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THE WILSON BULLETIN

AN ILLUSTRATED QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF BIRDS
IN THE FIELD

Edited by LYNDS JONES

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL
CHAPTER OF THE AGASSIZ ASSOCIATION

Old Series, Volume XIV. New Series, Volume IX.

1902

Go 20

PUBLISHED BY THE CHAPTER AT OBERLIN, OHIO

2

INDEX TO VOLUME IX.

Acanthis linaria, 65,, 86, 131.

Accipiter cooperi, 83, 130, 138.
velox, 62, 83, 130.

Actitis macularia, 61, 82.

Adgialitis semipalmata, 93.
vocifera, 12, 61, 82, 130.

Aix sponsa, 12, 80.

Agelaius phoniceus, 14, 64, 86.

Ammodramus lecontei, 140.
sandwichensis savanna, 87.
savannarum passerinus, 87,

139)

Amphispiza belli nevadensis, 65.

Ampelis cedrorum, 66, 89, 130.

Anas boschas, 11, 61, 79, 130.
obscura, 79, 131, 134.

rubripes, 134.

Ani, 142.

Anser albifrons gambeli, 93.

Anthus pensilvanicus, 67, 91.

Antrostomus vociferus, 84.

Aquila chrysaetos, 83, 131.

Archibuteo ferrugineus 62.

lagopus sancti-jJohannis, 62,
83, il.
Ardea cerulea, 81.
eeretta, 109.
herodias, 61, 80, 131.
virescens, 81.
Ardetta exilis, 80, 116.
Asio accipitrinus, 14, 63, 83,
131, 139.
wilsonianus, 14, 63, 83, 130,
Astragalinus tristis, 65, 86, 130,

132.

Aythya affinis, 80.
americana, 93.
collaris, 80.
marila, 80.
vallisneria, 80.

Baird, Robert L., Spring Migra-
tion for 1901, with an aver-
age table for Lorain county,
94; Notes from Iowa, 140.

Baldpate, 12, 79, 99.

Bartramia longicauda, 82.

Bittern, American, 80, 100.

Least, 80, 116, 128.

Blackbird, Brewer, 14, 65.
Red-winged, 14, 64, 86, 99,

N03, 128:
Rusty, 14, 49, 86, 97, 99, 128,
131.

Bluebird, 15, 20, 44, 51, 54, 55,
57, 74, 92, 98, 99, 101, 103, 121,
122 12. 108). Te ey,

Mountain, 67, 74.
Western, 67.
Bob-white, 12, 41, 47, 53, 56, 58,
IAC aeO, slay,
Bobolink, 86, 100, 128.
Bonasa umbellus, 82, 130,
togata, 61.

132.

Booby, 141.
Botaurus lentiginosus, 80.
Brant, Black, 31.
Branta canadensis, 12, 80, 131.
hutchinsii, 12.
occidentalis, 61.
Bruen, Frank. Some Bluebird
Boxes and Troubles, 121.
Bubo virginianus, 84, 130.
arcticus, 63.
Bufflehead, 67, 80, 99.
Bunting, Indigo, 88, 96, 100, 103,
124, 129.
Lazuli, 60, 66.
Buteo borealis, 13, 83, 130, 138.
ealurus, 63.
harlani, 13.
lineatus, 14, 83, 130, 138.
platypterus, 93.
swainsoni, 62.
Burns, Frank L., Capture of an
- American Hgeret (Ardea egret-
ta) in Chester county, Pa., 109.
Canachites franklinii, 61.
Canvas-back, 80.
Cardinal, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, 35, 50.
3, 88, 103, 124, 129, 130, 139.
Cardinalis cardinalis, 15, 17, 19,
20, 21, 50, 53, 88, 103, 130, 139.
Carpodacus mexicanus frontal-
is, 74.
purpureus, 86, 131.
Catbird, 91, 100, 102, 124, 129.
Catharistes atrata, 142.
Cathartes aura, 13, 62, 82, 130,
138, 139.

Centrocercus urophasianus, 62.

Ceophlceus pileatus, 14.
abieticola, 84,
130.

Certhia familiaris americana,

9%, UBL, 132.
fusea, 21.
Ceryle, aleyon, 14, 63, 84, 130,
141.
Cheetura pelagica, 85.
vauxii, 63.
Charitonetta albeola, 80.
Chat, Long-tailed, 66.

iv Index to Volume IX.

Yellow-breasted, 91,
129.

Chen hyperborea nivalis, 93.

Chewink, 28.

Chickadee, 18, 20, 29, 51, 53, 55,
92, 129, 131, 132.

Carolina, 92, 104, 131.
Mountain, 67.
Oregon, 67.
Chondestes grammacus, 87.
strigatus, 65.
Chordeiles virginianus, 85.
henryi, 63.

Cinclus mexicanus, 67.

Circus hudsonius, 13, 62, 82, 131,
138.

Cistothorus palustris, 92.

paludicola, 67.
stellaris, 92.

Clangula clangula
80, 131.

Clivicola riparia, 66.

Coccyzus americanus, 84.

erythrophthalmus, 84.

Colaptes auratus luteus, 14. 84,

130, 132, 138.
cafer, 63.

Colinus virginianus, 12, 82, 130,
132.

Colymbus auritus, 78.

holbeellii, 93.

Compsothlypis americana usne-
ze, 89.

Contopus richardsonii, 64.

virens, 85.

Coot, American, 67, 81, 93, 99.

Conurus carolinensis, 84

Corvus americanus, 14, 64, 86,
130, 132.

Cowbird, 15, 16, 60, 64, 86, 99,
103, 128.

Crane, Sandhill, 61.

Whooping, 81.

Creeper, Brown, 20, 21, 51, 53,

56, 58, 92, 99, 129, 131, 132.
California, 67.

Crossbill, American, 49, 53, 65,
99.

White-winged, 22, 45, 49, 65.

Crotophagus ani., 142.

Crow, American, 14, 20, 41, 49,
53, 54, 56, 58, 64, 86, 103, 128,
130, 132.

Carrion, 142.
Fish, 103. if

Cuckoo, Black-billed, 84, 100.

Yellow-billed, 84, 100, 128.

Curlew, Hudsonian, 139.

Long-billed, 61.

100,

americana,

Cyanocitta cristata, 14, 85, 130,
BA, IBS,
stelleri annectens, 64.
Cyanospiza amcena, 66.
cyanea, 88.

Dabchick, 8&8.

Dafila acuta, 12, 80, 131.

Daniel, John W., Jr., Pelicans of
Tampa Bay, 5; Incubation
period of the Mockingbird, 68;
The Cuban Tody (Todus mul-
ticolor), 113.

Dawson, W. L., A Columbus
mid-winter horizon, 16; A pre-
liminary list of the birds of
Yakima county, Washington,
59.

Dendroica estiva, 66, 89, 143.

auduboni, 66.
blackburniz, 90.
cerulescens, 90.
castanea, 90.
coronata, 15, 66, 90.
discolor, 90.
dominica albilora, 90.
kirtlandi, 104.
maculosa, 90.
palmarum, 90.
pensylvanica, 90.
rara, 90.

striata, 90,

tigrina, 89.
townsendi 66.
vigorsii, 90.

virens, 90.

Dickcissel, 88.

Dipper, American, 67.

Dolichonyx, oryzivorus, 86.

Dove, Mourning, 13, 43, 44, 48, 53,
54, 55, 62, 82, 97, 98, 99, 106;
128, 130, 187, 139.

Dryobates pubescens medianus,
14, 84, 130, 132.

gairdnerii, 63.
villosus, 84, 130, 132

Duck, Black, 99, 131.

Lesser Scaup, 80, 99.
Red-legged Black, 134.
Ring-necked, 80, 99.
Ruddy, 61, 80, 99.
Scaup, 80, 99.

Wood, 12, 80, 99, 128.

Eagle, Bald, 14, 48, 52, 62, 83,
128, 131.

Golden, 48, 67, 88, 131.
Harpie, 119.

Ectopistes migratorius, 82.

Egret, American, 109.

Elanoides forficatus, 82.

Index to Volume IX. Vv

Embody, George C., Review of
his “Birds of Madison county,
New York’, 31.

Empidonax flaviventris, 85.

hammondi, 64.

minimus, 8).

traillii, 85.

virescens, 85.

ereunetes pusillus, 143.
Erismatura jamaicensis, 61, 80.
Faleo columbarius, 63, 132, 139.

mexicanus, 62.

peregrinus anatum, 62.

sparverius, 14, 83, 130, 132,

deserticolus, 63.

Falcon, Prairie, 62.
Finch, Cassin Purple, 67.

House, 74.

Purple, 49, 53, 86, 131.

Flicker, Northern, 14, 18, 20, 49,
53, 55, 84, 97, 98, 99, 128, 130,
12.) 138).

Red-shafted, 63.

Flycatcher, Crested, 85, 100, 104,
128.

Green-crested, 85,
Hammond, 64.
Least, 85, 100, 128.
Traill, 85, 100, 128.
Yellow-bellied, 8&5.

Fulica americana, 81.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 91.

Gallinago delicata, 7, 12, 61, 81,
131.

Gallinula galeata, 81.

Gallinule, Florida, &1.

Purple, 8&1.

Gault, Benj. T., Food habits of
the Wilson Snipe, 7; A Song
Sparrow’s Nest, 15; A Letter
from French Guiana, 140.

Gavia imber, 79, 131.

lumme, 79.

Geothlypis agilis, 91.

formosa, 90.

philadelphia, 91.

tolmiei, 66.

trichas, 91.
occidentalis, 66.

Glaucidium gnoma californicum,
63.

Gnatecatcher, Blue-gray, 92, 100,
Uz25), IU),

Godwit, Hudsonian, 31.

Golden-eye, American, 67, 89,
131.

Goldfinch, American, 22, 42, 49,
50, 53, 55. 65, 74, 86, 103, 128,
130, 132.

100, 128.

Goose, American White-fronted,
93.

Canada, 12, 80, 97, 99, 131.
Greater Snow, 93.
Hutchins, 12, 67.
White-cheeked, 61.

Grackle, Bronzed, 19, 20, 49, 52,
55, 86, 99, 128.

Purple, 103.

Grebe, Holbecell, 67, 93.

Horned, 51, 55, 78, 99.

Pied-billed, 8, 78, 99, 128,
130.

Western, 67.

Grinnell, Joseph, Review of his
“Pacific coast avifauna No. 3,”
110.

Grosbeak, Black-headed, 66.

Blue, 108.

Rose-breasted, 88, 100, 103,
129.

Canadian Pine, 22, 45, 49.

Grouse, Canadian Ruffed, 61.

Columbian Sharp-tailed, 62.
Franklin, 61.
Ruffed, 47, 58, 75, 82, 130,

132.
Sage, 62.
Sooty, 67.

Grus americana, 81.
mexicana, 61.
Guara rubra, 143.
Gull, Bonaparte, 133.
Herring, 47, 51, 79, 128, 131,
132.
Great Black-backed, 79.
Gypetus barbatus, 117.
Gyps fulvus, 116.
Halizetus leucocephalus, 14, 62,
So, Bil,
Harelda hyemalis, 21, 80, 131.
Hawk, American Rough-legged,
48, 62, 83, 131.
American Sparrow, 14, 48,
5D, 83, 99, 128, 130, 132,
Broad-winged, 48, 93, 128.
Cooper, 48, 83, 99, 130, 138.
Desert Sparrow, 63.
Duck, 62.
Ferrugineus Rough-leg, 62.
Harlan, 13.
farsh, 13, 48, 62, 82, 131,
138.
Pigeon, 48, 63, 132, 139.
Red-shouldered, 14, 48, 55,
83, 96, 128, 130, 138.
Red-tailed, 13, 19, 48, 55, 83,
130, 138.

v1 Index to Volume IX.

Sharp-shinned, 48, 62, 75, 83,
130.

Swainson, 62.

Western Red-tailed, 62.

Helmintherus vermivorus, 89.
chrysoptera, 93.

Helminthopila celata lutescens,
66.

peregrina, 89.
pinus, 89, 139.
rubricapilla, 89.

Helodromas solitarius, 82.

Hen, Prairie, 13, 57.

Henderson, Junius, Boulder,
Colorado, birds increasing, 74.

Henninger, Rev. W. F., A pre-
liminary list of the birds of
middle southern Ohio, 77; A
new bird for Ohio, 134; An ad-
dition to the birds of middle
southern Ohio, 133; Notes
from Southern Ohio, 137.

Heron, Black-crowned Night, 81.
Great Blue, 8, 61, 80, 99, 128,

roils
Green, 8, 81, 100, 128.
Little Blue, 81.

Hirundo erythrogaster, 66, 88.

Hollister, N., Notes on the win-
ter birds of Arkansas, 10.

Hummingbird, Calliope, 63.
Ruby-throated, 31, 85,
128.

Hunt, Nellie H., Lakewood, New

Jersey, hotes, 74.

Hylocichla alicie, 92.
aonalaschkee pallasii, 15.
fuscescens, 92,
guttata pallasi, 92.
mustelina, 92.
ustulatus, 67.

Ibis, scarlet, 143.

Icteria virens, 91.

longicauda, 66.

Icterus bullocki, 65.
galbula, 86.
spurius, 86.

Jacana, 142.

Jacana spinosa, 142.

Jay, Blue, 14, 17, 18, 20, 49, 53,

55, 85, 103, 128, 130, 132, 138.
Black-headed, 64.
Oregon, 67.

Jones, Lynds, Bird studies in Lo-
rain county, Ohio, Winter
studies, 37; Some winter re-
cords for Lorain county, Ohio,
20; a new bird for Ohio, 71;
Kirtland Warbler (Dendroica

100,

kirtlandi) again in Ohio,
104; Albino Robins, 109;
All day with the birds, 125;
Winter birds, 129.
Juneo hyemalis, 15, 87, 131, 132.
connectens, 65.
oregonus, 65.
Junco, Oregon, 65.
Shufeldt, 65.
Slate-colored, 15, 19, 20, 23,
41, 50, 53, 55, 87, 1038, 131,

132, 140.
Keim, Thomas D., A January
Chewink (Pipilo erythroph-

thalmus), 23; Six Generations
of Phoebes’ Nests, 139; A
white-spotted Bluebird’s egg,
140.
Killdeer, 8, 12, 61, 82, 97, 99, 128,
130.
Kingbird, 64, 85, 100, 104, 128.
Arkansas, 60, 64.
Kingfisher, Belted, 14, 63, 84, 99,
WAS, UO, Ws, 4h,
Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 51, 55,
92; 131, 132:
Ruby-crowned, 67, 92, 99,
129 = adil
Western Golden-crowned, 67.
Kite, Swallow-tailed, 82.
Knot, 31.
Lammergeyer, 117, 119, 120.
Langille, Rev. J. H., Maryland
birds, 101; A review of his
“Our Birds in their Haunts,”
iLL,
Lanius borealis, 66, 89, 131, 132.
ludovicianus, 15.
excubitorides, 66.
migrans, 89, 130.
Lark, Dusky Horned, 64.
Horned, 19, 20, 49, 53, 54,
ND, HL
Pallid Horned, 64.
Prairie Horned, 19, 49, 53,
54, 55, 85, 128, 1380.
Larus argentatus smithsonianus,
WO Asik, Wey.
marinus, 79.
philadelphia, 133.
Longspur, Lapland, 50, 53, 57.
Loon, 67, 79, 1381.
Red-throated, 79.
Lophodytes cucullatus, 61, 79.
Loxia curvirostra minor, 65.
lucoptera, 22, 65.
Magpie, American. 64.
Mallard, 11, 12, 47, 61, 79, 99,
130.

Index to Volume IX. Vil

Mareca americana, 12, 79.
penelope, 71.

Martin, Purple, 88, 99, 129.
Meadowlark, 14, 43, 49, 53, 54,
55, 86, 98, 99, 128, 103 130.

Western, 64.
Megascops asio, 14, 83, 130.
macfarianei, 63.
Melanerpes carolinus, 14, 84,
130, 139.
erythrocephalus,
torquatus, 63.
Meleagris gallopavo fera, 13, 82.
Melospiza georgiana, 88.
lineolni, 88, 139.
melodia, 15, 87, 130, 1382.
morphna, 65.
Merganser americanus, 47, 79,
rile
serrator, 61, 79, 131.
Merganser, American, 47, 79, 99,
UB,
Hooded, 61, 79, 99.
Red-breasted, 47, 61, 99,
RIL,
Merula migratoria, 15, 92, 131,
132.

14,84.

propinqua, 67, 74.
Mills, Wm. J., My Summer
Boarders, Season 1902, 124.
Mimus polyglottos, 15, 68, 91.
Mniotilta varia, 89.
Mockingbird, 15, 68, 91, 102.
Molothrus ater, 64, 86.

Murre, Brunnich, 51.

Myiarchus crinitus, 85.
Neophron perenopterus, 116.
Nettion carolinensis, 12, 61, 79.
Nighthawk, 85, 100.

Western, 63.

Nucifraga columbiana, 64.
Numenius hudsonicus, 139.
longirostris, 61.

Nuteracker, Clarke, 64.
Nuthatch, Huropean, 1, 2, 3, 4.
Pygma, 67.

Red-breasted, 2, 3, 4, 20, 21,
Hil, Ha, GO, V2, OO, WH, agile
Rock, 1, 3.
Slender-billed, 67.
White-breasted, 18, 20, 51,
D8, BD, 92, W295 ile. iz.
Nyctala acadica, 83, 131, 138.
Nyctea nyctea, 84, 131, 138.

Nycticorax nycticorax neyvius,
81.
Oberholser, Harry C., Review

of his Catalogue of a Collec-
tion of Hummingbirds from

Ecuador and Colombia, 32;
Review of his “Some New
South American Birds,” 143;
Review of his List of Birds
Collected by William T. Fos-
ter in Paraguay, 144.
Oidemia deglandi, 139.
Olbiorchilus hyemalis, 91,
132.
Old-Squaw, 21, 47, 80, 93, 131.
Olor buecinator, 80.

131,

Oriole, Baltimore, 86, 100, 103,
128.
Bullock, 60, 65.
Orchard) 865) 1100), 11038) 128,

Oroscoptes montanus, 67.
Osprey, American, 83, 127,
131.
Otocoris alpestris, 19, 20, 49,
Ha, Dh Ba.
leucolema, 64.
merrillii, 64.
praticola, 85, 130.
Oven-bird, 90, 100, 102, 129.
Owl, American Long-eared, 14,
48, 63, 83, 130.
Arctic Horned, 63.
Barn, 48, 83, 130.
Barred, 14, 48, 83, 130.
Burrowing. 60. 63.
California Pigmy, 63.,
Great Horned, 48, 52, 84,
130.
McFarlane Screech, 63.
Saw-whet, 48, 83, 131, 138
Screech, 14, 18, 19, 49, 55,
3, 130.
Short-eared, 14, 41, 48, 63,
Sa, Jail, iss),
Snowy, 84, 131, 138.
Pandion haliwtus carolinensis,
Sa, Iai,
Paroquet, Carolina, 84.
Parus atricapillus, 92, 131, 132.
occidentalis, 67.
bicolor, 15, 92, 131.
carolinensis, 92, 131.
gambeli, 67.
Passer domesticus, 74, 93, 132.
Passerella iliaca, 87.
Passerina nivalis, 65, 132, 139.
Pearson, T. Gilbert, Review of
his “Stories of Bird life,” 30.
Pedicecetes phasianellus colum-
bianus, 62.
Pelecanus erythrorhynehos, 139.
fuscus, 5, 141.
Pelican, American White, 139.
Brown, 5, 141.

128,

Vill

Petrel, Black-capped, 31.
Petrochelidon lunifrons, 66, 88.
Peucea estivalis bachmanii, 87.
Pewee, Say’s, 60.

Western Wood, 64.

Wood, 85, 100, 103, 128.
Phaethon americanus, 141.
Phaleenoptilus nuttallii, 63.
Phalarope, Wilson, 100.
Phasianus torquatus, 93,
Pheasant, Ring-necked, 93,
Philohela minor, 12, 81.
Pheebe, 85, 99, 103, 128, 139.

Say, 60, 64.

Pica pica hudsonica, 64.

Pigeon, Passenger, 82.

Pinicola enucleator canadensis,
Dok

Pintail, 12, 80, 99, 131

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 15, 18,
2d.) So. 130%

maculatus megalonyx, 65.
Pipit, American, 67, 91, 129.
Piranga erythromelas, 88.

ludoviciana, 66.

rubra, 88.

Pitangus sulphuratus, 142.
Plover, Semipalmated, 93.
Podilymbus podiceps, 78, 130.
Polioptila czrulea, 92.
Pocecetes gramineus, 87.
confinis, 65.
Poorwill, 63.
Porzana carolina, 61, 81.
Progne subis, 88.
Procellaria pelagica, 141.
Querquedula cyanoptera, 61.

discors, 79.

Quiscalus lugubris, 142.

quiscula eneus, 865.

Rail, King, 81, 100.
Virginia, 12, 61, 81, 100, 128.
Rallus elegans, 81, 100.

virginianus, 12, 61, 81, 100.

Red-head, 93, 99.

Redpoll, 65, 86, 131.

Redstart, American, 91, 100, 129.

Regulus calendula, 67, 92, 131.

satrapa, 92, 131, 132.
olivaceus, 67.

Richmond, Charles W., Review
of his “Birds Collected by Mr.
C. R. Kloss in the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands,” 144.

Ridgway, Robt., Review of his
“Birds of North and Middle
America,” 34.

Riparia riparia, 88.

Robbins, Reginald C., Review of

132.
132.

Index to Volume IX.

his “Bird Killing as a Method
in Ornithology,” 33.

Robin, American, 15, 16, 20, 44,
51, 52, 54, 55, 60, 74, 92, 97,
98, 99, 101, 102, 109, 129, 131,
132.

Western, 67, 74.

Rotzell, W. E., M. D., Migration
of Bluebirds, 20.

Rynchops niger, 143.

Salpinctes obsoletus, 67.

Sandpiper, Baird, 61.
Bartramian, 82, 99, 128.
Least, 8, 61, 81, 100, 143.
Pectoral, 8, 81.
Semipalmated, 143.
Solitary, 8, 82, 100.
Spotted, 8, 61, 82, 99, 128.

Sapsucker, Red-breasted, 67.
Williamson, 63.
Yellow-bellied, 75, 99.

Sayornis phoebe, 85, 139.
sayi, 64.

Scolecophagus carolinus, 14, 86,

Sue

Scoter, American, 31.
White-winged, 139.

Setophaga ruticilla, 91.

Seiurus aurocapillus, 90, 102.
motacilla, 90.
noveboracensis, 90

Shoveller, 80, 99, 131.

Shrike, Loggerhead, 15.
Migrant, 17, 20, 89, 99, 129,

30.
Northern, 50, 52, 54, 55, 66,
SW) sil, Sz.

Tyrant, 142.
White-rumped, 66.
Sialia sialis, 15, 20, 92, 131.
arctica, 67, 74.
mexicana occidentalis, 67.
Silloway, Prof. P. M. Review
of his “Summer birds of Flat-
head Lake,” 32.
Siskin, Pine, 22, 50, 53, 55, 65,
WA WARS, | G32).
Sitta cesia, 2, 3.
canadensis, 2, 38, 21, 67, 92,

131.
carolinensis, 92, 131, 132.
syriaca, 3.

Skimmer, Black, 143.

Snipe, Wilson, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 61,
Sil, OO, 1esil.

Snowflake, 41, 50, 53, 65, 132,
139.

Sora, 61, 81, 100, 128.

Index to Volume IX. ix

Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-tailed,
ail, alae),
Bachman, 87.
Brewer, 65.
Chipping, 74, 87, 99, 129, 130.
English, 17, 55, 93, 99, 121,
UPD, WS, Wey.
Field, 15, 67, 87, 99, 104,
129.
Fox, 88, 99.
Grasshopper,
129, 1389.
Intermediate, 65.
Lark, 87, 100.
Leconte, 140.
Lincoln, 88, 100. 1389.
Nelson, 31.
Rusty Song, 60, 65.
Sage, 65.
Savanna, 87, 100.
Song, 15, 20, 41, 42, 50, 53,
55, 75, 87, 98, 99, 104, 129,
130, 132.
Swamp, 88, 99, 129.
Tree, 19, 20, 23, 43, 42, 50,
53, 5b, 56, 87, 1038, 131,
132, 140.
Vesper, 87, 99, 104, 128.
Western Chipping, 65.
Western Lark, 65.
Western Tree, 65.
Western Vesper, 65.
White-crowned, 15, 87, 100,
129, 131.
White-throated, 87, 99, 103,
129, 131, 140.
Spatula eclypeata, 80, 131.
Speotyto cunicularia hypogea,
63.
Sphyrapicus thyroideus, 63.
varius, 84.
Spinus pinus, 22, 50, 538, 65, 132.
Spiza americana, 88.
Spizella breweri, 65.
monticola, 87, 131, 132.
ocracea, 65.
pusilla, 15, 87.
socialis, 87, 130.
arizonee, 65.
Stellula calliope, 63.
Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 88.
Sterna antillarum, 30.
hirundo, 61, 79.
maxima, 142.
Strix pratincola, 83, 130.
Strong, R. M., Least Terns, a
correction, 30.
Sturnella magna, 14, 86, 130.
neglecta, 64.

Sin LOD, Oz,

Sula sula, 141.
Swales, Bradshaw H., A Few
Wayne Co., Mich. Notes, 138.

Swallow, Bank, 66, 88, 100, 129.
Barn, 66, 88, 99, 129.

Cliff, 60, 66, 88, 100, 129.

Rough-winged, 67, 88, 100,
129.

Tree, 66, 100, 129.

Violet-green, 66.

Swan, Trumpeter, 80.

Swift, Chimney, 85, 99, 128.
Vaux, 63.

Syrnium nebulosum, 14, 83,

130.

Tachycineta bicolor, 66.
thallassina, 66.

Tanager, Louisiana, 66.
Searlet, 88, 100, 124, 129.
Summer, 8&8, 124.

Teal, Blue-winged, 8, 79 100.
Cinnamon, 61.
Green-winged, 12, 61. 79, 99.

Tern, Black, 100.
Common , 61,
Least, 30.
Royal, 142.

Thrasher, Brown, 91, 99, 102,

129
Sage, 67.
Thrush, Gray-cheeked, 92,
129.
Hermit, 15, 92, 99.
Olive-backed, 92,
Russet-backed, 67.
Wilson, 92, 100, 129.
Wood, 92, 100, 101, 102, 124,
129.
Thryomanes bewickii, 91, 131,
140.
Thryothorus ludovicianus, 91,
UBL,

Titmouse, Tufted,15, 18 20, 51,
53, 55, 74, 92, 104, 129, 181.

Todus multicolor, 113.

Tody, Cuban, 113, 114, 115, 116.

Totanus flavipes, 82, 143.
melanoleucus, 61, 82, 143.

Towhee, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 88,

99, 129, 130.
Spurred, 65.

Toxostoma rufum, 91.

Tracy, H. C., The Rock Nut-
hatch and its nest, 1; The
Vultures in Asia Minor,
116.

Tringa bairdii, 61.
maculata, 81.
minutilla, 61, 81, 143...

(, 98, i283.

100,

100, 129.

x Index to Volume IX.

Trochilus colubris, 85.

Troglodytes aedon, 91.
aztecus, 67.
furvus, 142.

Tropic-bird, 141.

Turkey, Wild, 13, 82.

Turnstone, 100.

Tympanuchus americanus, 13.

Tyrannus tyrannus, 64, 85.
verticalis, 64.

Vireo cassinii, 66.
flavifrons, 66, 89.
gilvus, 66, 89.
noveboracensis, 89.
olivaceus, 89.
philadelphicus, 89,
solitarius, 89.

Vireo, Bell’s, 31.

Blue-headed, 89, 100, 129.

Cassin, 66.

Philadelphia, 89.

Plumbeous, 31.

Red-eyed, 89, 100, 124, 129.

Warbling, 66, 89, 100, 129.

White-eyed, 89.

Yellow-throated, 66, 89, 100,
129.

Vultur monachus, 116.

Vulture, Bearded, 117, 119, 120.
Black, 116, 120.

Egyptian, 116, 119.

Goose, 116.

Griffin, 116, 117.

Gryphon, 116.

Monk, 117, 120.

Tawny, 116, 118, 120.

Turkey, 13, 62, 82, 116, 118,
TRO, 18%3, 11838).

Warbler, Audubon, 66.
Bay-breasted, 90, 100,129.
Black and white, 89, 100,

a AR eee DAtra iO
Blackburnian, 90, 100, 129.
Black-poll, 90, 100.
Black-throated Blue, 90, 100,

129.

Black-throated Green, 90,
100, 129.

Blue-winged, 89, 100, 129,
139.

Calaveras, 67.

Canadian, 91, 100, 129.
Cape May, 89, 100.
Cerulean, 90, 100, 129.
Chestnut-sided, 90, 100, 129.
Connecticut, 91.
Golden-winged, 93, 100, 129.
Hermit, 67.

Hooded, 31, 91, 98, 99, 100.

Kentucky, 90.
Kirtland, 104.
Lutescent, 66.
Macgillivray, 66.
Magnolia, 90, 100, 129.

Mourning, 91, 100.
Myrtle, 15, 33, 66, 90, 99,
104, 129.

Nashville, 89, 100, 129.
Northern Parula 89, 100.
Orange-crowned, 31, 100.
Palm, 90, 100, 129.
Pileclated, 67.

Pine, 74, 90, 100.

Prairie, 90, 100, 104, 105.
Prothonotary, 31.
Sycamore, 90.

Tennessee, 89, 109, 129.
Townsend, 66.

Wilson, 91, 100, 129.
Worm-eating, 89.

Yellow, 66, 89, 100, 129, 148.

Water-Thrush, 90, 100, 129.

Louisiana, 90, 100, 129.

Waxwing, Cedar, 22, 50, 53, 56,
66, 89, 130.

Weed, Clarence M., Review of
his “The food of the Myrtle
Warbler,” 33; “The mis-
sion of the birds,’ 76; “The
bird calendar,” 111.

Whippoorwill, 84, 100.

Widgeon, European, 71.

Wilsonia canadensis, 91.

mitrata, 91.
pusilla, 91.
pileolata, 67.

Woodcock, American, 8, 12, 81,
99.

Woodcock, A. R., Review of his
“Annotated list of the birds
of Oregon,’ 75.

Woodpecker, Downy, 14, 19, 49,
Rte eA alax0), Ile,

Gairdner, 63.
Hairy, 19, 49, 53, 55, 84, 128,
130, 132%
Lewis, 63.
Northern Pileated,
84, 130.
Red-bellied, 14, 19, 21, 49, 58.
84, 130, 139.
Red-headed, 14, 18, 19, 44.
49, 84, 100, 128.
White-headed, 63.
Wren, Bewick, 86, 91, 131, 140.
Carolina, 20, 50, 52, 75, Qi
124,

14, 67,

at)
tol,

Index to Volume IX. Xi

House, 91, 100,
UR IB).
Long-billed Marsh, 92, 100.
129.
Rock, 67.
Short-billed Marsh, 92, 100
Tule, 67.
Western House, 67.
Winter, 51, 67, 91, 129, 131,
132.
Xenopicus albolarvatus, 63.
Yellow-legs, 8, 82, 143.

103, 122.

Greater, 61, 82, 100, 1438.
Yellow-throat, Maryland, 91,
100, 104, 129.
Western, 66.
Zamelodia ludoviciana, 88.
melanocephala, 66.
Zenaidura macroura, 13, 62, 82,
130, 137, 139.
Zonotrichia albicollis, 87, 131.
leucophrys, 15, 87, 131.
gambellii, 65.

OLD SERIES Vol. XIV. NEW SERIES Vol. IX. No. 1

Ro, 38

thological Chapter of the Agassiz

Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES
MARCH, 1902

OBERLIN, OHIO.

Z STLARS ht MORAN
toa: iN Ui i
i}

: Entered as second-class mail matter at the Fostoffice at Oberlin Ohio. 7

an
ale
eet

4} TheVilsonBuletin

a : Published Quarterly by the Wilson Orni- _| i: vi :

aie

Sul

CONTENTS.

The Rock Nuthatch and Its Nest. H.C. TRACY . 1
Pelicans of Tampa Bay. JOHN W.DANIEL,JR. . . 5
- Food Habits of the Wilson Snipe. BENjJ. T. GAULT 7.

Notes on Some Winter Birds of Arkansas.
N. HOLLISTER Ke)

Os Song Sparrow’s Nest. BENJ. T. GAULT : 15
A Columbus Mid-winter Horizon. W. LEON Dawson 26
Notes:

Migration of Bluebirds 4 Sn 2

Some Winter Records for Lorain Cima Ohio a Aee

A Fanuary Chewink . : 2 ; ms
Some Franklinville Fringillines i Beene so)
Editorial : i BS
Election of Ofices : 5 29
Election of Members. : : : : 30
Least Terns—A Correction i : ; 30
Publications Received : . : 30

The Wilson Bulletin

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and
December by the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the
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eo
es

Nest of Rock Nuthatch, sitta syriaca, plastered to the rock face,
of mud, moistened with the bird’s saliva.

Wade,

PIESON BULLETIN

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
ORNITHOLOGY

VOIDS MARCH, 1902. IN©@. i,

ERO C NU TEALCE AND IfS NEST:
BNE wy (Ca DRIACY.

THE Rock Nutchatch,* best known as a Syrian bird, is
common as far north as the Black Sea coast, not far from
which the following observations were made. The bird is
ashy-grey above, with black lores (the stripe extending to
the mantle region); the ‘“‘impure white” of the under parts
changes to rust red on the belly and under tail-coverts. The
Rock Nuthatch is larger than the common European Nut-
hatch.

If the European bird is rightly named by the Germans,
Kleiber (maker of a mud-wall), the Syrian deserves not this
but a better title as an expert clay mixer and moulder.
When the climate is dry and fairly warm, an adobe house
is good enough for anybody. The Rock Nuthatch found
this out long ago. Given a little hollow place in a wall of
rock, facing the sun, he will fit over it a cap of mortar so
firm, so fast to the rock, that neither wind, nor rain, nor
creeping thing can break it down till long after he is through

*Given in Brehm as Sitta neumayeri (S. syriaca, saxitalis, references,
etc., of other authorities). Brehm’s Thier Leben, Vol. II., p. 560.

Left-hand figure: Nest of Red-bellied Nuthatch, Sitta
canadensis, cut out clean, but with pitch from pine plas-
tered above and below hole.

Right-hand figure: Nest of Kuropean Nuthatch, Sitta
cesia. A natural cavity or woodpecker’s nest plastered up
with mud.

The Rock Nuthatch and Its Nest. 3

with it. The material is fine clay mixed with plant fibers—
incomparably better than ordinary adobe for strength and
endurance—so well packed that when dry a stiff knife blade
must be used to cut through the inch wall. The outer base
of the nest is ten or twelve inches in diameter. The hori-
zontal funnel-shaped entrance is protruded about three inches
beyond the domed face, and is, of course, just large enough
to admit the body of the bird. The nest is naturally as in-
conspicuous as the ashy-colored Nuthatch on his grey lime-
stone hunting ground, but he sometimes boldly adorns it
with trophies of the chase in the shape of bright red wings
of moths attached while the plaster was fresh.

1. Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis. Natural size.
2. EKuropean Nuthatch, Sitta cwsia. Natural size.
3. Rock Nuthatch, Sitta syriaca. Natural size.

The following description® of the common European Nut-
hatch and his nesting habits will serve for comparison:

“The nest always occupies a hollow; regularly in a tree
cavity, exceptionally in crannies of walls or rocks. The wise
bird is glad to make use of the timber-fashioned dwelling of
the master woodpecker for his baby cradle, but does not per-
mit the door of his dwelling to be larger than is necessary
for himself; and to that end he adopts a highly ingenious

*Translated from Brehm’s Thier Leben, Vol. II., p. 559.

4 The Wilson Bulletin.

expedient, viz.: to wall up the entrance to his nest, reduc-
ing it to a small hole, just large enough for him to slip in
and out of. ‘This,’ reports my father, ‘is done with clay
or other viscuous earth which, as in the nests of swallows,
is moistened, bound and held together with a glutinous
saliva. The walling up of the nest cavity soon comes to an
end, as he carries lump after lump of clay in his bill, moist-
ens it all over, and sticks it fast in its place. It is just as if
a little mason, to lock or obstruct a door, was laying in and
making fast one stone after another.’

“This clay wall is two and more centimeters in thickness,
and when dry is so firm that it cannot be broken out with
the finger, but a chisel must be used if one would burst it.
The entrance hole, which is always in the middle of the
wall, is circular, and so narrow that a Nuthatch can scarcely
creep through. Once let the nest be finished, it is safe from
all animal marauders. Only the woodpeckers have the abil-
ity to demolish it, and they do so when the nest-hole has
been taken from them by a Nuthatch.”

The only parallel habit in the American Nuthatches—if,
indeed, it is to be compared with mud-daubing—is that of
the Red-bellied Nuthatch, who puts a patch of pine turpen-
tine above and below his nest-hole. The nests of the Euro-
pean Nuthatch found, as quoted above, regularly in tree
Cavities, sometimes in rock-crannies, grade naturally into
those of the rock-nesting species; but the latter are the bet-
ter developed—completely so, in fact, for there is apparently
no room for improvement. Whether the tree-nesting spe-
cies have degenerated from the perfected clay workers, or only
indicate the path along which the latter reached their pres-
ent habits, is a question that is interesting, and very possi-
bly might be answered by those who have more data than
the writer. The natural supposition is that the nuthatches
are originally birds of the woods, and that where timber was
scarce some took to life on the rocky ledges, there learning
gradually to build the form of nest best adapted to their en-
vironment.

Pelicans of Tampa Bay. 5

However he came to be the clever fellow that he is, the
shy rock-clamberer, with his sprightly manners and clear,
ringing trill, is sure to be a favorite with every one that
makes his acquaintance.

PS iC ANS Ol vei Ar yn Ve

BY JOHN W. DANIEL, JR.

BROWN PELICANS (Pelecanus fuscus) are still to be found
in fair numbers along the coast of Florida, in spite of
the decimating influences with which they have to cope.
Although awkward, ungainly birds, one observing them for
the first time in their native haunts, is likely to become in-
terested at once in their characteristically peculiar maneuvres
while fishing, diving and soaring. Most of the time their
movements are heavy and clumsy, though often extremely
graceful, and at times ludicrous. .

During December, 1898, while on my way to Cuba, I
stopped for a couple of days at Port Tampa, Florida. I
had very good opportunities for studying the pelicans, which
were abundant in the bay. The first pelicans seen were
noticed about dawn, the morning of my arrival, perched upon
a series of posts, the remains of an old pier which extended
parallel with the shore, about seventy-five yards out from
the water line. Upon each post sat a pelican, dimly out-
lined in the early light. They had probably spent the night
perched upon these posts. Later, as the light became
stronger, the birds began flying about the bay. Other peli-
cans joined them, arriving from north and south, until there
were at least a hundred individuals present in the neighbor-
hood. Nearly all were intent upon fishing. They flew over
the bay in all directions, at the height of from ten to forty
feet, scanning the surface for fish. Their flight while fish-

6 The Wilson Bulletin.

ing appeared heavy and labored; and the act of catching a
fish, by dropping down upon it from above, is so very awk-
ward and heavy that one would expect to see grief come to
the bird rather than to the fish. Flying above the water,
say at thirty feet, a pelican seeing a fish on the surface be-
low, literally falls, with dangling wings, down upon its prey
below, not after the manner of a tern or gull, but with sheer
abandon and main force, frequently turning a complete som-
ersault in the effort. Such a heavy fall would doubtless re-
sult in broken bones were it not for the fact that the birds
invariably strike the water upon their breasts, which, being
provided with a heavy padding of cellular tissue, afford the
necessary protection. Apparently the pelicans seldom failed
to secure fish when making these “‘falls,”’ the resulting thuds
of which could be heard at the distance of several hundred
yards, the water being struck with such force that it seems
probable, in some cases, that the fish are stunned thereby,
rendering capture easy. Upon reaching the water, the div-
ing pelican at once begins scooping about with its capacious
pouch for the fish. A muscular lunge forward of the neck
seems to extend the sides of the lower mandible, the skin
of the pouch being stretched to its fullest capacity to form
a natural scoop net. When a pelican secures a fish in its
pouch or between its mandibles, the head of the bird is
thrown backward, the bill pointing upward, and with a strug-
gling, twisting movement of the neck, as if with great effort,
the fish is swallowed. The water which is scooped up along
with the fish apparently remains in the pouch, and does not
stream out at the corners of the bird’s mouth, as stated by
some writers. It flows out at the point of the bill when the
head is inclined downward again, after the fish is swallowed.
When searching for fish, the pelicans did not hover above
the water, but flew slowly and awkwardly about, executing
the tumbling dive or ‘fall’? when the fish were sighted be-
low them.

