the preceding were gathered in large flocks seemingly not having-
mated as yet. Avocet, one pair seen and the birds acted as if they had

84 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

a nest near; Belted Piping Plover, common; Sanderling-, one bird seen;
Sand-hill Crane, one pair; King' Rail, several; Prairie Hen, common;
Sharp-tailed fironse, common; Red-winged Blackbird, breeds in num-
bers; Marsh Hawk, common; Maryland Yellow-throat, one seen among
canes near Trout Lake.

NOTES ON BIRDS FROM WESTERN NEBRASKA

A. R. GRAVES, KEARNEY

69. Sterna forsteri Nutt. — Forster's Tern. Near Atkinson, August 2, 1892.
77. Hydrothelidon itif/ra siirinaniensis (Gmel.). — Black Tern. Kearney,
August 18, 1899.

131. Lopliodytes cuciillatus (Linn.). — Hooded Merganser. vSwan Lake, Holt
Co., September 10, 1891.

135. Chaulclasmus strepents (Linn.). — Gadwall. Kennedj', Cherry Co., No-
vember 7, 1891.

137. Mareca civiericana (Gmel.). — Baldpate. Ewing, April 19, 1892.

139. Nettion carolinensis (Gmel.). — Green-winged Teal. Phillips, June 24,
1891.

142. Spatula clypeata (Linn.).— Shoveller. Bassett, April 23, 1892.

143. DaPa acuta (Linn.).— Pintail. Kearney, March 23, 1892.

149. Aythija afflms (Eyt.).— Lesser Scaup Duck. Ewing, April 19, 1892.
153. Charitonetta albcola (lAnn.) . — Buffle-head. Kennedy, November 7, 1891.
167. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.) — Ruddy Duck. Bassett, April 23, 1892.
190. Botaurus lentiyiiiOKKS (Montag.). — Bittern. Bassett, September 9,1891.
230. GalVmatio ddicata (Ord.). — Wilson's Snipe. Kennedy, April 25, 1892.
241. Tringa bairdii (Cowes). — Baird's Sandpiper. Kearney, August 18 ,1899.
248. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). — Sanderling. Alliance, April G, 1892.

255. Totaniis flavipes (Gmel.). — Yellow-legs. Kennedy, A^jril 27, 1892.

256. Helodi-omas solitariiis (Wils.). — Solitary Sandpiiier. Chapman, June

30, 1891.
25Sff. Sympltcmla sanipalmata iiiornata Brewst. — Western Willet. Watt's

Lake, Cherry Co., May 30, 1893.
264. Niimenivs lonyirostris Wils. — Long-billed Curlew. Kennedy, April 28,

1892.
270. Squatarola sqiiatarola (Linn.). — Black-belied Plover. Atkinson, Oc-
tober 9, 1893.
273. ^(lialitis vocifera (Linn.). — Killdeer. Chapman, June 30, 1891.
289. Colinus virpiniaims (Linn.). — Bob-white. Kearney, July 7, 1892.
307. Tympanvdius pallidicwctus Ridgw. — Lesser Prairie Hen. Bassett,

September 9, 1891.
308?;. Pedioecetes pliasianellus campestris Ridgw. — Prairie Sharp-tailed

Grouse. Kennedy, April 25, 1892.
316. Zenaidvra macroura (Linn.). — Mourning Dove. Doniphan, June 23,

1891.
331. Circus hiidsonrns (Linn.).— Marsh Hawk. North Platte, September 4,

1893.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 85

:!G7. Asia (iccii)itriiiiis (I»a]l.). — Short-eared Owl. Kennedy, February 1,
1893.

378. Speotijto citniriilaria liiii>(j(j(va (Bonap.). — Burrowing- Owl. SeiJtember
12, 1891.

387. Cocc!/z:i(S aiiiericdiius (Linn.). — Yel]ow-l)illed Cuckoo. Arborville, .Tune
30, 1891.

40G. Melanerpes eri/fJirocrplKiliis (Linn.). — Ked-headed Woodpecker. Chap-
man, June 30, 1891.

412a. Colaptes (niratns Inteus Bangs. — Flicker. Shelton, July 1, 1891.

420o. Chordeiles virgiuianns henriji (Cass.). — Western Nig-hthawk. Atkin-
son. Aug-ust 1, 1892.

444. Tyrannus tijramins (Linn.). — Kingbird. IMarquette, June 24, 1891.

474ff. Otocoris (ilpestris leucohrnui (Coues). — Pallid Horned Lark. Kearney,
February 26, 1892.

474&. Otocoris alpcstris praticola Hensh. — Prairie Horned Lark. Shelton,
July 1, 1891.

477. Ciianocitta crifttata (Linn.). --Blue Jay. Valentine, September 7,1891.

495. Molothnis ater (Bodd.).— Cowbird. Chapman, June 30, 1891.

497. XaiitlwcepJialus xftiiihocepliahtf^ (Bonap.). — Yellow-headed Blackbird.

Swan Lake, September 11, 1891.

498. Agelaius pJicrniceus (Linn.). — Ped-winged Blackbird. Arborville, June

27, 1891.

501&. fifvrneUa nia<i)ia iinilccta (Aiul.). — Western INIeadowlark. Arborville,
June 24, 1891.

511ft. Qiiiscalus qui^fuJd <riinisi (Pidg'w.). — Bronzed Grackle. Arborville,
June 26, 1891.

529. Astra (If tVinus tristia (Linn.). — American Goldfinch. Valentine, Sep-
tember 7, 1891.

559«. Spizflla niontirolo ncJiruccii Brewst. — Western Tree S]Kirro\v. Ken-
nedy, March 1, 1893.

583. Melosplza liiicohiii (And.). — Lincoln's Spai'row. Swan Lake, Septem-
ber 11, 1891.

588. I'ipiln ))i(tciilafitx iirclicii-'< (Swains.). — Arctic Towhce. Valentine, Sep-
tember 7, 1891.

604. fip'iza (iinericdnii ((imel.). — Dickeissel. Kearney, July 4, 1892.

613. Uirumlo crjitJiroi/astra Bodd. — Barn Swallow. Arborville, June 26, 1891.

622a. Lanins Iiidoricidinis r./'fiiJ)! tor ides (Swains.). — White-rumped Shrike.
Kennedy, April 29, 1892.

703. Miiirus jiohinlottos (Linn.). — ]\rockijiol)i]-d. Kearney, July 13, 1899.

105. Harporliiincliiis nifiis [lAuu.). — Brown Thrasher. Ai'b()r\ille, June 27,
1891.

715. l^alphictes ohstdlrfiis (Say). — Pock Wren. Johnstown, September 8,
1891.

75Sf/. Hjilocichla iistitlata xiraiiisuiii (Caban.). — Olive-backed Thrush. Keai*-
ney. May 31, 1900.

86 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

ON MIGKATION EECORDS AND ON OUR NEBRASKA RECORDS

R. H. WOLCOTT, LINCOLN

At the previous meeting- of this Union the author presented a paper
containing a proposed scheme for the accurate nuinerical evaluation of
terms relating to the abundance of species, and for an accurate and
uniform method of recording migration observations. The experience
of the past spring has proven the scheme there presented to be
feasible, but has also shown the necessity of certain modifications.
With these and with other suggestions concerning the matter of
records it is proposed in this paj)er to deal.

First, the width of the strip included within the scope of observation
must be taken into account, and it is evident to any one who attempts
to i)ut the scheme into ojieration that the width of the strip which
may be included varies with the different species, with the character of
the locality, and with the abilit}^ of the observer. Those birds which
are small, dull-colored, secretive in their habits, and which remain
quiet, require close observation; in the case of those species which are
large, brilliant, noisy, and conspicuous in every way it is comparatively
easy to detect every individual even to a considerable distance. The
author would suggest, to obviate this difficulty, that a strip of uniform
width, say 100 yards, should be taken as a standard and that each
person apply the corresponding corrections necessary to place each
species on the same jilane.

For instance one observer might be able to enumerate the smaller
sparrows or other small birds for a strip only 50 yards wide, the robins
in one 200 yards wide, the crows in one a quarter of a mile wide. He
would have to multiply the first figures by 2, and divide the others
by 2 and 4.4 respectively. Thus reduced the figures would indicate
exactly the ratio of abundance.

It also became evident to the writer from his experience the past
season that in many places the method suggested, of enumerating all
individuals included within a strip of given width, was not applicable,
but that it might be desirable to select given areas chosen with
reference to securing- the greatest variety of conditions, with refer-
ence to the possibility of exact limitation, and with reference to the
g-reatest possible accurate estimation of the birds included therein,
and to go over these areas, carefully estimating the total number
present in the area selected. In this case comparison would have to
be made with some unit of area. The object in proposing the scheme
wiiich was sug-gested was to sug-gest certain expedients whereby the
observation of bird migTation could be made more accurate, and the
results of different observers become comparable. The methods pro-
posed will have to be modified to suit the character of the locality and
the ability of the observer. Some modification, however, it is believed

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 87

can be applied by any one, and Avill conduce to consistency and
accuracy in the recording- of observations.

The ^^^•iter had hoped to apply the proposed scheme in the following-
out of a series of daily observations, but many things interfered with
the carrying- out of this plan, and it was only possible to make oc-
casional observations as opportunity olfered, which might be used in
estimating the value of the scheme. On these occasions the following
data Avere carefully noted: the date; the character of the day, includ-
ing the state of the weather, the temperature, and the direction of the
wind; the character of the previous day's weather; the exact route
followed with the distance covered, as closely as it could be estimated;
a careful description of the territory covered; and the hours during
which the record was made. The following two reports will serve as
samples:

I.

Date— April 5, 1900.

Character of the Day — Clear. Minimum temperature, 31°, at 6:45 a.
m.; maximum. 72°, at 4:30 p. m.; wind southeast; maximum velocity,
22 miles.

Character of Previous Day— Clear. Maximum temperature, 59°, at
4:30 J), m.; wind southeast; maximum velocity, 25 miles.

Route— From Insane Asylum to Denver line B. & M. Ry.; along this
to Yankee Hill Drickyard; along Haines' Branch to a point one mile
east of Denton.

Territory — A level road between a cornfield and i^asture, with a clum^J
of trees at one iilace; railway track bordered by pasture land; creek
with thin fringe of timber here and there, occasional clumps of bushes,
and open field; at one point a few small ponds. General character of
country very open.

Time— 7:30 to 11:30 a. m.

\Vidth of Strip— 200 yards.

Distance — About 7 miles.

No. of Ratio

birds seen per mile

Bronzed Crackle (in small flocks) 21 3.0

Phoebe 3 0.4

Chickadee 9 1.3

Tree Sparrow (flock) 12 1.7

Robin 10 1.4

Yellow-shafted Flicker 11 1.6

Crow 6 0.9

Western Meadowlark 22 3.1

Prairie Horned Lark 6 0.9

Song Sjiarrow 8 1.1

Black-crowned ^'ight Heron (one flock) 3 0.4

IMourning- Dove (pair) 2 0.3

Blue-winged Teal (flock) 12 1.7

Baird's Sandpiper (flock) 9 1.3

Killdeer (pair) 2 0.3

Green-winged Teal (])air) 2 0.3

Goldflnch 24 3.4

Red-winged Blackbird 7 1.0

Bluebird 1 0.1

Harris's Sparrow (flock, estimated) 25 3.5

88 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

II.

Date— April 14, 1900.

Chaiacter of the Day — Cloudy, with an occa.sional siirinkle. Minimum
temiJerature 50°, at 5:00 a. m.; maximum, 63°, at 4:00 p. m.; wind south;
maximum velocity, 14 miles.

Character of the Previous Day — Clear. Maximum temperature 66°, in
afternoon. Wind northwest; maximum velocity, 14 miles.

Route — Bank of Salt Creek, from Branson's Farm to Wagner's and
again from the bend north of the next section line to the end of the
first wooded bend below.

Territory' — Continuous timber along- the creek, except for a short
strip where the creek was bordered by a few scattering trees and by
an extensive tract of shrubbery and young oaks.

Time — 6:30 a. m. to 10 a. m.

Width of Strip— About 100 yards.

Distance — Two miles.

No. of llatio

birds seen per mile

Bronzed Graclde 16 S . 0

Phoebe 2 1.0

Chickadee 12 6.0

Field Sparrow 1 0.5

llobin 9 4.5

Yellow-shafted Flicker 13 6.5

Crow 10 5.0

Common Junco (flock) 19 9.5

Downy Woodpecker 2 1.0

Song Sparrow 7 3.5

Cowbird 10 5.0

Chewink 10 5.0

Blue-winged Teal (pair ) 2 1.0

White-breasted Nuthatc-h 2 1.0

Fox Sparrow (scattered flock) 15 7.5

Bluebird 2 1.0

Harris's Spari-ow (flock, estimated) 50 25.0

The meteorolog'lcal data in each case are from the official records of
the weather office here. To compare the two tables the ratio in the
first should be divided by 2, or those in the second multiplied by the
same figure. The two present a sharp contrast in the character of
the localities. It is believed that the maximum value could be derived
from a series of daily records secured from the covering of the same
strip each day.

It has become evident from the writer's experience the past season
that the jjractical application of this scheme is only advisable in case
the person using it is familiar with the birds of his locality, and ac-
customed to habits of close observation. Even to such the work is
laborious, and only practice can lead to results which approximate
accuracy, but a limited number of observers Avho can and would apply
the method suggested could secure data which it seems would be of
such gTeat valiie as to justify the time spent in obtaining them.

Since the object of the scheme referred to above is to secure the ut-
most accuracy in the recording of migration records it has seemed

PLATE TX

YOUNfl ROSE-BREASTED OROS15EAKS

Female. October 21.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 89

proper to the writer that the matter of accuracy in regard to other
records might very properly be dealt with at this time. To any one
who has had occasion to use local lists of birds, and even state lists,
it is very evident that perfect accuracj'^ in observation and perfect
honesty of judgment is a rare qualily. It is too easy to jump at con-
clusions, and too difficult, if records are not kept with the utmost care,
to forg-et within a In-ief space of time the actual facts and be content
with an approximation. Too frequently in the case of a list its author
is influenced by the judgment of those whose experience and knowledge
are greater than his own, but whose work has been done at localities
more or less removed, and who are less competent than he to judge,
while, on the other hand, many authors of such lists are too ready to
record observations that conflict with all that is known regarding the
distribution of certain species, owing to ignorance of the factors that
enter into the distribution of a given species, and their inability to
judg-e of the possibility of extension in the range of the species and of
the amount of elasticity to which under certain conditions the limit of
range may be subject.

We live in a state in which, more than in almost any other, the
greatest ])ossible care must be taken in regard to the making of
records. Our fauual iJosition is such that within our borders is a
remarkable mingling of species from different faunal regions; here the
eastern and western subspecies meet; here is a transition from the
smaller, shorter-tailed and darker eastern forms to the larger, long'cr-
tailed and i)aler birds characteristic of the ])lains. And when we turn
to the books we are met by the. to us, meaningless "West to the edge
of the Great Plains," or "From the Plains to the Paciflc." We must
settle ourselves the problems which we see facing us.

The.se problems must be met and answered in a spirit of scientific
accuracy, if our conclusions are to carry weight with those living out-
side our borders. We must know what we know and record only what
we know w^e know. We must be open at all times to conviction, but
at the same time we must subject every fact presented to the most
thorough criticism. As a society we must judge kindly, but most criti-
cally with the records presented by our members for our considera-
tion. To the end that these records may be jiulged most fairly the
Avriter has already urged the appointment of a record committee and
presented a set of rules to govern the action of the same, and the Union
has seen fit to accept the suggestion and to adopt the rules.

These rules are expected to be applied to the judging of future
records. What we have now we must accept as "stock in hand" — some
good, some bad, but all held fi)r what thej^ are worth till in the light
of our own knowledge we can judge them. The first list of our birds,
published by Samuel Aughey in the Report of the U. S. Entomological
Commission for 1877, was the work of a pioneer, of whom it was de-

90 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

manded that his teaching- cover the whole range of physical and bio-
logical sciences, and whose work in the light of the conditions under
whicli he worked was well done. Many of his identifications have been
rendered invalid b_y the changes in nomenclatiire since his day, but this
need cause no confusion. W. E. Taylor, in the Report of the State
Board of Agriculture for 1887, and also, in the "Ornitholog'ist and
Oologist" for 1888, published lists of Nebraska Birds which added to the
number recorded for the state, but which could have been made of far
greater value had the author distinguished more carefully between
his own knowledge and inferences from the ^vork of others and from
statements made in g-eneral works on the subject. In 1896 Professor
Bruner compiled the list of our birds which we are at present using
as the basis of our work. His work was done with characteristic en-
ergy and resulted in the accumulation of a remarkably large number of
records obtained from observers all over the state. He made no at-
tempt, however, to estimate the value of the various statements made,
but limited his duties to those of a compiler, and jjart of our work is
now to judge the material he has accumulated and in the knowledge
gained by our ov^^n etforts find means of separating the false from the
true. It is fitting that we should acknowledge the great value of the
work Professor Bruner has done; it may also hasten the progress of
the work we have to do if we place definitely before ourselves the
questions suggested by liis Avork and which we must solve.

The following- birds included in the list have never been reported as
taken within the present limits of Nebraska, though some of them were
reported from "Northwest Nebraska" at a time when "Nebraska" in-
cluded most of what is now Montana and Wyoming:

62. Sabine's Gull.
2976. Eichardson's Grouse.
373c. Eocky Mountain Screech Owl.
549.1. Nelson's Sparrow.
5546. Gambel's Sparrow.
578. Cassin's Sparrow.
590. Green-tailed ToAvhee.
7196. Baird's Wren.
738. Mountain Chickadee.
761ff. Western Eobin.
767. Western Bluebird (Bruner cites Aughey in error).

The following were inti-oduced into the list on erroneous identifica-
tions:

511. Purple Grackle.
5286. Greater Kedpoll.

675. Water Thrush (Aughey's record antedates the separation of Cirin-
nell's Water Thursh, which is our form).

The following birds are included on evidence which is doubtful and
their right to a place in our list has not since been verified:
47. Great Black-backed Gull.

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 91

71. Arctic Tern.

121. Mexican Cormorant.

188. Wood Ibis.

278. Snowy Plover.

286. American Oystercatcher.

328. White-tailed" Kite.

329. :Mississippi Kite.

334(7. Western Goshawk. (The specimen was taken and has been seen
by both Prof. Bruner and ^Merritt Cary, but the identification
has not been verified.)

375c. Dusky Horned Owl.

392. Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

393c. Northern Hairy Woodpecker.

480. Woodhouse's Jay.

568. Pink-sided Junco.

585c. Slate-colored Sparrow.

630. Black-capped Yireo.

663ff. Sycamore Warbler.

702. Sage Thrasher. (Has been found nesting- in Wyoming-, within half
a mile of the Nebraska line.)

729. Brown-headed Nuthatch.

740. Hudsonian Chickadee.

757. Gray-cheeked Thrush.

The following should be chang-ed:

394f/. Gairdner's Woodpecker, to 3946. Drifobah'S inihesccns hunionis (Cab.),
the suspicion expressed by Prof. Bruner in his list having- proven
correct.

The following- birds have been reported but once or twice, and further
records of occurrence are very desirable:

2. Eed-necked Grebe.

118. Anhinga.

126. Brown Pelican.

186. Glossy Ibis.

203. Yellow-crowned Night Heron.

215. Yellow Pail.

216. Black Eail.

218. Purple Gallinule.
247. Western Sandpiper.
326. Black Yulture.
354ff. Gyrfalcon.

370. Great Gray Owl.

371. Eichardson's Saw-whet OavI.
377ffl. Hawk Owl.

443. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
478c. Black-headed Jay.
518. Cassin's Purple Finch.
521ff. Mexican Crossbill.
562. Brewer's Sparrow.
567b. Shufeldt's Junco.
569. Gray-headed .Tunco.
642. Golden-winged Warbler.
644. Yirginia's Warbler.
650. Cape May Warbler.

92 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

654. Black-throated Blue Warbler.

660. Bay-breasted Warbler.

671. Pine Warbler.

672. Palm Warbler.

680. Macg-illivray's Warbler.
684. Hooded Warbler.

686. Canadian Warbler.

718. Carolina Wren.

719. Bewick's Wren.

726&. Rocky Mountain Creeper.
730. Pyg-niy Nuthatch.

The distribution of the eastern and western forms of the following-
must be determined:

420. Nighthawk.

540. Vesper Sparrow.

542ff. Savanna Sparrow.

546. Grasshopper Si)arrow.

554. White-crowned Sparrow,

559. Tree Sparrow.

563. Field Sparrow.

597. Blue Grosbeak.

681. Maryland Yellow-throat.
683. Yellow-breasted Chat.
727. White-bellied Nuthatch.
735. Chickadee.

The following need investigation:

358. llichardson's ]\Ierlin. "Rather common in Nebi'aska, breeds here" —
Aughey; "Resident, common" — Taylor; "West Point, Omaha" —
Briiner. Not re])()rted by other observers — nor for years i^ast.
Was it formerly common? And is it now rare or absent?

4(i5r/. Northern I'ileated Woodpecker. Is it still ]iresent? None have
been reported for several years.

462. \Vestern Wood Pewee — "Omaha — breeds" (L. Skow). This seems
to have been an error, and its distribution in the western jjart
of the state is imcertain.

474 and vars. Horned Larks. Our records concerning these birds are
much confused. Too much stress has been laid on the color of
the throat and other variable characters. The writer has seen
specimens from Omaha labelled "Pallid Horned Lai'k" that were
simply the Prairie form with hardly a trace of the yellow of
the throat. Apparently the Prairie Horned Lark (474b) is resi-
dent in Eastern Nebraska and the Desert Horned Lark (474c-)
in the western part of the state, while the tyjiical Horned Lark
(474) is occasionally found in Eastern Nebraska in winter, and
the Pallid or White-throated Horned Lark (474r/) comes into
the state in winter from the northwest.

4S4. Canada Jay. Which form?

486. Raven. Do the records refer to the American or the Northern?

501 and 501&. Meadowlark and Western Meadowlark. When the rec-
ords are sifted it becomes apparent that most, if not all of
them, refer to the Western form. If the Eastern Meadowlark
occurs in the state it is but rarely and in the easternmost por-
tion. , .

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 93

567a. Oregon Junco. The check-list assigns this bird to the Pacific
Coast, bnt specimens are talven in Nortliwest Nebraska which
seem to be clearly of this variety.

622. The smaller Shrikes. Most of our birds are the White-rumped but
we also seem to have the Migrant Shrike, as defined by Palmer,
in the eastern part of the state.

721. House Wren. Both the Eastern and Western House Wrens are re-
corded but as evidence accumulates it begins to be very doubtful
if we have any that can be referred to the eastern form.

To the list the following have been added :

163. American Scoter (Lincoln).

627(7. Western Warbling Vireo (Sioux Co.).

629a. Plumbeous Vireo (Sioux Co.).

The range of the following species is such that they can be looked
for within the state:

9. Black-throated Loon (in winter).

37. Parasitic Jaeger (in migrations).

38. Long-tailed Jaegar (in migrations).
40. Kittiwake (in winter).

42. Glaucous Gull (in winter).

43. Iceland Gull (in winter).
65. Eoyal Tern (in summer).

172c. Cackling- Goose (in mig-rations).

184. White Ibis (in summer, in southeast j)art of the state).

199. Louisiana Heron (in summer in Southeast Nebraska).

222. Red Phalarope (in migrations).

235. Pni-ple Sandpiper (in migrations).

256a. ^Vestern Solitary Sandpiper (in Western Nebraska).

297. Dusky Grouse (in the Northwest).

300b. Graj^ Ruffed (irouse (in the Northwest).

416. Chuck-wills" Widow (in Southern Nebraska, in summer).

420c. Sennett's Nighthawk (in migrations).

433. Rufous Hummingbird (in Southwest).

448. Cassin's Kingbird (in Western Nebraska).

454. Ash-throated Flycatcher (in western portion).

464. Western Flycatcher (in western part of state).

468. Hammond's Flycatcher (western).

484a. Rocky Mountain Jay (in West Nebraska).

486a. Northern Raven (in northwest).

515a. Eockj' Mountain Pine Grosbeak (in Northwest Nebraska).

530. Arkansas Goldfinch (in Southwest Nebraska).

536a. Alaskan Longspur (in western part of the state).

547a. Western Henslow's Sparrow (western part).

552a. Western Lark Sparrow (westward).

567.1. Montana Junco (in winter).

58iy. Dakota Song Sparrow.

668. Townsend's Warbler (in Western Nebraska).

678. Connecticut Warbler.

717a. Canyon Wren (in west part of state).

756a. Willow Thrush (western).

759a. Audubon's Hermit Thrush (western).

It is hoped by thus putting clearly before ourselves the problems to
be solved we may the sooner prepare for the publication of a critical
revision of the list of Nebraska birds.

94 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

IN jNIEMOETAM— MARTIN LUTHEE EATON

R. H. WOLCOTT, LINCOLN

One of the duties of a society is to pei'petuate the memoi-y of those
Avho have labored to advance the cause the furtherance of which is the
aim Oi; the society, and it is in fulfilment of that duty that this biog-
raphy is written. And no one will regret more than the writer that
its. preparation has been the lot of one who did not enjoy the personal
acquaintance of him to whom these pages are dedicated.

^lartin Luther Eaton was born at Salem, Washtenaw county, Michi-
gan, November 14, 1S47. His father, Eev. C. H. Eaton, was a native of
Vermont, and a Congregational minister, who moved to Viola, Illinois,
in 1861, where the boyhood of Martin was passed. In 1875 he taught a
country school near Ne'sv Boston, Illinois, and later another school in
Iowa, while at the same time preparing for college. He entered the
preparatory department of Tabor College, Iowa, in 1876, and in the fall
of 1878 became a student in Iowa College, Grinnell, Iowa. From this
college he was graduated in .Time, 1882, with the degree of A. B., and
entered the following fall the Medical Department of the University
of JNIichigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he received his de-
gree of M. D. in June, 1885, graduating as president of his class. The
following year he spent with the family, who were then living in Ar-
kansas, and on the death of his mother in May, 1886, he went to Fair-
bury, Nebraska, and engaged in the practice of medicine. In Aiigust of
this year he was married and his wife and son, who survive him, are at
present living in Lincoln, Nebraska. His death occurred at Fairbury,
February 12, 1894, at the age of thirty-six years and three months.

As a j)hysician Dr. Eaton was possessed of a degree of skill which
promised to bring him fame in his chosen x^rofession. He was promi-
nent in business, political, and social circles, and served one term as
mayor of the city of Fairbury. He also served as staff officer in the war
of the Ghost Dance in the Bad Lands in 1890 and 1891. He was of an
intenselj^ nervous temperament, a deep student, and possessed of high
aspirations. Always modest and unassuming, he was possessed of great
energy, and did his work with the utmost system and thoroughness.
As a child he was inquisitive, and early develoiied a taste for natural
history, beginning at first to collect moths, bugs, and butterflies. Later
he turned to taxidermy, and devoted himself especially to the collecting
of birds, of which he gathered many in Michigan, in Arkansas, during
his year of residence and the winter vacation of the year preceding, and
later, in Nebi-aska, while engaged in the practice of his profession. He
also turned his attention to geology, the study of which he prosecuted
with his usual energy. While at Fairbury he suffered the loss of his
collections by fire, but a collection of birds and Indian relics at present
deposited in the University of Nebraska, and a similar collection which

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 95

is deposited in Iowa College at Grinnell, Iowa, remain to attest the en-
ergy with which he devoted himself at all times to his scientific studies
and with which he began a collection to replace that lost. The first of
these collections the writer has had the privilege of examining, and it
is to be regretted that the second has not also been included in this ex-
amination. The sjiecimens represent material gathered at Ann Arbor
during his residence there, at Hazen, Arkansas, at Fairbury, and also a
few specimens evidently obtained Ijj' exchange from others. It is to be
regretted that only the sj)eciinens gathered previous to his removal to
Nebraska are accompanied by any data. Busy with his professional
duties and only able to turn at spare moments to his natural history-
he delayed the affixing of labels to specimens, especiallj^ those gathered
at Fairbury, until it was too late, and though every expedient has been
resorted to which it is possible to api^ly, in the endeavor to determine
the locality from which the unlabelled specimens came, the effort has
proven futile. Of interest to all ornithologists is the presence in the
collection of several specimens of Pileated Woodpecker from Hazen,
Arkansas, taken December 22 and 23, 1884, and January 6, 1885, while of
especial interest to Michigan ornithologists is a specimen of the Arctic
Three-toed Woodpecker labelled '"Picoides arcticus (male), Ann Arbor,
Mich., October 18, 1884."

Dr. Eaton is responsible for several records in Professor Bruners
"Notes on Nebraska Birds," and the amount of work which he accom-
Ijlished at s^jare moments during his brief residence in the state testifies
eloquently to the loss Avhich Ornithology siiffered in his early death.

96 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

NOTES FROM I.INCOI-N

On the 22cl of January, 1900, while out collecting near Lincoln, I saw
a small flock of Bronzed Grackles. It was not possible to secure a speci-
men but the birds were clearly seen and I am positive of the identifi-
cation.

June 15, 1900, I took a set of twenty-five Quail's eg'g's, of which all
but one, a runt, were nearly of the usual size. The eggs vary in meas-
urement from 0.89 by 1.14 to 0.95 by 1.26 of an inch, the average being
0.93 by 1.19. The runt is 0.65 by 0.77 of an inch.

I saw Hooded Mergansers nearly every day that I was out toward
the lake near Lincoln during the past summer. A brood of about half-
grown young was seen August 2, 1900.

Dnring the winter of 1898, there were large numbers of Pine Finches
near Liiicolu. Tliey have been reported but once or twice since.

J. S. Hunter, Lincoln.

RREEDING OF THE SNOWY HERON AND SWALLOW-TAILED KITE

In June, 1895, a pair of Snowy Herons (Ardea (■aiKlidisshiKi Gmelin)
bred on Oak Creek, a mile from Salt Lake and about three miles north-
west of Lincoln. The nest, which was in the timber, on an over-hanging
limb, fifteen feet above the middle of the stream, was discovered by
two boys who shot into it, destroying it and the eggs and killing the
female. This bird was brought to me to be mounted and is now in
my collection. In August of the same year another bird of this species
was seen a short distance farther up the ci-eek, which was probably
the mate.

On the 8th of August, 1896. a pair of Swallow-tailed Kites were brought

to Lincoln by a man who had shot them near Greenwood, where, he

said, they had been nesting. The male I secured and it is now in my

collection. The female was taken to the University, where it fell into

the hands of the Art Department, and after being used as a subject for

sketching was thrown away.

August Eiche, Lincoln.

NASHVILLE WARBLER

June 11, 1900, while collecting on an island in the Missouri River oppo-
site Nebraska City, I shot a female Nashville Warbler with eggs in her
ovary which were from 2 mm. to 3 mm. in diameter. The bird flushed
from a tangled mat of vegetation, consisting of marsh grass and sedges,
bordering a slough and surrounded by swamp willows. The peculiar
manner in which a bird flushes when coming from a nest was evident

PLATE X

A BISEA.^E OF BIRDS* FEET

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 97

in her actions; but although I searched closely I was unable to locate

one. This was not good evidence, however, that no nest existed, for

the nature of the cover made it highly improbable that I should have

found it.

M. A. Cabriker, Jr., Nebraska Cit3^

YEIJ.OW-TJIROATED VIREO

This Vireo is a frequent breeder in the vicinity of Nebraska City, fre-
quenting almost exclusievlj', as far as I know, the large apple orchards
numerous about here. On June 6, 1897, I found a nest in the top of
3 thick-leaved apple tree, containing three fresh eggs, and June 11, 1898,
another in a similar location with four eggs partly incubated. The
nest resembles that of the Warbling Vireo, except that it is very much
](rettier and more compactly built.

Two broods are raised in a season. There is never more than one
pair of birds to an orchard, and they are easily located by their con-
stant singing. The nest, however, is extremely hard to find, for out of
the many pairs of birds I have located, I have never been able to find
more than the two nests mentioned which contained eggs. However, I
have found them on several instances with young in July, which shows
that two broods are reared.

M. A. Carriker, Jr., Nebraska City.

NOTES FROM OMAHA

Old Squaw Duck {ChuKjula hyetnalis). Two specimens of this bird were
killed on Cut-off Lake near this city December 8, 1900, by a local sports-
man. He had never seen this species before, brought the heads to me
to identify, and I have them now in my possession.

White-Winged Scoter (Oidemia deglandi). I have one of these ducks
which was killed on Cut-off Lake, December 8, 1900.

Tufted Titmouse (Parus hicolor). One was killed by L. Skow near
Florence, October 5, 1900.

Evening Gro.sbeak {Coccothraustcs icspertinus) . A specimen was killed
by L. Skow near Florence, October 12, 1900. The heads and wings of
two were also brought by a local sportsman (?) to R. F. Mullen during
the first week of November, 1900.

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila ccerulea). Two nests containing
three and four eggs respectively were found near Bellevue in June,
1900. F. H. Shoemaker and I. S. Trostler photographed one of these
after the young were hatched.

Yellow-throated Vireo {Vireo ffavifrous). E. F. Mullen found a nest
and four eggs of this species near Bellevue in June, 1900.

Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica ccerulea). I found three nests of this
species in 1900 near Bellevue. One contained four badly incubated eggs,
the second a young bird, the third three slightly incubated eggs.

J. E. Wallace, Omaha.

98 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK (Hdbia mehuioccitliahi)

One day last svimmer, while talcing a ramble along the ^liddle Louj)
River I found a nest of the Black-headed Grosbeak. The female was
sitting on the nest, and did not leave it until I was within a few feet
of the place; then she slid off to one side, and was soon joined by her
mate. Thej' made quite a racket while I was examining their nest.
It was situated in the top branches of a white-\^^llow about six feet
from the ground; nest composed of willow-twigs, grasses, and rootlets,
loosely put together. It contained two fresh eggs, in size and colora-
tion similar to those of the Eose-breasted Grosbeak. As the set was
incomplete, I left them with the intention of returning in a few days
and take it when complete. But almost two weeks passed before I got
a chance to look after the nest and then it contained four eggs, with
incubation too far advanced to allow of blowing. So I left the nest
and eggs to the care of the parent birds and noticed with pleasure
about six weeks afterward that there were now six Black-headed Gros-
beaks instead of two. They are not scarce at this locality.

Geo. p. Anderson, Dannebrog, Howard Co.

NESTING OF THE PLUMBEOUS VIREO IX SIOUX COUNTV

. On the 27th of May, 1899, while encamped in Monroe Canyon, Sioux
County, the writer discovered the nest of this vireo in a small box elder
fifteen feet from the ground. The bottom of the canyon at that point
is about a hundred yards wide with a small stream and full of shrub-
bery with a few older trees and many young poplar and box elder
saplings. At one side of the winding road a young but crippled box
elder with a trunk six inches in diameter, stood leaning, with its largest
branch running off in a horizontal direction on the farther side. Out
on this in a clump of twigs and leaves and suspended in the fork of a
small branch just off the larger one, was the nest, unfinished when
first foimd, lacking still the lining- and external decoration. The birds
were very tame and allowed of close and repeated observation. Other
specimens were shot by others in the party in the immediate vicinity
and thus the species positively identified; their collecting, however, was
the source of much anxiety to me until I found that neither of "my birds"
were the victims. On my departure, on the 30th, the nest was just done,
ready for eggs, and a dainty structure it was, deep and purse-shaped,
its contracted opening with neatly rounded margins, its surface deco-
lated with cottony down and spider webs, and with just enoug'h down
in the bottom to make it soft to the little ones. The walls were not
thick but close and firm, and woven, for the most part at least, of fine
grasses. The structure was not molested, but the owners left to rear
their yoiing and many times afterward did I think of the little home
off there in Sioux County and wonder how the family were doing.

