L,

t

FORTHE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

I

ound ati

A.M.N.H.

1909

American Ornitholo^y.

For the Home andSchool.

EDITED BY CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

Vol. 4.

worchester, mass.,

Chas. K. Reed, Publisher,

1904.

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ü^

XScij>cide r m i^ tji .

your cusiomerj bifould
^ladly pay the differ-
ence in co^i bet^een a
finely carved shield of
artistic design, and ihe
common piain board.

^he L,ang Cavoing Co., ^urly
«. ^ ^ ,, ,. Birch.

^eecher Kalls. Vermont.

Manufacturerj of

^ajcidermist's '€Ooodt/uorh^.

{Ejccef>t Cajej.)

No. 19
Shicid

Oil
Rubb2d

THE SONG OF THE

BROWN THRUSH

ON A TALKING MACHINE RECORD

Was recently reproduced before the American Ornithologists' Union
by Prof. S. D. Judd.

«

Jl

WITH A

1^ Columbia Graphophonc

"^fttt You may take records of

^ songs of birds in captivity.

Write tor our circular

How to Make Records at Home.

Sent free Lipon request.

COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH COMPANY

New York, 93 CKa^mbers St CKicaLgo, 88 Wa.ba.sh Ave.

Boston. 164 Trerrvont St. Sa^rv Francisco, 125 Geary St

Americarv Ornithology.

A MaLgatzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K, REED, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED, B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. I and II.
$1.00, each. We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
FOREIGN SUBSCRIPTION, $1.25.

COPYRIGHT, IQO^ BY CHAS. K. REED

VOL. IV JANUAR.Y. 1904. NO. I

Although it is now ten days before the Ist of Janiiary, as this is being:
written; we are glad to see that the greater part of oiir readers for the
past year are hastening to get back to the fold for another year. Ow-
ing to the completion of the "Color Key to North American Birds"
which has engrossed his attention for the past year, the editor feels
that with the additional time which he will be able to devote to Ameri-
can Ornitholögy, he can safely promise that the present volume will be
ahead of any that have preceded. From now on, our bird articles will
be illustrated with colored plates showing the male, female, and young
where there are differences in the plumages.

So great has been the call for the new book, "Color Key" that a
second edition is in preparation, and it bids fair to surpass in sales any
other work on birds that has hitherto been placed before the public.

We neglected to mention in the December issue that last year's
magazines would be bound the same as in former years and we have
received many inquiries in regard to this. They will be bound in an
attractive illuminated cover, uniform with the preceding volumes at a
cost of 75 cents. Send your magazines fiat and well wrapped. The
postage is one Cent for each four ounces or fraction, and eight cents
additional if you wish it registered.

üwing to the large and increasing subscription list, we have installed
one of the latest mailing machines having a capacity of 20,000
addresses per day. The date which will hereafter be printed on the
envelopes is the date up to which the su.bscription is paid, i. e. Jan.
'05 indicates that the subscription is paid up to but not including
Januarv.

VOL. IV.

JANUARY. 1904.

NO. I.

Photu liy.J. 11. MilltT.

YOUNG KINGFISHERS.
( Winner of secoiid prize in Class 2.)

2 AMERICAN OKNITIIOLOGY.

A FEBRUARY WALK IN THE WOODS.

I've been sitting here in the watch tower for over an hour, watching
the daylight die out over the glistening snow fields, the far blue hüls
and the near green pines. Masses of purple and pale lilac clouds have
drifted into the west, glowed wärmest red and softest pink, and faded
slowly back to purple and lilac gray.

I think of Elizabeth and her peonies and lilac and the spring days
that "seemed to melt away into a dream of pink and purple peace,"
For this has been the third day of spring, in spite of the calendar. In
spite of the Calendars, I might say, for I sat this afternoon in a room
with no less than seven of these monitors of the flight of time, each
one declaring with more of less vociferousness that as the month was
February, it must be winter. But a calendar in an insentient, dull
affair of paper and ink, while I am a sentient being, and I feit the
Spring begin Saturday.

For a week there had been a vague intermittent hints of a change.
A difference in the early morning look of the sky, something changed
in the mists that hung over the river at mid day, and two or three
times at sunset a pink flush over the maple grove on the Rolvvay that
spoke of swelling buds. , On Thursday, taking a walk over the North
Hill, I found the crust quite strong and walked wherever my fancy
led; on Friday the sun shone brightly all day; and on Saturday the
Spring came. On that day I went for a walk over through Burwell's
Grove and out on the road beyond, and found the snowbanks so niuch
reduced, not so much in depth as in bearing qualities, that it behooved
me to walk the straight and narrow way. Several times I proved the
inadvisability of trying any adventurous journeys cross lots
and finally gave up, going out of the road only where some particularly
promisingbranch grew quite uncompromisingly to the right or left.

I wanted a bündle of whips, pussy willows and dogwood preferably,
but anything that looked growable finally, so I wandered along look-
ing for twigs with swelling buds and listening for birds.

Once, faint and far off among the hemlocks, I heard a "Chick-a-dee-
dee," and twice, from among the beeches where the snow forbade my
going, a nuthatch called "Yank-yank-yank," and these were the only
Sounds I heard until I was well up the hill, when a faint tapping made
me look into an oak tree just a few yards away and there was a Downy
Woodpecker just beginning to hunt for his supper.

^-,^^r- The faint tap had been merely preliminary, for
as I watched, he grew more and more energetic
in his assaults until at nearly every stroke, bits of

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 3

oak bark would fly to the ground where the snow was soon dotted
with irregulär dark spots. How he worked! His little head flew back
and forth with an energy that made my own neck fairly ache, while
his pauses seemed to be scarcely long enough to eat the larvae or
■egg he had uncovered. I wonder if I were suddenly to become
possessed of a mad desire to gain my sustenance by boring through
solid wood and oak wood at that, if Nature would see fit to change my
nose into a hard bony chisel. There have been fewer Woodpeckers
than usual this year, owing I believe to the entire absence of beech
nuts and the scarcity of other food. Last winter when the beech nut
crop was remarkably large the beechwoods had quite a colony of win-
ter birds and it was unusual to go there without finding both Hairy
and Downy Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches.

Some days in November and December, before the snow was deep,
I would come upon places where the crows had been nut gathering.
The snow would be brushed away and the leaves would be lying about
in little heaps or tossed to one side to lay bare the nuts beneath. Even
after it grew quite cold and I thought they would have gone, I came
upon their drinking place, a hole in the ice which covered the brook,
and the snow was marked all over with the tracks they had evidently
just made, for the light snow then falling had not obliterated them.
Their home was in a pine woods across the river, and every morning
I could see and hear them as they flew across the valley on their way
to the beech woods. They seemed to start from home in a close
Company, save for tvvo or three leaders, and in five minutes they would
be out of hearing, and in five minutes more out of sight. But when
they flew back at night they played along the road like boys Coming
from school and sometimes I could hear them for fifteen or twenty
minutes from the time the first one started for home until the last
straggler disappeared cawing among the pines. This winter I have
not heard a crow since November, and in winter when birds are few,
one misses the touch of animation they give to the woods and snowy
fields. I had meant to cross the field above the beeches and go home
along the meadows of the North Hill by way of making going home a
continuation of my walk; but the result of several excursions after
twigs and branches warned me that the snow would not bear my weight,
and I turned to come back along the same road, only now I was facing
the west where the sun was going down behind banks of purple clouds
that hung low over the hills or moved slowly toward the south.

Something was going on in the hemlocks which hung over the last
bit of the road just before it leaves the woods and loses itself and its
individualitv in the common placeness of a village street.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Photograph by R. H. Beebe.

YOUNG KINGFISHERS.

AM EB IC AN ORNITHOLOGY.

I could hear twittering and chirp- ^,,00' .<. y,-^'"

ings from some small birds that

Icept provokingly out of sight

among the top branches, but peer

and look as I would, I could not teil what

they were. They did not sing and there

was nothing specially characteristic in the

little chirps and whispers that came to

my ear from time to time. At last one

of them flew across the open between two

trees and I recognized my small friend

chickadee, when he was comfortably es-

tablished in his new Situation he took

time to sing his name very distinctly, in

case I had failed to reconize him by sight,

but he had no need, for his fluffy gray suit and black cap and cravat

mark him at once. There were perhaps a dozen of them getting their

supper from the tiny seeds of the hemlock, and, in the road, the snow

\yhich had been spotless an hour before was covered with the little

brown cones and feathery bits of green where they had nipped off a

twig just for fun. Such a chattering and fluttering and chirping as

they kept up, just like any other five o'clock function! Between

cöurses one of them would fly from the brauch where he had been eat-

ing and, hanging upside down on the very tip of a twig would sing his

sweet, homely little song over and over by way of adding to the

festivity of the occasion showing his own appreciation of the good

cheer. And yet, I faucy that as winters go this has been a trying

one to the birds that do not migrate and it must be a very frugal re-

past, this meal of hemlock seeds. Commend nie to any creature who

will sing so cheerily over so scanty supper, and even leave off eating

to entertain the Company. How glad they will be to have Spring and

an abundance once more. When they are in little companies and all

talking together they do not sing Chick-a-dee-dee-dee; but a little song

something like a repetition of the first three notes. It sounds very

cheery and companionable when I am Walking in winter and is so often

the only bird I hear. I am ashamed to think that after their bravery

in facing and singing through a northern winter, I shall turn from them

to follow the first gay warbler that goes whisking by from the South.

My bouquet contains branches of beechand wild cherry tree, red-osier

dogwood, a branch of raspberry bush and another of elderberry with

buds already swelling. These to be put in a jar of water and watched as

they develop, I hope, their leaves and blossoms. And besides my

bunch of promises I have a few long feathery sprays of white pine.

good, green, always-with-us pine, just because I love a pine tree above

every other and like always to have a bit of its faithful greenness on

my desk or near at band. m. s.. DeCoster. n. y.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

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WITH THE KINGFISHERS< Ä

By H. H. Beebe.

J

On June seventeenth last, while out on a photographing trip, I dis-
covered the entrance to a Kingfisher's home. It was situated in a
gravel bank a few rods back from a creek. Having noticed for some
time previous, a pair of Kingfishers in this vicinity, I at once concluded
that undoubtedly the nest contained young birds.

The entrance to the nest being very near the top of the bank it was an
easy matter to dig back to the young, simply by making a trench in the
top of the bank. I found the six young Kingfishers after I had dug
back about four feet from the entrance; they were about two feet far-
ther back but in easy reach so it was unnecessary to dig the entire
distance. They were taken out and placed in a row on the bank where
the photograph which shows them with their feathers just starting, was
made. They were then placed back in their under-ground home, and a
board procured which would just cover the top of the trench I had dug,
and then by placing some stones and gravel on top of it, I made them
fully as secure as they were before they had been disturbed; still it
was an easy matter for me to get to them at any time that I wished
afterwards.

The creek in this vicinity being quite shallow and very plentifully
stocked with mullets, made a fine fishing ground for the old birds,
and later for the young when they became agile enough to try their
hand at it.

In each of three different photos that I was able to secure of the
adult birds, in each instance it had a mullet in it's bill, so undoubtedly
this variety of fish were their staple article of diet.

In obtaining the photos of the old birds, I first made a blind out of
sticks, stones, and grass, just large enough to conceal the camera. I
also placed a dead brauch in the side of the bank and about five feet
from the blind. This formed a perch for the old birds to alight upon
before entering the nest. The next day, June twentieth, I placed the
camera in the blind and after focusing on the brauch and concealing the
camera as much as possible with grass I attached a thread to the shut-
ter and ran it back for about three hundred feet to a clump of bushes
where I could conceal myself. After waiting about an hour one of the
old birds returned and I made the exposure which shows him with the

8

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

fish. The picture was made with a Goerz lens, series 3, No. 3; 1-75 sec.
exposure, stop f. 11, on a Seed's gilt edge plate.

On June twenty-fifth I again visited the nest and made the picture of
the six young birds. At this time they were nearly füll grown, very
lively, and determined to hang on to my fingers with their beaks; they
also seemed possessed to grab each other and it was no easy matter to
keep them all quiet and together even long enough to make their
photograph, but after repeated attempts in catching and arranging
them, they at last remained quiet for the desired fraction of a second.

The old birds were very wild and at no time did they come near
whilel was in the vicinity of their nest, due undoubtedly to their being
shot at so much by hunters, who as a rule never let the opportunity
pass to send a charge after them if they happen any where near within
reach.

YOUNG KINGFISHERS.

Photo by K. H. Beebe.

AMERICAN OnNITHOLOGY.

A FAVORITE HAUNT.

ife-Vlveftilat^ Ucsi'SiA.K

HILDREN as a rule,

especially those born

and raised in the rural

districts, have some

favorite haunt where

they especially deligfht

to spend their time and

where certain pleasant associations

are formed, the memory of which is

treasured in after years.

The writer was no exception to this
rule, and I will endeavor to describe
a certain "Deserted Limestone Ouarry, " which, in my case, was
the favorite haunt of childhood. A perusal of the following will give
my readers an idea of the general appearance of the locality. In the
centre was a large pond of deep water, bounded on three sides by
steep banks, partially covered by huge rocks and sandstone boulders.
On the fourth side was a cart road leading to the double stone lime
kiln, then out of use. The south bank was bordered by a piece of
woodland, through which ran a little brook, and the other three sides
by pasture fields. Within the deep gulch, and extending around about
two thirds of the body of water, was a combined cart road and pathway,
at the extreme end of which, lying under two large, over-hanging
rocks, was a spring of most delicious water. It was quite deep, yet so
clear that you could see the white sand and pebbles at the bottom very
plainly. Around the edges of the spring grew a choice variety of
cress. Hanging from the banks above mentioned were numerous
sumach bushes and blackberry briars. Such were the natural surround-
ings of my favorite haunt. A charming place indeed; where marvel-
Gus blending of light and shade intermingled colors: — the rieh green of
the mosses and ferns; the dark gray of the rocks, with patches of
lichens here and there, and the beautiful reflection in the water made
by the surrounding forest trees.

Now a few words regarding the many bird friends with which I
associated, and whose habits and daily lives I studied. In one of the
steep banks referred to, a pair of Kingfishers made their burrow, but
in a place where it was inaccessible; however, I noticed them flying in
and out of the opening and the probabilities are that a family was rais-
ed there. Within the lime kiln a pair of Pewees built their nest among
the old logs composing the structure, and they could be seen almost

10 AMERICAN ORNITUOLOUY.

any time perched on a near-by twig looking for passing insects.
Among the briars on the bank, the Song Sparrows reigned; in the
piece of woodland referred to I found the nests of Blue Jays, Crows,
Cat Birds, Wood-Thrushes, Cardinais, Vireos, Crested Flycatchers etc.
The quarry was also frequently visited by a pair of Green Herons and
I think they had a nest in the vicinity.

Owing to the large number of insects around the water, the quarry
was a favorite feeding ground for King Birds, Pewees and wSvvallows,
and the latter could be seen skimming over the surface of the water, or
circling high in air, from early dawn until evening. They present a
pretty sight, flying here and there, the rieh coloring of their plumage
flashing in the sunlight, and ever accompanied by their pleasant socia-
ble twittering.

The clear call of the Killdeer would frequently ring out from near-by
fields, and the song of the Meadow Lark from the low lands; Red-
wings were also often there, and I found a nest on two or three occas-
ions. Sometimes a Hawk would pass over the locality~and what a
sudden change— all voices were hushed, not a feathered Citizen was to
be seen anywhere; they had all completely vanished; there was a still-
ness as of death. These conditions would last for a time, and finally
the more venturesome denizens would come forth and if all danger
seemed to be past, others would follow their example until things re-
sumed their normal State.

Aside from this large bird population, there were many other things
of interest, among which may be mentioaed land and water turtles,
snapping turtles, frogs in all stages of transformation, sun and cat fish,
many beautiful insects and a family of little gray rabbits; I had the
pleasure of seeing the latter when they were scarcely larger than small
kittens. Along the borders of the wood were gray squirrels, ground
squirrels and ground hogs. Thus in this one particular locality, oppor-
tunity was afforded for the study of a large number of natural subjects.
Here, too was the pleasant odor of fresh green mint and the scent of
wild roses.

In the early spring time a profusion of wild violets (blue and yel-
low), dog-tooth violets, blood roots, spring beauties, anemones, "jack-
in-the-pulpit", belwort and hare bell were to be found in the strip of
woodland, and later in the season the pasture fields were covered with
buttercups and daisies. Were all details entered into a volume could
be written concerning this old quarry and the many happy hours spent
there, but I have simply recorded a few of the scenes and occurrences
which come up more prominently before me. Berton Mercer.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOUY. 11

BIRD NEIGHBORS.

How is it that the people, generally speaking, manifest such little
concern in our common birds? Are they so constituted that they can
not appreciate even the merry warble of the friendly bluebird as he
flits from limb to limb and from post to rail as the welcome sunshine
bursts forth on a cold February or March morning? See him salute
you with his wings as he alternately raises and lowers them; see the
reflection in his plumage of the bluest sky that God ever gave; and
note his implicit confidence in man, evidenced on his part by a desire
to build his little home in any place about the house that man may pro-
vide for him.

Who can not appreciate the spirited little wren, despite the fact that
he on some occasions appears to be rather irritable, and a scold. He
confides in man and by his cheerfulness and activity sets examples that
man may well afford to emulate. I mention these two birds particular-
ly, because they are true bird neighbors and are quickly recognized by
most people. There are many others, — in fact all of the birds, with
rare exceptions, common to our country, are well worth associating
with and appreciating. I am of the opinion that God gave to the birds
their varied plumage and song, so beautiful in both, for the purpose of
contributing to the pleasure of man, and I think we should esteem them
as such.

The birds are sensible little creatures and are quick to recognize a
friend, and there remains such little for us to do in order to assure them
of our friendship.

Do not härm them yourself; protect them as far as possible from

those who would härm them, and then invite them to become your

neighbors. I was impressed in the Spring of 1902 with the ease with

which this can be done. Noticing a wren about my house, I took a

small box, cut a hole in it, nailed a lid on and tied it to the limb of a

young apple free, about six feet from the ground, and my children and

I, too, were delighted to see wrens building in it before the day had

gone. Succeeding so well in this, we next prepared a larger box,

labeled it in pencil: "For a blue bird," to amuse the children, and placed

it on a ten foot pole near the house of the wrens. The Bluebirds were

preparing a home in it before two days had elapsed. Both broods were

reared without being molested, except frightened occasionally by a

neighbor's cat and those detestable little pests, English sparrows. At

the former. enemy I threw many brick bats, and I make it a rule to shoot

the latter when they come within reach of my target.

f. W. Wilson.

12 AMERICAN OENTTHOLOGY.

PINE GROSBEAK,

A. O- V. Xo. 515. (Phiicola enuoleator leuoiira.)

RANGE.

Northeastern parts ot North xYmerica; south in winter through New
England. Breeds from northern New England northwards,

DESCRIPTION.

Length 8.5 in. Adult male — Rosy red, brightest on the head, rump
and breast; belly grayish: back brownish black with the feathers edged
with rosy; wings and tail blackish, the former crossed by two wing-bars.
General plumage of the female is grayish with the head, rump and
sometimes the breast tinged with a more or lessbright greenish yellow.
Young males are similar in plumage to the female although the color
varies from the greenish yellow of the female to orange or reddish.

NEST AND EGGS.

Pine Grosbeaks breed from the northern parts of the United States
northwards placing their nests chiefly in coniferous trees. The nest is
made of twigs and rootlets and lined with fine rootlets and grasses.
Three or four eggs are laid during the latter part of May. The eggs
are pale greenish blue and are specked and blotched with brown and
lilac.

SUB-SPECIES.

The Pine Grosbeak has recently been sub-divided into the following:

"515a. Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak (P. e. montana). Similar
to No. 515, but decidedly larger, and coloration slightly darker; the
adult male with the red of a darker, more carmine hue. Range. Rocky
Mountains from Montana and Idaho to New Mexico- (RidgwayV

"515b. California Pine Grosbeak (P. e. californica). Similar to
No. 515, but male with red much brighter; feathers of back piain ashy
gray without darker centers; female with little if any greenish on rump.
Range- Higher parts of Central Sierra Nevada, north to Placercounty
and south to Fresno county, California. (Grinnell).

"515c. Alaskan Pine Grosbeak (P. e. alascensis). Similar to 515,
but decidedly larger with smaller or shorter bill and paler coloration,
both sexes having the gray parts of the plumage distinctly lighter,
more ashy. Range. Northwestern North America except Pacific
coast, breeding in interior of Alaska; south in winter, to eastern Brit-
ish Columbia, Montana, etc. (Ridg.)

"515d. Kadiak Pine Grosbeak (P. e. flammula). Similar to No.
515, but with much larger, relatively longer and more strongly hooked
bill; wings and tail grayish brown instead of duU blackish. Range.

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

13

PINE GROSBEAKS.
(Male and Female. i

14 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

Kadiak Island and south on the coast to Sitka, Alaska. (Ridgway)."
(Color Key to N. A. Birds).

HABITS.

To most of US who reside within the United States, Pine Grosbeaks
are known only as winter visitants. The first snow storm or long
cold period in the fall brings them down from the north in bands of
from three or four individiials to as many as thirty or forty. The male
birds in the rosy plumage average about one to every five of the gray
and yePow ones, so it is to be assumed that each flock contains four
young birds and an adult female in Company with each adult male. Their
call note and also note of alarm is a clear piping whistle. It is occa-
sionally uttered while they are perching, and is nearly always heard
when they are on the wing. The chorus of a large flock makes a very
pleasing melody on a cold wintry day, when few other birds are
to be heard. While they are very offen found in orchards, they are
much more frequently met with in localities where there is a small
growth of pines. When the ground is bare or the snow is not too
deep, they feed on the seeds that are left hanging to various weeds.

This year they have been more numerous than usual in Massa-
chusetts, first putting in an appearance about the first of October. They
are exceedingly tarne birds, being so unsuspicious that they have fre-
quently been caught in butterfly nets. It is said that they are very
easily tamed and they are sweet singers. Their flight is very easy
and is made with a slight undulation; they never appear to be on the
lookout for danger and a number of times I have involuntarily dodged,
so near my head did they come when they flew from one tree to another.
This winter I have followed one flock with unusual interest. They
have remained in one locality, a certain hill which is set apart by the
city for a park, for over two months. This hill is covered by scatter-
ed clumps of firs and the ground is carpeted by grass and weeds which
make a fine feeding ground for Grosbeaks. The entire flock number-
ed in the neighborhood of fourteen birds but was generally found
broken into two or three bands on different parts of the hill. They
were first discovered by a reporter on one of the daily papers. Al-
though he did not then know what they were, he soon found them to
be tamer than any birds that he had ever met before. They were
feeding on the ground and he did not notice them until about four or
five feet from them; seeing that they showed no disposition to fly
away from him he tried to see how near he could get; noticing that
they were feeding on the seeds of a particular weed, he picked one of
the same variety and then cautiously approached them a few inches at

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY. 15

a time; reaching out the band that held the weed he placed the tip of it
before one of the birds and the latter proceeded to regale himself from
the sLipply offered. The bird finally allowed him to reach forth his
band and stroke his back before flying. The next day I verified this
report and found the birds more tarne than any that I had seen before,
although I did not attempt to touch them, being content to get a num-
ber of photos of them. About the only thing that would startle them
was a sudden noise, stich as the focal plane shutter on the camera; the
first two snaps they flew a few feet away but after that paid no atten-
tion to this noise.

The following day the hill was dotted with people looking for the
birds. On this day I enjoyed studying human nature even more than
the birds. Very few had any idea what the birds were like and fewer
still knew what their notes were; party after party went by within ten
or fifteen feet of the birds without seeing them though they were in
piain sight, and without hearing them although they were calling re-
peatedly. One man stood for several minutes sweeping the hillsides
with his field glasses; between he and I and within ten feet of him were
eight Grosbeaks, one an old male; one bird stood on a stone with his
head turned on one side looking up at the man and not more than
three feet from his feet. Yet he did not see one of them and was
astonished when I called his attention to them. How observant we are!

The movements of (xrosbeaks are very slow while on the ground;
they will eat all they can reach and then slowly move to the next stalk
either by hopping or Walking as their fancy dictates. If they wish to
reach a spot a yard or more away they very rarely walk to it; they
think flying is much easier than Walking. In the trees the same slow-
ness of motion is characteristic of them. The whole flock generally
takes wing as if by one Impulse, and with much calling to each other
flies away. They have a very pretty song; it introduces a great va-
riety of notes and warbles and is modelled something after the style of
the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, though it is not nearly as loud, in fact at
times it seems as though the bird were singing to himself, the tones
hardly being audible. They seem to sing the most when alone either
leaving the rest of the flock for that purpose or eise having strayed
away by accident.

16

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Identification Chart, No. 24.

No. 118. Anhinga or Snakebird, {An-
h i7iga anh inga ) .

Length 31 in.; extent, 36 in.; tail 11 in. Male.
Head, neck, upper and underparts glossy black.
Greater and middle coverts silvery white. Back
more or less streaked with white. Tail tipped
with brownish white. In suninier the neck is
cüvered with short silky white plumes; these are
absent in winter. The female is similar except
that the head and neck are brownish. Breeds
in the Gulf States and occasionally north to
South Carolina and Illinois.

No. 125. American White Pelican [Pele-
camis erythrorhynchus) .

Length 60 in., extent from five to six feet; tail
12 in. Whole plumage white except the prima-
ries which are black. Bill and pouch orange
and yellow and in summer adorned with an up-
right knob about midway ot' its length. Found
chieÜy in the interior portions of North America,
breeding froni the northern portions of the
United States northwards to the central portions
of Canada. Winters from the Gulf States south-
wards.

No. 126. Brown Pelican {Pelccaiiiis Occi-
dental is) .

Length 50 in. Head and sides of neck whit-
ish; rest of neck brownish; back and wings gray-
ish; below blackish. Pouch greenish brown.
Found in the South Atlantic and Gulf States.
Accidentally found as far north as Maine.

No. 127. California Brown Pelican {Pele-
caniis califor)iicus) .

Very similar to the Brown Pelican but averag-
ing larger. Found along the Pacific coast from
British Columbia southwards.

or Frigate Bird

No. 128. Man-o-'War
{Fregata aqiiila).

Length 40 in. Male wholly black, glossy
above. Pouch orange. Female brownish above
and white below. A tropical bird found north
to the Gulf coast and southern California.

AMKIilCAN ORNITIIOLOGY

17

No. 517. Purple Finch {Carpodacuspur-
pureiis) .

Length about 6 in. General color a dull rosy
red, brightestonthe head and rump. Back with
brownish centres to the feathers. Belly white.
Female. Upper parts grayish brown each feather
having a dull whitish margin; below whitish
streaked with brownish. Found in North Amer-
ica east of the Plains and breeds from the middle
portions of the United States northwards.

517a. California Purole Finch f C.ilp.^cali-
fornicus) .' i

A somewhat darker subspecies. The female is
olive greenish above insteal of the brownish of
purpureus.

No. 518. Cassin Purple Finch {Carpodacus
Cassini) .

Similar to No. 517, but the colors clearer.
United States west of the Rockies.

No. 519. House Finch ( Carpodacus ///ex-
ican US fron ta lis ) .

Length 6 in. Form like the preceding but
the rosy color much brighter andcontined chietly
to the crown, throat, breast and rump. Back
grayish brown, belly white streaked with brown-
ish. Female, brownish gray above streaked
with darker; below white streaked with brown.
United States west of the Plains.

No. 519b. St. Lucas House ^Finch {C.jij_
ruberriniiis) .

Somewhat smaller than No. 5191 andl with the
red more extended. Found in Lower California.

No. 520. Guadalupe House Finch" (G?;-
Podacus ampliis) .

Similar to No. 519, but deeper red. Guadalupe
Island, Lower California.

18 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

PILEATED WOODPECKER.

A. O. IT.No. 405. (Ceophloens pileatus.)

RANGE.
The Pileated Woodpecker is found in the United States south of
South Carolina. Its subspecie, the Northern Pileated Woodpecker is
found throughout the northern parts of the United States and Canada
in heavily wooded regions.

DESCRIPTION.
Length about 18 in. General plumage a dead black. Inner half of
the primaries and secondaries white; this shows only at the base
of the outer primaries when the wings are folded but when spread
shows on the under side, fully half of the wing being white. The male
has the whole top of the head and crest bright red and also the forepart
of the stripe that runs from the bill down the sides of the neck. The
female differs in having the fore part of the crown blackish or brown-
ish and in having no red mustache as the stripe immediately back of
the crown is termed.

NEST AND EGGS.

These birds nest in the heavily timbered woods making the excava-
tions high up in the trunks of the trees, generally from thirty to sixty
feet from the ground. Their bills are very powerful and chisel-like
and they frequently make their nests in the heart of a living free.
They lay from three to five glossy white eggs which average in size
about 1.3 in. by 1 in.

HABITS.

With the exception of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker this is niuch the
largest of any that we get in this country. They are very imposing
birds an 1 appsar qaite regal with their large vermilion crests. They
were formerly quite common throughout the United States and South-
ern Canada. As they live only in the densest of woods composed of
very large trees, the advance of civilization has steadily encroached
upon their domain until now they are never found in some localities
and very rarely in others.

They are practically resident wherever found, being one of the few
birds that are equally at home in the compartively tropical clime of
Florida or the severe weather that is encountered in northern Maine
and Canada. They are generally very shy birds although some-
times one will be met with who has little fear of man. Through the
south they commence nesting the latter part of March or early in April,
while in the north they rarelv have füll sets of eggs before the end of

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

19

PILEATED WOODPECKER.

(Male and female.)

20 AMERICAN ORNirilOLOGY. '

May. With their stout chisel-like bill they can bore into a tree with
astonishing rapidity. They are quite cunning, especially the older
birds that have learned by experience that they can not take too much
pains to conceal the whereabouts of the nest. As they dig into the
tree, they will carefully remove the chips to a distance before dropping
them. It is only in the case of an unwise young bird, when you can
find evidence of the boring by chips surrouncing hhe tree in which the
nest is. The opening to the nest is three to six inches in diameter
and the cavity is often made over two feet in depth. They generally
leave a layer of chips to line the bottom of the cavity. The eggs are
liatched in about three weeks and the young leave the nest in about
the same length of time after.

A great many hunters who go to the Maine woods bring home one
er more of these woodpeckers, not because they are of any use but be-
cause they are impressed by their size. They are very commonly
known as "Logcock" or Crow Woodpecker. Their flight is generally
somewhat slow and heavy like that of the Crow showing only a little
of the undulation common to the Woodpeckers. They make very cön-
spicuous objects when in flight, owing to the alternate flashing of
white and black as their wings rise and fall, exposing the white under
surfaces-

They feed largely on woodboring insects which they chisel out of the
trees; their diet is also supplemented with ants and berries which they
descend to the ground to get. It is said that they often feed on insects
f rem under the bark of trees, by hammering in the crevices in a slant-
ing direction and forcing large pieces of the bark off. A large portion
of some trees, mostly decayed ones, are largely denuded of the cover-
ing by these birds in their quest for food. Its principal notes are not
unlike those of the common flicker only slower and much louder.

AMKIUCAN ORNITHOLOGY. 21

SNOWY OWL.

A <). U. Xo. 376. fXyctea nyctea.)

RANGE.

Snowy Owls are found through the northern portions of the North-
ern Hemisphere, bot hin the New and Old World. In North America
they breed from the central portions of Canada northwards. In winter
they mißrate to the northern boundaries of the United States and a few
stragglers are observed in many of the middle tier of states.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 25 in. Male. — White more or less barred with brownish black.
Occasionally birds will be found that are entirely white and tinmarked,
but they are almost always slightly barred. A female is very much
more heavily barred than the male and as a rule is considerably larger.

NESTS AND EGGS.

The Snowy Owl's nest daring May, placing their eggs in ahollow of
the moss on a dry portion of some marsh. Sometimes a few grasses
and feathers are used for lining. They are said to lay from three to
ten eggs. These are oval in shape, of a white or creamy color, and
average in size 2.24 X 1.77 in.

HABITS.

None of the owls with wliich we are familiär in the United States can
compare in point of beauty with this inhabitant of the far north. In
regard to size and strength they are also the leaders. They weigh
slightly more than the Great Horned Owl and are fully his equal in
muscular ability, and as for the Great Gray Owl which is found in the
same regions as the Snowy, the latter is fully twice as heavy although
the soft fluffy plumage of the Great Gray gives him the appearance
of being the larger of the two.

During the summer months they find an abundance of food in the far
north; Ptarmigan and rabbits abound, and they also feed on ducks and
waders and are also said to be experts in catching fish.

Their appearance in the United States depends upon the scverity of
the weather and the conditions of the food supply. In some winters
they come down in great abundance spreading out over the country
and being found in quite southerly latitudes. They frequent the open
country almost exclusively both in the north and during the winter
when they are in this country. They lurk about stone walls and
fences from which places they watch their opportunity to maVe a dash
and catch some unwary bird or mainmal, and they are very frequently
caught by placing a steel trap on the top of some fence post.

22

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

SNOWY OWLS.
(Male and female.)

AMERICAN OIINITIIOLOGY. 23

THE LOGCOCKS.

By E. F. MoSB'i.

Last Summer I was surprised by seeing a ]arge bird with a scarlet
crest running along an old log; another followed and I quiekly saw
that they were Logcocks, the largest woodpeckers of the east, very
black and with white and black stripes along the head and a handsome
scarlet crest.

There were some large pokeberry bushes loaded with dark crimson
berries near the log and the birds climbed into them and ate eagerly.
I saw one of the Woodpeckers swing, head and back downwards, like
a Chickadee while he held on with his claw and gathered the fruit with
his bin, from a brauch that spread outward. It was very odd to see
such a large heavy bird in the attitude of our tiny Chickadees and
Kinglets.

They did not seem shy and I saw and heard them frequently. They
came near the house and were in the outside yard with its great oaks
and chestnut trees. Sometimes my attention was called to them by
the large chips or layers of wood which they chiseled off the tree with
their strong beaks. They always seemed to strike the tree sideways
instead of boring holes from the front like the Sapsucker and Downy
Woodpecker.

There were usually two together and they uttered low, curious two
syllabled calls to each other. I noticed the two on an old fallen log,
to which one was clinging in the usual sidewise way and throwing off
bits of wood now and then.

Some of their notes are very near like the Flickers only louder;
another common sound was like a loud cackling. They often made
this when disturbed and about to rise in flight. A note that I frequent-
ly heard when they were flying overhead sounded to my ears like
"Quick, Quick."

A BIRD TRAGEDY.

Spring time in the county! Why those poets of the old Smoky-city
class room were not so flightily unreal after all. Spring is a wondrous
glorious panorama; and we who, many years ago, more than half
believed in the wonderful Genius of Alladins Lamp, stand today in awe
before the wondrous transformation wrought by an unseen band.
Yon trees but yesterday bleak, black, lifeless, laugh now in leaves of
tenderest green or in blossoms pink or white; the air is redolent of
blossem breath and vocal with the song of birds.

24 AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

Previous to this, my first experience of Springtime in the country,
bird life was quite unknown to me. I admit, too, a feeling somewhat
of irritation at the frequent allusions to birds made by poets, prose
\vriters, spring enthusiasts, etc. But as so frequently happens, that
which one condemns in another comes sooner or later to dominate over
him, and I find myself today fairly fascinated by the birds. Bird mag-
azines, Audubon and even bird poets are eagerly sought, and now, for
the first time, understood. vShelly's "Sky Lark" unfolded a whole
World of meaning as I read it whilst listening to the vesper strain o£
the little Song Sparrow; I too echoed: —

Teach me half the gladness,
That thy heart must know,
vSuch harmonious madness

From my lips would flow,
That the world would listen then
As I am listening now.

The other day I watched a duel unto death between two Chipping
Sparrows. For some time the issue seemed doubtful and either
might have sought safety in flight; but the Spartan-mother war cry —
Return with your shield or upon it — was evidently the spirit actuating
the combatants.

A dexterous peck at the eye gave advantage to the stronger and the
injured bird feil to the ground; the ensuing scene was simply murder.
O, the joy of triumph, satiated revenge! Why, the spirit of Marius
seemed palpitating in that little hate-embodiment as he pecked and
pecked, and chirped and pecked, and dragged his victim and shook
him even long after life had, at least apparently, departed from the
poor tortured little form.

Another bird which from a neighboring tree had evidently watched
the fight now fluttered down to the scene. He or she, more probably
the latter, perched on a stone nearby and intently watched the struggle,
whether with looks expressive of admiration for victor or secret lament
for victim, I could not teil. Perhaps my own feelings protruding
themselves through my field glasses perceived in her the latter; certain
it is she did not join the triumph song, but just as certain it is that she
flew away under the voluble protection of her triumphant lord and
master. And there lay the dead Chippy, his chestnut head dyed crim-
son now and his poor bleeding eye closed forever; and there, right
before my eyes, on this glorious spring day, had been enacted just
another expression of that tragedy old as the world.

A very demure Robin has her nest in a locust tree near my window.
She is evidently a staid old matron, secure in a nest that proved faith-

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 25

ful last year and only kindly tolerant of all the chatter and fuss of the
inexperienced young nest builders about her.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers may be seen flashing in crimson and
white amid the foliage, and performing acrobatic feats apparently for
the amusement of his admiring mate. Another bird not often seen,
tho' frequently heard is the Turtle Dove; its plaintive "Coo-coo"
breaks sadly upon the country stillness, Its note is that of warning,
nay that of rebuke, to the chattering, quarreling, carroling, rollicking
youug warblers around it. Yet if Cassandra-like, it teils of storms and
cats, and bad boys, and telegraph wires and all the thousand ill that
bird flesh is heir to, it is, also Cassandra-like heard but not heeded.
The morning concert wakens hopeful as ever, nature demands have as
joyous fulfillment, and no tomorrow shadows darken the happy today
of our wise little brothers in birdland. s. m. Fides.

THE WINTER WOODS AND THEIR TENANTS.

By Norman O. Foester.

"The sky is gray, a few great snowflakes are softly falling on the
autumn-painted leaves; it is the first snow of winter, and, as the flakes
grow thicker and thicker, and the shadows of a November afternoon
Stretch out their dusky fingers across the whitening ground, another
year's foliage is laid to rest. How changed the woodland as we stand
looking out across the meadow to the woods! The earth has donned
her polar robes and greets the fiery sun, immaculate. Shall we break
that even mantle, pierced by weed and scarred only by the birds and
mammals tread? We feel as we part the virgin snow, that we are in-
truding into Nature's sanctum, winter woods."

In such a setting as this we meet the tenants of the winter woods.
One of the most interesting of these hardy birds that brave the rigors
of our winter is the Brown Creeper. Chapman's description of him
Stands unequalled. "The facts in the case will doubtless show that the
patient, plodding Brown Creeper is searching for insects, larvae, and
•eggs which are hidden in the crevices in the bank; but after watching
him for several minutes, one becomes impressed with the thought that
he has lost the only thing in the world that he cared for, and that his
only object in life is to find it. Ignoring you completely,with scarcely
a pause, he winds his way in a preoccupied, nearsighted manner up the
tree trunk. Having finally reached the top of his spiral stair-case, one
might suppose that he would rest long enough to survey his surround-
ings, but like a bit of loosened bark he drops off to the base of the
nearest tree and resumes his never-ending task." His note is a con-
lented chirp, uttered as if he were not aware of the fact. He is one of

26

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

the few winter birds that do not congregaie in flocks; and his may be
the only bird heart that beats within a very large radius.

The White-breasted Nuthatch plays the acrobat as bravely in Janu-
ary as in June. His loud nasal "yank, yank" that comes from the
wood so often on these still, biting mornings in January when the sun

makes no Impression on the snow-
drift; warms many a bird lover's
heart. It is a heart's assurance of his
presence, and generally of the military
Tufted Titmouse. These latter birds^
in parties of five to fifteen scour the
woods, calling, rascals they, for I have
often been deceived, "chickadee-dee-
dee" as boldly as any
Chickadee. But his
voice is hoarser and
suggests a Chickadee
that has taken cold.
His better side the ||||||||||[||||||||^ M Occasionly he gives

Chickadee, is the ||||||||||||||||| Jl^^^- M his whistle, a single
most famous of all |||||||||||||||||||||| B liiiPl'^' ...mB ^^S^ "<^^^ repeated a
the feathered tenants, [||[||||[||[[||[[^^ffii ^^"\,|i|lj|fi|| m varying number of
praised in poetry and llllllllliffiMMill Mitriß times.

prose. Ah, but he is
deserving of his pop-
ularity! No transient
look of interest such
as the Nuthatch deigns to glance; no
complete indifference such as the Brown
Creeper holds to; no wariness, he gives
US his füll measure of confidence.

His trust, just because it is so com-
plete, is seldom misplaced. None but
the most brutal heart could offer vio-
lence to this gay little sprite.

A man who was just starting a col-
jection told me how he obtained his first Chickadees. It was mid-
winter; the snow completely covered the frozen ground, and had an icy
crust; a glistening layer of ice hardened the north sides of the trees
making food scarce. When he had suddenly come upon a party of
Chickadees, their curiosity was somewhat unusual. He had leveled
his shotgun and was about to fiire when a disconcerting tap on the

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

27

barrel destroyed his aim; just in time for the gun went off, stirring
the branches on the trees where the Chickadees were but without
harming them. Thus the little bird had unwittingly saved the lives of
his companions. Needless to say the man did not further molest that
band of Chickadees on that day. The cardinal whistles occasionally
in mid winter as if to keep his bold voice
from becoming rusty, but on the wholc
we see him very seldom.

The crows are conspicuous gleaners
of the woods and fields in the season
of ice and snow; as they Aap slowly by,
their dark shadows on the snow betray-
ing them.

The Golden-crowned Kinglet's gerv"-

ally thrice repeated ^l|pjB:J^~~"

lisp may be heard 11 f ITj-zJzIz

frequently. It is an ~

insignificant -nnnrl ■-■ .=^^^-05«.- — , . _ , ,, ,

^....T..._^ _^k^^^ - -- birds wander through

but it means much — s: /^LjiÄll ^S>^^k ^1 1-, -, .

,, . , , 1-." ^F^^ '^^^^Ä the cold woods m

fearless sparks ot _- ,\r , -^^^^^ 1. r .i. i.

,, j ^^^^ ^^^S^ search 01 the bernes

' , . s. /'^'^^^T '^'■P^ - of wild trees. To see

Robms and ßlue- r_ '^ ^ z ^l&p \\\ , ^, . ,

one of these m Janu-

ary is to see an almost

forgotten friend.

This is the season

for studying birds'

nests. The bare trees expose \lcrin ard

the wintry blasts carry many to the

ground. Except occasionally where a

Red Squirrel has converted one of them

into ahome, they are tenantless and we

can examine them without harming any

one. This is the season during which

you can most readily estimate the num-

ber and kinds of birds which inhabit a

certain locality. These deserted homes teil the silent story of the

happy birds that occupied them for so brief a period and by counting

those that still remain a fair idea of the bird population may be gained.

üf course this pertains only to those birds which nest in trees or

bushes, the largenumbers and varieties which nest on the ground leav-

ing no discernable trace of their homes.

28

AMERICAN OKNITIIOLOGY.

111 (§lATSw.TH

riiiEiis

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MerrythoUGHT, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

Dear Young Folks:

We wish you each a Happy New Year as we meet in our corner the
fest time in 1904. We welcome the new comers, to whom we would
like to say a word about the Bird Chats.

Our aim is to help forward a good fellowship among our young bird
lovers, and also between them and the out-of-door world, to that end
ive have a kind of wireless telegraph from Connecticut to Oregon, and
welcome messages from all along the line. In the Roll of Honor are
printed the names of those who send correct answers to the puzzles of
Jwo months previous; the little journey among some of the curious
liomes of this country and other lands was begun in November and
'will be ended next month.

We thank the boys and girls who have sent us so many pleasing
•accounts of bird-life durin g the year past. One little girl who walks
five miles to school daily, shows her interest by taking time to send the
answers to the puzzles each month.

Those of you who live where Old Winter storms and blows, nipping

the ears and fingers, will attract a cheerful Company if you hang from

the trees about your homes, small open-meshed bags filled with nuts,

berries, suet, etc. Suspend them from the twigs and you will soon

hear Mr. Nuthatch laughing ha, ha, at the way in which the English

^Sparrows have been cheated.

Cordially your friend,

Meg Merrythought.

ÄMERTCAN ORNITHOLOGY. 29

ROLL OF HONOR.

Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. L
Charles Alexander, Gloversville, N. Y.
Louise Jordan, Defiance, Ohio.
Abbie Wedenburgh, Curran, 111.

ANSWERS TO DECEMBER P

Hidden parts

> of a Bird.

Tail,

Crest,

Bill,

Song,

Wing,

Feather,

Beak,

Covert.

ENIGMA.

(a)

Marsh Hawk.

(b)

Night Hawk.

(c)

Indigo Bird.

(d)

Carolina Wren

(e)

Field Sparrow.

(f)

Bald Eagle.

Painted Bunting.

ENIGMA NO. 2.

MAIL^BAG EXTRACTS.

I had a funny experience with a pair of House Wrens last spring. I
made a bird house especially for Wrens and put it up on our shed. It
had two compartments and the door to one was about the size of a
quarter and that of the other was some larger.

About the first of May, a pair of "Wrens appeared around the yard
and the male soon found the house. It suited him, so he tried to get
his mate to inspect it. He sat in a vine nearby and sang, and sang,
and finally coaxed her to go into it and look it over. She soon came
out and fiew away, while he scolded and chased after her. After that
by a great deal of singing he got her to look the house over a number
of times, and at last she deeided to build in it.

On May 14th, I saw the female picking up twigs and starting to
build in the house, but then the trouble began, for each of them liked a
different compartment.

The male liked the one with the small round door, and the female

30 AMERICAN ORKITUOLOGY.

liked the other. When the male was there, she built in the side he
liked, because if she did not, he would fight her, but when he was
away she would build in her favorite side. There was a great deal of
argument and some fighting, so that building Operations soon came to
a standstill.

I was afraid I would lose the pair, so one day I went out and tacked
a piece of cardboard over the male's favorite side as I thought the fe-
male had a right to the side she wanted because she would have to stay
in it. Everything was immediately set right, and the female began to
build again. The male would sit nearby and sing by the hour but he
never did a bit of work. The nest was finished about May 28th, and
was made of twigs lined with horsehair and feathers.

The young ones hatched on June 12th, and the father disappeared
just about the same time.

The mother had to feed them alone and it kept her hustling. About
the time the male disappeared from our yard, one appeared at a near
neighbors which sang and acted just like it. As it was alone all the
time it must have been the same one but I thought it very curious
that he should desert his family. I enjoyed watching the mother bird
feed the young and clean the nest. She always carried the excrement
out to the Street about seventy feet away and dropped it there, after
which she would clean her bill vigorously. The young left the nest on
June 28th and soon after a male and female appeared on the scene and
again started housekeeping in the house. The male disappeared from
the neighbor's at the same time.

I have identified 76 birds this year, I have seen 41 species of birds
right here in our yard, Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Wrens and English
Sparrows nested in our yard this year.

Karle Tiffany, LaCrosse, Wis.

This bird ''The English Sparrow" should be treated as the pest that
it is and no interest in it aroused in the children's minds.

Abbie Wedenburgh, Curran, 111.

During 1903 I saw fifty-two different kinds of our feathered friends.
For two years I have kept a number of flower pot saucers in the yard
füll of water. Robins, Brown Thrashers, Catbirds, Bronzed Grackles,
Chipping Sparrows and Blue Jays take baths and drink the water. It
is amusing to see two or three robins in the larger of my saucers, and
all trying to take a bath at the same time. One may see an insect and
jump out and get it, and then run and jump in again and finish his bath.
They offen fight one another to get to take their bath first and offen
drive the Chipping Sparrows away.

Naomi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 31

TAME HUMMINGBIRDS.

I would like to teil you about our three humming birds. We had a
large bed of salvias and I had noticed the birds among the flowers for
some time. One day in September while I was out near the flowers a
bird came and held himself suspended close in front of me and seemed
to be trying to get acquainted. I kept quiet and he seemed to make up
his mind that I meant him no härm, so he settled himself to his dinner.
Two more soon came and from that time until September twenty-first
they were here most of the time, and seemed to have no fear, often
resting in reach of my band, and one day eating from a bunch of
■flowers that I was holding. We enjoyed their visits as often as we
had time to go into the garden. The twentieth and twenty-first of
September they seemed to be very hungry, but I think it was because
they were preparing for flight, as after that time they came no more.
They had great sport playing tag around us and knocking each other
■down and screaming about it and then coming to us and sitting on a
bush near us and chipping. We shall miss the dear little sunshine
birds and watch for their first appearance in spring.

Laura B. Shailer, Haddam, Conn.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA,

I am composed of 23 letters.
7-8-3-17-18 is a common bird.
20-2-19 is an insect.

4-8-2—15-9-4 have 5-8 work to 9-11-10 this, 20-14-5 I think you can
12-8—10-6-9-5.

Always try to be 19-8-8-23 and 4-8-2 will be happy.

G. L. Harrington, Langdon, Minn.

SEARCH OUESTIONS.

1. How do Flickers, Hummingbirds and Doves prepare the food
for their young?

2. What bird has the power of moving the tip of its upper mandible
independentlv of the lower one?

3. What water bird uses its wings as a second pair of legs wheu
traveling over the ground?

4. What five gaily dressed birds have dull colored'mates.

32 AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

CURIOUS HOMES,

(continued)

Novv we will seek the ravines among the purple mountains which
raise their heads in the distance. Here on a shelving rock where the
spray of a crystal mountain torrent dashes over it, is a beautiful elip-
tical globe of soft green moss, the home of the American Water OuzeL
Could we enter the circular door in the side, we should find its streng^
arched walls of twigs, leaves and grasses, plastered over with mud.

Some nests are placed behind waterfalls, and the birds are obliged
to pass through the water in going to and from the nests.

Descending to the prairies, let us pause at one of the open doors-
which confront us, around the doorway are scattered bits of the skins of
rats, mice and even rabbits' ears. What shall we find in this Under-
ground home, prairie-dog, badger, gopher or snake? No, we have
delayed our visit too long to find the original tenants at home^
Now the uncanny occupants are burrowing owls who have re-
furnished the apartments with feathers, fine weed stalks and other
soft substances. They are very sociable birds, for we may find as-
many as twenty nesting together in one hole. Here we come upon
several sitting in the sunshine near their dugouts, they bow and bend
to US with the greatest politeness, and we can now understand why the
name of the How-d'y-do owl has been given them.

Cigam! Now we are in our new possession off the Florida coast.
Here we will make the acquaintance of a striking figure in the land-
scape. A bird five feet in length, with long legs and neck, its bill re-
sembling a bent spatula in shape, its plumage of a brilliant scarlet^
with wings tipped with black. This is the Flamingo.

Here we find Mrs. Flamingo at home, her ungainly legs doubled
beneath her as she sits upon the nest, built (probably soon after the
rainy season) of mud scooped up from about the base, sometimes
bound together with grasses and sticks. She will have need of patience
for it will be more than a month ere the young birds will emerge from
the two white eggs. To guard against inroads from water the nest is
built about a foot high, tapering from a base a foot in diameter to ten
inches at the top, which is hollow. Frank Chapman described a colony
of these nests on Bahama mangrove flats which contained, by actual
count, two thousand mud dwellings.

Here in the sunny south we will linger until February, when we will
return to New England on our magic rüg and end our journey amidst
the interesting homes of her granite hills.

^fM"'

THE WARBLER

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VOL. IV FEBRUAR.Y, 1904. NO. 2

Key to North American Birds, by Elliot Coues, A. M., M. D., Ph. D.
Dana Estes and Company, 1903)2 vols. $10.00. At last ihis great work,
early publication of which has been announced at fi-equent intervals
during the past tvvo years, is oflf the press, being formnlly pubHshed on
December 17th, within a few days of four years after the death of its
distinguished author, Dr. Elliot Coues. This, the fifth edition, em-
bodies all the salient features of the preceding edition with many
additions to the text, which fact together with the addition of numer-
ous illustrations made it necessary to publish the work in two volumes,
which combined include about 1200 pages. In regard to the main body
of the work it is unnecessary to make comment, as it has, as embodied
in the fourth edition been universally known for years as one of the
Standard works on the subject. The present edition will remain for
many years as a crowning tribute to the memory of a talented author.
The only opportunities which the new work offers for adverse comment
are in the illustrations, many of which are decidedly crude, and in the
mechanical make-up, in which latter respect it is not up to the Standard
of the fourth edition, neither the paper nor the printing being of a ciual-
ity to bring out a half tone as it should be.

DESERTED HOMES.

With footsteps screaming o'er the snow,

I walk in the piercing air,
Wtiere winds are sighing soft and low

Through the branches brown and bare.

The homes are all deserted now

Of the friends I held so dear,
The nest clings to the naked bough,

The birds are no longer here.
Slow swaj'S the bough of greenbereft,

Where the thrush at evening sung,
And but a few frail twigs are left

Where the wild dove reared her young-
There in the tree-top bleak and high

Sways the grackles empty nest
Where her young, e'er they learned to fly

Xestled 'neath her sable breast.
The kingbird's homefor days has lain,

A sad ruin in the snow,
And nests for which I searched in vain,

Xow in bushes plainly show.
The yellow warbler's small abode

Hangs dismantled in the cold.
Wehere silvernotes in beauty flowed

From an instrument of gold.

As in a volume worn and old,

One finds blossoms old and dry,
But on whose leaves are stories told

Of happier days gone by.
So in each empty nest I find,

A memory of some sweet lay
That wakes an echo in my mind,

Though the singer is far away.

Hattie Washburn,

34 AMERICAN ORNITTIOLOGY.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.

By Harry K. Caldwell. China.

A person who has paid special attention to bird life in the temperate
portion of the middle and southern States, upon arriving at the bärge
port of Foochovv, China, and looking out upon a climate always breezy
and balmy would naturally think he would soon meet a great number
of friends among members of the feathered tribe. He soon begins to
recognize a great many very marked inconsistencies however, for
though he Stands in the midst of one vast flower garden of nature, he
does not see any variety of the little Humming-bird so common to a
spot like this in the homeland. This is one of the first facts which the
observer meets, and here begins a long series of just such disappoint-
ments. During the almost three years of my stay in China I have seen
but few, if any, of the Warbier family. This is quite as surprising as
the above, for the climate and surroundings seem especially adapted to
such birds. During the Spring and early summer the Flycatchers
seem to predominate, but these too. with the exception of possibly two
or three varieties remove to other quarters as the nesting season draws
nigh. One very beautiful variety of this family is the Paradise Fly-
catcher. This bird arrives from winter quarters just as the trees are
fresh and green with their Easter attire. Its beautiful rieh brown
color blends nicely with its surroundings as it dashes and whirls amid
the foliage and flowers in quest of its food. The male bird has a very
glossy black head and neck, belly and underparts silvery gray, and en-
tire Upper surface a very deep shade of brown. The two central tail
quills are prolonged to nearly twice the length of the bird. This addi-
tion of tail seems to come with age however, for I have seen many
male birds which were deprived of such ornament. The nest of the
Paradise Flycatcher is well in keeping with the grace and beauty of the
bird. Itis a structure of green moss, lichens and webs on the outer
surface, deeply cupped and lined with fine rootlets and palm fiber.
The nest is generally placed in a vertical fork from ten to forty feet
from the ground. One interesting feature of this otherwise very inter-
esting specie, is that the male bird willingly takes his turn in incubat-
ing. It is a rather interesting spectacle to see this bird nearly fifteen
inches in length incubating on a nest not larger than the ordinary
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher's nest.

One has not arrived long in the port of Foochow when he hears the
familiär note of the Chickadee from some of the overhanging boughsof
the ever green olive trees. To all appearances of sight and sound he
has now met his little friend Parus atricapillus, but here too, he meets
a surprise as well as a disappointment. I had carefully observed sev-

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 35

eral pairs of these birds during the greater part of an entire nesting
season and had become much perplexed upon finding myself unable to
locate the nesting site. But finally I saw the female bird fly to the
top of a high pine with a worm in her beak, and a moment later drop
from that height like a stone to the ground. Upon examination I
found a small hole in the ahnost level ground and after excavating
near fifteen inches disclosed a typical nest of the Chickadee family
containing seven well fledged young, Since that day I have found
many nests of this bird in like locations and in one or two instances in
the cavity of trees. One or more very peculiar nesting sites which
have come under my Observation might be worth mentioning. The
fields and hillsides in this section are terraced for the growing of rice.
These terraces are generally from one to three feet high containing
several inches of water. I once found the home of a Chickadee in one
of these terraces though it hardly seemed that there could be a dry
spot between these two surfaces of water. This bird had found a very
small hole in the dyke but a few inches above water line, and in this
home had a family of six little ones.

During the spring months there are indeed a great variety of birds
to be found throughout this section, but as the nesting season draws
near they gradually disappear until the month of May finds compara-
tively few species who make this their summer home. Of these there
is no family better represented than the heron. There are a number
of species of the heron which are marked only by a diiTerence of color-
ation. Some are snow white, others white with buff colored head and
back, others white with very deep brown head and neck and others
almost black. These birds live and nest in great colonies in the mas-
sive banyan trees overhanging some temple court or the narrow busy
Street. There are three or four large trees in the heart of this city
(Ku-cheng) which have hundreds of nests of these birds. It seems as
though every available place has a slight platfor'm of sticks through
which can easily be seen the pale green eggs or incubating bird. Dur-
ing the breeding season these -birds may be seen by hundreds grace-
fully flying to and from the nearby rice fields where they feed.

It is estimated that one of these large banyan trees would produce
from five hundred to one thousand eggs of this specie, but still we
find it difficult to secure sets of the eggs. Such trees as these massive
banyans are held sacred and often worshipped. Each tree is supposed
to represent one or more gods. Though the Chinaman is willing to de
many things in order to earn his rice, it is almost impossible to find a
person who would dare climb one of these trees to collect a few sets
of heron eggs even though he be offered a bowl of rice for every egg.

36 AMERICAN OUNITIIOLOGY.

There is a fixed belief that the god who makes bis home in this tree
would be very angry if a person would intrude upon bis rights to the
extent of climbing into his home. This superstition has protected
these herons to the extent that they nest yearly by the hundreds in cer-
tain of the many massive banyans overhanging the busy streets.

MYIARCHUS CRINITUS AS A POLYGAMIST.

While Walking through an orchard one day, June 5, 1902, I came

upon the nest of a crested flycatcher. It was built in the hollow of a

decayed branch of an apple tree and was made of dried grass, some

hair and a few feathers. It did not contain any snakeskin as they

often do. The nest contained ten fresh eggs, five of which were very

light and thinly marked, while the other five were heavily blotched,

which undoubtedly proves that two females occupied the nest. There

were only two birds in the vicinity but the other may have been away.

As I was unable to again visit the nest I do not know how things

turned out. Have read of a few similar cases but this is the first that

came to my notice.

William Wilkoviski, Mich.

A ROBIN TRAGEDY.

]5y Leander S. Keyser.
Author of "Birds of the I\ockies," "In Bird Land." etc.

One day I found a robin's nest in a thick hedge fence. About two
weeks later a fellow bird-lover and I were passing that way, and I
desired to show him the nest thinking it might present something out
of the common for his camsra. And sare eaough, it did — something
quite unexpected and tragical.

As we came to the place and peered into the hedge, each of us gave
vent to an outburst of consternation, for there the robin hung, having
been caught on a viciou? thorn in the skin of its throat. A horizontal
branch ran above the nest a few inches, on the upper side of which was
a thorn pointing straight upward. In some way the poor bird had got
caught on the thorn, which had penetrated clear through a fold of the
skin of the throat, so that the sharp point stuck out on the other side.
Her tail and feet were hidden behind the walls of the nest over which
she was suspended.

One blue ezs lay in the cup of the nest. When broken, itshowedno
signs of incubation having been begun. My companion cut away a
few of the intervening branches, and photographed the poor bird and
its nest.

How the disaster occurred can only be surmised. It is probable
that the robin was driven by an enemy and sought refuge in the hedge,

I

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 37

and in her haste to reach the nest flew against the thorn, which pene-
trated the loose skin of her throat, and when she dropped her füll
weight upon it, she co.ild not free herseif. There was no evidence of
a struggle about the bird or her nest, and so it seeras likely that the
bird's suf^erings were brief. Perhaps the thorn piereed the windpipe
sufficiently to cause speedy death by strangling.

Photo by W. Leon Dawson.
ROBIN TRAGEDY.

This is the first bird I have ever seen caught in this way on a thorn.
Many birds, such as the thrashers, robins, cardinals and shrikes, often
build their nests in the most wicked looking thorn-bushes and hedges,
into which they frequently plunge with seeming recklessness, and I
have often wondered how they avoid impaling themselves; but it is a
real comfort to know that fatalities of the kind described are of rare
occurrence. The only one bearing a close resemblance to the robin
tragedy that has come under my eye was that of a song sparrow which

38

AMEHIÜAN OHNirUOLOGY.

Photo by W. Leon Dawson.
ROBIN AND YOUNG.

AM/-/: IC AN 01!MT//0L0uy.

39

had been caught in a sort of thorn trap in the midst of a thick bush. It
had perhaps crept into the place to escape an enemy, and found it im-
possible to back out.

In contrast with the disaster that overtook the robin of the hedge, I
present the picture of a happy and fortunate robin family. The nest
was built in a grapevine trailing over the side of a barn in a yard
adjoining my own. This was right in the midst of the residence part
of the town, and where people passed many times a day going to the
barn. The little nursery was about four feet and a half from the door,
partly in front of a window.

The photographer arranged his camera, and then waited, bulb in
hand, about an hour before the mother bird ventured to feed her
young; but after she had given them their rations, she sat quietly in
the branches a little above the nest while the camera man arranged his
plates for several exposures. Madam Robin hunted for worms for
her bantlings in my rear and front yards, Coming close to the house and
showing little fear of her human neighbors. I could sit in piain sight
on my back porch and watch her hunting for food and feeding her
hungry bairns.

y^M^

^

.^ir£mi

m ^ mm^jmr^

»^

•■

Photo by R. H. Beebe.

YOUNG BLUE JAYS.

40 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

BLACK.THROATED GREEN WARBLER,

A. O. U Jfo. 667- (Dendroica virens.)

RANGE.

North America east of the Plains, breeding from the New England
and Middle States north to Hudson Bay. Winters in Mexico and Cen-
tral America.

DESCRIPTION.

Length about five inches. Adult male. — Throat and breast black,
this extending down the sides in streaks. Sides of head yellow; Upper
parts greenish yellow; wings and tail grayish, the former with two
white bands and the latter with the outer tail feathers white on the in-
ner webs. Female and young. — Like the male except that the yellow
of the side of the head invades the throat and the black feathers of the
breast are tipped with yellowish white.

NEST AND EGGS.

Black-throated Greens nest in coniferous trees placing the nest well
out towards the end of the branch. They make a neat little nest of
shreds of bark, moss, grasses, and wool, and line it with horse hair.
They lay four eggs which have a white or creamy white ground color
and are specked with shades of brown and lilac chiefly around the larg-
er end.

HABITS.

These pretty little warblers may be seen or heard in their breeding
ränge from early in May until late in the summer. Owing to their
abundance and to the peculiar song they are one of the most conspicu-
ous birds to be found in the pine woods. It is characteristic of these
birds that especially in the nesting season they are always found in
pines, from which on pleasant days their stränge notes come to the
listening ear. These notes are wholly unlike those of any other war-
bler and must be heard in order to gain any correct idea of their sound.
"Tzee-twee-zeep-zeep" with the latter notes of a higher tone than the
first, will perhaps render it as well as the English language is capable
of. Although one or more pairs nest in nearly every small clump of
pine trees in New England, the majority of them prefer the lower
growths that Cover many of the hillsides. Here hundreds of them will
build their little nests, but so cunningly do they conceal them that it is
a very difficult matter to find them. Not only are the nests well con-

AM Eli IC AN ORNITHOLOGY.

41

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.
fMale, lower f5g; female. upper.]

42 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

cealed but the birds themselves have many rnses that they use success-
fully to draw the intruder away from their homes.

On one hillside that is well covered with small pines, and where
there could not have been less than a hundred pairs of these warblers
nesting, I have searched nearly every season for a great many years
and have been rewarded by the finding of only four nests with either
eggs or young. Many a morning have I arrived upon the grounds
early with the intentions of making a day of it, in the attempt to locate
their domicile. Around me in all directions echoed their peculiar song,
while from the tips of the branches of some of the nearer pines would
come the excited chirps of the owners of homes nearby. After remain-
ing quietly beneath the lower branches of the spreading trees for a
long time, the excitement dies out and the alarmed chirps cease.

Another long wait and a faint chirp calls our attention to the top of
the free beneath which we are. A cautious glance upward shows that
the female has returned and has a piece of nesting material in her bill.

A moment later and we see her deposit it far out on the end of one
of the highest branches. A few minutes later the male arrives with a
similar load which he carefully deposits in the same place. We are
confident that, at last, we have found what we have searched for so long
and quietly withdraw from the vicinity, that they may work in peace.
Great is our astonishment when upon making a call a few days later,
we find that nothing more has been done; just the few pieces of grass
remain just as the birds had left them.

Several times I have been fooled in a like manner and it is my belief
that the birds intentionally bring the straws and place them where they
know'I can see them, in order to draw my attention away from the real
nest. This opinion is strengthened by finding in one case, a nest with
young, only a few feet from where a pair had started a fake nest a few
days before. The real nest surely had eggs in it at the time I was
first there, and as there was but one pair of anxious birds, the pair that
fooled me must certainly have been the owners of the bona fide nest.
On one occasion I got ahead of a pair of these warblers by creeping in-
to concealment without their observing me, and then had the pleasure
of watching the real nest-building. Both birds brought the nesting
material, but the male merely threw his down on the foundation leav-
ing it for the female to adjust and weave it to suit herseif. She was
so fastidious in regard to the appearance of her home, that nearly all
her time was taken up in the forming of it, while the male brought
nearly all the material, They were both very industrious and they
made the whole of the outside structure while I was watching them.
They were a happy pair and the male would pause after delivering

AMERICAN OliNITIIOLOGY. 43

each load to sing his loudest and sweetest refrain, always using the
very tip of the tree for this purpose.

In the fall when they are migrating they depart from their usual ha-
bits and may often be met with in other woods, especially birches, in
Company with other species on their way south. At this time they
sing very little.

(

l GREEN-'TAILED TOWHEE. j

A. O- U. XO. 593.1 (Oreospiza chlorura).

RANGE.

Breeds from the Rocky Mountain and plateau region west to the
Sierras and San Bernadino Mountains. Migrates to Mexico although
a few remain in the San Diegan district of California.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 7 in.; billconical; taillong; rounded; tarsus long. Adults; — top
of head bright chestnut; upper parts olivaceous; vvings greenish yellow
as is the tail; throat and belly white; breast and sides grayish. Young
birds have the crown very dull, nearly the same color as the back.
They are also duller below than the adults and have both the back and
the breast streaked with dusky.

NEST AND EGGS.
This species nest in the thick sage brush or thorny deer brush. It
is a small neatly cupped affair composed of small twigs and lined with
grass. The four eggs have a whitish ground and are thickly specked
with cinnamon.

HABITS.

One evening just before sunset, I drove into a narrow valley in the
high Sierras, through which ran the swift clear stream of the American
river, while on either side of the vivid green and flowery meadows
which bordered it, rose steep rocky walls at whose base were long
slopes of granite talus, overgrown with a tangle of thorny underbrush.
From this miniature forest rose such a chorus of sweet song as would
have delighted the heart of any bird lover, and here I decided to stay.
There was no room for me in the small inn, but a cot in a thick clump

44

AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY

GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 45

of young firs ncar the stream was much more to my taste and gave a
far better opportunity to watch the birds.

I soon foimd that this chorus arose from only two species of birds,
the Thick-billed Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca megarhynca) and the
Green-tailed Tovvhee. Then the perplexing question to decide was
from which bird any individual song came. Both are typical brush
birds and rarely, or only for short intervals, show themselves above
the surface, being perfectly satisfied with a life of obscure safety, lost
among the aisles of their miniature forest. How they even find their
own homes seems a mystery to the outsider, for the bushes look just
alike, and the granite blocks are tumbled in monotonous confusion
while miles upon miles of hillside are covered in the same way with
these hardy shrubs which grow in barren and rocky soil.

I found, however, that the Thick-bill had more ambition than his fel-
low townsman, the Towhee, and would at times, mount high in the bare
trees near his nest, and there pour out his rieh and melodious strain
for a considerable length ot time. His tone is morepowerful and pene-
trating than that of the Towhee, and the song rather longer continued.
However, the Towhee's is by no means to be despised, in its shrill
sweetness, and when such a multitude sing together as I heard in
Strawberry Valley, the elTect is delightful. The quality is finchlike,
not at all like that of the other Towhees. Surely the English name as
well as the Latin generic name should be a new one and belong alone
to this charming bird.

The first nest which I found was built close to the stage road at a
height of about two feet from the ground, and near the top of atangled
thicket of thorny ceanothus. I found it by chance, while spending the
hours in the heat of the day, watching some solitary wasps near by.
The pair were seen going in and out of the thicket, and became quite
accustomed to my presence before a friend put his band on the nest.
It then contained four young with the eyes just opening. They re-
sponded to every jar of the bush by opening their beaks. They also
knew the voice of their parents. The peculiar mewing note, like that
of a young kitten "mew-mew-eep" was the only oneused by them when
approaching the nest. They fed them altogether with small smooth
larvae, mostly green ones, and were very busy.

During the mating period the female calls the male to her by a diff-
erent note— a chirp — and by displaying her pretty white throat in an
engaging attitude. The red top of the head is the most noticeable
feature, as it is raised and lowered in excitement. The yellowish green
color of the wings and tail only shows clearly during flight. This nest
füll of young ones was unfortunate for some reason, They kept

46

AMERICAN ORNJTHOLOGY

squirming and tumbling out of the nest, though never when I was in

sight. My friend on several successive days found the younghelpless-

ly suspended in the bushes and nearly dead from the cold. She re-

placed them and they always revived, but one day they had all dis-

appeared, though not yet well fledged. Mrs. Bailey states that

the nests are usually placed on the ground. Is it possible that this

particular family had not

the instinct evolved as yet

to make them stay in a

higher nest until able to

fly. The nest was well built

and deep enough.

I have also seen the bird

inwinteron the very south-

ern edge of California.

Here it is more silent and

secretive than on its nest-

ing grounds.

Anna Head,

Berkeley,

Calif.

Photo by Anna Head.
Green-tailed Towhee.

A WINTER RAMBLE IN NOVA SCOTIA.

];y f. K. Forest.

El FTER the Thrushes, Warbiers and other summer visitors
I have gone south, and the dead leaves fall silently into the
I deserted nests, many true lovers of our birds are inclined
H to think that their forest rambles are over, not to be re-
■ sumed until next year's Robin heralds the approach of
I spring. But he who misses the winter rambles, misses
■ much of what Nature has to show, besides that supply of
vigor with which one finds himself filled after a walk in the erisp air
of a winter's morning.

Occasionally some one comments upon the scarcity of birds in the At-
lantic Provinces in the winter. It is true that comparatively few birds
stay with us during the cold months, but the impressions made upon
one by meeting them in their winter haunts, seems to be more distinct
and to remain with one longer than those made when we are sur-
rounded so thickly by birds and bird voices that we cannot sometimes
separate the individual calls or songs in the chorus. The winter soll-

I

AMERICAN OUNITIIOLOGY. 47

tude of the forest brings out the individuality of a bird to as great an
extent as the white carpet of snow makes it distinct to the eye.

Tvvo miles north of my native village is a small vvoodland lake fed
by innumerable Springs. From this lake flows a brook which is dammed
-up at the village to form a mill-pond. Between the mill-pond and
the lake is a wood-clad hill which makes it necessary for the brook
to flow in a wide curve around its base. To go around the edge
of the pond, follow the windings of the brook to the lake, and
then return to the village by skirting the base of the hill on
the opposite side, makes one of the best rambles to be had any-
where. As we start from the village in the morning, while the sun
is still among the branches of the spruces on the hill we can see out in
the rushes of the pond, the rough heaps of sticks, roots and grasses
that the muskrats have made into homes for the winter. Any calm
evening last fall wewould have notieed that the surface of the water
was broken by the long V-shaped ripples made by these animals as they
were gathering the material for these houses.

Fortune seems to be with us at the very first, for before reaching the
head of the pond, we see, picking at the red berries on a dog-wood, a
-flock of large heavy-billed birds. These are Pine Grosbeaks, most of
them females and young as is shown by the yellowish finge, although
a few males are shown to be present by the pink flashes that we see
as the sun glances from their plumage.

As we leave the pond and start up the brook, we are no sooner in the
shadow of the spruces than we hear a "kip, kip, kip" followed by a
whir which sounds like a peal of thunder. We start involuntarily, then
look at each other and laugh. Everyone Starts when a Rufifed Grouse
whirs away, and knows that his neighbors do. The Grouse rumbles
away a few rods at füll speed then we see him set his wings and sail
lightly downwards. But we have to go up some distance beyond the
the place where he appeared to alight before starting him up again for
he will probably run when he strikes the ground.

Old Nature with its beautiful blanket of snow, appears to have turned
over a new leaf, and many are the stories, and not a few tragedies that
can be read from the white page. The ground is covered with tracks,
many of them being made by the red squirrel. Here from this stump
are the tiny tracks of a wood mouse; they disappear under yonder flat
stone. Here the track of a rabbit crosses our path, and we can almost
see him loping along, stopping occasionally to browse the tender buds
weithin reach. As we follow the tracks we find where the clearcut trail
of old Reynard has joined in. We follow the double track to see what
the outcome will be. Here the lengthened tracks of Bunny show that

48 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

he has taken alarm and is trying to reach his burrow in advance of his
enemy. A little farther on we find that he succeeded for his tracks end
in front of a small burrow under the roots of an immense maple. We
read in the snow where Reynard had stopped to snifE down the hole,
and we can almost see the disappointment in his wicked, sharp-featured
visage, as he trotted oü to look after his breakfast elsewhere.

As we stand, silently applauding bunny for his escape, we hear the
familiär ''Chickadee-dee-dee" We soon discover the authors of the
song; they are flitting about among the under branches of the spruces a
Short distance away and appear to be slowly working their way in our
direction. Here they come flitting from brauch to brauch, the most
cheerful little feathered beings that can be found in our winter woods.
■ Right on their flank and almost over our heads are two other Chicka-
dees with brown caps instead of black and with much brown on their
under parts. These are the Hudsonian Chickadees, less common in
Nova Scotia than the Black-capped but still offen met with in Company
with the others. We find also in Company with the Chickadees, a num-
ber of Golden-crowned Kinglets and a pair of Red-bellied Nuthatches.

As we continue our tramp and reach the lake, we startle a flock of
seven Black Ducks that have come in from the coast to get a drink of
fresh water from the brook, which because of the swiftly flowing water
rarely freezes. With much splashing and quacking they are off and
settle down into their well known whistling flight, their wings keeping
perfect time.

After examining some mink tracks along the edge of the brook we
strike ofi^ back of the hill and make our way back to the village.

MARSH HAWK,

A. O. ü. No. 331. (Circus hudsonlcus.)

RANGE.

This bird ranges over practically the whole of North America, breed-
ing throughout its ränge but more especially in the northerly parts
than in the extreme south. It winters in the southern parts of the Unit-
ed States and in Cuba and Mexico.

DESCRIPTION.

Length from 18 to 21 in. the female being the larger bird; Iris and
feet bright yellow. Male. — Very old males have the whole of the Up-
per parts except the rump a light bluish gray; most specimens, how-
ever, are piain gray sometimes washed with dusky; the Upper breast is
always grayish generally mixed with some brownish; rest of under
parts pure white with long brownish spots and some bars. The Upper
tail coverts in all plumages of both the adults and young are white.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

49

MARSH HAWKS.

50

.4 I\I ER I C. I N OL'MTIIOJ. 0 G Y.

Female and young. — Upper parts dark brown with many of the fea-
thers having lighter brown edgings. Under parts light brownish or
yellowish brown with dark brown lengthened spots. Upper tail cov-
erts white.

.f

NEST AND EGGS.

Marsh Hawks nest on the ground in marshy places. The nest is

generally made almost entirely of grass or hay, this being wound

around to form a neat cup about a foot in diameter and two or three

inches in depth; sometimes a few sticks enter into its make-iip. Their

Photo by P. B. Peabody.

MARSH HAWKS,
(1 week old.)

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

51

Plu)to by P. F.. Peabody.

YOUNG MARSH HAWKS.

(3 weeks old.)

breeding season commences soon after the first of May. Complete
sets of eggs number from three to six, most offen four or five makingf
the number. The eggs are a pale bluish white or greenlsh white and
are oftenest unspotted although very often sets will be seen that have
faint Shell marking or Spots of pale brownish.

HABITS.
This long winged and long legged harrier is one of the tnost com-
mon of the Raptores. The species can alvvays readily be distinguish-
ed from any other by the white upper tail coverts which are präsent in
all stages of plumage and by the general coloration. Their flight ex-
cept when in the pursuit of prey, is generally quite slow, probably due
to the eagerness with which they are watching the ground below for
the slightest sign of animal life. Although slow their flight is very
graceful and they will sail back and forth over the meadow with their

52

AM E RTC AN ORNITHOLOGY.

Photo by L. S. Hurton.

NEST OF MARSH HAWK.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 53

wings fully extended, scarce^ ^ tremble being perceptible to the eye.

When they are suspicious of the presence of quarry under some
grassy cover, they will hover over the spot for a moment, and woe be-
tide the animal that shows the slightest motions, for that eagle eye
which is searching every blade of grass will detect it and — a sudden
rush and the merciless talons have the unfortunate victim in their re-
lentless grasp.

On cloudy days or just before dusk is the most favorable time to see
these hawks, as this is the time when the meadow mice are the most
active and therefore is the favorite meal time for the hawks. Besides
meadow mice and moles, they feed largely upon grasshoppers, frogs,
small birds and even snakes. The percentage of birds that they eat is
relatively small as compared to the mice that they destroy and they are
classed as one of the most useful of the hawk family. When a favorable
opportunity occurs or when other provender is scarce they also try their
hand, or rather feet, at poultry raising, generally with considerable
success. I am inclined to think it is individuals rather than the ma-
jority of the species who are given to chicken stealing.

As these hawks are generally seen in pairs even durin g the winter it
is believed that they remain mated through life. Unless robbed fre-
quently of their treasures the same pair will return to the same nesting
grounds year after year.

During the mating season or that period immediately preceding the
nest building, they are very active and a pair may offen be seen chas-
ing one another, in the meantime uttering the most piercing of whistles
or screams. A nesting site is chosen a short distance from the water
or it may be that it will be placed in a small clump of grass entirely
surrounded by water. Weeds and grasses are gathered and arranged
in circular form until the exterior of the nest is two or three inches
above the ground. In case it is very damp they may first build a plat-
form of sticks and twigs. Both birds take part in the nest building and
also in the incubation of the eggs which lasts about three weeks.

The young are covered with a soft white down, through which at the
end of the first week a few pinfeathers begin to show. These increase
in number and size, gradually bursting the tubes and exposing the dark
feathers, until at the end of the third or fourth week the hawk is able to
Aap his wings and clumsily make his first flight. For several weeks
after they are able to fly they are followed and fed by their parents,
who gradually instruct them in the arts and ways of catching their own
food. The young when in the nest are generally wild and will bite and
Scratch if any attempt is made to handle them.

54 AM Eine AN ORNITHOLOGY.

NOTES ON THE HERMIT THRUSH.

%llilllllllliM^^^ praised, as this bird certainly is and few of our

^ • songbirds have been paid the tribute, either in verse

^ '^■i — '^^ prose, that is accorded to the "gentle hermit of the
^ J 11^ dale," yet a great deal more may be said concerning
^ • his shy, wildwood ways, and his beautiful voice, with-

^ ^ ^ ^ out fear of filling too füll the catalogue of his virtues.
^ m^ And I make my excuse, if any is needed, the fact that

#i|||ii|||il!iPI||Plil"^ I have seen him and heard him sing, in circumstances
which were to me most interesting, and which may have in thera some-
thing nevv to many who take pleasure in watching our birds and listen-
ing to their songs.

We were camping, my friend and I, in the mountains north of Kat-
ahdin Iron Works; speuding the day trout-fishing in the swift waters of
the Pleasant River, and most of the night in sleep. On this particular
night we had finished supper just as the dusk was falling, and for a
long time we sat there quietly, not caring by word or motion to break
the Strange, vocal silence of the deep woods. Over the hushy whisper
of the brook came the weird hoot of an owl, greeting the rising moon>
and just as the silver light was spreading softly over everything and
sifting down through the trees in little bright patches that made the
shadows still more dark, burst from the depths of the wood the rieh
sweet prelude of the hermit's song. Many times before I had heard
the song, but never like this. It was all as mysterious and unreal as a
vision of fairyland, yet the wonderful sweetness of that voice swelling^
up out of the woods left an Impression that I can never lose. For a
long time we sat and listened, unwilling to miss a single note, but at
last the weariness which come» from following all day the hard course
of a tumbling mountain stream got the better of us and we went to
sleep on our bed of spicy fir, and left the bird still filling the forest
Spaces with the happiness which was too much for his little soul to
hold. At midnight I awoke, and as I lay for a moment listening to
the soft Woody sounds, again broke forth the untiring song. At four
in the morning we were both awake for the day, and as we bestirred
ourselves in preparations for an early breakfast, the Hermit sang his
morning hymn, the lively little Winter Wren playing a rippling, running'
accompaniment.

Once more in that same summer I heard the Hermit Thrush under
singularly favorable circumstances. A party of us were climbing one
of the steep rocky mountains of Mt. Desert Island, Maine, and had
stopped for a moment to rest on the favoring Shoulder of a ledge. We
were above the wood line, and had left, as we thought, all the birds

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 55

save the hawks and eagles far out of hearing distance, when'^suddenly
floated up from-beneath us the first note of the Hermit's song, and for
some time we were favored with as fine a display of his vocal powers
as I have heard.