~ At the Port Tampa Hotel the water line comes up to the
kitchen, which is raised above the water by posts, upon a

Food Habits of the Wilson Snipe. Ti

sort of platform. The cooks throw scraps of fish and other
refuse out upon the water, and the pelicans gather in flocks
about the kitchen to secure this food. They had become so
tame that while feeding upon the scraps they would allow
one to approach within ten or fifteen feet. It was an odd
sight to see this flock of wild pelicans, at such close quar-
ters, scrambling and tussling over the food. There was
much competition among them, and the younger and quicker
birds seemed to get most of the scraps, while the heavier and
older birds took whatever they could secure in the hurry and
bustle which occurred when a fresh can of scraps was thrown
in the water. Having finished the scaps, the pelicans would
fly far out in the bay, there to rest upon the water and bathe.
Some, apparently for pleasure only, would rise high in the
air, setting their wings and coming down in smooth, grace-
ful circles. Late in the afternoon, the greater part of the
Pelicans left the bay and disappeared up the coast line,
though a number of individuals were seen, at dusk, perched
upon the posts along the bay front, where they probably
lodged for the night.

HOOD HABITS OF THE WILSON SNIPE.
BY BENJ. T. GAULT.

ARE the feeding habits of the common “Jack,” or Wilson
Snipe (Gallinago delicata), so very well known?

Phchaw| lewis in) “ American’ Sportsman, sp. 197, in
speaking of the food and habits of this bird, remarks that
“their nourishment consists principally of worms and larve,
which, like woodcock, they extract from rich loamy soil by
boring into it with their long and slender bills.” ‘It was
formerly very generally believed by sportsmen, and others
who pretended to a knowledge of such matters, that snipe

8 The Wilson Bulletin.

as well as woodcock, support themselves by suction. This,
of course, is as erroneous in the one case as in the other.”’

Mr. Chapman (Handbook of Birds, p. 154), on authority
of Mr. Brewster, tells us that ‘‘two things are essential to
its requirements—ground so thoroughly water-soaked as to
afford slight resistance to its long and highly sensitive bill,
when probing, and such concealment as tussocks, hillocks,
or long grass afford; for, unlike the sandpipers, the snipe
rarely ventures out on bare mud-flats, save under cover of
darkness. Although less strictly nocturnal than woodcock,
it feeds and migrates chiefly by night or in thick weather.

It has been thought advisable, in this connection, to make
use of the foregoing quotations, that the remarks to follow
might be better understood, which, if new, may throw some
additional light upon a most interesting subject.

Our Glen Ellyn lake was unusually low and dry the past
season, in consequence of which the autumnal crop of wa-

”)

ders was considerably above the average.

Pectorals comprised the bulk, yet there were Solitaries,
some Spotted and not a few Least Sandpipers in the lot.
Also from two to three dozen Kildeer, both species of Yel-
low-legs, as well, coming in for a representation.

As if to add still further variety, the Great Blue and little
Green Herons contributed their stately presence, while swim-
mers and divers were accounted for in a flock of sixteen
Blue-winged Teal and half as many Dabchicks. It was a
busy gathering, to which the well-known “Jacks” added a
conspicuous feature during the early days of September.

Barring slight alterations, the several groups of birds in
feeding arranged themselves about the lake as follows: first,
the outer zone of sandpipers and Kildeer, which apparently
picked up a comfortable subsistence from beneath the re-
mains of algae found anywhere upon the flats; second, the
snipe in the muddier parts ; third, the ducks and herons of
the shallows adjoining; and finally the grebes, which
showed a marked preference for the deeper water of the
lake.

Food Habits of the Wilson Snipe. 9

The writer’s attention was first called to the Snipes, four
in number, September 1, when in company with a naturalist
friend, and with a good pair of field-glasses, I had the pleas-
ure of inspecting them at my leisure for some time, the
glasses proving a most indispensable article on this occasion.

In habits, as compared with Sandpipers, there is certainly
a marked distinction.

The Snipe seemed to select as special feeding grounds the
water line just bordering the flats, where the mud was soft
and into which they delighted in sinking their bills to the
fullest depth. And in withdrawing them they never elevat-
ed their necks in true sandpiper style. On the contrary they
kept their heads well ‘chucked down,” so to speak, and in
moving about from place to place, which they seldom did,
however, continued to hold them in the same fashion.

In some respects their probing methods resembled the
rooting of swine,—a simple, up and down and forward move-
ment, and if remembered rightly, without lateral twists or
side thrusts of any kind, and at times exposing fully one-
half of the bill.

Whether the Wilson Snipe actually do resort to the so-
called “suction” method of procuring their food, is a ques-
tion still undetermined in my mind. The glasses, however,
brought out the important information that the probing or
feeling movements of the bill were accompanied every now
and then with a guttural or swallowing motion of the throat,
which at times developed into a decided gulp, as though
large morsels of some kind were being taken down, and this
without the removal of the bill from the muck.

Writers allude to the Wilson Snipe as a bird of solitary
habits, yet my observations, in this case, led me to think
otherwise. On the other hand, they appeared to greatly en-
joy each other’s company ; and to the extent of causing one
to think that possibly they were of one and the same brood,
—a conjecture doubtless true.

These interesting birds were observed daily for over a
week, their fondness for each other being manifested on all

10 The Wilson Bulletin.

occasions. Once I came suddenly upon two of them to-
gether, standing side by side, their bills pointing in one
way. They crouched, or squatted, when they saw me, and
presently took to wing, but made no sound of any kind or
indulged in the customary zigzag flight. They evidently
felt settled or had not approached the wild and erratic state.

But shortly after this my observations had ceased, owing”
to the changed conditions brought about by ‘the man with
the gun”; and on September 1oth the last snipe was seen.

In summarizing the foregoing, we observe: First—That
the Wilson Snipe occasionally resorts to open mud-flats, un-
mindful of the cover of darkness, and that its stay is gov-
erned by the supply of food; second, it feeds at all hours of
the day ; third, the “suction” theory of procuring its food,
however erroneous it may now seem, really has reasons for
some foundation.

NOTES ON THE WINTER BIRDS OF ARICA SS:
BY N. HOLLISTER.

THE following fragmentary notes on the winter birds of
Arkansas are taken from my notes and collections made on
three hunting trips in Lonoke, Prairie, and Arkansas coun-
ties during the greater part of January and November, 1899,
and November, 1900. The part of the state comprising
these three counties includes Grand and White River Prair-
ies, large tracts of well-grassed open country, dotted here
and there with patches of timber, principally oak, gum, hick-
ory, etc., of varying acreage, from the scattering persimmon
clumps and ‘“slashings”’ to the larger “islands” of wood
and vast forests and cypress swamps bordering the prairies
and extending for many miles; still almost unbroken and
affording shelter and range for deer, bear, turkeys, wild cats,
and an occasional panther.

Notes on the Winter Birds of Arkansas. II

Except for Grand Prairie itself, the country included is
well watered, being crossed or bordered by the Arkansas
and White rivers, Big and Little LaGrue and Bayou Meto,
all of which are fed by many a creek and bayou of varying
size. During our first visit in January, 1899, we were blest
with rather an oversupply of dampness. The rainfall
throughout our stay was something terrific, and after a
week’s soaking in camp on the White River, near Crockett’s
Bluff, during which time the rain did not cease for a single
hour, we were driven back to town and had to content our-
selves with short drives from Stuttgart, where we had made
our headquarters. During the two latter trips, however, the
weather was simply perfect and we enjoyed many little ex-
cursions from town in all directions, of from one to four or
five days’ duration.

Most of the following ornithological observations were
made in Arkansas county, but several times we made trips
extending north into Prairie and Lonoke counties. Nothing
one could possibly say would begin to overrate the kindness,
hospitality, and attention the residents of this district ex-
tended to us—perfect strangers as we were. Southern hos-
pitality is proverbial, and no visitor to the prairie regions of
Arkansas will find reason to have his faith in it lessened in
the least.

Although the number of species found here at this season
of the year is, of course, not large, it must not be imagined
that in the list as here given any attempt at completeness
is considered.

Anas boschas. MALLARD. Very abundant. The mal-
lard is the wild duck of this country and, if the rainfall is
sufficient, is everywhere. They fly in and out among the
trees, alighting in the timber wherever the water remains on
the ground, and feed on the ‘‘mast”’ (soaked acorns, etc.),
which supplies them with an abundance of food. In Janu-
ary they were all very thin—so much so that they were
really unfit to shoot. At that time I noted a bunch, on the
depot platform, of fourteen dozen birds, the result of one

12 The Wilson Bulletin.

and one-half days’ shooting by two market hunters, and not
one bird in the bunch but would be called a “crip” by a
Northern or Western sportsman, so emaciated was their
condition. In November, however, they are in most excel-
lent shape and equal in weight to a Minnesota or Wiscon-
sin ‘‘corn-fed”’ mallard.

Mareca americana. BALD-PATE. A very few seen in the
bags of the market shooters.

Nettion carolinensis. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. A few seen
in January in the bags of market hunters.

Dafila acuta. PINTAIL. A few seen in January.

Aix sponsa.s Woop Duck. Next to the mallard the
commonest duck observed on the Bayou Meto in Novem-
ber, 1899. Found anywhere in oak timber, miles from any
stream. It seems odd to flush ducks from the tree-tops
when quail shooting.

Branta canadensis. CANADA GOOSE. All the geese seen
wild were evidently typical canadensts—one killed in Janu-
ary certainly was.

Branta canadensis hutchinsiii IZUTCHIN’S GOOSE. Two
captive geese in the possession of parties in Stuttgart,
winged the year before our first visit, are among the small-
est geese I have ever seen, and are typical hutchinszz.

Rallus virginianus, VIRGINIA RAIL. One seen in Jan-
uary, 1899.

Philohela minor. Woopcock. Common in both Janu-
ary and November. Often found in the perfectly dry woods
miles from any water, while quail hunting.

Gallinago delicata. WILSON’S SNIPE. None seen in No-
vember, but common in January. The abundance of the
Jack Snipe depends entirely on the rainfall.

Aegialitis vocifera. KILLDEER. Common. January and
November.

Colinus virginianus. BOB-WHITE. Nowhere that I have
ever hunted are the quail so abundant as they are in these
counties. They are everywhere. It is a typical, a perfect
quail country, and with reasonable game laws they should

Notes on the Winter Birds of Arkansas. na

continue to thrive forever. The birds are small and dark as
compared with northern quail. Some specimens really re-
mind one very much of the Florida birds. Their habit of
treeing very easily and their short lowering flight at times
bring to mind the little ““Bob’ of the Florida woods. They
are strongly inclined to melanism. One specimen has a per-
fect jet-black throat-patch. Careful measurement of length
in a large series gives the following results :—

cf ©
JL-AV ACRES CaN at NM aD ear ere 9.90 10.20
SIMBIOS, co cha een Berea ae 9.00 9.00
ANAT Oa a ae a 9.66 9.72

Average length of wing is g¢ 4.39, 9 4.38. The bills of a
large per cent. are entirely jet black.

Tympanuchus americanus. PRAIRIE HEN. The prairie
chickens were very common on all the open prairies during
our first two visits, but seem to have sadly suffered from too
persistent hunting. The sportsmen from Memphis, Little
Rock, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, and even St. Louis, flock
here on the opening day (Sept. 1), and the range being com-
paratively small, this rather isolated colony of America’s
finest game-bird seems almost threatened with extinction in
the near future. The opening date for shooting should evi-
dently be much later in the season to afford much protec-
tion for the game.

Meleagris gallopavo fera. WILD TURKEY. Still fairly
common. A good many were killed in November, 1900.

Zenaidura macroura,. MOURNING DOVE. Common all
winter.

Cathartes aura. TURKEY VULTURE. Abundant.

Circus hudsonius. MARSH HAwk. Common.

Buteo borealis. RED-TAILED HAWK. Some of the Red-
tails were evidently typical dorealts. Common.

Buteo borealis harlani. HARLAN’S Hawk. I take it that
this race is fairly common here; some specimens shot, at
least, were typical.

14 The Wilson Bulletin.

Buteo lineatus. RED - SHOULDERED HAwk. Tolerably
common. This is preéminently a ‘‘hawk country.”

Haliaeetus leucocephalus. BALD EAGLE. A few.

Faleo sparverius. AMERICAN SPARROW HAWK. Very
common.

Asio wilsonianus. AMERICAN LONG-EARED OWL. Com-
mon.

Asio accipitrinus. SHORT-EARED OWL. A few.

Syrnium nebulosum. BARRED OWL. Common.

Megascops asio. SCREECH OWL. Tolerably common.

Ceryle alcyon. BELTED KINGFISHER. Common.

Dryobates pubescens medianus. DOWNY WOODPECKER.
Common. Although no specimens were made up, it is
probable they are of this race.

Ceophloeus pileatus. PILEATED WOODPECKER. Com-
mon in the heavily wooded part of Arkansas county border-
ing the lower Bayou Meto. I have had several in one tree
directly over me. Only a few in other parts of the county,
although I took one specimen almost in the very city limits
of Stuttgart. They are all of the southern race.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER.
Very common. In November the young are one of the
commonest of birds.

Melanerpes carolinus. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Com-
mon.

Colaptes auratus luteus. NORTHERN FLICKER. Abun-
dant.

Cyanocitta cristata. BLUE JAY. Abundant.

Corvus americanus. AMERICAN CRow. Not common—
only a few seen.

Agelaius phoeniceus. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Abun-
dant.

Sturnella magna. MEADOWLARK. Abundant.

Scolecophagus carolinus. RUSTY BLACKBIRD. Common.
_ Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. BREWER’S BLACKBIRD.
A few seen along the prairie roadsides in company with the
last.

A Song Sparrow’s Nest. 15

Zonotrichia leucophrys. _WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. A
few observed in January.

Spizella pusilla. FIELD SPARROW. Very abundant in
November.

Junco hyemalis. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. Abundant.

Melospiza melodia. SONG SPARROW. Abundant.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus. TOWHEE. Common.

Cardinalis cardinalis, CARDINAL. Common.

Lanius ludovicianus. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. Common.

Dendroica coronata. MYRTLE WARBLER. Very abun-
dant all of November.

Mimus polyglottos. MOCKINGBIRD. Common, more so
in November than in January.

Parus bicolor. TUFTED TITMOUSE. Common in heavy
woods about Bayou Meto.

‘Hylocichla aonalaschkae pallasiiij HERMIT THRUSH. A
few in November and also in January.

Merula migratoria. AMERICAN ROBIN. Common in ro-
ving flocks. Sometimes abundant and again not to be
found at all.

Sialia sialis. BLUEBIRD. A few.

SONG ol ARROWS INE Sy.
BY BEN ta GA Wie.

THE following recorded happenings to a Song Sparrow’s
nest found on our place, during the season of 1900, may be
of interest and perhaps worthy of repetition here.

June 17.—I discovered a Song Sparrow’s nest in one of
our gooseberry bushes; it contained four young sparrows
and one young Cowbird—all but a few days old.

June 19.—Examined the nest again and found one of the
young sparrows hanging to the bush, just below the nest,
dead. It had been crowded out.

16 ; The Wilson Bulletin.

Same day I removed the young Cowbird, killed it, and
made a skin of it. .

June 21.—Three young sparrows doing nicely.

June 25.—Young had left the nest and were in care of
parents.

July to.
slight repairs being made on the inside, and now contains
four eggs. One of the birds sitting closely and loth to leave

Same nest reoccupied by the same pair of birds,

the nest.

July 15.—Nest contains three young and one unhatched
egg. Eyes of young birds not open. One young apparent-
ly hatched to-day.

July 18.—Young sparrows getting their eyes open. Fourth
egg did not hatch.

July 22.—Sparrow’s nest robbed and demolished, but a
slight trace of it being left. Possibly the work of some
prowling cat.

The feature in this instance was the rearing of one and the
hatching of another brood in the same nest by the same
pair of birds the same season. Such an occurrence is not a
common one, according to my experience, although I have
known of Robins doing a similar thing.

A COLUMBUS MID-WINTER HORIZON.
“BY W. LEON DAWSON.

THERE were big doings in town today. A governor, or
somebody, was to be inaugurated. Brass bands crashed,
militiamen marched and counter-marched, officers of the day
strutted and bawled orders, while Masonic grandees waved
gorgeous plumes from top-heavy headgear (they tell me),
and hoz pollot enjoyed themselves generally. I wasn’t

there. I’d rather see a squad of Towhees or an aerial proces-

A Columbus Mid-winter Horizon. 107,

sion of Blue Jays than a gubernatorial staff under full sail.
The governor—dear man, the one sober, modest, capable per-
son in all the chaos of regalia, and noise, and aspiration—he
didn’t miss me, much. Excited by reports of a winter bird
paradise off north-east, I set out at 9 a. m.,in spite of a brisk
north wind and threatening snow, at a temperature of 21°
Fahr. Arrayed in two sweaters and an incommunicable
number of trousers, I was determined to hold carnival with
the birds. I took oath to report them faithfully, and their
silent admiration was as flattering to my appreciative soul as
the applause of the gaping crowds down town could possi-
bly have been to his excellency.

A romantic little ravine opening to the east off North
High street proved to be all that my father had reported it
in point of scenic interest. If one can fancy himself reduced
to the dimensions of a squirrel or a Cardinal, the rugged out-
lines of the shale banks sustain the illusion of a wild gorge
in the mountains. The ‘‘run” winds about, too, in most de-
lightful fashion; so that as one rests in the last covert, near
the head, preparatory to emerging upon ¢erra plana, one
may fancy that he has come a half day’s journey in that half
mile, so perfectly has every feature of illusion been rendered
in minature.

As | paused near the ravine’s head to note a few common-
places,a Migrant Shrike rose from the ground of a briar tan-
gle hardby and settled near. He was visibly annoyed at the
intrusion; but I did not care for that until I had settled that
he bore no mark of vermiculation and was to all appearance
veritable mzgrans. He drew away reluctantly, and the cause
of his regret was manifest in a half-eaten English Sparrow
which he had purloined from a nearby gamin roost. Eat
thy fill, O Lanius, of our toothsome English friends. Let
thy conscience rest until some fledgling reformer, suffering
from ornithological strabismus announces a better use for
them.

A ten-acre wood lot abutting upon three North Broadway
back-yards (unusually, but gratefully plebeian as to manure

18 | The Wilson Bulletin.

piles and such) proved to be a genuine mid-winter paradise.
Scarcely had I set foot within its precincts when I lighted
on a heavy blackberry tangle, as being the probable rendez-
vous of Towhee. Sure enough Pzpzlo erythrophthalmus
erythrophthalmus (a la Ridgway) was there. He sprang out
of cover and shouted ‘‘Marie!”” in good-natured pretense of
dudgeon, while he settled his black cap over his ears and
adjusted his tawny fur cape about his immaculate front. I
did not go through that blackberry patch. The Shrikes
would have been licking my giblets off the briars for a week
if I had persisted. Three Towhees rewarded my several
feints, and I was content to take the rest on faith.

The woods were alive with birds. Even when a light
snow blew horizontally through the trees, Red-heads scolded
and hammered, Flickers flashed their golden wings from tree
to tree, or probed the ground; while Blue Jay, ubiquitous
Blue Jay—there were forty of him at the least—reveled in
the general hubbub.

An unusual din in which Blue Jay’s voice predominated
led me to the north-west corner of the wood. The center
of attraction proved to be a certain hole, or crevice, about
twenty-five feet high in an ash tree. The Blue Jays retreated
as I advanced to the shelter of a commanding tree-bole; but
the rest of the birds held their ground. I watched while
Red-headed Woodpeckers took turns peeping into the hole
and shuddering. Once a Red-head yelled ‘‘Ouch!” and
jumped a yard or more. Chickadees clamored, ‘Let-me-
see! lLet-me-see!’ while Titmice sputteredy thenindrona-
tion. A pair of White-breasted Nuthatches inspected the
locality minutely. One murmurnd, ‘Horrible! the hypo-
critical old cut-throat!’ And the woods quaked and shiv-
ered assent.

Of course I knew what was up and I came forward to take
a hand in the game. A couple of smart raps from a stick
brought a weary and somnolent Screech Owl to the mouth
of the hole. He blinked aimlessly about and sank back.
Wells wthought, a chess slow, iol go up and interview

A Columbus Mid-winter Horizon. 19

gy

him.’ The tree was of considerable girth and almost bare
of limbs. I tried to keep an eye on the hole, but somehow,
when I got there, panting fiercely, the hole contained ‘‘noth-
ing but leaves.” Sir Owl had flitted, chuckling noiselessly
in his silken sleeve.

The wood yielded in all, to a cursory examination, six-
_ teen species of birds—and half the time it snowed. A
twenty-acre beech woods beyond was still more hastily
examined. It yielded additional Towhees, a troop of Car-
dinals, and a swarm of Juncoes.

The hawks, which were several times sighted, were be-
lieved to be Red-tails. Both were in winter plumage, and
diagnostic tests were hard to apply. One bird, seen at a
considerable distance, showed irregular blotches below on a
white ground. He was especially marked by a brilliant
white rump, and that in a light which made the color of the
tail itself uncertain. The other bird was uniformly light
below, save for black-tipped primaries and a dusky tail.

The grackle was discovered in a bush clump of an open, |
wind-swept wood lot. He kept well to himself and seemed
to be a little logy, though apparently sound of wing and
limb.

A wisp of Horned Larks, passing over, was quite likely
to have contained, or to have deen, Prairie Horned; but I
count only the more probable species in a record hunt.

The commonest bird in all Ohio during the winter months,
Tree Sparrow, was the last to show up. When I had my
old high water mark of twenty-two species in my note book,
I searched high and low for the missing bird. At last he
quavered hospitably from the densities of a weed thicket,
but I declined his invitation to tarry. Twenty-three species
in one day breaks my winter record. Let us hear from the
next man.

The horizon for the four hour trip follows:

Red-tailed Hawk, 2. Downy Woodpecker.
Screech Owl. Red-headed Woodpecker.
Hairy Woodpecker. Red-bellied Woodpecker.

20 The Wilson Bulletin.
Flicker. Cardinal.
Horned Lark. Migrant Shrike.
Crow. Carolina Wren.
Blue Jay. Brown Creeper.
Bronzed Grackle. White-breasted Nuthatch.
Junco. Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1.
Tree Sparrow. Tufted Titmouse.
Towhee. Chickadee.
Song Sparrow.
Columbus, Jan. 13, 1902.
NOTES.

MIGRATION OF BLUEBIRDS.—In several different sections
of Montgomery and Delaware counties, Pa., on November
the 12th, 13th and 14th, I observed large numbers of Blue-
birds (Szalza stalis).
many flights, varying, I should say, from a half-dozen to fif-
teen or twenty birds in-each flight, and the general direction
taken by all was southward.

On each of the days mentioned seeing

The predominant weather dur-
ing this time was clear and cold, and the prevailing winds
were from the north-west. I never before noted such an ex-
tensive migration of these birds.
numbers of Robins were reported in migration in the East-
ern United States,which I observed in this region, and think-
ing the present Bluebird migration might be likewise noted
in other sections, leads me to report this little bit of migra-
tion data; although the present migration of Bluebirds, as
I observed it, was not so extensive as that of the Robins.—
W..E. ROTEL, M. D., Narberth, Pa:

A few\years ago large

SOME WINTER RECORDS FOR LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.—
Never since the writer began studying the birds of this
county, eleven years ago, has a winter been so fruitful in
surprises as the present one. Until the 14th of December

Notes. 21

there was nothing in the weather to prevent our hardier birds
from remaining with us, nor anything to drive those south-
ward which remain well northward by preference. On the
14th the storm which had been raging in the north and west
came down upon us in the shape of dust snow, with rapidly
falling temperature. On the day before, indeed as late as
It o'clock, the temperature was above 70°. The fine snow
penetrated almost like spray, leaving nothing uncovered.
For the next eight days the temperature scarcely rose above
zero even during the day. The snow-covered land offered
but poor living for the beasts and birds that chose to re-
main. Some birds came to us from the north, and some
which should have gone south remained. The mild weather
which followed afforded such relief that all remained until
now. The records which follow are those most worthy of
notice.

Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis.) Hitherto the Cardinals
have been well distributed in the river gorges and heavier
woods, two or three in a place in company with the other
winter troops. This winter they seem to have a community
of interests, and must be looked for in special places only
and in considerable numbers. Thus far we have discovered
but two companies, one of 14 and one of 19 individuals.

Old-squaw (//arelda hyemalis). To my knowledge this
is the second winter record for this duck for this county.
The cold weather did not continue long enough to cover
the lake with ice, so this species and the American and Red-
breasted Mergansers were able to find food enough without
going further south.

Brown Creeper (Certhia familiarts fusca). The several
records for the present winter, with those of previous win-
ters, establishes this species as a regular winter resident. It
is not common, but may be found in twos and threes in
favorable places.

Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sztta canadensis). Like the pre-
ceding species, the experiences of this winter make it cer-
tain that this bird winters regularly in our county in small

22 The Wileon Sulla.

numbers. It is not wholly confined to the river gorges, but
is more certain to be found there than in the woods away
from them.

White-winged Crossbill (Loria leucoptera). 1 am de-
lighted to record this species for the county this winter.
There is a previous record, but it is my first experience with
this bird of the frozen north. An even half dozen were
found feeding upon the cones of the hemlocks which bor-
der one of the most picturesque glens of the county. A
second visit to the same place resulted in further study of
these erratic birds. Their notes and songs once heard could
not be forgotten nor confused with any other of our winter
birds. The general trend of the song is toward that of our
Goldfinch, but it is louder and more forceful. The strong
call, ‘‘weet! weet!’ closely resembles that Goldfinch note,
but the gutteral “ch-r-r-r,’ while flying, is distinctively
crossbillian. While feeding there was a soft conversational
chatter.

Canadian Pine Grosbeak (P2n7cola enuncleator canadensis).
The eleven year search for this interesting bird was rewarded
on the first day of the new year. In company with 45 Cedar
Waxwings he was dining upon the berries of the red cedar
on Vermillion river. The peculiar little whistled alarm,—half
song, half alarm—is unlike anything any other bird tries to
do. All of these extreme northern birds have a sort of per-
sonality not shared by our more southern species. It is, per-
haps, best illustrated by the difference between a fish in the
warm waters of the summer and the same fish in the icy
waters of mid-winter. They are that compacted energy
which sets our blood tingling before we know it.

Pine Siskin (Sfzuws pinus). The Pine Siskin should not
be a rare bird in this county, but the paucity of records for
the past half dozen years makes any record of it seem un-
usual. On January 7, 1902, when I visited the glen where
the White-winged Crossbills were first seen, with the four
which were there on the seventh was a company of Pine
Siskins, feeding in the same trees, and chattering noisily. I

Some Franklinville Fringillines. 23

counted fourteen of them, but probably missed some, be-
cause they were very wary, not permitting a close approach.
LYNDS JONES.

A January Chewink (P7pzlo erythrophthalmus). To-day,
January 26, 1902, I observed a Chewink in company with a
flock of Slate-colored Juncos and Tree Sparrows. I have
noticed the abundance, or rather the great number of Blue
Jays this winter; also the six or eight Red-headed Wood-
peckers which have remained in one section of a woods.
Last fall I was unable to identify the dusky headed ones
until Dr. C. C. Abbott straightened me out by informing
me that they were the immature Red-heads. I recorded
fifteen species during the walk, the best I have done for a
long while. TuHos. D. KEIM.

Wissahickon, Philadelphia.

SOME FRANKLINVILLE FRINGILLINES.

[ With apologies to Bro. R. R., who is, after all, a very good fellow. |

FRANKLINVILLE, O., Jan. 16, 1902.

DEAR MR. EpitTor: Thinking your readers might be in-
terested in a contribution from an humble fringillologist, I
append a sample horizon for publication in the twentieth
(current) volume of the Ancient Murrelet. .

Realizing many years ago the utter futility of trying to
compass the whole field of ornithology, I settled upon the
Fringillide for special work. This was not so hopeless an
undertaking in the crude days of the Trinomialists, some
twenty years since; but now that science has made such
colossal strides, numbering, as it does, the sub-subter-sub,
and infra-subter-sub-species of sparrows in America alone
by the thousands, I find myself obliged to confine my atten-
tion to the reporting of a winter’s day, and a very cold one
at that.

24 The Wilson Bulletin.

Horizon taken on six-mile trip north of the village; 6 A.
M.—6 P. M.; temperature 0° Fahr.; wind N.W.; sky over-
cast.

1. Funco hyemalis hyemalts ohtoensts pejunus.

2. Funco hyemalis hyemalis ohtoensts circumspectus.

The Ohio Hungry Juncos are to be found, commonly, in
farmers’ back-yards and about hay-stacks in cold weather;
while the Ohio Wary Junco keeps to the woods and flees
incontinently upon human approach.

3. Sprzella monticola monticola monticola soltiarta.

4. Spizella monticola monticola monticola sporophila.

5. Sprsella monticola monticola monticola rara.

The local Tree Sparrows divide themselves naturally into
three groups: those which are seen only occasionally (S. 7.
m.m. vara); those which when seen scatter readily and take
to the trees (S. m. m. m. solitarta), and those which feed
sociably in weed pastures and have royal good times together
(S. m2. m. it. sporophila). It is comparatively easy to classify
these birds, since Whichway’s excellent ‘‘Monograph of the
Spizellz”’ set us the example of taking account of mental
and social traits in taxonomy.

6. Melospiza cinerea melodia indigena brushpilet.

7. Melospiza cinerea melodia tndigena cattatlswampt.

We are to be congratulated upon the sensible introduc-
tion of Latinized Americanisms in modern nomenclature.
The dead languages were becoming unpresentably thread-
bare some dozen years ago.

Besides being readily separable on the ground of habitat,
these birds are further distinguished by certain physical char-
acters. For instance, the ‘mummy brown” of the pileum
of W.c. m. 2. brushpilet is quickly referable to the complex-
ion of Rameses II.; while that of 7. c. m. 2. cattatlswampt
takes us back to somewhere in the Third Dynasty. The
“broccoli brown,” too, of drushpzlet’s middle rectrices is
that of cabbage raised on high, open ground, while that of
cattatlswampe corresponds to the particular shade of the suc-
culent vegetable when grown in muck—as we should expect.

Some Franklinville Fringillines. 25

8. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus erythroph-
thalmus erythrophthalmus.

Although we have no other varieties the five Towhees
seen to-day were, curiously enough, of one infra-subter-sub-
species. In fact, they were all under the same blackberry
bush. Inasmuch as we are at the northern range of the
resident birds, we justly account them typical of the species.

9. Cardinalis cardinals cardinalis cardinalts cardinals.

To. Cardinalis cardinalts cardinalts ertensts jonestt

11. Cardinalis cardinals cardinals eriensis eastststert.

12. Cardinalis cardinalts cardinalis ertensts cedrimu-
crontensts.

13. Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalts ertensts chigoein-
Jestus.

14. Cardinalis cardinalts cardinalts ertensts semigravis-
vinocatawbe.

Besides typical C. c. c. c. cardinalis, which is the resident
form, I met a few of the many species driven back from the
Erie shore by recent severe storms.

Although not coming strictly within my line, I cannot for-
bear to mention the casual appearance of Lanzius ludovict-
anus migrans strongt wtlson-chaptert t-s-s-sp. nov. This
bird was frightened from a meal of Passer domesticus bras-
stcus gallicus execrabifis. It may be that his sanguinaceous
capistrum was due to that fact; but pending further investiga-
tion, I prefer to name him in honor of the immortal Chapter.

Faithfully yours, FRANKLIN.

The Wilson Bulletin. 26

THE WILSON BULLETIN.

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Living Birds.

Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz
Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.
Published by the Chapter at Oberlin, Ohio.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.
Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Firry CENTS a year, FIFTEEN CENTS a num-
ber, postage paid.
Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, S1xty-Fivz CEnTs a year, TWENTY
CENTS a number.
Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank L. Burns, Ber-
wyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 O street, N.W., Washington, D. C.

EDITORIAL.

A decade has passed since the organization of the correspond-
ing Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association
on a basis of co-operative study of the life histories of our birds.
The results attained have proved that the scheme of co-operative
study is practicable and profitable, and the publication of the re-
sults have proved an incentive to many outside the Chapter to
enter the field for active service. We have reason to be proud of
our record.

From the first we have stood boldly for the study of life histo-
ries as a legitimate part of scientific ornithology as opposed to
the purely popular. Because we have chosen, usually, to use the
vernacular rather than the scientific names of the birds, and have
aspired to some degree of literary form in expression, it does
not therefore follow that we have been unscientific in method.
The results have proved the contrary. Technical language has
its legitimate place, but we hold that it is not an essential to sei-
entific results. We must not be understood as opposed to syste-
matic and structural ornithology. On the contrary, we are hearti-
ly in sympathy with the effort to fashion a stable system of clas-
sification. But thatisnotour field. Systematic ornithology must

Editorial. Bo

necessarily very largely deal with the dead bird. Our chief con-
cern is with the living bird.

The systematist of today cannot do his work accurately with-
out a great amount of material at his disposal, which involves
large collections of skins and bodies. Such collections are com-
ing more and more to be brought into certain centers which are
readily available to the comparatively few who are best trained
to do that sort of work. This is as it should be. Let me reiter-
ate, then, that this is not our field. We have neither the mate-
rial nor the training to pursue this line of investigation. But the
ten years of work which we have done has raised up those who
are well fitted to conduct investigations in the line of life histo-
ries, and to search out general ecological problems. Here lies
our strength. Here we have proved ourselves. We must push
the work already so well begun if we hope to reap its certain
fruitage.

The calendar winter is now past, and with it the season of stag-
nation in bird study for many of us. As the spring draws on
interest awakens, calling for special effort in bird study. It
seems too bad that this awakened interest and study should fail
to count for much year after year, simply because it stands for
individual study only. By combining our efforts upon the March
migrations we should be able to make the work tell something.
The migrations are generally so scattering, and the birds there-
fore so prominent when they do come, that comparatively little
difficulty is met in recording each species when it arrives. Can
we not give unusual heed to the migrations for this present March,
noting the first arrivals and their numbers, and the increase in
numbers of each of the several species as the days pass? Note,
also, when the females come, if that is possible, and any move-
ments northward of those species which have come down from
the north to spend the winter with us. Can we not make this a
month when the number of individuals of each species shall be
counted and recorded upon each trip into the fields and woods?
There is no better way to learn the birds than to make a count of
the individuals seen every time thatis possible. If you will send
your notes to the editor, early in April, they will be worked into
a report for the June number.

There are several lines of work which have been begun but
never completed, for one reason or another. Two of these, at
least, were too large subjects for the equipment which we had.
The members engaged in the direction of these studies have been
lost track of, so that work cannot be carried to completion. There

28 The Wilson Bulletin.

is one line of study, however, which was worked into a final re-
port, which needs further attention. That is the report upon the
Warbler Songs. Much has been learned about some of the spe-
cies not then known, and no doubt the interest which that report
awakened has led to a more general study of warbler songs than
ever before. We propose to pursue that study further, and solicit
notes from any person who has given the songs of the warblers
apy attention. Select your own method of representation, and
give your own interpretation. The only caution which needs to
be given is to be certain that you know your bird before you re-
cord its song as certainly belonging to a certain species. Such
notes placed in the hands of the editor will be thankfully received
and given careful attention at once, and finally will be worked
into a revised edition of Warbler Songs.

The present number of THE WILSON BULLETIN marks the be-
ginning of its ninth volume. Its pathway has not been strewn
with roses. Its beginning was small and worthy of little notice.
With the passing years it has grown into its own place asa maga-
zine of Ornithology with an individuality not shared by any other
bird magazine ever published. It has been the means by which
the Wilson Chapter has made known its steady policy of co-opera-
tion in the study of living birds, a policy which finds expression
in the many state organizations for the express purpose of care-
fully studying the birds of the state. We believe it is true that
these state organizations have grown out of the Wilson Chapter.
In entering upon the present year with the improvements which
this number shows, we believe that the influence of the Chapter’s
work will find larger expression in a larger circulation, and will
so commend itself to those who have not thus far become ac-
quainted with our methods and results, that many will desire to
unite with us in this plan of study. Certainly it is worthy of the
careful consideration of every student of birds. The little each
one can do will count in the final result.

Members and readers may begin to tire of the iteration and re-
iteration which the editor has indulged in about the necessity of
counting the birds in your region. A little thought will give
some idea of the great importance which a study, such as Mr.
Burns’ ‘‘A Sectional Bird Census,’’ is to the cause of Ornithology.
It forms the only true basis for an estimate of the birds inhabit-
ing any similar region. The possibilities which lie in the future
for determining the influence of changed environment, of the
adaptability of the bird to changes which are sure to come, and
all the problems which grow out of the whole question of the in-

Editorial. 29

fluences of civilization, larger civilization, upon the birds, are
immeasurable. If we could scatter such sectional bird censuses
over the country at large, their contribution to the economic
questions involved in the relation of birds to all human interests
would be immense. Perhaps not many of-us feel capable of mak-
ing such a census. It is a great undertaking, and fraught with
many difficulties which do not appear at first sight. But there
is one thing which every person can do, wherever he may study
the living birds, and that is to keep a record of the numbers of
individuals of each species seen every time the birds are studied.
Even this will not be possible with some species at some times
of year, but with many species it is entirely possible at any time.
Those which are so numerous that an accurate count is impossi-
ble, do not need such careful attention.

This is the field which we can occupy, and for which we are
organized. Not only will your own note-books be far richer, but
they will make possible comparisons with the work of others in
other regions, and form a basis for estimates of your actual bird
population. Before you refuse to accept the force of this argu-
ment, sit down and think just what you mean when you say that
a certain species is common, or abundant, orrare. If you are sat-
isfied with that sort of information, this request is not directed
at you, but if you feel that these terms can be given some defi-
nite meaning by work such as we have suggested, we shall be glad
to welcome you to the ranks of those who will do this sort of
work. Surely we can agree that the work is of great importance,
and so do what we can to make our note-books mean something
definite.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

Kighteen (18) ballots were cast for officers of the Chapter, for
1902, resulting in the following selections, viz.:

President—Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.
Vice President—N. Hollister, Delavan, Wis.

Secretary—John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 Q street., N. W. Washing-
ton, D.C.

Treasurer—F. L. Burns, Berwyn, Pa.
Executive Committee—John H. Sage, R. M. Strong, H. C. Ober-

BENJ. T. GAULT, Judge of Election.

I find the above statement correct. R. M. STRONG, President.

30 The Wilson Bulletin.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The following names are proposed for active membership in
the Wilson Chapter. Adverse votes should be sent to the Secre-
tary, John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 Q street, Washington, D. C.:

R. L. Baird, Oberlin, O. .

Alex. W. Blain, Jr., 131 Elmwood avenue, Detroit, Mich.

Frank Bruen, 264 Main street, Bristol, Ct.

Homer L. Bigelow, 330 Commonwealth avenue, Boston, Mass.

