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The Wilson Bulletin

Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club

An Illustrated Quarterly Magazine

Devoted to the Study

of Birds

Edited by Lynds Jones

Old Series, Voliiiiie XX\'I

Xew Series, Volume XXI

riiblislied l»y the ('Inh ;it Cliicn-o. 111.
Nineteen Ilnndred and Fourteen

V^"'

O^Ii \i^i^i / L

INDEX VOL. XXVI, 1914

Actitis iiiiii'iil;iri:i, -i~>. Sl-Si; in-
clusive.
A.u'elaius iilid'niceus iilui'iiiceiis.
.".4, ."li). 7!>.

rtoridniius. !(!().
Aix sponsa. !)4.
Ajaja ajaja. !)4.

Anunoilranuis savaniiaruin aus-
tral is, so.

biiuac'ulatns.

l:;7.
ttorUlaiuis.

Anas fulviiiiila I'ulvigula. ST. 04.-

platyrliyiichos, T.j, IOC.
Auliiiij;a anhinga, 93. V.H\.
Antlius antarcticus, 29.
Antrostonms carolinensis. !>!),

107.
Ara niac-ao. S.
Aranius vocifenis. !>.".
Arcliiloclius colubris. !:'.<;.
Ardea herodias wardi, 94.
Asio tlanuueiis, 77, 197.

wilsonianiis, 38.").
Astragaliniis tristis tristis, ."»4,

SO, 137.
Astur atrirapillns, 197.
Auklet. Crested. 219.
P.aldpate. 201. 21<).
Kartraniia lonsicauda. .">. 70.
Bittern. .-.2. 53, 56, 57. 58. (iO. OS.
70. 72. 75. 178, 202, 210.
Cory's, 220.

Least. 52, 53, 55. CO. 07, 08,
71. 72, 75. 131. 203.
Blackbird. Brewer's, 133, 1.37.
Red-win"j;ed. .52, 54. 55. 59.
00. 08, 72, 79. 102. ]:;2.
155, 178, 201, 215.
Rusty. 18. 130. 201. 215.
Yellow-headed. 14. .52. 54. 55.
50, 57. 59. .01. 72. 79, 130.
Bluebird. IS. 19. 101, 108. 177.
179. 197. 199. 201. 210. 213,
215.
Bob-white. 53. 7:'.. 77. 2o5. 210.

Florida. 90.
Bobolink. 72. 79. 132. 130. 17S,

179. 202. 214. 210.
Boeolophns bicolor, 104.
Bombycillum cedroruni. 13S.
Botaurus leiiti'j;inosus, 53. tn-(;o,

75.
Rrauta berniila ulaucosastra.
196.

canadensis, IOC.

canadensis, 134.
hutcliinsi. i:!4.
r.ulx; viririnianus vir.iiinianns,

9S.
lUillleliead. 178, 202. 216.
Bunting'. ludiw. 54, 1.32. 177,
203. 213, 215.
Lark, 133.
I'aiuted. 1.31.
lUistard. 29.

Buteo borealis bore:ilis, 97.
calurus. 107.
brachyurus. 98.
lineatus alleni, 98.
platypterus. 135.
Butorides virescens virescens,

53. 95.
Calcarius pictus. 197.
Cauipephilus priucipali.s. 99.
Caracara. Audubon's, 98.
Cardinal, 19, 205. 213. 215, 220.

Florida, 100.
Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus,

100.
Catbird, 55, 58, 73. 80. 132, 158,

100, 177, 202. 213. 215.
Catharista urulni. 90.
Cathartes aura septentrionalis,

96.
Catoptrojihorus seniipalniatus in-

ornatus, 197.
Centurus carolinus. 00. 104.
Ceryle alcyou. 53.
Cha?tura iiela.i,'ica, 78, 135.
Chani;epelia passerina terrestris.

9C>.
Chat. Yellow-breasted, 131. 203,

210.
Chen hyperborea nivalis. 30.
Cliickadee, 19. 55, 108. 177. 205.
209. 211. 215.

Carolina. 100. 204.
Chicken. Prairie. 72. 77.
<"houdestes srauunacus irrani-
niacus, 54, 80.

strigatus. i:',7.
Chordeiles vlrgiuianus ehapnia-

ni. 99. i:]5.
Chuck-will's-widow, 99, 132. 154.
Circus hndsonius. 53, 77. 97.
Cistothorus stellaris. 80.
C()lai)tes auratus auratus. 99.

luteus. .54. 77.
Colinns vir_'iniauus florldanus.

vii'giniamis, y,. 77.
Coot, 121, r.3. 72', 70, 1202.
Coniioraiit, DouWe-cresteLl. 2ii4,

218.
Corvus braeliyrhyiiclios liracliy-
rhyiu'hos, 54, 7!).

pascuus. KM),
ossifragus, 100.
Coturnicops noveboracensis, 1!)G.
Cowbird, 54, 72. 7!>, 103. 13(1,

179, 201, 215.
Cvdne, Saiidbill. 87, 80. 05. 134.
Creeper, Brown. 132, 177, 204,

200. 215.
Crow, 25, 29, 54, 73, 70, 17S,
179, 190, 201, 215.
Fish. 100.
Florida. lOO.
Crossbill. 21.

Ked. 205. 210.
White-winged. 21, 204.
Cryptoglanx acadica, 107.

acadica, 10, 11.
scotteus, 153.
Cnrlew, Ilndsonian, 204, 219.
Cnckoo. Black-l)illed. 178. 2;i4.
210.

Yellow-billed, 132, 203, 21(i.
Cvanocitta eristata cristata, 54,
78.

tlorincobi, 100.
Dendroica tvstiva a^stiva, 54. 80.
Dickcissel, 54, 72, 80, 132, 203,

215, 220.
Dolichonyx oryzivorns. 70. 136.
Dove, Ground. 00.

Mourning. 10, 53, 73. 77, 0().
108, 178, 100, 201, 216.
Dowitrher, 151, 103, 194, 204.
I)ry()l)ates borealis, 90, 107.

pubescens medianus, 53. 77.
Duek. Black. IS, 21. 201.
(^anvas-bac-k, 10, 22, 2()1.
Florida. 87, 94.
Greater Scaup. 201.
Lesser Scaup. 21. 118. 120.

1.50, 201. 216.
Redhead. 201.
Ring-necked. 204.
Ruddy. 21. 202, 216.
Wood. 22. 04. 178, 105, 202.
Dunietella carolinensis, 55, 58,

80.
Ectopistes migratorius, 156.
Eagle, Bald, 98, 178, 205.

Golden, 204.
Egret, 87, 88, 90, 01, 04.

Snowy. 95.
Egrettfi candidissima, 196.

candidissima, 95.
Elanoides forficatus. 96, 1.35, 197.
Elanus leucurus, 33.

Empidonax trailli alnoruiii, 197.
Ereunetes niauri. 104.

pusillu.s. 45.
Eupliagus carolinus. i:!6.
Falco rusticolus, 197.

sparverius paulus. 98.
Finch. I'urple, 48, 177, 204, 215.
Flicker, 18, 26, 73, 99, 213. 215.

Northern. 19. 54. 77, 133,
178, 199, 201.
Florida ca>rulea. 05, 106.
Flycatcher, Acadian, 178, 203,
215.

Alder. 204.

Crested. 00, 131, 178, 203,
21.5.

Green-crested, 132.

Least. 132. 178. 203. 215.

Olive-sided, 178, 204.

Scissor-tailed, 131.

Traill's. 215.

Yellow-bellied, 204, 215.
Fulica americana, 53, 76.
Gadwall, 204.

(Jallinago delicata, 1.34, 196.
(iallinule. Florida, 72. 70, 96,
149, 203.

Purple. 87. 05. 14!).
Gallinula galeata. 76. 06.
(Jannet. 220.
(iavia innner. 105.
(Jeothlypis trichas brachidactyla,

i.".:;. '

ignota. 100.
trichas, 55, 80, .133.
(Jnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 131, 139,

177, 202, 215.
Golden-eye. 21. 118. 110. 121, 204.

Barrows, 204.
^Goldfinch, .54, 73, 80, 13.7. 142.
143. 168, 177, 205, 215.
Goose, Blue, 22. 204.
Canada. 22, 201.
Emperor. 210.
(ireater Snow. .36.
riutchins'. 134.
Snow. 204.
White-fronted. 204.
Goshawk. 204.
Crackle. Boat-tailed, 100.

Bronzed. 10. 54. 73. 80. 137,

178, 100. -201. 1215.
Florida, 100.
Purple. 107.
Grebe. Homed, 22, 202.

Pied-billed. 13, 14, 15, 53,

72. 74, 179, 202, 216.
Western, 21.
Grosbeak. Blue. 132.

Evening, 19, 204. 214. 215.

Pine. 204.

Rose-breasted, 54, 132, 1.3S,

159, 177. 178. 203. 215.
Grouse, Ruffed. 17S, 205.
Grus niexicauus, 1)5. l.'U. 10(1.
Guara alba. !)4.

Gull. I5()iiai)arte's. IS. 202. 211.
21(i.

Frankliirs. i;>;^.
Ilerrins,', 10. 48. 15(1. 205.
Riui^-billed. 205.
Ilali.-i'etus leiuoceiilialus leuco-

fei)lialus, 08.
Ilarekla liyenialis. ll(i-12:! iiulu-

sive.
Hawk, llroad-wiuwd. 135. 17S.
205.

Cooper's, 178. 205, 210.

Duck. 100. 204.

Florida Ited-sliouldered. 87,

08.
Florida Sparrow. OS.
Marsh. 5.S. 72. 77. 07. 1.1.",.

178. 205.
lied-shouldered. 205.
Red-tailed. 07. 205. 213. 214.

215.
Rouiiii-le'-'iied. 254.
Sharp-sliiuned. 40. 178. 205.
Short-tailed, 08.
Sparrow. 132. 178. 20.5. 210.
Swain>-'on's. 131.
Ilelodroiiias solitarius snlitarin<.

45.
Ilerodias ei^retta, 04. 100.
Heron. Black-erowned Nislit. 22.
44. 71. 05. 214. 210.

(ireat Blue. 178. 103,. 202.

21G.
Green, 53. 05. 131, 202.
Little Blue. 87. 05.
Louisiana, 87. 05.
Ward's. 87, 04.
Yellow-frowned Ni.^ht. S7.
05.
Hiniantopus niexicnnus. 100.
Hirundo erythrosastra. 54. SO.

138.
Hornbill. Giant. 210.
Hummin<;ltird. Ruby-throated.

131. 130, 204. 215.
Ilydranassa tricolor lulicollis.

05.
Hydroclielulon ni^'r.-i ^urinanien-

sis, 53. 74.
Hylocichla fuscescens Insces-
cens. 133.

salici<-ola. 133.
Ibis. White. 87. 04. 150.

Wood. 87. 88. 80. 00, 01.
Icterus salbula. 54, 80.
Ictinia niississippiensis, 1:15.
lonornis martinicus. 05. 100.
Ixobrvchus exilis. 53,, (;0. 07. 08.
75.

neoxeuus. lOC, i>i;(».
.Fay. Blue, 10. .")4. 73. 7.S, 1((4,
lOS, 17S, 2(15. 214, 215.
Florida Blue. 100.
.luiico. Slate-coU)red. i:'>3. 17ti,

177, 204, 214, 215.
Killdeer. 18. .5.'!. 70. 72. 70. 178,

201, 210.
Kingfisher. Belled. 5.".. 17S, 201.

210.
Kiniibird, 54, 73, 78, 00, 131.

100. 107. 178, 202. 215.
Kin'.clet. Golden-crowned, 1.".3,,
17(;, 177. 204. 215.

RuI)y-crowned. 13,:',, i:i!),
202. 215.
Kite. .Mississipi)i. 1.",1. 1.",5.

Swallow-tailed. 00. 1.31. i;!5.
Knot. 204.
Lanius borealis. 10. 147.

ludovicianus Indovicinnus,
100.
Bark. Horned. 10. 204.
Hoyt Horned. 204.
I'rairie Horned. 10. 72, 78,
178. 170. 205, 215.
Larns ari^entatus. 48. 150.

franklin!. 133.
Linipkin. 87. 05.
Loni,'spur. Alaskan, 219.

Lapland. 18. 19, 204.
Loon. 21. 170. 202.
Macaw. 8.

Machetes pu','nax. 107.
Macrorhaniphus iiriseus scoloiia-

ceus. 100.
Mallard, -[H, 72, 75, 200, 201.
Martin, Puri)le, 73, 80. 100. .1:50,

i:]l. 177. 179. 202. 215.
Meadowlark. 17. 10. 70. 72. 100.

178. 170. 199. 201, 215.
Southern, 100. 13G.
Western. .54. 80.

Meijaiiuiscalus nia.jor ma.lor, 1(i().
Melanerpes er.vthrocephalus. 53.

77. 09, 104.
INIelea.iiris ,L;allopavo osceola, 90.
Melo'-pi/a ^'ei)rf:;iana, 107.
melodia. 79.

melodia. i:JS.
:\ler.i;anser. 21. 201.
Hooded. 21. 202.
Red-breasted. 178. 180. 201.
^leriius aniericanus. 28.

niersanser. 28.
Minius jioly.iilottos polyulottos.

100.
Mockinuliird. 100. 2li4. 214. 22(1.
.Molothrus ater. 54.

ater. 70. i:'.(;.
Murre. Brunnidi's, 204.
Myiarchus crinitus, 09.

Myiiicli.iiH's vircns, ."4.
Xaiinus liieiiiulis hiem.-ilis. i:i<).
.\i,:,'lith:i\vk. :'.. ITS. 204, 21.").

Floridii. i)!). i;{2, l."!."!.
Xutli.Mtcli. I?ro\vu-lie:i(le(l. lol.
Ked-breasted. 177, 204. 20!).

215.
White-breasted. 177. 20."),
215.
Nyctanassa violacea, 05.
Nyctea nyctea, 8, ,10.
Nycticorax nycticorax iia'vius.

44, 95.
Oceaiiites oceanicus, lOG.
Otocoris alpestris praticola, 78.
Oidemia perspicillata. 190.
()ld-s(iuaw, 110-123 inclusive.
Opoixiniis formosa, 198.
Oriole, Baltimore. ,")4. 7.^. 80.
1.31, 1G8. 202, 215.

Orchard. 131, 203, 215.
Osprey, 98, 178, 202.
Otus asio asio, 53, 77.
fioridauus, 98.
flammeus idahoensls. 135.
Oven-bird, 127, l.'!2, 177, 202,

213. 210.
Owl. Barn, 20-5.

Barred, 0, 8, 10, 178, 205.
Burrowing, 213.
Florida Barred, 98.
Florida Burrowing. 98.
Florida Screeeli, 98.
Great Horned. 98. 205.
Long-eared. 135, 205.
Saw-whet, 10, 11, 12, 204,

210.
F^creech. 53, 73. 77. 178, 20;),

210.
Short-eared, 72, 77, 132, 178,

205.
Snowy. 8, 19, 205.
Ox.vechus vociferus, 53, 70.
I'andion haliaetus carolinensis.

98.
I'assereulus sandwlcliensis sa-
vanna, 137.
Pa.sserelhi iliaca, 105.
I'asserina amoena, 197.

eyanea, 54.
Pelidna alpina sakhalina. 45.
I'enthestes atricai)illns atrica-

pillus, 55.
Petrochelidon lunilvons luni-

frons, 80.
I»ewee, Wood. 54. i:n. 178. 203,

213, 215.
Phalacroeorax ;irti(e;s georgia-
nus. 220.

auritus. 218.
Phalaroiie. Bed. 103.

Wilson's. 72. 70. 205.

Phalaropus lulicarius, i0.3.
I'hilohela minor, l-o inclusive.
Phloeotonuis ])ileatus. 99.
Phoebe, 73, 78. 132. 178. 179. 201,
210. 213, 21.5.
Sa^'s. 34.
lUgeon, Passenger, 150.
Pinicola eimcleator leucura, 197.
Pintail, 201.

Pljiilo erythrophthalnms alleni,
100.

erythrophthalnms, 54.
Pipit, 23, 133, 138, 201, 2^.