My next meeting with this meistersinger among birds was in a scene
far different from these and strangely incongruotis. In smoky Chicago
I occupied a tiny room in a boarding house on Dearborn avenue;
scarcely a mile from the busy center of the city, and not a hundred
yards from a rattling cable line. My window looked out on a diminu-
tive back yard, to which a solitary tree gave some appearance of life
and verdure. On a morning in April I was drowsing away the early
hours, uncertain whether to wake up and begin the day or to fall
asleep again; when I was startled to wide wakefulness by a rieh, clear
note which seemed to come from my little yard. Could I mistake even
that short fragment of the song? Yet how impossible that a Hermit
Thrush should be there at all, to say nothing of his singing at such a
time and in such a place. I obeyed my first impulse, which was to
jump out of bed and run to the window, and there, sure enough,
was a solitary Hermit.

It was a long cold spring, many of the birds that breed farther north

long overstaying their usual time, and I had an opportunity to see

several Hermit Thrushes in the parks and in the woody suburbs, but

not once again did I hear so much as a call note from one of them,

they all passed noiselessly from bush to bush, biding their time until

they could give füll voice to their joy in living, in their beloved

northern forests.

Freeman P'oster Bure.

56 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

WATCHING A FISH HAWK TAKE HIS FREY. \

James E. Goss, Pa. ]

EPT. 15th, was an ideal late summer day for the natura lover
to take an outing. The writer spent the greater part of the
afternoon in a stroll along the banks of the beautiful Nesha-
miny Creek.

All the insects, birds, fish and small animals that arouse the curiosity
of the observer were out in füll force, particularly the caterpillars,
which compelied this particular observer to beat a hasty retreat from
the sheltering shade of a clump of bushes that must have been alive
with them.

While resting later on the gnarled projecting stump of a swamp oak
on the bank of the creek, the shadow of a huge bird flitted across the
surface of the water directly before nie. Glancing quickly upward
toward the sun, a magnificent Osprey was seen poised in the air as
motionless as though he had been stuffed and strung there on wire
stretching from the tall trees on either side of the stream. Here was
something more than usual to watch and the observer turned his
attention from a sunfish in the shallow water to his enemy poised in
the air. For five minutes or more this close relative of the king of
birds hung almost perfectly still over a portion of the creek possibly
two or three feet deep. Its powerful eyes were watching with intense
eagerness all that was taking place in the liquid depths below. Sud-
denly the big bird quivered and then became instantly more rigid than
before, if possible. Then with the seeming quickness of light, it
threw its center of gravity forwards, dropping headforemost until it
reached the water, which it entered with talons spread to catch its
prey. The monster bird was completely submerged and it was several
seconds before he re-appeared, dripping from his plunge but bearing,
as it were triumphantly, his quarry in his claws.

Luckily the broad winged hunter had not seen his watcher, who was
waiting to see the closing act of this tragedy of nature. The bird flew
but a few yards up stream and then alighted upon the bare brauch of a
white oak to make disposal of his game. The fish which seemed to be
a mullet soon disappeared and the hawk flew away.

AMERICAN üHNlTlWLOdW 57

AN ORIOLE'S NEST.

If one wishes to find birds of almost every species in their glory and
in the midst of their spring house-keeping let him spend the months
of May and June in Elkhart, Wisconsin. Baltimore Orioles were very
nnmerous and one of our chief joys there. To watch the whole recon-
struction of a last year's nest from a point of vantage under some
cedar trees only a few feet from the great elm from which the nest was
swung, was a three days delight. That ones faces and necks were
scratched by the sharp pointed cedar twigs, ones hair pins loosened
and scattered, and ones position, back-breaking in the extreme, were
matters of absolutely no importance.

We were fortunate enough to spy Mother Oriole from our piazza
whence she came to look over last year's home to see whether it
would admit of renovation for this year's family. She evidently decid-
ed in the affirmative and while she flew away for her first supplies we
scrambled under the nearest cedar trees and waited breathlessly for her
next move which proved to be not one more but a succession of the most
rapid pullings, peckings, and clawings of the old nest, a sort of archi-
tectural survey to decide upon the the best plan for transforming the
old home into a new.

On her next sally from the tree she brought back a white string
which she fastened by the simplest, shuttle-like motions of her bill, to
the drooping sides of the nest. Then, bringing the string over a twig a
foot above the nest, she constructed, thereby, a veritable pulley, and
when the loose end of the string had been fastened also to the nest,
the result was a loop strong enough to secure the little home against
the chances of wind and weather. Mother Oriole's front door had to
be changed to suit the present position of the nest and hours were
spent in deftly weaving with that little nervous bill, a network of
threads and grass across the disused opening. Then she was obliged
to make over a hole caused by the tearing of outlying twigs during the
storms of the previous winter, into a presentable new entrance.
When we found she seemed not to object to our proximity, we returned
to send forth from hiding one of the smallest members of our group
to place strings and thread on a little stump close by. This she
immediately secured, adapting it to her uses with the most marvelous
dexterity. All her motions were so dainty and graceful and quick!
And yet one feit the power of determination and strength in the little
active body.

Father Oriole in the meantime was the victim of our scorn: " Why
doesn't the lazy fellow help his wife ? He might at least furnish mater-

58

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

ials. " But we soon learn that this was not Orioles way and that
Mother Oriole expected her mate to stay on guard in a tree near by, not
assisting except to drive away occasional intruders and send her now
then an encouraging remark, which vve are forced to admit, she
answered in a somewhat shrewish tone. But perhaps it is trying to
the nerves to work so hard and sec ones husband looking so handsome
and brilliant with nothing to ruffie either feathers or nerves. When we
came out on the third morning of the "reconstruction period " what was
cur amazement to see, dangling from the nest, a long white thread
with a shining needle swinging at the end, the whole thing evidently
ülched from our sewing left out doors over night. Oh, why did not
JVIother Oriole reserve this crowning glory, of adding a real light-
Tiing rod to her home, tili sleepy humans were awake to see ! We left
Elkhart during the days of rest to which Mother Oriole feit entitled
after her successful labors, so we could not watch the rearing of the
brood, nor have the satisfaction of watching Father Oriole engaged in
his Share of the labor. Flora Starr Ross.

OSPREY.

AMERICAN OBNITIWLOGY

59

¥®1LW

FIIJIMDI

Address Communications for this department to

Meg Merrythought, i56WaterviIle Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

Dear Boys and girls:

I know you will be interested in the account one of our readers gives
of his success in making friends with the winter birds.

As the cold and snow deplete the supply of food in the woods, the
confidence of the nuthatches and chickadees especially seems to be in-
creased, and many of us have so enjoyed the fearlessness with which
they perch on head or Shoulder, and take food from our hands, that it
seems the fault of man himself that these gentle ones scatter at his ap-
proach.

We heard a bird-lover teil of a bluejay which at his call would come
from among the tree-tops, for its breakfast each morning from his
hands.

I hope some of you can name the bird which one of our readers de-
scribes'so well.

We would remind our young folks to be sure and send the answers
with all Puzzles which they send to this department.

Cordially your friend,
Meg Merrythought.

ANSWERS TO JANUARY PUZZLES.

Numerical Engima, Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

CENTRAL ACROSTIC.

heRon

quAil
maVis
veEry

fiNch

60 AMERICAN ORNITIlOLOüY.

ROLL OF HONOR.

Louise Jordon, Defiaiice, Ohio.
Huldah Chase Smith, Providerice, R. L
Stafford Francis, Exter, N. H.

SEARCH OUESTIONS.

1. Doves not only gather ihe food for their young, but swallow and
soften it, this " pigeon's milk," as it is called, is then pumped
from the parent's crop into the fledgling's throat. Flickers and many
other birds also prepare the food in like manner: even the dainty hum-
ming bird sips the sweetness from the flowers, to regurgitate it for
the two mites which occupy her nest.

2. The American Woodcock uses its upper mandible like a finger to
assist it in drawing its food from the ground.

3. Grebes are poorly fitted for land travel, and when in haste use
their wings as a second pair of legs, thus going on " all fours. "

4.

1. Rose-breasted Grosbeak,

2. Indigo bird,

3. Scarlet tanager,

4. Cardinal,

5. Purple Finch,

MAILxBAG EXTRACTS.

Taming the Birds.

I have been greatly interested lately by a flock of chickadees, ( both
the Eastern and Mountain species ), which have been lingering about
my doorsteps to receive various scraps of meat, suet, crackers and
bread, thrown out by admiring hosts. I have been diligently persuad-
ing these little mites to eat out of my hand but have not succeeded well
until very receiiily, when one of our own truly Western Mountain
species gratified my keen desire by perching on my finger and eating
from the bone held within my hand, as if it was oyster soup and mince
pie. After this their timidity vanished and now they light upon my
head and Shoulders as if an old acquaintance.

To any passer-by the trees surrounding the house must present a
ludicrous appearance indeed, as a large per cent of them have an appe-
tizing bone suspended within their branches, while some are the proud
possessors of two.

This assortment has attracted a great variety of birds, among them:
the aforesaid chickadfces,the White and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Rocky
Mountain Jays, ( or Camp Robbers), Downy and Nuttall's Woodpeck-

AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY. 61

ers, Winter Wrens, and Magpies. A Sharp-shinned Hawk also visited
the feast, seemingly to obtain a good meal off of one of the many
chickadees present, he was peremptorily dismissed upon the advent of
a young man with a gun however.

Clair MacMorran,

Newport, Wash.

A STRANGER BIRD.

The other morning my father called me to come and see what bird
it was that he saw.

I went out doors and by going slowly, I got about six feet from him.
He was a soft gray, all over, except his wings, tail, and the crown of his
head. His wings and tail had white feathers in them, and his crown
was yellowish white as nearly as I could see. His breast near his
throat was rather pinkish, and he was a little larger than the robin.
When I went toward him he made a mournful whistle, singularly sweet
and penetrating. vSince then I have offen heard him whistle, and have
wondered what he was. Sally W. Orvis,

Manchester, V..

I do not like to hunt, because I think it is cruel to kill the birds,
especially since they help to keep down the destructive insects and eat
the seeds of noxious weeds- G. L. Harrington,

Langdon, Minn.

PUZZLES.

A Diamond.

Centrals read dow.iward and from left to right spell the name of a
game bird.

X A consonant

O X O An animal

O O X O O Cheerful

O O O X O O O The sportsman joy

XXXXXXXXX A game bird

O O O X O O O Common in Dakota

O O X O O A reward of merit

O X O A bird's treasure

X A vowel

Marietta Washburn,
Goodwin, S. Dakota.

62 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

ENIGMA.

My Ist is in rope but not in twine,

My 2nd in good but not in bad,

Mr 3rd is in bat and also in ball,

My 4th is in silk but not in thread,

While my 5th you will find in the small word in,

And my wbole is a bird you have often heard of.

Stewart M. Firth,

So. Orange, N. J.

ENIGMA NO. 2.

My name is long and contains 20 letters. See if you can find out who
I am.

Of 7-12-5-15. 4 great and worthy efforts have been made to 17-3-5.
8-19-20 girls and boys to shoot birds with cameras and kodaks instead
of guns. May it have 1-2-3-4-5 success and stop the murder of animals
and birds for "fun." 11-7-12-9-14 beauty has been a 5-2-18-3 help to
many horses. If you 16-3-4-7 out kindness to animals they 4-2-15 al-
ways grateful. On the 16-3-13-10 of a 7-4-2-1-15 steamer were piles of
1-2-15-12-5-6-4-1-s of wheat. Before the end of the trip several of the
11-4-1-s had 9-2-4-13-10-3-16 and a good 16-15-4-19 of the grain had been
lost.

Jean Lampton,
Florence, Italy.

SOME CURIOUS HOMES.

(concluded)

Are you ready to journey onward? Cigam! Now we open our eyes
upon familiär scenes. Yes, this is Old New England, andherewe shall
find architects as worthy of our attention as those we have travelled far
to see. In this tunnel in a clayey bank four feet long with an abrupt
turn at right angels at the further end. There we find the eggs of the
Kingfisher in a large jug-shaped pocket.

Had we the time we might visit some of the large colonies formed
of the nests of the passenger pigeons; they seem to prefer cities of
their own, to scattered dwellings, for there are records of millions of
these pigeons' nests built within a short distance of each other: every
boy and girl has seen the nests of various kinds of swallows, so close
that each householder could gossip with his neighbor without stirring
from his own threshold. The Red-winged Black-birds and many other
birds seem to prefer Company during the breeding season.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 63

We cannot end our journeyingswithout a glaace at th e dearest little
home of all. What is it? I think you will all cry at once — the Ruby-
throated Humming bird's nest! It hardly seems possible that this
dainty soft cup, carefully covered with the tiny bits of grey lichens,
conld be made by this little bird. How cunningly she hides it! It
seems biit a knot of the branch upon which it is glued.

But time is passing swiftly, and we must pass by many interesting
nooks. There are the woven pockets of vireo and oriole, the Fly-
catcher's nusery fitted up with the skin of a snake; here is the nest
of a Nuthatch tucked behind a bit of loosened bark; on every side there
are homes which tempt us to tarry.

Besides our feathered friends there are many other little folks whose
nests we should like to examine; — wasps and hornets, the paper-mak-
ers, mice, squirrels and beavers in für coats, fishes, toads, and even
alligators, but our journey has already been too long, so for the last time
we will speak the magic word, Cigam, and with a roll, and a toss the
enchanted rüg goes sailing away to its ancient master, and we findour-
selves again by our own warm fireside.

CENTRAL ACROSTIC.

When the birds described below have been rightly guessed and
written one under another in the order given, the central letters will
spell the name of a bird noted for its sagasity.

1. A bird with a long, sharp bill.

2. A very shy bird found in many countries.

3. The European Song Thrush.

4. A common American thrush.

5. A small sweet singing bird of bright plumage.

HuLDAH Chace Smith, Providence, R. I.

GLEANINGS.

Then the snowbirds all said "Cheep and chee,

Hurrah for ice and snow,

For the girls and boys,

Who drop US crumbs,

As away to their sport they go!"

Hurrah for the winter, clear and cold,

When the dainty snowflakes fall!

We will sit and sing,

On our oaken swing,

For God takes care of us all!"

64 AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

All bird students will recall the pretty way in which most of the
Plovers let the world know who they are. As soon as they alight they
stand for a moment with both wings raised up to display the beautiful
pattern on the wing linings. A pattern that is qiiite dififerent in each
kind, and that is like the national flag of the species, for it lets friend
and foe alike know what species is displaying it.

Ernest Thomson Seton.

A BRAVE PAIR OF CROWS.

Crews in many cases show themselves to be great cowards as well as
thieves, but in the following instance a pair proved what they could do
in defense of their nest.

It was a warm clear day, but there was a very strong and disagree-
able wind blowing. I was Walking along slowly with ears and eyes
wide open for any signs of bird life, when suddenly a series of coarse,
rattling "caws" drew my attention to a huge pine free not far away.
The next instant a large hawk appeared soaring away on motionless
wings, with two angry crows in hot pursuit. At first they came my
way, until almost directly over my head, giving a good chance for Ob-
servation. The crows made repeated sallies from above, but scarcely
ever Struck their marks, for the hawk although apparently indifferent,
always tipped his body to one side or turned at just the right moment,
and the blow was evaded by a hair's breadth.

But the hawk knew what he was about. Soaring round and round in
a large circle he slowly went higher and higher; but the crows persist-
ently followed until the whole three were mere dots against the blue
sky. The wnnd must have been terrible at that height, and the crows
found that they had all they could do to take care of themselves and
keep right side up. The hawk finding himself free seemed to go far-
ther yet into the sky, until he melted away into nothing. The pair of
crows finally gathering courage shot down toward their nest much the
same way as a hawk would have done.

Arthur C. Ogden, Mass.

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Mcthods in he Art of Taxidermy

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90 FÜLL PAGE ENGRAVINGS

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Americarv Ornithology.

A Ma.gaLzii\e Devoted Wholly to Birds.

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EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
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VOL. IV MARCH, 1904. NO. 3.

ARE YOU EQUIPPED FOR SPRING BIRD STUDY?

From the first of April until the middle of May, occurs the great spring-
inigration. The two following articles as well as a note bock and pen-
-cil are essential if you wish to get the most value from your observa-
tions of the birds.

FIELD GLASSES. — You cannot trust to your eyes, especially when
^watching a small bird flitting about among the branches. The eyes
aided by a good pair of field glasses see birds plainly and are not mis-
taken. We have tried a great many makes and finä that the ones adver-
tised elsewhere in this number at $5.00, to be the best that can be
obtained for the price. They are well made and optically are equal to
3. glass costing three times as much. They magnify about three diam-
€ters so that you can see a bird about ten times as plainly with them as
with the eyes. These glasses are nearly always used by the editor of
this magazine rather than a pair of binoculars costing $75.00.

Chapman's. COLOR KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.—
Having seen a bird, you wish to find out what it is. You can readily
do so if you have this book. It is a complete illustrated dictionary of
birds, showing in colors nearly every species found in North America.
It is the most useful book on birds that has been written and is equally
valuable in all sections of the country. The price of this book is $2.50
(See ad. in this number.)

SPECIAL. — During March, April and May we will mail prepaid to
any address, both the above FIELD GLASSES and Chapman's
'"COLOR KEY" for ^7.00. Address, Chas. K. Reed.Worcester, Mass.

Phutu by J. A. .Munro.

NEST AND EGGS OF LOOX.

66 AMERICAN OKNITIiOLOGY.

A LOON'S NEST.

Many miles north of the summer excursionists last camping ground,
there is a beautiful sheet of water called Silver Lake. A dense growth
of hemlock, baisam and spruce forms an almost impenetrable barrier to
the waters edge, and in the transparent depths every twig is perfectly
refiected. From our camp, beside a pile of giant granite boulders,
covered deep with moss and liehen, a füll view of the lake's expanse
could be obtained.

The birds that interested me most, were a pair of loons that spent
the day floating motionlessly on the unruffled surface or eise perform-
ing wonderful diving and swimming feats. Their wild cry was the first
soimd heard after getting up in the morning and the last one at night.
One bird was always to be seen on the lake, but the other, the female,
was absent most of the time.

I was determined to find their nest, but for several days was un-
successful. Many hours of laborious pushing, through the shallow,
weedy lagoons or arms of the lake, only brought to light, a Black-
Duck's nest, a brood of young Hooded Mergansers and a few Black-
birds' nests. The day before breaking camp, I paddled completely
around the lake and found the entrance of a narrow lagoon that had
hitherto escaped my notice. In the shallow water, rushes and peablow-
ers were growing luxuriantly and it was hard work pushing the canoe
through. Coming out suddenly from behind a bunch of rushes, I came
into view of an old muskrat house and sitting on the top was a Loon.
It lurched forward into the water, then took a slanting course into the
air. The bird seemed very much bewildered at the apparition that had
penetrated its domain, and at first seemed undecided what to do. It
circled once around the nest, then took an erratic course towards the
open water of the lagoon, where I could see its head and neck above
the water and hear its wild reproachful cries.

There was a slight depression on top of the pile of mud and rushes
and in it the two brown spotted, drab eggs were lying with no pro-
tection from the hot June sun. It was in a difficult position to photo-
graph the eggs, as the mud at the bottom of the lagoon was too deep
to allow my getting out of the canoe. Finally I managed to steady the
canoe with a paddle stuck into the mud and by placing two legs of the
tripod in the canoe and one against the muskrat house I succeeded in
focusing the camera. Unfortunately my position only allowed my
getting a portion of the nest and when I developed the plate I found
that the eggs were shown at rather a disadvantage. The legs of the
tripod must have slipped after I put in the plate holder.

As I paddled out of the lagoon, the Loon kept about a hundred yards
ahead of me, looking back uneasily all the while. When I reached the
lake, she dived and swam swiftly towards the nest.

J. A. MuNRO, Toronto.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 67

THE BIRDS OF A CITY HAUNT.

I>y Gry H. Emkrsox.

I have visited some very beautiful and interesting birding-places since
the love of Nature study was awakened in me; some places were dis-
tinguished for their natural beauty; some for the rarity of the birds to
be found within their limits; and others for their great variety of species.
I know of no single haunt, however, which sowell combines these three
qualities, and which is, at the same time, so small as a little place not
far from the gilded dome of Boston's Statehouse. In our little orni-
thological circle it has been familiarly known as "The Haunt," and I
shall so refer to it in these papers.

The few acres which make up the Haunt are portions of three estates,
and the section is not in the least private; in fact its beauty makes it
very populär for Walking, and it is traversed by two roads and several
paths. Within its small compass are an oak grove, a stubbly pasture,
a bush-grown lowland, a pond with a winding brook which empties into
the Charles River, and a large dump-pile. Electric cars pass on two
sides of the Haunt, and all points in it are in view from some of the
nearby houses.

I was fortunately situated just across the street from this little ''ras
in urbe,'" and it was my custom for over two years to visit it daily
except during the mid-summer season. As a result I have made a list
of over eighty species there from personal Observation, and other re-
liable records which have been kindly furnished me bring the list up to
one hundred. I shall try to describe my friends in the Haunt during
the different seasons.
When

"Heaped in the hollows of the grove,

The withered leaves lie dead
And rustle to the eddying gust
And to the rabbit's tread:"

when the bright summer songsters are gone, and the evenings grown
chilly, there appears in the Haunt a little band of cheerful birds which
are to me the most typical of the winter season. I have called them
the "Winter Friends;" they are the Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker,
Golden-crowned Knight, Brown Creeper and White-breasted Nuthatch.
One of the unmistakable signs of approaching winter is the flocking of
birds. As soon as the moulting season is over birds begin to wander
about, and the vast "roosts" of Robins, and the gathering together of
large numbers of warblers, finches, and shore-birds illustrate this habit.
In the case of the Winter Friends the rule that birds of a feather flock
together is not borne out, although the general tendency is more forci-

68 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

bly illustrated in their case than in the others; for while it seems natural
for birds of the same families, as vvarblers and shore-birds, to associate
in their southward journey, it is stränge to see five different species so
inseparable. From the Standpoint of human nature this alliance on the
part of the Winter Friends is the most natural thinginthe world. Dur-
ing the long, cold winter season we should be inclined to pity two tiny
Kinglets wandering alone through the woods, or a demure creeper
wending his way up trunk after trunk without any happy voice nearby
to cheer him.

These birds are essentially JFi/i/er Friends; their Company is not
complete in the Haunt before November, and with the first definite
signs of spring the staunch little friends part and go about household
cares until another cold season.

The Chickadee is the guiding spirit of the Company. He is the
trumpeter, and at the same time the general. Let us go out and see if
we can find them. The grove is silent in the cool morning; the light
west wind makes the dead oak leaves tremble and toss; a few patches
of snow remain from the last storm. As we walk along, talking quiet-
ly, a faint "chick" is heard, and another; we pause, and after a minute
one of US whistle "phoebe." At once the notes become more plentiful.
and after the phoebe note has been repeated several times, a pair of
chickadees fly into the tree under which we are Standing, and are soon
joined by three more, all apparently busily engaged, while they are try-
ing to conceal their curiosity. One scolds "chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee-
dee," the last notes with a hoarse tone as if he were really quite enraged,
at our presumption. One answers our whistle in an uncertain manner.
Meanwhile several little Kinglets are noticed very busily engaged in
picking bits of food from the tips of the smallest twigs. The Kinglet
has always impressed me as an extraordinarily good-natured little fel-
low; he finds plenty of room for a large heart. Not over, nor yet too
shy and retiring, he gives his little "zee-zee-zee" in a cheerful manner.
Sometimes in this same grove the Kinglets will descend to the ground
to pick about uader the leaves which completely bury their tiny bodies.

With a spirited "yank-yank," the Nuthatch flies up and proceeds to
climb over the larger branches with considerable speed. He is a friend-
ly bird, too, and is never without interest in a visitor, though he can
spare but a moment to give evidence of his friendliness. As he works
steadily, head downward, he stops to look up' at us in that very
characteristic way of his.

On the next tree, hitching rapidly up the trunk is a brown creeper.
Unless we had expected him, we might have missed him entirely, so
closely does he resemble the bark. He seems to prefer a somewhat

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 69

irregulär spiral course, from right to left, as he worksup the main trunk
of this tree, and then when he reaches the first branches he flies to the
bottom of another trunk and gives his single note, a lisping "cree."
The creeper is the best example of protective coloration which the
Haunt affords, and he shows very decidedly that he is aware of this
gift. I have frequently come within three feet of a creeper as he clung,
flattened against the trunk of a tree, before he would stir. Then he
would fly or dodge to the other side of the tree like a flash, and keep
the trunk between himself and me as I endeavored to see him further.
But as a rule the creeper is a very busy bird in winter and has no time
to stop for visitors unless they be of the hawk or owl family. Were it
not for the fact that he follows the others so faithfully I might be
tempted to think the creeper a very matter-of-fact and unsentimental
bird.

The downy brings up the rear of the Company. As we watch him,
he impresses us as being very thorough in his work. He stays for a
long time on one tree, until the other birds have all passed on; then
with a Sharp note, he passes them with bounding flight and goes to
work again.

Ever moving, the Winter Friends disappear as suddenly as they
came, and with a sense of satisfaction we pass on to see other sights.

During the winter in which I have had a band of Winter Friends un-
der Observation in the Haunt (probably the same birds each winter) I
have never been unable to find two or three of the five species, and
generally all five have been at once in evidence.

I have found this group of birds interesting from an economic point
of view. Day after day they go over the same trees, the Chickadees
and Kinglets rapidly, and the Nuthatches, Downys and Creepers with
great care; yet they never exhaust the supply of food. Now when we
consider the number of insects and larvae which such a group of from
a dozen to fifteen birds destroys during a winter, we can realize the
economic value of the smallest birds.

Speaking of small birds, I had a little visitor from November to Jan-
uary one year, in whom I took much interest. He was a Winter Wren;
a diminutive little brown fellow, with his short tail turned up, and a
complete aversion to remaining still even for a moment. I first met
him near the dump-pile, if the truth must be told; hearing a note which
I thought was Song Sparrow's common call. I was about to note it
down when I saw this small bird mount for an instant to the top of a
pile of brush, bobbing up and down most excitedly. A slight move-
ment of my band sent him out of sight, but by making a few noises
with my mouth he was induced to mount again into view. He gave his

70

AMERICAN ORNlTHOLO(JY.

Photo by Lispenard S. Horton.
CHICKADEE FEEDING HER YOUNG.
fWinner of flrst prize in class II. J

call once more, but this time the notes were in pairs, the emphasis on
the second so that they were easily distinguished from those of Song
Sparrow. To the end of the wren's stay, I was unable to distinguish
with certainty between his single note and that of the Song Sparrow.
I found that the Winter Wren was much more easily noted than many
large birds because he always made his presence known by his loud
note or attracted the eye with his constant motion.

Song Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, and Goldfinches find food in the
Haunt all winter. The Goldfinches are in flocks and liven the scene
greatly with their full-spirited, bounding flight, and add a very definite
amount to the attractiveness of a trip with their undeniably cheerful
note; they are anything but tristis as their name implies. From time to
time the Haunt is visited by the first cousins to the Goldfinches, the
Pine Siskins.

These ten are the small birds of the Haunt during the severe part of
winter. They all seem happy, and indeed it is easy to see how they
can obtain their food while the trees are dry and the ground is clear;

AMF.PdCAN ORNITIIOLOGY 71

but when the north wind drives the rain and sleet against the branches,
and this is turned into a coating of ice, and when the snow covers the
ground and the seed-bearing shrubsi then would one fear for these
small birds. One da\% after a very long rain storm which had been
followed by freezing, I went out as usiial to visit the Haunt. The band
et Winter Friends appeared at once, seeming as cheerful as ever. I
noticed, however, that the Creeper hitched straight up the tree-trunks
instead of following a spiral course, and I found that this was the soiith
side of the trees, which had been somewhat protected from the wind.

The Chickadees and Kinglets seemed unable to work, and flew about
somewhat aimlessly. I remember last year one storm in particular; I
quote from my Journal: "In the evening it snowed hard, and as there
was no wind and the snow was very adhesive, the limbs of the trees
and every tiny twig had a complete covering of snow. As I looked at
the grove all white it seemed like some wonderland in the soft light of
late evening. It was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in Na-
ture;" yet I cannot help wondering how the Kinglets and creepers en-
joyed it.

Of the larger birds, Herring Gulls are casual; I see them flying over
occasionally; I have one record of Hairy Woodpecker and one of King-
fisher, in winter. One of the larger birds is of particular interest to me,
and he is frequently seen or heard in the Haunt. In my Journal of Jan-
uary 22, 1902, I read as follows: "In the evening a dull thick mist
overhung the land to the height of the tree-tops, and through its damp
veil the moonlight penetrated with difficulty. Everything looked un-
natural; queer shadows crept and swayed in the wood, whilehigh above
was a clear starry sky, and a nearly füll moon. All at once as I stood
wondering at the stränge appearance of my familiär haunt, I heard a
call, a cry, wierd and indescribable, from the grove. It came slowly
nearer and nearer, tili close by, it made me feel an awe of the place.
I moved closer to the sound as if drawn by some unseen power, and
the cry grew farther and farther away, until it seemed to mingle with
the soft rustling of the slightly swaying branches, blending with the
mist, and then dying away completely. I waited some time and then
walked home, vainly trying to fit words to the call, and for a long time
I feit the Strange effect of that experience."

It was, of course, an owl; these birds with their silent, down-covered
wings are to me the greatest woodland mysteries. Rarely seen, but
when once seen long remembered; not loved, but rather held in awe, and
admired. It is not stränge that the owl is the Symbol of wisdom. I
have offen smiled to see them turn their faces quite over their backs,

72

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

or at the stränge contrast between the great round head of an owl and
the diminutive head of a Kinglet.

Blue Jays and Crows are always to be found in the Haunt. Many a
pleasant hour have I spent watching the Crows at their play. The in-
evitable sentinel perched on some conspicuous branch has often been
the object of thought; I have tried to see if any definite series of notes
signified any special Situation, or conveyed any particular warning to
the birds. I have had little success which I feel vvould be of interest;
to others; I have noticed, however, that there is considerable difference
between the notes of a sentinel-crow when he becomes aware of a per-
son's approach, and the notes of the other Crows at the sametime. I
have fancied that I heard a conversation carried on by a Crow on the
top of a tree beneath which I lay concealed, and some Crows at a dis-
tance which resulted in their all coming to my tree; this, and many
other events, lead me to believe that the Crows' notes have a definite
significance, and are not mere bursts of sound to attract each others
attention. One cannot help, however, after some study, coming to the
conclusion with Mr. Torrey, that there is no more sagacious yankee in
New England than the Crow.

(To be continued.)

Photo l)y W. H. Davis.

LOON.

AMEEICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

73

MAXGROVE WARBLERS, [ nat. size. ]
I Male lower: feniale upper).

74 AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

MANGROVE WARBLER.

RANGE.
A. O. U. Number 653. (l>endrolca bryanti castaneiceps.)

Southern parts of Lower California and the western coasts of Mexico
and Central America.

HABITS.

This handsome Warbier belongs to the group of Golden Warbiers,
which includes the Yellow Warbier or Summer Yellow bird. It is given
a place among the birds of North America from its occasional occurrence
in Lower California.

It is represented by various forms throughout Mexico and Central
America. The males differ from the Yellow Warbier, in the chestnut
hood and in having the chestnut streaks along the sides much narrower;
the female is generally not distinguishable from that of the Yellow
Warbier although occasionally she may have chestnut streaks on the
head, indicative of the hood.

They are described as lithe and active in the pursuit of insects, and
their habits and nesting habits are said to differ from those of the
Summer Yellow bird in no essential particular.

THE STATUS OF THE ENGLISH SP ARROW.

Since the first number of American Ornithology appeared, we have
received a great many Communications and articles relative to the Eng-
lish Sparrow. Some of these roundly condemned the species from the
tips of their bills to the tips of their tails; others regard them as most
desirable of birds to have; still others were inquiries concerning the
best method to employ to get rid of the "pest." Personally we do not
regard these birds with any favor, but we have decided to devote some
Space to the subject in the May number of the magazine. We would
like to hear from any of our subscribers relative to the English Spar-
row, from their own observations. Write just what you canon the back
of a postal Card. We do not not care for any lengthy articles. Boil
your information down and bring it right to the point: Are English
Sparrows of any value or not, to the Community? We would like to>
hear from all sections of the country.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 75

A BIRD THAT SANG ON ITS NEST.

liy W. c. Knowi.ks.

HE Rose-breasted (irosbeakis one of ourmost interest-
"ing birds to study during the nesting season. Oneday
when I was stepping softly under blossoming apple
trees, I heard a sharp warning call, "squick! squick!
|squick!" and a black and white bird flew across the
greensward. I had caught a glimpse of the first Gros-
beak and heard that characteristic call that teils us each
May that our rose-breasted singers have returned from the south.

An untrained ear hearing the Grosbeak carolling atnoonday from the
top of an oak frequently takes the singer for a sweet voiced oriole, but
the orioles do not care for oak trees. They sing as they feast among
the sprays of apple bloom and swing their cradles from the maple and
the elm. Give a Grosbeak the crovvn of some monarch oak and the
June sky above and "his musical hörn of plenty" literally overf!ows.

Creep up softly under the white oak tree and observe our singer.
The soft gray leaves droop around the pendant catkins and the birds
carmine throat, which has been likened to "a candle of flame" is scarce"
ly hidden by the gray foliage. Xotice when our steps startle the song-
ster how he turns his shiny black head from side to side in listening
talkative attitude.

A pair of Grosbeaks with whom the writer became well acquainted
built a careless cradle of sticks and twigs in the scraggy top of an
apple tree overshadowed by their favorite oak. By the middle of June
there were young birds in the nest. From the attic Windows, I could
look down directly upon the family.

The little birds were fed with the regularity of clock work from day
light until long after my supper time. Both parents shared in the work.
The female Grosbeak was extremely quiet both in leaving and returning
to the nest. The male alvvays seemed aware of her silent approach.
During her turn brooding the young she scarcely stirred and I could
hardly distinguish her brown back from the branches. The shifting
patches of sun light on the leaves revealed no secrets except when an
oriole frightened her as he winged his way to a basket nest in a neigh-
boring maple or when she raised her head to catch a tantalizing insect
and tucked her birdlings back with her bill.

The male behaved very differently from his shy brown mate. He
frequently sang as he started out on the quest for food and rarely re-
turned without gently carolling his approach from a neighboring tree-
top. If any stränge object appeared he would light on the lower
branches of the nesting tree and utter an inexpressibly low sweet warble

76 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

(there is nothing like it for tenderness in all bird language) and then
hop cautiously up the leafy back stairs to the nest. He would perch on
a twig, feed the young and after a merry little carol glide into place. I
could see his carmine throat peeping through the fragile nest and the
jetty head against the dark background of leaves.

As the young birds warmed beneath his breast, he would break into
joyous song. Time after time I left my work and noislessly opening
the house door crept softly under the tree expecting to find my fair
singer perched on the great white oak where he carolled so many hours
when there were blue eggs in the nest. I saw his carmine throat swell
with song and there was not a doubt of the singer's identity. I learned
to teil when it was his turn brooding the young for snatches of song
frequently floated down from the old apple tree. It was not so stränge
after all, with the June sky above and the sunshine dancing on the
leaves how could a happy bird keep such a secret to himself.

ANHING A.

A. O. V. 'So- 118 (Aiihinga anhingra )

RANGE.

Tropical America, breeding along the Gulf coast and north to Iowa
and South Carolina.

NESTS AND EGGS.

Anhingas nest in many locations, the majority being at a low eleva-
tion while some are in high trees; as a rule, no matter where the nest
may be situated as regards elevation, it is always located over water.
Sometimes they nest singly or in isolated pairs, but more frequently
in large communities. They build rough shallow nests of sticks and
twigs on which they lay from three to five eggs; they are bluish or
greenish white in color and are covered with a white chalky deposit
which is generally scratched and seared by the birds feet. Their
nesting season in Florida continues from March until June.

HABITS.

The Anhingas are offen called Water Turkeys, but perhaps are most
frequently known as Snake Birds because of the snake-like appearance

AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY.

77

ANHINGA OR SNAKE-BIRD.

Length about 30 in.

[Female. front: male, back.]

78 AMhJlICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

of theirlong neck and slim head. This species is not iincommon with-
in its ränge, frequenting ponds and lakes of fresh water rather than salt.
They are very peculiar birds, similiar in construction to the Cormor-
ants, but with a more slender body and with a longer neck and smaller
head. The feet are totipalmate, that is all the toes are connected by a
web. The legs are short but stout and placed far back on the body
giving them great swimming powers. The tail is long and the central
feathers are peculiarly criniped horizontally. The feathers on their
back are stiff and lanceolate, while those of the breast and under parts
are soft in texture, resenibling für as much qs feathers. They have a
highly colored face varying from a yellowish to a livid greenish, and
the gular pouch is yellowish or orange. These snake-like birds are
peculiar not only in looks but in actions. They roost in colonies on
the branches of trees overhanging the water, and on the first susoicion
of danger, they all drop from their perches into the water, not appear-
ing to the surface until they are at a safe distance. When alarmed
they swim with their body entirely submerged only the Upper half of
their long neck being visible, and that more resembling a water ser-
pent than a bird. When swimming in this position they can disappear
very quickly and are said to successfully dive at the flash of a gun.
When bwimming on the surface, they also have the habits of the Grebe
in sinking backwards without leaving a ripple to mark the place of
their disappearance.

Their food consists mainly of fish. They sit sluggishly upon their
branches over the water until the Impulse of hunger spurs them to
activity, then upon sighting a fish, they dive into the water and chase
and capture the fish in his own element. This habit is shared also by
the Cormorants, and Grebes too often chase and capture their prey
beneath the surface.

Anhingas also construct their nests over the water so they may
readily get into their favorite element in case of danger. During the
breeding season only, the male is adorned with numerous slender
plumes which constrast strongly with his black neck. These are only
worn for a few weeks. The female is readily distinguished by her
brownish colored neck, with a rieh chestnut edge where it meets the
black of the under parts.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 79

AFTER THE STORM, THE SUNSHINE.

AlJiERTA KiEi.n.

" My sight, and smell and Hearing were employ'd
And all three senses in füll gust enjoy'd. "

Dryden.

DQDQaaaaG MERALDS cannot vie with the sparkling drops that

E^ SS ädorn every tree and shrub, and which reflect the

y£ glorious face of their beloved Apollo until we deem him
S^ abashed at bis own brilliancy. Every bird bursts bis
gg P^ joyous throat in gladness. Every flower petal wafts

SS 5p peans of mute adoration to its Creator. Flower gor-

QQQQDQQQ=t!E geousness. Bird brilliancy. Blossom odor, all thrill
the senses.

A great straggling Eglantine, emblem of romance and poetry tosses
its fragrant arms in the soft summer air, laden with its blossoms of
*' wild rose " daintiness, and jewels of living green, which brings to my
eager nostrils, whiffs of Richard Jefferies' sweet briar wind. Among
the glistening branches of a great chestnut, flit three or four atoms of
scarlet; only Tanagers imbued with the ecstacy of life. Up and through
they dash away, glad atoms of quickened crimson. From whence do
they procure their vivid dyes ? Not from human alchemist, indeed !
but rather stolen from the fierce fires of some sunset of the tropics.
But they repent not the theft as they challenge each other with resound-
ing " chip-chur-r-r-, chip-churr-r-r, " clear notes of defiance and rivalry.
A sparrow, whose plumage emits but dull flashes, thrills us with the
force of bis harmony instead, and almost bursts bis swelling throat in
his song of adoration; " Think-think-think-sir ( meditatively )-how-
sweet-in-all-she-is-to-me, " the last notes rushing forth with all the
eagerness of his little bursting heart.

The liquid " a-o-le-le, a-o-a-o-le, " of a Wood Thrush falls softly
through the branches of a great pine close at band, his back of rieh
olive taking on iridescent glints of green in the sunlight. A sly Her-
mit, an Italian-voiced cousin of the Wood Thrush, hops shyly from
beneath a gray beach, but just now he is silent, numerous parental
cares and responsibilities, and natural discretion, have, for the once,
overwhelmed him and subdued his never too copious loquacity. He is
the smallest representative of his family, and particularly noticeable
for his gold eye ring. A tiny ball of green-embossed yellow feathers,
which 'resolves itself into a Yellow Warbier, peeks curiously under-
neath some luxuriant viburnum leaves in search of a worm morsel, and,
by the way, is not this a reprehensible habit of the warblers, this eter-
nal peering below the surface ? But food and not philosophy is his

80 AMERICAN OENITIIOLOGY.

incentive, and he stops for but a moment between bits, to sing softly
to himself " sweet-sweet-sweet-ain't-she-sweet; " to the eternal feminine
of spring time.

A harsh-noted Catbird shrieks defiance all around, and at me in par-
ticular, as his bold, bright eyes spy me, and our mental opinion of each
other is synomyous. The one discordant blot upon eachother's perfect
moment. But after the manner of discords, we each cling to our van-
tage ground, he demonstratively, I silently, as befits our relative situ-
ations. And now, oh vision of ecstatic and artistic bliss, down through
the Valley darts a brilliant Goldfinch, hotly pursued by a flash of
gleaming blue, and through a fragrant thorn bush they dash in their
winged tilt, while my eyes endeavor to compass the kaleidoscopic
movements of these color convolutions of sapphire and gold. But the
heaven-backed bird comes off veritably, with flying colors, for his
gilded Opponent slips out of sight into some fallen branches until the
departure of his enemy, who only remains long enough to call a
breathless " dearie-come-here, " before he is up and away. A black
coated, white shirted, bronze-vested, Towhee or ground robin as he is
sometimes called, a disturber of the soil in toto, fusses among some
dead !eaves beneath a neighboring oak, to the accomplishment of
nothing but an expenditure of his energies so far as I can ascertain.

Another " winged gem " floats lazily across the scene, whose rieh
butterfiy mantle of crimson and black, was, I hope, securely sheltered
during the preceding storm. I often wonder where these ariel crea-
tures disappear to during a rain storm, for their garments are so
unfitted for a drenching, and of a texture too silken for a battle with
the angry elements. Perhaps they find security underneath some
sheltering leaf, holding their tightly clasped wings, " head to the wind"
to use a nautical phrase. Above a noisy little brooklet are;

" Blue dragon-flies knitting
To and fro in the sun, "

not quite such giants as are those fossils lately discovered by M.
Charles Brouguiart of Paris, in some insect-bearing strata in France,,
and that are said to have a wing expanse of 24 inches, and are consid-
ered the forerunners or ancestors of the dragon-fly of to-day. But
doubtless our own sheeny-winged species look no less formidable to
the tiny little butterfly whom he makes captive by grasping between his
two bits of teeth, to the eventual extinction of its sweet existence.
But the most characteristic ode to the Dragon-fly is given us by James
Whitcomb Riley, and which is so expressive of its manner of airily
sailing through its short period of life.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 81

Little brook sing a song
Of a leaf that sailed along
Down the golden braided center of your current swift and strong
And a dragon-fly that lit
On the tilting rim of it,
And rode away and wasn't scared a bit. "

Further down the little brook, two " damsel-flies, " lady-like editions
of the common dragon-fly, tilt daintly on a waving, graceful leaf of a
water iris, their blue and green iridescence glinting in the sunlight.
But these " graceful demoiselles " are adrift, for a touch of scarlet on
their wings betokens them members of the general Hertarina, who
usually dwell in more exposed waters.

In the shadow of some luxuriant maiden-hair ferns, dwell several
quaint blossom stalksof belated but bewitching blue-bells which have
artistically dipped their cerulean bells in some dainty rose pot, perhaps
in commemoration of the fair Scottish Queen whose sweetest joy was
in the sunny land of France. Below them grow worlds of amethystine
violets which the blue bells arabesque in dainty fret-work of contrast-
ing color. How Thoreau would have delighted in all these blues, such
a devotee he was of the cerulean shade, which fairly tints his writings
at times. How he delighted in the feathered-folk of his favorite color^
the Bluebirds and Indigo Buntings. Now Ruskin revels in scarlet, and
says that in a delicately gradated shade, it is the lovliest of all pure
colors, but in this nook, only the gleaming Tanagers and Eglantine
could supply his artistic sense. But while I am absorbed in these
glories of color and of life, the song of praise has been gradually
changed to a vesper hymn. One by one the jewel lights are going out.
Gradually the sun is drifting to his splendid castle in the .West. The
moment is fled.

82

AMERICAN OnNITIIOLOaV.

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. [Nat. slze.]
Female, upper; male, middle; young, lower.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 83

CHESTNUT^SIDED WARBLER.

A. O- U- Xo. 659. ( l>fii(lri>ica peniisylvaiilca.)

RANGE.

Eastern North America, breeding from New Jersey and Ohio north
to Manitoba and Nova Scotia; winters south to Panama.

NEST AND EGGS.
These Warbiers build their homes generally near the ground in low
bushes or trees. The nest is almost always placed in an upright crotch
and is neatly woven of grasses and plant fibres and lined with hair.
Grasses form the larger part of the material; this serves to distinguish
the nests from those of the Yellow Warbier that offen builds in simi-
lar locations, but more offen higher up. These latter nests have a
wooly appearance which that of the Chestnut-side does not. In New
England their nesting season commences the latter part of May and
continues during June and July. They lay from three to five eggs
which have a white or pearly white background, distinguishing them
from the bluish white eggs of the Yellow Bird; they are speckled with
reddish brown often in handsome wreaths around the larger end.

HABITS.

These sprightly little fellows are generally one of the most common
of eastern Warbiers. They leave their winter homes in Central Amer-
ica early in March to commence their annual journey northwards,
reaching the southern border of the United States about the first of
April; from here they straggle along by easy stages, reaching their
northern breeding grounds from the tenth to the fifteenth of May.
The two weeks following their arrival are devoted to frolicking midst
the new surroundings, with the numerous other species that are pass-
ing through to breeding grounds farther north. They are active birds
and especially in the morning their simple little song of "Chee-chee-
chee-chee-e-e-e," rings out at regulär intervals. It is a very similar
ditty to that of the Redstart and Yellow Warbiers; the difference can
not readily be expressed in words but can generally be distinguished
after an intimate acquaintance with each. When feeding they are quite
partial to birches, the leaves and bark of which harmonizes so well with
their plumage that they are not readily seen; they are conscientious
workers and do a great deal of good while they are with us. They seek
the more open woods when nesting, building in the low bushes in
Clearings or on the borders of woods, along the edges of brooks, or in
scrubby pasture land. They are very confiding birds and especially
when incubating, they will allow one to approach very closely. often

84 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

even allowing you to stroke them with the band before leaving the nest.
These nests are very artfully concealed and are sometimes very difficult
to find. They are most often not above three feet from the ground and
are located at the very tops of the brnsh where they are concealed by
overhanging leaves. I have found them in oak shrubs where it was
impossible from any position either above or below, to see the nest
without first putting aside the leaf that covered it. While the male
bird helps but little in the building of the home he shares equally with
his mate the task of incubation and later of feeding the little Chestnut-
sides.

These Warbiers are often imposed upon by Cowbirds, which watch
their opportunitiy to leave an egg in the little home. The little birds
do not always accept the addition, however, and frequently desert their
nests apparently from no other cause; perhaps they have been the vic-
tims before and know of the added work that will be thrust upon them
as soon as the, comparatively, giant youngster is hatched. While it is
a very common occurance to see some of the smaller birds feeding one
of these outcasts, I do not recall but one instance of watching a Chest-
nut-side undergoing this task. In this case I had watched the building
of the nest and had daily found an additional egg within, until there
were three, but on the fourth found that the complement had been com.
pleted and the nest filled to overflowing by the addition of a large
speckled egg by some itinerant Cowbird. In due time, these four eggs
evolved into living birdlets and by great activity the parents managed
to get sufificient food to satisfy the wants of their own little ones as
well as the gourmand appetite of the stranger. Long after the Chest-
nut sides had left their parents to care for themselves, this husky
youngster, now fully grown and many times as large as the Warbiers,
was still being fed by them; wherever the female went, he would follow
and with quivering wings and entreating twitter, beg for something to
eat.

The young birds during the first fall and winter are very different in
plumage from the adults in spring. With their piain greenish upper
parts and whitish underparts, and the conspicuous white ring about the
eye, and lack of markings they bear little resemblance to their parents.
The adults sing but very little after the middle of June, when the moult-
iig period commences, and during the latter part of August and in
September they commence to leave us being one of the first of the
Warbiers to take their departure. The young birds generally linger
jonger than do the old and make the journey south in Company with the
many other species that are going at the same time.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 85

ABOUT SOME BIRDS-

]!y WiLFoRD Ernst Mann.

^Ja^l^^^^^ frequently have people say to me: "I would like to know

^ ¥ ^ something about birds from personal Observation, but I

^ I ^ have no time to wander through the fields and woods in

^ £ L search for them." That is not necessary. With eyes to

^ ^ see, and ears to hear, no little knowledge can be gained

'^^I^'^^^ without going a dozen rods from the house. In this paper

I shall speak only of those that I have seen and studied about my own

house and lawn. First, I will mention the Purple Finch, not at all a

rare bird in New England, but one known to comparatively few people.

Only last summer a friend expressed the regret that she hadnever been

able to see a Purple Finch, or hear one sing. She must have seen and

heard many of them, for not twenty rods from her home, I had that

very day listened with delight to the song of one of these birds, and

had watched him as he flitted from tree to tree. In Walking a distance

of two miles to that point, I had seen three Purple Finches. I presume

that the unfortunate name he carries is often the cause of failure to

identify his finchship. Crimson would be more appropriate judging

from his attire. The rump and breast show less of the crimson than

the head, neck, middle of back and wing coverts. The belly and under

tail coverts are white, streaked faintly with brown, except in the very

middle. The edges of wings and tail feathers are brownish red. The

iemale is more of an olive brown, but like her mate shows no purple.

To call a crimson bird purple is misleading.

This year the Purple Finch came to us the middle of April. Every
xnorning about half past five o'clock, one wings his way over a neigh-
hor's lot, singing as he goes, and a sweeter bird song one seldomhears
The Bobolink and Hermit Thrush sing very sweetly but neither, holds
my admiration as does the Purple Finch. The hermit thrush reminds
me of joys departed, the Purple Finch inspires me with hope of joys to
come. One morning while in my garden, the notes of a song began to
shower upon my ears. Looking up, I saw a Purple Finch "fetching"
his music with him to a nearby apple tree. His head and wings had
the appearance of wanting to stay in air, while his body decidedto settle
down upon the apple tree. When he reached the topmost bough, his
song continued. His crest feathers seemed raised in anger with him-
self for not being able to give expression to his joy, while occasionally
he gave his head a shake as though declaring the uselessness of at-
tempting to utter his true sentiments. For five minutes, or more he
dropped,

86 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

"the silver chain of sound,

Of many links without a break,

In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake,

All intervolved and spreading wide

Like water-dimples down a tide,

When ripple, ripple over curls

And eddy into eddy whirls."

To others the song of the Purple Finch may not be all that it is to
me — the expression of my inmost thought in the sweetest way — but
surely any one becoming familiär with it must realize the birth of a new
pleasure in life.

Another bird frequently seen about the lawn is the Yellow Warbier.
This bright greenish yellow little chap, with his bright crown and
streaked breast, and slender bill, brings his more modestly attired little
wife to inspect the premises about the first of May. Last year two
pairs of these warblers, built their nests and reared their families in our
syringa bushes. It was with great interest I watched them at their
work. First their work of building, and afterwards their work of feed-
ing their young. In one nest the four youngsters in what seemed an
unreasonably short time grew too large for the nest; and one rainy
evening as I approached over the sides they went in a jifify, and on tO'
the ground. The parents raised a tremendous outcry. In vain I tried
to induce them to spend the night in the old home. The next morning,.
old and young had disappeared.

There is something in the wee-chee, cher-wee of the Yellow Warbier
that suggests and invites sociability. Many a morning as the happy
notes reached me in my study, I left the imfinished work and went out
to watch them at their songful labors. The song of the Chestnut-sided
Warbier so very closely resembles that of the Yellow Warbier that one
is easily led to take one for the other. The Chestnut-sided while shyer
than the Yellow Warbier is nevertheless a frequent visitor near our
home. Though very active — its movements suggesting those of the
Red Start — the observant person may easily distinguish the markings
and so identify it. The male has a bright yellow crown, and a blaclc
line behind the eye. The front part of the cheeks are black, the ear-
coverts white. The back is streaked with black and margined with
bright olive-green. The wing-bars yellowish white, tail black and the
under parts white, the s/c/es chestmd. The female is similar, but some-
what duller in color.

Another warbler that comes about the lawn and orchard in spring is
the ]\Iyrtle or Yellow-rumped. This year I first saw it the tenth of

AMERICAN OUKITHOLOGY. 87

May. As few of these birds breed soiith of the northern parts of Maine
they are not likely to be seen in other parts of New England but for a
few weeks in spring and antumn. The four characteristic yellow patches,
on the crown. riimp and either side of the breast, enable one to easily
identify it.

One windy day last May while looking from the window, my at-
tention was attracted to a vertible Mrs. Pardiggle of a bird. Its move-
ments suggested a world füll of necessary things to be done, and all de-
veloping lipon her. In this she was not so much like Mrs. Pardiggle,
as in the switching of her skirts. I could not determine whether the
wind was the cause of the seeming bustle, or whether it was natural to
the creature, not then recognizing her ladyship. The prevailing color
of her garb was olive-green above. and brownish-white beneath, but
flashes of yellow showed to advantage. For several days I watched at
intervals for her return. I had about given up seeing her again when
suddenly she made her appearance. This time there was no wind, but
there was the same excited hurry-up in her movements that suggested
a wind given itnpetus. It was Mrs. Redstart. Possibly she had left
her husband somewhere with promise of a speedy return, and anxious
to see as much as possible while unhampered by his presence feit the
necessity of making haste. Often after that I saw both the male and
female birds. The male Redstart is a really fine appearing fellow with
his dressing of shining black, salmon and white, and neither he nor his
mate need be ashamed of their musical ability. If they have not that
delicacy and richness of expression which characterizes some of their
feathered neigibors, they have the art of expressing the joys of life in a
taking way. If anything expresses contentment the ching, ching, chee;
ser-wee, swee, swee, swee-e of the Redstart does.

This year a pair of Warbling Vireos came to the row of elm and
maple trees near the house, and almost any hour of the day their cheer-
ful notes may be heard. Their appearance was first noticed the ninth
of May. They bear a strong resemblance to the Red-eyed Vireo, while
their song inclines one to imagine them first or second grade pupils of
the Purple Finch.

Goldfinches I see rollicking in air every day. The Veery comes in-
to the garden occasionally. Yesterday a Junco came while I was work-
ing there. A pair of Bluebirds have their nest in one 'of the apple
trees; while another pair have their home in a maple at the corner of the
lot. A Phoebe has come back to occupy her last year's nest under the
eaves. A Robin has built in the spruce tree by the gate, while another
occupies a branch of a pine tree at the rear of the house. Crow black
birds are numerous, and come fearlesslv about the lawn and garden.

88 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

The Least Flycatchers with their incessant chebecking are too much in
evidence for comfort.
The Song sparrow

plainly clad

In bars and stripes and colors sad,"
can be seen any hour of the day.

"With varied strains he charms the soul

For many songs are on his roll;

And every sparrow singeth nine,

All separate tunes, with notes divine."

Photo by Geo. C. Embody.
HOUSE WREN WITH SPIDER.
[ Winner of second prize in Class IJ

Chipping Sparrows are also aboiit in numbers. Chippy was a little
late in getting here this year, and then someone called him a grass-
hopper sparrow which he in no wise resembles. There was a dreadful
neighborhood quarrel among the chippies this morning. Just how it
arose I cannot teil, but it evidently began with the women folks and
was taken up for settlement by their husbands. They picked each other
mercilessly. At times they spun around the ring so rapidly that there
seemed but one bird. The fight lasted several minutes. Which was
conqueror I could not make out, but doubtless they knew. There
seemed to be satisfaction on both sides for they separated on apparently
good terms.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 89

The Baltimore Oriole builds on nearly "every other" tree in the
neighborhood, and is seen

"drifting like a flake of fire

Rent by a whirlwind from a blazing spire."

The Scarlet Tanagers likewise come to our lawn occasionally. To
be sure they do not stay long, but long enough to be admired, and to
receive our good wishes.

I am convinced that more than iz'me, an observhig hiierest is needed to
make more people familiär with our common birds.

Birds! Birds! ye are beautiful things,

With your earth-treading feet and your cloud-cleaving wings,

Where shall man wander and where shall he dwell —

Beautiful birds — that ye come as well?

Ye have nests on the mountain, all rugged and stark,

Ye have nests in the forests all tangled and dark;

Ye build, ye brood neath the cottager's eaves,

And ye sleep on the sod, 'mid the bonnie green leaves;

Ye hide in the heather, ye lurk in the brake,

Ye dive in the sweet flags that shadow the lake;

Ye skim where the stream parts the orchard decked land,

Ye dance where the foam sweeps the desolate Strand."

THE FIRST THAW.

The first thaw came late in January. A whole week of bright sun"
shine melted the last vestige of snow, and the green grass peeped
forth once more. The life-giving warmth and moisture seemed to
waken every thing. What a different world from that a few weeks ago!

It was towards the last of the week that I set out on a pilgrimage to
see this change in nature. I found my Squaw Run, the little gurgling
stream that afforded me so much pleasure in summer, when I waded init
and caught crayfish and watersnakes, had been changed by the sun's
magic rays into a raging current that had swept bridges away and had
torn down monarchical oaks. This was a new phase of the stream's
character, and it awed me.

However, I could not spend all my time here, so I passed on to see
the effects of the sun's rays on living things. On the hillside the green
grass gave plenty of color to harmonize with the azure of the sky, but
in the woods all was dark and somber. The ground here was covered
with dead leaves, and the tall black tree trunks offered no relief; but
here and there there was a patch of green where the ferns lay, and I
soon found that they too had awakened and were putting forth fiddle-
heads. Out of the woods all was bright, but here I found more signs
Of life. A Caterpillar was leisurely crawling along munching a leafiet

90 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

now and then. What was he doing out so early ? I pitied him, for he
would surely freeze at the next cold spell.

Now I heard my first bird notes. " Who are you ? Who are you ? "
came from the hillside. It was a new note to me, and I hurried for-
ward to see the ministrel. There he was, his tail pointing skywards,
and his voice pouring out music as fast as a fire engine pumps its
stream of water, a CaroHna Wren ! It is easily recognized, as it is the
largest of our wrens.

I left him, and started up the road, tili a glorious burst of music
"bombarded my ears. The sunshine had put new vigor into the Song
Sparrow, and he was singing as he had never sung before. I call this
the spring song of the Song Sparrow, though he sings it nearly all year,
but uever so beautifully as in Spring.

I am suddenly distracted from this melody by a sudden flash of blue
that almost dazzles me. The first Bluebird ! I feel like shouting and
throwing my hat in the air for joy; but he is soon gone, and I turn my
attention to more winter residents.

"Phoebe, phoebe," I am dumbfounded. Who ever heard of a Phoebe
in January ? Yet there it is again, as piain as day. This must be
investigated, so I start forward at once, and immediately run into a
flock of chickadees. The joke is on me this time. Of course it is the
chickadee's spring call !

Another dazzling flash, this time red, and then I hear a cardinal sing.
I am satisfied. I have seen what I sought, and I turn homewards.

On my way home I have to cross the river, and I find that it is füll

of floating ice, and is rising rapidly. The big floes boom against the

piers of the bridge with astonishing force, and the whole structure

trembles. I feel safer when I am at the other end boarding a street car

which carries me to a good hot supper

Arthur T. Henrice.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

91

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MerrythoUGHT, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

Dear Young Fulks :

As this month's Ornithology reaches you, yoii will be watchingf
for the first Bluebird — the welcome forerunner of the gay flocks
which springtime will soon bring us, though as I write the air is
filled with great flakes of snow. My grosbeak — Peggotty Zamelodia
Ludoviciana — seems to view with renewed surprise each snowfall.
She cocks her head, first on this side, then on that, and watches
the floating white flakes, as if she would say "Are you good to
eat ?" Tasting is her usual test of most mysteries. She had a
taste of vinegar the other day, and I am sure none of you could
have made a worse face in token of dislike. But she will take milk
from a spoon as long as anyone will hold it before her, and shows
great fondness for oysters and fish. It was amusing to see her
examine a new clock which had been placed in the room. As soon
as her cage door was opened she flew upon the clock, looked it all
over, and finally flew down upon the shelf, where, by stretching,
she could just see herseif in a small mirror in the lovver part of the
clock, and vigorously picked at the bird which she saw looking out
at her.

I wish the early risers among our boys and girls would take note
during the coming months of the earliest singer among the birds.
Many claim that the Chipping sparrow opens the morning chorus,
others, that the Robin's voice is first heard. "Lend me your ear"
and send me your verdict.

In the 'engima, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in the
January number, the 9-11-10 should have read 19-11-10, making
^e<'/ instead of acL Do not forget to inclose a stamp when you
wish a personal reply to your letters.

Cordially your friend,

Meg. Merrvthought.

92 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

ROLL OF HONOR.

Paul P. Jones, Windham, Vermont.
Clarence Dickinson, Springfield. Michigan,
Jacob Stehman, Rohrerstown, Penn.
Huldah Chase Smith, Providence, R. L
Joseph C. Nelson, Hannibal, Missouri.
Louise Jordon, Defiance, Ohio.
J. Anderson Otis, Bridgewater, Mass.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES FOR FEBRUARY.

Diamond. Partridge.

P

CAT

MERRY

HUNTING

PARTRIDGE

PRAIRIE

MEDAL

EGG

E

ENIGMA NO, l

Robin.

ENIGMA NO. 2.

Great Black-backed Gull.

EXTRACTS FROM OUR MAIL/BAG.

All in the Morning Early !

Yes, this was the way of it. I say so for I saw it all. Yes
all in a grey November morning early, before the sun was up
to look on.

The scene was an apple tree, the swaying brauch of a crimson
rambler, and an old table in a back-yard where lay ears of sweet
corn grandpa had put there to dry. The actors in the little play
were a flock of English sparrows which stood chattering, oh ! so
eagerly, in the old apple tree, this morn which I am writing.

Presently there was a flitting to the swaying rose brauch, and
such a quaint dance as I saw then, such balancing of partners ;
then twos cross over and back to place ; all to the sound of
some invisible wind harp ; then to some grand finale in the music
they paused upon the table, and such a breakfast as they had;
all this I saw while busy with my duties, then, up came the

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 93

sun, and forth came grandpa from the door. Lo ! not a bird was
in sight, and he wondered then and for many times after, what
scattered the drying corn. But on a day, one keen-eyed little
dancer by chance peeped under the wide-brimmed straw hat which
grandpa had worn from the time he dropped the seed corn into
the waiting soil, tili he gathered it for the winter food for his
flock of hens, the merry dancer peeped, (I learned this from a
familiär spirit who whispers things to me,) and saw neath the
Wide brim, eyes which looked so kindly upon two white rabbits
raiding some fallen corn, that he took heart o' grace and reported
to the others.

What they said I know not, or if grandpa talked to them, only
this, that now cold winter days are with us, they have feast when
it pleaseth them of the störe saved for the feathered flock in the
barn ; and she would, this, Meg. Merrythought could teil you —
where grows the old apple tree, the rose bush, and where
grandpa lives. I have told you what I saw all in the morning
early, ere grandpa learned the secret of who meddled with his
drying corn.

Oh ! thus early in the morning
Just as the day was dawning
Sure I never saw the like of it
But on that grey November morn.
Such a balancing and chasing.
To some eerie wind harps playing ;
No I'd never seen the like of it
Till they danced for grandpa's corn.

Phila Miranda Parmalee, Haddam, Ct.

FRIENDLY WINTER CALLERS,

The Chickadees come every few minutes to that basket of suet
which I hung out. One time I counted three Chickadees sitting
in the tree waiting for their turns to come, and one sitting in
the basket eating away. Almost every day I see a flock of Pine
Grosbeaks, and some days I see two or three flocks.

Staffold Francis, Exeter, N. H.

ORIOLE BABIES.

I want to teil the readers of this magazine how I watched two
baby Orioles last summer, as I was sitting in an old maple, I
noticed a nest and a baby oriole near. I waited a minute and
then heard the chirp of the male bird as he came to feed his

m AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

birdlings. He noticed me and flew away to a neighboring tree,
and chirped awhile, then flew over and fed the one outside the
nest and disappeared. But after a while he came again and fed
the other. He and his mate became quite tarne to me afterwards.

Bartram Leiper, Blauvelt, N. Y.

BIRD LISTS.

During the year 1903, I have observed ninety-eight varieties of
birds. I tried hard to make the one hundred mark, but did not
quite succeed. I wound up my list on Christmas day with the
Cardinal. All were observed here in Lancaster County, except
four species, one near Philadelphia and three at Atlantic City
last Summer. Wishing your corner another year of success.

Jacob Stehman, Rohrerstown, Penn.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA.
I am composed of 19 letters. My 1-5-2 is to 13-3-7-6-14 people
to have 2-3-10-6-19 on birds. Feed them 1-8-19 food like 4-12-6-
3 or other 18-10-1-5-8. Alany 2-3-11 are the worst, 3-8-3-2-19 they
6-1-11 have and 3-4-3 long their 6-9-4-11 fields will not be 11-5-
6-3 because of 13-14-3-5-4 being cruel and 2-3-7-8 to the 13-3-1-6"
14-12-8-18 of the 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19.

Clarence Dickinson, vSpringfield, Mich.

WINTER NESTS,

The falling of the leaves in autumn discloses many bird's
nests whose presence we little suspected, and offen a winter
walk is made far more interesting if we can name the little
builders. Of course the ground nests are hidden by dead leaves^
and flattened by storms, and those built of very soft materiaU
like the pewee's, have been beaten out of shape or quite
destroyed, but there is one (No. 1,) we offen find very like the
robins, only without the mud, (sometimes mud is used — M. M.)
and offen rather more bulky in its foundations. It is placed in
bushes as well as in the low branches of trees on our lawns and
in the woods, too.

Another familiär nest is the red-eyed vireo's firm little basket,
woven of strips of vegetable fibre— perhaps the long pieces that
peel so easily from the dead Joe-pye and milkweed stems. But
which vireo (No. 2) chooses a rather higher position than the
red-eye usually perfers, and covers the outside of her somewhat

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 95

smaller nest with soft grey cobweb ? This bird, like number 1,
Hkes shaded lawns as well as woods, but another vireo (No. 3)
is much more shy and builds in heavy underbrush in the woods.
Its nest is about the size of the red-eyes and is decorated with
tufts of white cobweb-

Isabella McC. Lemmon, Englewood, N. J.

TANGLES.

These sentences in some way became well mixed. Can our
young folks straighten them out for us ?

1. The Wood-Thrush is valued by the farmer as an insect"
destroyer.

2. The Whip-poor-will clears out a last year's nest or drills a
new one early in the spring. The birds carry the chips some
distance from the tree on which they are working.

3. In May the cheery little Song-Sparrow comes like a gleam
of golden sunshine.

4. The Summer yellow bird builds a nest of sticks, plastered
together with mud and leaves.

5. The cheery little Flicker is one of the finest birds whose
sweet song greets us in the spring, and he is one of the most
constant singers.

LETTERS FROM THE SOUTH.

Charleston, S. C.
My Dear Joe :

Your letter has just come, telling of the great snow-drifts you
boys tunnelled through, and how your ears were frozen, and it
does not seem possible that while you were writing, Bob and I
were in the garden here picking roses and jesamine to put in
mother's room to surprise her.

We were so sleepy when we reached Charleston Friday night,
that we went straight to bed, but early the next morning Bob
and I Started for the public markets, for Uncle Jack had told us
that there were queer garbage collectors in the city that we would
want to see, and that we would be sure of finding them near the
markets.

We walked through the great market, which extends across
several blocks. It is open on every side, with booths or stalls
for the display of the meat, vegetables and fruit.

96 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Refuse vegetables, bits of stale meat, and even dead animals
were thrown out into the street at the rear of the Stalls, and we
looked out through the openings where the street cleaning depart-
ment were already at work. There were hundreds in the Com-
pany and though they had no carts or cans, whatever was thrown
out disappeared at once.

I laughed when I saw them. What do you suppose they were?
Well, they were just great, awkward, Black Cultures, hopping
about upon the pavement, quarreling over some scrap. At first
glance one might think a flock of unkempt, ungainly, ill-kept
turkeys had escaped from some barnyard-

But they looked different afterwards, when I saw large flocks
sailing about in great circles high in the air, they then appeared
the most graceful of birds, seeming to float with hardly a motion
of their broad out-stretched wings. We saw them nearly every-
where we went, for no one is allowed to kill them. Their senses
of sight and smell are very acute. They utter no sound unless
disturbed when they make a low grunting noise. Each night
they return to a regulär roosting place.

Later we went down by the water, where there were thousands
of birds — Kittwakes, Terns and Gulls, scavengers of the sea —
whirling about, dropping down to the top of the water, skimming
along the waves, or diving for an unlucky fish, in constant
motion; they made a beautiful picture.

But I have not time now to teil you about them. We go to
St. Augustine to-morrow, and will write you from there.

Your Loving Sister, Ruth.

GLEANINGS.

All bird students will recall the pretty way in which most of
the Plovers let th*^ world know who they are. As soon as they
alight they stand for a moment with both wings raised straight
up to display the beautiful pattern on the wing linings, a pattern
which is quite different in each kind, and that is like the
national flag of the species, for it lets friend and foe alike know
what species is displaying it.

Ernest Thompson Seton.

NEST and EGGS

af North American Birds

BvOLI\ER DAVIE

TKe Best Book on Eggs Published
Finelv lllustrated.

Thoroughly reviseJ, 6o- pp. Fifth Edition.

Extra Cloth. Regulär Price, $2.25.
My Price $1.50, Postpaid or given for four

new subscribers.
Chas. K. R.eed, Worcester, Mass

1$

I American Bird Magazine 1

^ SPECIAL OFFER. 3

1^^ Volumes I, 2, 3 and Subscription for -^
^ 1904 ^

^ FOR THREE DOLLARS. 3

^ These FOUR VOLUMES will con- :^

^~ tain over MOO pages of the mos! inter- "^

^- esting and instructive bIrd literature, "^^

^- wUh nearly 1000 illustrations, many of ~^'

•^ them photographs of live wild birds. ~^t

^ THE FOUR VOLUMES WILL BE i:^
^ SENT PREPAID FOR $3.00. :;«

^ CHAS. K. REED, 3

^ WORCESTER. MASS. Z^

WOOD and MANDARIN DUCKS

WHITE and BLACK SWANS

PEAFOWLS, Etc., Etc.

Mention American Ormthology and send for
large lllustrated catalogue.

SCHMID'S EMPORIUM OF PETS,

WASHINGTON, D. C.

BIRD-LORE

A Bi-Monthly Magazine Devoicd to the Study and Protection of Birds
Published for tbe Auduboii Societies as the official orgaii of the Societies
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Audubon Department edited by MA15EL OSGOOD WRIOHT and WILLIAM DUTCHER
BIRD-LORE' S Motto: A Bird in the Bush is Worth Two in the Hand.

BiRD-LoRE began in its December
issue, the publication of a series of

Beautifully Colored Plates,

drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and
Bruce Horsfall, accurately represent-
ing all the plumages of

North American Warbiers,

with text from records in the Biologi-
cal Survey giving the dates of niigra-
tion of Warbiers at hundreds of local-
ities.

Until the supply is exhausted this number will be given free to all subscribers
to Vol. VI of BiRD-LoRE, begining Feb. 1,1904.
B^^When in doubt write to a member of Bird-Lore's Advisory Council.

20 CENTS A NUMBER: $1.00 A YEAR..

Published for the Aububon Societies by the Macmillan Company,

66 Fifth Ave.. New York City.

AmericatY Ornithology.

A MöLgaLzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass..
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. 1, 11 and
JII, ^i.ooeach. Special: — Vols. 1, 11, 111 and subscription for 1904,
t^3.oo. We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
Foreign Subscription, $1.25.

copyright, 1903 by chas. k. reed

VOL. IV APRIL. 1904. NO. 4.

ARE YOU EQUIPPED FOR SPRING BIRD STUDY.

From the first of April until the middle of May, occurs the great
spring migration. The two following articles as well as a note book
and pencil are essential if you wish to get the most value from your
observations of the birds.

FIELD GLASSES. — You cannot trust to your eyes, especially when
watching a small bird flitting about among the branches. The eyes
aided by a pair of field glasses see birds plainly, and are not mistaken.
We have tried a great many makes and find that the ones advertised
elsevvhere in this number at $5.00, to be the best that can be obtained
for the price. They are well made and optically are equal to a glass
costing three times as much. They magnify about three diameters so
that you can see a bird about ten times as plainly with them as with
the eyes. These glasses are nearly always used by the editor of this
magazine rather than a pair of binoculars costing $75.00.

Chapman's COLOR KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.—
Having seen a bird, you wish to find out what it is. You can readily
do so if you have this book. It is a complete illustrated dictionary of
birds, showing in colors nearly every species found in North America.
Jt is the most useful book on birds that has been written and is
•equally valuable in all sections of the country. The price of this book
is $2.50 (See ad. in this number.)

SPECIAL. — During March, April and May we will mail prepaid to
any address, both the above FIELD GLASSES and Chapman's
^'COLOR KEY" for $7.00. Address, Chas. K. Reed, Worcester, Mass.

HUNT WITH A CAMERA.

Hunter, why tread upon Nature's domain,

To frighten away, to kill and to lame!
"Only for sport" you answer me,

But where the sport I cannot see.

Is it sport to see creatures bleed and die

Sport to watch the dispairing eye,
To have the wounded live in pain

That you a moment's joy may gain?

Lay down the gun, and camera take
There is more to be had for sports sweet sake

Unlike the perishable clay
The image will not pass away.

The wild bird has no blood upon her breast,

Xo young are left to perish in the nest,
Beside the lake the wild doe feeds,

Nor with her life blood stain the reeds.

Still shall the quail whistle in joyful tune,
The wild goose lead his flock from zone to zone,

Back to her nest the duck will come,
Again the grouse shall beat his drum.

The artist with nature walks hand in band,
The flame of his desire by her is fanned, ,'

With no slaughter his hands are stained,
She has not lost what he has gained.

Intent to kill awakes animal desires,

Love of Nature the soul of man inspires,
God speed the time when every one

Shall use a lens and leave the gun.

Hatta Washburn,

98

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOar.

Phutu by Geo. L. Fordyce.

NEST AND EGGS OF COOPER HAWK.
[In a beech tree. forty flve feet from the ground. Winner of Ist in class 3.]

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

99

"LISTEN TO THE MOCKING^BIRD."

Title i)f song by Alice Ilawthorne.i

i

fe

^

^

^m

^

^

p M' k 1/ ^

*

-Ö

This beautiful and enchanting piece of melody is loved by all, but by
none, not even by the musically inclined, is its richness realized and
tenderness appreciated unless the ear has indeed, enraptured, listed to
Mimiis polyglottes, the ugly scientific name for this sovereign of
American songsters the Mock-bird, as written by Charleston Ray and
Catesby, and the Mocking-bird by Bonaparte, concerning which
Audubon says, "passing critical inspection by the world's best
ornithologists, it is accepted king of all Earth's choir". That from
which he quotes reading:

"And still accepted king of all Earth's choir,
The elfish Mocker swells

In clear, melodious spells,

Its notes, that cling around the brain like fire".
The Mocking-bird, which, in extent and variety of vocal powers,
Stands unrivalled by the feathered songsters of the world, is peculiar to
the western continent, inhabiting considerable area of North and South
America, having been traced from New England to Southern Brazil
and the valley of the lower Rio de La Plata. Some time ago, my
attention was called to a brief note in one of the New England Journals
seemingly expressing surprise that a ^Mocking-bird (one!) had been
Seen a few days before as far north as Waterbury, Conn., the lady
writer concluding, "l have known the bird nesting near New Haven,
but have not heard of its coming as far north as this, and I shall watch
for its Coming next summer", 1904. If she does, anywhere in New
England south of Aroostook, she will be rewarded, or, according to
Audubon and others of authority, it ought to be found in the territory
indicated, mayhap in some remote mountain glen, mingling its soulful
seng with the melody of Longfellow's "Beils of the Angelus". Even
up in the land of Evangeline, in season, has been found this pert happy
bird, at least so said in the days when George II was king. They are,
however, much more numerous, in our states, south than north of the

100 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

Delaware- Generally migratory north of that beautiful river and
resident to a great extent southward thereof, passing the winter season
in the Gulf States and beyond toward the equator.

The period at which this bird begins nesting varies, of course,
according to latitude, from the first of April to the end of May. It is
of familiär habits, frequenting the neighborhood of man, consequently
is a general favorite, not that there is anything striking about its
appearance, beyond its trim, graceful form, but its seif independence,
demonstrative attachment to its mate and wonderful powers of song.
A solitary thorn bush, an almost impenetrable thicket, cedar or holly
are favorite places, but as indicated, it has no objection lo the
proximity of residence or other building. Always ready to defend, but
never over-anxious to conceal the nest, which is rarely at a greater
height than six or eight feet above the ground. There is a reason for
this; let the Student learn fir>t the rüde architecture of the nest. The
eggs are delicate and shapely having a body color of a pale ashy green,
blotched with light brown, and are from three to six in number.
During the period of incubation, two weeks, nothing can approach the
nest, with sinister motives without being attacked.

The cat is especially punished if it appears, until it is forced to
scamper away. But its whole vengeance is articularly and savagely
directed against the black snake, the morta enemy of the Mocking-
bird. An authority quaintly but truly says: "Whenever the insidious
approach of this reptile is discovered, the male Mocker darts upon it
with the rapidity of an arrow, dexterously eluding it, but striking it
violently and incessantly about the head, where it is very vulnerable.
The snake soon becomes sensible of its danger and seeks to escape;
but the intrepid defender of its young redoublesits exertions and unless
the antagonist be of too great magnitude, often succeeds indestroying
it, whereupon it returns to the nest of its mate and young, mounts the
summit of the bush or free, and pours forth a torrent of song in token
of victory".

As the name implies, this bird is indeed a polyglot, having perfect
control of many and varied bird languages. The masterly lines of the
blind, but soulful Clarence Hawkes of Hadley, Massachusetts, "A
Nightingale Song", are but a description of the Mocking-bird's song
powers. In fact it is sometimes called the Mock-Nightingale. The
plumage of both the male and the female is the same, a piain gray,
relieved only by the blackish wings with their white edgings and tips of
the coverts, and the white outer tail feathers.

Whoever has closely observed this bird in its native habitats has
doubtless noticed particularly its "mounting song" and the performer's

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 101

conduct during the scene. This, o£ course, the bird never indulges in,
in captivity and perhaps not north of the Delaware Valley. Clarence
Hawkes' beautiful lines to the skylark are somewhat descriptive:

Upward, upward, upward mounting,
Like an arrow from a bow,
Singing ever as the fountain
When the scented breezes blow."

The author of "By-ways and Bird Notes," Maurice Thompson, des-
cribed this mounting song, wherein "The songster begins on the lovv-
est branch of a tree and appears literally to mount or rise on its music
from bough to bough, until the highest spray of the top is reached
where it will sit for many minutes, flinging upon the air an ecstatic
stream of almost infinitely varied vocalization. But he who has not
heard the 'dropping song' has not discovered the possibility of the
Mockingbird's voice. I have never found any note of this extremely inter-
esting habit of the bird by any ornithologist, a habit, whichis, I suspect,
occasional, and connected wiih the most tender part of the mating seas-
on. It is in a measure the reverse of the 'mounting song,' beginning
where the latter leaves off. My attention was first called to this in-
teresting Performance by an aged negro man, who cried out one morn-
ing, as a strangely rhapsodic burst of music rang from a tree near our
camp: — "Lis'n, mars', lis'n, dar he's a-drop'n, he's a drop'n, show's
yo' bo'n, he's a-droppin!" The bird was fluttering in a trembling, pe-
culiar way, with its wings half spread and its feathers puffed out.
Almost immediately there came a stränge, gurgling series of notes,
liquid and sweet, that seemed to express utter rapture. Then the bird
dropped with a backward motion from the spray, and began to fall
slowly and somewhat spirally down through the bloom-coveredboughs,
quite like a bird wounded to death by shot, clinging here and there to
a twig, quivering and weakly striking with its wings as it feil, but all the
time it was pouring forth the most exquisite gushes and trills of song, not
at all like its usual medley of improvised imitations, but strikingly,
almost startlingly individual and unique. The bird appeared to be
dying of an ecstacy of musical Inspiration. The lower it feil the loud-
er and more rapturous became its voice, until the song ended on the
ground in a burst of incomparable vocal power. It remained for a
Short time after its song was ended, crouched where it had fallen, with
its wängs out- spread, and quivering and panting as if utterly exhaust-
ed; then it leaped boldly into the air and flew away into an adjacent
thicket."

102

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

MOCKINGBIRD.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 103

On glittering wing, erect and bright,

With arrowy speed he darts aloft,

As though his soul had taken its flight,

In that last strain, so sad and soft,

And he would call it back to life,

To mingle in the mimic strife.

And ever, to each fitful lay,

His frame in restless motion wheels,

As though he would indeed essay

To act the ecstacy he feels,

As though his very feet kept time

To that inimitable chime! — "To the Mockingbird,"

sang Fortunatas Cosby (1826), a "Yale man," but a Kentucky bard.
At about the same time, Richard Henry Wilde, "A'son of the south",
was Professor of law in the University of Louisiana. He was an exten-
sive European traveller, and while abroad, doubtless after listening to
Edmund Spencer's "The Nightingale is Sovereign of Song," andread-
ing vShelley's lines, he wrote these fourteen lines,

To the Mockingbird.

Wing'd mimic of the woods; thou motley fool,
Who shall thy gay buiToonery describe?
Thine ever-ready notes of ridicule
Pursue thy fellows with jest and jibe;
Wit, Sophist songster, Yorick of thy tribe,
Thou sportive satirist of Nature's school;
To thee the palm of scoffing we ascribe,
Arch-mocker and mad Abbot of misrule;
For such thou art by day, but all night long
Thou pour'st a soft, sweet, pensive solemn strain,
As if thou didst in this, thy moonlight song
Like to the melancholy Jaques complain,
Musing on falsehood, folly, vice and wrong.
And singing for thy motley coat again.

I imagine that Mr. Wilde was then longing for his old haunts amid
the Oleanders of the Mississippi. In any event, he certainly knew
America's (ought to be) national bird, which is it de jure.