LEAST TERNS—A CORRECTION

In the W. O. C. BULLETIN, No. 36, the writer stated that some
least terns (S. antillarum) ‘‘were found breeding in Martha’s Vine-
yard Island, near West Chop, by Dr. H. Smith, late in July.”
This information came to me through a man who was supposed
to have seen the terns. Later in the summer, after I had sent
the above mentioned note to the publisher of the BULLETIN, I
talked to Dr. Smith himself about the terns, and learned that the
breeding place was not near West Chop, but on the farther side
of Martha’s Vineyard, near Katama. R. M. STRONG.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

STORIES OF BrRD LIFE. By T. Gilbert Pearson.

This book is brimful of interesting sketches of birds, many of
which have been individualized, as the Arredondo Sparrow
Hawk, Ruffle-breast (Logger-head Shrike), Bibneck, the Plo-
ver, ete. While primarily for the young student, it is written
in such a manly, sympathetic and accurate vein, without the
least trace of offensive sentimentalism, as to be profitable and
pleasant reading for all. It is emphatically the better sort of
popular ornithological literature. The reader might, perhaps,
wish that the perpetrators of the indiscriminate slaughter on
the college campus and elsewhere, as so feelingly portrayed by
the author in the closing chapter, might be turned over to the
tender mercies of the Audubon Society. Professor Pearson per-
mits the reader to draw his own inference after submitting the
facts. The text is charmingly illustrated by John L. Ridgway
and Miss Elsie Weatherly.—F. L. B.

Publications Received. 31

BrRps oF MADISON County, NEw YorRK. By George Charles
Kmbody, B.S. (Presented as a thesis for the degree of Master
of Science, Colgate University, 1901.)

This is a careful and intelligent list of 192 species and sub-
species, a number of which are quite rare. Black-capped Petrel,
American Secoter, Black Brant, Knot, Hudsonian Godwit, Red-
bellied Woodpecker, Nelson’s and Acadian Sharp-tailed Spar-
rows, Plumbeous Vireo, Orange-crowned and Hooded Warblers;
and is followed by a hypothetical list of 16 more species of which
no satisfactory records have been made, but by reason of their
occurrence in neighboring counties, future observations may re-
veal them. Based chiefly upon five or six years’ active field
work by the author, supplemented by all other data obtainable,
an extremely creditable paper has resulted; one that will require
little correction in the future. The description of the physical
conditions, vegetation, ete., of the district, furnish the facts from
which we can more than surmise the reason of the searecity or
abundance of certain species. The author is to be congratulated
upon the appearance of his paper, and also upon his able assist-
ants, whose aid and suggestions he so generously acknowledges.—
es. B.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION, at
its Second Annual Meeting, Omaha, Neb., January 12, 1901.

Although young as an organization, the Nebraska Ornithologists’
Union exhibits every mark of being among the foremost of State
Associations in active field work. The proceedings are preserved
in a substantial volume of one hundred pages and ten plates. In
addition to the matter belonging strictly to the organization—
abstract of minutes, constitution and by-laws, list of members,
and President Trostler’s address—one of the most important pa-
pers is by Prof. Lawrence Bruner, on ‘Birds in Their Relation to
Agriculture.” Superintendent Wilson Tout offers some sensible
suggestions in relation to ‘‘Ornithology in Schools.” ‘‘A Late Nest
of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird,” by Frank I. Shoemaker,
and ‘‘Young Rose-breasted Grosbeaks,’’ by Elizabeth Van Sant,
are interesting accounts of young in nest. The oologist will be
pleased with ‘‘Notes on the Breeding of the Prothonotary War-
bler, and Observations on Traill’s Flyeatcher,’’ by M. A. Carri-
ker, Jr.; ‘‘Breeding Habits of Bell’s Vireo,” by Merrit Cary, and
“Birds that Nest in Nebraska,’’ by Prof. Lawrence Bruner. Ed-
win H. Barbour touches upon ‘‘A Peculiar Disease of Birds’ Feet
Observed in Central Nebraska,” and Henry B. Ward on “The
Internal Parasites of Nebraska Birds.” On ‘‘Migration Records
and Our Nebraska Records,” R. H. Wolcott unfolds a scheme
for the ‘‘accurate numerical valuation of terms relating to the
abundance of species and for an accurate and uniform method of

32 The Wilson Bulletin.

recording migration observations.’ A number of shorter papers
are equally valuable.—F. L. B.

CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION OF HUMMINGBIRDS FROM ECUA-
DOR AND COLOMBIA. By Harry C. Oberholser. From the pro-
ceedings of the U. S. National Museum, Vol. XXIV., pages
309-342.

The collection of hummingbirds here described was ‘‘gathered
by Messrs. Claude Hamilton and Walter Goodfellow during their
trip to Ecuador and Colombia, in 1898 and 1899.’’ With the possi-
ble exception of that brought together by Baron, it is probably
the finest single collection ever made, comprising, as it does, 1136
specimens, almost all in fine condition of plumage, and accom-
panied by proper data. Although some of them are from Colom-
bia, by far the greater number were collected in Ecuador. One
hundred and nine species and sub-species are represented.’’ Three
new forms are described. Notes touching the life history of some
of the species, by the collectors, add interest and value to the
paper.—L. J.

BIRD-LORE’S FIELD IDENTIFICATION BLANK.

Just as we go to press this useful little pocket blank appears.
It is intended for those who are beginning the study of birds—
live birds—but will prove useful to those who are trying to ex-
tend their acquaintance beyond the ordinary. Cuts of the heads
of five species appear on the front cover, all natural size, while
the back cover contains the contour topography of a Bluebird,
with every part named. A six-inch scale on the outside of this
cover completes the equipment for field study, so far as a note-
book can. The first page of instructions for field work is followed
by fifteen pages, upon which descriptions are to be written. Each
of these pages contains a place for locality, date, haunt, length,
size and shape of bill; length and shape of tail, color (twelve
parts of the body), voice, movements, etc., with the reverse side
for remarks. This little blank should prove useful to those who
are anxious to know how to begin the study of birds. It may be
obtained from the J. Horace McFarland Co., Crescent and Mul-
berry Sts., Harrisburg, Pa., for ten cents a copy.—L. J.

SUMMER BIRDS OF FLATHEAD LAKE. By P. M. Silloway, Prin-
cipal Fergus County High School, author of ‘‘Some Common
Birds.’”’ Prepared at the University of Montana Biological
Station, under the direction of Morton J. Elrod.

This 83 page bulletin is accompanied with 16 half tones rep-
resenting the region studied, and a number of nests and eggs of
the region. The 128 species recorded are about equally divided
between the strictly western species and those which range pretty
much over the entire country. But that part of Montana lies

Publications Received. 33

almost upon the dividing line between some of the forms, and at
the western range of others.

The author coneludes: ‘Of the 123 species included in the fore-
going list, itis probable that at least eight are fall migrants, breed-
ing in the far north and entering the United States early toward
the close of summer. It is likely that the remaining 120 species
breed in the Flathead Lake region, or near the northern border
of the state. At least thirty of the birds listed for the region are
permanent residents; the others are summer residents only,
spending the cold months in more southern localities.”’

The annotations under each species are well considered, for the
most part, and add materially to the value of the paper. We
trust that a further study of the birds of the region will give the
altitudes at which the different ones nest, and to which they
range.—L. J.

THE FooD OF THE MYRTLE WARBLER. By Clarence M. Weed
and Ned Dearborn. New Hampshire College Agricultural Ex-
periment Station, Technical Bulletin No. 3, November, 1901.
Pages 117-128.

In this contribution to economie ornithology, remarks upon the
life history of the Myrtle Warbler, as found in New Hampshire,
are followed by a detailed study of about forty specimens taken
at different times and places during the month of October, 1899,
supplemented by the examination of the stomach contents of two
Specimens taken, one in March the other in May, 1900. A de-
tailed summary table gives the following result in percentages:
Insecta, 29.65; Arachnida, .02; vegetable matter, 62.25; undeter-
mined matter, 7.13. The authors state that this rather large per-
centage of vegetable matter is due to the abundance of the myr-
tle berries during the autumn months, but that during spring,
when such a souree of food is almost gone, a much larger propor-
tion of insects is consumed. It thus becomes clear, when we
know that the vegetable matter eaten has no economie value,
that the Myrtle Warbler is worthy of protection at all times. The
destruction of bird life to such a moderate extent, for the pur-
pose of determining its true status as an aid to man, we hold jus-
tifiable. But once the status is determined, there can be no jus-
tification for any further sacrifice for study looking to the same
end.—L. J.

BIRD KILLING AS A METHOD IN ORNITHOLOGY. By Reginald
C. Robbins. Cambridge, Mass.

From the pen of alayman who has the welfare of the birds upon
his heart, we have twelve pages of rather abstruse reasoning to
prove that ‘‘Bird Killing as a Method in Ornithology’’ is not jus-
tifiable. If we rightly understand the author’s argument, it may
be briefly stated thus: Since every bird is an individual, and as

34 The Wilson Bulletin.

an individual therefore different from every other bird, and there-
fore representing, in its individual capacity, some line of varia-
tion, it will be impossible to determine the ultimate variations in
ornithological classification until the last individual bird has
been critically examined. Manifestly this is a logical reasoning.
It is possible, however, to place a limit upon the extent to which
variation shall be recognized in classification. It may be safe to
assume that in any well-defined region of limited extent, where
practically all conditions are the same throughout this region,
that there will be no variation worthy of notice among the spe-
cies inhabiting it. But of course there will be a degree of varia-
tion. If, as the author argues, we must go into these slight indi-
vidual variations, then his argument that all birds are doomed
stands out clearly.

We are pleased to note that the author does not place the ban’
upon killing birds for any purpose whatsoever. He recognizes
the claims of those who are pursuing lines of original investiga-
tion, but limits the privilege to those persons. His argument,
therefore, has the more weight for this conservative attitude.
We believe that the time when collecting for the sake of building
up a small private collection for selfish purposes, with no notion
of making a contribution to our knowledge of birds by means of
that collection, lies in the past. We have outgrown that.

While the author assumes an extreme attitude toward those
who kill birds for ‘‘scientifie’’ purposes in general, we believe the
note of warning is not wholly out of place, and should be one of
the influences for checking the tendeney to unduly reduce the
bird life of the country.—L. J.

BIRDS OF NORTH AND MIDDLE AMERICA. By Robert Ridgway.
Part I. Fringillide. United States National Museum, Wash-
ington, D. C., 1901.

It is a pleasure to record the appearance of a book which treats
of the Fringillidze of the whole of North America, and to note
that itis but the first of its kind. When those which are to fol-
low are finished, we shall have, for the first time, the whole North
American bird fauna. The check-list of North American birds
has always been misleading to the uninitiated. The unfortunate
necessity of putting limitations upon a well-defined geographical
region has, of course, been manifest, but we trust that this neces-
sity may be disappearing with the better facilities of travel and
the greater activities of naturalists.

This volume of 715 pages, and some 30 pages of prefatory mat-
ter, supplemented by 20 admirably executed plates illustrating
the heads, wings, tail and feet of type species, is one of the most
important books upon birds published. It fitly opens the new cen-
tury as a most important work.

This volume is concerned with a single family, the Fringillidze

Publications Received. 35

(sparrows, finches, ete.), and the ‘‘attempt is made to describe
every species and sub-species, or definable form, of bird found
on the continent of North America, from the arctic districts to
the western end of the Isthmus of Panama, together with those
of the West Indies and other islands of the Caribbean Sea (ex-
cept Trinidad and Tobago), and the Galapagos Archipelago; in-
troduced and naturalized species being included, as well as acci-
dental or casual visitors.”

The list includes 389 species and sub-species. Of these 389, up-
wards of 230 are given three scientific names. The increase of tri-
nomials over previous lists and catalogues is partly due to the
extension of the application of trinomialism to each member of
a group in which a trinomial occurs, instead of distinctly separ-
ating off the type form by using for that one the binominal name.
This practice is entirely logical, but we cannot but deplore its
adoption into a system which is already too cumbersome. Fur-
thermore, it seems alinost an introduction to asystem of further
multiplication of scientific names to the quadrinomial or nth
power. We cannot overlook the fact that there are intergrada-
tions between species and higher and lower groups also, but it
seems entirely feasible and sane to place a limit upon what shall
be called a recognizable form by determining what that limit is
from a practical standpoint. It makes no practical difference
whether the particular Cardinal in question is a Cardinalis car-
dinalis cardinalo-floridanus, or a Cardinalis cardinalis floridano-car-
dinalis. Furthermore, the adoption of an ultra scientific sys-
tem which can be used only by the expert in color values and
eareful measurements of many specimens, is divoreing the scien-
tific from the practical. Science can lay claim to recognition, in
these enlightened days, only by its contribution to the welfare of
the largest possible number of people. We no longer have use
fur a seience which is wholly for seientists. There is a middle
ground between the scientific and popular which is both accurate
and understandable.

The author’s name is sufficient guaranty of the accuracy and
completeness of the work. The bibliographical references alone
almost stagger us with their suggestion of the work involved.
Add to this the time and work involved in the examination of
specimens in the National Museum and other collections to which
he had arcess, and some conception of what this volume repre-
sents of work and study may be obtained. We trust that the
author’s life may be spared to complete what has been under-
taken, and of which this is the first of eight volumes.

The difficulty involved in beginning this series with the high-
est instead oi the lowest group in the contemplated series, does
not seem great when it is known that the nomenclature followed
is that of the A.O. U. If, as we have reason to hope, this nomen-
clature will again be revised so that we may have a wholly logi-

36 The Wilson Bulletin.

ical catalogue instead of one thrown together with little reference
to logical sequences below the higher groups, the question of no-
menclature or sequence would be the same wherever the begin-
ning should be made.

The author has the hearty thanks of all who have the interests
of a more comprehensive literature relating to the birds of this
continent at heart. There is no ‘‘Imperialism” involved in the
invasion of Mexico and the Central American States for ornith-
ological research.—L. J.

Amateur Sportsman, The, XX VI., No. 4, 1902.

American Monthly Microscopical Journal, The, XXIITI., Nos.
1 and 2, 1902.

American Ornithology, I1., No. 1, 1902.

Bird-Lore, IV., No. 1, 1902.

Birds and Nature, XI., Nos. | and 2, 1902.

Bulletin No. 57, Pennsylvania State College Agricultural Ex-
periment Station.

Maine Sportsman, IX., No. 12, 1902.

Osprey, The, I., No. 1, 1902. New series.

Plant World, The, V., No. 1, 1902.

"AGENTS WANTED |

Lawn Swings and Settees, Hammock
Chairs, Camp Chairs and Stools,
Ironing Tables, Wash Benciies, Etc.

Agents easily make

$5 to $10 Per Day.

Pet Pon :
Will furnish samples at re- e
duced prices to those desiring
agency. Exclusive territory .

\. given. Address,

leartield Wooden-Ware Co.,
ee ~ CLEARFIELD, PA.
eeceececececeececccenccecececceeoeceeeeceses

WANTED.

“ORNITHOLOGIST'S AND OOLOGIST’S SEMI-ANNUAL.
Vol. I. No.1; Vol. II. No. 1.

‘THE WILSON BULLETIN. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7.
‘THE CURLEW. Any numbers.

THE NIDOLOGIST. Vol. 1I., all except No.5; Vol. II., all ex-
; cept Nos. 4,9 and 12; Vol. TI t., all; Vol. IV. No. 1.

; For any or all of these I can offer exchange of other period-
ieals relating to birds, or will pay cash. All letters answered.

Address THE WILSON BULLETIN,
: OBERLIN, OHIO.

For Sale or Exchange.

“THE OSPREY. Vols. I. and II. complete; Vols. III. and IV.
- nearly complete; besides odd numbers of Vol. 1.

THE AUK. The series from 1896 to date; complete.
BIRDS AND NATURE. Vols. VI., VII. and IX.; complete.

“BIRDS OF MIDDLE AND NORTH AMERICA. Ridgway.
Part 1.

NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA. Nos. 3, 5 and 8.

BRITISH ZOOLOGY. By Pennant. In four volumes; full
ealf binding. .

Address _ LYNDS JONES,
e OBERLIN, OHIO.

Wilson Chapter Publications |

Consist of Two Series: Old and New. |

The Old Series comprise the following issues:

Ornithologists and Oologists’ Semi-Annual, Vols. I and
If, two numbers each, Vol. III, one number. (No.1
of both Vols. I and II are out of print.) 25 cents a
number.

ae = i ee en fe oe = st ¢
Pa OES Ae a ee ee ee pi gle los

Wilson Quarterly, Vol. IV, two numbers. 26 cents a
number. '

The Journal, two numbers. 10 cents a number.

The whole series (available numbers) $1.00.

| The New Series comprises the

z
Sa a el I ag

Wilson Bulletins, from No. 1 to 38 inclusive. (Nos. 1, 2,
3, 4, are out of print.) Several numbers are almost
gone.

lS Peed

Of the Wilson Bulletins, No. 5, is a Monograph of the
7 Crow, 41 pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price 25 cents. No. 15is
a study of ‘‘The Oberlin Grackle Roost,’’ 18 pages, by Lynds
i Jones. Price 15 cents. No. 80, ‘‘Warbler Songs,” 56 pages, by |
Lynds Jones; in which all North American Warblers are dis-
cussed, the songs of nearly all described, and a field key to the |
adult males given. Price 25 cents. No. 31, ‘‘A Monograph of § :
the Flicker,” 82 pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price 50 cents. j ©
| No. 33, ‘A Summer Reconnoissance in the West,” by Lynds
| Jones and W. L. Dawson; being a study of the birds in four- | j
| teen states during a journey of 7000 miles. Price 20 cents. No. § 4
| 37, ‘A Sectional Bird Census,’’ by Frank L. Burns. Price 20 Z
I cents. ee
The other numbers consist of ‘‘'General Notes.’’ Price 10 | :
} cents each. The whole available New Series for $3.25. :

Address all communications to

LYNDS JONES, Oberlin, Ohio. |

OLD SERIES Vol. XIV. NEW SERIES Vol, IX. No, 2

ie Wilson Bulletin | << |

22, | Published Quarterly by the Wilson Orni-. fe” We
“i thological Chapter of the Agassiz’

Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES
JUNE, 1902

: OBERLIN, OHIO. ;
] @ Entered as second-class mail matter at the Fostofiice et Oberlin Ohio. %

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CONTENTS. —

' PAGE
Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. LYNDS JONES 37 —
A Preliminary List of the Birds of Yakima County,

Washington. Ww. LEON DAWSON. OU RG)
Incubation Period of the Mocking Bird. JOHN W. |

DANIELS, JR. ‘ ‘ : : : iy ol,
A Bird New for Ohio. LyNDS JONES . ae
Editorial : f : : ; Be wt
Election of Members. : : : : Bo eee
Notes:

Boulder, Colorado, Birds Increasing Bet : 74

Lakewood, N. F., Notes : : : 3 74) @
Publications Received oe. : : Beets

Errata : ie : 5 cea ee . Bie 46)

The Wilson Bulletin

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and
December by the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the

Agassiz Association, at Oberlin, Ohio, edited by Lynds Jones.

Subscription: Fifty cents a year, including postage,

strictly in advance. Single numbers fifteen cents, unless

they are “Special” numbers, when a special price is fixed.
The Bulletin, including all “‘Special’’ numbers, is free to all
paid up members, either Active, Associate, or Honorary.

Subscriptions may be addressed to the editor, to Mr.
Frank L. Burns, Berwyn, Pa., or to Mr. John W. Daniel,
3146 QO St., N. W. Washington, D. C.

Advertisements should be addressed to THE WILSON
BULLETIN, Oberlin, Ohio. Terms will be made known upon
application. aot |

All articles and communications intended for publication,
and all publications and books for reviews, should be ad-
dressed to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio. ,

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solic-

ited. They should be in the hands of the editor not later

than the 2oth of the month preceding publication.

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Zi Saad aes

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WILSON BULLETIN

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
ORNITHOLOGY

Wor, LX. JUINIE, w@O2. IN@F2:

BIDE STUDIES IN LORAIN COUNTDY, OHIO:

WINTER STUDIES.
BY LYNDS JONES.

There is a fascination about the study of the hardy birds
who brave the winter’s dangers and discomforts, which no
other season of the year affords. We feel not only grati-
tude but a sort of kinship to these our brothers in feathers
who seem to refuse the comforts of winter tropics that we
may not be left wholly deserted in the ice and snow for
three long months. We must feel a certain respect for them,
too, when we reflect that they have never a fire to warm
them and to soften their frozen food. Theirs is a constant
battle with the cold. The sun is their only fireside.

The study of birds in winter, if one studies them under
all conditions, is pretty sure to be attended with discom-
forts attimes. But if we dress for the work it serves rather to
increase our love for the season in what it brings of increased
capacity for work, than dread for it. There is a sense of be-
ing superior to the weather, whatever the temperature,
which is exhilarating and invigorating. We ought to feel
the better in health for breathing air from which the mois-
ture has been well frozen out.

38 The Wilson Bulletin.

Winter gives up many secrets of the birds which must
otherwise be always hidden from us. It would be rare in-
deed that the birds which walk much should write their
activities so we could read them, without snow. But about
what can be read from bird tracks we are not concerned
in this paper. At no other time of year do) themomneny,
social instincts of the birds show themselves so well, and can
be read so easily. Birds are far more approachable than
at any other time except when nesting. The nesting sea-
son, however, presents the other side ofthe bird nature—
the egoistic or the family life as distinct from the social life.
But it is not about this side of the winter study that I wish
to speak now. Rather let us first see what and how many
birds there are about us during the winter months.

In the deductions which follow it must be understood
that they are based upon strictly winter records. Generally
that means December, January and February; but some-
times winter did not begin until mid-December, and
sometimes it ended a week or more before the close of Feb-
ruary. In only one instance did it begin in November and
in only one extend into March. It is comparatively easy to
determine the end of winter by the appearance of the first
migrant birds, but it is often difficult to know at what time
the winter begins. In every case of doubt the record has
been thrown out.

The work upon which this paper is based began in 1896,
and has been carried on uninterruptedly every winter since.
After a very little experiment it became apparent that the
plan to make a complete census of even a quarter of the
county was impracticable. Consequently several represen-
tative regions were selected and these were as thoroughly
worked as possible. The accompanying map of a part of
Lorain county will serve to show the general outlines of the
ground covered. No.1,may be known as the Chance Creek
route; No. 2, Beaver Creek route; No. 3, north overland route;
No. 4, Oberlin south-east route; No. 5, Oberlin north-east
route. Of course other parts of the county were traversed and

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 39

studied, but far less thoroughly than these. Furthermore,
the records for these five routes are so nearly the same as
regards number of trips and time spent on each trip, that a
fairly reliable comparison may be drawn.

Route No. 1, represents the sand-stone knoll and Chance
Creek gorge region of the county, where coniferous trees are
much in evidence, and where vegetation is allowed to have
its own way largely, thus affording the best possible covers
in severe weather. The lake shore part of this route and
of the two following ones overlap somewhat and the records
for the lake have been kept distinct from the inland parts of
the routes. Route No. 2, is distinctively a stream gorge
route, and represents scarcely anything but the Beaver Creek
fauna. Itisarich fauna. Route No. 3,is just as distinctly
an overland field and woods route with no stream gorge
anywhere, because no considerable stream is_ crossed.
Route No. 4, and 5, represent the field and woods region
bordering the shallow gorge of the west branch of Black
River. They are somewhat different, both including some ot
the deeper woods of this part of the county. These five
routes are fairly representative of the county, at least west of
the west branch of Black River and the main part of the river
from Elyria to the lake.

Oberlin, the focus of these five routes and always the
starting point for the day’s work, lies in a plane region 250
feet above Lake Erie. Into this plane region the streams
have cut their winding courses, each from a pattern of its
own. Black River and its tributaries, above the junction of
the east and west branches, has formed a shallow and broad
gorge, in which abandoned channels have formed long nar-
row marshes or lagoons with more or less heavily timbered
borders. Here the pawpaws flourish, forming thickets for
the winter sparrows. The whole course of this stream and
its principal tributaries is fringed with sycamore trees of
considerable size. Wild grapes and the bitter sweet are not
numerous here, but many apple orchards bordering or

40 The Wilson Bulletin.

wholly within the wide gorge, afford feeding grounds for
many winter birds.

Chance Creek, a tributary of Vermillion River, forms a
strong contrast to the river just described. Its gorge is nar-
row and deep, with heavily timbered, almost precipitous
slopes. The more level borders of this gorge are timbered
with hickory and oak, a few beach trees, besides others, and
a bountiful supply of wild grapes and the bitter sweet. Or-
chards also border the gorge, alternating with cultivated
fields. The gorge itself is plentifully supplied with red and
white cedars and hemlocks, besides many species of decid-
uous trees. Here evergreen timber, tortuous course, and
100 feet depth combine to form an ideal protection from
any winter blast. Food, also, is abundant. The many
sheer precipices exposed to the sun’s heat, afford snowless
retreats in the worst storms. The remainder of this route
to the lake shore lies across open fields and upland woods
over the sandstone knolls and deserted quarries where no
attempt is made to hinder the rank and tangling vegetation.
No better winter residence could be imagined for the thicket-
loving birds than these tangles. One cannot beat through
them. Persuasion is the only successful method of deal-
ing with the birds here.

Beaver Creek presents the characters of Black River in its
upper and lower reaches, but modified Chance Creek charac-
ters along its middle third. Here one finds two small hem-
lock groves which afford shelter for the hawks and owls.
Crows also winter here. Food seems to be abundant every-
where. A day spent along its course is sure to bring sur-
prises.

The uplands of the county, or the parts of it studied, are
a succession of four fairly level terraces to the lake shore.
Except along the course of the old lake beaches the country
is about three-fourths cultivated fields to one-fourth wood-
land. The woods are, generally speaking, the remnants of
the original forest which occupy land hardly fit for the
plow if it were cleared. It is either swampy, or too thin soil.

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 41

That is not true of all the woodland, however. The courses
of the old lake beaches are untillable, in places, and in
such places are a wild tangle of trees, bushes and vines,
into many of which even the cattle are unable to penetrate.
Seeds, berries and grapes abound. These stony old beaches
- vary in width from a few rods to many rods.

The lake shore is bordered by high clay banks except
where the streams have cut an exit. The back water from
the lake has caused these channels, which seem to have been
considerably deeper in former times, to partially fill with
wash, thus forming bogs and swamps of various sizes and
considerable length, which are now largely overgrown with
wild rose, a species of water willow and alder bushes, in
some places forming impenetrable thickets. The annual
plants grow here in bewildering profusion and astonishing
rankness. This is the favorite winter retreat of Song Spar-
rows. The woods which border the swamp at Oak Point,
the mouth of Beaver Creek, harbor the most of our woods-
haunting winter species. It is second only to the stream
gorges in the richness of its population.

The lake and its immediate shore furnish scarcely more
than the water birds. Usually the Short eared Owl may be
found hiding underneath the overhanging banks, and not in-
frequently Snowflakes are found on the sand or upon the
railroad track which lies close by. An occasional Crow, and
one flock of seven Bob-whites are found here, making their
records in the sand. Late in the winter the lake shore is a
pretty frigid region, and a good deal of a wilderness. Its
ice-covered surface affords no feeding places for gulls and
ducks.

The work of recording the species and individuals con-
sisted simply in walking over the same ground, time after
time, recording the individuals of each species as they were
seen. It is usually possible to count the individuals. Even
the large companies of Tree Sparrows can be made to pass a
given point leisurely enough to make an accurate count pos-
sible. There is some complication, to be sure, when Jun-

42 ; The Wilson Bulletin.

coes, Song Sparrows and Goldfinches are also a part of the
company. But in such a case the species of fewer individ-
uals should first be counted and recorded, and lastly the
whole company counted. Subtraction will then give the
number of Tree Sparrows. A large part of the work was
done in company with Rev. W. L. Dawson, during the first
four years, and with Mr. R. L. Baird, during the last two.
It is needless to say that counting large companies of birds
can be more accurately done by two working together than
by one alone.

A glance at the weather for the months covered by this

study may add interest to the discussion, and perhaps offer
some explanation of the fluctuations from year to year.
: Temperature alone in winter probably has relatively little
to do with the winter movements of birds, unless the cold is
intense; but cold, attended with a blanket of snow or ice—
a frequent combination—is a condition to be reckoned with.
In the following summary of weather conditions during the
winters, I shall lay stress upon the conditions which would
cause southward movements, or later in the winter, cause the
winter birds on the ground to remain, leaving the reader to
infer that when nothing is said about the weather it was not
of such a character as to cause any marked movements of
the birds.

The winter of 1895-6 opened during the first five days
of December with snow and nearly zero temperature. A
warm wave followed, removing the snow. The 11th brought
us nearly six inches of snow and temperature a little below
zero during the night of the 13th. This snow blanket be-
gan to grow thin on the 16th, and was gone after the rain
of the 18th. This winter weather had a marked influence
upon the birds, which was not offset by the summer weather
which continued to almost the end of the month.

There was nothing in January which materially influenced
bird movements, although three mornings during the first
week the temperature was near the zero mark. A marked
cold. wave, with below zero temperatures in the middle of

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 43

February, served only to hold the winter birds from drifting
north. There was not sufficient snow to cover their food.

During the winter of 1896—7 there was little snow at first,
but severe cold in the Lake Superior region during the first
week in December, and snows there, drove many northern
birds southward, bringing into this region the usual winter
fauna at the beginning of the winter.

January, 1897, opened like spring, but became snow-bound
on the 5th, and only succeeded in releasing itself on the 17th
in a thunder-storm. This release was followed, two days
later, by the severest weather of the winter, reaching 16°
below zero on the 25th; the month closing below zero. The
strong contrast between January and February induced some
of the hardier birds to move northward by the 17th of
February, thus closing the winter. The temperature hardly
fell below freezing after the first week of February.

The winter of 1897-8 did not fairly begin before the mid-
dle of December. There was just cold and snow enough dur-
ing the last days of November and the first days of Decem-.
ber to settle the somewhat frothy bird population, but not
enough to drive any birds from the north down to us. The
remaining days of December caused no changes in the bird
population, because there was not enough snow to cover the
food, nor long continued cold.

January, 1898, presented no interesting features except a
thunder-storm on the 12th. There was much warm weather,.
but it came too early to have much influence upon the birds’
south of us. Severe cold in the Lake Superior region, about
the 13th and 29th, tended to hold the birds steady in this
region. February began severely cold and with snow, be-
came spring-like during the second week, and was cold, for
the month, the remaining days. The winter was not severe
enough to bring us any unusual birds, nor to drive the
Mourning Doves and Meadowlarks south.

Winter began, 1898-9, on November 23d, with snow and
cold. Snow during the first and sezond weeks of Decem-
ber, and severe cold during the second week made the birds.

44 The Wilson Bulletin.

settle down to solid winter conditions. The warm days
during the last week came too late to influence the birds.
It is worthy of record, however, that their food was so abund-
ant that the Red-headed Woodpeckers remained in consider-
able numbers.

January, 1899, was in no wise unusual. Warm during
the first week, cold during the second, warm during the
third and closing cold, with more or less snow during the
month, tells its story of any lack of influence upon the
birds. With February it was very different. The first and
second weeks were severe in the extreme, At Oberlin the
temperature was scarcely above zero any morning during
the first fifteen days. Following the cold came genuine
spring weather, bringing Robins and Bluebirds on the 2oth,
and thus closing the winter.

A snow storm on December 4th to 6th ushered in the
winter of 1899-1900. Another snow storm from the 13th to
16th, and a period of snow from the 26th to the 30th com-
pleted the winter records of this month. The remainder of
the month was unusually mild. There was nothing unusual
among the birds. January, 1900, was a continuation of
December, until the last four days brought a cold wave.
and snow, the storm extending well into the first week of
February. There were no bird movements. February was
a month of sharp contrasts, ranging from 67° on the 9th to
4° below on the 27th, with two well marked cold waves:
one in the third week and one in the fourth. There was no
movement of the birds northward until March 7th.

The winter of 1900-1 began with snow in the north on
November 12th to 15th, driving some birds southward at
that time, but winter weather did not prevail in this region
until December 13th, which was the culmination of the first
real cold wave. The month presented no marked features.

January, 1901, opened with a crusted snow covering the
ground, causing the absence of the carnivorous birds, except
the owls. Mourning Doves were forced south by this com-
plete blanket upon their food supply. For the rest of the

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 45

month, and for February, the temperature fluctuated be-
tween 56° at noon of January 10th and 3° on the mornings
of February 23 and 28, but with no decided fluctuations
of cold and warm waves. Snow covered the ground during
the larger part of the month, arresting any tendency to north-
ward movement before the end of the first week in March.

The winter 1901—2 was ina hurry to begin. Snow storms
on November 5th and 6th, 13th to 17th, 19th and 23d, in
the Lake Superior region, aided in the early beginning of
winter conditions here. The winter birds were practically
established on a winter basis early in November. Continued
cold in the north region, combined with below zero tempera-
tures here in the middle of December and on the 2 Ist, brought
about unusual occurrences in the bird world. Clearly the
appearance of the Pine Grosbeak and White-winged Cross-
bills was due to this early severe weather and snow. Janu-
ary, 1902, was not peculiar, except for the absence of the
regulation thaw, and the consequent almost continuous cold
weather.

From the foregoing account of the weather conditions it
will be seen that but one of the winters treated began early
and continued wintry with little intermission, if any, and that
this winter was the only one during which there were dis-
tinctly notable happenings in the way of the influx of the
far northern species. It may be fair to infer that given simi-
lar conditions again there would be similar results.

The actual time covered from which these records are
taken is January Ist, 1896, to January 15, 1902; during
the winter season, of course. But the year 1896 does not
figure in the court of individuals of the several species, be-
Cause very meagre records of the individuals were kept during
that year. Likewise, only the months of January and Feb-
ruary, 1900, count in that year, because nothing was done
during December, 1900.

Taking, then, one-half of each of the two winters represented
in a single year, the number of species for each year stands as
follows: 1896, 19; 1897, 36; 1898, 40; 1899, 35; 1900, 30;

46. oe The Wilson Bulletin.

1901, 42. And for the first fifteen days of 1902, 35. The
number of trips taken during these years is as follows:
1896, 9; 1897, 11; 1893, 12; 1899, 10; 19005, mOoleme™
1902, 5. The number of species seen during this time
reaches the rather startling number 65. That is fully one
third as many as have ever been recorded during any entire
year and is nearly two-fifths of all the species recorded for
the county.

A more accurate record would include a single winter
during which the conditions of temperature and weather and
the food supply, would be far less variable than during parts
of two winters. The records follow: 1896, 19; 1896-7, 37;
1897-8, 35; 1898-9, 41; 1899-00, 32; IQOO-I, 34; I9QOI-2,
42. Thetrips for the corresponding times were: 1896, 7;
1896-7, 7; 1897-8, 13; 1898-9, 12; 1899-00, 8; 1900-1, 9;
[901—2, 10. Of course there were some records made with-
out any definite effort to get away from the village.

Comparing the five routes to determine which is richest
in species, we find that during the time covered by the
study there have been seen at Chance Creek, 39 species;
Beaver Creek, 35; north overland, 22; south-east, 30;
north-east, 32; while 12 have been recorded om the lake
and 11 within the limits of Oberlin. The average number
of species recorded for each of these five routes gives a slight
advantage to Beaver Creek over Chance Creek, and a decid-
ed advantage to the stream gorges. Chance Creek, 20; Bea-
ver. Creek, 21; north overland, 17; Seuth-east,. 15)e0enen=
east, 14. One might expect the south-east and north-
east routes, to be richer than the north overland route;
since they touch the Black River gorge, but the old lake
beaches more than compensate for any advantage that the
shallow gorge might offer. The route is a longer one, also.

This comparison clearly proves the greater richness of the
steep sided and deep stream gorges in species which reg-
ularly live there during the cold weather. The records for
a series of yearsalso prove that more species not regularly
found in the county in winter resort to the stream gorges

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. AZ

when they do visit us. There is this to be said, however.
During mild weather, especially when the ground is not.
covered with snow, fewer species are to be met in the river
gorges and more of them are scattered over the uplands.
The protection which these gorges offer is clearly the in-
fluence which calls the birds to lodge there. Other things.
being equal, food is more abundant and easier to get upon
the uplands.

Let us turn, now, to the numbers of individuals which are
more or less regularly found along these five routes during
the winter days. It will not be interesting to treat each of
MeMimmseMaratcly., but rather sive vthe totals) for all of
the routes, with the deductions that may follow. In these
totals of individuals let it be understood that they are.
averages for the five years of study, of all of the notes
taken together ending January 15, 1902. For some of the
more unusual resident species this amounts to a pretty
accurate census, since they are found in a few localities only,
but with those species which range over considerable terri-
tory in their quest for food, it is merely an average of those
recorded during the several trips. It is useful as a guide
to the haunts of the species, and serves to illustrate the
relative abundance of the species as compared with others.
The species, with- their average numbers and a few remarks
upon their mode and places of occurrence, follow.

American Herring Gull, 17; found on the lake only.

American Merganser, 10; on the lake only, and usually
absent in late winter.

Red-breasted Merganser, 4; see the last species.

Mallard, 3; on the lake, and rather irregular in winter.

Old-squaw, too variable to assign numbers. Sometimes
many winter on the lake.

Ruffed Grouse, not seen for three years, formerly found at
Chance Creek.

Bob-white, 95; a small flock in almost every brushy
pasture. Increasing.

48 The Wilson Bulletin.

Mourning Dove, 11; found near barns or where barn
manure is scattered.

Marsh Hawk; irregular near the lake. One usually seen
every winter.

Cooper’s Hawk, irregular, but usually recorded during
the winter.

Sharp-shinned Hawk; the records show but one each win-
ter near woods. It is probably more numerous than the
record shows.

Red-tailed Hawk, 7; almost anywhere over woods and
streams.

Red-shouldered Hawk, 11; like the last but more frequent.

Broad-winged Hawk, 2; usually near the lake, but ir-
regular.

American Rough-legged Hawk, 2; like the last. Usually
flying over fields.

Bald Eagle, 2; the two usually in the vicinity of a nest
near the lake.

Golden Eagle; twice seen in winter at the lake shore.

American Sparrow Hawk, 19; more frequent at the lake,
but seen hovering over almost any field.

Pigeon Hawk, 3; always happened upon, usually when
flying.

Barn Owl]; one died in a barn near Oberlin.

Long-eared Owl; scarce. A colony of six recently found
in a deep gorge tributary to Black River.

Short-eared Owl; one or two usually found at the lake
shore. Occasionally seen inland also.

Saw-whet Owl; recorded only for Oak Point on the lake
shore.

Barred Owl, 5; these five have regular dwelling places—
two at Chance Creek, one in a wood north of there two miles,
one in the south woods near Oberlin, and one in a wood
south of North Amherst. Outside of these five routes
there are at least five others known.

Great Horned Owl, 2; one in the south-east route, one in
the north-east.

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 49

Screech Owl, 3; confined to Oberlin village so far as
known. One has been recorded several times from the
north-east route, and one in Chance Creek gorge once.

Hairy Woodpecker, 29; found wherever the troops of
small winter birds are. That means in woods or weedy fields.

Downy Woodpecker, 70; like the last, but far more
numerous. ;

Red-headed Woodpecker; not a regular winter resident.
When it does remain it resorts to the deep woods, and is
numerous there.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, 14; found in nearly every con-
siderable woods.

Flicker, 13; generally distributed, frequently in towns,
and about farm houses.

Prairie Horned Lark, 104; Horned Lark, 46. These two
forms are scattered over the fields when there is no snow,
but resort to the fields where barn manure is scattered when
the land is snow bound. They are at the lake shore also.

Blue Jay, 50; pretty generally distributed, but more
numerous in woods.

American Crow, 30; more frequent in stream gorges and
in the vicinity of the slaughter houses, or where stock is fed.

Meadowlark, 26; more numerous at the lake shore, but
in many sheltered fields.

Rusty Blackbird, one female was taken at Oak Point Feb-
Uaty 13, 18O7.

Bronzed Grackle; one has been seen in Oberlin all winter
for four years.

Pine Grosbeak; one found at Chance Creek, Jan. 1, 1902.

Purple Finch, 28; almost wholly confined to the stream
gorges in winter. Once in woods near Oberlin.

American Crossbill; irregular, but recorded for Oberlin
and Chance Creek.