Sprague's, 131.
Pisobia bairdi, 45, 197.
fuseicollis, 45, 135.
maculata, 40, 135.
minutilla, 45, 135.
Planesticus niigratorius migra-

torius, .5.5, 81. 140.
Plegadis autumnalis. 190.
I'lover. Black-bellied, Kio, 151,
194, 205.

Golden, 22. 103, 104, 194,

205.
Piping, 151, 205.
Semipalmated. 22, 151, 193,

200, 204, 210.
Upland, 5, 131, 202.
Podilymbus podiceps, 13, .53, 74.
Polioptila cierulea cjierulea, 139.
Polyborus cheriwayi. 98.
Poiiecetes gramineus gramineus,

i:!7.
Porzana Carolina, .53, 70.
Progne .subis subis, SO, 100.
I'rotonotaria citrea, 109-11(). 220.
Puthn. Tufted. 219.
Quail, 178, 179.
Quer(iuedula discors. 53. 75.
(Juiscalus quiscula a^neus. 54,
SO. 13.7.

agheus, 100.
Rail. Black. 1.32. 134.

Kiu'j:. .5.3, 72, 75, 203.
Louisiana Clapper, 134. 150.
Virginia, 1.32, 178, 203, 210.
Kallns t-reiiitans s:ituratus, 150.

elegans. 5:!. 75.
liocu.rviro-tra aniericaiia. 190.
BedpoU. 19. 48.
Bed-wing, Florida, 100. 131.
Bedstart. 131, 177, 190, 203, 210.
Ivhinoplax vigil, 219.
Bobin. 18, 19. 39, 55, 73, 81, 1.3.3,
140. 10.5-172, 177, 199. 201.
213. 214, 215.
Sanderlin-, 22, 194.
Sandpiper, Baird's, 22, 45. 151.
2U5.

Iwirtrnniian. 70. 72. 70.

Least, 45. loo, lol. 103, 104.

202, 21(5.
Red-hacked. 22. 4.". lit:!. 1!)4.

204.
Pectoral. 4.j. i:'.-"). 1.11. lo:;,

104. 202. 210.
Semi-palmated. 22. i~>. l-"il.

103. 104. 204.
Solitary. 45, 131, 151, ITS.

103, 202. 210.
Spotted. 45. 81-80, 151, 178.

180. 202, 210.
Stilt, 151, 205, 214, 210.
Western. 103, 104.
^'S^lite-^unlped. 45. i:;2. i:*>5.
103. 104.
Sai)sucker, Yellow-iiellied, ITS,

202, 215.
Sayornis pluebe, 78.
Scoter. Surf. 21.
Sbeathbills. 20.
Shoveller. 201.
Shrike, Loggerhead. 100.
Migrant, 201, 21G.
Northern. 204.
White-runiped. 132.
Sialia sialis sialis, lOo.
Siskin, Pine. 10, 21, i:!T. 14i)-

146, 204.
Sitta caroliuensis carolinensis,
133.

pusilla. 101.
Snipe, Wilson's. 134, 103. 2^11.

21G.
Snowflake. 18. 10. 204, 215.
Sora. 53. 72. 70. 132. 203, 210.
Sparrow. Bachman's. 205. 214.
215.

Chipping. 138. 150. 177. 201.

213, 215.
English, 107. 178. 170. 200-

211, 216.
Field. 54, 177. '201. 215.
Florida Grasshopper, 100.
Fox. 105, 100. 132, 201, 215.
Grasshopper, 72. 80. 202.

215.
Henslow's. 203.
Lark. .54. 80. 202. 215.
Lincolns. 177, 203.
Nelson's. 205.

Savanna. 22. 137. 178. 202.
Song. 18, 33. 138, 177. 170,

100, 201, 213; 215.
Swamp. 177. 201.
Tree, 204. 215.
Vesper. 137. 138. 178. 170.

201. 215.
Western Grasshopper, i:'.7.
White-crowned, 133, 20:..

21.5.
White-throated. i:'.3. ITT.
108, 202, 215.

Sjjeotyto cuiiicuhu-in Horidana,

!»8.
Spinns ]iiiius, i:'.T, lhi-140.
Spiza aniericana, 54. 80.
Spizella itasserina passerina. 138.

pusilla pusilla, .54, 138.
Spoonbill. Roseate, 88, 00, 04.
Stegano])us tricolor, TO.
Stelgidopteryx serriiiennis. 138.
Stercorarius itomariinis, 100,
Sterna antillaruni. 10(").
Strix varia varia. (;.

a lien i. OS.
Sturnella magna argutula. KiO.
136.

neglecta, .54, SO.
Swallow, Bank. 131, 151. 171,

177, 202. 215.

Barn. 54. 70. 73. 80. 07. 132,
1.38, 171. 177. 170. 202,
215.
Cliff. 73. 80. i:!l. 177. 170.

202.
Ron<-di-winged. l.".l. 138. 202.

215.
Tree. 70. 132. 177. 202. 215.
Swan. Whistling. 201.
Swift. Chimnev. 73. 78. 131. 135,

136, 168, 178. 202. 210.
Tanager. Scarlet. 131. 177. 203,
213^ 215.

Summer. 131. 214. 215.
Teal. Blue-winged. 53. 72, 75,

178. 202. 210.
Green-winged, 205.

Telmatodvtes jialustris iliacus.

.55. 81.
Tern. Black. 52. 53. 60. 72, 74.
103. 204.

Caspian. 151. 1.52, 170. 205.

Common. 170. 193. 203.

Thrasher, Brown. 54. 73. 80,

1.33. 156. 1.58. 150, 177. 202.

214. 215.

Thrush. Gray-cheeked. 203. 215.

Hermit. 133. 170. 177. 180-

186. 201, 215.
Olive-backed. 132. 177. 200.

202. 215.
Willow. 132.
Wood. 44. 48. 131. 202. 214.

215.
Wilsons. 177. 215.
Thrvothorus ludovicinnus miam-

iensis. 100.
Titmouse. Tufted. 104. 205. 215.
Totanus tlavipes. 45.

melanolencus. 45.
Towhce. 54. 133. 177. 170. 2(il,
215.

White-eyed. 100.
Toxostoma rufum. 55, 80. 156.

Ti'ofiludyti'S jiedon piirkmaiii. o~>,

SO.
Turkey. Florida. '.*ii.

Wild. cST. \r2.
Tunistoiie. Kiuldy. li(M.
'['yiiipannclms aiiicricaiius aiiicr-

icamis. 77.
Tyramms tyraiiiuis, .")4. 7S, !)'.».
A'eery. 'Im.

Vireo ij;ri.seus inaynardi. \W.
Vireo, Blue-beaded, i;!l. 177,
202. 215.

Key West. 100.
riiiladelpbia. 21. 202. 2ir).
Ked-eyed, 04. 103, 12."), 131,

177. 203. 213, 215.
Wnrhliui,'. 54. 202. 215.
Wliite-eyed. 131. 205. 215.
Yellow-throated, i:'>l, 177.
203. 215.
Vireosylva gilva .ijilva. 54.

olivacea, 54.
^'ult^re. Pdack. 00.

Turkey. 00, 201, 210.
Warbler. Bav-breasted. 132, 203,
210.

Black aud Wbite. 131. 177.

203, 216.
Black-poll. 177. 204. 210.
Blackburuian. 132. 177. 2o:'..

210.
Black-tbroated Blue. 177,

203, 210.
Black-tbroated Green. 131,
177, 186-188. 201, 203, 21h.
Blue-winged. 105, 131. 203,

216.
Canadian, 132. 177. 203,, 216.
Cape May, 203,.
Cerulean. 131, 203, 216.
Cbestnut-sided. 132, 1.52.

177, 203, 21(;.
Connecticut, 21, 204.
(Jolden-winwd. 1.52. 203.
Hooded. lOi;. 131, 203, 216.
Kentucky, 21. 12.3-127. 131.

203. 210.
Kirtland's. 116. 203.
Magnolia, 132, 203, 216.
[Mourning, 177, 204, 216.
INIvrtle. 133, 139, 177. 202.

216.
Nashville, 131, 177, 203, 216.
Northern Parula, 203, 216.
Orange-crowned, 21. 131,

203.
Palm, 203.. 216.
Pine, 177, 203.
Prairie, 204.
Prothonotary, 21. 106, 100-

116. i:n, 203, 212, 220.
Sycamore. 131.
Tennessee. 177, 203.
Western Parula, 131.
Wilson's. 131, 204, 216.
Worm-eating, 132, 205.
Yellow, 54, 73, 80, 103, 132,
1.58. 160, 177, 179, 202.
210.
Water-Thrush. 20.".. 216.
Grinnell's. 132.
Louisiana. 202. 216.
Water-Turkey. 03,.
Waxwing. Bobemiaii. 205. 21 (i.
Cedar. 138. 177. 170. 205,
214. 216.
Weaverhirds. 20.
Whip-poor-will, 1:11. 1.54, 179,

20.3, 215.
Willet. Western. 10.3. 104. 205.
Woodcock, 1-6, 202, 216.
Wodpecker. Downv, 19, 53, 73,
77. 139. 168, 178. 205. 215.
Hairy. 178. 205. 214. 215.
Ivory-liille<l. 99.
Northern Pileated, 215.
Pileated, 15, 17, 99, 214.
Ked-bellied, 99, 104, 205,

215.
Red-cockaded, 99.
Red-beaded. 18. 53. 73. 77.
99. 104. 178. 202. 215.
Wren. Bewick's. 106. 1.32, 205,
215.

Carolina, 19, 205. 215. 220.

Florida. 100.

House. 177. 179. 180, 202,

213. 215.
Long-billed .Marsh, 202.
Prairie Marsh, .55, 72. 81.
Short-billed Marsh. 72, 80,

132, 203.
Western House, 55. 73, 80,

133.
Winter. 139, 177, 204, 215.
Xantbocephalus xantbocepbalus,

.54, 55, 79, 1.36, 197.
Yellow-legs, 151, 193. 203. 216.
Greater, 45, 193, 194, 202,

210.
Lesser. 45.
Yellow-throat, 72.
Florida, 100.
Marvland. 55. 80. 127, 132.

177. 203.
Northern, 131. 216.
Zamelodia ludoviciana, .54, 138.
Zenaidura mncroiira carolinen-

sis, 77, 96.
Zonotrichia albicoUis, 198,

THF

WILSON BULLETIN

No. 86.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
VOL. XXVI MARCH, 1914. NO. 1

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVI. NEW SERIES VOL. XXI.

AN INTIMATE ACQUAINTANCE WITH WOODCOCKS.

BY GERARD ALAN ABBOTT.

The woodcock still exists in considerable numbers where
favorable conditions for feeding and nesting are to be found
in the great lake region. They were probably more numerous
fifteen years ago when I first undertook a detailed study of
their habits, but a greater time elapsed between finds because
I was not "On to their ways."

Quite a few of us have probably seen a sitting woodcock.
They are to be found when scarcely any other birds are
involved with the duties of nesting. The find is an impressive
one, and each and every naturalist who chances upon a
Philohela minor squatting on the leaves is likely to transmit
the news to his fellow friends.

It is not difficult to photograph this bird during the twenty-
one days she or her mate may be covering the eggs, and a
personal acquaintance may be formed.

I have probably been among the breeding woodcock at some
time or other every hour out of the tw^enty-four, and it was
not until I had seen and heard much of them between sunset
and sunrise that any feeling of intimacy existed.

Rarely have I observed "borings" near a sitting bird. The
ground they use for nesting purposes is necessarily damp at

Intimate Acquaintance With Woodcocks 3

the season when they are laying, but I would not consider it
wet in comparison with much of the adjacent territory, which
is apt to consist of marshes, lakes and spring holes. I have
no doubt but that the woodcocks probe for earth worms in
the earth immediately surrounding the nesting site, but this
locality is not muddy nor oozy enough to retain the perfora-
tions caused by the bird's bills.

Large, chalky deposits caused by the birds are without
exception very much in evidence near the nest. It is some-
times possible to locate the nest by following these daubs
upon the leaves. Again the droppings ma.y occur seventy-
five yards from the nest, and in the cover used by the male
as a roosting place during the daytime.

In little openings wdiere the male goes forth at sundown
for the song flight is another likely spot for chalk marks.
The peculiar nasal "pink," as it sounds to me, is first heard
shortl}^ after sundown at intervals of every five minutes dur-
ing the first half hour. If the day has been extremely cool
and wet the males seem less ardorous, and the call may be
uttered two or three times prior to the first flight.

We will presume that a typical April day has drawn to a
close. The temperature is about 50°. We are in northern
Illinois groping our way through the brush on what appears
to be an old moraine of Lake ^Michigan. From yonder clump
of willows a rather shrill call startles us. Surely no Night-
hawks are about, for it is too early in the year to even expect
them, yet the sound was decidedly suggestive of the call note
of our "bull-bat." My companion is quite sure the author
of this weird sound is only a few rods away. But, as we move
cautiously in the direction, the sound is repeated, but we do
not seem to be any closer to the object of our search. The
bird is an adept ventriloquist and is probably six or seven
times as far away as we had first supposed. While we are
gradually gaining upon him other males are heard calling,
and the wooded area harbors several woodcocks, each calling
in turn, until the notes vibrate through the spring air like
the trilling of tree-toads or the singing of katydids on a
midsummer's eve. We hasten to a point of vantage before

Intimate Acquaintance With Woodcocks 5

the performance begins. 1 kuoAV every foot of the ground,
but before stationing ourselves for the occasion several con-
ditions are to be taken into consideration. If there is any
moon we want to be in full sight of it, and if possible let us
get on the windward side of the bird. The woodcock, like
his relative the jack-snipe, is sure to leap into the wind as he
starts to fly.

Twice a woodcock has flown before us in a noiseless man-
ner. The wing motion consisted of half strokes only, and the
course was horizontal and only moderately rapid. These two
flights were very similar to those of the Upland Plover.
Those who have seen the graceful Bartramian will recall that
the wing stroke is comparatively short and rapid. I have
never seen this flight of the woodcock described by other
observers, but on such occasions the wing is highly concave,
and only the tips seem to extend below the level of the body
during any part of the stroke. This method of navigation is
an abrupt contrast to the jerky, zig-zag flight used by the
birds as they arise from cover when disturbed or flushed.
Occasionally on wet April days I have witnessed this silent
flight of the woodcock. It is apparently used when they are
flying to and from their feeding grounds, and it is not improb-
able that the same flight is maintained by the birds during
their protracted journeys while migrating.

The third and most interesting form of locomotion imme-
diately follows an emphatic "pink." The wing beats are so
rapid it is impossible to distinguish them, as the bird pro-
gresses slowly in a circular course. The distinct whistle from
the edged primaries of a flushed bird is entirely different
from the sound we now hear. This same woodcock passes
before us so like a great hummingbird, but the circles he
makes in the air are growing less in circumference as he rises
spiral like against the yellow rays of the moon. A series of
gushing, warbling notes issue from his throat. A remarkable
vocal demonstration for such a droll looking bird. The
buzzing of the wings have ceased. The bird is three hundred
feet above and the apex of his flight has been reached. The
song ceases and the performer volplanes silently to the same

6 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

cover from which he arose and immediately resumes the
call note.

Despite the fact tliat I have been a lonesome spectator to
these demonstrations for years and years, they are the most
fascinating of bird manoeuvres.

The sitting bird successfully suppresses all signs of ner-
vousness as she sits motionless upon her eggs beneath the
shadow of a drooping branch or broken stub. It seems impos-
sible to conceive that the same bird (for the male often incu-
bates) is capable of such an animated flight and gifted with
the remarkable vocal power which he utters during the
mating and breeding seasons.

A TIME WITH THE OWLS.

BY DR. R. W. SHUFELDT, WASHINGTON, D. C.

One afternoon, sometime during the first part of .January
(1914), when returning from the United States National
Museum where I had been looking over some owls, I passed
up Tenth Street, only a few paces from the building in which
I had been, when I spied, suspended for sale in one of the
markets, a fine specimen of the Barred Owl {Strix v. varia).
It was an old bird in perfect plumage, and I secured it for a
quarter of a dollar. Recently they have been quite numerous
in this section, and this one was shot within a couple of miles
of where I stood when making the purchase.