ROBT. H. WoLCOTT, Lincoln.

SPXOND ANNUAL MEETING 99

ADDrno.NAI, .NdTF.S ().\ IMltDS OF THE IIM-KK KLK llOItX VALLEY

Siiu-c my list of 1lu' "I'.irds of Ihe Up])er Klkhorn Valley" appeared
in the rroceecliiif^s of the First Annual ;\[eeting-, I have noted several
additional species at Xeligh. some of which are especially interesting^-.
They are as follows:

.■)4. fjinis (Idaininiisis Oi-d. — Kiny-billed (iiill. Four of these bii-ds were
seen on March 28, I'JOO. and ai;ain a lar<ie flocdv g-oini^- south across the
Hand Hills .Tidy ](>. H»()().

.■>(). fjini.s frfiiil-ruiii Sw. & Rich. — Franklin's Gull. A common migrant
in the spriny- of 1<»(){); April 17 to :May 17.

?A?>. Biitco pi (I ti/ [iter us (Vieill.). — Broad-win<>ed Hawk. Four of these
hawks were seen and one secured April 20. 1900. The birds were flying-
northward at the time.

.")4<if/. AiiuiKxlniiiiiis sdrdiuKinnit iicriiiillidiis (Cones). — Western Grass-
hopper Sparrow. A single specimen was secured May 5, 1900.

588. PipiJo macylatiis (t Miens (Swains.). — Arctic Towhee. A specimen
of this Towhee was taken April 27. 1900, and a number seen.

593. Cardiiialis ninlU\<tJ\s (Linn.). — Cardinal. Mr. J. P. Campbell of
Newcastle, Wyo., informs me that he saw several of these birds at
Xelig-h in the winter of 1S9:!. As he was well acquainted with the Car-
dinal in the east. I have no hesitancy in accepting- his identification.

647. HchnintlKiphila perenr'ina (Wils.). — Tennessee Warbler. A common
migrant in the .spring; of 1900; May 8 to 16.

In my former paper I listed the ^leadowlark and House Wren. I
liave since become convinced that it is the western form of each of the
above-mentioned s])ecies that we have in Nebraska. Thei-e has never
lo my knowledge been any definite record of the taking- of either typical
stiiniclld iiKKiiKi or Troi/hxliitcs iiditii within the state. In the above paper,
iluMi, the Western Meadowla)-k (Stiir)ieJl(i nifKjiia iiej/lcctd), and Western
House Wren (Tro(/I<j(1jitcx (nlvn (i.ztcciiN), should be substituted.

Merritt Caky, Xeligh.

SOME LINCOLX RECORDS

A male Lazuli Bunting was shot. :\Iay 6, 1899, in the timber fringing
Salt Creek at a point about two miles south of Lincoln, and the skin
is in the collection of the LTnion.

On April 28. 1900, a female Purple Finch was secured from the tips
of the elms in which it was feeding. The skin is also in the collection
of the society.

A flock of American Crossbills was seen daily by "Mr. August Eiche
feeding in a patch of dead sunflowers near his home in East Lincoln
"for several days" previous to Se])tember 26, 1898, and they remained in
the vicinitj^ all winter. On March 8, 1899, a small flock also made its
appearance on the caijitol grounds, feeding from the pine-cones of the
trees there. Here the birds remained and were seen daily till May 25,

100 NEBRASKA ornithologists' UNION

when the writer left the city. They appeared to pair early in May and
Avere usually seen thereafter, a male and a female together. Other
flocks were reported during- the Avinter and on Ajiril 6 the timber along
Salt Creek south of the city was alive with the birds — during the whole
day spent in exploring along the creek for a distance of two miles, they
were rarely out of sight or hearing.

The Turnstone was first seen and collected on the Salt Basin near
Lincoln on May 16, 1895. Since then it has been noted on the follow-
ing dates: May 25, 1895; May 23, 1896; April 30, 1898; May 22, 1899; May
10, 1900. It has not so far been seen in the Fall.

On the 29th of June, 1900, Mr. J. S. Hunter and the writer visited
Salt Lake and the "Sloughs" near it, west of Lincoln, and observed the
following species: one Euddy Duck on the lake, probably a crippled
bird; a male Spoonbill, the mate of which was doubtless on her nest
in the vicinity; a flock of six Hooded Mergansers, which arose from the
lake and flew close over our heads; three Yellow-legs, on the shore of
the lake; a Gull, without much doubt the Eing-billed, flying over the
water; two Baird's Sandpipers, about a pond on the "Slough;" three Blue-
winged Teal, on the "Slough;" and a flock of Yellow-headed Blackbirds,
at the same place. Of all these, only the Spoonbill and Blue-winged Teal
have ever been known to breed here, though It is i)robable that the
Yellow-headed Blackbird does so in the vicinity, and that the Mer-
gansers raised their young here this season.

EOBT. H. WOLCOTT, Lincoln.

NOTES ON SOME OF THE RARER BIRDS OF GAGE COUNTY

Japanese Eing-necked Pheasant (Phasiauvs toniuatus). A nuile speci-
men of this beautiful bird was shot near Barneston, Nebraska, Decem-
ber 3, 1900. It was in thick brush when shot, the man having no idea
of what he was shooting other than that it was a bird of some kind.
It was brought here for mounting, and on skinning it, a small amount
of what greatly resembled artichoke was found in its crop.

Townsend's Solitaire (MyaiJestes toicnsendii). On March 28, 1899, a speci-
men of this bird was shot near Beatrice. It was a female, and its stom-
ach contained a few hard seeds.

Bohemian Waxwing (Avuwlis yarrulus). A large flock of this some-
what rare bird Avas seen January 9, 1899.

Arctic Towhee (Plpilo macnlatus arcticus). I shot a lone specimen of
this western bird near Beatrice, October 14, 1899. It was feeding on
sunflower seeds.

Pine Siskin (Sphms pinus). Saw a pair of this species April 23, 1899.

Eedpoll {AcantMs Unaria). February 20, 1899, an immense flock num-
bering at least tAvo or three hundred individuals was seen, they remain-
ing the greater part of the day feeding on sunflower seeds.

Arkansas Flycatcher (Tyranmis verticalis). A pair of these birds was
first observed May 5, 1900. Later several other pairs wei-e found, one

SECOND ANNUAL MEETING 101

p.vir remahiing- in a certain clump of trees near a small spring througli-
out the summer, evidently having a nest there.

Red-shafted Flicker (Colaptcs cafer coJlaris). Very common in early
spring and late fall, and common in winter, becoming rare, however,
as a summer resident.

Eed-bellied AVoodiiecker {Mela ner pes caroHniis). One shot April 21, 1900.
Several pairs seen later in the summer, and I believe they breed here,
one pair at least beginning a nest.

Saw-whet Owl (NyctaUi acadica). Shot a specimen near Beatrice, De-
cember 7, 1900.

Golden Eagle (Aguila clirysaetos) . A tine specimen shot a few miles
west of Beatrice in October, 1899, by a party of gunners.

Black-crowned Night Heron {Xijcticorax nycticorax luevius). May 1,
1900, a specimen of this heron was killed near Beatrice. Also a speci-
men of the Western ^Yillet (Si/nipliem'ui seiiiipahiiata hiontata).

American Egret (Ardea egretta). I saw a fine specimen of this rare
heron, Jul^' 12, 1900, on Cedar Creek, seven miles east of Beatrice.

Myron H. Swenk, Beatrice,

ITEMS

Several JUiby -crowned Kinglets remained at AVest Point in Ma^', 1900,
till about the middle of the month. A cat was seen eating one on the
17th.— J. C. Crawford, Jr.

There are in my collection representatives of the three species of
Scoters so far recorded for the state, all collected at Lincoln and on
the following dates: American Scoter (Oideniia anwrimufi), female, Sep-
tember 28, 1895; Surf Scoter (Oideniia pcrsinviUata), male, October 7,
1896; White-winged Scoter {Oideniia dei/landi), October 14, 1899. — August
Eiche.

A male Baltimore Oriole was shot in a tangled thicket at Emerald,
seven miles from Lincoln, November 30, 19t)0. The bird was in perfect
condition except that three or four feathers on the left side of the
tail were only half grown. — ISI. A. Carriker, Jr.

PRICE, $5.00

PROCEEDINGS

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

Lincoln, Nebr., Feb. 1, 1902

Edited by
ROBERT H. WOLCOTT

Lincoln, Nebr.

St.kte Journal Company, Printers

December, 1902

PLATE I

Head of Eed-8HOULDered Hawk. (See page 40.)

PROCEEDINGS

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

Lincoln, Nebr., Feb. 1, 1902

C AJ. 6^ 6 ^ ^/H. /-A

Edited by
ROBERT H. WOLCOTT

Lincoln, Nebr.

State Journal Companv, Printers

December, 1902

CONTENTS

PAGE

Abstract of Minutes 3

Membership 6

Papers :

President's Address — The Progenitors of Birds — E. H. Barbour 8

A Story Tliat Ends Eightly— F. H. Shoemaker (Plate I, Frontis-
piece) 40

Water for Birds — Elsie Pepoon 40

From a Woman's Standpoint— -Nell Harrison 41

Ten Years Without a Gun — Wilson Tout 42

A Pair of Young- Barred Owls— Elizabeth Van Sant (Plates II to

IV) 46

Notes on the Distribution and Habits of the Blue Grosbeak in

Nebraska. — M. H. Swenk 48

Some Birds Found Around Dunbar During the Winter Months^

E. H. Jones 50

Our Winter Birds— M. H. Swenk 52

A Comparison of the Bird-life Found in the Sand-hill Kegion of

Holt County in 1883-84 and in 1901— Lawrence Bruner 58

Some General Remarks upon the Distribution of Life in North-
western Nebraska — Merritt Gary (Plates V to IX) 63

The Nesting of Some Sioux County Birds — M. A. Carriker, Jr.

(Plates X to XVI) 75

Hints on Bird Photography— I. S. Trostler 89

A Review of Nebraska Ornithology— R. H. Wolcott 93

In Memoriam — J. Sterling Morton: Mrs. A. M. Jacobs 106

Miscellaneous Notes 107

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING
NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Erwin H. Barbour, Lincoln

^'ICE-PEESIDENT Elizabeth Van Sant, Omaha

EECOEDING SECRETARY E. H. Wolcott, Lincoln

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY J. C. Crawford, Jr., West Point

TREASURER Chas. Fordyce, University Place

r Chairman, L. Bbuner, Lincoln
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ) F. H. Shoemaker, Omaha

(^ I. S. Trostler, Omaha

ABSTRACT OF MINUTES

The third annual meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union was
called to order in the Hall of Mechanic Arts, the University of Nebraska,
at 11:30 a. m., February 1, 1902, wath President Barbour in the chair.
Nineteen members were present.

The reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting, which had been
previously published, was, on motion of J. M. Bates, dispensed with.
The report of the Treasurer was referred to an auditing committee.
Informal reports were made from both record and migration com-
mittees.

R. H. Wolcott moved that a permanent committee be appointed by the
President to take the place of the record committee, to have in charge
the matter of records and also the collecting of material for a list of
birds of the state, to be published as soon as completed, under authority
of the Union. An amendment was presented by I. S. Trostler making
the committee consist of seven members, and another by J. M. Bates
to the effect that the committee itself fill vacancies in its membership.
Both amendments, together ^^ith the motion as amended, were carried.

A list of names of persons recommended for membership was read by

(3)

4 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

the Secretary and the candidates were, on motion of I. S. Trostler,
declared elected.

The Corresponding- Secretary reported the election of the following
officers for the ensuing year, as a result of the recent ballot: President,
J. M. Bates, Callaway; Vice-President, Mrs. George H. Payne, Omaha;
Corresponding Secretary, J. C. Crawford, Jr., West Point; Recording
Secretary, E. H. Wolcott, Lincoln; Treasurer, August Eiche, Lincoln;
Executive Committee, H. B. Ward, Lincoln, H. M. Benedict, Omaha, and
Merritt Cary, Neligh.

The Recording Secretary iJresented a brief report in behalf of the
Executive Committee, and also reported on the publication of the Pro-
ceedings, in which task he acknowledged the assistance of several other
members of the Union, and in which he recorded the gift to the Union,
by the authors, of the plates used in illustrating the articles of Eliza-
beth Van Sant and F. H. Shoemaker.

The following committees were announced by the chair: Auditing
committee, J. M. Bates, L S. Trostler, M. A. Carriker, Jr.; committee on
resolutions, H. B. Ward, August Eiche, J. C. Crawford, Jr.

At 12 m. the Union adjourned to meet again at 2:30 p. m., in Room
301, Hall of Mechanic Arts, and to listen to the program of papers, pre-
ceded by the delivery of the President's address, on "The Progenitors of
Birds," illustrated by the stereopticon. About fifty members and others
were in attendance.

After the comjDletion of the program and discussions a short business
session was held at which the auditing committee and the committee
on resolutions reported and the President announced the appointment
of the following permanent committee on the birds of the state: E,. H.
Wolcott, L. Bruner, T. S. Trostler, M. A. Carriker, Jr., M. H. Swenk, F.
H. Shoemaker, J. A. Dickinson.

The minutes of the meeting- were read and approved and the new
President, J. M. Bates, formally presented to the Union, after which
the society adjourned, at 5:30 p. m., to partake of a supper, and later,
in the evening, to enjoy lantern slides exhibited by Lawrence Bruner.
M. A. Carriker, Jr., I. S. Tl-ostler, and F. H. Shoemaker.

RoBEBT H. Wolcott,

Recording Secretary

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

REPORT OF THE TREASURER TO FEBRUARY 1, 1902

RECEIPTS

Balance from previous Treasurer $6 68

47 Annual dues — Active 47 00

24 Annual dues — Associate 12 00

Sale of Proceedings . 25 43

Total $9111

EXPEXDITURES.

Stenographic work $1 50

Postag-e — Treasurer's office 1 40

Engraving- — Second Proceedings S 91

Postage and stenographic work — Secretary's office S 27

Balance on hand 71 03

Total $91 11

Chas. Fordyce,

Treasurer.

LIST OF MEMBERS

Corrected to December, 1902. Corrections and additions only.

HONORARY
Morton, Hon. J. Sterling. Deceased.

ACTIVE

CORKECTIONS:

Bates, Rev. J. M., A. M Red Cloud

Benedict, H. M., A. M.. Tnstr., Dept. Zool., Univ. of Cin Cincinnati, O.

Caldwell, Miss Anna 1726 Q St., Lincoln

Cary, Merritt, Asst. Biol. Surv., U. S. Dept. Agric Washington, D. C.

Condra, Geo. E., Ph. D., Instr., Dept. Geol., Univ. of Nebr Lincoln

Froley, J. A. Should read Frawley Stromsburg

Hunter, J. S., Asst. Dept. Ent., Univ. of Cal Berkeley, Cal.

Jacobs, Mrs. A. M. Deceased.

Lobingier, Mrs. C S 514 No. 23d St., Omaha

Mullen, Roy F North Platte

Reid, Miss Mary A. Should be in list of associate members.
Scott, E. H. Should be indicated as a charter member.

Stringer, Miss Caroline, Asst., Dept. Zo(,l.. \'^^\y. of Nebr Lincoln

Swenk, Myron H 1821 0 St., Lincoln

Tout, Wilson. Supt. Schools Dunbar

Trostler, I. S 4246 Farnam St., Omaha

additions: (Year of beginning membership at right.)

Arter, Jason Kirkwood 1902

Barkley, Mrs. W. E., Jr 1306 L St., Lincoln 1902

Bates, Carlos Lincoln 1902

Black, Cyrus A Kearney 1902

Cornell, U. G., Photographer, Univ. of Nebr Lincoln 1902

Cravsrford, B. E., Prof, of Zool., Union Coll College View 1902

Duncanson, H. B., Prof, of Zool., State Normal Peru 1901

Everett, H. H., M. D 27 Burr Blk., Lincoln 1902

Forell, Rev. E. von. Regent, Univ. of Nebr Kearney 1902

La Forge, Leon 1755 South St., Lincoln 1902

Lambertson, O. F., D. D. S Room 22, 1205 O St., Lincoln 1902

O'Mahony, P 1126 0 St., Lincoln 1902

Peters, R. C 1702 Farnam St., Omaha 1902

Russell, Donnell L 1642 So. 22d St., Lincoln 1902

Stephens, E. F Crete 1902

(«)

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING i

Thompson, Kobt State Normal, Peru 1902

Towne, Solon R., M. D 22 Continental Blk., Omaha 1902

Van Sant, Adam C 71G New York Life Bldg., Omaha 1901

ASSOCIATE
corrections:

Bassett,, S. C, State Food Commissioner Lincoln

Bruner, Miss Amy, Prin. High School Wisner

Dakin, Miss Sarah T. Resigned.
additions:

Baird, Herbert 1620 A St., Lincoln 1902

Barbour, Miss Carrie, Asst. Museum, Univ. of Nebr Lincoln 1902

Brown, C. E., D. D. S 1645 Maple St., Lincoln 1902

Bruner, H. F SAvan P. O., Holt Co. 1901

Condra, Mrs. G. E Halter Blk., Lincoln 1902

Cowles, Ovando N. Y. Life Bldg., Omaha 1902

Crum, C. W., County Supt. Schools Madison 1902

Davenport, H. J., Ph. D., Instr., Univ. of Chicago Chicago, HI. 1901

Dunlap, N. C Kearney 1902

Grofe, Miss Helen A 12th and P Sts., Lincoln 1902

Hartwell, F. E., U. S. Weather Service 2913 P St., Lincoln 1901

Knapp, Miss Katherine 402 Michigan St., Pueblo, Colo. 1901

Kofahl, Harry J Austin, Tex. 1902

Lea^itt, Rev. F. W West Point 1902

Mackay, J. H., M. D Norfolk 1902

Miller, Mrs. Olive Thorne Brooklyn, N. Y. 1 902

Mockett, J. H., Sr Burr Blk., Lincoln 1902

Mockridge, Miss D. C Hastings 1902

Rich, Guy C, M. D Sioux City, la. 1902

Treat, Miss Annie Weeping Water 1902

Woodard, John A., County Supt. Schools Aurora 1902

SUMMARY

Honorary members 3

Active members 79

Associate members 57

Total 139

i

CARINATAE RATIJAE

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ODONTORriPiE ODOIMTOUCAE

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TRIONYCH/DflE I , j

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y^rnis

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CHELOIMIDAE
CROCODILlpAE

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ICHTHYOPTdRTGll

FFlTCOSAURl/v
8fast-llKe 3au.fcaix

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--RHYIMCHOCEPHAL/\

Primitive Sa-vi-iaii

aTEGOCEPH/AIA
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Fig. 1 — Showing probable avian ancestry.

PAPERS

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS— THE PROGENITORS OF BIRDS

ERWIN HINCKLEY BABBOUR, LINCOLN

It is difficult to cast into type a subject presented to this society
extemporaneously and at length, and profusely illustrated by the pro-
jecting lantern. Still, it is possible to state the main facts in an
abstract, and to reproduce the more important illustrations by zinc
etchings.

The exact ancestry of birds, though not traced step by step, is
fairly well determined now, and as palaeontological research advances
is sure to be known in detail. It must be remembered that this lineage
may be traced far back by the embryologist, who catches glimpses of
earlier forms through the study of embryos, though the main work
must be done by the palaeontologist, involving long-continued and ex-
haustive research.

The palaeontologist Avould have little to say about the time and the
labor if the material were at hand. That is to say, bird remains are
rare in the rocks. This fact is variously accounted for, but seems to
be attributable largely to the power of flight. This means of rapid
locomotion throug'h the air has enabled birds to pass over barriers
sufficient to check other Jinimals, and to thiis distribute themselves
over the world. They are enabled to travel quickly from one point
to another and it is probable that the bulk of dead birds fall upon
or near to the land. If iipon land they suffer complete decay. The
hardest of their bones would last but a short time thus exposed, for
under the changes wrought by sun, wind, rain, and all the atmospheric
agents the.y would pass away into the air as gas and water, and a
certain amount would return to the soil as an earthy residue. If n-pon
the water, they meet with destructive worms, mollusks, fishes, and
other animals and few escape. Still if dropped in water or in a boggy
place and left in an undistiirbed bed, the chances of preservation are
good, inasmuch as bones under such favoring conditions undergo only
partial decomposition, being- excluded from contact with the free air.
It is apparent then that but few fall in the favored spots. Still, as
one considers the ages which have elapsed since the Jurassic, or even
before, when ornithic flight began, it seems almost incredible that so
few birds are to be found in the fossil state. At flrst impulse one
might feel disposed to trace the avian lineage through the strange
flying dragons known as pterodactyls. However, critical study makes
this line of descent doubtful and tends to establish a close kinship to
the dinosaurs, however unlike them birds may seem to be. To the
layman the word "dinosaur" implies something necessarily huge, but

(9)

Four Jurassic Dinosaurs of the quadruped and biped types representing the
group of reptiles througli which birds probably ascended.

Fig. 2 — Broiitosaurus excelsus from the Jurassic of Wyoming (X tso)-
Fig. 3 — Aiichisaurus colurus from the Triassic of Connecticut (X 2V'*
Fig. 4 — Ceratosaurus nasicovnis ixom the Jurassic of Colorado (X ^V)-
Fig. 5 — IguanodoH bernissarfensh from the Cretaceous of Belgium (X jq)- '^^^^
avian plan of pelvis in Fig. 5 is worthy of notice.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 11

there were those as small as the domestic fowl. Unfortunately, as already
stated, the number of specimens of birds from which laws may be
deduced are few, and while the earliest birds bear the imprint of char-
acters indicative of their approach to the Reptilia it is not decisively
revealed as yet out of which group they were derived. Though differ-
ing widely in outward appearance from dinosaurs there are structural
points of close similarity, and the one graduates so insensibly into the
other that it cannot be settled offhand just when or where the reptile
left oft' and the bird began. That is to say, there are connecting links
or generalized forms which leave one in doubt as to whether certain
specimens are avian reptiles or reptilian birds, as has been attested
many times by scientists at home and abroad.

In attempting to systematize and classify these forms taxonomists
find so many structural characters in common between reptiles and
birds that they have iinited the two vmdcr one primary division called
the Sauropsida (reptile-like) just as fishes and batrachians are classified
under one general name Ichthyopsida (fish-like).

The names Ornithoscelida (bird-legged animals, or Dinosauria), Ornith-
osauria (or pterodactyls), and Ornithes (birds), all derived from the
Greek word for bird, suggest close structural relationship. It can be
asserted confidently that the bird branch of the Reptilia began to diverge
from the true reptiles back in the Jurassic or possibly the Ti-iassic. At
any rate it is definitely certain that as early as the Jurassic birds were
differentiated, for at that time animals existed bedecked in feathers,
which since the days of Linnaeus has been accepted as the distinctive
badge of birds. This differentiation took place before the form of the
vertebrae had changed from the biconcave reptilian type to the saddle-
shaped articulations found in birds; before the caudal vertebrae had
become modified and changed from a functional to a shortened, inflex-
ible, nearly functionless series; and before the pelvis had developed
out of its separate elements into a solid piece. It was before birds
had beaks, for though possessing an avian skull the mouth of the earliest
birds was rather beast-like, an effect heightened by numerous teeth.
This was before birds had evolved into the wholly toothless modern
kind — that is, toothless as adults, but not wholly so as embryos. Cer-
tain embryonic birds furnished evidence of a toothed ancestry long
before the actual facts were known.

SOME RELATIVES OP BIRDS

Of the relatives of birds we have on the one side the highly inter-
esting and well specialized Pterosauria and on the other the ponderous
Dinosauria, the former specialized for flight, the latter for locomotion.
The pterodactyls, grouped together under the general title Pterosauria
or Ornithosauria (bird-lizard) came near being birds, but are barred
on the ground of possessing four digits in the hand, having the ischium
and pubis at right angles instead of parallel, and being without

12

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION

feathers. The wing membrane was very like that of the bat, which
does not signify weak flight, the bat being particularly agile on the wing;
though analogous to a bird's \^ang it is in no sense homologous. These
animals preyed upon lizards, birds, and probably on the small mammals
of the time. The other group of relatives is the Dinosauria or the
Ornithoscelida (bird-legged animals). They are so closely related that
the comparative osteologist fails to distinguish the separate bones of
dinosaurs from those of birds. They were at least intermediate between
reptiles and birds. Contemporaneous with the huge dinosaurs there
existed in this country many diminutive ones, some of them of arboreal

9 10

Six outline restorations of Pterodactyls, close relatives of birds, thought by some
to be the ancestors of birds. Modified, after Seeley.

Fig. 6—RhamphocephaUis. John Phillips, 1§71.
Fig. 7—Rhainphorhynchus. O. C. Marsh, 1882.
Fig. 8—I!li<i„ij,horl>y)ichns. V. Zittel, 1882.
Fig. Q—Ornithof<tom<i. S. W. Williston, 1897.
Fig. 10— DiiiwiphudoH. Buckland, 1836.
Fig. li—Ornithocheints. H. G. Seeley, 1865.

habits and scarcely to be distinguished from birds, the absence of
feathers constituting, as geologists think, the essential difference,
though this is a superficial rather than a fundamental distinction.

While it is not possible or profitable to compare each, part by part,
nevertheless a series of skulls, skeletons, and restorations of the Orni-
thosauria, of the Orinthoscelida, and of birds, are submitted for com-
parison without description. In a like manner numerous examples of
the pelvis of typical individuals are figured for comparison, and atten-
tion is directed to the similarity of the pelvis of the Ratitae, especially
the Emeu and Dinornis, and that of the Saurischia (reptile-like pelvis)

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

13

such as the carnivorous Megalosaxirus and Ceteosaurus, and that of the
Ornithischia (bird-like pelvis) such as Ignanodon. Probably the first
evidence of bird life in Amei-ica dates back to the famous footprints
of the Connecticut Valley, and yet, as is now known, these same tracks
were made mostly, if not wholly, by dinosaurs. Some of them must surely
have been very bird-like; their bones were light and hollow and their
tridactyl tracks were so like those birds that there is justification for
the book published by the commonwealth of Massachusetts entitled
Ornithichnites (stonj^ bird-tracks), a title subsequently changed to
Ornithoidichnites (stony bird-like tracks), greatly to the credit of the
authors, who thereby anticipated knowledge which is now the common
property of every text-book of geology. The first bird-tracks of that

^py^i^lu^Cimxxu^

Fig. 12 — Giant Kingfisher. Fig. 13 — Ancliisaurus. Fig. 14 — Ornithosuchus.

Fig. 15 — Ptcnodracon. Fig. 16— Scaphognathus. Fig. 17 — Pterodactylus.

Fig. 18— Dimorpliodon. Fig. 19— Rhamphorhynchus. Fig. 20 — Ornithostoma.

Skulls of Bird (Fig. 12), Dinosaurs (Figs. 13 and 14), and six genera of Pterodactyls
(Figs. 15 to 20) for comparison as to general structural plan.

region ploughed up by Pliny Moody, just a century ago, led to the
discoverj'^ of thousands of others ranging in size from pigmies to
giants. The commonest were about as large as those of an ostrich.
According to popular conception they w^ere all made by birds. Some
ten thousand such tracks furnished no evidence to the contrary until
one set was found which proved to be unique and instructive, inas-
much as the slab not only showed the tracks of a distinctly biped-
like animal, but also showed the imprints of the five fingers of the
hand which is distinctly un-bird-like. It must have been somewhat
bird-like, perhaps resembling in general a domestic fowl divested of
plumage; but the five functional fingers are irreconcilable with the
idea of a bird whose fingers, as such, are functionless and are fused
into a support for the -^dng feathers.

14

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Fig. 21— Ceratosaurus. Fig. 22— Brontosaurus. Fig. 23— Triceratop

Fig. 24— Stegosaurus. Fig. 25— Camptosaurus. Fig. 26— Iguanodon.

Fig. 27 — Dinornis.

Fig 30— Hesperornis.

Fig. 28— Emeu.

Fig. 31— Fowl.

O

Z^

Fig. 29— Ostrich.

Fig. 32 — Lizard.

Fig. 33-Alligator. Fig. 34— Ornitliostoma. Fig. 35— Cycnorliamphus.

Pelvic bones of Reptiles and Birds sliowing close structural relationship. II, ilium;
Js, ischium; P, pubis; P/J, post pubis. i. „ /w;„

Dinosaurs (Figs. 21 to 26), birds (Figs. 27 to 31), lizard (Fig. 32), alligator (tig.
33), pterosaurs (Figs. 34 to 35).

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 15

ARCHAEOPTERYX

HoAvever, the structure of the form .iust described seems less incon-
gruous to those who are familiar with the ArchaeopterjTC from the
limestone of the Solenhofen quarries of Bavaria, the present accepted
starting point of avian history. The ancestors of this ancestor must be
sought in the Triassic or possibly in the Permian. This ancient reptilian
bird, figured in every geology, did not have a full set of
free digits it is true, but it did have three free digits in \^
the hand or wing, and in other respects is a prettj' fair
sort of connecting link between the reptiles of sandstone
days and the birds of the present. Here one finds rep-
tilian and avian characters blended in a manner so ex-

h

traordinary as to furnish food for contemplation, and we 'v^

may wonder if the "missing links" are really missing.

The Archaeopteryx, according to most palaeontolo-
gists, was distinctly a bird with the ear marks of its
kind, but ^vith many peculiarities inherited from its rep- ^l^

tilian grandparents. According- to others, it is a quadru- ^^ «

ped, not a bird; but its plumage is the most unerring ^ ^^>
evidence of its avian relationship. Yet divested of this
its body would have resembled a lizard or a small biped ^^ Kf>
dinosaurian reptile. There were quill feathers on the W^ ^{f
wings, legs and tail, and possibly a total absence of f' P,

feathers on the body. Still, in this connection, it is not € fe^

amiss to note a strikingly suggestive resemblance to the g^

^ h

pterodactyl called Rhamphorhynchus. Each had long . "

forearms and hands and three free claws. The feathers ^^

are like those of birds but are unique in that there are

quill feathers on the legs and a pair of rudder feathers

corresponding to each caudal vertebra. This avian

lizard had advanced to the point where it had adopted

feathers for scales and had an elongated lizard-like tail.

Because of this last-named peculiarity Archaeopteryx has

been classified v^ath the Saururae (lizard-tailed forms). The

head, though bird-like, was lizard-like in outward aspect

at least, for there was no horny beak and the jaws were

set with conical (^

teeth. Its feet ,;f>^^ ^■- s^

were tridactyl as ^' '"'-^^-.^ ^ — - -■

were many of the ^^ ^.^ (^

dinosaurs. Its

Fig. 36 — "Bird" tracks in the Connecticut river sandstone (Triassic). Not until several
thousand of its tracks had been found was it discovered that the "bird" had
fingers and was a biped dinosaur. Observe the marks of the fingers left while
fumbling for something in the mud. Observe also the heels such as birds do not
have and the impression of the ischial bones in the portion, a to h, which is drawn
from a slab in the museum of Yale University.

9

^

16

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

strong shoulder-girdle and broad ossified sternum, with keel for the at-
tachment of the great flying muscles, are the properties of birds of flight,
and so are they of rei^tiles of flight. The hollowness of its bones Is
paralleled by that of the more active rejDtiles. The vertebrae were
biconcave or flat at the ends, as in many reptiles, and not heterocoelous
or saddle-shaped, as in the case of birds, and those of the tail, number-
ing twenty in all, were lizard-like, not having been atrophied, as in
modern birds. The pelvic bones are unconsolidated, which is a char-
acter of reptiles and of embryonic birds. The conviction must force
Itself upon every honest mind that we have here a mixture of characters.

Fig. 37 — Archaeopferyx macrnya {UtluHjraphica). H. von Meyer, after Owen. From the
lithograpliic limestone of Solenhofen, Bavaria (upper Jurassic), preserved in the
British Museum — \ natural size. Showing skeleton with impression of wing and tail
feathers.

TlllIlD ANNUAL MEETING

17

^vhicll is only another ^\ay of saying it is a connecting link in the
evolution of its kind. This mixture of characters is the more api^arent
when one groups and contrasts those characters which are reptilian
and those which are avian. The following are reptilian inheritances:
upper jaw and mandible set with teeth in sockets (thecodont or socket-
tooth dentition); the centra of the vertebrae with flat articulations;
numerous caudals, each with a pair of rudder-feathers; ribs slender
and probably lacking uncinate processes; cervical ribs moveably artic-
ulated throughout life; abdoininal ribs like those of crocodiles; digit
III with four phalanges and with a claw which is strongly reptilian.

Fig. 38 — Archaeoptery.r mucrum (lithiiiirdphica). H. von Meyer. Skeleton from the
Solenhofen slates of Bavaria (upper .Jurassic). Showing the impression of feathers
on wing, tail, and tibia — = natural size, cl, clavicle; co, coracoid; c, carpus; h, hu-
merus; r, radius; u, uhia. Comp.ire Figs. 37, and 39 to 44.

18

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Fig. 39 — The liiza.Td-hird, Archaeopteryx macriira. Fig. 40 — Tlie Lizard-bird, Archae-
Eestored by Owen. optery.r. macriira, restored by

Shufeldt. Pronounced reptil-
ian appearance.

Fig. 41 — Arcliaeopteryx macriira, restored by Pycraft, ^ natural size. The tail
appears pointed because foreshortened in the drawing.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

19

Fig. 42 — A recoustniction of Arclidenpteryx from Fig.43 — 'Rastora.tion oi Archaeopteryx
Koken, " Die Vorwelt." from "Darwiu and after Darwin."

Fig. 44 — Restoration of Archaeopteri/x macrura
by Andrcae, giving due proportion to rep-
tilian and avian cliaracters, showing feathers
on wings, tail, and leg. Possibly the body
was destitute of feathers.

20

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

"J'he avian characters are as follows: wrist bird-like; foot avian
throughout and adapted to biped locomotion; pelvis considered avian;
bones hollow and pneumatic; feathered at least in part, as already
described, a character which is decidedly avian; tarso-metatarsus cov-
ered with scales like modern birds. At the best it was a much more
primitive affair than its later descendents. Its adaptations were for
arboreal life, but as some think not for long- sustained flight; never-
theless it enabled Jurassic times to boast of full-fledged birds. Doubt-
less at a still earlier period there were generalized progenitors clad
also with feathers, or perhaps feather-like scales, yet neither distinctly
reptiles nor distinctly birds.

Research will doubtless reveal these ancestors; meanwhile Archae-
opteryx macrura (the primordial winged creature with the long tail).

Fig. 45 — Skull of the Lizard-bird, ^irchdcopteri/.r mdcrum, showing likeness to that
of a typical bird but lacking a horny beak and with jaws set with conical teeth.
Eemnants of sclerotic plates are seen in the eye orbit. In life the appearance
of the head was probably lizard-like rather than bird-like.

found in the upper Jurassic, stands as the oldest known bird. Its
advent marks the greatest advance of Jurassic time. The first speci-
men found in the lithographic quarries of Solenhofen, dating back
to 1861, was represented by a single feather, or rather its imprint, to
which the name Archaeopteryx IWiographica was applied, and it is a ques-
tion if this should not be the specific designation instead of A. macrura,
which name is still applied by some palaeontologists. Within a few
months remains of the bird itself were found, and are now preserved
in the British Museum. This is the specimen ordinarily known as
Archaeopteryx macrura.