White-winged Crossbill; six found feeding on hemlock
cones on Black River Jan. 4, 1902.

American Goldfinch, 193; the flocks are generally large
and range almost anywhere, but are more often seen in the

50 The Wilson Bulletin.

deep woods and stream gorges. A few scattering individuals
are not infrequently met with anywhere.

Pine Siskin; irregular as a winter resident. Often with
Goldfinches, or in flocks of few to many individuals in river
gorges.

Snowflake, 20; usually found after severe north-west
storms, in fields.

Lapland Longspur, 10; this and the last species are gen-
erally found with the flocks of Horned Larks, seldom by
themselves.

Tree Sparrow, 600; this number is given to indicate that
this is by far the commonest winter bird. The flocks are
found in every woods and in many fields. Between Oberlin
and lake Erie, in any direction, there are probably a thou-
sand Tree Sparrows.

Slate-colored Junco, 106; almost invariably with the
Tree Sparrows, but far more often in the stream gorges.
The number given is an average of those actually recorded,
and fairly represents the proportion to Tree Sparrows.

Song Sparrow, 33; one or more in almost every grass-
grown thicket. More numerous in the lake shore swamps
than elsewhere.

Cardinal, 30; largely confined to the stream gorges.
Until the present winter usually found in nearly all consider-
able woods in twos and threes, but now they seem to be
gathered in large companies in or near the stream gorges.
1902 has thus far yielded 25 for Chance Creek and 23 for
Black River. An evident increase.

Cedar Waxwing, 52; likely to be seen anywhere, but more
often at Chance Creek.

Northern Shrike, 4; this is a census. One near Oberlin,
or in it, one on Black River below Elyria, one on Beaver
Creek at South Amherst, one near the lake shore north of
Chance Creek.

Carolina Wren, 3; another census. One at Chance
Creek, two south of North Amherst in Beaver Creek. Only

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 51

recently arrived in the county. There may be another
below Elyria on Black River.

Winter Wren; one recorded in Ely park at Elyria.

Brown Creeper, 6; there is probably one or more in
every large woods, and from one to four in each stream
gorge. The number given represents only those actually
recorded.

White-breasted Nuthatch, 50; in all woods and in
town. Undoubtedly this is a low estimate for this species.

Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; one at Chance Creek, one
on Black River below Elyria, one at Oak Point. Others are
likely about.

Tufted Titmouse, 48; in almost every woods. Probably
more in winter.

Chickadee, 70; more generally distributed than the last.
Common in town.

Golden-crowned Kinglet, 10; recorded only for Chance
Creek, Black River and Oberlin. Probably more numerous.

Robin; one regularly winters in Oberlin.

Bluebird; one or more found every winter of the study,
usually in Obelin, but there is one record for Chance Creek.

To this list must be added two accidental records.

Horned Grebe, one found on the streets of Oberlin in an
exhausted condition, its gizzard crowded full of small rub-
ber bands. It died.

Brunnich’s Murre, four captured at Lorain, December 25,
1896, by Mr. A. Hengartner.

Others than these might be recorded, but their occurrence
would not fall within the limits set.

Eliminating, for the purpose of determining the census
of the region covered, all but the species which are regularly
found every winter, or almost every winter, there remain fifty
species. Among these fifty there are several whose
numbers can be pretty accurately given for the ground cov-
ered by these five routes, because they are confined to known
places. “hese are:

American Herring Gull, 17; on Lake Erie only.

52 The Wilson Bulletin.

Bald Eagle, 2; at their eyrie near Oak Point.

Great Horned Owl, 2; in two deep woods, southeast and
northeast of Oberlin.

Bronzed Grackle, 1; in Oberlin.

Northern Shrike, 4; as already given.

Carolina Wren, 3; as already given.

Robin, 1; in Oberlin.

Of the remaining 44 only averages for these five routes
can be given. But the work done outside of these routes
proves that they are fairly representative of all of the terri-
tory covered, and so represent the average bird population
for any given region of like extent in this part of the county.
There is little reasonable doubt that the whole county is
also fairly represented in this region. There may be deeper
and more extensive woods in the eastern part than we know
here, but there is certainly not more coniferous timber, nor
more favorable places for a large percentage of the birds.

It is needless to say that there is here no basis for any
sort of an estimate of the whole bird population of the
county. All that can be said is that anywhere in the county
one might expect to find an equal number of birds under
equal conditions. The territory covered is far too little in
proportion to the whole to state more than this. But there
is one important consideration which this censo-horizon
work leads to. It is the possibility which it holds out for a
solution of the perplexing question of the meaning of the
commonly used terms ‘“‘ccommon,” “rare,” ‘‘abundant,” etc.
It affords a basis for assigning definite values to these terms.
But that is a task far too great to be adequately considered
as an incidental part of another paper. It is deserving of a
separate paper, which I hope may be forthcoming at no dis-
tant day. Until these wholly indefinite terms can be given
some definiteness, can they be used to convey any intelli-
gence to others than those who personally know the region
spoken of.

The smaller land birds, at least, are gregarious to a greater
or lesser extent. Some are naturally gregarious within the

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 53

species, some within the families, as the Icteridz, or black-
bird group. Sometimes this instinct is hardly apparent, but
with some species it is very marked, the birds of a species
even nesting in communities. It is, perhaps, suggested in
the species which usually show faint traces or none, by the
community of interest exhibited at the call of distress from any
bird. In the winter this faint instinct shows far more promi-
nently than at any other season with the birds as a whole.
Then the smaller woods birds habitually go in troops or
companies. Some species are habitually found together, or
found in these troops, while others are more independent
and wander from the troop when occasion seems to demand.
It must not be supposed that when I say that some species
are habitually found together that therefore they may never
be found alone. That would be carrying the statement over
into the impossible, but it is true that certain species are
rarely separated in the winter months. It is also true that
these same troops of species are the leaders of troops dur-
ing the height of the spring warbler migration. The point
I wish to make is, that birds are not, as a rule, scattered
helter-skelter about any region. They are more evenly dis-:
tributed over any given region during the period of nesting
than at any other time.

The species which almost always form a bird troop in
winter are as follows: Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker,
Blue Jay. With these are often associated the Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Flicker, Song Sparrow, Cardinal, Tree Spar-
row, Junco, Goldfinch, Red-breasted Nuthatch and Brown
Creeper. Still rarer species which may be attracted by the
food rather than by a desire for company, may be men-
tioned: Cedar Waxwing, American Crossbill, Purple Finch
and Pine Siskin. All of these are woods birds. Out in the
fields we frequently find the Horned and Prairie Horned
Larks, Lapland Longspur and Snowflake, in companies.
Such species as the Crow, Meadowlark, Mourning Dove,
Bob-white and the water birds, are naturally gregarious

54 The Wilson Bulletin.

within the species, during the winter, but the different spe-
cies are seldom found together. The birds of prey and
Northern Shrike are essentially solitary in habits. Blue-
birds and Robins are found as solitary individuals simply be-
cause they are so rare as winter birds.

It is clear, then, that to be successful in the winter study
of birds one must know something of their favorite feed-
ing places before they can be found at all. In extreme
weather they seek protected places, just as you would
if compelled to pass all of your time out of doors—indeed,
just as you do when you step out of the storm into your
home and the comforts of the fireside. I sometimes think
that we make too hard work of our bird studies. By in-
quiring what we should do if we were forced to live the life
of the bird, we shall not go far wrong in our interpretation
of bird life. Of course we should not reason out what it
might be ultimately best to do, but what the first impulse
dictates. Birds are the most impulsive creatures living.

Undoubtedly one of the great determining influences upon
the local and general distribution of birds, since they are
able to travel so easily and so far, is the food supply. Birds
are great eaters, because they live so fast. A fever heat
temperature requires a large amount of fuel. That is why
the birds are feeding all day long in winter. Of course they
will go where the food is the most abundant, or where it is
obtainable with the least effort. Usually that will be in
some sheltered place for the woods birds, but may be an ex-
posed place for the field birds. But since field birds feed
upon the ground very largely, they will not be greatly ex-
posed to cold winds there. When sucha bird must feed in
a strong wind it will invariably turn facing the wind. The
other way its plumage would be blown away from its body
and so expose it to the full force of the cold. Heading into
the wind becomes pretty nearly a necessity in winter.

In the most severe weather, or when the country has be-
come snow-bound for a considerable time, the Crows, Mourn-
ing Doves, Meadowlarks and the two forms of Horned Larks,

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 55

may be forced into the barnyard for food. Twice the Horned
Larks have braved the dangers of civilization and come to
the heart of town to glean there. Food they must have, or
die:

It may be interesting to give a list of the species which
may be found within the limits of Oberlin during some time
in the winter, not every winter, perhaps, but during a series
of years. The most noticeable one, not to mention that
vermin, the English Sparrow, is the Blue Jay. Itis on hand
in any weather, if you have a kitchen scrap barrel or box.
Next is the Downy Woodpeeker, closely seconded by the
Hairy Woodpecker. Every cold morning one greets me (one
of each species) when I am cleaning the walk. Several live
on the college campus and in the adjoining trees. Less com-
monly with them may be seen the Chickadee and White-
breasted Nuthatch, usually quiet on cold days, except for
that strenuous little chip, while searching for the frozen
morsel. Occasionally a Sparrow Hawk ora Northern Shrike
come to town, where the sparrows are such easy prey. I
have already spoken of the Horned and Prairie Horned
Larks coming in during cold, snowy weather. One old
Flicker lives in the cupola of Council Hall and forages in
the adjoining orchards and back yards. In the neglected
back lots Song Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Juncoes and Gold-
finches may be found helping some one about next season’s
gardening. One old Bronzed Grackle and one old Robin
refuse to leave the classic village even in the coldest weather.
They forage in back yards for a living. A Bluebird pays
occasional visits. A Tufted Titmouse or two is sure to pay
Beeail before the close of winter. At least three Screech
Owls live about town, known by their wooing all winter
long. Once a Mourning Dove and once a Meadowlark ven-
tured into town during December. The Meadowlark rested
in a treetop in the midst of the campus. The Red-tailed
and Red-shouldered Hawks pass to and fro over town, but I
have not counted them. One Horned Grebe was found ex-
hausted on Prospect street in December. Golden-crowned

56 The Wilson Bulletin.

Kinglets feed in the evergreen trees on the campus and about
town all winter. A Brown Creeper has made the college
campus his feeding ground this winter. One flock of a dozen
Bob-whites ventured well within the settled portion, for no
apparent reason, unless their ancestors owned that particu-
lar spot by right of long occupation. Crows have frequently
passed over within easy range. American Crossbills and
Cedar Waxwings are irregular winter residents.

A question that I have often asked myself may occur to
others. How is it that the birds pass over the same field,
or even small area of weed tops, again and again during the
winter, evidently finding something to eat each time? Or,
in another way, why don’t they clean each weed head up
before going to another? One could not watch a company
of Tree Sparrows for five minutes without discovering that
they merely nip here and there as they pass along, without
the intention of making an entire meal at any one place,
however abundant the food. There appear to me to be two
reasons for this conduct. First, in cold weather they must
keep moving or freeze. Second, they want variety. Neither
would be true of the flesh-eating birds, both because they
are larger and therefore have greater resistance to cold, and
because they bolt their food and digest it without grinding.
They. seldom feed upon frozen food, as the smaller birds
must. In the cold weather the smaller birds keep moving
all day long, or else seek some sheltered place where a de-
gree of comfort is possible, and all the while they are feed-
ing, now upon this, now upon that sort of food. Even the
woodpeckers don’t stop to dig long in one place.

If movement is necessary to life in cold weather, how can
the birds sleep? Just like any other animal, I suppose.
They seek out some sheltered place and curl up. The
woodpeckers and other birds which nest in holes in trees
sleep there in winter. The sparrows and other birds which
build nests in bushes or trees or on the ground, find shelter
among the dried foliage of last season, or among the grass
on the ground, or even under the snow. Many times have

Bird Studies in Lorain County, Ohio. 57

I startled the Horned Larks and Longspurs from their snow
beds, early in the morning. With a little volcano of snow
they burst through the slight crust, vaulting into the frosty
air, only to dive beneath the snow again, just beyond harm’s
way. This burrowing habit of the Prairie Chickens is well
known to all who hunt. The hawks seek out some dense
evergreen, or oak from which the brown, dry leaves have
not been torn. The owls do the same, or crawl into a hol-
low trunk.

Why don’t birds’ feet freeze, I have often been asked.
They do, sometimes. There isn’t much about them to
freeze but skin and tendons. The skin is a horny sort of
skin, and the tendons are tough. Such material does not
freeze readily. When the birds squat, as they do when
perched, the feathers form a warm blanket for the feet
and legs. A hungry bird, I mean one which has fasted
long, is an easy prey for the frost. A bird’s vitality is
much more quickly sapped by fasting than ours is, as they
are faster livers than we are. But for their covering of feath-
ers, the warmest possible garment for its weight, none could
hope to survive the rigors of our northern winters.

I have spoken of the few Bluebirds which remain with us
all winter. Ten years ago no Bluebirds were ever seen
in winter in the county. During that phenomenal win-
ter of 1894-95, when the South was swept by such a cold
wave that the orange trees in Florida were destroyed, and
Tennessee suffered one of the severest weeks since the
Civil War, the Bluebirds which had gone into that warmer
region to winter, were all but exterminated. They had win-
tered in that comparatively warm region for so many gen-
erations that when the severe cold did come they were un-
able to withstand it. But the comparatively few individuals
which tarried in southern Ohio were able to live through
even severer weather, and it is the descendants of that hard-
ier race which find northern Ohio bearable now.

What do the birds eat when everything is covered with
snow and ice? That depends upon the bird. The large

58 The Wilson Bulletin.

flesh-eating birds must have flesh, and the grain-eating birds,
including the sparrows and Bob-white, and the Ruffed
Grouse, of course, live on vegetable matter. It is hardly
going beyond the facts to say that the smaller insect-eating
birds will take anything that can be found. The wood-
peckers eat large proportions of seeds and other vegetable
matter, in winter, and so do the nuthatches, and tit-mice.
The Brown Creeper may not eat vegetable matter. Crows
and jays eat anything. In the severest weather, when the
north of Ohio is covered with snow but the southern part
is free from it, or nearly so, as sometimes happens, the birds
of prey go to the less snowy regions and remain until there
is a change, food being easier to obtain under such condi-
tions.

If there is one lesson which the study of birds in winter
teaches more than another, it is that there can be no hard
and fast line drawn in respect to what birds will eat when
their ordinary food is hard to get or wholly wanting. Birds
that are supposed to subsist wholly upon insects or similar
food, will take large proportions of vegetable food in win-
ter. The soft inner bark of many trees furnishes a never
failing supply of food for some of the woodpeckers at least.
One needs to think but a moment to perceive that one of
the essentials of a bird whose residence is in a nothern re-
gion for the whole year, is the ability to adapt itself to the
conditions, which are certain to be variable. Winter bird
life is but one of the chapters in the story of the develop-
ment of the intensely interesting class—Birds.

Birds of Yakima County, Washington. 59

ASPRELIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF YAKIMA
COUNTY, WASHINGTON.

BY WM. LEON DAWSON.

Yakima county, in south-central Washington, attracts at-
tention as containing one of the most fertile and salubrious
sections in the entire state. The county measures, approxi-
mately, fifty by one hundred and twenty miles, but the cul-
tivated land lies almost exclusively along the Yakima river
and in those tributary valleys which center in or near the
city of North Yakima. The eastern and south eastern por-
tion, or greater half of the county, consists of arid and tree-
less plains interrupted by frequent low mountain ranges of
Columbian lava. The western third is increasingly moun-
tainous and correspondingly timbered, including, as it does,
Mt. Adams, and the eastern approaches of Mt. Rainier.

As we should expect, therefore, the larger portion of the
county presents a fauna which is strictly Upper Sonoran;
but from there westward a transition is made to the Boreal
fauna; and in the extreme west a junction must be in some
way effected with the saturated forms of Puget Sound.

Our interest, however, centers in a typical valley in the
most favored agricultural region, the middle-northern. The
Ahtanum valley stretches westward from North Yakima be-
tween barren hills for a distance of some twenty miles. At
this point the stream forks. Its barriers rise to the dignity
of mountains. Evergreen timber begins and increases in
Censity until we are lost in the depths of the higher ranges.
The valley proper is abundantly watered, both naturally and
artificially. The characteristic covers for birds are, there-
fore, furnished by willow and rose thickets, bounding the tiny,
sub-divided streams; high, open groves, or ‘timber cultures”’
containing poplars and quaking asps; occasional swamps, or

”

“‘slews;”’ and by the universal setting of sage-brush.
Amid these surroundings, and at a point about eight miles

up the valley, the writer lived three years—’85—87, and

60 The Wilson Bulletin.

’99—'00—and spent parts of four spring seasons beside. It
was during the latest residence of a year, ’9g—00, that the
best opportunities for observation were afforded. It was
here upon our “Five Acres of Bird-land,”’ reported in THE
WILSON BULLETIN, No. 32, that I recorded 63 species of
birds in the nine months of a year, exclusive of spring. This
little spot,with its singularly varied topography, is referred to
in the following notes, for lack of a more comprehensive
name, as ‘‘the demesne.’ From here, also, I was enabled
to make frequent trips and sallies, sometimes to the “South
Range” of hills, sometimes to the timbered mountains, and
once to the narrow paradise of the Lower Yakima.

On the whole, birds are not abundant in the Yakima coun-
try, either in number of species or individuals. The best
strictly local horizon for a day comprised only 35 species;
while the best county horizon, taken on a trip from Ah-
tanum to the Yakima Soda Springs, included but 50 species.
The migrations are not very conspicuous. The resident
birds slip into their places rather quietly; while birds known
to be common further north are seldom seen as they move
to and fro.

Of especial note, however, are the changes which have
taken place in the status of different species. A period of
observation covering roughly fifteen years has witnessed
many important modifications in the distribution of birds.
Decrease has been apparent in the hawks-and owls, except
the Burrowing Owl, and in the game birds, such as ducks,
geese, grouse and curlews. But this has been offset by a
most gratifying and unmistakable increase among the Pas-
serine birds, and those which can in any way profit by civil-
ization. Among this number may be cited the Arkansas
Kingbird, Say’s Pewee, Bullock’s Oriole, Rusty Song Spar-
row, Lazuli Bunting, Robin and others. It would seem
probable that certain species, as Cowbird and Cliff Swallow,
have invaded the region solely because of the advent of
man.

The following list is to be understood as strictly prelimi-

Birds ot Yakima County, Washington. 61

nary, a working basis for future investigation, and necessa-
rily incomplete as yet because of the immense territory to

be covered:

1. Sterna hirundo. Common Tern.—A solitary bird was seen at
Union Gap August 19, 1899.

2. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser.—Some sixteen
years ago I caught a bird asleep beside a pool of the Ahtanum
creek.

3. Lophodytes cucullatus. Hooded Merganser.—One shot on Min-
ner’s pond. Others reported.

4. Anas boschas. Mallard. The common duck.—Breeds.

5. WNettion carolinensis Green-winged Teal.—Fairly common.

6. Querquedula cyanoptera. Cinnamon Teal.—Two records.

7. Erismatura jamaicensiss Ruddy Duck.—One record, Minner’s
pond, October 26, 1899.

8. Branta canadensis occidentalis. White-cheeked Goose.—The
common goose. Breeds sparingly.

9. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron.—Not common.

10. Grus mexicana. Sandhill Crane.—Not common except dur-
ing migrations. A single bird was once observed wading in a
shallow of the Yakimariver. The bird behaved as awkwardly as
a sore-footed Tommy Atkins, and once he actually fell into the
water.

11. Rallus virginianus Virginia Rail.—This bird and the next
are to be found in any considerabie tule swamp.

12. Porzana carolina. Sora.

13. Gallinago delicata. Wilson’s Snipe.—Common. Resident.

14. Tringa baridii, Baird’s Sandpiper.—An extensive tour of the
country during the month of August developed the presence of
multitudes of these birds. Singly or in small groups they fre-
quent every wayside plash and overflowing irrigating ditch.

15. Tringa minutilla. ueast Sandpiper.—A single flock once
swept over the demesne, piping loudly.

16. Totanus melanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs.—By the side of
a farm-yard pond I once watched a bird which seemed rather to
enjoy company so long as you didn’t actually step on him. With
immaculate under-garments rolled tightly above each knee, he
would adventure to wade around you rather than to fly out of
your way.

17. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper.—Regular but not com-
mon.

18. Numenius longirostris, Long-billed Curlew.—Not uncommon.
Breeds.

19. Aegialitis vocifera. Killdeer.—Common.

20. Canachites frankliniit, Franklin’s Grouse.—The ‘‘Blue Grouse”’
is the common bird of the lower mountain ranges.

21. Bonasa umbellus togata. Canadian Ruffed Grouse.—Of re-

62 The Wilson Bulletin.

stricted range. Found commonly in the bottom of valleys in the
lower slopes.

22. Pedioecetes phasianellus columbianus, Columbian Sharp-tailed
Grouse.—The local ‘Prairie Chicken” was once abundant, but is
falling off in numbers every year. Where they are able to hold
their own at all, it is in the oldest settled parts where food is
plentiful and some protection afforded.

23. Centrocercus urophasianus, Sage Grouse.—Sixteen years agoa
neighbor boy showed me a nest of Sage Hen’s eggs from which I
was allowed to abstract ‘‘just one.’?’ The remainder were des-
tined in due season for a domestic career. The parent bird re-
turned within an hour, and, smelling the odor of humans, ruth-
lessly destroyed the tainted eggs. It served us jolly well right,
too: those eggs should have been appropriated in the name of
science—neighbor to the contrary notwithstanding. Hold! I for-
get! He was bigger than I. The Sage Grouse of the Yakima is
rapidly nearing extinction. I saw only one small flock during
my last year’s residence.

24. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove.— Abundant.

25. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture.—Not uncommon. Nestsin
cives and crevices of the Natchez cliffs and elsewhere.

26. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk.—Perhaps the commonest
hawk twenty years ago. The rustic has waged a witless warfare
against it, and is reaping a well deserved harvest of ‘‘ground
squirrels”’ in consequence.

27. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk.—Not uncommon.

28. Buteo borealis calurus. Western Red-tail.—The species was
unknown to me during my earlier residence, but I saw one bird
on the Lower Yakima in the summer of ’99.

29. Buteo swainsonii. Swainson’s Hawk.—All the Buteos are
rare here in Yakima, but this is probably the commonest one.

30. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis, American Rough-legged
Hawk.—Three individuals clearly distinguished April 3, 1900.

BL. Archibuteo ferrugineus. Ferruginous Rough-leg.—No consid-
erable walk or ride over the barren foot-hills is complete without
a glimpse of these majestic birds.

32. Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle.—I have a record of a
solitary eagle guarding his nest on the Yakima river, near Snipe’s
mountain. Also a ‘yard record” for March 5, 1900. The bird was,
of course, flying overhead.

33. Falco mexicanus. Prairie Faleon.—Not uncommon when
onee the eyes have been opened, but itis a bird of which vulgus
homo knows nothing. It is to be seen most frequently about the
summits of the untimbered ranges.

34. Falco peregrinus anatum. Duck Hawk.—While riding along
at the head of a funeral procession, where I didn’t care to crane
my neck too curiously, I saw a Peregrine Falcon make a wanton
swoop of a hundred yards or so and then go mincing off like a

Birds of Yakima County, Washington. 63

skittish horse at sight of the unwonted spectacle. There is only
one Peregrine.

35. Falco columbarius. Pigeon Hawk.— Several clear records, in-
cluding one yard record, September 18, 1899.

36. Falco sparverius deserticolus. Desert Sparrow Hawk.—Of five
hawks in sight at once four are bound to be Sparrows.

37. Asio wilsonianus. American Long-eared Owl.—Common.
Nests.

38. Asio accipitrinus. Short-eared Owl.—One record of several
seen in the lower Moxee swamp.

39. Megascopsasio macfarlanei. Maclarlane’s Screech Owl.—Quite
rare. Two yard records.

40. Bubo virginianus arcticus. Arctic Horned Owl.—Fairly com-
mon fifteen years ago. None seen in ’99-’00.

41. Speotyto cunicularia hypogaea. Burrowing Owl.—Abundant,
and manifestly increasing. It is well, since farmers will kill
hawks indiscriminately.

42. Glaucidium gnoma californicum. California Pygmy Owl.—One
specimen shot during the winter of ’86-’7, the only one ever seen.

43. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Common.

44, Dryobates pubescens gairdnerii. Gairdner’s Woodpecker.— Yard
record and others. Not common.

45. Xenopicus albolarvatus. White-headed Woodpecker.—Not
rare in the mountains.

46. Sphyrapicus thyroideus. Williamson’s Sapsucker.—The county
record was made August 9, 1899, when a female was closely stud-
ied at the Yakima Soda Springs.

47. Mlelanerpes torquatus. Lewis’s Woodpecker.—The Black
Woodpecker was rare a dozen years age except along the upper
reaches of the Yakima river. Its fondness for fruit has, how-
ever, given it a general distribution of late, and a notable in-
crease in numbers.

48. Colaptes cafer. Red-shafted Flicker.—Owing to the scarcity
of timber this bird has taken to public and vacant buildings,
especially school houses, and because of his destructiveness to
the woodwork a price is often put upon his head.

49. Phalaenoptilus nuttallii, Poor-will.— Among the sweetest mem-
ories of boyhood is the plaintive whistling of this bird along
about milking time. A few still linger, but it does not take kindly
to the ways of civilization.

50. Chordeiles virginianus henryi. Western Nighthawk.—Com-
mon. In the lower Ahtanum valley I have seen upwards of 200
of them gyrating, swallow fashion, within the limits of a single
pasture.

51. Chaetura vauxii. Vaux’s Swift.—Two seen in a mountain
valley, the north fork of the Ahtanum.

52. Stellula calliope. Calliope Hummer.—A dubious identification

64 The Wilson Bulletin.

of acouple of birds seen in the demesne. Humming-birds are
very rare in the Yakima country.

53.. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird.—Not common. A quiet bird
beside his garrulous cousin.

54. Tyrannus verticalis, Arkansas kingbird.—Common. On the
increase.

55. Sayornis sayae Say’s Phoebe.—I did not make the acquaint-
ance of this bird during my first residence of two years, ’86-’87.
The first bird was seen in a Tampico barn in the spring of 1891.
Since then it has inereased rapidly, until it is now the presiding
genius of every hop-house (dryer) and barn. A typical spring
record is February 20, 1900.

56. Contopusrichardsonii. Western Wood Pewee.—Not very com-
mon. A bird of marked local attachments, and probably on the
increase.

57. Empidonaxhammondi. Hammond’s Flycatcher.—If one may
believe anything at all about these very difficult ‘‘gnat-kings,”’
Hammond’s is the common bird and the noisiest of the lot. In
the ‘‘spring’’ migration of 1899 he arrived on June 14, and very
presently set up housekeeping. I found his nest on the 27th. On
July 4th it contained one egg,and on July 10th still only two,
which I took. The eggs in this case were not white but creamy,
with seattered spots of reddish-brown, much like a Western
Wood Pewee’s. Weary! weary! but those Hmpidonaces are a
most ungetatable lot, the tricksiest sprites in nature.

58. Octocoris alpestris leucolaema. Pallid Horned Lark.—The win-
ter birds, which are not common, are believed to belong to this
sub-species.

59. Otocoris alpestris merrilli, Dusky Horned Lark.—Common;
especially so on the summits of the treeless ranges, where it
breeds freely.

60. Pica pica hudsonicas American Magpie.—The most badly
wanted bird of the Yakima. Incessant persecutions have only
produced additional convolutions in the cerebral hemispheres of
Magpie’s brain, and the bird still has a fighting chance for life.
In my little day I have semi-officially inspected something over
a hundred fortifications which this bird was pleased to erect for
the defense of his children.

61. Cyannocitta stelleri annectens. Black-headed Jay.—Common
in the evergreen timber. Rare below.

62. Corvus americanus. American Crow.—An old residenter with
many strange habits, but no ‘‘characters” differing from the east-
ern bird.

63. Nucifraga columbiana, Clarke’s Nutcracker.—Not rare in
heavy timber.

64. Molothrus ater. Cowbird.—Unknown till recently.

65. Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird.—Fairly common.

66. Sturnella magna neglecta. Western Meadow Lark.—Common.

Birds of Yakima County, Washington. 65

The bird with the merry heart which maketh a glad countenance.
67. Icterus bullocki. Bullock’s Oriole.x—Common. Increasing.
68. Scolecophagus cyanocephalus. Brewer’s Blackbird.—One of

the autochthones. Omnipresent and not justly complained of.

69. Loxia curvirostra minor. American Crossbill.—Resident in
mountains.

70. Loxia leucoptera. White-winged Crossbill.—One record, May
15, 1891.

71. Acanthis linaria. Ikedpoll.—Swarms in winter.

72. Astragalinus tristis, American Goldfinch.—Fairly common.

73. Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin.—Noted during my last year’s
residence throughout the year, except in winter. Where and
when they breed is the mystery, since they are back by the mid-
dle of March and appear in care-free troops the rest of the time.

74. Passerina nivalis, Snowflake.—Unmistakably heard once, No-
vember 4, 1899.

75. Pooecetes gramineus confinis, Western Vesper Sparrow.—Fair-
ly common.

76. Chondestes grammacus strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow.—Not
very common. Perhaps increasing.

77. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambellit. Intermediate Sparrow.—
Swarms through the country during migration, and probably re-
mains sparingly to breed.

78. Spizella monticola ochracea. Western Tree Sparrow.—Once
recorded a flock of 25, on February 17, 1900, in the Ahtanum valley.

79. Spizella socialis arizonae. Western Chipping Sparrow.—Uni-
versally but sparingly distributed up to and a little beyond pine
timber.

80. Spizella breweri. Brewer’s Sparrow.—The sage wastes in
spring and summer fairly teem with these sprightly and tuneful
sparrows. Under their zealous ministrations the desert is trans-
formed into a passable paradise of song.

81. Junco hyemalis connectens. Shufeldt’s Junco.—Relying upon
the example of Mr. Rathbun (‘The Auk,” April, 1902, p. 137), I
set down the breeding bird of the timbered mountains as J. h.
connectens. The wirter birds of the lower valleys belong prob-
ably to the next sub-species.

82. Junco hyemalis oregonus. Oregon Junco.—Common in winter.

83. Amphispiza belli nevadensis, Sage Sparrow.—Noted only dur-
ing the spring of 1895, when one specimen, a singing male, was
taken from a group of resident birds.

84. Mlelospiza melodia morphna. Rusty Song Sparrow.—Common
resident. The Yakima Song Sparrow may prove to have closer
affinities with M. m. merrilli, or even to deserve separate elabora-
tion.

85. Pipilo maculatus megalonyx. Spurred Towhee.—Common. The
Towhee of eastern Washington will fall an easy victim to the
first species hunter with a gun.

66 The Wilson Bulletin.

86. Zamelodia mzlanocephala. Black-headed Grosbeak.—Not com -
mon. Yard record.

87. Cyanospizaamoena. Lazuli Bunting.—A common and delight-
ful songster.

88. Piranga ludoviciana. Louisiana Tanager.—Fairly common,
especially in pine timber.

89. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow.—Time was when the
only Cliff Swallows known to the county were to be found about
the old school house at Yakima City. Since then they have be-
come widely but not universally distributed.

90. Hirundo erythrogaster. Barn Swallow.—A familiar but not
abundant breeding bird.

91. Tachycineta bicolor. Tree Swallow.—Not common.

92. Tachycineta thallassina. WViolet-green Swallow.—Found only,
as yet, in the mountains and about the wilder basaltic cliffs.
They throng the narrow gorge of the Upper Yakima.

93. Clivicola riparia. Bank Swallow.—Common.

94. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing.—An invariable accom-
paniment of Yakima cherries, in season.

95. Lanius borealis, Northern Shrike.—Common in winter.

96. Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides. White-rumped Shrike.—
Rather rare. Breeds.

97. Vireo gilvus. Warbling Vireo.—Fairly common.

98. Vireo flavifrons. Yellow-throated Vireo.—An unmistakable
member of this species was narrowly scrutinized in a quaking
asp grove of the middle Ahtanum, May 12, 1895.

99. Vireo solitarius cassinii, Cassin’s Vireo.—A characteristic bird
of groves and timber cultures.

100. Helminthophila celata lutescens, Lutescent Warbler.—Com-
mon summer resident.

101. Dendroica aestiva. Yellow Warbler.—Abundant.

102. Dendroica coronatas Myrtle Warbler.—One record, April
30, 1891.

103. Dendroica auduboni, Audubon’s Warbler.—Abundant dur-
ing migrations; probably breeds in the mountains. The avant
courier for 1900 appeared March llth. The bulk of the species
passed through a month later.

104. Dendroica townsendi, Townsend’s Warbler.—A late mi-
grant. They thronged my trees on June 5, 1899. One returned,
still singing, on August 28rd.

105. Geothlypis tolmiei. Macgillivray’s Warbler.—A familiar in-
habitant of brushy tangles.

106. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis, Western Yellow-throat.—Com-
mon.

107. Icteria virens longicauda, Long-tailed Chat.—A brilliant and
much cherished performer. Happy is the grove that boastsa pair
of these wariest of singers.

Birds of Yakima County, Washington. 67

108. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata. Pileolated Warbler.—Common dur-
ing migrations. I have not yet found it breeding.

109. Anthus pensilvanicus, American Pipit.—Abundant during
migrations.

110. Cinclus mexicanus. American Dipper.—Found sparingly on
the larger and wilder streams.

111. Oroscoptes montanus, Sage Thrasher.—The peerless singer of
the open sage. His kingdom is being taken away from him, but
his laurels none can destroy.

112. Salpinctes obsoletus. Rock Wren.—Found occasionally on the
lava ranges.

113. Troglodytes aedon aztecus. Western House Wren.—One record,
May 13, 1895.

114. Cistothorus palustris paludicola, Tule Wren.—Several seen in
lower Moxee swamp.

115. Sitta canadensis, Red-breasted Nuthatch.—Not uncommon
during migrations. Doubtless breeds in the mountains.

116. Parus atricapillus occidentalis, Oregon Chickadee.—Common
resident.

117. Parus gambeli, Mountain Chickadee.—One record, May 15,
1891.. Probably not uncommon in pine timber.

118. Regulussatrapa olivaceus. Western Golden crowned Kinglet.—
Winter resident in lower valleys. Probably breeds in mountains.

119. Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet.—Found only dur-
ing migrations.

120. Hylocichla ustulatus. Russet-backed Thrush.—An omnipres-
ent bird of river-side, thicket and grove.

121. Merula migratoria propinqgua. Western Robin.—Common.

122. Sialia mexicana occidentalis, Western Bluebird.—Only once
seen in the Ahtanum valley, October 23, 1899.

123. Sjialia arctica. Mountain Bluebird.—Breeds sparingly in the
mountains and is only occasionally seen in the lower valleys.

To this may very properly be appended a brief list of
those birds of which no record has been made, but which
may be regarded as morally certain to occur within the limits
of the county. The list is purposely moderate:

Western Grebe.
Holbcell’s Grebe.
Loon.

American Golden-eye.
Buffledhead.
Hutchin’s Goose.
American Coot.
Sooty Grouse.
Golden Eagle.

Red-breasted Sapsucker.

Pileated Woodpecker.
Oregon Jay.

Cassin’s Purple Finch.
Rough-winged Swallow.
Calaveras Warbler.
Hermit Warbler.
Western Winter Wren.
California Creeper.
Slender-billed Nuthatch.
Pygmy Nuthatch.

68 The Wilson Bulletin.

INCUBATION PERIOD OF THE MOCKING Bike:
BY JOHN W. DANIELS, JR.

Little has appeared concerning the exact time required by
various species of birds for the incubation of their eggs.
The period of time necessary for the development of the
ege contents, from the fresh state to the hatching point,
must needs vary with species and be subject to the many
diversified conditions under which birds breed. Features of
climate, as sunshine, atmospheric humidity, precipitation and
temperature enter, along with locality, time of year, nesting
site, nesting material, and nesting habits in general, as potent
factors of control. In order to determine the period of in-
cubation of any species the closest observation is necessary,
and the observer should visit the nest daily, from the time
of the laying of the first egg until the young leave the nest;
and better still, if his observations commence with the lay-
ing of the foundation of the nest and are carried on until
the young are able to fly. Exact data, as to the time nec-
essary for the incubation of the eggs of even our commonest
birds, is very meager—so here is a little-worked and profit-
able field for research; and as the securing of this informa-
tion involves no destruction of bird life, it may be had with-
out sacrifice of any sort save that of time and patience.

The following data regarding the period of incubation of
the Mocking Bird (/zmus polyglottos) was secured in Camp-
bell county, Virginia, April 29th to June 3rd, 1901, inclusive.
Upon the former date the half-completed nest was found,
and upon the latter date the young were seen to leave the
nest. The nest was five feet up among the lower branches
of a Norway spruce, which grew within twelve feet of the
veranda of our home, in our front yard. Thus, the nest
could not have been more favorably located for my purposes
of observation, as its nearness to my home allowed me to
visit it daily, regardless of weather, and at short intervals:

April 29. Found the half-completed nest.

Incubation Period of the Mocking Bird. 69

May 3. Examined the nest and found it completed, ap-
_ parently ready for eggs.
May 4. Nest still empty.

May 5. First egg laid.

May 6, 7 and 8& An egg followed each morning for
three days. Parent bird started incubating with egg
No. 1, and was on nest constantly thenceforth. Visited
nest early and often each morning with a view to getting
data as to time of laying of each egg. It was not possible
to find out the precise time, but an approximate schedule
was made as follows.

Egg No. 1, deposited 8:30 A. M.

(5 66 Die 66 9:00 66
66 66 2. 66 8:00 66
(75 m3 A, 6 8:45 66

May 9, 10 and JJ. Visited nest. Both parents present,
one on nest and other in adjoining shrub.

May 12. Examined nest and was sorry to note that one
egg had disappeared—no doubt the work of a jay or crow.
Parents around, though seeming shy.

May 13. Visited nest. Both birds present, one on nest-
Both very demonstrative.

May 14. Visited nest. Parent bird incubating, as usual.

May 15. Much to my regret I found another egg miss-
ing from the nest this morning. Both birds around, appa-
rently much distressed. Would like to catch the thief.

May 16. Visited nest and was glad to find bird sitting
upon the two remaining eggs.

May 17. Visited nest. Parent flew from it. Both pres-
ent. They scolded, and one fluttered so close as to almost
touch me.

May 18. Visited nest. Parent flew from it upon my ap-
proach. One bird seems to stay on guard on the topmost
branch of a nearby shrub while the other bird incubates. On
nearly every visit this has been the case. The bird on guard
utters a wheezing sort of note on my approach, which seems —
to warn the sitting bird, as she at once leaves the nest.

70 _ The Wilson Bulletin: »

May 19. Visited nest. Both birds present, scolding vig-
orously; are becoming accustomed to me, as they approach
nearer.

May 20. Visited nest. One bird on guard on topmost
branch of a nearby tree, as usual. Both birds very noisy
and approached quite near to me when I examined nest.

May 2f. Visited nest. Both birds around as usual;
bolder than ever; very demonstrative. Both alighted in
branches of the spruce a few feet above my head. :

May 22. Visited nest. Birds around as usual.

May 23. Visited nest. Lo! the two eggs have disap-
peared and two young now occupy the nest. Both old
birds still bolder, approaching within a few feet of me when
I go near the nest. Young have not opened their eyes yet,
and are entirely naked, save for a few patches of down.

May 24. Visited nest. Both birds constantly scolded and
fluttered at me. Young have not changed appreciably; their’
eyes are still closed.

May 25. When I approached the nest the parent birds be-
came bolder than ever. They have now become accustomed
to me and take liberties. One struck the brim of my hat
with its wings, first hovering just above my head and then
descending with quick a movement. Young have not opened
their eyes but seem lively, and open their mouths for food
when I touch the nest. Not changed much in appearance.