Several days passed before I could get at this specimen;
but when I did, I obtained from it a very perfect skeleton
as well as a part of the plumage. On opening its stomach —
a practice I never neglect — it was found to contain the
remains of three or four small mice. As usual, these remains
had formed into "pellets," principally consisting of hair and
bones. Some of the jaws w^ere quite complete, and these I
saved, later on showing them to Mr. Gerrit S. Miller, Jr.,
Curator of the Division of Mammals of the U. S. National

THE VISAGE OF THE SNOWY OWL ( NYCTEA NYCTEA ; ADULT)
Pboto by Dr. Shufeldt

8 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

Museum, who kindly pronounced them to be those of speci-
mens of Pitymys pinetonim.

While investigating some of the anatomy of this owl —
another practice I am almost invariably guilty of during
such operations — there came to hand a package from Mr
Edward E. Schmid, the well-known proprietor of an exten-
sive Pet Emporium in Washington, containing not only a
fine Macaw {Ara macao), but also an unusually good speci-
men of a Snowy Owl {Nyctea nyctea). Both specimens had
recently died, and they were adults in fine plumage. Mr.
Schmid kindly sends me all such material, and has done so
for many years. He is well known to the naturalists of the
Smithsonian, where he occasionally sends such animals as die
on his hands.

Here was Owl No. 2, and from it I obtained another fine
skeleton, together with not a little more of its structure or
its anatomy, as some people say. Parts of this were so
important that I wrote out a description of them, which will
appear elsewhere later on.

I did not photograph the Barred Owl, though I usually
secure negatives of nearly all specimens coming to my study ;
I find the prints are often valuable, especially for the use of
taxidermists. Turning my camera, however, on the face of
this Snowy Owl, I got a good negative of it, a print from
which is here reproduced to show how useful such pictures
may sometimes be. I have many of them, not only of birds,
but of a great number of other animals. This is not an
example of the best ones, for the big, yellow eyes took black,
which is unfortunate. I have some parrots that it would be
hard to say whether they had been taken from dead or from
living specimens ; later on I propose to publish some of these
— in fact, a few of them are being engraved as I write these
lines.

While contemplating the structure of my Snowy Owl, a
curious coincidence occurred, for tivo more of the same species
came to hand. This time, however, they came from Copen-
hagen, Denmark, being a most generous gift of my friend,
Mr. Gerhard Heilmann of that city. I hasten to say that

^

> '^ "*

%

Cxtc

A PAIR OF SNOWT OWLS

From a painting by Gerhard Heilmann, Copenliagen, Denmark

10 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

it was an oil painting of these birds, the subjects being
natural size and in an elegant plain frame of gilt (30x30
inches).

As posed by the artist, these Owls are shown in Fig. 2,
which is a reproduction of a photograph I made of this
beautiful picture. It will be noted that they are sitting on
a dark rock, partly covered with snow, the rock being on the
shore of the frozen sea on the north coast of Denmark. The
birds are contemplating the setting sun, and ]\Ir. Heilmann
has been wonderfully successful in depicting the rosy hues
of the same, as its rays tinge their white plumages and the
glistening ice on all sides. As we say of so many lieautiful
things in this world, this picture should be seen to be appre-
ciated.

At the present time, ^Ir. Heilmann is engaged ujDon a very
important piece of work — a study of the origin of birds
from their ancestral stock among the prehistoric reptiles.
Two Parts of this work are already published, with many
fine illustrations, and the remaining three Parts will appear
during the course of 1914.

With my Barred Owl, and old Nyctea coming in threes, I
surely thought that my strigine experiences — following upon
each other with such rapidity — would come to an end ; but
no, I was to be treated to another immediately on top of
them. Hardly had my picture been hung in an appropriate
place, than a call on my 'phone from Mr. Schmid informed
me that he had at my service a fine, living specimen of an
adult Saw-whet Owl {Cryptoglaux a. arcadica), which had
been captured in the city (Washington) the day before. As
usual, the man who took it simply walked up to the bird and
"bagged it." In less than an hour it was in a small cage in
my study, at which time the amusements for the afternoon
were opened. He was not altogether a fractious subject, how-
ever; not nearly as bad as many another live bird I have
photographed.

It seems to me that all my life I wanted to have in my
possession a specimen of a living Owl of this species; and
now, after waiting for over half a century, here was the real

SAW -WHET OWL (CRYPTOGLAL'X A. AKC'ADIA>
riioto from life by Dr. ShufelrU. Roduced.

12 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

thing: a perfectly healthy, adult "Saw-whet," in elegant
winter plumage.

There are but very few even passable pictures of this owl
extant and a good many very poor ones. Many years ago I
saw one, painted life-size in water-color by John Woodhouse
Audubon, the erratic son of the well-known Franco-American
ornithologist. Without exception I think it was the worst
picture of an owl that I recall having ever seen. It reminded
me of the labored drawing of a bird's nest by a little fellow
seven years old, who, when he had finished his sketch, showed
it to his father with no small degree of pride. "What is it
intended to represent, my son?" said the father, after gazing
at it for a moment or so with a puzzled expression. ' ' A bird 's
nest," explained the young hopeful. "Oh," said his parent,
"it looked to me like a pretty good attempt to draw a
cyclone. ' '

On this occasion I will not state exactly how many dry
plates I expended on this little representative of the
Strigidce; but it was a number over a box of five by eights
and two eight by tens. I don't regret it though, for I did
get some pictures after the first few attempts, and some good
ones. One of these last is reproduced here (Fig. 3).

In studying him, I noticed that, Avhen his eyes were closed,
the feathering below them became very prominent, bulging
outward and downward like two tufts — one beneath either
eye. This was especially the case when he started to doze off
to sleep, and it is a character in the plumage of this owl that
I have never seen described. Thus far, he has refused to
drink any water, and will not eat raw beef placed as little
bits in his cage at night. So I have kept him alive by feed-
ing him with the same, putting the pieces, one at a time, into
his mouth with a pair of spring forceps. After swallowing
two or three pieces, he became very lively during the course
of the following ten minutes. I believe he would relish a
sparrow, but I have not as yet secured one in that I might
make the trial. As a matter of fact, I do not believe he will
live very long in confinement ; but should he succumb, there
is another skeleton coming to my collection.

Pied-Billed Grebe Notes 13

This is all I have had to do with owls for the last live or
six days.

PIED-BILLED GREBE NOTES.

BY IRA N. GABRIELSON.

Ever since the time, when as a small boy, I first discovered
that the mass of decaying vegetation found floating in the
swamps was the nest of the Pied-billed Grebe {Podilymhus
podiceps) this species has been of great interest to me. In
the course of observations from year to year a few facts of
interest have been noted that I do not recall seeing in print.

The species nests here (Northwestern Iowa*) around the
edge of the lakes and ponds in the rushes and in the cat-tail
gwamps. The nest is built of decaying vegetation and is
usually floating, slightly anchored to the surrounding reeds.
The eggs, when left, are completely covered with the nest
material and occasionally a few green reeds. The statement
is often seen that the bird covers the eggs in this manner,
but I do not remember of seeing any explanation as to how
this was accomplished. After watching many times one was
discovered in the act. She stood or rather sat on the edge
of the nest and used the beak to root the nest material over
the eggs. In this manner she worked entirely around the
eggs until they were hidden from view. The beak was then
used, much as a robin uses hers in ironing the nest, to spread
the material around. She then seized one or two reeds, broke
them off with a quick sidewise jerk of the head, laid them
across the nest, and sliding into the water swam away.

It is commonly known that many birds will feign injury
to entice an intruder away from the nest or young, but to
me, at least, it was a great surprise to know that the Pied-
billed Grebe would occasionally resort to this artifice. Only
two instances of this have come to my notice, and both of
these occurred on the same day, June 26, 1913. In com-

* This includes notes made in a Nebraska swamp just across the Mis-
souri Eiver from Sioux City, Iowa, as well as those in Iowa.

14 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

pany with ]Mr. Howard Graham the writer was poling a boat
thru the rushes of an old swamp for the purpose of locating
Yellow-headed Blackbird nests on which Ave wished to make
some observations. Suddenly a great commotion was heard
just ahead of the boat, and I stepped to the prow to see
what it was. The boat was almost onto a nest of this species
and the old bird was near it, apparently helpless. One wing
hung limp and she frantically kicked and splashed about
without making an.y forward progress. All of the time she
uttered a curious grating note unlike anything I ever heard
from a grel)e. For an experiment we swung the boat around
and followed her. She kept up these actions, but swam slowly
away until a point some twenty-five yards from the nest was
reached, when she dived into the reeds and was seen no more.
Shortly after this experience, progress became so slow in the
boat that we abandoned it and started to wade. After travel-
ing about half an hour, I came to another grebe nest in which
the eggs were just hatching. Both parents were present and
commenced the same performance. As I took a step forward
they worked slowly away, splashing violently and creating a
great disturl)ance. The same peculiar call was noted as in
the other case. After moving a few steps I stopped and
remained standing quietly near the nest. The grebes, on see-
ing me stop, disappeared and I supposed they had given up
the attempt to lead me away. Suddenly one popped into
view almost within reach of my hand and worked slowly
aw^ay as before. This one had proceeded about ten yards
when the other one came into view near me and started away.
The pair kept up this alternate performance for fully five
minutes l)efore they finally ceased. On seeing that I was not
to l)e duped by their actions, they remained quietly on the
water about ten yards away until I started again. One of
them followed me for some distance before finally disap-
pearing.

The parents seem to be more devoted to the young than
many of the other marsh nesting birds. The young crawl
from the nest as soon as they hatch and the parent leads
them away, always keeping between them and a possible

Log-Cock or Pileated Woodpecker 15

enemy. On being approached she directs them to the nearest
cover, generally a patch of reeds, and as soon as it is reached
they all disappear except the parent. A careful watch kept
on the edge of the patch will usually reveal her swimming
slowly back and forth with only the eyes and bill above
water. It is almost impossible to tind the young once they
have entered the weeds, as they are adept at hiding and
remaining motionless.

In August after the young are feathered out and almost
fully grown, the grebes in one swamp or pond sometimes
assemble in one flock and feed together. The largest number
I ever noted was on August 19, 1913, in the same swamp in
which the notes of June 26 were made. This flock numbered,
as near as could be counted, two hundred. I watched them
for some time and saw them eating numbers of the small
frogs which swarmed about the water's edge and on the mud
flats. Occasionally two would seize the same frog and attempt
to swallow it. This would cause a tug of war, in which several
others sometimes joined, and often neither of the original
contestants finally secured the prize.

Marshalltown, Iowa.

THE ROLL OF THE LOG-COCK OR PILEATED WOOD-
PECKER.

BY ERXEST \V. VICKERS.

For several years I enjoyed the rolling call of a Pileated
Woodpecker, which from the peculiar resonance of sounding-
board carried to an almost incredible distance. The scene
was located a mile and a quarter from my home, and impossi-
ble as it may appear I have heard the roll when in the house
with doors and windows closed; this of course when atmos-
pheric conditions were favorable. Out of doors the sound
doubtless carried two miles.

This sounding-board of the Log-cock was the big hollow
arm of a great tulip-tree or white-wood {Liriodendron tulipi-

16 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

fcra), usually miscalled "poplar'' of the lumbermen, eighty
to one hundred feet high, which stood on an eminence between
two towns and towards the west end of a strip of timber over
two miles long. This big arm was flung westward and parallel
with the earth at a height of 50 to 60 feet, and the spot on it
where he hammered was barkless, seasoned, hard and white,
for it had been used for years.

Long had I heard the drummer ere I located the drum,
which I did one early day in spring.

By care and stealth I approached near enough with my
glass to observe the bird to good advantage.

His modus operandi was as follows : Sitting uj^right
lengthwise on the limb, grasping it firmly and bracing him-
self with his tail, poised and with head drawn back and eyes
fixed on the spot to be struck; then, making a pass or two,
as if about to begin as a skillful penman makes a preliminary
flourish, he came suddenly and almost savagely down on the
limb ; and though the blows were slowly and lightly delivered
at first, they increased in speed and force one by one to the
highest power, whence they diminished to the close. Thus
his roll was composed of a dozen strokes delivered as an
ascending and descending climax. These tones were of a
peculiar rich, resonant xylophone quality, echoing in ever
widening and pleasing circles off through the woods.

After the delivery he would relax, pause as if to note the
effect, or more probably to listen for a response from mate
or distant neighbor, for this habit may hark back to a time
when some such means of "wireless"' was necessary in the
vast reach of unbroken forest. Thus there were codes ere
Morse's invention and ere the white man arrived to plant
the poles.

Then he would hop about on the limb a little perhaps, cock
his head this way and that to take in the world below, dress
his feathers for a time or search for parasites. But, although
so deliberate, he did not long forget what he was there for
and would gather himself together to smite his musical instru-
ment again. The gravity and intense concentration of this
act made it almost ludicrous to the beholder were it not for

Log-Cock or Pileated "Woodpecker 17

his earnestness and preoccupation. With such energy did
he hammer that his whole body shook and his wings quivered,
while the splendid scarlet of his loose hair-like crest flowed
in the bright spring sunshine, added to which his scarlet
mustaches gave him a distinguished and savage air.

Later in the season I placed my camera high in a neighbor-
ing birch and waited beneath with more or less patience
vainly hoping to catch him in the act. But he must have been
haunting some distant portion of his range, for he never
came near.

Several years since the big tulip-tree came down in a storm
and I miss the wonderful roll that used to travel so far.
Occasionally I heard his bill on some punky old snag, but it
is not probable that he will ever find another sounding board
comparable with the old white wood arm.

This is the only Pileated Woodpecker I ever saw beat upon
a horizontal limb by habit. This is the only case that has come
under my observation where a log-cock has selected a hori-
zontal sounding board.

I afterward sought in the debris of the uprooted tulip for
this musical limb, but it was impossible to discover a trace
of it more than if so wonderful a thing had been whisked off
by magic. It would have been good to have taken its caliber
and that of the cavity within and to have examined that
smooth hard spot where he had smote full lustily so oft.

The roll of the Pileated woodpecker is one of the most
impressive sounds in nature, and among the noblest of spring,
being most frequently heard on still, humid mornings when
the air seems hungering to transmit sound; the earth is
vaporing, mellowing ripening for the plow. The glad strain
of the meadow-lark bursts everywhere from the ground, and
the cackle of the flicker comes from sunny places. All the
woodpecker tribe love to beat the tom-tom in such weather,
but the stately roll of Hylotomus easily lords it over all. It
is then as the gavel of the speaker calling the Whole House
of Nature to order after the defection and chaos of winter.

18 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

WINTER CONDITIONS IN NORTHERN OHIO, WINTER

OF 1913-14.

BY LYNDS JONES.

Everybody in the middle sections of the United States will
remember the early November storm which resulted in block-
ing traffic and the destruction of miles of telegraph and
telephone lines. Any storm or considerable cold so early is
unusual and might therefore be expected to have its effect
upon the birds of the region affected.

In the vicinity of Oberlin this storm marked the advent of
winter conditions as far as the smaller birds were concerned.
A good idea of the conditions which followed this storm will
be gained from the following extracts from a letter written by
Mr. Harry G. Morse, who resides at Huron, Ohio, at the
mouth of the river by that name, and within three miles of
the marshes which extend eastward from Sandusky. He
writes: "It has been rather quiet so far. I don't think the
mild winter has had much influence except in the case of the
ducks and gulls. I have found both Black Ducks and Mal-
lards since the first of the year, and Bonaparte's Gulls were
here until January 11. Saw several flocks of ducks flying
south today (February 8).

"Song Sparrows and Flickers have been very scarce since
the first of January. I have a record of a Killdeer on
February 1, on the beach about a mile west of town. Of the
more uncommon winter visitors I have seen very little.
Found Snowflakes a few times last fall on the sand spit, and
a pair of Lapland Longspurs near the lake December 28.