There could be, under the conditions, nothing more delicately yet
classically impressive than to delight and enchant this world's millions
at the St. Louis Fair next summer and fall with the songs of a score or

104

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

more of these singers from Texas, Alabama, Kansas and elsewhere.
This is made as a Suggestion; I wish it could be effective.

The Mockingbird bears confinement as contentedly as a canary; needs
a large airy cage; is easily kept and, if a singer, is an early riser, good
naturedly snatchy all the day long, (when not moulting), and rings bis
own curfew, so to speak, retiring, if out of the moonlight, "ayant the
twa'l/' Their food is various, consisting of seeds, fruits and insects
and a few varieties of green tender plants. For the caged bird, this
dietetic feeding ought to be conformed to as nearly as possible, and if
well and properly cared for, they lose none of the energy of the song
and intelligent activity. Of course under these conditions they will not
come up to the picture lifted by Maurice Thompson, or to the Standard
lined by Mr. Wilde. Surely there can be no doubt that the bird. whose
song inspired such and other masterpieces of English prose andpoetry,
is indeed a wonderful musician.

Each jewelled note, within bis throat "was but a treasure hidden," as
Will Carleton says in bis "Our exile Mock-bird is singing." Aside
from the ornithological description, the foregoing citation from Mr.
Wilde embraces much interesting history, suggestively, in those seven
Couplets, covering, at least in a fragentary manner, seven centuries of
English literature. Get your Taine and "dig it out." To do so will
perhaps be more profitable, but not more uplifting, or near so entertain-
ing, as to

yiuLüq i'iJ<iiJüqJ'.b.l

4iiU';'J'P^'ilp,ip^,p^|JJJiJ'M

i^^'i'J'^l^

r r r

^

(Chorus). "Listen to the Mocking-bird."

Stephen D. Parrish. Ky.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

105

SPRING DAYS.

By Frank H. Sweet.

S we cross the meadow in the sunshine, our feet sinking
deep in the young grass and soft, wet mould, the birds
are fluttering and singing everywhere above and around
US. "So glad, so glad ! So warm, so warm ! Home
again ! Sweet, sweet, sweet !" They carol with an in-
finite gayety and lightsomeness and the heart-throb of
spring in their voices.

Here and there through the greenish brown of the
pushing grass, gleams out the honest face of the dan-
delion, each one " striving to incorporate the whole
great sun it loves from the inch height whence it looks
and longs." And here, too, are the first violets, pale
blue in the sun, dark in the shade, unspeakably delicate
and delicious.

As we bend over them, doubtful whether to gather
er to leave them to their delicious wildness, we see a robin with sleek,
black head, vvaistcoat of the choicest season's red and a coat of dusky
gray, intent on pulling a worm out of the ground. He bends himself
back and tugs intermittently, while the worm visibly elongates, but
still resists. Robin stops to take breath as we watch, and then with
one supreme and final tug draws out his prey, limp and flaccid, and lays
it on the grass with the air of a conqueror.

Ah, here is a by-path, evidently made by cows, and leading toward
the woods. Involuntarily our feet stray into it. Listen to the füll,
happy gurgle of the brook as it crosses the path, under the bark worn
log which serves as a foot bridge. If it be that the highest point of
power and usefulness is a reason for joy, then spring is the carnival
time for running waters. How this small stream bustles along, frets
at fallen branches that impede its progress, and protests to the green
things that fringe its banks. "No, you mustn't hinder me now. This
is no time for idle conversation. I have an engagement in the mead-
ows. How could I ever accomplish anything if I stopped to talk with
every light minded leaf in the forest?"

Now comes the fragrance of the pines at last, an aromatic breath
more pungent than flowers, purer than incense, sweeter than the "nard
i' the fire." Under the shade of the straight, dark boughs, gleam the
white Stars of the hepatica, each shining whorl set about with pendu-
lous, close folded buds, of palest rose. There are silvery, greenish-
gray ferns here, shooting vigorously up from the dark earth and be-

106 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ginning to uncurl. What a strong, assertive, spirited bend is in their
backs, like that of a sea horse, or a particularly boastful question point.
"Did you ever see anything better done now?" each one seems to say.

There are partridge berries glowing red about the tree trunks, and
long green sword ferns trailing their skirts across the withered leaves
of the season before. How sleek are the buds on the bushes by the
patch. There is a gathering of new life in everything, and even the
hum of the mosquitoes and the dancing of gnats and small flies is
proof of the universal joy that winter is banished and gone.

Violets, violets everywhere. Here are tall purple beauties in Clus-
ters; here are pale blue ones, short stemmed and scattered thickly over
the ground in sunny places. On the edge of the brook there are white
fairy-like blossoms, with three petals delicately veined in brown.
Some woodland artist must have done the work, for none save a brush
of cob web fibers could paint those almost invisible shades.

Deeper into the woods we stray. A partridge drums in the distance,
and a blue jay teils us not to "dilly-dally, dilly-dally." From a limb
almost over the path hangs a grayish white ball, as large as an ordi-
nary water pail. The memory of boyish experiences with balls of that
kiud makes us turn respectfully aside, coming back to the path a rod
er more beyond. Hornets are good Citizens of the woods, but they do
not deal kindly with trespassers.

A red squirrel Standing erect on a stump is eyeing us suspiciously.
He cocks his head gravely to one side, as though considering our in-
tentions. Another begins to chatter at a little distance, his remarks
gradually becoming more audible, and more personal. He appears
suddenly on the stump and an interesting game of tag begins, the two
playmates scurrying over the ground, leaping over dry branches and
rustling merrily through the dead leaves of last autumn. Finally both
squirrels run up an oak tree, and, impatient at our persistent oversight
of their game, begin to scold.

The ground underneath is füll of humble beauty. Here the path is
strewn with cones and bunches of gray moss, and among them, evi-
dence that crabbed age and youth can live harmoniously together, a
bunch of dainty violets. Through the dry leaves are yards of running
evergreen, fresh and vigorous from its sleep under the snows, and
putting forth tiny white buds at the ends of all its branches.

What, a thrush's voice in the distance? Listen! "Oh, holy, holy,
holy!" The shine and glory of the sun, the warmth of spring love is
in his voice, dreamy though it be.

The oak leaves are just opening, small, furry, shaded red bits of life,
vigorous even in their babyhood when compared with the pallid green-

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 107

ness of the budding alders. Beneath the oaks are clustering anemones,
and just beyond, at the edge of an opening, a wild cherry tree is feath-
ering into delicate white bloom.

Here and there tiny maple trees are springing up in groups, exquisite
reproductions in miniature of their stately parents. Note their soft,
tender leaves of greenish brown, their coral red stems and their alert
aspiring air. Who could have the heart to set his foot on such a brisk,
active little plant; to meddle with an individuality so pronounced, an
energy so conscious of its own ideal?

Above US there are numbers of wee creatures, hopping and flying
through the branches, some noiseless, some voicing their joy in utter
disregard of our presence; but all busy and intent upon their work or
their pleasures, of a thumb or hand's bigness only, but how füll of de-
licious emotions, love and happiness and hope and aspiration and life-
joy all throbbing within the wee feather balls.

THE BIRDS OF A CITY HAUNT.

'CONTINUED FROM MARCH. )

The Blue Jay persists in carrying off /;/ fofo all the suet that I
put out for the Winter Friends. The Crow and the Jay join
forces to harass the Owl, and are very sure indications of the presence
of the Sparrow Hawk or Sharp-shinned Hawk which makes the Haunt
frequent visits. In this way alone are the Crow and Jay of
Service to the smaller birds.

The abundance of large trees on which are many dead limbs
makes the Haunt the abode of a goodly number of Flickers.
The Flicker is an extraordinary bird in many ways. His one
and twenty-four names are in most cases well deserved, so varied
are his accomplishments. Many people in passing through the
Haunt ask me the name of some bird they have seen, but I think
I am most frequently asked about the Flicker. Some speak of
his bounding flight ; some of his yellow wing-lining ; some obser-
vant ones of his speckled back and breast with black crescent,
and some, I think the majority, mention the white rump. Through-
out the winter I have watched the Flickers working on the trees
or hopping awkwardly over the ground, their "kee yow" note is
a familiär sound of the season. The Flicker is a good example
of nature's kindness in making the tool fit the task, whereas the
other woodpeckers familiär to us are mostly black and white, and
admirably inconspicuous iu the branches, the Flicker, having devel-
oped, perhaps by accident, a fondness for ants and other food
obtainable on the ground, has a brown speckled coat ; yet he

lOS AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

still nests in trees and loves to search for grubs in dead limbs,
so bis feet are not changed to suit bis ground feeding, tbus he
can sbare tbe babits of two types of birds, tbough bis movements
on the grouud are not graceful, whereas if be bad feet suited to
bis ground feeding alone be would be entirely unable to feed
and nest in tbe trees. In so small a place as tbe Haunt one
can ascertain almost exactly bow many individuals of a species
are wintering. Tbere were balf again as many Flickers present
last winter as tbey were the winter before.

The Flicker is a very good American, he is not barmful as a
few of bis relatives are ; be is decidedly ornamental, and the
reproductive powers of tbe species are so great that I feel sure
it will become more and more abundant.

When I have finished my studying in the evening I offen go
out for a few minutes to get a good breatb of air before retir-
ing. Snow Covers the ground, and as I go crunching along tbe
grove-path tbe ligbt breeze whispers througb tbe fall oaks on my
right. I can distinguish faintly tbe familiär outline of "Maple
Row" and "Tbe Orchard." Passing down to the pond's edge I
pause for a moment. All at once tbere is a great commotion in
tbe elms overhead, followed by a loud "quawk." I wait a miiiute
and from tbe beart of the grove tbe cry is repeated as my Night
Heron takes up a new place of repose for tbe night.

Tbus tbe winter passes. No trip, even in the dull days of Jan-
uary, but has its interest in tbe Haunt ; every comer bas its
interest and tbe little trip each morning is of inestimable value
as a beginning for the day's work. Besides all this a real
knowledge of tbe different species can be obtained, and perhaps
a greater love for tbe birds because of personal acquaintance day
after day with tbe same individuals.

In the spring, however, is the Haunt of the greatest interest.
Then does the follower of the birds feel the greatest pleasure
and excitement ; then does a nature Student feel most like spend-
ing each and every day afield. After its long sleep the foliage
awakes again and the "spring fever" attacks man and bird. An
immediate efEect is seen in every bird of tbe Haunt, even before
the first migrants have arrived the winter residents give signs of
tbe Coming glad season, and when tbe skunk-cabbage has pushed
its way througb tbe ice and snow at the pond's edge, and tbe
pussy-willows have thrust their silky heads into view, we feel
that spring has really begun. I can best follow the immediate
arrival of the birds by quoting from my Journal.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

109

110 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY,

March 1. I went into the Haunt this morning with spring-
streng in my mind. Many signs of the beautiful awakening were
apparent. Seven species appeared in the fevv minutes I had for
observing, and all but one showed change in either notes, num-
bers or both. Crozv gave "K-r-r-r-r-uk" and indulged in rapid
aerial dartings and sportive maneuvers in flight. Flicker, three
birds drummed and gave ''wick-wick" song, neither to great per-
fection, bnt both clearly. Niähatch sang constantly. (This song
is little more than a rapid repetition of his "yank" call note, the
rapidity with which it is given changes the tone somewhat, and
the song sounds a little like Flickers "wick-wick.") Creeper, dis-
tinct warblings from seveial birds. Last year on March 2, I
heard a complete song from Creeper. Donniy increase in number
from one to two. During the entire winter there has been but
one bird of this species in the Haunt. Song Sparrozv, perfect
song from a spring arrival. Have watched the wintering birds
with great care and am sure this one is a migrant from his
brighter plumage and fuller song. The Song Sparrow's song is
certainly a most beautiful effort, and it is never so much appre-
ciated as in the early spring when few other songsters are in
füll song. I can remember my delight, almost too great to be
contained, when I first heard a vSong Sparrow sing one day in
late February in the Haunt. As the season advances Song Spar-
rows become so abundant and so many other fine songsters are
present that the charm of his song is broken.

March 4. Among the thick growth I heard some unfamiliar
notes. Pushing in I found several Kinglets giving many varied
and connected measures. There was no actual melody, such as
we hear in a Song Sparrow's song for example, but there was
a Swing such as we hear in most warbler songs. The song
may be likened to some of the yellow warbler's variations.

March 6. I had passed around the swamp and into the meadow
by the elms when I heard — yes, a Bluebird ! Again the note was
repeated, a beautiful sound. Almost at the same moment the
two Robins flew into the elms, and after a little preliminary
calling, one sang. Flickers were love-making in the grove,
spreading their tails to the füllest extent, calling, purring, dancing
and sidling over the branches, they set forth their feelings unmis-
takably. Three or more males were trying to win one apparently
unresponsive female. Redwings have been noted fiying overhead
for several days.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 111

March 13. I spent about a quarter of an hour in the Haunt
this morning and the usual rush of songs greeted me. Hosts of
Robins called, sang and squealed ; Chickadees, Creepers and
Kinglets gave their varied notes ; Flickers rolled forth their lusty
"wick-wick" ; Downys rattling note rang out; Crow and Jay
called loudly, the Jay giving his bell-like song ; Grackles and
Redwings added songs, calls and creaks to the great medley.
(This gives some idea of the bird-life of the little place.)

March 17. I notice that the Winter Friends are becoming less
and less in evidence. They have not entered the list at all for
three days. Where in winter time their cheery notes greeted me
in the morning, I am now welcomed by the carol of Song
Sparrows, the liquid "Kong-quer-ee" of Redwings and Flickers
many notes. Fox Sparrow appeared in all brightness of coat.

March 19. I noticed a sort of duet by a pair of Song Spar-
rows. The birds were in the maple swamp. The bird at the
westerly side ended his song with an unsatisfactory note and the
bird on the easterly side repeated the song exactly except for
the last note which was given lower and of a satisfactory tone
for the completion of a strain. As I drew nearer the bird on
the west dropped into the bushes, but on hearing the song of
the other bird could not help mounting on his bush and answer-
ing it, leaving off, however, with an unsatisfactory note as before,
whereupon the bird on the east side completed it satisfactorily.

March 22. The scattered Winter Friends were the chief attrac-
tion. I was able to take down the song I have heard so many
times from the Kinglet. These notes of the Creeper were very
sweet and musical. Creeper's song always suggests to me a
Meadowlark's song in the distance. The Creeper didn't pause in
his work while singing.

March 24. The moment I stepped out-doors, the note which
reached me above all others was that of Phoebe, five days earlier
than last year.

March 26. The Winter Friends are definitely and completely
disbanded until another season.

This is only a brief quotation from pages and pages of Jour-
nal, but it will serve to give an idea of the possibilities of a
small place. My idea, besides giving a record of a place which
has proven of great interest to many people, is to encourage
thorough study of limited areas, rather than superficial Observation
of broad tracts. The latter place yields a larger daily list and

112 AMERICAN ORNITEOLOGY.

is very interesting, indeed it should be followed to a certain
extent, but for real personal knowledge and deep interest in bird
life, the former plan is much more advantageous.

By the end of March, then, we have seen the first vvave of
migration ; the winter birds have begun to move, and the vege-
table World is well advanced. There will be an interval before
the next wave. Then the insect eating birds will come, and then
in May the great flood of migration will be upon us with its
swarm of warblers, the despair of the beginner, but that is to
treated in the next paper.

Thus it may be seen that one could follow up the spring
opening in nature very satisfactorily in this little Haunt alone.
Up to the last of March I have seen the following species in
the Haunt besides the twenty-six mentioned : Purple Finch, Junco,
Tree Swallow, Cedarbird.

In closing I shall say a little of the natura^ beauties of the

Haunt so that in introducing it to the public it may not be

underrated. It is not "a good place for birds, but a bad place

for people" as is so offen the case. One can see many of

nature's most famous scenes here, the snow scenes, the winter

wood, the meadow with its winding brook and the ice covered

pond. Arising early the beauties of sunrise may be enjoyed, the

gradual awakening of bird life and the constantly increasing roar

as the busy city begins another day of toil. And then the sunset,

the great round sun is just setting, he shines one minute füll

in my face and the next he has dropped behind the horizon.

Meanwhile the blue of the sky is changing in the west to a

lighter hue, and as the sun reflects upon the fine, fleecy clouds,

changing them to the most delicate reddish pink, a color never

found elsewhere, the west is a wonderful sight. The moon shows

faintly her daintly crescent, blending its silvery shade with the

sky. As the sun sinks lower and lower the colors slowly change,

and the reddish pink becomes pink, whitish pink, and at length

blends with the deepening blue. All the while night, attracted

by the sun, advances with equal speed and the east becomes

darker and darker. The moon brighter, a star appears here,

another there and the last trace of orange and then of yellow

disappears from the west, innumerable stars twinkle forth until

no inch but has its score. The great oaks in the grove cast

dim shadows in the moonlight, the faint sighing of the evening

wind, arising with the setting of the sun is heard and it is night

in the little Haunt. Guy Emerson,

Associate Member A. O. U.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 113

ROSEATE SPOONBILL

A. O. U- Xo, 183. (Ajaja ajaja.)

RANGE.

Tropical America extending north to the Gulf States chiefly in
Florida.

NEST AND EGGS.

These' beautifulbirds nest in the most impenetrable of swamps plac-
ing their frail platforms of sticks in bushes and from four to fifteen
feet from the ground. They lay, during May, three or four eggs with
a pale greenish blue ground color, spotted and blotched with brown of
varying shades. In the United States the only locality where they
nest in any numbers is in the Everglades of Florida.

HABITS

By Ike Shaw, Fla.
Perhaps some of the readers of American Ornithology may be inter-
ested in a brief description of a trip which we took in the "Everglades"
in search of the "Pink Beauties." Procuring a seven ton schooner, with
a cook and two guides w^e started out early one morning from Myers
and after two days uneventful sailing reached a point within five miles
of where our guides asserted we would find the objects of our search.
We came to anchor in the lee of a small Island, and from this point, the
water being shoal, proceeded in a small sailboat. After having stock-
ed the boat with provisions for a two days jburney, we started out
weaving our way cautiously through the many islands, uninhabited ex-
cept for the birds, until we came to a barrier in the shape of an almost
impenetrable marsh. Leaving our boat here we started out on foot
through mud, vines, cacti and fall saw grass until at last we came to a
place where our dusky guide said, pointing with his naked arm :
'There, surr! I reckon they sure ought to be around yonder marsh."
We tramped about through the worst tangles of underbrush that I have

114

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ROSEATE SPOONBILL.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 115

ever seen, until about three o'clock, and then concluded that we should
have to give up the search for the day and return to the boat, for to be
caught in the Everglades after dark is one of the least desirable pros-
pects that I know of.

We had just Started back and rounded a "bay-head" when right be-
fore US was disclosed the most wonderful sight that I have ever seen.
There, not three hundred yards away on a mud flat, were fifty-seven of
these most beautifully plumaged birds. The first thought that came
into my mind was that they resembled the large patch of rose bushes
in füll bloom, that we used to see when "we were boys."

They were asleep, evidently having their after dinner nap, after hav-
ing fed during the low tide. We approached to within about fifty yards
of them when one of their number took alarm and the whole flock arose
with a deafening whirring and beating of wings, and with their necks
extended to the füllest and their legs hanging downwards and back-
wards made their way rapidly across the marsh, appearing against the
sky as a beautiful rose-colored cloud.

When feeding, the flock goes to a mud flat just vacated by the out
going tide, where they walk about with their body horizontal and their
neck curved gracefully in front of them. Instead of picking or thrust-
ing, they strike their bill sideways into the mud, where they get snails,
crawfish and marine insects. I have always found that these birds can
offen be lured to you, by wearing a pink blouse and crouching down in
the marsh; doubtless they think they have found some other members
of their family.

They nest in the dense mangrove swamps offen in Company with
Louisiana Herons. In their frail nest they deposit from three to five
eggs. These birds are very easily tamed and make quite attractive
pets. The young birds of the year are very handsome as well as the
adults. Their head is nearly all feathered and the plumage is a deli-
cate shade of pink including the areas that are scarlet or bufTy in the
adults.

LEWIS WOODPECKER.

A. O. U. No. 408. (Asyndesmus torqnatas.)

RANGE.

Breeds in Transition and Upper Sonoran zones from Rocky
Mountains to Sierras in United States and southern parts of
British Columbia; winters throughout California and in Western Texas.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 10.50-11.50. Wing 6.50-6.80. Tail 4.40-4.70. Adults,—
above black with metallic greenish lustre; below, a soft gray.

116 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

shading to deep rose color on flanks and belly, face dark crim-
son; collarlight gray. Young, — same without collar orcrimsori face-

NEST AND EGGS.

Usually excavated close to the top of a tall stub of pine or
fir, often one hundred feet from the ground ; of large size- Eggs
6-7, white.

HABITS.

This bird is very local in its distribution, being very abundant,
even commoner than the Flicker in certain localities, while in
others, near by, it is never met with. It is a striking object
wherever seen from its large size and the contrast between its
greenish back and crimson belly, and also because it is not in
the least shy, but flies about a great deal in the open woods or
perches boldly in dead trees or on top of the stub which it has
chosen for a nest. The first one I saw was feeding young in
the nest, which was placed close under the top of a yellow pine
stub not more than twenty feet from the ground. Both parents
were very busy, having part of their large family scattered in
tall trees near by, while one, more backward, remained in the
nest. This one kept calling in a squealing tone, while the parents
answered with a two syllable cry, which sounded like "chut, chut."
Neither this call nor the ordinary rattling note is as loud as one
would expect from the size and bold nature of the bird.

One curious habit I noticed in this pair, as well as in others,
which may account for their excavating their nest by preference
so near the top of a broken stub. When arriving with food they
would always alight on the top, which they used as a sort of
table, preparing the mouthful they had brought and returning to
it several times to get bits of a convenient size for their young.
In another nest, where I saw the last young one of a brood
venture out of the nest for the first time, after creeping about
and trying his wings from one brauch to another, he went up to
this table and foraged for himself, seeming to take much satis-
faction in gathering up the crumbs. After about an hour, during
which time he watched the broad, sweeping flight of his parents
through the air, and tried in vain to attempt to attract their
attention he launched out and joined the rest of the family in a
sustained and level flight of at least a hundred yards. I noticed
that he moved his wings more rapidly and constantly than the
old birds and did not close them entirely at any time as they
did, nor make sudden turns after the almost swallow-like manner

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 117

of his parents, but if this was a first flight, as it had every
appearance of being, it was a very remarkable Performance.

I watched for several days another nest where the male behaved
in a quite difTerent manner from all the others I had seen. His
nest was beneath a limb of a dead pine, on the shore of Lake
Tahoe, which still retained most of its limbs and was only about
thirty feet up. This male seemed to spend his entire time on
guard, sitting on a limb very near the hole, and constantly
uttering a soft monosyllable quite unlike the call to the young.
As I approached he took up the usual rattling alarm cry and
hopped up and down the trunk, but when I kept still he soon
returned to his position of devoted sentinel. About every hour
he left for a short time, but soon returned with a temptirig
morsel which he first prepared on the top of a broken limb and
then went into the hole with it. Once he came out precipitately
still holding the second portion in his bill. He sat, looking un-
comfortable for about five minutes and then went to the hole
again, when his offering was accepted. Interpreted his actions as
showing that his mate was sitting within while he kept guard,
for if he had young he would have fed them much oftener, and
both birds would have been so occupicd.

I am sorry not to be able to give the sequel to this story, but
after a week of watching, all signs of life disappeared from the
tree. Whether they deserted their nest, or the brilliant male feil
a prey to the shotgun of some collector, I shall never know.
I once watched a family of young with their parents making the
rounds of the scattered fir trees. When they came to a tall stub
in which was a hole near the top which they may very likely
have occupied formerly, they peeped into the hole. The amaze-
ment with which it started back on seeing the beak aud eyes of
a nearly füll grown Sparrow-Hawk was comical. One look did
not satisfy it, and the family lingered so long about the stub
that I expected to see a battle royal when the present tenants
returned, but no, the Hawks were not aggressive and the wood-
peckers put in no claim. These birds sometimes collect in large
fiocks, chiefly composed of young birds and then one can hardly
help mistaking them for Crows, as they forage for grasshoppers
in the meadows tili suddenly one alights in true woodpecker
attitude on a fence post and you see plainly his crimson face
and gray throat and collar. Then it is impossible to mistake him
for any other bird. axxa Head.

118

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

LEWIS WOODPECKERS.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 119

THE WHITE^FACED GLOSSY IBIS.

By Harry H. Dinn.

HIS is, without doubt, the most beautiful of the swamp birds
known to California, if we except the Wood Duck. Feath-
ered in liistrous brown, with a mask of snowy white be-
ginning at the base of the bill and covering a good por-
tion of the face, this long-legged wader needs no further
description of mine to differentiate it, even in the eyes of
the tyro, from any of the other members of its tribe. In
Southern California these Ibises make their appearance in
late September or by the middle of October at the latest, coming ap-
parently from the south and returning, each band to the haunts it
held dear the winter before. Some writers have said that some few
pairs of these birds remain to breed, but I have been unable to con-
firm this, though they do nest in Texas and along the Rio Grande.
I understand, too, from reliable authority that a small number nest in
the few marshes to be found in southern Utah.

In Los Angeles county, whence come these notes, the Ibises seek
equally secluded pools as do the Bitterns, which latter birds arrive and
depart at about the same time as the Ibises, but do not band together.
Flocks of from ten to fifty stately Ibises, their queer curved bills giv-
ing them the appearance of gigantic Curlew, may be seen stalking si-
lently about some well hidden pool or along the muddy shore of a
shallow inlet at low tide. They are not, however, birds of the open as
are the limincolae, but partake more of the nature of the true herons,
which are all storks and cranes to the average dweller on the lowlands.
To the north of the Tehachapi mountains, which form a sort of me-
dian line across this state, these birds do not wander, so far as I am
aware. The farther south we go the more numerous become the
Ibises. They must fly at a great height in the movements to and from
their southern breeding places, as they are never seen or heard in the
migrations. Formerly, the lower part of Los Angeles county was cov-
ered with a dense growth of willow timber. Most of this has been cut
away and along with the White-tailed Kites, and several other lowland
birds, the limitations of the White-faced Ibises are being narrowed
down until doubtless the day is not far distant when Alta, California,
will know them no more. One of the most valued treasures in my col-

120

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

WHITE-FACED GLOSSY IBIS.

lection of bird and inammal pictures is the one, presented herewith, of
the Ibises at home. Though the work of a professional photographer,
no painstaking amateur could have secured a better negative.

In nesting habits, so far as I can learn, this bird is not different from
others of its tribe. An acquaintance of mine, recently from the south-
ern part of Mexico, teils me that there are literally thousands of them
in the marshes bordering the Gulf coast. He says they are never shot
and in Company with Jacanas and other Mexican swamp fowl are per-
fectly fearless of man. He teils sad tales of the reduction wrought in
the ranks of the ducks as they come southward seeking their winter
homes in the fens of warmer lands.

The eggs of this Ibis, are, so far as I can learn, of an average size
of 2 X 1.50 inches, oval shaped in outline and of a chalky green color,
at least all that I have seen have been such.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 121

THE COMING OF SPRING.

To the experienced observer in particular, and every body in general,
it is more and more apparent that decided changes are taking place in
our outside world. The ice and snow have vanished, with the
exception of a few stray patches here and there which linger in sheltered
locations; the high winter winds are becoming less frequent and severe,
and'the clouds are daily growing less sombre; the creeks and little
brooks are again free from the band of the frost king and are dashing over
their pebbled beds and golden sands; the atmosphere is getting milder
and there are warm gentle showers; while now and then we have one
or more of those balmy days which make us go out into Nature's
domain and note what is going on.

The wild geest,moved by that never-failing monitor, natural instinct,
are flying northwards and you may chance to see them and hear their
"honk, honk" as they pass over your locality. Yes, although the trees
are still leafless, and the fields and byways devoid of Vegetation, there
are unmistakable hints of spring. Has not March brought the blue
bird, "the violet of song," and the robin with his heart-warming note,
and the meadow lark with his clear joyous greeting, and the song
sparrow who bubbles over with joy? Later these are followed by the
long list of "season birds" who twice a year wing their way to and from
the sunny southland. Their absence during the winter months makes
their song the sweeter upon their return, and their presence the more
appreciated. Those who have come to be on intimate terms with these
fascinating creatures have added to the gentle and healthful pleasures
of life. No pictures nor descriptions do justice to their grace, their
animation, their airy little ways, their skill in nest building and their
devotion to their young. There is always another species to look for,
another mystery to solve; a new song to record or an old one welcomed
back.

From now on there is abundant evidence of new life and activity;
the grass is covering the fields with a rieh mantle of beautiful green;
the early spring flowers which we delight to gather have awakened
from their long slumber under the leaves and some of the hardier
varieties are already in bloom, heralding the approach of countless
others; the maples too, have caught the warming rays of the sun, and
are crowned with red and yellow blossoms, and amongst them is heard
the ceaseless hum of myriads of bees. The trees, being animated by
natural life which stimulates them at this season of the year, are putting
forth their leaves, bursting asunder the velvet sheath which protected
them through the past winter. The animals which have been lying

122

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

dormant through the winter, or snugly hidden away in their warm
nests, have aroused themselves from slumber and are coming forth to
enjoy the change; butterflies and moths, which have been shut up in
their cocoons, now eat their way out of their prison houses and spread
their wings to the bright sunshine. Look at the orchards, where eise
can you see such an exquisite display of delicate pink and white
blossoms; how they harmonize with the tender green foliage and the air is
heavy with their fragrance; see the flocks of beautiful warblers moving
up and down, in and out, among the branches in search of insects,
chatting to each other in the fullness of their enjoyment.

In this way, one by one, our old friends return and familiär sights
are repeated. It is a time of opening and beauty — of the light in the
days, of life in the leaves, and of the voices of birds; it is a season
which calls our thoughts out and up and away. At what other time
can one experience such glorious awakening, such complete renewing
of all Nature? As the days go by the early fruits are ripening, the
clover is coming into bloom and maturity, and the wheat, corn and other
grains are rapidly progressing; all the migratory birds are now in
their accustomed haunts in wood, field and meadow, and merry spring,
with a quiet unconscious motion, yet perceptible changes, verges into
Summer.

As we look upon these scenes of exquisite beauty, and reflect upon
the unseen yet boundless power which rules the universe, we are
caught with the spirit of joy and gladness which is evidenced every-
where around us; the world seems less harsh, the cares of life lighter;
there is a soothing sense of comfort and cheer which acts as balm to
the tired mind and which enters into the soul and possesses it, and
brings its own peace. Berton mercer.

Photo from life by J. H. Miller.
HUMMING BIRD ON NEST.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

123

Photo by P. B. Peabody.
NEST AND EGGS OF CANADA GOOSE,

124

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

Address Communications for this department to

Meg Merrythought, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

How eagerly we shall welcome the first heralds of spring who an-
nounce the Coming of a bird host within a month's time. Here in Con-
necticut we shall think spring has really come when the first cheery
notes of the song sparrow greet us, though there have been a few
brave fellows who have staid with us through the winter's cold and
snows.

How delightful a place Windham, Vermont must be, where the
"English Sparrows are wholly unknown." Who among our boys and
girls can teil us of another place where the saucy intruder is conspicu-
ous by his absence.

The Stranger Bird of which Sally Orvis told in February was pro-
bably a Pine Grosbeak.

We cannot put the blame on the printer this time for a mistake in
last month's magizine, where an Acrostic was given with its answer
also. We shall be careful not to make a puzzle so easy for you again.

One bright day not long ago, we made a call on a brown screech
owl out in the woods. He sat on a limb of an immense dead oak, just
in front of his circular doorway, with his soft mottled feathers flufifed
out, taking a sun-bath. He sat perfectly motionless and might easily have
been mistaken for a Cluster of brown leaves upon the bough. He was
not very polite, for as soon as we came near, he withdrew within his
hollow tree and pretended he was not at home, thougn he must have
been heard our repeated knocks. Perhaps he thought we cameto settle
with him for sundry stolen breakfasts, dinners and suppers, though he
did not look as if his conscience troubled him.

Cordially your friend,
Meg Merrythought.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 125

ROLL OF HONOR.

1 Jacob Stehman, Rohrerstown, Pa.

2 Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. L

3 Joe C. Nelson, Hannibal, Mo.

4 Paul P. Jones, Windham, Vt.

5 James Chase, Logansport, Ind.

6 Stafford Francis, Exeter, N. H.

7 J. Anderson Otis, Bridgevvater, Mass.

8 A. P. Woodward, Danielson, Conn.

9 Louise Jordan, Defiance, Ohio.

10 Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn.

ANSWERS TO MARCH PUZZLES.

Numerical Engima, American Ornithology.
Winter nests : 1. Wood-thrush.

2. Yellow-throated Vireo.

3. White-eyed Vireo.

TANGLES.

1. The \Vhip-poor-7vill is valued by the f armer as an insect destroy-
er.

2. The Flicker cleans out a last year's hole, or drills a new one
early in the spring. The birds carry the chips some distance from the
tree where they are vvorking.

3. In May the Summer yellow birds come like gleams of golden sun-
shine.

4. The /[k?^/-//;;7Ci-// builds a nest of sticks, plastered together with
mud and leaves.

5. The cheery little Song St)arrozv is one of the first birds whose
sweet song greets us in the spring. He is one of our most constant
Singers.

EXTRACTS FROM OUR MAIL BAG.

Wrexs and Sparrows.
There is a bird house in our yard which was occupied the summ er
before last by a pair of wrens. They staid through that summer and
came again last summer, but a pair of sparrows wanted the house too,

126 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

which quite worried the little wrens. They sat on a pine tree near
their house and scolded away at the sparrows. We tried to drive the
sparrows away, and finally, I believe they staid away, much to the de-
light of the little wrens, who staid there for the rest of the summer.

Natalie Mitchel,
Westport, Conn.

BIRD ACCIDENTS.

One day in summer after a hard wind, I went out under a maple tree
and there found an old bird's nest of the year before, blovvn to the
ground, and in stooping to pick it up, I noticed a dead wren in it.
The wren had its neck so tightly entwined with a horse hair that I
could hardly get it loose. The wren had been dead for some time. I
cannot explain this accident, unless the wren had found the old nest,
and thought to get some of the horse hair for the purpose of lining her
own nest and had thus been caught.

One day in winter while watching a flock of chickadees chasing one
another about the yard, I suddenly heard a loud knock upon the win-
dow glass and went out to ascertain the cause. There upon the ground
under the window, I saw a Chickadee quite dead. It had, in its play,
dashed against the window and instantly killed itself. No doubt it
had thought it was about to dart in an open space until it was too late
to stop in its flight.

Percy L. Phillips,

Belleville, 111.

THE SCREECH OWL.

Yesterday morning when my grandfather went out to feed the hens,
he saw a small owl flying about as if trying to escape from the hen-
house. As he wanted to knovv what the owl was doing there and
thought it might be troubling the hens, he tried to catch it, but not
succeeding, he took a stick and killed it.

As he had noticed that some of the hens, arid especially some chick-
ens about two thirds grown had seemed frightened, and as their backs
had looked as if something had been trying to fear away the feathers,
tny grandfather has concluded that the owl had attacked them. With
his wings spread out he measured twenty-two inches from tip to tip.

Leroy B. Noble,
Little River, Conn.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. V21

BLUEBIRDS AND SWALLOWS.

Last summer I made tvvo bird houses, one double and one Single,
and a friend of mine made one double one. A pair of Bluebirds, after
investigating them all, built in one side of my double one. Later a
pair of Tree vSwallows came and tried to investigate my houses, but
the Bluebirds would not allow them, or any other birds to even perch
on either house. Afterwards they built in my friend's house.

After the young Swallows in my friend's house had been hatched
about a week, a pair of Bluebirds decided to build there. They would
go and perch on the bird-house and the Swallows would drive them
away, but they would come right back again.

They had a hard battle for more than an honr, until finally the side
in which the Bluebirds wanted to build had to be stopped up before the
Swallows could feed the young birds.

The tree Swallows and Bluebirds are the only birds that we have
which build in bird-houses. Wrens I never saw but once here, and
Purple Martins and English Sparrows are wholly unknown, I am glad
though that we do not have English Sparrows.

The holes in the bird-houses should be round and two or more inches
from the bottom. For Swallows, the holes ought to be a little larger
than for Bluebirds-

Paul P. Jones. (Age 13,)

Windham, Vt.

GLEANINGS.

"The birds made melody on brauch, and melody in mid-air. The
damp hill-slopes were quickened into green, and the live green had
kindled into flowers."

What tidings hath the Swallow heard,
That bids her leave the lands of summer
For woods and fields where April yields
Bleak welcome for the blithe new-comer.

BOURDILLON.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA,

I am composed of fifteen letters. My 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, is the
name of a city. ]My 1, 9, 15, is an insect. jSIy 7, 8, 9, is a mineral.
My 4, 15, 2, is something to drink. My 6, 7, 8, 9, is what young birds
call for. My 1, 2, 3, 14, is a game boys like to play. My 1, 2, 4, as-

128 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

sists them in playing the game. My 6, 2, 4, 15, is in the 4, 2, 3, 14.
4, 11, 9, 15, 3, 9, 4. 6, 15, say goodbye this 4, 5, 6, 15.

Jacob Stehman,
Rohrerstown, Pa.

SEARCH OUESTIONS.

1. What species of bird lays one egg which, when moved, does not
roll away, but revolves about its own tip?

2. What sea bird has a greater expanse of wing in proportion to the
weight of its body than any other bird?

3. What two common birds show great faith in man?

Joe C. Nelson,
Hannibal, Mo.

WINTER NESTS.

(Continued from March.)

4. Along the brook where the elderberry bushes are thick, we are
pretty sure to find a rather bulky nest built of twigs and rootlets, and
so conspicuous that we wonder how it escaped our notice even when
the leaves were on the bushes.

5. In the wild blackberry tangle near by, we may find another a
good deal like it though broader, flatter and with longer twigs. And
then, we remember last June, when a certain long-tailed fellow used
to sit, morning after morning, in the tip-top of the old tree in the midst
of the briars, and sing to his heart's content.

6. Back to the woods again, and up near the tops of some of the
tallest bushes is a thin, rather flat nest, four or five inches across, made
largely of thin stems of grass and weeds, a loosely built affair that can
ill stand the winter winds. Its maker is a brightly colored finch, a fine
singer, whose song and nest both strongly resemble those of

7. Another beauty of the woods, who is smaller and is not a iinch,
but whose nest is more often placed on a low branch of a tree than in
the bushes. The greatest difference between their songs is, that No.
6. is continuous, a rieh, sweet warble, while No. 7. breaks his up some-
what, and his voice is less rieh.

8. Our last nest belongs to a finch too. A pretty little bird, much
brighter than his mate, and who sings far into the summer after many
other species have ceased. The nest is rather deep, a perfect handful
of fine weed-stems and similar material, usually in the bushes not far
from the ground. Look for it in an old Clearing where the young trees
are beginning to take possession.

Isabella McC. Lemmon,

Englewood, N. J,

"A Complete Bird Dictionary.'

TC)

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Author of "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America,"
"Bird-Life," Etc.

With UpwöLrd of 800 Dracwings
By CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

Illustrating in Colors Nearly Every Species of North American Birds.

This is a book for that great and rapidly growing
class of Nature-Iovers who would 'name the birds
without a gun.'. In no other text-book has the prob-
lem of Identification been so simplified.

There are no technical terms to learn, no puzzling
S5'nopses to analyze; but having seen a bird you have
only to turn to that section of the book in which birds
of its Order and color are placed, look for its picture,
and verify your selection by reading the statement of
its diagnostic niarkings and geographic ränge. As a
further aid to field identification, descriptions of the
birds' calls and songs are given.

In Short, the book is an illustrated dictionary of

North American birds, so arranged that one may

learn a bird's name with the least possible difficulty.

Each Order of birds is preceded by an introduction giving a general account

of the habits of the families of birds included in it, a feature of the work which

should make it especially useful to teachers.

For students who desire to know how and why birds are classified, there is a
Key to Orders and Families of North American Birds, with life-size drawings
illustrating one or more characteristic species of everj^ family, and a system-
atic table, which includes the birds found north of Mexico.

No other populär work treats of all the birds of this great area. The book is
therefore equally useful in any part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pac-
ific, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean.

^^ PRICE S2.50 ^^

CHAS. K. REED,

75 ThomoLS Street, Worcester, Mass.

Americarv Ornithology.

A Ma.ga.zine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. REED, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. I, II and
III, ^i.ooeach. Special: — Vols. I, II, III and subscription for 1904,
^53. 00. We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
FOREIGN Subscription, $1.25.

COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY CHAS. K. REED

VOL. IV MAY, 1904. NO. 5.

AREYOU EQUIPPED FOfi SPRING BIRD STUDY.

From the first of April until the middle of May, occurs the great
spring migration. The two following articles as well as a note book
and pencil are essential if you wish to get the most value from your
observations of the birds.

The glasses are well made and optically are equal to a glass
costing three times as much. They magnify about three diameters so
that you can see a bird about ten times as plainly with them as with
the eyes. They are nearly always used by the editor of this
magazine rather than a pair of binoculars costing $75.00.

Chapman's COLOR KEY TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.—
Having seen a bird, you wish to find out what it is. You can readily
do so if you have this book. It is a complete illustrated dictionary of
birds, showing in colors nearly every species found in North America.
It is the most useful book on birds that has been written and is
equally valuable in all sections of the country. The price of this book
is $2.50 (See ad. in this number.)

A NEW BOOK.— NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS. By C.
A. Reed, B. S.

If, during your rambles, you come across a bird's nest and do not
know what it is, this book will teil you. It will also teil you where to
look for the nest of any particular bird, so that you will not be search-
ing the free tops if the nest is on the ground. Besides it gives a full-
sized Illustration of the egg of nearly every species (see ad. in this
number). Price $2.50.

SPECIAL. — We will mail prepaid to any address, the above FIELD
GLASSES and either Chapman's "COLOR KEY" or "BIRDS EGGS"
for $7.00, or with both books for $8.00. Address, Chas. K. Reed,
Worcester, Mass.

THE KING OF THE MAY,

There's a little bird down in the willows,
Where the brook leaps over the hill
And stops to loiter a monient
Before gliding onto the mill.

A touch of Summer sweetness,
In green and black and gold ;
He sings with wondrous power
As the season's buds iinfold.

'Tis a bubbling song of rejoicing,
Tuned true to the harp of spring,
Flowing out with a joyous madness
From a heart that leaps and sings.

Out from the willow's darkness,
From their golden-green twilight dim,
To a low swinging spray o'er the water,
Glides the sprite in suit so trim.

Green above as the willows,
With breast like the sunset's gold.
And band of black as deep and strong
As the tide in the night hour's cold.

Wichety-wichety-wichety,
In a tone both bold and sweet,
Rings clear on the wandering breezes
Where mountain and river meet.

Yellow throat, voice of the spring-time,
Yellow throat, voice of the day;
Thou incarnate beam of God's sunshine,
We hail thee, our King of the May.

James Stephen Compton.

130 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

ENGLISH SPARROWS.

Our invitation to contribute tovvards the English Sparrow Fund has
borne fruit. We have received one hundred and fifteen postals and
many letters. Out of this number we find four only who favor the bird
in question. We will publish the sentiments of the four friends, but as
our Space is limited we find we can in this issue print but sixteen of the
condemnations. After reading these opinions from different sections
of the country, we wish the reader to remember that the injurious sides
of this discussion is to be multiplied by eight in order to get the correct
ratio of the opinions of those who replied to our request. We wish to
thank all our correspondents for the interest they have shown in the
matter and trust that we may be able in a future number to print more
of them.

The following three believe the English Sparrow to be a welcome
and useful addition to our bird life, while the fourth is "on the fence"
as we might say:

Medford, Mass.
I am very much interested in English Sparrows. I have watched
them a good deal for a great many years and have no faith in the pop-
ulär opinion that they drive away other birds. I have lived where
there were a great many of them ever since they were brought here,
and there has never been a scarcity of other birds, and I have never
seen them quarreling with them. All birds are quarrelsome as far as
my experience shows, but I think I have seen more quarreling among
Goldfinches and Swallovvs than among EnglishSparrows. I have seen
the latter eat a great many worms too, and I think that anybody, old
enough to remember about our canker worms before English Sparrows
came, must acknowledge how they have diminished, which was what
they were brought here for I believe, and I hope they will be protected
as they are here. AI. A. Ayres.

Stockbridge, Mass.
I believe English Sparrows to do more good than härm. Before we
had them in New York, from every tree in the spring, worms dangled
and dropped on our bonnets. It is said they frighten other birds away
but in Central Park, New York, there are many Sparrows and also
quantities of other birds. I've seen a tiny House Wren rout a Sparrow.
If people were allowed to kill them Song Sparrows and Vesper Spar-
row^s would probably be killed by those not observant enough to know
the difference between a female Song Sparrow and these birds.

V. Butler.

[I can add that I have seen a tiny House Wren rout an English Spar-
row, but I have also seen a whole mob of the latter nearly kill a House
Wren; they do not fight singly. — Ed.]

• AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY 131

Odin, Illinois.
In reference to the English Sparrow question will say I grow early
cabbage and the English vSparrow is a great help in ridding them of the
little green cabbage worm. The Sparrows will light on the plant or on
the ground and lock them over carefully and if a worm is in sight they
pick it off and eat it. This is all the good I knovv of the bird doing.

C. B. Vandercook.

Macedon, N. Y.
As to the English Sparrow these points are in their favor, they are
great scavengers — if they eat grain they also destroy weed seeds, and
I have seen them catch insects, also they stay with us in the winter. I
think we might tolerate, and even love them, if they did not multiply
at such a great rate as to drive out our native birds.

Bayard Biddlecom.

[The defense rests its case here, having submitted a// its evidence.
We will now hear what the prosecution has to testify.]

Columbia, Pa.
I have made a special study of this bird for the past ten years with
reference to their relations with other birds and with agriculture. I
find that, in between three and four thousand stomachs examined by
me, about eighty-five per cent of contents was of a vegetable character,
The greatest damage done by this bird is done to the buds of fruit
trees in the winter and spring, when large quantities enter their bill of
fare. In the summer they live on grain (wheat) on which they alight,
eating the grains and flapping their wings shower the remainder on the
ground. I am no friend of the bird and think the small good they do
far from balances the härm. J. Jay Wisler.

Floral Park, N. Y.
At Floral Park the English Sparrows destroy about one-half of all
our wild birds nests. It is usually done by picking holes in the eggs,
sometimes by throwing them out of the nest. They are often caught
in the act, and there is no mistake about it. Birds that suffer from
them are Robins, Chipping and Song Sparrows, Yellow Warbiers, Cat-
birds, Orioles and Brown Thrashers. John Lewis Childs.

Mayfield, Ky.
From my knowledge of the English Sparrow I am bound to brand
him a "nuisance." Two neighbors, market gardeners, teil me that the
English Sparrows destroy a great many worms found on the cabbage.
This is the only credit for this bird that I have heard of or seen in this
section. I see him as a vegetarian. He feeds in the streets on corn,
oats and other grains dropped there by stock, and at the kitchen door
on bread crumbs, etc., fed to poultry. I can notmature sunfiower seed
for him, and I saw two acres of sorghum corn stripped of all seed
only last fall. Briefly put they say to all other birds, it matters not
how useful, beautifül or svveetly they sing: "G^/ o/f the earth yoii are
171 my zvay.'" C. W. Wilson,

132 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Cowesett, R. I.
When I have young chickens I am obliged to stand by them while
they eat their ineals or they would be robbed of nearly all their foodby
English Sparrows. I have never seen them härm chickens, but have
heard that they sometimes do. They eat quantities of food that should
go to feed useful birds. They are very untidy in their habits, disfigur-
ing buildings and porches, and while they are not exactly homely, yet
they do not deserve the prize for beauty their notes are unpleasant to
hear. But after all is said, they are poor little hungry birds obliged to
take of themselves and are wise enough to do it in the easiest way.

M. E. Spencer.

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
I considerthe English Sparrow a pest. I have a set of eggs contain-
ing Robins and three Sparrows eggs. The nest had belonged to the
Robins in the first place, but the Sparrows chased the Robins away and
took the nest as their own. They then put aroof of straw over the nest
and a few feathers inside and laid their eggs and let the Robins gohunt
up another home. I also saw a Sparrow go into a hole in a stub about
eight feet high, which Stands in a front yard in the city, and bring two
Bluebird eggs which were in a nest in the stub, aud drop them out of
the hole just for pure meanness. I think these are good examples of
the härm they do. Walter C. Newberry.

Saegertown, Pa.
In this section the English Sparrow is considered a great pest and I
believe without one redeeming quality in its favor. Filthy and noisy
about the buildings and destructive to grain, especially wheat, both
while in the shock and mow or Stack. If they are permitted to remain
about the premises they will drive away the native birds, any of which
I am sure are more desirable neighbors than the much despised English
pest. By the use of my gun I cause the Sparrows to give our premises
a wide berth and am rewarded by numbers of our native song birds
nesting in the trees and buildings of my home. L. B. Gilmore.

Scandinavia, Wis.
We used to have about a hundred Swallows building under the eaves
of our barn every summer. But now since the English Sparrows came
we have not a single pair. I have seen the Sparrows go into the nests,
destroy the eggs and throw out the young Swallows and also destroy
the nests. I have not seen a colony of Swallows around here for sev-
eral years. One or two pairs will come back each spring, but after two
or three trials give up in despair. The English Sparrow is a coward
and a sneak and will stay around and watch until the old birds leave the
nest before he dares to go in and destroy them. I have watched them
do the same with other birds which build in our orchard. I have not
noticed that they do any good but believe they do lots of härm by driv-
ing away useful birds from our homes and gardens. O. Bennett Lee.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

133

English Sparrows (male and female).
HANDSOME BUT ILL-BRED RUFFIANS.

134 AMERICAN ORNITFIOLOGY.

Plimpton, Ohio.
Not only absolntely worthless, but positively harmful to a great
degree, the English Sparrow is the one great enemy, the one great
disgrace to bird life in this Community. He does more härm here than
all other harmful birds put together. C. L. Metcalf.

Colorado Springs, Col.
The English Sparrow is the best known and most thoroughly despised
bird in America. He is the Ishmael of the bird tribes and beak and
claw of bird, and the band of man is lifted against him everywhere, but
despite this he is the cheeriest fellovv on earth. He supplants other
birds more useful and ornamental than himself, and plays havoc in the
orchards and grain fields, and is on friendly terms with every injurious
insect destructive to the interests of farmer and gardener. His chief
mission in life as he sees it is to populate the earth with English Spar-
rows, and he has succeeded so well that their numbers are as the sands
of the sea shore. But for this he is a genuine Yankee, chock füll of
American push and energy; doesn't know what defeat means, and chal-
lenges our admiration by his indomitable courage and get there active-
ness. He is a splendid and valuable scavenger, thereby assisting in
the protection of public health, and this is his only redeeming quality.
We don't need him, don't want him, but when time shall end he will be
the last and only bird left to dispute the summons to go.

W. W. Arnold.

Brooklyn, N. Y.
I have strong objections to the English Sparrow. Mainly because of
his aggressive ways, his dominating selfishness, his tyrannical temper-
ament. From my own observations I know that he gets into the nests
of Robins and other welcome visitants to our back yard, and finally
succeeds in making these birds so discouraged that they leave us.
^ R. H. Howland.

Curran, 111.
English Sparrowsfight anddrive away all our native insect destroying
birds. They eat almost no insects. They destroy the eggs of our
birds. They take all available nesting sites and bird boxes and füll
trees and hedges with their unsightly nests. They fear to pieces flow-
ers and destroy wheat fields. Their nests stop up house and stable
gutters and stable door tracks. They foul houses carrying manure
from the street and putting it on porches and roofs. It is scarcely
possible on account of the odor, to enter a vacant house where they
have a nest. They breed in and out of season. Abbie Vredenburgh.

Vermont.
I think the English Sparrow does more härm than good. I have
Seen a whole flock of them attack a song bird and drive him out of the
Community. I think the best way to drive them off the premises is
with the gun. I think they are of no value whatever.

L. Henry Potter.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 135

Grand Pass, Mo.
To entertain for an instant the idea that a colony of fighting, chatter-
ing English Sparrows, with all their filth, is desirable, especially in face
of the fact that instead we might be enjoying the mellow warble of the
Bluebird, the rippling song of the Wren, the liquid notes of the Martin
is absurd. A nuisance ! well I should say ! And ont that is increasing
at an alarming rate, too. Edgar Boyer.

Earlville, N. Y.
In nearly all branches of the animal kingdom we find some species
which prey upon or harass the other members of the brauch. In the
heteroptera we have the assassin bugs, even in the human race we have
thieves and ruffians and the class aves is not an exception. The English
Sparrow is the bully of the tribe he is continually fighting with other
birds and even with his own kinsmen. I have in mind two particular
cases where this pest converted Clyde Williamson into their deadly
enemy. A Chipping Sparrows nest containing three birds five days old
was made a grave of the future currant-worm destroyers purely by the
vvanton cruelty of the ruffians. A Yellow Warbler's nest was sadly
rifled before incubation had hardly commenced, simply because the
innocent little mother had located her nest in a small maple next to a
roosting place of the Sparrows. These are but instances which occurred
within three or four rods of my back door. In the human race wehave
laws governing men who kill and thieve, so why not help our weaker
feathered friends in protecting their lives and property. I would sug-
gest that societies be organized for the destruction of this pest and
prizes offered for the greatest number taken by the separate individuals.
Of course the birds must be killed in the most humane manner possible
for they hav^e feeling, that is pertaining to themselves, as acute as any
living body but are certainly hard-hearted little pests, so to speak.

Clyde Williamson.

Worcester, Mass.

I think the prosecution can well rest its case here and submit the evi-
dence to the jury, which, if it be a just body of men, cannot do other-
vvise than finda verdict of guilty of grand larceny, and murder in the
ürst degree, for which the penalty is death.

Now the question comes, "How can we carry out this sentence and
Avho will be the executioners?" One man suggest that we arm the boys
with Steven's rifles, but while this excellent arm would be effective and
laseful in the hands of careful persons, of course it would be out of the
question to use them in densely populated cities.

To my mind there are three ways to accomplish the desired effect.
The first has been tried and is known to be very effective: that is with
poison. Of course this should be used only by fully capable persons
who are thoroughly acquainted with the Situation. This method can
be used only in cities and at season when other birds are not about.

A second plan and one which would accomplish a double object, would
be to influence all the enthusiastic egg collectors, to refrain from robb-
ing the wild birds of their treasures and to devote all their energies to

136 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

getting as large a series of English Sparrow's eggs as they can procure,
These eggs are handsome and show endless variations in markings, so
that the series would not be completed until the last egg of the last
English Sparrow had been secured.

The third method for imposing sentence could best be accomplished
by the concerted action of the Audubon societies, and would likewise
accomplish a twofold purpose. English Sparrows can be dyed so as to
be as gorgeous, gaudy, or attractive as any of the foreign ? birds that
are now used in the milliner's art. If these societies will but start the
fashion, it will be but a very few years before collectors will have ex-
terminated the Sparrows as completely as they have the Little White
Egrets and Terns.

A judicious combination of these plans would soon have its efifects
in reducing an evil that is now spreading at an amazing rate.

C. A. Reed.

THE ENGLISH SPARROW OUESTION,

"Good morning, Doctor, may I trouble you to teil me where I can
get some of your Sparrow medicine"? The Speaker was a middle-aged
gentleman and a school master. I gave him the desired information
and asked him how about it. ''Well," he replied, "I didn't use to
agree with you about the English Sparrow, but I do now, with a ven-
geance. I put up a bird house near my home and almost shed tears for
joy, when this spring a pair of Bluebirds began building in it. The
Sparrows had paid no attention to it before, but the next morning after
the Bluebirds came, I counted 25 English Sparrows in the tree mobbing
them, and finally they gave up the unequal fight and I have not seen
them since. If it's a question of mob law between Sparrows and Blue-
birds, I'm for the Bluebirds every time. I had not seen a Bluebird for
20 years, and I am mad clear through. You are right on the Sparrow
question and I am with you from now on."

My neighbor a few doors down the street called me in one spring
morning, with: "Say, do you know any way to get rid of these English
Sparrows?" We had a Robin trying to build in this apple tree close to
the window, but as fast as she brought material for the nest, the Eng-
lish Sparrows would steal it and carry it up into the pine tree. So
finally our Robin gave it up. With all the stui¥ covering the ground, it
is sheer cussedness in those Sparrows to steal the Robin's nest. We
want to get rid of the pests".

My neighbor next door on the other side gave me the following
over the back fence one morning a little later that same spring. "Do
you know," he said, "what the English Sparrows are doing to our
Robins? Well, there is a Robin's nest in an elm tree close to the
Shop, under the window where I work. I used to enjoy watching
them building and soon there were four eggs in the nest. Then just

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. • 137

the other morning, wheii both the Robins were away, the English
Sparrows came to the nest and sucked all the eggs; I teil you, those
little rascals are thieves and murderers among the birds and I think
they ought to be exterminated."

The same spring a boy in the neighborhood made and put up a
Martin house in the University campus. A pair of Tree Swallows
immediately began building in one of the compartments. I noticed
English Sparrows trying to mob them, and soon nothing more was
Seen of the Swallows. On climbing up to see what was the matter and
clean out the Sparrows' nests, we found the male Swallow with his
head nearly bitten off in one of the compartments. Up 20 feet from
the ground in a small box, there was no other explanation possible,
except that a Sparrow had caught the Swallow and killed him. Since
then, I have lost a pair of Tree Swallows under similar circumstances,
and small children about the place picked up the male dead, but I did
not see the body and was unable to learn whether it showed marks of
violence.

The same spring, 1897, a pair of Bluebirds began to nest in one of
houses in the garden. The Sparrows attacked them in numbers, but as
the Bluebirds seemed to be holding their own, I waited to observe the
outcome. As I came come one day I saw the male Bluebird and a
male Sparrow clinch among the higher branches of the tree and fall to
the ground together. I ran to the spot and found the Bluebird limp
with tail and wings spread wide, while under him was the Sparrow
chewing at his throat. I caught both birds in my hand and pinched
the Sparrow's head off to make him let go. The Bluebird quickly re-
covered and, no Sparrows being allowed on the premises after that, he
helped to rear three broods that season.

One morning in the following May, a bright little boy came to ask
what kind of a house he should make for a Bluebird, and said that there
was a pair in his garden and he thought they might stay, if he gave
them a house. A few days later he came again to teil me that the
Bluebirds were making a nest in his house, and in a few days more he
reported four blue eggs in the nest. His next call was about six
o'clock in the morning and his first words were, "Have you got any
shot cartridges for a 22 rifle? The English Sparrows have gone into
my Bluebird's house and broken all the eggs and the Bluebirds have
gone away. I want to shoot every English Sparrow I can find." I
gave him all the cartridges I had.

The question is not whether the English Sparrow may or may not
eat a few insects, but rather whether they destroy more valuable birds.

Dr. C. F. Hodge.

138

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

NESTING OF A GOLDEN/CROWNED KINGLET IN

MASSACHUSETTS.

^^ J^^k. ^^URING May 1903, 1 had heard several times on pass-

l. ^^ M i ing a certain gronp of spruce and hemlock trees, in

VI Mm Milton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, the song of a

^ ß^^^ Pk Golden-crowned Kinglet, a thin twittering warble with

'^ ^^ ^' arising inflection, I was at a loss to account for his

staying around so late in the spring, but on reading

them up I found that they had been known, once be-

fore, to breed in this State, so I decided to find the

nest if possible.

Accordingly on May 31st I betook myself to the
hemlock grove and watched, but with no result, as
the birds being aware of my presence hopped about
the branches lisping and acting as if they had noth-
ing in the world to do except enjoy themselves- I
did notice however that they usually stayed in a cer-
tain spruce, a little separated from the others and
overhanging a stone wall which divides the pasture
in which the grove is situated from an open meadow, across which
meanders a large stream.

Two days later I again visited the spot and was gratified to see that
the Kinglets were carrying things in their bills and depositing them
somewhere in the upper part of the tree. Taking a chance when both
birds were absent, I climbed the tree to a spot near where they usually
entered, and concealed myself. I had not long to wait before the male
came flying back with something in his bill, what, I couldnotmake out,
and passed within a few feet of me, beginning just above my head to
make a spiral ascent of the tree, hopping from twig to twig and every
now and then repeating his little song. I watched him closely but soon
lost sight of him, as he went out to the tips of the branches. A minute
later I heard his song in another tree, and knowing that he must have
deposited his burdens somewhere above me in the hanging boughs, I
again climbed upwards and took my stand where I had last seen him.
I had hardly settled myself before I noticed the female, cautiously
threading her way along the same route taken by the male. She passed
very close to me, fiew straight to the tip of a brauch about 30 feet from
the ground and after remaining there an instant, in a thick Cluster of
twigs, she flew off with empty bill. I immediately started to climb to

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

139

GOLDEN-CRUWNED KINGLETS.

140 AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY.

the spot, but owing to its location some 20 feet from the main trunk,
4 feet from the end of the branch and 30 feet from the ground I could
get no nearer than the branches just below, which sagged so that I was
left ten feet below the coveted spot. Not wishing to disturb them in
their nest building, as I then thought it was, I contented myself with
examining it with my field glass, which revealed, hidden deep among
the pendent twigs, what seemed to be a bunch of brown moss the size
of a cantaloupe.

It was the 17th of June before I could again return, and on arriving
at the grove immediately climbed to the nest, a bit of acrobatic work in
no sense easy, and found the nest, empty! On returning to the ground
however, I located the male singing in a hemlock tree near by, and on
close scrutiny I saw that he and his mate were engaged in feeding a
young one who was calling incessantly for food. I climbed softly up
and to my great surprise found six fuzzy little Kinglets perched along
a dead branch and keeping up a constant twittering. They were not in
the least afraid of me and after I had settled myself comfortably, the
parent birds returned and began feeding them. They were not fed
often but took a good deal at a time, the commonest fare being those
green canker worms which so often infest evergreen trees. After
watching them for some time I made a sudden move to slapa mosquito
and the whole brood, who had for some time past been watching sus-
piciously, fluttered off wildly to another tree.

The next week I came back and took the nest. It was semi-pensile,
hung directly under the branch and supported by the hanging twigs
which were skillfully woven into the sides. The whole structure
measured 3 inches wide by 4 inches deep, the cavity being 1 1-3 by 1 3-
4 inches. Upon examination it proved to be composed of the tall, soft
moss, so often met with in damp places. Inside there was a thick liu-
ing of numerous kinds of hairs. Some kinds which I identified by com-
parison were: horses, cows, gray squirrels, and skunks, but how they
procured the latter kinds I cannot imagine.

The last I saw of the family they were feeding in the hemlocks some

distance from their home and all seemed to be in good healthy con-

dition, this was about June 26th. I am now impatiently waiting next

spring in hopes of their return, when, if they nest in a more favorable

Position, I hope to get some satisfactory photographs.

Stanley Cübb, Adams St., Milton, Mass.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

141

TRAGEDIES IN BIRD LAND.

By Edgar Boyer.

URING the few years that I have made birds a study,
I have witnessed quite a number of what might be ap-
propriately termed bird-land tragedies.

When I say bird-land tragedies I do not include those
being caused every day in all parts of the country by
the fellow with a gun in his band, but those that come
about naturally,

One June day while sitting on the porch I heard a
loudfluttering in the vicinity of a Robin's nest, then the
Sharp threatening "Git, git, quick; git I say" followed
by more fluttering. When I reached the scene, a Blue
Jay slunk away through the leaves and a young Robin,
which was pretty well feathered out, fluttered down to
the ground. There was but one parent bird in sight
and she seemed to be about exhausted from her efforts
to Protect her offspring. The other Robin had probably met with an
accident previous to this occasion — served as a target for some em-
bryo Nimrod, who was unlucky enough to hit him, perhaps — any how
he was not present. I found the little Robin to be unhurt and placed
him in a dense honey-suckle, thinking he would be safe there should
the Blue Jay return to look for him. The old bird watched me, but
showed no resentment or uneasiness when I handled her little one.
There were no more little ones to be found any where around so I
judged that the Jay had made more than one meal at the expense of
the little Robins lives.

A few hours later I heard that same commanding cry again and as I
approached the honeysuckle the Blue Jay flew up from the ground
underneath and was chased away by the excited Robin. At my feet
lay the headless body of the little Robin. It seemed to be the will of
fate that it should die thus.

Last summer a pair of Bi^nzed Grackles built in a large walnut tree
in front of my window, placing the nest about forty feet above the
ground.

While the female patiently brooded her curiously scrawled bluish
eggs, the male was wont to walk about over the bluegrass below where
he was an object to be admired.

His search for good things to eat in the way of insects that hid in
the grass was so different from the Robin which kept him Company.
The Robin would make two or three quick awkward hops — stop a

142 AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

moment with bill pointing sky ward as if searching the heavens for food
then darting quickly forward he would bring forth a worm from the
grass. The Grackle walked about in a dignified manner keeping time
to his Steps by the bobbing of his head, and all the while keeping a
close watch, which was frequently rewarded by a big fat worm.
Many a pleasant moment I spent watching these Grackles and often
thought how I would miss them when they went away, little dreaming
how soon and sad would be their departure. I was sitting before the
window writing and kept hearing their cries but was so absorbed that
I didn't heed them for some time when the significance of the loud
"clacks" came to me with almost the suddenness of a shock. I looked
out and saw both of them Walking about in a circle, on the ground,
their eyes fastened on something in the grass, and looking the very
pictures of grief and misery. On hastening to the scene I found the
cause of disturbance to be a black snake into whose large gluttonous
mouth a young Grackle was just disappearing. But he was not
destined to enjoy the benefit of his feast for he was speedily dispatched
although too late to save any of the little birds, as, from the knotty
appearance of his body, he had already swallowed three. How the
snake discovered the nest and climbed to it is a mystery to me. As he
took the last one from the nest the old birds through sheer force of
desperation had evidently dislodged him and he had fallen to the
ground below, where I found him. When I appeared both old birds
ceased their protests and after the snake was killed they disappeared
and I saw them no more. Many a tragedy in bird life is caused by
birds flying against telephone wires. Still the damage done in this
way is not serious. During the spring and autumn when many species
roam about the country in flocks it is not uncommon in riding along
the road to see birds hopping along with a broken wing while we find
others that have Struck the wire with such force as to mutilate their
bodies, killing them instantly. I never was an actual witness to a col-
lision but once. I watched a dove which flew swiftly and straight into
the wire, not apparently seeing it at all, but as the wire was loose, a
half dozen summersets in midair, following a rather sudden and per-
haps shocking halt, was the only inconvenience the dove was put to, so
far as I could see.

One evening just after sunset when the Swifts were wheeling and
darting about over the house preparatory to entering the chimneys for
the night, one of them flew against thepoint of a lightning rod where
he stuck fast. A member of the family quickly went to the rescue and
when the Swift was freed he went off among his fellows as if such
accidents were every day occurrences with him.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 143

Last autumn I was watching some little Juncos, quite a flock of
which had collected in some shrubby plum-trees, just about dusk.
The air was just cool enough to brace one up and perhaps it reminded
the Juncos of their Canada homes — and how happy they seemed —
picking themselves, softly uttering the call note "tceep" and now and
then warbling a little song, scarcely above a whisper. As I watched
them, I heard the queer nasal cry of a Hawk in the orchard. A
moment later he darted by me like a flash, and the little Juncos with a
Startled cry dropped to the ground below — all but one and it was being
borne swifty away in the pitiless talons of the Hawk.

Near my home there is a small plot of ground, grown up in dense
shrubbery and thickets and dotted here and there by large stumps, —
reminders of trees that once held sway there. The plot is divided by a
small stream and is altogether an ideal place to study bird-life.

Many species are found there, and there are some of the prettiest
little bird homes in the country. I visit there so often that the birds
have naturally come to consider me a part of the necessary surround-
ings. One day when I had sat quietly on a stump for more than three
hours, royally entertained by these "little brothers of the air," I heard
a Sharp protest from some bushes near by. On looking over
there I saw a bush violently shaking, and hopping excitedly around it
a pair of Indigo Buntings and a Yellow Warbier. Just then a female
Covvbird flew out of the bush and my suspicions were immediately
aroused. In the bush I found an Indigo's nest containing one egg —
and that was a CowbircTs. It was the first time I actually witnessed a
Cowbird's visit to a nest. It is generally supposed that these visits
are always made in secret but this was at least one exception to the
rule. And what was to me still more surprising was that she had laid
an egg in the nest before, even the owner had deigned to do so. It
was simply adding insult to injury. The egg was freshly laid for it
was still warm. The next day there was still another Cowbird's egg
in the nest. I can't offer but one theory which is rather a lame one,
and that is that she, being unable to find any other nest, had to
choose between the vacant one and the ground. It is needless to say
that the Indigo Buntings abandoned the nest- It was only one of the
many little homes that are blighted every year by the unwelcome
Visits of the Cowbird.

144

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

PAINTED REDSTART
Natural Size.

AMERICAN Oh'NITHOLOGY. 145

PAINTED REDSTART.

A. O. U >'0. 6S8. (Setophasra picta.)

RANGE.

Central Mexico, north to Arizona and New Mexico.

This strikingly colored flycatching Warbier is found only in mountain-
ousregions of southern Arizona and New Mexico, most abundant in the
Huachuca Mountains. They frequent the shrubbery and tangled wood-
land about mountain streams, feeding upon insects which they gleant
from the foliage of the trees and also catch on the wing, in mid air, as
does the common Redstart of the east. As they flit about among the
branches, they are continually spreading and closing their tail to display
the contrasting black and white feathers, while now and then the
observerwill catch a gleam like fire as their bright red underparts are
exposed for an instant. The male and female of this species are alike
in plumage but the male usually has a few feathers on the throat edged
with red. The greatest dilTerence, beside plumage, from the eastern
Redstarts are in the nesting habits. Instead of making a compact well
made structure like that of our bird, they build upon the ground in
crevices among the rocks, or beside stumps or overhanging stones.
Their nests are made of fine Strips of bark and fine grasses woven
together and lined with hair of fine grass. During May or June they
lay three or four, most often the latter number, pure white eggs with-
out gloss, these being finely sprinkled and speckled, chiefly around the
larger end, with reddish brown and lilac-gray, they average in size
.65 X 40 inches.

Last spring I was on one of my daily strolls. In summer I am in the
habit of getting up a little before the sun and going into the woods as
it is the best time to observe birds. I was near the close of one of these
walks, and I remember having seen a good deal that morning. I was
passing through a strip of cedar woods near my house. As I was
Walking along I heard a loud chattering and unusual fuss going on up in
a tree. I went nearer to the scene of action, and for a while the noise
stopped, but presently one bird started going again. Then it was I
first saw the cause of the racket. This bird, a Robin, had got its legs
caught in a piece of twine, and the twine had caught on a brauch of the
tree. There the bird was fluttering and kicking, head downward.
What I surmised was that the Robin had been out gathering articles for
a nest and while flying through the trees the string had caught andheld
the bird prisoner. I saw the bird was suffering and so I started to
climb the tree. The bird fluttered all the harder, but as I came nearer
it stopped. Soon I was near enough to reach the bird. At first she
was Startled, but she quieted down when I didn't hurt her. I untangled
the string from the legs, and holding the bird a moment brushed her,
then opening my hands I let her free once more. At first she made no
attempt to go, but finding herseif free again, she opened her wings and
flew. She lit ^n a neighboring tree and began to sing as if to thank

me. FRIEND.

146

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

BIRD SKETCHES FROM SOUTHERN KENTUCKY.

r ■ '

i

bers about the
heard at once

By Sadie f. Price.

LONG the wooded banks of the winding and
picturesque Barren River may be found an
abundance and variety of bird-life scarcely excel-
led anywhere eise.

A Short trip of two hours by steamboat to a
country residence in Warren County, and three
days spent in the woods near the river, boating
or wandering on the bluffs and densely wooded
banks and open fields adjacent, gave a note-
book of bird notes and a feast of musical notes
long to be remembered and treasured. Southern
Kentucky is rieh in resident song birds and
favored by rnany migrant singers. The Mocking
bird, that "trim Shakespeare of the trees," often
remains through the winter, but comes in num-
8th of March, and at this time twenty could be
in the orchards and open woods. The Brown
Thrush or Thrasher, called by many common names, as "Sand"
or " Brown Mockingbird, " was vying with, if not surpassing,
the Mockingbird in melody.

The clear rieh, unrivalled call of the Wood Thrush, a summer
resident, was heard in the dense woods, while the Summer Red
bird and the several singing Sparrows and Warbiers were adding
to the chorus.

That "scrap of sunset with a voice," the Baltimore Oriole,
with the near relative, the Orchard Oriole, added life and color
to the scene, and the clear penetrating "Pee-wit" and "Pee-r,
pee-r, pee-wee" of the Phoebe and Wood Pewee were heard at
different points up and down the stream. The former build in
numbers at the cave entrances and on the shelving rocks and
bluffs overhanging the river, two and three nests were to be
Seen together in a row, the same bird, no doubt, returning to
the old homestead, and adding a new apartment, so to speak,
to the one occupied last year. Groups of these may be seen all
over the rocks, and five, unspotted white eggs were in one. The
nest is a marvel of compactness, formed of mud, then grasses
finely woven and covered or decorated outside with tender green

mosses.

The Wood Pewee too builds a nest equally as interesting,

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

147

but entirely different. It has a shallow, lichen-covered nest in
the fork of a small limb, fully as dainty, though larger, as the
Hummingbird's nest, and difficult to find, owing to its resembl-
ance to a liehen covered knot on the limb. One experiences that
"delirium of delight" of the naturalist when first finding it.

Drawing by Sadie F. Price.

WOOD PEWEE-.

As we glided down the stream a solitary fisherman, the little
Green Heron, "Shide-poke" in local parlance, — was observed
Standing erect on a fioating drift, patiently waiting an unwary
fish. "Solitary tattlers" and a Hilldeer were^ seen near the bank.
A mother Wood Duck and the young also were heard near. A glimpse
of a Red-shouldered Hawk and its "chicken" was heard far over-head
in a dense tree top.

Bee-martins were seen, and a Carrion Crow ("Black Buzzard") had
built its rüde nest at a cave entrance in the bluff, and startled us by
flapping out in our faces as we approached. The young, half-fledged,
the color of young ducks, grotesque objects, all head and eyes and sur"
rounded by anything but the airs of Araby, stood shivering at our notice.

The Kingfisher was a common bird on the river, — while Vireos and
Tit-mice, the gray Nuthatch and Carolina Wren were common notes

148

AMERICAN ORNITÜOLOOY.

heard every day. The "Maryland" Yellow-throat is an early bird, be-
ginning its matins at four o'clock or earlier.

The Bobolink, called by the unpoetical name "army-worm bird," by
the farmers here, comes in May when the blackberries are in blossem,
and only tarries with us two or three days, on its way northward.

Drawing by Sadie F. Price.
BOBOLINK.

A few Robins stay with us all wint6r, are usually plentiful by Feb-
ruary llth and in numbers by the Istof March, their call of "cheerily-
cheerily, cheer up, cheer up" filling the air. That little perpetual
motion the Bewicks Wren is common by the 6th of March, while Mea-
dowlarks and Bluebirds are usually building at that time. Between
April Ist and 18th the Chimney Swift, Baltimore Oriole and Scarlet
Tanager make their appearance, while the Song Sparrow arrives early
in March, only staying a few days with us.

The common Martin leaves for the south as early as the middle of
August. The old custom of putting up Martin boxes is one that ought
to be revived. There is one old-time darkey near who follows the cus-

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 149

tom "Dey keeps de hawk frum de chick'ns." In answer to my inquiry
if the English Sparrows fought them, he said, no, buthe always took the
box down in winter and put it up again the first of March. If the
Martins once took possession the Sparrows could not drive them away.
If the Sparrows took it in the winter they would "hold the fort"
he thought and the Martins could not regain it.

The Cardinal Red-bird or Grosbeak Cardinalis cardinalis, with its
ringing call or whistle "What cheer, what cheer," is the most attractive
winter resident we have. The Kentucky novelist, James Lane Allen,
in a late story has forever — to the Kentuckian, associated this birdwith
his State. In it, too, he utters a strong plea for the protection of birds,
as well as a fine compliment to the indefatigable worker, Audubon
who spent some time collecting in this State-

He writes of a time, when a boy, he once went his way to the woods,
as to Damascus a little vSaul of Tarsus among birds, breathing out
slaughter, when suddenly from forest and orchard, from thicket and
hedge row, came the words, "Why persecutest thou me." Per-se-cu-test,
per-se-cu-test !" — the birds singing the old, old chorus against man's
inhumanity. I wish there could be such an "awakening" among the
boys in my neighborhood, who walk the streets as a man does the
woods in autumn, armed with their diabolical machine, the air-gun.
One boy boasted, and a near sighted boy, too, of killing eighteen birds
in half an hour and this spirit is excused by saying "it is the hunter's
spirit," "boys must kill something.' The much abused English Spar-
row gets the entire blame of the disappearance of song birds in our
town, but it is certain that the "small boy" armed with one of these
deadly toys has a band in t.'iis destruction quite as much as this cheery
little naturalized foreigner.

The study of birds and celebration of "Bird Day" in the public
schools may do much to stop this. Then if the old custom of putting
up boxes for Martins, Bluebirds and Wrens about houses were continued
and the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals would take a
shot at the manufacturers of toy guns, perhaps we would have more
song birds with us in our city trees and parks.

Among game birds the Partridge ( Colinus virginiamis) is generally
quite common, though some years is slaughtered without mercy.
The Wild Turkey is often taken though not common. Ruffed Grouse
are occasionally seen. They were once quite frequent as well as the
Woodcock. This, locally known as "Wood-chuck," is a rare birdnow.
Doves are common, though constantly taken out of season. The
Meadowlark and Yellow-hammer also are often oft'ered for sale. They
should both, I think, be protected and not counted as game birds.

150 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

The Bobolink is entirely too rare here to be generally taken for a
game bird, in fact is entirely unfamiliar to many hunters. Among
Ducks the Wood Duck, Shoveller, Gadwall (Gray Duck) and Mallard are
the common species. While Pin-tailed Duck and the Teal are often
taken, Hooded and the Red-breasted Mergansers, though too streng
and "fishy" to be generally eaten, yet are often ofEered for sale at game
houses. The Golden Plover is only occasionally taken, while in spring
the Snipe (^Gallinago delicata), Wilson's Snipe, locally known as
Jack Snipe and the Totamis melanoleticiis, Stone Snipe or Yel-
low Shanks are often quite common. The Rail, too, is occasionally
taken in the spring. The common Wild Goose is rather common in the
late fall and winter.

It is generally feit by all serious-minded persons, many lovers of the
Sport as well as all true friends of the birds, that some law to entirely
Protect all birds for two years or more, should be passed, and that the
present laws should be more strictly enforced to save many birds from
the fate of the Passenger or Wild Pigeon, that has so completely dis-
appeared, when we are told that they were once so plentiful that they
were knocked down by clubs and carried off in bags and even wagon-
loads. Also that the trees were so crowded with them that they often
broke down with their weight, and as they flocked to the roosts the
whole sky was darkened with them as with a thunder-cloud.

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

151

BIRD NOTES FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

ßy H. W. Myers, Los Angeles. Cal.

N this land of golden sunshine and gorgeous flow-
ers, let us not overlook the many beautiful birds
which are constantly around us, helping by their
very presence to make life more complete.

What greater joy for a bird lover, than to sit
by the open window and the soft moonlight, and
listen to the soul Alling music of the Mocking-bird
as it is wafted in on the night air ; that air made
sweet by the perfume of the orange blossom.

The Mocking-bird and the orange blossom ; — in
my thoughts they are associated together, for in
the spring, when the air is heavy with this most
delicious odor, the Mocking-bird sings all night
long to his brooding mate. Nor does he rest by
day, — on the contrary he seems to be always'sing-
ing, and one cannot help wondering if the grace-
ful fellow never eats.

These tarne friendly birds are with us all the year and this
Corner of the bird world would seem quite incomplete without
them.

It is always amusing to watch them dive at the family cat and
give her a dig on the back with their bills, while they fan her
sides with their wings. We always know that they have a nest
somewhere near when they attack the cat with their guttural
"kerr, kerr," and though we are fond of the cat, we are glad
to have the old birds pick her, for does she not get more than
her share of these sweet songsters when they are still too young
to defend themselves ?

I fear so ; — and from the number yearly destroyed in this way
and in numerous others, I sometimes marvel that there are so
many left.

Not the least entertaining thing is the opportunity of watching
Madame Mocker scold a Butcher bird who has had the audacity
to venture into the neighborhood where Madame is feeding her
young. Flying up to the electric wire and seating herseif only a
few feet from this handsome intruder, she will raise her tail,
drop her wings, and bristling up to twice her natural size, will
send forth an angry bird protest, which interpreted means I am

152 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

sure, "Get out of here, you old Loggerhead, you miserable Butcher
bird! you can't have my darlings, get out at once, do you hear?" and
as the Shrike sits calmly watching this tirade which he has so uncon-
sciously stirred up, Madam Mocker, makes a dive at him and — being
too polite to resist a lady, he takes himself and his unwelcome presence
out of sight.

I have also watched a Mockingbird drive two Robins out of the yard,
that were much larger than himself. It seemed quite evident that he
considered our place his own property, and had appointed himself to
police the grounds.

My affections for the Mockingbird are divided with the smallest
and daintiest of our feathered friends, the Hummingbirds, who are
also with US throughout the year. Perchance you are sitting with me
upon my porch, when suddenly there is a "buzz-z" close to your head
and a green streak darts past you with a "tsp, tsp," and poising over a
geranium not three feet away, this dainty bit of feathered sweetness
sips the nectar from your flowers, and is away again before you are
over your surprise. Raising your opera glass, you watch him as he
rests upon a tiny brauch near by, his green back shining in the sunlight,
the feathers on his head raised into a diminutive crest.

Listen — he is actually singing, "Teedle, teedle, te, te, te," he sings
in a rapid little melody; "Teedle, teedle, teedle, te, te, te" and you are
suddenly seized with a childish desire to grab him in your hand and
squeeze him out of pure love. He has evidently read your thoughts,
for away he goes, and though a bush hides him, you hear his contented
little "tsp, tsp."

Then there is the Black Phoebe who rears her young near by and
brings them daily to our yard to feed. Truly this yard must be füll of
marvelously good things, if one is to judge by the number of birds seen
daily from the porch.