May 26. Visited nest. Young slightly larger; points of
primaries appearing; eyes open; mouths open at slightest
movement near nest; old birds demonstrative as usual.

May 27. Visited nest. Rainy day. Parent bird sitting
on young; yeung larger and feathered tracts further devel-
oped since yesterday. ;

May 28. Visited nest. Young appreciably larger since
yesterday. Primaries and secondaries now good sized “pin”
feathers. Feathers of dorsal area fairly well developed.
White, fluffy feathers on sides of breast and flanks of consid-
erable length. Less down.

May 30. Visited nest. Further development of young:

A Bird New for Ohio. 71

since yesterday noticeable. Feathers show still more dis-
tinctly; less down. Young more vivacious, chirping when
I took them out of the nest to examine them. Both pa-
rents present.

May 31. Visited nest. Young further developed since
yesterday. The remiges have broken out of the follicles.
Only slight trace of down remaining. This is confined to
the crown and to the dorsal area. Feathers of ventral tract
fluffy in appearance and well developed.

June J. Visited nest. Young further matured; well feath-
ered; very slight trace of down; parents present. Young fed
at intervals of five or ten minutes.

June 2. Nest visited, but the young have vacated it. A
search of the neighborhood revealed them among the high
grass some 150 yards distant. They are able to fly a few
feet at atime. Parents continue to feed them.

To summarize, the following positively established results
are apparent: Length of incubation (dating from the lay-
ing of the last egg of the set), thirteen (13) days; young in
nest, after hatching, ten (10) days.

Ax IBIURID) INEM IOI OlsVlO-
BY LYNDS JONES.

Mr. Irving A. Field, a student in Dennison University,
Granville, Ohio, reports the capture of a European Widgeon
(Mareca penelope) on the Licking Reservoir, March 29, 1902,
by Mr. Peter Hayden, of Columbus, Ohio. The specimen
was given to Mr. Field, and is now in the collection of Den-
nison University. The frequent occurrence of this Old
World form in the eastern part of this country makes it a
possible visitor to any of our inland lakes. This record for
central Ohio fills a considerable gap in its inland distribu-
tion.

=

7D | The Wilson Bulletin.

THE WILSON BULLETIN.

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Living Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz
Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.
Published by the Chapter at Oberlin, Ohio.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Firry Cents a year, FIFTEEN CENTS a num-
ber, postage paid.
Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, S1ixty-Fivk Cents a year, TWENTY
CENTS a number.
Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank L. Burns, Ber-
wyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 Q street, N.W., Washington, D. C.

EDITORIAL.

The editor received a very pleasant call from our fellow-member,
Benj. T. Gault, of Glen Ellyn, Ill.,on May 7th. His arrival was
just in time for the annual ‘‘All Day with the Birds,”’ in company
with Rev. W. L. Dawson, and the reader can imagine how the
day was spent when three such bird lovers were together. In the
next humber of THE BULLETIN there will be an account of the
day’s doings.

The northern Ohio warbler migrations have been unprecedented
in the numbers of individuals which have visited the region, and
in the length of the visits paid by each. There can be no doubt
that the weather was the chief factor in this visitation. The last
days of April were not favorable to much movement, but the first
eight days of May proved almost everything desired for the moy-
ing birds. Just when the warbler wave wasat its height the north
gave us cold, wet weather, with northerly winds, which continued
until the 17th almost without a shade of relief. Nothing seemed to
dare the northward journey during these days. Their numbers may
be guessed from the record of 22 species on May 7th.

We believe that many persons would be interested both in our
organization and in our BULLETIN if their attention were called
to them. The editor will be glad to furnish sample copies of the
BULLETIN and send printed matter to all whose names and ad-
dresses may reach him. We should have a hundred active mem-
bers, at least, and an unlimited number of associate members,
representative of the whole country, in order to do the work which
we want todo. A personal campaign in the interest of the Chap-
ter and BULLETIN by every present member would result in great.
benefit to all in the matter of increased facility for good work,
and in the possibility for improvements in the BULLETIN. Shall
we not all work to this end?

Editorial. We

The editor has enjoyed two very pleasant vacations for the sole
purpose of studying the birds. The first one was a day with Mr.
Benj. T. Gault, of Glen Ellyn, 1ll., and Rev. W. L. Dawson, of
Columbus, Ohio, on an ‘‘All Day With the Birds’ in Lorain
county, Ohio, being the fourth of its kind for this wonderfully
favored region ornithologically. The second vacation was
of more significance, being one of a series of studi3s planned for
the purpose of determining what are the resident birds of some
of the more interesting and relatively little known places in
Ohio, in preparation of a revised catalogue of Ohio birds which
is being prepared under the direction of the Ohio State Academy
of Sciences. The work occupied three days at the Licking Res-
ervoir, some 380 miles east of Columbus, Ohio. There were in
this company Mr. Irving A. Field, a student of Dennison Uni-
versity, Granville; Mr. E. J. Arrick, of MeConnellsville; Rev.
W. L. Dawson, of Columbus, and the editor. The region is arich
one, and the work deserves special mention in a later number.

Returns from the request for notes upon the migrations for
March were too meagre to permit of areport. If such a report is
to be of any value it must comprise representative localities not
farther apart north and south than every degree of latitude, and
east and west both in the rezular streams of migration and be-
tween such places. Itis not enough to know the rate at which
birds travel along their regular highways. We know that pretty
well already in general. If the migrations away from those high-
ways are only a spreading from them as a center, or if they are
the result of an independent movement, we want to knowit. The
past spring has been unusually favorable for recording unusual
warblers, and for studying the warbler host in general. There
can be little doubt that the favorable conditions were caused by
the weather rather than by any unusual numbers of the different
Species. This assumption could be verified or disproved if re-
ports from many different places in Ohio and the adjoining states
and Ontario were available for comparison. Studies so strictly
local are of far less value standing by themselves than if taken
with a large number of other local studies for adjoining regions.
Can we not combine our efforts to learn more about the migra-
_ tions by sending such records as we have to some one who can
study them for a final report? The editor has volunteered his ser-
vices, but he would be glad to turn the work over to another if any
one will volunteer to doit. Is there such an one?

74 The Wilson Bulletin.

ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS.

The following applications for active membership were received
before the April election, but after the last BULLETIN was mailed.
If there be no objection these persons may be considered as re-
ceived into active membership:

W. E. Saunders, 352 Clarence street, London, Ontario.

Win. J. Mills, Box 16, East Point, Ga.

Miss Adelaide Utter, Clerk U.S. Circuit Court, Kansas City, Mo.
Mrs. Olive Thorne Miller, 827 DeKalb avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Miss Rebecca Leete, North East, Pa.

Clarence Morrison Brooks, 105 West street, Keene, N. H.

The following persons make application for associate member-
ship:

Jane L. Spencer, 239 Kast First street, Oswego, N. Y.

Harry B. McConnell, Cadiz, Ohio.

Mrs. C. J. Hunt, Harris Cottage, Lakewood, N. J.

Irving A. Fie!d, Box 510, Granville, Ohio.

Charles E. Slocum, M D., Defiance, Ohio.

NOTES.

BOULDER, COLORADO, BIRDS INCREASING.—Owing to various
causes, birds are noticeably increasing in numbers at Boulder.
This is especially true of the Mountain Bluebird (Sialia arctica) and
the Western Robin (Merula migratoria propinqua). Itis not uncom-
mon to see 100 robins at a time in the orchard covering half a
block of ground, at the rear of my home, in the early morning.
It seems to me, as others have often noticed, that the House
Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis) is becoming more numerous
each year; and this year I have seen more Juncoes of various
species than usual. It must be regretfully added that the most
disliked European importation, Passer domesticus, has reached
Boulder during the past few years and is rapidly spreading its
numbers over the city.—JUNIUS HENDERSON.

LAKEWOOD, N. J., April 18, 1902.—Clear. Wind west. 52°. 9 to
12 A.M. Ina meadow back of the farm a pair of Bluebirds were
gathering nesting material and loving each other. They flew
straight to a tree which had a large shallow hole and entered it.
When they flew away I examined the tree and found a beautiful
nest almost finished. Further on a Tufted Titmouse responded
to my whistled call. In an apple orchard Goldfinches were sing-
ing loudly, with Robins and Chipping Sparrows. A mile beyond,
in the cemetery, a pair of Robins were building a nest in a pine
tree, and a pair of Pine Warblers were building on a projecting
pine branch. The nest was about fifteen feet from the ground,
on the very tip end of the branch. I watched a long while with
field glass while both birds brought feathers and soft wisps of dead
grass. The nest was deep, cup-shaped and as large as a breakfast
cup, very soft and downy looking, with many white feathers.

Publications Received. 75

Still another mile along the Freehold road, to the farm on the
hill, and away from the road to the right, down to the foot of the
hill, I went through the swamp where the farmer had cut off all
the wood and brush, leaving the beautiful moss and arbutus and
the pitcher plants to die from exposure to sun and heat. Field and
Song Sparrows were there, and I flushed three large, fat Ruffed
Grouse which went off with a noise of low thunder. Suddenly came

the loud clear whistle of a bird that I knew well, but heard for the
first time this spring. I whistled in answer and he soon came
where I could see him, for he is a very inquisitive little fellow.
Sure enough, it was the Carolina Wren. No mistaking that erect
tail and the quick, nervous body as he peers at the impudent in-
truder of his wooded retreat. But he doesn’t linger long for you
to observe him, but darts away with another burst of joyous song
selected at random from his great variety, rich and melodious.
He is a difficult bird to see near enough to study the markings,
but he responds readily to the whistled call, and may sometimes
be induced to remain quiet long enough to make a good study.
While I was trying to coax him back again a rapid drumming
on a tree behind me made me turn in that direction to discover
a big, red-headed woodpecker. On going nearer it proved to be a
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker busy on a thrifty tree extracting sap.
Over the treetops saj'ed a Sharp-shinned Hawk. I gota good view
of him before he sailed higher and higher in small circles into
the sky.—NELLIE H. Hunt.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

BIRDS OF OREGON, ANNOTATED LISTOF THE. By A. R. Wood-
cock. Bulletin No. 68 of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment
Station. January, 1902. Corvallis, Oregon.

This annotated list of 333 species of Oregon birds was compiled
by Mr. Woodecoek for the degree of Master of Science, under the
direction of the professor in charge. A frontispiece of ‘‘The
- Denny Pheasant,”’ two pages of Introduction by the professor in
charge, and a page of acknowledgments by the author, are fol-
lowed by the list of species which are more or less annotated.
We are forced to the conclusion that the author has made little
use of the editorial blue pencil both in the compilation of the list:
of species and in the selection of annotations. It is not easy to
throw out records which may be questionable without giving of-

fense, unless there be a definite statement as to what shall con-
stitute an accepted record. For any species about which there
could be a question, it is fair to require the evidence of a speci-
men to prove the validity of the species as belonging to the state
fauna. Anything less than this is likely to lead to error. Hypo-
thetical lists are always convenient for questionable records.

It may not seem quite fair to expect everybody to keep in touch
with our rapidly shifting nomenclature, but we cannot help sug-
gesting that a list dated 1902 might well contain the revisions of
the check-list made a year before the list appeared.

_ We trust that this list is preliminary to a more carefully pre-
pared one soon to follow.—L. J.

70 The Wilson Bulletin.

THE MISSION OF THE BiRDs. By Clarence Moores Weed. Na-
ture Study Leaflet No. 2, New Hamshipre College Agricultural
Experiment Station. April, 1902.

This 12-page illustrated leaflet is pretty clearly intended for
the teacher of children, and is therefore full of directions for the
instruction of the children in nature study, but particularly the
study of birds. This text is largely explanatory of a diagram on
the second page which sets forth graphically, on a plan of group-
ing, the insects which molest all sorts of vegetation under all
sorts of conditions, and the birds which feed upon the insects.
This chart is well conceived and clearly done, and, with the ac-
companying text and illustrations, makes a distinct contribution
to the pedagogical side of Ornithology.—L. J.

List of Generic Terms Proposed for Birds During the Years
1890 to 1900, Inclusive, to which are Added Names Omitted by
Waterhouse in his ‘Index Generum Avium.’”’ By Charles W.
Richmond. From the Proceedings of the U. S. National Mu-
seum, Vol. XXIV., pages 663-729.

Amateur Sportsman, The, Vol. XXVI., Nos. 5 and 6, Vol.
XXVII., Nos. 1 and 2.

American Monthly Microscopical Journal, The, Vol. XXIII.,
Nos. 3 and 4.

American Ornithology, Vol. II., Nos. 3 and 4.

Bird-Lore, Vol. [V., Nos. 2 and 8.

Birds and Nature, Vol. XI., Nos. 3 and 4.

Bulletins 130, 131, 132, 133, Ohio Agricultural Experiment Sta-
tion, 1902.

Bulletins 58,59, The Pennsylvania State College Agricultural
Experiment Station, March, 1902.

By the Wayside, Vol. V., No. 1.

Cassinia, Vol. V., 1901.

Condor, The, Vol. IV., No. 3.

Journal of the Maine Ornithological Society, The, Vol. IV.,
No. 2.

Maine Sportsman, Vol. [X., Nos. 103, 104, 105.

Ohio Naturalist, The, Vol. II., Nos. 5, 6, 7.

Our Animal Friends, Vol. XXIX., No. 9.

Plant World, The, Vol. V., Nos. 2 and 3. 5

Pollination of Flowers, The. Nature Study Leaflet No. 1.
New Hampshire College Agricultural Experiment Station. Re-
view of the North American species of Athysanus.

(Jassidee.) Series 6, Nos. 14, 15, Ohio State University Bulletin,
Dept. Zool. and Ent., Nos. 7, 8.

ERRATA.

Some distressing errors crept into the last number after the
last proof left the editor’s hands. They are as follows:

Page 7, line 12, for ‘‘scaps”’ read ‘‘seraps.”’

Page 8, line 4 from bottom, for ‘‘snipe” read ‘‘snipes.”’

Page 18, line 7 from bottom, for ‘‘quaked”’ read ‘tquanked.”’

Page 22, line 15 from bottom, for ‘‘1902” read ‘'1922.”

Page 25, line 8, omit the word ‘‘no.”’

Page 29, line 3 from bottom, for ‘‘Ober-’’ read ‘‘Oberholser.”

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Address all communications to

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.

O45, 20675

OLD SERIES Vol. XIV. NEW SERIES Vol, IX. No, 3

| Published uarterly by the Wilson Orni- _ | a i
thological Chapter of the Agassiz
; Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES

September, 1902

OBERLIN, OHIO.

H Entered as second-class mail matter at the Fostoffice at Oberlin, Ohio.

Hen

Heonian instiz, ;
Los "ay

G

1 OC! 2O 1902

Sou SN
Sega

CONTENTS.

A Preliminary List of the Birds of Middle Southern

Ohio. W. F. HENNINGER. 7
The Spring Migration of 1901, with an eee Table

for Lorain County, Ohio. R. L. BAIRD. : 94
Maryland Birds. J. H. LANGILLE. ; IOI
Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandz) eae ih

Ohio. LYNDS JONES. : : : - DOR
Editorial. ; : : : : : 2 LOG
Notes:

Albino Robins. . 109

Capture of an ee oe oe ee

an Chester County, Pennsylvania. : SOS

Election of Officers for 1903. : Y * 16g
Election of Members. 5 ; ae Rigs @ KC)
Publications Received. : : : BC)

The Wilson Bulletin
is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and
December by the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the
Agassiz Association, at Oberlin, Ohio, edited by Lynds Jones.

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Se A RS RR ne ae eS ON OE eI ee Pe ee ge

Feet Te ee RE ee

THE

WILSON BULLETIN

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
ORNITHOLOGY

NOI LX. SEPTEMBER, 1902. No. 3.

PERE EIMINARY LIST OF THE BIRDS OF MID-
DLE SOUTHERN OHIO.

BY REV. W. F HENNINGER.

WHENEVER Dr. Wheaton, in his list of the Birds of Ohio,
speaks of Southern Ohio, he refers either to Cincinnati or
Circleville and vicinity. But Circleville, if we divide the
State into three equal parts, does not even belong to South-
ern Ohio, but only to the southern part of Central Ohio.
There is very little known concerning the avifauna of South-
ern Ohio; since 1796, when Wilson traveled through this
region, practically nothing has been done ornithologically.
The writer’s observations in this paper are restricted to Sci-
oto and Pike counties, and while he has done a great deal of
work in Jackson and Ross counties, they are very similar to
parts of Scioto and Pike county and their ornis likewise is
practically the same. The observations were made from
three points principally: South Webster, in the extreme
northeast of Scioto county; Wheelersburg, on the Ohio
River, in the southeastern part of Scioto county; and Wav-
ly, the county seat of Pike county. From Aug. 15, 1894,
till Sept. 1, 1897, observations were confined to South Web-
ster only. Both counties were traversed in every direction,
as was also Jackson county, while Ross county’s southern

78 The Wilson Bulletin.

part only was explored. The broad valley of the Ohio and
the Scioto valley are the migration paths for the birds from
the northeast to southwest and north to south. ‘The rest of
the two counties consists of various series of hills and small
ravines and valleys. Along the creeks and rivers small
groves are yet to be found, while the hills are covered with
woods, sometimes in tracts of 300 to .400 acres. The for-
ests consist mostly of deciduous trees, sparingly interspersed
with a few pine trees at a few localities. This accounts for
the presence of some rare species, while the bottom lands
are drawing new species in every year. The climatic condi-
tions are too well known to be mentioned in this connection.
-\'Noé one knows ‘better than the writer, how incomplete is
this list of Southern) Ohio birds; but not one record is
given that has not been carefully scrutinized by the writer.
The period of observation runs from Aug. 15, 1894, to July
I, 1902, but a busy professional life has made it impossible
for the author to do ‘“‘what he ought to have done.” The
excuse for making up this list is the fact that practically
nothing i is known of the ornis of Central Southern Ohio,
and that by it a gap in our knowledge of the birds of Ohio
may at least partly be filled out. The writer will be glad
of any corrections and any just criticism concerning this list.
ashe birds of this region are represented by 216 species
which may be divided in the following way: residents, 42;
summer residents, 61; regular transients, 64; irregular and
rarer transients, 27; winter residents, 10; accidental vis-
ILOnS; 75. EXtIMce, 2. imtroduced, 2:
Unless otherwise stated the species here enumerated are
represented by specimens in the author’s or local collections.
1. Colymbus auritus.s Horned Grebe.—A fairly common transient
in both counties on the different streams and ponds. Arrivals,
Waverly, Pike county—April 20, 1900; April 26, 1901. Migrating,
Sept. 18 to Oct. 24, 1901,2 9 immature, 1d adult; 1¢ immature had
flown against a telephone wire in the night of Sept. 17-18, 1901)
and was captured alive.

2. Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe.—A very common
transient in both counties. Perhaps a rare summer resident, as

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 79

I have seen a young one, shot on the canal (Portsmouth & Lake
Hrie) in July, 1898, in a local collection at Waverly.

3. Gavia imber. Loon.—A tolerably common transient. Most
common during high water in both counties. Latest spring
record, May 1, 1899, at Piketon; two females on April 22, 1901, in
the writer’s collection, at Waverly.

4. Gavia lumme. Red-throated Loon.—Rare. One specimen
found dead on March 21, 1898, by my brother-in-law, near Wheel-
ersburg, Scioto county, Ohio.

5. Larus marinus. Great Black-backed Gull.—Accidental. On
Mareh 21, 1900, while out duck hunting I observed one specimen
of this superb species. While lying in a thicket on a small
peninsula surrounded by the two arms of the Scioto River and a
slough on three sides, a large gull alighted on the gravelly bank
of the river, opposite me. Though the bird was out of shotgun
range, with my field-glass I could easily tell the species. After
staying there for about three minutes it raised its wings and
soared majestically away, reminding one of the eagle’s flight.

6. Larus argentatus smithsonianus. Am. Herring Gull.—A rather
rare transient in Scioto county. A ¢ in second winter plumage,
in the writer’s collection, on March 8, 1901, on the Scioto River,
Waverly.

7. Sterna hirundo. Common Tern.—A very rare transient vis-
itor. A flock of about 20 seen Nov. 11, 1898, on the gravelly
banks of the Scioto River at Waverly.

8. Merganser americanus. American Merganser.—A common
fall and spring transient; often winter resident, but females

only.
9. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. A very rare

transient. The only record is a female in the writer’s collection,
Dec. 5, 1899. It was on the banks of the Scioto River, near
Waverly.

10. Lophodytes cucullatus. Hooded Merganser.—Fairly common
as a spring and fall transient in this region.

11. Anas boschas. Mallard.—An abundant transient and winter
resident. In 1899 asummer resident, as it was seen all summer
in several pairs on the Scioto River, though the nest was never
found at Waverly.

12. Anas obscura. Black Duck. A common spring and fall
transient. Feb. 28, 1899; March 17, 1900; March 8, 1901; March
27, 1902; Oct. 7, 1899—migration dates for Waverly.

13. Mareca americana. Baldpate.—A pair, March 18, 1899, on the
Scioto River. Very common March 10-17, 1900, on the Scioto
River. Not observed since then.

14. Nettion carolinensis: Green-winged Teal.—A common spring
transient. Not seen in the fall.

15. Querquedula discors. Blue-winged Teal.—Common spring
and fall transient, Nov. 29, 1896; April 6, 1899.

80 The Wilson Bulletin.

16. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller.—A rather rare transient. <A
female March 28, 1900, and a young male Dec. 21, 1900, on the Sei-
oto River. These are the only records.

17. Dafila acuta. Pintail_—The most abundant of all the ducks.
Arrivals—Feb. 25, 1899; Feb. 14, 1900; Feb. 19, 1901. One male in
breeding plumage, Oct. 10, 1901, on the Scioto River.

18. Aix sponsae Wood Duck.—A summer resident. More com-
mon along Beaver Creek near Piketon, than elsewhere; other-
wise quite rare.

19. Aythya vallisneria. Canvas-back.—Rare spring transient.
Three observed on the Scioto River, April 15, 1899. A fine male
shot on March 238, 1900, on the Scioto River, in the writer’s collec-
tion. This is the only specimen of a genuine canvas-back taken
in Pike county.

20. Aythya marila. Scaup Duck.—Rather rare as a spring tran-
sient. Observed April 20, 1900.

21. Aythya affinis, Lesser Scaup Duck.—An exceedingly com-
mon spring and fall transient observed as late as May 14, 1902.

22. Aythya collaris, Ring-necked Duck.—A rather rare tran-
sient in Pike; somewhat more common in Scioto county.

23. Clangula clangula americana, American Golden-eye.—A fairly
common fall and spring migrant. Dec. 9, 1899; March 4, 1899;
March 21, 1900. Found on running streams only, like the Pintail.

24. Charitonetta albeola. Buffle-head.—A common spring tran-
sient. Not recorded in fall. March 30-April 2, 1900, 2 females.

25. Harelda hyemalis, Old-squaw.—Very rare. Between Feb.
7 and 18, 1899, 9 specimens of this duck, 4 males and 5 females,
were taken by local hunters. Two of these, a pair, are in the
writer’s collection. (Cf. Auk, Vol. XVI., July, 1899, No. 3, page
284.)

26. Erismatura jamaicensis. Ruddy Duck.—Not common. Seen
in Scioto county only.

27. Branta canadensis; Canada Goose. A common winter resi-
dent; arriving in November, departing in March or April. Fre-
quently kept in a state of domestication.

28. Olor buccinator, Trumpeter Swan.—A specimen of this spe-
cies was shot in April, 1900, near Wellston, Jackson county,
Ohio, and it is claimed, apparently with good evidence, that the
same bird had been seen in Pike county previous to its having
been shot in Jackson county.

29. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern.—Not a common
spring and fall transient. Oct. 24, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900; April 27,
1901.

30. Ardetta exilis, Least Bittern.—Seen June 2, 1898, along the
eanal; April, 1901, on the banks of the Scioto River.

31. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron.—A tolerably common
summer resident. Arrives in March; leaves in December.

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 81

32. Ardea caerulea. Little Blue Heron.—On Aug. 1, 1901, I saw
two birds of this species on the banks of the old arm of the Sci-
oto River, one of which I shot after an exciting chase of about
three hours. It wasa young male. On Aug. 16 another speci-
men was added to my collection. All told, 4 specimens were
eaptured and 4 others seen this month in Pike county. (Cf.
Auk, Vol. XVIII., Oct., 1901, page 392.)

33. Ardea virescens. Green Heron.—A common summer resi-
dent. Arrival—April 28, 1898; May 6, 1899; April 20, 1900; April
24,1901. Departure—Ocet. 1, 1898.

34. WNycticorax nycticorax naevius. Black-crowned night Heron.—
The only specimen of this species known to be taken in this
region is a young female in the writer’s collection, shot Nov. 18,
1898, on the banks of Crooked Creek, at Waverly,

35. Grus americana. Whooping Crane.—A rare transient. One
specimen taken on the banks of the Scioto River, in Scioto
county; in the collection of Mrs. Mary E. Bannon, Portsmouth,
Ohio. One was kept in captivity in Waverly for a a number of
years. It had been winged.

36. Rallus elegans. King Rail.—Only one record. <A male, in
the writer’s collection, May 26, 1900, on the banks of Crooked
Creek, Waverly.

37. Rallus virginianus, Virginia Rail.—An abundant fall tran-
sient; not common in spring. Most likely a summer resident.

38. Porzana carolina. Sora.—A common fall and spring tran-
sient. Perhaps a summer resident; a young male having been
captured Sept. 19, 1901.

39. Gallinula galeata. Florida Gallinule-—Rare. A specimen
taken Noy. 16, 1898, is somewhat abnormal in coloration. Erro-
neously recorded asa Purple Gallinule in the Auk (Vol. XVI.,
Jan., 1899, page 75), which I would like to correct now.

40. Fulica americana. American Coot.—A common spring and
fall migrant. Arrival—March 25, 1899; April 13, 1901. Depar-
ture—Oct. 15, 1898; Oct. 4, 1899; Nov. 1, 1901.

41. Philohela minor. American Woodcock.—Not a common
summer resident. Arrival—April 20, 1897; March 23, 1900. Nest
with 4 eggs found April 28, 1898, at Bloom Switch, Scioto county.
The bird was so tame that it allowed a farmer ploughing near by
to touch it with his whip-handle.

42. Gallinago delicata. Wilson’s Snipe.—An exceedingly com-
mon spring (rather rare fall) transient. Arrival as early as Jan.
27, 1898; departure as late as Nov. 16, 1896.

43. Tringa maculata. Pectoral Sandpiper.—A rare transient in
spring. A pair observed on March 28, 1900, and a flock of about
60 on March 30, 1900 ina wet gravel slough close to the Scioto
River, Waverly.

44. Tringa minutilla, Least Sandpiper.—Rare. A pair observed

82 The Wilson Bulletin.

April 27, 1898, near Bloom Switch, Scioto county, while I was
fishing on the banks of Hale’s Creek.

45. Totanus melanoleucus. Greater Yellow-legs.—A common
spring transient in wet seasons. March 14, 1899, taken on the
banks of Scioto River; April 24 and 26, 1901, 4 captured on a wet
meadow.

46. Totanus flavipes. Yellow-legs.—A common spring transient.
Arrival—April 30, 1900; March 18, 1901; the latter is the earliest
record for the State.

47. Helodromas solitarius. Solitary Sandpiper.—A common spring
and fall migrant. Arrival—May 11, 1900; April 24, 1901; Oct. 24,
1901.

48. Bartramia longicauda. Bartramian Sandpiper.—A common
transient, but rare summer resident. Oct. 23, 1898; April 26,
1901; March 21, 1902, the earliest record.

49. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—May 6, 1899; April 25, 1900; April 24, 1901;
April 26, 1902. Departure—Sept. 8-9, 1899; Sept. 17-18, 1901.

50. Aegialitis vocifera. Killdeer.—A common resident every-
where, even on meadows far back in the hills.

51. Colinus virginianus. Bob-white.—A very common permanent
resident.

52. Bonasa umbellus. Ruffed Grouse.—A fairly common perma-
nent resident, but not found in the bottoms. Any tract of tim-
ber in the hills harbors this bird.

53. Meleagris gallopavo feraa Wild Turkey.—In former years a
common resident; now extinet. This seems peculiar, as it must
be remembered that wildcats and occasionally catamounts are
still to be found in this region, which may be considered the
least explored and wildest in Ohio.

54. Ectopistes migratorius. Passenger Pigeon.— Once an abundant
summer resident. Several pigeon roosts in Pike county were
well known to old settlers. On March 24, 1900, a solitary indi-
vidual was shot by a small boy near Sargents, close to the
boundary line of Pike and Scioto counties, and mounted by the
late wife of ex-Sheriff C. Barnes, of Pike county. This is the
only authentic record for twenty years.

55. Zenaidura macroura.e Mourning Dove.—An abundant resi-
dent even in the severest winters, at sheltered places in the bot-
toms or upland.

56. Cathartesaura. Turkey Vulture.—A common summer resi-
dent; not so common in winter.

57. Elanoides forficatus. Swallow-tailed Kite.—A specimen of
this rare bird was shot in August, 1898, near Chillicothe, Ross
county, Ohio, and while not strictly belonging to this list, may
well be counted with the birds of Southern Ohio.

58.' [Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk.—A fairly common fall and

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 83

spring transient and also a winter resident. I have found it in
the bottoms only, and never seen it in summer.

59. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk.—A not common res-
ident; mostly seen in the hills. A bold thief of young chickens.

60. Accipiter cooperii. Cooper’s Hawk.—A common resident.
The worst robber of the barnyard.

61. Buteo borealis, Red-tailed Hawk.—Very numerous in win-
ter; not quite socommoninsummer. Breeds in the deep woods.

62. Buteo lineatus. Red-shouldered Hawk.—Only seen in win-
ter, falland spring, never in summer; and much less common
than the preceding species.

63. Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis, American Rough-legged
Hawk.—A fairly rare winter visitor. In the spring of 1899 five
were taken on Feb. 5, 17, Mareh 13 (two), 31. The last two are in
the writer’s collection. On Dec. 13, 1900, one in the black phase
was shot, and in the same winter several more were killed; all
by local hunters. (Cf. Auk, Vol. XVI., July, 1899, page 184.)

64. Aguila chrysaetos. Golden Hagle. A very rare winter visitor.
Prof. W. M. Clayton, of the Waverly Public School (at present
President of the Southern Oregon State Normal School), brought
me a Claw of this eagle, which had been shot about Thanksgiv-
ing, 1896, in Ross county, just across the Pike county line. (Cf.
Bull. Mich. Onithol. Club, Vol. II., No. 3-4, page 39.)

65. Haliaeetus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. Not uncommon in
winter. Itis said to breed in the bottom lands, but I was unable
to confirm this report.

66. Falco sparverius. American Sparrow Hawk. A very com-
mon and useful resident. Seldom molested by anybody. Fre-
qently seen in towns.

67. Pandion haliaeetus carolinensis, American Osprey.—Not un-
common in spring, fall and winter, especially during high waters.

68. Strix pratincola, A fairly common resident in both counties
especially in the bottom lands. I am inclined to believe that
this species never was rare in Southern Ohio. Several specimens
in the writer’s collection in all ages and plumages.

69. Asio wilsonianus. American Long-eared Owl.—A rare winter
visitor; not known in summer.

70. Asio accipitrinus. Short-eared Owl.—A very common winter
resident; not observed in summer.

71. Syrnium nebulosum,. Barred Owl.—A common resident;
breeds in summer.

72. WNyctala acadica. Saw-whet Owl. A rare winter visitor.
Two records only—a 2 taken Nov. 26, 1898, and another Nov. 8,
1899, in the writer’s collection. (Cf. Bull., Mich. Ornith. Club,
Vol. II., No. 3-4, p. 39.)

73. Megascops asio.—Screech Owl.—Resident; the most common
owl. Only one specimen in the rare intermediate plumage, Jan.

84 The Wilson Bulletin.

7, 1899, in the writer’s collection. The gray and red phases about
equally abundant. In the winter of 1900 a Screech Owl was
killed by a farmer in the act of killing a chicken in his hen
house.

74. Bubo virginianus. Great Horned Owl.—A common resident.
Very injurious and killed on any occasion.

75. Nyctea nycteae Snowy Owl.—One specimen was taken in
the winter of 1897-98, on afarm near Waverly, and nailed to a
barn door. I examined the specimen a few months later, when
it was already badly decayed, but still easily identified. This is
the only record.

76. Conurus carolinensis, Carolina Paroquet.—Common resident
till 1840, since then extinct.

77. Coccyzus americanus. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.—A common
summer resident. Arrival—May 8, 1897; May 5, 1898; May 5,
1899; May 7, 1900; May 8, 1901. Departure—Sept. 13, 1899; Sept.
22, 1900; Sept. 17, 1901.

78. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo.—Not a very
common transient. Aug. 25, 1898; May 6, 1899; April 28, 1900.

79. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher.—A common resident.

80. Dryobates villosus. Hairy Woodpecker.—Resident. Not as
common in summer as in winter.

81. Dryobates pubescens medianus. Downy Woodpecker.—Resi-
dent. Same as preceding.

82. Sphyrapicus varius. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.—A common
spring and fall transient. March 21, 1898; Oct. 1, 1898; Oct. 4,
1899.

83. Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola. Northern Pileated Woodpecker.
Till in the fall of 1900 this majestic bird was fairly common in
some of the wild ravines of Pike county. Since then, owing to
the cutting down of large timber, he has become rare. (Cf. Bull.
M.O.C., Vol. II., No. 3-4, page 39.)

84. Mlelanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker.— A
common summer resident, but not found in the upland region.
Arrivals—May 5, 1899; April 23, 1900; May 4, 1901. Sometimes
found in winter.

85. Mlelanerpes carolinus. Red-bellied Woodpecker.—A common
resident everywhere. On Sept. 15, 1898, I found a number of
these birds in a large open tract of timber, storing away acorns
in the fashion of the preceding species. A great lover of ripe
apples, it is nevertheless a very beneficial species.

86. Colaptes auratus luteus. Northern Flicker.—A common resi-
dent.

87. Antrostomus vociferus. Whip-poor-will.—A common sum-
mer resident. Arrivals—April 22, 1895; April 16, 1896; April 24,
1897; April 18, 1898; April 17, 1899; April 28,1901. Departure—
Sept. 21, 1895.

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 85

88. Chordeiles virginianus. Night-hawk. A common summer
resident. Arrivals—April 30, 1895; April 23, 1897; April 25, 1898;
May 1, 1899; April 23, 1900. Departure—Sept. 6, 1898; Sept. 9,
1899; Sept. 18, 1900.

89. Chaetura pelagica, Chimney Swift.—A common summer res-
ident. Arrivals—April 21, 1895; April 17, 1896; April 22, 1897;
April 14, 1898; April 15, 1899; April 15, 1900; April 12, 1901; April
19, 1902. Departure—Sept. 29, 1897; Oct. 2; 1899.

90. Trochilus colubris. Ruby-throated Humming-bird.—A com-
mon summer resident. Arrival—April 17, 1896; April 24, 1897;
May 10, 1898; May 1, 1899; May 7, 1900. Departure—Sept. 18,
1896; Sept. 15, 1898; Sept. 8, 1899.

91. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird.—A common summer resident.
Arrival—April 14, 1896; April 20, 1897; April 24, 1898; April 16,
1899; April 19, 1900; April 28, 1901; April 25, 1902. Departure—
Sept. 9, 1899.

92. Myiarchus crinitus. Crested Flycatcher.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—April 26, 1901; April 28, 1902.

93. Sayornis phoebe. Phoebe.—A common summer resident. Ar-
rival—April 22, 1897; March 14, 1898; April 6, 1899; March 28,
1900; April 2, 1901; Mareh 22, 1902. Departure—Oct. 12, 1894;
Sept. 30, 1898; Oct. 4, 1899; Oct. 19, 1900. April 28, 1902, I found a
nest with 5 heavily incubated eggs, built on top of an old coffee
pot hanging to a nail in an old log cabin, asomewhat unusual
nesting site.

94. Contopus virens. Wood Pewee.—A common resident. Ar-
rival—May 9, 1896; May 5, 1897; April 28, 1898; May 5, 1899; May
6, 1900. Departure—Oct. 17, 1894; Oct. 9, 1897. :

95. Empidonax flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.—A rath-
er rare spring transient. Data—May 7, 1897; May 17, 1898; May
2, 1901.

96. Empidonax virescens. (reen-crested Flycatcher.—A com-
mon migrant; afew pairs breed. Data—May 22, 1897; May 18,
1899; May 7, 1900; May 2, 1901. Departure—Sept. 23, 1896; Sept.
21, 1899; Sept. 18, 1900; Sept. 18, 1901.

97. Empidonaxtraillii, Traill’s Flycatcher.—A common migrant;
afew pairs breed. May 22, 1897; May 17, 1898; May 7, 1900.

98. Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher.—A fairly common
transient; may perhaps breed. May 22, 1897; May 23, 1898; Aug.
11, 1898.

99. Octocorys alpestris praticola, Prairie Horned Lark.— This
species was first seen on Oct. 28, 1899, on a stretch of gravelly
waste land. Since then it has become a permanent resident,
breeding somewhat sparingly, at Waverly, Pike county.

100. Cyanocitta cristata. Blue Jay.—A fairly common resident,
not so common in the bottom lands, and shows a decided prefer-
ence for oak groves.

86 The Wilson Bulletin.

101. Corvus americanus. American Crow.—A common resident;
occasionally ‘‘pied”’ ones are seen.

102. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink.—A common spring tran-
sient, staying about one week. Arrival—April 29, 1899; May 11,
1900; May 4, 1901. Fall migration—Sept. 8-9, 1900; Sept. 10, 1901.

108. Mbolothrus ater. Cowbird.—A common summer resident.
Arrival—May 9, 1896; April 23, 1897; April 10, 1899; Mareh 13,
1902. Departure—Oct. 27, 1898. On April 28, 1902, I found an egg
of this species in a nest of Bewick’s Wren with 5 fresh eggs of
the owner. This species is nowhere mentioned as a foster-parent
of the Cowbird, not even in the late Major Bendire’s great work.
The whole set and nest are in my collection.

104. Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird.—A very com-
mon summer resident, often nesting in clover fields. Arrival—
March 12, 1895; March 30, 1896; Mareh 6, 1897; March 8, 1898;
March 11, 1899; March 21, 1900; March 18, 1901; March 21, 1902.
Departure—Nov. 25, 1898; Nov. 4, 1899.

105. Sturnella magna. Meadowlark.—A common resident.

106. Icterus spurius. Orchard Oriole.—A common summer resi-
dent. Arrival—April 380, 1895; April 17, 1896; April 24, 1897;
April 18, 1898; April 27, 1899; April 23, 1900; April 27, 1901; April
22, 1902.

107. Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole.k—A common summer res-
ident, increasing rapidly. Arrival—April 28, 1898; April 25,
1899; April 29, 1900; April 27, 1901; April 22,1902. Departure—
Sept. 9, 1898; Sept. 9, 1899; Sept. 30, 1900.

‘108. Scolecophagus carolinus. Rusty Blackbird.—Winter resident
only; not so very common. Departure—March 10, 1898. Arrival
—Dee. 9, 1899.

109. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. Bronzed Grackle.—A very common
summer resident. Arrival— April 8, 1895; Mareh 28, 1896;
March 8, 1897; Mareh 8, 1898; March 4, 1899; Mareh 5, 1900;
March 6, 1901; March 10, 1902. Departure— Oct. 29, 1895; Nov.
12, 1897; Nov. 4, 1899; Nov. 2, 1900. In the summer of 1900 there
was a large Grackle roost in the Water street Park at the canal
in the midst of the village with all its noise and buzz. It came
under my observation from July 8, on. The first Grackles would
come in at4p.m., single ones, the rest generally in groups of
three or in flocks at short intervals. The last ones in the
morning would leave as late as 5 a.m.

110. Carpodacus purpureus. Purple Finch.—Rare. A female cap-
tured on Dee. 13, 1900, in a tangled mass of tall weeds bordering
the Scioto River. Only record.

lll. Acanthis linaria. Red-poll.—Very rare. Observed once on
Jan. 15, 1898. The only record.