In 1877 another and still better one was found, which is now pre-
served in the Royal Museum of Natural History in Berlin. Though
scarcely as large as a crow Archaeopteryx enjoys the distinction of
great scientific weig'ht. It might have been discovered at the outset
that this ancient bird had teeth, but not suspecting anything of the
sort it occurred to no one to look for them, and those who scrutinized

THIRD AXXUAL MEETING

21

the detached jaw mistook it for that of a fish. So it came about that
the discovery of birds witli teeth fell to Yale University in 1873, when
teeth were discovered by Marsh in Hcspcrornis regalls, from the chalk
in the upper Cretaceous of Kansas.

IIESPEUORXIS

This was a genuine and brilliant discovery, and those interested may
find a full account of it in Professor Marsh's monograph entitled
Odontornithes. It is the irony of fate itself that this iieculiarly impor-
tant discovery was made about the time Owen and others were being
criticised by the English clergy and press for the statement that enabry-
ology showed germ teeth in certain living birds and that modern birds
had descended through a long line of toothed reptilian ancestors, and
the. discovery effectually closed the debate on the subject.

The writer hopes that it may be germane to the subject to mention
parenthetically that as a student, and subsequently as an assistant, he
repeatedly saw parties of men aiul women, far more religiously zealous

46 47

m

Fig. 46 — Caudal vertebrae of a Lizard.

Fig. 47 — Caudal vertebrae of the Lizard-bird, Archae-
opteri/.i\ without trace of pygostyle in the twenty
vertebrae, eacli of which bore a pair of quill
fea tilers.

Fig. 48 — Caudal vertebrae of the Giant Diver of the
cretaceous, Ilexperornis reqalis, consisting of twelve
vertebrae, the seven terminal ones being broad-
ened and modified into a sort of pygostyle.

Fig. 49 — Caudal vertebrae of the toothed-bird, Ich-
thjiornis victor, showing five vertebrae terminating
in a small though perfectly developed pygostyle.

Fig. 50 — Caudal vertebrae of a modern bird with
perfectly developed pygostyle. Compare the ar-
rangement of feathers with that of the Lizard-
bird.

T.^ILS OF LIZARD, LIZ.\RD-BIUD, .VXD TRUE BIRDS FOR COMPARISON'

22

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

than wise, urging- Professor Marsh to consider the advisability of con-
cealing this specimen because it savored too much of evolution. They
admitted its genuineness, seeing it was before their eyes in the cabinet,
but denied that the facts should be made known by allowing it to
stand so publicly on exhibition in the cases, and proposed as a remedy
that an opaque curtain be so arranged as to be drawn over the speci-
men to conceal it. The case containing the polydactyl horses, as well
as that containing Hesperornis and Ichthyornis, seemed to trouble them
especially. Here were men and women afraid of the truth, and we see
a repetition of that marvelously execrable fact that secular truths are
not sacred while religious truths are.

Fisr. 55 — Young fowl

ANCIENT AND MODERN WINGS

Fig. 51 — A young Hoatzin, a bird of South America, using its iingers and toes in
climbing as ancestral birds probably did. Later the thumb and finger become
shortened. See Figs. 53 and 54.

Fig. 52 — A restoration of the hand-wing of Afchaeopteri/x, the Lizard-bird, showing
three free digits and two fused digits for support of wing.

Fig. 53 — Ventral view of the right wing of a young Hoatzin, OpisfJtocoinKfi cri>^fiitHS,
showing relatively long free thumb and index finger used in climbing. To facil-
itate this end the three outer digital primaries remain undeveloped for some time.
Observe that the hand is longer than the forearm in the young, and that thumb
and index fingers have claws.

Fig. 54 — Ventral view of the right wing of an adult Hoatzin for comparison with the
manus of the young Hoatzin. The hand, or wing, is now shorter than the fore-
arm ; the thumb is considerably reduced ; and the claw of the thumb persists as a
small callus, while that of the index finger is suppressed.

Fig. 55^ Ventral view of right wing of a young fowl {GaUiis bcinkiva) an ally of
Hoatzin. Having exchanged arboreal for terrestrial habits the hand or wing is
shortened; the thumb alone retains a claw; the index finger does not project be-
yond the wing membrane; and the development of the three distal digital quills is
arrested.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

23

Fig. 56-Wing bouesof a young Ostrich, with three free clawed digits shoxMng the
component parts of a bird's manus. and illustrating the similanty bet ^^en the
mamis of Archaeopferyx, as seen on the Berlin slab, Avith that of existiug birds.

Fig. 57-Wing bones of Archaeopten/x with three free digits as ordinarily sho-^n

Fig. 58- Wing bones of Arclweopteryx showing three free digits and two fused digits

for the support of the quills. The identity of the fused metacarpals R and ^

being apparently established, leaves this as mucli niore likely than Fig. o7, the

more so since digit III was too weak for the support of the wing feathers

I, thumb; II to V, fingers; .V, metacarpal, or hand bones; R, radiu.^,, >, radiale,

U, ulna; «, ulnars.

Eadius

Ulna

)f, ulnare ....
i, intermedium

c, centrale . .

r, radiale ' if'rV—

Carpales 1, 2, 3. 4, 5 ...... - ^/p>-*-*^

Metacarpalesl, 2, 3. 4, 5.. //

I ...Forearm

j... Carpus or wrist

j... Metacarpals or hand
bones

..Digits I. II, III. IV, V,
or fingers

Fie 59— A generalized hand, such as may be found in tortoises and salamanders: for
comparison with the more specialized hands shown in succeeding figures, this
bein-' the structural plan of all, however divergent in appearance.

24

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION
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Fig. 67— Archaeopteryx

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TIIIKD ANNUAL MEETING -•)

The chalks of Kansas have j'ielded several of this species, the best
specimens being- at Yale, and in Professor Williston's collection at the
I niversitj^ of Kansas. It is scarcely necessary to describe to orni-
thologists a fossil bird so Avell known as the Hesperornis. This giant
diver stood five to six feet high, wingless, but emiJowered by adapta-
tion and by special modification for feats in diving and swimming.
Lucas calls attention to the fact that its feet acted sideways instead
of forward and back under the body after the manner of swimming-
Tsirds.

Its jaws were set with numerous small, conical teeth, which were but
mosasaur teeth in miniature, arranged in continuous grooves. In
the upper jaw the teeth were confined to the maxillae, the pre-maxillae
being edentulous. Both mandible and jaw were covered with a horny
beak, unlike its Jurassic predecessor, the Archaeopteryx. In general
appearance it resembled the loon or great northern diver save it was
destitute of wings. It was a magnificent diver and swimmer and the
largest of its kind. Long use had developed its feet while continued
disuse had reduced its wings to rtidiments consisting of one vestigial
bone. Though plainly descended from birds originally empowered with
flight, the dwarfed humerus is all that is left in proof. Yet, on the
■distal extremity, are facets for articulation with the radius and ulna,
■which evidence their former existence and the existence of the whole
wing organ, it being presumed that the flightless birds are derived from
those with wings. The bones of Hesperornis are remarkably hollow,
unlike some swimming-birds whose bones incline to be solid, for the
reason that nearly half of their weight is sustained by water. Its body
was covered with feathers like those of Apteryx, as shown by Professor
"Williston, who has found specimens exhibiting the impression of skin
and feathers.

The caudal vertebrae shoAv that the tail of Hesperornis differed from
that of modern birds. It was not so long and reptile-like as that of
Archaeopteryx but more so than that of modern birds. So in the inter-
esting drawing by Gleason, made under the direction of Lucas, in his
book entitled Animals of the Past, there is shown a sort of intermediate
stage between Archaeopteryx and modern forms, as will appear in the
accompanying cut.

Here again we have a blending of the reptilian and avian characters
with a prex^onderance of the latter. In habit it was carnivorous as
evidenced by its teeth, and flsh doubtless constituted its diet. The
other known Cretaceous birds differ little from modern ones. Between
Cretaceous and Eocene times they had lost their teeth and certain other
ancestral peculiarities to such an extent that the birds of Tertiary
iime are like those of the present day. The ornithologist must now
reckon with a toothed as well as a toothless division in both orders,
TJatitae and Carinatae. In the Ratitae, to which Hesperornis belongs,
we find all the remaining rejiresentatives of the order toothless, and

26

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

we are introduced to a set of birds which might constitute a taxonomie
division known popularly as "giants," among which are the giant birds
of Madagascar and the giant bird of New Zealand. There is something
very impressive in the mere matter of size. These feathered giants
have been so recently exterminated that they are handed down in tra-
dition and fall within historic times, and may be considered sub-fossiL

75

Fig. 74 — Tooth of Hesperor-

)ris re(i(ilis (Xf)-
Fig. 75 — Same, with vertical

successor at base.

7&

Fig. 76— Tooth of Cretaceous
Mosasaur with vertical
successoSi"^ base. About
one-fourth natural size for
comparison with Fig. 75.

Fig. 73 — Skeleton of Hesperornis reqalis. Restored by
Marsh (Xx^a).'

77 78

Fig. 77 — Twentieth dorsal
vertebra. Side view (Xj).
Fig. 78 — Same from in front,

showing saddle-shaped

articular faces.

Fig. 79 — Side view of left lower jaw of Hesperornis regalis. Length 10 inches.

Fig. 80 — Same, top view. Showing groove for teeth.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

27

AEPYORNIS

In the Pleistocene of Madagascar occur the bones of a giant bird,
Aepyornis, of the family Aepj^ornithidae, which lives in tradition. These
were great ostrich-like birds almost or quite as large as their distin-
guished relatives, the great moas of New Zealand. Three or four species

Fig. 81 — Giant toothed diver, Hcsperornis
reijiilis, from the Cretaceous of Kansas.
Restored by Hutchinson. Height 5 to
6 feet.

Fig. 82 — Hesperornis regalis, restored by
Shufeldt.

Fig. 83 — Restoration of Hesperornis by Lucas. Observe
position of feet which are supposed to have worked
sideways instead of forward and back under the body
in the usual way.

•of the genus are known, headed, in point of size, by Aepyornis maximus,
which stood rdne to ten feet high and equaled the weight of the moa
bird Dinornis, which stood eleven to twelve feet high. The egg of this
bird is the largest known, being thirteen inches long and nine to ten
inches in A\'idth with a capacitj^ of over eight quai'ts, and is the especial
admiration of zoologists. (See Fig. 84.) For the sake of comparison
it has been estimated that the cubic content is equivalent to that of
six ostrich's eggs, or one hundred and fifty hen's eggs, or thirty thou-

28 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

sand humming-bird's eggs. Frag-ments of these eg-gs and occasional
whole ones are foimd in swampy places, or floating- on the water after
storms, or in the graves of natives. Aepyornis is charactei-ized bjr a short
beak, the presence of a g-reat toe and a small wing, and by other less
obvioiis strnctural differences.

APTERYGES

Of the Apteryges several are reported, the largest, which is very like
the living Apteryx, being Megalapteryx. These M^ere confined to New
Zealand, occurring in Pleistocene and in recent deposits; like the living
kiwis or Apteryx, their bills were long and slender, adapting them for
use in probing marshy ground for food. Apteryx is an exemplification
of the statement that some fossils are living, for, though approaching-
extermination, it still lingers.

MOA BIRDS.

^^ — ■■-■■■■-■^■-r-y*''^ ■ £■ \ In the Immanes (Dinornithes)

^..••■■''- ■ %_ -J is realized the largest of all birds,

,^v ^^^1^0^ and Dinornis — the terrible bird — is

I&; , ; ^. ■ •'" ;""•-... a fitting appellation. The use of

J&i^.^. , ,J( \ the Greek adjective (linos is frequent

^^Jii^ii^fiS^ %Lt i^ ^" geologic time, for each age has

'wjLSJKP-"^ ^i^SijjiJl^iP'^ boasted of some huge creature to

"^"""^ which dinos, or terrible, was applied,

„.„,_, n ■ ^ , . T , , . such as Dinichthys, the terrible fish.

Fig. 84 — Eggs of giant birds (Aepyornis at ^
left, Moa at right) compared with a 12 Diiiosaur, the terrible saurian, /Cl-
inch rule, and with the egg of ostrich ^lornis, the terrible bird, and Dino-
and hen (smallest) above. . , ., , , ^,

thcmim, the terrible beast. The

extermination of Dinornis is also within historic times; so recent in
fact that nearly complete mummified specimens occur in which the
skeleton is covered with dried skin with the feathers attached, and the-
eggs are said to still retain the original pale green color. The eggs
are found in swamps, and are so large that it has been said that a hat
would make an egg cup for them. Egg shells are also abundant in the
refuse heaps of the natives. They do not date back of the Pleistocene
although there is a hint of their occurrence in the Pliocene. Of the
Dinornithidae, or moas, there is a long and confused list, Dinornis being
the typical and best known as well as the largest form. It is char-
acterized in outward appearance by a small beak, rudimentary wings,
and the absence of the great toe. The fifteen or twenty species of
described moas are confined to New Zealand, and include those vary-
ing from the size of a turkey up to the largest of all, Dinornis maximus,.
which stood ten to twelve feet high, and in size dwarfed the largest
ostrich. In its geological history New Zealand, which is now divided
by Cooks Strait into North and South Island, was originally one, but,
perhaps by changes in level, the two have been separated and sufficient
time has elapsed to account for a wide divergence of species. These

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

29

giants were wingless, so their means of defense, like that of the ostrich,
consisted in speed and in the defensive blows dealt in kicking. Their
leg bonfs were so powerful that they exceeded those of the horse and
ox in size and it may be that such development was not only defensive
but also enabled them to dig roots for food. Their bones occur literally
in heaps in swampy places. A bird's safety is in flight, but these wing-
less or flightless birds found their safety in the absence of natural
enemies; man being their arch-enemy. New Zealand and Madagascar

\

Fig. 85 — Dinornis nuixhnus (ffiganteus). Skeleton and restoration, compared
with the skeleton of man.

are quite remote from the main land and the intervening water was
a barrier to the carnivorous beasts of the continent and for a time
to the tribes. So with ample food supply, a favorable climate, and
absence of enemies, there was no check to their increase, and it is said
no limit to the size to which they might attain.

MEGISTANES

The emeus and cassowaries have fossil representatives, the emeus at
least occurring in the Pleistocene of Australia. Of the Ehaeornithes
It is sufficient to mention the occurrence of their fossil remains in

30

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

the Pleistocene cave deposits of Brazil. Of the Struthiones, or os-
triches, remains occur in the lower Pliocene of the Siwalik Hills of
India and in the lower Pliocene of the island of Samos in the Turkish
archipelago.

STEREOBNITHES — PHOEORH ACOS

The next group, Stereornithes, is of such doubtful relationship that
one feels disposed to admit it to the Ratitae chiefly on the ground
of size. But its structure seemingly militates against this assign-

Fig. 86 — Dinornis {Palapteryx) elephantopus Owen.
With powerful legs and feet. Pleistocene of New
Zealand.

Fig. 87 — Leg of the giant Moa
bird, Dinornis maximus {gi-
(lanteus), compared with
ithat of the full-sized horse.

ment, for it is settled that some of its members give positive evidence
of having keeled sterna while others furnish negative evidence. Though
recognizing that the group is carinate rather than ratite the best
taxonomists place them provisionally with the Eatitae, though acknowl-
edging their probable relationship to the cranes. Until further dis-
coveries make final decision possible it is convenient to follow author-
ity; at any rate this arrangement, which has much to warrant it, admits
of grouping all the giant birds together. In this connection must be
mentioned Phororhacos, which is destined to become a landmark in the

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 31

XJalaeontological history of birds. It is variously classed, with the cranes
bj^ some, with the herons by others, and in a class of its own by still
others. Though of such a doubtful position the Phororhacos, a giant
from the Miocene of Patagonia, much as it resembles an aberrant
eagle in certain outward resjDects, is not such. The monstrous head,
larger than that of a horse, and its curved eagle-like beak suggest
a cruel carnivorous nature whether it fed on fish or flesh. But it has
been proposed in extenuation that the ferocious beak was designed for
digging roots, being aided by its powerful feet, or that its owner was
a carrion-eater. At the best it was a formidable bird standing seven
to eight feet high. No one can view^ its skull, casts of which are to
be seen in museums, without astonishment. Large though its leg
bones are they are wholly disproportionate to a skull of such unus-
ual size. These Patagonian giants were made known to science by
Ameghino in the year 1895, and have been subsequently described
by Andrews in the Ibis for January, 1896, pp. 1-12, and Lucas describes
and figures them in the Animals of the Past.

GASTOBNIS

Of the Gastornithes, the best known is Gastornis, a bird as large as
the ostrich, found in the lower Eocene of Europe, and compared with
the geese. The sktill was fifteen inches long with the margin of the
jaws serrated somewhat as in Odontopteryx (Fig. 91).

TOOTirED CABINATAE

Leaving the flightless birds for that division empowered with flight
we find the Carinatae, like the Eatitae, divided into a toothed and
toothless representative of the order.

The Carinatae, now the mogt numerous group of birds, are charac-
terized by many osteological peculiarities. For the average ornithol-
ogist it is sufficient to say that their fundamental characteristics are
the broad sternum with its strong keel, and their power of flight. The
amateur ornithologist must be reminded that this gift of flight is not
universal among the Carinatae, for Avhile the majority have wings
adapted for flight, others from their mode of life have wings more or
less atrophied, while in still others, such as the penguins, they are modi-
fied into iiaddles for swimming. The oldest known carinate bird is
Laopteryx, from the upper Jurassic of this country; but since palaeon-
tologists themselves confess their doubts as to this being a true bird
and think it a bird-like reptile instead, and inasmuch as several other
described birds prove to be ornithosaurs (pterodactyls), Ichthyornis
and Apatornis, the toothed birds from the chalk beds of the Kansas
Cretaceous enjoy the distinction of seniority among the carinates.

ICHTHYOBNis was Small, perhaps the size of an ordinary gull, but
was nevertheless rendered conspicuous by an array of conical teeth,
of Avhich there are twenty in the maxillae, as many in the mandible.

12 (it'.fs

Fig. 88 — Skull and mandible of Plwrorhncos loufiissinius. Found
in the Miocene of Patagonia. Length of skull 23 inches. Com-
pare with a horse's skull, represented by the line which is
about 22 inches ( X s)-

Fig. 89 — Skull aud mandible of Phororhncos inflatus Ameghino,
from the Santa Cruz beds (Miocene) of Patagonia. Length
of skull 13^ inches.

Fig. 90 — Eestoration of the giant
Patagonian bird Phororhacos
which stood 7 to 8 feet high.
Miocene.

Fig. 91— Skeleton of

Gastornis edwardsii.
(After Meunier),

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 33

and none in the pre-niaxillae. It is interesting to note that these
teeth, which, like those of Hesperornis, may be likened to mosasaur teeth
in miniatnre. have vertical successors, and the old teeth are g-i-adually
absorbed and displaced by the new. The teeth are set in distinct sockets,
and in allusion to this the Greek name Odonlormae has been applied to
this sub-order. In most birds thci dentaries of the two rami of the
mandible are united at the symphysis, but in Ichthyornis as well as in
Archaeopteryx and Hesperornis, the three birds which show the widest
divergence known to any age of birds, the rami are loosely connected,
which is a reptilian character. Tliey are supposed to have lacked
horny beaks. The vertebrae are amphicoelous or biconcave, an extra-
ordinarily primitive character, and the caudals, which terminate in
a pygostyle, should be compared with the earlier toothed birds. In
Archaeopteryx the lizard-like tail, consiting of twenty caudals, was
without a pygostjde (Fig. 47). In Hesperornis the caudals number
twelve, six of which are united by their centra into an imperfect
pygostyle (Fig. 48). In Ichthyornis there are five free caudals, and a
small, though perfect, pygostyle. In modern birds the caudals are
even more compressed and the pygostyle still more expanded. The
size of the brain in both Hesperornis and Ichthyornis is inferior to the
nearest allies of their respective sizes. All the other carinates are
toothless, although a few still retain ancestral traits to the extent
oi' exhibiting germ teeth while young. This is not anomalous for there
are many animals which, having descended from toothed ancestors,
exhibit the same peculiarities, and the teeth which they possess in the
embryonic condition are absorbed in the adult.

TOOTHLESS CARINATAE

Though the number of toothless carinates described by the jialaeon-
tologist is seemingly large, the records are unfortunately meagre, other-
wise the exact relation and classification of certain groups would be
less doubtful. In this toothless division the very first bird to engage
our attention is a "toothed bird" belonging to the Steganopodes. But
we must distinguish between true teeth and teeth-like serrations.

Among the Steganopodes there is nothing particularly large or
unique until we come to Odoxtoptekyx, which by some writers is put in
a separate sub-order, Odontopteryges. Odontopterjx, of the Eocene in
England, thought by some palaeontologists to be related to the ducks
and geese, is so unique in the bony denticulation of its jaws as to
constitute another landmark in avian palaeontology. Though appa-
rently a toothed bird it is not such in fact, for the teeth are but
sharp bony serrations of the jaw itself. As the figure will show there
are two sizes of denticles or serrations, the more prominent alter-
nating with the less prominent. This denticulation. a peculiarity of
this group and unknown since Eocene time, is indicative of fish-eating
habits. Some naturalists place Ichthyornis, Apatornis and Odontopteryx

34

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

under a special order, the Ichthj^ornithoformes, which seems an inter-
esting thoug-h faulty arrangement (Fig. 97).

Albatrosses, cormorants, pelicans, etc., are represented from the
Eocene wp. Fossil flamingos are reported from a number of localities,
occurring as early as the Eocene times but mostly from the Miocene to
recent times. The waders known as herons, storks, ibises, spoonbills,
etc., are well represented by fossil remains found chiefly above the
lower ]\Iiocene. A giant adjutant-stork is known from Pliocene dejiosits,

^^tef^

93 94

Fig. 93 — Cervical vertebra of

Ich ih !/ti)-n is dispa r.
Fig. 94 — Same, front view

showing biconcave centrum.

Fig. 92 — Iclifh!/or)ii.'< firfor Marsli, a toothed
bird from the Cretaceous of Kansas (X^)

Fig. 95 — Ichthyornis dispn: Left lower jaw, side view. Natural size 2S inches.

^^>V^'.- .^^ ^-'a--^|>4*p>yp.

Fig. 96 — Same, showing sockets for teetli.

THIUD ANNUAL MEETING

35

\vhere occur also the bones of several other giant storks. Not that
the giants are fundamentally more important because of their size,
but because they arrest attention first. But when size and structural
peculiarities combine the palaeontologist is ecstatic. Of the ducks, geese,
s\vans, and mergansers, there is a long list of fossil forms, occurring
mostly since the upper Miocene, and so closely resembling existing

Fig. 97 — Skull of Odontopteryx toliapicus Owt^n (restored);
from the liondon clay (Eocene). The alveolar margins
of the jaws show denticulation which must not be con-
founded with true dentition.

types as to be identified mainly with them. Plovers, gulls, and auks
are represented among fossils.

The Great Auk (Alca impemiis) has been so recently exterminated —
the last two having been taken in Iceland in the year 1844, — that its
bones, though common in certain superficial deposits of Iceland, Green-
land, Labrador, Maine, and Massachusetts, are scarcelj- fossil, as the
word is ordinarily understood.

The next landmark is found among the Columbae, or pigeons. The

Fig. 98 — Pelecnnus intermedius. Fraas, Haunenberg (Miocene). Beak and skull, aud
base of occiput at right.

Dodo (Didus ineptus), of the island of Mauritius, and the Solitaire
{Pczohaps solitarins), of Rodriguez Island, in the Indian Ocean, are
familiar to every one, being figured so frequently in geologies and
natural histories. The accompanying illustrations give good ideas of
the Dodo, which used to be exhibited in England and the continent.
No living dodo has been known since 1681. Though clumsy and heavy,
weighing about fiftj^ pounds, and flightless, as the rudimentary wings
show, and though unlike pigeons in oiitward appearance, it is neverthe-
less counted a ground-pigeon. The taller, though closely allied, Soli-
taire, also a ground-pigeon, whose last appearance is recorded in 1693,
W'as also disqualified for flight, having rudimentarj- wings. The two

36

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Fig. 99 — Anas hianchrirdi M. Edw. (Miocene).
St. Geraud-le-puy. Restored by Milne
Edwards. About J natural size.

Fig. 100 — Alca impennh, the Great
Auk. Recently exterminated.
Bones now found in the super-
ficial deposits of Europe and
America.

U,*^^^^'"'

a

^^

Fig. 101— Skeleton of the great ground Fig. 102— Dodo. Pen sketch from an early
pigeon, Didus ineptus, of Mauritius is- Dutch painting,

land. Exterminated about 1861.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

37

e?;tinct ground-pigeons, Solitaire and Dodo, are known by nearly com-
plete skeletons.

This is probably the last of that group of birds which belong to the
class called "startling," the others belonging to the class "ordinary,"
attracting- less attention and, as a matter of fact, furnishing fewer
important lessons, thus justifying the palaeontologist's pride in the
extraordinary forms.

For the sake of brevity we may bunch together a somewhat hetero-
geneous assemblage of terns, curlews, snipes, woodcocks, coots, etc..

103

104

10.5

106

107

Crania and brains of ancient birds and reptiles for comparison with recent forms, all
reduced to the same size.

Fig. 10.3 — Loon {Coli/mbus) for comparison with Fig. 104.

Fig. 104 — Hexperovnis re<jaUs.

Fig. 105 — Ichthyornis.

Fig. 106 — Tern for comparison with Fig. 10.5.

Fig. 107— Pterodactyl.

Fig. 108— Brain of Lizard.

Fig. 109 — Brain of Duckbill {Pldti/pus), a mammal of low order.

Fig. 110— Brain of owl.

C, cerebrum; Cb, cerebellum; M, medulla; 01 f, olfactory lobes; Op, optic lobes.

Attention is directed to the evidences of cerebral evolution shown in the expanding
cerebrum and cerebelhim and the subordination of the olfactory lobes and optic lobes as
seen in the modern forms.

and report them as represented by fossil remains in Tertiary beds.
Hawks, parrots, owls, woodpeckers, etc., are all represented. The
Passeriformes — crows, larks, sparrows, warblers, etc., — are represented
by such enormous numbers of living members, some eleven thousand
in all, as to make the list of known fossil forms seem especially mea-
gre. As an apology for this lack of knowledge it should in all justice
bo explained that the bones of such small birds are often obscure
guides to exact taxonomic arrangement. And it is all the worse when
the bones are fragmental, as is apt to be the case ^vith such delicate

38 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

fossil remains. About all the palaeontologist can do in such cases is
to arrang-e birds by families. However, the occurrence of fossil forms
of certain groups, such as larks, crows, finches, etc., is well determined.
Contemplation of the embryonic condition of birds gives retrospective
glimpses and hints at the ancestry of groups of birds, but it is by
palaeontological methods that those fundamental structural characters
are revealed which lead to the establishment of laws and exact rela-
tionships, and it is along this line that the ancestry of birds must be
sought.

CLASSIFICATION

No ornithologist can fail to be interested, as well as instructed, by
a perusal of the various arrangements of birds proposed by different
authors, from Linnaeus to Stejneger, Fxirbringer, and Gadow, which
may be found in Bronn's Klassen und Ordnungen des Thier-reichs
(Band. VI., Abth. 4., Voegel. Leipsig: 1893. Pp. 1 to 303). It is well
understood that no classification yet proposed is satisfactory — all are
necessary and helpful rather than exact.

Palaeontologists are disposed to emphasize the toothed and the tooth-
less condition, as will be seen by the following classification; while this
may not be a true basis of classification it is at least very suggestive,
and for that reason is here adopted.

CLASS AVES (BIEDS)

Sub-class Archaeornithes (Ancient Birds)

DivisioH 1 — Saunirae ( Lizard-tailed )
Toothed
Order 1— Archaeopteryges : Archaeoptery.v (p. 15).

Sub-class Neornithes (Recent Birds)

Division 2 — Ratitae (without a keel)
Toothed series
Orders — Odoutolcae : Hesperornis (p. 21).

Toothless series
Orders — Aepyornithes : Aepyornis (p. 27).
Order 4 — Apteryges: Aptery.v, Kiwi (p. 28).
Order 5 — Dinornithes : Moas (p. 28).

Order 6— Megistanes : Casuarius, Cassowary; Dromaem, Emeu (p. 29).
Order 7 — Rheornithes : Rhea, American Ostrich.
Orders — Struthioruithes : Struthio, Ostrich.

Order 9— Stereornithes : Phororhacos (p. 30), Brontoniis, Stereornis.
Diatryma, Dasornis.
Gastornis (p. 31).

(Of very doubtful position. Probably degenerate carinates,
belonging near Gruiformes. )
[Division Odontolcae placed here by most taxouomists.]

Division 8 — Carinafne (with a keel)
Toothed series
Order 10 — Odontormae : Ichthyornis (p. 31).
Apatoruis.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 39

Toothless series
Order 11 — Colynibiformes : Colymhi — Divers.
Order 12 — Sphenisciformes : Sphenisci — PeiiKiii'is-
Order 13 — Procellariiformes : Procellarlae.
Order 14 — Cicouiiformes : Stegauopodes — Snla, Gauiiet.

Phttethon, Frigate bird.
Phalacrovorux, Cormorant.
()duatupteri/.i: (p. 33).
Ardeae — AnJen.

Ciconiae — Leptoptilus, Adjutant.
('icon id, White Stork.
Phoenicopteri — Flamingoes, etc.
Order 15 — Anseriformes : Palamedeae — Screamers.

Anseres — Mergansers ; Ducks ; Geese ; Swans ; Spur-winged
Goose ; Odonfopteryx (according to some).
Oi'der 16 — Falconiformes : Catliartae — American Vultures.

Accipitres — Falcons, Vultures, Harpwjus, Gypogeranus, Secre-
tary-bird.
Order 17 — Tinamiformes : Tinami — Tinamus.
Order 18 — Galliformes : Galli — Fowls ; Peacock.

Opisthocomi — Hoatzin (p. 22).
Order 19^Gruiformes : Cranes. ( Phororhacos possibly. )

[Stereorinthes {Phororhacos, Gastornis, etc.) placed here by some; their probable
position.]
Order 20 — Charadriiformes : Limicolae — Plovers, etc.
Lari — Gulls.

Alcae — Great Auk (p. 35).
Pterocles — Sand grouse.
Columbae — Pigeons.

Ground-pigeons; Dodo (p. 35).

Solitaire (p. 35).
Order 21 — Culiciformes : Cuculi — Cuckoos.

Psittaci — Parrots, etc.
Order 22 — Coraciiformes : Coraciae— Roller, Hornbill, Hoopoe.
Striges — Owls.
Caprimulgi — Goatsuckers.
Cypseli — Swifts, Humming-birds.
Colii — Colies.
Trogones — Trogons.
Pici — Tucans, Woodpeckers.
Order 23 — Passeriformes — Crows. Larks, Sparrows, Warblers, etc. 11,000 known species

Those who are interested in tlie geological historj^ of birds will find a
great deal to please and instruct them in the Animals of the Past by
Lucas, in the Extinct Monsters by Hutchinson, and in the Dragons of
the Air by Seeley. Readers desiring more technical treatises may con-
sult Vertebrate Palaeontology by Woodward, Manual of Palaeontology
by Nicholson and Lj^dekker, Handbuch der Palaeontologie by Zittel,
Palaeontologie by Steinmann-Doederlein, and Palaeontologie by Ber-
nard. In these will be found bibliographies and complete references to
other works and to special papers on particular subjects concerning-
avian phylogeny and anatoin3\

40 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

A STORY THAT ENDS RIGHTLY

FKANK H. SHOEMAKER, OMAHA

One October day a hunter, for want of better game, shot at a red-
shouldered hawk, and the bird fell to the ground, alive, and to all
appearances uninjured. Not a drop of blood was to be seen, and not
3. feather was cut by the shot, but the bird seemed to have lost the
use of its wings. It was brought to town and given to a bird student,
and a day or two later was loaned to the writer as a subject for the
camera. The bird was taken home in a large pasteboard box and
placed temporarily upon a perch in the furnace room while the camera
and six plates were prepared. A little patch of natural woodland near
by was chosen as the most suitable place for photographing the bird.
The camera was placed accordingly, focused upon the horizontal trunk
of a gnarled cherry-tree. When all was ready, the hawk was coaxed
to perch upon a short stick, and thus carried, without any restraint,
to the place chosen. Twice the bird expanded its wings, but made no
effort to fly. It was placed upon the cherry-tree and settled content-
edly, though keenly watching every movement in the manipulation
of the camera. Over half an hour was taken to expose the six plates,
the position of the camera and the size and attitude of the subject being
varied for each exposure, the frontispiece of this number of the Pro-
ceedings being- the most satisfactory of the series, though every plate
was good. When the sixth plate was in the camera, and immediately
after its exposiire, the hawk, as though Avaiting for that event, sud-
denly spread its wings and mounted strongly above the tree-tops.
Round and round it circled, going higher and higher, until over a
hundred yards from the ground, when it settled into a steady flight
southward, with not a sign of weakness or wavering in the action of
its wings, finally disappearing in the distance.

There was a considerable degree of discomfort in the memory that
the bird was a loan, but when the owner heard the details he declared
himself perfectly satisfied, as everyone should be.

WATER FOR BIRDS

ELSIE PEPOON, TABLE ROCK

Last summer during the hot weather a small pond near our home,
where the birds were in the habit of drinking and bathing, went
dry. Not wishing the birds to go so far away for water, we had a
strong platform built in the crotch of a large mulberry tree that
stood about twenty-five feet from the house. The bottom of an old
jug that could be filled to an average dei)th of three inches was filled
and placed on it, and we awaited results. The platform was low — onlj^

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 41

about five feet from the groiind; but it was astonishing how soon
the birds found it and how liberally it was patronized all summer and
late into the fall.

There is an inclosed porch on that side of the house which is used
us a sitting-room in the summer time. The birds soon became so
fearless that they paid no attention to anyone sitting there quietly
reading or working, and little to one moving about.

Eobins, brown thrashers, catbirds, blue jays, and wrens were the most
frequent visitors, though sparrows, chickadees, warblers, vireos, gold-
finches, orioles, and rose-breasted grosbeaks came often. Flickers and
•downy woodpeckers would come sidling down the tree, and I even
saw a wood thrush there earl^- one morning. I think they visited it
■every morning, as I often saw them near by and always heard them
singing there before rising, and again late in the evening.

The Wood Thrush has been a summer resident at "The Syringas" for
several years. There were four pairs of them here the past summer. I
■only know of two other places in this locality where they were found,
both down on the river.

The blackbirds never came near, which surprised me, as they are
so numerous and so tame. Nor did the barn swallows, though one
pair built under the eaves of the house.

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is generally considered a shy bird, but he
-was one of the boldest and most frequent visitors. When he appeared
all other birds promptly retired to the trcetop. He leisurelj' drank
his fill or took his bath, paying no heed to my sister and I as long
as we sat quietly sewing. Then he would hop to a nearby limb, carefully
arranging his feathers, the other birds looking on i-espectfully.

I think one reason wh}' the birds became so tame was that the
mulberry tree stood in a tangled rose garden with lilacs, osage oranges,
and other shrubs close by where they could retire if frightened. And
■\ve had no cats!