Madam Brown Towhee, followed by her hungry twins, parades be-
fore this reviewing stand and gladly eats the crumbs thrown to her.

The saucy Linnet, or House Finch, the rose-crimson trimmings of
his brown coat making him very attractive, goes so far as to build on
that same reviewing stand, the porch; while in the pepper tree across
the road, that Prince among birds, the Phainopepla or Black Flycatch-
er gathers the red berries for his supper. Sometimes his ash colored
miate accompanies him, but you must look quickly if you would ob-
serve them for they are shy birds and their stay will be short.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOÖY.

153

Photo by Lispenard S. Horton^
NEST AND EGGS OF GREEN HERON.

154 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

To this choice feeding ground the large Hooded Oriole brings her
three little beauties, who, though now resembling their somber mother,
may later grow into gorgeous orange and black likenesses of their
father.

Occasioiially a flock of the dainty Tit-mice fill our trees, a Goldfinch
Swings upon a weed and gathers seeds, a pair of Yellow Warbiers or a
White-crowned Sparrow pass by and pay us a short call while Turkey
Buzzards circle over head, and flocks of Blackbirds go noisily on their
way.

In the early morning a bevy of California Ouail may be seen scud-
ding across the road and hurrying to their camping ground in the
Arroyo Seco, while the twilight may reveal, silhouetted against the
sky, a young gray Screech Owl upon your roof.

There are many other birds to be found in this vicinity for the look-
ing, but these are a few that are seen daily, or occasionally in our yard
throughout the summer, and many of them the winter also.

THE "MORNING CHEER'^CLUB.

Of all the countless Clubs, Societies and Federations in existence,
the Association to which I am about to introduce you is most unique
in its character and Stands well apart from the busy world and its cus-
toms and usages.

Before going further I will add that the members composing this
Association are numerous little feathered friends with whom it has
been my privilege to daily associate. While none of these busy little
•dwellers of the wood ever confided to me the "Objects and Require-
ments to Membership in their Association," it seems to me beyond all
■doubt that their chief mission in life is the spread of good cheer
throughout the Community and adding materially to the general well-
being and happiness of mankind. Their club room is the forest, and
their roof the limitless expanse of sky. Their "Constitution" and
Tules are so arranged that a number of representatives shall be present
throughout the year, therefore, when the Summer "Oflficials" take
their departure, the Autumn and Winter residents are on band to fill
their places.

In making the daily trip to the city, it is necessary to pass through
an interesting piece of woodland, situated between my home and the
railway Station, and it is in this wooded section that the "Morning
•Cheer" Club has its headquarters. During the spring time there is a
.large increase in membership as the southern representatives return

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY. 155

frort! their winter sojourn. Then and during the summer their temple
is covered with a beautiful mantle of the riebest green; their carpet
(the dead leaves of past years) is sprinkled with thousands of choice
wild blossoms; they have a canopy above of the purest blue; their
whole surroundings are one harmonious blending of beanty, happiness,
sunshine and song. At this time of year you are likely to meet the
following members and their wives: Goldfinch, Indigo bird, Caro-
lina Wren, Cnipping Sparrow, Robin, Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Cuckoo, Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vireo, Flicker, Blue Jay, Oven
bird, Maryland Yellow-throat, Least Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Wood
Pewee and some of the Warbiers. An interesting feature is that near-
ly all of the above members established their homes in the immediate
vicinity. This was a season of concerts and activity among the feath-
■ered Citizens. Old homes had to be repaired, new homes built, and a
regulär overhauling of things in general. This daily walk through the
Morning Cheer temple was the source of untold pleasure and profit,
and served to lighten the burdens of the day; many pleasant observa-
tions and discoveries were hastily made, to be thought over and enjoy-
■ed later at the busy city office, and throughout the course of the day I
seemed to hear the echo of their early songs of gladness, as the glori-
■Gus sun rose higher in the heavens and their little coats were yet wet
•with the sparkling dew of the morning.

For quite a while this condition of affairs remained pretty much the
•same; there was the daily greeting of my little friends; the ceaseless
volume of countless songs, and the rush and hurry of household affairs.
Throughout the months of July and August, however, this era of activ-
ity and song daily grew less marked, until finally the only members,
who exercised their vocal powers to any great extent, were the Indigo
"birds, Goldfinches and Vireos, with perhaps a few notes from the
■Carolina Wren early in the morning. These continued their song all
through the mid-summer days of heat and idleness; especially the In-
digo bird — iTiorning after morning as I passed by, he could be seen on
Ihe topmost twig of a tall tree, pouring forth the sweetest little song.

Birds, like ourselves, seem to require a season of rest and retirement
irom the field of action, after the labors of nest building and the care
and anxiety of rearing their little familes for the year. They are not
made simply to sing; they have their work to do, and their lives are
crowded with joy and sorrow, sunshine and shadow, much like the hu-
man life.

Bertox Mehcee.

156

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Address Communications for this department to

Meg Merrythought, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

We have received a great many interesting accounts of birds which
became very tarne during last winter's cold and snowy weather, and
give you a few bits from them this month. What fun it will be when
the birds of our woods and fields will fly down upon our Shoulders, and
even pull our ears, instead of flying away to hide at the sound of our
footsteps.

These same bird-charmers now have tenements ready for the Blue-
birds, Wrens and Martins, and will have many good times this summer
watching and listening to the busy little truants.

I wonder if any of you have tried the plan of putting a bell on pussy,.
that she may give warning to the birds of her approach. I should like
to hear from you if you find this plan succeeds well.

Cordially your friend,
Meg Merrythought.

ROLL OF HONOR.

Jacob Stehman, Rohrerstown, Pa.
Paul P. Jones, Windham, Vt.
Leo LeFebure, Cedar Rapids, la.
Clarence F. Dickinson, Springport, Mich.
Louise Jordan, Defiance, Ohio.
Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn.
Naomi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

ANSWERS TO APRIL PUZZLES.

Enigma. Baltimore Oriole.
Search Questions. 1. Murres.

2. Frigate Bird.

3. House Wren and Chickadee.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 157

inter

nests.

4.

Catbird.

5.

Brown Thrasher.

6.

Rose-breasted Gros

ibeak.

7.

Scarlet Tanager,

8.

Indigo Bird.

EXTRACTS FROM OUR MAIL BAT-,
A Tame Killdeer.
Last Summer as I was cultivating in my father's corn field, I accident-
ally destroyed what is called a nest of a Killdeer. It contained four
■eggs, but none were broken. I made a hollow in the ground with my
hand and placed the eggs in it with the points towards the center the
same as a Killdeer would arrange them, and when I came back on the
next row of corn she sat on her second nest as contented as could be.
The Killdeer is said to be very shy but this one did not show it the
least bit.

Clarence f. Dickinson, Springport, Michigan.

WINTER VISITORS,

This winter we hung suet on the trees near the house for the birds
to eat. We also hung up bones with a little meat on, and two bags
crocheted out of twine and filled with suet, nuts and the inside of plum
stones. Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Blue Jays come
every day, and Downy Woodpeckers and White-breasted Nuthatches
come irregularly. At first only Chickadees and Blue Jays came. As
the Blue Jays ate so much and drove the other birds away, we would
frighten them away when they came to eat, and the Chickadees came
to regard the bones and bags, as their own private property, so when
other birds came they would scold and twitter for us to come and
frighten the intruders away. But we let all but the Blue Jays eat.

Last fall we had a lot of apples freeze on the trees, and Blue Jays
and Pine Grosbeaks (especially the latter) feed on them a great deal.
A large flock of Pine Grosbeaks are here nearly all the time.

I had heard quite a number of times this winter a very pretty song,
but was not able to see the bird, but one day I heard it right over my
head, and looking up saw a Pine Grosbeak. The song was a low, very
sweet warble, quite long.

I have seen the Snow Buntings twice this year. Once they came
into the yard and ate some hayseed only a few feet from the piazza on
which we were Standing. Paul P. Jones, Windham, Vt.

158 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

SOME SOCIABLE BIRDS.

We have five large pieces of ham rinds tacked to arbor posts and a
wood shed and bread on the porch and we seldom look out without
seeing some kind of a bird pecking at them.

Our little visitors daily consist of Chickadees, Nuthatches, Red-headed
Woodpeckers, Snowbirds, Tree Chippies and three beautiful Blue Jays.
Most of them are very tarne. The tiny "Chieks" hang to their raeat
while we pass and repass within three or four feet of them, and the
large Woodpecker clung to his post with someone within two feet from
him.

Aly young son recently stood in a neighbor's yard surrounded by
tiny Chickadees and Snowbirds, and soon a bold little Chickadee came
fluttering in his face, and lighted on his Shoulder, and began pecking
and pulling at his ear, bracing and scratching its little feet into the
boy's coat while it pulled harder and harder tili my son carefully drew
back his head because the little bill hurt, and the bird left. The boy
left for home well pleased with his experience, and for over an hour
his ear plainly showed the bright pink wedge-shaped marks of the bill
of the saucy little mite. Every day I feed the birds immense quantities of
bread, drying it first, and the Jays are genuine gluttons. They made
a Chickadee drop a large piece of bread and cried and yelled at the tiny
bird. Then flew down all bristled up like a mother hen, and stole it.

SusiE R. DooLiTTLE, Cheshirc, Conn.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA.

I am the name of a beautiful and favorite bird. I am composed of
17 letters. My 6, 1, 4, 12, 5, 15, 1, 11 is a beautiful bird. My 3, 9, 9,
we find in the nest. My 13, 11. 7, 9, is what all Americans shouldhon-
or. My 16, 17, 5, 15 is part of the face. My 4, 14, 6, 3, is offen eateiL
by Bobolinks. My 2, 10, 10, 8, always finds the birds asleep.

Eleanor Pope, Racine, Wis.

ENIGMA, NUMBER 2.

I am a bird composed of 17 letters. While 1, 8, 14, 5, 16 was get-
ting dinner on the 17, 13, 8, 12, 3 she heard a noise which startled her
and turning around, she saw two 2, 5, 6, 10, near the door. She call-
ed her brother, who was just coming in. His clothes were all 11, 7,.
12, 15, for he had met a bad 4, 7, 9, and he soon chased them away.

A. P. Woodward, Danielson, Conti.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 159

WHAT IS MY NAME?

1. I wear a coat of rieh red, with a black tie, and a black band
around my beak. I wear a crest also, and I can whistle better than
any boy that reads the American Ornithology. My wife whistles too
and my daughters, though I have often repeated to them the proverb
about whistling girls and crowing hens.

2. I also am clothed in red, but my coat is not quite as bright as
number one. My wings and tail are brown, with white trimmings.
Beneath, I am of a lighter red, and my belly is a grayish green. I
have a strong bill with which to crack seeds. My home is in northern
New England, but I sometimes venture further south in the winter
months.

3. You cannot mistake me in my scarlet gown, with wings and tail
ot black. I come to you from the Southland in the sweet month of
May, and destroy for you many insects and larvas.

LETTERS FROM THE SOUTH.

St. Augustine.

Df:ar Joe : We are having good times here. We wished you were
with US in our walks about the city. As we went through the quaint
Street of Saint George, the oldest in the city, it seemed as if the little
balconies which project from the second stories of the houses would
drop upon our heads. Then we went through such pleasant streets,
with great arches of live oak branches, (whose tiny evergreen leaves
do not look one bit like our oak leaves) with long srreamers of grey
moss swinging in the air. There are many attractive homes, with
gardens where oranges hang .among glossy green leaves like golden
balls, and the air is as sweet as it can be with the perfume of roses,
narcissus and violets. Peach trees, loquots and Chinese quanquots are
in blossom, and there are magnolias and palms everywhere. The
Cardinais sing to us, and the Mocking-birds are very tame, you would
know they were relatives of the Catbirds, and when Bluebirds, Robins,
Wrens and Brown Thrashers came and spoke to us we feit quite at
home.

Yesterday when we were wheeling outside of the city I spied an im-
mense bird taking a dust-bath in the path quite a distance ahead of us,
we were creeping very quietly toward it, so pleased that we were to
have a good look at an Eagle, when the bird stretched its broad wings,
rose into the air with a queer sound which sounded to me like "April
Pool," for our "king of birds" was just an immense Turkey Buzzard.

There were white-eyed Chewinks rustling about in the undergrowth
of palms beneath the live oaks and cedars and we saw the Loggerhead

160 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Shrikes in all parts of the city. They do not mind anything about us,
but sit perfectly still upon a high pole or fence watching for their prey.
There is small chance for the grasshopper, snake or lizard which shows
its head for Mr. L. Shrike has very keen eyes and pounces down upon
bis victim quick as a flash, and either feasts upon it at once or hangs it
up in bis pantry for a future meal. Thursday we go a little further
soutb. Bob will write beforewe start.

Your loving sister,

Ruth.

GLEANINGS.

Such is the story of the Bobolink: Once Spiritual, musical, admired,
the joy of the meadows, and the favorite bird of spring: Finally a
gross little sensationalist who expiates bis sensuality in the larder.
His Story contains a moral, worthy the attention of all little birds and
little boys; warning them to keep those refined and intellectual pursuits
which raised him to so high a pitch of popularity during the early part
of bis career; but to eschew all tendency to that gross ^nd dissipated
indulgence which brought this mistaken little bird to an untimely end.

Washington Irving.

JUNE BABIES,

Have you ever found a bird's nest

In the meadow low,
With five baby Bob o' Lincolns,

Feathers yet to grow ?

From your window in the morning

Have you looked to see,
Five grave quiet little Phoebes

In an apple tree ?

Have you seen the blue-gray birdlings

Far above the ground,
Dainty nest and limb for perches

Mother hov'ring round?

On the bank beside the river

Have you watched them try,
Four young gray and speckled Bluebirds,

Stretch their wings to fly ?

If you have not, then directly

Open wide your eyes
And you'll find in field and tree top

Many a surprise. Emii.y p. Sherman.

MIDSUMMER BARGAINS.

OKXITHOLCXJY. We have a tinc line of
bird books, Ornithologioal and Oological
Ma^azines and Panii)hlets, all of wbich we
offer at reduced jiriies. Send for oonipk't'i
list if you wisb to purchase.

MINE K A L()( i Y. We havt- 2()ü kinds of Min-
erals and Kocks. In sniall specimens at 4c.
each, or in Higrh School size for lüo. each. Füll
list fret'. Ovcr 151) volumes on (ieolofjyand
Paleontiildyy, inrUiding the finest illustrated
Works (ibtainablf, at low rates.

r.OTAXY. A füll line of Botanybooks will
bf offeied very low. A new library just pur-
cliased. A collection of 9UU niounted speci-
mens of Marine Algea just being offered for
sale.

CONC'HOLOGY. Our stock in this branch
Covers over a quarter of a niillion specimens
from every part of the World. Alniost every
genera represented. ^^'rite for lists if you
have or wish to form a collection. Some
specially tine Polished Shells just received.

CU mos. Under this head we group a
great varietyof objects, such as Indian rel-
ics. both ancient and modern, marine speci-
mens both wet and dry, sponges, corals. sea
beans. füs?ils, and hundreds of interesting
objects which go to make up bandsome and
interesting CURIO CABINETS. Write for
lists of anything you desire in Natural His-
tory.

Please bear in mind that our stock is ex-
tensive, but that if we are out of what you
want we will try to obtain it for you. ( )ur fa-
cilities are unecjualled. Our new building is
now in course of erection and rather than
move all of our big stock, we will make spec-
ially low offers to liberal buyers. One to one
hundred dollars now will buy you more speci-
mens from US than it will next Fallor later.
\\' r i t e a t once . \\' ALTER F . \\' E P, B .

41() (Jrand Avenue. Kochester. N. Y.

Do You Need a Few ?

Your attention is called to my data blanks
and field note books. Now the STANDARD.
Endorsed by advanced collectors and deal-
ers. Recommended by Ornithological clubs.
I desire to send sample free to all interested.
Address.
GEO. W. MORSE. Box 230. Ashley. Ind.

THE DOG FANCIER.

ESTABLISHED 1891.

A MONTHLY KENNEL PUBLICATION.

The oldest, most populär and mostprosperous
amateur kennel publication In America.
Contains each month appropriate reading matter and
lllustrations of great value to every owner of a dog.
^^d-üertijerj get excellent results, and the rates
are very low. Covers the entire United States
and Canada, and if he's got a dog you are pretty
sure to reach him through The Dog Fancier.
A sample copy will be sent free.
Subscription price, 50c a year.

EUGENE GLASS, Publisher. BattleCrcek, Mich.

STAMP COLLECTORS. A

BeantifuI Set Free of Cuban re-
venues, for names of two stamp
collectors and two cents for pos-
tage. One mamnroth package,
which has given such universal
satisfaction and repeated Orders,
contains, an Imperial album, il-
lus. Space for 3,500 stamps, a cat-
alogue pricing all stjmps, 1000
hinges, 100 different förn. stps and a millimetre scale,
all for 50c. Our large price list free. Agts. wanted.
TIFFIN STAMP CO.. Tiffin, Ohio.

Game of Birds

A series of fifty-two illustrations
of populär birds in colors, true to
nature. A beautiful, interesting,
and instructive game.

35 CENTS POSTPAID.

We will send this FREE for one new
subscriber to American Ornithology.

CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass.

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SCHMID'S EMPORIUM OF PETS,

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Americarv Ornithology.

A Matgatzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass..
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. I, II and
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copyright, 1903 by chas. k. reed

VOL. IV JUNE, 1904. NO. 6.

PRIZES FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

In Order to stimulate interest in bird study and photography we will
make the following awards to the ones sending in the best photographs
in the three classes as stated. This contest will be conducted along
the same lines as our former ones and will close October 1, 1904.

Class I. Adult live wild birds. — For the best photograph in this
class we offer an Alvista Camera valued at $20.00; 2nd, — a pair of
field glasses valued at $5.00; 3rd, — choice of either Color Key to
North American Birds or North American Birds Eggs.

Class II. Young Birds. This class includes photos of young birds
in the nest or shortly after having left it. For the best and most
charactristic photograph we will give a Graphophone valued at $20.00;
2nd, — a pair of field glasses valued at $5.00; 3rd, — choice of the Color
Key or Egg Book.

Class III. Nests and Eggs. — For the best photograph of nest and
eggs in natural Situation we will give a pair of field glasses valued at
$5.00; 2nd, — the book of North American Birds Eggs.

All pictures received in the competition, that are available foruse in
this magazine will be paid for at the rate of 50 cts. each: all others
will be returned.

WINTER BIRDS IN TOWN,

By Leander S. Keyser.

(The following observations were
made during the winter of 19(«-4.)

Earlyin December I set up
a free lunch counter for the
birds. It was spread on the
porch roof just outside of
my study window, and could
not be called an ideal place
for its purpose, such as I
had when I lived in Kansas;
for there were no trees close
enough to that side of the
house to afford a readily accessible refuge for frightened
birds. Shouldan enemy pounce upon them, they wouldhave tofly through
an open space of four or five rods to reach a tree. For this reason the
Chickadees, which often flitted about in the trees of the little park,
either did not find the table, or eise were too timid to risk so ex-
posed a spot.

The only birds that helped themselves to the feast were the Blue
Jays and English Sparrows. The fiist day no birds came at all.
Though the sparrows were chirping about in the trees and watching me
slyly as I spread the table, they were suspicious of my designs. What
kind of a trap was that man setting for them? Or did he intend to
poison them by this oiTer of dainties? The English Sparrows, much as
they are despised and condemned, are far from being loggerheads,
and really aftord a rieh field for the intimate study of avian nature.
You carelessly throw the scraps of your dinner or luncheon out into the
back yard, and they will at once descend upon it and help themselves
without suspicion; but if you spread a banquet for them with some
show of care, they will remain away quite a while, hold many a consul-
tation, venture cautiously and by degrees, examine the place carefully,
and only when they are fully satisfied that no härm lurks about the
menu will they partake of it freely. However, in time my sparrows
became bold enough, and had to be driven away again and again to
prevent their getting all the food.

On the second day a pair of Blue Jays found the banquet, the only
Jays that found it up to the present writing. At least, everything indi-
cates that my blue-coated visitors are always the same pair, for there
are never more than two, and they have an air of familiarity. Much

162 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

as I have studied the Jays at short ränge, the present pair did some-
thing that was new to me. On Coming to the table they would first
swallow a few small walnut kerneis, then pack others, which were a
little too large to swallow, back in their throats, causing them to puff
out like stuffed sacks; after which, selecting larger and larger frag-
ments, they filled their bills from gape to tip, their mandibles being
pressed far apart. They then flew away to hide their supply in various
niches of the trees, presently returning for another relay.

Several times, while they were on the roof, some one stepped out
upon the porch below, or conversation was heardthere, when the Jays
hopped to the edge of the roof, peered over slyly, and sometimes
called in a challenging way, to make sure, perhaps, that no gun was
being pointed at them. The Jays have had enough experience to know
that not all persons are harmless.

Occasionally they become courageous enough to place broken shells
under their claws on the table and extract the goodies; but as a rule
they filled their bills as quickly as they could, and flew to the neigh-
boring trees to eat or hide their sweets. One day one of them tried to
swallow a kernel that was too large for his throat. What do you
suppose he did then? He carefully laid it at one side of the pile, bolt-
ed a number of smaller bits, then picked up the first fragment and flew
away with it. This was done with every evidence of intelligent calcu-
lation. On bitter days the Jays' feet would get cold; so they would
squat down on the edge of the table and warm them with their thick
blanket of feathers.

The absences of the Jays were sometimes unaccountable. For
instance, on Jan. 29th, they came to the table in the morning before
their breakfast was spread for them. Finding nothing, they evidently
took their departure for the day, for, though kerneis were at once
placed upon the table, the blue-coats did not return that day, and the
sparrows got every goodie. This occurred more than once throughout
the winter, and proves that the birds must have roamed far and wide
over the town and perhaps into the country, and had other feeding
places besides the one furnished at my table. Once or twice, for
various reasons, I did not put any food on the counter for a week or
more, in which case the birds did not seem to be in the neighborhood;
but they must have kept their eye on the porch roof, after all, for
almost always, shortly after I began laying the feast again, they would
come for supplies, and especially if I set the table early in the morn-
ing.

A Downy Woodpecker, a female, I think, took kindly to a meat bone
and a piece of suet fastened on an apple tree in my rear yard, quite

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 163

close to the house. She kept a sharp eye on the cat, which tried sev-
eral times to catch her. After the marrow in the bone had been most-
ly eaten, niaking the hollow quite deep, she was very quick about
plunging her head into it and drawing out. She was not going to be
caught in a hole, not she! From the windovv of the kitchen or dining
room she would permit me to watch her at her feast, but when I went
out on the porch, she would scuttle up the tree, chirping her protest
at the interruption. It Struck me as odd that she never found the ker-
neis and suet on the roof of the front porch. Neither did a pair of
Chickadees which paid an occasional visit to the meat bone in the rear
yard.

A few Hairy Woodpeckers have found winter feeding grounds in
town, and are busy chiseling grubs and larvse out of the bark of the
trees. Who can teil of how much service they are to the human inhab-
itants? A number of brilliant Cardinais and their mates may be found
here and there, chirping in the trees, displaying their gay colors, and
rifling the weed patches of their seeds. Now and then their bill of fare
is varied by the addition of com grains, which they split and then grind
to pieces with their stout beaks. A friend hung up an ear of corn in
his yard, and teils me that for a while it was visited every day by two
brilliant males and one female of this species; later he reported that
four pairs had found the feast, and were daily guests, the first comers
having evidently told their neighbors of the free larder.

The palm for singing this last winter went to the Carolina Wren,
whose military salute was rung out on the frosty air many a morning
even when the mercury registered twenty degrees below zero. Best
of all, his winter song was as loud and cheerful and full-toned as his
vernal Performance, though not heard so often. He was singing his
blithe chanson on February 16th, a clear morning with mercury eight
degrees below zero. Also on February 25th, when, though not so
cold, a stinging wind was blowing from the east. Nothing seems to
daunt our little soldier in feathers. His has been the only bird song
heard all winter long, even the lyrical Song Sparrows having been re-
duced to silence during the long-continued cold weather.

However, Carolina has his ecentricities like many other birds. The
first of March brought a few days of balmy, springlike weather, when
the snow and ice departed with a rush, and the Song Sparrows and
Robins were beguiled into singing. Surely, I thought, this will be a
gala-time for the Wrens; but, contrary to all expectations, not a Caro-
lina's song was heard in all the town or the country round about; only
a loud, impatient chir-r-r, as if they were angry that pleasant weather
had come at last.

164

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

One day — this was earlier in the winter — a Wren hopped about on the
roof just outside of my study window. His plumes were sadly frayed
and ruffled and thinned out, for he was moulting; but when his voice
soon afterwards was lifted in song, there was no diminution in the fer-
vor or loudness or optimism of his tones. Brave and hardy little min-
strel! He deserves an ode or a saga all to himself. Will not some
Shelley or Wordsworth give a proper apostrophe?

BIRDS ON THE PLAINS

This Summer we enjoyed our

vacation on the western plains.

We were in Wyoming. We found

its bird life a source of constant

enjoyment. There, for the first

time, we heard the song of the

Lark — it seemed the embodiment

of joy. Scores of Meadow Larks

met US every where, for the State

law protects them from the gun

of the sportsman. In our drives

through the meadows, they would
run along near our track, as trustful as God meant they should ever
be. We saw some mother Larks that used the ruse of the Quail,
limping along hurriedly in a direction away from the nest, then
suddenly taking wing and flying far away.

The freedom of the birds was most pleasing to me, who have been
used to birds taking to the woods for safety. One day we were cross-
ing a meadow of five hundred acres, and as our horses trotted along, we
became aware that a band of bank swallows was following us, circling
about the horses' heads, many times flying dose to our faces. They
stayed with us until we reached the open trail. My curiosity was
aroused to find such dif^erence between the manners of these swallows
and those of their Ohio cousins. I asked the ranchman with whom we
were staying, and it proved to be their common habit. As the horses'
feet stir swarms of insects from the grass, the wise little swallows
gather them for food.

Many wading birds were spending the summer among the numerous
lakes, ponds and mountain streams of the plains. Some two miles
from US a Great Blue Heron had built its nest in the top of a tall old
cottonwood tree. We saw the Herons many times, as they frequented

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 165

a pond that lay a quarter of a mile from the ranch house. Many Cranes
haunted this pond. Along the stream that ran back of the house, we
saw Curlews, Plovers and Kingfishers. while five or six miles up its
course, we found the Mallard Duck with her brood of ducklings floating
on the stream.

In the sage brush were Sage Chickens, and in the pine, theGrouse.

In our trip to the mountains the red and white-winged Blackbirds
were in evidence, besides many migratory birds with which we were
not familiär. On the the mountain we saw Eagles, and the bright Gold-
finch with its wild sweet song.

Last, but not least from a point of intimate acquaintance, is the Mag-
pie — the omnipresent Magpie. We need no alarm clock. As soon as
it was light in the morning (3:15 a. m.) they congregated about the
Windows and began their noisy gossip. From the noise they made, one
would guess they were legion, though investigation usually proved them
to number from twenty to thirty. Elizabeth Bogart.

[ffi DO BIRDS PUNISH? ^1'

Some time ago a fellow teacher in whom I have the greatest con-
fidence related to me the following account which leads me to ask the
question, Do birds punish?

Early this summer it was noticed that the English Sparrows and Mar-
tins were contending as to which had the clearest title to a box intended
for the use of the latter. The contest had gone on for several days and
neither party had gained a decided advantage. One morning on leav-
ing the box the Martins left one of their number behind presumably as
a guard, but he was not faithful to his trust and became so careless that
the Sparrows came up stealthily and began to tear out the nests un-
molested.

The Martins soon returned and drove the intruders away and then
turned their attention to the guard who failed so miserably in perform-
ing the part assigned to him.

With one accord they proceeded to scold and buffet him until he had
been severely chastized.

The occurence has almost led me to believe that birds have a sense
of justice somewhat developed. j. l. floyd.

166 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

fc-;-^ KENTUCKY BIRDS. ^ |

m-.i:^^ :■■■§■

The following birds which have not been listed among Kentucky birds,
or have been considered rare in the State, have come under my notice
in Southern Kentucky.

Purple Finch {cart>odaciis purpicreus) . Recorded by Audubon and
Beckham. Is a common migrant in southern Kentucky, appearing in
Mar eh.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak {Habia ludoviciana) . Transient. Rare.

Oak Sparrow {Pinccea crstivalis) . Rather rare, local in Western Ken-
tucky.

Vesper Sparrow, {Pooccsa gramineus) . Summer resident in northern
Kentucky. Have never seen it in western Kentucky.

Y eery {Ticrdits fuscesceus) . Transient. Not common.

Gray-cheeked Thrush (^Turdus alicicr). Transient.

Worm-eating Warbier (//(?/w/7//d';7/.T z'^rw/^'c'r/c^). Resident in sum-
mer.

Logger-head Shrike ( Laniiis hidoviciints). Not common in southern
Kentucky.

Bobolink ( Dolichonyx oryzivonis) . Appears not to be common in Ken-
tucky but a few are seen every year in Warren county. It remains only
two or three days in May, usually coming at the time blackberries are
in blossom.

\ioxnQdi\^2iX\ {Otocoiis olpcstris^ . Most uncommon winter resident.

Whippoorwill {^Aiitrostomics vociierus) . Common summer resident in
the "Barrens" (southwestern Kentucky), coming late (in May), after
all danger o£ frost is over, so that the farmershave a saying — ''There'll
be no more frosts, the Whippoorwill has come."

Chuck-wills-widow {Antrostcviius carolhicnsis) . Said to come to this
part of the State.

Snowy Owl {Myctca niyctca) . Occasionally seen in southern Kentucky.

V\%\iYi?iSN'^( Pandionhalicetiis) . Rather common near Red-foot Lake
(over the Tennessee border) extending up the river, occasionally nest-
ing in this (Warren) county on Barren River.

Bald Eagle {Halicctcs Icucoccphalus^. Said to be occasionally shot
near here (Bowling Green), one reported to be seen carrying oft" a tur-
key from a barn-yard. They are considered rare, yet every few months
the county newspapers record the killing of one.

Q^ixx'xorv Qxo^N {Catharista atrata) . Resident in southern Kentucky
where it is considered rare, and mistaken for a "black turkey-buzzard."

AMETJCAN ORNITHOLOGY. 167

Wild Pigeon {Ectopishs »ligrato) ius^ . Exceedingly rare in southern
Kentucky, where forty years ago there used to be any number of "pigeon
roGsts."

Golden Eagle ( Aquila chryscrtos) . Occasionally one is shot in
southern Kentucky. I saw and identified one in a collection of birds
owned by a taxidermist near Bowling Green.

Barn Owl {Strix pratincola) . Rare, I saw one afew years ago, owned
by a taxidermist who called it the "Asiatic Owl," and considered it so
rare that $25.00 was refused for it.

Gray Duck {Anas strepera). Occasionally seen here. Common at
Red-foot Lake.

'Long-hiWeö. C\xv\e\v {iVHmc?n'i(s lojig^irostn's) . Rare. One was shot
near here a few years ago.

Black Tern ( Hydrochelidon nigra). One specimen taken in southern
Kentucky three years ago.

Franklin Gull [Larus franklini) . One shot here several years ago.
Gulls are often seen on the Ohio, Green and also Barren rivers in this
county. These are the only species I am certain of however, as they
are the only ones I have been fortunate enough to get.

Common Loon {Gavia nnber) . Several have been taken in south-
western Kentucky.

Pin-tail Duck {Dafila acuta). Frequent in southern Kentucky.

Blue winged Teal (A?ias d/scors).

Green-winged Teal fA. caroliuensis). Both often seen here. Both
found at Red-foot Lake, occasionally coming up the rivers.

Hooded and Red-breasted Mergansers. Common at Red-foot Lake,
and adjacent waters.

Shoveller Duck {Spatula clypeata) . Frequently found here.

Mexican Cormorant {Phalacrocorax mcxicaniis) . A single specimen
seen by me two years ago, shot in an adjoining county.

Little Blue Heron i^A. cceridea) . Occasionally seen here. One shot
in southern Kentucky a short time ago.

Sand-hill Crane {Grus mexicana) . Rare.

Night Heron {Ayticorax nycticorax^. Not uncommon. One or more
have been brought me for Identification each year for five years. One
was brought me that was injured by flying against the electric light.

Great White Egret {Ardca egrctta) . Occasionally seen on Barren and
Green rivers.

Snowy Egret iA. candidissinia) . Rare.

Yellow-Shanks {Totanns melanoicucus) . Transient. Often seen in
spring (March.) Sadie F. Prke.

168 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

WILSON WARBLER.

A. O. V. No. 685. (Wllsonia pusilla.)

RANGE.

Eastern North America west to the Rockies and breeding from the
northern tier of states north to the limit of trees.

PILEOLATED WARBLER.

A. O. U- NO. 685a. ( Wilsonia pusilla pileolata.)

RANGE.

The Rocky Mountain region and west to the Pacific, breeding north
to Alaska. Specimens of the Wilson Warbier which are found on the
Pacific Coast and in the Rockies are usually brighter colored than the
eastern ones, especially on the forehead, where the yellow is very
bright and frequently nearly orange. The habits and nesting habits of
the Pileolated or Western Wilson Warbier are the same as those of the
eastern birds.

NEST AND EGGS.

The eastern form of this warbler nests nearly always if not always
on the ground, imbedding their fine grass nests in the moss or leaves
under bushes or overhanging banks; the western bird very frequently,
perhaps more offen than not, makes its nest just above the ground
at elevations of from one to four feet, placing them in low bushes or
underbrush on the edge of woods or along the banks of streams.
Whether on or above the ground the nest is usually compactly made of
grass, rootlets and often leaves, and the cavity is lined with finer grass-
es or hair. The eastern bird which usually nests in much higher lati-
tudes than the western, generally lays its eggs during June, while the
Pileolated variety may be found nesting in the latter part of April or

May. The eggs of the two varieties are indistinguishable and ränge
from three to five in number; they are white finely specked and spotted,
chiefly in the form of a wreath about the large end, with reddish brown
of several shades. The average size is .60 x .50.

HABITS.
These small sprightly warblers are often known as Wilson's Black-
caps or as the Black-capped Flycatching Warblers, this latter name be-
cause of their habit of catching insects on the wing after the manner of
the true Flycatchers. They winter in Central and northern South
America Coming north in the spring so as to reach our southern border

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

169

WILSON WARBLER.

[Natural size.l

170 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

in April and work their way by degrees, northwards, reaching northern
United States about the middle of May. During migrations they are
generally seen in Company with other varieties of Warbiers, from
which they can usually be distinguished at a distance by their greater
activity and their fly-catching habits. On pleasant days they delight in
flitting about among the apple trees which are in füll bloom at the time
of their migration, looking like gleams of gold as they actively clamp-
er about among the blossoms, peering under every leaf, balancing and
swaying on the tips of leaves, and ever and anon dashing out after a
passing insect. Their song is very simple and while they are with us,
rarely is more than a single chip to be heard; when the weather is
stormy they will usually be found in small shrubby pines where they
hunt for food beneath the shelter of the needles, at such times, usually
making no sound at all. They are not generally timid and will allow
one to approach within a few feet of them or if you are quiet will fre-
quently come close to you to see what you are doing. Years ago I
found a nest of this species in Maine; in the particular locality where I
was, the birds were fairly abundant and in going under a low spreading
fir tree, a sharp chipping caused me to stop, and I saw a female Wilson
Warbier making off over the ground, apparently with a broken wing.
At that time I did not know where these birds built their nests but
from the nature of the place concluded that I would probably find it
among the lower branches of some of the firs; a long search availing
nothing, we retired to a short distance and waited to see what the bird
would do. After a great deal of scolding she calmed down and com-
menced searching among the branches for food; at last we saw her fly
to the ground apparently with something in her bill, and after watching
a while longer saw the Operation repeated, she going to the same place.
When we investigated, we found that beside a leaning stone was a neat
little nest imbedded in the moss and within were three little birds
about a week old and an unhatched egg.

Comparatively few of these warblers breed south of the Canadian
borders and then only locally; it is probable that a few also breed in
the high mountain ranges even as far south as Georgia. They are
common in summer in Newfoundland, and abundant in Labrador and
about Hudson Bay.

The bright colored Pileolated Warbier returns in the spring much
earlier than the eastern variety and it is probable that many of them
winter in southwestern United States. They nest along the Pacific
coast and in the Rocky Mountain region from southern California
north to Alaska. The majority of nests which have been found of this
western black-capped bird have been in bushes only a few inches from

AMEBICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

171

the ground and most often in ravines or near the banks of streams
flowing through the vvoods or down mountain sides. There are no pe-
culiarities in their actions or habits to distinguish them from the east-
ern Black-caps other than their richly colored plumage and a slightly
narrower and paler colored bill. The female differs from the male in
plumage only in the duller cap or sometimes in the absence of that
Ornament and the young birds never have a black cap the first year, the
crown'being greenish like the back.

A STRANGE NESTING SITE ill

A few years ago while on my way to sohool one
warm spring morning, I called at a neighbor's pump to
wash the dust from my parched throat. While thus
engaged my attention was attracted by the sudden ap-
pearance of a Chickadee on a nearby currant bush.
Having been looking precisely in that direction, and
not seeing the Chickadee fly there I was naturally a
little curious to know where it came from. It soon
flew away and I thought it had gone for good, but after
lingering a few minutes I saw a Chickadee in an apple
tree a few rods away that I thought was the same as
first seen.

After it had hopped about the lower branches of the
tree for a short time it fiew to the currant bush again.
This time it had a little bunch of moss in its bill, and did not stop
long for investigation, but gave a quick dart and was out of sight al-
most at my feet. I stepped around to the current bush, and the mys-
tery was solved. There in an old decayed Splitting block, used as a
flower-pot stand, was a little round hole. I had not been here long
when little Miss Chickadee, having deposited her bürden, made her
appearance at the entrance. Upon seeing me she fiitted quickly away,
not stopping for the usual pause at the current bush.

I had heard of a Kingbird building its nest in the gutter to a house,
and of a Pewits building its nest on a clothes line, but I had never heard
of anything like this and surely, I began to think it must be the time of
year that the Chickadee went crazy. At any rate I thought that this pair
were crazy to select so public a location for a home to rear their young.

172 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

The Splitting block was only three feet from the pump, but I suppose
upon considering the fact that it was easy digging, the decision of the
location was carried unanimously between them.

Every morning after that I was of course dry when passing, and used
to call in to see how the little black caps were getting along. With the
use of a small mirror I could see that they were just putting in the
finish. The finish consisted of fine hair and very soft brown down.

As the spring passed on the little brown spotted eggs were laid, and
the little downy birds were hatched. Always after the young birds
were hatched the old ones seemed somewhat more alarmed at the
presence of the people who frequented the pump. Each day from then
on their troubles seemed to increase. They seemed to be between two
fires. The one, the seven always hungry mouths, the other, a family
cat that was each day showing an untiriag interest in their move-
ments. Every day after the cat began to take notice of them I ex-
pected to find some disaster had befeil the Chickadee family, but the
cat was not mine and the neighbor could not be made to see any neces-
sity of keeping it shut up. So things went on in this w^ay for a week
or more, The young birds were growing very fast now, and were fast
Alling their crowded home. I was beginning to lose my fear as to their
safety, but sometimes when the sky is clearest the storm is nearest.

The very next morning I found them all gone. Nothing but a few
feathers remained to trace them, and doubtless the old mother cat had
found each one of them very handy as a change of diet for her teasing
kltS. William H. Sanders.

■ü^*'^/' »-W»^*.»^.»-»»»^^»»-» l»»*'^''» »fc»«."»-^»- »'•^•^^V 11^1i*^^'»'",^^^_'rf

5 NATURAL HISTORY AS SHE IS HYSTERICLED.

J»i.»U^»-^»

Dear Sir: — The note of warning voiced in a late issue of your mag-
azine as to natural and unnatural history strikes a chord that will vi-
brate in the breast of everyone who respects Nature — and Truth — which,
after all, is the same thing.

The bald lack of interest in our wild creatures, so brutally in evidence
a few years ago, has surrendered unconditionally to the all-pervading
nature study Impulse of to-day. And what an amazing fiux of "nature"
literature. Every magazine and newspaper is saturated with it. Il is
crammed down the craws of our little children at school and at home
retailed (or should I say regurgitated?) for the benefit of dotingparents.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 173

The thrifty young house-wife decorates her boudoir and sanctifies her
"company" china with burnt offerings of sacred ibises and Cat-birds.

Some of US old-fashioned ones who occasionally venture afield just
because we love the look and the smell of the wild, feel richly compen-
sated if a day's tramp through the snow yields one little Brown Creeper
screwing his way up a tupelo, or a Nuthatch ventriloquist trying to palm
himself oflE as the ghost of a Crow, or a bunch of Juncos flirting saucily
their white bound tails. I glean from the public prints that it now is
no sort of a stunt to sit on one's back-yard fence in winter and photo-
graph Cardinal Grosbeaks, Ruby Kinglets, Bald Eagles, etc., galore.
(?Ed.)

It was my good fortune not long since to attend a lecture at a New
York school. The learned Speaker told the story of the wilderness as
revealed to him through years of intimate association. He explained
at the oflEset that people less fortunate in their opportunities for nature-
contact might have some slight difficulty in digesting the narrative of
his experience. I feel impelled to remark that this was a conservative
Statement.

Of the many weird and wonderful things he told, two stick out con-
spicuously in my memory. First, it is all foolishness to think that an
Osprey eats fish because he //h's fish. It is a mere matter of habit —
just as some of us like pie and others prefer corned beef, etc. Second,
the great mystery of bird migration is no mystery at all, when you
know it (as he did). The birds simply follozü the cnncd. I couldn't
help asking him what the crowd followed, but, very properly, he froze
me with a stony stare.

I bought a book once that purported to have been written by a man
named Burroughs. It taught me a few little things that somehow made
me love the writer, God bless him! It wasn't that the book said so
much as that it seemed to sort of coax the reader to get out in the open
and do a little seeing and thinking for himself. But that is a good
while back. We live in a more progressive age. Drop a nickel in a
slot — any old slot — and get a magazine with an authentic account of
the Nocturnal Impressions of a Humming Bird who Nested on the North
Pole, or the Autobiography of a Retired Woodcock Surgeon, or the
Memoirs of a Disgusted Toad, who threw up his opera box because he
he couldn't stomach city singing. If you dont see what you want ask
for it.

Who says the "new nature study" isn't a howling success?

Frank E. Vaughan,

174 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ORCHARD ORIOLE

A. O. U. No. 506. (Icterus sparias)

RANGE.

United States chiefly east of the Great Plains, breeding throughout
its United State ränge and north to southern Massachusetts and Min-
nesota. Winters in central and northern South America.

NEST AND EGGS.

The nests of this species vary vastly in constructionand in the method
of attaching them to their supports in different sections of the country.
They are usually quite bulky structures, never as deep or as pensile as
those of the Baltimore Oriole; they are made of long pieces of grass
very skillfully woven together so as to form a hemispherical basket.
As maybe inferred from their names they frequent and nest most often
in orchards either placing their nests in forks of the apple trees or sus-
pending them from the rims. Their four to six eggs are bluish white,
specked, scrawled and blotched with brown and lilac, usually showing
but little of the lining common to the other species of Orioles.

HABITS

These handsome Orioles are very abundant in the southern and middle
portions of the United States, in many localities greatly outnumbering
the Baltimore Oriole, the distribution of which is rather more northerly
than the present variety.

They are a great deal more active than the Baltimore Oriole and
seem to be of a more nervous temperament for they are rarely still
more than a few seconds at a time, being continually searching among
the leaves or dashing out into the air after passing insects, stopping
now and then to give voice to the loud and melodious whistling warble.

Their song is very different from that of the Baltimore Oriole and is
usually longer, louder and more varied but is sometimes intermingled
with spontaneous outbursts of stränge sounds similar to the song of
the Yellow-breasted Chat.

Most of these Orioles spend the winter in northern South America
and in the spring migrate northwards, reaching the southern border of
the United States the middle of April and the northern limits of their
breeding ränge about the middle of May. They are very abundant
breeding birds in the south and especially so in Texas, but in the

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

175

^[ale, second year.

Young male.

Adult male.

ORCHARD ORIOLE. [2-3 Natural Size.!

176 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

northern tier of states are nowhere abundant, and I have never seen or
heard one in Massachusetts although they are frequently met with in
Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Few of the smaller birds show the changes in plumage that this one
does. Young birds ot both sexes are dull olive green above and olive
yellow below, and the adult females are similar to this plumage but are
still duller; the second year the male has a black throat and more or
less of the face, the black on the throat sometimes being quite exten-
sive and invading the breast; the rest ot the plumage does not diflfer
from that of the first year except that the back is usually grayer and
sometimes there are traces of chestnut on the breast. The third year
they get their füll adult plumage of chestnut and black, with no trace
of yellowish in the plumage.

Although they are generally birds of the orchard, where they do
good Services for the farmers by destroying insects, they are also
found in open woods where they are a greatdealmore apt to build pen-
sile nests than in orchards. During the latter part of May they com-
mence to build their nests; these are beautiful and ingenious structures
made almost wholly of long grass Strips skillfully woven and threaded
together, making a very strong home and with the walls generally of
unusual thickness. They are usually of about the same depth as the
width and are rarely long like those of the Baltimore Oriole. In some
localities they are said to hang these basket-like structures by the rim to
drooping branches, but of those that I have seen, some fifteen or
twenty in Rhode Island, all were placed in upright forks in apple trees
and only in two instances partially suspended from the short stiff twigs.
Sometimes these nests are made of green grasses, and when such is
the case they are among the most handsome of bird homes as they re-
tain some of their color long after the birds have ceased using them.

The young, which, in southern New England, are hatched about the
middle of June, are naked and helpless for the first few days of their
life, gradually assuming the soft fluffly olive colored plumage preced-
ing flight and leaving the nest in about three weeks after their birth.
They are fed upon worms and caterpillars and also some fruit and
berries, especially cherries and mulberries.

The birds, both adults and young, are generally quiet after nesting
and early in September, commence to disappear and by the middle of
the month, none of them are to be found in the northern portions of
their ränge, and a month later they are all beyond our borders, spend-
ing the long, dreary winter months in a land of perpetual sunshine.

AMERICAN ORMTllOLOGY.

277

Definition. Burglar, A felonious
house-breaker.

Burglary, The act or crime of noctur-
nal housebreaking, with an intent to
commit a felony therein, whether such
felony be actually committed or not.
To constitute this crime, the act must
be committed in the night, or when there
is not enough daylight to discern a man's
face. It must be in a dwelling-house,
or in an adjoining building which is a
part of the dwelling house.
In some of the United States the term has been extended so as to
Cover the breaking and entering of any building, at any time, to com-
mit any crime.

Description of Burglar. Sides of head, throat and breast lilac brown,
with black patches on cheeks and a large half moon on breast; back
brown, barred with black; belly ashy, with many black spots; tail black
above, golden beneath, rounded, the feathers pointed, lining of wings
golden; rump white; scarlet crescent on nape; bill and feet dark; length
12.6 inches.

Such is the description of my burglar, as found, not in the "Rogue's
Gallery," but in "Our Common Birds and How to Know Them."
Like other burglars he is the bearer of many aliases, being known as
the Flicker, Golden-winged Woodpecker, Clape, High-Hole, and Yellow-
Hammer. Should you ask an ornithologist what to call him, he would
probably teil you that his true name is "Colaptes auratus."

This little fellow, although scarcely a foot in length, makes havoc
every year, on the unshingled walls of cottages, barns and bath houses
along the southern coast of Massachusetts, and I doubt not, his many
Cousins and other relatives are doing similar work all over the country,
since he is a bird of very wide ränge.

The tool with which he works is not a burglar's "jimmy" but his
own powerful bill which he uses with great speed and force in accom-

178 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

plishing his work of "breaking and entering." This power of the
bin is characteristic of all woodpeckers, since it is essential to their
success in the work of nest building and food hunting.

The wilfully destrnctive and mischevious habit is also common to
difEerent species of Woodpeckers, as we have evidence in the following
Quotation from Wilson:

"He had caught an Ivory-billed Woodpecker near Wilmington, North
Carolina, which had been slightly wounded in the wing. On being
caught it uttered a loudly reiterated, and most piteous note, exactly re-
sembling the cry of a young child, which terrified my horse so as near-
ly to have cost nie my life. It was distressing to hear it. I carried it
with me under cover to Wilmington. In passing through the streets
its affecting cries surprised everyone within hearing, particularly the
females, who hurried to the doors and Windows with looks of alarm
and anxiety. I drove on, and on arriving at the piazza of the hotel,
where I intended to put up, the landlord came forward, and a number
of other persons who happened to be there, all equally alarmed at
what they heard; this was greatly increased by my asking whether he
could furnish accommodations for myself and my baby. After divert-
ing myself for a minute or two at their expense, I drew my Woodpeck-
er from under the cover, and a general laugh took place. I took him
up stairs and locked him up in my room, while I went to see my horse
taken care of. In less than an hour I returned, and, on opening the
door, he set up the same distressing shout, which now appeared to
proceed from grief that he had been discovered in his attempts at
escape. He had mounted along the side of the window, nearly as high
as the ceiling, a little below which he had begun to break through.
The bed was covered with large pieces of plaster; the lath was exposed
for at least 15 inches Square, and a hole, large enough to admit the
fist, opened to the weather boards; so that, in less than another hour
he would certainly have succeeded in making his way through. I now
tied a string round his leg, and fastening it to the table, again left
him. I wished to preserve his life, and had gone off in search of suit-
able food for him. As I reascended the stairs, I heard him again hard
at work, and on entering, had the mortification to perceive that he had
almost entirely ruined the mahogany table to which he was fastened^
and on which he had wreaked his whole vengeance. While engaged in
making a drawing, he cut me severely in several places, and on the
whole, displayed such a noble and unconquerable spirit, that I was fre"
quently tempted to restore him to his native woods. He lived with
me 3 days, but refused all sustenance, and I witnessed his death with
regret."

AMERICAN OliNITHOLOGY. 179

But, to return to the burglar. In April, a little party of us went to
spend a few days in our summer cottage, on the shore of Buzzard's
Ray. It had been our custom for several years to do this when the
arbutus blossomed, and never before had \ve found any evidence of
occupation of the cottage during our absence; but what was our sur-
prise, as we approached the cottage, to find that it had been entered,
and that forcibly, not by door or window, but by a neat hole, high up
in the wall. Our neighbors had often suffered in the same way, but
this was our first experience with bird burglary. The hole gave him
an entrance into one of the Chambers in the second story, and there, on
the floor were the chips and splinters dropped during the dtilling.
What he stood upon while he was at work was a mystery, since the
wall of the house was made of smooth, painted boards with no chance
for a foothold, such as the bark of a tree would offer. Perhaps he
worked upon the wing. One very good authority on birds speaks of
the Woodpecker as being "perpetually in a hurry." His activity cer-
tainly is marvelous.

Nothing was done to the hole that day, and early the next morning
the occupant of the room, awakened by the whirof wings, saw the burg-
lar himself just poised before the opening. He did not enter, however,
but flew away. Before our return home, a small wooden box was pro-
cured and nailed over the hole on the inside with the hope that the bird
would come again and make his nest in it. A month later we went to
the cottage again to spend Decoration Day there, As we entered the
long front room in the first story, into which the light was admitted by
one large window, the others being closed with shutters, we noticed a
general air of disorder, that was very unusual in a room that had been
closed and was presumable empty. A tennis racket was thrown down
from its place, papers were thrown about, and other things dis-
turbed. On crossing to the shuttered window, the window sill was
found to be pecked and mutilated from one side to the other, and the
sash was badly splintered. The floor was also littered with chips.
Eager to learn what had happened to the box which had been nailed
over the hole, we went up to the Chamber above, thinking that perhaps
we should find some little "peckers" in the box. The door of the room
stood open, and in the dim light, as this room was also shuttered, we
could see the box still nailed over the opening, but no signs of a nest.
Instead of building up, the "burglar-bird" had amused himself by tear-
ing down. Not satisfied with making one hole for entrance into the
room, he had made three large, irregulär openings in the box. The
wood was thin and soft, and so he appeared to have kept at it for the

180 AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY.

mere fun of it. When he had satisfied his destructive desires, he started
out on a flight of discovery out into the hall, down the stairway, and
into the front room. Here after flying about and knocking down many
things, he had tried to get out where he saw the light, at the large win-
dow. Window glass proving to much for him he tried the sill, but with
little success. Whether he finally returned as he came, up the stairs,
and through his hole to the outer air, or whether he went out by means
of the open fire-place in the parlor, and so up the chimney, we never
knew.

The following season the cottage was shingled, and wehadno further
Visits from him indoors, but he still comes to take his meals nearby,
As I sat by my window this summer, I was attracted by the quick
motions of a bird on the lawn in front of the cottage. Turning my
glass upon him I readily identified him as the "Flicker" busily engaged
in gathering a dinner of ants; for, unlike many other members of the
woodpecker family, this bird feeds largely upon the ground. He was a
very handsome fellow, and when he flew, he showed the beautiful gold-
en color on the under side of his wings, which gives him one of his
common names.

Later in the season, when most of the family had left the cottage, one
of the remaining members was awakened by the loud hammering of a
woodpecker on the cottage wall. Doubtless he had seen the departure
of trunks and baggage, and thought it was time for him to move in. Why
these birds make such holes is a mystery. A neighbor, who had been
much troubled by them, had two large holes cut in the walls of her bath-
house so that they might have entrance there, since she believed that
they made the holes for protection from storms. Instead of using the
holes so thoughtfully provided for them, the birds pecked three more
holes, mutilating the walls at the two ends of the bath-house. Three
large holes from six to eight inches deep in a solid wooden post or pile
at the boat-landing also give evidence of the strength of the Flicker's
bin.

Should one ride along the road past some of these summer cottages,
after the season is over, he might be surprised to see some large faces
displayed at the Windows. These are cut from advertising posters, and
placed in the Windows to frighten away the feathered intruders. In one
window the life-sized visage of the president of the United States, in
another the "sweet astringent smile" (as Dr. Holmes pithily charac-
terises it) of Lydia Pinkham looks down upon the passer by.

Whether the birds are thus intimidated is hard to teil. In spite of
the damage done, we should be very sorry to think that we had per-
manently driven away our bright little visitor. ,

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

181

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MerrythOUGHT, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

The first of May seems to be a populär moving time for birds in the
country, as well as for people in the city. Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird came
back to US from the southland about that time, and we hoped would
return to their old quarters in a bird box near the house, but after
looking it over again and again, and talking softly together, they
flew away. So the Bird lover built some nevv houses, with rooms
finished in piue, circular front doors, and generous verandas where Mr.
Blue could sit and whisper sweet messages to his brooding mate
within. But when the Birdlover climbed the free to remove the de-
serted home he found another family occupying it.

They had wings, but were dressed in für coats instead of feathers.
Can you guess their names?

The little wooden box still rests among the branches öf the tree,
and Wrens, Bluebirds, and flying squirrels are now livnng" peacefully
together upon Oakland street.

Cordially, Your Friend,

Meg MerrythOUGHT.

ROLL OF HONOR.

1. William K. D. Reynolds, Berkeley, Cal.

2. J- Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

3. Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn. -

4. Russell S. Adams, St. Johusburg, Vt.

5. Huldah C. Smith, Providence, R. I.

6. Paul C. Jones, Windham, Vt.

7. Mercury, Oroville, Cal.

183 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

ENIGMA NO. 1.

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15 which are sometimes called (6-12-
7-5), (12-13-14-15) generally live in some (14-4-8-1-3) -(13-7-12-11-15).
They have (14-7-9-1) (10-4-8-15.) Their nest is usually in a (5-4-14-
14) (5-8-3-10), and near some 13-4-5-10-2. They have 5-13-7, some-
times (5-6-2-10-3). (10-1-1-15) which are found early in the 15-10-4-15-
7-9 often before the 15-9-7-13 has left us.

A. P. WoüDWARD, Danielson, Conn.

ENIGMA, NO. 2.

My 7-9-10-11 most people like.

My 10-5-3-4 I have had enough of, this season.

My 7-9-6 everyone wears.

My 8-9-6-10 are an enemy to man.

My 4-9-6-12-13 we cannot live without.

My 1-8-3-4-5 coat, I think is very pretty.

My whole is a pretty bird of 13 letters.

Naomi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

WHO ARE WE?

1. I am used in a foundry, but live in a marsh.

2. A thief s occupation, but a cheerful songster.

3. I am a large country. but in November children like to eat me.

4. I am used to build fences, but prefer a marsh to live in.

5. I am a quiet country, but I can make a loud noise.

6. Hunters like to do this; I make no nest.

7. Girls bear my name; I often build near houses.

(These names of birds have more than one meaning, which is ex-
pressed in each clause.)

C. F. DiCKiNSON, Springport, Mich.

QUERIES.

What bird of prey builds a large, strong nest of sticks, bound
together with vines, lined with closely woven hair and mosses, and
drives the young from the nest as soon as they are able to fly, then
tears it to bits, that the little ones cannot come back?

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 183

WHAT BIRDS ARE DESCRIBED IN THESE VERSES?

1. "Black robber of the cornfields, Oh, beware!
The f armer can do other things than scare."

2. "Red-breasted harbinger of Spring,
We wait in hope to hear thee sing."

3. "Bird of the night, thy round eyes are aglow
With all the learning, which the sages know."

4. "King of the water as the air,
He dives and finds his prey."

5. "You imitate the foe which does you wrong",
And call 'meaw' instead of chanting song."

6. "A flash of sky on wing."

7. "You introduce yourself throughout your song.
And teil the world your brief, old-fashioned name."

8. "Or did some orange tulip, flaked with black,
In some forgotten garden, ages back,
Yearning toward heaven until its wish was heard.
Desire unspeakably to be a bird?"

MAILBAG EXTRACTS.
ALBINO GRACKLES.

I thought some bird lovers might be interested in a freak blackbird,
or Grackle, that we have in our city. It is the same size and shape
of other Grackles, but has a white throat, the color extending up to the-
eyes. The head is spotted as though some of the feathers were tipped
with white. The rest of the head has the iridescent feathers same as
in the other birds. This bird was around here last summer and came-
back with the first big flock that I saw this spring.

Perhaps some readers may be interested enough in the way I feed^
the winter birds to follow suit next winter. Every morning I cracked
two large dishes of walnuts and put them on our front porch and very
cold days more. The first thing I would hear in the morning was the
birds singing and chatting in the trees, waiting for their breakfasts.
The herds that ate the nuts were the Chickadees, Nuthatches, Hairy
and Downy Woodpeckers, Juncos, Bluejays and English Sparrows. I
have Seen Robins and Grackles go to the dishes but not many times.

Mildred Ivey, Lancaster, Wis.

ANSWERS TO MAY PUZZLES.

Enigma No. 1. American Goldfinch.
Enigma No. 2. American Merganser.

184 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

WHAT IS MY NAME?

1. Kentucky Cardinal.

2. Pine Grosbeak.

3. Scarlet Tanager.

LETTERS FROM FLORIDA,

Palm Beach, Fla.
Dear Joe: —

As we came down the Indian river I saw a fisherman which made
me think of you, for he had on no shoes or stockings, but had waded
out into the water caring neither for rain or sunshine, as long as he
found fish to fill the great bag which hung in front of him.

This fisherman wore a brown and gray coat, and was named Brown
Pelican. He and his relatives were in the same business all along the
water's edge, and seemed to have pretty good luck. There were ever
so many Kingfishers too. As the train went rushing by they would
sound their rattles, and fly to a new watch tower. The Blue Herons
too, were busy, but there seemed a plenty of fish for them all. I won-
der if I told you about the Blue Heron which ornamented the Steps of
a cabin which we passed before we reached Jacksonville. It was an
unusually tall bird, and we could not teil from the cars, whether it was
stuffed or made of some kind of metal, but Bob said to me "It does
■look quite natural." Just then, to our surprise, the object turned
its head, and stalked off to join the hens and chickens in picking up
scraps of food about the yard, looking very much out of place in such
surroundings.

On Lake Worth we saw the Anhingas,' or Snake birds which the
March American Ornithology told about, and the long thin neck, with
its narrow pointed head, did look more like a snake than anything
eise.

The Blue Bill Ducks would bob ünder the water, stay out of sight for
quite a long time, then bob up again. No one is allowed to shoot the
ducks within certain limits on the lake, and the birds seemed to know
just where the danger line was, and would not cross it.

Before I close I must teil you of one more fisherman with a bald
head, which we saw. Really the head of the Bald Eagle is not bald,
but is covered with white feathers.

These in Florida are smaller than those we have in the north, and
the eggs are smaller too. One of the boys "who was here in January
found a nest in a pine tree. It was built of sticks, and bits of turf,
and lined with grass; it held two white eggs. . Goodbye,

Your sister, Ruth.

MIDSUMMER BARGAINS.

()KMTH()I.()(;V. Wi' havf a Hiic liii.- (.f
hird hooks. < )fiiith()l(isfi<al and ()(jl(ji.'ical
Ma^'aziiies and Pamphlets, all of wliich \ve
offer at reduced prites. Send für fomplcte
list if you wish to purchase.

M IN EK AL()( ;y. We have 200 kinds of Min-
erals and Rocks, in sniall specimens at 4c.
cach. or in High School size for 10c. each. Füll
list fi'cc. Ovcr 150 volunies on (ieolog'y and
Paleontologry. incliulingr the tincst illustrated
Works obtainahlc. at low ratcs.

BOTAN'Y. A füll linc of i;(.tany hooks will
l)e offered vcry low. A ncw library just pur-
chascd. A collection of !ti)0 niounted speci-
mens of Marine Altjea just l)eing offered for
sale.

C()N'CHüL()(JY. Our stock in thi.s branch
Covers over a quarter of a million specimens
from every part of the woiid. Almost every
g^enera represeiited. \\'rite for lists if you
have or wish to form a collection. Some
specially fine Polished Shells just received.

CUltloS. l'nder this head we group a
great varietyof objects. such as Indian rel-
ics, both ancient and modern, marine speci-
mens both wet and dry. sponges, corals, sea
beans, füssils. and hundreds of interesting
objects which go to make up handsoraeand
interesting CUKIO CABINETS. Write for
lists of anything you desire in Natural His-
tory.

Please bear in mint! that our stock is ex-
tensive, but tha.t if we are out of what you
want we will try tt) obtain it for you. Our fa-
cilities are unequalled. Our new building is
iiow in course of erection and rather than
niove all of our big stock, we will make spec-
ially low offers to liberal buyers. One to one
hundred dollars now will buy you more speci-
mens frf)m US than it will next Fall or later.
Write atonce. WALTER F. WEHE,

41f) (irand Avenue. Rochester. X. Y.

Do You Need a Few ?

Your attention is called to my data blanks
and field note books. Now the STANDARD.
Endorsed by advanced collectors and deal-
ers. Recommended by Ornithological clubs.
I desire to send sample free to all interested.
Address.
GEO. W. MORSE. Box 230, Ashley, Ind.

THE DOG FANCIER.

ESTABLISHED i8gi.

A MONTHLY KENNEL PUBLICATION.

The oldest, most populär and mcstprosperous
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and Canada, and if he's got a dog you are pretty
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STAMP COLLECTORS. A

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VOL. IV JULY, 1904. NO. 7.

PRIZES FOR PH0T0GRAPH8.

In Order to stimulate interest in bird study and photography we will
make the following awards to the ones sending in the best photographs
in the three classes as stated. This contest will be conducted along
the same lines as otir former ones and will close October 1, 1904.

Class I. Adult live wild birds. — For the best photograph in this
class we offer an AlVista Camera valued at $20.00; "Znd, — a pair of
field glasses valued at $5.00; 3rd, — choice of either Color Key to
North American Birds or North American Birds Eggs.

Class II. Young Birds. This class includes photos of young birds
in the nest or shortly after having left it. For the best and most
charactristic photograph we will give a Graphophone valued at $20.00;
2nd, — a pair of field glasses valued at $5.00; 3rd, — choice of the Color
Key or Egg Book.

Class III. Nests and Eggs. — For the best photograph of nest and
eggs in natural Situation we will give a pair of field glasses valued at
$5.00; 2nd,- the book of North American Birds Eggs.

All pictures received in the competition, that are available foruse in
this magazine will be paid for at the rate of 50 cts. each: all others
will be returned.

l'hutu by R. H. P>eebe.
ADULT BLUEBIRDS AT NEST HOLE IN POST.

186 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

EARLY RECOLLECTIONS OF BIRD LIFE

Hy Bertox M erler.

In looking backward over past years and occurrences, the scenes and
events of early childhood come up vividly before me, and my first ob-
servations of the beautiful in natiire, especially my first acquaintance
with the more common birds around our home, are indelibly stamped
on memory's pages, and it is my purpose here to record some of the
impressions and experiences of those early days.

Among the birds which I first learned to know and love, the Robin
Stands pre-eminent. Well do I remember looking for them each re-
tiirning spring, and with what delight I watched them Coming across
the lawn in search of earth worms, and the manv good laughs we had
when they almost stood on their tails in their endeavor to draw large
worms from the ground. Another occupation which aroused dcep in-
terest, was the collecting of dead grass and other material with which
to build their nests; with what joy did we gaze upon the beautiful blue
eggs in the nest, and later, the pleasure experienced in watching the
parents feeding the little robins. Above all do I remember their sweet
songs at twilight and dawn during the early spring time.

The Snovv birds ( Juncos) were also among my first formed friends.
I saw more of these little birds during the winter season thanany other
species. We never failed to scatter a daily supply of bread crumbs,
bits of meat, fat etc., around our porches and shed, during severe win-
ter weather when a great portion of their regulär food was covered
with snow and ice, and derived great pleasure in watching them as
they came in little flocks, eating their meal amid friendly nods and
chirpings, aud leaving hundreds of tiny foot prints in the vicinity.
Such dainty little fellows with their white vests, black coats and yellow
bills. The Chipping Sparrows or "house chippies" as we called them,
were another favorite and one closely connected with early recollections
on account of their tameness and constant presence around our dwell-
ing during the spring and summer. We fed and protected them and
were rewarded by having one or more nests placed near by. And
these little nests — what marvels they were — invariably made of fine
roots and fibres and lined with horse hair, so smooth and round inside,
all the work of their little beaks and feet, and the speckled eggs, how
pretty they looked in these cups.

Another little feathered friend who Claims a prominent place in
memory, is the well-known House Wren; in fact they seem like mem-
bers of our family, returning each year about the same time and build-
ing their nests in little boxes right at our doors. Their happy song
was a source of constant pleasure and their winning little ways and

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

187

confidence endeared them to us. Another early formed acquaintance
was the dearly loved Bluebird. On top of a tall grape arbor in our
garden, we fastened a medium size paint keg, after making a hole in
one end of suitable dimensions to admit of their going freely in and
out. It was here that I saw my first Bluebirds, and they nested in the
keg for several years, raising as a rule, two broods each season. I
delighted to watch them carrying nesting material and to listen to their
svveet warbling. As I became more accustomed to the birds around
the house, and commenced to take little walks and trips to the adjacent
woods and fields, I became acquainted — one or two at a time — with
other birds until then unknown to me. In this class may be mention-
ed the Killdeer Plover. They were always shy and kept at a good
distance, but I well remember how swiftly they ran across the plough-

Photo by K. H. Bebee.
YOUNG BLUEBIRD.
[Showing the spotted breast characteristic to youngr birds of this family.J

188 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ed fields and meadows. On one occassion I discovered a set of their
eggs in a field which was being prepared for com. There was nonest,
simply a hollow in the bare earth — and the four pear-shaped eggs were
all Standing on end, point upwards, which is a characteristic of this
species. The Red-wing Blackbird also comes under this heading; they
were always plentiful in a meadow near my home, and I delighted to
watch them perch on the tall weed stalks, cat tails or tussocks and
admired their bright crimson Shoulder marks. The first nest of a Red-
wing which I found was a perfect and wonderful piece of workmanship,
illustrating the skill with which these birds are able to weave, bind and
twist the grass stems around their supports. In this instance the Sup-
ports were four very tall dock stalks growing close together. Between
these, about two feet from the ground, and firmly fastened to each
stalk, was a compact and pretty nest, made principally of dried stems
and marsh grass. In the nest were four speckled eggs. I marked the
Situation and after the birds were done with their home for the season,
I secured the nest and took it home for an object lesson.

The Wood Thrush was also one of the birds with which I was on
familiär terms. To see and hear them once, is to remember and love
them always. Returning to us early in the spring, they were quite
abundant throughout the season, confining themseives mainly to wood-
lands and groves. There are fewlovelier things in nature than the ves-
per hymn of the Wood Thrush. Time would fail us to speak of them
in terms befitting their beauty and grace and the rieh wildness of their
notes. Their songs are the finest in early morning or the tvvilight,
when they are clear and sweet, füll and harmonious as an anthem.

In the twilight of evening, when the day is done.
And the landscape is tinted by the sinking sun;

When shadows are gathering, and forests grow dim,
The Wood Thrush pours forth her vesper hymn.

Humming birds were also a source of delight and wonder, and we
were frequently favored with visits from them owing to the large vari-
ety of flowers in the yard. While I never was fortunate enough to dis-
cover one of their nests, I was presented with two of them, one of
which came from Pasadena, California. This was a most beautiful cup
saddled on a small limb, the lower end of the nest tapering oft' some-
thing like a "hörn of plenty." The material used was like the down
of a ripe cat tail, and was put together in a compact and symmetrical
manner. One tiny egg came in this nest and was originally found with
it. The other nest was entirely dift'erent in construction, being flat in
shape, composed externally of lichens and moss, and lined with down.

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

189

Photo by J. H. Miller.

BLUEBIRD LEAVIXG NEST.

Another bird which made a deep impression on my mind was the
Great Horned üwl. Well do I recollect with what awe — yes, almost
fear, I listened to their loud hooting in the night. They have long
since left the haunts then occupied by them, owing to the cutting away
of the timber land and the spread of population. I also have a clear
recollection of the Screech Owl, especially the droll appearance of their
faces and their large yellow eyes.

Another bird which furnished much amusement was the common
Blackbird, chiefly on account of their manner of "walking around;"
they seemed so proud and consequential, and well aware of the fact
that their black glossy coat was very pretty.

An event of special interest was the day on which I first beheld a
Cardinal Grosbeak. It was a cold day in winter, there had been a
heavy snow fall the night previous; the pine tree boughs were grace-
fully drooping, the weeds and dead grasses resembled various forms of
feather plumes. All of a sudden I heard a loud, clear whistle near the
house and on looking out there sat a handsome Grosbeak in a rasp-
berry bush. I delighted to spend much time in the orchards in the
spring time, where I could hear the cooing of the Doves and watch the
busy little Warbiers among the apple blooms.

190 AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

I also have a clear recollection of my first visits to the seaside and
and the pleasure experienced on seeing the many new birds to be met
with there. The beautiful Gulls and Terns were plentiful, and their
graceful flight — ever and anon dipping their wings into the great waves,
was noted and stored away in memory's store-house. I remember
spending many pleasant hours watching the little Sandpipers. How
graceful they were, and with what dexterity they captured their food;
how well they measiired the distance which an in-coming breaker would
reach, and how nimbly they chased after it on its return back to deep
water, in the meantime gathering up many choice inorsels which had
been cast up on the beach; ever keeping a watchful eye on the next
roller which was rapidly approaching. They ran very swiftly and usu-
ally depended on this mode of escape, but should the wave come too
swiftly for them, they rose a short distance in the air and would then
alight out of the water's reach. While feeding they continually uttered
their pleasant "peep peep," and their pretty white and gray plumage
presented a pleasing contrast against the deep green of the sea.

I wish to add in closing, as a tribute to my mother, that she always
accompanied me on my first little rambles beyondthe home limit; many
were the pleasant strolls we took, hand in band, gathering ilowers, list-
ening to the happy songs of the birds and watching their ways. Her
Instruction and training in nature's book, doubtless laid the foundation
of my devotion to the study of these things in later years. Did she
not teach me the names of the birds, call my attention to the gorgeous
sunsets, to the Bow of Promise spanning the sky, to the squirrels and
other little animals of the woods, to the rippling brook splashing over
its pebbles and golden sands; did she not teach me to love and admire
God's creatures and not kill or destroy them? Happy days, never to
be forgotten; little friendships, never broken.

|lliili|i|ll1illl!||lllil'lJlilllillll!l:nilllll!|lll|llil!VI i I n I I.IIIIHig

I BACHMAN WARBLER. |
iiiiiiiii 1 1 1 11 1 1 III I iiiii II 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ri 1 1 III 1 1 iii I ininini

A O. U. No. 640. (Helmiiithophila bachmanil. )

RANGE.

Southeastern United States, north on the Atlantic coast to Virginia
and in the interior to Missouri where they are known to breed.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 4.5 in. Male. — Forehead, underparts and Shoulders bright
yellow. Back and wings greenish olive; hindneck and tail gray. Top
of head and patch on the breast black. Outer tail feathers with white
spots near their tips.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

191

The female differs only in being duller colored, and in having the
black patch only faintly indicated or sometimes entirely lacking.

HABITS.

This sprightly little Warbier is one of the rarest of the family in
America, Most of the specimens that have been taken were found on
the Florida Keys. They have also been taken in Florida, South Caro-
lina, Louisiana and Missouri. Their habits are very similar to those of
the Blue-winged Warbier, they being found usually near the ground.
Like all others of the genus, they are active and continually searching
among the roots and lowerbranches for insects and occasionally darting
out into the air after passing ones very much after the manner of many
of the Flycatchers.

BACH:\rAX WARBLERS.
[Male aiid Female.]

192 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ili t?!2M THE BIRDS' ORCHESTRA. "X ,^:;% '"1!

■ tt ^ j^^^^ ::A,:: '''^ Nokmax (). Koerj^tkr. ^^-^i ■ :„^^.

„!:'-',:■::...-•:: :-a'",'."':3 n i n ' i ■■■■:; "hiIii'

i :: :: ~. ^ :■ li ■ n ■ ■ . == • K

Although the feathered tribe are not capable of uniting to produce
the Scherzo, the i)olo)iaise, the rhapsody, and the like, nor in the music ob-
serve pia}iiss2mo and fortissimo, the individual members of the "orches-
tra" suggest a striking similarity with the various musical Instruments
and seek their nearest avian counterparts.

Violin. — The ethereal sweetness of the Wagnerian prelude and the
paradisiac strain of the Hermit Thrush! There is an awe-inspiring
majesty, dignity and divine power in the former, coupled with a ravish-
ing sensuous melody that produces the same desire to seek a secluded
Spot and ponder on lofty, soul-exhilarating subjects that the celestial
Thrush hymn ever calls forth. We feel that the inspired songster is
possessed of arcana ccelcstia and revere him accordingly.

Cello. — The golden beauty of the cello and the molten melody of
the Wood Thrush! If the Hermit is silvery, the Wood is certainly
golden. His voice suggests a religiously-calm sunset, corresponding
to the füll, rieh quality of the Instrument.

ViOL. — We have no good representative of the bass viol among the
the birds; the deep, rasping, ominous tone it produces canhardly be ex-
pected from a diminutive bird-throat. So far as the rasping quality is
concerned, the Grasshopper Sparrow's insect-like note might well beits
counterpart. Furthermore, the bird and the Instrument both form back-
grounds in their respectiye orchestras.

Obo. — The restful beauty of the shepherd's pipe in the "New World
Symphony" is characteristic of the pathetic but contented strain of the
Wood Pewee, that heavenly, peaceful "pe-a-wee, pe-ai" that lasts all
day. Considering how offen we hear the Pewee's unhurried note, we
certainly tire of it, after all other and better singers are out of favor;
so with the constantly chanting obo.

Clarinet. — The free, cheery, mellow quality of the clarinet intimate-
ly suggests the wild, ringing music of the Louisiana Waterthrush. The
clarinet is a pastoral Instrument, but less dreamy — more animated —
than the obo. If the obo teils of the gold-bathed meadows on a peace-
ful June evening, the clarinet expresses the content and fervor that
pervade the May woods; pastoral it is, but possessed of a woody flavor
as well.

English hörn. — Just as the English hörn combines the ennui of the
obo and the peaceful joy of the clarinet, so the plaintive chant of the
Field Sparrow fuses the languor of the Pewee and the rustic view of

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 193

the Louisiana Waterthrush, but differs in introducing a new dement, a
strong Suggestion of religious love.

Bassoon. — The comic nasalizations of the bassoon and the ridiculous
"tvvangs,' of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. This bird seems subject to
humours; one minute all is fun, and he dances about like a clown, the
next his ill temper asserts itself and the harsh, grating sounds he pro-
duces bruits this abroad. So with the volatile bassoon, a true Instru-
ment of mood.

Flute. — The clear note of the flute finds among the birds an excel-
lent representative in the pipings of the Baltimore Oriole in the tree-
tops.

PiccoLO. — If we consider the real purpose of this instrument, — to set
off, give point and life to the dryly disposed score, — we will find it
difficult to find an avian representative. Perhaps the feverish brilliancy
of the Spotted Sandpiper's whistle would answer best.

Trombone. — Surely the garrulous cries of the Crow suggest the
noisy, pompous blasts of the trombone. They are similar in another
respect, just as the crow breaks in with his lusty shout when we are in-
tent on hearing a repetition of a distant song or the lisping of the War-
biers, so the trombone, loud and coarsely triumphant breaks out on
the tenderest melody.

CoRNET. — The tenor screams of the Blue Jay and the shrill blasts of
the cornet are similar as bird and instrument can be. The Jay is un-
disputed Ist cornetist of the "Birds' Orchestra."

French Hörn.— The uncouth monosyllables of the Chat finds a
counterpart in the baleful notes of the French hörn, but exceed that in-
strument in variety of reach and kind of tone.

Harp. — The mystical, silvery scales which the Veery performs inti-
mately suggest the vibrant, uncertain strains of the harp.

Tympani. — We have two very different, yet almost equally good
tympanists among the birds, the Cuckoos and the Woodpeckers. Com-
bine the füll, round, pebbly notes which the Cuckoo drops from his
throat, with the vigorous, but dull and muifled tattoo which the Wood-
pecker beats, and an excellent Imitation of the kettle drum's roll is pro-
duced.

Cymbals. — Perhaps the best Substitution — though a poor one — for,
the cymbals, which our bird orchestra can put forth is the Kingbird,
whose harsh, jarring, jingling calls bear some resemblance to the ratt-
ling antithesis the cymbals afford in the orchestra.

And the Director of this motley crowd of minstrels? He is none
other than the Almighty Creator, the Divine Impulse.

194

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

tfllilililMl

m

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 195

BLACK.BILLED CUCKOO.

A. O U- No. 388. (C'oocyztiS erythropthalnnasj

RANGE.

North America east of the Rocky Mountains, breeding throughout
the United States and in the southern parts of Canada.

DESCRIPTION.

Length about 12 in.; tail 6.5 in.; bill, both upper andlower mandibles,
black; eyes brown and the naked skin about the eyes red. The entire
Upper parts are glossy metallic greenish olive and the under parts are
white or grayish white. The outer tail feathers are narrowly tipped
with white. As is the case with all the cuckoos, this species has two
toes in front and two behind.

NEST AND EGGS.

The nesting habits of all the cuckoos are practically the same and
the nests of the present species canuot be told from those of the yellow-
billed variety. They are built in the woods or swamps and usually in
thick underbrush. I have generally found them at elevations varying
from three to five feet from the ground. The nests are among the
most rüde of any that attempt to construct them, being very loosely
made of twigs and catkins and having practically no hollow to hold
the eggs. They lay from three to six eggs having a much brighter
bluish green color than those of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and being
smaller.

HABITS

One of the most familiär bird notes to be heard on a warm summer
day is the "ku-ook, ku-ook, kow, kow, kow" etc. of the Cuckoos. A
deep, guttural, and mournful sound that cannot be mistaken for that of
any other bird. The notes of the Yellow and the Black-billed varieties
are very similar but can usually be distinguished from each other by
one who is well acquainted with them, that of the present species being
shorter and lower in tone.

Both species of cuckoos have long been regarded by the Ignorant as
objects of ill omen and they also appear to be in ill favor with many of
the small birds although it is doubtful if they do any härm to the latter
in any respect. Eggs of cuckoos have been found in nests of other
birds but it is only in exceptional cases for they are not parasites like
the European Cuckoo, instead they appear to be quite affectionate to-
ward each other and towards their young.

Their flight is slow and apparently laborious, their short rounded
wings making their tail appear longer and more cumbersome than it

196

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Photo hy F. R. Miller.
YOUNG CUCKOOS.

[About one week old. showing characteristic pin feathery appearance.]

i^^^^^^IHs ^M^^

^!x^_^^ \ -i/;r- ^ m

oi

7 V*' \ ■'■'" •!

Photo by P\ R. Miller.

YOUNG CUCKOOS.
[Two weeks oldj

AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY. 197

really is. They are one of the most silent of birds and enter or leave
thickets or trees with neither rustling of wings or sound of voice. We
look and see one solemnly staring at us, wide eyed, and the next time
we look he has gone with nothing to denote the direction or distance
of his flitting. Early in May or, in New England, about the tenth we
may look for the arrival of these weird birds and after a few days of
courtship, during which period the male do a great deal of kow, kow-
ing, they commence to build their nests. From their finished appear-
ance, or rather their unfinished appearance, one would not think that
this would be much of a task but it occupies the time of them both for
several days. They are very slow and deliberate in all their motions
and this probably accounts for the tardiness of their work. The top of
the nest, it cannot be called the inferior for it has none, is lined with
catkins, but usually so shabbily arranged that the ends of the twigs
stick up through the lining in all parts. They commence to lay about
the middle of May in southern United States and not until about the
first of June in the northern portions of their ränge. They commence
to incubate as soon as the first egg is laid, and the others are deposit-
ed at intervals of two days to sometimes a week apart, so that the first
eggs are often hatched soon after the last one is laid. They are quite
stupid in some respects and I have known them to continue laying, like
the Flicker, when one egg was taken at a time, until, in one instance,
eleven eggs were obtained from one nest. The eggs are a deep bluish
green in color, much brighter than those of the Yellow-billed species,
but the color of the egg shell fades greatly if exposed to the light.
The young are attentively looked after by both parents and if the fe-
male is accidently, or othervvise, killed the male will alone tend to the
rearing of the family, thus showing a great difference between our
cuckoos and those of Europe, which neither build their own nest, hatch
their eggs nor look after the wants of their young, leaving these mat-
ters to the mercies of some other bird the same as does our Covvbird.