112. Astragalinus tristis, American Goldfinch.—A very common
resident. On the increase.

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 87

113. Pooecetes gramineus. Vesper Sparrow.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—March 30, 1896; March 14, 1897; March 6,
1898; April 4, 1899; March 30, 1900; April 14,1901. Departure—
Noy. 5, 1894; Nov. 2, 1900.

114. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna. Savanna Sparrow.—A
common transient, but not so commonasasummer resident.
Arrival—April 28, 1898; April 5, 1899. Departure—Oct. 17, 1894;
Oct. 29, 1897; Nov. 25, 1898.

115. Ammodramus savannarum passerinus. Grasshopper Sparrow.
—A common transient. Also common summer resident in up-
land regions. Arrival—April 28, 1898; April 24, 1900; April 27,
1902. Departure—Sept. 29, 1899.

116. Chondestes grammacus. Lark Sparrow.—The finest songster
of the North American Sparrows. It is, like the Savanna and
Grasshopper Sparrows, constantly on the increase. It prefers
the upland meadows, and has never been met by me in the bot-
toms. May 9, 1896; April 23, 1897; May 18, 1901.

117. Zonotrichia leucophrys. White-crowned Sparrow.—A com-
mon fall and spring transient. Spring—May 6, 1897; April, 23,
1898; May 9, 1899; May 7, 1900; May 2,1901. Fall—Oct. 27, 1898;
Oct. 19, 1900.

118. Zonotrichia albicollis, White-throated Sparrow.—A common
winter resident. Arrival—Sept. 26, 1894; Oct. 4, 1895; Sept. 23,
1896; Oct. 29, 1897; Oct. 1, 1898; Oct. 3, 1899. Departure—April
23, 1897; April 23, 1898; May 9, 1899.

119. Spizella monticola, Tree Sparrow.—A common winter resi-
dent. Arrival—Oct. 8, 1894; Nov. 25, 1898; Dec. 9, 1899. Depar-
ture—March 28, 1897; April 6, 1900; April 26, 1901.

120. Spizella socialis. Chipping Sparrow.—Often resident except
in cold winters. Common.

121. Spizella pusilla. Field Sparrow.—A common summer resi-
dent. Arrival—April 4, 1895; March 30, 1896; March 12, 1897;
March 20, 1898; April 15, 1899; April 5, 1900; March 28,1901. De-
parture—Oct. 8, 1894; Oct. 27, 1898. On Oct. 8, 1894, a male at
South Webster, with an entirely white tail.

122. Junco hyemalis. Slate-colored Junco.—A common winter
resident. Arrival—Oct. 17, 1894; Sept. 23, 1896; Oct. 9, 1897; Oct.
15, 1898. Departure—April 10, 1897; April 15, 1900.

123. Peucaea aestivalis bachmanii. Bachmann’s Sparrow.—Acci-
dental. On April 23, 1897, a specimen was taken, and I again ob-
served this species on May 6, 1897, at South Webster. (Cf. Bull.
M. O.C., Vol. Il., No. 1, Jan., 1898, pages 7-8.) This was the first
published record of the occurrence of the species in the State.
Since then Mr. H. C. Oberholser wrote me that there was a still
earlier record for the State, but it was as yet unpublished.

124. Melospiza melodia. Song Sparrow.—A very common and
constantly increasing resident.

88 The Wilson Bulletin.

125. Melospiza lincolnit Lincoln’s Sparrow.—A common fall and
spring transient in Scioto county. Not seen in Pike county till
till April 3, 1901, when it was common along the Scioto River.

126. Mlelospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow.—Observed only on
April 15, 1898, at Waverly, ina low wet field, but common on
that day.

127. Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. Oct. 17, 1894, common mi-
grant till Nov. 5, at South Webster. Commonin Noy. 1897 in
Pike county. Since then not seen.

128. Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Towhee.—Males common resi-
dents; females arrive about April 15, and stay until Nov. 15. (Cf.
Bull. M. O. C., Jan. 1899, Vol. III., No. 1.

129. Cardinalis cardinalis. Cardinal.—A very common resident;
most common in December.

130. Zamelodia ludoviciana.—Rose-breasted Grosbeak.—A very
rare transient. May 13, 1897, Scioto county, is the only record.

131. Cyanospiza cyanea. Indigo Bunting.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—May 9, 1896; May 6, 1897; May 1, 1898; April
24, 1899; April 380, 1900; April 26, 1901; April 27, 1902. Still sing-
ing, Sept. 24, 1898; Sept. 21, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900.

132. Spiza americana. Dickcissel.—April 13, 1896, is the only
record for Scioto county; May 11, 1900, two males were taken in
Pike county. Since then it has taken up its abode as a fairly
rare summer resident in the Scioto Valley bottoms. Arrival—
April 24, 1901.

133. Piranga erythromelas. Scarlet Tanager.—Not a common
summer resident. Arrival—May 15, 1898; May 8, 1901. Depar-
ture—Sept, 26, 1894; Sept. 27, 1895; Sept. 18, 1900; Sept. 19, 1901.

134. Piranga rubra. Summer Tanager.—A very common sum-
mer resident. Arrival—May 28, 1897; May 22, 1898; May 21,
1899; April 23, 1900; April 80, 1901; April 28, 1902. Breeds in the
early part of June.

135, Progne subis.", Purple Martin.—A common summer resi-
dent. Arrival—March 29, 1895; March 29, 1896; March 19, 1897;
March 20, 1898; Mareh 25, 1899; Mareh 27, 1900; March 12, 1901;
March 24, 1902. Departure—Sept. 23, 1895; Oct. 10, 1897. On
March 29, 1895, observed an albino at South Webster, but could
not secure it.

136. Petrochelidon funifrons. Cliff Swallow.—A fairly common
summer resident, but very local in its distribution. May 7, 1898.

137. Hirundo erythrogaster. Barn swallow.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—April 3, 1897; April 28, 1898; April 11, 1899;
April 8, 1900; April 24, 1901.

138. Riparia riparia. Bank Swallow.—A common summer resi-
dent in former years, May 18, 1897; May 17, 1898; May 15, 1899.
Since then not seen.

139. Stelgidopteryx serripennis. Rough-winged Swallow.—A com-

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 89

mon and increasing summer resident. Arrival—May 18, 1897;
May 19, 1898; May 2, 1901.

140. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing.—A common resident.
Never seen in cherry trees. A great lover of locusts, gumberries
and pokeberries.

141. Lanius borealis. Northern Shrike-—A rare winter resident.
Oct. 8, 1895; Oct. 6, 1899.

142. Lanius ludovicianus migrans. Migrant Shrike.— Not a com-
mon resident in both counties.

148. Vireo olivaceus. Red-eyed Vireo.—A common summer res-
ident. Arrival—May 9, 1896; April 22, 1897; April 25, 1898; April
29, 1899; April 23, 1900; May 2, 1901; April 27, 1902. Departure—
Sept. 27, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900.

144. Vireo philadelphicus, Philadelphia Vireo. A fairly common
but irregular transient. April 30, 1898; Sept. 24,1898; Oct. 2,
1899.

145. Vireo gilvus. Warbling Vireo.--A common summer resi-
dent. Arrival—May 9, 1896; April 22, 1897; April 23, 1898; April
26, 1899; April 19, 1900; April 26, 1901; April 23, 1902.—Departure
—Ocet. 15, 1898.

146. Vireo flavifrons. Yellow-throated Vireo.—A common sum-
mer resident, showing a great preference for tall oak timber.
Arrival—April 24, 1897; May 1899; April 28, 1900.

147. Vireo solitarius) Blue-headed Vireo.—A rare transient. A
male taken Oct. 19, 1900, in tall timber.

148. Vireo noveboracensis.s White-eyed Vireo.—A rare transient;
probably summer resident. May 22, 1836; May 6, 1897; May 15,
1899.

149. Mnhiotilta varia. Black and white Warbler.—A fairly com-
mon summer resident. Arrival—April 23, 1897; April 28, 1898;
April 25, 1900; May 2, 1901.

150. Heimitherus vermivorus.s Worm-eating Warbler.—A rare
summer resident. May 6, 1897; May 17, 1898 and 1901.

151. Helminthophila pinus. Blue-winged Warbler.—A rather rare
summer resident. May 16, 1900. A pair taken on July 26, 1900.

152. Helminthophila rubricapilla. Nashville Warbler.—A rare
transient. Captured Sept. 21 and Oct. 4, 1899.

153. Helminthophila peregrina. Tennessee Warbler.—Exceedingly
common as a fall transient everywhere. Sept. 24, till Oct. 4, 1898;
Sept. 13, till Oct. 4, 1899; Sept 22, 1900.

154. Compsothlypis americana usneae. Northern Parula Warbler.
Very rare. Sept. 22, 1900, a number along the Scioto River.

155. Dendroica tigrina. Cape May Warbler. A rare spring, but
common fall transient, especially in upland beech-woods. April
24, 1897; Oct. 3, 1898; Sept. 27, 1899; Sept. 18, 1900.

156. Dendroica aestiva. Yellow Warbler.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—April 21, 1895; April 15, 1896; April 5, 1897;

90 The Wilson Bulletin.

April 19, 1898; April 20, 1899; April 19, 1900; April 28, 1901; April
21, 1902.

157. Dendroica caerulescens. Black-throated Blue Warbler.—A
rather rare transient. April 15, 1896; May 2, 1898; September 18,
1900.

158. Dendroica coronata. Myrtle Warbler.—A common transient.
April 23, 1897; May 2, 1898; April 28, 1900; April 28, 1902. Oct. 15-
27, 1898; Oct. 19, 1900; Oct. 4, 1901.

159. Dendroica maculosa. A common transient. Sept. 22, 1896;
Oct. 2, 1897; Oct. 15, 1898. Oct. 3, 1899; May 2, 1898.

160. Dendroica rara. Cerulean Warbler.—A rare summer resi-
dent. Young taken July 30, 1900.

161. Dendroica pensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler.—A very
rare fall transient. Sept. 28, 1899; South Webster.

162. Dendroica castanea. Bay-breasted Warbler.—A common fall
transient only; generally stays in the tops of the tallest trees.
Sept. 23, 1896; Sept. 14 till Oct. 15, 1898; Sept. 28, 1899; Sept. 18,
1900.

168. Dendroica striata. Black-poll Warbler.—A very common
fall transient at any place. Sept. 26, 1894; Oct. 2, 1897; Sept. 24,
1898; Sept. 13 till Oct. 10, 1899; Sept. 18, 1900.

164. Dendroica blackburniae. Blackburnian Warbler.—Not com-
mon as atransient. April 30, 1900; Sept. 18, 1900.

165. Dendroica dominica albiloras Sycamore Warbler.—A rare
transient. April 23, 1897. Common on Sept. 28, 1899. Observed
in Scioto county only.

166. Dendroica virens. Black-throated Green Warbler.—A com-
mon transient. April 23, 1897; May 2, 1898; May 8, 1901; Oct. 8,
1894; Sept. 22, 1896; Oct. 1, 1898; Oct. 4, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900; Sept.
18, 1901.

167. Dendroica vigorsii, Pine Warbler.—A rare breeder. Aug.5,
1898, a young male still partly in first plumage. (Cf. Auk, Vol.
XV., No. 4, page 331.) Also taken on Oct. 8, 1894.

168. Dendroica palmarum. Palm Warbler.—A common transient.
April 28, 1897; May 2, 1898; Sept. 27, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900; Oct. 4,
1901.

169. Dendroica discolor. Prairie Warbler.—Accidental. Captured
Oct. 8, 1894, at South Webster, Scioto county.

170. Seiurus aurocapillus. Oven-bird.—Fairly common as a sum-
mer resident. April 23, 1897; May 2, 1898; April 26, 1901.

171. Seiurus noveboracensis, Water-Thrush.—Rare. A specimen
taken Oct. 1, 1898, at Piketon, is in the collection of Prof. W. M.
Clayton, of Santa Anna, Cal. (formerly of Waverly, O.)

172. Seiurus motacilla. Louisiana Water-Thrush.—Rather rare
as a summer resident. Arrival—April 5, 1897; April 30, 1898;
March 28, 1901.

173. Geothlypis formosa. Kentucky Warbler.—A rare summer

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. QI

resident. Arrival—May 6, 1897; April 28, 1898; May 6, 1899; May
17, 1901. Departure—Sept. 22, 1900.

174. Geothlypis agilis, Connecticut Warbler.—A very rare tran
sient. Aug. 10, 1899, a pair at Waverly.

175. Geothlypis philadelphia. Mourning Warbler.—A very rare
transient. Aug. 7, 1895, a pair seen at South Webster. Sept. 18,
a young male captured at Jasper, Pike county.

176. Geothlypis trichas. Maryland Yellow-throat.—A common
summer resident. Arrival—May 6, 1897; April 28, 1898; May 6,
1899; May 3, 1901; April 30, 1900. Sept. 22, 1900.

177. Icteria virens. Yellow-breasted Chat.—Exceedingly com-
mon as asummer resident. Arrival—May 9, 1896; May 6, 1897;
May 2, 1898; May 9, 1899; April 380, 1900; April 28, 1902.

178. Wilsonia mitrata. Hooded Warbler.—A rare summer resi-
dent. May 6, 1897; Sept. 30, 1898; Sept. 28, 1899. Seen in Scioto
county only.

179. Wisonia pusilla. Wilson’s Warbler.—A rather rare tran-
sient. April 25, 1897; May 15, 1899; Aug. 25, 1898.

180. Wilsonia canadensis, Canadian Warbler.—A rare transient.
Oct. 24, 1898, observed in an apple tree about four feet from my
face. The only record.

181. Setophaga ruticilla, American Redstart.—A fairly common
Summer resident. April 23, 1897; May 2, 1898; May 7, 1900;
Oct. 15, 1898; Sept. 18, 1900.

182. Anthus pensylvanicus. American Pipit.—A rare transient.
Two observed Oct. 29, 1898, at Waverly, O.

183. Mimus polyglottos. Mockingbird.— Very rare. A pair stayed
all summer in 1901, at Waverly.

184. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. Catbird.—A common summer resi-
dent. - Arrival—May 1, 1895; April 30, 1896; April 23, 1897; April
25, 1898; April 23, 1899; April 20, 1900; April 27, 1902. Departure
—Sept. 26, 1894; Sept. 27, 1895; Sept. 23, 1896; Oct. 4, 1899.

185. Toxostoma rufum. Brown Thrasher.—A common summer
resident in upland regions. On the decrease. Arrival—April 22,
1895; April 15, 1896; April 23, 1897; April 24, 1898; April 19, 1899;
April 8, 1900; April 25, 1901; April 27, 1902. Departure—Sept. 26,
1894; Sept. 27, 1895; Sept. 22, 1896; Oct. 2, 1897; Sept. 30, 1898;
Sept. 28, 1899; Sept. 22, 1900.

186. Thryothorus ludovicianus. Carolina Wren.—A common resi-
dent.

187. Thryomanes bewickii, Bewick’s Wren.—Formerly rare, it
has become a very common resident all through Southern Ohio.

188. Troglodytes aedon. House Wren.—Arrival—April 14, 1897;
April 18, 1898; April 13, 1899. Since then it does not live in
Southern Ohio, the better singer and thriftier species, Bewick’s
Wren, having taken its place.

189. Olbiorchilus hyemalis. Winter Wren.—A rare winter visitor
in 794-5, ’98-9.

92 The Wilson; Bulletin.

190. Cistothorus stellaris. Short-billed Marsh Wren.—Accidental.
Oct. 17, 1894, at South Webster.

191. Cistothorus palustris, Long-billed Marsh Wren.—A rare
transient. Oct. 4, 1901, one in a thick clump of weeds on a gray-
elly slough near Waverly, is the only record.

192. Certhia familiaris americana. Brown Creeper.—A rare winter
resident. April 13, 1898; Oct. 27, 1898, till Jan. 21, 1899; Jan., 1902.

193. Sitta carolinensis, White-breasted Nuthatch.—A very com-
mon resident.

194. Sitta canadensis. Red-breasted Nuthatch.—Rare. Jan.,
1898, observed. Sept. 28, 4899, observed four, at South Webs-
ter, O.; one of which was captured. These are the only records.

195. Parus bicolor. Tufted Titmouse.—A very common resident.
A great lover of gumberries.

196. Parus atricapillus. Chickadee.—A very common resident.

197. Parus carolinensis. Carolina Chickadee.—Not quite as com-
mon a resident as the preceding.

198. Regulus satrapas Golden-crowned Kinglet.—A common
transient. Not common as a winter resident. Oct. 19, 1898; Oct.
10, 1899; Oct. 19, 1900; April 24, 1901.

199. Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet.—A fairly com-
mon transient. April 18, 1898; Oct. 15, 1898; April 15, 1899.

200. Polioptila caerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.—A common sum-
mer resident. Arrival—April 15, 1896; April 22, 1897; April 12,
1898; April 20, 1900; April 26, 1901; April 27, 1902; Sept. 18, 1900.

201. Hylocichla mustelina. Wood Thrush.—A common summer
resident. Arrival—April 30, 1898; April 25, 1900; April 28, 1901;
April 28, 1902.

202. Hylocichla fuscescens. Wilson’s Thrush.—Mostly transient,
occasionally a summer resident in Scioto county only. April 30
till Sept. 30, 1898.

208. Hylocichla aliciae. Gray-cheeked Thrush.—May 2, 1898, at
Wheelersburg is the only record.

204. Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii, Olive-backed Thrush.—A
fairly common transient. Sept. 26, 1894, feeding on gumberries,
Sept. 22, 1900.

205. Hylocichla guttata pallasii, Hermit Thrush.—A common
transient. May 1, 1898; Oct. 19, 1900; Nov. 25, 1898.

206. Merula migratoria. American Robin.—A common resident.
In the fall great flocks from the North pass through, but a good
many of those reared in Southern Ohio remain there all winter,
mostly staying together in pairs, occasionally in great flocks at
favorable roosting places.

207. Sialia sialis.s Bluebird._Common resident. Specimens
of Feb. 16, 1900, showed that their winter food consists of dog-
wood berries and hack-berries. This was all the stomachs con-
tained—not a trace of any insect.

Birds of Middle Southern Ohio. 93

INTRODUCED SPECIES.

1. Phasianus torquatus. Ring-necked Pheasant.—Seems to thrive
well in places; in others not at all.

2. Passer domesticus. English Sparrow.—This terrible pest is
not quite so numerous in Scioto county as it used to be. An al-
bino in my collection was shot Sept. 24, 1898; in Nov., 1898, an-
other one with white tail and primaries was shot. As com-
mon as ever in Pike county.

HYPOTHETICAL.

1. Colymbus holboelli. Holbell’s Grebe.—A specimen seen Sept.
21, 1896, on a small pool in Scioto county.

2. Aythya americana. Red-head.—Very rare. Aug. 26, 1900, a
male was observed swimming on the Scioto River at Waverly.

3. Chen hyperborea nivalis. Greater Snow Goose. Observed
April 10, 1897, at South Webster, Scioto county; April 3, 1900, a
large flock near Waverly.

4. Anser albifrons gambelii American White-fronted Goose.—
It is with great hesitaney that I admit this record, but the young
man who shot the geese, ‘‘Brants,’’ as he called them, just on the
boundary line of Pike and Ross counties in the fall of 1900, gave
me such an accurate description of this species that I finally
econeluded to admit it to this list.

5. Aegialitis semipalmata. Semipalmated Plover.—Accidental.
Observed a pair(?) on April 22, 1896, at a small pool near Bloom
Switch, Scioto county.

6. Buteo platypterus. Broad-winged Hawk.—Very rare. Ob-
served but once on March 28, 1896, in the garden of the parsonage
at South Webster.

7. Helminthophila chrysoptera. Golden-winged Warbler.—Very
rare. Observed but once, May 6, 1897, at South Webster.

Addenda. In skinning Old-squaws I noticed that the skin pulls
readily over the head asin the Mergansers, something I have
not seen mentioned in any of the books. I have found the Coot
to be an expert diver, a fairly good walker, and its flesh quite
palatable, providing the Coot is skinned.

94 The Wilson Bulletin.

THE SPRING MIGRATION OF 1g0r.
WITH AN AVERAGE TABLE FOR LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

BY R. L. BAIRD.

Beginning with New Year’s day I spent every possible
minute that could be spared from other school work in the
field with note-book and field-glasses. As I was unable to
be in school the last six weeks of the winter term, an es-
pecial opportunity offered for such work.

This paper will be divided into three main heads: first,
the field in which I have mainly worked ; second, the migra-
tion itself and its attendant conditions ; and third, a migra-
tion table for Oberlin and the vicinity which I have made
out from Mr. Lynds Jones’s check-books from 1896 to 1900
and from my own.

The principal scene of work has been Oberlin and its vi-
cinity. Outside of this immediate neighborhood I have
worked mainly between Oberlin and Lake Erie, a distance
of twelve miles. Nearly every week this territory was gone
through, either a-wheel or on foot, generally the latter. The
route usually taken was in a direction slightly northwest
from Oberlin to Beaver Creek, south of South Amherst, and
from there its course was followed to the lake. Through
most of this distance the creek flows through a wide valley
with steep sides, a large part of which is well wooded. In
places there are evergreen groves. Just south of South Am-
herst is a cemetery in which small evergreen trees are very
thick, shading most of the ground. In the early part of the
year I found this quite a favorite resort for birds, there be-
ing always a large number of individuals as well as species.

For three miles south from Lake Erie there are compar-
atively heavy woods and frequent slashings of second-growth
timber. The land is much cut up and there are numerous

Spring Migration of 1901. 95

runs and small creeks whose banks are covered with alders
and sumac bushes.

Oak Point, a summer resort on the lake shore, half-way
between Lorain and Vermilion, is always the main objective
point in these tramps. Here there are fairly thick woods
and several swamps which are more abundant in species
than any other place I have visited in the county. It has
proved the best place for ducks and the shore birds.

Near Oberlin the best place has been found to be a woods
a mile south of town, known as the South Woods. This
woods is quite dense with tall, straight, slender trees. Along
the edges is a thick second growth of small trees and on the
northern side a slashing with many bushes and brush piles.

A mile northeast of town is another woods as good, per-
haps, as the South Woods, but not so easy of access. A
little farther beyond is a woods known as the Black Swamp
woods. This has promise of rich finds for the one who can
work it up, but so far as I know it has never been thorough-
ly gone over. It is very difficult to work for two reasons:
first, the swamps render it almost impenetable, especially
during the spring ; and secondly, the mosquitoes are almost
unendurable. The southern division of the L.S.& M.S.
railway runs past this woods, and as far as I have gone along
the track, species and individuals have been abundant, and
in the latter part of May nests were found at every few steps.

Black River would be good working ground, I think, but
as it is farther away it is inconvenient to visit frequently.
Several times I did get over and was rewarded each time by
finding new species. It is said that birds migrate along the
water-courses. The amount of water in the river, on ac-
count of the Elyria water-works dam, ought to afford a good
resting-place to migrating water birds. The river averages
six feet deep and is from thirty to eighty feet wide for sev-
ral miles where it is nearest to Oberlin. The banks are well
wooded.

In the town itself there are two places worth mentioning :
a block in the south-western part of town, and the college

96 The Wilson Bulletin.

campus. On the first a part is almost as wild as any woods.
There is in it a perfect tangle of willow trees, Osage orange
hedge, and grape-vines. Through this Plum Creek flows.
Next to this section is an orchard, and beyond the latter the
station and reservoir of the city waterworks. Upon the
reservoir I recorded nineteen species of water and shore
birds alone during the spring. Many of these were rare,
and to find them here in town is the more remarkable.
There are dwellings, too, all along one side of the block.

The campus seems to be a favorite place for the birds and
especially for the warblers. On May 18, when the warbler
migration was at its height, I found thirteen species in the
grove, back of the college chapel, which is not more thana
hundred feet square. Besides the warblers there were at
least twenty-five to thirty other species present. I have
watched the campus for several years, and it seems as if
more species were coming there each year. Two, at least,
have come this year that have not been recorded there be-
fore, the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Indigo Bunting.
The latter has been seen along the streets leading up to the
campus from the south, but never before on the campus it-
self.

So much for the field. The season was remarkable for
its long continued cold weather. January opened up cold,
but a warm wave came on the 7th which continued until the
28th, except for one cold snap on the 19th. The prevailing
winds were northerly for the first few days, but from the roth
to the first of March they were almost uniformly from the
west. There was no movement of birds whatever in Janu-
ary.

February was remarkable for its long and steady cold.
There were but four clear days in the month. I examined
the thermometer regularly at breakfast time, and on only
seven days was the temperature above 20° Fahrenheit. The
ground was covered with snow the whole month. But one
species arrived during this time. On the 16th the tempera-
ture was 25°, also on the 17th; on the 18th, 32°. Blue-

Spring Migration of 1901. _97

birds came one the 17th; very few, however, if more than
one or two. One was reported each of the remaining days
of the month.

On the morning of March rst the temperature rose to
32°, with the wind blowing steadily from the south. It
continued warm for four days, when the first definite bird
wave appeared. Four species arrived and four departed.
The arrivals were Rusty Blackbird, Robin, Killdeer, and
Canada Goose. This was the only definite wave of this
month. The remainder of the month was characterized by
rainy and cloudy weather, there being only four clear days.
The wind was exceedingly fickle, often changing as many
as three times a day, blowing very frequently in the even-
ing and afternoon from the opposite direction from what it
did in the morning. However, during this time there were
thirteen scattering arrivals and two departures.

April was but a continuation of the March weather, being
damp and chilly. The prevailing winds were northerly and
the average morning temperature was 38.6°. There was no
definite wave this month, all the arrivals being scattering.
The bird population was greatly increased, Meadowlarks
especially being abundant and Mourning Doves and Flick-
ers common. During the month there were thirty-nine ar-
rivals and twenty-one departures, no more than three or
four occurring in one day.

The month of May, too, was damper and colder than
usual. The average morning temperature was 50°. The
winds were northerly and steadier than in April. During
the month fifty-seven species arrived and thirty-seven de-
parted. There were two very definite waves. The first
came on the opening day when fifteen species arrived and
two departed. This was the warmest day of the year up
to this time. The temperature then fell till the 5th, when
it rose to 50°. On the following day, the 6th, was the best
defined wave of the season. Twenty species arrived and
three departed.

The season has been characterized by the long continued

98 The Wilson Bulletin.

cold and damp weather, and consequently by the later ar-
rival of most of the species by nearly a week on the average.

That the figures I have given above for the three months
of March, April, and May may be the more easily com-
pared, I will arrange them tabularly as follows :—

ARRIVALS. DEPARTURES. TOTAL MOVE’T. PERCENT.
March....... 17 6 23 12.9
AMprilyiee) ssiets 39 21 61 34.1
IY Chg ols ae 57 37 94 53

As to the records for the year. On March Ist we found
a Brown Creeper. This was distinctively a winter record.
The whole month preceding had been cold, with a foot of
snow on the ground. No other one was recorded till more
than a month later. I may add that in the last two months
(January and February, 1902,) we have found a good many
of the Creepers here. Before this I believe they had not
been recorded here as winter residents. Mr. Jones made
one new county record, the Hooded Warbler, on May 9g.

The following average spring migration table is made out
from the records of six years from this vicinity. Those after
which I have placed an M are migrants and remain here but
a short time. Those with no mark remain through the
summer. Those that stay here during the winter, but leave
in the spring, I have not included. There are about forty
winter residents here. A few individuals of those which I
have indicated as summer residents are found here during
the winter, but I think it may be questioned whether they
are the same individuals that are here in the summer. They
may be visitors from farther north. Among such are the
Robin, Bluebird, Flicker, Mourning Dove, Song Sparrow,
Meadowlark, and others. The dates under which I have
placed such in the list are those on which the numbers have
increased very plainly, probably by migrants.

Spring Migration of 1901. 99

[The following table is like the series published in ‘‘ Bird Lore’ during

Igor, but attempts to give all of the migratory birds of the county based

upon the average of actual records.—ED. ]

February 15-28.

Bluebird. Robin.
March I-io.
Song Sparrow. Mallard, M.
Bronzed Grackle. Red-winged Blackbird.
Killdeer. Meadowlark.

Rusty Blackbird, M.

March 10-20.

Flicker.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet, M.
Mourning Dove.

Towhee.

Cowbird.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, M.

Shoveller, M.
Black Duck, M.
Canada Goose, M.
Fox Sparrow, M.
Belted Kingfisher.
Migrant Shrike.

March 20-31.

Woodcock.
Sparrow Hawk.
Pheebe.

Field Sparrow.
Vesper Sparrow.
Red-head Duck, M.

Pintail Duck, M.

Brown Creeper, M.
American Merganser, M.
Green-winged Teal, M.
Great Blue Heron.

April I-10.

Wilson’s Snipe, M.
Chipping Sparrow.
Pied-billed Grebe, M.
Lesser Scaup Duck, M.
Purple Martin.

American Coot, M.
Red-breasted Merganser, M.
Ring-necked Duck, M.
American Crossbill, M.

April 10-20,

Chimney Swift.

Bartramian Sandpiper.
Buffle-head Duck, M.

Barn Swallow.
White-throated Sparrow, M.
Red-breasted Nuthatch, M.
Cooper’s Hawk.

Spotted Sandpiper.

Hermit Thrush, M.

American Scaup Duck, M.
Swamp Sparrow, M.
Horned Grebe, M.

Wood Duck, M.

Ruddy Duck, M.
Bald-pate, M.

Hooded Merganser, M.
Myrtle Warbler, M.
Brown Thrasher.

100 The Wilson Bulletin.

April 20-30.
Red-headed Woodpecker. Grasshopper Sparrow.
Yellow Warbler. Bank Swallow.
House Wren. | Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, M.
Warbling Vireo. Tree Swallow, M.
Baltimore Oriole. Green Heron.
Catbird. Palm Warbler, M.
Cliff Swallow. Lark Sparrow, M.
Black-throated Green Warbler,M Wilson’s Thrush.
Bobolink. Solitary Sandpiper.
Red-eyed Vireo. Blue-winged Teal, M.
Oven-bird. Pine Warbler, M.
Louisiana Water-Thrush. American Bittern.
Kingbird. Greater Yellow-legs, M.
Crested Flycatcher. Prairie Warbler, M.
Least Flycatcher, M. Savanna Sparrow, M.
Maryland Yellow-throat. Rough-winged Swallow.
Blue-winged Warbler. Scarlet Tanager.
Black and white Warbler Nashville Warbler, M.
Wood Thrush. American Redstart.
Olive-backed Thrush, M.
May I-5.
Black-throated Blue Warbler, M. Yellow-throated Vireo.
Magnolia Warbler, M. Chestnut-sided Warbler, M.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Blackburnian Warbler, M.
Indigo Bunting. Orchard Oriole.
Orange-crowned Warbler, M. Whip-poor-will.
White-crowned Sparrow, M. Yellow-breasted Chat.
Cerulean Warbler. Green-crested Flycatcher.
Water-Thrush. Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Blue-headed Vireo, M.
May 5-10.
Wood Pewee. Hooded Warbler, M.
Cape May Warbler, M. Golden-winged Warbler, M.
Parula Warbler, M. Bay-breasted Warbler M.
Lincoln’s Sparrow, M. Canadian Warbler, M.
Common Tern. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Wilson’s Phalarope, M. Tennessee Warbler, M.
King Rail. Black-billed Cuckoo.
Virginia Rail. Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Sora.
: May 10-15.
Traill’s Flycatcher, M. Gray-cheeked Thrush, M.
Black-poll Warbler, M. Short-billed Marsh Wren.
Bay breasted Warbler, M. Wilson’s Warbler.
Mourning Warbler, M. Turnstone, M.
Least Sandpiper. Nighthawk.

Black Tern.

Maryland Birds. 101

MARYLAND BIRDS.
BY REV. J. H. LANGILLE.

Having spent the entire spring and the summer thus far,
in riding over Montgomery county, Maryland,—the county
just north of the District of Columbia,—I have had an ad-
mirable opportunity for the study of the common land birds
of this locality. Then, too, as my work is in connection with
the public schools, in which there are not a few who are
now working up to the delights of ornithology, I get many
valuable notes beyond my own observations.

To begin with the thrushes, the Wood Thrush, the only
thrush residing here excepting the Robin and Bluebird, is
everywhere abundant. The magnificent white-oak forests
of our county, with their mixture of great tulip trees and
undergrowth of dogwood, not to speak of the many springs
and running streams in these parts, afford an agreeable hab-
itat for this arboreal species. Reaching us in the last days
of April, it immediately greets us with its suggestive and
flute-like melody, everywhere awakening the sweetest wood-
land echoes, which melody continues to the endof July. It
is known here by the people as the “ wood robin.”

When we came here, seventeen years ago, the Robin was
being slaughtered in the spring and fall migrations for food.
Of course this was very bad economy, when ten cents’ worth
of beef would make as much in the pot as a whole dozen of
these useful birds; but little was thought and less known of
the birds here in those days. Then but few Robins re-
mained here to breed, and those appeared so scared that
one seldom heard the sweet and cheerful warble of that spe-
cies, so characteristic of our more northern climes. Four
years ago last winter we succeeded in getting a law passed
protecting the Robin throughout the year, and every sum-

102 The Wilson Bulletin.

mer since that they have been staying in increasing num-
bers, until this summer they are really abundant—so read-
ily do birds respond to measures of protection.

With the Robin we naturally associate the Catbird, the
Brown Thrasher, and the Mockingbird, the two former very
abundant here and the latter not at all uncommon. On the
Chesapeake Bay it is numerous the year round. Many ab-
surd notions exist in the common mind here concerning the
Catbird. It is universally charged with pulling up corn,
though stomach examinations as well as the form of the
bill show but slight evidence in this direction. The chil-
dren say it calls snakes; and one lad in school went so far
as to say, that the last eggs laid by that bird all hatch out
snakes. Of course the poor bird is stoned and shot and its
nest is broken up by all those under the influence of these
mistaken notions.

Naturally enough, too, one associates with the Wood
Thrush the Oven-bird (Securus aurocapillus), which abounds
here throughout the forest. Up to the time of the appear-
ance of “Wake Robin” by John Burroughs, the familiar
woodland chant of this species was supposed to be its only
song. He calling attention to its pleasing crepuscular flight
song, we watched many weary hours in our ornithological
studies in Western New York, in order to verify for our-
selves this new bird note; but excepting one midnight per-
formance, beginning in the ordinary chant and ending ina
beautiful warble, we utterly failed of success. On coming
to Maryland, we experienced a new era in this respect. In
clearing up the land and planting our new fruit garden of
some eighteen acres, we found the tall forests around us oc-
cupied in every direction by this species; and this flight
song was one of the commonest occurrences. Indeed we
have heard it at about all hours of the night, and not infre-
quently during any hour of a cloudy day. The performance
is most common, however, between sunset and dark. Then
the bird soars high above the tree-tops, and hovering at
about the same point for a few seconds, utters a sweet, flow-

Maryland Birds. 103

ing warble not unlike that of the Goldfinch and Indigo Bunt-
ing and almost as sprightly as that of the House Wren, aft-
er which it drops down into the tree-tops almost as if shot,
and remains silent till soaring again. Indeed its chant is
seldom heard at this time of day. Of course its oven-shaped
nest is common in our forests up to the very borders, and
all too commonly the sitting bird becomes the prey of some
prowling cat.

Unless the eye and ear are well trained to the birds, one
might very easily confound the above species with the Indi-
go Bunting, the song flight of which is quite common to
these parts and decidedly similar. It is not so much in the
forest, however, more out from the forest in the open field,
or from the top of some solitary tree of the meadow or pas-
ture, and the song is not so loud. The Indigo Bunting, as
well as the Goldfinch, is quite common here, the latter be-
ing resident in flocks during winter.

Meadowlarks are common here throughout the year.
Bobolinks pass through in considerable numbers, but do not
remain. The Orchard Oriole is abundant, but the Balti-
more Oriole can hardly be called common in the nesting
period. I have never found the Cowbird’s egg in the nests
of the smaller birds. The Red-winged Blackbird is com-
mon to swampy places, but not really numerous, and the
Purple Grackle seems confined to certain places where the
Lombardy poplar or dense evergreens darken the yard.
Blue Jays are common, and, as we are in the regular Crow
belt, they breed here, the American as well as the Fish
Crow, and congregate in vast numbers in winter. From Oc-
tober till April, Juncos are here in vast flocks, with a liberal
accompaniment of Tree Sparrows and an occasional White-
throated Sparrow, the latter favoring us with its song dur-
ing the balmy days of autumn and in early spring.

The Cardinal is common throughout the year, as also is
the Bluebird. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is rare in the
migration, and I have found one pair of the Blue Gros-
beak here late in June. The Phoebe and the Wood Pewee

104 The Wilson Bulletin.

are common, as also is the Crested Flycatcher, and the
Kingbird is abundant. The warblers common to our line
are in full force during the migrations, but the Maryland
Yellow-throat and the Prairie Warbler are the only summer
residents which we have met, except the Black and White
Warbler. The Carolina Chickadee is common, as also is
the Tufted Titmouse, both of which are resident through-
out the year. The Song and Vesper Sparrows are com-
mon, the former throughout the year and the latter from
late in March till October, while the Field and Grasshopper
Sparrows spend the summer in great numbers.

KIRTLAND’S WARBLER (Dendroica kirtlandit) AGAIN
INTOENO:

BY LYNDS JONES.

Just at the close of a canoeing trip of a week down the
Muskingum and Ohio rivers from Zanesville to Ironton,
Rev. W. L. Dawson and the writer chanced upon two real
live specimens of this rarest of the warblers, one of them in
song. The place is opposite Ashland, Ky., about half a
mile back from the Ohio River, along one of the roads lead-
ing up a rather narrow run, then dry. The time was about
10 o'clock A.M., August 28. The first bird seen was under
close scrutiny of two 8-power Bausch & Lomb Stereo-Bi-
noculars for fully twenty minutes, in low willow and locust
trees bordering the road. The precipitous hillsides afforded
an opportunity for close study of the bird from above, be-
sides the closer views from the road below. The second
bird was discovered by the first near the ground, when the
two proceeded to play tag in true bird fashion. Both birds
came within thirty feet of us while feeding, and afforded the

Kirtland’s Warbler Again in Ohio. 105

best of opportunity to study their markings. We noted
that the back lacked the definite black stripes of the spring
specimens, and was somewhat overlaid by brownish. The
tail spots and underparts corresponded with the spring plu-
mage.

The song was the usual autumn caricature of the spring
song, with rather a strong tendency to the squeakiness ot
the Prairie Warbler combined with the song of the Myrtle
Warbler. The birds looked large for warblers and were de-
liberate in movement, making the squeaky song seem out
of proportion.

If I mistake not, this is the first fall record for Ohio, and,
indeed, for the interior of the country.

106 The Wilson Bulletin.

THE WILSON BULLETIN.

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Living Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz
Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.

PUBLISHED BY THE CHAPTER, AT OBERLIN, OHIO.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Firry CENTS a year, FIFTEEN CENTS a num-
ber, postage paid.
Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, Sixty-Five CENTs a year, Twenty
CENTs a number.
Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank L. Burns, Ber-
wyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 QO street, N.W., Washington, D. C.

EDITORIAL.

The outlook for 1903 seems bright. We have a largely in-
creased membership already, and the probabilities are for a still
larger increase before the close of this year. The subscription
list is constantly growing and the interest of all bird students in
our work is showing itself more and more. We already have
nearly ready for publication several papers which must prove
valuable additions to our chosen science. At least one more Sec-
tional Bird Census, a comprehensive study of Mourning Dove, a
paper to follow Lorain County Winter Birds, on the breeding
birds, and another to follow these two on The Terms Used to De-
note Relative Abundance. These are some of the definite prom-
ises for next year. We hope, also, to be able to introduce our
readers gently to some of the world problems in ornithology, by
means of personal work in certain foreign fields which some of
our members or friends have been doing. We have not ex-
hausted America yet, to be sure, but a broader view can in no
wise be detrimental to our understanding of our own birds. It
should be a material aid. The world is so much smaller than it
was five years ago that we begin to long for some of its good
things beyond our own home land.