FROM A WOMAN'S STANDPOINT

NULL HARRISO', YOEK

(Abstract)

^len studj^ the birds; women study about the birds. Men can go
freely into the field and follow the birds everywhere, while fashion
and conventionalitj^ debar women from the same privilege. The dis-
advantages under which women labor are responsible for the absence
of a woman's name in the roll of great ornithologists. And yet the
most popular "bird books" of the present day have been written by
women.

The examination of recent fiction betraj-s the fact that manj' writers
neglect entirely the opportunity afforded by the use of birds, while

42 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

none make use of it as they might. Other natural objects are uyecl
in description, birds not. How strikingly does Booth Tarkington's "A
woodpecker's telegraj)h3^ broke the quiet like a volley of pistol shots,"
emphasize the silence, and how effectiA'e in manj^ places might be
made a reference to the appeara,nce of a bird or to its song. In the
"Redemption of David Corson" the author refers in a very efPective
manner to birds, using them forty-six times and including twenty-nine
species, while his descriptions are many of them very good, esx^ecially
one of the song of the Catbird. Yet this book stands alone; in other
recent fiction references to birds are few^, and in "David Harum" not
a single one appears. That readers appreciate such is evidenced by
the rapidly increasing populai'ity of "nature books."

The average person when in the country notices flowers more than
birds, and this is not because of lack of interest in all things beautiful
and attractive, but because of lack of education in that particular
direction. It is hard to arovise the interest of an adult in new subjects,
while children eagerly grasp new ideas, and seize with avidity on new
objects of interest. At the same time their ramblings in woods and
fields bring them frequently in contact with birds.

In the writer's own teaching she finds the use of birds most effective
in aiding her to reach the hearts and minds of the children. She talks
to them ten minutes each day about birds and nature and frequently
the presence of a bird outside the schoolroom window or the sound
of its song is made use of to arouse the imagination of the pupil and
add to his interest in his work. Their interest once aroused, the
children soon learn to love the birds and are easily enlisted in the
cause of bird protection.

One object of this Union is the fostering of the cause of bird protec-
tion. This can best be attained by laying hold of the children; but
they must be reached through the teachers, who are often indifferent
and who, being usually women, are unable to study birds with the
freedom enjoyed by the men. We must seek to interest these teachers
and, having aroused their interest, to furnish them with such oppor-
tunities that their interest Avill not flag.

TEN YEARS WITHOUT A GUN

WILSON TOUT, DUNBAR

A school teacher should be very careful in his habits of life that
he chooses the best things, for he is a living example of every doctrine
or precept which he expounds. Pupils watch his actions and discuss
his motives. They imitate his faults rather than his virtues, for it
is only this excuse that they need to satisfy" their consciences in matters
of doubtful morality. And that is the reason why I do not own a gun.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 43

1 have wanted one often and at times it has seemed as tliough I must
get one if I should attempt to study the birds any further. But I knew
that the first time I killed a specimen for identification my motive
would be misunderstood and I should be accused of inconsistency; for
in school and out I urge bird protection constantly. This is my reason
for not having a larger list of birds, but balanced with the harm I
might have done I am well satisfied.

In the present paper I shall not attem])t to give a complete scientific
list of the birds I have noted, but shall give only those which are in
any way unusual or about which I have some observation which I
think to be of interest. They are not arranged according to any
scientific plan, but I have given them as they came to my mind or
■were sug'gested by some previous observation.

If you take a maj) of Nebraska and with the center at York draw
a radius of fourteen miles, this circumference would inclose my field
of observation. Along the east and west diameter runs a small stream
called Beaver Creek. The Big Blue River runs in a parallel direction
nine miles south and a small creek five miles north has the same
easterlj' direction. Bet^veen these* are strips of rolling prairie or farm
lands, mostly under cultivation and devoid of native trees. Along
the streams are scant belts of timber, nearly all being new growth. In
these strips were located a number of basins which usually held
standing water of varj^ing depth. But with the advance of settlement
and owing to their value as farm land these have nearly all been
drained and are now cultivated fields.

One large basin southwest of York covered nearly 600 acres and was
from three to forty Inches deep. In most parts grew a rank growth
of marsh grasses and willows, which afforded protection and nesting
places for a number of waterfowl. During the summers of 1896 and
1897 I found in this basin nests of Least and Black Tern. Sora Rail,
Pied-billed Grebe, Coot, Blue-winged Teal, and Yellow-headed Black-
bird. The Black Tern nested in colonies of from three to ten pairs in
a bit of open shallow water. Their nests were always built up above
the water level although saturated Mvith. moisture. The nests of the
Least Tern were not over the water but on the banks and only one
of five contained three eggs, the other four recorded having two each
until incubation was well advanced. I was informed by prominent
ornithologists to whom I sent the eggs for identification that this was
the first known instance of the nesting of Least Tern in Nebraska.*
One nest of the Sora Rail contained eighteen eggs while two more
contained fourteen each; these nests were built in the tall grass over
the shallower water. In the weeds growing in the deepest places the
Yellow-headed Blackbird placed its basket nests. These contained
three or four eggs, only one nest with five being seen. This basin is

* But L. Skow had also found it breeding at Cut-oif Lake near Omaha, which fact was
referred to in Bruuer's Notes ou Nebraska Birds, published iu April, 1896. — Ed.

44 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

now under cultivation. With the passing of these basins such forms-
of bird life do not stay ^\dth us during the summer but are merely
migrants in spring and fall. So with the breaking of the prairies the
Burrowing Owl and Pinnated Grouse have become quite scarce in most
places.

Because of the scarcity of big timber a long list of Eajitores Avould
not be expected. However I have records of the nesting of the Great
Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Screech Owl, and Barred Owl. A farmer near
Utica took four young barn ow^ls from a pigeon-box on his barn during
the latter part of the summer of 1899. He had noticed the parent birds
about all summer and had also noticed that his pigeons were slowly
disappearing. The young owls were given away, two being brought
to school where they were kept for several days. Thej- did not live
long in captivity, probably because they did not have their customary-
pigeon diet. I once found two eggs of the Great Horned Owl in art
old crow's nest and have seen the birds at various times throughout
the year. Five years ago I caught four young screech oys^ls and put
them in our barn loft. We fed them fresh meat and that was all, for
we could not get them to eat anything else or to drink water. They
grew to be full grown and finally escaped through a broken window. I
also had a burrowing owl in the loft at the same time but it absolutely
refused every kind of food and after three days' fasting tried to crawl
through a knot-hole and got caught. The next morning we found it
hanging cold and stiff. A short-eared owl was found by some girls in
a grove and brought to school. It had been wounded in some way and
could not fly.

Of the hawks we have the Cooper's, Sharp-shinned, Eed-shouldered,.
Eed-tailed, Swainson's, Sparrow, and Marsh. These I know and thert
there are some which I do not know and some of which I am not cer-
tain. That is because I have no gun. In October, 1896, I took a ride
to a place twelve miles northwest of York and saw over a hundred
Swainson's hawks. They were common during the whole of the last
part of the month and seemed to be migrating very slowly. In 1898
a boy caught a turkey buzzard and gave it to his sister for a pet — of
course she did not keep it long. A lady showed me a sharp-shinned
hawk in November, 1900, which had been found dead a few days before.

Nighthawks are most common during migration, but a few remain
as summer residents and breeders. In the high banks along the Blue I
have found the nests of the Bank Swallow and Kingfisher, neither of
which are very common.

Of the shore birds I do not believe we have many breeders. The
Bartramian Sandpiper and Killdeer are seen throughout the summer
and the Least and Solitary Sandpipers during migration. The York
High School has a double-crested cormorant, a white pelican, an
avocet, and a black-crowned night heron, all of which were taken on
the creek near there during migration. March 30, 1896, I gave a cigar

THIRD ANNUAL 5[EETING 45

in exchange for a dead sandhill crane which some hunter had brought
in from a pond near the city. It was from a fiock of seven migrants
and had been killed "just for tun."

The Green Heron is occasionally found nesting but the (jreat Blue
Heron and American Bittern are mig-rants only, so far as I know now.
A boy had two Franklin's gulls in a box April 21, 1900, that he had
caught after their wings had been shot to jjieces as they were passing-
over in migration.

Of the timber birds the Chickadee is the most abundant resident and
breeder. They are not found away from the streams. T have seen many
ruby-crowned kinglets in winter and had a golden-crowned kinglet
brought to school. It had been caiight by a cat and rescued too late
to save its little life. I have only single nesting records of the Red-eyed
Vireo, the Wood Thrush, and Bobolink, and do not believe they are
common breeders with us. I once found a long-billed marsh wren's
nest containing one egg. This nest was over the water in the mill-pond,
within the city limits. The Bohemian Waxwing is an irregular winter
visitant and to a certain extent the American Crossbill is also. They
appear in flocks during some winters and then we do not see them
again for a year or two.

June 7, 1896, I found a blackbird's nest containing two eggs in a low
elm tree near a pond west of York. Both the bird and the eggs were
so unusual that after waiting two days, and the nest being apparently
deserted, 1 took the eggs and blew them. Thej^ have been identified
by a good authority as those of Brewer's Blackbird. I have since
identified the bird as a migrant but have never heard of their breeding
here except that one time.

The Lark Bunting is an irregular summer resident and breeder, being
observed most abundantly in 1896. Skipping a year or two occasionall3',
it seems to follow the seasons, becoming rare in rainy or wet years
and quite common during years of drouth. A black-headed grosbeak
was brought to school by a boy who had shot the bird by mistake for
an English sparrow. This was in the sping of 1897 and since I have
observed it only once or twice in late spring.

I believe we are near the western limit of the Crow in Nebraska. We
have a few as permanent residents but they are not many. Sometimes
a person may drive a whole day and not see one. By far the commonest
summer resident we have is the Mourning Dove, and they seem to
increase in numbers with each season. I do not think a few men with
guns would do any harm if they were to kill nothing but doves, for
they are quite harmful to stacked grain in the fall and especially to
grain in the shock.

I have about a hundred birds on my list which were observed or
examined without the shooting of a single specimen. The list is by no
means complete and only a few have been given here, but I hope this
may be of some interest to the members of the Union.

46 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

A PAIE OF YOUNG BARRED OWLS

ELIZABETH VAN SANT, OMAHA

Probably the most unique of the many young birds I have adopted,
either temporarily or permanently, Avere a pair of barred owls. They
had emerged from their nest one morning about the first of May and
were sunning themselves on the nearest branch when they were dis-
cover'ed by a bird student. The branch was in a conspicuous place
over a much-traveled path in the woods, and knowing that they would
most likely furnish a target for some of the numerous gunners who
would iDass that way, the young man had brought them to the city and
given them a temj)orary home in a show window. They came into my
possession at first as a loan for photograj)hic purposes, and afterwards
the responsibility of their future was given into my hands. When I
first saw them they were about nine inches high, covered with long,
soft feathers, even in their immaturity showing distinctly the bars
that give the species its name. Their feet and legs were covered with
thick, white down.

They were given a room ten feet square, provided with suitable
branches for perches. They were perfectly friendly, and would take
food from the hand, and allow one to go close to them. Too great
familiarity, however, aroused their indignation. They especially dis-
liked having their feet or legs touched, expressed their disapproval by
stamping and moving away, and when at a safe distance examined the
irritated j)lace critically and scratched it with the bill. One of them
from the first snapped his bill when any one entered the room, although
it was some time before the other acquired the habit.

They resented too much handling, and always preened their feathers
after they had been held or stroked.

The owls were fed mainlj^ on raw beef, although they relished June
beetles, which they soon learned to hold in their claws and tear to
pieces with their beaks. Their appetites varied; some days they would
eat very little and at other times they fairly gorged themselves. They
invariably blinked their eyes solemnly when they swallowed anything.
Their only vocal effort was a prolonged, half breathing, half whistling
sound, which they uttered chiefly when their food was taken to them.
They snapped their bills violently when disturbed, or when handled
in a waj^ not wholly to their liking. Their actions "were most inter-
esting. They seemed more like a quaint old couple than like a pair
of infants. Every moving thing attracted their attention. They watched
the flies on the window or floor, following every movement, and occas-
ionally reaching to catch them with their claws. They stared long
and solemnly at any strange object on the floor, bending their heads
down to a level with their feet. Even at their earlj"^ age, they had the
jieculiar circular movement of the head characteristic of the owl kind.

PLATE II

YOUNG BARRED OWLS

PLATK III

YOUNG BARRED OWL

PLATE IV

YOUXG BARRED OWL

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 47

In the evening the passing trolley cars, two blocks away, were a source
of constant wonderment to them, and with outstretched necks they
would peer after the mysterious lights until they were out of sight.
Apparently their vision was as perfect in the daytime as at night. One
of their iieculiar traits was to stare intently at the sun for minutes
at a time. They were furnished with a pan of water, and one at least
took pleasure in bathing, after his own fashion, which consisted in
standing in the water "waist deep."

They were very sociable, following each other from place to place and
sleeping close together. They were as cautious in moving about the
branches as though a fall would be a dangerous experience, although
they could ily from perch to perch and alight with the greatest ac-
curacy.

One of the owls liked to be stroked, and gave every evidence of
enjoying the sensation of having his feathers smoothed. The other,
however, was not so inclined, and would indignantly edge away side-
wise the whole length of a branch to escape the ordeal.

They had a most peculiar and apparently uncomfortable Avay of
sleeping. Perching upon a limb, they would settle themselves with
the head hanging far down on one side of the limb and the tail on the
other. Thej' would rest in this way for an hour or two in the middle
of the dav% and sometimes in the latter part of the afternoon. When
visited after dark, they were invariably awake and active.

They gradually became more wild, striking most wonderful attitudes
with outstretched wings and snapping bills when any one entered the
room. Their growing activity made their room seem altogether too
small for them, and when at the end of three wrecks they had learned
to swoop down iqjon their food instead of waiting to be fed, and to
pounce accurately upon the hapless June beetles they liked so well,
they were considered ready for freedom. They were accordingly
packed in a large basket covered with cloth, taken on the train to a
station in Iowa, and from there carried a considerable distance to a
large piece of woodland, away from the railroad and highway, where
it was believed they would be free from gunners and allowed to live
their lives in peace and happiness. They had been many hours in their
narrow prison, and it was interesting to see them when they took their
first taste of liberty. Although they had never had a chance to fly
farther than from one side to the other of a room, their first flight in
the woods was a liundred yards down a shady ^ista. I had taken my
camera and a dozen i^lates, expecting to get some good pictures of
them in natural surroundings, and this sudden taking of themselves
off was contrary to the program. They had alighted upon the ground
and were easily recaptured and brought back. But their one taste
of freedom made them a part of the wild, and they were no longer
the docile subjects to which I had been accustomed. Both threw them-
selves on their backs and fought and scratched vigorously. After many

48

NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS UNION

efEorts and many wasted plates, they were induced to perch upon a
stump for the fraction of a second while a single snapshot was taken.
A second snap was just in time to catch a streak showing- the direction
in which they had taken their flight.

NOTES ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND HABITS OF THE BLUE GEOS-
BEAK IN NEBRASKA

MYEON H. SWENK, LINCOLN

Although it is a most interesting and quite widely distributed bird,
very little has been written in regard to the Blue Grosbeak, Guiraca
cmrnlea (Linn.). Typically, it is a species of the southeastern United
States, but it ranges northward to southern Pennsylvania, southern
Illinois, and north central Nebraska, and accidentally even to New
England and Canada, and westward to Colorado and western Texas.
In mnter it extends south to Cuba and southern Mexico. In the western
and southwestern United States it is replaced by a slightly different
subspecies, Guiraca ccerulea lasula (Lesson), which ranges from southern
Utah and Nevada, and California, east to Colorado, Western Kansas and
Texas, and south to southern Mexico, and in winter even to southern
Costa Rica. This w^estern form has also been reported from Nebraska,
but only from the southwest corner. Although no specimens have been
examined to prove the contention, its occurrence there is quite probable,
for one or the other form is known to be a common bird in that region.
The eastern form breeds throughout its United States range, but no-
where can it be considered a very abundant bird.

In Nebraska the eastern form extends locally over at least the eastern
half of the state. Breeding records from Red Cloud on July 2, and from
Broken Bow on July 8, 1893, are accredited to A. K. Fisher, and it is a
very common summer resident in the Niobrara valley as far west as
Brown County, the specimens from Kennedy and Long Pine referred
to by Rev. Mr. Bates (Second Proc. N. O. U., p. 75) also proving to be the
eastern form. In eastern Kansas it breeds quite commonh^ In the

THIRD ANNUAL MKETIN(J 41)

vicinity of Beatrice, where my observations were made, it is a fairly
common summer resident, while here at Lincoln, only forty miles north,
it was never observed until the past spring when a pair was seen by
R. H. Wolcott, and this although the locality had been thoroughly
worked by several active ornithologists. These records seem to indicate
that its distribution in this state is very local. Possibly another reason
for its apparent scarcity in some localities is its inconspicuous plumage,
which though bright enough in the hand, appears blackish at a short
distance in the field, unless observed under exceptionally good condi-
tions. Because of this the bird is apt to be overlooked or confused
with commoner birds. Having once become familiar with its ways,
however, it is easily distinguished and frequently in evidence. At least
this has been my experience with it.

I first met with the bird near Beatrice, September 16, 1890. The
day was rainj^ and I was returning late in the afternoon from a day's
collecting trip when I noticed a flock of birds which appeared quite
new to me, feeding- in some sumac bushes. I shot one and it proved
to be a female blue grosbeak. The flock contained a dozen or so birds,
and every one must have been a female or young male, for I recollect
looldng- carefully for a bird different from the one I had shot, and
failing to flnd one. The birds were tame and did not take flight at raj
shot. Later observations have shown that it is the habit of this bird
to gather in such flocks shortly before the autumnal migration, and
curiously enough, the females always greatly predominate in number.
Where the males are at this time I have been unable to determine.

I did not meet the bird again until August 8, 1900. On this date I
secured an adult male, having- been attracted to it by its song, and on
the next daj^ a pair was seen at the same place, but none shot because
from the actions of the birds I suspected that they had young near.
A few days later another pair with fully fledged young was found in
a large clump of sumac bushes along a railroad track, and within a half
mile of the first pair. T caught one of the young to see what the parents
woiild do.

Their behavior at this time was very interesting. The male remained
quite shy and did not venture within gun range, but flew excitedly
from tree to tree and uttered incessantly the call note, a sharp and
rather metallic "chink." The female was very tame, almost bold, and
allowed me to approach within a few^ feet of her, she too uttering
the call note excitedly and occasionally flying by, quite near my head.
On releasing the young bird the male subsided into quiet, but the
female continued the scolding- as long as I remained near.

Last j-ear (1901) the grosbeaks arrived about the first Aveek in May,
and resorted to the same places in which i had found them the
preceding year. The preferred spots seemed to center along- a small
creek with tall cottonwoods and thin underbrush opening out to a
broad weed and sumac covered pasture. Here two pairs spent the

50 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

summer, but all my efforts to locate a nest were in vain. The male
■was always too shy to be observed well, and because of her plain
plumage the female was very elusive and could disappear in the trees
or brush with exasperating ease.

Their motions are generally slow and deliberate, esj)ecially when
feeding, much in contrast with the liveliness of the Cardinal. But like
that bird they are near the ground a great deal of the time. The male
has a fancy for telegraph wares, and seems to enjoy keeping a certain
distance ahead of the observer for a time, and then coming back to
the place of starting by making" a wide semicircle, much as is the habit
of the Northern Shrike. Again he vdll sit quite still for a considerable
length of time, like a flycatcher. Blue grosbeaks are solitary birds, and
during- the breeding season I have never seen more than a pair with
their young together; indeed, each pair occupied opjiosite ends of the
wood.

In addition to the somewhat sparrowy note already mentioned, the
male Blue Grosbeak has a beautiful, warbling- song something like that
of the Eose-breasted and fully as sweet, but much softer. It sounds
as though the bird was singing quietly to himself. I h,a,ve never heard
the female sing. When singing, the male prefers an elevated perch,
as a tree or telegraph wire, and fortunately at such times allows a
closer approach than usual.

Their food consists of weed seeds and sumac berries, and a consider-
able number of insects, especially beetles, are eaten. As near as I can
determine they leave for the south the third week in September.

SOME BIRDS FOUND AEOUND DUNBAR DURING THE WINTER

MONTHS

E. H. JONES, DUNBAR

Born and brought up at Dunbar and with an innate fondness for
hunting, T naturally acquired an interest in birds, Avhich has increased
materially since the organization of our Union. It is only recently,
however, that I have kept any exact data, from which I have tried to
prepare a list of our wdnter birds, including herein only birds that
were seen after winter had actually set in.

172. Branta canadensis (Linn.). — Canada Goose. A few flocks seen during
January of this year. They feed in the wheat fields during the
day and fiy over to the Missouri River at evening.

289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.). — Bob-white. A common resident.

305. Tympanuchus americanus (Reich.). — Prairie Hen. A very few flocks.

316. Zenaidiira macroura (Linn.). — Mourning Dove. Some few winter
here, staying about the feed-yards. On January 22, 1902, a boy
shot two in an orchard near here.

337. Buteo horealis (Gmel.). — Red-tailed Hawk. Common.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 51

360. Falco sparverius Linn. — American Sparrow Hawk. On December 24,
1900, I shot one in a cottonwood grove. Hardly think it winters
here.

367. Asio accipitriiius (Pall.). — Short-eared Owl. January 1, 1900; Decem-
ber 21, 1900.

373. Mcgascops asio (Linn.). — Screech Owl. One of our common winter
birds.

375. Bubo virginianvs (Gmel.). — Great Horned Owl. January 12, 1902.

393. Dryobatcs villosus (Linn.). — Hairy Woodpecker. About one to every
three of the Downy. It is more numerous here than around
Lincoln.

394c. Dnjobdtcs pubcscens medkinus (Swains.). — Downy Woodpecker. Quite
common.

409. Melaiierpcs caroUnus (Linn.). — Red-bellied Woodpecker. Not common.
January 1, 1900; December 25, 1902.

412a. Colaptcs auratus luteits (Bangs). — Yellow-shafted Flicker. A few
stay throughout the winter.

474&. Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. — Prairie Horned Lark. January
26, 1900; January 1, 1902; January 23, 1902.

477. Cjjaiiociita cristata (Linn.). — Blue Jay. Three of these birds have
been wintering here this season in a piece of timber a half mile
north. Have noticed a few single ones at different times.

488. Corpus americanus Aud. — Crow. Abundant; seemingly more numerous
in winter than at any other time, which is perhaps due to its
being more gregarious and more readily seen at that season. On
January 25, 1902, on a moonlight night, a friend and myself visited
a crow roost five and one-half miles north of Dunbar. A short
time after we had entered the grove a sing-le crow some distance
ahead of us cawed three or four times. As we approached, he
repeated the call. This seemed to be the signal for a general
alarm, for although we w-ere more than a hundred yards away,
the whole fiock, numbering- several hundreds, rose from the tops
of the elm and ash trees, cawing wildly. They circled about in
the air at quite a height. We retreated some distance and in
twenty minutes they had settled down to their roosts again.

501&. Sturnella iua<nta ucfjiecta (Aud.). — Western Meadow-lark. December
24, 1900; January 12, 1902; January 22, 1902.

529. Asti'apallnns tristis (Linn.). — American Goldfinch. Seems scarce
around here this winter. Saw one flock December 25, 1901.

536. Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.). — Lapland Longspur. December 25,1901.

553. Zonotrtchia queniJa (Nutt.). — Harris's Sparrow. These birds were
here in large flocks till the first of November when the majority
migrated leaving a few which I have noticed several times during
the winter in a sheltered patch of hazel brush.

559. Spizella monticola (Gmel.). — Tree Sparrow. Arrived early in October
and have been common since.

567. J unco Injcmalis (Linn.). — Junco. Have noticed jnncos during every
walk in the woods this winter.

581. Melospiza meJodia (Wils.). — Song Sparrow. A few are wintering here
in some brush piles not far from my home.

593. Cardlvalis cardiiialis (Linn.). — Cardinal. One of our common %\inter
birds.

621. Lauius horealis Vieill. — Northern Shrike. Common.

52 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

722. OlhiorcliUiis hicmalis (Vieill.). — Winter Wren. December 23, 1900;
December 2, 1901; January 12, 1902. On each occasion it was in
a pile of brush.

726. Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.). — Brown Creeper. Seen on

almost every bright day that T visited the woods.

727. Sitta carolinensis Lath. — White-bellied Nuthatch. Quite numerous.

728. Sitta canadensis Linn. — Eed-bellied Nuthatch. Kare. January 19,

1902.
7S1. Parus iicolor Linn. — ^Tufted Titmouse. November 10, 1901; January

15, 1902.
735a. Parus atricapillus septentrionalis (Harris). — Long-tailed Chickadee.

Very common.
761. Meriila migratoria (Linn.). — -American Robin. Saw one on December

22, 1901, in a sheltered draw.

Summing up, I find that the list includes nineteen permanent residents,
eight winter visitants, and five stragglers. I am satisfied that this does
not represent nearly all of our winter birds, and I hope, in time, to be
able to add to it.

OUR WINTER BIRDS

MYRON H. SWENK, LINCOLN

Beginners in the study oi field ornithology are generally advised to
commence their observations in winter when the bird life of our
northern states is at a minimum, and the different species are more
easilj' distinguished. At this season it would not be impossible for
them to walk for miles without seeing a single bird. To such persons
it must be surprising to state that more than one-fourth of the entire
avifauna of Nebraska is made up of winter birds.

These fall naturally into two distinct classes; those which are present
in the same locality throughout the year, or resident birds, and those
which are present only in winter, or winter residents and visitants. The
species of birds, as well as the number of individuals present, depends
in manjr cases directly upon the weather, and a list of birds of a certain
locality found in a mild winter differs materially from a list of those
found in a severe one. The presence of other birds dej)ends upon the
food supply, and they remain with us only when food is unusually
abimdant, or, in the case of those birds that breed far north, when the
food supply is deficient in their summer home. This often forces birds,
usually non-migratory, into our boundaries, and at rare intervals brings
down certain species in immense numbers.

Many aquatic birds such as gulls and ducks remain imtil the small
streams and ponds of our state are frozen over, when they retire just
far enough to find open water. Sandpipers often remain well into
November, or until the edges of the ponds become too frosty to be
probed by their bills. All owls, most hawks, and our land game birds

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 5o

are resident in this state. Among- the smaller birds the sparrow family
is most abundantly represented in winter, although the majority of
the woodpeckers are also present. These are, of course, either
gramnivorous or larvae-eating birds. Strictly insectivorous birds such
as flycatchers, warblers, or vireos are almost if not entirely absent in
winter, for they generally depart as soon as the insect supply begins
to wane.

With this great variation in the cliaracter of our winter bird life,
according to tiie conditions, considerable difficulty is experienced in
attempting to determine when a bird ceases to be a summer resident
or fall migrant and becomes a winter resident or visitant. In this
paper I have chosen to consider as a true winter bird every species
that has been found in the months of December, January, or February.
The list is a compilation of all unquestionable published articles on the
subject, together with mj^ own notes, and those of various members of
this Union, who are in every case accredited with their notes or dates.
While certainly incomplete, the list represents fairly well our present
knowledge of the subject, and forms a basis for future work.

J 30. Merr/aiiser serrator (Linn.). — Red-breasted Merganser. Seen on Platte
liiver in mid-winter (L. Bruner).

332. Anns boschas Linn. — Mallard. Common throughout the winter if
the water is open. Beatrice, January 29, 190L

139. Nettion caroJlnensis (Gmel.). — Green-winged Teal. Common in win-
ter. JSIany records.

143. Dafilu acuta (Linn.). — Pintail. Present in winter; often migrates
in February. January 22, 1S99; February 8, 1898 (E. H. Wolcott).

146. Aytliija americana (EyL). — Eedhead. Remains very late and winters

if open water is present.

147. Aiithya vaUisneria (Wils.). — Canvas-back. Remains late in November;

arrives in February; probably present throughout mild winters.

151. ClaiKjiihi dangula americana (Bonap.). — American Golden-eye. Win-

ters. Long Pine, December 10, 1896 (J. M. Bates).

152. ClamjuUi islandica (Gmel.). — Barrow's Golden-eye. Winters. South

Bend, January 22, 1900 (L. Brimer).

154. Harelda hyemalis (Linn.). — Old-squaw. Rare winter visitant. Omaha,
December 8, 1900 (J. E. Wallace).

165. Oideniia deglandi Bonap. — White-winged Scoter. Winter visitant,
possibly winter resident. Omaha, December 8, 1900 (.T. E. Wal-
lace). The other Scoters are also probably present, but rare.

169. Chen hyperhorea (Pall.). — Lesser Snow Goose. Found throughout
November, returns in February'. Beatrice, Februar3- 20, 1901.

172. Branta canadensis (Linn.) .^Canada Goose. Common throughout
ordinarj- Avinters. Platte River, January 22, 1900 (L. Bruner).

172fl. Branta canadensis liutcliinsii (Rich.). — Hutchins's Goose. Same as
preceding, and found ^Adth it.

230. (TalUnago delicata (Ord). — Wilson's Snipe. Winters somewhat com-
monly over the state. Many records.

289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.). — Bob-white. A.n abundant resident over
most of the state.

54 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' TNION

300. Bouasa niiibeUus (Linn.)- — Kuflfed Grouse. Very rare in this state,
but resident wherever found. Bellevue, winter of 1893 (I. S,
Trostler).

305. Ti/mpanuchus americaiuis (Reich.). — Prairie Hen. Very common resi-
dent.

307. Ti/nipanuchiis paUidicinctus Ridg-w. — Lesser Prairie Hen. Very rare.
Winter of 1871-72 (L. Bruner).

30S(f>. Pedioecetes phasiaiiellKS campestris Tlidgw. — Prairie Sliarp-tailed
Grouse. Common resident in western Nebraska, uncommon east-
ward.

309. Centrocercns urophasiauus (Bonap.). — Sage Grouse. Resident in ex-
treme western Nebraska.

310rt. Meleaijrls paUopavo fera (A'^ieilL). — Wild Turlcey. Formerly a com-
mon resident, now very rare if present at all.

Phasianus torquatus Gmel. — Eingneck Pheasant. Barneston, Decem-
ber 3, 1900.

316. Zenaidura macronra (Linn.). — Mourning Dove. Common in ravines
and cornfields in winter. Beatrice, December 25, 1899; January
1, 1901.

331. Circus hudsonius (Linn.). — Marsh Hawk. Resident, and probably our

commonest winter hawk.

332. Accipiter velox (Wils.). — Sharp-shinned Hawk. Resident, common in

winter. Beatrice, January 1, 1900.

333. Accipiter cooperii (Bonap.). — Cooper's Hawk. Common resident.

334. Accipiter atricapiUus (Wils.). — American Goshawk. Uncommon win-

ter resident. Sioux Co., February 24, 1896 (L. Skow).
337. Buteo boreaUs (Gmel.). — Red-tailed Hawk. Quite common resident.
342. Buteo sivainsoni Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Resident, except in

coldest weather (I. S. Trostler).
347ff. ArcMbuteo htf/opus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). — American Rough-legged

Hawk. Common winter resident. Beatrice, February 25, 1898;

January 13, 1900.

348. ArcMbuteo ferrugineus (Licht.). — Ferruginous Rough-leg. Common

resident, especially westward. Neligh, December 25, ]S99 (M.
Cary).

349. Aquila chrysaetos (Linn.). — Golden Eagle. An uncommon resident.
352. Ealiceetus Jcncoccpholits (Linn.). — Bald Eagle. Seen in winter; rare.
354a. Falco rusticolus gyrfaJco (Linn.). — Gyrfalcon. Rare, from the north.

Norfolk, West Point (L. Bruner). '

355. Falco mexicanus Schleg. — Prairie Falcon. Resident in western Ne-

braska. Sioux Co., February 25, 1896 (W. D. Hunter).

356. Falco peregrinus anatum (Bonap.). — Duck Hawk. Rare. Lincoln,

December 8, 1900 (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

357. Falco columbarius Linn. — Pigeon Hawk. Common in spring and fall,

rare in winter. Long Pine, December 29, 1897 (J. M. Bates).

365. Strix pratincola Bonap. — American Barn Owl. Known to be resident

at Lincoln (R. H. Wolcott).

366. Asio wilsonianus (Less.). — American Long-eared Owl. Common resi-

dent.

367. Asio accipitrinus (Pall.). — Short-eared Owl. Common resident, fre-

quenting protected ravines in winter.

THIKI) ANNUAL MEETING Oi.>

368. Si/niiion itchiihjsKiii (Forst.). — Barred Owl. Somewhat rare resident.

370. Scotiaptex cinerea (Gmel.). — Great Gray Owl. A very rare winter

visitant. Omaha, December 17, 1893 (I. S. Trostler).

371. Nyctala tcngmahni richardsoni (Bonap.). — Richardson's Owl. Rare

winter visitant. Lincoln, December 10, 1802 (L. Bruner).

372. Nyctala acadica (Gmel.). — Acadian Owl. Very rare in summer, un-

common in winter. Beatrice, December 7, 1900.

373. Mcyascops asio (Linn.). — Screech Owl. A quite common resident in

eastern part of state.

375. Bubo virginianus (Gmel.). — Great Horned Owl. Uncommon resident.
37,>«. Bilbo virginianus pallesceiis Stone. — Western Horned Owl. Resident

westward, east in winter. Beatrice, December 20, 1898.

376. Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). — Snowj"- Owl. Winter resident, common in

some winters. Beatrice, January, 1892; December 17, 1898.

37~ff. Suriiia uliila caparoch (Miill.). — American Hawk Owl. Verj^ rare.
Recorded in November, 1891, but included because it is essentially
a winter bird.

378. Speotyto cimicularia hypogwa (Bonap.). — Burrowing Owl. Common
resident over the state, especially westward.

390. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). — Belted King^sher. Remaining- late and win-
tering when only small places are open on the creeks and rivers.
Beatrice, December 29, 1899.

393. Dryobatt'S vlUosus (Linn.). — Hairy Woodpecker. Resident, not very
common.

393(Z. Dryohatcs villosus hyloscopus (Cab.). — Cabanis's Woodpecker. Resi-
dent in extreme western Nebraska. Sioux Co., December, 1895
(L. Bruner).

394&. Dryobates pubescens oreoecus Batch. — ^Batchelder's Woodpecker.
Resident in extreme western part of the state. Sioux Co., Febru-
ary 19, 1896 (L. Bruner).

394c. Dryobates pubescens medianm (Swains.). — Downy Woodpecker. An
abundant resident.

400. Picoides arcticus (Swains.). — Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. Verj-
rare winter visitant. Omaha, December 15, 1895 (I. S. Trostler).

406. Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.). — Red-headed Woodpecker. Oc-
casional in winter. Dunbar, December 4, 1899 (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

408. Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.). — Lewis's Woodpecker. Long Pine, vnn-

ters, but rare (J. 'Si. Bates).

409. Melanerpes carolimts (Linn.). — Red-bellied Woodpecker. Nebraska

Cit3- in winter (]M. A. Carriker, Jr.).
412ff. Colaptcs auratiis liiteus Bangs. — Northern Flicker. Common in
ranter.

413. Colaptes cafer coUaris (Vig.). — Red-shafted Flicker. Resident, com-
moner westward. Beatrice, February 23, 1899; January 13, 1900.

474. Otocoris alpestris (Linn.). — Specimens are taken in winter Avhich
agree perfectly with 0. a. Jioyti Bishop and others apparently
referable to the true 0. alpestris as defined by Oberholser.

474(7. Otocoris alpestris leucohrma (Cones). — Pallid Horned Lark. Uncom-
mon in winter, from the northwest. Several records.