"Robins, Bluebirds and Rusty Blackbirds, which were
found all last Avinter, do not seem to have stayed this year.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are, however, fairly common, as
I have recorded about a dozen different birds within a radius
of three miles from town."

My own experience is that of the usually common winter
birds. The Song Sparrow was entirely absent from most of
its usual winter haunts, while scattering Red-headed Wood-

Winter Conditions in Northern Ohio 19

peckers were to be found. Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Snow-
flakes, Lapland Longspurs, Prairie Horned Larks, Horned
Larks, IMeadowlarks, jMourning Doves, Northern Flickers,
Kobins, Bluebirds, and Bronzed Grackles Avere in about the
usual number in and around Oberlin. Reliable reports of
Evening Grosbeaks and Snowy Owls were received.

The regular resident birds seemed to be in their usual
numbers, but Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, and Blue Jays
were more concentrated in town and were hard to find in
the country. No Carolina Wrens have been recorded since
October, but Cardinals are rather more numerous than in
former winters.

The natural conclusion, judged from the past winter, is
that an early storm of snow accompanied with cold, drives the
smaller migratory birds south, but does not seem to affect
much the larger birds which are inclined to tarry until the
lakes and streams are ice-bound. Thus the Canvasback ducks
remained in Sandusky harbor all winter until the severest
cold of the winter in late February closed the water com-
pletely. It is also interesting to note that the Herring Gulls,
which were fed at the wharves of Sandusky during that long
cold winter when they must have starved otherwise, congre-
gated there again this winter just as soon as the ice closed
the lake, although two winters of open water had intervened.

It is apparent that we know as little about the winter move-
ments and general habits of birds as of any phase of Orni-
thology. The problem seems to be capable of solution just
as soon as we can organize the winter study in a way which
will make it possible for students in one section of North
America to learn from those studying in other sections what
the conditions are which are known to affect the birds and
the known food materials. This ought to be possible every
winter, but since it appears not to be, ought not the members
of the Wilson Club who live in the ]\Iississippi Valley and
north to organize for such a campaign of study during the
coming winter? It is certainly worth considering with care.

20 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

THE EFFECT ON THE BIRDS IN THE OPENING OF
THE PARK AND THE BUILDING OF THE RESER-
VOIRS IN THE VICINITY OF YOUNGS-
TOWN, OHIO.

By George L. Fordyce.

For the past ten years I have been keeping a definite record
of the migratory movement of the birds in Eastern Ohio
within a 12-mile radius of Youngstown. The opening of Mill
Creek Park, in which there are two reservoirs in the Mill
Creek Valley, and the enterprise of the Mahoning Valley
Water Company in building two reservoirs in the Yellow
Creek Valley has brought about a marked change as to the
birds that may be seen in this locality.

Mill Creek Park is a deep gorge, extending about three
miles up the lower end of the Mill Creek Valley, with the
stream from which its name is derived winding through the
center. The source of Mill Creek is some 20 miles — almost
directly south of Youngstown. The gorge, the edges of
which represent the boundaries of Mill Creek Park, extends
about three miles up from where Mill Creek joins the Mahon-
mg River. On either side of this gorge are precipitous bluffs,
quite heavily wooded, with hardwood trees as well as a dense
growth of Hemlocks. During the spring migration this valley
seems like a funnel, which the birds follow in their north-
ward movement to where it narrows down to the park gorge,
in which the migrants stop over and are so concentrated that
one has a remarkable opportunity for bird observation. The
many miles of drives and walks in the park add very greatly
to this opportunity.

Youngstown is located in the Mahoning River Valley, and
substantially all the territory covered by my observations
is in the Alleghenian Life Zone. Mill Creek Park, however,
seems to include some of the Transition Zone, and my records
show that more than 90% of the warblers which I have listed
during the period covering these records have been seen in
this park, including some 30 species of this family. With
the exception of four species of Warblers, which I mention

Effect on Birds op Youngstown, 0. 21

below, the others are usually listed annually. The excep-
tional records are the

Prothonotary Warbler May 16, 1911,

Kentucky Warbler May 11th, 1909,

fMay 17th, 1906,

Connecticut Warbler May 28th, 1907, and

[May 24th, 1913.
Orange Crowned Warbler May 15th, 1909.

My Vireo records are nearly all made in the Park, the only
unusual record being that of the Philadelphia Vireo, May
12th, 1912, and May 6th, 1913.

Lake Cohasset, the upper reservoir in the park, was filled
with water in 1899, and covers about 28 acres. This lake is
rather narrow, with steep bluffs on both sides, and for several
years after being filled with water was a stop-over place for
many species of water birds. My first water bird records
for this locality were made at Lake Cohasset, including the
Mergansers, Lesser Scaups, Golden-eye and Ruddy Ducks,
also Gulls and Terns. The most important record for this
lake was a male and female Surf Scoter that remained from
April 21st to April 24th, 1911.

In 1907, Lake Glacier, at the lower end of the park was
fiUed with water, with an area of about 43 acres. This lake
is wide enough so that any species of water bird is liable to
stop in passing. Within a year or two of the formation of
this lake, the water birds almost deserted Lake Cohasset, and
my records show that at some time during the past five years,
nearly every species of water bird to be seen in this locality
has visited this lake, including Grebes, Gulls, Terns, Ducks
and Coots. It was on this lake — October 28th, 1913, that I
established the remarkable record for Ohio of the Western
Grebe. December, 1913, a Loon, Two-Hooded Mergansers,
and a Black Duck remained in a small area of open water
on Lake Glacier until a day or two after Christmas — really
staying until the ice closed in and forced them to leave.
White-winged Crossbills, March 3rd, 1907; Crossbills, March
3rd, 1909, and Pine Siskins at different times are among the
rare winter visitors that have visited "SUM Creek Park.

22 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

Lake Hamilton in tlie Yellow Creek Valley was filled in
1905 with an area of about 100 acres. This larger reservoir
greatly increased the numbers of water birds that stopped
over in this locality, and some years there have been thou-
sands of ducks on this body of water for one or two days at
a time. My first and only record for the Black-crowned
Night Heron was along the shore of this lake April 21st, 1911.

In 1910, Pine Lake, with an area of 400 acres, near the
head waters of Yellow Creek and about 12 miles south of
Youngstown, began to fill with water, and during the spring
migration of 1911 great numbers of water birds stopped over
for days and weeks at a time. This was probably on account
of the decaying vegetation in the water, which furnished
unusual feeding conditions. Since this larger reservoir was
filled the water birds have not been as abundant at the other
reservoirs or visited them as frequently. I am satisfied that
during the year 1913 I observed more water birds and shore
birds about Pine Lake as to numbers than during all other
years of observation in the Youngstown district put together.
My first record for the Canvas-back, April 9th, 1913, and a
few later dates, was on this lake. On April 15th, 1913, more
than 100 Horned Grebes were on the lake at one time. Octo-
ber 3]st, 1913, while standing on the east shore of Pine Lake
with i\Ir. John P. Young, about 200 Canada Geese and a
flock of 13 Blue Geese circled over the lake for a time, and
then continued their southward journey. This is my first
and only record for the Blue Goose. Previous to 1913 I had
not recorded the Wood Duck, except April 2ud, 1911, when
a male visited IMill Creek Park. However, during the fall
of 1913 I listed three Wood Ducks — September 12th, and
about 30 September 14th at Pine Lake. Some of these, or
others, remained at this lake until September 28th. During
the season of 1913 I added to my list quite a number of species
of shore birds for this locality around the shores of Pine
Lake: Golden Plover, October 23rd; Semi-palmated Plover,
May 9th ; Baird Sandpiper, May 10th ; Red-backed Sandpiper,
October 23rd ; Semi-palmated Sandpiper, May 10th ; Sander-
ling, September 14th. While these were my first records for

The Wilson Ornithological Club 23

these species in this locality, all the other and more common
shore birds were quite abundant during the spring and fall
migration about the shores of this lake. The Pipit and
Savannah Sparrow were frequently seen during the summer
of 1913.

As near as I can estimate from my records there are over 60
species of birds that have been added to my list in this locality
since the opening of the park and the building of these
reservoirs.

It will perhaps emphasize the opportunity for bird observa-
tion in the vicinity of Youngstown to refer to all-day lists
last ]May, when Prof. Lynds Jones was in the field with me:
May 9th, 1913, 116 species; May 10th, 1913, 113 species,
nearly all of which were in the park or about the reservoirs.
For the year 1913 we listed 196 different species of birds in
the vicinity of Youngstown. Previous to the building of these
reservoirs an all-day list of 75 species was considered very
good, and a yearly list of 130 species, including residents and
migrants, was about the limit.

With such favorable conditions for bird study; the people
of Youngstown and vicinity have become quite generally
intereste# in the birds. At the present time we have a num-
ber of men and women who are reliable in observation and
identification, and a great many with a good general knowl-
edge of the birds.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOG-
ICAL CLUB.

BY LYNDS JONES.

The actual founding of the organization out of which this
Club grew occurred on December 3, 1888, when President
Harlan H. Ballard, of the Agassiz Association, issued a
charter to the Corresponding Wilson Ornithological Chapter
of the Agassiz Association. The movement was inaugurated
by Mr. J. B. Richards, of Fall River, IMass., who was elected

24 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

its first President, with the writer as Secretary. It is pretty
clear that this Chapter grew directly out of the Young
Ornithologists' Association, which was organized some years
earlier by Mr. L. 0. Pindar, of Hickman, Ky., in an informal
way, and became a formal organization on May 29, 1886, by
the adoption of a constitution.

Of the 36 members on the original roll of the Wilson
Ornithological Chapter of the Agassiz Association but four
are on our present roll. They are : Frank L. Burns, Ber-
wyn. Pa. ; John H. Sage, Portland, Conn. ; R. M. Strong,
University of Chicago, and Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio. Mr.
Burns has held all of the offices of the organization, includ-
ing the editorship of its official organ for the year 1901, and
has written the most notable papers which the Club has pub-
lished. Mr. Sage has long been a member of the Executive
Council. Dr. Strong has also occupied every office and in
addition handled the business end of the official organ in
1892, when the Wilson Quarterly succeeded the Semi-Annual
as our official organ. The writer has tried to do his part in
keeping the movement going.

Perhaps the greatest interest clusters around the various
publications which have served as the official organ of the
organization, but mention should be made of the change in
the name which resulted in casting loose from the parent
Agassiz Association, late in 1902, and reorganizing under a
new constitution and adopting the present name. The first
organization had been avowedly for the purpose of bringing
together, in a mutual sort of way, the yoUnger ornithologists
of this country, but with the passage of time so many grew
to man's estate that the inevitable must happen, so the apron
strings were cut. To those who have followed the career of
the Club it will seem clear that this cutting loose was neces-
sary for the further growth of the cause which the organiza-
tion represented.

The first official organ of the then Agassiz Chapter was the
Curlew, a twelve-page 3x5 printed page monthly published
by 0. P. Hauger, Orleans, Ind. This little paper enlarged
the size of page to 4x6i/2 with the sixth number, issued the

The Wilson Ornithological Club 25

seventh and then suspended, in April, 1889. Beginning with
January, 1890, the Ornithologists and Oologists' Semi-
annual, published by W. H. Foote, Pittsfield, Mass., became
the ofSeial organ until its suspension with the first number of
the third volume, April, 1891. Beginning with the fourth
number of the first volume of the Taxidermist, edited by
E. W. Martin and managed by C. F. Mignin, both of Akron,
Ohio, space was used until its suspension with the May num-
ber, 1892. Beginning with April, 1892, Dr. Strong undertook
the task of publishing The Wilson Quarterly, which was the
successor of the Ornithologists and Oologists Semi-annual.
After publishing the July number the funds available were
exhausted, and financial support was lacking, so suspen-
sion became necessary. In January, 1893, a much smaller
publication, known as ''The Journal," was issued, under the
same management, the writer remaining the editor, and after
two numbers it also suspended because of lack of funds. This
ended, for the time being, the efforts of the organization to
publish its own official organ. Lack of support is the proper
spelling.

President Ballard furnished space in the Popular Science
News for ^lay, 1893, for a report of the Owls, which was com-
piled by the writer. Following this report and the suspension
of "The Journal" communication between the members was
maintained by means of mimeographed sheets, done on the
writer's typewriter and the mimeograph of the Oberlin
Department of Zoology.

Beginning with February, 1894, the present series of Bul-
letins was begun by the then Secretary, William B. Caulk.
These were post card size, and the three which were issued
bear the dates of February, May and July, 1894. To supple-
ment these several printed postal cards were sent out.

Two reports had been prepared and it was thought best to
publish them as a fitting end to the organization. The two
were the "Warbler Report," issued as Bulletin No. 4, Janu-
ary 15, 1895, by the writer, and "The American Crow," as
Bulletin No. 5, by Frank L. Burns. These were mostly
financed by the writers of the reports. Instead of killing the

26 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

organization, as we expected, these reports seemed to infuse
it with such life that the Avriter of this sketch was encouraged
to plan for the publication of a modest official organ to be
known as The Wilson Bulletin, with a bi-monthly appear-
ance. AcCordingl}^ the publication was begun in January,
1896, as a twelve-page magazine with a printed page of
5xdy2, brevier type. This publication continued through
1899, with regularly recurring deficits which the editor met
for the good of the cause, with some occasional assistance
from ]\Ir. Burns and others.

During the several years preceding 1900 Mr. Burns had
been working on an exhaustive study of the Flicker, and the
editor upon a study of the songs of the warblers. Both of
these papers were ready for print by the beginning of 1900,
and plans were made for putting them into print. The
deficits were becoming so onerous that it was decided to issue
these two reports as a grand finale and disband the organiza-
tion. But history repeated itself and it was found that a
continuance of the publication was demanded by the member-
ship. The editor was not able to spare the time necessary
for the preparation of a bi-monthly, so it was decided to
increase the size of the printed page and increase the num-
ber of pages in order to make a quarterly magazine of rea-
sonable size. Volume 12, 1900, thus became the first of the
enlarged volumes, as at present.

An unusual stress of work during 1901 precluded the possi-
bility of the present writer carrying the Bulletin during that
year, so Mr. Frank L. Burns, of Berwyn, Penn., edited and
published that volume. Beginning with the year 1902 the
writer has both edited and published the Bulletin. It has
been too hard a task. For the lifting of the burden of pub-
lishing fro]n his shoulders he is indeed grateful, and pre-
dicts a future full of great achievements for the Club which
the change of policy will make certain. The help which has
been given, both financial and of other but not less real sorts,
he is certain not to forget.

The thought that inspired the original founders of the
organization had its roots in mutual helpfulness among the

Handbuch der Systematischen Ornithologie 27

younger ornithologists. Regular gatherings were assumed
to be impossible, hence the expedient of cooperation through
correspondence was hit upon as the instrument to bring
about the results aimed at. That good has resulted from this
necessarily rather loose organization cannot be denied, as
witness the several papers of no mean value which were based
upon this idea of cooperation by correspondence.

The time came when a change was demanded, and it was
made. Now the time has come when another more profound
change is demanded, and it has been made. That it will result
in a decided forward movement those who have lived the life
of the Club are confident.

DIE VOG EL— HANDBUCH DER SYSTEMATISCHEN
ORNITHOLOGIE.

BY DR. ANTON REICHENOW.
A CRITIQUE BY W. F. HENNINGER.

(Read at the meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Club, at Chicago,
February 6, 1914.)

The first volume of this work contains one map, 185 cuts
and 529 pages.* The writing of this phenomenal work was
caused, according to the author's own words, by the fact that
in spite of the richness of German ornithological literature
there was no German "Handbuch" or Manual of Systematic
Ornithology in existence that took into consideration all the
existing forms of birds. To supply this obvious need Dr.
Anton Reichenow has presented us with a splendid work, that
gives us in terse language as complete a ^Manual as seems
necessary for placing a bird in a system of classification and
in its proper relation to other forms. It is limited in its
scope, however, as to subspecies and closely related species.
Still all European birds, all the birds of the German colonies

* The second to be published in the summer of 1914.