It may be of interest to readers of the BULLETIN, as well as to
members of the Wilson Chapter, to learn something of what is
being done by some of our active ornithologists.

Editorial. 107

Mr. R. L. Baird, one of our recently elected members, has fin-
ished his work for the Bachelor’s degree in Oberlin College, and
has gone to Denmark, Iowa, to take charge of an academy. He
promises some interesting notes from that extreme southeastern
part of Iowa.

Mr. Walton I. Mitchell, of St. Paul, Minn., will be graduated
from the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, in the
spring of 1903, and will return to New Mexico to begin practice.
We may feel assured of his continued study of the birds in that
interesting region.

Our Secretary, John W. Daniel, Jr., has been exploring the
Dismal Swamp, and reports a very pleasant and profitable time
there. Such places, especially if they be threatened with destruc-
tion, should be thoroughly explored at once, in order to deter-
mine the influence of the changed conditions in the years to come.

Our Vice-President, Mr. N. Hollister, Delavan, Wis., writes
from Rockland, Texas, under date of July 12, that while the
weather is rather warm, he is enjoying the work with the Biolog-
ical Survey of the Department of Agriculture. They are working
down Eastern Texas to Beaumont, and go from there to the
Desert.

Mr. Harry C. Oberholser, of the Biological Survey, Department
of Agriculture, writes from Texarkana, Arkansas, that he is en-
gaged upon a state list of the birds of Texas. His remark that
it is a good-sized contract is well to the point, since about half of
the whole North American list is accredited to Texas. We await
the results of his work with much interest.

Our well-known member, Mr. Benj. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, II1.,
writes under the date of Sept. Ist, that on the 9th Mr. George K.
Cherrie, Brooklyn, N. Y., and himself sail for South America.
Their destination is to be French Guiana at Cayenne. They will
be gone all winter, and will be occupied with both Ornithology
and Botany, with much else as incidental. It is needless to say
that we shall hear from Mr. Gault. He has our hearty good
wishes for a most successful and pleasant trip.

108 The Wilson Bulletin.

Our former Secretary, J. Warren Jacobs, Waynesburg, Pa., has
about ready for mailing a neat illustrated booklet giving the re-
sults of six years’ observation of his own fine colony of Purple
Martins. Weare pleased to note in a Waynesburg newspaper of
recent date, editorial comments on the arrest and punishment of
thoughtless ‘‘sportsmen”’ for shooting birds out of this colony.

Rev. J. Hibbert Langille, our Honorary member at Kensing-
ton, Md., is putting a revised edition of his ‘‘Our Birds in their
Haunts” into the schools of that county. This book, in the orig-
inal edition, was the second book on birds which the writer pur-
chased, the first being Coues’s ‘‘Key.”’ ‘‘Our Birds in their
Haunts” has always possessed the charm of bringing one closer
to the birds as we actually find them than any other book among
the many which now eall for our attention. We are impressed
with the feeling that the author has not simply gone into the
fields and woods in search of the birds at all seasons and under
all conditions, but has actually written on the spot much of what
has gone into his book. We are glad that the school children
are to be introduced to the birds by means of this book in its re-
vised form.

Rev. W. Leon Dawson, of Columbus, Ohio, has temporarily
laid down his ministerial work for the purpose of writing a book
on the Birds of Ohio. The book will contain 80 colored plates
and 200 half-tone reproductions of photographs. It will be in the
popular scientific style, with full descriptions of the plumages
and habits of every bird known to occur in the state (which in-
cludes 322 species to date), treated in 500 pages, of large clear type.
It is to be exclusively a subscription book and will not be put
upon the open market. The introduction and analytical and ar-
tificial keys will be written by the editor of the BULLETIN. In
preparation for this work Mr. Dawson and the writer spent ten
days together in the southeastern part of the state, along the
course of the Ohio River, studying the birds and the peculiar
conditions of topography of the region, and taking photographs
of typical nesting-places of the birds which are found there in
summer. Two half-days spent at McConnellsville with Messrs.
C. H. Morris and E. J. Arrick were among the most enjoyable of
the trip. Ohio lies so nearly in the transition region between the
extreme east and middle west that its bird life is more than
usually interesting. The plan of the Birds of Ohio contemplates
making it by far the best book ever published on the birds of any
state. The author’s fitness for such an undertaking cannot be
questioned.

Notes. 109

NOTES.

ALBINO ROBINS.—Two years ago (in 1900) a Robin with numer-
ous white feathers about the back and breast, and with two or
three white tail feathers, was found raising a family on Morgan
street in Oberlin. That same bird returned last year and this
and raised afamily. During July and August of last year (1901)
a Robin with rather more white than the Morgan street individ-
ual possessed, made its appearance on North Professor street.
To all appearance it was a bird of the year, and afemale. Noth-
ing was seen of this new individual during the breeding season,
but during July and August, and to date, a Robin all white ex-
cept the head and upper breast and one or two tail feathers and
three or four wing feathers, has been a common sight, morning
and evening, near the place where the second partial albino was
discovered last year. In fact, not less than three partial albinos
have been seen in Oberlin during the summer. The first one,
the Morgan street female, was carefully protected, and the others
have also been as carefully watched over, and it does not seem
unlikely that we have developing in our midst a colony of par-
tial albino Robins, at least one of the offsprings of which each
year shows increasingly a tendency to albinism. If the birds
were only content to remain with us all winter the possibility of
preserving the colony would be good, but the dangers of migra-
tion make their return next season uncertain.

CAPTURE OF AN AMERICAN EGRET (Ardea egretta) IN CHESTER
County, PENNA.—Mr. Gallagher, of Berwyn Mills, one mile
southeast of Berwyn, shot a male in summer plumage, in his
father’s meadow along Darby creek, early inthe morning of July
26,1902. It had probably wandered up the creek from the Dela-
ware river during one of the rainy days of the unusually stormy
July. Measuring: Bill, 4.25; tarsus, 6.20, and wing, 16.00, in
inches; it shows up remarkably large in comparison with a
Florida specimen secured recently from Frank B. Webster.—
FRANK L. BuRNS, Berwyn, Penna.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 1903.

Active members of the Wilson Chapter have already received
notice of the election of officers for the coming year. Let me urge
upon each member the importance of making nominations for

110 The Wilson Bulletin.

each office. You will thereby show your interest in the affairs of
the Chapter, and in so far encourage the officers to plan for the
future. The existence of such an organization depends upon the
interest and activity of every member. The officers can only
carry out the ideas submitted by the membership as a whole;
they cannot hope to enlist interest in plans which may run con-
trary to the opportunities and inclinations of others, as any arbi-
trary plans are likely todo. Before you have time to forget about
it make your nominations and send them to the President,
Lynds Jones, Oberlin, O.

ELECTION OF MEMBERS.

The following persons make application for membership in the
Wilson Chapter:

For Active membership—

Rev. W. F. Henninger, Tiffin, Ohio.

Mrs. Leland L. Gibbs, Antigo, Wis.

Mrs. Stephen Cobb Goss, Hyde Park, Il.

For Associate membership—

Harold Bowditch, Jamaica Plain, N. Y.

Henry A. Slack, Hurstville, N. Y.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

PACIFIC Coast AVIFAUNA, No. 8. Check-List of California
Birds, by Joseph Grinnell. Cooper Ornithological Club of Cal-
ifornia.

This is more than merely acheck-list, for besides the serial and
A.O.U. numbering, the scientific names with double authority,
and the vernacular names, a scientific synonymy and the
‘status’ of each of the 491 species and 33 hypothetical species,
is given. The “Status” includes both the time of year during
which the birds are in California, and the regions where they
have been found. Two colored maps giving the life zones and
faunal areas of the state add materially to the value of the pam-
phlet. The author is to be heartily commended for his attitude
of conservatism toward all questionable records. The relegation
of questionable species to the Hypothetical List does no one in-
justice, and saves the list from criticism. We must admit toa

Publications Received. III

feeling of startled surprise in being confronted with such famil-
iar personages as Cooper Hawk, Anthony Green Heron, and the
like. Omission of the apostrophe and finals is a great conven-
ience in the preparation of manuscript, but at first sight a list
looks bob-tailed without them. We would not be sorry, however,
to have Mr. Grinnell’s system prevail. It is hard for one to ap-
preciate the great difficulties which must be overcome before
anything like a complete or correct list of the birds of a state sit-
uated like California can be made. The Cooper Club gives evi-
dence, in this list, of the stuff of which it is made and of the men
who compose its membership. Mr. Grinnell proves his right to
a place at. the top.

THE BIRD CALENDAR, by Clarence Moores Weed. The Nature
Calendar Series. Rand, McNally & Co., Publishers, Chicago,
New York, London.

In this Bird Calendar Professor Weed recognizes ‘‘that the
most important part of Nature Study in schools is to get the pu-
pil to see for himself and to-record his observations accurately.”
This Calendar is designed to meet the need for some guide to the
young student of Nature. First of all a list of 80 species is print-
ed, with space at the bottom of each page for several more to be
written in if necessary, with space at the right for recording the
date of arrival and the date of nesting of each species. The right-
hand page is reserved for remarks. Following this list for mi-
gration and nesting records, a half-page is given for records for
each day from March 15th to June 30th. For each day two lines
are given to each of the following: New arrivals; New nests;
I saw these birds to-day; I recognized the voices of these. At
the close of each month space is left for a summary of the month.
The last nine pages contain directions for ‘‘Observations on Nest.”’
The Calendar isin good form for permanent preservation and
should prove a valuable aid in the Nature Study work in the
schools. Single copies are 10 cents; per dozen $1; per hundred $7.

Our BIRDS IN THEIR Haunts. Rev. J. Hibbert Langille, M.
A. Published by the Author at Kensington, Md.

This well known book, written from the standpoint of a true
lover of the birds and all Nature besides, comes to us in a new
dress which adds to its attractive appearance. A better binding
than the old style makes a volume which school children can use
without fear of tearing it to pieces at once. It is a book well
adapted, for the most part, for use as a reader in the middle and
higher grades, tending strongly to stimulate intelligent study of
of the birds in particular and Nature in general. The keen sym-

Tr2 The Wilson Bullewn:

pathy of the writer in all that he has seen and writes about can
but create in the reader something of the same warm feeling for
what surrounds us. It is rarely the case that a book of this style
is so free from errors of identification. The author has made wise
use of the gun for purposes of certain identification, while rely-
ing largely upon the field-glass for most of his work. One feels
sure that he is not being led astray in these pleasant rambles
through Birdland.

Amateur Sportsman, The, Vol. XX VII., Nos. 8, 4, 5.

American Monthly Microscopical Journal, The, Vol. XXIIL.,
Nos. 5, 6.

American Ornithology, Vol. II., No. 6.

Bird-Lore, Vol. IV., No. 4.

Condor, The, Vol. LV., No. 4.

Journal of Applied Microscopy, Vol. V., Nos. 8, 9.

Maine Sportsman, Vol. IX., Nos. 106, 107, 108.

Ohio Naturalist, The, Vol. II., No. 8.

Plant World, The, Vol. V., Nos, 4, 5.

West American Scientist, The, Vol. XIII., No. 1.

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Wilson Chapter Publications!

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OLD SERIES Vol. XIV. NEW SERIES Vol. IX. No 4

Ro. 4h

{ Published Quarterly by the Wilson Orni-.
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Association.
| @ei@seeensrenereneeeet

Edited by LYNDS JONES

December, 1902

OBERLIN, OHIO.

j Entered as second-class mail inatter at the Postoffice at Obsrlin, Ohio. B

~

Ty

( he Hie

ih

Als
: eat
SAR

i
at

af

CONTENTS.

The Cuban Tody (Zodus multicolor). JoHN W. DANIEL, IR. 113

Among the Vulturesin Asia Minor. H.C. TRAcy. . > ae
Some:Bluebird}Boxes and Troubles. FRANK*BRUEN. . 121
My Summer Buarders. Season 1902. Wmh.J. Minis. . . 124
All Day With the Birds. LyNnps JONES. : ‘ i ; 125
Winter Birds. Lynps JONES. . : : : 129
An Addition to the Birds of Middle Southern Onie.
W. F. HENNINGER. . f ; 3 ; a 2 4 133

A New Year Horizon For All. LyNDS JONES. . é ; 133
A New Bird For Ohio. RrEv. W. F. HENNINGER. ‘i : 134
Editorial. se Dae i 7 ‘ 2 ‘ 135
Election of Officers for: 1908. ‘ 5 A 4 é wee 137
General Notes— .

Notes from Southern’ Ohio. : : : 2 ; 137

A few Wayne County (Mich.) gees f : ; : 188

Notes from Pennsylvania. 5 : E : : f 138

Notes from Lowa. ; : ‘ : ; : : ; 140
Correspondence. : 5 : ; 3 : : : < 140
Publications Received. : : 2 j ‘ 5 s : 143

The Wilson Bulletin

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and
December by the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the
Agassiz Association, at Oberlin, Ohio, edited by Lynds Jones.

Subscription: Fifty cents a year, including postage,
strictly tn advance. Single numbers fifteen cents, unless
they are ‘Special’? numbers, when a special price is fixed.
The Bulletin, including all “Special” numbers, is free to all
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Subscriptions may be addressed to the editor, to Mr.
Frank L. Burns, Berwyn, Pa., or to Mr. John W. Daniel,
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Advertisements should be addressed to THE WILSON
BULLETIN, Oberlin, Ohio. Terms will be made known upon
application.

All articles and communications intended for publication,
and all publications and books for reviews, should be ad-
dressed to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solic-
ited. They should be in the hands of the editor not later —
than the 20th of the month preceding publication.

THE CUBAN TODY (Todus

multicolor)

Ibsus,

WILSON BULLETIN

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF
ORNITHOLOGY

Vor. IX. DECEMBER, 1002. NOS A:

THE CUBAN TODY (Todus multzcolor).
JOHN W. DANIEL, JR.

ONE of the most interesting birds to be met with in Cuba
is the Cuban Tody (TZodus multicolor). A flycatching,
kingfisher-like speciés, it leads the life of a Passerine bird,
yet its relationships are not in keeping with its perching
habits. It is an unusual bird in coloration, form, and habit.
Flat mandibles and flycatching habits at one time caused
the family to which it belongs to be classed with the Fly-
catchers, but its affinities are now recognized as with the
Motmots and Kingfishers. Strange, quaint little birds that
they are, the Todies in more than one sense are peculiar,
in view of the fact that of all the birds of the West Indies,
the family Todidae is the only one not occuring elsewhere,
its six species being confined to the Greater Antilles, a
separate species upon each island. While there are now
no species upon the mainland which closely approach them
in form, it is safe to surmise that there was, in earlier times,
a mainland branch of the family which has long since
perished in the rigor of the continental struggle for exist-
ence while the insular species have survived under more
favorable conditions of habitat.

Throughout Cuba the Tody is an abundant species.

114 The Wilson Bulletin.

Its favorite haunts are the low bushes covering the
hillsides and the tropical growth fringing the small
streams of the ravines and valleys. Its characteristic
note, a lively little whistle, readily betrays its presence; but
its small size, listless habits, and protective colors, make it
inconspicuous amongst the luxuriant plant life of its home.

During the course of a several month’s stay in Matanzas
province, in the winter and spring of 1889, I had the good
fortune to frequently observe this curious little bird.

To the west of Matanzas bay, beyond the rough lime-
stone hills which rise from its western shore, there stretches
the broad and verdant valley of the Yumuri. Dotted with
palms and clothed in rich vegetation, it is a vale of tropic
beauty perhaps unsurpassed in all Cuba. Low hills rise
gently around it and, in the ravines between them in some
places, small streams, their margins a profusion of plant
life; trickle |over rocks, fall: in miniature caseadesweamd
course down to the plain below. One day in February, as
I followed one of these little streams in search of birds,
working my way through the rank vegetation bordering it,
I ran across the Tody for the first time. A sudden little
whistle, rapidly repeated, came from the thick foliage of a
bush close at hand. There was no accompanying move-
ment amongst the leaves, and for some time I stood watch-
ing closely in hope of making out the author of the note,
supposing that it was a bird of some size, proportionate
to its voice. Close scrutiny did not reveal it, however, and
I struck the bush with my gun barrel, when there was a
quick whirring noise, and out darted a tiny, brilliantly
colored bird about the size of a Winter Wren, and dropped
to a twig a few feet away, where it sat bobbing its head
up and down. With its queer, stocky little body raised
to an upright attitude, its bill pointing vertically, it soon
became rigidly motionless, and thus remained for some
time as if asleep. It was surprisingly tame, not taking
flight until I came so close that I could almost touch it, -
and then flying a few feet to another bush from which -it

The Cuban Tody. 115

made no effort to move until I again closely approached it.
Sitting listlessly on a twig, while I stood a few feet away,
it now and then suddenly darted out after insects, catching
them with a quick snapping of its bill and returning to its
perch to swallow them, each such effort being accompanied
by a peculiar whirring sound made by its wings and a
hummingbird-like twitter. In swallowing the insects it
seemed to have a good deal of difficulty, working its head
up and down in the effort. The agility with which it pur-
sued an insect, the suddeness and quickness of the sally,
was very much in contrast with the air of stupidity it as-
sumed while at rest, showing that in spite of its apparent
laziness it was nevertheless on the alert for its prey.

The tameness shown by this first Tody met with was
not exceptional, the various individuals met later showing
the same indifference. It is characteristic of the species
and a feature of disposition evidently not inherited from its
relatives, those wary birds, the kingfishers. In form, the
Tody strongly suggests a small kingfisher, It is a little
under four inches long, its body short and stocky, its head
large in proportion to its body, mandibles long and flatten-
ed, and its feet small and delicate. An unusual bird in
form, especially in view of its size, its plumage is even more
striking. Its throat is bright crimson, the feathers tipped
faintly with white; breast and abdomen dull white or ashy;
flanks pale pink; crissum yellowish green; lores yellow;
auriculars blue; under surface of wings and tail light brown;
and the crown, back, and upper surface of the wings and
tail bright grass green.

While in the majority of cases, I found the birds in pairs,
it was apparently too early for them to be breeding, and I
did not find the nest. It is in regard to its nesting
habits that shows conclusively its relationship to the
kingfishers, excavating holes in banks as it does, and
laying white eggs.

The lack of fear displayed by the Tody may be some-
what due to the bird’s reliance upon its protective colors to

116 The Wilson Bulletin.

escape notice. Its usual upright attitude as it sits motion-
less midst the green leaves of a tropical bush put to the
best protective advantage the uniform green of its upper
parts while the pointing of the bill vertically may be the
result of protective impulse, as shown in the case of the
Least Bittern (Ardetta exits).

The Tody is an example of the many curious forms of
bird life which, combining bright plumage with strange
form and habits, make the tropics such an ornithological
wonderland.

AMONG THE VULTURES IN ASIA MINOR.
BYE: C, RACE

THE same varieties of the vultures occurring in Southern
Europe, from Spain to Greece, and on the opposite shores
of the Mediterranean, are met with in Asia Minor, where
they are common enough to attract the attention of the
travelers, although not so numerous as the hosts of them
seen in some parts of Egypt.

The little Egyptian Vulture (Veophron percnopterus), cor-
responding to the American Turkey Vulture, is common in
the vicinity of Turkish towns, but seldom so domestic a
street scavenger as to deserve the name of ‘Pharaoh’s
Chicken,” as the species is familiarly called.

The bird from whom our ideas of the vulture tribe are
usually taken is the Tawny Vulture (Gyps /ulvus), otherwise
Gryphon, or Griffin Vulture, equally well named the Goose
Vulture, from the general proportions of the long neck,
evenly merging head and small eyes. The Tawny Vulture
is by far the commonest, and composes the greater part of
the flock gathered about any large carrion on the plain.

A far less common species is the Black Vulture, for which
scientific terminology has found the fitting name of Vul¢ur
monachus; the distinctly marked patch of down on the

Among the Vultures in Asia Minor. LG)

back of the head, contrasting with a neck as smooth as if it
had been shaved, reminds one of the tonsure of a monk,
while the large head and eyes, as well as the upright car-
riage of the bird, give it a dignity that marks it as superior
to the common species. In its habits, too, the Monk Vul-
ture is more secluded than the gregarious Gryphon.

The only remaining variety that a traveler in Asia Minor
may expect to see is the Bearded Vulture (Gryfe@tus bar-
batus), the famous Lammergeyer of Switzerland. But aside
from the authority of the naturalists, according to which this
bird is not a true vulture, even a slight acquaintance with its
striking and attractive qualities must insure it a distinct
place in the mind of an observer, a place which it has long
held in the popular imagination. Yet this bird of Alpine
summits and abysses, and of romantic courage and fierce-
ness, may often be seen in tame environments and under
prosaic conditions. But wherever seen, its fine form, hand-
some plumage and spirited eye compel our admiration, and
we Call it a noble bird.

In traveling through any vulture district one must be con-
tent as a rule to watch the birds at a distance, in their soar-
ing flight, an exhibition of organic mechanism well worth
studying. But to make a closer acquaintance one must take
time for stalking, baiting, and ambush.

With something left of the youthful eagerness with which
I used to set out on a vain hunt for the big game of the up-
per air, I started up the mountain one clear morning two
summers ago, with the intention of decoying and securing a
specimen of one of the larger vultures. Instead of the anti-
quated shot-gun, on which my boyish endeavors had to rely,
I was equipped with a forty-four caliber Winchester repeat-
ing rifle, which formidable destroyer, be it remembered,
could only enter the country of the Turk when brought per-
sonally by an American consul—a favor done for us by
Consul Jewett, of Sivas.

The occasion of the vulture hunt was the demand for
specimens to be set up in the new but promising attempt at

“118 The Wilson Bulletin.

a museum in Anatolia College at Marsovan. In order to
make the most of the affair | had begun on a previous trial
with an experiment in imitation of the one used by Audu-
bon long ago, to shed light on the question of how vultures
find the carcass of an animal, whether by sight or by scent.
Using the stuffed skin of a deer Audubon succeeded in com-
pletely deceiving one American Turkey Vulture so that it
had to try at the dry hide repeatedly before becoming con-
vinced that the deer was a hoax. The test was completed
by concealing the body of a hog in the field, and finding it
undiscovered by the birds after days of putrefaction, the
covering of dry grasses having been no hindrance to the
spread of the odor. Using the skin of a small roe deer, I
waited in vain in ambush for the approach of any carrion
bird; but when the same skin was left out a day with the
intestines of a sheep used to fill the abdomen, there were
evidences of an experimental visit of some large bird. But
when in place of the deerskin was put an equivalent amount
of fresh meat, there was a hungry vulture on hand before
long to make a meal of it. This being a full sized Tawny
Vulture was secured without ceremony. The experiment so
far indicated that the great Asiatic vultures depend on sight
for finding their food, and, as is perfectly natural, can more
quickly distinguish the red signal of flesh without its cover-
ing of skin and hair.

It was after this first acquisition of a big bird had been
laboriously sponged over, skinned and treated, that the more
interesting ambush followed that I am to describe.

It was not to be supposed that the vulture is an early
bird; so it was not till nine o’clock that I reached the spot
chosen for the morning’s work: asmall cave in a ledge of
rocks, the entrance having been screened the day before with
fresh oak branches corresponding with the stunted scrub oak
that springs from the clefts of rock. There came to this
spot two men and a donkey, there departed one man and a
donkey minus its load of buffalo meat; but birds cannot
count, and none noticed the discrepancy. Soon the sham

Among the Vultures in Asia Minor. 119

carcass, composed of a leg, a side and shoulder deposited
thirty or forty yards from the cave, was covered with chat-
tering magpies, whose immacculate plumage and reflections
of blue and green belie their sordid tastes. For one hour
they banqueted noisily, when they were disturbed by the ar-
rival of a guest several sizes larger than themselves, who
then took undisturbed possession of the feast. It was the
-Egyptian Vulture, a white bird with black wings and yellow
bill and feet, that can with some consistency be called Pha-
raoh’s Chicken, as far as its size and appearance are con-
cerned; for although its wings spread six feet, its body is
not much larger than that of a large fowl, and its neck is
neither so long nor so bare as that of the large vultures; in
fact, only the head lacks feathers. This visitor was a
most propitious guest for my purpose, as his presence
would seem to the birds of the upper regions an assurance
of safety and hasten their coming.

I was destined to undergo some suspense, however, be-
fore my dinner party was complete. A bird of magnificent
breadth of wing was circling around the place, in every near-
ing of his course making me puzzle over his identity and es-
pecially as to the peculiar formation of his beak which, in-
distinctly seen as he flew, appeared double, and only when I
came to know the bird better, proved to be the beard of the
Bearded Vulture, or, as we prefer to call him, the Lammer-
geier, the bird having the largest length and breadth meas-
urements of all the birds of Europe and Asia. At intervals
this bird emitted a curious buzzing sound, the only sound
which I have heard uttered by the Lammergeier. But before
he had fully determined to alight, things took a more de-
cisive turn. There was a rush of wind that made my heart
beat faster as the gaunt watchers descended from their
height, one after another in quick succession till the quiet
scene of the past hour was suddenly transformed to one
of confusion, the carnival of the Harpies gorging on the
booty or with striking wings and clattering bills disputing
possession of a morsel. The scene was complete when the

120 The Wilson Bulletin.

Lammergeier alighted on a rock near by to watch the per-
formance, in whose gluttony he had no need to share, and
when a single Black Vulture, or Monk Vulture, as we might
well call him, after the example of the Germans, had de-
scended among the group of tawny gourmands, and then, as
behooves a member of a clerical order, stepped aside and
turned his dignified back on the vulgar crowd. But for the
rifle in my hand I might have waited indefinitely, absorbed.
in this strange sight; the rifle reminded me of my purpose,
which was to get possession of the black gown of this same
monkish guest, the victim of my treachery. I was excited.
I raised the rifle, looked along its shaking barrel, and low-
ered it, experiencing emotions which are more novel, and
perhaps better worth while than those of an experienced
hunter. After partly succeeding in quieting the absurd
trembling of that gun barrel, I fired. The black target rose
into the air; the smoke obscured it fora moment, and I
rushed out and fired wild shots at the retreating forms of the
birds till they were out of range. Then, glancing down the
mountain side I saw a mass of black prone on the ground.
It was the Monk Vulture who had flown ten yards only to
fall dead, with the great arteries severed at the heart. His
length was three feet and eight inches, and his spread of
wings from tip to tip nine feet and eight inches. These
measurements are a little more than those of the Tawny
Vulture, and a little less than those of the Lammergeier.

Thus ended the morning among the vultures. I can only
regret that I shall never know how the feast would have
ended, and what part the Bearded Vulture and the Monk
Vulture would have played, if I had left the Winchester at
home.

Some Bluebird Boxes and Troubles. I21

SOME BLUEBIRD BOXES AND TROUBLES.
BY FRANK BRUEN.

THE writer saw a statement somewhere, that Bluebirds
would build in a swinging box, but the English Sparrow
would not. Thinking this statement important, if true, and
wishing to see the Bluebirds more plentiful about town, he
determined to test the matter by putting up a swinging box
in his back yard.

A box of ordinary boards was made (some eight inches
cube) and suspended from an arm nailed to the clothes
pole, that being the nearest approach to a tree back of
the brick block. The arm was 4 or 5 feet long and shaved
to asharp edge on top as a defense against the numerous cats
thereabouts. The hole, an inch and a half in diameter, was
placed well towards the top, and a wire nail below the hole
made a good perch.

I made no record of the date the box was placed, but
know it was in March when the Bluebirds came in force.
A reference to my note book gives March 14th as the first
day any considerable number were seen—two weeks after
the first arrivals.

A pair of Bluebirds found the box in a day or two and
tried to get in, seeming to care little for the swinging
motion. It was soon plain that the hole was too small (it
had been made one and a fourth inch first) so this was
enlarged to one and a half inch strong, the Bluebirds find-
ing no trouble then to enter.

They were in no hurry to begin active operations, but
inspected the box very often and staid near by for perhaps
a week, before begining to build. Then the English
Sparrows began to be interested in the box and would carry
in stuff when the Bluebirds were out of sight. The Blue-
birds worked some now and drove the Sparrows away when-
ever they saw them. The Sparrows were very persevering,
ho wever, and worked every chance they had.

122 The Wilson Bulletin.

This exploded the idea that the sparrows were afraid of
the swinging motion. Knowing the Bluebirds would be
worried into Jeaving in time, I placed a trigger over the hole
and carried a string to the house and waited for a sparrow
to goin. This happened very soon and a sharp pull made
him a prisoner. In taking the box down to dispose of the
pest, I accidently hit the trigger and the sparrow was out
in a second. The sparrow is a wise bird, and one lesson
was enough for him. I had no chance to catch another.

I cleaned out the box, but fear it was a mistake, for the
nest foundation was most of it the work of the Bluebirds.
The male Bluebird saw me catch the sparrow, but was
in the box two minutes after I hung it up again.

At this time my neighbor put up a nice little fixed box
and the fickle Bluebirds left my homely box and took pos-
session of his. But the sparrows who had just been deprived
of a fine bird box near by, came in force and my neighbor
laid for them with an air gun and succeeded in killing one
after which the Bluebirds became firmly installed.

May 15th the parent birds began feeding the young and
May 31st took out their brood of five.

A very few moments after the birds left the sparrows
were fighting for the box and my neighbor made a trap of
it and caught and killed seven cock sparrows all belonging
to a band of freebooters who seemed to have no family ties.
June 3rd the Bluebirds were back for a time with four of the
young, and about this time a pair of House Wrens, that had
been nesting near by, came along and wanted the box.
She or he or both in turn began “firing” the old nest material
out in a very vigorous manner, but left when the Bluebirds
appeared. The Bluebirds did not go in, but evidently want-
ed the box. My neighbor then cleaned the box out and the
Bluebirds were in possession very soon, while the wrens took
another box which my neighbor put up in a white oak on
his place.

The Bluebirds—the female being the only one in evidence
most of the time—finished the nest, laid a second set of

Some Bluebird Boxes and Troubles. 123

eggs, and they were nearly incubated when the female aban-
doned the nest and after a few days disappeared. My
neighbor took the box down soon afterwards and found no
eggs. Here was a mystery, for he knew the bird had been
incubating a set of eggs and knew they could not yet have
hatched. The mystery was cleared up by a similar case.

My bird chum had put up boxes in his large yard and one
was occupied by a family of wrens and two others by spar-
rows whom he systematically robbed as soon as a new
set of eggs was laid. He moved a sparrow box and
hung it on the fence temporarily when a pair of Blue-
birds came along and took possession and laid a set
FOimcccsum mbhe box was moved to a tree’ to get it
away from cats. The set of four eggs were almost
ready to hatch when all disappeared but one and that
was pierced. Of course we declared at once that the
“British” had done it and declared war. We went to the
box and found the other eggs under it, almost fully incu-
_bated—pierced. My friend put a set of sparrow’s eggs in
the nest and the next day they were gone. This rather non-
plussed us, but another set was put in, and the wren was
caught in the act of disposing of them. This was a hard
blow to us, with whom Jenny had always been a favorite,
and who had occupied our boxes from year to year.

It was remembered then that the Bluebird had come out
to drive away the wren who had stolen up to the box sey-
eral times. A search at my neighbor’s box also revealed
the pierced eggs near by.

To conclude: It is my opinion that House Wrens and Blue-
birds should not be accommodated with homes very near
each other; that Bluebirds need help to become established;
that a box may be ‘‘hoodooed” for sparrows by keeping
one a prisoner, a short time, in it.

I hope others will try the swinging box with no near
neighbors. They should be put up by March t5 or 20, for
I found a brood of Bluebirds out and flying May 8, this year.

Bristol, Conn.

124 The Wilson Bulletin.

MY SUMMER BOARDERS, “SEASON Sreez
BY WM. J. MILLS.

My feathered boarders this season have been rather more
numerous, (but none the less interesting) than has been
the case in the past. My back and front yards cover 16
acres, with about 600 yards of good spring branch and
several wooded knolls and glens. Five pairs of Wood
Thrushes built their nests near the branch and all five
families raised their brood of four each without mishap.
Three pairs of Catbirds prepared to go to housekeeping but
were less fortunate; their eggs being taken in an effort to
minimize the annual toll exacted of my cherry trees. A
pair of Scarlet Tanagers built a beautiful nest in the top of
a peach tree. The set of four eggs were taken because the
tanagers do considerable damage to my crop of grapes, and
I didn’t have a set of Scarlet Tanager eggs, so couldn't resist
the temptation to add a set to my collection. A pair of
Summer Tanagers built in an oak coppice close to the
house, from which I secured a set of three eggs on June 8th.
The vireos were here in a flock; no less than four pairs of
‘“‘Red-eyes”’ rearing broods successfully, with the addition of
three pairs of other and unidentified species of vireo. The
Carolina Wren was not so numerous as usual. I have had
as many as four pairs with young in different situations in
the barn and other outbuildings, but this season I noted only
one nest in an old paint bucket in my workshop and another
in the woods in a hollow stump five feet from the ground.
The aforesaid paint bucket was occupied through the winter
by a pair of flying squirrels, and a pair of youngsters first
saw the light therein early in February. Judging from the
actions of the bird, what was taken to be a Black and white
Warbler’s nest (built in a small azalea bush, a foot from the
ground) proved non-productive, probably on account of my
approaching too closely to the nest. One pair of Indigo
Buntings raised a trio of youngsters; Cardinal ditto, The

All Day With the Birds. 125

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher had a nest ina black gum. This
same gum has held one nest, occasionally two, every year
for the last seven years. <A sparrow, not identified, built in
a white oak ona horizontal limb fourteen feet from the
ground and raised a set of three, while ten feet higher was a
nest of a flycatcher, also unidentified, which raised a family
olthiree.
East Point, Georgia.

ALL DAY WITH THE BIRDS. May 7, 1902.

THERE is a fascination about the quest for the largest
list of birds ina day which is not equalled even by the
search for new species in a region which one has worked
for years. The limits of time, strength, and territory pos-
Siplemtonrcover iurnish the) incentive for a Sort of field
study which is wholly out of accord with any accepted

method. One cannot tarry long in any place and wait for
the birds to come to iM nem IMUsk esearch Olt tie binds:
Nor will time permit him to study the individuals without
sacrificing the purpose of the day’s work. A species once
recorded must be put aside as finished for the day and the
quest for those not yet seen carried forward vigorously. It
may very well be true that this nervous activity which for-
bids the usual method of field work—the calm waiting for
the birds to appear—makes us overlook some species; but
if so, it certainly discovers to us many that would not be
likely to come within our ken. It is an exhausting work,
both on account of the length of the day and the energy
which must be thrown into it. One may well pause to ask
if it pays, or if the results justify the outlay. We think
they do. One of the questions most frequently asked the
writer is, “How many birds can you see in a day?’, by
persons who have a cenuine interest in the birds and want
to know what are the possibilities of a single day’s study.
It is a question that should have a fairly accurate answer

126 The Wilson Bulletin.

from as many different standpoints as possible for the
education and encouragement of the questioner. This ‘All
Day with the Birds’ habit grew out of the effort to give a
fair answer to this question.

In northern Ohio (perhaps I should say in Lorain county)
in winter an hour’s tramp through fields and woods should
result in a record of about a dozen species. As the season
advances and the birds return, this number would be in-
crease until by the last week in March one should find
more than twice that number, under favorable conditions
40 species. When the migrations are at their height in
early May, the probabilities are increased to 80 or even
more, for a few hours in the fields and woods. This is a
record for the average bird student with average facilities
and a few hours at most at his disposal. Taking, now, the
more than average in all respects, what may be accomplish-
ed? In other words, what are the actual conditions of the
bird world in a given locality during the height of the
spring migrations on any given day? The question as to
what the average person may be able to record under
average conditions involves little more than the commoner
species, or those which are more readily seen, leaving al-
most wholly out of the account many species which are
either few in numbers or more difficult to find on account
of fewer numbers or secretive habits. The more careful
study sets over against the apparent conditions the actual
conditions.

The participants in this “All Day’ were Rev. W. L.
Dawson, who came up from his Columbus home for this
special purpose, Mr. Benj. T. Gault, who, as good fortune
would have it, was able to stop over during that day on his
way from the East, and the writer. We worked together,
and as the sequel proved, three pairs of eyes are better than
two, for probably several species would have been over-
looked with any one of the three not there. There is no
doubt in my own mind that a larger list could be secured
if three persons should work independently, each being as-

All Day With the Birds. 27)

signed to some region where certain species are found,
working up that part of the list with great care. But by
such a method the possibilities for errors would be greatly
increased. With two or more working side by side the
record must satisfy all in order to be counted.

The day was not an ideal one viewed from any stand-
point. At the start at 3:30 A. M. the temperature was 54°
and did not go above 65° during the day. A brisk west-
south-west wind so roughened the lake that no ducks ap-
peared upon its surface, while the sky threatened rain sev-
eral times, with almost no clearing until late in the day.
The weather had been so wet on the two preceeding days
that wheeling was not considered advisable. Accordingly
the morning was spent in the South Woods, a mile south
of Oberlin. Before we had left the confines of the village
Pine Siskins and a hoary old Osprey gave us hopes of the
greatest record yet made. These two species are rarely
_ seen at this time of year with us.

It is significant that before leaving Oberlin at 9 o’clock
our record had almost reached 90 species, in spite of the
lowering heavens and chill air. An hour spent in the
Black River gorge below Elyria added but three species to
the list, two of which were not seen elsewhere during the
day. We were obliged to waste an hour in the marsh at
Lorain before taking the 12:30 car for Oak Point. To be
sure a visit to the lake front added two species and the
marsh one, but these would have been seen elsewhere with
less expenditure of time and effort.

At Oak Point not more than seven species were added
in three hours of pretty hard work. With only four water-
birds, five swamp-birds and but three shore-birds the out-
look was certainly gloomy. Had the lake been quiet and
the air warmer there is no question but in these three
groups there would have been at least double the numbers
recorded.

Leaving Oak Point for the three mile walk to North
Amherst to catch the 5:40 car for Elyria proved not so bad

128 The Wilson Bulletian

an arrangement, since three species were added to our list.
From the car window two others were noted, and the day’s
work was done. A reckoning made the list number 113
species, which is one better than our best. “While it is
gratifying to make a new record, the day’s work was far
from satisfying, because there were not less than 20 species
which ought to have been recorded and which were record-
ed during the next four days. The reason for the large list
in spite of adverse conditions, lies in the type of season and
conditions of weather during the preceeding three weeks.
In no spring since my residence in Ohio has there been
such a quick succession of cold and warm waves, the one
retarding the northward movements, the other making the
impatient birds push northward only to be checked and
held from complete migration. Lagging individuals of
species whose bulk had days before gone north were still
here, while almost all of the late migrants had appeared.
Taken altogether it has been a phenomenal season for the
migrations of the birds. We can only regret that time and
strength were not sufficient to search out the many species |
here but unrecorded.

Pied-billed Grebe. Flicker.

Herring Gull. Chimney Swift.
Common Tern. Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Wood Duck. Kingbird.

Least Bittern. Crested Flycatcher.
Great Blue Heron. ' Phoebe.

Green Heron. Wood Pewee.

Sora. Traill Flycatcher.
Virginia Rail. Green-crested Flycatcher
Bartramian Sandpiper. Least Flycatcher.
Spotted Sandpiper. Prairie Horned Lark.
Kildeer. American Crow.
Bob-white. Blue Jay.

Mourning Dove. Bobolink.
Red-shouldered Hawk. Cowbird.
Broad-winged Hawk. Red-winged Blackbird.
Bald Eagle. Meadowlark.
American Osprey. Orchard Oriole.
Sparrow Hawk. Baltimore Oriole.
Belted Kingfisher. Rusty Blackbird.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Bronzed Grackle.
Hairy Woodpecker. American Goldfinch.
Downy Woodpecker. Pine Siskin.

Red-headed Woodpecker. — Vesper Sparrow.