4746. Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. — Prairie Horned Lark. Abundant
resident in eastern Nebraska.

50 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

474c. Otocoris alpestris arenicola Hensh. — Desert Horned Lark. Common
resident westward.

475. Pica pica hudsonica (Sab.). — American Magpie. Eesident westward,
rare in winter.

477. Cyaiiocitta cristata (Linn.). — Blue Ja^'. Abundant in summer, com-
mon in winter.

484. Perisoreus canadensis (Linn.). — Canada Jay. Eare, from north in
winter. West Point, Crawford (L. Bruner).

486. Corvus corax sinuatus (WagL). — American Raven. Eesident wher-

ever found in Nebraska, btit now surely quite rare.

487. Corvus cryptoleuciis Couch. — White-necked Eaven. Two records for

the state— Sidney (L. Bruner); Cherry Co. (I. S. Trostler).

488. Corvus americanus Aud. — Crow. Abundant resident.

491. Nucifraffa Columbiana (Wils.). — ^Clarke's Nutcracker. Extreme west-

ern Nebraska, rare resident.

492. Cyanocephalus cpanocephalus (Wied.). — Pinon Jay. Eesident in

western Nebraska. Sioux Co., February 19, 1896 (L. Bruner).

498. Agelaius phfeniceus (Linn.). — Eed-winged Blackbird. Occasionally
winters about cattle yards (J. M. Bates).

5016. SUtrneUa magna neglecta (Aud.). — Western Meadow-lark. Very few
w^intering. December, 1897, several seen at Beatrice.

509. Scolecophagus carolinus (Miill.). — Eusty Blackbird. A few remain
all winter (L. Bruner). Uncommon winter resident (M. Cary).

5116. Quiscahis quiscula reneus (Eidgw.). — Bronzed Grackle. This bird
seems to be getting commoner as a winter bii-d. A flock of about
thirty remained throughout the v\dnter of 1900-1901, near Beatrice.
They were observed frequently, and on February 5, 1901, a speci-
men was obtained. They were at all. times very shy, and subsisted
entirely upon waste grain, spending the greater part of the day
in the fields. At night they roosted in a small cedar grove.
Lincoln, January 22, 1900 (J. S. Hunter).

514. Coccothraustes vespertinus (Cooper). — Evening Grosbeak. Straggler

in late fall and winter from northwest.

515. Pinicola enucleator leucura (Miill.). — Pine Grosbeak. Irregular win-

ter visitor.
517. Carpodacus purpureus (Gmel.). — Purple Finch. Irregular migrant
and winter resident (1. S. Trostler). Omaha, in winter (L.
Bruner).

521. Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). — Eed Crossbill. Common winter

resident. Beatrice, January' 14, 1901.
521a. Loxia curvirostra strickJandi Eidg^v. — Mexican Crossbill. Neligh,
December 9, 1898 (M. Cary). Under Ridgway's restriction of this
form to New ]\Iexico. Arizona, and southward, our form probably
becomes L. c. bendirei Eidgw., Bendire's Ci-ossbill. At least, the new
form is recorded from Omaha (Eidgway).

522. Loxia leucoptera Gmel. — ^White-winged Crossbill. Eare winter vis-

itor. West Point, Omaha, December, 1887 (L. Bruner).
524. Leucosticte tepJirocotis Swains. — Gray-crowned Leucosticte. Common

winter resident in western Nebraska. Sioux Co., February 18,

1896 (L. Bruner).
528. Acanthis linaria (Linn.). — Eedpoll. An irregular but at times

abundant winter visitor. Beatrice, February 20, 1899.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 57

529. AstragaUnus tristis (Linn.).— American Goldfinch. Abundant resi-
dent, found in small flocks in winter.

533. Spinus pimis (Wils.).— Pine Siskin. Irregular winter visitor, at

times a common winter resident. Numerous records.

Passer domestlcus (Linn.). — English Sparrow. Very abundant resi-
dent.

534. Passerina nivalis (Linn.). — Snow Bunting. Winter visitant, coming

in flocks of considerable size. Several records.

536. Calcarius lapponicus (Linn.). — ^Lapland Longspur. Common winter
resident, often found with flocks of horned larks. Replaced west-
ward by C. I. alascensis Kidgw.

553. Zonotrichia querula (Nutt.). — Harris's Sparrow. Abundant in fall
and spring, common in flocks throughout the winter. Beatrice,
December 27, 1900; January 12, 1901.

559. Spizella monticola (Gmel.).— Tree Sparrow. Our most abundant
winter sparro^v.

559a. SpizeUa monticoJa ochracea Brewst. — ^Western Tree Sparrow. Com-
mon westward, straggling eastward over the state. Sioux Co.,
February 18, 1896 (L. Bruner).

566. Junco aikeni Ridgw. — -White-winged .Timco. Resident in northwest

Nebraska. Sioux Co.. February 18 to 29, 1896 (L. Bruner).

567. Junco hyemalis (Linn.). — Slate-colored Junco. Abundant winter res-

ident.

5676. Jiinco hyemalis connectens Coues. — Shufeldt's Junco. Rarely over
the state in winter. There are numerous records for the "Oregon
Junco" in this state, but that form is confined to the Pacific Coast
region, and most of them are doubtless referable to this variety.
Without much doubt some are referable to the Montana Junco,
Junco montanus Ridgw. The status of this group in Nebraska is
in confusion, and certainly needs investigation and correction.

581. Melospiza melodia (Wils.). — Song Sparrow. Resident, uncommon in
winter. Several winter records.

583. Melospiza lincoliiii (Aud.). — Lincoln's Sparrow. One remained at

Neligh, winter of 1898-99 (M. Cary).

584. Melospiza geonnaiia (Lath.). — Swamp Sparrow. Lincoln, December

15 (D. A. Haggard).

585. Passerella iliaca (Merrem). — Fox Sparrow. Occasionally seen dur-

ing warm winter weather (I. S. Trostler).

587. Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linn.). — -Towhee. Common in summer in

eastern Nebraska, remaining late and rarely wintering. Lincoln,
December 8, 1900 (J. S. Hunter).

588. Pipilo maculatus arcticus (Swains.). ^Arctic Towhee. Over the state

in fall and mild winters.

593. Cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). — Cardinal. Common resident in south-
east Nebraska.

618. Avipelis garrulus Linn. — Bohemian Waxwing. Irregular winter visi-

tant. Beatrice, January 9, 1899; January- 14, 1901.

619. Ampelis cedrorum (Vieill.). — Cedar Waxwing. Rare in winter. Be-

atrice, Jate in January, 1899. Lincoln, January 21, 1900 (R. H.
Wolcott).

621. Lanius borealis Vieill. — Northern Shrike. Common winter resident.

58 NEBRASKA ORXITHOi.O(;iSTS' UNION

722. Olbioivhiliis liiviiialis (Vieill.). — Winter Wren. Uncommon in late
fall, rare in winter. Dunbar, December 2, 1901 (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

726. Vcrtliia famUiaris americana (Bonap.). — Brown Creeper. Common in

wdnter.
726&. Certhia fainiUaris moniana Ridgw. — Kockj- Mountain Creeper. Ex-
treme Avestern pai't of state. Sioux Co., Febrviary 19, 1896 (L.
Bruner).

727. Sitta caroliiicnsis Lath. — White-bellied Nuthatch. Common resident.

more in evidence in winter.
727ff. t'^itta carol in en sis aciileata (Cass.). — Slender-billed Nuthatch. Sioux
Co., December 12, 1895 (L. Bruner). Common westward.

728. Sitta canadensis Linn. — Eed-bellied Nuthatch. Tjncommon winter

resident. Sioux Co., February 25, 26, 1896 (L. Skow).
731. Pants hicoJor Linn. — Tufted Titmouse. A rare resident (I. S. Trost-

ler). Taken in January (L. Bruner).
735. Panis atricainllus Linn. — Chickadee. Found throughoiit the year

in extreme eastern Nebraska.
7350. Paras atricainllus septentrionaUs (Harris). — Long-tailed Chickadee.

Same as preceding-, but commoner westward.

748. Regulus satrapa Licht. — Golden-crowned Kinglet. A winter resident

(I. S. Trostler).

749. Regulus calendula (Linn.). — Ruby-crowned Kinglet. A winter resi-

dent (I. S. Trostler).

754. Myadestes toionsendii (Aud.). — Townsend's Solitaire. Resident in
western Nebraska, straggling east in winter. Several records.

761. Meriila mif/ratoria (Linn.). — American Robin. Not rare as a resident
in mild winters. Beatrice, February 22, 1900. Lincoln. January
21, 1900 (R. H. Wolcott).

766. Sialia sialis (Linn.). — Bluebird. Resident, but rare in ^^^nter. Jan-
uary 22, 1901 (M. A. Carriker, Jr.).

A COMPARISON OF THE BIRD-LIFE FOUND IN THE SAND-HILL
REGION OF HOLT COUNTY IN 1883-84 AND IN 1901

LAWRENCE BRUNER, LINCOLN «

I do not know how^ many of you have ever gone over the sand-hill
region of Nebraska, especially along the north and east edge where
the water seems to have accumulated much more plentifully than
in other portions of it. Be this as it maj^ it was my privilege along
Avith several others to spend some time in 1883-84 in southern Holt
County where we entered land under the tree-claim act. Leaving West
Point we journeyed by team up the beautiful and fertile valley of the
Elkhorn as far as Neligh, in Anteloiie County, where the United States
land office for the district Avas located. Having arrived there, an
inspection of the maps and records indicated that in the southwestern
corner of Holt County, in the midst of the sand-hills, lay a low piece
of land. The maps showed this tract of land to be located about ten

TIIIHI* AXNTAL MKETIXC 59

miles west of the east edffe of the sand-hills and somewhere near the
head-waters of the Cedar Iviver. In this \ alley there seemed to be still
remaining- a few desirable ([uarter sections that niio-ht be available for
entry as tree-elaims. We accordingly proceeded on our way l)y wagon,
driving- across country some sixty or seventy miles and arrived after
three days' very hard travel through water, slush, and sand. In passing-
through this into-veuiug- country we observed many birds, especially
shore birds, although the ducks and other water fowl Avere not at all
scarce. In fact we found them present in everj^ little lakelet among
the sand-hills and along their eastern border. Even the "blowouts"
were at this time lakelets. The valleys were also full of water.

Upon reaching the sand-hills proper we first attempted to drive
around all of these bodies of water, thinking that we would surely be
mired should we attempt to drive into or through them. After awhile,
however, we found that the bottoms of all lakes and other bodies of
water were much moi-e solid than some of the low g-i-ouud that re-
mained uncovered l)y the water. We accordingly- drove right through
many of these small bodies of water. Occasionally they proved to be
pretty deei^ — much deeper than we had supposed them to be — and
sometimes the water even entered tiie wagon-box. On frequent occasions
a spectator might have had the pleasure of seeing several men standing-
ankle deep in water with a box of provisions or a bundle of clothing-
in arms while the driver in front was carefully guiding the liow steady
team in his endeavor to find the high places. The bag of flour was an
object of special concern and would frequently be taken up on the
shoulder by some member of the party as the water gradually deep-
ened. After a day's travel through this alternation of sand, muck, and
water we finally' reached the head of the Cedar valley and at the same
time the end of oiir journey. Here, too, the bird life was more
abundant than at any of the places we had passed through in reaching
this region. Such species as the Sand-hill Crane, American Bittern,
Coot, Sora Rail, Sickle-billed Curlew, Bartram's Sandpiper, Wilson's
Phalarope, Killdeer, Yellow-legs, Willet, Baird's and Least Sandpipers,
and a number of other shore birds were met with in abundance. This
was during- the last few days of .June and the early part of Julj'.

We finally located upon land in this valley, built a sod stable, dug
a well, and located camp as much as possible out of the waj' of the
mosquitoes which at the time were present bj^ the billions. This
accomplished we began searching for the corners of our newly acquired
land so as to locate the future gToves and break fire lines. In the
performance of this work it is needless to state that we found numbers
of the nests of these birds. We also continued to run across young
birds of various kinds. 1 remember that in a single day we found
three broods of joung sand-hill cranes. The birds, while they were
only a couple of days old and covered with a reddish fluffy down, were
alreadv almost as large as a common domestic fowl. We took them

60 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

to our camp and in a few days had them very tame — so tame in fact
that they would come to us to receive the grasshoppers which w^e
captured and offered them.

One night while located in this camp we heard an unusual noise just
back of the tent. It seemed to come from the interior of a small sand
knoll lying between us and a small lake a few hundreds of yards
away. I myself thought some one had located in the neighboring
sand-hills where he had built for himself a home and had come down
into the A^alley after nightfall in the neighborhood of our tent for
some ulterior purpose. At any rate it seemed improbable that his
mission to this part of the valley could be for water, knowing as I did
that this was to be had almost anywhere. Just what the other mem-
bers of the party thoiight remains vmtold to this day. But as to the
aforesaid noise I must confess that it was akin to that most unearthly
sound produced by an old wooden pumj) sucking wind. To say that
my inquisitiveness didn't get the better of me would be untrue. I got
up in spite of the mosquitoes and went out to see who this new neigh-
bor of ours might be, believing as we did that the nearest settlement
was a dozen or more miles away. But search as I would nothing could
be seen in the dark. Early next morning in order to satisfy myself
I went down towards the lake to obtain a clue as to who this man
w^ith the pump might be and where he came from. Strange as it may
seem not even a shadow of a clue ^vas to be found of our midnight
visitor, and, in the language of the novelist, the mystery deepened.
Next day, however, the noise ^vas repeated while the sun shone
brightly. The mystery had so deepened by this time that solved it
must be. A visit to the locality was at once decided upon, but lo! I
could see nothing that looked unusual. Only a lone bittern was visible
upon the near shore of the lake, and he was apparentl3^ unconcerned
as well as undisturbed by the noise of a few moments before. But
while I stood there endeavoring- to solve the greatest puzzle of my
life this lone bird changed his listless attitude and commenced to
IJerform. He felt like sing-ing' and he began to sing, and the song that
he sang was that of the old wooden f)ump sucking wind. The mystery
was solved and I slunk back to camp only to keep quiet about our
new neighbor. Moral: Perseverance will solve the deepest of mys-
teries. We found no bitterns' nests this year although there must
have been hundreds of them in the region jvidging from the nightly
revelry at the lakeside just behind the little hill.

A few belated ducks' nests and some of other birds were taken. The
next year we returned to the localitj'^ somewhat earlier to do our
plowing and tree-planting, and left during the latter jiart of May or
early in June. During" this period, how^ever, birds' eggs of various
kinds were so abundant that we had all we could eat in camp. In fact,
hje and bye, they became so plentiful that we tired of eggs as a diet;
and this, too, only from the nests that were run across simply in

THIRD AXNUAI. MKKTINC (U

tree-planting and plowing furrows for fire-breaks. Among the eggs
taken were those of the Prairie Chicken, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Coot,
Blue-winged Teal, Gadwall, Shoveller, Mallard, American Bittern, Black
Tern, Forster's Tern, and a number of others.

We also noticed that there were present in the region a number of
hawks, as the Marsh Hawk, American Rough-leg, Swainson's, and one
or two others, some or all of which surely nested in the near vicinity.
The Burrowing and Short-eared Owls were likewise of common occur-
rence in the immediate neighborhood, while both the Nighthawk and
Mourning Dove were observed daily before we left. The latter did
not use trees or bushes for the purpose but nested on the bare ground
instead. Sometimes, however, we found that they selected weed-like
herbs in which to place these structures, as for example, the weed
called "Shoestring." In addition to the species already named we
found such others as the Western Meadow-lark, Yellow-headed Black-
bird, lled-winged Blackbird, Cowbird, Bobolink, Shore Lark, Grasshopper
Sparrow, "Lark Sparrow, Lark Bunting, Dickcissel, and several other
sparrows, present in large numbers and nesting. It is needless to say
that we were ever and anon running across their nests. When we
started out across country for a walk it was no uncommon occurrence
during a two or three miles' tramp to find a dozen or even as many as
two dozen nests. At this time it was noticed that the prairie chickens
were exceedingly numerous. In the morning we would hear them
"booming" in every direction. Especially was this the case in the
little valley where we were located. In fact this valley seemed to be
their headquarters. They would come down from the surrounding
sand-hills in every direction, and sometimes there would be forty or
fifty within sight at once, with the feathers on their necks up, and
at the same time uttering their booming song which could be heard
for miles. The Sharp-tailed Grouse was fairlj' common also. The
black terns and grebes were also quite numerous. In the little lake
already referred to in connection with "the mystery" there Avere
perhaps a dozen nests of each of tliese last-named birds; and I do not
know how many rail's nests might have been found by walking through
a little patch of rushes in the immediate vicinity. The Long-billed
Marsh Wren was also very common as attested by their globular nests
attached to the fringe of bullrushes growing about the various lakes.
Most of the birds were abundant for several years later before their
withdrawal or disappearance was especially noted.

I might write of the various songs and cries uttered by this hosi
of birds which was present both day and night. Some of these sounds
were uttered in fear, while others were the overflow of happiness, and
still others those of warning or it may be were for the inirpose of
drawing together the members of separated families. The Meadow-lark
was, of course, exceedingly melodious at that time of the year, and,
being so numerous, the songs could be heard in every direction. Then

()2 NEBRASKA ORXITHOLOGISTS' UNION

there was that of the Bobolink, of which there were hundreds in the
valley and these were continually in the air singing, as were also the
lark buntings; but time is short and precious.

The above was the condition of bird life in that region seventeen, or
even sixteen, 3^ears ago. Last summer, as luck would have it, I had the
opportunity to spend a fe^v Aveeks at just about the same time of year
ill the region that 1 had visited in the early eighties, and had the
opportimity to mark and note the difference in the bird life during-
the two periods. Starting from a little town not far from Xeligh and
driving over practically the same ground as on the former occasion, I
saw three pairs of the Bartram's Sandpiper, no prairie chickens and
no sharp-tailed grouse. Two or three little blue-winged teal and a
few sparrows were also noted, but these were all that remained of
the former formidable list of these l)usy-wing'ed, happy creatures in
a drive of a day and a half, while covering a stretch of sixty miles of
terri1or_\'. On arriving at the ranch or tree claim referred to above
we found a slight improvement in affairs. A few Bartram's sandpipers
still remained, as did also several pairs of the black terns. The
Meadow-lark was fairly abundant, but not nearly so numerous as it
had been on the former occasion. During this latter trip there were
seen three or four pairs of Wilson's phalaropes, some yellow-legs, and
one other sandpiper besides the Bartram's. Onl^y the Cowbird, Dick-
cissel, Lai"k Sparrow, and Lark Bunting seemed abovit as numerous
as formerly. Then, too, there ^vere noticed a few kinds of other birds
that have been brought into the coimtry on accoimt of the attractions
offered by the trees which now grow there. Formerly we had no
trees, perhaps within twenty' mileh-, to invite even so common a bird
as the Brown Thrasher. In noting the.c' i^ew birds for the region
we had to record the Bronzed Grackle, Flicker, lL;l-^.eaded Woodjiecker,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Phopbe, Yellow
Warbler, a vireo. Blue-bird, I'lue Jay, Barn Swallow, Goldfinch, and
Lazidi Bunting. All these had come into the region and established
themselves in the artificial groves. The Quail, or Bob-white, I was
pleased to know had penetrated to the region and found a home in
the groves where they are protected. I also visited the region a little
later this last summer than T had on any former occasion. During
this last visit I found birds of migration such as Say's Phoebe.
Arkansas Kingbird, Purple jNIartin. Pinon Jay. etc. These also in
passing south to the Platte Eiver make this point a resting- place for
a few days. The trees which they find here on these tree claims seem
to them as an oasis in the desert does to the du-sty and sand-begrimed
traveler in the Sahara. They are isolated tracts of timber and the
closest neighbors a number of miles away. These groves of trees, as
yet small, seem to invite the passing birds and make the locality a
magnificent place in which to study bird life.

It is hoped that this brief and hurriedly prepared paper shows to

TLATE V

PIXE RIDGE. LOOKIXG OUT INTO HAT CREEK VALLEY

Bad Lands iu the distance.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 63

a limited extent at least what an influence man has on bird life, and
perhaps also animal life in a general way, over the country. It shows
on the one side what a man with a gun can do in a very short time
in the way of destroying and removing God's creatures from the face
of the earth, — creatures which have been created for the special purpose
of equalizing things and making life worth living. It also shows, on
the other hand, what a little labor in the way of tree-planting will do
towards attracting and providing homes for others.

SOME GENEEAL KEMAKKS UPON THE DISTRIBUTION OF LIFE IN
NORTHWEST NEBRASKA

MEBRITT CARY, NEI.IGH

Northwest Nebraska, as the term is applied in the present paper,
refers to the region north of the F. E. & M. V. R. R. from Crawford
to Van Tassel Ranch., and west of the B. & M. R. R. from Crawford
to the Nebraska- South Dakota line, near Ardmore, S. D. Within these
confines are embraced the highest and most rugged portions of Pine
Ridge, practically all of the Hat Creek Basin, and a much smaller
region lying on either side of White River, — a total area of some 700
square miles.

GKXERAL TOPOGRAPHY

In the varied configuration and highly diversified character of the
region as a whole, as well as in the dearth of vegetation of one section
contrasted with the luxuriance of another, and in the great variation
in the amount of moisture, — as a matter of fact, in all those factors
Avhich have a direct bearing upon the distribiition of animal life, —
northwest Nebraska presents extremes which certainly cannot be
equaled in any other section of our own state, and which, I dare say,
are seldom met with in any other portion of the country having corre-
sponding altitudes. The region presents two strongly contrasted types
of country, each having numbers of bird, mammal, and plant forms
peculiar to itself. These will be treated separately under the headings
"Pine Ridge" and "Hat Creek Basin."

Pine Ridge. — Pine Ridge is, as its name signifies, a high ridge of
land supporting a growth of Pinus ponderosa. It is highest and A^-idest
at its Avestern end where it is a plateau Avith an altitude of 5300 feet,
forming the Avatershed or diA-ide betAA-een the Running Water on the
south and Hat Creek on the north. The northern escarpment of Pfne
Ridge enters Nebraska from W^A'oming at SquaAA- Butte, a point some
fifteen miles south of the South Dakota line, and extends, Avith a
general southeast trend, to CraAvford.* Its southern slope is practically

* From Crawford the general course of Pine Ridge is to the northeast, entering South
Dakota from Sheridau Couuty. The eastern portion of the ridge is much lower, with
a corresponding decrease in the amount of pine timber.

()4 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

parallel with the course of the Running- Water. Starting near Andrews
and extending down to Crawford the White River Canon divides the
ridge into two watersheds, the north one being between White River
and Hat Creek, and the south one between White River and the Running
Water.

On the north and northeast. Pine Ridge slopes abruptlj^ through
numerous deeply cleft and well Avooded canons, into the Hat Creek
Basin, some 1300 feet lower. The pine growth in the western portion
is confined to the cafions on the northern escarpment, with a few
scattering trees in the canons along White and Running Water rivers;
but from Fort Robinson east a more or less scattering- growth covers
the entire table of the ridge.

We have here presented two well-marked topographical subdivisions
which for the sake of convenience 1 shall call the "Plateau Region" and
"Wooded Canon Region." As will be subsequently shown, each of these
respective subdivisions might well be considered as a distinct fauna!
area, owing to its possession or non-possession of a great many species
peculiar to the other.

Plateau Region. — Enough has already been said to define the boundaries
of this region fairly well. Suifice it to say that it forms the top or
table of Pine Ridge in its western portion and varies in altitude from
5300 feet near the head of Warbonnet Canon to about 4200 near Fort
Robinson. In appearance it is a slightly undulating plain, supporting
in ordinary- years a rank growth of range grasses, "nigger-w-ool" pre-
dominating.

In the higher portions of this plateau, particularly in the vicinity
of Squaw Butte and at the head of Jim Creek, there are frequent
outcroppings of the Arikaree formation in the form of bare chalk
buttes from five to fifty feet in height. In these buttes are found the
peculiar formations commonly called "Devil's Corkscrews," — the
Diamonelix of geologists — concerning- the composition of which there
has been so much controversy in recent years.

No trees or shrubs of any kind whatever grow \ipon this high grassy
expanse, and in the remarkably clear air which x^revails at this altitude
one can plainly see objects at a great distance. Away to the southwest
the top of Laramie Peak shows up clearly above the bold outlines of
the Rawhide Buttes, while, shifting our gaze to the northward, the
Black Hills are veiled in the purple of the distance. Mirages are not
uncommon in July.

Lupimis plattensis, Toioisendki [iramUfiora. several species of Pi^oralea,
Astrafialus hyiHxjUjttis and SediDii steiiopctaluni* are among the charac-
teristic plants of the jilateau.

A number of birds find a congenial summer home here, though few
in number compared with those found in the wooded creeks and

*It is interestlag to note that a butterfly, Parnassius smintheus, usually confiued to
the b )real fauna of high mountains, and whose larva feeds on Sednm, flies abundantly
on the p'ateau in June.

PLA'PK VI

pixE kidge; views ox the plateau

A small "core"' of rock in a "blow-out" above, the large buttes at the head of Jim

Creek Canyon below.

PLATJ-: VI 1

PINE BIDGE; looking back into a canyon on the NOETH E8CAKPMENT

TIIIUD ANMAL .MKKTI.Nc; 05

canons to the north. Some of the breedin<>- birds are: Bartramian
Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlew, Ferruginous Itough-legged Hawk, West-
ern Xighthawk, McC'own's Longspur, Western Vesper and (irasshopper
Sparrows. Desert Horned Lark, Western :Mea<low-lark. and Kock Wren,
the last nesting in holes in the chalk buttes.

While there are no mammals restricted to this table-land, yet it is
characterized by the absence of a number of prairie forms which occur
in the Hat Creek Basin at a much lo\vci- level, among Ihera being
Leitiis iiuhmotis, Ci/noiiii/s hi(lorici<iinis. I'crodiinix rirhdnlsoni, Perof/nathus
h. paradoxus, P. flacescennC!), and OuuvhomyH Icuaxjaxter. The omnijn-esent
Coyote {Canis nehroHcenHiH) is abundant here as elsewhere. An occasional
antelope is seen, but the species is fast becoming- rare. A single species
of rabbit {Leirua bailcyi) is found around the buttes, and makes its
home in crevices of the rock. Badgers and a spermophile {Hpennnphilus
t. paUidu.s) are common. A white-footed mouse {Peromi/scus t. nebras-
ceiisift) occurs sparingly in rocky places, \\hile Hayden's Vole (Microtus
a. haydeui) has its small runways ramifjnng through the matted grass.

KeiJtiles are poorly represented. Blue racers, bull-snakes, and the
Prairie Rattlesnake, together with a .species of horned toad
{PUrynoHoma douylassi) were noted.

Wooded Canon Reyion. — The northern escarpment of Pine Ridge is a
region of extremely rugged and. in manj' cases, perpendicularly walled
canons which vary in length from one to three miles, the majority of
them giving off numerous side canons also of varying lengths. A few
carions, however, descend from the plateau to Hat Creek Basin between
unbroken walls, these being shortest and having a much more abrupt
descent. Cold streams, fed by numerous springs along the first mile
or so of their course, flow through the larger canons, and these, in
addition to the heavy tree growth and north exposure, cause a cooler
and moister atmosphere than in surrounding regions, thus accounting
for the presence of a groat many northern plants and breeding birds
generally found in this latitude at a much greater altitude.

The prevailing tree of the region is the Yellow Pine (Piiius poudernsa)
which clothes the canon sides and frequently forms a fringe around
the upper walls. A sparse growth of Red Cedar {JumpcruH viryhiianus)
is sometimes mixed in with the pine near the rim rock, while near the
heads of streams in the deepest canons thickets of Quaking Aspen and
Poplars (Populus tremuloides and P. halsamifera) are found. Among
other trees and shrubs in the canons are the Juniper (Juniper us com-
munis), the Creeping Barberry (Berberis nquifoViuni), the Mountain Maple
{Acer ylabrum),the Small Service-berrj' (A/He^/»(7//V/- alnifoHa), ihe Hairy
Dogwood {Cornus amomum), and the Black Jiirch (Bctula occidentalis).
Smaller plants much in evidence are AstrayaUts hypoglottis, Symphoricarpus
paucifforus, Galium borealc,TioIa canadensis, Limnorchis hyperborea, Penstemon
yhtber, and Campanuhi rotundifoliii. The majority of trees and plants just
listed are characteristic of the Transition Zone throughout the Rocky

66 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Mountains, their nearest neig-hbors being- in the Black Hills, over 100
miles to the north, from which the ridg-e is separated by the broad Hat
Creek Basin. In this connection it is interesting- to note that a few
species of the Canadian flora are also found in the deepest and darkest
canons.

Among the birds we find an exact parallel. The breeding- of such
species as Townsend's Solitaire, the White-winged Junco, and the Moun-
tain Bluebird clearlj^ points to the fact that the environment, if not
strictly Canadian, is certainly favorable for Canadian breeders. This
region fairly teems with bird life, both as to number of species repre-
sented and number of individuals. Among breeding birds are the
liOuisiana Tanager, x\udnbon's Warbler, Lewis's Woodpecker, the Sharp-
shinned Hawk, the Oven-bird, Krider's Hawk, the Plumbeous Vireo, the
Western Warbling Vireo, Cabanis's Woodpecker, the Slender-billed Nut-
hatch, the Chipping Sparrow, the Prairie Falcon, and the Olive-backed
Thrush (?).

The number of mammals found in the caiions is much smaller than
might naturally be expected. The White-tailed Deer, the Yellow-haired
Porcupine, the Long-tailed Weasel (?), a chipmunk (Tamias minimus),
a wood rat (Neotoma rupicola), a white-footed mouse {Peromyscus t. suh-
arctictis'?), and a mole (Scnlops a. macliriims), are characteristic species.

Hat Cbkek Basin. — This is the name applied to the extensive valley
or gap which lies between Pine Eidge and the Black Hills. It is fully
100 miles wide and embraces portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, and South
Dakota, varying in altitude from nearly 4000 feet on Indian Creek to
3600 in its eastern portion. The chief watercourse, Hat Creek, which
flows through the center of the region in a general northeasterly
direct-ion, is fed by numerous small streams having their sources in
the canons on the north slope of Pine Eidge. From the Wyoming line
eastward the principal ones are, successively, Indian, Antelope, Squaw,
Jim, Warbonnet, Monroe, Prairie Dog, Bad Land, and Sowbelly creeks.
The banks are invariably clothed with a heavy growth of deciduous
trees for a mile or more out into the valley but beyond this are bare,
or merely stipport a sparse growth of cottonwoods, while the water
becomes alkaline. Since it is not within the province of the present
paper to go beyond the boundaries of Nebraska I shall confine myself
to that portion of the basin which lies between Pine Eidge and the
South Dakota line, and between the B. &. M. E. E. and the Wyoming
line, although exactly similar conditions obtain in southwestern South
Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

In its eastern portion, east of a line drawn north from the mouth of
Monroe Canon, there are extensive areas of bad lands and naked buttes,
marked by a great scarcity of vegetation of all kinds. Throughout this
bad lands region the water is strongly alkaline and the streams usually
go dry after July 1. The western portion of the basin is an undulating
expanse of cactus plains and sage brush, the latter being confined to

PLATE VI II

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 67

the vicinity of streams, where it forms a fringe from a half mile to
two miles in breadth. In making a survey of the bad lands it soon
became evident that the region was possessed of forms peculiar to
itself, and entirely distinct from those found in the sage brush country.
Owing to this fact I shall make two faunal subdivisions of the Hat
Creek Basin.

Bad Lands Area. — This barren alkaline waste, the "inauvaises terres"
of the early French voyageurs, supports vegetation only along the
partially dry watercourses. Back from these there is scarcely a vestige
of plant growth. In such an unforbidding region one would scarcely
expect to find much evidence of bird and mammal life*; yet, as we
shall see later, several species of birds find here a congenial summer
home, and a few mammals live in the roughest portions among the
rocks.

Cottonwoods {Poptilus deltoides) form a narrow fringe along portions
of Bad Land and Prairie Dog creeks, and rarely there is a thicket of
Buffalo Berry {Lcparyyrca argcntata). At the heads of several bad-land
draws a heavj^ growth of RJius trUohata was noted. The Sand Cherry
(Pniniis piimila), Rosa woodsii, and Aragallus lambertii grow in gravelly
soil, while in damp places such leguminous species as Amorplia fruticosa
and Astraoalus muUiflorus grow in rank profusion.

The breeding birds of the Bad Lands Area are the Western Lark
Sparrow, the Arkansas Flycatcher, the Kingbird, the Red-winged Black-
bird, the White-rumped Shrike, Bullock's Oriole, Say's Phoebe, the
Killdeer, and McCillivray's Warbler ('?).

The following mammals occur sparingly' : Tamias minimus, Lepiis sp.
(probably bailey i). Mephitis hudsonica, Vulpes velox, Canis nebrascensis. Two
species of toads were collected here and nowhere else. A horned toad
{Phrynosoma douglassi) was common.

Sage Brush Plains Region. — The western subdivision of the Hat Creek
Basin covers an area of some IGO square miles and comprises the
valleys of Indian, Antelope, Squaw, Jim, and Warbonnet creeks, together
with the low connecting divides. The latter support a rather dense
growth of cactus as well.

As before stated, the characteristic plants are the Sage Brush {Arte-
misia tridentata), the Prickly Pear {Opuntia polyacantha), and two species
of Cactus. In addition we find growing here Yucca sp., Rosa arkansana,
Ribes floridum, Hymenopappus filifolins, Argemone intermedia, Eriogontim
ainiuum, Lcpargyrea argcntea, Artemisia cana, Chitierrzia euthamiw, Sar-
cobatus vermiculatus, and Amorpha canescens. Along streams in the south-
ern portion of the region such deciduous trees as the Box-elder (Acer
ncgundo). the Elm (Ulmus amrricana), the Black Willow {Salix nigra), and
the Black Birch (Bettila occidentaU.s), are foiind.

Bird life is abundant and varied. The following were found to be

*In prehistoric times it was far different. Then the region fairly teemed with ani-
mal life, as evidenced by the numerous remains of the monster Titanotherium. the
Oreodon and such peculiar beasts as the Saber-toothed Cat, the Three-toed Horse, etc.

68 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

the most charactei'istic breeders: Lark Bunting, Western Grasshopper
Sparrow, Western Vesper Sparrow, Brewer's Sparrow, Lazuli Finch, West-
ern Meadow-lark, Bullock's Oriole, Bronzed Grackle, Brewer's Black-
bird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Praii'ie Sharp-tailed Grouse, Sage Hen,
Long-tailed Chat, Yellow Wai-bler, Western Yellow-throat.

Some of the larger mammals are the Antelope, the Badger, a jack
rabbit (Lepus inelanotis), a cottontail (Lepus baileyi), the Coyote {Canis
nebrascensis), the Skunk (Mephitis hvdsonica) and a bob-cat (Lynx rnfus'?).
Smaller f'pecies noted were Cynomys ludovicianus, Perodipus richardsoni ,
Onychomy^ leucogaster, Perognatlms flavescens(?), P. hispidus paradoxus,
Mici'ottis modestus, Spermophilus t. palUdus, Peromyscus t. nebrascensis,
Geomys Ititescens, Thomomys sp.

LIFE ZONES.