28 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

and all of the more important species are given. The paper
on which it is printed is good and the binding, as in all
European works, perfect, in great contrast to the majority
of American works, with their absolutely miserable binding.
The type is clear and errors are not to be found, no index of
errata being necessary.

The general notes occupy 66 pages, with an extra page of
references to works on systematic ornithology and current
literature, among which the Auk and Condor of American
journals are mentioned. This chapter contains information
on the skeleton, muscles, brain, senses, digestive apparatus,
respiratory and vocal organs, vascular system, genital organs,
eggs, time of incubation, feathers, colors, moult, uropygial
glands, bill, feet, caruncles and phosphorescent tracts, flight,
ability to swim, voice, mating, nesting, care for young, nutri-
tion, propagation of plants by birds, intellectual qualities,
bastardy, mimicry, age, numbers of species, faunas and geo-
graphical distribution, migration, height of same, velocity of
flight, origin, genealogy, system of classification, nomencla-
ture, abbreviation of authors' names, terminology given in
German, Latin, English, French and Italian, and instruction
as to measurements.

In spite of its brevity this chapter contains for instance
splendid explanations of terms as dromaeognathous, desmog-
nathous, schizognathous, aegithognathous, schizorhine, holo-
rhine, diastataxism and eutaxism, so that in short terms we
have here that for which otherwise an extensive library is
needed. Feather change without moult or aptosochromatism
is disposed of with the statement that a feather once com-
pleted is apparently no longer in any connection with the
circulation of the blood. However, such a change without
moult seems to take place in the appearance of the salmon
color on the lower side of Mergus merganser and americanus,
and on the head, back and lower neck of Bubulcus ibis in the
spring.

Special attention is paid to the forms of feet found in
birds, and later in the explanation of the system of classifica-
tion this becomes of the utmost importance.

Handbuch der Systematischen Ornithologie 29

The intellectual or psychic qualities of the birds are neither
anthropomorphised nor considered to be merely reflexive.
The brain activity of birds is stated not to differ from human
thinking in quality but only in quantity. Attention is called
to the fact that the young bird will build its nest as carefully
as the old one, but on the other hand, the young bird learns
to know danger and perfects his song by imitating older ones.
Wc incline to the opinion that of the four essential qualities
of human brain activity, i. e., conception, memory, perception
and language, birds certainly have a conception of things and
memory, and this explains the imitative ability, but that the
bird lacks perception and language. At times it seems as if
birds do have a perception of things, e. g., the Crow, but upon
closer investigation we will find in the majority of cases it
is only a matter of conception and memory.

The Faunas (10 or 11 in number) as given are:

1. A North Pole Fauna. Characteristic forms are the
Alcidae, Colymbidae, Stercorariidae, the genera Rissa, Xema,
Pagophila and Rodostethia ; some species of Ducks and
Tringidae, Lagopus, Falco, Nyctea and Passerina.

2. The South Pole Region. Characteristic forms : Sphenis-
cidae, Procellariidae, a few Terns, Ducks, the Sheathbills
(Chionidae) and but one land bird, Anthus antarcticus.

8. The Palaearctic Region, with no peculiarly characteristic
forms.

4. The African Region, south of the 20th parallel north lat-
itude. Characteristic forms : Families Scopidae, Balaenicipi-
dae, Musophagidae, Coliidae and Struthionidae. This region is
also the center of abundance of many other forms, as the
Larks, Bustards, Weaverbirds, Vultures and others.

5. The Madagascar Region, characterized by the Mesitidae
and many peculiar genera of Parrots, Cuckoos and Oscines.

6. The Indian Region, characterized by the Pheasants, Pea-
fowls, Argus Pheasants, certain Parrots, the Eurylamidae,
Chloropsidae, Perirocotidae and Dicaeidae.

7. Australian Region. Characteristic forms are the Dromae-
idae, Casuariidae and Paradiseidae.

30 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

8. New Zealand Region, characterized by the Apterygidae,
Nestoridae and Stringopidae, several Ducks, Rails, Plovers,
Hawks and others.

9. Nearctic Region, North America from the limit of tree
growth in the north to northern JNIexieo, with the exception of
the extreme southern part of Florida. No peculiar forms.

10. Neotropical Region, the remainder of the Western
Hemisphere, is by far the richest in bird life and bird forms
and also in peculiar families : Rheidae, Palamedeidae, Eury-
pygidae, Aramidae, Thinocoridae, Tinamidae, Opisthocomidae,
Cracidae, Rhamphastidae, Bucconidae, Galbulidae, Momoti-
dae, Cotingidae, Dendrocolaptidae, Formicariidae, Pteropto-
chidae, Dacuididae. Also as having the center of abundance
there : Conuridae, Trochilidae Tyrannidae, Icteridae, Tana-
gridae.

11. Birds of the Ocean.

The migration of birds is then spoken of and no attention
whatever paid to the fallacies of a Gatke in his "Birds of
Heligoland," and the migration routes in general are given.
As to the origin of bird migration Weissmann's theory (1878)
is considered the most plausible one, namely, the emigration
of birds after the glacial period from the tropics during the
warmer season of the year and the return at the approach
of cold weather along the same routes, which in time became
an established habit through natural selection among those
who possessed the inherited custom.

We beg to differ with the learned author. We think that
Mr. Frank ^I. Chapman has so far given the best reason for
the migration of birds. "Auk," XI, 1894, pp. 12-17, shows
that the causes of bird migration are internal and not external,
that many animals have an instinctive desire for seclusion
during the season of reproduction, and that in the case of
Sea-birds, for instance, dissection will show an enlargement
of the sexual organs and that it is this physiological change
which warns the birds that the season of reproduction is at
hand. "The object is the same wdth the Warbler, as well as
with the Sea-birds. Dr. Allen later on calls attention to the
fact, the great fundamental fact, that the life of animals,

Handbuch der Systematischen Ornithologie 31

and especially of migratory animals, is made up of annual
cycles, as is the life of plants, which have their fixed and
determinate seasons for flowering and fruiting. This is the
key to the impulse of the spring migration, of which the fall
migration is but the necessary complement, inasmuch as in
most instances the winter conditions of the breeding grounds
of most species are prohibitive of their continued residence
therein throughout the year. " {" Auk, ' ' XXV, 1908, pp. 332-
333.) These facts and conclusions are so correct and final
that no other theory is necessary. As the ' ' Auk ' ' is numbered
among the journals used by Dr. Reichenow, we fail to under-
stand why he overlooked these investigations of ]Mr. Chapman.
In fact, I do not believe that he overlooked them, but it seems
impossible to convince any of the European savants that any-
thing good can come out of America. It is high time that a
good many of them should have their eyes opened to the fact
that the "uneducated Americans" are doing a goodly piece of
the world's scientific work, but from personal experience I can
say that they die hard. Several pages are devoted to the
fossil birds and the classification of birds according to Fiir-
bringer is quoted in full. The writer then proceeds to give
his own system. He says that a system based upon the inter-
nal organs has a high value, but that the internal organs are
just as much subject to changes as the external parts through
the conditions of living, food and motion. The author says
that such genealogical rows as Fiirbringer's have a high
value to give further investigations the right direction, but
can not ser\e as systems which have the practical value to
give a clear perspective of the masses of forms so as to learn
to know the manifold forms. For this there is needed a
"logical system" based on a few apparent characteristics.
The genealogical representation, which should teach how the
various forms have developed out of one another, presupposes
the knowledge of the separate individual forms, while the
system should first teach us the knowledge of these forms.
In a practical system the principal point is to limit the coordi-
nate groups as much as possible in regard to number, and
rather to create subordinate categories and in a logical way to

32 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

divide every major group into smaller ones down to the
species. System and genealogy pursue absolutely different
purposes and must be coordinate.

He points out the contradiction between calling the former
a natural system and the other one an artificial one, because
nature builds up no such categories, but creates individuals
only. Nature has the desire to vary, the inclination to
divergence and the wiping out of dividing lines. The point
is evidently well taken, but we can not see why later on he
then speaks against Trinomialism, at least in part.

Dr. Reichenow's system is as follows:

1st Row. Ratitae: Short-winged birds, i.e., birds without
a keel on sternum and rudimentary wings.

2nd Row. Natatores: Swimmers. Characteristic is the
webbed foot. Exceptions : Anseranas with split toes and Fre-
gata.

3rd Row. Grallatores: Stilt footed birds. Characteristic
is the foot, tarsus not feathered, bill without cere. Excep-
tions : Scolopax, which has the tarsus feathered, webs be-
tween the feet have Droma, Recurvirostra, Cladorhynchus and
Phoenicopterus.

4th Row. Cutinares: Cerebills. Bill with a cere, feet
often raptorial or fissorial. A cere is found in the Parrots,
but their feet are not raptorial.

5th Row. Fibulatores : Pair-toed birds. Birds with climb-
ing feet.

6th Row. Arboricolae: Treebirds. Forms of feet are char-
acteristic ; bill without cere, except Caprimulgidae, which have
an incomplete or rudimentary cere.

This system is certainly scientific and simple. Of course
difference of opinion will continue, but Dr. Reichenow's is as
good as any that has been advocated and has the advantage
that it is more in conformity with the classification of other
classes of animals.

Dr. Reichenow then proceeds to tell us that the last inter-
national congress of zoologists has modified the law of priority
in regard to names, i. e., to retain certain well-established
names, as Falco, Buteo Psittacus and others, regardless of

Handbuch der System atischen Ornithologie 33

the law of priority. This will be received with great satis-
faction by a great many scientists and perhaps all amateurs.
The Reviewer thinks differently on the subject. He believes
that the law^ of priority should be rigidly enforced. The time
will come, and is nigh at hand, when most of the disputed
cases will be settled. It is not honorable to take away from
some man the right and honor of having coined a name,
though it may cause its a good deal of inconvenience to find
out to whom that first right belongs. Because men have
blundered in the past, or have been careless, is no reason
why we should not right things and give honor to whom
honor is due.

Dr. Reichenow also comes out against Trinomialism, espe-
cially in regard to geographic variations. Undoubtedly sins
along this line have been too frequent, l)ut the reason is
simply because many geographical variations have been named
that deserved no name whatever; not that the differences
do not exist, but the utility • of name-giving ceases in such
cases, e. g., our Song Sparrows. This fact is pointed out in the
great work, ' ' The Macrolepidoptera of the World, ' ' and what
holds true in regard to butterfiies, where the differences are
much less conspicuous than in birds, is true in a far greater
sense in regard to birds. Outside of these geographical varia-
tions. Dr. Reichenow is, of course, a trinomialist. The rela-
tion of a geographical variation to its main species, however,
must find some kind of expression, and, if not trinomials, what
then ? Any other way would be far more cumbersome ! The
rest of the general remarks are of minor importance.

The Ratitae are divided into four orders and five families,
and, of course, include the Ostriches, Rheas, Emus, Casso-
waries and the Apteryges.

The Natatores include the Penguins and Divers (families
Alcidae, Colymbidae), the Longipennes (Albatrosses, Fulmars,
Petrels, Shearwaters, Gulls, Terns), all the Steganopodes, and
all the Lamellirostres, five orders and fourteen families and
ten subfamilies. While we do not expect to have all of the
American birds treated as stated in the preface of the work,
we note the following: In the enumeration of the Alcidae

34 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

the series breaks off abruptly with Simorhynchiis cristatelliis.
Aethia pygmaea and pusilla coukt easily have been mentioned
to complete the series, Ptyehorhamplms aleuticus not being
recorded at all, while several rarer forms are given. The
common Loon is mentioned from Greenland only, and the
Blackthroated not credited to America at all. We consider
this a grievous fault because it creates the impression that
both of these species are not found on the North American
continent at all, and while, of course, any American ornithol-
ogist knows better, some of the younger European beginners,
who will no doubt use the book in their studies, will get an
incorrect idea. In accordance with Dr. Reichenow's ideas as
to trinomialism, Colymbus nigricollis cal. gets credit as a
full species, as, for instance, among the Geese, Chen Hyper-
borea nivalis and Branta C. Hutchinsii, Colymbus holbolli is
not given ; if considered identical with griseigena, the geo-
graphical habitat of the latter should be extended to cover
America. None of the Albatrosses is credited with an occur-
rence in America. Among the Petrels Oceanodroma hornbyi
is given a place, while many other more common forms are
omitted. We do not understand why such an undue prom-
inence should be given this form and others not even men-
tioned. No distinction is made between the genera ^Nlegales-
tris and Stercorarius, and, we think, justly so. Under Procel-
sterna only two species are mentioned; the new form from
Necker Island is not recorded. No record of Hydrochelidon
n. surinamensis is found ; if considered identical with nigra,
the habitat should include America. The Frigate birds are
credited with laying two or three eggs, on what authority we
know not. The American ornithologists have found them lay-
ing only one egg. For the Surf Scoter the generic name
Macrorhamphus Lesson is chosen. Now, as far as we know,
Lesson 's"Traite d'Ornithologie" was published in 1831, while
in 1817 already T. Forster, in his ''Synopsit. Cat. Brit.
Birds," used the name for the Dowitcher, the specific name
of which (griseus) dates back to Gmelin, in 1789 ; and under
the name for the Dowitcher we again find Macrorhamphus,
this time quoted from Leach.

Handbucii der Systematischen Ornitiiologie 35

The Grallatores are divided into three orders: Cursores,
with four sii])orders: Liiuieolae (families Charadriidae (sub-
families Chioniiiae, Ilaematopinae, Cursoriinae, Charadriinae
and Oedicneminae), Dromadidae (African), Scolopacidae
(subfamilies Himantopodinae, Totaninae and Scolopaeiuae) ;
suborder Calamieolae (families Eallidae (subfamilies Rallinae,
Gallinulae and Fulicinae), Aramidae, Jacanidae, Eurypygi-
dae and ]\Iesitidae) ; suborder Arvieolae (families Otididae
and Gruidae) ; suborder Palamedeae (families Palamedeidae).
Order Pelopatidae, with one family : Phoenicopteridae. Order
Grcssores, five families : Ibididae, Ciconiidae, Seopidae, Balae-
nicipidae and Ardeidae.

This row is very complete, though we would like to have
seen Himantopus mexicanus, Totanus flavipes and Totanus
solitarius mentioned, as well as others. The very peculiar
form, Numenius tahitiensis, should certainly not have been
omitted. Several Japanese forms are also missing which we
would like to have seen embodied in the work. Nycticorax
nycticorax is not distinguished from naevius, and here the
Reviewer thinks Dr. Reichenow right and our American orni-
thologists wrong.

The Cutinares are divided into five very different orders :
1. Deserticolae, with three families, none of which is ne-
arctic. 2. Crypturi, with one family, neotropical. 3. Rasores.
with five families, of which the second Cracidae is represented
in our fauna by the Chachalaca, the fifth and sixth by the
Grouse, Quails and Partridges. Here the wrong name, Pedio-
caetes, appears again instead of Pediocoetes, while we know
that Baird originally and correctly wrote Pediocoetes, as Dr.
Gill has pointed out in the "Auk." 4. Gyrantes, the Pigeons,
with four families, of which the second and third only are
found in the nearctic region. Of Chamaepelia no subspecies
are given, and the Island of Jamaica is the only habitat men-
tioned. Leptoptila is, of course, spelled correctly, and not
wrong, like in our check list, but not attributed to the ne-
arctic region, as is the case with several others. 5. Raptatores.
two orders. Aecipitres and Striges. The former order has four
families: Cathartidae, Vulturidae, Serpentariidae and Fal-

36 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

conidae. The Cal. Condor is said to be apparently extinct.
We can assure Dr. Reichenow that it is by no means extinct.
Accipiter cooperi is given, but not velox. Buteo lineatus is
likewise omitted, but the rare Buteo brachyurus is fully
treated. The treatment of the Gyrfalcons will also not meet
with the approval of our ornithologists. Striges: All of the
subspecies of the Strix flammea are given, but nothing is said
of the North American form, Pratincola.

The Fibulatores are divided into two orders : the Parrots
and the Scansores. Only the former are discussed in the
present volume and our two forms are duly given, but it
should have been stated that the Carolina Parrakeet is appar-
ently extinct.