The adult birds leave the nest with the greatest reluctance and will
allow themselves to be nearly taken in band before gliding off, to try
and deceive the observer by feigning lameness, thus showing that they
are bright in some respects. It is an odd sight to see these long birds
sitting on so small a nest with their tail extending far in the rear and
their whole head and neck extending in front of the structure. I have
tried in vain to illustrate a sitting cuckoo with the camera, for while
they will allow a very close approach before taking alarm, I have not
yet found one which would return when I was prepared.

The young cuckoos are objects of curiosity when first hatched, but
when in a few days they become covered with a coating of stiff quills,

198 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

they are objects of amusement. The quills, when the bird is about
eight days old commence to burst and allow the enclosed feather to
unfold gradually enveloping them in a soft fluffy coat like that of their
parents. They are fed largely upon green worms, and tent caterpillars,
too, fiirnish a large part of their diet so that, far from being a creature
of evil omen to mankind, they are one of the most beneficial of the
birds.

NEW BOOKS.

THE AMERICAN NATURAL HISTORY, by W. T. Hornaday, Di-
rector of the New York Zoological Park and author of "Two Years in
the Jungle" etc. Published by Charles Scribner's Sons, New York;
450 pages; cloth; illustrated; $3.75.

This new addition to nature libraries will take the place that has long
been occupiedb y Wood's Natural History as the most populär work
on the subject. Its author has probably had more experience among
the large game of many countries than has any other man in America
and is exceptionally well qualified to write upon the subject. The work
is interesting and accurate from cover to cover and the text is embel-
lished with many drawings and photographs from live subjects. Of
course it is somewhat limited in scope as it is impossible to touch upon
more than one or two individuals of each family in a Single volume.
Anyone who has not the means to have a complete library upon all
the subjects of natural history will surely turn to this as the brook they
want while those who already have extensive libraries will welcome
this as a most valuable addition to their collection.

WITH THE BIRDS IN MAINE, by Olive Thorne Miller. Pub-
lished by Houghton, Mifflin&: Company, Cambridge, Mass. 295 pages;
cloth. $1.10 net.

In its many chapters, this volume entertainingly treats of nearly all
the more common and many of the rarer birds found within the pine
tree State. We predict that this book will receive a warm welcome
from all bird lovers as have all the previous books from the pen of this
well known author. Besides being very interesting reading, the reader
will have instilled into his mind many new facts, habits and fancies of
bird life.

WONDERLAND. (Descriptive of the Northwest) by Olin D.
Wheeler.

This annual production of the Northern Pacific Railway is even better
this year than any of the previous numbers. Its descriptions are vivid
and the illustrations from photographs are numerous and of an unusual
quality. Its chapters include "The Haunts of Wild Game," "The
Lignite Coal Area of North Dakota," "The Yellowstone Park," "Irri-
gation in the Northwest" and "The Travels of Lewis and Clark," the
latter in anticipation of the exposition that is to be held next year in
commemoration of this advent. This handsome book containing 116
pages is sent to any address upon receipt of six cents to cover cost
of mailing. Address, Chas. S. Fee, General Passenger and Ticket
Agent, St. Paul, Alinn.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

199

SNOWFLAKE.
(Winter plumage.

200 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY

SNOWFLAKE.

A. O. U. NO. 534. (Passei'ina nivalis).

RANGE.

Whole of northern hemisphere, breeding within the Arctic Circle and
wintering irregularly south to northern United States and casually to
the central portions,

DESCRIPTION.

Summer. — Entire head, neck, rump, underparts, secondaries and
outer tail feathers white, the remainder of the plumage being black.
The female differs but little from the male being slightly duller and
with the head generally somewhat rusty. Winter. — All the black
feathers, especially on the back, edged with rusty brown so astonearly
obscure the black; the top of head, neck and breast are also moreorless
strongly tinged with brownish.

PRIBILOF SNOWFLAKE.

A. O. U. No. 534a. (Passerina nivalis tovvnsendi.)

RANGE.

Birds of the preceding species which are found on the Aleutians and
Pribilof Islands have been found to average slightly larger and to have
a slightly longer bill and consequently have been made into thepresent
subspecies. None of their habits differ from those of the better known
variety.

NEST AND EGGS.

Snowflakes nest on the ground near the sea coast or tributaries there-
of. They are found breeding abundantly on some of the Islands in the
Arctic Ocean and in Behring Sea. The nests are sunken in hollows in
the moss which covers the ground in the localities where they are
found in summer; it is made of dried grasses and fine fibres and is
usually warmly lined with feathers. The nesting season is during June
and July, and during this period they lay from three to five pale bluish
white eggs which are blotched and specked with brown and lilac.

HABITS.

These Finches seem to be very aptly named for they are as restless
and uncertain of appearance as the snowflakes that drift in with the cold

AMEFdCAN ORNITHOLOGY. 201

blasts of Winter. They usually do not appear along the northern bor-
ders of civilization until well aloug in November and are found in the
northern tier of states at intervals during December, January and Feb-
ruary. During exceptionally severe winters they are sometimes found
as far south as Georgia and Kansas.

Like the White-winged Crossbills, they are birds of very uncertain
occurance and where they are common during one season not a single
flock may be seen the next. They are met with on open side hills and
meadows where they feed upon seeds of the numerous weeds whose
heads penetrate the crust of the snow. While very restless and apt to
take wing at any instant and without cause, they are not exceptionally
timid and are usually not alarmed by the presence of mankind. It is a
beautiful sight to watch a large flock foraging upon their snowy table,
some of them swaying on the tops of the slender stalks while the ma-
jority stand upon the snow, no whiter than their own coat, and reach
all the seeds that their short stature will permit and then pull the head
of the weed over toward them and gather in the rest. Ever and anon,
apparently startled by a sudden gust or flurry of the light snow the
whole flock will rise as if with one Impulse and immediately settle
down a few feet farther on. I have approached to within ten feet of a
flock when busy gaining their apparently meagre fare without alarming
them. They are usually silent while feeding but have a peculiar and
distinctive whistle when on the wing. They rise very suddenly, fly in a
compact body and change the course of their flig-it very often and spas-
modically as though they knew not whither they were going and as
often as not they will return and alight at the very spot that they had
just left.

By the end of February, these flocks which number from a dozen in-
dividuals to, sometimes, thousands commence to disappear from their
winter quarters and but few bands of them are left in March. They
migrate northward beyond the limit of trees and to islands in the Arctic
Ocean, where, undisturbed by man they lay their eggs and rear their
young.

Snowflakes change their plumage twice during each year. During
the fall moult the feathers are shed gradually and new ones grow to
take their places but in the spring the change is by abrasion, that is the
edges of the feathers wear away or fall off. If you examine asDCcimen
in the winter plumage you will see that the bases of all the back
feathers are black and that only the tips are white or rusty, while those
on the top and sides of head and breast have white bases and brownish
tips. By the wearing away of these edges the entire head, neck and
underparts become snowy white while the back and part of the wings

202

AMERICAN OUNITHOLOGY.

MC KAY SNOWFLAKE.

-w^

SNOWFLAKE.
I Summer plumage.]

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 203

are jet black, thus making the appearance of the birds entirely different
in summer from their winter plumage. Other examples of this in-
teresting double change of dress may be seen among the Longspurs
and in the Bobolink.

In their northern summer home they are found in abundance, their
snowy whiteness and black markings making them very attractive and
conspicuous creatures; at this season their notes are varied from the
twittering whistle to which we are accustomed and they have a pretty
song, clear and sweet but not very streng. Their nests are built on
the tundras common to the Arctic region being sunk in the moss which
is found growing everywhere.

g ; : MCKAY SNOWFLAKE. §

A. O. IT- NO. 535. (I'asseriiia hyperboreus.)

RANGE.

West coast of Alaska, known to breed only on Hall and St. Matthew
Islands.

HABITS.

For a description of this beautiful species as found on Hall Island in
Bering Sea we quote from Charles Keeler in Harriman Alaska Ex-
pedition.

"Upon climbing up the slopes from the shore we found ourselves up-
on an Arctic tundra — a great rolling plateau of bog, with pools of
water in every hollow, and flowers growing in bewildering profusion.
A bed of moss spread across the Island from cliff to clifif, carpeting
everything with its soft tones of gray, brown, purple and green — parts
of it like velvet, soft and yielding to the tread and other parts spongy
and soggy. The masses of flowers wove richly glowing patterns into
the carpet, in purple, blue, yellow and white.

It was fitting that this fairy garden in the midst of a stormy sea
should be inhabited by one of the most chastely adorned of birds, the
hyperborean Snowflake. Vtrily a snowfiake this exquisite creature is,
as it whirls through the misty glow of night among the wastes of
flowers. Its plumage is as candid as the freshly opened lily. The
spotless white shows more perfectly by contrast with the jetty bill and
the blackness of the wing tips. At the edge of'its snowy tail are two
other black dots. It is sparrow transformed into a wraith of the snow.
It is adorned with the ermine of kings, and a king it seems amid the
realm of flowers. Its little mate has the back streaked with black and

204

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

more of the same on the wings and tail, but otherwise her plumage is
white like that of her lord and master. Nor did the song of this
Snowflake prove disappointing. It was a loud, sweet, fiute-like warble,
frequently iittered on the wing, and much resembles the notes of the
Western Meadowlark, although rather higher, shrillerand shorter. We
noticed the birds about the edge of the cliffs as well as upon the tun-
dras, and their business in such exposed rocky places was explained
when a nest was discovered placed far back in a crevice in the rocks
upon the cliff wall. The nest was made of grasses and contained five
rather light greenish eggs dotted with pale brown. Later in the even-
ing another nest was found containing young birds which came to the
edge of the hole to be fed. The abundance of the Arctic fox upon the
Island no doubt explains the unusual places in which the Snowflakes
tuck away their homes."

lATS^'TH

©11 Till©
, FIIIMIS

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MerrythOUGHT, i56Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

Since my last letter I have met a number of bird lovers. There was
Miss Gay, she "loved the dear little Humming birds which they have in
California, such beauties" she had three of them on her hat! Next came
Mr. Stone. He is a lover of ciuail (he prefers them on tonst.) Johnny
Heedless loves birds too. He took mother Owl and three small owlets
from their home in a hollovv tree, and they now beat their wings against
the wires of a small cage in a vain struggle for freedom. It is Johnny's
brother who maims and frightens all sorts of little brown birds, while
raging war on English Sparrows with his air rifle.

Another bird lover is Mrs. Early, helpless from rheumatism, whose
hours of pain are shortened by enjoyment of the sweet notes of a Wood-
thrush from the woods near by.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 205

Then we have a small army, grovving larger every year, who seeing
the birds in their haunts and learning their home ways and songs, gain
a real affection for the "little brothers of the air." I do not need to
ask to which class you belong.

One of our little friends teils of the ground nest of a Chipping Spar-
row. Have you found any in similar situations? A Field Sparrow
slipped out of the grass as we climbed the hill one day, and revealed
an arched nest of woven grasses, almost as cunningly hid as an Oven
bird's dorne.

One of the school children in Moline, Illinois, has sent an admirable
account of "How we celebrated Bird Day" — giving evidence of the ex-
cellent work being done in our schools on nature study lines. May the
good times continue to spread.

Cordially Vour Friend,

Meg Merrythuught.

OUR LAST FLORIDA LETTER.

Palm Beach, Fla.
Dear Jo:

I wish you could have joined our picnic party in the sunny south
yesterday.

As we Started out there were ever so many Boat-tailed Grackles strut-
ting about the golf links, their glossy purple backs glistening in the sun-
light, some of them looked so funny perched on top of the hydrants,
craning their heads to catch the drops of water which dripped from
the faucets, others stood with out stretched necks, and bills wide open
on the ground beneath, not to lose their share.

There were many ground doves too — not more than six or seven
inches long — with pinky heads and brownish grey backs, trotting about
with quick, short steps, many killdeer with two black bars across their
white throats, and dozens of palm warblers.

We took one of the charming jungle paths, hemmed in by tall ban-
yans, live oaks, olive trees, with glossy leathery leaves, palms, ferns,
and climbing vines. The rustling of leaves, the crackling branches and
the sound of stealthy footsteps in the undergrowth gave us delightful
little creepy chills of fear, for who knew when a bear or panther mit^ht
spring out upon us. We took tight hold of one another's hauds, and
cautiously peeped through the branches, and there we saw — what do
you think? Three or four dear little Oveiibirds, Walking about on the
ground and scratching for their dinners among the leaves, and during
the three mile walk we saw nothing more ferocious amid the darkening
trees than our old friends Brer Rabbit, Robin and Catbird, and scores

2Ü6 AMERICAN OENITIIOLOGY.

of Mocking birds and Cardinais. Florida Yellowthroats, like their
northern namesakes, peered out through their black masks from the
scrub palmettos. They are a deeper yellow beneath, have browner
backs, and a wider mask.

We sat under an immense banyan tree to eat our lunch. The dainty
blue-gray Gnatcatchers, shaped like tiny Catbirds, flew fearlessly about
US, their call note "ting, ting" sounded like the twanging ofyourbanjo,
humming birds darted about, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker beat a tat-
too on a brauch over our heads, he had on a brilliant red cap, and a
pretty black and white coat. What do you suppose we had for lunch,
peanut Sandwiches, pickles and cake? No indeed. We had sweet,
juicy oranges just picked, some mandarins, grape fruit, and bananas,
also fresh from the trees. Our drink was milk from a great cocoanut
which had fallen into the path purposely for us. Weate its white meat,
and used for napkins pieces of the tough fiber with which the base of
each leaf of the cocoanut palm is wrapped. Jack picked up and tasted
a ripe olive for a relish, and has puckered up his face at the mere men-
tion of olives since.

On our way home we passed a grove of fall palms which seemed to
bear a queer fruit. The branches were black with the turkey buzzards,
which are so abundant here.

They are very much like the vultures which we saw at Charleston,
but seem a little larger and more graceful, and the skin of their heads
is bright red.

Here were thousands of these birds, with wide spread wings taking
asunbath. They looked like giantbats. On some of the palm branches
they stood in rows of six and seven, and offen one more would try to
join a long row, when the bough would bend with the added weight and
"down would come rockaby baby and all."

At some sudden alarm there would be a loud swish of wings, and ris-
ing in great black clouds the buzzards would float gracefully about for
some minutes, then, presto, the waving green palm leaves would be-
come waving lines of black.

We leave for home to-morrow, so I shall soon see you again.

Your Loving Sister,
Ruth.

GLEANINGS,

With what dearand ravishing sweetness sang the plaintive thrush.

I love to hear his delicate rieh voice

Chanting through all the glooming day,

When loud amid the trees is dropping the big rain.

And gray mists wrap the hills:

For aye the svveeter his song is when the day is sad and dark.

LOXGFELLOW.

AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY. 207

ROLL OF HONOR.

1 Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. ]

2 James H. Chase, Logansport, Ind.

3 J. Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

4 Naomi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

WHO ARE WE?

(Continued from June. The names of these birds have more than
one meaning, which is expressed in each clause.)

8 Young people go for fun, but I tend to my blue eggs.

9 I am foolish so I look very blue.

10 What sticky paper is used for, but I can do that while on the wing.

11 I determine the speed of boats, but do not stay near the water.

12 All some people do when idle, like me for I am noisy.

13 When Willie is naughty, I can teil you what to do.

14 I am heard near the henhouse every morning, but I am as black as
night.

15 What all people do while eating, I can do while fiying swiftly.

C. F. DiCKiNSOX, Springport, Mich.

HOUR GLASS.
XXOXX A color.
XOX An animal.
O A consonant.
XOX An insect.
XXOXX What some people become.
Centrals spell the name of a large bird.

Wm. K. D. Reynolds, Berkeley, Cal.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA NO. 1,
^ly 1-2-3 is an animal.
My 3-2-6-7 is used in a sentence.
My 1-2-7 is a fish.

My 4-5-7 is something people do at an auction.
My 4-5-6-7 is something we all love to hear.
A shining 2-6-4 is what the sun is sometimes called.
My whole is a fairly common bird whose name consists of seven let-
ters. Leroy B. Noble,

Little River, Conn.

208 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

NUMERIGAL ENIGMA NO. 2.

I am composed of 20 letters.

My 5-11-8-20 is a part of a bird.

My 14-2-16-4 is a flower.

My 1-9-10 is a small animal.

My 10-18-8 is something to'drink.

JMy 12-2- 15-6 is at the entrance of a rooni.

3Iy 3-19-17-1-7 is a kind of sword.

'My 5-14-11-8-12 is a kind of food.

My 13-2-15-9-4 is a fowl. Russell S. Adams,

St- Johnsburg, Vt.

THE CHIPPY'S NEST.
While Walking through an apple orchard that was used as a pasture,
I was Startled by a bird running from my feet. Upon investigating, I
found a Chipping Sparrow's nest containing three of her eggs and one
Cowbird's egg, in a Cluster of clover, the nest touching the ground. I
have found their nests in trees, vines. bushes and brush piles, but never
heard of their building upon the ground before.

Frank Smith, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

EXIT, ENGLISH SPARROW,

Last year and the year before it, our chicken yard used to be a feed-
ing ground for the English Sparrow, but this year so far, I have not
Seen one, and I have seen nothing but Robins.

Stuart M. Futh, South Orange, N. J.

ANSWERS TO JUNE PUZZLES,

Enigma No. ]. Great Horned Owls.
Enigma No. 2. Brown Thrasher.

WHO ARE WE?

1. Crane. 2. Robin. 3. Turkey. 4. Rail. 5. Guinea. 6.
Killdeer. 7. Phoebe.

QUERY. EAGLE.
BIRDS DESCRIBED.

1. Crow. 2. Robin. 3. Owl. 4. Kingfisher. 5. Catbird. 6.
Bluebird. 7. Phoebe. 8. Baltimore Oriole.

THE

American Natural History

By W. T. HORNADAY.

Director of the New York Zoological Park; Author of "Two Years in the Jungle"
A POPULÄR BOOK.

Sparkling in style, füll of ancedotes, personal experiences and observa-
tions. In scope and arrangement, scientific, in presentation, non-tech-
nical. It is a book for the Student, the teacher, and general reader.

With 343 illustrations, picturing 375 animals, beside Charts and maps.

Size of book 10x7 inches.

Royal 8vo, $3.50

'•Mr. Hornaday U.i practical man and he has written a practica! book. The descriptions are clear and
avoid over-technicalitv, while they are accompanied by readable accounts of animal traits and incidents of wild
life. It is refreshing'to have a book that is thoroughly dependable as regards fact and scientific in spirit,
yet written with livelintss and freshness of manner.''— jf/ie Outlook.

CHAS. K. REED, WORCESTER, MASS.

WeWOrnilholoPs

to write for our freecatalog.
We teach Taxidermy in all
its branches BY .MAIL.
Complete course In 15 les-
sons. at reasünable cost.
Every bird-lover and na-
turalist should be able to
properly niount speciniens.
Are you iiitercsted? Your
name nn a postal hriiitrs lit-
HV(> toflay^ THE NORTHWESTERN
460 Bee Building,

erature , ,„. . .

SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY
Omaha, Neb.

JAMES P. BABBITT,

— DEALER IN —

Supplies for the Naturalist and Taxider-
mist; Fine Glass Eyes a Specialty.

TAUI»JXO?J. IMCASS.

Bargain Lisis free upon application.
Large illustrated catalogue of Naiuralisis Sup-
plies lOc.

Naturalist Supply Depot

DEALERS IN

Supplies of all Kinds, Glass Eyes.

Mounted Specimens a Specialty. Send loc for catalog

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.,

Museum HYDE PARK, MASS.

American Ornithology.

A MöLgatzirve Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. I, 11 and
111, $1.00 each. Special: — Vols. 1, 11, 111 and subscription for 1904,
$3.00. We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
Foreign Subscription, $1.25.

copyright, 1903 by chas. k. reed

VOL. IV AUGUST. 1904. NO. 8.

PHOTO CONTEST CLOSES OCTOBER IST.

Anyone can send in photographs of birds or nests and eggs for this
contest. We make the following awards for the best and give 50 cts.
each for all others that are available. Copyrighted pictures will be
accepted and the Copyright pretected.

Classl. Adult live birds (wild),— Ist, a $20.00 AI Vista Camera;
2nd, a $5.00 pair of bird glasses; 3rd, Color Key to N. A. Birds.

Class 2. Young Birds. Ist, a $20.00 Graphaphone; 2nd, pair of
$5.00 field glasses; 3rd, Color Key to N. A. Birds.

Class 3. Nests and Eggs, — Ist, a $5.00 pair of Field Glasses; 2nd,
"North American Birds Eggs."

It is with regret that we note that a well known sporting magazine,
the official organ of the League of Am. Sportsmen, which purports to
be devoted to game protection, should publish, and advertise on its
Cover, as a leading article, "A Night in a Pigeon Roost." This is the
Story of one of the most cold blooded slaughters of birds that has ever
been in print, and while it is well known that such slaughters did take
place years ago, and that as a result the Wild Pigeons are nearly ex-
tinct today, the Publishing of such facts today, as a story, without a
Word of comment will do incalculable härm among the younger gener-
ation.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 209

A CHECK LIST AND HABITAT MAP.

We have received for publication, many local bird lists from
different sections of the country and also requests for lists from other
sections. As a rule we have avoided Publishing such lists because of
their localness and their lack of interest to our readers in all other
parts of the country.

We have complied the following list and map to cover the whole of
the territory included in the North American bird lists.

It is in a Condensed form, but we think that it will be found very
practical and that it will prove nearly, if not quite, as satisfactory as
the usual check list of several hundred pages.

The country is divided horizontally by the 20th, 30th, 40th etc.
parallels into six sections, the United States, with the exception of
southern Lower California, Texas and Florida, being contained in
sections 2 and 3. It is divided vertically into three sections, the
western one including the Pacific coast, the Rocky Mountains and
Alaska; the middle section comprises the Mississippi Valley, the Great
Plains, and the inferior of Canada; the eastern section is Greenland,
Labrador and the Atlantic States. These boundaries divide North
Am.erioa into 18 parts which can very readily be designated to show
the ränge of any particular bird. As a further convenience, the ranges
are given in three columns, the first being the western division, the
middle one the central division and the last the eastern division.
This tabulation shows at a glance just what birds are found in each of
the three vertical divisions and the number found in these columns will
serve to determine a bird's ränge with accuracy and dispatch. Heavy
face figures denote the bird's breeding ranges while light face figures
indicate that they are migratory in those sections. As an example
take the first bird on the list, the Western Grebe. In the first or
western column we find the figures 1-3-4 with the 3 and 4 in heavy face
type. This indicates that this bird breeds in northwestern L^nited
States and British Columbia and in winter migrates southwards
through southwestern United States to Lower California and Mexico.
It is also found in the second column as w3-4. This shows that its
breeding ränge also extends eastward to Montana, the Dakotas,
Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

210 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOQY.

BIRD DISTRIBUTION MAP.
[The List of N. A. Birds does not include those found in tlie shaded areas.l

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

'11

CHECK LIST

Of North American Birds and their Habitats.

Arniiit-'t'fl iiccoidiii«.' to thc AiiuTicaii Ornithnlos^ists" riiioii ('lit-ck List.

( The ijrtseiirr nf hrackels [ \ imltcatex thnt the species orcurs (ircidentiilly.j

Order I PYGOPODES. DiviN« Birds.
Fainllj' PODICIPIDE. (Jreres.

A.O.U.

No. ('i)nimoii Xaiiie. Scientltif Name.

1 Western (Jrebe .Echniophorusoccidentalis

2 HollKr-ll (irebe Colymbus holbcellii

3 Horned (irebe "" aurilus ... ..-

4 Anieriean P>ared (irebe ... ■ " nigricollisealifornicus

5 Least (irebe '" dominicus brachypterus

6 Pied-billed (irebe Podilymbus podicep.s

West.

1-3-4

1-4-5

1-3-4

1-3

1-4 1

M

iddle.
w 3-4

Käst.

1-4-5

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-4-5

w 1-3

12
13
13a
14

l.T
Ifj

17
18
19
20
21
2:1
24

2.T

2(J

27

2.S

29

30

30a

31

31a

32

3.3

34

3-5

5-6'
4-5

Family (iAVIID.E. Loo:5ts.

Loon Gaviairaber -

Yellow-billed Luon ■" adamsii-

Black-thruated Loon '" arctica

Pacitlc Looon " pacifica [w 2-5-6

Hed-throated Loon " lumme ,\v 2-5-6

Family AIA'ID.E. Auks, Murres. and Puffins.

Tufted Puttin Lunda cirrhata

Puttin Fratercula arctica

Larse-billed Puffln - " '" naunianni

Horned Puttin - " corniculata

Khinoceros Auklet Cerorhiiica monocerata

Cassin Auklet - Ptychoramphus aleuticus

Paroiiuet Auklet -Cyclorrhynchus psittaculus- .. .

Crested Auklet Simorhynchus cristatellus

Whiskered Auklet " pygni'eus

Least Auklet " pusillus

Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus

-Marbled Murrelet Brachyraniphus marmoratus

Kittlitz .Murrelet " brevirostris

Xantus .Murrelet " hypoleucus

Craveri .Murrelet " craveri

Black (iuillemot _ Cepphus grylle

" " mandtii

" columba

Uria trolle

" ■' californica

" lonivia

■■ ■' arra

Razor-billed Auk Alca torda

(ireat Auk Plautus impennis

Dovekie Alle alle

Mandt (iuillemot
Pigeon (iuillemot
Murre

California Murre .
Brunnich Murre .
Pallas .Murre

w 2-5]

w 4-5

W 2-4-5

W 2-4

W 4-5

W 5-6

W 5-6

W 5-6

w 2-5-6

W 2-4-5

w5

Is2

I

6
w 2-5

w 2-3-5
w 5-6

39

40

40a

41

42

42.1

43

44

4.T

46

47

48

49

I50J

51

52

53

54

Point Barrow (iull

Iceland (iull

(ilaucous-winged (iull ..

Kumlien (iull

Nelson (iull

(ireat Black-backed Gull
Slaty-backed (iull - ..

Western (iull

Siberian (iull

Herring (iull

Vega (iull

California (iull

King-billed Gull

barrovianus
leucopterus .
glaucescens

kumlieni

nelsoni
marinus
schistisagus .
occidentalis
attinis

argentatus ...
vegfe

californicus ..
delawarensis

1-3-5
.V6

5-6

5-6

1-3-5

2-5

e 3-4-5
5

Order II LONGIPENNES. LoN(i-wixGED Swimmers.
Family STEKCOKAKIID.E. Skiws .\nd Jaegers.

35 Skua Megalestris skua ] (

'M Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus w 1-5-6

37 Parasitic Jaeger - " parasiticus w 1-6

;58 Lung-tailed Jaeger " longicaudus !w 1-5-61

Family LABID.E. (iiLi.s and Terns.

Ivory (iull Pagophila alba

Kittiwake Kissa tridactyla.

Pacific Kittiwake - " "" pollicari.s

Hed-legged Kittiwake " brevirostris

(ilaucous (iull Larus glaucus

4-5-6

4-5-6

W 3-5
w5-6
3-5-6
w5-6

3-5-6

W 2-4-5

w 5-6

w 5-6
W 1-4

1-4-5
w3-5
2-3-4
1-4-5

l-n3-5
l-n 3-5

e 3-4
5

e4-5

e 3-4-5

e 3-4-5
e.xtinct
e 3-4-5

e 4-5
e 2-5-6
e 1-5-6
e 1-5-6

4. 5-6
n 3-4-5

3-5-6
n3-5
e4-5

3-4-5

l-n3-5
1-4-5

212

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY

A.O.U.

No. Common Name.

55 Short-billed Gull

[56]MewGull

57 Heermann (Juli

58 Laughing Gull

59 Franklin Gull

60 Bonaparte Gull

[60.11 Little Gull

61 "
62
63
64
65
66
67

Scientific Name
brachyrhynchus..

canus

heermanni

atricilla

franklinii

Philadelphia

minutus

Ross Gull Rhodostethia rosea...

Sabine Gull Xema sablnii

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

Royal Tern

Elegant Tern

Cabot Tern.

1681Trudeau Tern..

69 Forster Tern .

70 Common Tern

71 Arctic Tern

72 Roseate Tern

73 Aleutian Tern

74 Least Tern

75 Sooty Tern
[76|Bridled'Tern ..
77 Black Tern ..
[781\Vhite-winged Black Tern.

79 Noddy Anous stolidus.

maxima

elegans

sandvicensis acuflavida ....

trudeaui

forsteri . _

hirundo

paradisa?a

dougalli

aleutica

antillarum

fuliginosa

an^thetus

. Hydrochelidi>n nigra surinamensis
leucoptera

West.
2-4-5

1-2-3

1-4-5

6
w 1-5-6

1-2

w I

1-2

3-5-6

\v5-6

1-2

I

1-3-4

l

Black Skimmer.

Family RYNCHOPIDCEE. Skimmers.
. ...-Rynchops nigra I

Middle.

East

1-4
1-2-3

1-5

2-3

1-3

5-6
5-6
1-2
1-4
1-2

5-6

3-5-6

e 1-2

1-3

1-2

1

l-s2

1-4

1-4

5

1-3
1-4

3-4-5
e 1-3

1-3

l-s3
l-s2

1-3-4

1-3

l

l-s2

l-s2

l-s2

Order III TUBINARES. Tübe-nosed Swimmers.

Family DIOMEDEID^. Albatrosses.

81 Black-füoted Albatross .. . Diomedea nigripes

82 Short-tailed Albatross Diomedea albatrus

82.1 Laysan Albatross Diomedea immutabilis

[83] Yeilow-nosed Albatross Thalassogert)n culminatus

84 Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fuliginosa

wl-5|
wl-5

1

1-3 1

Family PROCELLARIID^. Fulmars and Shearvvaters.

[85](iiant Fulmar Ossifraga gigantea

86 Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis

86b Pacific Fulmar " " glupiscea

86c Rodgers Fulmar " rodgersii -

87 Slender-billed Fulmar Priocella glacialoides

88 Cory Shearwater Puttinus borealis

89 (ireater Shearwater '" major

190] Manx Shearwater " puttinus .

91 Pink-footed Shearwater ... " creatopus

92 Audul)on Shearwater Puttinus Iherminieri

192.1] Allied Shearwater .... '" assimilis

93 Black-vented Shearwater " opisthomelas

93-1 Townsend Shearwater " auricularis

94 Sooty Shearwater " fuligino.sus

95 Dark-bodied Shearwater ... " griseus

96 Slender-billed Shearwater.. " tenuirostris

96.1 Wedge-tailed Shearwater- " cuneatus

96.2 Buller Shearwater " bulleri

[97] Black-tailed Shearwater Priofinus cinereus

[9Sl Black-capped Petrel jEstrelata hasitata

[99] Scaled Petrel - " scalaris

lOU Fisher Petrel " flsheri

[101]Bulwer Petrel Rulweria bulweri

|102]Pintado Petrel Daption capensis.

103 Least Petrel " '

104 Stormy Petrel . ..

105 Forked-tailed Petrel
lOS.lKaeding Petrel

106 Leach Petrel

loe.lGuadalupe Petrel

[106.2] Hawaiian Petrel

107 Black Petrel

108 Ashy Petrel

lOS.lSocorro Petrel

109 Wilson Petrel

Halocyptena microsoma-

Procellaria pelagica

Oceanodroma furcata

kaedingi

leucorhoa ...
macrodactyla
crytoleucura ..

melania-

homochroa

socorroensis -
. Oceanites oceanicus

[llOlWhite-bellied Petrel Fregetta grallaria

[lll]White-faced Petrel Pelagodroma marina-

2-5-6

5-6

w 1-3

wl-2

wl
wl

wl-2

w2-5

wl

wl

w3-5

wl

W 2-5

wl

W 1-2
w 1-2
W 1-2

e3-5

e3
el-5

el-2

e2-3

e2-5
2-4

e2-4

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

213

ÜRDKK IV STEGANOPODES. Totipalmatb: Swimmkrs.

l'aiiiily PHAETHONTIIhE. Tropic Birps.

A.o.r.

No. Coiiimoii Naiuf. Scientific Xanic.

112 Yellow-l)illed Troi^ic lürd Phaethon aniericanus

113 Ked-billed Trupic Bild ... " icthercus

(113.1 IKed-tailed Tropic Bird " ruhricaudus

Family SULID.E.

fll4|BIue-faced Bouby ...Sula cyanops

IH.I Blue-füotcd Boi)by _ " nebouxü

115 Booby " sula

115.1Brcwster Booby " brewsteri

(116Jl\ed-footed Booby " piscator

117 (iannet — " bassana

118 Anhlnga Anhlnga anhinga...

(Jannets.

w 1

\v I
w I

w I

119

l20

l20a

l20b

l2(Jt'

121

122

123

l23a

123b

124

Faiiüly PHALACROCOPtACII)/E. Cormorants.

Corniorant Phalacrocorax carbo

Double-crested Corniorant " dilophus

Florida Corniorant " "' floridanus

White-crested Corniirant- " '" cincinatus ..

Farallonc Corniorant " " albociliatus

Alexicaii Corniorant " mexicanus

Brandt Corniorant " penicillatus-

Pclagic Corniorant " pelagicus —

Violet-ifrcen Corniorant..- " " robustus

Baird Corniorant " " resplendens

Ked-faced Corniorant " urile-

w 3-5

1-2

-3

w 1

-3

w

5

w3

5

w 1

-3

w

0

Family PELECAXID.E. Pelicans.

125 American White Pelicaii Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

126 Brown Pelican . " occidentalis

127 California Brown Pelican " californlcus

Family FKECJATIIhE.
12S Maii-o'War Bird Fregata aquila

Max-o'-war Birds.

1-2

1-3-4
I 2

1-2

I l-3-4j 1-w 3-4j
Iw 1-2-31 I

el

el

e 1

el

«•1-4

1-2

e2-4
1-4
1-2

1
1-.S2

Ordkr V ANSERES. Lamellirostral Swimmers.

Family AXATID.E. DrcKS. <;ee.se. and Swans.

12!* American Merganser Meganser aniericanus

130 Ked-lireasted Merganser . " serrator

131 Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus-

[131.1|Sme\v Meriius allicllus

132 Mallard Anas boscluis

133 Black Duck ... " obscura

133a Hed-legged Black Duck " " rubripes

134 Florida Duck - " fulvigula

LMa Mottled Duck "' '" maculosa

135 Gadwall Chaulelasnius streperus

136 Widgeon Mareca penelope

137 P.aldpate " americana

(13^1 Kuropean Teal Xettion crecca

13!* <.recn-winged Teal "" carolinensis

140 Bluewingcd Teal Querquedula discors

141 Cinnamon Teal " cyanoptera

[141.1|Sliekirake Casarca casarca

142 Shoveller Spatula clypeata

143 Pintail Dafilaacuta

144 Wood Duck Aix sponsa

[145] Kufus-crested Duck Xetta rufiiia

146 Bedhead Aythya americana

147 Canva.'i-back "' vallisneria

148 American Scaup Duck " marila

14!* Lesscr Scaup Duck " artinis .

150 King-iU'cked Duck " collaris

151 American (iolden-eye Clangula clangula americana

152 Barrow (iolden-eye " islandica

153 Buffle-head Charitonctta albeola

154 Old-SQuaw .Harclda hyemali.s . -

155 Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus

156 l>abrador Duck Camptolaimus labradorius

157 Steller Duck F^niconctta stcUeri

läS Spertacled Eider .Arctonctta fl.'icheri

159 Northern Eider Somateria niollissima borealis

160 American Erder " dresseri-

161 Pacific Eider " v-nigra

162 King Eider " spectabilis

163 American Scoter -.Oidemia americana

1164J Velvet Scoter " fusca

2-3-4

2-3-4

2-3-5

1-3-5

1-3-5

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-3-5

1-4-4

1-3-5

2-3

2-3-5

e2-3

2-3-5

2-4

2-4-5
l-:s2

1-.S2

2-3-4

1-3-4

1-2

2-5

2-4

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-3

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-4-5

1-2

1-3-5

1-4-5

1-4

1

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-2

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-4-5

2-3-4

1-3-4

1-3-4

1-3-4

1-3-4

1-4

2-3-5

1-3 4

1-2

2-3-5

1-3

2-4-5

1-3-5

1-2

2-3

1-3-5

1-2

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-3-5

3-4

3-4

3-4

1-4-5

1-3-5

1-3-5

2-5

3-5

2-5

3-5

3-4-5

;;-4-5

5-6

5-6

3-5
3-5

5-6

w 5

5

3-5

3-4-5

3-5,

3-5

3-5

214

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

A.O.U.

No. Comnion Name. Scientific Name.

I(i5 White-win<red Scoter " deglandi

l()(i Surf Sfoter " persi)icillata -

ItiT Kuddy Duck Erisniatura jamaicensis

|l()S]>[asked Duck Nomtmyx dominicus-...

I(i9 Lesscr Sinjw Goose Cheii tiyperborea

Küia (iriMtcr SuDW <ioose "" " nivalis

Klü.l Klue <ioose " cserulescens.

170 Hnss Snuw Goose " rossii

IlTlJWhitc-fronted (ioose. - Anser albifrons

171a Am. White-fronted Goose. " " gambeli.

[171.1|Bean (ioose " fabialis

172 Canadi Gijose Braiita canadensis.

172a Hutchins (Joose - "' " hutchiiisii

172b White-cheeked Goose " " occidentalis..

I72c C'ackling Goose " " minima. .

173 Brant '• bernicla glaucogastra

174 Black Brant " nigricans -

|175JBarnacle Goose - " leucopsis

176 Eniperor (ioose Philacte lanagica.

177 Black-bellied Tree-duck... Dendrocygna autumnalis ..

17^ Fulvous Tree-duck Dendrocygna fulva

[i79J Whooping Swan Olorcygnus

180 Whistling Swan _ " columbianus.

181 Trumpeter Swan " buccinator

West.

2-4-5

2-5

1-5

2-5

2-5-6

2-5-6

2-4-5

1-5-6

15-5

:5-5

1-5

4-5-6

1-2

2-4-5

iddle.

East.

3-5

2 4-5

:j-5

2-4-5

1-5

1-4-5

1

3-4

3-5-6

1-5

3-5-6

1-5-6

1-3-5

2-5

1-5-6

el-5

I
1-2

2-5-6
1-3-5

1-5

1-2

Order VI. ODONTOGLOSS^. Lamellirostral Grallatores.

Family PHCENICOPTEKID.^.
182 American Flamingo Phcenicopterus ruber .

F'lamingoes.
I

l-s2

Order VII. HERODIONES. Herons, Storks, Ibises, Etc.

Family PLATALEID^
183 Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja

Family IBIDID.E. Ibises.

184 White Ibis -Guara alba

[185] Scarlet Ibis " rubra ..

186 Glossy Ibis Plegadis autumnalis .

187 White-faced Glossy Ibis... "' guarauna

Family CICONIID.E. Storks and Wood Ibises.

188 Wood Ibis Tantalus loculator 1

[189] Jabiru . Mycteria americana I

190

191

191.1

192

194

194a

194 b

[l!»5|

196

197

19H

199

20J

201

2üla

201b

202

203

204
205
206

207

208
209
210
211

Family ARDEID.E. Herons, Bitterns, etc

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus

Least Bittern Ardetta exilis

Cory Least Bittern ....

Great White Heron

(ireat Blue Heron
Northwest Coast Heron
Ward Heron
European Blue Heron ...

American Egret

Snowy Heron

Keddish Egret

Louisiana Heron

Liftle Blue Heron Florida caerulea

(ireen Heron Butorides virescens

Frazar Green Heron ... " " frazari
Anthony (ireen Heron ... " " anthonyi .
Bl'k-crowned Night Heron. Nycticorax nycticorax mevius
Yellow-crowned Night ". Nyctanasa violaceus

Order VIII. PALUDICOL^.

Family GKUID.E.

Whooping Crane Grus americana ...

Little Brown Crane " canadensis ..

Sandhill Crane _ " mexlcana

neoxena

Ardea occidentalis

herodias

fannini

wardi-

'■ cinerea

-Herodias egretta

Egretta candidissima

Dichromanassa rufescens
. Hydranassa tricolor ruflcollis

Granes, Rails, Etc
Cranes.

Family ARAMID.E. Courlans.

Limpkin Aramus giganteus I

Famüy RALLID^E. Rails, Gallinules, and Coots,

King Rail Rallus elegans

Beiding Rail Rallus beldingi ...

California Clapper Rail.... " obsoletus

Clapper Rail " crepitans

1

1 1
1-2

1 l-s2
1-2

1-2

1-2

1

1
1-2

-3-4

1-3-4
1-4

1-4

1-3-4
1-4

1-3

1-5
4-5

1-5
1

1-5
1

1-2
1-2

l-s2
1-2

r-s2

1-2

1

1-2

l-S 2

1-2

1-4

l-S 2
1-2
1-4

1-2
-2-3

1

1-2-4
1-2

1-2-4
1-2

1-3-5

1-4-5

(-4

1

1 1
1-3

1-3

e2-3

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

A.O.

No.

Ulla

211b

211c

L211/J

212

[.'IUI

214

215

211)

21K.1

[217J

218

219

[220J

221

Common Name.
Louisiana Clapper
Florida Clapper Ka
Wayiie Clapper Kai
ICaribbean Clapper
Virginia Kall.

Spotted Crake

Sora

Yellow Kall

Ulaek Kall -

Karalloiie Kail ...
Com Crake. ... ..

Purple (iallinule. .
Florida (iallinule

European Coot

American Coot

Kail
il .
1
Kail

Scientific Name.

saturati
scottii.
waynei
longirostris caribs
virgiiiianus. ...

Porzana porzana

Carolina
" noveboracensis.
jamaicensis.

C(jturniculus

.Crex cre.x.

lonornis martinica

..(iallinula galeata

Fulica atra.

americana

West

1-3 4

1-2-4

1-3-4

1-3

w2

1-4

Order IX. LIMICÜL.E. Shore Birds.

Family PHALAKOPODID.E. Phal.\ropes.

222 Ked Phalarope. ... Crymophilus fulicarius l-5i

223 Northern Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus. 1-4-5

2.'4 Wilson Phalarope. . . Steganopus tricolor. i 1-3-41

Family KECL'KVIKOSTKID.E. Avocet.s .\Nn Stii.ts.

22j American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 1-3-4

226 Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 1-3

Middle
s2

1-3-4

1-3-4
1-4
1-3

1-3
1-3

1-5

15-5
1-3-4

Family SCOLOPACID.E. Snipes. S.\ndpipers.

[227J European Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

228 American Woodcock -Philohela minor

|229j European Snipe (iallinago gallinago

23it Wilson Snipe " delicata.

[2:>i).I i<ireat Snipe " major

2.il Dowitcher Macrorhamphus griseus

Long-billed Dowitcher — " scolopaceus

Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus

Ell-.

232
233
231
2:jö
236
237
238
239
240
241
242

Knot

Purple Sandpiper

Aleutian Sandpiper

Pribilof Sandpiper.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.

Pectoral Sandpiper

White-rumped Sandpiper

liaird Sandpiper

I.east Sandpiper

[24J.I|L(>ng-toed Stint

[.a^jDiinlin

24:ia Ked-backed Sandpiper ...

244 Curlew Sandpiper

(24.5;Spoon-bill Sandpii>er
246 - - -

247
24S
24.4
250
251

Tringa canutus

Aniuatella maritima

couesi.

ptilocnemis

Actrodramas acuminata

maculata.

fuscicollis

bairdii

niinutilla _

damacensis

Pelidna alpina

pacifica

Erolia ferruginea -

Eurynorhynchus pygmteus

Semipalinated Sandpiper Ereunetes pusillus

Western Sandpiper '" occidentalis -

Sanderling Calidris arenaria

Marbled (iodwit Limosa fedoa

Pacific <iodwit '" lapponica baueri

Hudsonian (xodwit '" hppmastica

f252JBlack-tailed (iodwit " limosa

[2.53j<Treen Sbank Totanus nebularius

254 (ireater Yellow-legs '" melanoleucus-

2."i5 Yellow-legs " flavipes

256 Solitary Sandpiper- Helodromas solitarius

25f)a Western Solitary Sand'p'r. " " cinnamomeus

[257J(ireen Sandiper - "' ochropus -

■j5"< Willet Symphemia semipalmata

2jsa Western Willet " "" inornata

259 Wandering Tattier Heteractitis incanus

r2()0ji;uff Pavoncella pugnax

261 Bartramian Sandpiper. . Bartramia longicauda

262 Buff-breasted Sandpiper... Tryngites subruficollis

26.S Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia

2(M Long-billed Curlew Numenius longirostris

265 Hudsonian Curlew Numenius hudsonicus

266 Eskimo Curlew " borealis

1267]Whimbrel.... " pha^opus

[26-<JBristle-thighed Curlew — " tahitiensis

Family CHAKADKII.E. Plovers.

[269]Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

[269.1] Dotterel Eudromias morinellus

270 Black-bellied Plover Squatarola squatarola

12711 (iolden Plover Charadrius apricarius

212 American < iolden Plover.. "■ dominicus

272a Pacific (iolden Plover " " fulvus

215

Fast.

I

s2

1-3-4

1-3-4
1-3-4
1-2-3

1-3
1-3

1-3

3-5
1-5
1-4

el-4

1-4

2-3-5

24

2-4

1-5

1-3

1-5

1-5

1-5
1-6

2-5

2-5

5

5

5

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-4

1-4

1-5

1-5

1-5

5

4

1-5

1-5

1-6

wl-5

1-5

1-5

5

1-3-5

1-5

1-5

1-4

1-3-5

1-5

1-4-5

1-4

1-1-5

1-5

1-4-5

1

1-2

1-2

1-4

w 1-4-5

5

1-3-5
1-5

1-3-4

15

1-5

1-5

1-4

1-4

1-2

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-5

1-5
5

1-5
1-5

1-5
1-5

216

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

A.O,
No.

273
274

275
[276]
277
277a

27«
[2791
2H)
281

,U.

Common Name. Scientific Name.

Killdeer Oxyechus vociferus

Semipalmated Plover ^Egialitis semipalmata.

KingPlover " hiaticulo

Little King Plover " dubia

Piping Plover " meloda

Beited Piping Plover " circumcincta..

Siiuwy Plover " nivosa

.\Ii>ngoliaii Plover " mongola .......

\Vil,-<(>n Plover .. " wilsonius

Mountain Plover Podasocys montanus —

1 -4

1-2-4

I

1-2

Family APHKIZID^E. Surf Birds and Türnstones.

282 Surf Bird Aphriza virgata ..i w 1-5

2N'i Turnstone Arenaria Interpres 5

283.1 Kuddy Turnstone "' morinella... ■■■ ..| 1-5

284 Black Turnstone " melanocephala — ..iW 1-4-5

Family H.EMATOPODID.E. OySter-c.\tchers.
[285JOyster-catcher. Ha?matopus ostralegus

286 American Oyster-catcher.. " palliatus. •
286.1 Frazar Oyster-catcher " f razari ....

287 Black Oyster-catcher " bachmani..

Family JACANID.E,
r2881Mexican.Jacana Jacana apinosa- .. .

I
1-51

J.\CAN.\S.

Order X. GALLIN^E. Gallinaceous Birds.

Family TETRAONID.E. Grouse, Partridges,

280 Bob-white -Colinus virginianu.s

289a Florida Bob-white " " floridanus - ...

28f)b Texan ?5(ib-\vliite " "' texanus

291 Maskcd Bdli-white " ridgwayi

292 .Mountain Partridge Oreortyx pictus

292a Plunicd Partridge " " plumiferus

292b San Pedro Partridge " " confinis - ...

293 Scaled Partridge Callipepla squamata

293a Chestnut-bellied Scaled

Partridge . " " castanogastris ....

294 California Partridge. -- Lophortyx californica

294a Valley Partridge " " vallicola

295 Gambel Partridge ... " gambelii

.Mearns Partridge Cyrtonyx montezumse mearnsi -

Dusky (irouse Dendragapus obscurus

Sudty 'irciuse , - "' " fuliginosus ...

llichardsiin Hrouse " " richardsonii...

( 'anada (irouse Canachites canadensis ..

.\laskan (irouse .. - .. " " osgoodi...

Hudsonian Spruce Grouse " " canace

Franklin (irouse " franklinii

Kuffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus

3üUa Canadian Kutfed Grouse " " togata

300b Gray Rutfed Grouse - " " umbelloides-

300c Oregon Puffed Grouse — " " sabini ...

301 Williiw Ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus

301a Allen Ptarmigan

296

297

297

297b

29.S

29sb

29S(;

299
300

302 Kock Ptarmigan
302a Keinbardt Ptarmigan ..

3021> Nelson Ptarmigan

302c Turner Ptarmigan

302(1 Tiiwnsend Ptarmigan
302.1 Evermann " . .

303 Welch Ptarmigan

304 White-tailed Ptarmigan
304a Kenai Ptarmigan

305 Prairie Hen

305a Attwater Prairie Hen ...

306 Heath Hen

307 Le.sser Prairie Hen

rupestris

reinhardti

nelsoni

atkhensis

townsendi

evermanni

welchi

leucurus .

peninsularis

Tympanchus americanus

attwateri

cupido

pallidicinctus

308 Sharp-tailed (Jrouse. Pedicecetes phasianellus

308a Cdlunibian Sharp-tailed

Grouse " " columbianus

308b Prairie Sharp-t'led Grouse " " campestris ...

309 Sage Grouse -Centrocercus urophasianus

Etc.

se 2

W 2-3

W 2-3

I

se 2

w3-4
w2-3

S2
s e2
e2-3

3-4
e3-4

3-4

e3-4

w3-4

4-5

4-5

w 5
w 5
w 5

2-3-4
W5

e4-5
w3-4

e 3-4

Family PHASIANID^. Pheasants, Etc.

310 Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo silvestris

310a Merriam Turkey "' "' merriami..

310b Florida Wild Turkey " " osceola

3l0c Bio (irande Turkey " " intermedia

1-4

1

1-3-4
wl-4

1-2
1-2-3

5
1-5

I I

2-3
I

s w 2

s w 2
sw2

4

4

3

n3-s4

4-5
4-5

3-s4
2

n2
4

3-4
w3-4

e2-3
W2

1-3

1-4-5
5

1-3-4

4
1-5

2-3
I

4

4-n 3

2-3
1 3-s4

4-5

N. F.
4
5

N. F.

e 3

2-s3
I

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

217

Family CKACID.E. Cirassows and Guaxs.
A.O.U.

No. Common Name. Scientitio Xame. [

311 Chachalaca .Ortalis vetula maccalli I

Order COLUMB.E. Pigeons,

Family COLUMHID.t. Pigeons.

.Columba fasciata

viosoje

flavirostris

leucocpphala ...

sqiiamosa.

West. ' Middle. Käst.

i I

312

312a

:m

314

[;ii4.

315

316

317

31S

319

320

32(la

S20h

321

Band-tailedPigeon

Viosca Pigeon

Ked-hilled Pigeon

White-iTowned Pigeon
IlScaled Pigeon.

Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius

Mourning Dove Zenaidura niacroura

Zenaida r)ove " zenaida

White-fronted Dove Leptntila fulviventris brachyptera ...

White-winged Dove .Melopelia leucoptera —

(i round Dove Coluni bigall ina passerina terrestris..

Mexican (iround Dove — " " pallescens
üermuda Ground Dove — " '" bermudiana
Inca Dove .Scardafella inca

f:i22 Kiy Wf^t <Hiail-Dove (ieotrygon chrysia ..

[322.1 1 Kuilily f^uail-Dove " montana ■■

f323| i;iue-heailed f^uail-Dove. . .Starnrenas cyanocephala

Order RAPTORES. Birds of Prey.

Family CATHAKTID.i:. American Viltures.

324 California Vulture (Jymnogyps californianus I

325 Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

326 Black Vulture Catharista urubu I

Family FALCOXir).E. Falcons, Hawks, Eagles,

327 Swallow-tailed Kite ■ Elanoides forficatus

328 White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus

329 Mississippi Kite --Ictinia mississippiensis

330 Kverglade Kite ■■ ..Rostrhamus sociabilis

331 .Marsh Hawk Circus hudsonius

332 .Sharp-shinned Hawk • -Accipiter velox

333 CooperHawk — " cooperii

334 American (Toshawk " atricapillus

3;34a Western Goshawk " "' striatulus.

335 Harris Hawk ....Parabuteo unicinctus harrisi —

13361 F^uropean Buzzard Buteo buteo

'1

se2
sl

1-4

S 1

s 2

S2

s2

borealis ■ ■

kriderii

calurus

harlani

socorroensis..

lineatus

alleni

elegans

abbreviatus

albicaudatus sennetti

swainsoni

platypterus

brachyurus.

3:37 Ked-tailed Hawk

3;i7a Krider Hawk

337b Western Ked-tail •

337d Harlan Hawk .....

Socorro Ked-tail

339 Ked-shouldered Hawk

339a Florida Ked-sh'der'd Hawk
339b Ked-hellied Hawk

340 Zone-tailed Hawk

341 Sennett White-tail'd Hawk

342 S wainson Hawk

343 Broad-winged Hawk

344 ."ihort-tailed Hawk

34.5 Mexican Black Hawk Urubitinga anthracina

346 Mexican <ioshawk Asturina plagiata

r3471Kough-legged Hawk.- .\rchibuteo lagopus.

347a Am. i;<iugh-legg"d Hawk... "" " sancti-johannis..

348 Ferruginous Kough-Leg . .. " ferrugineus

349 (iolden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

r3 OlHarpy Eagle Thrasaetos harpyia

f351J(iray Sea Eagle Haliieetusalbicilla

352 Bald P^agle "' leucocephalus.

352a Alaskan Bald Eagle "" " alascanus

353 White (iy rfalcon Falco islandus

354 (xray (iyrfalcon " rusticolus

351a (iyrfalcon '" '" gyrfalco

354b Black (Jyrfalcon " '" obsoletus

355 Prairie Falcon " mexicanus

356 Duck Hawk. " peregrinus anatum

356a Peale Falcon " "' pealei

3^7 Pigeon Hawk Falco columbarius le

357a Black Merlin " '" suckleyi

308 Kichardson Merlin '" richardsonii

r358.I ] Merlin " regulus

909 Aplomado Falcon " fusco-ccerulescens

r359.a]Kestrel " tinnunculus

q6Ü American Sparrow Hawk. " sparverius

^eOa Desert Sparrow Hawk •' '" phalcena

4-5
4-5

1-3

2-5

w3-5

2-3-5

w3-5

s2

3-4
1-4

e2
I

W2

1-4

1-4

e 1-3

Etc.

1-3

1-2

1-2

1-2

1-4

1-4

1-5

1-5

1-4

1-4

2-4-5

2-3-5

s2

1

e 2-4

w2-3

1-4

1-2

e 1-3

1-4

s2

1

s e 2

1

1-5

1-5

e 1-4

se2

1

s 2

'

2-4-5

2-4-5

2-3-4

w 2-3-4

1-5

w 1-5

1-5

1-5

3-5
4-5

w 1-3

2-5

2-3-5

w 1-4

I

2-4

218

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

A.O.U.

No. Cuiunion Name. Scientific Name.

360b St. Lucas Sparrow Ha wk.. " " peninsularis.

f;M]Cuban Sparrow Hawk " dominicensis

362 Audubon (,'aracara Polyborus cheriway

363 GuadalupeCaracara " iutosus

364 American Osprey Pandion haliaetus carolinensis.

West.

s2

I

1-5

Middle.

East.

Family STKIGID.E.
365 American Barn ( )\\i Strix pratincola. . .

Barn Owls.

1-3 I

Family BUßONID.E. Horned Owls, Etc.

366 American Long-eared Owl. Asio wilsonianus

367 Short-carcd Owl " accipitrinus

368 Barrcd < »\vl Syrnium varium

368a Florida Barred Owl " " alleni.

368b Tcxan Barred Owl " " helveolum

369 Spotted Owl " occidentale..

369a Northern Spotted Owl- " " caurinum

37Ü Great (iray Owl Scotiaptex nebulosa

137üaJLapp Owl '" " lapponica-

371 Kichardson Owl Xyctala tengmalmi richardsoni

372 Saw-whet Owl •■.... " acadica

372a Northwest Saw-whet Owl.. " " scutsea

373 Screech ( »wl Megascops asio

373a Florida Screech ( )wl ......

373b Texas Screech Owl

373c California Screech Owl

373dKcuiiicott Screech Owl —
373e Kockv Mt'n Screech Owl...

373f Mcxicaii Screech Owl-

373sf Alken Screech Owl

373h MatFarlane Screech Owl.. .

373.1 Spi )ttc(l Screech Owl

373.2 Xantus Screech Owl

374 Flaniniulated Screech Owl.
374a Dwarf Screech Owl

floridanus

" mccalli

" bendirei

'■ kennicottii

" maxwelhe

■' cineracens ■

■" aikeni

'■ ni icfarlanei

trichoi>sis

xantusi

tlanniieola

idahoeiisis.

375 Great Horned Owl.. Bubo virginianus.

375a Western Horned Owl " "' pallescens

375b Acrtic Horned Owl " " arcticus

375c Dusky Horned Owl " " saturatus

375d Pacific Horned Owl " " pacificus

375e Dwarf Horned Owl " " elachistus

376 Snowy Owl Nyctea nyctea

1377] Hawk Owl Surnia ulula

377a American Hawk Owl "■ " caparoch

378 Burrowing Owl Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea.. . .

378a Florida Burrowing Owl... " " floridana....

379 Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma

379a California Pygmy Owl " " californicum.

379.1 Hoskins Pygmy Owl " hoskinsii

;M) Ferruginous Pygmy Owl.. " phala?noides

381 K>lf Owl Micropallas whitneyi

Order PSITTACI. Parrots, Macaws, Paroquets, Eto

Family PSITTACI D.FL P.\rrots and Paroquets.

382 Carolina Paroquet Conurus carolinensis l

382.1Thick-billed Parrot Khynchopsitta pachyrhyncha

Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, Etc.
P^amily CUCULID.E. Cuckoos, Anis, Eto.

L3831 Ani Crotophaga ani

384 Groove-billed Ani " sulciroslris

385 Koad-runner Geococcyx californianus

386 Mangrove Cuckoo Coceyzus minor

[386aJMaynard Cuckoo " " maynardi

387 Yellüw-billed Cuckoo " americanus

387a California Cuckoo " " occidentalis. .

.388 Black-billed Cuckoo " erythrophthalraus

|388.1JKamchatkan Cuckoo Cuculus canorus telephonus

s e 2

I
1-2

1-4

Family TKOGONID.E. Trogons.

389 ( 'oppery-tailed Trogon Trog( )n ambiguus

P'amily ALCEDINID^E. Kingfishers.

390 Beited Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon

l391.11Ringed Kingfisher " torauata ; . . .

391 Texas Kingfisher " amencana septentrionalis..

e2 I

1-51

1-3
1-4

1-51

1-4

1-3 I

1-4

1-4

1-4

2-4-5

2-3.5

2-3-5

2-4

2-4

1 s2

1-2

1-2

3-4

3 5

3-5

3-5

e 3-5

3-4-5

3 4-5

3-5

3-5

2-3-5

4

e2-4

2-4

s2

12

w2-3

w3-4

e3

s2

s e 2

3-4

se 2

e 1-3

3

e 1-4

1-4

e 1-4

W 1-4

3-4-5

3-5

5

2-3

3-5

3-5

3-5

e3-5

3-5

3-4-5

1-4

W 1-4

e 1-3

w2-4

s2

s2

1-4

1-5

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

219

Ordp^r PICI. \V()<)T)1'K('kki{s, WinxECKs, Etc.

A.O

No.
392

■.m
:ma.
3!t:ib
39:jf

393d
393e
3i«f
394
3}Ma
3941)
394c
394(1
394e
395
396
39()a
3!i7
.39S
3'.t9
4(10
401
401a
401h
40 J
402a
4U3
403a
404
405
405a
40(;
407
407a
4071)
4(is
409
410
411
412
4l2a
413
413a
414
414a
415

U.

Family PICID.E. WoonrKcKERs.

("oinnioii Name. Sfieiititic Xaiiie.

Ivory-hilled Wüodpt'ckt'r.Canipephikis principalis.

Hairy \\'()udpecker Dryobates villosus.

XortluTii Hairy Wdpeck'r
SoiithtTii Aairy Wdpeck'r

Harris Wuodpecker

Cahaiiis WiHidpecmer

K'ky Mt. Hairy Wdpeck'r
Q'n Charlutte Wdpeck'r...
Snuth'n Dowiiy Wdpeck'r

(lairdiier Wuodpecker

Batchelder W'oodpecker..

Dowiiy ^^'ll()dIlecke^

Xorth'n Dowiiy W'dpeck'r

Willow W liieckcr..

Hed-röckadfd W'dpeck'r. .

Texaii Wdodpccker

Saint Lucas Wuodpecker..

Xuttall \\'oodpecker

A rizoiia Wi lodpecker

White-headed W'dpeck'r

West.

leuconielas.

auduboiiii .

harrisii

hylos(()pus.

nioiiticulr.. .

picoideus...
pubesceiis

gairdnerii..

liomorus. . . .

niedianus-..

nelsoni

turati

borealis

scalaris bairdi

lucasanus...

nuttallü

arizonte

Xeiiopicus albolarvatus

Arctic Three-toedWdp'r..Picoides arcticus.

Amer. Three-toed W'dp'r-, " americanus.

Alask'ii Threc-toed \\''dp.r " " fasclatus

Ali)inc Three-tocd W'dp'r. " " dorsalis

Yellow-hellicd Sapsuck er Sphyrapicus varius.. •

Ked-naped Sapsucker " " luichalis

Ked-breasted Sapsucker... " ruber

Xorth'n Hed-br'd Saps'r... " " notkens s

Williauison Sapsucker " " thyroldeus

Pileated WoodpecUer t'eophlceus pileatus

Xorth'n Pileated Wdp"r... " " abieticola

Hed-headed Woodpeeker. . >relanerpes erythrocephalus

fornncivorus

bairdi

angustifrons.

Ant-eat ing W( lOdpecker
C'alifornian Woodpeeker

Xarrow.fronted Wdp'r

Lewis Woodpeeker Asyndesnius torquatus

Ked-bellied Woodpeeker... Centurus carolinus

(iolden-fronted Wdp'r " aurifrons

Gila Woodiiecker Centurus uropygialis.. •

Southern Flicker Colaptes auratus.

Xorthern Flicker.. " " luteus

Red-shafted Flicker " cafer c(jllaris

Xorthwestern Flicker "' " saturatior.. .

(illded Flicker " chrysoides

Brown Flicker. " "■ bruiinescens

(iuadalupe Flicker.. " rufipileus

w 3-4
2

e2-4
4

W 3-4
e2-4

5

w.<'al.|

1-2

r

W 2-3

se2
2 s 4
n 3-5i

4-5'
e2-4

2-3-4
2-3
3-4
2-3

2-4

s e 2

w 3

(

2-4

se 2

5

2-5

w 3-4

s e2
I
I

\riddle..i

11

3

4-5!

1-2

1-2

1-2

n 3-5
3-4-5

I 2-3-4

I-.2
3-5
2-4

2-3

I

1-2
2-5

Order MACRüCHIRES. Goatsuckers, Swifts, Etc.

Käst.
I

3
4-5
1-2

1-2
3-5

1-2

n 3-5
3-4-5

1-2
3-4
2-3

Family CAPKIMULGID.E. (Jo.atsuckers.

416 C'huck-wiH's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis

417 Whip-poor-will " vociferus

417a Stephens Whip-poor-will.. " " niacromystax- .

41S Poor-will Phahenoptilus nuttallü

41.Sa Frosted Poor-will " " nitidus

4isb r)usky Poor-will "" " californicus...

419 Merrill Parauque Xyctidronius albicollis merrilli

420 Xighthawk- Chordeiles virginianus. ■.

420a Western Xighthawk " "" henryi..... ..

420b Florida Xighthawk "' " chapniani..

420c Sennett Xighthawk ' " .sennetti

421 Texan Xighthawk.. • " acutipennis texensis —

Family MK'KOPODID.E. Swifts.

422 Black Swift Cypseloides niger borealis-

423 Chimney Swift Ch^tura pelagica ■

424 Vaux Swift " vauxii

4'.25 White-throated Swift Veronautes melanoleucus

Ktc

Family TROCILID.K

42() Kivoli nummiugbird Fugenes fulgens

427 Blue-throated H'mingblrd Creligena clemencife..
42X Kuby-throated H'mingbird Trochilus colubrls..

429 Black-chinned H'mingbird '" alexandri...

430 Costa Hummingbird •• Calypte costse.. • • . . . .

431 Anna Hummingbird " anna-.

1431.1) Floresi Hummingbird... Selasphorus floresii-

432 Broad-tailed H'mingbird.. " platycercus

HUMMIXf; BiRDS.

1-4
1-3

se2
se2

2-4
1-2
2-3

e 1-3

e 2-4

1-2
2-4

1-2

e2-4

2-3

2

2-4

W 2-3

2

2-3

4-5

e2-4

2-4

2-4

s2
w2-4

'

2

1

1-4

1-4

220

AMERICAN OENITHOLOOY.

. Selasphorus rufus.
alleni.

A.Ü.U

No. Common Name. Scientific Name.

433 Rufous Hummingbird

434 Allen Hummingbird-..

435 Morconi Hummingbird Atthis morcomi-

436 Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope

4.37 Lucifer Hummingbird Calothorax lucifer

438 Kieffer Hummingbird Amazilis tzacatl

439 Buff-bellied Hummingbird " oerviniventris chalconota.

440 Xantus Hummingbird Basilinna xantu.«ii.

440.1White-eared H'mingbird.. " leucotis...

441 Broad-billed H'mingbird.. lache latirostris ■

West. I

2-5

W 2-4

s e2

e2-4|

s e 21

se 2

s e2l

Middle.

Order PASSERES. Perching Birds.

Family C'OTINGID.E. C'otingas.
[441.1] Xantus Becard Platypsaris albiventris I

Family TYRANNID.E. Tyrant Flycatchers.

444

445
446
447
448
449

[442] Fork-tailed Flycatcher Muscivora tyrannus •

443 Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.. " forficata

Kingbird — ■ Tyrannus tyrannus.

Gray Kingbird ■ " dominicensis :

Couch Kingbird " melancholicus couchii

Arkansas Kingbird. " verticulis.- •

Cassin Kingbird " vociferans

Derby Flycatcher. Pitangus derbianus. .

[45ü]Giraud Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis superciliosus —

451 Sulphur-bellied Flycatc'erMyiodynastes luteiventris

452 Crested Flycatcher. Myiarchus crinitus

4.53 Mexican Crested Flyc'her. " mexicanus.

453a Arizona Crested Flyc'her. " '" magister

454 Ash-throated Flycatcher.. " cinerascens

454a Nutting Flycatcher... " " nuttingi

454b Lower California Flyc'her " " pertinax....

[455]Lawrence Fls'catcher " lawrencei

455a Olivaceous Fljj'catcher " " olivascens

456 Phoebe ■• Sayornis phcebe.. ■

457 Say Phcebe " saya

458 Black Phoebe " nigricans

458a Western Black Phoebe " " semiatra. ■

459 Olive-sided Flycatcher Nuttallornis borealis ■

460 Coues Flycatcher. ... Contopus pertinax Pallidiventris

461 Wood Pewee. " virens .•■■.

462 Western Wood Pewee • ■ . • " richardsonii

462a Large-lnllfd Wood Pewee. " " peninsulse

463 Yellow-bellicd Flycatcher. P'mpidonax flavivcntris

464 Western Flycatclu-r " difficilis

464.1 St. Lucas Flycatcher. " cineritius

4(i4.2 Santa Barbara Flycatcher. " insulicola

465 (irecn-crested Flycatcher. . " virescens

466 Traill Flycatcher. " traillii..

466a Alder Flycatcher " " alnorum

467 Least Flycatcher.. " minimus

468 Hammond F^lycatcher " hammondi

469 Wright Flycatcher " wrightii

469.1 (iray Flycatcher.. " griseus

[470iFulvous l-'lycatcher " fulvifrons

47üa Buff-bi-castc(l Flycatcher.. . " " pygmaeus

471 Vermilioii Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubineus mexicanus. .

472 Beardless l'lycatcher Ornithion imberbe

472a KidgwaX' Flycatcher.. " " ridgwayi

2-4

2-4
2-3

se2

s e 2

1-3

se2

1

se2

1-2-5
1-4
1-3

1-3-5
se2

1-4

1

'1l

W2

1-2-5

2-3

2-3

1 S2

s e 2
2

s e 2

W 1-4

e 1-2-4

1-2-4

1-3-5
1-4

e 1-3-4

e 1-4

e 1-3-4
1-3-4

Family ALAUDID.E. Larks,

[473]Skylark Alauda arvensis. .

474 Horned Lark Otocoris alpestris.

474a Pallid lloincd Lark

474b Prairic Horned Lark

474c Descrt Horned Lark

474d Tcxan lloiiicd Lark

474e Calito]-nia Horned Lark

474f Kuddv Horned Lark

474g St rcakcd Horned Lark......

474h Sc-orched Horned Lark....

4741 Dusky Horned Lark

474] Sonoran Horned Lark "

474k Hoy t Horned Lark

4741 Monteznma Horned Lark...
474m Island Horned Lark

arcticola

praticola.

leucolsema. ..

giraudi

actia

rubea

strigata

adusta

merrilli

pallida..

hoyti

occidentalis.
insularis

3

5

w 1

-2

S W

3

W

3

S W

2

3-41

S W

2

s e

9

w

2

e2-4

2-3-4

w2-4

I

3-4-5

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

221

A.O

No.
475

47(i

477

477a

478

478a

478b

478i'

478cl

479

48U

480,1

480.2

481

481a

4811)

481.1

482

482a

483

484

484a

4841)

4H4c

485

485a

486

486a

487

488

488a

489

490

491

492

U.

Family ("()i;\'II).E. Crows. J.ws. Ma(;i'Ik.s. Etc.

Coniinoii Name. Scientific Xame. J West.

American Magpie..- Plca pica hud.soniia 2-5

Yellow-billed Magpie. Pica nuttalli. ■ w 2-3

Blue .Tay. Cyanocitta cristata- i

Florida Blue. Tay " " fl(»rinc(ila. j

Steller Jay '• stelleri ] w 2-5

Hlue-fronted Jay " '" frontalis i w 1-2

Long-crested .Tay.- " " diademata.

?;ia(k-hfaded .Tay- " " annectens

(^ueen ( harlotte Jay.- '" " carlotta?

l-"luri(la .lay ^ Aphelocoma cyanea

Woodhouse .Tay " woodhouseli

I>lue-eared Jay " cyanotis

Texan Jaj- " texana

California .Tay- " -californica

Xaiitus .Tay " " hypoleuca. .

lU'hlinL' .Tay.- " " obscura

Santa Cruz Jaj' " insularis.-

Arizona Jay " sieberii arizona?

Couch Jay.- " ■■ couchii

( ireen Jay Xanthoura luxuosa glaucesceiis

Canada Jay Perisoreus canadensis.

Rocky Mountain Jay "' '" capitalis.-

Alaskan Jay " " fumlfrons

LubradorJay " "" nigricapillus..

( )rcgon .Tay " obscurus

(irayJay " " griseus

American Kaven. - Corvus corax- -

Xorthern Ixaven " " principalis.-

White-necked Kaven- " cryptoleucus

American Crow '" americanus

Florida Crow '" " pascuus

Xorthwest Crow " caurinus

Fish Crow " ossifragus

Clarke Xutcracker. Nucifraga columbiana

Pinon Jay Cyanocephalus cyanocephalus

e2-3

e3-4

w-4

2-3

w2-3

I

I

w2

s e 2

e2-3
5

w 3-4

3-4

1-4

5

2

1-3-5

w3.4

2-5
2-4

Middle

e2-4
s2

.Starlings.

Family STUKXTD.E

l493]Starling _ Sturnus vulgaris

Family ICTFKID.E. Blackbirds. Orioles, Etc.

494 Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus ;

495 Cowbird Molothrus ater

495a Dwarf Cowbird " "' obscurus s2

496 Hed-eyed Cowbird Callothrus robustus

497 Yellow-headed Blackbird-Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus 2-4

498 Ked-winged Blackbird Agelaius phreniceus

498a Sonoran Ked-wing " " sonoriensis s2

49SI) Bahama Hed-wing " " bryanti

498c I-'lorida Hed-wing " " floridanus

49sdThick-billed Ked-wlng.... " " fortis

498e San Diego Ked-wing " " neutralis 2-3-4

498f Northwestern Ked-wing..- " " caurinus-.- w 2-3-4

499 Bicolored Blackbird. - " gubernator californicus w 2-3

500 Tricolored Blackbird "" tricolor w 2-3

501 Meadowlark Sturnella magna

501a Mexican -Meadowlark ". "" hoopesi s2

501b Western Meadowlark.. .... " " neglecta 2-3

501c P'lorida Meadowlark '" " argutula

[5021Troupial Icterus Icterus

503 Audubon Oriole "" audubonii.-

504 Scott Oriole " pari.sorum s2

505 Hooded Oriole " cucullatus sennetti

50.=ia Arizona Hooded Oriole "' " nelsoni..- s2

506 Orchard Oriole-. " spurius

507 Baltimore Oriole " galbula

508 Bullock Oriole "' bullocki... l-s-4

509 Kustv Blackbird Scolecophagus carolinus 5

510 Brewer Blackbird " cyanocephalus 1-4

511 Purple <;rackle Quiscalus quiscula

5lla Florida (irackle " " agheus

511b Bronzed (irackle " " a;neus

513 Boat-tailed (irackle Megatjuiscalns major

513a (-Jreat-tailed Grackle "' " macrourus

Family FRTXaiLLID.E. Fi.vches. Sparrows. Etc.

514 Evening Grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina | e 3-5

514a Western Evening Grosb'k. "' " montana- . . . . ' w 2-4

515 Pine (rrosbeak Pinocola enucleator leucura j

515a Rocky Sit. Pine Grosbeak. " " montana ] e2-3

5l5b California Pine (irosbeak.. " " calilornlca | w 2-3

5l.ic Alaskan Pine (irosbeak... "■ " alascensis 3-5

515d Kadiak Pine (irosbeak.... "' •" flammula I 5

5

w-2

1-3-5

2-4-5 1

Fast.

2-4
I

3-4
4

2-5

1-3-5
I

e 1-3

1-3-4
1-4

1-3-4
1-4

1

w2-4

2-4

2-4

1
s2

2-3

2-3

w2-3

s2

1

1-3

1-2 4

1-3
1-3

1-3-5
1-4
2
S2
1-4
S2
1

1-4-5

2-3

1-2

1-4

1 e2

w3

8 3-5

3-4-5

222

AMERICAN ORNITllOLOGY.

A.O.U.

No. Comniun Name. Scientific Name.

[51(j I ( 'assin Bullrtnch Pyrrhula Cassini

517 Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus ■

517a California Purple Finch... " " californicus

518 Cassin Purple Finch " Cassini

519 House Finch " mexicanus frontalis.. . .

519b St. L.icas House Finch " " ruberrinius. . ...

5l9c San C'leincnte House FMnch "" " clementis

52Ü GuadaUuie Hou.se Finch... " amplus

52Ü.1 San Benito House Finch.. " mcgregori

521 American Crossbill Loxia curvirostra minor. ■ ■

521a Mexican Crossbill " "" stricklandi ,

.522 White-winged Crossbill.. • " leucoptera

523 Aleutian Leucosticte Leucosticte griseonucha.

524 Gray-crowned Leucosticte " tephrocotis.

524a Hepburn Leucosticte '" " littoralis-

525 Black Leucosticte " atrata

52t) Brown-capped Leucosticte " australis

527 (ireenland KedpoU. Acanthis hornemannii

527a Hoary Kedpoll " " exilipes

528 Kedi>oll " Hnaria

528a Holhrell Kedpoll " " holboellii

528b Greater Redpoll " " rostrata

529 American (TOldfinch.. Astragalinus tristis

52!ia Western «Toldfinch. " " pallidus

529b WilldW Goldtinch " " salicamans. . .

530 Arkansas (ioldtinch " psaltria.

53üb Mexican (idldtinch "' " mexicanus

531 Lawrenic (ioldtinch " lawrencei . . •

[532]?;iack-headed (ioldfinch.. .Spinus nolatus

533 PineSiskin.. " pinus

534 Snowflake Passerina nivalis...

534a Pribilof Snowflake. " " townsendi...

535 McKay Snowflake " hyperboreus

536 Lapland Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus. . ■

5.3(ia Alaskan Longspur. " " alascensis.. ...

537 Smith Longspur " pictus..

5as Chestnut-collared Longs'r. " ornatus

539 McCown Longspur. Khynchophanes mccownii

,540 Vesper Sparrow Pocecetes gramineus

54üa Western Vesper Sparrow-. "' " confinis

540b Oregon Vesper Sparrow.. . " "' afllnis

541 Ipswich Sparrow .Passerculu.s princeps.

542 Sandwich Sparrow-

542a Savanna Sparrow

542b West'n Savanna Sparrow-

542c Bryant Mar-^h Sparrow

543. Beiding Marsh Sparrow...

544 Large-billed Sparrow. .

5i4a St. Lucas Sparrow.

544b Lagoon Sparrow

544c San Benito Sparrow.

West.

w2-4
2-4
2-3

wli
w I

I '

5

1-3,

3-4-5

w5

2-3-4

3 4-5

e3

e2-3

3-5

e2-4

w2-3

2-3

w 2

'2-n 3-5
3-4-5

I W 5

' 3.5'

sandwichensis

savanna - .
alaudinus

bryanti

beldingi-

rostratus

guttatus...

halophilus

sanctorum

545 Baird Sparrow Coturniculus bairdii

54H Grasshopper Sparrow " savannarum passerinus.

54t)a West Grasshopper Sparrow " '" bimaculatus —

546b Fla. (irasshopper Sparrow - " " fl(jridanus

547 Henslow Sparrow " henslowii

547a Western Henslow Sparrow " " occidentalis

548 Leconte Sparrow " leconteii

549 Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodranius caudacutus

Z(jnotrichia querula

leucophrys .

nelsoni

subvirgatus
maritimus

peninsulje

sennetti

fisheri

macgillivraii

nigrescens

rammacus

strigatus . -

549.1NeIson Sparrow

549.1a Acadian Sharp-tailed Spar.

550 Seaside Sparrow
550a Scott Seaside Sparrow
550ti Texas Seaside Sparrow. ..
550c l-'is-licr Seaside Sparrow
550d Mac(;illivray Seaside Spar.

551 Dusky Seaside Sparrow ...

552 Lark Sparrow .Chondestes

552a Western Lark Sparrow

553 Harris Sparrow

554 White-crowned Sparrow

554a Garahel Sparrow

554b Nuttall Sparrow

557 (iolden-crowned Sparrow .• "' coronata

558 White-throated Sparrow " albicollis .. ..

559 Tree Sparrow ... Spizella monticola

559a Western Tree Sparrow " " ochracea

560 Chipping Sparrow " socialis -

560a Western Chipi)ing Sparrow " arizonte

561 Clay-colored Sparrow " pallida

562 Brewer Sparrow - " breweri -

gambeli
nuttalli .

2-4
w 2-3

W 3-5

1-5

w2

W 2

W 1-2

I

I

2-3

2-4

2-3-4
2-3-5
w2-4
w 2-5

2-5
2-5
2-4

Middle
e 2-3-4

2-3-5

3-4-5

3-4

3 5
3-5
3-5

East.
2-3-4

2-3-5
3-4-5

e4-5

3-5

3-5

3-5

n 3-5

2-3-4

2-n3-5 2 n 3-5
3-5 3-5

2-5

w 2-3-4
w 1-3-4
e 2-3-4
W 2-3-4

W 2-3-4
2-3

e2-3
w 2-3
2-3-4

-e I
s2

3-4

2-4

2-5

2-3-4

e2-4
2-3-4

2-3

I
2-3

l-s-2

e2-3

s 2

e 2-3-4

e2-3

e 2

se2
e l

2-4

2 n 3 42n 3 4

2-4 2-4

2-4 2-4

2-3-4

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

223

A.o.r.

N(i. Coiiimon Name.

5(J.'i Fiele! Sparrow

5().'ia Western Field Sparrow ■ •
5t)4 ^V(lrtllen Sparrow
5()5 niark-cliiiuH'd Siiarrow
f(i(i W'liitf-win^etl .hiiico
5()7 Slal e-(.(ili )red Juiico

5t)7a (>reir<in Juneo

5t)7b Shufeldt .Iiineo
5()7r ThurherJuiico

5(i7d P(jint Pinos Junco

5()7e Carolina Junco

5()7. 1. Montana Junc'o

ötis l'ink sidcd .Innco

5(l!i (iray-hcaded Jnnco

570 Arizona Junco

57(la üed-hacked Junco

571 Paird Junco

571.1To\vnscnd Junco

571' (iuadalupe Junco

573 lUack-tliroated Sparrow-

ö73a Desert Sparrow

474 liell Siiarrow

574a Sage Sparrow

574b (iray Saye Sparrow

575 Pinc-wood Sparrow

575a Pachnian Sparrow

57H Arizona Sparrow.

57S ('assin Sparrow

57!t Pufous-winged Sjtarrow

5.S) KufoLis-crowned Sparrow

5.sOa Houcard Bparrow

5Süb Kock Sparrow

5M)c I>aguna Sparrow

551 Song Sparrow

5sla I)esert Song Sparrow

5Mb Mountain Song Sparrow .
5s Ic Heerniann Song Sparrow..

öSldSanuiel Song Sparrow

5Sle Kusty Song Sparrow

5Slf Sooty Song Sparr(jvv

öSlg Brown Song Sparrow
5!Slh Santa Barbara Song Spar.
5t<l i San Clcaiente Song Spar.
bi<l j Judd Song Sparrow
5Slk Merrill Song Sparrow

5M1 1 Alamcda Song Sparrow

»'ilmSan Diego Song Sparrow--
5Sln Yakutat Song Sparrow

5^<lo Kcnai Sonij Sparrow

5^!l.lBischoft Song Sparrow

552 Aleutian Song Sparrow

58.J Lincoln Sparrow

5Sia Forbush Sparrow

584 Swanip Sparrow

5k5 Fc)X Sparrow

58öa Townsend Sparrow

585b Ttiick-Iiilled Siiarrow

Scientific Name.