From what has already been said concerning the occurrence of various
semi-boreal, as well as strictly austral, forms of life in northwest
Nebraska it is obvious that we have here at least two well-defined life
zones, each characterized by the possession of species of plants, birds,
and mammals not found in the other. To be more exact, the two sub-
di'S'isions of the Hat Creek Basin which I have designated as the "Sage
Brush Plains Region" and the "Bad Lands Area," both agree in possess-
ing truly arid land or desert species, able to withstand great extremes
of drouth and heat; Avhile distinctive forms are possessed by each
subdivision owing to such minor factors as variation in the amount
of plant growth, soil differences, and surface configuration. Thus both
the above subdivisions fall naturally under the arid portion of the
Upper Austral Life Zone, defined by Merriam as the Upper Sonoran
Faunal Area.*

Again, the presence of such semi-boreal species as have already been
listed from the wooded canons points to at least a life zone having
boreal affinities. And when we take into account the presence of a
number of southern species, or species of southern extraction, in the
same region it clearly indicates a zonal area v^dth mixed affinities, partly
boreal and partly austral in its composition. To this zone Dr. Merriam,
who at the present time is unquestionably the authority on geographic
distribution of animal life in IN^orth America, applies the name "Transi-
tion" because of its intermediate position. Inasmuch as the same
authority has divided the Transition Zone of North America into three
geographic areas characterized chiefly by the relative amount of humid-
ity, the vs'ooded canon region together with the adjacent plateau would
come under the Arid Transition.

Now that the four different regions of northwest Nebraska have
resolved themselves into two fairly well-defined life zones the next step
will be to group, as far as possible, the various plants, mammals, and
birds under their respective zones.

» Life Zones and Crop Zones of U. S., 1898, p. 36.

PLATE IX

A BEAVEK POND OX BIEHLE'S CREEK IN HAT CREEK VALLEY

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING ()9

fin this connection it should be stated that these conclusions in
regard to life zones are provisional and svibject to correction, since they
are based upon observations made by the writer only during- the last
two weeks in May, 1900, and in June and July, 1901. During the season
of 1901 I was in the region in company with Mr. M. A. Carriker, Jr.,
and my notes for this period are supplemented by his own.]

Mammals. — Eestricted to the Upper Sonoran: Microtus modestus, Perog-
natlms flavescens(7), Perognathtis hispidus paradoxuf^, Perodipus richardsoni,
Omjcliomys leucogaster, Spermophilus spilosoma obsoletiis, Geomys luteseens,
Lepus melanotis, Cynomys ludovicianus, Vnlpes velox.

Eestricted to the Transition: PeromyscMS texanus sxibarcticus, Neotoma
rupicola. Blarina sp., Cantor canadensis, Putorius lonf/icaudus, Erethizon
epixantMis, Odocoileus virginianus macrourus, Odocoilens hemionus, Myotis
evotis, Myotis californicus ciliolabrum.

Common to the Upper Sonoran and Transition: Microtus ansterus
haydeni, Peromyscus texanus nebrascensis, Scalops aquaticus machrinus, Sperm-
ophilus 13-lineatus palUdus, Tamias minimus, Thoinomys sp.. Fiber zibethieus,
Lutreola vison (following up streams from Upper Sonoran into Transi-
tion), Procyon lotor, Lepus baileyi, Lynx rufus{'i), Canis nebrascensis.
Mephitis hndsonica, Taxidea taxus, Antilocapra americana, Vespertilo fuscus.

PLA^ers. — Restricted to the Upper Sonoran: Populus deltoides, Eriogonum
annuum, Atriplex nuttallii, Eurotia lanata, Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Argemone
intermedia, Ribes floridum, Rosa arkansana, Rosa woodsii. Primus pumila,
Amorplia fruticosa, AmorpJia canescens, Astragalus muUlflorus, AragaUus
lambertii, Rhtis glabra, Cactus (two species), Opnntia polyacantha, Lepargyrea
argentea, Gutierrezia euthamice, Eymenopappus fllif alius, Artemisia fiUfolia,
Artemisia tridentata (narrow tongues of sage brush extend well up into
the Transition on such of the north slopes of Pine Eidge as are open),
Artemisia, cana.

Restricted to the Transition: Pinus ponderosa, Juniperus communis,
Limnorchis hyperborea, Corallorhiza multiflora, Populus balsamifera, Populus
tremuloides, Ostrya tnrginiana, Berberis aquifolium, Sedum stenopetalum,
Ribes cereum, Amelanchier alnifolia. Astragalus hypoglottis, Acer glabrum,
Viola canadensis, Cornus amomum, Galium boreale, Symphoricarpus pauci-
florus, Campanula rotundifoUa.

Common to the Upper Sonoran and Transition: Juniperus virginiana,
Salix nigra, Betula oecidentalis, Ulmus americana. Clematis ligusticifolia,
Ribes oxyacanthoides, Ribes aureum. Primus demissa, Lupinus plattensis,
Rhus trilobata, Rhus radicans, Acer negundo, Vitis cordifoUaf Parthenocissus
quinquefolia, Cornus stolonlfcra. Symphoricarpus oecidentalis, Townsendia
grandiflora.

The above lists are composed mainly of shrubs and woody perennials,
as these are of much the greater value in determining zonal limitations.
Nomenclature according to Britton.

70 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Specifst restricted to Upper Sonoran

140. QuerqaeuuJa discors (Linn.). — Blue-winged Teal. Small pond on

Monroe Creek.
142. Spatula dypeata (Linn.). — Shoveller. In company with the preceding.

These ducks probably bred in the vicinity.
190. Botaurus Icntif/inosus (Montag.). — American Bittern. The Bittern

was seen but once — on the S""E* ranch.
273. Aepialitis vocifera (Linn.). — Killdeer. A common breeder in the bad

lands.
308&. Pedioecetes phasianellus campestris Ridgw. — Prairie Sharp-tailed

Grouse. Was found breeding in alfalfa fields along Monroe and

Jim Creeks.
309. Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonap.). — Sage Grouse. A few pairs of

the Sage Grouse were nesting- in the sage brush along Antelope

and Indian creeks. Mr. Carriker shot young birds in the middle of

July.
331. Circus hudsonius (Linn.). — Marsh Hawk. Dr. Wolcott secured a set

of eggs of the Marsh Hawk in a swampy tract in the bad lands

early in June.
378. Speotyto cunicuJaria hypog(ca (Bonap.). ^Burrowing- Owl. Often seen

around dog towns where they breed.
388. Goccyzus erythrophthahnus (Wils.). — Black-billed Cuckoo. Several seen

along the creeks in June and July.

444. Tyrannus tyraniins (Linn.) . — Kingbird. Often had its nest in the same
tree with Arkansas Flycatcher, but was not nearly so abundant.

447. Tyrannus vertlcalis Say. — Arkansas Flycatcher. An abundant breeder
in the cottonwoods along the bad lands streams, the middle of
June being the height of their breeding season. In a distance of
two miles along- Bad Land Creek there must have been fully a
hundred pairs of these birds breeding in 1901.

488. Corvits americanus (Aud.). — Crow. A crow was seen at Crawford,
Neb., May 25, 1901.

495. Molothrus (iter (Bodd.). — Cowbird. A common bird in the valley.

498. Agelaius phoeniceus (Linn.). — Red-winged Blackbird. Breeding abun-
dantly in a bad lands marsh Ma^' 28, the nests nearly all contain-
ing fresh sets.

508. Icterus hullocki (Swains.). — Bullock's Oriole. A set of eggs was
taken on Bad Land Creek. June 16. Other birds were seen on
Indian Creek a few daj's later.

510. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus (Wagl.). — Brewer's Blackbird. Numbers
of Brewer's blackbirds, both young and adults, were seen on
Indian Creek, June 18-20.

5nb. Quiscahcs quiscula cenetis (K^Agw.) . — Bronzed Grackle. Frequently
seen in the Basin.

552«. Chondestes {/ranunacus strigatus (Swains.). — Western Lark Sparrow.
Common breeder in the bad lands, where a mnnber of nests were
found.

5fi2. Spizello hreweri Cass. — Brewer's SparroAv. Mr. Carriker found several
pairs of Brewer's sparrows breeding on Indian Creek. The
nests were in bushes of the Greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) .

*The brand used at the ranch ; pronounced S-bar-E.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 71

599. Cyanospiza amaiia (Say). — Lazuli Bunting-. Found nesting in thickets
of Prunus demissa late in July. Seen also in the Transition but
did not breed there.

604. Spisa americana ((Tmel.). — Dickeissel. Heard several times in alfalfa

fields.

605. CaJamospiza melanocorys (Stejn.) — Lark Bunting-. The most abundant

summer resident of the Hat Creek Basin. Nesting- was at its
height on June 18, when out of a dozen or more nests examined
all but one were hidden beneath a sage bush. The exception was
a nest which the birds had built right in the middle of a thick
bunch of cactus (Opimtia pohjacantlia). Out of seven nests exam-
ined the male bird was flushed from five.

616. Riparia riparia (Linn.). — Bank Swallow. Along White River, Craw-
ford, May 25.

652. Dendroica (estiva (Gmel.). — Yellow Warbler. Common breeder in
the Basin.

10Z.,Mimiis pohjglottos (Linn.). — Mockingbird. Mr. Carriker shot both
young- and adult mockingbirds on Antelope Creek in the middle
of July, and several adults were noted in other places during the
summer.

704, Galeoscoptes caroUnensis (Linn.). — Catbird. A common bird along
lower Monroe Creek, where they doubtless breed.

755. Hylocichla miistelinus (Gmel.). — Wood Thrush. A few were seen on
Biehle's Creek,

The follo-ning species were seen at Crawford, July 28, but were evi-
dently migrants: Baird's Sandpiper {Trhif/a bairdii)?. Least Sandpiper
(Tringa minutiUa), Solitary Sandpiper (Eelodromas solitariiis) , Yellow-
legs (Totanns ffavipes).

Species restricted to Transition

332. Accipter velox (Wils.). — Sharp-shinned Hawk, Breeding in the west

branch of Warbonnet and in Monroe caiions.

333. Accipiter cooperii (Bonap.).— Cooper's Hawk. A pair nested in War-

bonnet Cailon late in June.

337«. Buteo borealis kriderii Hoopes. — Krider's Red-tail. During the last
of !May. 1900. a pair of Krider's Red-tail were found nesting on
a ledge upon the face of a high cliff in the west branch of Monroe
Canon, and in 1901 a pair had a nest in a similar situation in the
third caiion west of Monroe. Found also in Upper Sonoran, but
breeding restricted to Transition.

355. Faico mexicanus Schleg. — Prairie Falcon. Nesting on a ledge of rock
near the top of Saddle Butte at Crawford, and also on one of the
east cliffs of Warbonnet Canon.

390. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). — Kingfisher. Seen at a beaver pond in Sow-
belly Canon. Breeding in Transition questioned. Probably acci-
dental.

39Zd. Dryohates villosus hyloscopus (Cab.). — Cabanis's Woodpecker. Breed-
ing in ^^'illow stubs; Warbonnet. Monroe, and Dead ISIan's canons,

394&. Dryobates pubescens Iwmorus (Cab.).— Bachelder's Woodpecker. Same
nesting habits as preceding, but not so common.

408. Melanerpes torquatus (Wils.). — Lewis's Woodpecker. Nesting through-
out the range of Pimis ponderosa — a characteristic bird of the
canon sides.

72 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

418. Phalamoptilus nuttallii (Aud.). — Poor-will. Nesting at the base of the
rim rock — four or five pairs to the canon.

425. Aeronaiites melanoleucus (Baird). — White-throated SAvift. An abun-
dant breeder in cracks and crevices of the cliffs.

459. Contopus borealis (Swains.). — Olive-sided Flycatcher. I secured a
specimen of the Olive-sided Flycatcher in the second canon east
of Warbonnet on the 14th of June. Breeding- questioned.

475. Pica pica Jiudsonica (Sab.). — American Magpie. A common breeder
in the canon region.

492. Gyatioccphalus cijanocephalus (Wied). — Piiion Jay. Both adults and
young abundant-, but the only breeding evidence secured was a
couple of old nests which Mr. Carriker found at the head of
Gerlach's Canon.

521. Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). — American Crossbill. Common in
the pines in June, but in July feeding- on HeUanthus seeds. Breed-
ing doubtful.

533. Spinus piiius (Wils.) — Pine Siskin. Seen at intervals during July
in the pines. Breeding questioned.

560. Spizella socialis (Wils.). — Chipping Sparrow. An abundant summer
resident, nesting in the small pines and cedars.

567. Junco aikeni Eidgw. — White-winged Junco. The breeding of the
White-winged Junco in northwest Nebraska was definitely estab-
lished in 1901. Mr. Carriker found a nest containing- young about
the first of July, and a little later I saw young birds in the west
branch of Warbonnet Caiion — fully two miles west of the first
nest found. Old birds were frequently seen in the coolest and
dampest portions of the canons among the juniper thickets and
quaking aspens.

581. Melospiza melodia (Wils.). — Song Sparrow. In a canon along Pine
Ridge between Crawford and Fort Robinson, on May 24, Prof.
Bruner and the writer flushed a Song Sparrow from some
Symphoricarpus bushes, which acted in a peculiar manner. A
diligent search failed to locate the nest but it is probable that
the bird was breeding.

607. Piranga, lucloviciana (Wils.). — Louisiana Tanager. Common breeder
in the pines.

612. Petrochelidon lunifrons (Say). — Cliff Swallow. Several old nests sup-
posed to belong to this species were found on the cliffs.

615. Tacliyoineta thalassina lepida (Mearns). — Violet-green Swallow. Sev-
eral pairs were found breeding among the cliffs, but no sets
secured.

629a. Yireo solitarius plumbens (Coues). — Plumbeous Vireo. Breeding in
shaded portions of cations in trees of the mountain maple {Acer
(jiabrnm) .

656. Dendroica auduboni (Towns.). — ^Audubon's Warbler. The breeding
range of Audubon's Warbler in northwest Nebraska coincides
with the distribution of Pinus ponderosa. The birds usually build
their nest in a bunch of pine needles near the end of a branch,
where it is concealed very effectually.

727a. 8itta carolinensis aculeata (Cass.). — Slender-billed Nuthatch. Often
seen in the cafions and undoitbtedly breeds.

THIRD ANNUAL MKKTING 73

754. Myadestea toivnsendii (Aiid.). — Townsend's Solitaire. Two nests of
the Solitaire were found in I'JOO— one in Uerlach's Canon and the
other in Monroe Canon. A pair was seen in 1901, but no nest
found.

75Sa. Hylocichla u-sttilata sicainsoni (Caban.).— Olive-backed Thrush. Seen
several times during the summer in West Warbonnet Canon. The
birds seemed jjartial to the shady woods around the springy head
of the stream, and were very shy. Breeding- probable.

76S. Sialia arctica Swains.— Mountain Bluebird. Quite a common breeder
in the higher parts of the Ridge. A dead stub on some high
point is the usual nesting site.

The following stragglers were seen in the Transition: Blue Jay
{Cyanocitta a'istata), Lincoln's Sparrow {Melospiza Uncolnii), Bluebird
{SkiJia sialis), Oolden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). The Spotted Sandpiper
{Actitis macularia) was seen at Andrews late in May, but was probably
a migrant.

Species common to hoth Upper lioiioraii and Transition

261. Bartramia lotujicanda (Bechst.).— Bartramian Sandpiper. A common
breeder both on the plateau and in the valley.

264. Numeniiis longirostris (Wils.).— Long-billed Curlew. Same as preced-
ing, but not so common.

289. Colinus virginianus (Linn.).— Bob-white. Heard at both Glen and
Crawford.

316. Zenaidnra macroura (Linn.).— Mourning Dove. Doves were nesting
both in the wooded canons and on the prairie — in the latter situa-
tion on the ground.

325. Cathartes aura (Linn.).— Turkey Vulture. Abundant.

342. Bttteo sirainsoni Bonap. — Swainson's Hawk. Not common.

348. Arcliihuteo ferrwjineus (Licht.).— Ferruginous Rough-leg. Seen both on
Indian Creek and around buttes on the plateau— undoubtedly
breeds.

3G0. Falco sparverins Linn.— Sparrow Hawk. An abundant breeder.

375a. Buho virginianus pallescens Stone.— Western Horned Owl. Frequent-
ing alike the heavily timbered canons and the cottonwoods along
bad lands streams.

406. Melanerpes erytlirocephaJns (Linn.).— Red-headed Woodpecker. An
abundant breeder.

412ff. Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs.— Yellow-shafted Fhcker. Breeding
wherever there is timber.

413. Colaptes cafer coUaris (Vigors).— Red-shafted Flicker. Same as pre-
ceding.

420. Chordciles virginianus lienryi (Cass.).— Western Nighthawk. Nesting
on the prairie.

457. Sauornis saga (Bonap.).— Say's Phoebe. Nests on rocky ledges in the
bad lands as well as in the heads of canons; also in ranch out-
buildings.

462. Contopus richardsonii (Swains.).— Western Wood Pewee. Seen wher-
ever the timber afforded a proper environment; doubtless breeds.

466r/. Enipidona.rtraillii alnorum Brewst.— Alder Fljcaloher. Scarcer than
the preceding species. Breeding probable.

74 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOrUSTS' rXlOX

474c. Otocoris alpestris arenicola Hensh. — Desert Horned Lark. Abundant,

both on the plateau and in the Basin.
5016. SturneUa ma<jna neglecta (Aud.). — Western Meadow-lark. Abundant

breeder throughout prairie regions.

529. Astrapalinus tristis (Linn.). — ^American Goldfinch. Along streams,

wherever there is sufficient tree growth.
539. Rhi/iichophanes viccoiriiii (Lawr.). — McCown's Longspur. Breeding on

the plateau as well as on the divide between Antelope and Indian

creeks.

540fl. Pooecctes gramineus conpiis Baird. — Western Vesper Sparrow. Nest-
ing throughout prairie regions.

546a. Ammodramus saiatmarum himaculatiis (S^^■ains.). — Western Grass-
hopper Sparrow. Same as preceding.

588. Pipilo maculatHS arcticus (Swains.). — Arctic Towhee. Center of abun-
dance in the wooded eaiions, but following down the wooded
streams well into the Upper Sonoran. Nesting on the ground,
usually in thickets of Symplwricarpus, etc.

596. Zamelodia melanocephaJa (Swains.). — Black-headed Grosbeak. Nest-
ing in low trees, frequently in black birch (Betula occidentalis) .

613. Eirundo eri/throfjastra Bodd. — Barn Swallow. Nesting in ranch sheds,

and outbuildings.

614. Tachycineta hicolor (Vieill.). — Tree Swallow. Seen in small numbers

around the cliffs in the higher portions of the Eidge, where it
doubtless breeds. A number of swallows which I took to be of
this species were seen on lower Monroe Creek in the middle
of June.

622a. Laniu^ Jiidoriciavvs ercuhitoridps (Swain.). — White-rumped Shrike.
Abundant breeders in the bad lands, where they nest in the
cottonwoods. Two pairs were also found nesting on the divide
at the head of Dead Man's Canon in small pines.

624. Tireo olivaceus (Linn.). — Red-eyed Vireo. Seen in Monroe and War-
bonnet Caiions in May and June; also on Indian Creek in the
middle of June.

627a. Vireo gilms sicainsoni Baird. — Western Warbling Vireo. Several
vireos of this species were found in Monroe and Warbonnet Caiions
earh' in the season, and a young bird shot on Indian Creek in
July by Mr. Carriker.

680. Geothlypis tolmiei (Towns.). — McGillivray's Warbler. I saw a Mc-
Gillivray's Warbler near the head of Monroe Caiion May 27, 1900,
and at intervals during- the summer of 1901 birds were seen in
thickets of R1iu>i trilobata in bad lands pockets. I have no doubt
that they were breeding in the latter locality.

6Sla. Geothlypis ti'ichas occidentalis Brewst. — Western Yellow-throat. An
abundant breeder in the brush and thickets along the streams.

683a. Icteria rircns loiKjicauda (Lawr.). — Long-tailed Chat. Throughout
the region, wherever there are suitable thickets for nesting sites.
A characteristic bird of the shrubbery.

687. ^etopliaya niticilla (Linn.). — Eedstart. Commonly seen in thickets
of black birch, and the two nests found were in birch trees.

715. Salpinctes ohsoletiis (Say). — Rock Wren. Breed in the buttes of the
plateau as well as in the bad lands, and are abundant.

721&. Trofilodytes (rdon aztecus (Baird). — Western House Wren. Through-
out the region.

TlUrU) ANNUAL MKKTING <0

735a. Parus atritdiiillus septentrionalis (Harris). — Long-tailed Chickadee.

A common summer resident.
761. Merula migratoria (Linn.). — Kobin. Abundant breeder in the canons,

but scarcer in the liasin, and confined to the brush along streams.

A VIEW IX THE BAD LANDS

NOTES OX THE NESTING OF SOME SIOUX COUNTY BIRDS

M. A. CARRIKER, JR., NEBRASKA CITY

The extreme northwestern corner of Nebraska, embracing a portion
of Sioux and Dawes counties, is an extremely interesting locality to
the naturalist, embracing as it does portions of different life zones iu
close proximity. As would be expected from such conditions, the bird
fauna is exceedingly varied and interesting, and not at all similar to
Avhat we have in other portions of the state.

Nearly every year for a number of j^ears past some one has gone
to this locality from the State University and considerable material
and data have, as a result, been accvimulated, but at no time had any
party spent more than a couple of weeks at one time in the region.
On account of this fact. Prof. Lawrence Bruner of the State University
determined to place a party here for a considerable length of time
during the early summer of 1901. Accordingly Mr. Merritt Gary, of
Neligh, Neb., and myself left Lincoln on May 25, accompanied by Pro-
fessor Bruner and Dr. K. H. Wolcott, also of the State University, who
intended to spend the first week in camp with us. We proceeded to
Harrison, the county seat of Sioux County, from, whence we, together
with our camp equipage, were driven about ten miles northwest to

76 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' INION

the head of Warbonnet Canon, where we pitched the camp, that re-
mained as our headquarters for the two months of ovir staj'.

A word of explanation as to the character of the countrj-. The
eastern part of Wyoming consists of a high, roughly undulating, grassy
plateau, sloping gradually towards the southeast, which, after entering
Nebraska, breaks ofE abruptly into the Hat Creek Valley. The face of
the plateau along this sudden drop, which ranges from three to five
hundred feet, is cut into an endless series of deep, precipitous canons,
some of which are short, while others extend back into the plateau
for miles, with many twistings and side branches. The longer ones
invariably become gradually shallower and finally end on a level wdth
the surrounding country, but the shorter ones very often end in an
abrupt wall of rock ranging from twenty-five to a hundred feet or more
in height. The upper portion of the canon walls is almost invariably
composed of "rim rock" rising sheer from ten to even a hundred and
fifty feet in height in some places. From the base of this "rim rock"
there is a steep slope of earth and rocks to the usually narrow bottom,
along which there is to be found in most cases a little streamlet of
clear cold water. The slopes are covered with a more or less dense
growth of pines (Pinus ponderosa) ranging from a few feet to sixty and
seventy feet in height, while the rich soil along the banks of the brooks
is thickly overgrown with black birch, quaking aspen, and willow, with
an occasional elm and box elder. The innumerable little streams issu-
ing from the canons flow out into the valley where they eventually
join, to form the stream known as Hat Creek. There is always a thick
growth of trees and shrubs along the banks of these valley streams,
but it is generally more bushy than in the canons.

Thus it is easily seen that here is presented a variety of conditions
which would be exceedingly hard to duplicate in the same extent of
territory. I devoted the major portion of my time to birds, while Mr.
Cary was more particularly occupied with the mammals. The follow-
ing observations concern the breeding of some of the rarer or less
known birds which are to be met with in that vegior :

Bartramian Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda). — Although the nest-
ing habits of this bird are quite well known, a few observations may
not be Avithout interest. The birds were abundant upon the grassy
plateau and especially so near the heads of the canons, where its sweet
plaintive note could be heard at almost any time. The first nest, which
was found by Dr. Wolcott, May 30, contained four fresh eggs of the
usual type, and was merely a shallow excavation, probably made by
the bird, lined with a fcAv blades of dead prairie grass and was abso-
lutely unprotected by any tuft of grass or weeds. The finding of this
nest was accidental and careful searching on clear days proved fruit-
less; a startled alai-m note woiild be heard somewhere ahead and a
moment later a bird would arise, but though we searched the grass
fairlv blade by blade no nest could be found. Accordingly, Mr. Cary

TLATI-: X

XEST OF PRAIKIE SHARP-TAILED GROUSE

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 77

and I went out one foggy morning later, on July 3, with a rope to drag
for nests, and were rewarded bj^ finding two. But both nests were
found exactly as Dr. Wolcott had found his, by flushing the bird almost
underfoot, one by Mr. Carj' and one by myself.

Sickle-billed Curlew (Numenius longirostris). — This bird was found
breeding in some abundance on the grassy hills along Indian Creek,
in the northern portion of Sioux County. On June 18 I shot an adult
female and caught a young bird not more than two or three days old.
Ranchmen informed me that it was a common breeder farther east in
the vicinity of Ardmore and southward.

Pkairie Sharp-tailed Grouse (Pcdioecetes phasianellus campestris) . — ^In
the vicinity of the S""E Ranch and along Monroe Creek were found
two flocks, each of about four pairs, of this grouse. On June 18, while
on our way to Indian Creek, we ^vere informed by a cowboy of a nest
beside a certain irrigating ditch. After diligent search along the wrong
ditch by Mr. Crawford and myself, the same cowboy appeared oppor-
tunely and in a few moments we had the satisfaction of flushing the
female from the nest of thirteen eggs, which though somewhat dis-
colored were still beautiful to me. The nest was situated in the midst
of a thick clump of tall grass on the very verge of the ditch and was
merely an excavation in the earth, lined Avith a few grass blades and
weed stalks. I returned later and secured the photograph of the nest
here given. The eggs were taken June 23 and were still fresh, though
the first ones must have been laid at least three weeks before that
date. This was the only nest found and the birds were not abundant,
these two flocks being protected by the owner of the ranch.

Sage Grouse (Centrocerctis tirophasianus). — The Sage Grouse is a rare
bird in Nebraska, being found only in small numbers in the extreme
northwestern corner of the state along the flats of Antelope, Sage, and
Indian creeks where the rather abundant sage brush and greasewood
give it shelter and food. We made every effort to procure conclusive
evidence that this bird actually breeds in Nebraska. On our first trip
to Indian Creek, June 18, not a bird was seen and no direct evidence
procured, but on my second trip to that region, about the middle of
July, I was more fortunate, for two large male birds were secured
and, what Avas better, a flock seen consisting of an old female and ten
half-grown young, all at least seven miles within the boundary of
our state. These birds were without a doubt hatched and reared in
Nebraska, because it is extremely doubtful whether the parent could
have brought them for ten miles over high dry hills, without a drop
of water, and such would have to be the case had they been hatched
in South Dakota. Farther to the northwest in Wyoming, the birds
are very abundant, on account of the fact that their flesh is uneatable
except when young, thus making them little sought after by the
ranchmen.
Sharp-shinxed Hawk (Accipiter relox). — This ')old little fellow is
7

78 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

found only in the canons and is not at all abundant. One pair was
located near the head of the west branch of Wai-bonnet Canon, where
the nest was found by Mr. Gary and myself on June 5. The nest was
about twenty feet from the ground and rested on the upper side of a
horizontal limb at the point where it leaned against the trunk of an
adjacent tree. It required a sharp blow from a stone to flush the
female from her set of four beautifully blotched eggs. The nest was
left undisturbed for a few days, when I returned with a camera and
secured several photographs, two of the female on the nest and one
of the nest and eggs.

I was much interested in the actions of the female during the
time which was occupied in taking the photos. The tree containing
the nest was surrounded by numerous small trees and shrubs, many
of which had to be removed before an unobstructed view of the nest
could be secured. During this work the bird sat upon the nest in plain
sight of me and not more than twenty feet distant. Whenever a limb
gave an extra loud snap in breaking I held my breath for a moment
for fear she would fly, but my fears proved to be groundless, for she
remained quietly on the nest, only moving her head from side to side,
until I started to climb the tree, when she flew. While busy in the
tree securing a photo of the nest and eggs the female returned and
alighting on a limb about fifteen feet distant sat and watched me
closely, now and then shaking herself and pluming her feathers.

On July 10 I found the second nest of this pair of birds not far from
the site of the first. It was in a scrubby pine, about twelve feet from
the ground, and was a very flimsy structure in comparison to the other.
As an additional proof of its being a second set, the eggs numbered
but three, with one immaculate, while all those of the first set were
blotched. Here also the female did not leave the nest until the tree
was shaken. Both nests were situated in trees growing at the very
bottom of the canon and surrounded by a dense growth of deciduous
trees. As in other localities, the birds are seldom seen, keeping under
cover of the thick growth of trees which fill the bottoms of the canons.
At one time while walking along an old "snake" road running down
a canon, a chipping sparrow dashed across the path in front of me,
closely followed by a sharp-shinned hawk. At sight of me, however,
the hawk swerved suddenly and disappeared into the thicket from
which it had fiown in pursuit of the sparrow.

Krider'vS Hawk (Buteo horealis kriderii). — I made the acquaintance of
this majestic bird on June 13. It was a foggy, drizzling day and I had
started out to systematically explore several caiions to the east of War-
bonnet. Having ascended a canon almost to its perpendicular head a
chorus of bird cries suddenly sounded somewhere ahead of me. By
this time the fog had filled the canon, almost blotting out the sheer
semicircular walls of rock which formed its head and it was some time
before I could locate the cries of the birds, since they were magnified,

PLATE XI

XEST OF SHARP-SHINXED HAWK

Fii-st one refcrrcfl to in text.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 79

re-echoed and distorted bj^ the cliffs and fog. Finally they were located
as proceeding from a ledge about twenty feet from the base of the
cliff, and by climbing a pine growing near I could look down into a
great nest of sticks, containing three large young hawks still in the
down. A moment later with a rush of wings the owner of the nest,
in the form of a magnificent Krider's hawk, alighted on the ledge, but
detecting my presence almost instantly, she sailed away, returning to
circle screaming overhead until I had left the vicinity. A few days later,
by the help of a pine, cut for the purpose, I succeeded in reaching the
ledge about fifteen feet to one side of the nest. To reach the nest,
however, was another problem, but with painfully slow progress 1
craw^led along under the overhanging rock, with three pairs of round
black eyes staring wonderingly at me from the nest.

The site had evidently been used by the birds for several successive
years, for the pile of sticks composing the nest was at least one and
one-half feet in thickness and three feet in diameter, occupying a
pocket on the ledge. Fragments of skulls, vertebr;©, and feet of various
rodents lay scattered about, together with the vertebrae of a large
snake and some fragments of a recently killed prairie-dog. Later when
I attempted to secure a photo of nest and young at close range, one
of the birds had disappeared leaving but two, but the photo, owing to
the difficulty in taking it, did not prove to be a success. Something of
the difficulty can be imagined when it is understood that I was com-
pelled to crouch upon my knees and attempt to steady the camera
while it hung suspended from a nail driven into the soft overhanging
rock. On this trip I shot the male, the skin being among the others
from the summer's trip. About a month later a second nest, situated
in nearly the same kind of a place, was found in another canon to the
west of Warbonnet. I was unable to look into this but could hear the
cries of the young. Another pair of birds was earlier seen in Monroe
Canon but no nest was located.

Praikie Falcon (FaJco mexicarms). — Until May 26, 1901, there had been
no definite record of the breeding of this falcon within our state
boundaries, but upon that date a nest was found and later another.
Prof. Bruner, Mr. Cary, and myself on our way to Sioux County took
advantage of an enforced stop at Crawford, to rummage about among
the buttes about two miles west of town. Here our attention was
attracted by a prairie falcon which kept circling about a particular
butte known as Saddle-back, on account of its peculiar shape. We
started around this and when we arrived at the west side a second
bird suddenly made its appearance, ajiparently from the face of the
cliff above us. and joined its circling- mate. At once we suspected the
presence of a nest upon some ledge invisible to us from below and
started around to the north side where an ascent of the butte w^as
possible. I reached the top first and after a moment's search located
the nest in a kind of pocket in the cliff about twelve feet below the

80 NEBRASKA ORXITHOLOGISTS' UNION

top, or rather I located the nesting site, the two recently hatched
birds and one egg merely resting- in a slight depression of the rock.
The young were very small, not much larger than the egg, and covered
with whitish down. The egg was a dull vinaceous buffy, closely
sprinkled and specked with reddish brown. I wished very much to
secure the egg and could probably have done so, but the soft rock was
slippery from a rain of the night before and Prof. Bruner thought it
unsafe to make the attempt, so I left it, but not without keen regret.

Later, when we arrived at Warbonnet Canon, we sawr a pair of falcons
several times, but were for a long time unable to locate the nest. On
June 21, while working the east branch of the canon, my attention
was attracted by the cries of young hawks somewhere above me;
hastily clambering up the sloping side of the canon, and following the
direction of the cries, I soon located them as coming from five young
prairie falcons in a hole in the cliff about thirty feet up. The cavity
was wholly inaccessible except by descending on a rope from the top
nearly a hundred feet above, so I contented myself by climbing a pine
which grew near the cliff and taking a good look at the birds. During
this operation the female dashed back and forth between me and her
young, screaming incessantly. I visited the nest several times during
the next month, and intended to photograph them before they left
it, but other work prevented until after they had left, so the photo-
graph taken showed only the cavity where they had been.

Sparrow Hawk (Falco sparverius). — The Sparrow Hawk is without
doubt the most common of the Raptores of the Pine Eidge region.
Every caiion contains from one to three pairs and thej' also straggle
out into the valleys along the creeks flowing from the canons. With
two exceptions all nests were found in oUl holes of the Flicker or
Lewis's Woodpecker. One exception was a nest found at Crawford, in
a crevice in a butte near the one containing the nest of the Prairie
Falcon, and made by scratching out the sand from a crevice between
two strata of rock. The hole was about two feet deep and the single
fresh egg was deposited on the still damp sand at its slightly enlarged
extremity. The other exception was a nest found by Dr. Wolcott, on
May 28, in an old dove cote near an abandoned ranch house, containing
five fresh eggs of the usual coloration. However, these are, as I said,
rare exceiitions, the usual site being an old woodpecker's hole.

Cabanis's Woodpecker {Diiiohateft rillosus hijloscopus). — The breeding
habits of this bird are practically identical with those of its eastern
relative. It is not a common bird, but one nest being found in the
canons, and this contained young birds on June 21. The hole was
excavated in a dead stub of an elm about twenty feet from the ground.
The birds were, I think, more abundant in the cottonwoods along
Indian Creek, some twenty miles to the north.

Poor-will {Phahrnoptihis vnttallii). — Not long after the setting of the
sun and when the depths of the canons are beginning to be wrapped

TLATK XII

SADDLE-BACK BDTTE, NEAR CRAWFORD

Location of Prairie Falcon's nest indicated by a cross (X). Face of butte nearly
three hundred feet sheer height.