It is, of course, a very unpleasant task to call attention to
such minor details and defects in a work of this kind, and
they certainly do not detract materially from the value of
the work, but in a critical review the minor points as well
as the major ones should be taken into consideration and
due attention given them. As it is, however, Dr. Reichenow 's
book will long stand out as a work of phenomenal learning
and knowledge and his system of classification will be recog-
nized as not only thoroughly scientific, but also as eminently
practical. He has presented us with a work for which we
all should be very thankful and which any student of orni-
thology will do well to use in the pursuit of his studies and
investigations.

BIRD SURGERY.

The accompanying illustration represents the wing bone of
the Greater Snow Goose (Chen hyperborea nivalis) found
when skinning the bird in the fall of 1912. The fracture,
made by a No. 4 shot, must have been made either during its
flight south or else upon its feeding grounds during the sum-
mer. The illustration shows how well nature heals its wounds
and how quickly. Harold H. Bailey,

Newport News, Va.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.
Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, one dollar a year, 30 cents a
number, postpaid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union,
$1.25 a year, 40 cents a number. Subscriptions should be sent to P. B. Coffin,
3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President : Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.
- Vice-president : Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.
"Secretary: Orpheus M. Schantz, 5215 West 24th St., Cicero, 111.
Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.
Editor "The "Wilson Bulletin"; Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory, Ober-
lin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Edvr. R. Ford, 1100 Great Northern Building,
Chicago, 111.

For information concerning the organization address either the presi-
dent or secretary; concerning membership dues and subscriptions address
the treasurer; concerning articles or notes or correspondence intended
for, publication in ' ' The Wilson Bulletin, ' ' or books or magazines or
other publications for review, address the editor; concerning business
relating to "The Wilson Bulletin" address the business manager.

The result of the vote in favor of ratifying the action taken at the
Chicago meeting to j^rovide for a regular annual meeting, and the rati-
fication of the list of officers tentatively chosen at the meeting, is most
gratifying. There are suggestions for changing minor points i5f the
proposed constitution which will be taken up at the next annual mefeting.
Therre was no dissent of the list of officers nominated. Their names
appear above. The toTal-v'ote'to date has reached 72, with all appiT^^'ing.

-^ o- -

A perusal of any number of the ' ' Auk ' ' brings out the fact clearly that
at least in the eastern sections of the country there are many unusual

Editorial 39

occurrences of birds. While it is true that more work has been done iu
those sections, and therefore probably better ground for knowing Just
what occurrences are unusual, we believe that in this particular the East
does not outrank the Middle West. If all of the unusual occurrences for
the region which we are supposed to especially cover are written up and
sent in for publication, that department of the " Wilson Bulletin " would
assume the importance which it should assume. Fresh notes of tliis
sort right from the field not only add a peculiar interest to the magazine,
but also go to show the activity of the folks who live and work in the
region. Send vour notes in.

The virtual reorganization of the Wilson Ornithological Club from a
purely corresponding organization to one which will hereafter hold annual
meetings marks an epoch not only in the organization but as well in the
central districts of North America, which is the particular field of the
organization. The region has witnessed the rise and fall of various
organizations of a local character, but none has ever appeared even for
a short period which served to weld together the men and women of
the region who are interested in the study of birds and who are
working iu the same field. With such an instriunent there should be,
is certain to be, as substantial a growth here as we have seen along the
two coasts where it has been possible, for yeais, for folks of the same
mind to get together and work together.

0

Before the next number of the ' ' Bulletin ' ' is in the mails the opportunity
will come for all of us to undertake the intimate study of one or more
pairs of nesting birds. By how much would our knowledge of the life
history of even the Eobin be advanced if somebody could have the oppor-
tunity to compare the accounts of the nesting activities of ten pairs
of Eobins sent in from as many different localities ! Perhaps not all of
us have the training which is necessary to carry on such intensive studies,
but any of us can add to our sum total of knowledge in this field by
painstaking effort. We earnestly hope that there will be many careful
studies of the nest activities of many species during the coming nesting
season.

At the Washington spring meeting of the American Oriiithologists'
Union there is to be a discussion concerning insectivorous birds — as to
whether they are or are not decreasing in numbers. To supplement this
discussion it would be valuable if a large number of people from the
central districts would give their opinions on this topic. The editor will
undertake to prepare such matter for ijublication in the June number
of the "Bulletin" if such reports are sent in to him. It is a vital subject
and should receive our earnest attention.

40 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

In entering upon the plan of having the offices of editor and business
manager presided over by different individuals and the office of publi-
cation transferred to Chicago, 111., while the office of the editor remains
at Obei'lin, Ohio, there is certain to be some delay until we become
adjusted to the change. We are certain, however, that in the long run
the change will work to the great advantage of the ' ' Bulletin ' ' as well as
to the Club of which it is the official organ. A little more time must be
allowed for getting copy to the printer and for the correction of proofs
and their return. But if every contributor will get his copy to the editor
by the fifteenth of the month preceding publication the wheels will be
seen to run smoothly and each issue will be out on the date set.

-0-

The "Auk" is entering upon its 31st volume, the "Wilson Bulletin"
upon its 26th volume, and "Bird-Lore" and "The Condor" upon their
16th. The Wilson Ornithological Club has actually been publishing its
own official organ for 22 years, and the present number marks the begin-
ning of its 21st volume under its present title. It has witnessed the birth,
growth and death of many worthy efforts of local organizations. It is out-
ranked in age only by the "Auk" and the "Oologist. " From small be-
ginnings it has gone steadily forward until it deserved to rank among the
few survivors of a once numerous host. Its future was never brighter.

0

The ' ' Bund Deutscher Forscher, ' ' President Georg August Grote, Han-
over, Germany, has arranged with the Eev. W. F. Henninger, of New
Bremen, Ohio, to publish a book on the North American birds in the Ger-
man language, entitled ' ' Ne-Arktisches Vogelleben, ' ' the same to con-
tain the life histories of the North American birds, i. e., of all those
birds which are found to breed in the ne-arctic region, waifs and siib-
speeies to be described and recorded but not to receive an exhaustive
treatment. The work is to be illustrated by about 150 colored plates and
numerous photographs and to be published in about 35 to 40 parts. The
classification used will be that of Dr. A. Eeichenow, in order to be in
accord with German investigations. If sufficient subscribers are found
after the first part is issued, which will be about June the first, the work
will be continued. Such men as Prof. G. Eifrig, Lynds Jones, F. C.
Willard, of Tombstone, Ariz., Oscar E. Baynard, of Clearwater, Fla., and
Isaac E. Hess, of Philo, 111., will assist Rev. Henninger in the work, be-
sides many other noted ornithologists. The work will be authentic in
every particular, and should find numerous subscribers in this country
as well as in Europe. The price will be one mark and 50 pfennig in
Germany, and will come to about 40 cents a part in this country. Sub-
scriptions will be received by the president in Hanover, or by Rev. W. F.
Henninger, New Bremen, Ohio. Later on the agency for America will
be transferred to some German publishing house in America.

The Wilson Ornithological Club 41

Minutes of the First Meeting of the Wilson
Ornithological Club

The first session of the first meeting ever held by the Wilson Ornitho-
logical Club was opened on Feb. 5, 1914, at 10 o'clock a. m. at the Acad-
emy of Sciences, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois. In the absence of the
president and vice-president, the secretary, C. W. G. Eifrig, called the
meeting to order and introduced Mr. F. C. Baker, the curator and acting
director of the Academy, who welcomed the club on behalf of the man-
agement of the institution, extended the liberties of the academy to the
club and wished it success in its deliberations. The secretary, on behalf
of the club, thanked Mr. Baker for his kindly, well-chosen words.

The first business for the meeting was the election of a temporary
chairman, which was done by selecting Dr. T. C. Stephens, of Morning-
side College, Sioux City, Iowa. The secretary then read a tentative order
of business for the meeting. Resolved that this be more or less closely
adhered to.

Concerning the election of officers, it was resolved to have the mem-
bers of council present at the meeting submit at one of the next sessions
a list of nominations for the various offices, also that they first pass on
the proposed candidates for active and associate membership.

Then the matter of the ' ' Bulletin, ' ' the official organ of the club, was
taken up. The editor, Mr. Lynds Jones, was called upon to address the
club on the status and needs of our publication. He gave a resume of
the published transactions of the club and of the club itself from the be-
ginning, showing the ups and downs in the life of both and the difficulties
the editor has had to contend with, these latter being mostly of a finan-
cial kind, often imposing great hardships and sacrifices on him. Further
deliberation of this matter was postponed to the afternoon meeting.

Next the treasurer, the Rev. W. F. Henninger, of New Bremen, Ohio,
read a detailed report of the finances of the club for the last five years.
This again told a story of financial storm and stress, but ending with the
statement that for the first time in the history of the club there was a
balance amounting to $43.00, instead of the usual deficit. The report
was adopted. Then the secretary reported on the membership of the
club, which shows the experiences of similar clubs the world over, viz.,
of losses in membership due to the lack of interest or the non-payment
of dues, which are, however, more than offset by gratifying accessions
to the membership. Especially have some members in Iowa been busy
of late in increasing the membership by new recruits. Resolved, that the
list of members, together with the reports of the officers, be annually
printed and sent to the members.

Since the holding of meetings is a new departure in the life of tlie
club, making it essentially a somewhat different kind of organization.

42 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

for which no provision has been made in the constitution, the advisability
of drafting a new or revised constitution was next broached. All the
speakers were unanimous in the conviction that the time was ripe and
opportune for broadening and extending the usefulness of the club and
its official organ, as well as for increasing the membership, if only prop-
erly organized, systematic efforts were made. Here the discussion was
adjourned and resolved to hold the afternoon meeting from 2 to 4:30
0 'clock.

AFTERNOON MEETING, FEB. 5, 1914.

The meeting was called to order by the chairman. Dr. T. C. Stephens.
The matter of the ' ' Bulletin ' ' was again taken up and Prof. Lynds Jones
spoke at length on the finances and literary contributions for the same.
Eesolved that an auxiliary editorial committee be formed, composed of
one or more members in each state and province in the natural territory
of the club, i. e., the interior of North America, such members to see
to it that field notes and other pertinent articles from their respective
states or provinces be regularly sent for publication to the editor. The
nominating committee is to nominate the members of this committee also.

In order to relieve the editor of some of the too great burdens he has
hitherto borne in connection with the editing and publishing of the
' ' Bulletin, ' ' it was resolved to create the office of business manager for
the "Bulletin." Eesolved, to appoint a committee for revising the con-
stitution, said committee to embody in the draft the changes so far
adopted. The chairman appointed the following gentlemen: Dr. R. M.
Strong, Chicago, chairman; Prof. L. Jones and the Eev. W. F. Hen-
ninger.

Eesolved, to appoint a standing committee to make a campaign for
increasing the membership. The following were elected: The chair-
man. Dr. T. C. Stephens; Messrs. J. H. Fleming, of Toronto, Ontario;
0. M. Schantz, of Chicago, Illinois.

Eesolved, that the club look upon as its special field of investigation the
interior of North America, from the Gulf to the Arctic Ocean, including
tli,e Great Lakes.

Eesolved, that regular rates for reprints of papers appearing in the
"Bulletin" be secured and published.

Adjournment followed, after which the members inspected the exhibits
of the academy, especially the unique celestial sphere.

Members present during first day: Dr. T. C. Stephens, Prof. Lynds
Jones, Eev. W. F. Henninger, Mr. E. W. Joluis, of Kingsley, la.; Mr. F.
M. Phelps, of Elyria, 0.; Mr. Euthven Deane, of Chicago; Mr. O. M.
Schantz, Mr. Geo. Fordyce, of Youngstown, O. ; Mrs. Irene G. Wheelock,
of Chicago; Mr. G. A. Abbott, of Chicago; Dr. E. M. ' Strong, of the
University of Chicago; Mr. C. J. Hunt, of Chicago, and the secretary,
C. W. G. Eifrig.

The Wilson Ornithological Club 43

FRIDAY, FEB. 6, 1914.

The chairman called the meeting to onler. The secretary read the
minutes of the two meetings of the day before, which were approved.

First the nominating committee, comjjosed of Mr. Lynds Jones, Rev.
W. F. Hcnuinger and the secretary, reported and submitted its nomina-
tions. Eesolved, that the secretary cast unanimous ballot for the follow-
ing officers: President, Dr. T. C. Stephens; vice-president, Mr. G. L. For-
dyce; secretary, Mr. O. M. Schantz; treasurer, Mr. P, B. Coffin, 3232
Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111. Resolved, that the election of a business
manager be postponed.

The following new members and associates were elected: Active, Dr.
Joseph Grinnell, Berkeley, Cal. proposed by Prof. Lynds Jones; Mr. E.
A. Cleasby, Portage, Wis., proposed by Dr. T. C. Stephens; Mr. F. M.
Woodruff, Chicago, Mr. B. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, 111.; Mr. K. W. Kah-
mann, Chicago, Mr. F'. A. Schantz, Berlin, Ont., proposed by the secretary.
Associate: Mr. Wier R. Mills, Pierson, la.; Mr. Arthur A. Osborne,
Peabody, Mass. ; Mr. E. W. Johns was promoted from associate to active
membership; Mrs. I. G. Wheelock, in addition to being an active mem-
ber, became a sustaining member.

Resolved, to elect the following as members of the auxiliary editorial
committee: For Illinois, O. M. Schantz and I. E. Hess; Indiana, R. C.
Norris and A. W. Butler ; Ohio, F, M. Phelps and Dr. B. R. Bales ; Mich-
igan, A. D. Tinker and N. A. Eddy; Wisconsin, Dr. R. M. Strong and
Mrs. loda Malin; Minnesota, Dr. T. S. Roberts; Iowa, Prof. I. N.
Gabrielson and Miss Althea R. Sherman ; North Dakota, Adrian Larson ;
Pennsylvania, Frank L. Burns and W. E. Clyde-Todd; Canada, P. A.
Taverner and L. McI. Terrill ; Kansas, Dr. W. I. Mitchell and the Rev.
P. B. Peabody; Louisiana, G. S. Guion; Florida, O. E. Baynard; Texas,
Dr. A. R. Shearer.

Note: This is at the same time to serve as the official notification to
the members of this standing committee of their election.

Resolved, that this committee be active also in increasing the member-
ship of the club, under the standing membership committee.

Eesolved, that the secretary prepare resolutions of thanks to the officia.ls
of the Academy of Sciences. Resolved, that we tender our thanks to the
editor of ' ' The Wilson Bulletin, ' ' Prof. Lynds Jones, for his labors and
sacrifices in behalf of the club and that he be reimbursed as soon as the
finances of the club allow it.

Adjournment followed.

In the afternoon session the following papers were read: A critique
of the latest systematic work on ornithology of Dr. Reichenow, by the
Rev. W. F. Henninger; The effect on the birds in the opening of the
park and the building of the reservoirs in the vicinity of Youngstomi,
Ohio, by Geo. L. Fordyce; A six weeks' stay in the Big Cypress Swamp
of Florida, by F. M. Phelps; Notes on the nesting of the Herring Gull,

44 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

the Common Tern and the Ked-breasted Merganser, by Dr. R. M. Strong
(illustrated) ; The Ottawa River in Canada as a migration route and bird
boundary, by C. W. G. Eifrig.

Before adjournment a short business meeting was held in which the
revised constitution was read by Dr. Strong for the committee. Resolved,
to adopt this and recommend it to the club for ratification.

EVENING SESSION.

This, as well as the afternoon meeting, was open to the public. Two

illustrated lectures were given, the first by Prof. Lynds Jones on the

winter habits of birds; the second, by Mr. G. A. Abbott, on the birds of

the Calumet Region near Chicago.

C. W. G. EiFRii, Secretary.

Note : The new secretary 's address is as follows : Mr. O. M. Schantz,
5215 W. 24th St., Cicero, 111.; the treasurer's: Mr. P. B. Coffin, 3232
Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

Field Notes

Unusual Central Ohio Occurrences.