Winter

Grasshopper Sparrow.
White-crowned Sparrow.
White-throated Sparrow.
Chipping Sparrow.
Field Sparrow.

Sone Sparrow.

Swamp Sparrow.
Towhee.

Cardinal.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Indigo Bunting.

Scarlet Tanager.

Purple Martin.

Cliff Swallow.

Barn Swallow.

Tree Swallow.
Rough-winged Swallow.
Bank Swallow.

Migrant Shrike.
Red-eyed Vireo.
Warbling Vireo.
Yellow-throated Vireo.
Blue-headed Vireo.
Nashville Warbler.
Golden-winged Warbler.
Black and white Warbler.
Blue-winged Warbler.
Tennessee Warbler.
Yellow Warbler.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Myrtle Warbler.
Magnolia Warbler.
Chestnut-sided Warbler.

Birds. 129

Cerulean Warbler.
Bay-breasted Warbler.
Blackburnian Warbler.
Black-throated Green Warbler.
Palm Warbler.
Oven-bird.
Water-Thrush.
Louisiana Water-Thrush.
Maryland Yellow-throat.
Yellow-breasted Chat.
Wilson Warbler.
Canadian Warbler.
American Redstart.
American Pipit.

Catbird.

Brown Thrasher.

House Wren.

Winter Wren.
Long-billed Marsh Wren.
Brown Creeper.
White-breasted Nuthatch.
Red-breasted Nuthatch.
Tufted Titmouse.
Chickadee.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.
Wood Thrush.

Wilson Thrush.
Olive-backed Thrush.
Gray-cheeked Thrush.
Robin.

Bluebird.

WINTER BIRDS.
BY LYNDS JONES.

The latitudinal variation in the range of many species of
birds in winter is one of the problems which nothing but
Sufficient in-

terest attaches to the study to make the effort of deter-

careful and persistent field work wiil solve.

mining what birds are about us in winter well worth the
while. Bird studies in winter are not so hedged about with
difficulties and inconveniences as study in August, because
then dense foliage, excessive heat, insects and the timidity
of the birds combine to thwart the purposes of the bird stu-
dent.

should not be serious hindrances to a healthy body.

In winter there is only the cold and snow, which

130 The Wilson Bulletin.

WINTER BIRDS OF SCIOTO AND PIKE COUNTIES, OHIO.

For the sake of comparison with a study of the winter
birds in Lorain county, this list is given for the extreme
southern part of Ohio, almost directly south of Lorain
county. The comparison brings out many interesting
questions. It is well known that the southern part of the
state experiences lower temperatures than the northern,
during some part of the winter, but it also has less snow
and a shorter time during which the food of the birds is
covered. This would be reason enough why many of the
birds which are not found in the northern counties during
the winter find the southern counties fairly comfortable
winter quarters. Kev. W. F. Henninger contributes this list:

SPECIES WHICH ARE RESIDENT, 42.

Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps. Fairly common.

Mallard, Anas boschas. Common.

Killdeer, AMgialitis vocifera. Very common.

Bob-white, Colinus virginianus. Very common.

Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus. Common.

Mourning Dove, Zenaidura macroura. Very common.

Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. Common.

Cooper Hawk, Accipiter cooperi. Common.

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter velox. Not common.

Red-tailed Hawk, Buteo borealis. Common.

Red-shouldered Hawk, Buteo lineatus. Not common.

Am. Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius. Very common.

Barn Owl, Strix pratincola. Common.

Long-eared Owl, Asio wilsonianus. Rare.

Barred Owl, Syrnium nebulosum. Common.

Screech Owl, Megascops asio. Very common.

Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus. Common.

Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle aleyon. Fairly common.

Hairy Woodpecker, Dryobates villosus. Fairly common.

Downy Woodpecker, Drobates pubescens medianus. Common.

Northern Pileated Woodpecker, Ceophlceus pileatus abieticola.
Rather rare.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus. Common.

Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus luteus. Common.

Prairie Horned Lark, Otocorys alpestris practicola. Common.

Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata. Not common.

American Crow, Corvus americanus. Common.

feadowlark, Sturnella magna. Common.

American Goldfinch, Astragalinus tristis. Common.

Chipping Sparrow, Spizella socialis (at times). Common.

Song Sparrow, Melospiza melodia. Common.

Towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus. Males only. Common.

Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis. Very common.

Cedar Waxwing, Ampelis cedrorum. Common.

Migrant Shrike, Lanius ludovicianus migrans. Fairly common.

Winter Birds. 131

Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus. Common,
Bewick Wren, ‘Thryomanes bewickii. Common.
Chickadee, Parus atricapillus. Common.
White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis. Common.
Tufted Titmouse, Parus bicolor. Common.

Carolina Chickadee, Parus carolinensis. Not common.
American Robin, Merula migratoria. Common.
Bluebird, Sialia sialis. Common.

WINTER RESIDENTS ONLY, IO.

Marsh Hawk, Circus hudsonius. Common.

Am. Rough-legged Hawk, Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis.
Rather rare.

Bald Hagle, Halizetus leucocephalus. Rather rare.

Osprey, Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. Fairly common.

Short-eared Owl, Asio accipitrinus. Common.

Rusty Blackbird, Scolecophagus carolinus. Common.

White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis. Very common.

Tree Sparrow, Spizella monticola. Very common.

Slate-colored Junco, Junco hyemalis. Very comon.

Northern Shrike, Lanius borealis. Rare.

RARE TRANSIENTS SOMETIMES SEEN IN JANUARY AND
FEBRUARY, 8.

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus. Rare.

Red-breasted Merganser, Merganser serrator. One record only.

Golden Hagle, Aquila chrysaetos. Very rare.

Snowy Owl, Nyctea nyctea. Very rare.

Saw-whet Owl, Nyctala acadica. Rare.

Purple Finch, Carpodacus purpureus. One record.

Redpoll, Acanthis linaria. Very rare.

Brown Creeper, Certhia familiaris americana. In extremely cold
winters only, but then common.

REGULAR TRANSIENT VISITORS SOMETIMES SEEN IN
WINTER, 14.

Loon, Gavia imber. Rare.

American Merganser, Merganser americana. Common.
Black Duck, Anas obscura. Common.

Shoveller, Spatula clypeata. Rather rare.

Pintail, Dafila acuta. Very common.

American Golden-eye, Clangula americana. Rather rare.
Canada Goose, Branta canadensis. Very Common.
Wilson Snipe, Gallinago delicata. Generally stays all winter.
Great Blue Heron, Ardea herodias. Rather rare.
White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys. Common.
Winter Wren, Olbiorchilus hyemalis. Rather rare.
Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis. Very rare.
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa. Common.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Regulus calendula. Rather rare.

ACCIDENTAL, I.

Old-squaw, Harelda hyemalis.

122 The Wilson Bulletin.

INTRODUCED 2.

English Sparrow, Passer domesticus. Very common.
Mongolian Pheasant, Phasianus torquatus. Rare.

WINTER BIRDS OF BRISTOL, CONN., AND VICINITY.

The birds here listed were recorded between January Ist
and February 28th, 1902. While a list for a single winter
should not be compared with one covering several winters,
except as it indicates what species are pretty likely to be
found during any winter, and therefore compares only with
the species regularly found in that other locality, it is
nevertheless interesting to notice the correspondences and
differences which localities so far separated in longitude as
well as latitude, from each other as these show. (Other
conditions, particularly the presence of the ocean and the
intervening mountains, tend to emphasize the difference.
It is possible here to give the actual number of records for
each species for the two months covered. The notes are
contributed by Mr. Frank Bruen.

Herring Gull, Larus argentatus. 9.

Bob-white, Colinus virginianus. 50.

Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus. 7.

American Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparverius. 1.
Pigeon Hawk, Faleo columbarius. 3.

Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon. 2.

Hairy Woodpecker, Dryobates villosus. 1.
Downy Woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens medianus. 18.
Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata. 13.

Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus luteus. 1.
American Crow, Corvus americanus. 220.

Pine Siskin, Spinus pinus. (Possible error.)
American Goldfinch, Astraglinus tristis. 150.
Snoflake, Passerina nivalis. 300.

Slate-colored Junco, Junco hyemalis. 30.

Tree Sparrow, Spizella monticola. 150.

Song Sparrow, Melcespiza melodia. 25.

Northern Shrike, Lanius borealis. 3.

Winter Wren, Olbiorchilus hyemalis. 2.

Brown Creeper, Certhia familiaris americana. 3.
White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis. 36.
Chickadee, Parus atricapillus. 53.
Golden-crowned Kinglet; Regulus satrapa. 12.
American Robin, Merula migratoria. 1.

A New Year Horizon for All. 133

hw OIMION tO tikes BIRDS OF MIDDLE
SOW EKNy OEIM©:

BONAPARTE GULL (Larus philadelphia).
BY W. F. HENNINGER.

On December 4, 1902, I received in the flesh a g in first
winter plumage of Bonaparte Gull (Larus philadelphia),
which had been winged on November 29, and died Decem-
ber I, at Waverly, Ohio. It was shot along the canal
(Potsmouth—Lake Erie). The bird was in fine condition
and very fat. It measured: extent 82 ctm., wing 26.4 ctm.,
Dilan tail 10.3), ctm., lensth without bill 33 ctm:,
tarsus 35mm. _ I had always considered Bonaparte Gulla
migrant in Middle Southern Ohio, but this is the first au-
thentic record for that region and an addition to my list.

eR NEN Vi Ve Eeewie t OlIZ ON POW eAEIE:

The editor is anxious to cross swords with every reader
of this notice. It has been his habit to spend some time
on the first day of each year studying the birds for the pur-
pose of getting his note-book started when it should be.
He proposes to continue this practice the coming year, and
earnestly hopes that many others will do the same. He
will offer the following inducement to any and all to begin
bird study on that day: To any reader of this notice north
of the 39th parallel, who secures a bona fide list of species
of live wild birds (not including English Sparrows, pigeons,
or other semi-domesticated species), actually seen between
6 a. m. and 6 p. m. on January 1, 1903, larger than he se-
cures in Lorain county, Ohio, on the same day, he will give
a year’s subscription to this BULLETIN. The only condi-
tion being that the list must be mailed to the editor not
later than January 3, 1903, and that each species recorded
must be a free wild bird. The lists will be published in the
BULLETIN and will be of interest and value to every reader.

134 The Wilson Bulletin.

A NEW BIRD FOR OHIO.
RED-LEGGED BLACK DUCK—(Anas obscura rubripes.)

BY REV. W. F. HENNINGER.

THE recent article of Mr. Wm. Brewster in the Aw, (Vol.
XIX., April, 1902, pp. 183-188), and his foot-note that prob-
ably a large proportion of the autumn birds in the Missis-
sippi Valley and about the Great Lakes belong to the form
rubripes of the Black Duck, brought back to my memory
the fact that I received on March 27, 1901, a very large
Black Duck, in which I noticed the very bright red feet and
yellow bill, and my notebook still contains the remark con-
cerning this specimen, ‘“‘tarsus red.’ On examining the
dried skin the feet still show an orange color, the pileum and
nape are typical rubripes and the spots on the throat and
down the sides of the neck are almost typical rubripes. This
shows up still more, when comparing the specimen, a male,
with a typical specimen in my collection (shot March
25, 1899, sex unknown), but the head has a more
grayish tinge, the throat almost an orange color.

No. 204 (coll. W. F. H.), March 25, 1899, typical obscura,
measures: wing 24.3 cm., length without bill 52.5 cm., ex-
tent 78 cm.

No. 429 (coll. W. F. H.), @ March 8, 1901, the interme-
diate, measures: wing 25 cm., length without bill 53 cm.,
QIN G7 Cio.

No. 438 (coll. W. F. H.), March 27, 1901, g, typical ru-
bripes measures: wing 28.5 cm., length without bill 55cm.,
extent 94 cm.

Measurements taken in the flesh.

Mr. Brewster has given a very accurate description of
this new subspecies, which is more common in Middle
Southern Ohio in the spring than in the fall. All of
these specimens were taken at Waverly, but I believe a
careful investigation of the material in this-state by Ohio
ornithologists will prove rubrzpes to be found quite frequent-
ly almost anywhere.

Editorial. 135

THE WILSON BULLETIN.

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Living Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz
Association.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.

PUBLISHED BY THE CHAPTER, AT OBERLIN, OHIO.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Firry CENTS a year, FIFTEEN CENTS a num-
ber, postage paid.
Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, Sixty-FiveE Cents a year, TWENTY
CENTs a number.
Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank L. Burns, Ber-
wyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, Jr., 3146 Q street, N.W., Washington, D. C

EDITORIAL.

The index for the present volume will be issued with the
March, 1903, BULLETIN.

The present number of the Bulletin marks the close of its ninth
volume since we began the present plan of publication. From a
small beginning our official organ has come to fill a place in the
study of our birds which we may well point to with pride.
While the development has been slow it has been sure. As the
work of our organization has developed papers of more than
usual value have been published as a part of the regular series
of Bulletins. These papers or studies along particular lines of
work show what may be accomplished by combined efforts upon
such phases of study as few if any of us might hope to compass
alone. In the broader subjects of ecological studies there is a
field for work of the highest value and interest which we can
well consider. The systematic work is well cared for by those
best fitted for it, and may be safely left to them in the main,
while we develop the work of more immediate significance to
the economic interests of the country. Some of these are such
studies as the food habits, and closely associated with this the
time during which the birds are present, and their numbers dur-
ing that time. Food habits are known to differ, with many
species, during different times of the year and under different
conditions. Other more or less closely related subjects are the
period of incubation and the period during which the young re-
main in the nest, and the time during which they are fed after

136 The Wilson Bulletin.

leaving the nest, the average number of eggs to the clutch and
the average number of young reared. Little has been learned
about the chief enemies of the most of our small birds, either
during the nesting period or during the life of the birds. In the
realm of psychology there is room for any and all. Good work
can be done determining how best to restore confidence in us
men and so inerease the numbers of native birds about us.
Finally, none of us ean hope to do everything, nor many of us
much, but each one will be certain to find something which his
regular occupation makes possible and profitable, in the way of
bird studies. If we can put ourselves to that one thing we shall
be making contributions to our knowledge of the birds as truly
as he who follows it as a profession. Put what you have learned
into print for the sake of others.

Is there not some one among our active members who could
undertake the study of some species or group of species over the
whole of the country, with the co-operation of his fellow mem-
bers and others, having in view a finished report for a special
Bulletin? There is at present no one at work on such a problem.
Some of our common birds make fine subjects for wide and care-
ful study. Any other topic which may appeal to any person
might well be pursued in the same manner. Kach cf us can be
of great service both locally and in general by carefully working
up a list of the birds of our own locality. The editor would be
pleased to receive for publication several such loeal lists for the
forthcoming volume of our Bulletin. They are both interesting
and valuable, forming the basis for comparisons in contiguous
as well as widely separated localities.

The Mareh number of the BULLETIN will contain a list of all
members of our organization, and will probably be accompanied
by a copy of the Constitution and By-laws revised to date.
Will all members, both Active and Associate, be careful to note
the address on the envelope enclosing this number of the BULLE-
TIN, and send any correction that may be necessary to the edi-
tor before February 15, 1908. The names of members who are
more than six months in arrears for dues will not appear on this
printed list.

The outlook for the BULLETIN and our work for 1803 grows
brighter with the waning year. Unless all calculations fail we
shall be able to secure one or more illustrations for each number.
We feel warranted in saying that the present high standard of
the BULLELIN will not only be maintained but that improve-
ments will be made without increasing the subscription price,
which is hardly more than nominal. If the interest of every
member and every reader of the BULLETIN could find expression

General Notes. n3y7,

in securing but one hew Member or but one new subscriber, we
should become self-supporting at once. We ean offer liberal
terms to any who are willing to canvas for new subscribers.
Write the editor for terms.

We are in the midst of the winter season again, when there is
stagnation in bird study for the large majority of bird students.
This ought not so to be. While the winter tramps will not yield so
many species as at any other time of year, it will often result in
more novel experiences and in learning more useful things about
the birds than a whole summer’s work will. Elsewhere in this
number you will find acall for New Year horizons. Will you not
consider this a personal matter and make sure of some outdoor
study of the birds about you on the first day of the year 1903, to
begin the year right?

We are pained to learn of the death of Mr. Chester Barlow,
late editor of The Condor, on November 6, at Mountain View,
Santa Clara county, California. His career as a bird student
was marked by enthusiasm and accurate work. His loss will be
a serious one to the Cooper Club.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 1903.

The election resulted in the selection of the following officers
for 1903. A full statement of the election will appear in the Re-
ports of Officers for 1903, to be issued with the March Balletin.

President—Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.
Vice-President —N. Hollister, Delavan, Wis.
Secretary—John W. Daniel Jr., 3146 Q St., N. W. Washing-
ton, D. C.
Treasurer—Frank Ll. Burns, Berwyn, Penn.
Executive Council—
John H. Sage.
H. C. Oberholser.
W. E. Saunders.

GENERAL NOTES.

NOTES FROM SOUTHERN OHI0.—MOURNING DOVE (Zenaidura
macroura). This is an abundant resident in Scioto county,
even in the severest winters at sheltered places. It feeds
mostly on corn and wheat, which have been seattered in
the fields. These two grains form almost its whole food.
Only during October have I observed weed seeds composing
more than half of its food, yet the Mourning Dove is by no
means injurious to crops. Observations based upon stomach and
craw contents are not entirely reliable in regard to the food of
birds, since some food is so quickly digested that it cannot be

138 The Wilson Bulletin.

satisfactorily traced; hence, these examinations must be supple-
mented by careful observations by reliable naturalists. The
Mourning Dove nests as early as April 10, 1898, and as late as
August 15, 1901, these being the dates on and between which
fresh eggs were found. Frequently but one egg is laid. The nest
is seldom higher than twenty feet, and frequeutly on the ground.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura). This is common as a sum-
mer resident but not so common as a winter resident. An egg in
the writer’s collection taken on May 26, 1902, has a strong green-
ish ground color, and was heavily incubated. The nest was in
the hollow top of an old syeamore along the Scioto river, at
Waverly.

MARSH HAwk (Circus hudsonius). This hawk is fairly common
all winter, but I have never seen it during the summer. It is
confined to the bottom lands while here. It is a great catcher of
birds. The farmers know why they eall him ‘‘Quail Hawk.” I
have never shot one that was not after quail or small birds, even
where there were plenty of mice.

CooPpER HAwk (Accipfiter cooperi) Common all the year.
This is the greatest robber of the barn-yard, always hungry and
ready to kill. To quote an example: on October 18, 1898, a fe-
male was shot while in the act of pouncing down on a chicken.
In its stomach and craw were found remnants of a young chic ®*
en, the head of a Bob-white, and parts of a Tufted Titmouse,
with all of,which it was literally stuffed.

RED-TAILED HAWK (&uteo borealis). During the last three
years I have skinned and mounted some twenty Red-tails, and
every one of them, whose stomach was not empty, had in its craw
or stomach or both, remnants of chicken, Bob-white, or squirrel,
but never the least sign of a mouse.

RED-SHOULDERED HAwkK (2uteo lineatus). Unlike the Red-
tail and Marsh Hawks, the Red-shouldered is a great mouse kil-
ler, and should be fully protected. A specimen shot February 1,
1901, had two mice in its craw and three in its stomach.

NORTHERN FLICKER (Colaptes auratus luteus). A male shot
September 26, 1894, at South Webster, Scioto county, bad in its
bill and craw each one acern, and five in its intestines. Another
shot October 8, 1894, at the same place had six dogwood berries
in its intestines and six in its gizzard.

BuuE JAY (Cyanocitta cristata). On May 9, 1896, I saw a Blue
Jay destroying the nest and eggs of a Chipping Sparrow in the
garden of the parsonage at South Webster. I did not see it suck
the eggs. REv. W. F. HENNINGER.

A FEW WAYNE County (MICH.) NoTEs, 1902.—SAw- WHET
Owl (Nyctala acadica). Several of these little owls have been
taken during the past year—two from Grosse Point, on De-
cember 26 and January 29, and one October 26, which was shot
in the heart of Detroit. Mr. Norman A. Wood informs me that
several were brought in during the past winter at Ann Arbor.

SNowy Owu (Vyctea nyctea). During the past winter more of
these birds were brought in to the local taxidermist than I have
record of for many years. Several were shot at the St. Clair
Flats, and from the surrounding counties of Macomb and Oak-
land. Numbers of these birds seem to have been taken all over
the East during the past winter, and certainly they were more
abundant in Southern Michigan than in many seasons.

General Notes. 139

CARDINAL (Cardinals cardinalis). I have but few records of
this bird here, but added three this year—one male on January
26, and a male and female on February 22, at Bell Isle. During
the winter of 1900-01 a brilliant male hung around our orchard in
the heart of the city, and Isaw him almost every day. Mr. J.
Claire Wood shot a male December 9, 1899, and a female in No-
vember, 1897.

SNOWFLAKE (fasserina nivalis). More abundant than I have
observed them to be in several years. I saw my first arrivals
this fall, October 31, at the Flats, flying over the reeds. These
were unusually tame and unsuspicious.

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura). A number seen this year;
the first April 13, and the last was shot in late October.

LINCOLN SPARROW (WMWelospiza lincolnt). J.Claire Wood shot a
male of this species October 1, 1900, which is, as far as I know,
the first record for Wayne county.

RED-BELLIED WOO0DPECKER (J/elanerpes carolina). A rather
rare migrant here. I saw several on April 29 and early May, and
several were shot during October. According to my notes this
bird was more abundant in former years.

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER (Ozdemia deglandi). While at the
north channel of the Flats I saw a mounted specimen of this
bird which was shot by H. Avery about two years ago. The lo-
eal hunters have never seen it.

HUDSONIAN CURLEW (Numenius hudsonicus). On May 25, a
flock of perhaps 200 curlews circled over our boat, and Mr. C. H.
Allis shot one from the flock, but they were wild and wary. A
rare migrant.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW (Ammodramus savannarum passerinus).
Mr. J. Claire Wood added this species to our local breeding list
on May 28, by taking a set of four and both birds. Perhaps it is
more abundant than supposed and overlooked because of its re-
tiring habits.

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). A bird
of this species was shot by a fisherman, E. Harmont, about July
30, near the mouth of the Detroit, and has been mounted and
placed in the show windows of H. W. Becker, a local furrier here.
_ BULUE-WINGED WARBLER (Hlelminthophila pinus). I have never

observed this bird here, but J. C. Wood saw a pair May 29.

PIGEON HAWK (Falco columbarius). A rare migrant. Mr. C. H.
Allis shot a pair October 28, 1900. I have a fine female shot Sep-
tember 18, 1890, while flying over the Detroit river.

SHORT-EARED Owl (Asio accipitrinus). This bird has been
abundant during the fall of 1901 and winter of 1901-02. One was
shot out of a flock of 40 on February 14, by a farmer on Grosse
Point, which hung closely to the meadow grass.

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaidura macroura). A number spent the
winter here. The past few years have witnessed a great change
in the habits of several of our summer residents, and now a num-
ber of Mourning Doves, Flickers, Song Sparrows, Meadowlarks,
Red-headed Woodpeckers, Sparrow and Red-shoulder Hawks,
remain throughout the year. BRADSHAW H. SWALES.

Detroit, Mich.

Six GENERATIONS OF PH@BE’S NESTS.—This summer (June
15, 1902) a Phoebe’s (Sayornis phebe) nest was found with a full

140 The Wilson Bulletin.

complement of eggs nearly pipped. The nest was located under
the shelter of the roof of a small porch adjoining a deserted fruit
house. The nest was at one end of the porch, and running to the
other end were the other five nests in varying stages of preserva-
tion according to age, the one at the other end being the oldest
and represented only by fragments of nest material, the others in
order of age to the fresh nest. This year’s nest completed the
width of the porch. Question, will the birds go back to the other
end and begin again?

A WHITE SpPorrtED BLUEBIRD’S Eaa@.—On April 27, 1902, a
Bluebird’s nest was found in an old apple tree containing four
greenish-blue eggs and one with white blotches.

Bristol, Pa. THos. D. KEIM.

Notes FRom JowA:— LECONTE SPARROW (Ammodramus
lecontei). On the evening of October 20 ard the morning of Octo-
ber 25th, I found here near Denmark, lowa, three individuals of
Leconte Sparrow. On the first date mentioned I saw only one.
At that time I did not know what the bird was. I was watching
the birds in a low brushy hollow beside the road. There were
many Juneos, Tree Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows
about, but my attention was called to it by its quick excited
notes and some of the other birds chasing it about. It was light-
er in color than the other sparrows and seemed much smailer.
It never flew up high but flitted about among the weeds and
grass. It was so restless and active and keep so closely down
among the weeds that I could not distinguish its markings with
my glasses. The next Saturday morning I went down along the
same road with agun. {found two of the same sparrows and
shot one. It was extremely difficult to see them far enough
away to geta shot at them. I could walk up to within five or
six feet of them and literally kick them out of the weeds but
they would dive down into them again within ten feet and run
along underneath them. The two were evidently a pair and one
was a little more distinctly marked than the other. The strip of
weeds beside the road was only five or six feet wide but I passed
them several times going that close to them. At no time did
they get higher than three feet above the ground. The specimen
I shot was too badly torn to keep but I was able to positively
identify it. ere

BEWICK WREN (Thayomanes bewickii). I found one in the yard
near the edge of town on Sunday October 26th. It was around a
large wood pile for some time and I managed to get several good
looks at it with my binoculars. The flanks were distinctively
rufous or reddish-brown while over the eye was a whitish band.
It did not have the excited note most wrens I have seen had,
but had only a low chirp which could not be heard far off. It
inspected the wood pile all over from end to end and on every
side; and if anything it seemed to carry its tail even straighter
up over its back than most of the wrens I have noticed. It was
too small for a Carolina Wren and having the line over the eye
and the reddish flanks so plainly I could call it nothing else than
Bewick Wren. R. L. BAIRD.

CORRESPONDNCE.

The following letter from Mr. Benj. T. Gault, written at Cay-
enne, French Guiaua, shortly after his arrival there, is too full of

Correspondence. I4I

interest to remain simply on file. Weare promised others as the
work progresses. z

The journey thus far has been decidedly instructive in many
ways. Altogether we were about eighteen days on the boat and
just five days out from New York before seeing land of any kind.
During these five days we passed but three ships in mid-ocean.

With a monotony, which at such times is in a large measure
conducive to drowsiness, it is then that one appreciates the
slightest incidents at sea. The sight of a bird, a flying fish, or
even a sail, intensifies the interest wonderfullv, more especially
during a calm sea voyage such as we experienced nearly all the
way down. Being the hurricane season we had anticipated some
squals; but barring the choppiness of the ocean for the first day
out, and a rather lively sea on after leaving Barbados, our
voyage was markedly uueventful. Clear skies above at day,
beautiful moonlight nights, and with almost continuous trade-
winds prevailing during all the time.

But, in writing of birds, very few were seen after the first day,
and even after reaching the islands sea birds appeared to be
searee. Mother Carey’s Chickens (Procellaria pelagica) made their
first appearance when we were passing the Statue of Liberty,
two being seen. The next morning they were plentiful about
the stern of the ship. The following morning many were also
present, but before nvon nearly all had disappeared, and we did
not again see them after that date. In the outer harbor of New
York a number of terns (flock of about 30) and some gulls were
se-n, but in either case we could not identify them.

On the morning of the 10th of September, the following day
after leaving New York, we passed three or four birds resem-
bling Boobies, but their identity was uncertain. However, on
the afternoon of the 14th, a Booby (Sula sula) came so close along-
- side our vessel there was no mistaking it. Shortly afterward
another appeared; and on the evening of the same day we
were greatly amused by the awkward attempts of one to alight
on the smoke stack of the steamer. This was about 7:30 o’clock.
At one time it became slightly tangled in the rigging.

Ata little after high noon (possibly 12:30) of September 11, a
rather pathetic incident took place. It was the case of a badly
tired out Kingfisher (Ceryle aleyon) that made a feeble attempt
at making a landing. It tried to gain a fuoting on the fore part
of the vessel, but evidently was frightened away unintentionally
by some of the sailors at work on that portion of the ship. At
that time we were approximately 200 miles from Cape Hatteras,
the nearest point of land, and as the bird flew off to sea in an east-
erly direction it can easily be conjectured what the final out-.
come must have been. That same day at 4:30 P. M. we also saw
our first Tropie Bird (Phaethon americanus). It inspected our ship
for a few moments, called once, and passed away to the rearward.

At 8:20 A. M. of the 12th, considerable interest was aroused
by the vain attempt of a sparrow-like bird to alight on the fore-
part of the vessel, and like the Kingfisher, it seemed muh ex-
hausted. A few minutes later, another one, possibly ef the
same species, was frightened from an awning covering the roof
of the deck cabin. Both passed out to see in an easterly direction.

September 13th we recorded another Tropie Bird and between
ten and eleven A. M. of the 14th we saw many of them, perhaps
50 in all, the greater number making up a flock of about 40 birds.
Since this latter date none have been seen.

In speaking of the Brown Pe ican (Pelecanus fuscus), we did

142 The Wilson Bulletin.

not meet with it until dropping anchor in the harbor of St. —
Croix, our really first stopping place, as we had gone in and out
of St. Thomas during the darkness of the night. Here we re-
corded one whose clumsy fishing tactics furnished us much
amusement. St. Croix, perhaps not so pleasing in approach as
some of the other islands later visited, was found upon short
acquaintance to be of interest. It is interesting to the writer,
at least, as offering an approach to a partial introduction to this
wonderful tropical world now gradually unfolding itself as each
day prolongs our visit to the Guyanas.

Any recognition of the interesting plants, both native and
introduced, and met there for the first time, is hardly worth the
while, just at this time, considering that much space should be
given to rightly do them justice; but one easily marvels at the
amount of tree, shrub and herbaceous life, representative of the
order Leguminace, that is met with at every turn. Then there
are the palms in a variety of interesting forms as well as other
trees and shrubs remarkable either for their oddity of shape or
noteworthy for their beauty of flower or foliage.

In this letter I will not undertake to give much space to the
native birds met with up to this writing. I fear it would be
unwise as we have only our eyes and glasses to fall back on at
present, and to the writer, at least, their proper identification
is largely a matter of conjecture.

I think I can safely say, however, that the feature of bird-life
in the immediate vicinity and also in the city of Georgetown,
British Guiana, where we remained between three and four
days, was the abundance of that Tyrant Shrike (Pitangus sulphur-
atus), or Kis-ka-dee, whose ‘kis; kis; kis-ka-dee’’ and per-
haps more frequently, ‘‘kis-ka-dee’’ can be heard from almost
any quarter, and all hours of the day. Here in Cayenne and
also in Surinam, it appears to be less plentiful. Indeed, I am
not altogether certain of having heard it yet in Cayenne.

At the Botanical Garden of Demerara these birds were par-
ticularly numerous, as also were several flycatchers and
hummers. From among the beds of the Victoria regia, while
there, we had: the good fortune of flushing two beautiful -
specimens of the Jacana (Jacana spinosa). A peculiar bird in
the garden, too, was the Ani (Crotophagus ani) also a species of
grackle (possibly Quiscalus lugubris) of Which several were seen.
The former kept close to some gardeners who were mowing the
lawn; crowding up at times so closely as to almost come in
contact with their seythes, presumably in quest of grubs of
some kind. A large oriole also attracted our attention in the
garden and in addition to the foregoing, several herons and one
large hawk were recorded.

Another familiar bird common to the three leading cities of
the Guianas is (Troglodytes furvus) which in song and general
makeup greatly resembles our common House Wren at home.

In Cayenne the Carrion Crow (Catharistes atrata) is an exceed-
ingly abundant bird, unsuspicious as the domestic fowl and
thoroughly at home everywhere. Numbers of them roost in the
tall royal palms (a beautiful grove of them by the way, and one of
the attractions of the city) across the street from our hotel. In the
harbor during the early morning hours gulls and terns are
common about the pounds or traps of the fishermen. A nesting
resort of the latter must be in this vicinity as we have seen
quantities of what were taken to be eggs of the Royal Tern
(Sterna maxima) on sale in the public market place, as are also
various species of wild birds such as the Toucan and Parrot,

Publications Received. 143

the Searlet Ibis (Guara rubra)in a variety of interesting plumages,
the Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs (Totanus melanoleucus and
flavipes), Least (Tringa minutilla) and Semi-palmated (Hrewnetes
pusi‘lus) Sandpipers, ete, Of sea birds, while at Demerara, we
recorded the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger), two being seen at
the time of our visit to the sea wall.

But this list might be appended to considerably by the addi-
tion of other species, but of which the identification is in some
instances doubtful, The islands (Leeward Island), too, offered
several varieties not recorded by us thus far from the mainland.

In closing, however, I must not neglect to mention the oc-
currence of the little Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) first
noticed by us as tolerably common on the island of Dominica.
Equally at home among the tropical trees, as in our own willow
thickets at home, its familiar song and apparent abundance
made for us areal pleasure while visiting that lovely island.
Later, if time may permit, itis my intention to send you some
additional notes from a wilder field, perhaps from the yet un-
explored, or at least less frequented parts, of this and the ad-
joining colony of Dutch Guiana, alike interesting to the gold
seekers and naturalists. Yours truly,

Cayenne, F. G., 8rd October, 1902. BENJ. T. GAULT.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

THE AUDUBON CALENDAR FOR 1903. Published under the aus-
pices of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. By Taber-Prank
Art Company, Springfield, Mass. Copyright, 1901, by Mrs. J.
W. Hiliot, Boston, Mass.

The plan of this beautiful calendar is well conceived and ear-
ried out with unusual good taste. Each of the six 12 x 10 inch
sheets is printed in pale yellow with narrow white margins,
containing two months of date, and some bird in natural
colors with appropriate environment, to fill up the page. The ar-
rangement of the sheets differ according to the demand of the
colored figure. Thus, the Baltimore Oriole for May and June
occupies the upper part of the page with the months arranged
below. The selection of birds is logical and happy. Thus the
Snowflake represents January and February, the Fox Sparrow
March and April, the Baltimore Oriole May and June. Wood
Thrush July and August, Meadowlark September and October,
and the Red Crossbill November and December. The reverse
side of each sheet contains matter descriptive of each of the
birds figured, taken from H. D. Minot’s ‘‘The Land-Birds and
Game-Birds of New England”’ second edition, edited by William
Brewster. This calendar will make a contribution to the beauty
and brightness of any room or office. Wig de

SomE NEw SoutH AMERICAN BIRDS by Harry C. Oberholser,
Assistant Ornithologist, Department of Agriculture. From
-the Proceedings of U.S. National Museum, Vol. XXV., pages

59-68, No. 1276.

During the course of various recent systematic researches in
the bird collection of the United States National Museum, the
following South American species and subspecies, apparently
new, were incidentlly brought to light. Five families are here
represented. Under the Formicariidae one new species is de-
scribed. The Furnariidae has added to it one species and one
subspecies. Tyrannidae are increased by one genus, four species

144 The Wilson Bulletin.

and subspecies. Icteridae have added to them two subspecies.
The Troglodytidae have no additions, but a species already de-
seribed is more accurately defined, and the several species are
rearranged and their distribution outlined. Wi do

REPORT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SociEty, for the
Protection of Birds, 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, Mass.

This active society for the protection of birds numbers 5362
members, only 1076 of whom are under sixteen years of age.
From this it will be clear that the people of Massachusetts are
in earnest about the protection of their native birds. Their
activity is well evidenced by the annual expenditures, which
run all the way from $1,225.00 to $1,952.00. From this report we
discover no evidence that the movement is in any way an
hysterical one, but rather a sober effort to accomplish a much
needed reform in the popular attitude toward the birds. We
are also pleased to note that in the United States outside of
Massachusetts there are twenty-seven state societies endeavor-
ing todo the same work. While the nature of our scientific
work with the birds debarrs us from taking the ironclad Audu-
bon pledge, we can nevertheless heartily endorse the object of
the Audubon organization. ils dhe
NORTH AMERICAN FAUNA, No. 22, By Edward A. Preble, As-

sistant Biologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture. October

31, 1902.

Among the contents of this number we find an annotated list
of the birds of the Hudson Bay region. The whole number is
devoted to an account of an expedition fitted out for a biological
exploration of this region by the Biological Survey, in 1900. The
birds listed number 260 species and subspecies, representing all
that is known for the region to the close of the expedition. This
indicates the richness of the region and the possibilities open to
one who might spend several years on the ground. Lists of the
Mammals and Batrachians are also given. Wis dic

List oF BIRDS COLLECTED BY WILLIAM T. FOSTER IN PAR-
AGUAY. By Harry C. Oberholser. From the Proceedings of
the U. S. National Museum, Vol. XX V, pages 127-147, No. 1281.

This collection, though small, is of more than usual interest.
It consists of 78 specimens, representing 65 species and subspec-
ies, several of which appear to be heretofore unrecorded from
Paraguay. The descriptions of four species and three subspecies
are here given. The annotations are almost wholly descriptive
of the birds.

BiRDS COLLECTED BY DR. W. L. ABBOTT AND Mr. C. BR.
KLoss IN THE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS. By Charles
W. Richmond, Assistant Curater, Division of Birds. From
the Proceeding of the United States National Museum, Vol.
XXV., pages 287-314, No. 1288.

‘Amateur Sportsman, The, Vol. XX VII, No. 1.

American Ornithology, Vol. II., Nos. 10, Teles

Bird-Lore, Vol. 1V., No. 5. 6.

Bulletin 60, Penn. State Agricultural Experiment Station.
Condor, The, Vol. LV., Nos. 5, 6.

Game Laws for 1902. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Journal of Applied Microscopy, Vol. V., No. 10, 11.
Journal of the Maine Ornithological Society, Vol. IV., No. 4.
Maine Sportsman, Vol. IX., Nos. 10S), TG), wd.

Plant World, The, Vol. V.. Nos. 6, 7.

Plant Travelers, Clarence Moores Weed.

TFT
Bs

irr a0:

mLAWN AGENTS WANTED §
ag Lawn Swings and Setiees, Hammock

Chairs, Camp Chairs and Stools,
Ironing Tables, Wash Benches, Etc.

Agents easily make

$5 to $10 Per Day.

$i

Will furnish samples at re-
duced prices to those desiring ¢
eo agency. Exclusive territory ¢

given. Address,

SANS 2

; Clearfield Woedan-Wara Co.,
ee CLEARFIELD, PA.

Sees SS RES SS SS SS SSESSSSSSSSSSSESSSSS:

WANTED.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S AND OOLOGIST’S SEMI-ANNUAL.
Vol. I. No.1; Vol. IT. No. .1

THE WILSON BULLETIN. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7.
THE NIDOLOGIST. Vol. I., Nos. 1 to 4.

For any or all of these I can offer exchange of other period-
icals relating to birds, or will pay cash. All letters answered.

Address THE WILSON BULLETIN,
OBERLIN, OHIO.

MANY SHELLS,

PLANTS,” SEEDS, ‘etc, ‘to’ exchange for
books or cash.

THE WEST AMERICAN SCIENTIST,

(Published monthly, $1 a year.)
San Diego, Cal.

Tf You Have Friend

Who are interested in Birds, no present could be more ap-
propriate than

Bird-Lore for Christmas,

Send us one dollar for a subscription to Volume V, 1903,
(or four dollars for five subscriptions) and we will mail as
directed, and in time to be received on Christmas day,
the Christmas number of Bird-Lore, a card giving your
name as the donor of the magazine for 1903, and BIRD-
LORE’S BIRD CHART, which measures 22x30 inches,
figures 62 representative species of our 18 families of Perch-
ing Birds and and tells the range and characters of each
family.

~The Macmillan Company, —

Crescent and Mulberry Sts., Harrisburg, Pa.

Wanted.

Photographs of Birds
ang Bird Haunts

To be used in our forthcoming book, DAWSON’S BIRDS —
OF OH1tO. The pictures must be taken in Ohio. We pay - .
from $1.00 up for acceptable negatives. Send proofs. Cor- —
respondence invited. Address

The Wheaton Publishing Company,
Department of Lllustration,
1216 The Hayden. COLUMBUS, OHIO.

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