PLATE XI]

3^ -'-■* ■

-.1^ .--

SADDLE-BACK BUTTE, NEAR CRAWFORD

Location of Prairie Falcon's nest indicated by a cross (X). Face of butte nearly
three hundred feet sheer height.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETINC! 81

in darkness, there come two clear elusive notes from somewhere along
the rim-rock of the canon. It is the first call in the nig-htly serenade
of the poor-wills and is quickly taken up by the remainder of the
orchestra along the rocky walls. There is something exceedingly weird
and uncann3r about it all, that fascinates the listener; the sound is
echoed, magnified, and distorted by the canon walls until one is almost
led to believe that the sounds are of supernatural origin, and when a
bird is by chance seen, as it flutters and glides silent as a shadow
down to the bottom of the canon, its very appearance lends support
to the belief. Very seldom indeed are the birds seen in the daytime
and in spite of the fact that at least three pairs were positively known
to be somewhere within our canon, a nest was searched for in vain,
and we would have returned without eggs had it not been for the kind-
ness of Mr. O. A. Peterson, a paheoiitologist collecting in the vicinity,
who, while searching for fossil remains among the Diamonelix beds
along the brow of the canon on July 23, accideutly flushed a female
from her two white eggs. These lay in a slight depression on the
bare white rock, right in the blazing sun, and the bird was so well
protected by its remarkable adaptability to its surroundings, that it
was not seen by Mr. Peterson until it flushed a few feet in front of
him. The eggs were well advanced in incubation, in fact nearly upon
the point of hatching, but were saved by careful treatment, though in
a poor condition. They are pure glossy white, elliptical in shape and
measure respectively 28x19.75 and 27x19 mm. Whether this nesting is
the regular time or later than usual I do not know, but it seems to
me to be quite late, as the Whip-poor-will lays in Southern Nebraska
about the second week in June.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes melanoleucus) . — This interesting
bird has for several years been known to be an inhabitant of the canons
of Sioux and Dawes counties and has been supposed to breed there, but
until May 30, 1901, no nest or eggs had ever been seen or taken. Indeed
very little is known of the breeding of this bird anywhere on account
of the usually inaccessible situation which it selects for a nesting site.

In May, 1900, a party consisting of Mr. J. S. Hunter, Mr. Merritt Gary,
and Mr. J. C. Crawford, Jr., located a colony of perhaps a dozen pairs
of these birds near the head of West Monroe Caiion in Sioux County,
but were unable to reach the places where the birds appeared to have
their nests. So in 1901 the partj' went with a firm determination to
secure eggs of the birds. On May 30, our party, consisting of Prof.
Bruner, Dr. Wolcott, Mr. Gary, and myself, visited the clitt" occupied by
the birds the year before and found that they had returned and to all
appearances had nests, under construction at least, in the crevices of
the clitf about seventy feet above the base of the perpendicular wall
of rock.

The home of the birds was a bold, convex clift", forming one wall
of the canon and facing to the southwest. On the south side, about

82 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

two-thirds of the distance to the top, was a ledge upon which rested
the last year's nest of a pair of Krider's hawks and into which Mr.
Hunter had longingly gazed, from the top of a neighboring pine, at the
two eggs, so near and yet so far. Around this nest and on the west
side of the cliff were scattered the nests of the swifts, as could be
seen by the way in which they were constantly darting in and out of
the cracks and crevices, keeping up a constant vigorous chattering as
they wheeled, circled, and darted about in the vicinity of the cliff. Their
swiftness of wing and the poor footing made the work of collecting
any for skins well nigh an impossibility, and it was only after a long-
continued fusillade that one lone bird was secured. After various plans
for reaching the nests had been discussed, I volunteered to make an
attempt to climb the cliff. The trunk of a small pine, cut down by
Mr. Hunter the year before, lay at the base of the cliff, and when this
was erected I was able to ascend about one-third of the distance to a
narrow projection of rock at a point where several nests were supposed
to be. As may be seen from the photograph, there is a shoulder of
rock, but a few feet in wddth, running perpendicularly up the side
of the cliff and ending in the projection I have just mentioned. This
shoulder was made by a vertical section of the face of the cliff slipping
down and still remaining in an upright though rather unstable condi-
tion, and it was up the narrow side of this section that I must climb
in order to reach, the miuch desired nests above. This cliff consists, as
do all the rocks of the region, of a soft sandstone which is rapidly disin-
tegrated by the action of the elements upon it. This fact made the
ascent far more precarious than it otherwise would have been, since
one could never tell when the portion of rock which, sustained his
weight would tumble away. But while this was a great difficulty, it
was also the means which, made it possible for me to ascend the cliff,
since I was able, with the small handaxe which I carried, to cut foot
and hand holds in the rock and thus gradually make the ascent.

I think anyone can appreciate the task of clinging to the nearly
perpendicular face of a cliff for the length of time sufficient to cut
steps for the ascent of nearly fifty feet. But persistence finally over-
came all obstacles and I stood at the top within easy reach of three
nests, one of which was still empty while another contained one egg
and the third two. The nests were made entirely of feathers, glued
into a compact mass by means of the saliva of the bird, and also
securely fastened by the same means to the bottom of the vertical
fissures in the rock in which they were placed. By this time Dr. Wolcott
had climbed by a roundabout way to the top of the cliff and let down
a coil of rope over the face of the rock to assist me in the descent.
Owing to the overhanging nature of the cliff the rope hung out several
feet beyond reach and I was compelled to draw the end up by means
of a stout cord which I happened to have. Taking a turn of the rope
around one leg I started to slide down but stopped a short distance

PLATE XIII

MR. CARRIKER AT THE SITE OF THE ROCK SWIFTS' NESTS

He was seventy-five feet up while the three* hundred foot rope hanging from
above just swept the base of the cliff.

PLATE XIV

A ROCK swift's NEST IX A CLEFT IN THE KOCK

Tlu' lociitiou of the camera and the dim light tended to obscure the details
in the photograph.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING ^3

below at a fourth nest. Clinching- to the rope with one hand and leg
I chopped away the rock with the other hand until the nest was
reached and the four fresh eggs safely transferred to my mouth and
later to the ground. On June 14, Mr. Gary and I returned to the cliff
and I secured sets from the three nests which I visited first on my
former ascent. On this trip I secured photographs of the cliff and the
nest and eggs.

On June 2, Prof. Bruner located another nest in the west branch of
Warbonnet Canon. This was not so high as the others, being not more
than twenty feet from the base of the cliff, and was easily reached
by cutting a slender pine and leaning it against the cliff. But two
eggs were secured from this nest. In all, five nests Avere found and
sets secured from each, — two of four eggs, two of three, and one of
two. The eggs are pure dull white more or less specked and spotted
by some black foreign substance which can be only partly removed
by washing. They are long and pointed, as can be seen by the measure-
ments. The eggs in a typical set of four measured respectively: 25x15,
22x14, 22x14, 22x14 mm. The smallest of the sixteen eggs collected
measures 21x13 mm., the largest 25x15; while the average is 22.7x13.6.
During incubation the parent birds are much attached to the nesting
localitj' and fly constantly back and forth before the cliff. The female
sits very close, often having to be removed from the nest by force,
which is dangerous to the safety of the eggs, as anj'one who has seen
or felt their claAvs can testifj'. The nests are invariably infested by
a hemipterous insect much resembling the common bedbug. Whether
these insects live parasitically upon the young birds or not, I cannot
say, biit none were ever found upon the adults. These birds are quite
common in all the canons of the Pine Ridge where there are large
cliffs with fissures of a sufficient height from the ground to suit the
birds. I also saw a few in August around the large bluff at Gering,
Neb., known as Scott's Bluff.

Bullock's Oriole (Icterus bullocki). — Bullock's Oriole replaces the
Baltimore in the western part of the state and seems partial to the
cottonwood-fringed streams of the prairie and semi-arid regions. In
fact the drier and less hospitable the place is, providing there are a
J . w stunted cottonwoods to be found, the better they seem to like
it, for the only nest found was one right in the center of a tract of
bad lands about seven miles in extent. The tree containing the nest
was a very respectable tree indeed, for that region, and grew in the
bed of a creek which contained water only in the early spring and
for a few hours after a heavy rain. All around were the seamed and
rugged slopes of that peculiar whitish clay composing the Tertiary
deposits, and which seems to reflect every ray of sunlight that beats
down upon it until one thinks that every reflected ray is trying to
enter his half-blinded eyes at the same moment. Here the Bullock's
Oriole is at home and rears its young in peace and safety, except when

84 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

a prowling- oolog-ist happens along. The nest is almost indistinguish-
able from that of the Baltimore Oriole, though I think that as a general
rule it is more beautiful and more artistically constructed. The eggs
are smaller and partake more of the coloration of the Orchard Oriole.
The nest I secured was suspended about forty feet from the ground from
the lower portion of a pendant limb growing out of the middle of the
tree and contained four partly incubated eggs. This was the only pair
of birds seen near Pine Ridge but they were more plentiful farther
north, especially along Indian Creek.

McCown's Longspur (Rhynchophmies mccoicnii). — On the 20th of June,
while on our return from Indian Creek, a large flock of these birds was
seen, scattered over the dry hills, just north of Antelope Creek. From
their actions, the birds w^ere evidently breeding, but there w^as no time
to look for their nests. Later, July 4, a second flock was found upon
the ridge southwest of Warbonnet Canon and near the Wyoming line.
After a few minutes' search, Mr. Cary located a nest containing half-
fledged young. The nest was built very much like that of the Horned
Lark, being sunken flush with the surface of the ground and made of
dried prairie grass blades and rootlets. The birds were close to, and on
both sides of a trail, while the nest found was but a few feet away from
the beaten track with no attempt whatever at concealment or pro-
tection by weed or tuft of grass.

Western Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus con/ims) .^While return-
ing from our expedition to the cliff of the rock swifts, May 30, we
secured our first nest of this bird. A light rain was falling and we
were tramping silently along through the wet grass, when a little gray
bird darted up in front of us and dropped down into a "blowout"
beyond. We searched for several minutes without finding anything
and would have left had the bird not appeared so anxious about our
presence. Accordingly we withdrew a short distance and had hardly
settled ourselves to watch when the anxious little mother fliittered
back and alighted near the spot of her first appearance. While closely
watching her she seemed to suddenly melt into the grass and disappear.
We hastened to the spot, and when ^vithin not more than five feet of
the nest she flushed a second time and we were soon looking down
into the cleverly concealed little cup of woven grass which contained
the five eggs she guarded so jealously, and which was tucked down
into the lower part of a bunch of prairie grass and built entirely of
the dead grass blades. The eggs have a bluish background, speckled,
dotted, and streaked with blackish brown and light purplish shell
markings. We foiand another nest a few days later, containing five
eggs also. Mr. Cary and myself were dragging the grass for nests and
as I crossed the edge of a rocky "blowout," the female flushed from
almost under my feet. This nest was much less substantially built
and was scarcely concealed, being sunken, fiush with the surface, at
the base of a few stems of grass. Two other nests were found later

PLATE XV

NEST OF BULLOCK S ORIOLE

THIlJIl aNNUAI. MKirriNG 85

with young-, but both resembled in structure and position the second
one found more than the first.

I think tliat this bird is b}' far the most abundant sparrow of the
reg-ion excepting- possibly the Western Lark Sparrow, though this
species is contined almost exclusively to the Bad Lands, where, in
company with the Lark Bunting-, it nests on the ground under the
shelter of the small sage bushes which abound along- the dry water
courses.

Brewer's Sparrow (SpizeUa brcweri). — ^The only place where this
sparrow was seen in the region was along the draws on the north
side of Indian Creek, where it was fairly abundant among- the sage
and greasewood. At the time of my second trip there, July 13, all
had finished their incubation and were busily engaged in supplying
their young w^ith the various kinds of small Avorms to be found in and
under the shrubs. One specimen was secured to make identification
positive. All the nests noted were in the small sag-es close to the
ground and constructed in a manner very similar to that of the Field
Sparrow.

White-winged Junco {J unco aikeni}. — This is the first record for
Nebraska of the breeding of the White-winged Junco. Dr. Wolcott
and Mr. Gary first saw the birds in Warbonnet Canon soon after our
arrival, but they were not seen again till June 29, when I found a nest
with four nearly fledgeu young. I was working down a narrow gorge,
whose earth-strewn sides were thicklv overgrown with various kinds
of vines and shrubs, when a junco darted out from one of the sides
in front of me with a s-tartled twitter and disappeared around the
bend. Hastily reaching the spot where it flushed, I parted the vines
and discovered where a ledge of rocks extended about a foot beyond
the slope and the dirt had drifted down over it, making- a little cavity
under its sheltering roof. In this little nook was the nest witli four
young birds all able to fly, a fact which I soon discovered by their
hastily escaping from the other end and taking flight down the gulch.
Unfortunately I had no gun with me that day, as I was engaged in
taking' photographs, and when I returned the next day the whole family
had disappeared.

Arctic Towhee (Piirilo maculatus arcticus). — Probably the most char-
acteristic bird of the canons is the Arctic Towhee. The bush-covered
cafion slopes seem fairly alive with them and as you proceed they
keep in advance, slipping in and out of the heaps of dead pine boughs,
jerking- their tails arid uttering their querulous note.

On the morning- of June 5 Mr. Cary and I found a nest in a pile of
old pine boughs about twenty-five feet to one side of the tent. It -was
a typical nest of the Towhee, constructed of leaves, rootlets, and weed
stems, and contained five fresh eggs. On June 2G, while working down
Warbonnet Creek about a mile below the mouth of the canon, I founa
another bulky, clumsily-constructed nest in the top of a slender willow

86 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

perhaiJS ten feet from the ground. This nest was without question
built by the present inhabitant, as the condition, material, and con-
struction fully testified. On July 5, while searching a clump of bushes
near the mouth of the canon for a suspected nest of the Lazuli Bunt-
ing, I flushed a female towhee from fairly under my nose and parting
the little rose bush I was about to walk over, looked down into a nest
of the bird just flushed. It was built as a typical towhee's should be,
with perhaps a little more foundation, and contained four fresh eggs.

The eg"gs of the Arctic Towhee vary as much in size and coloration
as do those of the eastern form. Out of three sets which I secured,
in one the background is almost perfectly white, in the second a decided
reddish tinge, while in the third as blue as any Grosbeak's egg which
I have ever seen. The largest egg measures 25x17 mm., the smallest
21x16 mm. The markings consist of fine specks, g-enerally heavier
around the larger end, running through shades of chestnut, cinnamon,
rufous, and lilac.

La-Zuli Bunting {Cyanospiza amocna). — This bird was found to be
quite abundant along the creeks, after leaving the canons, where the
thickets and shrubbery afforded excellent feeding ground and nesting
sites. Although the birds were frequently met with, but two nests
were found, on account of the cleverness whh which they were con-
cealed. The first was on July 1, and found after a half hour's systematic
search of a thicket not far from the mouth of Warbonnet Canon, where
it was deftly tucked away in the leaf-draped fork of a choke-cherry
shrub, about four feet from the ground. The nest was made of grass,
weeds, stems, and rootlets, lined with fine grass. The four fresh eggs
were a beautiful pale blue, indistinguishable from those of the Indigo
Bunting. The second nest, July 10, with four fresh eggs, was taken
at the mouth of Jim Creek Caiion, and from a situation very similar
to that of the first, the nest material, construction, and position being
practically the same also.

During the heat of the day the birds are not often observed, keeping
down in the thickets, but in early morning the male is always to be
seen, perched near its nest, on the highest twig available, pouring out
its song, loud, yet not harsh, and full of trills and tender cadences,
while the female flits about close by.

Louisiana Tanager (Piraiiga ludoviciana) . — This beautiful bird, with
its golden body, blackish wings and tail, and crimson head, seems to
realize that its brilliant colors are intensified by dark green foliage
and consequently is rarely seen in any other tree than a pine, where
it feeds, builds its nest, and rears its young. The birds were fairly
abundant along the canon sloi^es, but on account of the splendid
cover they had for concealing their nests, but one was found. On July
27, I was slowly toiling up .an almost jjerpendicular pine-clad slope,
with a camera and tripod, when the actions of a female tanager caused
me to stop and watch her. After a moment's observation, it was very

THIRD ANNUAL MEKTIN<; 87

evident that she had a nest in the immediate vicinity and that I was
tod close to it for hei* ijcacc of mind. After about fifteen minutes of
xipward ga/Ang, at the expense of a nearly dislocated neck, I discovered
the frail nest far out on the lowest limb of an enormous pine. Having
a coil of rope with me, I secured one end to the camera and the other
to myself, and after a hard climb, manag-ed to reach the limb on which
the nest was situated, where a photograph of it was obtained from
the nearest possible point. It was fortunate, too, for it is the only
evidence that remains of the finding' of the eg"gs of the Louisiana
Tanager in Sioxix County, since the three eggs were almost upon the
point of hatching- and could not be .saved.

The nest is constructed much like that of the Scarlet Tanager, being
perhaps a trifle bulkier, and haA-ing a base of pine needles, with the
main structure composed of rootlets. The eggs, too, resemble those
of the Scarlet Tanager, the chief difference in this set being- the heavier
and more evenly diifused mai'kings.

Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo solitarius plumbcus). — This bii-d was only added
to our state list at a recent date, being found breeding for the first time
by Dr. Wolcott in Sioux County in 1900. On June 15 I started to ride to
Harrison and attempted to get out of the caiion by a side branch
Avhich I had never before explored, but I soon discovered the futility
of the attempt. I had just arrived at a point where the canon was
a mere cleft in the side of the ridg"e, with steep rocky sides, covered
farther up by pines and dense underbrush, and was turning my horse
in order to return, when I happened to glance upward, and there just
over my head hung a beautiful little cuiJ-shaped nest, adorned with
lichens and cobwebs, swinging from the forks of a drooping mountain
maple. I reached up and drew it gently down, and seeing that it con-
tained but one egg, I left it undisturbed. On the ISth we went up to
Indian Creek, and it was not until the 21st that I again visited the
nest, armed with shot-gun and camera. Two photographs were secured,
the nest with its four eggs, and both the birds, all of which are now
in the collection of the University. The nest was constructed of veg-
etable fibres, beautifully decorated with lichens and cobwebs, and lined
Avith the peculiar, round, grass-like material which all vireos use for
nest lining. The set consi.-sted of four dull white eggs, sparsely specked
and dotted around the larger end with burnt umber. They measure
respectively: 18.5x14, 19x14.5, 18x1.3, and 18.5x14 mm.

Audubon's Warbler (Deiulroica auduhoiii). — This beautiful warbler,
resembling so much the Mja-tle Warbler, was found to be surprisingly
abundant among the pines of the canons, usually more abundant from
half way up the sides to the top. I think that we put in more actual
time hunting for nests of this bird than any other in the region, and
yet but one nest with eggs Avas found, by Mr. Cary on June 14. It was
a rainy, toggj morning, and we were exploring systematically some
cafions east of Warbonnet. While working up a side branch, we were

88 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

attracted by the peculiar actions of a pair of warblers, and began to
watch them. In about ten minutes Mr. Cary located a nest by seeing-
the female fly to it with building material. It was situated on a
horizontal limb of a small pine growing- on the side of a ravine, and
so cleverly tucked away in a bunch of needles that it could not jiossi-
bly be seen except from one point. It was still incoiuplete and the full
complement of four eggs was not secured until the 27th. The nest
was built externally of pine bark fibres with horsehair woven into the
inner part and lined entirely with fine soft feathers, many of the tips
of which curled inward from the brim, nearly concealing the eggs at
the bottom. The nest measured about 75 mm. in diameter externally,
and 4.2 mm. internally; about 62 mm. in depth externally, and 30 nim.
internallj'. The four slightly inciibated eggs have a pale, greenish-blue
background, and with one exception are marked around the larger end
with a wreath of fine specks and dots of burnt umber and cinnamon
and larger shell markings of lilac. One egg, in addition, is blotched over
the entire surface with dull cinnamon. The average size is 18x13 mm.

The birds were very clever at leading a person from their nest. On
several occasions I have seen both the male and female exhibit the
greatest excitement when a certain place was approached and whei-e I
am sure they had no nest, because in a few moments they would quietly
slip away and leave you without a clue as to where the nest really was.

Long-tailed Chat (Icteria virens longicauda) . — Little need be said about
the breeding- of this bird, since its habits are identical "with those of the
Yellow-breasted Chat. The birds were abundant, frequenting the thick-
ets along the valley streams, where they kept themselves and nests
well hidden away. Several nests were found, the time for fresh eggs
being- about the 1st of July. The nests were built rather loosely of bark,
roots, and grass, lined with fine round grass stems and usually placed
in the centre of a thicket in a choke-chei-rj' bush.

MocKiNGBiED {M'wius pohjglottos) . — While on Indian Creek an adult
female and a young male were secured. They were in a little draw, run-
ning- back from Indian Creek, the bottom of which was thickly over-
grown with sage bi'ush and greasewood and a few cottonwoods scat-
tered along the sides.

Later, in July, Mr. Cary and I were riding along the road at the mouth
of Monroe Canon when we saw a mockingbird sitting- on a fencepost
at the side of the road.

Rock Wren {Salpinctes obsoletus). — The Eock Wren is very abundant
along the Pine Eidge and in the Bad Lands, where its cheerful, though
not at all melodious song- and sprightly manners greatly relieve the
monotony. Nesting as it does in the cracks and crannies of the rocks
and clay banks, it is very frequently to be met with in the most in-
hospitable and usually the most inaccessible spots. Outside of the
Bad Lands, perhaps the best place to find them is along the crest of the
ridge around the little rocky buttes, formed by the outcroiiping of

PLATE XVr

A TBIO OF NESTS

Hole iu butte leading to Rock Wren's nest, and nest exposed (above).

Nests of Western Vesper Sparrow at left and Lazuli Bunting at right (l)elow).

THIUl) ANMAI. .MKKTING 89

limestone ledges and Diamonelix beds. Here, under some ledge, be-
neath a fallen slab of rock, or in the hole left by the disintegration of
a "Devil's Corkscrew," they build their nest. While the female is at-
tending to the family matters, the male perches on the highest point
available, and entertains her with his never-changing song.

The first nest was found on June 24, placed at the end of a hole,
formed by the rotting* out of a "corkscrew." It was high up on the
ridg'e, on the side of a notch, where the trail to Harrison crossed to
the valley beyond. The female flushed when I put my hand into the
hole, leaving her nest of seven badly incubated eggs. The hole ran
horizontally into the bank for a distance of about two feet, and at its
end was the nest, a loosely built, fiat structure, composed of dried
prairie grass, and lined with fine rootlets. The eggs are dull white,
very finely speckled over the entire surface, but more thickly at the
larger end, with cinnamon. A second nest with two eggs was found
the same day and left until July 5, when a full set of six eggs, slightly
incubated, was secured. This nest was situated on a talus slope at the
foot of a limestone ledge, under a large flat rock, fallen from above,
and slightly raised from the ground by a rock under one end. The
nest and eggs were in every way similar to those of the first set.

BIKD AND NEST PHOTOGKAPHY

I. S. TROSTLER, OJIAHA

It is not my purpose to enter into a lengthy discussion of photog-
raphy, but merely to give a few general remarks upon that branch
of picture-making which is becoming an important aid to us in the
study of bird life. The photographer Avho proi^oses to portray birds
with the camera is undertaking a very difficult branch of j)hotography.
Birds being naturally shy and timid, it is usually a very delicate and
difficult matter to get them within range of the camera. This is
especially true of old birds and fledglings almost ready to leave the
nest. Very j'oung nestlings can usually be photographed with little
trouble. Patience is a virtue that all bird photographers ^ould be
abundantly supplied Avith. With this and any of the numerous cameras
as an equipnaent, one may secure some valuable aids to bird study and
instruction.

A good complete outfit is desirable, though many ver^- fine photographs
have been produced with cheap apparatus. It is the operator that
makes the pictures, but the quality of the lenses, adjustments, and
plates greatly modify his ability to succeed. In my opinion, the ideal
outfit for this work is a long-focus camera for 5x7 plates, fitted with
a Voigtlander "Collinear" lens in a Bausch & Lomb "Diaphragm" shut-
ter, and a "Focal Plane" shutter fitted next to the plate. This gives a

90 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

lens with great speed (f5.7) and shutters working automatically from
1-1000 of a second to three seconds. The camera should have a bellows
length of not less than eighteen inches, reversible and swing back,
sliding front, and rack and pinion for focusing. A good strong folding-
tripod is necessary. This should have an Eastman "adjustable tripod
top," which being made on the ball and socket principle enables the
oi)erator to tilt the camera up, down, and sidewise without moving the
tripod legs. I also carry a "bicj^cle attachment," which I use to attach
the camera to a branch when up in a tree. It is much better than
to strap the tripod to the branches, and may be used at all heights and
angles, as it has also a ball and socket movement. A rubber hose
about twenty-five feet long with a large bulb is necessary, so that the
shutter luay be released when some distance away from the camera.
For use in a bog or swanap, I have a "web-foot attachment" for my
tripod which I find to be a great help. I place blocks of wood, one
inch thick and three inches square, with hole in center to fit tightly,
on the end of the ti'ipod legs, which prevent the tripod from sinking
into the muddy bottom.

The best tiiue to secure good photographs of birds is during the
breeding season, and the best places are where their nests are found.
If you want to photograph a parent bird upon the nest or feeding the
young, focus the camera upon the nest, connect the long hose, carry
the bulb end of the hose to the nearest cover, and after setting the
shutter and drawing the plate-holder slide retire to end of hose and
await your chance. Here is where the supply of patience must be
used. It may be necessary to wait quietly from fifteen to thirty
minutes, and sometimes longer; and right here I want to impress it
upon all, beginners esj)ecially, that the finest bird photographs are
secured by lying in wait for a parent bird to alight upon or near the
nest. One who awaits the opportimity and secures one good picture
accomplishes far more than do the many who expose dozens of plates
and fill albums with poor photographs.

It is frequently advisable to screen the camera with a few green
boughs, being careful to leave nothing in front of the lens to obscure
the view. All movements when near the nest should be quietly ex-
ecuted in the shortest possible time, so as not to alarm the birds un-
necessarily. The photograph should be made during the lightest part
of the day whenever jjossible, and the exposure should be as short as
is consistent with the subject, lens, plate, and light. Imitations of bird
cries will usually cause the parents to approach the nest, and after
they find that the danger has apparently passed they frequently remain
and feed the young. A sound that will usually bring the birds may be
made by placing the back of the hand firmly against the opened lips
and sucking, at the same time raising the angle of the mouth, thus
producing a squeaking smack which sounds somewhat like the "hungry
call" of a young robin.

TIUUD ANNUAL MEKTIN*; !)1

Young birds should be photographed in or upon the nest if it is
possible to secure a good light. They should not be in direct sunlight
if it can be avoided, and the exposure must be very quick, on account
of their fast respiratory movements. When it is impossible to secure
a good picture of the young in the nest, they may be arranged upon
suitable perches made of twigs or boughs, and photographed in various
attitudes or groups. It is helpful to have a companion arrange the
birds while you attend the camera. In cases where it is necessary to
remove the young from the nest, because of its inaccessibility or in-
sufficient light, my most successful plan of photographing young birds
is to first focus upon the perch I have selected and mark it to show
the limits of the plate. After everything is ready for the exposure I
place the birds upon the perch and release the shutter. A whole brood
of young birds may be arranged upon a branch and the plates exposed
when they assume the most interesting or desirable positions. Many
birds have favorite perching spots. By focusing upon one of these and
■carefully screening the camera the bird may be "taken" from a dis-
tance and the resulting negative enlarged if desired.

Swamps and shallow lakes containing growths of sedges, tules, and
Avillows are splendid places for x^hotographing nests and young. Wad-
ing is to be preferred whenever possible, as boats shift their position
too easily in open water, and are too hard to push through dense tules
and rushes, where many of the water birds' nests are found.

Photographing nests alone is a much easier undertaking, and with
proper treatment beautiful pictures may be made of such common
objects as a robin's or a catbird's nest. It is seldom advisable to point
the camera downward toward the nest at any great angle, or to tilt
the nest toward the camera to any considerable extent. If it is desired
to show the eggs, depress the camera front a little and place a small
Tsit of cotton or bunch of grass or leaves in the nest so as to raise the
eggs up to their natiiral position m the center of the nest, if you have
tilted it lowai-d the camera. As some birds will desert the nest if it
or the eggs are touched by the hands, it is advisable to use a small
stick and carefully move the eggs with this when it is necessary. It is
always best to view a nest from all sides before placing the tripod,
and to select the position where the least amount of cutting out of
twigs or leaves will be needed to expose the nest to view. When prun-
ing is necessary, do as little as possible, and cut so that there will be
no indication of it upon the picture. I prefer bending boughs and twigs
aside and tying them, rather than cutting them oft'. After exposing
the plates I return the twigs to their natural positions and leave the
lairds with their home unharmed.

Nests should 7iever be photographed in direct sunlight, as the contrast
Taetween the eggs and nest and the shadows upon the eggs will be too
THUcli exaggerated and the eggs too badly overexposed. An umbrella or
focusing cloth held up as a screen will give the desired shadow and a

92 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

much better result. There is usually a great contrast between the
color of the eggs and the material composing the nest, which renders
it necessary to overexpose upon the eggs in order to get the desired
detail of the nest. Always expose for the nest, nevertheless, and cor-
rect the overexposure in development. The use of a ray screen (of
picric-acid-yellow color) will reduce this overexposure, and will also
bring out the delicate lilac mai-kings found ujion some eggs. When
using a screen or ray filter the exposure must be increased four to
eight times its usual period.

A freqiient error of beginners is that they try to get the picture too
large for the size of their i^late. It is usually best not to fill the plate
with the image of the nest. Get a little of the surroundings, so that
your photograph will tell its own story as regards site, kind of bush,
etc., and you will be better pleased after you have made a print from
the negative. Focus upon the nest from different locations and dis-
tances, and select the one that shows the best image on the ground
glass after several trials. Look at this through a blue glass to secure
the monochromatic effect of a print, and you can judge better. Tnke
plenty of time to focus carefully, and if there is no wind to swing the
nest, stop the lens down and prolong the exposure, in order to get
perfection of detail. I frequently stop down to 64 and sometimes to
256, and expose from one-half minute to three minutes, where 1 could
make an equivalent exposure in one-fifth of a second with lens work-
ing at full aperture. After exposing the plates and replacing the twigs
bent aside, it is well to retire to some distance as soon as possible, so
as to cause the birds as little alarm as you can.

If after exposing all your plates yoxi should find some especially
desirable subject, look up your notes (which should always mention
subject, plate, time of day. condition of light, and length of exposure)
and see if you have a plate that is probably underexposed, or more so
than any of the others. Expose this plate upon your latest find, giving
five to six times the normal coeposttre, and when you develop it use a solu-
tion strong in reducing agent and bromide and weak in alkali. With
proper care a negative thus produced will yield good j)rints after it has
been intensified. The first exposure will be "lost in the shutfie."

The great majority of bird snapshots are underexposed, and unless
properly developed will yield poor negatives, whose resulting prints-
will look like "chalk and charcoal." Although much has been said and
written about the development of snapshots and underexposures, I
feel justified in adding a few hints. Forcing development of underex-
posures is a fallacy; a bad theory which has spoiled more negatives
than all other methods of development combined. The majority of
photographers try to "force up" an underexposure by using a de-
veloper that is too aggressive— too strong in reducing agent. The
best and safest rule to follow is: The greater the underexposure,
the weaker the developer and the longer the period of development. I

THIRD ANNUAL MKKTINC 93

frequently leave plates in the developing- solution for half an hour,
and sometimes for two hours. The best all-around developer is Hautf's
"Metol," and for underexposures the one-solution formula (accompany-
ing the bottle) diluted with three or even four volumes of water is
best. The separate solution formula may be used for underexposures
with equally good results by taking one part of each solution and three
or four parts of water. With metol, development should proceed until
the image has almost disappeared, and the resulting negative will be a
pleasant surprise. When only a small portion of the plate is under-
exposed, this may be remedied by blowing the breath upon it, through
a tube of paper, during development. This will cause the developer
to act more energetically upon that part, and will give a better result
than when the whole plate has been treated for underexposure. Over-
exposed parts — as eggs in a nest — can be retarded by applying bromide
solution with a soft brush, tuft of cotton, or the finger, while in the
course of development. A little hypo (1 to 2 grains to the ounce of de-
veloper) is an excellent restrainer for overexposed plates.

All photographers have their favorite plates. I prefer Seed's "L.
Orthochroniatic" for ordinary work. This is a fast emulsion plate
which is slightly sensitive to red and less sensitive to violet and blue
than the ordinary dry plate. For photographs in swamps, lakes, or
over water, where halation is to be feared, I find Lovell's "backed
plates" very fine. These have a black paper backing which must be
removed before development. They cost slightly more than the ordinary
plates, but their advantages justify the slight additional expense.

A very valuable little article for bird photographers, is one on "Photo-
graphing Animals" in "The Photo-Miniature," for June, 1902, Vol. IV,
No. 39. The most valuable recent books are: Among the Water Fowl,
by Eev. Herbert K. Job; Bird Studies With a Camera, by Frank M.
€hapman; Wild Life at Home, by E. Kearton (English); Photography
for Naturalists, by Douglas English (English).

EECORD OF NEBEASKA OEXITHOLOGY

ROBERT H. WOLCOTT, LINCOLN

This contribution is expected to furnish a comjjrehensive view of
what has been accomplished with reference to the ornithology of Ne-
braska up to the present time and to provide a starting point for a
critical study of the birds of the state. It is planned to treat the subject
Tinder the following heads:

I. A bibliography, arranged alphabetically.

IT. A review of the past changes in the boundaries of Nebraska and
a description of the various government survey parties that have
traversed the state, tog-ether with, so far as may be possible,
an identification of all localities quoted by the early authorities.

94 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

III. A review of Nebraska ornithology, chronologically arranged.

IV. A critical enumeration of all existing Nebraska records, in sys-

tematic order.

In the collection of titles it has been decided to omit all reference to
those coming under the following heads: reviews; articles by Nebraska
ornithologists not referring specifically to Nebraska; articles contain-
ing only direct quotations; general works, such as Coues' Key and
Eidgway's Manual, containing references in general terms, as "west to
Nebraska, Kansas, etc."; articles in sporting' journals, except the Forest
and Stream, and articles in this which were without scientific value;
newspapers; purely jjopular magazine articles. And yet it is recognized
that in sporting journals, in magazines, and in a few newspapers there
are data of real value, which the writer hopes some day to collect. All
"bird-magazines" of distinctly amateur character were neglected, but
in case any such periodical was found to contain material of value, no
attempt was made to draw a line between various articles in it, but all
were included.

It has been impossible for the author to secure access to everything
in which he might find desired references and it is therefore probable
that omissions occur in this bibliography. In case the reader should
discover any such, information of the same will be gratefully received.

The usual form of reference has been followed. A number corre-
sponding to the year of publication precedes each title, and brevity of
citation is secured by referring to a title by its number; thus, "Bruner,
96" refers to his Notes on Nebraska Birds. What is supplied by the
compiler is placed between brackets, including the insertion of a title
Avhere in the original reference there was none. Capital Roman nu-
merals in the citation of an article refer to volumes, lower case Roman
and Arabic to pages. The annotations under each title are intended
merelj^ to supplement the title in suggesting- to the reader the character
of the reference.

i. bibliography
Agebsborg, G. S.

85 The Birds of Southeastern Dakota. Auk, II, 276-289.

References to Cedar and Dixon counties, Nebraska.
Allen, J. A.

92 The North American Species of the Genus Colaptes, etc. Bull. Am.

Mus. Nat. Hist., IV, 21-44.

Refers to Nebraska specimens.

Allison, T. S.

93 Changes in Nebraska. Forest and Stream, XXXIX, 556.

Changes in number of birds in Dawes county.
Anderson, Geo. P.

00 The Belted Piping Plover. Oologist, XVII, 156.

Nesting at Dannebrog.
Breeding- at Dannebrog.

01 Black-headed Grosbeak (Eabia melanocepliala) . Proc. N. O. U., II, 98.

THIRD ANNUAL MEHTIN(; 95

Audubon, Maria E.