Professor J. S. Hine, of the Ohio State University, sends a note to
the effect that a Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax naevius) in the
female plumage of the year, was taken near Columbus on December
]8, 1913.

Mr. Thos. M. Earl, of Columbus, reports the receipt of a Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos) sent to him for mounting from Coshocton county, in
November, 1913.

Queer Practice of Wood Thrushes.

If more evidence is needed to substantiate the statement that a wood
thrush frequently attaches a large piece of paper or cloth to its nest
and lets it hang in conspicuous display, as if to mark the location of the
nest, I will say that a piece of white tissue paper, several inches wide
find perhaps half a yard long, hung from the nest of a wood thrush at
Chautauqua last summer.

The nest was about eight feet high, in a thicket, and not to exceed a
rod from the public street.

Birds are so well treated at Chautauqua that they are not very wild,
and this bird seemed undisturbed by those who frequently stopped with
inquisitive eyes as they passed by on the street.

Field Notes 45

There were several of these birds on the grounds, and their singing was
so much in evidence that boys took it up and could often be heard whis-
tling an imitation. L. B. Cushman.

North East, Pa., Dec. 30, 1913.

Sandpiper Notes.

The fall migration of 1913 proved to be rather unusual in regard to
the sandpiper movements. Many species lingered later than usual in this
locality and several new species were noted. Immense mixed flocks of
shore birds fed on the mud flats around the bayous from Aug. 20 to
Sept. 12. In these flocks the usual Pectoral, Semipalmated, Least, and
Solitary Sandpipers and Lesser Yellowlegs were abundant. In addition
Baird's Sandpijjers (Pisoiia hairdi) were present in considerable num-
bers from Aug. 22-27, and several specimens were taken. One Greater
Yellowlegs (Totanvs melanolcucus) was noted Oct. 6. From the 12tli of
September the numbers decreased rapidly, although a few individuals
remained much later. The last records for the more common species are
as follows: Pectoral Sandpiper (Pisobia maculata), Nov. 12; White-
rumped Sandpiper {Pisohia fuscicollis), Nov. 7; Least Sandpiper (Pisobia
minutilla), Oct. 12; Semipalmated Sandpiper (Ereunetes pusillus), Oct.
12; Yellow-legs (Totanus flavipes), Nov. 1; Solitary Sandpiper (Helo-
dromus soUtarius solifarius), Oct. 5; and Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis
macularia), Oct. 8.

On the 6th of October, after the bulk of the shore birds had departed,
a flock of four Eed-backed Sandpipers {Pelidna alpina saJchalina) were
noted feeding on the deserted mud flats and one was taken. The birds
were tame and unsuspicious and allowed a close approach. On the 10th
the ponds were visited again and a flock of about sixty found in the same
place. Four were taken at this time. All authorities to which I have
access state that this species is uncommon in the interior in the fall and
it was a surprise to me to find them so numerous at this time. This is
the first time that I have noted this form in the fall. A few lingered until
the 25th of October, when the last one was seen.

Ira N. Gabrielson, Marshalltown, Iowa.

"The Guide to Nature."

Many magazines, hundreds of schools and thousands of teachers and
parents have tried to instruct children in a knowledge of nature. Yet the
really natural child takes to nature for enjoyment like a duck to water.

Why urge the duck, why compel it to go into the water? When we de-
stroy spontaneity and liberty, we prevent enjoyment and all consequent
benefit. "We love the things that love us."

It is, however, not nature nor even natural science as a matter of in-
struction, as the adult understands it, that the child wants, but the fun
of seeing things. Where is the boy or girl that is not pleased by the

46 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

sight of an elephant or a grasshopper? But when the mammal or that
insect must be studied as so much nature or natural science, then is
diminished the satisfaction of the watching, and when the watching is
made a matter of study, of literature or of science, it becomes still less
pleasing unless the observer is naturally studious. Compulsion always
removes the zest and blunts the edge. We do best the things that we
best like to do. This point of view has been strongly emphasized in
Edward F. Bigelow's experience during his fourteen years' editorship
of the department of ' ' Nature and Science " of " St. Nicholas, ' ' his
correspondence with boys and girls having probably been larger than
that of any other editor. He has severed his connection with the ' ' St.
Nicholas" magazine and will establish in ''The Guide to Nature" a
department entitled ' ' The Fun of Seeing Things. ' '

Dr. Bigelow is an amateur naturalist. He revels in nature because he
likes nature. He believes that young folks make the best companions
when they are free from restrictions imjjosed by parents or teachers. He
enjoys their unrestrained spontaneity. He enjoys their letters when the
letters have not been revised and made so correct that they are deprived
of all originality and heart. He wants young people as they are, not as
some one thinks they should be, as he wants nature as she is, unchanged
by man 's meddling. The tangled thicket is more beautiful and instruct-
ive than the formally trimmed hedge. The wild grass is far more
beautiful than the closely shaven lawn; a laughing brook in a secluded
ravine is far more picturesque than a ditch with concrete banks.

He will conduct the new department, ' ' The Fun of Seeing Things, ' ' as
he would lead a party of young folks on a ramble. There will be more
spontaneity than restraint, more originality than formally trimmed
rhetoric.

Boys and girls that wish to share in this real fun may address Dr.
Bigelow at Arcadia, Sound Beach, Conn.

"The Guide to Nature" pays for contributions only in the satisfaction
tliat comes to every contributor in having his best work well published
for the benefit of other workers. There can be no better remuneration.
Therefore your best work in this great "labor of love" is solicited.

You are invited to share in the liberal pay received by the editor and
the members of the family who assist him, and that is the joy of work-
ing faithfully in a cause than which there is none better on earth. This
is the pay that the editor has. Your observations described in a plain and
simple way, will help the magazine and encourage its readers.

Every cent of income from ' ' The Guide to Nature ' ' and from The Agas-
siz Association is placed on the "Eeceived" side of the cash book. On
the "Paid" side are only actual expenses — paper, printing, engraving,
mailing, etc.

Publications Reviewed 47

Publications Reviewed

Current Items of Interest, prepared by Henry Oldys, under the direc-
tion of the Audubon Society of the District of Columbia, January 20,
19] 4, is one of the quarterly series which contains many items of interest
particularly relating to the protection of birds against plumage traffic.
We are pleased to note from it that the enactment of the Tariff Plumage
Measure is bearing fruit in Europe. The present outlook for any co-
operation from France and Italy, and probably Spain, is dark. But con-
tinual agitation may finally result in the world-wide suppression of
traffic in plumages for purposes of personal adornment. L. J.

There has come into our hands a ' ' Bird Study Note Book, ' ' prepared
by Clara Cozard Keezel, and for sale by her at Garnett, Kansas, at 27c
the single copy, discount for quantities. It is designed for Intermediate
and Grammar grades. It is 6Vi by 8^/4 inches, and ruled to meet the
needs which are suggested in the preface and on the last page. As a
skeleton for observation and for making records it should prove of value.
It seems to the writer to be better to the Intermediate than to the Gram-
mar grades. Pupils of the Grammar grades are likely to want to keep
records more elaborately than this little book makes possible. For them
some loose sheet system would likely prove effective. L. J.

"Descriptions of Ten New African Birds of the Genera Pogonocichla,
Cossypha, Bradypterus, Sylvietta, Melaniparus, and Zosterops. ' ' By Edgar
A. Mearns, Associate in Zoology, U. S. National Museum. Smithsonian
Miscellaneous Collections, Volume 61, Number 20. (Publication 2251.)
November 29, 1913. "Four of the forms herein described are from the
collection made by the Childs Frick African Expedition, 1911-1912;
three are from the collection made by the Paul J. Eainey Expedition
1911-1912; one is from the Smithsonian African Exj^edition, 1909-1910
collection, made under the direction of Col. Theodore Eoosevelt; and two
were collected by Dr. W. L. Abbott in 1888." The new forms here de-
scribed are all sub-species. L. J.

' ' Nature Study Review, ' ' the official organ of the American Nature
Study Society. The January number, 1914, contains a report, under the
caption ' ' Some Students ' Work, ' ' of two sets of observations by Nor-
mal Students, in which several birds are made the major objects of
study. Both of these reports show the need of some editing. Nature
study ought to have as one of its requirements accuracy, as far as it is
possible to secure it. Here we find the names of the birds, some of
them, inexcusably inaccurately printed, because it would be easy to have
them right. In most cases the "Identification Characters" do not
identify at all. If these are two fair samples of Normal School Nature

48 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 86

study work there is clearly room for improvement. It is stated that
' ' They are suggestive at least of the sort of work that is actually being
done in preparing teachers to do nature work. ' ' Too bad ! L. J.

' ' Descriptions of Eight New African Bulbuls. ' ' By Edgar A. Mearns,
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collections, Volume 61, Number 2.5, February
16, 1914. (Publication 2260.) ' ' Four of the forms of African birds
here described are from the collection made by the Childs Fri^k African
Expedition, 1911-1912; three are from the Smithsonian African Expedi-
tion, 1909-1910 collection, made under the direction of Col. Theodore
Roosevelt; and one from the Paul J. Rainey Expedition, 1911-1912."
There are seven sub-species and one species — Andropadus fricki, Endoto
Bulbul. L. J.

' ' Five Important Wild Duck Foods. " By W. L. McAtee, Assistant Bi-
ologist. Bulletin No. 58, U. S. Department of Agriculture. February 7,
1914. These foods are the Delta Duck Potato (Sagittaria platyphylla),
which is distributed over the lower Mississippi valley; wapato (Sagittaria
latifolia and arifolia), distributed over the most of the United States
and lower Canada; chufa (Cyperus esculentus), distributed over the
United States except the north-west plains and the mountain regions of
the west, as well as south into South America; wild millet (Echinochloa
crus-galli), in widely separated regions of the United States; banana
water lily (Nymphaea mexicana), at Lake Surprise, Texas, and all along
the gulf coast, but capable of propagation over the whole United
States. L. J.

The Ornithological Magazines.

The ' ' Auk, ' ' January, 1914. Volume XXXI, No. 1. The two articles of
particular interest in this full number are the first paper by Dr. R. M.
Strong, of the University of Chicago, "On the habits and behavior
of the Herring Gull, Larus argentatus," with plates III-X; and "Notes
on the Ornithology of Clay and Palo Alto counties, Iowa," by A. D.
Tinker, with plates XI-XII. In addition to other articles of less
pretension and the usual large complement of Field Notes and reviews
of literature, this number contains an account of the thirty-first stated
meeting of the American Ornithologists' Union, which was held in No-
vember, 1913, in New York City, at the American Museum of Natural
History. L. J.

"Bird-Lore." January-February, 1914, Volume XVI, No. 1. The col-
ored frontispiece of the Redpolls and Purple Finches, and the Audubon
colored plate of the Wood Thrush are prominent features. The Christmas
Census covers twenty-four pages of brevier type, and even then we are
told that a considerable number of the lists submitted were excluded for
one reason or another. Tlie widespread interest in the study of birds

Publications Reviewed 49

could not be better illustrated than by this mid-winter census taking. It
covers the whole country except along the Mexican l)order and for a
short distance northward, where just now one might be excused from
ranging alone over the plains! The varied articles and notes which
appear regularly in " Bird-Lore ' ' make it a valuable magazine. L. J.

"The Condor." January-February, 1914, Volume VI, Number 1.
Some truly astonishing results are portrayed by William Leon Dawson in
the opening article on "Direct approach as a method in bird photog-
raphy." Among the other articles in this number may be mentioned as
particularly worthy of mention that by Henry J. Bust on ' ' Some notes
on the nesting of the Sharp-shinned Hawk," with eight excellent half-
tone plates. Also Joseph Grinnell 's ' ' Second list of the birds of the
Berkeley Campus," where 97 species have been recorded, on the 530
acres. Bird classes would hardly need to make long trips to difficult
fields with such a bird haven right at hand. L. J.

THE

WILSON BULLETIN

No. 87.
A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
VOL. XXVI JUNE, 1914. No. 2

OLD SKRIES VOL. XXVI. NEW SERIES VOL. XXI.

TEN DAYS' BIRD STUDY IN A NEBRASKA SWAMP.

An Account of the Feeding Habits of the Bitterns and
Swamp Blackbirds.

By Ira N. Gabrielson.

On the Nebraska side of the Missouri River, just across
from Sioux City, Iowa, lies Crystal Lake, one of the typical
ox-bow lakes formed by that stream. Between the north end
of the lake and the river much of the territory is low and
swampy and, in times of flood, covered with water. Just
west of the town of South Sioux City there remains a large
swamp almost entirely filled with wild rice, cat-tails and
bulrushes. Open water is found in only one or two places.
Along the eastern edge of the swamp is a sparse growth of
willows and a little further back an occasional patch of wolf-
berry and other bushes. On the south is a tract of timber,
mostly of such trees as box elder, willow, and cottonwood,
covering several acres. Scattered here and there throughout
the tract are patches of tangled vines and shrubs of various
species. In this region are found certain swamp loving birds
in abundance.

In late June and early July of 1913, Mr, Howard Graham

52 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

and the writer spent ten days studying the birds of the
swani]). We Avere nnal)le to put in the entire time at the
work l)ut spent the greater part of each day there. A boat
was secured, and an umbrella blind was erected on it. The
l)oat i)roved to be leaky and we spent some time each day in
bailing. Of course this interfered with the work to some
extent. Tlie worst trouble was with the wind, which blew so
violently during each afternoon that we were unable to see
anything from the blind. The heat at times became almost
unbearable on account of the excess moisture in the air.

We started investigations on June 26 when we explored
the eastern and southern sides of the swamp, but did not
cover the northern or western parts on account of lack of
time. On all sides of us we could hear cries of young birds
and old. Black terns circled over our heads screaming and
sailing directly at our faces only to turn aside just before
reaching us. We found nests of several species and a number
of those of the Yellow-headed Blackbird, the one we particu-
larly wished to study. On the twenty-eighth we returned to
the swamp, placed the blind on the boat and anchored it
securely between the nests of a Bittern and a Yellow-headed
Blackliird. From this time one of us was at the swamp most
of the time until July 7 when we finally left.

We wished to study as many of the common nesting species
as possible and succeeded in getting more or less data on the
Bittern, Least Bittern, and Yellow-headed and Red-winged
Blackbirds. The cramped position necessary in the blind
compelled frequent relief, and during the periods of freedom
from the ]Jind we searched the swamp or timber for nests.
During the time of the study we noted the following species
of birds in the SM'amp or in the timber and buslies around the
edge. The list could have been somewhat extended by a more
careful searcli of the timber, as in past years a number of
species have been noted breeding which were not noted
during the study. Almost all of the species noted in the
present report have been found nesting there at some time or
other although not necessarily in the time of the work. Their
presence is however good indication that they were nesting

Bird STrnv ix a Nebraska Swa:\ip 53

again. Lack of time prevented a thorougli seai'eh for nests.
The following list of species was noted :

1. PoflUijmbus ijodiceps. T'ieil-liilleil Grelte. AVmndaiit resilient. Xests
with eggs and young of all sizes were found during our stay. Often
while we were in the blind a family of ycfuug grelies, ai'i-onipanied by
one of the parents, swam almost up to the lioat. They st^cnied to be
feeding on aquatic insects and vegetable matter.

2. Hydrochelidon nigra sHriitame)isis. Black Tern. Present in con-
siderable numbers. We found no nests, but thought from tlieir actions
they were breeding in the north end of the swami).

3. Querquedula discors. Blue-winged Teal. One or two pairs nesting.
We did not find any nests but saw one pair with young while we were
in the blind. We could not count the number of the brood, as some
of them were concealed by the weeds.

4. Botaurus Icntiginosiis. Bittern. One nest found and stmlied.

.5. Ixobrychus exilis. Least Bittern. One pair nested and were
watched for one day.

6. Butorides virescens viresceiis. Green Heron. One noted almost
daily feeding on the small frogs, Avhich abounded in great numliers. Did
not find anj- nest, but have note<l them in other years nesting in the
willows along the shore.

7. Balliis elegans. King Eail. One individual noted several times.

8. Porzana carulina. Sora. Common. Noted every day, but did not
find any nests.

9. Fulica amcricanu. Coot. Almndaut. A large nunilier of nests
found, and young of all ages noted. It was seldom during the day that
the grating note of this species could not be heard or a number of them
seen from the blind.