. Spizclla pusilla

'■ arenacea

woitheni

■■ atrogularis

Junco aikeni . .. .

hyenialis

oreganus

shufeldti

thurberi

. '■ ■■ pinosus

carolinensis

. .. " montanus

niearnsi

caniceps

l)han)notus palliatus

dorsalis

bairdi

t( iwnsendi

insularis

Amphispiza bilineata

deserticola

belli

■■ nevadensis

" cinerea

Peucyea festivalis

bachraanii

botteri

Cassini

Ainiophila carpalis

ruficeps

scotti

" ereraoeca

sororia

Melospiza cinerea melodia

falla.K

niontana

heernianni

sainuelis

morphna

rufina

rivularis

graminea

" clenienta? .-

juddi

nierrilli .

pusillula

cooperi -

caurina..

kenaiensis
insignis-

cinerea.

lincolnii.

striata

georgiana

Passerella iliaca.

unalaschensis

raegarhyncha

schistacea e 2

West.

se2

I-S2

e3

5

W 3-4-5

3 4

2-3

I

e 2-3

e2-3

se2

s e2

I

n I

e I

s2

w 2

e2-3

I

se2

s w 2

se2

I

s2

e2-3

W2

n w 2

w 2-3-4

w4-5

w 2

s w 2

63

2-3

n w2

S w2

w5

w5

w 5

w 5

2-3-5

w3-4!

5iS5c Slate-i-olored sparrow

5.'-!5d Stephens Sparrow "' " Stephens!

58() Texas Sparrow Arrenienops rutivirgata.

587 Towhee Pipilo ery throphthalmus

sw2

2-4
V 3-4
S w2
S W 2

w I
s e 2

587a White-eyed Towhee

588 Arctic T< iwhee

ö8sa Spurred Towhee

f 88b Oregon Towhee

588c San Cleniente Towhee

588d San Diego Towhee

588e Mountain Towhee

589 (iuadalupe Towhee. . .

591 Canon Towhee

59la Saint Lucas Towhee. .

59lb California Towhee

591c Anthony Towhee

592 Abert Towhee

592.1(;reen-tailed Towhee Oreospiza chlorura

593 ( ardinal Cardinalis cardinalis '

593a .\rizona Cardinal " " superbus i se2

593b Saint Lucas Cardinal "" " igneas I

.')93c (iray-tailed Cardinal " " canicaudus

593d Florida Cardinal " '" floridanus ]

594 Arizona Pyrrhuloxia Pyrrhuloxia sinuata , se2

594a Texas Pyrrhuloxia " '" texana '

allen!

niaculatus arctieus

megalonyx

oregonus

clenientte

atratus

niagnirostris ...

consobrinus

fuscus mesoleucus

albigula

crissalis w 2-3

senicula I sw2

aberti ' s 2

2 3

Middle
e 1-3
w 1-3-4

1-3-5

w 2-3-4

l-s2

I

W 1-2

e 2-3-4

2-3-4

e 2-3-4 2-3-4
2-4-5 2-4-5

e 2-3-4
W 2-3-4

2 s 3
I

2 3 4

l-s-e 2

224

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

A.O.U.

No. Common Name. Scientific Name.

5&4b Saint Lucas Pyrrhuloxia...Pyrrhuloxiasinuatapeninsul£e.

595 Rose-breasted (Trosbeak . . . Zamelodia ludoviciana

596 Black-headed (irosbeak " melanocephala

597 Blue Grosbeak (iuiraca caerulea

597a Western Blue Grosbeak " " lazula ,

598 Indigo Bunting Cyanospiza cyanea

599 Lazuli Bunting '" amoena

600 Varied Bunting " versicolor

600a Beautiful Bunting " " pulchra..

601 Painted Bunting •' ciris

602 Morellet Seed-eater Sporophila morelleti

I603j(irassquit Tiaris bicolor

[603.1 iMelodious Grassquit "' canora

604 Dickcissel Spiza americana

605 Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys

Family TANAGKII)^. Tanagers.
(6061Blue-headeä Euphonia Euphonia elegantissima

607 Louisiana Tanager Piranga ludoviciana

608 Scarlet Tanager " erythromelas

609 Hepatic Tanager " hepatica

610 Summer Tanager " rubra

610a Cooper Tanager " " cooperi

Family HIRUNIDINIP-^. Swali.ows.

611 Purple Martin Progne subis

611a Western Martin " " hesperia

611,lCuban Martin " cryptoleuca

612 Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon lunifrons

f612.1JCuban t'liff Swallow •' fulva

€l2.2Mexican("liff Swallow " melanogastra

613 Barn Swallow Hirundo erythrogastra

614 Tree Swallow Iridoprocne bicolor

615 Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina lepida

615a St. Lucas Swallow ' '" brachyptera.

[615.1] Bahaman Swallow Callichelidon cyaneoviridis

616 Bank Swallow Riparia riparia

617 Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Family AMPELID^E. Waxwings.

618 Bohemian Waxwing Ampelis garrulus

619 Cedar Waxwing " cedroriim

620 Phainopepla Phainopepla nitens

Family LANID.E. Shrikes.

621 Northern Shrike Lanius borealis

622 Loggerhead Shrike " ludovicianus.

622a White-rumped Shrike

622b California Shrike

622c Anthony Shrike

excubitorides

gambeli I w 1-4

anthonyi I s w 2

West.

Middle.

East.

1-2-3

1-2-3

1-2-3
S W-2

1-3-4

e 2s3

w 2-3

1-2-3

w2-3

1

1-3-4

2-3

1-2-3

1-2

1

1-2

1-2-3
w 1-2-4

2

1-2-4

1-2-4

1-2-4

S w2
1-2

1-2

1-2

e 1-2-4
w2-3

1-2 4

1-2-4

1-2-5

1-2-5

1-2-5

s w 2
1-2-5
1-3-5
1-2-4

1

1-2-5
1-3-5

1-2-5
1-3-5

1 2-5
1-4

1-3-5
1-4

1-3-5
1-3

3-5

1-2-4

S2

3-5
1-2-4

3-5
1-2-4

2-4-5
2-4

3-4-5!
e2-3
W 2-4

3-4-5
2-S-3

Family VIREt) NID.E. Virens.

623 Black-whiskered Vireo....

624 Red-eyed Vlreo

.Vireo calidris barbatulus

. " olivaceus

. " flavoviridis

. " philadelphicus

. " gilvus

W 1-2-4

1-2-4

W 1 24
e2-3

1

W2

s2

w2-3

s2
s2

1-2-4

1

e 1-3-4

1-2-4

1-2-4
1-2-4

l-SW-2
1-2-3

1
2-3

1
1-2-4

625 Yellow-green Vireo

626 Philadelphia Vireo

1 3-4

627 Warbling X^ireo

1-2-4

627a Western Warbling Vireo..

. " " swainsoni

628 Yellow-throated Vireo. . . .

flavifrons

1-2-4

629 Blue-headed Vireo

1-2-4

629a Cassin Vireo

629b Plumlieous Vireo

629c Mountain Solitary Vireo.
629d St. Lucas Solitary Vireo.

alticola

lucasanus

e2

630 Black-capped Vireo

atricapillus

631 White-eved Vireo

noveboracensis

" maynardi

1-2-3

6;31a Key West Vireo

1

631b Bermuda Vireo

e 1

631c Small White-eyed Vireo.

micrus

632 Hutton Vireo

" huttoni

632a Stephens Vireo

stephensi

" " obscurus.

632c Anthony Vireo

633 Bell Vireo

belli

b33.1Least Vireo

pusillus

vicinior

634 Gray Vireo

AM Eine AN ORNITHOLOOY.

225

Family t'(Ei;EI>II)-E. Hokey Crkepers.
A.O.U.
No. t'onmion Xaine. Scientific Name.

635 Batiaiiia Hoiiey (.'i'eeper. ..Cnpreha bahaniensis

Family M NIOTILTID^. Wood Warhi.ers.

m^ BhK k aiul White WarliltT. Mniotilta varia

637 Prothnnotary Warhler. . . . Pnitoiiotaria citrca

(338 Swaiiison Waiiilcr Hclinuia swainsniiii

639 Worm-eatiiitr Wai'hkT Ht'lmitlitTds vt'cmiv(»rus

640 Bach man WarbliT Helmiiithophila hachmaiiii

641 Blu<'-\viii{.'i'd WarlikT " piiius

642 (ioldcn-wini-'cd Warljler. .. " thrysoptera

643 Lucy WaihU'i- " lucije

644 Viry^iiiia \\'arbler " virginise

(>45 Nashvillc Warbier " rubricapilla

645a Calavci-as Warbier " " gutturalis..

646 Oraiitrc-crdwiied Warl)k'r. "' celata

646a Lutcs<cnt Warbier " " lutescens . .

646b Dusky \\'arl)Ier " " sordida

647 Tenticsscc \\arbler " peregriiia

645 Parula Warbier Cumpsothlypis americaiia

64Ma Xortheni Parula Warbier. " " usnew..

649 Seimt'tt Warbier " nigrilura

65U Cape May Warbier Dendroica tigrina

651 Olive Warbier

652 Yelldw Warbier

6ö2a SoiKira Yellow Warliler. . .
652b Alaska!) Yell()\v Warbier.

653 Mangi'dve Warbier

654 Black-th'ed P.lue Warbier.
654a Cairiis Warbier

655 Myrtle N\'arliler

656 Audul)nii Warbier

656a Black-fronted Warbier....

657 Magill ilia Warbier

Ceruleaii Warbier

Che.'itnut-sided Warbier...

Bay-bieasted Warliler

Black-poll Warbier

Blackl)urniaii Warbier

Yellow-thrnated Warbier.

West.

Middle.' Käst.
sl

65«
659
660
661
662
663

663a SycaiiKire Warblei

664 (iraci' Warbier

665 Black-th'eil (Jray Warbier.

666 (ioldeii-cheeked Warbier..

667 Black-th'ed < ireeii Warbier

668 Tciwiisend Warbier

669 llermit Warbier

670 Kirtland Warbier

671 Pine Warbier

672 Palm Warbier

672a Yelldw Palm Warhler

673 Prairie Warbier

674 Oven-bird Seiurus aurocapillus.

675 Water-Thrush

675a (irimicll Water-Thru.sh.

olivaeea

sestiva

sonorana

ruhiginosa

bryaiiti castaneiceps. . .

ca^rulesceiis

cairnsii

coronata

auduhüiii

nigrifrons

maculosa

caerulea

pensylvanica

ca.stanea

striata

blackburiiis"

dominica

albilora

gracise

nigrescens

chrysoparia

vireiis

towiisendi

(iccidentalis

kirtlaadii

vigorsii

palmarum

hyi)ochrysea.
discolor

se2
e 1-2-3

1-3-4

e2-5i
w2-5

s w 2i

5

1-3-41

S e2

1-2-5

se2

W 1-4-5

I

1-2-4

s e 2

e 1-3-5

noveboracensis

notabilis

niotacilla

formosa

agilis

Philadelphia

tolniei

trichas

occideiitalis ...

ignota

arizela

brachidactyla.

sinuusa

beldingi

polit)cephala

676 Louisiana Water-thrush. .

677 Kentucky Warbier (ieothlvi

678 Connecticut Warbier

679 Mourning Warbier

680 Macgillivray Warliler

681 Maryland Yellow-throat..
681a Western Yellow-throat...
681)1 Florida Yellow-throat....

681c PaciHc Yellow-throat

681d Xortheni Yellow-throat..
681e Salt Marsh Yellow-throat.

682 Beiding Yellow-throat

682.1Kio (irande Yellow-throat.

683 Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria vireiis

68;3a Long-tailed Chat " " longicauda .

684 Hooded Warbier Wilsonia mitrata

68,5 Wilson Warbier " pusilla

685a Pileolated Warbler " " pileolata.

685b(iolden Pileolated Warbler " "' chryseola

686 Canadian Warbler " canadensis

687 American Kedstart Setophaga ruticilla

688 Painted Kedstart " picta

[689] Ked-bellied Redstart " miniata

690 Ked-faced Warbler Cardellina rubrifrons

[691] Ked Warbler Ergaticus ruber

|692iBrasher Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus..

L693JBell Warbler " belli

se2
12-3

1-2-5
1-2 4

5
1-3-5

1-2-4

e 1-3

w2-3

w2

1-2-3

1-2-5
w 2-4

e 1 3-4

se2

se2i

1-2-4
1-2-S-3

1-2-4

el-3 1-2-S-3

el-2 1-2

e 1-2-3 1-2-s 3

1-3 1-3

1-3-4
1-3-5

1-3-4

l-n3-5 1-4-5

e-2 12

1-3-4 1-3-4

I

1-4 1-11-3-4

1-2 5 1-2-5

1-11-3-4 In 3-4

I 1-e 2

1 11 3-4 1-n 3-4

1 n 3-4 1-n 3-4
1-2-3 1-2-3
1-3-4 1-3-4

1 n 3-4 1-n 3-4

In 3-5
1 n 3-4

1 2-s3

I

1-3-4

1-n 3-5

1-n 3-4

1-2

1-3-4

e3 s 2

2-4 2-3

2-4 1

1-s 4-5

e 1-2-3 1-2-3

1-3 4 1-3-4

1 n-3-4 1-n 3-4

w 1-3-5

1-2-S-3, 1-2-s 3

1-2-S-3 1-2

e 1-4 1-4

l-n-3-4 1- n3-4

e 2-s 3

1-2-4

1-s 2
1-3

1-2-s 3 1-2-s 3

1-2-s 3 1-2-s 3
1-4-5 1-n 3-5

1-n 3-4
1-3-5

1-n 3-4
1-3-5

226

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOdY.

Family ^fOTACILLID.E. Wagtails.
A,().U.
No. C'onnnoii Name. Scientitic Name.

[(i94] White Wagtail Motacilla alba

[(iÖSjSwinhoe Wagtail '" ocularis

()96 Siberian Yellow Wagtail.. .Budytes flavus leucostriatus

()97 American Pipit Anthus pensilvanicus

[(i9iS!.\feadow Pipit " pratensis

[H99]He(l-throated Pipit '" cervinus

701} Sprague Pipit " spragueii

West.

w 5
1-4-5

Middle.

1-4-5

w 1-3-4

701

7J2
703

Family CINCLID.«. Dippers.

American Dipper Cinclus mesicaiius

Family TROGLODYTID^. Wrens<, Thrashers

Sage Thrasher Oroscoptes montanus

Mockingbird Mimus polyglottes

703a Western Muckingbird " " leucopterus

704 Catbird Galeoscoptes carolinensis

705 Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum

7U(J Sennett Thrasher "' longirostre sennetti

707 C'urve-billed Thrasher " curvirostre

707a Palmer Thrasher " " palmeri

708 ßendire Thrasher " bendirei

709 St. Lucas Thrasher " cinereum

709a Mearns Thrasher " •' mearnsi

710 California Thrasher " redivivura

710a Pasadena Thrasher Toxostoma redivivum pasadenense. .

7U Leconte Thrasher " lecontei

711a r)esert Thrasher " " arenicola

712 Crissal Thrasher " crissalis

713 Cactus Wren Heleodytes brunneicapillus

713a Bryant C'actus Wren " " bryanti..

7l3b St. Lucas Cactus Wren " " affinis

7i5 Itock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus

71t) (iuadalupe Rock Wren " guadeloupensis

717 Whitc-throated Wren Catherpes mexicanus

7l7a Canon Wren " " conspersus

717b Dotted Canon Wren "' " punctulatus —

718 Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus

718a Florida Wren " "" miamensis

718b Lomita Wren " " lomitensis

719 Bewick Wren Thryomanes bewickii

719a Vigors Wren " " spilurus

719b Baird Wren " " leucogaster

719c Texas Bewick Wren "" "' cryptus

719d Southwest Bewick Wren,.. " "" charienturus...

719e Northwest Bewick Wren... '" " calophonus

719.1San demente Wren "' leucophrys

720 (iuadalupe Wren " brevicaudus

721 House Wren Troglodytes aedon

721a Parkman Wren " " parkmanii

721b Western House Wren " " aztecus

722 Winter Wren Olbiorchilus hiemalis

722a Western Winter Wren "" " pacificus

722b Kadiak Winter Wren " " helleri

723 Alaskan Wren " alascensis

723.1Aleutian Wren " meligerus

724 Short-billed Marsh Wren. .Cistothorus stellarls

725 Long-billed Marsh Wren.. .Telmatodytes palustris

72öa Tule Wren " "" paludicola

725b Worthington Marsh Wren. " " griseus

725c Interior Tule Wren " " plesius

725.1Mariau Marsh Wren '" mariana?

Fami y CKKTHID.E, Creepers.

726 Brown Creeper Certhia familiaris americana

72f)a Mexican Creeper " " albescens

726b Rocky Mountain Creeper. . " " montana

72fic California Creeper Certhia faniilaris zelotes

72(id Sierra Creeper " " occidentalis

Family PARID^E. Nuth.\tches and Tits.

727 White-breasted Xuthatch.Sitta carolinensis

e 1-3

2

e4

se2

se2

s e 2

s 1

n 1

w2

sw2

s w 2

n 1

s2

s w2

2-3

w 1

e2-3

w 1-2

w 2-s 3

2

s w 2

W3

S W 2

W 1

w2-4

e2-3

2-5

w5

w5

w5

w2-4

2-4

s e

2

e2

5

w2

5

w

3

aculeata.

727a Slendcr-hüli'd Nuthatch
727b PTorida White-breasted

Nuthatch

727c Rocky .Mountain Nuthatch
727d St. Lucas Nuthatch

728 Red-brcasted Nuthatch...

729 Brown-headed Nuthatch..

730 Pygmy Nuthatch

730a White-naped Nuthatch...

731 Tufted Titniouse Ba?olophus bicolor

731a Texan Tufted Titmouse... " " texensis

atkinsi

nelsoni

lagunte

canadensis

pusilla

pygniiHea

leuconucha.

1-4

e2-4
I

3-4-5

2-4
I

East.

1-4-5

I 1-5 I
ETC.

W 1-5

1-2-S3

w2

1-2-4

1-2-4

I

I

w2-3
I

I
2-s 3

S\V 2
e 1-3

1-2

1-2-4
1-2-3

1-3

w2-3

2-3-4 2 n 3- 4

2-4
2-4

2-3
2-3

e2
l

2 n 3-5 2 n 3- 5

2-3

3-4-5

2-3

I se 2

3-4-5
e 2

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

227

A.o.r.

No. Coiniiioii Name. Scientific Name.

732 Blaek-crested Titinouse. ..Baeolophus atricristatus ..

73:5 Piain Titinouse '" inornatus

733a (iray Titnionse " " griseus

7331) Ashy Titniouse " '" cineraceus.

734 Bridled Titinouse " woilweljeri

735 Chickadee Parus atricapillus.

sfptentrionalis.

oicidentalis

carolinensis

sclateri

ganibeli

cinctus alascensis

hudsonicus

stoneyi

colunibianus.
rufeseens

neglectus

barlowi

3-4

735a Long-tailed Chiokadee.

7351) Oregon Chickadee

73Ö Carolina Chickadee

73()a Pluniheous Chickadee ;

737 Mexican Chickudre

73s Mountain Ciiickudce

739 Alaskan Chickadee

740 Hudsoniaii Chickadei-

740a Kowak Chickadee

7401) ( 'oluinl)iaii ( 'hickadee

741 Chestnut l)ackeil ch'kadee

741a California ( 'iiickadee

741b Barlow Chickadee

742 Coast Wren-Tit Chanifea fasciata.

742a Pallid Wren-Tit " ■" phea

743 Bush-Tit Psaltriparus niiniimus

743a California Bush-Tit " " californlcus

743b Cirinda Bush-Tit " " grindte

744 Lead-colored Bush-tit "' plumbeus

744.1 Santa Kita Bush-Tit Psaltriparus santaritae

745 Lloyd Bush-tit " lloydi

746 Verdin Auriparus fla viceps

746a Baird Verdin ' " laniprocephali

Family SYLVIID/E. Warblers, Kixglets, (Inatcatchers.

747 Kennicütt \Villo\v WarblerPhyllopseustes borealis w-5|

748 Golden-cro\vned Kinglet.. Hegulus satrapa e 2-5 J n 3-5

748a Western (iolden-erowned

Kinglet " " olivaceus 2-3-5|

749 Kuby-crowned Kinglet " Calendula e 2-5 n 3-5

749a Sitkan Kinglet " grinnelli w 3-5

750 Dusky Kinglet " ob.scurus I|

751 Blue-(iray (inatcatcher Polioptila caerulea I 2-n3|

751a Western (Jnatcatcher " obscura 2

752 Plumbeous. «inatcatcher. . " plumbea 2

753 Black-tailed (inattatcher. " californica w2 I

Family TUKDID.E. . Thrushes, Soi.itaires. Stonechats. Bi.uebirds. etc.

Townsend Solitaire Myadestes townsendii 1 2-4 1

Wood Thrush Hylocichla nmstelina

Wes

t.

w2

-3

s

2

se2

e3-

4

w3

4

se

2

2

4

w

5

4

5

5

e 3-

-5

w3

-4

w

2

w

2

^^

2

W2

3

VV2

-3

w

2

2

3

s e

2

2

1

Middle.

n 2-4

s w 2

fuscescens

salicicola 'e

aliciae

bit-knelli..
ustulata

swainsonii

oedica

alnise

guttata

auduboni.

pallasii ...

nana

'"'acus

754

755

75() Wilson Thrush.

756a Willow Thrush

757 (iray-cheeked Thrush

757a Bicknell Thrush

758 Russet-backed Thrush...

'758a Olive-hacked Thrush

758b Monterev Thrush

758c Alma Thrush

759 Alaska Hermit Thrush

759a Audubon Hermit Thrush.

■759b Hermit Thrush

759c Dwarf Hermit Thrush

[760] Ked-winged Thrush Turdu*

761 American Kobin Merula migratoria

761a Western Kobin " " propinqua . . .

761b Southern Kobin " " achrustera..

762 St. Lucas Kobin " confinis

763 Varied Thrush Ixoreus naeyius

763a Pale Varied Thrush " " meruloides . .

[764J Ked-spotted Bluethroat. . .Cyanecula suecica

765 Wheatear Saxicola oenanthe

76.5a <ii-eenland Wheatear " " leucorhoa...

766 Bluebird Sialia sialis

766a Azure Bluebird Sialia sialis azurea

767 Western Bluebird "" mexicana occidentali

767a Chestmit-backed Bluel)ird " " bairdi

767b San Pedro Bluebird " " anabelte

J68 Montain Bluebird " arctica :

-3-4
5

Wl-3-5

w2

e3-5;

w 2-4-5 i

e2-4

w 1-2-3

5
2-4,

Fast.

n 2 4
1-2

n3 4

2n 3-5
n 3-5
2-n3

2-3
2-3-4
W 1-3-4
1-4-5]

2-3
-3-4

14
e4-5

1-4 1 n 3 4

1 n 3-4 1 n 3 -4

1 n 2 4 1 n 2 4
le2

w 2-3-5
2-4-5

se2

w2-4

e2-3

I

e2-4

2-4

4
2 4

228

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

CLARKE NUTCRACKER.
(Leiigth 12 in.)

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

229

CLARKE NUTCRACKER,

A- O. U. No. 491.

(Nucipaga cloumbiaiia.)

One of the commonest and most interesting birds met with in the
solitiides of the pine-forests of the upper peaks of the Rocky Mountain
ranges, is jVuci'/raga columbianay or the Clarke Nutcracker.

His plumage attracts attention at once; " the body is ash-gray, whiter
on forehead and chin; wings black with white patch on secondines tail
with middle feathers black, outer ones white." (Wils),

Whilst spending several weeks in the spruce forests at the edge of
tiniber-line on the western slope of Pike's Peak, a year or two ago, I
had excellent opportunities for studying these interesting birds.
Amongst the miners they are known as Fremont's bird, and included
also with a number of Jays, as "Camprobber." The Rocky Mountain
Jay is the true Camp-robber. The Nut-cracker is of an investigating turn

Photo from life by VV. W. Arnold.
CLARKE NUTCRACKER.

230 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

of mind, and soon discovers the location of a camp in the vvoods and
immediately pays a visit of inspection, and if permitted to gather up
the scraps from the table soon becomes very familiär. Where I was
staying, a fat, lazy dog was the rightful heir of all the table scraps, but
Mr. Nut-cracker was so thoroughly alert and swift in action, that poor
doggie would scarcely begin to wag his tail in anticipation of dinner
^when the scraps would be snatched from his very jaws and spirited
away by his aeriel enemy.

The plunge from a tree top to the ground when making these predi-
tory excursions was something astounding to behold. Hugging tight
their stout bodies with their powerful wings, they would pitch, like a
diver, headlong downward, arresting the lightning plunge within a
few feet of the earth, with such suddenness as to produce a loud ex-
plosive noise.

Although they love to live in the cool retreats of the spruce forests
girting the crest of the mountains, where every night in the summer
season the waters of the laughing streams are congealed by the touch
of the Frost King's breath, they ardently seek the kiss of the first rays
of the morning sun as they gild the peaks with glory and thoroughly
warm up before starting out on the days round in search of their daily
bread, which consists of berries, seeds, all kinds of insects andmice. I
watched one of these fellows devour a mouse one day. He commenced
by picking out the eyes, then the brain, and proceeded until nothing
but the tail remained which was discarded.

Their solitude breaking note, Kar'r'r'r! emitted with vigorous
enthusiasm, once heard is never forgotten. They are a busy industri-
ous bird, and there are no tramps in their family.

Personal Observation leads me to believe that the Nut-cracker does
not stand confinement well and this is stränge when we consider how
readily nearly all members of the Crow family adapt themselves to
cage life. Their ability to tear into pieces the hard pine-cone, when
seeking for the much loved pine-nuts, evidences the strength of their
powerful beaks.

One of these birds which I had in a cage for several months, would

easily twist oflE an iron wire l-32nd inch in diameter. The cut repro-

duced from one of a number of photographs taken by the author, shows

the crow in one of his most characteristic attitudes on the top of a sil-

ver spruce tree. That picture represents about a week's work, and

the expenditure of enough patience to supply an ordinary house-hold

for months! - > •

Dr. William W. Arnold.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

231

Address Communications for this department to

MEG MerryTHOUGHT, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks :

We continue to receive inquiries about Junior membership in the
Audubon Society. As I am but a local Connecticut secretary I can
only send you the Connecticut badge, but I will send the address of
your State secretary to any of you who wish it.

We were interested last week in watching Jenny Wren and her eight
little brown babies. She was carrying a choice morsel to them, (an
insect which seemed a very large mouthful for so tinyabird,) when
Madam Pussy Cat strolled by and cast admiring glances toward Mis-
tress Jenny. Such a scolding ! Jenny relaxed her hold but an instant,
but her prey darted away without waiting for a second chance. Then
Jenny flew to a tree some distance from her nest, and by her vigorous
Chatterings lured pussy's attention from her helpless infants towards
herseif.

No one who watches the birds trying to fill with good things— four,
eight, and even ten gaping mouths, will doubt that these happy carol-
ing birds lead a strenuous life.

Then too, the bird-land tragedies are many, perils from other birds,
from squirrels, snakes, storms, and boys. I think August must be their
vacation month, spent quietly in the leafy recesses. Then their gowns
are freshened, ready for a long journey into the Southland.

Do you suppose that the young who make the journey for the first
time this year, look with wonder on the stränge scenes, and will they
return and teil us all about it next spring ?

Cordially, Yonr Friend,

Meg MerryTHOUGHT.

232 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ROLL OF HONOR.

1, Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn.

2. J. Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

4, Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. L

ANSWERS TO JULY PUZZLES,

8.

Lark.

Who are we ?

9.

Blue Jay.

10.

Flycatcher.

11.

Knot.

12.

Chat.

13.

Whip-poor-will.

14.

Crow.

15.

Swallow.

MAILBAG EXTRACTS.
SOME TAME HUMMERS.

Last Summer I went into the mountains. I lived In a log-cabin hoteL
Ovar an unused door a board stuck out forming a kind of wind break
or shield. Behind this board there was a hole in a rotten log about a
foot and a half long.

In this hole a family of humming birds had built their nest.

There were three little ones. They were so tame that I picked them
up and played with them; the old birds did not seem to care. The
family were of the broad-taiied variety.

Late in the season the little ones learned to fly, and they flew away.

Charles B. Murray, Denver, Col.

A HUMMING BIRD AT SCHOOL.

One morning recently, when some of the pupils got to school before
the teacher, we watched for her to come. When she came we ran out
to the road to meet her and walked in with her. When we got in, my
playmate went to set down her lunch basket, and I said, — "O Dot, look
here! Here is a little humming bird." It was so tired it could not fly.
We took it and held it awhile, and then put it in a tree, but it did not
fly. We held it again; and pretty soon it flew up into the top of the
tree.

AMERICAN ORNITnOLOGY. 233

It had black wings and tail, its back was green, and its breast was a
dirty white, its throat was dirty white speckled with brown.

LoiE M. Clency, (age 10), Valley C'enter, Cal.

AN OBJECT LESSON.

There are two larch trees on our lawn, where I always look for warb-
lers during the migrations, and rarely without success. But during the
spring of 1904 these birds were extremely scarce in this neighborhood.
Many species that iisually may be numbered by dozens appearing by
Units, while some sorts were conspicuous by their entire absence. And
in conseqnence — surely the inference is a fair one — the larches, which
usually Support a few of the white, wooly aphis, are now infested by
this pest.

Isabella McC. Lemmon, Englewood, N. J.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA NO, 1.

I am composed of 18 letters.
My 13-5-8-12-17-4-15 are very useful.
This warm weather is 2-7-9-14-11-12. the 12-13-1-15-15 and 2-4-7-10-i

grow nicely.

J. Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

ENIGMA NO. 2.

My Ist is in slow and also in fast,

My 2nd you will find in mast.

My 3rd is in brown, but not in red.

My 4th you can see in bed.

My 5th and 6th you can find in pipe,

My 7th you will find in ripe.

My 8th and 9th are in falter.

My whole is a bird that lives nsar water.

Wm. K. D. Reynolds,

Berkeley, Cal.

234 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

AN EIGHT^POINTED STAR,

8

1

3

X

X

X

O

o

0

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

o

7 X 0 O O

o o

X !

9 O O 0 0 0 X 2

0

o

O

0

o

O

O

0

O

O

o

O

0

o

0

X

X

X

6

4

5

My 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 is an artificial inclosure used for constructing or re-
pairing ships. 9 to 1 is a bird of the most contrary characteristics.

9 to 3 is a small, singing bird and a household pet.

9 to 2 is a common winter bird.

9 to 5 is a bird of great value in ridding an apple orchard of caterpil-
lars.

9 to 4 is a bird of bad, domestic traits.

9 to 6 is of the flycatcher family.

9 to 7 is offen mistaken for a robin.

9 to 8 is a small, common bird.

HiLDAH Chace Smith,

Providence, L. I.

OUERIES.

1. What two birds of bright plumage have crests ?

2. What silent bird has a crest ?

3. What black and white bird has a crest ?

4. What bird with a crest catches fish ?

GLEANINGS.

" There was so much to be happy over, that I was rather startled
when I discovered another appreciative being near me. It was a brown
thrush, with a soul füll of joy. He had burst into song. He was an
invisible soloist, but his melody had thrilled the sunlit aisles, and made
them holy. ' Little brown thrush,' I said aloud, you trust your Creator,
while I only try to. I must do better.' "

THE

American Natural History

By W. T. HORNADAY.

Director of the New York Zoological Park; Author of "Two Years in the Jungle"
A POPULÄR BOOK.

Sparkling in style, füll of ancedotes, personal experiences and observa-
tions. In scope and arrangement, scientific, in presentation, non-tech-
nical. It is a book for the Student, the teacher, and general reader.

With 343 illustrations, picturing 375 animals, beside Charts and maps.

Size of book 10x7 inches.

Royal 8vo, $3.50

'•Mr. Kornaday ii a practica! man and he has written a practical book. The descriptions are clear and
avoid over-technicality, while the\- are accompanied by readable accounts of animal traits and incidents of wild
life. It is refreshing to have a bool< that is thoroughly dependable as regards fact and scientific in spirit,
yet written with liveliness and freshness of manner. " — The Outlook.

CHAS. K. REED, WORCESTER, MASS.

WeWantOrnifholo^ists

to write for our freecatalog.
We teach Taxiderray in all
its branches BY MAIL.
Complete course in 15 les-
sons, at reasonable cost.
Every bird-lover and na-
turalist should be 'able to
properly mount specimens.
Are you interested? Your
nanie on a postal bringrs lit-
erature. ^\'rite torlau. THE NORTHWESTERN
SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY. 4(;0 Bee Building,
Ümaba. Neb.

JAMES P. BABBITT,

— DE.^LER IN —

Supplies for the Naturalist and Taxider-
mist; Fine Glass Eyes a Speclalty.

TAUKXON, ]»IASS.

Bargain Lists free upon application.
Large illustrated catalogue of Naturalists Sup-
plies I De.

Naturalist Supply Depot

DEALERS IN

Supplies of all Kinds, Glass Eyes.

Mounted Specimens a Specialty. Send loc for catalog

FRANK BLAKE WEBSTER CO.,

Museum _ .. _ 3^ HYDE PARK.'MASS.

Americarv Ornithology.

A MöLgatzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED, B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. 1, II and
III, $1.00 each. Special: — Vols. I, II, III and subscription for 1904,
;^3.oo. We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
FOREIGN Subscription, $1.25.

COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY CHAS. K. REED

VOL. IV SEPTEMBER. 1904. NO. 9.

THREE MONTHS FREE.

Anyone subscribing for the Bird Magazine now will receive, free,
the remaining copies for this year and their subscription will commence
with Jan. 1905.

Anyone sending in two new subscriptions at $1.00 each will be given
the Bird Magazine free for onc ycar. Here is a chance to benefit both
yourselves and the magazine with practically no effort.

Only One More Month for the Photo Contest. It closes

October Ist.

Prints can be of any size and on any paper except blue print. Any-
one can send in one or as many prints as he wishes. They will be
judged impartially with due regard to their merit photographically and
the dil^culty of obtaining the subject. We make the following awards
for the best pictures received and also pay 50 cents each for all others
that we can use.

Classl. Adult live birds (wild),— Ist, a $20.00 AI Vista Camera;
2nd, a $5.00 pair of bird glasses; 3rd, Color Key to N. A. Birds.

Class 2. Young Birds. Ist, a $20.00 Graphaphone; 2nd, pair of
$5.00 field glasses; 3rd, Color Key to N. A. Birds.

Class 3. Nests and Eggs,— Ist, a $5.00 pair of Field Glasses; 2nd,
"North American Birds Eggs."

Froni \. A. DirdV Eggs. Photo froni life by L. S. Horton.

LONG-EARED OWL ON NEST.

236 AMERICAN OKNITHOLOOY.

AMERICAN GOSHAWK,

A. O. U- No. 334. ( Aoclniter atricapillus)

RANGE.

Whole of North America except the Pacific coast, breeding chiefly
north of the United States and during the winter appearing over cur
borders as far south as New Jersey, Missouri and California. In some
portions of the Rocky Mountains they remain to breed occasionally.

DESCRIPTION.

Length, about 24 in., the female being about two inches longer than
the male. Eye; red in adults, yellow in young. Adults: — Above a
slaty blue becoming lighter and brighter with old age; below and a
broad line over the eye white, the under parts being finely waved with
gray and the feathers having black shafts; the crown is somewhat dark-
er than the back and is sometimes black. Young: — Entirely different
from the adults, being brownish above and dull white below with numer-
Gus streaks on the underparts.

The western Goshawk is similar to the eastern form but is darker be-
low. It is found on the Pacific coast from Oregon to Alaska.

NEST AND EGGS.

These hawks build bulky nests of sticks and twigs lined with leaves
and weeds. They are usually found in large forests or woods placed
well up towards the top of large trees, usually coniferous ones being
preferred. They lay from two to four white eggs with a slight bluish
finge and frequently these will be found to have faint markings of
brownish. They are usually laid in April or early in May.

HABITS.

These large handsome birds are very power ful and audacious and are
more to be feared by the farmers in the fall when they are quite com-
mon, than any others of the family. They are similar in appearance to

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

237

AMERICAN GOSHAWK.
[Adult aiKl Young.]

238 . AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

the Old World species but have a darker head. The name Goshawk is
Said to be a contraction from their original Old World name of Goose
Hawk, they being said to frequently attack and kill both domestic and
wild geese. They were very frequently used in the Middle Ages as
harriers to pursue and capture prey for their owners.

In this country they are very often known as Blue Hawks from their
color and as Partridge Hawks from their habit of catching these fast
flying birds on the wing. They feed almost exclusively upon flesh and
disdain to touch Carrion. Squirrels, rodents, rabbits, grouse, ducks,
poultry and many small birds are included in their bill of fare. They
are very swift fliers and are extremely agile in following the devious
course pursued by their victims, their long tail and short wings apparent-
ly allowing them to double and turn on their course with remarkable
facility.

For boldness and audacity no other hawk can compare with them and
were they common in the United States throughout the year, poultry
raising would be anything but profitable. A friend in Vermont writes:
— "Last winter two Goshawks hung around our place andbefore we got
rid of them threatened to make away with all the chickens that we had.
We missed three hens in two days without knowing where they had
gone. The next day I heard a commotion in the hen yard and got out
of the house just in time to see a large Goshawk coming out of the
open coop-door with a chicken in his claws. I did not have the gun
with me and he refused to let go of the fowl when I shouted at him. I
prepared for another such occurence by placing a gun behind the door
where it could be handily reached. Although a chicken disappeared
with fatal regularity every day, It was nearly a week before I was able
to catch him in the act. A noisy cackling brought me to the door with
my weapon just as he was going over the fence with his struggling
victim. My shot failed to bring him down although it caused him to
drop the hen. In less than half an hour afterwards and while I was still
on guard he returned to try to get his daily meal but I had better success
this time and dropped him before he had caught his prey."

They have also been known to strike and carry off a Grouse which
had just been shot and missed by a gunner, even before he was beyond
the ränge of the gun. Other instances have been recorded of their
entering houses through open Windows to attack cage birds which they
saw hanging before the window, and of their swooping down and carry-
ing off fowls while the latter were being fed. They seem to have no
fear of anything when hunger spurs them on and the utter audacity of
their attack often Stands them in good stead for they are away and
beyond reach before the observer recovers from his surprise. They
are one of the few hawks about which but very little can be said in
their favor but still we would all be very loath to see them exterminated.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 239

] CHINESE HOUSE SWALLOW, ';

This species is an exact reproduction of its distant cousin Hirnndo
crytlirogastra in general coloration and habits. In this section of China,
(Foo-chow) the bird is migratory in April and October.

In the early Spring as the fields are green with the fast growing grain
great colonies of these little feathered friends may be seen sweeping
gracefully over the green, busily engaged in the regulär pursuits of the
day. One who has left the beautiful land of "Sunny Tennessee," or a
like climate in the homeland, certainly feels as though he had met friends
as he for the first time in the year sees a bevy of these happy little
chatterers. To the most careful observer this specie seems to be the
the common Barn Svvallow. They come in from the South füll of
mirth and soon select a suitable nesting site and ere long are busily en-
gaged throwing up their earth works.

The nest of this swallow is in all respects similar to that of the Barn
Swallow in America, except it is placed in the homes of the people. I
have never found a nest in an unoccupied house, though it may be that
sometimes such a site is chosen. It does seem however, that the bird
is very particular to choose such a building as is frenuented by a great
many people, and more especially by children. I have often seen a
nest in the room of one of our schoöls where were gathered daily from
twenty to forty boys studying at the top of their voice. It is a recog-
nized fact that a school that cannot be heard for a "block" is not worthy
a place in the list of schools, and it is into such a room that these birds
find their way and plaster their nest upon some suitable place just a fevv
feet above the heads of the pupils. While the scholars are studying at
the top of their voices and the very greatest confusion seems to reign
supreme, the little family in the mud home, so close, while away the
time in perfect happiness. The parent birds pass in and out of the
open front, or door, of the room even while it may be occupied by a
group of scholars or spectators as the case may be. This friendly
nature of the swallow has secured for it the good will of the people, and
many superstitions and beliefs have arisen as a result. For more than
two years I have endeavored to secure a set of the eggs of this specie
and found it impossible to do so. I have gone into many school-rooms,
homes and chapels where there were one or more nests almost within
my reach but never was permitted to molest them. This feeling of
care for the birds is due to certain superstitions however, rather than
for any love for the bird.

These superstitions are diffent in different localities. For instance,
at the city of Foo-chow it is universally believed among the heathen
people that if a nest of these birds is disturbed to the extent that the

240 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

birds remove to other quarters, the inmates of that home will everafter
be stupid and dull in matters of books and learnlng. I suppose this
belief has arisen on account of the bird so often selecting a school-room
for a nesting site. I find at Ku-cheng, one hundred miles inland from
Foo-chow, that it is possible to secure the eggs of this swallow, tho' I
have never been able to secure a nest. It is believed that if the nest is
taken away the birds will gather in the home and scold the inmates,
thus invoking the disfavor of the gods, and then leave the home never
to enter it again. We find it possible to secure sets of this specie there-
fore, only through such people as have thrown aside their superstitious
beliefs, or from those who are rather skeptical toward the general faith
in the many gods.

The greatest care is taken in order to induce swallows to nest in the
homes, and even in the shops on the narrow streets. Little platforms
of wood are placed in such places as are liable to attract attention of
one of these little home seekers. When life begins to be manifest in
the little home another placform is placed in such a position as to catch
the filth which might othervvise fall upon the inmates of the house.

The eggs of this specie number from four to six, tho' more generally
five, and are of a pure white color, less pointed than those of the com-
mon Barn Swallow of the homeland. This difference of coloration and
and form of the egg is the only marked difference I have been able to

detect between the two species.

Harry K. Caldwell, Ku-chensr. China.

A MISSOURI POLYGLOT,

On a morning in early May, of the year 1902, I was sitting out on
the Stile before sunrise, quaffing, in long deep draughts, the cool, fresh
morning air. It is a fine tonic and much more delicious than the
"pleasant to take" spring tonics sold in bottles.

And as I sat there I was conscious of many odd and peculiar notes
that issued from the thickets bordering a stream running through the
fields half a mile away. That they were notes of some bird I had not
the slightest doubt, but what bird I didn't know. I never remembered
hearing them before but there was nothing stränge in that fact, as I
had only just begun to take enough interest in birds to go out of my
way to identify one. And I went to breakfast wondering what this
particular bird was. Days passed. I heard those same notes all day
every day after that.

Once I went in search of the bird but failed. He led me into the
densest thickets along the stream, always calling, calling, always keep-

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 241

ing just a few yards ahead, always keeping out of sight. Then I gave
up the chase, wearied, torn and somewhat ruffled in spirits, and turned
on my heel, and he laughed, wickedly, maliciously.

Days lengthened into weeks. May 28th, found me sitting partially
concealed near the edge of an abandoned pond. It was in the center
of a small grove. A stream, the same mentioned above, entered the
pond at the Upper end, all the surplus water running out over a low
place in the dam, thus forming a miniature Niagara, and then resum-
ing its course on down through the fields. The place was rarely visit-
ed by any one except myself. Weeds, thickets and scrubby growth
flourished. And I think this must have been the favorite resort of
every bird in the neighborhood. One could always find "something
doing" here. On this particular afternoon I watched a Dickcissel as
he foraged for worms, in a bit of marshy ground the other side of the
pond. He seemed to find the worms — I couldn't identify them— in
plenty. After he had gorged himself he stepped gingerly into the
shallow water, Walking out to where it was probably an inch and a half
deep and then proceeded to take a bath. He seemed undecided just
how to do. In fact he looked scared. I think he was afraid he might
go under. He splashed lightly for about ten seconds and then abrupt-
ly left the vvater alighting on the top rail of a fence. And, oh my, how
glad he seemed that it was all over. One could almost see him heave
a sigh of relief. And just then another bird came for a plunge. It
was the Phoebe who had a nest up stream about a hundred yards
where the bridge crossed. He alighted on a dead limb about ten feet
above the center of the pond and from that vantage ground plunged
straight down into the water, as a King fasher would dive for his prey.
He was wholly under water for an instant then rose heavily to the
limb above. He repeated this Performance three times, at intervals of
a few seconds. Then after fluttering and pruning his feathers for a
while, he returned to the bridge and his brooding mate. Following
him up stream with my eyes — just as he disappeared around the bend,
I observed another little bird coming down toward the pond, tripping
lightly along through the shallow water, now and then dexterously
flicking out of the little wavelets that rippled about his feet, something
which he hastily swallowed. As the bird neared me I recognized him
as a common Water Thrash, the first I had seen in years, nor have I seen
one since. He passed within a few feet of me and seemed to be eat-
ing the tadpoles with which the water teemed. In one place the bank
feil sheer into the water. Close to the edge grew a honey locust tree
and in the clear water below could be seen a tangled mass of roots
that grew from it. A short time before, one could see twined about

242 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

these roots long strings of a clear, jelly-like substance flecked and
speckled with black. They were "frog eggs." They had recently
disappeared, hence the myriads of tadpoles. The Thrush continued
his journey around the edge of the pond to the waterfall, then, turning
without a pause, went tripping back up stream apparently intent only
on catching tadpoles. A slight unintentional movement on my part,
as he passed me, instantly caught his eye and he rose to the branches
above with a metallic "chip" of alarm. He sat there watching me first
with one eye, then the other, then both together, and bobbing, bowing,
wagging, teetering and uttering his sharp "chip" until he thoroughly
alarmed every bird within ear shot. Then he left.

After a little while, when things had become quiet again, I saw a
little pedestrian coming down a pathway that led to the pond from
the cornfield. She seemed in an awful hurry, apparently more so as
she neared the water, covering the last six feet in a trot. She was a
Horned Lark, had doubtless been brooding her eggs in the sunken
nest up in the field since early morn, and had now come to relieve her
parched little throat. After satisfying her thirst she went back in a
very business like way picking up a seed occasionally by the wayside.
I watched her off, then, hearing a loud spluttering in the pond, turned
suddenly, catching a gleam of gold and green, as a Yellow-breasted
Chat beat a hasty retreat into the nearest thicket. Ah-ha, I had sur-
prised him in the midst of his bath. It was my turn to laugh now, and
I did, although I knew two black eyes were regarding me sullenly
from that thicket. But I could not see him and had to depend on my
Imagination to picture him in his mortification at having the tables
turned. It was sometime before he could find his voice and then he
laughed, hooted, jeered, barked, gnacked, whistled, cackled and in fact
uttered every kind of sound imaginable and a whole lot that were not.
Then, wishing to get a better view of that wonderful creature that
could not be moved to show the slightest interest in his gifted vocal
powers, he flew up to a brauch where I got a fine view of him and iden-
tified him for the first time. I saw a little bird about seven inches
long, olive green above and bright yellow below, and with a whitish
line over the eye. So this was the bird that had led me such a wild
goose chase, or chat chase as you please. This was the individual
who had so tired my patience and then laughed in my face. Well, I
should never forget the little Golden-throated Polyglot, I was sure of
that.

A few days before while Walking along an old unused roadway, at
the edge of the woods, I found a patch of skin with the feathers on, as
fine feathers as any I ever saw, bright golden yellow and pure olive

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

243

ml- Vi -m

li

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.

[Life size.l

244 AMEBICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

green. I picked them up and wondered what little tragedy had been
enacted there and what bird had thus been the victim. As T sat gaz-
ing at the Chat, my thoughts returned to that bunch of feathers and I
knew what bird had once worn them, and thought what a wretched
ending for such a gay, light-hearted, happy-go-lucky little fellow. I
frequently saw him and heard him every day throughoiit the summer,
but our friendship did not grow as I should have liked. I fear it was
all one-sided. I loved the little bird but he would brook no advances
on my part. His aversion to me was quite evident. And thus sum-
mer waned, glorious autumn in all her gorgeousness came and passed,
and with her went the Chat. Yes, he was gone, there was no doubt of
that. As I strolled along the stream I found the modest little Juncos,
Tree Fox and Song Sparrows in abundance, but nevertheless there was
a vacancy they could not fill. I missed my noisy little Chat. He was
no longer there to follow and scoff and laugh and mock at me from the
safety of his impenetrable thickets. They were now brown and leafiess,
a mouse could not find concealment in them. Then spring, the season
that is ever looked forward to with eager expectancy, sweet anticipa-
tions, by every bird lover rolled around once more. And with spring
came the birds. And, as in past years, so now, I watched for and
greeted each little feathered friend, now all the brighter for their long
sojourn in the sunny South, with a thrill of joy indescribable.

My little Polyglot did not arrive tili May 8th. On that morning,
bright and early, I heard him, the same little noisy fellow chattering
down by the stream. He was still shy but not so much so as the
summer previous. He sat on a limb above his thicket and regarded
me in silence. Then his throat began to swell tili it was nearly as
large as his body. I knew something was going to happen. It did.
But I don't remember whether it was a squawk, a whistle, or some-
thing eise. Unfortunately I forgot to record it. He seemed to want
to amuse me. He bowed and nodded and assumed many comical po-
sitions sometimes nearly turning up side down as he clung to the limb.
But when the summer of 1903 passed, I was little better acquainted
with him than when he first arrived. I found however, that they were
not so rare as I had at first supposed, but were common if not abun-
dant throughout this locality especially along streams bordered by
thickets. And so when he returned in the spring of 1904 I determined
another summer should not pass before I had learned something of
their home life. First I read up what my bird books had to say of
him. About all I could learn from them was that he was an accom-
plished ventriloquist, Information not very encouraging to one just
getting acquainted with him, who wished to find his nest. Hence I
had to depend solely on my eyes and ears.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 245

On May 9th, I went to the place nearest my home where I heard one
calling. I found myself in the center of a little tract of wild ground,
probably an acre, surrounded by thickets and shrubbery of many kinds
but mostly bück bushes and dogwood. I sat down and waited making
no attempt to conceal myself. I thought it useless. The male chat
saw me long before I saw him. By watching him I soon located the
female. She had a fine hair like straw in her bill. She made no
attempt to conceal herseif but flew up into a dogwood and from thence
across an open space straight to the thicket where a quarter of an hour
later I located the nest which was apparently just about completed. It
was fastened firmly in the top of a bück bush and was not difficult to
find. A mere glance into the thicket revealed it. A week later I re-
turned to the nest and it contained three chats' eggs. Pretty little
eggs, pinkish white, not too freely sprinkled with brown. There was
also another egg about the same size, but bluish white speckled with
dark brown and lilac. Is it necessary to say it was a Cowbird's?
After locating this nest I had no trouble in finding three others during
the two weeks following I found all by merely watching the male bird
and that was not difificult, he was always in evidence. I always found
him within a radius of 25 yards of the nest, usually half that distance,
and he chatted almost incessantly the whole time I was in the \acinity.
Three, out of the four nests found contained one Cowbird's egg each,
so I conclude the Chat is a frequent victim of this little brown- rascal's
laziness. All four nests were situated as the first one, in buckbushes.
I secured them after the little birds had left and found them to be
exactly alike in the material used in their construction. They were
two and three-fourths inches in diameter and two and one-fourth deep,
inside measurement. The foundation was of coarse grass stems.
The nest proper was of grasses, leaves and strips of corn husk lined
with fine stiff woody fibers. But to return to the bird. Is he really
such a ventriloquist as his biographers would have us believe? My
idea of a ventriloquist is, that he has the power, when speaking, of
making his voice appear to come from somewhere remote from himself.
If the Chat has this power, he has never exhibited it while under my
Observation. I have always been able to go directly to him by follow-
ing the sound of his voice, which is very penetrating and can be heard
a quarter of a mile and further. Ventriloquist or not there is no deny-

ing his wonderful vocal powers.

Edgar Boyee. Waverly. Mo.

246

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

From North American IVirds Eggs. Photo by Walter Raine.

NEST AND EGGS OF AMERICAN MERGANSER.

This species usually nest in holes in trees, bat on this island they were nest-
ing in holes under boulders.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 247

j THAT BOBOLINK'S NEST,

I think every schoolboy has had a desire, which in some cases de-
veloped into sort of a mania, to find a Bobolink's nest. Something in
the rollicking schoolboy fashion in which he renders his choice vocal
selections has appealed to our boys in a very fascinating way. It has
also appealed to us, the chiluren of a larger growth. Who does not
appreciate the Bobolink's cheerful song? Who is not better, and more
cheerful for having heard it? See him as he sways back and forth on
that willow twig in the meadow yonder. Hear his medley of liquid
notes as they come from his tiny throat, as free and spontaneoiis as a
summer shower.

As a boy I searchedfor the little nest with the brown, sparrowy mother,

and always when I thought I had the key to the "home," I foundit was

not there. I will admit that others were more fortunate than I. Yet I

determined to persevere, so as a man, whenever those rollicking notes

came to me across the field, the desire was reawakened. Search as I

would no nest seemed to be there. But one has said that, "perseverance

is always rewarded." Thoreau also says, "What you seek in vain for,

half your life, one day you come füll upon all the family atdinner," and

so it proved. Bob was singing in a tree, I was raking hay when swish!

Something brown darted from under my very feet, down I went on my

knees, and there nestled snugly in the side of a cradleknoll was the

treasure I had sought so long, and offen; the whole family at dinner,

four of them; fluffy, sparrowy little birds. Two days later they were

gone, yet with them went my best wishes, and I still retain the sweet

memory of the pleasure I derived from those two shortdays. You ask

has life lost all its charms for me, now I have found what I sought so

long? I answer you nay. I am yet looking for a Bobolink's nest.

Geo. K. t'ROCKPrrr.

AMERICAN GOLDEN^-EYE.

A. O. U. N'o. 151. (Clangula aiuericana.)

RANGE.

Whole of North America, breeding from northern United States
north to the Arctic Ocean: winters in the United States south to the
Gulf of Mexico.

DESCRIPTION.

Length about 20 in.; female slightly smaller. Eye bright yellow.
Male. — entire head greenish black with a round white spot between

248 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

9

the bin and the eye. The underparts, secondaries, coverts and centers
of the scapulars are white, the rest of the upperparts being black. Fe-
male.— Head brown without any white patch, underparts and speculum
white, the breast being gray and the back slaty.

NEST AND EGGS.
These beautiful birds breed northward from the United States to
the limit of trees. Like the Wood Duck they make their homes in the
hollow cavities of trees or in case of the absence of these, in cavities
under boulders. The bottom of the cavity is lined with leaves, grass
and down from the breast of the female. Their six to ten ashy green
eggs are laid during the latter part of May or in June.

HABITS.

These ducks are familiarly known to all gunners and also to many
others as Whistlers, a name given them because of the whistling sound
made by their wings when in flight. They are also frequently called
Great-heads because of the puffy appearance of the short crest. Dur-
ing the summer they are found chiefly about fresh water rivers or lakes
where they nest in hollow trees growing near the banks. Their nests
are found at all elevations from the ground, sometimes not more than
a foot and again they may be twenty or thirty feet up. Frequently the
opening is so small that it would appear impossible for so large a bird
to squeeze through it, but they appear to do so with the greatest of
ease. The young, like those of the Wood Duck, are obliged to flutter
and scramble down the tree trunk as best they may, when it comes
time for them to leave their nursery, the mother bird, in the mean-
while encouraging them by guttural croakings from the ground be-
neath. When they have all made the descent in safety, she leads them
to the waters edge where they swim and play as though water had al-
ways been their natural dement.

In the fall they start on the journey to the south, travelling in small
flocks and resting in fresh water lakes, ponds or rivers. Numbers of

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

249

BARROW GOLDEX-EYE, [Upper fi^ure.]
AMERICAN GOLDEX-EYE, l>rale and female.]

250 AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

these are also met with along the coasts but they are most often found
here in pairs feeding in sheltered coves or inlets upon shell fish which
they get from the bottom by diving. Their flight is very swift and
steady and they always appear to have a fixed destination in vievv for
they are difficult to decoy although occasionally one or two will come
to the decoys with a flock of Scaups or "Blue-bills."

They are very active birds when upon the surface of the water and
so keen is their perception that they will dive at the flash of a gun and
disappear below the protecting surface of the water before the shot
reaches the place whereon they rested. They are good swimmers and
can go a long ways under water or to a great depth in search of food.
In the inferior they feed largely upon weeds and grain which they pro-
cura from fields bordering ponds. When rising from the surface of the
water they do not spring directly up as do the Black Ducks but pursue
a slanting course until they are at a sufficient elevation. Their only
means of communication with one another appears to be by means of a
low croak, their only other note being the whistling made by their
wings when in rapid flight.

BARROW GOLDEN^EYE

A. O. U. No. 153. (Clausula islandica )

RANGE.

North America, breeding north of the United States except in the
Rocky Mountains where they breed in Colorado. They winter south
to the middle portions of the United States.

DESCRIPTION.

Same size and general build as the common Golden-eye but with the
head glossed with purplish and the spot in front of the eye in the shape
of a crescent. The white on the wing is also usually broken by a
black bar. The female is practically not to be distinguished from that
of the common Golden-eye.

HABITS.

The habits of the Barrow Golden-eye do not appear to be essentially
different from those of the more common variety. Like the latter they
nest in the hollow cavities of trees. In the fall they are frequently
Seen associated with the other Golden-eye and as a rule this one is
thought not to be quite as wary and to more easily be called to decoys.
The flesh of both species is very palatable and they are eagerly sought
by gunners.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 251

E3E3r3aE3aaaE3QQGE3DaQE3E3aaE3aDa

p TO BED WITH THE BIRDS. ^

There has ahvays been a mysterious charm to me about the last half
hour of the bird day. This fascination is only fully feit when I go to
bed, not only zc/w// the birds do, but as they do, in a little nook of my
own choosing. Some Cluster of firs that promises shelter and dark-
ness, or some hollow in the hills that holds all night the warmth of the
sun and lets the wind go by overhead. In such a spot, unknovvn to
the rest of the world, I can Stretch out on fragrant fir-boughs or mead-
o\v hay, just as the sun has set. Fora few moments I, like the birds,
am filled with joy and thankfulness at this "Great wide wonderful
beautiful world." How small and safe I feel! Then only to realize
how little we need, and how only in such a life can one feel with the
wise one who "Having nothing, yet hath all."

And now the birds voice this feeling for us more perfectly than any
any human poetry can. As I hear the Lazuli Bunting's reedy pipe
from the eider bush, and the Tanager's strain from the fall fir, seeming
to call out "Higher, clearer, sweeter, happier, dearer;" the Russet-
backed Thrush with his "Cordelia, Cordelia, Cordelia," from the thick-
er vvoods, and the Vireo warbling in the aspens, I know that each little
heart is füll of content and that they have what is best for them. But
now the chorus ceases. There comes a hush as of expectation. Now
many birds seem to bethink them of one last thing to be done before
the curtains are drawn for the night. A Robin goes hurrying by with
a childishly serious look at me out of his round eye, as if to say, "Dont
delay me, I have important business to attend to." The Lazuli Bunt-
ing makes one last circuit of his singing trees and settles down with a
quiet crooning noise just over the nest where his little brown mate is
brooding her eggs, as if to say, "My beauty cannot härm you now,
though I am careful to keep out of sight all day." The Grosbeak
brings a last morsel to his wife and talks to reassure her in his sweet-
est tones, a sort of bird baby-talk. The Flicker slips into her hole,
with a glance around to see if she has been observed.

I always fancy it is as if they were playing a game of hide and seek

with our Barth Mother, and as if she said, "Now quick children, hide

yourselves safely, and don't let me hear a sound tili morning." And

all scurry into their places, with soft hush-words, while their mother

hides her eyes. Only when you think of the Owls and prowling night

creatures, you cannot but hope that it really is a game to them, and

that they do not know that their life is in danger every night, as soon

as they close their eyes.

AxxA Head.

252

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

~ .^^«^

MARBLED GODWIT.

AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY. 253

MARBLED GODWIT.

A. O. U. No. 249. (Limosa fedoa)

RANGE.

Whole of North America, breeding in the interior from Minnesota
and the Dakotas northwards. Winters south of the United States.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 18 in. Bill curved slightly upward. Adults in summer. —

back and wings yellowish brovvn barred with black; tail chestnut barred

with black. Underparts buffy barred with black in fine wavy lines.

In winter they are uniform grayish above faintly marked with darker,

and a grayish white below.

NESTS AND EGGS.

Marbled Godwits breed in the interior of northern United States and

from thence north to the Arctic Ocean. They scoop out a slight hol-

low in the ground and line it with a few grasses: in this they lay three

or four eggs during June. The eggs are a buffy drab spotted and

blotched with blackish brown and yellowish. The nests are sometimes

found in fields remote from water but are usually placed in marshy lo-

calities beside of ponds, pools or brooks.

HABITS.

With the exception of the Long-billed Curlew this is one of the larg-
est of the North American shore birds and as its flesh is very palatable
they are one of the most persistently hunted of all the shore birds dur-
ing the brief period that they remain with us in the fall. They are
usually found in flocks of from ten to thirty individuals but on rare oc-
casions several hundreds may be met with together. They are much
more abundantly met with in the interior about fresh water ponds but
for a Short time in the fall and again in the spring, numbers of them are
found along both coasts. They call quite readily and also come to de-
coys which are stuck up in marshes or on beaches to attract passing:
flocks of waders. Their flight is very rapid and the whole flock wheel
like one unit, as if they were trained soldiers. They feed along the
beaches and marshes at low tide, upon marine insects and small shell-
fish.

254 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

) By Berton Mercer. )

ReFRESHMENT FOR THE BiRDS.

There are many ways in which we can be of Service to the birds in
promoting their comfort, and many simple methods by which we can
»encourage them to locate near our dwellings.

Some years ago we placed a small log, about two feet long, on the
ground in the yard under a maple tree. One side of the log was cut
out in such a manner as to form a little trough about three inches deep
by four or five inches wide. This we fiUed with fresh water every two
days and always kept it nicely cleaned.

The trough was originally placed in the yard as a drinking place for
the birds during the summer, and we were more than repaid for our
trouble by the pleasure derived from watching them. First afew birds
came and inspected it, drank from it, and took an initial bath, and these
evidently appreciated the Situation and confided the good news to
others, and the number of visitors to the trough increased until finally
it became apopular "summer resort" with the birds intheneighborhood.
The different birds using the trough were Robins, Cat Birds, Song
Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows and Wrens, all of which took baths with
the exception of the last named; I never observed them do more than
drink. However the Wrens made a daily examination of the under
side of the trouge in search of any spiders, worms or bugs that might
be luring there.

On many a sultry day in summer I have seen the little Song Sparrows
come up to the trough all dusty and panting with thirst. After taking
a long drink of the cool water, and indulging in a good bath, they were
completely refreshed and would frequently repay us with a sweet song
of thanks for the benefit received. Some times two birds would take a
bath at once, and it was truly amusing to watch them splashing and
hopping in the water, making it fly in all directions. and afterwards re-
turning to some shady nook to dress their feathers.

Maryland Yellow.throat Nest.
During the past summer while Walking through a section of low land
where there was much coarse grass and low growth, I noticed a Mary-
land Yellow-throat sitting on a scrub bush with a mouth-full of sedge
grass, roots, etc. I stood perfectly still and watched him to see what
he would do. Presently, as if divining my attention, he seemed to say
"ril just show you where it is," and fiew directly to a bunch of tall
grass and disappeared. After a few minutes he came out again, looked
at me saucily and sang out, "Glad to meet you," "Glad to meet you,"

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOOY.

255

and then proceeded to gather another mouth-ful of materials and carried
them to the same place. On making an examination I found apartially
completed nest, and on calling theretwo days later, the nest was finished
— a beautiful, round cup-like structure. I stopped there on several
occasions afterwards but no eggs were deposited in it, although the
birds remained in the vicinity all season. It is my impression that this
nest was simply made as a "blind," while the true home was some-
where eise. I am the more inclined to think so on account of the care-
less manner in which the bird exposed it in the first instance.

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MerrythoUGHT, i56Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

One of you have asked about the robin's second brood. Robins,
Phoebes, Swallows, Wrens, Sparrows and many other birds, raise
several families in one season, sometimes laying eggs even in sultry
August. The Robins usually use the same nest through the summer,
repairing it, if need be, with fresh mud, plaster and twig joists. I have
Seen Sir Robin sitting upon the eggs in a most contented manner, while
Madam was busying herseif about something eise out of sight of the
home nest.

Not long ago the Birdlover had a delightful talk with a bold young
chippy. Master chipping bird did the most of the talking however.
He alighted on the lower step of a veranda where the Birdlover was
sitting, and began to talk. I presume he remarked on the weather and
crops, then he hopped up another step, still looking up with a "chip,
Chip, Chip," soon the next step was mounted, andpresently he ventured
up the last step close to the feet of the Birdlover, and looking up con-
fidingly into his face told a long story in chippy language.

After fifteen or twenty minutes, he spread his wings and sailed away
to the crooked apple free which contained the hörne nest, where he

256 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

chattered away to his less venturesome brothers and sisters, perhaps
telling them of the stränge bird which lived in the great white nest on
the hin.

Cordially, your friend

Meg Merrythought.

ROLL OF HONOR.

1. Naomi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

2. James Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

3. Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn.

4. Huldah C. Smith, Providence, R. L

5. Jacob Stehman, Roherston, Pa.

ANSWERS TO AUGUST PUZZLES,

ENIGMA NO. 1.

American Kingfisher.

ENIGMA NO 2.
Sandpiper.

EIGHT^POINTED STAR.

1

D

r

1

Y

P

1

R

P

B

A

r

T

N

H A A

7 — KNIWEHCREEPER — 2

H O U

E W C

B B K

E I O

URO

6 D 5

4
OUERIES.— CRESTED BIRDS.

1. Jay and Cardinal.

2. Cedar Bird.

3. Tufted Titmouse.

4. Kingfisher.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 257

MAILBAG EXTRACTS.

I have put up a bird house and am making another one. There are

a good many English Sparrows around here. I tacked apiece of bread

on the fence, and it was eaten up pretty quick, I think the Fourth of

July will be an unhappy time for the birds, because they will get scared.

I am very much interested in the Bird Magazine.

Wm. K. D. Reynolds.

Berkeley, Cal.

Last year about the eighth of May, I was Walking in the yard, when
suddenly I heard the little voice of the House Wren. I followed the
voice tili I found the little fellow busily hunting insects on the apple
tree. Thinking he probably wished to rent a house, I went to work
sawing, hammering and trying to make a house. But as it was entirely
new business to me I sawed my apron more than I did the wood. I
finished the house that afternoon and nailed it up.

The next day w^as Sunday, and when I came home from church,
Mamma said, "Jenny and Johny have moved in." I could hardly realize
that such cute birds had moved in such a rüde house.

It was so interesting to watch them come to the house together, and
Jenny go in the house and fix the straws and sticks, while Johnny would
sit on some twig or the top of the house and pour forth such a beautiful
song.

One day we heard some very faint chirps from the bird house, and
knew the little ones had hatched. When they left we do not know.

After a while Jenny seemed to be repairing the nest, and before long
there were eight more little eggs in it. We saw some of those little
ones leave the nest, and such a scolding as the parents did, I have
never heard before or since. It may be they were scolding because I
was around. This year my uncle made me two very cute houses. I
hope my Wrens will come back next year and occupy thesenice homes.

Xaümi E. Voris, Crawfordsville, Ind.

I wish to note in the magazine the discovery of two unusual nesting
Sites. One was a blue bird's nest situated in a tree on a limb. I found
it on May 26th with five eggs. and watched them until they hatched.
The old birds seemed to like the shady leafy home as much as if it
were bare. The other was a catbird's nest built in a pile of four foot
wood beside the river. I was fishing on May 21st, on the opposite
side of the river from the wood, when to my surprise a catbird flew
down and picked up a cast oflf minnow head. I watched where she
flew and saw her go in a large opening in a side of a pile of wood. I
then poured out some earth worms and waited. About one minute

258 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

elapsed and she returned, Seeing the worms crawling off she begau
pecking them all to kill them, She returned home with only one
worm, and soon another catbird came back with her and got a worm.
This went on about an hour until my worms gave out, and then I went
across and found the nest containing four young catbirds with open
mouths. They were nearly ready to fly, and when four days later, I
returned with worms, they had taken their departure. It seemed as if
the bluebirds and catbirds had exchanged nesting sites.

Orren W. Turner.

ENIGMA.

I am a bird composed of 20 letters. As 11-8-8-7 and 1-2-18-4-19-9
were going 12-2 the 10-13-1.1 after 7 bücket of 10-9-15-13-17 they 5-11-
10, 12-20-13, 8-13-5-15 of a 12-16-17-3-19-16 which had 15-20-14-13-13
eggs 6-8 it. James Howard Binns, Adena, Ohio.

PI.

Some birds that repair and use the last year's nest.

1. Ernw, 2. Lalwows,

3. Rideblub, 4. Slow,

5. Slagee, 6. Whakshif,

7. Targe-treescd cryflatceh.

PI NUMBER 2.

The sk'fi of the sociable little oraspwrongs is not always dufou on the
rundog or in a shnb. He sometimes takes possession of a convenient
leho in a reet, and has even been known to käme a vieho for his tellit
nose in old int snac. The sten is damc of raceso ragsess, deives and veales,
offen delh^ with rahi.

GLEANINGS.

How falls it, Oriole, thou hast come to fly

In Southern splendor through our northern sky?

In some blithe moment was it nature's choice

To dower a scrap of sunset with a voice?

Or did some orange lily, flecked with black.

In a forgotten garden, ages back,

Yearning to heaven, until its wish was heard,

Desire unspeakably to be a bird?

Edgar Fawcett.

NATRUE BOOKS

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the same intensely interesting style that
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School of the Woods, with i2full-page
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Bird Portraits, by ErnestSet m-Thomp-
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With 200 illustrations. Square, i2mo.
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Price is only $3.00 prepaid.

Given asa premium for 10 subscribers.

Birds That Hunt and Are Hunted,

by N'eltje Blanchan. Gives colored plates
and the life histories of 173 of our game
and water birds and birds of prey. You
can actually see t'ie iridescent sheeii on
the neck of the wild pigeon. Price, post-
paid, ?2.00.
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Bird Neighbors, by Neltje Blanchan.
Has 52 colored plates, anddescribes 150 of
our Song birds and other more common
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these life-like plates there can be not the
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12 mo. clotli $2.00 postpaid. A Guide to
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CHAS. K. REED. WORCESTER.. MASS.

Americarv Ornithology.

A Ma.gaLzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.,
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED, B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada, and Mexico, One
Dollar yearly in advance. Single copies, ten cents. Vols. 1, II and
111, ^i ooeach Special: — Vols, 1, 11, 111 and subscription for 1904,
$3.00 We can supply back numbers at ten cents per copy.
Foreign Subscription, $1.25.

-COPYRIGH r, 1903 BY CHAS. K. REED-

VOL. IV OCTOBER. 1904. NO. 10.

TWO MONTHS FREE.

Anyone subscribing for the Bird Magazine now will receive, free,
the remaining copies for this year and their subscription will commence
with Jan. 1905.

Anyone sending in two new subscriptions at $1.00 each will be given
the Bird Magazine free fof^ one year. Hereis a chance to benefit both
yourselves and the magazine with practically no efifort. '

Among the most handsome, as well as interesting exhibits at the St.
Louis Fair, is that of the G. Cramer Dry Plate Co. locatedin the Palace
of Liberal Arts, block No. 53, at the intersection of Aisle Gand Aisle
four. This exhibit, which is the ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the
World's Fair, consists of a large nuniber of the finest photographs and
a number of exquisitely beautiful transparencies, all made by the fore-
most photographers and artists of this country on the famous Cramer
Plate. This exhibit must be seen to be appreciated, and we would
therefore strongly urge any of our readers who attend the Fair to be
sure and visit this very interesting display, feeling confident that what
they see there will amply repay them for their visit.

The Cramer Co. have advised us that they will be much pleased to
have visiting photographers to the World's Fair call at their magnifi-
cent establishment at the corner of Lemp ave and Shenandoah St.,
where a most cordial welcome awaits any visitor.

•X 6i

Z k

Z -L

260 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY,

THE PURPLE MARTIN.

Written for American Oriiithology by Oliver Davie.

With the exception of the little "Jennie Wren," the Robin, and Blue-
bird, there is scarcely any other bird that should call forth our love and
Claim protection about our garden and houses more than the Purple,
or, as it is commonly called, "House Martin." The little Wrens keep
our ears open to their lively, chattering notes; our eyes open to see
their wonderful acrobatic movements up and down a tree trunk or limb,
with their out-of-sight antics behind these, or through the chinks and
crevices of some old barn. The Robin thrills the heart with his loud
piping notes of love in the early days of blustery March. reminding us
that the gentle hours of spring are at band. The Bluebird cannot be
depended upon as a weather prognosticator, for many of his tribe re-
main with us all winter. It has hiding-places in hollow trees, where,
when wintry winds begin blowing, when sleet and snow begin to freeze
on the trunks of the forest, he retires to one of these retreats, and on
every sunny day he will come forth from his log-cabin and sound his
soft piccolo notes, saying, "The spring will come, the spring will
come." And we take his word for it.

But the Martin, that sable-winged minstrel of mirth! Mirth and
jollity are in his throat and actions; he belongs to a choir that never
have had their harps tuned to sadness, tuned only for the merriment of
mankind; no dirge or tears are in his notes. His song is a succession
of screams and chatterings, which wind up with a clatter of rattle-bone
sounds, such as is heard from the end-men at the minstrel show.

Being a true swallow he is possessed of wonderful power of fiight.
Often on a clear summer day, when he has soared and circled as close
to the blue dome of heaven as possible, one can distinctly hear those
screams, chatters, and rattling bones hundreds of yards above. Often
at midnight, or long after he has retired to rest in his little house, he
utters these same notes, but in a more subdued tone, as if scolding his
new bride, whom he has won only the day before. The Martin is an
early riser; in Ohio, in the month of June he is out of his house and on
the wing about half-past three, before the first rays of the sun begin to
streak the eastern sky, just as the cooling zephyrs begin to rise, when
one can inhale the fresh odors of living Vegetation. He retires some-
times when it is so dark that it is difficult for him to find his way home.

One of the economic points of value in these birds is that they live
exclusively on noxious winged insects, and destroy thousands of them
daily, from the most minute to the largest. I have seen them catch
the common locust in mid-air, and bring the screaming insect home as

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 261

food for their young. Of course the oldest of the young birds is al-
ways the strengest, and he generally forces his way to the front door
first. Here he opens his large yellow-rimmed mouth and svvallows the
locust while it goes down singing, probably one of Beethoven's sonatas.
I have frequently seen the parent bird bring the large-sized dragon-flies
(we boys used to call them "snake-feeders") and feed them to their
young, who would swallow them, wings and all. This Operation, how-
ever, often requires considerable time; while the youngest of the brood
were kept back, their oldest brother was occupying all the space of the
door, swallowing the dragon-fly.

The parents will come and go, frequently without being able to feed
the younger of their brood at all, on account of the big fellow Standing
in front of the door struggling to swallow the dragon-fly.

Besides the credit which we must give Martins for destroying harm-
ful insects, and with all their other remunerative instincts, they have
one which will please the farmer or any person engaged in raising
poultry in rural districts. Martins will pursue and drive away hawks
of the largest size. He is a wise farmer who will encourage Martins,
for they will take care of the hawks, while the hens take care of their
broods.

The Martin arrives in Central (Jhio from its winter home in South
America, about the 9th day of April. This date, according to my notes
of twenty years, can almost be depended on, although they sometimes
reach this point as early as march 25th.

The birds rear but one brood of young during the summer months,
and begin to congregate (young and old) by the middle or latter part
of August, this means the departure for their Southern home. In great
troops they depart, and, like bands of gypies, they make stops along
the route, according to the condition of the weather.

In some of the smaller towns just at dusk one would imagine, from
the number of Martins to be seen roosting under the cornices of the
larger buildings, that they had come to capture the place, as Chinese
sometimes do "by force of numbers." But on they go, those merry
troopers, those minstrels carrying their banjoes and rattle bones with
them, cheering each other. for the way is long to the land of the olive
and cypress, the land where wild vines of myrtle and ivy hang in fes-
toons over the waters; where the Flamingo and Scarlet Ibis reflect their
cardinal colors, equaling those of the setting sun.

Here in these tropical gardens they make their winter home, resting
at night in the hollows and cracks of the trees about them; in the day-
time they feed on winged insects never known where there young were
born. Here, while on the wing, they dip their bills into the waters to

262 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

quench their thirst, near the braids of hanging moss, in the land that
knows no snow.

Before this conntry was discovered,- before civilized men erected
dwellings for the Martin they nested, like other swallows, in hollow
trees. The Indians used to cut round holes in the old fashioned gourd;
dig out the Contents, fasten it to a tallpole, and raise it for the Martins-
to nest in. In many places throughout the country to-day this is done,
and is very interesting. The hole in the gourd should be fully three
inches in diameter, and placed just high enough up on the side to leave
a cup for the nest, and under the hole a twig should be fastened for the
birds to alight on.

A very neat and artistic Martin-house can be made in the shape of a
little cottage, with from two to six rooms. These should be not less
than seven inches, insiäe measurement. The doors should be three
inches wide, with platforms in front of each for the birds to alight on.

A gentleman in my neighborhood has one patterned after his own
house of ten rooms, all the rooms being occupied every summer.

A neat little two-roomed cottage like my own martin-house can be
made out of any wooden box which may be found about the house or
at the family grocery-store.

In the neighborhood of the Ohio State University there are no less
than fifteen martin-houses, nearly all put up through the writers in-
fluence. All are inhabited by birds each summer, and their owners de-
clare they never would be without them.

The Martin is not jJarticular about the materials for his nest. Sticks,
straws, and dry grass, which he gathers from the fields or roadways.
Sometimes he alights on a free and picks off a green leaf and carries it
to his nest. The hollow of the nest is usually back in one of of the
furtherest corners of the room.

I have observed that the birds work harder while building during
wet weather, especially immediately after a rain. Probably the reason
is, that the wet materials pack more closely than dry ones, for, upon
examination, the nest will be found quite solid.

Commonly from four to five narrow, white eggs are laid, rarely six.
These are hatched by the middle of June, or, according tocircumstances
a little later, and by the middle of July the young birds begin thinking
about flying, which gives the old ones great concern. As in the case
of a young lad determined to leave home against the wishes of his
parents, they do everything in their power to persuade him that he is
not able to take care of himself. The old Martins are afraid their little
ones will fall into the jaws of quadrupeds in waiting beneath.

Here is the way they hold their little ones as long as they can: The

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY. 263

mother bird, or the father bird, will sit on the platform and blockade
the door until one or the other returns with food for the babies. This
is kept up imtil one of the youngsters break out, sometimes to alight
head first on the kitchen roof, or be caught in a grape-arbor with f)ut-
spread wings. Sometimes if the little one is lucky he alights on the
branch of a tree. In any case the old birds unceasingly wait upon their
little ones, feeding and watching them constantly for a few days until
on strong wings they can soar to cheer the old folks who bore the hard-
ships of their summer's rearing with tenderness and love.

The Martins are very sociable and neighborly birds. Where there
is a Community in which there are a number of Martin-boxes, every
pair of birds in that neighborhood visit one another's home almost
daily, especially after the young are born.

Imagine the clatter and din from a half hundred throats of Martins
flying and screaming around the homes of their community, congratu-
lating each family in most emphatic terms upon the good looks and
health of their babies.

A truly sublime sight is to watch a troop of Martins drinking in mid-
air, just before a thunderstorm. The heat of the day has been intense;
drouth has cauged Vegetation to droop under a blazing sun; the air we
breath is hot, as though from a furnace; the stiilness of all life is most
impressive. In the west there are forming great mountains of black
clouds. They seem to be rolling and tumbling over one another, and
Coming toward us. Every now and then streaks of lightning illumine
the sky, with occasional mutterings of thunder. Large drops of rain
begin to fall, and far up in the air the Martins may be seen catching
the liquid crystals as they fall, purer than those from any earthly fount-
ain, for they have come directly from the Hand of Heaven.

As far as I can learn, but one Purple Martin has been observed in
central Massachusetts this year and the person who observed this one
is not sure as to its identity. During the breeding season in 1903
several weeks of continued rainy and cold weather appear to have killed
off all the young birds and to have caused all the old ones to leave and
many to perish. Owing to the scarcity of insect life they are unable
to get food for eiiher themselves or their young and whole houses füll
of young were found to have perished. In some cases a few of the
adults returned after the weather had cleared up but they did not stay

264 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

or attempt to rear another brood during the season. But it was with
mnch surprise that bird lovers found that none of the beautiful Martins
were to return this year and many vvQuld like to know how they have
fared in other sections of the country. Will any of our subscribers who
can give any information on this point write and let us know if the usual
numbers or if any Martins have been seen by them this season. We
would like especially to know if they are more abundant than usual in
any locality to account for those which should haye returned to Massa-
chusetts and did not.

I j^ ^'^LEACH PETREL, ^ ^ ; ; |i

A. O- U. No. 106. (Oceaiiotlroma leucorrhoa).

RANGE.

North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, breeding from Maine and
the Farallones north to the Artic Circle. They winter southward from
the Southern limits of their breeding grounds to the waters adjaceut to
Central America.

DESCRIPTION,

Length 8 inches. General color of plumage a brownish gray, more
browu below. The ends of the wing coverts and sometimes the se-
condaries are light grayish. The primaries and tail are black, the lat-
ter being deeply forked; the tail coverts are entirely white; the legs are
comparatively short as compared with most of the Petrels and are en-
tirely black.

NEST AND EGGS.

Petrels nest in the ground at the end of burrows, laying their Single
white eggs at the end either upon the bare earth or upon a scant lining
of grasses or rootlets. The eggs are a dead white in color and some-
times show a faint wreath of minute brown spots alwut the larger end;
size 1.35 X 1.00. They are laid during the latter part of June or early
in July and three weeks or more of incubatiun are required to hatch
them.

HABITS.

When upon land, Petrels are one of the most avvkward of birds; their
feet seem to be too weak to sustain even their slight weight and they
waddle from side to side balancing themselves with their long slender
wings. But give them their freedom to sail through the air and skim
over the water and they change immediately into a thing of grace.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

265

LEACH PETREL.