97 Audubon and his Journals. With notes by Elliott Coues. New

York: Scribner and Sons. 1897. 2 vols., 8vo, pp. x+532, 554, ills.

Not seen by writer, but inference drawn from other sources

that Audubon reached Nebraska on his journey up the Missouri

Eiver.

AuGHEY, Samuel.

78 [Notes on the enemies of grasshoppers.] I Ann. Kept. U. S. Ent.
Connn. for 1877, 337.
Including bird enemies.
78a Some Facts and Considerations concerning the Beneficial Work
of Birds. 1 Ann. Kept. U. S. Ent. Comm. for 1877, 338-350.
A strong plea for bird iirotection.
786 Notes on the Nature of the Food of the Birds of Nebraska. Ap-
pendix II of I Ann. Kept. U. S. Ent. Comm. for 1877, [13]-[62].
Practically a list of the birds of the state.
80 Sketches of the Physical Geography and Geology of Nebraska.
Omaha: Daily Republican. 1880. 8vo, 326 pp.
Birds — general account — pp. 122-127.

Baird, S. F.

64 Eeview of American Birds in the Museum of the Smithsonian
Institution. Smith. Misc. Colls., XII, Art. I. 484 pp.
Eeferences to Nebraska.

Baird, S. F., Brewer, T. M., and Eidgway, E.

75 A History of North American Birds. Land Birds. Boston: Little,
Brown and Co. 1875. 3 vols., small 4to, pp. xxviii-f-596+vi,
590+6, 560, pis. 64-f 36, 593 text-figs.
84 The Water Birds of North America. Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool.
Harv. Coll., XII and XIII. Issued in cont. of pubis, of Cal. Geol.
Surv. Boston: Little, Brown & Co. 1884. 2 vols., small 4to,
pp. 537, 552, num. ills., many col'd.

The former contains thirty-six full page colored plates by
Eidgwa3% not foimd in all editions. A number of species are
referred definitely to Nebraska, some breeding.

Baird, S. F., Cassin, Johx, and Lawrence, G. N.

58 Birds. Expls. and Survs. for E. E. Route from Miss. R. to Pac.
Ocean, IX: Genl. Eept. on Zool., Part II. 4to, pp. Ivi-flOOS.
Numerous references to Nebraska.

Barbour, E. H.

95 Bird Fatality along Nebraska Railroads. Auk, XII, 187.

95(1 Lincoln Salt Lake and the Occurrence of Strepsilas interpres.
Auk, XII. 297.

96 The Occurrence in Nebraska of Yireo flavoviridis. Auk, XIII, 263.

An error — see Bruner, 97.

01 A Peculiar Disease of Birds' Feet observed in Central Nebraska.
Proc. N. O. U., IT, 61-63, PI. X and text-fig.

Babnes, E. E.

74 [Note on lack of abundance of prairie chickens near Tecumseh.]
Forest and Stream, III. 140.

96 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Barrows, W. B.

89 The English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in North America. U.
S. Dept. Agr., Div. Econ. Orn. & Mam., Bull. 1. 405 pp., map.
Eefers to Nebraska.

Barrows, W. B., and Schwarz, E. A.

95 The Common Crow of the United States. U. S. Dept. Agr., Div.
Orn. & Mam., Bull. 6. 98 pp., frontispiece, 2 cuts.
References to crows and crow roosts in Nebraska.

Bates, J. M.

00 Additional Notes and Observations on the Birds of Northern Ne-

braska. Proc. N. O. U., I, 15-18.

01 Additional Observations on the Birds of Northwestern Nebraska.

Proc. N. O. U., 11, 73-75.

Bendire, Chas.

92 Life Histories of North American Birds. Smith. Cont. Knowl.,
XXVIII. U. S. Nat. Mus., Spcl. Bull. 1. Washington: Govt. Print.
Off. 1892. 4to, pp. viii+446, 12 pis.

95 Life Histories of North American Birds; from the Parrots to the
Crackles. Smith. Cont. Knowl., XXXII. U. S. Nat. Mus., Spcl.
Bull. [3]. Washington: Govt. Print. Off. 1895. 4to, pp. viii+518,
7 pis.
Numerous specific references to Nebraska.

BONWELL, J. E.

92 The Bronzed Crackle. By "Aix Sponsa." Oologist, IX, 10-11.
At Nebraska City — nesting, habits, etc.

95 Diversity in Nesting. Nidiologist, II, 72.

Nothing- original.
95a A Strange Freak of the Cowbird. Nidiologist, II, 152.
Feeding a young one.

96 The Coloration of Eggs. Nidologist, III, 130.

Futile attempt to discover a method to tell the order of laying.
96a Notes from Nebraska. Osprey, I, 27.
Notes on nesting of a few species.

Bradbury, John.

19 Travels in the Interior of America, in the years 1809, 1810, and
1811. 2d ed. London; 1819. 8vo, pp. xiv-f346, map.
In Nebraska in April and May, 1810 — notes a few birds.

Brewer, T. M.

59 North American Oology. Part I. — ^Raptores and Fissirostres.

Smith. Cont. Knowl., XL 4to, pp. viii-fl32, 5 pis.
Nebraska references.

Bruner, L.

96 Some Notes on Nebraska Birds. Ann. Rept. State Hort. Soc. for

1896, 48-178, 51 cuts.

A list of Nebraska birds; 415 species and subspecies enumer-
ated. General facts rehashed in Pop. Sci. Monthly, LV, 714,
Sept., 1899, under the title, Nebraska as a Home for Birds.

97 Vireo flavoviridis in Nebraska — A Correction. Auk, XIV, 323.

Proved to be V. olivacea. Vide Barbour, 96.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 97

Bruner, L. — Continued.

00 Ornithology in Nebraska. Proc. N. O. U., I, 8-11.

01 Birds in their Relation to Agriculture. Proc. N. O. U., TI, 18-29.
Ola Birds that nest in Nebraska. Proc. N. O. U., U, 48-01.

A list, with data.

Bttrns, F. L.

00 A Monograph of the Flicker {Colai>tes auratus). Wilson Bull., No.

31, 82 pp.

Notes from A. S. Pearse and F. A. Colby, Beatrice, and Amos
Pyfer, Odell.

C , T. F.

90 The Snowy Owl. Forest and Stream, XXXIV, 23.
At Schuyler.

Carriker, M. a., Jr.

99 Capture and Captivity of Great Horned Owls. Osprey, 111, 67-68.

Three young taken near Nebraska City, April 2, 1898.
99a Some of our Winter Birds. Osprey, III, 104-105.

At Nebraska City, in early February.
GO The Chickadee (Pants atricapiUiis) in Eastern Nebraska. Osprey,
IV, 138-139.

Habits, nesting, etc.
00a Some Notes on the Nesting of the Raptores of Otoe County, Ne-
braska. Proc. N. O. U., I, 29-34.

01 Notes on the Breeding of the Prothonotary Warbler. Proc. N. O.

U., II, 42-44.
At Nebraska City.
Ola Observations on Traill's Flycatcher. Proc. N. 0. U., II, 44-46.
016 Nashville Warbler. Proc. N. O. U., II, 96-97.

Probable breeding at Nebraska City.
Olc Yellow-throated Vireo. Proc. N. O. U., II, 97.

Breeding at Nebraska City.
Oia [Baltimore Oriole shot at Lincoln, Nov. 30, 1900.] Proc. N. O. U.,
II, 101.

Cakter, R. G.

77 "Wet Weather Birds." Forest and Stream. VIII, 320.
Franklin s Gull— Cherry Hill.

Gary, Merritt.

98 Phalarope Notes. Osprey. II, 133.

Notes on habits of Wilson's Phalarope.

98a A Growing Heron Rookery. Osprey, II, 134.

Black-croAvned Night Heron near Neligh.

99 A Phenomenal Flight of Hawks. Auk, XVI. 3.52-353.

Swainson's Hawk, at Neligh.

00 Some Birds from the Upper Elkhorn. Proc. N. O. U., 1, 21-29.

List of birds observed near Neligh.

01 Occurrence of the Mexican Crossbill (Loxia currirostra stricMandi)

at Neligh, Nebr. Auk, XVIII, 109.
Ola Breeding Habits of Bell's Vireo {Yireo helUi). Proc. N. O. U., II,

46-48.
01& Additional Notes on Birds of the Upper Elkhorn Valley. Proc. N.

O. U., IL 99.
9

98 NEBRASKA ornithologists' UNION

Chapman, F. M.

00 A Study of the Genus Sturiiella. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., XlJl.
297-320, S tig-s.

Specimens from numerous localities in Nebraska.

Colby, F. A.

94 A White Crackle. Oologist, XI, 48.

Shot at Beatrice, October 10 or 12, 1893.

C[oi.eman], G. a.

87 A Nebraska Collecting- Trip. Forest and Stream, XXIX, 123.

Near Pervi.

Coleman, G. A.

88 Coccothraustes vespertina in Nebraska. Auk, V, 425-426.

At London, Nemaha county.

Cooke, W. W.

82 Bird Mig-ration in the Mississippi Valley. From observations col-
lected by W. W. Cooke. Forest and Stream, XIX, 283-284, 306, 384.
Includes notes of H. A. Kline at Vesta.

84 The Distribulion and Migration of Zonotrichin querula. Auk, I,

332-337.

Keferences to Nebraska.
84« Migration in the Mississippi Valley. Ornithologist and Oologist,

IX, 1-2, 25, 37-39, 49-52, 63-66, 77, "l05-108, 117-118, 129-131, 141-143;

X, 1-2. 17-19, 33-3.5, 49-54. 65-68, 81-83. 113-114. 129-133. 14.5-147, 161-
163, 177-178.

Nebraska observers; J. Nelson, Jr.. Davenport; F. C. Kenyon,
Unadilla; N. A. Sherman, York; F. W. Powell, Alda; W. J. Kings-
burj', Linwood.

85 Notes on the Occurrence of Certain Birds in the Mississippi Valley.

Auk, II, 31-33.

Black-bellied Plover and Cape May Warbler at Alda.
85a Mig-ration of the Baltimore Oriole in the Mississippi Valley during
the Spring of 1884. In a Preliminary Keport of the Committee
on Bird Migration by C. Hart Merriam. Auk, II. 58-60.
Reference to Nebraska.
88 Report on Bird Migration in the Mississippi Valley in the years
1884 and 1885. U. S. Dept. Ag-r., Div. Econ. Orn. & Mam., Bull.
2. 313 pp., map.
References to reports from Nebraska observers.
97 The Birds of Colorado. Col. Agric. Exp. Sta., Bull. 37, Tech. ser. 2.
Pp. 143.

References to Nebraska, including a statement that the type
of the Slate-colored Sparrow was taken in this state.

Cooper, J. G.

84 Clarke's Crow. Ornithologist and Oologist, IX, 12.

Reference to taking- of two specimens in Nebraska, recorded
in Baird, Cassin, and Lawrence, 58.

CouES, Elliott.

61 A Monograph of the Tringese of North America. Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sci. Phil, for 1861. 170-'2b5.

Describes Baird's Sandpiper from Nebraska specimens.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 99

CouES, Ellioti^ — Continued.

74 lUrds of the Northwest. U. S. Geol. Siuv. Terrs., Misc. Pub., No.
3. 8vo, pp. 11 + 791.

Numerous references to Nebraska.
77 Eastwai-(l Ranf>-e of the Ferruginous Buzzard {Archibuteo ferru-
(jincii.s). lUill. Nutt., Orn. Club., II, 26.
This and Prairie Falcon in Nebraska.

COVETEU, K. (j.

76 Shooting- Notes from Nebraska. Forest and Stream, VII, 27.
Notes on abuiulance of game Ijirds at Jackson Station.

Crawford, J. C, Jr.

01 Results of a Collecting Trip to Sioux County. Proc. N. O. U., II,
76-79.

01« [Kubv-crowned Kinglet at West Point. May, 1900.] Proc. N. O. U.,

II. 101.

Dawson, "\V. L.

99. Some Western Horizons. Wilson Hull., No. 26, 37-38.
List of 62 species seen at Waterloo.

Deane, Ruthven.

98 The Passenger Pigeon (Ertopistes migratorius) in Wisconsin and
Nebraska. Auk, XV. 1S4-1S5. Rei^rinted in Forest and Stream,
L, 365, under the title. The Wild Pigeon.

DwiGiiT, Jonathan, Jr.

90 The Horned Larks of North America. Auk, VII, 138-1.58, map.

Otocorin alitcstris pniticdJa Hensh. and O. a. fimiicdhi Hensh. re-
corded from Nebraska.

DwoRAK, Anton.

87 From Nebraska. Oolog-ist, IV, 84.

Taking of certain eggs. Trivial and unreliable.

ElCHE, AfGUST.

01 Breeding- of the Snowy Heron and Swallow-tailed Kite. Proc. N.

O. U., II, 96.
At Lincoln and (ireenwood, respectivel3^
Olffl [American, White-winged, and Surf Scoters at Lincoln.] Proc. N.

O. r., Tl. lOL

F , D. B.

82 A Nebraska Eagle. Forest and Stream, XVIII, 226.
At Fairmont — probably a (Jolden Eagle.

Fisher, A. K.

93 The Hawks and Owls of the I'nited States. U. S. Dept. Agr., Div.

Orn. and ISIam., Bull. 3. 8vo, 210 pp., 25 pis.

References to Nebraska. Aughe3-'s data are incorporated in
the tables giving the results of examinations of stomach con-
tents.

Frr.LER. D. E.

94 Prairie Chickens in the Sixties. Forest and Stream, XLIII. 267.

At the confluence of the Platte and Elkhorn rivers.

Graves, A. R.

01 Notes on Birds from Western Nebraska. Proc. N. O. V., II, 84-85.

iOG NEBRASKA ornithologists' UNION

Grinnell, George B.

73 Elk Hunting- in Nebi-aska. By "Ornis." Forest and Stream, I, 116.

References to birds.
77 Nebraska Notes. By "Yo." Forest and Stream, IX, 152.
On various water birds and shore birds.

H .

89 [The Snowy Owl.] Forest and Stream, XXXIII, 449.

90 Note of the Snowy Owl. Forest and Stream, XXXIV, 328.

91 Snowy Owls. Forest and Stream, XXXV, 472.

Writes from Edgar.

Hall, A.

83 Spring- Birds of Nebraska. Forest and Stream, XX, 265-266, 284.

List of 114 species observed from March 1 to June 1, 1880, in
central Nebraska, in the vicinity of the Platte, Loup, and Wood
rivers.

Harris, Edw.

51 List of Birds and Mammalia found on the Missouri River from
Fort Leavenworth to Fort Union, at the mouth of the Yellow-
stone River. 5th Ann. Rept. Smith. Inst., 1850, 136-138.

Hasbkouck, E. M.

93 The Geographical Distribulion of the Genus Megascops in North
America. Auk, X, 250-204, two maps.
M. asio in Nebraska — at Ong.
93a Evolution and Dichromatism in the Genus Megascops. Am. Nat.,
XXVII, 521-533, 638-649.

Specimens from Nebraska — Ong and London.

Hayden, F. V.

62 On the Geology and Natiiral History of the Upper Missouri.
Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc, (2), XII, 1863, 1-218.

An annotated list of birds, pp. 151-176. Not seen, but included
here on strength of references by others.

Hershey, H. E.

90 The Blue Jay. Oologist, VII, 29.
Notes from Nebraska City.

HORNADAY, W. T.

98 The Destruction of our Birds and Mammals. 2d Ann. Rept. N. Y.

Zool. Soc, 77-126.

Reports from C. E. BeEsey. Lincoln, and C. A. Waterman. Hay
Springs.

Howe, E. D.

01 Injurious Traits of the Blue Jay. Proc. N. O. U.. II, 29-30.
Hubbard, C. P.

89 [The Snowy Owl.] Forest and Stream. XXXIII, 449.
At Broken Bow.

Hummer, The.

99 An amateur paper published at Nebraska City by J. R. Bonwell.

Nine numbers were issued, from May, 1899, to INIarch. 1900.
The page size was 2J by 4^ inches.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING

101

Hunter, J. S.

98 Hawk Killed by Rattlesnake. Osprey, III, 46.

A Red-tail — near Lincoln.

99 On the Food of the Crow Blackbird. Osprey, IV, 60-61.

Notice of a roost at Lincoln and notes on stomach contents.

00 Notes on a Collecting Trip in Northwest Nebraska. Osprey, IV,

173.

Several species rare or now to the state.
00a The Bird Fauna of the Salt Basin, near Lincoln. Proc. N. O. U., I,
18-21.

01 A Collecting Trip in Cherry County. Proc. N. O. U., II, 79-84.

List of birds seen, with notes.
Ola Notes from Lincoln. Proc. N. O. U., II, 96.
Breeding and other data.

Kline, H. A.

83 Notes from Nebraska. Ornithologist and Oologist, VIII, 18-19.

Breeding notes on several species.
83a In: Short-eared Owl. (Review of knowledge, by J. M. Wade.) Or-
nithologist and Oologist, VIII, 61.

Notes on habits and nesting in Johnson and Gage counties.

Lewis, M., and Clarke, Wm.

14 History of the Expedition under command of Captains Lewis and
Clarke to the Sources of the Missouri, thence across the Rocky
Mountains and down the river Columbia to the Pacific ocean. By
Paul Allen, Esq. 2 vols., 8vo, pp. xxviii+470, ix+:)22, maps. [This
is the original edition; numerous others have appeared — that by
Rees has long been best known, a recent one by Coues (1893) is
the most complete.]

A few references to Nebraska birds.

LlBBEY, D. S.

79 Nebraska Birds. Forest and Stream. XII. 285.

Glossy Ibis and Black-crowned Night Heron.

Locke, J. F.

86 Spring Notes. Forest and Stream, XXVI. 263.
Migration notes from Salem.

LuDwiCK, J. Earl.

97 The Prairie Horned Lark in Nebraska. Museum, IV. 26-27.
General account of habits.

Maximiliax, Prixce of WiEr>.

39 Reise in Das Innere Nord-Amerika, in den jahren 1832 bis 1834. 2
vols., 4to. Vol. I (1839), pp. xvi-i-654; VoL II (1841), xxiv-t-688.
Sep. atlas of folio pis. and map.
References to Nebraska birds.

Merriam, C. Hart.

88 Description of the breeding plumage of Chadbourne's Field Spar-
row (Spizellfi orenacea). ^^^th evidences of its specific distinctness.
Auk. V, 402-403.

Breeding at Valentine.

102 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Oberiiolser, H. C.

02 A Eeview of the Larks of the Genus Otocoris. Proc. U. S. JMat.
Mus., XXIV, 801-884, Pis. XLIII-XLIX.
References to Nebraska specimens.

Pearse, a. S.

95 A Patriotic Blue Jay. Nidiologist, II, 72.

Killing an English Sparrow.

96 Notes on some Birds of Gage Co., Nebr. Oologist, XIII, 15-16.
96ff A note on the Meadow Lark. Nidologist, III, 105.

Nest with seven eggs at Beatrice.

Phillips, C. H.

76 The Fauua of Nebraska. Forest and Stream, VI, 284.
List of game birds.

Phillips, W. S. ("El Comancho").

93 A White Eattlesnake. Forest and Stream, XLI, 316.

Ileference to increase in numbers of certain birds in Nebraska.

Potter, A. G.

91 One Day's Tramp. Oolog-ist, VIII, 243.
At Omaha — trivial.

Pyfer, Amos.

95 Notes on the Bob-white. Oologist, XII, 52-53.
Nesting habits.

Eeed, M. H.

90 Harris's Woodpecker in Nebraska. Oologist, VII, 29.
In Otoe county — not Harris's but Hairy.

ElCHMOXD, C. W.

97 The Western Field Sparrow (Siiizrllti jnisiUa arciiacea Chadbourne).

Auk, XIV, 345-347.

Eecorded from Valentine.

ElDGWAY, EOBT.

74 Notes upon American Water Birds. Am. Nat., VIII, 108-110.

Type of Belted Piping Plover from "Loup Fork of Platte."
01 The Birds of North and Middle America. Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No.
50. 8vo. Part I (1901), pp. xxx+715, 20 pis.; part II (1902), pp.
XX -f 834, 22 pis.

Eefers to specimens of a number of species from Nebraska.
Ola New Birds of the Families Tanagrida- and Icterida-. Proc. Wash.
Acad. Sci., Ill, 149-155.

Type of Ani'hiiiis ithaiiicnis forth. Thick-billed Redwing, from
Omaha.

E[ightmire], W. F.

97 Wild Pigeons in Nebraska. Forest and Stream, XLTX, 246.

Near Cook, Johnson county— a flock of 75 to 100— September,
1897. One can not but believe that these were mourning doves.

EuTTEK, Cloud.

92 A Peculiar Bird. Oologist, IX, 74.

A specimen of GoldJfinch, Spinus trixtis, with crossed mandibles,
from Crete.

THIRD ANNUAL MEET1X(J 103

SllEKMAX, A'. A.

■^4 Fi-oni Nebraska. Young- Oolog'ist, I, 28.

Nests of Bronzed Graekle and Mourning Dove at York.
v") From Nebraska. Young Oologist, II, 17.

Notes on several birds. Blue Gray Gnatcatcher nesting at
York.

AjSD G -.

90 The Burrowing Owl. Oologist, VII, 205-206.
At Gibson.

Ed "Sacramento Capital."

84 California [Mountain] Quail in Nebraska. Repr. in Forest and
Stream. XXIII. 63, and referred to in Auk, II, 300.

Note of their successful introduction in Hamilton count3'.

Say, Thos.

23 In: Account of an Expedition from Pittsburg to the Eocky Moun-
tains, performed in the years 1819 and 1820 * * * under the
command of Major Stephen H. Long. By Edwin James. Phila-
delphia; 1823. 2 vols., 8vo, pp. ii + 503, ii + 442-f xcviii, map.

Numerous species of birds described, some of them from
Nebraska.

SCLATER, P. L.

62 Catalogue of a Collection of American Birds belonging to Philip
Lntley Sclater, etc. London; 1862. Bvo, pp. xvi+338, 20 pis.
References to specimens from Nebraska.

Sessions, L.

01 Changes in the Bird Fauna of the Prairies in the Past Thirty
Years. Proc. N. O. U., II, 71-73.

Shoemaker, F. H.

01 A Late Nest of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Proc. N. O. U.,
II. 34-38. Pis. II-IV.

Skow, L.

00 A Plea for the English Sparrow. Proc. N. O. U.. I, 38-41.

Stajs'Sbury, Howard.

52 Exploration and Survey of the Valley of the Great Salt Lake of
Utah, etc. Philadelphia; 1852. 8vo, 487 pp., num. ills.
References to birds observed in Nebraska.

SWENK, M. H.

01 Notes on some of the Rarer Birds of Gage County. Proc. N. O.

U.. II, 100-101.

Taylor, W. E.

87 The Migration of the American Magpie to Eastern Nebraska,

Twenty-five Years Ago. Am. Nat., XXI, 1122-1123.
87« Missouri River Crow-Roosts. Am. Nat.. XXI. 1123-1124.
Near Peru.

88 A Catalogue of Nebraska Birds arranged according to the Check

List of the American Ornithologists' Union. Ann. Rept. State
Bd. Agr. for 1887. 111-118.
Lists 314 species.
88rt Nebraska Crow-Roosts. Ann. Rept. State Bd. Agr. for 1887, 119-120.
'^pnr Peru.

104 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Taylor, W. E., and Van Vleet, A. H.

88 Notes on Nebraska Birds. Ornithologist and Oologist, XIII, 49-51,
169-172; XIV, 163-165.
A systematic list, with notes, left incomplete.

Toppan, George L.

90 Myadestes townsendii in Nebraska. Auk, VII, 405.
Norfolk; collected by L. Sessions.

Tout, Wilson.

00 How to Popularize Ornithology. Proc. N. O. U., I, 34-37.

01 Ornithology in the Schools. Proc. N. 0. U., II, 30-33.
TOWNSEND, A. C.

93 My First Day of ^gg Collecting. Ornithologist and Oologist,

XVIII, 70-74.
At Omaha.

TOWNSEND, J. K.

37 Description of Twelve New Species of Birds, chiefly from the
vicinity of the Columbia River. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phil., VII,
187-193.

Friuf/iUa hicolor, Plectrophanes ornata — from "Plains of the
Platte Eiver."
39 Narrative of a Journey across the Rocky Mountains to the Co-
lumbia River, etc. Philadelphia and Boston; 1839. 8vo., pp.
viii-+-352, and appendix.

References to "Plains of the Platte."

Trostler, I. S.

92 The Crow around Omaha. Oologist, IX, 73-74.
92a Wilson's Snipe. Oologist, ix. 146-147.

Notes on habits.
92ft Omaha Crows again. Oologist, IX, 182.

Value as scavengers.

94 The American Long-eared Owl. Naturalist (Austin, Tex.), I, 7.

Breeding at Florence; set of six eggs, April 23, 1893.

95 Among the Sandhills in Northwest Nebraska. Nidiologist, III, 8-9,

21-22.

An ornithological collecting trip, near Cody, in latter part of
June, 1895.
97 Remarks on Prof. Kumlien's Correction. Osprey, I, 138.

In support of statement that Yellow-headed Blackbird nests
in wild rice.
99 The Anatin?e of the Middle Missouri Valley. Museum, V, 90-91.

Twenty species — at Omaha.
99a Missouri River Duck Notes. Osprey, III, 131.

Twelve years' observation at Omaha.
01 Ornithology in Nebraska, and State Ornithological Societies. Proc.

N. O. U., II, 13-18.
Ola Notes regarding a Chimney Swift Tree. Proc. N. O. U., II, 48. PI. I.
Near Omaha.

Van Sant, Elizabeth.

01 Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. Proc. N. O. U., II, 38-42, Pis. V-
IX.

Observations on habits, moulting, etc.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING 105

VV , N.

80 Prairie Chickens Drinking. Forest and Stream, XIV, 126, 207.
Writes from New Bedford.

Wallace, J. E.

01 Notes from Omaha. Proc. N. O. U., II, 97.
Occurrence and breeding of rare species.

Ward, H. B.

01 Internal Parasites of Nebraska Birds. Proc. N. O. U., II, 63-70.

White, C. A.

93 The Eaptores of Omaha and Vicinity. Oologist, X, 138-140.

WOLCOTT, R. H,

99 The Fall and Winter of 1898-9 in Nebraska. Bull. Mich. Orn. Club,
III, 21-22.

00 A Twentj^-three Years' Record kept by Dr. A. L. Child of Platts-

mouth, Nebr. Proc. N. O. U., I, 11-15.
00« Suggestions as to an Accurate and Uniform Method of Recording
Observations. Proc. N. O. U., I, 41-44.

01 On Migration Records and on our Nebraska Records. Proc. N.

O. U., II, 86-93.
Ola In Memoriam— Martin Luther Eaton. Proc. N. O. U., II, 94-95.

Formerly of Fairbury.
Olft Nesting of the Plumbeous Vireo in Sioux County. Proc. N. O.

U., II, 98.
Olc Some Lincoln Records. Proc. N. O. U., II, 99-100.
Several species.

Wolfe, W. M. ("Shoshone").

89 Mid-winter Bird Notes. Forest and Stream, XXXII, 131.
89ffl Honkings from the Platte. Forest and Stream, XXXII, 212.
89fi The Migration of the Ducks. Forest and Stream, XXXII. 256.
89c Migrations on the Plains. Forest and Stream, XXXII, 295.

The above all relate to the movement of birds, especially
game birds, at Kearnej' during the winter and spring of 1889.

90 The Snowy Owl. Forest and Stream, XXXIII, 511.

At Kearney.
90a Game Birds of the Plains. Forest and Stream, XXXIII, 513.

List of 50 species seen February 25 to December 26, 1889, with
notes on many.

91 Leaves from a Notebook. Forest and Stream, XXXVII, 63-64.

IN MEMORIAM

JULIUS STERLING MORTON

No man has done more to develop) and make Nebraska what she is
to-day than J. Sterling Morton. Born at Adams, N. Y., April 22, 1823,
he came to Nebraska in 1854, and lived here until the date of his death,
which occurred at Chicago, 111., April 27, 1902.

He was favored with strong mental and physical endowments, forti-
fied with a most excellent practical edvication. He had fitted himself
for the practice of law, and came to Nebraska with the intention of
following that profession, but on arriving in the territory he saw an
opening whereby he could accomplish more good than in the practice
of his profession, by the developing and upbuilding of the new territory
through the medium of a newspaper. Accordingly be became the editor
of the Nebraska City News, and for years remained as such. Ever
thereafter his able pen and eloquent voice were devoted to demonstrat-
ing the resources and possibilities of Nebraska, more especially with
respect to agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. He accomplished a
great work, and by a kind Providence was spared to be an eyewitness
of the full fruits of his labor.

Mr. Morton was a rare character. He was honest to a fault, and
extremely cautioiis in his formation of opinions of men and measures,
but when conclusions were reached no power could change them. He
was a stranger to the word "compromise." His friendship knew no
bounds, and his dislikes were as strong. He was a iDositive man. And
no man, with the means at his command, did more for the betterment
of his fellows or was more helpful to those in need. He was the
author of "Arbor Day," now a legal holiday in all the states in the
union, was the most prominent advocate of tree-planting, and as a
member of President Cleveland's cabinet was of the greatest service to
agriculture and horticulture in this country. He was not only tireless
in his advocacy of all other measures calculated to develop and beautify
the state in which he lived, but was also an earnest chamf)ion of the
caiise of bird protection, and the birds found congenial surroundings
in the beautiful grounds about "Arbor Lodge." It was this which led
the Union to honor him, and itself, by electing him an honorary mem-
ber at the second annual meeting, in January, 1901.

MRS. A. M. JACOBS

Mrs. A. M. Jacobs, nee Miss Ida M. Simpson, was born at Lowell,
Mass., October 30, 1856. and died at Wayne, Nebr., January 13, 1902.
She was educated at Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts. In 1887
she was married to Mr. Jacobs and the couple removed to Wayne the
same year, at which place they afterward resided. Mrs. Jacobs was a
woman of great culture and refinement and keenly sensitive to the
beauty of nature. It was but natural that she should be deeply in-
terested in birds, and, after her election to active membership in the
Union in January, 1901, an enthusiastic member of our society, though
known personally to but few of her fellow-members.

(106)'

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

THE CAROLINA PAROQUET

When T came to Brownville, in the spring of 1856, and foi- eight or
ten years thereafter, tliere was an abundance of green parrots, or
IJaroqnets, in this vicinity. Their home and breeding i)lace was on an
island of tlie Missouri River, ten miles north of this jjlace. They often
came into the trees in and about the town, and were verj' noisy and
quite tame. Many of the young ones were taken from their nests by
the boys and raised by hand for pets. They could not be taught to
talk. I remember that one season some young men raised a hundred
or more of them for sale, sending them to other states. During the
year 186G, or thereabout, they all suddenly disappeared, and never since
to my knowledge have been seen or known about here. Their nesting
places were in the hollows of old trees on the island referred to.

EoBT. W. Furnas, Brownville.

ADIWTIONAL NOTES OX GAGE COUNTY BIRDS

The following records should be added to those given in tlie Pro-
ceedings of the Second Annual Meeting', page 100:

62. Xema sahinii (Sab.). — Sabine's Gull. On the evening of Sei^tember
2, 1899, an immature specimen of this gull was caught in a semi-
exhausted condition, it being one of a small flock that had been
circling about an electric light at Beatrice. I kept the captive
bird for about two weeks and it proved to be a tame, confiding
pet. It fed from my hand, and seemed especially fond of fresh
beef, for when this was offered it became greatly excited, and
repeated its shrill cry "kitti-wek, kitti-wek." After making a
sketch to prove the identification, the bird was released. The
only other record of this bird for the state is based on a skin in
the University collection, taken at Lincoln in early September,
1899, by Mr. M. A. Carriker, Jr.

131. Lophodijtes cucitUatiis (Linn.). — Hooded Merganser. In the middle
of July, 1900, I saw a female with six or seven young on the Blue,
and secured a young bird.

203. Nyctieorax violaceus (Linn.). — Yellow-crowned Night Heron. On
July 19, 1901, an immature male specimen of this bird was shot
on the Blue River two miles east of Beatrice. It was taken at
almost exactly noon while feeding under a steep bank. Excepting
portions of a crayfish, the stomach contained nothing but grass-
hoppers.

375ff. Buho virginianus pallescnis Stone. — Western Horned Owl. I saw a
mounted specimen of this race of Horned Owl which had been
taken near Beatrice on or about December 20, 1898.

757. HyJociclihi aJickie (Baird).— Gray-cheeked Thrush. An adult female
was shot by me near Beatrice. ;May 15, 1901. the skin being now in
mj- collection. This is the first definite record for this bird in
the state.

^r. H. SwENK. Lincoln.

(107)

108 NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

NOTES FROM CUSTER COUNTY

I found the Say's Phoebe nesting four miles south of Callaway on the
ledge of a sod house; at Oconto it remained throughout the season
around the station and the mill; at Sumner around the station and four
miles north; at Eiverdale around the station. I had good evidence of its
breeding at Chadron, and it is an interesting question whether the bird
is not extending its range eastward.

The White-rumped Shrike has bred for several years five miles south-
west of Callaway. On October 3, 1902, I saw a magpie six miles south,
but had no chance to inquire whether it bred in the cottonwoods, as
it does at Chadron.

The Marsh Hawk disgraced its good name by chasing chickens very
fiercely, in the country, where I was staying in October. My host told
me they saw the same performance frequently. Swainson's Hawks
passed through Callaway in a flock of a hundred or more the past year
and the year before.

The Purple Martin is abundant here, only five miles east of the 100th
meridian, the farthest west I have observed them.

J. M. Bates, Callaway.

SHORT-BILLED JIARSIT WREN AND CAROLINA WREN AT LINCOLN

On the 28th of August, 1902, while in a tract of marshy hay land and
sloughs north of Salt Lake, near Lincoln, in company with Mr. M. H.
Swenk, the writer found a nest of the Short-billed Marsh Wren, empty
but apparently having been used this season. Several birds of this
species were in the vicinity. This is the first record of its breeding in
this part of the state. Mr. J. C. Crawford, Jr., has found it breeding
at West Point, but it is a rare bird in Nebraska. On September 27 the
same locality was visited and the birds found still present, singing, and
specimens were taken.

On February 20, 1902, Mr. J. S. Hunter shot a specimen of the Caro-
lina Wren near Eoca, twelve miles south of Lincoln. The bird was on
a large, hollow tree in the timber along the creek exploring the edge
of a cavity, into which it fell when shot. The specimen is in the col-
lection of the Union. This species has only been seen twice before in
the state, once by Prof. Aughey and once by Prof. Bruner. Both
records were from Richardson County, in the very southeastern corner,
and it is many years since they were made.

Robert H. Wolcott, Lincoln.

THE NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

Established 1899

PUBLICATIONS

Price from date

Proceedings, I Annual Meeting. Jan., 1900. 48 pp., one plate.. $0 50

Proceedings, II Annual Meeting. Oct., 1901. 101 pp., 10 plates.. 75
Proceedings, III Annual Meeting. Dec, 1902. 108 pp., 16 plates,

110 text-figs 1 00

Title-page, index, etc., to the above numbers, preparing them

for binding. To be published shortly 25

Set of the above, in one order 2 00

Sent, postpaid, on receipt of price.

Address the Secretahy,

Nerbaska Ornithologists' Union,

Station A, Lincoln, Nebr.