_3Li

266 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

All day long they fly, on tireless wings, like a hawk or gull, now skim-
ing like a swallow, but rarely seen at any considerable elevation above
the vvater. Hovvever turbulent the water, they will follow exactly the
risingsand fallings of the waves, now just skimming above the crest
of a hill of water, then skimming down its incline with the precision of
a machine so exactly do they maintain their distance above the water.
All this time their eager eyes are searching in every direction for
something edible, upon seeing which they go pattering towards it,
literally running on the water; if the supply of food is large they will
settle in the water in the midst of it, but if only a small scrap is found
they gather it up in their bill while still on the wing and continue their
endless flight. Their food consists of oily scrap > of any substanje
they may find; what they usually find is uncertain for their stomach has
not been found to contain anything other than a yellowish oily fluid,
but certainly they are very fond of fish liver. They seem to always
live at peace with each other and with other birds for even when sev-
eral of them are excitedly gathering up scraps of food, never a wordof
complaint or anger is uttered by any of them, even when one gets a
piece from right under the bill of another. Sometimes during long
continued storms they become exhausted from hunger and some per-
ish and their little bodies wash ashore and again when weakened by
hunger they may be blown Inland with the storm they are unable to
combat, and sometimes found many miles from the seacoast.

. ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '.K'^.^'y.K'y ^^

This summer I was fortunate in being able to spend a week on Duck
Island, a small Island near Mount Desert otf the Alaine coast. The
tripwasmade especially to study and photograph the large Herring
Gull colony that inhabits this Island, consequently it was with added
delight that we found that the Island was also densely populated with
Leach Petrels.

Arriving at Southwest Harbor at about ten o'clock in the morning
we soon had engaged the Services of a fisherman to take us out to the
Island in his gasoline launch although he was very chary about ventur-
ing outside in the very dense fog which made it impossible to see a
boat's length ahead. By following the deep sound of the fog whistle
which bellowed at frequent intervals from the lighthouse on the Island
we were enabled to keep in the right direction and at last sighted the
Island, not however, so dense was the fog, until several minutes after
we had first heard the waves breaking on the rocky shores.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY.

267

268 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY

We made our headquarters at the cottage of Mr. Van Hörn, a lobster
fisherman and the only human resident on the Island with the excep-
tion of the three lighthouse keepers and their families. Seidom has it
been our fortune to find a host so genial and obliging; his only fear
seemed to be that he could not do enough for our comfort.

From the house the only signs of bird life to be seen were Barn and
Tree Swallows, Song Sparrows and occasionally a Herring Gull lazily
flapping his way over the water, or a Black Guillemot rapidly flying
over the waves. By listening intently, above the roar of the breakers
could be heard the harsh discordant cries of the large colony of Gulls
on the other side of the Island. The fog had now cleared away some
but it was still impossible to see beyond a quarter of a mile and all ob-
jects at a nearer distance were hazy. Durin g the five days that we
were on the Island, the first four were very foggy and it was only on
the morning of the fifth when we were obliged to return home that the
sun appeared brightly above the horizon.

We had gone but a few hundred yards along the shore when we were
greeted by a faint Petrel odor, a disagreeable odor that is always found
about their nests and that is always retained by the birds or eggs after
years in a cabinet. Upon investigation we found numerous small
holes in the ground, varying from two to three inches in diameter;
most of them were located under roots. stumps or overhanging stones
but a little farther on we found that the ground was literally honey-
combed with the entrances to their little burrows.

But for the presence of the holes and the faint odor, scarcely percep-
tible when standing up, one would not dream of the hidden bird city
that they were Walking over. Not a Petrel was to be seen and at no
time during our stay did we see a Petrel on the wing of his own ac-
cord. We dug out perhaps ten of the burrows in order to get the pho-
tographs that we wanted. At the end of each was a single Petrel sit-
ting on a single white egg; in only one of them were two of the birds
found together. It is a customery habit of this species for one of the
birds to sit on the egg during the daytime while its mate is roaming
about over the water in search of food, returning at dusk to relieve his
weary partner and allow her to get her meals. The ground in the
sections of the island most frequented by the Petrels is of a soft peaty
nature, covered with grass or pine needles for the holes are very
numerous in the groves of pines on the island. None of the burrows,
many of which were very fresh and nmst have been made this year,
showed any signs of the dirt which was removed when digging, and if
as indicated, they had carried it by mouthfulls to dump over the edge

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 269

of the cliff, their task must have been a very laborious one, unless, as
the small boy said of the Chipmunk, 'they began at the other end.'

The burrows varied in length from about eight to thirty inches and
terminated in a larger Chamber to give the occupant room in which to
turn about. Most of them had a scant Hning of fine black rootlets up-
on which the single egg was laid. At this time the week of July
eighteenth, nearly all the eggs appeared to be nearly ready to hatch
although we did not find a single nest with a young bird in it. When
the nests were opened the old birds huddled back in the darkest Cor-
ners, creeping about like gray mice and seeming to be rather dazed by
the sudden exposure to the light. Some of them immediately com-
nienced digging and the progress that they made was amazing. They
seemed to use both their bill and feet, the former after the manner of
a pickaxe and the latter as shovels; it took only a few minutes for them
to tunnel in so as to be completely out of sight. When taken in the
hand they offered but little reaistance beyond sometimes ejecting from
the mouth the offensive oily yellowish fluid upon which they feed
their young. When placed on the ground they waddled, or perhaps
crawled would better express the mauner of their locomotion, back into
their burrows; only two of them rose in flight from the ground, indeed,
it seems to be ouite a diificult matter for them to get the necessary
spring to successfully launch themselves into the air, from terra firma;
the surface of the water along which they go pattering with their little
feet is much more to their liking. When thrown into the air they
would give a couple- vigorous flaps with their wings and then swoop
out of sight over the face of the clifT. My attempts to successfully
photograph them when thus flying were rather futile, for upon first
starting their flight, they pursued such a devious course and got out
of ränge so quickly that they were gone before I could get a satisfac-
tory focus on them.

None of the birds handled or seen made the slightest sound, but at
night we could frequently hear them as they went to and fro from one
nest which was located within ten feet of the house, under a large rock.
Their notes are very similar to the twittering of a flock of Swallows.

270

AMEKJCAN ORNITHOLOGY.

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LEACH PETEEL.

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AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

271

g^^^.^

oBÄNK swAfctö^ 'e^

Bj- Bkrton Mercer.

During the course of an extended walk through the country one sum-
mer morning, I came to a deep cut where the road passed between very
high banks. They were composed oi a rnixture of sandy material and
reddish clay, and were covered with a growth of coarse grass and scrub
trees. Noticing an unusually large number of swallows circling in the
air, I watched them for a time and presently saw one of them fly direct
to the bank and disappear in a small opening near the top. Investi-
gation revealed the presence of about fifty hurrows scattered over the
face of the bank, beginning about twelve feet from the base and rang-
ing from there to the summit. These ranged in depth from six inches
to two feet. The entrance in most cases was oval in shape, and the
tunnel ran straight back with a slight depression at the far end. Some
of the nests (for such they were) had a slight lining of dried grass,,
while other occupants were content to use the bare sand.

This unexpected discovery was evidently made in the height of their
breeding season, as nearly all the nests contained eggs, ranging in
nnmber from three to six. The eggs when fresh were pearly white, or
when held up to the light, had a piiik tint, owing to the frail nature of
the Shell. When partly incubated they became much soiled from con-
tact with the damp sand. The birds did not seem to mind my presence
and continued to fly around in careless unconcern while I made an ex-
amination of almost every nest in the settlement.

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272

AM Eine AN Üh'NTTIIOLOnV.

RINGED KIXGFISHER.

AMERICAN ORNITROLOGY.
J^;|ii^INGEb KI NGFISHEF&Ji^

A. <> U. Ni) 31» i r

RANGE,

Found in the United States only in southern Arizona and Texas.

DESCRIPTION.

Similar in coloration to the common Beited Kingfisher but much
larger averaging fifteen or sixteen in. in length; the underparts back of
the bluish gray breast band are a uniform chestnut, this color extending
to the liniag of the wings; the bluish' gray color of the back and breast
band is a great deal brighter than that of the common Kingfisher; the
bin is even longer and heavier in proportion than that of our native
bird.

HABITS.

The Ringed or Rufous-breasted Kingfisher is the largest and perhaps
the most handsome of the species found on the American Continent.
It is met with quite offen in Central America and in common in South
America. Like the commonly known species they are ahvays found in
the vicinity of water and also live almost exclusively upon fish which
they catch by diving or dropping upon from an elevation over the
water. Their loud rattling cry, uttered as they go from point to point
over the water is said to indistinguishable from that of the Beited
Kingfisher.

They are tropical birds and become scarcer and scarcer as we go
north, and while quite rare over our borders they are apt to occur at
any time during the summer.

UNDERGROUND TENANTS.

Last June a friend, while roaming about on the edge of some woods,
suddenly feit the earth giving away beneath his feet and sprang to one
side just in time, as he soon found, to avoid treading upon a whole
family of little Kingfishers. Probably the old birds had misjudged the
thickness of the earth and had made the roof of their Underground
house too high for there was scarcely half an inch of thickness of dirt
separating their home from the outer world. The next day he was
very enthusiastic in his description of how handsome they were and

274

AMERICAN ORNITUOLOGY.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 275

how well behaved they were while sitting on the edge of a large stone
where he i)laced them while he repaired the damage that he had
unwittingly done. A flat stone was carefully placed over the roomy
cavity and dirt pncked on top of that so as to render it inconspicious
and then it was mach more secure than it was as the birds had left it;
the birds were then released one at a time at the entrance of the
tnnnel and safely found their way home.

We found that they were still at honie when we visited the place a
week later armed with cameras and paraphernalia for making pictures.
Before looking at the little ones the camera was placed on a rock within
about five feet of the entrance and carefully focussed. It was then
covered with a gray cloth so as to have the same general color and
shape as the surrounding stones, and a long rubber tnbing was run to
a sheltering clump of biishes about t-venty yards in front.

A few minutes after we had comfortably seated ourselves in the
ambush. a warning rattle was heard from the bed of the brook and soon
this was repeated from the edge of the woods close to us. Guided by
the soand we soon located her perched on one of the lower branches of
an oak, and as we had expected, with a small fish in her beak. That
she was suspicious was easily seen by the anxious and frequent rattlings
and the curious bobbing up and down of her tail, much like the charac-
teristic motion of the Spotted Sandpiper. It was clear that she saw
that an addition had been made to the landscape about her home and
she did not relish the change, but as she steadily watched it and saw
that it did not move or show signs of life, her fears were allayed. At
times she would turn the fish about in her bill and once, atleast, tossed
it in the air and deft'y caught it again in a new position. Finally she
darted towards the small hole in the bank, but much to my surprise, in-
stead of stopping on one of the several twigs about the entrance, she
dashed right in without a pause and as I was not prepared to take mov-
ing pictures I let her go trusting to get her image on the plate when
she came out. She remained within her house about three minutes
and then suddenly her tail feathers appeared in the doorway and she
had darted out with the speed of light.

We waited for her to come back and feed her young three times and
each time she entered without a pause, fed her charges and then
backed out of the tunnel, which was about three feet in length, and flew
away so quickly that there was no chance for a satisfactory picture.
The one shown was made in one-five hundredths of a second, the bulb
being squeezed when the tail feathers came in sight, thus getting her
just as she was about to turn to fly.

When we lifted the stone that served as a roof to their home, we dis-

276

AMERICAN OUNITHOLOGY.

AMEEICÄN ORNITHOLOGY.

277

closed a beautiful sight; contrasting with the dark brown earth and re-
lieved by the snowy white collars, the backs and crests of the little ones
appeared a delicate shade of blue; six sharple pointed beaks were turned
with one accord in our direction and twelve bright brown eyes blinked
there surprise at our intrusion. They proved very tractable and like a
Company of soldiers would stand in line wherever we placed them.
Two of them were a little unrnly and showed considerable animosity
toward each other, one grabbing the other by the wing and the latter
retaliating by vigorously pecking his brother. Peace in the family was
restored by separating the beligerants and then they kindly allowed us
to make a series of views of them in various attitudes and groups.
They were at this time in füll plumage, nearly as large as their parents.
and wotild probably have left the nest on the day that we visited them
had they not been disturbed. We left them as we found them snugly
ensconced at the end of their burrow and safely protected from rodents
and inclement weather by the stone roof.

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278 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

THE BLUE JAY.

About a week before Christmas I observed a Blue Jay in aneighbor-
ing yard and thought how nice it would be if we could secure him and
bis mate for a daily visitor through the dreary winter, so arming my-
self with a plentiful supply of crumbs, I crossed the road and under the
tree where I first saw him I scattered a few crumbs and as I retraced
my Steps, dropped a few more and when I reached the windowboxes of
my own home I covered two of these with the remaining crumbs as
tempting a feast as any bird could wish.

I did not see any more of him that day but the next morning he came

to my window. Very shy indeed, at first, just alighting for a morsel

and then away to a neighboring tree to devour it more leisurely. The

next day another came and soon another and another tili in less thau

a fortnight I had ten of those feathed beauties that took breakfast at

my window every morning. Then began in earnest my study of the

Blue Jay. I had always been bis friend and could not believe many of

the scandalous stories told of him. First I studies bis tastes andfound

him quite an epicure in bis way. He cared but little for corn and oats

and mush of any kind he would not touch but pieces of toasted bread

and bits of fat were his espearal dainties. One day I put on the boxes

some scraps from leaf lard and suet with bits of toast. Two of the

birds that morning took pieces of the bread, thrust them into the fat

until thoroughly covered and then flew away: In that way this pair

took their breakpast. My ten Blue Jays were blessed with good

appetites and if given what they liked best would carry away a large

amount in a short time. They are very fond of trimmings of steak and

other pieces of suet but lean meat was not to their fancies. They came

for their daily meal about eight in the morning and though they took

occasional lunches during the day, they never called for food except in

the morning: If their call of "Jay Jay" did not bring their food

promptly, some of the bolder ones would pick on the window panes

with their bills, and stormy mornings they came some earlier and went

away hastily. One pleasant day I noticed my flock in some trees near

the house. It seemed to be a social gathering where each bird did

something for amusement. Some were pruning their feathers, others

were hopping from brauch to brauch uttering their weird call and

others were busy picking something from the trees. I determined to

find out what it was and on examining the trees on which they were

at work, I found eggs of the tent moth encircling the tender branches.

One great point scored by my Blue Jay friend. The birds were not

nearly as pugnacious towards the English Sparrows or toward each

AMERICAN ORNirilOLOaY. 279

other as I have seen many other birds appear. Soon after the middle

uf February I noticed difft-rcnt notes in bis call and I found too wlien

he uttered these, he moved up and down on the branch where he rested.

It seemed as if the rising and fallinghelped him in the utterance of them.

It is a call peculiar to himself and not one he makes to mimic other

birds. My birds were slender and graceful when first they came but

before winter had nearly gone many had grown quite portly and assumed

a kind of dignity peculiar to fleshy people. As the warm days of April

came they returned less and less frequently, and at last, toward the

middle of the month we thought our winter friends had flown. One

morning the last of April I looked out and the ten beauties were

scattered among the trees, calling to each other. Such a noisy con-

course it was, but discordant as it appeared to be, we all enjoyd this

farewell visit, as it proved to be. It has been said that the Jay lays

her eggs in the nest of other birds, but this is not true as I have seen

their nest and eggs. It is usually built in a tree-crotch fifteen ortw^enty

feet from the ground. It is rather a rüde structure built of twigs and

strong roots but the lining of the nest is much finer than the outside.

The nests I examined were in a scrub oak and cedar but we found

another in a maple too high for inspection. The eggs four or six in

number, are pale olive gray, dotted with cinnamon brown. Both the

male and female help each other in building the nest and their familjT?-

relations seem as happy as those of other birds as far as I can see..

The Jay is an insectivorous bird and also very fond of fine seeds such-

as he finds in many noxious weeds, and while these food supplies can-

be found he will not visit the haunts of man. Thus he not only destroys

many injurious insects but prevents the spread of numerous weeds.

He is said devour young birds and eggs, but statistics show that these

are not his regulär diet, for out of two hundred and eighty stomachs

examined only three showed traces'of eggs and two of young birds.

I have found it impossible to attract Jays to the house, while their

natural food supply can be obtained. When deep snows lie upon the

ground they are driven to seek elsewhere, and then will take any kind

of food gratefullv.

K. M. Phillips. Oxford. Me.

-ffV-

280

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

WiW/^

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1 TilLK©
FlllllS

Address Communications for this department to

Meg MERRYTHOUGHT, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

One of the little lads who belongs in our corner was disappointed
when the postman brought bis August Bird Magazine, and again when
the September nuniber came. I will teil you why, for other lads and
lasses have been disappointed in the same way.

On the first day of August \ve received a list of correct answers to the
July Puzzles, wiih ihe request that the writer's name be placed upon
August Roll of Honer. On that date, not only the Bird Chats for Au-
gust, but also for September were already in the publisher's hands.
Two months seems to you a long time to wait doesn't it? But I hope
you will send in your replies and cultivate patience.

Our summer friends have flown away and we shall again coax our
winter visitors to be sociable and friendly. Write to us of your suc-
cess. Some of you taught the birds to be very tame during last win-
ler's cold and snow. Cordially Your Friend,

Meg Merrythought.

ROLL OF HONOR.

Arthur D. Stout, Plainfield, New Jersey.
Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. L
Leroy B. Noble, Little River, Conn.

ANSWERS TO SEPTEMBER PUZZLES.

Enigma. Louisiana Water Thrush.

Fi. No. 1. Some birds that repair and use the last year's nest.

Wren, 2. Svvallow, 3. Bluebird, 4. Owls, 5. Eagles, 6. Fish-hawks,

Great-crested Flycatcher.

Fi. No. 2 1. Nest, 2, Songsparrow, 3. found, 4. ground, 5. bush,

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOQY. 281

6. hole, 7. tree, 8. make, 9. home, 10. little, 11. ones, 12. tin, 13. cans
14. nest, 15. made, 16. coarse, 17. grasses, 18. weeds, 19. leaves,
20. lined, 21. hair.

FEATHERS FOR A KING.

The natives of the Havvaian Islands adorn themselves on gala days
with long wreaths called "lei," made of bright flowers or feathers.
These are twined about their heads, necks, waists, or arms. Before
the United States gained possession of the Islands, a lei worn onh' by
members of the royal family was made of the feathers from a bird call-
ed the Oo. Each bird supplies but two of the valuable feathers, which
are a bright yellow the royal color of Hawaii. A lei made of these
rare feathers is valued at several hundred dollars.

WHAT WAS HIS NAME?

Marjory ran into the house one evening in June, calling to us to
come out and see what had happened to the young robins in the nest
just above the house on the edge of the wood. It was too dark to see
into the thicket, but there were sounds of a loud scolding and sharp
calls of alarm, it must be Robin calling "Come, quick! quick." Then
came a sound like the cry of a child. Had Robin avenged himself?
Again, a new note came through the darkness, this time it sounded as
if Joe's guinea hens were out for an evening walk. This was followed
by such a succession of stränge sounds, whistling, mewing, clucking
and scolding. We were unable to find the mocker, but at intervals all
night long we heard the curious sounds. The next morning we station-
ed ourselves in the midst of the tangled bushes, resolved to solve the
mystery, and after long waiting were rewarded by several fleeting
glimpses of the imposter.

Our uncanny seranader proved to be a good sized olive green bird,
with bright yellow throat and breast, belly white and a white line over
his eye, and a black beak, and he is strangely named a "warbler."

He dashed by us with drooping wings and tail, with feet extended
behind him like a heron's in a most innocent manner. It was hard to
believe that this handsome fellow was the author of such a Babel,
neither did it seem as if he could belong to the family of the tiny wood
warblers.

A few weeks later we found among the briars. about as high as our
head, a bulky nest of leaves, bark and dead twigs, lined with fine
grasses and containing three pinkish white eggs, blotched with spots
of reddish brown. Who will teil us the name ot this midnight prowler?

282

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

NUMERICAL ENIGMA.

7-11-11-10-2 sat beneath the large 1-2-3-7-5 tree to 5-2-4-3 a book
written by 3-7-5-9-10-11. From the woods 11-2-7-5 by some large birds
called 1-4-9, 1-7-6- Some 3-2-7-5 little goldfinches sang cheerily as they
ate seeds from the 6-2-2-3-13 at her feet. A row of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-
11-12-13 whispered above her head on a branch, and old 3-7-11 the dog
5-4-11 up to her 6-4-12-12-10-11-12 his tail. In the field a 6-7-10-11
loaded with grain 3-5-4-9-11 by a yoke of red oxen creaked and creaked.

Suddenly a drop of 5-7-10-11 feil splash, upon the page before her.
She 5-7-11 quickly to the house lest the 5-4-10.11 should spoil the 11-2-
6 hat she was 6-2-4-5-10-11-12.

Give five reasons why we should care for and protect the birds. Five
reasons from those you give will be given in the December Bird Chats.

GLEANINGS.

"Then come those peaceful gorgeous days when the earth seems
like a fairy bubble reflecting a thousand tints too lovely to be lost."

But Summer wanes, and autumn approaches. The songsters of the
seedtime are silent at the reaping of the harvest. Other minstrels take
up the strain. All the songs of the spring and summer appear to be
floating, softened and refined in the upper air. The birds, in a new,
but less lioliday suit, turn their faces southward. The swallows flock
and go, silently and unobserved, the thrushes go. Autumn arrives,
bringing finches, warblers, sparrows and kinglets from the north-
Silently the procession passes. John Burroüghs.

MIDSUMMER BARGAINS

OKMTIlOLOCiY. We liavc a linc linc uf
bird books, Ornitbological and Oolojjical
Älagazines and Pamphlets, all of wbuti \ve
offer at reduced prit'es. Send für runiplete
list if voll wish to purrhase.

MINEKALCXiY. Wehave200kinds of Min-
erals and Kocks, in sniall speeiniens at 4c'.
each. or inHi^h School size for lOc. each. I^'uH
list free. Over 150 volunies on (ieoloyyand
Paleontdlogy, ineluding tbe Hnest illustrated
works obtainable. at low rates.

BOTAX Y. A füll line of P.otany books will
be offered very low. A new library just pur-
chased. A collection of 9U0 niounted speci-
mens <jf Marine Algea just being offered for
sale.

CÜNCHOLOGY. Our stock in this brauch
Covers over a quarter of a million specinicns
froni every part of the World. Alniost every
genera represented. Write for lists if you
have or wish to form a collection. Some
specially line Polished Shells just received.

CUKIOS. Under this head we group a
great varietyof objects, such as Indian rel-
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AmericarY Ornithology.

A MaLgatzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

Published monthly by Chas. K. Reed, 75 Thomas St., Worcester, Mass.
EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED, B. S.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE in United States, Canada and Mexico, One
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-COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY CHAS. K. REED-

VOL. IV NOVEMBER. 1904. NO. II.

RESULT OF OUR PHOTO CONTEST.

The photographs siibmitted in oiir competion this year, while not so
numerous as last year, are as a rule of better quality, in fact there were
so many of about equal merit that the task of awarding the prizes was
a very difficult one, and led us to make an additional award in both
Class 1 and 2. After a very careful consideration we have awarded
prizes as follows:

Class 1. Ist., Arizona Jays by E. R. Forest, Washington, Fa.

2nd., Rocky Mountain Jay by L. B. Gilmore, Saegertown,

Pa.
3rd., An Entomologist by J. P. Parker, Cleveland, Ohio.
4th., Barn Owl by N. W. Swayne, West ehester, Pa.

Class 2. Ist., Bank Swallows by J. A. Miller, Lowville, N. Y.
Young Kingfishers by J. M. Shreck, Buffalo, N. Y.
3rd., Young Bobolinks by L. S. Horton. Hyde Park, N. Y.
4th., Young Bluebirds and motherby R. H. Beebe, Arcade,
N. Y.

Class 3. Ist., Nest of Vesper Sparrow by F. R. Miller, Toledo, Ohio.
2nd., Nest of Ruffed Grouse by J. A. Miller, Lowville, N.
Y.

THE WOODLAND.

By Stephex P. Browxell.

In solitude to-day I muse

Within the silent shade
Of woodland dense, whose wilds infuse

Love for its lonely glade.

Upon a moss-clothed log I sit,

Where flovvs a gentle stream;
From tree to tree the warblers flit

Like fairies in a dream.

The branching tree-tops rise o'erhead,

Their giant arms extending;
While leaves of purple, green and red

Like jewels hang depending.

So still, so beautiful, so grand,

This wild life of the wood!
Not crowded street nor ocean Strand

Can waken such a mood!

But hark! What is that jarring soiind
Which mars the veery's song?

The plowman shouts from yonder ground
To urge his team along.

O woodland mine! thy silence sweet,

Earth's toil doth yet invade;
And deeper still must I retreat

To muse in thy lone glade.

284 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

MY FAVORITE BIRD.

By Dr. Chas. S. Moonv.

He is not a sportsman who, shouldering a rifle can tramp all day in
quest of game, and fall to see the many things that the Great All
Father has made and endowed with beauty. He is no worthy disciple
of Walton who, while whipping the stream, does not look beyond the
creel of fish to the myriad forms of fleecy clouds floating in the
empyrean blue, the foliage of the trees creating shadow shapes upon
the water, the dark green grass, forming a setting for the buttercups
that seem like yellow stars starting from some flowery heaven to
gladden the hearts of men, the merry song of birds and the chatter of
the squirrels, the drowsy hum of insect life, all that combines to make
for me at least, a fishing bout one of extremest pleasure, what though
it is devoid of fish. Many and oft are the times that I have sat upon
a fiat rock in the mid-stream, solacing myself with a pipe, and watched
the drama of Nature being enacted before my eyes.

The being whose heart is not attuned to harmony with the infinite is
fit for "treasons, strategems and spoils." Perhaps of all the things
that the Creator hath made, I love best the birds. Many happy days
have I spent, to the woeful neglect of my profession, making friends
with the winged children of the air. No bird is beneath my love.
Even that black and white marauder, the Magpie comes in for a share
of my affection. There is one little fellow, though, that, by his cheer-
ful manner in the face of seemingly natural disadvantages, has
interested me most. I refer to the Water Ousel, (Cinclus mexicanus)
though why mexicanus I have never been able to find out, for the bird
is more offen found here. Dear little fellow! Through storm and
sleet, through wind and calm, he is always the same. It is all the
same if fortune smiles or adversity frowns. He sings his merry
roundelay in the face of the warring Clements. His habitat is confined
to the rivers and stream s of the Pacific coast, and to eastern bird-
lovers he is merely a picture in a book or at best, the stuffed specimen
in the museum. The western ornithologist may study him in his
native heath, and an interesting study it is. Perhaps you are resting
beneath the shade of some birch or spruce beside a stream when you
hear a trill of music, of few notes 'tis true, yet bearing uponits melody
the spirit of the dark fir forest around. The singer is a slate colored
bird sitting upon yonder stone and bobbing up and down in the most
erratic manner by bending his knees and all the while holding his body
in the most military manner, A shaft of sunlight shoots through the
dense foliage like an arrow of gold, and lights up the water, the rock,

AMERICAN ORNirnOLOGY. 285

the bird. Now can you fully appreciate the beauty of the erst
commonplace birdie.

It is now that the dull slate becomes transformed by the alchemy of
the light into opal tints richer than ever taken from Hungarian mines.
The erratic little twist that he gives to his head raakes a play of
thousands of colors. He turns upon you a laughing black eye and
bows gravely. Now something attracts his attention in the water.
Some dainty bird-land morsel, perhaps and with the abandon of a
schoolboy he plunges into the brawling current. The rushing water
seizes him and rolls him over and over, whip him against a boulder
but from it all he emerges mot a whit disconcerted. Bursting into
song like the ripple of laughing waters he flits away home. Now,
follow, as I have tollowed, searching every bushy tree, peering under
every overhanging bank, for the cunning concealed nest that you know
is somewhere about. At last, tired with the unsuccessful search I sat
upon a rock beside a waterfall, where the water plunging over the
cliff, broke into spray, forming myriad rainbows against the dark
background of basalt towering on the further side of the stream a
thousand feet and more, Where the spray dashed against the face of
the cliff there were hanging festoons of dark green moss that hung
and swayed in the air current made by the rushing waters. As I sat,
painting fancy pictures in the rushing waters, I became aware of a
pair of brilliant eyes watching me curiously and apprehensively from
out the mossy canopy covering a crevice in the rock. With a sharp
chirp the mate lit woodpecker-wise upon the swaying moss and began,
in the sweetest Dipper language to hold converse with his sitting
mate. Then I knew that my quest was at an end and that I was about
to be introduced to the home life of Mr. and Mrs. Dipper'

Yet thirty feet of white water flowed between me and a more
intimate knowledge of my friends, and to come at the nest without
going over the fall was a problem. How I reached the nest is a story
in itself; sufifice it to say that it was not that day, nor even the next,
but reach it I did. I found Mrs. Ousel at home, and what is more,
very much loth to vacate. She defended her treasures valiantly,
using a sharp little beak to the most provoking advantage. At last I
induced her to retire for a little time and allow me to take notes. The
nest was composed of moss. In fact it was merely dug out of the
heavy festoons of moss that filled the crevice of the rock. The spray
dashed over the nest, all the time wetting the incubating bird and in
her absence drenching the five white eggs that the nest contained so
that it is a wonder that they were ever hatched. They were though,
for I returned some weeks later to find the parents busy carrying food

286

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

to five hungry mouths that opened pleading]y when they heard my
footsteps. The parents sat upon a nearby ledge and teetering np and
down scolded me roundly for my interferance. The food seemed to
be principally the larvae of the Salmon Fly and small crayfish judging
from the debris scattered arounk the ledge of the nest. All summer
long I watched this family, and late in the fall I could see the
youngsters yet in tow of the old birds flitting up and down the stream.
I shonld liked very much to have added this set of eggs to my cabinet^
but the birds seemed so much a part of this wild stream that I did not
have the heart to disturb the little home.

SANDERLING.
[Young in winter pluniage showing wing inarkings.l

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

287

jki^vJy:7^^Y7T^'^^>7yTVV7y7\V?y7

A. O U- No. 348.

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■■■>.

r:;</^J^g.;SÄNDßR:UlSK5:;^^:v^;;5^

RANGE.

(Calidris arenaria.

Breeds within the Arctic Circle and migrates on both coasts to south-
ern South America.

DESCRIPTION.

Length 8 in. Extent about 15 in. Eye brown; bill and feet black.
Adults in summer; — Above variegated with black, rusty and gray: be-
low white, the throat and breast being spotted with black and washed
with rusty. In;fall plumages the bases of the primaries, secondaries
and the tips of the greater coverts are white. Adult in winter. Back
grayish with dusky shaft lines: below pure white with no traces of
rusty in the plumage. Voung. Similar to the winter adult with the
back very strongly marked with black and white.

NEST AND EGGS.

Sanderlings nest in the extreme north, laying their eggs in slight de-
pressions in the soil among the beach grass. The cavity is usually
lined with grasses and during June and July three or four eggs are laid;
these have'a greenish or ashy brown ground and are brightly marked
with blackish and-brownish blotches.

HABITS.

Owing to their northerly distribution and the lack of Observation
ofthose who have collected them in their summer home, we know but
little of the home life of the Sanderling, but in winter immense num-
bers of them swarm along both coasts, they being outnumbered possi-
bly only by the Least Sandpipers. Flocks of fifty to one hundred in-
dividuals are of common occurence during September and October
when their migration is at its height, and they are killed by the thous-
and and sent to market by gunners all along the coast. As an article
of food they are little to be desired owing to their small size and they
are so common, so tame and fly in such compact flocks that their capt-
ure is anything but exciting yet men will devote their whole time to

288

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

289

hunting them and other shore bird durin g the migration, for the cent
or possibly two cents apiece that they will bring in the market. Were
it not for the remote breeding grounds and the fact that they have few
enemies there, they would long ago have become scarce,- but as it is,
they do not seem to decrease in numbers year by year even with the
heavy tax upon their lives that is exacted as they seek shelter
or food upon our inhospitable shores. They are one of the least sus-
picious of all the shore birds and will light among and feed around
decoys totally unaware of the danger that may await them. Their
notes when flying are a musical "tweet-weet" a sound easily imitat-
ed and a repetition of which will usually cause them to swerve in their
flight and to alight on the beach in front of the observer. Naturally
the numbers when they return north in the spring are greatly less and
they also tarry shorter on the way so that comparatively few of them
are then killed.

LOUISIANA WATER THRUSR

^^^■■:w..:t..:>...^.^ A. .v..:k..:w.v..w;w, .v...v,..v. :>..A...v.A..\..^. v. w. .v, v :v. >■■■.>■,

Ry Harry K. Cai.dwkli,. M. A.

o

n 11 li

NE of the first birds to break the long silence of the
wooded southland with its mating call is the spirited
and always happy Louisiana Water Thrush. In Feb-
ruary, while the male Bluebirds are settling their
differences in combat, the Water Thrush is luring the
pretty one of his choice in the wooded fastness with
his quaint but beautiful song. If at this season of the
1 year we betake ourself to the haunt of the Louisiana
Water Thrush we will hear it resounding with a melody
of song. But upon examination we will find that the whole chorus
issues from the throat of a single male, wooing his love, or now rejoic-
ing over having won so lovely a mate. In early spring there is no
other bird that so completely tills the wooded glen and dell with song
as does the Water Thrush, but as the nesting season draws nigh he
surrenders his right of song to the Wood Thrush which at this time
arrives from winter quarters with his flute well in time.

290 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

The movements of the Louisiana Water Thrush as he Stands upon
some pinnacle in song, or runs the length of a moss covered log at the
brink of a marsh are easily confused with those of the Spotted Sand-
piper. There is that same bobbing and tilting of tail common to the
"TipUp."

As the period of nidification draws nigh, the sweet song that has
made the wooded glen a place of oft retreat and delight to the lover of
Gods' out of doors dies away and we now hear the piain clieat, cheat,
cheat only, which generally issues from, or near the site whichhas been
chosen for a summer home. Nesting season usually begins with March,
though it is not uncommon to find nests containing fresh eggs in May.

The upturned roots or a fallen tree, or the moss and fern covered
slope overlooking some secluded stream is an ideal nesting site. The
nest is generally in close proximity to flowing water, and it is not un-
common to find one under the drip of a fern covered craig, or snugly
tucked away under a water-soaked log. The nest is coraposed of root-
lets and grass stems upon a massive foundation of leaves plastered to-
gether with mud.

Near my home in East Tennessee were a number of deep ravines
which were chosen from year to year by these birds as a desirable sum-
mer home. I returned to my home in the summer of 1900 after an ab-
sence of a couple of years, and directed a lover of bird lore to a place
where he might go in order to locate the nest of a Louisiana Water
Thrush. After a very careful search of an area not to exceed eight feet
Square on an almost perpindicular bank of a little stream he returned
without locating a nest. The following day I happened to wend my
up this shaded glen, and glanced into what had so often proven a home
site of this species. Standing in the tracks made by my friend on the
previous day, I began to raise the overhanging ferns one by one soon
to disclose Mrs. Water Thrush peeping out though her latticed door.
Within were five mottled eggs. So completely was this nest concealed
that without first shifting the position of the overhanging ferns no trace
of it could possibly be seen.

I have known two nests of this specie which contained abnormal
eggs. One contained a füll and slightly incubated set of perfectly
white eggs. The incubating bird was so indisposed to leave her nest
that I approached and stretched forth my hand and laid it over the nest
without so much as disturbing the bird. Upon the removal of my hand
she fluttered down into the nearby stream and across to the otherside.
Another nest contained three-soft shell eggs. These were perfectly
shaped and apparently an incomplete set.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 291

^r^r!r'Fyr'r!rrryrTW^:v'Kfrrx''T^^•wv<f.'^\\\'.f.^''JH'•'!(.^lfi

xjiöBIRD LIFE IN SOUTH AMERICAj:;:;:;::

By Leander S. Keyser.

What kinds of birds dwell south of the equator, and how do they
behave themselves? These are ciuestions that every lover of animal
life woiild like to have answered. In the southern hemisphere the
seasons are reversed, and many of the other conditions that prevail are
different from those known on the northern continent, and the inciuisi-
tive mind cannot help wondering how these changed circumstances
affect the avifaunal life of those reinote regions.

That many people are interested in these questions is proved by the
fact that the foiirth edition of Dr. W. H. Hudson's "'The Natural in
La Plata" was lately issued in answer to the public demand. Yet, as
the book is published in England, and is somewhat expensive, it is not
to be supposed that many people will be able to procure it; and there-
fore a recital of some of the more striking ways of South American
birds may be of value and interest to many of the readers of this
Journal.

Dr. Hudson's observations were made, for the most part, on the
pampas of La Plata, with an occasional reference for comparison to
the animal life of Brazil, Chili and Patagonia. It strikes one who
lives on the northern half of the earth as odd to read of January as
midsummer, of August as midwinter, of March and April as autumn,
and of September and October as spring; but of course such is the
reversal of the seasons in the great Argentine Republic. The migra-
tory movements of the birds of that country correspond to these sea-
sonal differences. March, April and ^lay see the migrants of the
southern hemisphere flying northward from the approach of the south-
ern winter, toward the sunny lands of the equatorial belt; while at the
same time our North American migrants are winging their way to their
Summer homes and breeding grounds in the North Temperate and
Arctic regions. Then in September and October the northern birds
are traveling toward the equator to escape the northern winter, and the
southern birds are journeying away from the equator to find the south-
ern summer. Their pilgrimages are in the same direction both in
spring and autumn, but for precisely opposite reasons. While our
northern migrants are busy rearing their young, their relatives of the
far south are enjoying their vacation in the tropical and sub-tropical
climes, and vice versa.

However, the lines of division between North and South American
birds are not so sharply drawn as one would be led to suppose from the

292 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

foregoing general Statements. A number of curious facts stir inquiry
in the mind of the the naturalist. For instance, about twenty-five
species of rails, plovers, and their allies — the order known as Limicola-,
are to be found, either summer or winter, in La Plata; but, surprising
as it may seem, at least thirteen of these are visitors from North Amer-
ica, spending the winter on the pampas, of the southern continent,
although all of them breed in summer — that is, our northern summer —
in the northern hemisphere, several of them in the remote Aretic
regions. These birds are great travellers, one might almost call them
"globe-trotters."

This surely is an enigma — why these northeners pass over so many
countries, through such a variety of climates, where the conditions are
apparently suited to their needs, to spend their gala-time on the pam-
as of Argentina. "Nevertheless," as Dr. Hudson puts it, growing
eloquent in his wonder and admiration. "In September, and even as
early as August, they begin to arrive on the pampas, the golden plov-
er often still wearing his black nuptial dress; singly and in pairs, in
small fiocks and in clouds they come, curlew, godwit, plover, tatler,
tringa, piping the wild notes to which the Greenlander listened in June,
now to the gaucho herdsman on the green plains of La Plata, then to
the wild Indian in his remote village; and soon, further south, to the
houseless huanaco-hunter in the gray wilderness of Patagonia." Anoth-
er matter that excites surprise is that, while many of our North Amer-
ican birds go south of the equator to spend their holiday season, none
of the distinctly South American species, so far as known, ever venture
so far north as the United States, though summer may smile her
Wandest. One would have to seek far to find the reason why northern
birds are greater travellers than their southern kindred.

There are other problems of migration that puzzle the ornithologist
in South America, as well as excite his interest to a white heat. A
species of godwit and several kinds of plovers are divided into tvvo
brigades, the northern and southern. The northern division spending
the southern summer in La Plata on the pampas, and when March
comes, starting off on their journey to the far north, crossing the
equator, the Gulf of Mexico, the United Srates, and sometimes breed-
ing in the Aretic regions as far north as latititude 82 degrees. Then,
some time after they have left La Plata, the southern division of the
army, consisting of the same species, arrives from the south, and spends
the South American winter on the pampas. The crucial question is:
Where do the southern birds breed? Being strong-winged birds, it
would be Strange if they did not go farther south than Patagonia, mak-
ing a migratory journey of only some eight hundred miles, while many

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 293

of their northern congeners travel semi-annually more than eight
thousand miles. These speculations lead Dr. Hudson to believe that
the Southern brigades wing their way to the great antarctic continent to
rear their young, though this theory still lacks proof. However, it ex-
cites surprise to learn that birds of the same species are divided into
two companies, the one going north, the other south, and that one
division spends the summer in the same locality that the other spends
the winter. Our author does not teil us whether they ever meet on the
pampas or not.

The pampas are richer in water and shore birds than in any other
kind. This is because they are the meeting place of many
migrants both from the north and the south. There are about
eighteen species of the order including storks, ibises, herons,
spoonbills and flamingoes; tvventy species of ducks, geese and
swans; ten or twelve of the rails, and about twenty-five of the snipeand
plover group. Of land birds there is not so rieh a variety, on account
of the scarcity of food on the pampas and the absence of timber. vStill,
there are some very interesting species both of terrestrial acjuatic birds
several of the most striking of which deserve notice here.

Among them is the majestic rhea, the South American ostrich,
which while being rapidly exterminated, still "survives from a time
when there were also giants among the avians." Long and strong of
limb, it is very fleet, gi\^iug the bunter on horseback a hard race over
the grassy plains. Its expertness in dodging and twisting often
enables it to elude the rider and his bolas or lariat. Of a pale, bluish-
grav color that assimilates to the haze, it is rendered invisible even at
a moderate distance, When running swiftly, it possesses the unique
habit of keeping one wing raised vertically, though why it does this is
uot known, unless it helps the creature to steer its course. With the
natives of the pampas no greater sport could be found than rhea-hunt-
ing with the bolas and a swift horse trained to follow the bird in all its
quick dartings and doublings. This sport is known as the "wild mirth
of the desert."

When taken young, the rhea, is easily domesticated, becomming as
tame as the common fowls of the farmyard. Our naturalist once kept
a brood of young rheas, whicli he captui'ed soon afterthey broke from
the Shell. While they soon learned to provide for their own wants so
far as food was concerned, catching flies, grasshoppers, and other in-
insects with surprising dexterity, they would follow their human master
about as if they took him for their parent. They were utterly uncon-
scious of the dangers surrounding them, and yet, stränge to say, they
were not destitute of the feeling of fear: for when their keeper imitated

294 AMERICAN ORNITEOLOOY.

the rasping alarm-call of the old birds in time of peril, the youngsters
would rush up to him in the greatest terror, though no enemy was in
sight, and, squatting at his feet, would endeavor to conceal themselves
by thrusting their heads and long necks up his trousers. This would
seem to prove the heridity had infused into the younglings the dement
of fear as soon as they heard the warning call of their parents, and that
it was so strongly iutrenched in their nature as to respond even when
they had never heard the call of their real parents.

One of the most characteristic birds of the pampas is the crested
sceamer, called "chakar" in the vernacular. It is the size of a swan
and its shape and appearance are those of a lapwing, save that it has
a powerful curved gallinaceous beak. Its name, screamer, is given it
on account of its habit of screaming loudly at intervals much like the
domestic peacock of the north; bnt, in spite of this disagreeable vocal
out-burst, the bird has real musical talent. Both the male and the
female sing, often rendering a striking duet, the two parts differing
from each other, but fusing together in a kind of harmony. The cha-
kar soften gather in large flocks, and engage in concert singing that is
marvellous to hear. Suppose we let Dr. Hudson describe one or two
of these concerts in his own language.

"There is something strangely impressive in these spontaneous out-
bursts of melody so powerful from one of these large flocks, and, though
accustomed to hearing these birds from childhood, I have often been
astonished at some new effect produced by a large multitude singing
under certain conditious. Travelling alone one summer day, I came at
noon to a lake on the pampas called Kakel — a sheet of water narrow
enough for one to see across. Chakars in countless numbers were
gathered along its shores, but ihey were all ranged in well-defined
flocks, averaging about five himdred birds in each flock. These flocks
seemed to extend all around the lake, and had probably been driven by
the drought from all the plains around this spot. Presently one flock
near me began singing, and continued their powerful chant for three or
fourminutes; when they ceased, the next flock took up the strains, and
after it the next, and so on until the notes of the flocks on the opposite
shore came floating strong and clear across the water: then passed away,
growing fainter and fainter, until once more the sound appioached me
traveling around to my side again. The effect was very curious, and I
was astonished at the orderly way with which each flock awaited its
turn to sing, instead of a general outburst taking place after the first
flock had given the signal.

"On another occasion I was still more impressed, forhere the largest
number of of birds I have ever found congregated at one place all sang

AMERICAN OENITHOLOGY.

295

YOUNG GREAT BLUE HERON.

296 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY

together. This was on the southern pampas, at a place called Gualicho,
where I had ridden for an hour before sunsetovera marshy piain where
there was still much standing water in the rushy pools, though it was
at the height of the drj^ season. This whole piain was covered with an
endless flock of chakars, not in close order, but scattered about in pairs
and small groups.. In this desolate spot I found a small rancho in-
habited by ä guacho and his family, and I spent the night with them.
The birds were all about the house, apparently as tarne as the domestic
iowls, and when I went out to look for a spot for my horse to feed on,
they could not fly away from me, but merely moved a few steps out of
my path. About nine o'clock we were eating supper in the rancho,
when suddenly the entire multitude of birds covering the marsh for
miles around burst forth into a tremendous evening song. Itis impos-
sible to describe the effect of this mighty rush of sound; but let the
reader try to imagine half a million tones bursting forth on the silent
atmosphere of the dark, lonely piain. One pecularity was that in this
mighty noise, which sounded louder than the sea thundering on a rocky
coast, I seemed to be able to distinguish hundreds, even thousands, of
individual voices. Forgetting my supper, I set. motionless and over-
come with astonishment, while the air, and even the frail rancho, seemed
to be trembling in that tempest of sound. When it ceased, my host
remarked with a smile, "We are accustomed to this, senor — every even-
ing we have this concert,' It was a concert well worth riding a hundred
miles to hear."

No less remarkable is the fact that the Chakar soars upward into the
air and sings, as if he were a relative of the little Skylark of Europe.
Ponderous a bird as he is, and having a spread of wing of only six feet
and a half, he possesses a power of soaring equal to that of the Vulture
and the Eagle, scaling so high that his bulky body appears like a speck
moving across the sky, and sometimes disappears entirely; and when
he sings at the height, his "notes become wonderfully etherealized by
the distance to a soft, silvery sound," to which it is a rare delight to
listen.

"I was once very much surprised at the behavior of a couple of Cha-
kars during a thunder-storm," says Dr. Hudson. "On a still, sultry
day in summer I was standing watching masses of black cloud coming
rapidly over the sky, while a hundred yards from me stood the two
birds apparently watching the approaching storm with interest. Pres-
ently the edge of the cloud touched the sun, and a twilight of gloom
feil on the earth. The very moment the sun disappeared, the birds
rose and soon began singing their long-resounding notes, though it was
thundering loudlv at the time, while vivid flashes of lightning lit the

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 297

black cloiid overhead at short intervals. I watched their flight and
listened to their notes, tili suddenly, as they made a wide sweep upward,
they disappeared in the cloud, and at the same moment their voices be-
came muffled, and seemed to come from an immense distance. The
cloud continued emitting sharp flashes of lighning, but the birds never
reappeared, and after six or seven minutes more, their notes sounded
loud and clear above the muttering thunder. I suppose they hadpassed
through the cloud into the clear atmosphere above it, but I was extreme-
ly surprised at their fearlessness; for as a rule, when soaring birds see a
storm Coming, they get out of its vvay, flying before it or swopping to
the earth to seek shelter of some kind, as most living things seem to
have a wholesome dread of thunder and lightning."

A number of South x-\merican birds are fond of dancing. The beau-
tiful Platan rails called Ypecahas go about the Performance in this vvay.
Having prepared a smooth, level spot in the marsh, hemmed in by tall
rushes, one bird will issue the invitation to the frolic by a powerful cry
repeated three times, which is responded to by his mates from all sides
as they hurry to the tryst. In a few moments a dozen or twenty burst
from the reeds into the open space, andatonce the Performance begins.
The birds rush around and dance from side to side as if possessed by a
spirit of frenzy, their wings spread and vibrating and their long beaks
wide open and raised vertically. At the same time they utter a med-
ley of unearthly screams, which might well come from an equal num-
ber of human beings filled with terror and despair. The exhibition
lasts three or four minutes, when the birds scatter again amid the
rushes.

The shows given by the scissor-tailed tyrant-birds take place in the
Upper air instead of on the ground. Although these birds live in pairs,
at sunset several couples will call excitedly to one another, at which
they will assemble, and when all are ready, they will "mount upwards
like rockets, to a great height in the air, and after wheeiing about for a
few moments, precipitate themselves downwards with amazing violence
in a wild zigzag, opening and shutting the long tail-feathers like a pair
of shears, and producing loud whirring sounds, as of clocks being
wound rapidly up, with a slight pause after each turn of the key. This
aerial dance over, they alight in separate couples on the tree tops, each
couple joining in akindof duet of rapidly repeated, castanet-like sounds."

It would doubtless be interesting to describe the parties given by the
jacanas, the spur-winged lapwings, the wood-hewers, the whistling
troupials, the soaring field-finches, and the white-banded mocking-bird
of Patagonia, which not only mimics the songs of other birds, but
offen "bursts into its own divine song. uttered with a power, abandon

298 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

and joyousness resembling, but greatly excelling, that of the skylark,
"singing at heaven's gate," the notes issuing in a continuous torrent;
the voice so brilliant and infinitely varied, that, if rivalry and emulation
have as large a place in feathered breasts as some imagine, all that
hear this surpassing melody might well languish ever after in silent
despair." However, enough has been said to prove that South Amer-
ica olTers a fertile field for the Student who desires to make original
investigations in the noble science of ornithology.

GREAT BLUE HERON.

A. O U. Na. 194. (Ardea herodlas )

RANGE.

Breeds in North America from the Gulf to the Arctic regions; win-
ters in the southern half of the United States and southwards.

DESCRIPTION.

Length about 45 inches; extent apout 6 feet. Eye yellow, bill and
bare Space in front of eye, yellowish; legs blackish. Crown, middle
line of the underparts, and under tail coverts, white ; neck gray more
or less tinged with brownish ; back of head and the long plumes grow-
ing therefrom black ; line down the front toi the neck streaked with
black and brownish ; long fiowing white plumes from the breast ; back,
wing coverts and tail grayish, rest of wing blackish ; sides of breast jet
black ; front edge of wing and the tibia rieh chestnut. Young : No
plumes from beck of head ; whole crown blackish ; plumes from the
breast very short or lacking ; little or no black on the sides and the
whole underparts with a streaked appearance.

NORTHWEST COAST HERON.

A. O. V- No. 194 a. (Ardea herodias fannini.)

RANGE.

Pacific Coast of North America from Vancouver Island north to
Southern Alaska. Like the majority of other birds in this very humid
region, teis Aeron is very much darker than the common Blue Heron.

WARD HERON.

A. O. U- NO. 194 b. (Ar<Jea herodias wardi)

RANGE.

Florida. This subspecies is very similar to the Great Blue Heron,
but the neck is usually darker and the underparts whiter and the whole
bird averages slightly larger.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

299

GREAT BLUE HERON. [Adult]

300 AMERICAN OENITHOLOOY.

NEST AND EGGS.

Blue Herons build bulky but shabby nests of sticks and twigs, plac-
ing them in trees at various elevations from the ground depending lip-
on the locality and the chances of their remaining undistiirbed. In the
south they nsually build in large communities called heronries and the
nests may be found at various altitudes from ten to one hundred feet
above the earth ; generally in the northern part of their ränge, but a
few pairs are found breeding in one place and these usually in the tops
of high trees in swampy territory. Their eggs are laid from April in
the south to June in the north and the number is usually three or four.
The eggs are pale bluish green and vary in shape from ovate to elliptical.

HABITS.

These imposing birds are the largest of the Heron family to be found
within our limits. An old adult bird is a strikingly beautiful object,
the long white plumes Streaming from the breast reaching nearly to the
ground, while the black ones from the back of his head fall upon his
back while in a resting attitude. The young just before flight are as
ugly looking and awkward as their parents are graceful, their long legs
and neck seeming to be forever in the way, to their great discomfiture,
while their heads are swayed from side to side and moved backward
and forward in their endeavors to properly focus their eyes upon any
intruder into their home. For a week before attempting flight the
young clamber about among the sticks composing their nest and upon
branches in the immediate neighborhood, their steps being very wobbly
and uncertain, and their long toes tightly wound about the slender
branches, holding on for dear life. Who would ever suppose that this
ungainly bündle of awkwardness would ever attain the grace and beauty
displayed by the old birds ?

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 301

On several occasions in the past I have had the opportunity of vvatch-
ing: them for a long tinie throiigh a fiele! glass, although I must confess
that it was at a time when they vvere on the opposite side of a long,,
narrow pond and that, while I watched them with great interest, it was;
with an intense longing that they should come over to my side of the
pond within ränge of my gun. How daintily they raised each foot and
how carefully they allowed it to settle in the water, with no splash or
ripple to warn their finny prey as they changed their location. Then
how still and rigid they would keep with their eyes literally glued upon
the shallow water in front of them, their neck doubled in graceful curves
and their whole attitude one of tense expectancy. Soon a small fish
makes its way within the bird's radius of attack. As if worked by pow-
erful Springs, the long neck suddenly straightens and the head shoots
downward, the long sharp bill cleaving the water like an arrow and
being instantly withdrawn with a struggling fish between the madibles.
The next Operation is to turn the fish about so that it may be swallowed
head first, this being accomplished with curious contortions, the swell-
ing of the throat marking the progress of the fish the whole leugth of
the heron's neck.

They are usually very shy birds and difficult to approach but some-
times, when standing among tall rushes, one will try to escape Obser-
vation rather than fly; the legs are stifif, the body perfectly erect and
the long neck stretched to its füllest extent with the bill pointing toward
the zenith, an attitude in which at a casual glance they will readily pass
for one of the surrounding stalks. They will maintain this seemingly
tmcomfortable position for minutes at a time until danger is past or
until they are satisfied that they are discovered, when with a dis-
gusted grünt they will spread their six feet of wing and slowly Aap
away. It has been the custom of gunners to kill these and all other
herons at every opportunity even though they had no possible use for
them, until they have become quite uncommon in New England. Fort-
unately they are now protected at all seasons of the year so that pro-
bably they will hold their own, although undoubtedly many will con-
tinue to be killed by Ignorant hunters. While, it is argued, they are of
no economic value reckoned in dollars and cents, they are a very beauti-
ful and welcome sight to those who are so fortimate as to be able to
see them and as such, deserve our füllest protection as do all other
species which do no positive härm and even if their good is not appar-
ent to everyone.

302

AMEBICAN ORNITIWLOUY.

mwwwwwwwwww^0W^f%^^^m^w^vww^0W^^%^j

4
i

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4

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4
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Photo by O. Eifiig. j

HERONRY. ^

[This heronry, in Ontario, Can. contained in 1904 about 150 nests of >^
Great Blue Herons with eggs or young.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

303

Address Communications for this department to

IWeg Merrythought, 156 Waterville Street,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Young Folks:

I want to teil you of a happy family of which a friend told me the
other day.

I wonder if you could guess who were in the group which had a tea
party together.

The place where ihe party was held was an cid barn, the home of
Sir Chanticleer and his large family. The feast consisted of cracked
com in a large tin pan. The table was the barn floor and the guests
were — first, Madam Hen, her sisters, her cousins, her aunts and their
children; second, Mr. English Sparrow and eight or ten of his relatives,
and lastly, Mr. Grey Rat, with four of his immediate family. These
all ate peaceably together from the pan which held the repast intended
only for Madam Hen and her kin. The sparrows showed their usiial
fearlessness, hopping in and out of the dish. Rats and chickens stood
side by side on the brim, and all "went merry as a marriage bell."
Don't you wish you had been there with your camera?

Cordially your friend

Meg Merrythought.

ROLL OF HONOR.

James H. Chase, Logansport, Ind.
Russell Adams' St Johnsbury, Vt.
Samuel D. Robbins, Belmont, Mass.
Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. L
Lillian M. Weeks, Marietta, Ohio.
William K. D. Reynolds, Berkley, Cal.
Olive D. Crittenden, New Haven. Conn

304 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

ANSWERS TO OCTOBER PUZZLES,

What his his name? Yellow-breasted Chat. Numerical Enigma.
Cedar Waxwing.

MAILBAG EXTRACTS.

Hüw We Mav Help the Birds.

How often has the question been asked, "How can we help the
birds?" I hope many, if not all of the readers of the American Orni-
thology have asked this question, and hope they will take a hint that
will aid them to answer this noble question. In the summer the birds
find plenty to eat, and we find them destroying grubs and insects that
are very injurious to our best trees and garden, but in the cold winter
all is so different. The ground is covered with a thick blanket of snow,
which often Covers the tops of the, highest weeds, upon which our
snowbirds and other birds of the same family feed. If these helpful
birds cannot get food enough to keep up a good high temperature
within their body, they will freeze. We cannot afford to part wüth
them, so the only thing to do is to provide them food.

Rather than lose our little friends, I am sure we would all be willing
to go out into the fields, shovel away a little snow, place a board and
scatter seeds of any kind upon it, if you cannot get seeds, oats, or any
other grain, crumbs will do very well.

Our little friends will soon find their feast, and should we visit the
field a few days later, we should find that they had eaten it all up, and
we would hear them calling out their gratitude, and asking for more.

The snowbird is but one example. There are at least ten other
species of birds to be found in every part of the United States, all of which
need to be cared for. When the trees are covered with snow and sleet
what would the chickadees and the nuthatches, and the woodpeckers
and the jays do for food? We must tack up suet or fat of any kind on
the tree trunks high enough to get the birds out of härm 's way, and
also hang a basket of cracked nuts and crumbs upon the trees.

If we all feed the birds during the hardest parts of the long cold win-
ter, and keep them well supplied with good fresh food we will no long-
er need to ask "How can we help the birds?" Then their numbers
will increase, and our troublesome grubs will decrease.

Samuel Dowse Robbins, Belmont, Mass.

AMERICAN OKNITHOLOGY. 305

THE TWO KINGS.

Last July while we were sitting upon the bank of an artificial lake
in Palma Park, Detroit, we saw the two Kings in a tree. The king-
fisher flew across the lake, it was then the King-of-birds made himself
known. I never saw a kingbird molest any bird while it was sitting
still, although I once saw a crow so nearly exhausted that it lit upon
the ground to get away from a Kingbird

The kingbird waited for him upon the fence post, and attacked him
as soon as he flew. As the boys say, he never hits while the other
fellow is down, at least I never knew him to.

Going back to the story, the fisher was driven away several times. I
was provoked at the kingbird as that was the only fisher I had a chance
to watch this year, but soon I was glad the kingbird ruled the park.

A little later the fisher returned. This time to prove that he was
the King of fishers, and some people may call him a thief. This time
the kingbird was not on duty, and I was very much surprised at seeing
him drive into the lake and bring forth one of the Park's goldfish.

It was a pretty sight, a gold-colored fish in the bill of a grayish-blue
bird; but why should he catch what was put in the park to beautify it?
I suppose the gold color in the water is much easier to see, and he
Visits the park whenever he wants an easy catch.

I hope the kingbirds will make the parks their future homes, and be
kings of the parks as well as the King of birds.

This is the only time I ever knew that the fisher would eat or catch
a Goldfish. Frank Smith, Grand Rapids, Mich.

ENIGMA.

My first is in green as well as ravine,

My second in leaf but never in lamp,

My third is concealed in the word address,

My fourth is hidden in both guest and guess,

My fifth in scarlet can always be found,

My sixth in paddle as well as in damp,

My seventh in round, also in ground,

My last can be found in both rent and tent,

Now what bird's name do you suppose is meant?

Samuel D. Robbixs, Belmont, Mass.

306

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

HOUR GL ASS NO. 1.

X X O X X A weapon.
X O X An animal.
O A consonant.
X O X Something for catching fish.
XXOXX A long spear.
Centrals are the name of a bird.

HOUR GLASS NO, 2.

XXOXX Meat.

X O X An inlet of the sea.

O A vowel.
X O X An insect.
XXOXX EfEort.
Centrals give the name of a bird.

William K. D. Reynolds, Berkley, Cal.

GLEANINGS,

When icicles hang by the wall,

And Dick the Shepherd, blows his nail.

And Tom bears logs into the hall,

And milk comes frozen in the pail,

When blood is nipped, and ways be foul,

Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-who!

Tu-whit! Tu-who! A merry note,

While greasy Joan doth keel the pot, — Shakespeare.

W.v;>?,

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The first article, in the January
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A MöLgaLzine Devoted Wholly to Birds.

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EDITED BY CHESTER. A. REED, B. S.

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COPYRIGHT, 1903 BY CHAS. K. REED

VOL. IV DECEMBER. 1904. NO. 12

With this issue we close our fourth volume of American Ornithology.
We are gratified foi the support that our friends have given us in the past
and hope for a continuance of them as we want to make 1905 our banner
year. With the lessening of his labors in other directions, the editor will
be able to devote more attention to this magazine and he desires the Co-
operation of all our readers in the matter of supplying notes and short
stories. With the material and photographs that we already have in
band, we can State that our magazine will be second to none during the
ensuing year, and we trust that our readers will aid us bycallingthe atten-
tion of the magazine to all their friends and by renewing their subscrip-
tions promptly. Special offers of A. O. in combination with other books
will be found on the advertising pages. We have in preparation a note
book f or bird observations that will be novel in many respects. It will be
ready by Jan. ist, and will be sent to all our subscribers.

We have bound in this number, the Title Page and Frontispiece for this
volume. It can be removed in one sheet by bending up the binding wires,
and bound in the front of the bouk.

We wish to call the attention of our readers to the Association of Cam-
era Hunters that is being formed. It will be for the interest of everyone
interested in bird photography or protection to be identified with this
association. It will mean much tovvards the preservation of our wild birds.
It is being formed by Mr. LeRoy Melville Tafts of Farmington, Me. See
notice among our ads. this month.

SOME MAINE FRIENDS.

Last July, while Coming down a mountain siele, I passed a small
thicket; and, happening to look at it I saw a Loggerhead Shirke sitting
on a branch, not more than four feet from me. I stopped, and
the bird then flew noiselessly away. I easily distinguished him from
"Lanius borealis" by the absence of wavy bars on the breast and by a
line across the forehead at the base of the bill. This was my first
experience with the Loggerhead, though I had seen the commoner
Northern Shrike or "Butcher-bird" before.

In a dense growih of alders, bushes, and small cedars bordering a
stream I saw several interesting birds. Among these the Golden-
crowned Kinglet, Woodcock and Wilson Warbier deserve mention.
The Wilson Warbier first attracted my attention by its sharp and per-
sistent chipping, The bird hopped about near me fearlessly, and I
recognized it by the yellow body and black band on the crown. The
damp bed of the stream furnished a feeding ground for the Woodcocks
and I frequently saw them there at work. Of the Golden-crowned
Kinglet I caught only a fleeting glimpse.

In the pine woods we find everywhere the white-throated Sparrow,
or "Peabody-bird." This fat sociable sparrow is seen sometimes
singly, sometimes in flocks. As a rule they do not sing much, but
their call note "chink", so well likened by Mr. Bickwell to the sound
Of a marble cutter's chisel, is most frequently heard.

Purple Finches, Redstarts, and Cedar wax-wings are frequent visitors
about the house. The Purple Finches arrive in flocks, have a sociable
talk in the tree-tops, and then disappear. One pair of cedar-birds al-
ways nests on our grounds. In 1902 and 1903 they built in a neighbor-
ing poplar, but this year the nest was placed in a hedge. Seeing one
of the birds always perched on an overhead telegraph wire I concluded
the nest must be in the hedge. It was finely concealed, and I would
never have found it and the four speckled eggs but for a couple of tell-
tale straws, which protruded through one side of the hedge from the
bottom of the nest.

About the same time I also found another Cedar-bird's nest, but this
was placed far out on a long branch of a solitary pine. The parent
birds saw me Standing near and at first did not venture to approach
the nest and feed their young ones. But when they finally did, they

308 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

hopped out along the branch to the nest, as though they thought them-
selves successfully screaned by pine needles.

A tall, branching poplar, Standing on our grounds, besides furnish-
ing a nest for Cedar-birds, also supplies a home for the Yellow War-
bier. Last summer the nest was placed on a branch, about twelve feet
from the ground, and easily accessible. Bat it ended in disaster, and
this year the Yellow-birds chose another site, ovving to certain maraud-
ing felines.

At all times during the day Ruby-throated Hummingbirds come to

feed from the"boxed geraniums on our piazza railings, and from their

favorite honeysuckle.

Charles Lee Brown.

BIRD HOMES.

On a warm sultry afternoon, I was seated beside a Tittle stream in
the woods upon a tree that had fallen across the brook. There were
no birds singing, they appeared to have deserted the place for the time
being. When all of a sudden a pair of tufted Titmice came flying
swiftly through the woods, and apparently not taking notice of me,
landed on the tree upon which I was sitting, only a few feet away. I
kept perfectly still and the birds, after going through a few maneuvers,
hopped into the brook at my feet and took a bath. From there they
flew into a near-by tree and dressed their feathers.

I have this season found my first üven-bird nest, although I repeat-
edly made fruitless searches. A friend and myself were going through
the woods when a small bird crossed our path, keeping to the ground
and rnnning. We recognized it at once as the Oven-bird and made no
attempt to follow it; but began searching the ground where we had
first noticed it, and to our surprise discovered a nest with two young
and one egg. It was very well concealed and looked like the nest of a
field mouse, a round ball of dried grass, so well did the dome cover the
nest. Closer Observation proved that one side was open where the
bird passed in and out, but this side was protected by a tussock of
grass. So with all these Protections we never would have found the
nest were it not for the parent birds. Later in the season, June 27th,
I found another nest situated in a roadway in the woods only a few
inches from the rut where the wagon wheels passed. I tramped upon
a large limb that lay two feet from the nest, causing the bird to leave
and in this way discovared the second nest this season containing four
young about a week old. The old birds showed great concern and
came very close to me with wings and tail trailing on the ground

AMERICAN OTiNITHOLOGY. 309

evidently trying to lead me away from their treasure. I took notice of
the golden crown on their head, this is hard to distinguish unless the
bird is close to you.

I have observed a number of times where birds often put to flight
and chase other birds larger than themselves. For instance you have
often seen the Kingbird and Redwing black bird; how they delight in
pursuing the large Crow, whenever he invades their territory. They
say the Crow is a coward and this seems to prove it. I have in turn
seen a pair of Crows chase a large Turkey Vulture that was trying to
seek shelter in the woods. On another occasion I saw a Hawk pursued
by about a dozen Crows. Hawks are generally knöwn to be daring
and show fight but he offered no resistance, possibly on account of the
large number against him.

Few birds other than some of our larger species are known to show
courage enough lo attack a person in defense of its nest. You seldom
read of a small bird that will defend its home against a person. I have
one to mention. The bird was an Orchard Oriole. About six years
ago when I was fourteen years old, I found the nest in an apple orchard.
I was bare-footed and climbed the tree. The birds came around me,
but I did not take particular notice of them; while examining the Con-
tents of the nest one of them flew directly at my feet, its sharp bill
penetrated my skin with enough force to cause the blood to flow. The
birds flew around me in a way that made it anything but comfortable
for me, and I quickly got down from the tree. I have been atthenests
of Kingbirds already that would dart downwards at me as if they were
going to attack me, but have no where except in the above cited
instance encountered such determined resistance on the part of a small
bird.

Jacob Stehman.

'P^^mM

^^ ^

310

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

THE AMERICAN HERRING GULL,

There is an interesting colony of American Herring Gulls on a small
island on the southern coast of Nova Scotia, known as Seal Isand.
They are quite plentiful here in the breeding season, Coming about the
middle of March and remaining until October or November. A few of
the young spend the winter here. They are a very dark brownish gray,
slightly marked or mottled with light. The third year they have the
plumage of an adult.

Here their nests are mostly in trees but a few build on the ground.
When in these the nests are more stoutly constructed than when on the
ground. The nest in the picture was built of grass and sticks and was
taken on a cloudy day with two seconds exposure.

One day in June I determined to get a pictureof a Gull on her nest,
so set out armed with camera and string. I selected a suitable nest,
focussed on it and covered my camera with moss and sticks. Then
making my string fast to the shutter I concealed myself under some

Photo by Bernice Crowell.

GULL SITTING ON NEST.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 311

stumps of trees and prepared to wait for my picture. After vvaiting
about two hours, down came the Gull and alighted near the camera.
Walking up to it she picked off some of the moss and then settled on
her nest still holding some of the moss in her bill. I pulled the string
and gave about four seconds exposure as it was in the dark part of the
wood and being late in the afternoon, the long shadows were stealing
through the forest. She did not seem to hear the sound of the shutter
and did not move until I commenced to whistle. She then flew up
with a scream and soon had all the neighboring Gulls in the air.

Sometimes after waiting for three and four hours covered with sticks,
moss and brush, I have found on developing the plate, a Gull with two
bills and four eyes, but this only made me more anxious to succeed.
The nest containing two chickens and one egg was taken on a bright
day with one second exposure.

Berxice Crowell.

The Herring Gull is one of the largest of the family, being about two
feet in length and having an expanse of nearly five feet. It is exceed-
ed in size by the Black-backed and Glaucous Gulls, the first being much
darker on the back and the latter much lighter. They have yellow bills
and eyes, flesh-colored feet, a pearly gray mantle, the rest of the plu-
mage being white in summer and the head slightly striped with dusky
in the winter. Immature specimens are a uniform dark gray with
lighter edges to the feathers. They nest on islands from Maine north-
wards and winter from Massachusetts southwards. They build on the
ground unless disturbed when they take to the trees. They fly with
their bill in a line with the body and are frequently seen resting on
the water. Their food is wholly animal matter, chiefiy fish.

EGG OF HERRING GULL, < Natural Size.)

312

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

A PROTECTED GULL COLONY.

By C. A. Keed,

Situated about seven miles south of Mt. Desert off thecoast of Maine
is a small Island, triangulär in shape, and about one and one half miles
long by three quarters of a mile in width. As long ago as can be re-
membered this island has been tenantedwith Herring Gulls, as are most
of the other islands of the Maine coast, and on this one, as well as the
others,the birds were continually persecuted. Fishermen made regulär
trips during the nesting season and gathered busheis of eggs for food,
while the Indians and hunters slaughtered the birds out of pure wanton-
ness.

Many beautiful little islands, with rock-bound shores, dot the
Maine coast, many adorned with light-houses to keep the mariner on
his course.

The Gulls and Terns have been all driven off of a great many
islands where they formerly nested and were in a fair way of meeting
the same fate on Duck Island, but owing to the earnest work of a few
bird protectionists, the three lighthouse keepers on the island were
appointed wardens and now zealously guard the colony against the
depredations of mankind.

We had fully intended making our trip to the island during the first
week in July, but owing to the pressure of business it was the morning

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

313

*^

^ ^*ft.^^'«'-^*

j*^»««*^

5Ä^^s&i

3/r. VanHonfs house on Great Duck Island. Little Duck Island
is Seen in the distance and in the extreme distance are the highlands
of Mount Desert.

of the eighteenth before we arrived at Rockland and took the steamer
on the Mount Desert line. It was a dismal morning the fog being so
dense that it was impossible to see the sky or even a boat's length ahead.

With her whistle continually blowing deep-toned, ominous blasts, the
boat slowly threaded her way among the many small islands, beautiful
in fair weather but now only hazy outlines or invisible. My anticipations
of many photos taken 'enroute' were dispelled early and the camera was
not brought into requisition that day and might as well have been left
at home the next, the atmosphere being so thick that it could literally
have been cut with a knife. With the aid of a gasoline launch we made
our way from Southwest Harbor, the southernmost stopping place on
Mount Desert, to Duck Island being guided by the compass and the fog
whistle which is blown at minute intervals in foul weather.

We made our headquarters at the cottage of Mr. Van Hornwho, with
the exception of the three lighthouse keepers, is the only inhabitant on
the island. He is a typical New England fisherman, bronzed by the
sun and the Clements. He daily makes the rounds of his lobster traps,
each marked by its floating buoy, and upon his return the proceeds of
his days or nights catch are deposited in an old covered dory which has
been converted into a fish car. and from this receptacle they are once a

314

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

week transferred to a fishing smack which makes the rounds, and by
them sold to the wholesale markets.

It was about two o'clock in the afternoon that we landed on the narrow
gravel beach in front of the fishermen's, this being the only place along
the whole shore that was not bound by rocks or ledges. A duU yellow-
ish ball dimly glowing in the sky showed that, but for the fog, the day
would have been pleasant. Occasionally a gull slowly flapped overhead
but there was no indication of the large colony that was just over the
hin on the other side of the Island.

Song Sparrows were very numerous and there was nearly always one
of them to be seen sitting on one of the fence posts, his throat swelling
with the melody he was producing. A pair of Barn Swallows twittered
under the eaves of the building and Flickers shrieked from the dead
trees on the top of the hill, while along the edges of an inland pool a
number of Sandpipers teetered in evident enjoyment. As we made our
way around the island following the shore, above the roar of the break-

Photo by Bernice C'rowell.
NEST AND EGGS OF HERRING GULL.

AMI'IRICAN ORN/TIIOLOÖY.

315

ers on the rocks we could soon hear stränge sounds; as we continued,
these sounds grew louder and louder, sounding like crowds of people
cheering, dogs barking, College yells, barnyard fowls or in fact most any-
thing that the fancy dictated. Of course we knew it could not come from
but one source, the Gulls, and as we approached every rise of ground we
fully expected to see the great white birds on the other side but instead
would be greeted by a still louder volume of sound from beyond the
next hin.

Photo by Bernice Ciowell.

EGGS AND YOUNG OF HERRING GULL.
(Showing the beautiful spotted downy pluinage.)

Finally as we forced our way through a dense thicket of pines we be-
held the foremost ranks of the largest of the two colonies on the Island.
For a number of minutes we stood in the shadows of the trees watching
them. Many were circling about in the air uttering their harsh, noisy
and varied cries, but the raajority, seeing no cause for alarm were either
perched on the dead pine stumps or Walking about on the ground.

Of those that were standing on the trees a large number held their
wings outspread, facing the wind, as though, even while at rest, they
delighted in feeling the rush of air beneath them. Their buoyancy was
shown at times when a heavier gust of wind came, for they would al-
most be lifted bodily into the air; they might easily have varied their
angle and sailed aloft without a visible movement of their powerful
wings. Those on the ground seemed to be Walking aimlessly about in

316

AMERICA N 0 IINITHO LO GY

A char acter istic view in the largest of the Gull coloay shoioing the
tangled masses of Standing and fallen trunks.

a surprisingly graceful manner for so large a bird with such short legs.
A few seemed to be playing a game of tag; one would start chasing
another,whereupon a third would often cross between the two and would
then be pursued by the Starter of the game just as children do in
'cross tag'. We frequently saw this game, if such it was, played, the
birds continuing until they appeared to tire of it.

Another game is mentioned by my friend Mr. Parker who has visited
the Island during the past two seasons but we were not fortunate enough
to see it during our stay. It might be called the tug of war. One bird
picks up a small stick, perhaps six or eight inches long and, advancing
up to another offers it the other end of the stick; this individual catch-
ing the spirit of the fun, grasps the end and then ensues a silent but
vigorous tussle to see who shall retain possession; no animosity seems
to be shown by either party and the stick is dropped as soon as one
gains the victory.

Scattered about among the large white Gulls were many smaller
grayish, wooly looking creatures mounted on stilt like legs, and, as

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

317

they sped over the ground, reminding one of the sheep with which the
Island is also inhabited. These young Gulls, for such they were, we
found to be the most lively youngsters thatwe had ever handled. They
could, and would upon the slightest provocation or, in fact, no provo-
cation at all, run like deer and hide themselves under the nearest stump
or fallen limb.

We were very much disappointed not to find a single occupied nest
containing eggs. Several of them had single eggs which had not
hatched but not one had a complete set or even young which were not
large enough to run all over the Island. The part of the island usedby
the birds was composed of hills and hollows covered with a carpeting
of grass now almost worn off with the tramping of the birds feet; many
dead pine stumps were standing, some with branches, others with none;
and a great many more had fallen down making large inpenetratable
barriers that must be climbed over or gone around. At the foot of
every stump and under every prostrate trunk were one or more hollows
in the ground, denoting where anest füll of little Gulls had been raised.

The young Gulls hid ainong the rocks and their black and gray
plumage harmonized beautifuUy icith their surroundings.

318

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Showing the rocky character of the shore, where boulders ireighmg
totis arehicrlexl aboiU diiring ivinte^.storms.

We also found that there were a great many scattering nests among
the large rocks that were tumbled in heaps along the shore; here they
were made of piles of dead grass and seaweed, whereas in the interior
they were unlined hollows in the ground. The next day we appeared
in the same place with our battery of cameras and ammunition of plates,
and although it was stillvery hazy we proceeded to make the best of
the Situation. As there were rio'nests with eggs, there were no stable
home attractions to Iure a gull intd the desired ränge and Situation.
Obviously it would be useless to focus the camera on a nest even
though it contained young birds a^ the parent only had to give a few
commands in Gull language and tlie whöle nestful of youngsters would
take to their heels leavmg notlii'ng for the camera to focus upon except
the bare ground. This is one of the occasions where a bird that hatches
chicks covered with down has-a great advantage over those whose
young rnust remain in the nest for two or three wecks; if they are

AMERICAN OBNITHOLOGY.

319

afraid to go to the nest, its occupants will come to them. All that we
could do was to make shots as the occasion offered at the old birds,
either flying or sitting on the trees, but we could not get them nearer
than twelve or fifteen feet, as we would have had we been there two
weeks earlier.

Onr troubles in photographing the adult birds were as nothing when
we turned our attention to the young. We could easily get them
huddled down between rocks or even under stumps, if simply views
of their rudimentary tail feathers were satisfactory, for that was all
that could be seen in such cases, their heads being hidden deeply in
the recesses. Time after time we lifted them out of their retreat,
carefully focussed on them while held in the hands on the ground and
told them to stand up and look their prettiest, but no sooner were they
released than they were going at füll speed for another cover; and
how they could run! They were at once the most agile and the most
awkward of anything that I have seen; they would tumble and fall flat
over anything from a straw to a stick or stone, and one little fellow in
his haste got his legs tangled up with each other and rolled end over
end for a few feet until he could get straightened out and continue his

On the rock-bound north shorc uhere the icaves beat and a srnaU
colony of Gulls nested.

320

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

mad career. The first nook that they came across was their hiding
place; if large onough to conceal them, well and good, if not, it had to
answer even though only their head was out of sight. Vexatious as it
was not to get the pictures we wanted, we laughed at the antics of the
young birds until the tears rolled down our cheeks, and as I heerd the
excited cachinatiens of the parent birds I thought of the old saying,
"Laugh and the World laughs with you, etc." but whether they were
laughing or not, I am not prepared to say, but if they had the slightest
sense of the ridiculous, they must have been laughing to see us try to
head off and photograph their unruly children. Since returning home,
I have often thought that perhaps we pursued the wrong course in try-
ing to calm them; instead of soft and soothing tones to keep them
quiet, if we had imitated the shouts, cries and cackles of their parents
perhaps they would have minded us.

Many of the Gulls ivere on the ground white others curvecl grace-
fully through the air, all noisily cackling.

Although estimating the number of birds in a place can not always
be satisfactory, we judged as best we could from the flying birds, the
nests and the noise, that there must be about five hundred pairs of
adult birds in this colony snd perhaps a hundred pairs in a smaller

\Mi:niCA N ORNITiWLOGY.

321

With soine difficulty we rounded up some of the sheep irhere we
could make a photograph of thcm.

colony on the other side of the island. Other avian residents on Great
Duck Island besides the gulls, sparrows and sandpipers, were Leach's
Petrels which had honeycombed the higher parts with their burrows,
Black Guillemots which were numerous and nested on the more rocky
and precipitous northeastern side, a few pairs of White-bellied Swallows
that nested in holes in the decayed pine stubs, many Juncos and an
Owl which was heard several times but not seen. Several hundred
sheep are on the island and some of them were in sight at most any
time. These animals which are owned by a party living on the main-
land are left on the island all winter with little shelter and no food ex-
cept what they can gather along the shores. We also learned that
there were several cats on the island and these accounted for about a
dozen Petrel burrows that we found torn up; a few small mounds of
gray feathers told the rest of the story. The cats certainly found prov-
ender very abundant and easily obtained.

The third day we spent on Little Duck Island a smaller island locat-
ed about a mile north of Great Duck. Although not having more than

322

AMERICAN ORNITIIOLOGY.

one quarter the area of the large Island we found that this one contain-
ed fully as large a colony of Gulls. When we landed they rose from
the ground and trees in clouds, making a din that could easily be heard
on the large island, a mile away, as we found out the next day. We
found conditions here the same as on the other island only a larger
percentage of the birds nested among the rocks on the shore. The
eggs had all hatched and the young were as unwilling subjects to study
as the others had proved. I think that without doubt many of the
young of those birds that nest on the rocks are lost by falling into
crevices from which they are unable to extricate themselves. On two

They stood on the tops of the stunted pines, alirays facing the wind
and often with ivings gracefully outspread.

occasions we rescued a little fellow from such a Situation, when
there appeared to be no possible way for him to escape unless the Gulls
maintain a hook and ladder service for eraergencies. Occasionally we
would see a couple of young Gulls swimming, always accompanied by
their anxious parents who seemed to be showing them just how to do it.
The weather was still very hazy but much clearer than on the pre-
vious day and it was on this island that we made the most of our pic-
tures. When we went inside the tent which we had set up, the birds
seemed to think that we had left the island, the noise gradually ceased
and the birds settled down one by one, some on the tops of little pines
within about twelve feet of us. They all eyed the stränge rock-colored

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

323

contrivance that cov^ered us, with curiosity and distrust and the slight-
est movement of the cloth was sufficient to Start some keen eyed indi-
vidual into a frenzy of excitement.

This Island also abounded in Petrel burrows and there were more
Guillemots than on the large island. On one end of the Island \ve saw
about a hundred of them at a time sitting in rows on the edges of the
large boulders where the spray from the breaking surf continually
dashed over them.

The morning upon which \ve were to return home dawned clear, with-
out a vestige of fog or mist so that, for the first time during our visit,
we could plainly see Little Duck Island from our house, and also
Mount Desert in the distance. Soon we also saw the little launch puff-
ing noisily toward the island meaning that our stay was about at an
end, and much as we regretted leaving just as the sunshine had come,
after four days of fog, business demanded it. As we stood in the stern
of the steamer and watched the islands fade away in the distance, it
was with the hope that next year about two weeks earlier might find
US in the same place.

Many yachts, Guned by uealthy summer residente of Bar Harhor,
passed the island.

324 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

I The American Bitternis Son^. |

1 .—. f T was a beautiful day in early May. Through the cloudless

r I 2 sky the sun had shone from early morn, warming the green

I J^ I fields, shining on the glossy spring leaves and opening the

1 ^^ I apple blossoms, until now it was slowly sinking, a red, fiery

^^ ^^ ball, behind a distant hill. A cool evening breeze was

sweeping over the near by marshes, matting down the brown last year's

grass, through which a river wound its way in and out to the ocean.

Here and there lines of mist, soft and white, in the twilight marked the

passage of some brook, or inlet of the river.

Among the sedges and tuf¥s of sea grass stood a lone fisherman, the
Bittern. Not a muscle of his body moved, even his eye seemed made
of glass. Now and then as a wagon rumbled over a distant bridge, he
slowly lowered himself into the grass only in a few minutes to slowly
rise again as silent as ever. Once there was a dash of his long neck,
seeming to unroll itself from his Shoulders, and the white belly of a
frog gleamed for a second from between his mandibles. At last as
twilight settled over the marshes, he slowly raised his head, thus mak-
ing himself about a foot taller than the surrounding grass, and calmly
gazed about. Then he slowly straightened himself and drew back his
wings, folding them tightly on his back, thus showing his light brown
sides. Standing thus he filled his lungs, by deep breaths, three or
four times. Then drawing his head between his Shoulders he quickly
shot it up and out as if nauseated, and at the same time large bunches
went back and forth in his neck.

When the head was drawn between the Shoulders a peculiar squeak-
ing noise was made and when the air reached his mouth a sound like
rushing water filled the marsh. Three times he repeated this song in
succession and then after waiting about four minutes he again repeated
it three times, and so on always three times in succession, until dark-
ness crept over the land. Then with a loud squawk he flew out low
over the marshes to join some distant friends in sleep.

Near at band the song might be suggested by the words, pump-er-
lunk, or by the pumping of a lift pump. But at a distance the last
syllable only reaches the aar, making the sound from which he derives
the name stake driver.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 325

WHEN NATURE FROWNED.

;fa^.v.A..;i..,A...v..\>A^A.A..vv.:^.;t.,\.^v,v.\..A.A...^..v.;i.^v..\..v.:i..v:t.A. ^■;k..A..>..>.S

He flew from the big cedar to the cornice of the house. That was
when I first saw him. He stood there a moment, curiously looking at
the smooth boards, but seeing no prospect for a breakfast, he took
wing again, this time going to a locust tree. I recognized him as a
Red-breasted Nuthatch, the first one I ever saw. As soon as I saw
him Standing like a little statue on the cornice, I thought how pretty he
would look, mounted in the position, and disagreeable thought it was.
I could not banish the thought from my mind. I went out to get
better acquainted with him. As he busily searched the locust tree he
now and then uttered a queer little "quair-quair-quair-quair," in a nasal
voice.

Finishing the locust, he flew around the corner to the big hackberry
tree. Ah! surely he would find a good breakfast here, wherethe rough
bark afforded so many hidden places for the insect world. Alighting:
he stood a moment in an expectant attitude, before he began scamper-
ing over the tree. Sometimes he would loose himself far up among
the branches. Than again, I would find him only a foot or two from
my head, gazing curiously at me. Whatever he thought of me I never
knew. He made no comment. After a little he unceremoniously re-
resumed his climbing. Sometimes he would dart out into the air after a
gnat. Once he ran out to the very tip of a long limb that drooped to
within three feet of the ground. He clung to the tip, and with head
down ward looked long and silently at his image in a pan of water on
the ground below. Then as if remembering he was idle, he scampered
hastily back up the limb again.

I thought if I were going to secure him I had better do so as soon
as possible, for I knew not when he might leave our trees to resume his
journey southward.

I shot him as he ran along a limb within six feet of me. And I a
bird lover! Bird lover? Bosh! He fluttered lightly, noislessly to the
ground. Gently I took him up. In his eyes there was only sufiering —

326 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

nothing more. He knew not why, nor by whom he suffered. That
was all. And his blood trickled through my fingers. Only a little
blood, yet his life's blood — blood that had all his life kept that little
body warm, and on the move — climbing — climbing — climbing.

Gradually as I watched, I saw the film of death steal over his little
eyes — blotting out the look of mute suf¥ering. And so he died. I laid
him down and washed the blood from my hands. It seemed as if I
should never get it off. And Nature seemed to frown on me as the
murderer of her child.

I would not mount him. No! no! If I could not give him back those
little drops of warm red blood, those shining little eyes, I was sure I
would not mock Nature by stuflEing him with chaflE, giving him a pair
of expressionless glass eyes.

Many of my readers have mounted birds. Sister, brother, what do
you find in those stiff, lifeless forms, those hard, glassy eyes, that set
mocking stare, to admire?

I took him out under the cottonwoods — the great cottonwoods — and
at the base of the largest, I buried him. And now, when I go out
there, to sit on the great roots that spring from the free, and rest, I al-
ways think of that little bird. I picture to myself a tree, in far away
■Canada, a tree with a little pitch-smeared opening in the bark, and
clinging to the pitch, here and there, a little faded, rusty feather. It is
the home of our little bird, the only home he ever knew. He left it at
Nature's bidding, to go, he knew not where, trusting solely to her
guidance, and never dreaming but that she would guide him safely back,
some sweet day. I have told all too well the fate he met far from
home, in a stränge land. And I, who have offen smilingly, even
proudly informed my friends that "l'm a bird lover," have given the
lie to my own words by deliberately taking the life of one of the most
interesting and confiding of all my bird acquaintances.

I sit by his little grave and ponder thus tili twilight grows into dusk,
and as I rise to go the rustling leaves whisper: —

"Tread lightly here, for here 'tis said,
When piping winds are hushed around,
A small note wakes from under ground,
Where now his tiny bones are laid.
No more, in lone and leafless groves,
With rutfled wing and faded breast,
His restless, homeless, spirit roves:
Cone to the land where birds are blest."

Bob White.

AMERICAN OHNITHOLOGY. 327

MRS, PHOEBE'S DOMESTIC DIFFICULTIES.

"Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoeberic," that teils me that the Phoebe's have
arrived. I know where to look for him, but he repeats bis call note,
perhaps a dozen times, before I discover him on the barn.

He is about the size of an English sparrow, but is shaped like a King-
bird. His upper parts are a dull slate, the head and tail being darker
than the back. Underparts are lightash.

The Phoebe deserves to be called the Great Flycatcher, for that
seems to be one of his chief occupations. He even Interrupts his call
to dart after one.

Well, Mrs. Phoebe decided it was time to go to housekeeping, and
after looking at several other places, decided that the ledge in the top
of our north porch was just the right place for a home. She would fiy
into the porch and hover quite a minute, chattering all the time, and I
imagined she said, "Its too high for a cat to reach, I can see when the
door is opened, so I'll not be taken by surprise, and that post at the
Corner of the flower bed will be just the place to rest after a long chase
after flies."

The next day they began carrying mud but only succeeded in drop-
ping enough for a nest on the floor. The ledge was too narrow and
the mud not of a good quality for nest material. They worked so hard
that after two or three days we took pity on them and tacked up a
shingle. They soon had the foundation laid and began to rear the sup-
erstructure, which was composed of fragments of cedar bark, wool, and
string, also a few horse hairs, with a lining of wool, feathers and other
soft material. They mix the other material with the mud much as
masons do plaster, which gives the nest a fuzzy appearance.

There were four little white eggs when she began to sit. Soon af-
ter this I missed the male bird and I neither saw nor heard him tili the
young birds were nearly ready to fly.

The poor little mother had to work early and late to keep them fed,
but even that was not enough. After he came back he would not let
her feed them, when she flew to the nest he would chase her out before
she could alight. Often she would try a dozen times before she suc-
ceeded.

One day we heard him making a great fuss and on going to the win-
dow, saw him take one of the birds from the nest and drop it on the
porch fioor. Mother picked it up and found a hole under its wing
where he had Struck his bill. It gasped a minute and died. He kept
at it and watched his chance tili he had killed them all, then began
calling, "Phoebe, Phoebe, S-w-e-e-t Phoebe," I thought. Oh, yes, you
little heathen I'd like to wring your neck.

328 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Meek little Mrs. Phoebe was more easily reconciled than I and be-
gan to repair the nest, covering the one egg that had not hatched.
She laid three eggs and began to sit. As soon as she began to sit he
left again — I hoped, for good.

When the birds were about half grown I noticed they looked droopy.
Mother picked one up and her hands were covered with tiny lice. The
nest was swarming with thera so we tore it down and sprayed the en-
tire porch with brine.

I think Mrs. Phoebe must have believed in the maxim, "If at first
you don't succeed, try, try again," for in the latter part of the summer
we found a nest in the granery. The granery is built in a side hill and
the south side of the basement is left open. The nest was built on a
railroad spike that is driven into a beam. So far as I know, nothing
happened to this nest füll.

Maude L. Miller, Springbrook, Mich.

DONT KILL THE BIRDS.

"'Tis a beautiful morning," a sportsnian said. The world looks so
happy let's each take a gun and go out and kill something for pas-
time and fun. And proudest be him who counts the most dead."

They blotted out lives that were happy and good; blinded eyes, and
broke wings that delighted to soar. They killed for mere pleasure and
crippled and tore. Regardless of aught but the hunger for blood.

"'Tis a beautiful morning," a sportsman cried, who carried a kodak
instead of a gun. "The world looks so happy, so golden the sun; I'll
slip to the woods; where wild things hide." The deer that he shot
never dreamed of his aim, the birds he caught went on with their song,
peace followed his footsteps, not slaughter and wrong; yet rieh were
his trophies and varied his game.

Dr. W. C. Gray, editor of the Interior, speaking of his experience in
killing a deer some years ago, and his detenninatian never to kill
another, said: "l wish the gentle and innocent things could know of
my conversion to Christianity."

We are told in the Bible that "God created every winged fowl after
his kind; and God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, say-
ing: "Be fruitful, and let fowl multiply in the earth."

It is a sad fact that man is not permitting the birds of the air to mul-
tiply as God directed; they are wantonly killed for sport of man, and
boys destroy thousands of eggs and nestlings each year.

Fashion decrees that woraen must wear the plumage of wild birds for
Ornaments. Glance at the bonnets atany church Service and note the

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 529

large number of graceful plumes known as aigrettas. There is not a
woman who does not know that these plumes are obtained only by the
most cruel and barbarons methods. How can she kneel and partake of
the holy cominunion while wearing them?

Can the children of the Sunday schools grow to be good men and
women unless they are taught that kindness to all God's creatures is a
part of Christian life?

The Saviour says: "Not a sparrow shall fall to the ground without
your Father's knowledge."

This certainly means that human beings will be held responsible for
all acts of cruelty to even the most humble of God's creatures.

Birds are a check on insect life, and so lessen the labor of the tiller
of the soil. Scientific study during the past two decades has demon-
strated the fact that birds are the most valuable friends the agricultural-
ist has. They destroy insect pests and noxious vermin. They also eat
thousands of tons of weed seeds, which if left to propogate, would soon
overrun the land.

Birds require no pay for their labors, they only ask to be left alone
to enjoy in peace and safety the life the creator gave them, the same
right that every good Citizen enjoys.

A clever, handsome woman kindly disposed enough to be singing for
a settlement club, wears around her hat a complete wreath of smashed
humming birds. Not only their feathers, whose beauty might for a
moment make us forget their background of death, but the wretched
little creatures' dislocated wings and dried heads, with staring, glassy
eyes, so ugly in their unnaturalness as to call anyone's attention to the
animal.

To kill for ornament, is a thing no creature does but man — and man
has ceased to do that in civilized races.

As intelligence increases, as education extends, as the higher sympa-
thies develop the associative idea of death and pain becomes stronger
than the sensuous efiEect of color.

But our women in this respect are not civilized. Their love for
beads and spangles shows the true savage in his harmless nearness, and
their indifiference to cruelty even in its proudest exhibition, shows that
savage in darker colors.

What does it cost, this garniture of death? It costs the life which
God alone can give. It costs dull silence where was music's breath.
It costs dead joy, that foolish pride may live.

"Telegram" M. D. W.

33U

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY.

>-, 3
O

<.5

O N

N"
<J CO

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY, 331

' ARIZONA JAY. |

^\. v.\.,.v..v.\..\...v...v..\..\...v .1 .1. .1 .t.^^^J,JtULtdiJtUiakJiJtUtJn4iM

A. O. U- No. 482. (Aphelocoma sieberii arixonaej.

RANGE.

Northern ^Mexico north to southern Arizona and New Mexico.

NEST AND EGGS.

The Arizona Jay usually builds its nest in young trees at elevations

of from six to fifteen feet from the ground. The nest is made of small

sticks, twigs and rootlets carelessly woven together, and sometimes

lined and sometimes not, with horse hair or fine grass. This bird

differs from all other American Jays in that it lays piain blue eggs with-

out markings. They are three or foiir in number and are usually laid

in April.

HABITS.

Arizona Jays are common residents in southern Arizona, frequenting
the oak saplings among the foothills of the mountains. They appear
to be more sociable than most of our Jays and a number of them fre-
quently build in the same grove. They are also very noisy, their calls
being as harsh and varied as those of the common Blue Jay of the east.

They have the family traits of the race, especially that of thievery,
and repeatedly rob the nests of smaller birds, of both the eggs and
young. During the nesting season this forms their staple article of
diet; it is no uncommon sight to see one of them carrying the young of
another bird in its beak to feed its own offspring.

They are very restless and nervous, and are ofien seen hiding food
in crevices in the bark or on the ground although it is very probable
that they find and utalize but a very small percentage of what they thus
conceal. All other birds seem to recognize this blue fellowas an enemy
and make a continual outcry while one is near their home. Besides
animal matter their food consists of various kinds of insects, nuts,
berries and more than anything eise, acorns. Itis not at all uncommon
to find one with half a dozen of the latter in his crop at the same time.
By their destruction of grasshoppers it is probable that they may do
considerable good in the course of the year but their many grave faults
serve to render this good unnoticed. With the exception of the Pinon
Jay they are the dullest colored of the family found in our borders.

332

AMERICAN ORNirilOLOOY.

ARIZONA JAY.

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY,

333

Address Communications for this department to^

Meg MerrythougHT, 156 Waterville Streef,

Waterbury, Ct.

My Dear Youxg Folks:

It was hard to select from the many excellent reasons which you sent
why we should care for the birds, but I know that many of the little
Sprites are enjoying the food which your thoughtfulness has provided
for them these sharp mornings. I wish you might have been with me
and Seen a game which was played, early in October, in a large field'
filled with mullen stalks.

The game was not football, nor was it baseball but resembled the
old game you sometimes play, — "Pussy wants a corner," only there
were hiindreds of "corners" instead of four, and the corners were the
Clusters of end pods upon waving spires of mullien. It might have
been called a "Yale Field," for the Yale colors were floating every-
where. Bluebirds by the Jnmdreds were darting about from stalk to
stalk exchanging places exactly as you run from corner to corner va
your games. They seemed to be having such a good time, and my
friend and I watched the charming sight for half an hour, then were
obliged to leave with the game still in progress. Some other Blue-
birds were poised upon the weathervane upon the top of the barn, the
other day — one upon the head of the gilt horse, one upon the tail, and
two others upon each end of the vane at right angles. These birds
also exchanged places, murmuring all the w^hile a sweet song. Do
you suppose that birds really play games and enjoy them as you do?
Probably you have all seen crows and other birds which surely seem ta
be having sport.

With this number are carried our wishes for a very Merry Christmas
to our lads and lasses scattered throughout our country from ocean to
ocean.

Cordially your friend

Meg Merrythüught.

334 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

ROLL OF HONOR.

1 Lillian M. Weeks, Marietta, Ohio.

2 Russell Adams, St. Johnsburg, Vt.

3 Abbie Wadenburg, Curran, 111.

4 Huldah Chace Smith, Providence, R. I.

5 James H. Chase, Logansport, Ind.

ß Oleott W. Bronson, Topeka, Kansas.

ANSWERS TO NOVEMBER PUZZLES.

Enigma. Redstart. 1. Hourglass. Raven. 2. Hourglass. Crane.

FIVE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD GARE FOR AND PROTECT THE

BIRDS.

1. Because they are useful to farmers, gardeners and fruit-growers
l)y destroying many insects, worms and weed seeds which would härm
grain, fruit and vegetables.

2. Their song cheers many a discouraged heart to try again, and in
my mind puts the finishing touch to all nature.

3. Because of the lessons of patience and industry they teach us in
Building their homes and caring for their young.

4. They give beauty and animation to out door life.

5. We should protect them, so the generations following may enjoy
them the same as we do.

Olcott W. Bronson,
Abbie Wadenburg,
Lillian M. Weeks,
Russell Adams.

ENIGMA. NO. L

7-15-4-17 and 17-9-4-11-3-12 were eating 6-7-12-9-13 and 6-15-19-16-8-7
in a 6-3-7-20-2 11-7-12-5. When they had 8-18-4-12-14 they 1-12-14-19
up in the top 1-17-8-7-12 other. When at last the 13-3-14-13-12-7 bell
rang. They rode back on 4-21-5 hay 20-9-7-11.

Russell Adams, St. Johnsburg, Vt.

ENIGMA, NO, 2.

The sixteen letters forming 4-7 name prove that 14 am as beautiful
as the sunlight. Why 16-11 people like to wear 3-8 on their hats, I

wonder. I am pretty of course, but I look ever 1-11 much better flying
about in the sunshine than 14 would still and stiff and lifeless! I never

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOOY. 335

16-14-16 7-11-2 any härm, 3-6-1- 1-12-5-7-9-8-6, please don't ask for
3-7 brother's wings and breast for 7-11-2-15 picture hat. I 12-14-9-10
sing my very best and cheer 7-11-2-15 garden with my song, and I will
call all the members of my family together and 12-5 destroy all the bad
insects that kill your fruits and flowers if 7-11-2 12-11-2-9-16 only de-
cide to wear ribbons and flowers instead of 13-14-15-16-1. 12-14-9-10
7-11-2? Jean Lampton, Florence, Italy.

WHAT IS MY NAME?

My name is . I cannot teil you the color of my gown, for some-

times it is of an ashen grey, and sometimes a bright nifous color.
Both my gray and red coats are striped with black, and with each I
wear a vest of white or very light grey with black streaks and cross-
markings. If you think that by the color you can teil my age or sex,
or that I change my dress to suit the weather, you will be fooled.

I am smaller than my relatives, excepting one cousin, and you will
not mistake me for him for I wear eartufts which look like horns. I
lay my eggs in the hollow of a tree which I carpet with a few feathers,
Chips, rotten wood or leaves. Perhaps I do eat a song-bird now and
then, when I am z'ery hungry, but I prefer a diet of mice with cut worm
sauce, and you surely will forgive me if I once in a while feast upon
an English Sparrow. I like to fill the silence of the night with my
music, which is in a minor key. Some people, whose musical taste is
uncultivated, call it a moaning, quavering wail.

GLEANINGS.

At one point in the grayest, most shaggy part of the woods, I come
suddenly upon a brood of Screech Owls, füll grown, sitting together
upon a dry, moss-draped limb, but a few feet from the ground.

They sit perfectly upright, some with their backs and some with
their breasts toward me, but every head turned squarely in my direc-
tion. Their eyes are closed to a mere black line. Through this crack
they are watching me, evidently thinking themselves unobserved.
After observing them a moment, I take a Single step toward them,
when, quick as thought, their eyes fly wide open, their attitude is
•"hanged, they bend, some this way, some that, and instinct with life
and motion, stare wildly around them.

John Burroughs.

INDEX.

After the Storm the Sunshine,
Albatrosses ...

Albino Grackle

Anhinga .... ....

Anis ....

Auks ....

Avocets

...79

212

..183
16-76
..218
211
..215

Bird, A Burglar

" Accidents

" A Stranger

" Chats. ...

" Distribution Map.

" Homes

" Incidents . . . ,

" Land Tragedies In

" Life, Early Recollections of

" Life in South America....

" My Favorite. . . ....

" Neighbors ... ....

" Notes from California

" Sketches from Kentucky .

" That Sang on its Nest, A

" Tragedy . ... ....

Birds, About Some ...

" Don't Kill the

" in Town, Winter . . . ,

" Kentucky ....

" of a City Haunt. ...

" on the Plains . . . ,

" Orchestra, The ....

" Punish, Do

" To Bed with the

Bitterns

Blackbirds

Bluebirds ... • . . .

" and Swallows

Bobolink's Nest, That

177

. . . . 126

61

28- 59-9 1 - 1 24- 1 56- 1 8 1 - 204-2 3 1-21; 5-280-304- 333

210
309
254
146
186
291
284
. II
158
151

75
.23

85
328
164
166
107
127
192
165
251
324
22 1
227
121
247

Check List and Habitat Map

" of North American Birds
Coming of Spring, The ....

Coots

Cormorants

Courlans

.67-]

214-

. .209

211

32-62

..214

213

..214

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 337

Cranes

214

Creepers

226

Crows

221

" a Brave Pair of

209

Cuckoos

218

Black-billed

195

Curassows ...

217

64

33

Dippers. ...

226

Ducks

213

Eagles

217

Falcons ....

217

Favorite Haunt, A . . . . ....

9

February Walk in the Woods, A

... .2

Finches

221

Finch, California Purple..,. ... ....

....17

" Cassin

17

" Guadalupe House .... ....

17

" House

17

" Purple .... .... ....

17

" St. Lucas House

17

First Thaw, The

89

Fish Hawk take his Prey, Watching a

56

Flamingoes

213

Flvcatchers

220

" Great-crested ....

36

Fulmars . . . .

212

Gallinules

214

Gannets . ...

213

Geese

213

Goatsuckers ... ....

219

227

Grebes

211

Grosbeak, Pine

12

" California Pine .... .... ....

.... 12

" Alaskan Pine. ... ....

12

Kadiak Pine

12

" Rocky Mountain Pine

12

Grouse

216

Guans .... ....

217

Gulls

211

Gull, Herring

310

•Godwit Marbled ....

253

■Golden-eye American .... ....

247

" Bairow

.... 248

•Grackle Albino

183

338 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY

Hawks, 227

Hawk, American Gos, .. . .... .... .... .... 236

Marsh 48

Herons 214

Heron, Great Blue. . . .... .... .... ....298

" Northwest Coast 298

Ward 298

Honey Creepers .... .... 225

Humming Bird Tarne.... .... .... .... .... ....31

'' .... .... .... .... .... .... 219

Hunt with a Camera 97

Ibises 214

Ibis, The White-faceJ Glossy ... .... .... .... ....119

Jacanas ... .... .... .... .... .... .... 216

Jaegers.... .... .... .... .... 211

Jay, Arizona 331

" The Blue 278

Jays 221

Kingfishers. . . . .... .... .... .... 218

" Ringed.... .... .... .... .... ....273

" With the 7

Kinglet, Golden-crowned in Mass. ... .... .... ....138

Kinglets.... .... .... .... .... ... ... 227

King of May, The. .. . .... .... .... ,...129

Larks 220

Logcock, The .... 23

Loon's Nest, A 66

Macaws .... .... .... .... .... 218

Man-o-war BirJs 16-213

Magpies 221

Martin, The Purple 260

Martins, Where are the Purple .... .... .... .... ... 263

Mocking-bird, Listen to the 99

Morning Cheer Club, The .... 1 54

Miscellaneous Notes from China 34

Murres 211

Myiarchus crinitus as a Polyglot .... .... .... .... 36

Natural History as she is Hystericled 172

Ncsting Site, a Strange. .. . .... .... .... .... 171

Nutcracker, Clarke 229

Nuthatches .... .... .... .... 226

Orioles .... .... .... .... .... 221

Oriole Babies 93

Oriole, Orchard 172

Owls 218

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

339

Owl, Snowy

" The Screech ....
Oyster Catchers. . . .

Paroquets

Partridges

Pelican, American White..

•' Brown ....

" California Brown

Pelicans . . . .

Petrels at home. ...

Petrel, Leach

Phalaropes. ... . . . .

Pheasants. ... ....

Phoebe, Difficuities of a .

Pigeons

Plovers

Polyglot, A Missouri. . . .
Puffins

21
126
216

,2l8~

,216

16

..16

16

.213

.266

264.

.215^^

216

327

.217

215

.240

211

Rails...

Redstart, Painted .... ....

Robin Tragedy, A. . . ....

Sandpipers. ... ....

Sanderling. ... .... ....

Shearwaters .... ....

Shrikes .... .... ....

Skimmers. ... ....

Skuas .... ....

Solitaires • • • •

Snipes .... . • ■ • • • • •

Some Maine Friends

Starlings

Sparrows

Sparrow, English

Sparrow, The Status of the English
Snowflake

Pribilof

McKay

Stonechats

Stilts .... • • • •

Spoonbill Roseate

Spring Days

Swallow Colony, Bank

Swallow, Chinese House

Swallovvs

Surf Birds

Swans

Swifts

. .214

145
... 36

215
..287

212
. .224

212
. .211

227
..215

30S

221

. 221

I 30- 1 36

74
.20a

200
.203

227
.215

113
.105

271
.239

224

216
.213

219

340

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

Tanagers. ... ....

Terns .... ....

Thrashers. ... ....

Thiushes .... ....

Thrush, Notes on the Hermit.

Tits

Towhee, Green-tailed

Trogons

Tropic Birds ...

Turnstones .. .

Viros . .
Vultures.

Wagtails.
Warbier,

Bachman. ... ....

" Black-throated Green ....

*' Chestnut-sided .... ....

■*' Mangrove . . . .

•" Pileolated

Wilson

Warbiers. ... .... ....

Waterthrush, Louisiana

Waxwings. ... ....

When Nature Frowned ....

Winter Nests .... ....

Winter Ramble in Nova Scotia, A
Winter Visitors .... . . • •

Winter Woods and their Tenants, The
Woodpecker, Lewis. . .. ....

Pileated

Woodpeckers

Wrens

. . . 224
21 1
226

. . . 227

54
. . .226

43

...218

. . .213

216

. . 224
217

. . . 226

190

.. . 40

83

.... 74

168
. ..168

225
. . . 289

224

325

.... 94

46

...157

25

...115

18-128

. . .219

226

POEMS.

Deserted Homes
Hunt With a Camera
The King of May
The Woodland. . . .

33
■97
129
283

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Anhinga, or Snake bird.
" or Snake bird

ßluebird Adult

" Young

Bluebird Nest

ßobolink

.16
77
185
187
189
148

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY.

341

Chat, Yellow-breasted

Chickadee, feeding her young,

Cuckoo, Black-billed

" Young

Finch

" Cassin

" House .......

" Purple

Frigate Bird

Godvvit, Marbled

" Egg

Golden Eye, American

Golden Eye , American Egg

Golden Eye Barrow

Goose, Nest and Eggs of Canada

Goshawk, American

" Egg

Grosbeak, Pine . . . .

Gull Am. Herring

Hawk, Marsh

" Egg

" Young

" Nest

" Nest, of Cooper. ...
Heron, Nest and Eggs of Green
" Young Great Blue
" Great Blue

"Egg

" Heronry ....

Humming bird, Rubythroated. . .
" on Nest

Ibis, White faced Glossy

Jay Arizona ....

Jay, Young Blue. ... ....

Kingfisher, Young ....

with fish
Young. . ,

Ringed

Adult leaving tunnel
Young ....
Kinglets, Golden Crovvned ....

Loon, Nest and Eggs of..

" from life ....

Man o' War, or Frigate bird ..

245

70

194

196

17
..17
..16

16

. 252
253

.249
248

.249
123
237

.236

13
. 310

•49

50
51

52
..98

153
.295

299
. 300

302
. 100

122;

. 122

330

39

. . I

4
. ..6

8
259
272
272
276
139

.65

76

246

342

AMERICAN ORNITÜOLOGY

-Merganzer . • • • . . • •

JVlocking bird. ...

tNutcracker, Clarke . . ....

" Clarke (from life) . .

Oriole, Orchard. ... ....

" Egg

Osprey . ... .... ....

" Egg

Owl, Snowy .... ....

" Long eared

Pelican, American White....

" Brown. ...
Petrel, Leach .... ....

" and Nest

" from life

Pewee, Wood ....

Redstart, Painted ....

Robin, Tragedy . . - -

" " and Young. . . .

Sanderling .... ....

Egg

" Winter and Summer.
Snake bird .... ....

Snowflake, Winter Plumage

" Egg

" McKay

" Summer Plumage

Sparrow, English .... ....

Spoonbill, Roseate

"Egg

Swallows. Barn .... . . . .

Towhee, Green tailed... .... ....

"Egg

" Green tailed (from life) . . ....

Warbiers, Bachman .... ....

" Black throated green. . .

"egg
" Chestnut sided, male, female, young

" Pileolated

" Mangrove. . . . . . .

" Wilson

Woodpecker, Lewis .... ....

" Pileated

Wren, House with Spider

246
. 102

228
.229

175

.174
58

••55

22

.235

16
..16

265
.267

270
..r47

144

..27

38

.286

287

.288

16

■■77
109

.200
202

.202
.... 133
114

113

Frontispiece

44

43
46

191

41

40

82

.. 168

73

. . . 169

118

19

Vol. 4. No. 1,

JANUARY. iy04

lOc a copy, U a year,

LANTERN SLIDES

We have listed below as fine a lisi of slides of birds as have ever been offered. Every one of
them is photographed directly from the living birds.

50 CENTS EACH, $5.00 PER DOZ. OR FINELV COLORED. $1 .00 EACH, $10.00 PER DOZ.

1 Chippy Family (6 Chipping Sparrows).

2 Preparing Breakfast (6 Chipping Sparrows.)

3 Woodcock on Nest.

4 Nest and Eggs of Woodcock

5 Three Young Woodcock.

6 Ruffed Grouse on Nest.

7 Nest anl Eggs of Ruffed Grouse.

8 House Wren (male).

g House Wren (female).

10 Cedar Waxwings Feeding Young.

11 Cedar Waxwing on Nest.

12 American Redstart (male) Feeding Young.
r3 American Redstart (female) and Nest.

14 Prairie Warbier (male) Feeding Young.

i5 Prairie Warbier (female) and Nest.

i6 Red-eyed Vireo on Nest

17 Red-eyed Vireo Feeding Young.

i8 Wilson's Thrush and Nest with Eggs.

IQ Wilsons Thrush Feeding Young.

20 Chestnut-sided Warbier on Nest.

21 Ovenbird and Nest.

22 Black and White Warbier on Nest.
25 Field Sparrow Feeding Young.

24 Field Sparrow Cleaning Nest.

25 Young Field Sparrow.

26 Nest and Eggs of Grasshopper Sparrow.

27 Grasshopper Sparrow on Nest.

28 Nest and Ejfgs of Bob White.

29 American Robin on Nest.

30 American Robin Feeding Young.

31 Five Young Chickadees.

32 Chickadee at Nest in Bird House.

33 Chickadee at Nest in Tree.

34 Brown Thrasher.

3'; Bro vn Thrasher on Nest.

36 Wood Thrush on Nest.

37 Young Wood Thrush.

38 Pigeon Hawk.

39 Bluebird at Nest Hole.

40 Barred Owl.

41 Screech Owl.

42 Four Young Screech Owls.

43 Young BlueJays.

44 Blue Jays in Nests.

45 Blue Jay Feeding Young

46 Loggerhead Shrike.

47 Phoebe on Nest.

48 Hairy Woodpecker.

49 Chimney Swift.

50 Four Young Crows.

CHAS. K. REED.

ÄDDKBSS

Worcester, Ma^ss.

Onieofthc H^k

Sportsman's
Cabinets.

Are you in want oT
a Cabinet foryourfav-
orite Guns, Rifles and
Rods? If sodon'tlock
further. We have just
the right thing. Arr
up-to-date Cabinet
adapted to the wants
of all sportsmen. Made
by the most skiiled
workmen and of the
very best material.
Quartered Oak fronts,
bestquality glass doors
and best hardware.
Well crated for ship-
ment.

No. 88, 82 in. high, 37 in. wide.
Price $32.

We also make a specialiy of MOOSE, CAR I BOU and OEER
SHIELDS and MOUNTS forTaxidermists.

Cabinets for Collections of Minerals, Eggs and Insects made
to Order any size required at reasonable prices.

Estimates given on large Museum Cabinets and Cases for
Collections of Birds and Animals.

J. FRANK HOLT

GAKDINER, ME.

Vol. 4. No. 2.

FEBRUARY, 1904. lue a copy, II a jear,

JIL' W1'.IH"'"U um 11111)1 i.i. Hill.'

THE SONG OF THE

BROWN THRUSH

ON A TALKING MACHINE RECORD

Was recently reproduced before the American Ornithologists' Union
by Prof. S. D. Judd.

^ WITH A

^0^ Columbia Graphophonc

You may take records of
songs of birds in captivity.

Write tor our circular

How to Make Records at Home.

Sent free upon request.

COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH COMPANY

New York, 93 CKöLmbers St.
Besten. 164 Tremont St.

CKicaLgo. 88 WaLbeiLsh Ave.
Sa>.rv Fra-ncisco, 125 Gea.ry St.

t

One of thc

Holt

Sportsman's
Cabincts.

Are you in want or
a Cabinet for your fav-
orite Guns, Rifles and
Rods? If so don'tlock
f urther. We have just
the right thing. An
up-to-date Cabinet
adapted to the wants
of all sportsmen. Made
by the most skilled
workmen and of the
very best material.
Quartered Oak fronts,
bestquality glass doors
and best hardware.
Well crated for ship-
ment.

No. 88, 82 in. high, 37 in. wide.
Price $32

We also make a specialty of MOOSE, CAR I BOU and DE.ER
SHIELDS and MOUNTS forTaxidermists.

Cabinets for Collections of Minerals, Eggs and Insects made
to Order any size required ai reasonable prices.

Estimates given on large Museum Cabinets and Cases for
Collections of Birds and Animals.

J. FRANK HOLT

GARDINER. ME.

Vol. 4. No. l

MARCH. 1904

lUc a copy, $1 a year.

"A Complete Bird Dictionary."

TO

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Author of "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North Amprica,"
"Bird-Life," Etc.

With UpwaLrd of 800 Dra^wings
By CHESTER. A. R.EED. B. S.

Illustrating in Colors Nearly Every Species of North American Birds.

This is a book for that
class of Nature-lovers who
without a gun.' In no other
lern of identification been so

There are no technical
synopses to anälyze; but hav-
only to turn to that section of
of its Order and color are
and verify your selection by
its diagnostic markings and
fürther aid to field identifi-
birds' calls and songs are
; In Short, the book is an
iS^orth American birds, so
learn a bird's name with the

great and rapidly growing
would 'name the birds
text-book has the prob-
simplified.

terms to learn, nopuzzling
ing Seen a bird you have
the book in which birds
placed, lookforits picture,
reading the Statement of
geographic ränge. As a
cation, descriptions of the
given.

illustrated dictionary of
arranged that one may
east possible difiiculty.

; Each Order of birds is preceded by an introduction giving a general account
Of the habits of the families of birds included in it, a feature of the work which
should make it especially useful to teachers.

For students who desire to know how and why birds are classified, there is a
Key to Orders and Families of North American Birds, with life-size drawings
illustrating one or more characteristic species of every family, and a system-
atic table, which includes the birds found north of Mexico.

No other populär work treats of all the birds of this great area. The book is
therefore equally useful in any part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pac-
ific, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean.

^^ PRICE S2.50 ^3^

CHAS. K. R.EED,

75 Thoma.s Street, Worcester, Mass.

Vol. 4, No. 4.

APRIL. 1904.

10c a copy, l\ a year.

LL^M.iiuiuwwnfwrnTrTTWTJTwntwf-

<'.;;.--\V.\UvAi.'.'.v.'iiih:.-jri-.::-.rA-i.':g'.-.:;r...-y^>.rJrt'>.-}J

"A Complete Bird Dictionary."
^COLOR KEY*»-

TO

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS.

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Author of "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America,"
"Bird-Life," Etc.

With Upwatrd of 800 DröLwings
By CHESTER. A. R.EED. B. S.

Illustpating in Colons Nearly Every Species of North American Birds.

This is a book for that
class of Nature-lovers who
without a gun,' In no other
lern of Identification been so

There are no technical
synopses to analyze; but hav-
only to turn to that section of
of its Order and color are
and verify your selection by
its diagnostic markings and
further aid to field identifi-
birds' calls and songs are

In sliort, the book is an
North American birds, so
learn a bird's name with the

great and rapidly growing

would 'name the birds

text-book has the prob-

simplified.

terms to learn, nopuzzling

ing Seen a bird you have

the book in which birds

placed, look for its picture,

reading the Statement of

geographic ränge. As a

cation, descriptions of the

given.

illustrated dictionary of

arranged that one may

least possible difficulty.

Each Order of birds is preceded by an introduction giving a general account
of the habits of the families of birds included in it, a feature of the work which
should make it especially useful to teachers.

For students who desire to know how and why birds are classified, there is a
Key to Orders and Families of North American Birds, with life-size drawings
illustrating one or more characteristic species of every family, and a system-
atic table, which includes the birds found north of Mexico.

No other populär work treats of all the birds of this great area. The book is
therefore equally useful in any part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pac-
ific, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean.

^^ PRICE S2.50 ^^

CHAS. K. R.EED,

75 Thomats Street. Worcester, Mass.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS in making BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE

GRAMER CROWN PLATES

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are
Lised exclusively by the publishers of AMERICAN Ornith-
OLOGY.

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon
application, provided AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGYismentioned.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

OKFIOEIS IN
Chicago,

121 1 Masonic Temple.

San Francisco,

819 Marl<et St

BIRD DAY and ARBOR DAY HELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE, one year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illustrated by coior photography. It is the only periodical in
the World which publishes pictures of birds, animals, insects, flowers,
plants, etc., in natural colors. Eight fuU-page plates each month.

" Certainly no periodical and probably no bock, on birds ever found anything like such
favor with the public as BiRDS AND Nature." — Evening Post, jyew York.

77 Imck numbers Birds and Nature and remaining numbers for 1904.. . 10 00

l."> Single volumes Birds and Nature, |1,50 each, cloth füll set 15 00

7 Double volumes Birds and Natur, $3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 14 00
648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES. by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

" You have made not only the best tree book we have for the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree back that approaches the tree in the right spirit." — Professor S. C. Scfimuck-
er. State Normal School. West ehester. Pa,

If any of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Nature
free one year, 24 Forest Tree Plates, 9x12 inches, photogravures, showing

trunk, tree, and leaf on each plate 1 00

f Birds and Nature, 1 year and 24 Forest Tree Plates,

^pprtiAi OFFFR^* > only 2 00

arti.i/\L ui-htKö. , Bjjjpg ^j^o Nature, 1 year, and 100 color plates, our

l^ selection, only 2 00

Send 10 cents for sample copy of BIRDS AND NATURE. Catalogue and
Listof Pictures sent free on request. Address,

A. W. MUMFORD, Publishcr,

378 Wabash Avenu», CHICAGO, ILLS.

Almost Half a Century of Con$i$tently

Is back of the famous

STEVENS* FIREARMS.

Need more be said of the firearm virtues
embodied in our line of

Rifles, Pistols and Shot^uns?

Sportsmen the world over have not the
slightest hesitancy in equipping them-
selves with the STEVENS', feelingassur-
ed of our always maintaining our present
high Standard of manufacture.

OUR LINE.

Rifles from $3.00 to $150.
Pistols from $2.50 to $50,

Shotguns from $7.50 to $35.

Rifle Telescopes,"Stevens-Pope" Hand-
made barrel.

Rifled Bullet Shells, Cleaning Rods,
Shotgun Cleaners.

Ask yonr Dealer and insist on the STEV-
ENS. If you cannot obtain them, we will
ship direct, express prepaid. upon receipt of
price.

Send stamps for illustrated catalog,
containing detailed descriptions of
entire Output, hints on shooting and
ammunition, etc

YOU GROUP YOUR SHOTS RIGHT IN OUR RIFLE PUZZLE. Send four Cents in
stamps for this interesting and attractive novelty. ::::::

J. STEVENS ARMS & TOOL CO.,

237 MAIN STREET,
CHICOREE FALLS, MASS., U. S. A.

Wealso manufacture the"Stevens-Duryea"Gasoline Automobile.
The Finest Car of this class. Price $1300.00.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS in makinb BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE

GRAMER CROWN PLATES

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are
Lised exciusively by the publishers of AMERICAN Ornith-
OLOGY.

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon
application, provided AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGYis mentioned.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

OFFIGES IK
Chicago,

I2H Masonic Temple.

San Francisco,

819 Market St

$4.10 FOR $2.00

A Comblnation Offer that Means Something.

BIRDS AND NATURE one year $1.50

BIRDS OF SONG AND STORY, Grinnell 1.00

GAME OF BIRDS 35

GOLDEN PHEASANT, Colored Pictures 25

LITERTURE GAME 25 l

GAME OF INDUSTRIES 25

TWENTY-FIVE PICTURES, from Birdsand Nature .50

The total amount cf value.

$4.I0J

ALL FOR.
ONLY

3 2 00

BIRDSAND NATURE. Monthly; 48 pages. 8x10 inches: per year. $1.50. A raagazine devoted to

nature. and illustrated by colored photography. It is the only periodical in the world

that publishes pictures of birds. animals. insects. flowers. plants, etc.. in natural colors

Eight full-page plates each month.
■"Certainly no periodical, and probably no book. on birds ever found anything like

such favor with the public as Birds and Nature."— Äie«/«!? Posi, New York.
BIRDS OF SONG AND STORY. A biid Dook for Audubon societies. 16 color plates.
GAME OF BIRDS. Illustrations of populär birds. in colors true to nature. on 52 finely enam-

eled Cards 2i by 3i inches. Enclosed in case with füll directions for playing. A beauti-

ful and fascinating game.
GOLDEN PHEASANT. A beautif.il picture for fraraing. JPrinted in natural colors on fine

paper 18x24 inches. ^ • ■• :.

LITERATURE GAME. 500 Questionsand Answers in EnglishLitörature; 100 cards. 2ix3 inches
Interesting and instructive.

GAME OF INDUSTRIES. Educational— 100 Questions and AnswelsöpJElie great Industries of

ourcountry. lOO cards. 21x3 inches. JJ J ^ ■!

RFMFMRFR -^ year's subscription to Birds and Nature and "Birds of Song and
n I- iTi L- iTi u i_ 1 1 . Story" alone amount to $2.50. If you now take Birds and Nature vour
subscription will be advanced one year.

A sample of Birds and Nature for a dime and two pennies^l2 cents in stamps. Send for Caialogue.

A. W. MUMFORD, Publisher, 203 Michigan Ave., Chicago.

EYENS

^v '•'

jsmf.^:

r:

Naturalists and Collectors require firearnis in the pursuit of their
fascinating occupation, and a make of absolute Accuracy and
Reliability is essential.

c.r^üYr^.?t,§'''?\^,9i, "°"*^°or" men and women have for generations past used
MKVHNS AKMS, and thusbeen assured ot the highest degreeof pleasuie and
Service attainable. Our line of products is a large and varied one, suitable for
young and old of either sex, and consists of:

RIFLES from $3.00 to $150.00.
PISTOLS from $2.50 to $50.00.
SHOTGUNS from $7.50 to $35.00.

Atkyour Dealer for our goods
and intitt on getting them.

Send for handsomely illustraiedcaialog; a veritable mine
of information relative to shooting and ammunition.

YOU HIT THE MARK EVERY TIME, if you correctiy «olve our
RIFLE PUZZLE. Stamps to the amount of 4 cents will obtain
this attractive novelty in colors by return mail.

J. STEVENS ARMS & TOOL COMPANY,
237 MAIN STREET, CHICOREE FALLS, MASS.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS in making BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE

GRAMER CROWN PLATES

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are
used exclusively by the publishers of AMERICAN Ornith-
OLOGY.

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon
application, provided AMERICAN ORNiTHOLOGYis mentioned.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

OFKIGEkS IN
Chicago,

I2II Masonic Temple.

San Francisco,

819 Marl<et St-

kiye: üollärs

Will B\jy ÖL Good Field GI^lss.

The BEST for Bird Study and
Equally Good for

Mountain, Sea Shore or Opera.

These Glasses are well made and espec-
iallj' adapted for the use of the bird Stu-
dent as they give about ticice the field
Vision of ordinary ones and magnify near-
ly fourdiameters.

They are in good strong leather case,
silk lined, with strap by which they can
be carried suspended from the Shoulder.

8®"Remember, you can have them free by getting only ten subscriptions
for our magazine at $1.00 each. Or if you prefer we will send you a pair prepaid
on receipt of $5.00. Try them a week and if not perfectly satisfactory return
them to US and we. will refund the $5.00. Is not that fair?

CHAS. K. REED. WORCESTER. MASS.

*'A Complete Bird Dictionary."

Color Key lo North Ä

mericen

Dirds

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Author of "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America,"
"Bird-Life," Etc.

Whh Upwötrd of 800 Dra^wings
By CHESTER A. REED. B. S.

Illustrating in Colors Nearly Every Species of North American Birds.

This is a book for that
class of Nature-lovers who
without a gun.' In no other
lern of identification been so

There are no technical
synopses to analyze; but hav-
only to turn to that section of
of its Order and color are
and verify your selection by
its diagnostic markings and
further aid to field identifi-
birds' calls and songs are

In Short, the book is an
North American birds, so
learn a bird 's name with the

great and rapidly growing

would 'name the birds

text-book has the prob-

simplified.

terms to learn, nopuzzling

ing Seen a bird you have

the book in which birds

placed, lookforits picture,

reading the Statement of

geographic ränge. As a

cation, descriptions of the

given.

illustrated dictionary of

arranged that one may

least possible difficulty.

Each Order of birds is preceded by an introduction giving a general account
of the habits of the families of birds included in it, a feature of the work which
should make it especially useful to teachers.

For students who desire to know how and why birds are classified, there is a
Key to Orders and Families of North American Birds, with life-size drawings
illustrating one or more characteristic species of every family, and a system-
atic table, which includes the birds found north of Mexico.

No other populär work treats of all the birds of this great area. The book is
therefore equally useful in any part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pac-
ific, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean.

^=^ RRICE S2.50 ^s.

CHAS. K. r.e:e:d,

75 Thoma.s Street. Worcester. Mass.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS in making BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE 1

GRAMER CROWN PLATES |

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are ^

used exclusively by the publishers of AMERICAN Ornith- 1^

OLOGY. Q

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon ^

application, provided AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGYis mentioned. R

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG., 1

ST. LOUIS, MO. i

Ne« York,

32 East lolh St

Ol^RIGES IJM
Chicago,

1211 Masonic Temple

San Francisco,

819 Market St-

P^IYE ÜOLI-ÄRS

Will B\iy Ol Good Field Gla^ss.

The BEST for Bird Study and
Equally Good for

Mountain, Sea Shore or Opera.

These Glasses are well made and espec-
ially adapted for the use of the bird Stu-
dent as they give about tuice the field
rision of ordinary ones and magnify near-
ly four diameters.

They are in good strong leather cfise,
silk lined, with strap by which they can
be carried suspended fröm the shouhler.

?niember, you can have them free by getting only ten subscriptions
for our magazine at |1.0Ü each. Or if you prefer we will send you a pair prepaid
on receipt of ifS.üO. Try them a week and if not perfectly satisfactory return
them to US and we will refund the $5.00. Is not that fair?

CHAS. K. REED. WORCESTER. MASS.

"A Complete Bird Dictionary."

Color Key to North American Birds,

BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

ASSOCIATE CURATOR OF ORNITHOLOGY AND MAA\MALOGY
IN THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Author of "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America,"
"Bird-Life," Etc.

WitK UpwaLrd of 800 DröLwings
By CHESTER. A. REED. B. S.

Illustrating in Colons Nearly Every Species of North American Birds.

This is a book for that great and rapidly
growing elass of Nature-lovers who would
'name the birds without a gun.' In no
other text-book has the problem of identiti-
cation been so simplified.

There are no teehnical terms to learn, no
puzzling synopses to analyze; but having
Seen a bird you have only to turn to that sec-
tion of the book in which birds of its order
and color are placed, look for its picture,
and verify your selection by reading the
Statement of its diagnostic markings and

geographic ränge. As a further aid to field identification, descriptions of the

birds' calls and songs are given.
In Short, the book is an illustrated dictionary of North American birds, so

arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least possible difficulty.
Each Order of birds is preceded by an introduction

giving a general account of the habits of the families of

birds included in it, a feature of the work which should

make it especially useful to teachers.
For students who desire to know how and why birds

are classified, there is a Key to Orders and Families of

North American Birds, with life-size drawings illustrat-
ing one or more characteristic species of every family,

and a systematic table, which includes the birds found

north of Mexico.

No other populär work treats of all the birds of this,

great area. The book is therefore equally useful in any

part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from

the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean.

Trice ^2,50

CHAS. K. R.EED,

75 ThomaLS Street, Worcester. Mass.

Vol. 4. No. 5.

MAY. 1904.

lüc a copy, U a year,

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS in making BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE

GRAMER CROWN PLATES

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are
Lised exclusively by the publishers of AMERICAN ORNITH-
OLOGY.

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon
application, provided AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGYis mentioned.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

New York.

University Place.

OFFICES IK

Chicago,

3Q State Street.

San Francisco

819 Market St

BIRD DAY and ARBOR DAY HELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE, one year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illusträted by color photography. It is the only periodical in
the World which publishes pictures of birds, aninials, insects, flowers,
plants, etc., in natural colors. Eight full-page plates each month.

" Certainly no periodical and probably no book, on birds ever found anything like such
favor with the public as BiRDS AND NArvRB."—Evening Post. New York.

77 back numbers Birds and Nature and remaining numbers for lt:04.. . ]0 00

15 Single volumes Birds and Nature, $1.50 each, cloth füll set 15 00

7 Double volumes Birds and Natur, $3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 1-1 00

648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES, by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

" You have made not only the best tree book we have for the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree book that approaches the tree in the right spirit."— Professor S. O. Sc/niinck-
n-, State Normal School. West ehester. Pa.

If any of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Naturk
free one year^ 24 Forest Tree Plates, 9x12 inches, photogravures, showing

trunk, tree, and leaf on each plate 1 00

( Birds aNd Nature, 1 year and 24 Forest Tree Plates,

j only 2 00

SPECIAL OFFERS: , ßj^^j^ ^j^p Nature, 1 year, and 100 color plates, our

1 selection, only 2 00

Send 10 cents for sample copy of BIRDS AND NATURE. Catalogue and
Listof Pictures sent free on request. Address,

A. W. AVUMFORD, Publisher,

378 Wabash Avenue, CHICAGO, ILLS.

Vol. 4, No. 6.

JUNE. 1904.

10c a copy, II a year.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE

BEST RESULTS m making BIRD PHOTOS

YOU MUST USE THE

GRAMER CROWN PLATES

Which are especially adapted for this class of work, and are
used exclusively by the publishers of AMERICAN ORNITH-
OLOGY.

Füll descriptive manual sent free to any address upon
application, provided AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGYismentioned.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.,

ST. LOUIS, MO.

New York.

93 University Place.

OFFICES IM

Chicago.

39 State Street.

BIRD DAY and ARBOR DAY HELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE. one year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illusträted by coior photography. It is the only periodical in
the World which publishes pictures of birds, animals, insects, flowers,
plants, etc., in natural colors. Eight full-page plates each month.

" Certainly no periodical and probably no book. on birds ever found anything like such
favor with the public as BiRDS AND Nature."— ^uenmßf Post, Neiv York.

77 back numbers BiRDS and Nature and remaining numbers for 1904.. . 10 00

15 Single volumes BiRDS and Nature, $1.50 each, cloth füll set 15 00

7 Double volumes Birds and Natur, |3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 14 00
648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES. by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

" You have made not only the best tree book we have for the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree bDok that approaches the tree in the right spirit." — Professor S. C. Schmuck-
er, State Normal School. West ehester. Pa,

If any of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Nature
free one year^ 24 Forest Tree Plates, 9x12 inches, photogravures, showing

trunk, tree, and leaf on each plate 100

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[ selection, only 2 00

Send 10 cents for sample copy of BIRDS AND NATURE. Catalogue and
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Vol. i, No. 7.

JULY. 1904.

lüc a copy, Sl a year.

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When you goto the WORLD'S FAIR be sure to visit OUR
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ST. LOUIS, MO.

New York

93 University Place.

DEPOTS IN
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Vol. i, No. 8.

AUGUST. 1904.

lue a copy, $1 a year

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You are cordially invited to Inspect our display which is the
ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the Louisiana Purchase Exposi-
tion, and to make our exhibit your headquarters.

G. GRAMER DRV PLATE GG.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

^g New York

^1 93 University Place.

DEPOTS IN
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Seven inch, 50 cents each; $5 per dozen. Ten inch, $1 each; $10 per dozen

Grand Opera Records, $2 each.

25c COLUMBIA GOLD MOULDED CYLINDER RECORDS 25c

Send for catalogue 7, containing vocal Quartettes trios, duets, solos, and selections
for band, orchestra, cornet. banjo, flute, clarinet, etc., etc,

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For sale by dealers everywhere and by the COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH CO.. Pio-
neers and Leaders in the Talking Machine Art. (iKAND PRIZK, PARIS, 1900.

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Are You Prcparcd to Study thc Birds?

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The BEST for Bind Study and

Equally Good for
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These Glasses are well made and espec-
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ly four diameters.

They are in good strong leather case,
silk lined.

8@"Remember, you can have them free by getting only ten subscriptions
for our magazine at $1.00 each. Or if you prefer we will send you a pair prepaid
on receipt of $5.00. Try them a week and if not perfectly satisfactory return
them to US and we will refund the $5.00. Is not that fair?

The Glass and Color Key to N. A. Birds by F. M. Chapman $ 6 50

The Glass and North American Birds Eggs by C. A. Reed 6 50

The Glass and both Books 8 00

CHAS. K. REED. WORCESTER, MASS.

BIR.D-LOR.I:

A Bi-Mo7ithly Magazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

Published for the Audubon Societies as the ofHcial organ of the Societies

Edited by FRANK M CHAPMAN

Audubon Department edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT and WILLIAM DUTCHER
BIRD-LORE'S Motto: A Bird in the Bush is Wort'i Two in fie Hinl.
BiRD-LoRE began in its December
issue, the publication of a series of

Beautiful Colored Plates.

drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and
Bruce Horsfall, accurately represent-
ing all the plumages of

North American Warblers,

with text from records in the Biologi-
cal Survey giving the dates of migra-
tion of Warblers at hundreds of local-
ities.

Until the supply is exhausted this number will be given free to all subscribers
to Vol. VI of BiRD-LORE, begining Feh. 1, 1904.
8®^When in doubt write to a member of Bird-Lore's Advisory Council.

20 CENTS A NUMBER: $1.00 A YEAR..

Published for the Axidubon Societies by the Macmillan Company,

66 Fifth Ave.. New York City.

THE TWO BEST BIRD BOOKS

I

COLOR KEY

TO

North American Birds |

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

A complete bird dictionary, with
iipward of 800 drawings in colors, so
arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least pos-
sible difficulty. In no other book has theproblem of Identifica-
tion been so simplified. The book is equally useful in any
part of the country from the Atlantic tothe Pacific. 312 pages,
cloth, ^2.50.

iRTfl AMEKIÜN BIRDS EGGS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

A complete illustrated book of all
eggs. It gives the habitat and breed-
ing ränge of each species; location and
construction of the nest; time of nest-
ing; number, description and Varia-
tion of eggs laid; with a full-sized

illustratlon of the egg of nearly every

species, and a large number of full-page

illustrations of nesting sites. 360 pages,

cloth. $2.50.

Both of these books and the American Bird
Magazine one year for $5.00.

((

C^CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass,

i
1

FOR. SUMMER. READING

The Nature Library

HAS EXCEPTIONAL CHARM AND VALUE.

IS it a pleasant hour with Nature
you wish? Or would you con-
firm a recollection of some
point brought up during a recent
outing, identify a species, or put
your finger on some fugitive fact
in Nature? These are but a few of
the many uses the books have
aside from theii principal value as
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American Natural History, and
their attractiveness as entertaining
reading.

THE long out-door season will
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they keep the country in the home,
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TEN SÜPERB LARGE VOLUMES.

4,000 pages, 10>4" x 7% inches; 300 plates in füll colors; 450 half-tone,
photographs; 1,500 other illustrations, and a general introduction by

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You will incur no Obligation and you will become informod about a most no-
table work by sending to us the coupon opposite.

WE wish to submit an elabor-
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better than anything except
the books themselves the beauty,
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the new edition of

THE NATURE LIBRARY.

^/ Genf lernen:

Og You niay

b] send me at

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r /the new book-

^/let containing

/Tysample color

/plates. black

.^/and white -half

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/rary. Includealso

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DOUBLEDAY. PAGE &. CO..

PUBLISHERS

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irv America^

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THE TWO BEST BIRD BOOKS

COLOR KEY

TO

North American Birds

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

A complete bird dictionary, with
iipward of 800 drawings in colors, so
arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least pos-
sible difificulty. In no other book has theproblem of identifica-
tion been so simplified. The book is equally usefui in any
part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 312 pages,
cloth, ;^2.5o.

NORTH AIRICAN BIK EGCS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

^ %. - A complete illustrated book of all

_■*" * ^ eggs. It gives the habitat and breed-

ing ränge of each species; location and
construction of the nest; time of nest-
ing; number, description and Varia-
tion of eggs laid; with a full-sized

illustration of the egg of nearly every

species, and a large number of fuU-page

illustrations of nesting sites. 360 pages,

cloth, $2.50.

Both of these books and the American Bird
Magazine one year for $5.00.

1

i CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass.^

BIRD-LOR.E

A Bi-Monthly Magazine Dcvotcd to tJie Study and Protection of Birds

Published for the Audubon Societies as the official orgran of the Soc-ieties

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Audubon Department editcd by MABEL OSGOOD WRKiHT and WILLIAM DUTCHEK

BIRD-LORE'S Motto: A Bird in the Bush is W'orth Two in the Hand.

BiRD-LORE began in its December

of

issue, the publication of a series
Beautiful Colored Plates,

drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and
Bruce Horsfall, accuratelj^ represent-
ing all the plumages of

North American Warbiers,

with text from records in the Biologi-
cal Survey giving the. dates of migra-
tion of Warbiers at hundreds of local-
ities.

Until the supply is exhausted this number will be given free to all subscribere
to Vol. VI of BiRD-LoRE, begining Feb. 1, 1904.

ß®°=When in doubt write to a member of Bird-Lore's Advisory Council.
20 CENTS A NUMBER: $1.00 A YEAR.

Published for the Audubon Societies by the Macmillan Company,
66 Fifth Ave.. New York City.

Mcthods in the Art of Taxidcrmy

By Oliver Davie, Author of "Nests and
Eggfs of North American Birds'"

90 FVLL PAGE ENGRAVINGS-

Never before has the Art of Taxidermy had
its practical methods and beauties portrayed
as we find them interpreted in this worl<. It
is a work of art from cover to cover. Form-
erly published at Sic. My price $2.50 post-
paid or Given Free for 6 new subscribers.
CKas. K- Reed, Worcester, Mass.

Marine Shells
and Curios

Twelve Shells and curios for 50c, all
good specimens. Colleciions of showy
Shells rrom 25c to $1.00 by mail and
safe delivery guaranteed. lllustrated
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Under this Cover

CATALOGUE
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THE CONDOR

A MAGAZINE OF

WESTERN ORNITHOLOGY.

EDITED BY WALTER K. FISHER.

THE CONDOR is indispensable to
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DuriiiK mn THE CONDOR will be
profusely illustrated with photographs
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half the magazine will be devoted to
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and there will be numerous short
notes, as usual.

HiivC you Seen the January- February issue
with the full-page Portrait of the California
Condor, painted by Louis Agassiz Fuertes.
and K. H. Deck's reniarkable picture of bird
life araong the (ialapagos Islands?

SUBSCRIPTION $1 PER YEAR.
SAMPLE COPY 20 CENTS.

Back numbers and odd volunies can be
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Mcthods in the Art of Taxidermy

By Oliver Davie, Author of 'Nests and
EkKs of North American Birds'"

90 FÜLL PAGE ENGRAVINGS.

Never before has the Art of Taxidermy had
its practica! methods and beauties portrayed
as we find them interpreted in this worl<. It
is a work of art from cover to cover. Form-
erly published at $io. My price $2.50 post-
paid or Given Free for 6 new subscribers.
CKas. K. Reed, Worcester, Mass.

THE JOURNAL OF THE MAINE
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Now in its Seventh Vol. Be sure
and get the January Number so to
get Mr. A. H. Norton 's article on

The Finches of Maine."

In the April number will begin a
series of papers on " The Warb-
lers to be found in Maine."

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Marine Shells
arid Curios

Twelve Shells and curios for 50c, all
good specimens. Colleciions of showy
Shells trom 25c to $1.00 by mail and
safe delivery guaranteed. Illustrated
Catalogue and nice Shell for loc
(stamps taken.) J. H. HOLMES,
Ounedin, Fla.

15/0
MorcWork

on the

Williams than on any other Typewriter.

^■ne^niai V^fine^ to Agents in unoccu-
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WILLIAMS TYPEWRITER CO.. Derby, Conr.

i.0.\DON, 101 XewgBte Sl. 310 Itmadwaf, NEH YÜKK.

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Vol. 4, No. 9.

SEPTEMBER.. 1904.

lue II copy, $1 a year,

When you goto the WORLD'S FAIR be sure to visit OUR
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You are cordially invited to inspect our display which is the
ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the Louisiana Purchase Exposi-
tion, and to make our exhibit your headquarters.

G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GG.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

DEPOTS IN

^ New York Chicago San Francisco ^

^ 93 University Place. 39 State St. 819 Market St. ^

COLUMBIA ORAPHOPHONES.

THE BEST TALKING MACHINES MADE. $5 to $100

The Graphophone is the Universal Entertainer. It will Talk,
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Grand Opera Reeords ( 10 inch discs only) $2.00 each.
The Word COLUMBIA on a Talking Machine or Record is a guarantee of

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Pioneers and Leaders in the Talking Machine Art. Grand Prize, Paris. I 900.

Xpw Vork Wholesale. Retail and Export. 35^ Broadway. Uptown. Ketail only. 872 Broadway

Chicago. W Wabash Ave. Boston. IW Tremont St. San h rancisco. 12.'i Geary St.

Vol. 1 No. 10.

OCTOBER. 1904.

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FOR ONLY

TWO NEW SUBSCRIBERS

AT ONE DOLLAR EACH
WE GIVE YOU

ONE YEAR'S
SUBSCRIPTION FREE

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m

When you goto the WORLD'S FAIR be sure to visit OUR
DISPLAY which is located in the PALACE OF LIBERAL
ARTS,atthe intersection of Aisle G and Aisle 4 in Block 53,
in the second aisle directly opposite the main entrance.

You are cordially invited to inspect our display which is the
ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the Louisiana Purchase Exposi-
tion, and to make our exhibit your headquarters.

G. GRAMER DRV PLATE GG.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

New York

93 University Place.

DEPOTS IN
Chicago
39 State St.

San Francisco
819 Market St.

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" COLUMBIA GRAPHOPHONES.

THE BEST TALKING MACHINES MADE. $5 to $100

The Graphophone is the Universal Entertainer. It will Talk,
Sing, Laugh and Play. It combines all Instruments in one.

Type A Y
$50

Send for complete list of records

The World-Famous Col-

mbia Gold Moulded

Cylinder Records.

25c

COLUMBIA DISC RECORDS.

7 inch, 50 cents each; $5 per dozen.
10 inch, $1 each; $10 per dozen.

Grand Opera Records ( I 0 inch discs onty) $2.00 each.
The Word COLUMBIA on a Talking Machine or Record is a guarantee of

merit and genuineness.
Columbia Records Fit Any Make of Talking Machine.

For Säle by Dealers everywhere and by the

COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH COMPANY

Pioneers and Leaders in the Talking Machine Art. Grand Prize, Paris, I 900.

New York Wholesale, Retail and Export, .iai Broadway. Uptown Ketail only,872 Broadway

Chicago, 88 Wabash Ave. Boston, lti4 Treniont St. San Francisco, 125 t.eary St.

NOVEMBER. 1904.

10c a copy, U a year.

I

IC H R I S T M^A S
COMBI N ATIO N

COLOR KEY TO N. A. BIRDS

yy Bv FRANK M. CHAPMAN.

:■:■: $2.50 postpaid

;X;Or$3.00 with one year's subscription to this magazine.

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS

Bv CHESTER A. REED.
$2. SO POSTPAID

Or $3.00 wifh oneyear's subscriplion.
BOTH BOOKS AND MAGAZINE ONE YEAR FOR $5.

BOTH BOOKS AND FOUR VOLUMES

.//^. Of Magazines nicely bound in cloth FOR $8.00 prepaid.
($1 1.00 for $8.00.1

r>::^-:

mPn n\ AQQ $5.00 PREPAID OR WITH
■•^ Ol_noo BOTH BOOKS $8.00

•::::::::::::>■::$ 1 2.00 WILL PAY FOR ALL OF THE
ABOVE AND A YEAR'S SUBSCRIP-
TION FOR 1905 TO THE
it, ,1 BIRD MAGAZINE.

Mw:

FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER ONLY.

CHAS. K. REED, WCRCESTER, MASS.

yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirf

^ When you goto the WORLD'S FAIR be sure to visit OUR ^

J DISPLAY which is located in the PALACE OF LIBERAL W

M ARTS, at the Intersection of Aisle G and Aisle 4 in Block 53, ^

^ i'i the second aisle directly opposite the main entrance. ^

"J You are cordially invited to inspect our display which is the ^

J ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the Louisiana Purchase Expcji- J

^ tion, and to make our exhibit your headquarters. ^

I G. GRAMER DRY PLATE CO. |

^ ST. LOUIS, MO. ^

^ ^= DEPOTS IN ^-=r ^

^ New York Chicago . San Francisco ^

^ 93 University Place. 39 State St. 819 Market St. ^

»liPiliPIllllPlllPqPiPIliP

1"^

BIRD DAY and ARBOR DAY MELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE. oi\e year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illustrated by coior photography. It is the only periodical in
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plants, etc., in natural colors. Eight full-page plates each month.

"Certainly no periodical and probablv no bool<. on birds ever found an> ttiing lil<e such
favor with tlie public as BiRDS and Natupk.^' — Erenina Post, yew York.
77 back numbers Birds axd Nature and remaining numbers for 1904.. . 10 00

15 Single volumes Birds and Nature, $1.50 each, cloth l'ull set 15 00

7 Double volumes Birds and Natur, $3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 14 00

648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES, by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

" You tiave made not unls- the best iree bool< we have 'or the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree b lok thit appr^aches the iree in the right spirit." — Professor S. V. Schvwck-
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If any of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Nature
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Vol. 4, No. 12.

DECEMBER.. 1904.

10c a copy, II a year.

99^

§lllliiiiiiiiilliilii

^ When you goto the WORLD'S FAIR be sure to visit OUR ^

% DISPLAY which is located in the PALACE OF LIBERAL =

M ARTS,at the intersection of Aisle G and Aisle 4 in Block 53, ^

^ in the seoond aisle directly opposite the main entrance. ^

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J ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND at the Louisiana Purchase Exposi- m.

^ tion, and to make our exhibit your headquarters. W

M . ^

1 G. GRAMER DRY PLATE GO. |

^ ST. LOUIS, MO. p

M -_ DEPOTS IN ^-= ^

e New York Chicago San Francisco ^

^ 93 University Place. 39 State St. 819 Market St. ^

#liP'iPll||Pll||Fiill|PiPPill!lP

FOUR CHRISTMAS GIFTS

BIRDS AND NATURE.

One Year. Price $ 1 .50. Nothing could be more appropriate than a year's
subscription to "Birds and Nature" as a Christmas present or birthday
gift, for it reminds your friends of the giver each month during tht year.
Where requested we send a card informing the recipient that through your
kindness he will receive "Birds and Nature" for a füll year, and cards are
mailed so as to reach the subscriber at the proper time. Send the name
and $1.50, we do the rest for you.

A.B. C BOOK OF BIRDS.

26 Color Plates and Bird Covers in Colors. Price $ 1 .00. By Mary Catherine
Judd. A book for children both large and small. Miss Judd, in this,
has prepared a book that will be a delight to every child and will be in-
tensely interesting to every adult lover of birds.

THE JINGLE BOOK OF BIRDS.

16 Colored Plates. Bird Covers in Colors. Price 60 Cents. By Edward B.
Clark. Beautiful pictures, catchy verse. Adopted for township libraries
in Wisconsin. This book is for both children and the eiders. The lines
are notjingles merely, but jingles which have a well-roundedpurposeand
much of pith and point. The color scheme of the cover is strikingly
beautiful. This book will make an appropriate Christmas gift.

THE FAIRIES THAT RUN THE WORLD AND HOW THEY DO IT.

30 Fnll-Page lllustrations. Price $1.00. By Ernest Vincent Wright. A
beautiful book of children's stories in verse. The subjects dealt with are
well known to children and many pleasant thoughts regarding the work-
ings of Nature may be derived trom the pages of this volume.
AWARDED GOLD MEDAL, WORLD'S FAIR ST. LOUIS, 1904.

A. W. MUMFORD, Publisher, 378 Wabash Avenue, Chicago.

For Christmas Gifts, The Perry Pictures

ONE CENT EACH for 25 or more; 120 for $1.00. Postpaid.

SEND 25 CENTS FOR

25 Art Subjects, or

2; Madonnas. or

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Each set in a portfolio, or

13 Pictures in Colors, or
Art Booklet, Madonnas.
OR 50 CENTS FOR

50 Perry Pictures, assorted, or

25 Pictures in Coiors, Birds, etc
or II Perry Pictures, Extra
Size, or Portfolio 25 Pic-
tures, New York Ecition,
7Xg. GemsofArt. Order
today.
These 11 Extra Size, 10x12.

Sistine Madonna

Holy Night

Feeding Her Birds

Shepherdess

Baby Stuart

Saiisfaction guaranteed.
Catalogue of 1,000 miniature

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Christ and Doctors

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tures 5 1-2x8, all in the new
Boston Edition, no twoalike. or

120 Perry Pictures >our own sel-
e:tion from 2,000 subjects

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OR $1.50 FOR
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Send two two-cent ^stamps for
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Paris Exposition. Gold Medal, St. Louis Exposition, 1934

Tbeone-cent pictures are 5 to
this size.

THE PERRY PICTURES COMPANY, Box 208, Maiden, Mass.

Tremont Temple, Boston. Send all Mail Orders to Maiden Office. 146 Fifih Avenue, New York.

Mcthods In thc Art of Taxidcrmy

By Oliver Davie, Author of "Nests and
Eggs of North American Birds""

90 FÜLL PAGE ENGRAVINGS

Never Defore has the Art of Taxidermy had
its practical methods and beautles portrayed
as we find them interpreted in this work. It
is a work of art from cover to cover. Form-
erly published at $10. My price $2.50 post-
paid. or Given Free for 6 new subscribers.
CKas. K. Reed, Worcester, Mass.

NEST and EGGS

o/" North American Birds

Bv OLIVER DAVIE.

Thoroughly revised, 6oopp. Fifth Edition.
Extra Cloth. Regulär Price, $2.25.

C^ My Price $1.50. Postpaid or given for four 9
'^ new subscribers. 19

Chas. K. R.eed, Worcester,

Mass J>

I FOR

I

CHR.ISTM AS

COLOR KEY

TO

North American Birds

By|FRANK M. CHAPMAN

A complete bird dictionary, with
upward -of 800 drawings in colors, so
arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least pos-
sible difficulty. In no other book has theproblem of Identifica-
tion been so simplified. The book is equally useful in any
part of the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 312 pages,
cloth, $2.50.

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

A complete illustrated book of all
eggs. It gives the habitat and breed-
ing ränge of each species; location and
construction of the nest; time of nest-
ing; number, description and Varia-
tion of eggs laid; with a full-sized

illustration of the egg of nearly every ^^-^^.-„,:

species, and a large number of full-page

illustrations of nesting sites. 360 pages,

cloth, $2.50.

♦ :;

Both of these books and the American Bird
Magazine one year for $5.00.

r ■>;

CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass.

Are you preparing to use them in your scliool the very first of the term^
Tlie\' are interesting, helpful, and instruclive,

Would you learn — and teach — about the
World's Great Paintings?

Send Three Two-cent siamps for cafalog contain-
ing a thousand miniature illustrations. two pic
tures and a picture in three colors. :

THEY COST ONLY

ONE CENT EACH

For 25 or More. I 20 for $ I .00

SVBSCRIBE FOR.

The PERRY MAGAZINE

$1.00 a year. Monthly except July and August.

Are your pupils interested in Bird Study?
Serd for a collection of Birds in natural colors.
Two Cents each for tliirteen or more.

THE PERRY PICTURE COMPANY

Box 413 Maiden, Mass. Send all mail Orders to Maiden
Tremont Temple, Boston, 146 Fifth Ave., New York.

PHARAOH'S HORSES.

Mcthods in the Art of Taxidermy

By Oliver Davie, Autlmr of "Nests and
Esrgs ot North American Birds'"-

90 FÜLL PAGE ENGRAVINGS

Never Defore ht'.s the Art of Taxidernny had
its practical methods and beauties portrayed
as we find them interpreted in this work. It
is a work of art frotn cover to Cover. Form-
erly published at $10. My price $2.50 post-
paid or Given Free for 6 new subscribers.
Chas. K. Reed, Worcester, Mass.

NEST and EGGS

of North American Birds

By OLIVER DAVIE

I©

Thoioughly revised. 60 pp. Fifth Edition.
Extra Cloth. Regulär Price, $2.25.

© My Price $1.50. Posipaid or given for four
® new subscribers.

&

■" Chas. K. R.eed, Worcester, Mass

A CHRISTMAS REMINDER.

BUY Ä GOOD FIELD GLA8$.

The BEST for Bird Study and

Equally Good for
Mountain, Sea Shore or Opera.

These Glasses are well made and espec-
ially adapted for the use of the bird Stu-
dent as they give about twice the Held
Vision of ordinary ones and magnify near-
ly four diameters.

They are in good strong leather case,
silk lined.

you can have them free by getting only ten subscriptions
for our magazine at $1,00 each. Or if you prefer we will send you a pair prepaid
on receipt of $5.00. Try them a week and if not perfectly satisfactory return
them to US and we will refund the $5.00. Is not that fair?

The Glass and Color Key to N. A. Birds by F. M. Chapman $ 6 50

The Glass and North American Birds Eggs by C. A. Reed 6 50

The Glass and both Books 8 00

CHAS. K. REED, WORCESTER. MASS.

COLUMBIA ORAPHOPHONES.

THE BEST TALKING MACHINES MADE. $5 to $100

The Graphophone is the Universal Entertainer. It will Talk,
Sing, Laugh and Play. It combines all Instruments in one.

Type A Y
$50

Send for complete list of records

The World-Famous Col-

mbia Gold Moulded

Cylinder Records.

25c

COLUMBIA DISO RECORDS.

7 inch, 50 cents each; $5 per dozen.
10 inch, $1 each; $10 per dozen.

Grand Opera Records ( 10 inch discs only) $2.00 each.
The word COLUMBIA on a Talking Machine or Record is a guarantee of

merit and genuineness.
Columbia Records Fit Any Make of Talking Machine.

For Säle by Dealers everywhere and by the

COLUMBIA PHONOGRAPH COMPANY

Pioneers and Leaders in the Talking Machine Art. Grand Prize, Paris, I 900.

New York. Wholesale. Retail aiirl Kxport, :!53 Broadway. Uptown, Ketail oiily.S72 Broadway
Chicago. 8« Wabash Ave. Bcjston, 1(J4 Tremont St. San Francisco. 125 (ieary St.

Are you preparing to use tliem in your scliool the very first of tlie term?
They are interesting, helpfui, and instructive,

Would you learn — and teach — about the
World's Great Paintings?

Send Three Two-cent stamps for catalog confain-
ing a thousand miniaiure illusirations, two pic-
tures and a picture in three colors :

THEY COST ONLY

ONE CENT EACH

For 25 or More. I 20 for $ I .00

SVBSCRIBE FOR.

The PERRY MAGAZINE

$1.00 a year. Monthly except July and August.

Are your pupils interested in Bird Study?
Send for a collection of Birds in natural colors.
Two Cents eacli for thirteen or mcre.

THE PERRY PICTURE COMPANY

Box 4 1 3 Maiden, Mass. Send all mail Orders to Maiden
Tremont Temple, Boston, 146 Fifth Ave., New York,

PHARAOH'S HORSES.

BIRD DAY and ARBOR DAY HELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE. one year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illustrated by coior photography. It is the only periodical in
the World which publishes pictures of birds, animals, insects, flowers,
piants, etc., in natural colors. Eight full-page plates each month.

" Certainly no periodical and probably no book. on birds ever founj anything like such
favor with the public as Birds and Nature." — Evenina Post. New York.

77 back numbers Birds and Nature and remaining numbers for 1904.. . 10 00

15 Single volumes Birds and Nature, $1.50 each, cloth füll set 15 00

7 Double volumes Birds and Natur, $3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 14 00

648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES, by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

" You have made not only the best tree book we have for the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree bDok ihat approaches the tree in the right spirit." — Professor S. C. Schmuck-
er, State Normal. School, West ehester. Pa.

If any of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Nature
free one year, 24 Forest Tree Plates, 9x12 inches, photogravures, showing

trunk, tree, and leaf on each plate 1 00

. I Birds and Nature, 1 year and 24 Forest Tree Plates,

^PFniÄi nPFFR^ • ' only 2 00

artuiAL ui-rtttö. , ßu^^^ j^^^ Nature, 1 year, and 100 color plates, our

i selection, only 2 00

Send 10 cents for sample copy of BIRDS AND NATURE. Catalogue and
Listof Pictures sent free on request. Address,

A. W. MUMFORD, Publishcr,

378 Wabash Avenue, CHICAGO, ILLS.

«
«

r

FOR CHR.ISTMAS |

COLOR KEY

TO

North American ßirds

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

A complete bird dictionary, with
Lipward of 800 drawings in colors, so
arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least pos-
sible difficulty. In no other book has theproblem of identifiCa-
tion been so simplified. The book is equally useful in any
part of the country from the Atlantic tothe Pacific. 312 pages,
cloth, $2.50.

MTn imm im m

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

"«• *-

A complete illustrated book of all
eggs. It gives the habitat and breed-
ing ränge of each species; location and
construction of the nest; time of nest-
ing; number, description and Varia-
tion of eggs laid; with a full-sized

illustration of the egg of nearly every

species, and a large number of full-page

illustrations of nesting sites. 360 pages,

cloth, $2.50.

Both of these books and the American Bird
Magazine one year for $5.00.

CHAS. K. REED. Worcester. Mass. ^

Are You Prepared to Study thc Birds?

BUY Ä GOOD FIELD GLÄ8S.

The BEST for Bird Study and

Equally Good for
Mountain, Sea Shore op Opera.

These Glasses are well made and espec-
ially adapted for the use of the bird Stu-
dent as they give about twice the Held
Vision of ordinary ones and magnify near-
ly four diameters.

They are in good strong leather case,
silk lined.

8^°Remember, you can have them free by getting only ten subscriptions
for our magazine at $1.00 each. Or if you prefer we will send you a pair prepaid
on receipt of $5.00. Try them a week and if not perfectly satisfactory return
them to US and we will refund the $5.00. Is not that fair?

The Glass and Color Key to N. A. Birds by F. M. Chapman $ 6 50

The Glass and North American Birds Eggs by C. A. Reed. 6 50

The Glass and both Books 8 00

CHAS. K. REED. WORCESTER. MASS.

BIKD DAY and ARBOR DAY HELPS

BIRDS AND NATURE. oi\e year $1.50

Monthly ; 48 pages, 8x10 inches. A magazine devoted to nature,
and illusträted by color photography. It is the only periodical in
the World which publishes pictures of birds, animals, insects, flowers,
plants, etc., in natural colors. Eight full-page plates each month.

" Certainly no periodical and probably no book, on birds ever found anything like such
favor with the public as BiRDS AND Naturk.''— ^re?i(?i0 Post, yew York.
77 back numbers Bird.s and Nature and remaining numbers for 1904.. . 10 00

15 Single volumes Birds and Nature, $1.50 each, cloth füll set 15 00

7 Double volumes BiRDS and Natur, $3.00 each, 1-2 morocco, füll set. . 14 00

648 Color Plates from Birds and Nature, 2 cents each, füll set 6 48

AMONG GREEN TREES, by Julia Ellen Rogers. 200 illustrations,

photogravures and half-tones 3 00

'■ You have made not only the best tree book we have for the purpose of the nature lover,
but the only tree b )ok that approaches the tree in the right spirit." — Professor S. ü. Schmuck-
er. State yormal School. West ehester. Pn.

If anv of the above are ordered, we will send Birds and Nature
free one year^ 24 Forest Tree Plates, 9x12 inches, photogravures, showing

trunk, tree, and leaf on each plate 1 00

I Birds and Nature, 1 year and 24 Forest Tree Plates,

I only 2 00

SPECIAL OFFERS: Bi^pg ^nd Nature, 1 year, and 100 color plates, our

I selection, only 2 00

Send 10 cents for sample copy of BIRDS AND NATURE. Catalogue and
Listof Pictures sent free on request. Address,

A. W. MUMFORD, Publisher,

378 Wabash Avenue, CHICAGO, ILLS.

I

THE TWO BEST BIRD BOOKS

COLOR KEY

TO

North American ßirds |

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

A complete bird dictionary, wiih
Lipvvard of 800 drawings in colors, so
arranged that one may learn a bird's name with the least pos-
sible difficulty. In no other book has theproblem of identifiCa-
tion been so simplified. The book is equally useful in any
part of the country from the Atlantic tothe Pacific. 312 pages,
cloth, $2.50.

NORTH AIRIÜN BK M

By CHESTER A. REED, B. S.

* ',. A complete illustrated book of all

■ ^ £"?gs. It gives the habitat and breed-

ing ränge of each species; location and
construction of the nest; time of nest-
ing; number, description and Varia-
tion of eggs laid; with a full-sized

"Illustration of the egg of nearly every

species, and a large number of fuU-page

illustrations of nesting sites. 360 pages,

cloth, $2.50.

Both of these books and the American Bird
Magazine one year for $5.00.

CHAS. K. REED, Worcester, Mass