10. Oxyechus vocifenis. Killdeer. Not common. One or two could
usually be seen feeding along the east shore.

11. Colinus virginianus Virginian us. Bob-white. Occasionally heard
calling from the timber south of the swamp.

12. Zenaidura macroura caroUnensis. Mourning Dove. Xoted ilaily
feeding along the shore and found nesting in the timber on July 1.

13. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. A nest found July 1 in a damp
meadow southwest of the swamp. The four young were almost full grown
and ran off through the grass as we approached.

14. Otus asio asio. Screech Owl. Heard calling from the tindier.

15. Ceryle alcyon. Kingfisher. One occasionally flew across the swamp
to the open water and fished there. The species did not nest about the
swamp, but came to it from the Missouri Eiver some distance north.

16. Dryobates pubescens niedianus. Downy Woodijeeker. Noted
July 1 in the edge of the timber, where it was probably breeding.

17. Melanerpes erthrocephoUts. Eed-headed Woodpecker. Noted daily
along the eastern side of the swamp.

54 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

18. Colaptes auratus luteus. Northern Flicker. Common.

19. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird. One pair nested in the willows
on the eastern shore.

20. Myioclianes virens. Wood Pewee. One noted in the timber July 1.

21. Cyanocitta cristata cristata. Bine Jay. Common in the timber.

22. Corvus hrachyrhynchos hrachyrhynchos. Crow. One or two pairs
had evidently nested in the tall trees in the timber. A few came every
day and hunted frogs along the shore.

23. Molothrus ater ater. Cowbird. Found feeding along the shore.
Eggs found in the nests of the Yellow Warbler and Eed-winged Black-
bird.

24. XantJwcephalus xanthocephalus. Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Abundant.

25. Agelaius plweniceus phoeniceus. Eed-winged Blackbird. A few
pairs were nesting along the edge of the swamp.

26. Sturnella neglecta. Western Meadowlark. One individual noted
almost daily on the eastern side.

27. Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole. Noted on several different
days along the eastern shore in the willows.

28. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. Bronzed Grackle. Appeared daily in
varying numbers to feed along the shore. Did not nest in the imme-
diate vicinity of the swamp, but nests commonly in the surrounding
territory.

29. Astragnalinus tristis tristis. Goldfinch. Common.

30. Cliondestes grammacus grammacus. Lark Sparrow. Two noted
on June 26 as we approached the swamp.

31. Spisella pusilla pusilla. Field Sparrow. Breeding commonly in
the wolfberry patches.

32. Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythropMhalmus. Towhee. One male
seen June 26 on the edge of the timber.

33. Zamelodia ludoviciana. Eose-breasted Grosbeak. Noted daily
about a large cottonwood on the east shore.

34. Passerina cyanea. Indigo Bunting. July 26 a nest containing
three eggs was found in one of the wolfberry bushes.

35. Spiza americana. Dickcissel. Nested commonly in the bushes
around the swamp.

36. Hirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swallow. Numbers of this species
were constantly flying over the water. They nested in some abandoned
buildings on the east side.

37. Vireosylvia olivacea. Eed-eyed Vireo. Noted July 1 in the
timber.

38. Vireosylva gilva gilva. Warbling vireo. A pair evidently nested
in a boxelder in the edge of the timber, as they could be seen there
every day.

39. Dendroica aestiva aestiva. Yellow Warbler. Nested commonly.

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 55

40. Geothlypis trichas trie-has. Maryland Yellow-throat. Common.

41. Bumetella caroUvensis. Catbird. Nests found iu the timber
July 1.

42. Toxosioma rufum. Brown Thrasher. Nests found in timber
July 1.

43. Troglodytes aedon parTimani. Western House Wren. Common.

44. Telmatodytes palustris iliacus. Prairie Marsh Wren. Nested
commonly.

45. Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus. Chickadee. Common in
timber.

46. Planesticus migratorius migratorius. Robin. Noted commonly
feeding along the shore.

The original object of this work was to obtain data on the
food of the nestling Yellow-headed Blackbirds. The trip on
June 26 revealed many nests in all stages, and the work was
started on the twenty-eighth. On that date the blind was
fixed on the boat and a search made for a nest with nestlings
a day or two old. While engaged in this search we came
upon one containing young of about four to six days old.
This nest was located about eight or ten feet from a Bittern's
nest containing five young. "We decided to place the blind
between the two and attempt a "double barreled" study.
A Least Bittern's nest containing five eggs was marked for
future study and the work was completed with a short study
of the Red-winged Blackbird. The data obtained from the
study of these four species will be presented in the following
paragraphs.

YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. (XanthocepJialuS

xanthocephalus) .
The Yellow-headed Blackbirds were by far the most
abundant breeding form of the swamp. In the part examined
there were probably several hundred nests; in the remaining
half of the sw^amp the number is only a matter of conjecture.
The nests which we examined were practically identical in
location, being built in the wild rice growing some distance
from the shore. They were woven in basket shape about
three or more stems from eighteen inches to two and one-half
feet above the water. The water in the region of the nests
was about hip deep and they seemed to be confined to a belt

56 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

of this depth around the part of the swamp studied. This
lay quite close to the south and east shores and was, as far
as our investigations exteiided, the deepest part. A belt of
water of this depth about one hundred yards Made lay in a
half moon shape along these shores while the center was much
shallower, being in many places not over eighteen inches deep.

The period of nidification was represented in the colony in
nearly all of its stages from nests in which the clutch was
not yet completed to almost fully grown fledglings. The
cries of the young could be heard on all sides but it w^as
difficult to distinguish one from his surroundings after he
was in the weeds. One of the surprises of the study was
that of learning the extremely early age at which the young
left the nest. In the first ])rood studied, the young left
before the end of the first day's observations. At the time
they were in the pin feather stage of development and very
few of tlie feathers had even begun to show beyond the
sheath. That these nestlings did not leave any earlier on
account of the blind was proved by the finding of a number
of others in the same stage sitting on the broken down reeds
scattered through the swamp. It seemed to us at first as if
the obscurity of the reeds was much safer for the young than
the nests, which were at times rather conspicuous, but later
developments served to shake our faith in this explanation.

On the morning of June 29 at 4 :00 A. ]\I. the blind, erected
between the Blackbird and Bittern nests, was entered by Mr.
Howard Graham and the writer. Watch was kept on both
nests and we soon had proof that the parents had not
deserted them. The female Yellow-head fed one of the nest-
lings at 4:35, or about thirty minutes after the blind was
entered. Constant observations were carried on until 4:30
P. M., at which time the wind blew the reeds about so violently
that it was impossible to see either nest more than a fraction
of the time. The action of the wind also made it difficult to
see out of the opening in the blind at all times, so the work
was closed for the day. This nest will be called nest A.

July 3 the blind was placed in position at another YelloAV-
head's nest containing three young. The work was begun at

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 57

7:30 A.M. on July 4 and continued until 4:30 P.M., when
observations were again stopped by the wind. At the end of
the day the blind was taken back to the Bittern's nest to
continue the work there. This nest will be referred to as
nest B.

In spite of the comparatively small amount of data secured
in these two short studies, several facts were noted. In both
eases the female did all the feeding, neither male approaching
the nest. The males were apparently in little fear of the
blind as they sat in the weeds only a few feet from it and
uttered the harsh notes characteristic of the species. On
several occasions the chosen perch was one of the stakes used
to anchor the boat. This of course does not prove that the
male never feeds but it is worthy of record that with scores
of Yellow-heads of both sexes feeding and foraging about the
blind we never saw a male carrying any insects away
althougli many females were often found to do so. The
males were seen hunting but always promptly devoured the
insects caught. The total number of feedings recorded was
thirty-eight for nest A and twenty-five for nest B. Table I
will show the character of the food given to the two broods.

TABLE I.

Nestling Food ix Nests A and B.

Food. Nest A. Xest B. Total.

Unidentifieil *lo 1 16

Dragon fly ^ 0 4

Larvae i 0 4

Mayfly 27 19 46

Grasshoppers 0 4 4

Totals 50 24 74

The amount of data here presented is too small to permit
of any conclusions concerning the food of the nestlings of
the species and yet several important facts are revealed by
the study.

*An attempt to continue the observations after the wind became bad
explains the large number of unknowns. At nest B the blind was closed
as soon as the wind made it impossible to see the nest.

58 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

It will be noted that mayflies constituted 62.16 per cent of
the total and it is not improbable that most of the sixteen
unidentified forms were also mayflies as the blowing about of
the reeds prevented our determining the insect fed. This
evidence tends to support strongly the statement made in a
previous paper* that the food of the nestlings is largely
determined by the accident of nest location.

The surroundings of these nests presented no variety. For
a considerable distance about the nest, the conditions of shade,
moisture, vegetation, and temperature were the same, and
the insect species were of course limited to those forms
favored by such conditions. As far as we could discover,
mayflies and dragon flies were the only forms commonly
found. These were clinging to the stems and leaves of the
aquatic plants and the blackbirds secured them from these
places. They seldom went far from the nest in their hunting
and much of the time we could see them climbing about
picking up insects until two or three were captured, when
they flew to their nests with them.

In the sanitation of the nest the same care was found as in
other species, the excreta never being allowed to touch the
nest. It was taken directly from the young and carried away.
It was rarely devoured, being disposed of in this manner
only once in the two days. In nest B the three nestlings
received about equal shares, being fed nine, eight, and seven
times, respectively. The one which received the greatest
number of feedings died in the afternoon and was carried
away by the female on the last visit at 3 :51 P. M. In nest A
the young left the nest during the day and of course no com-
parison between their food is possible.

The method by which the young left the nest was inter-
esting. At 5:38 A.M. one of the young clambered to the
edge of the nest, seized one of the supporting reeds with each
foot and climbed up them a short distance above the nest,
advancing each foot alternately. After going about eighteen
inches, the bending of the stalks under his weight brought

*Nest Life of the Catbird. Dumetella caroUnensis. By Ira N.
Gabrielson. Wilson Bui., Vol. XXV, Dec, 1913,

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 59

them in contact with others onto which he went. After
traveling in the tops for a little way, he commenced to work
toward the water, and reaching a broken reed rested a while.
In a few moments he proceeded along this reed to another
and was soon out of sight. The second nestling left at
7 :00 A. M. in the same manner, and the third started several
times but returned and was still sitting on the edge of the
nest when the blind was closed for the day.

I had one glimpse of some of the dangers to which the
young Yellow-heads are exposed. One of the young from a
neighboring nest was sitting on a reed about two inches above
the water when the jaws of a hungry pickerel rose from the
water and the nestling disappeared. It was done so quickly
that if I had not been looking directly at the bird it would
never have attracted my attention. It is probable that others
meet the same fate. Several times I noted fledglings that had
just left the nest fall into the water. They managed to
crawl out on a convenient reed but some may lose their lives
in this way.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. (Agelaius phoeuiceus phoeniceus).

During the season of 1913 the Redwings were few in
number, only four nests being found in the part of the
swamp examined. As a usual thing the nests are placed in
the flags or cat-tails, but all of these were in small willows
from three to eight feet high, growing just in the edge of
the water. No others of this usually abundant species were
noted, and apparently the four pair were all that were in the
southeastern half of the swamp. In all swamps where I have
found both of the marsh blackbirds the same distribution has
been noted ; i. e., the Yellow-heads occupied the body of the
swamp and the Red-wings the edges. As far as my experi-
ence goes the former always builds over deep water. The
latter, however, is more variable, building along the edge or
farther out in the swamp indiscriminately when the Yellow-
head is absent, and occasionally nesting in fields quite remote
from any water.

60 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

At noon on July 3, a small blind was erected at a Red-
wing's nest which contained four yonng. The nest was dis-
covered Jnly 1 and held at that time three young and one egg.
At 2 :30 P. M. of the third, an attempt was made to begin the
study but the birds had not yet become reconciled to the
presence of the blind and would not approach at all. At
7 :30 A. M. of the fourth, observations began and were con-
tinued until 4:30 P.M., when the high wind began to inter-
fere to such an extent as to make further work unproiitable.
As we approached, the male greeted us with his "Con-qua-
ree" from the top of the blind, and he continued to use it
during the day as a perch, either hopping about the top or
swinging on one of the guy ropes. The female did all the
feeding throughout the period of observation, the male con-
tenting himself with watching the nest from one of his
perches on the blind. At the approach of any person he left
his perch and circled about his head, keeping it up until he
had passed some distance beyond the nest.

During the day the young were fed fifty-one times. One
of the four was dead at the time the work was started but
remained in the nest until 3:00 P.M., when the female seized
it and carried it away.

TABLE II.

Food of Nestling Eed-avinged Blackbirds.
Food. Number.

Unidentified 12

Wirewoi-ms H

Cricket 1

Beetle 3

Mayfly 2

Fly 3

Green worms ^

Grasshopper 20

Moth 3

Spider 1

Tomato worms ^

Measuring worm 1

Total 76

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 61

The noteworthy thing about these data is the great variety
of food used. Apparently the factor of nest location has
again been the one which determined the nestling food. The
conditions of shade, soil, vegetation, and moisture are varied.
The nest was located at the water's edge, and at this point
the land sloped I'apidly up from the swamp and was covered
by a heavy growth of willows and wolfberry bushes. There
were at least four readily distinguishable zones in which the
conditions mentioned varied : first, the water surface, filled
with flags, arrowhead lilies, and, further out, cat-tails and
wild rice, furnished mayflies, dragon flies, with an occasional
grasshopper; second, the shore line, a zone of from three to
five feet in width covered with decaying vegetation and bits
of sticks, contained principally beetles and crickets; third, a
narrow strip of grass covered territory lying between the shore
and the bushes; and fourth, the bushes. The last two zones
contained great numbers of insects of various species with
grasshoppers the inost numerous. These two furnished the
greater part of the insects fed and seemed to be the favorite
hunting ground of the female. The result of these varying
conditions is the use of a variety of species as food instead of
practically only two or three as the Yellow-heads did. The
Red-wings foraged within a comparatively small area about
the nest. The female never- became quite reconciled to the
presence of the blind and always came to the nest in a quick
nervous way and, after inspecting it, fed hurriedly. The
young did not raise the posterior end of the body in voiding
the excreta and the parent was compelled to probe in the
nest for it. Always on leaving the nest the female uttered a
call much like that of the cowbird and one that I never
before had heard a Red-wing use.

AMERICAN BITTERN (Botuurus Untiginosus) .

As far as we could discover tliere was only this one pair
nesting in the swamp. The nest, which was discovered on
June 28, contained five young several days old. The nest
was built in water about three feet deep in a heavy growth
of I'ushes. It was simply a floating platform of reeds with

62 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

no attempt to make a nest depression in the top. It was
loosely woven about several upright stems which served to
anchor it in place. Leading away from the nest were two
distinct paths which ended from twenty to thirty feet away.
The parent never flew directly to the nest but dropped into
the end of one of these paths and came stalking cautiously
to it. In leaving she always followed the other path and
took wing from the end of it. The paths were marked by a
broken and trampled line of vegetation and ended in a small
platform. Our boat was placed directly across the path for
leaving, and we had an opportunity to watch the building of
a new one. On the first visit noted she walked off through
the wild rice to the east of the nest, grasping the upright
stalks with her feet and climbing from one to another. Her
weight broke numbers of them and made the beginning of
the trail. After going about twenty-five feet, she commenced
to break other stalks down and lay them in a pile. Some
were already in the water and she soon had a platform
capable of sustaining her weight. The reeds were seized in
the beak and broken with a quick sidewise jerk of the head.
When the platform was finished, she stepped upon it and
stood there for a time before she flew away.

During the watch on the twenty-ninth we saw her feed
only once and then did not get to see the entire process as
she entered quietly while we were watching the blackbirds
and had nearly finished feeding when we noticed her. We
were afraid the young would suffer for food on that day and
undertook to feed them. If there was one conspicuous thing
about the life in the swamp, it was the frogs — little fellows
some of them with the remains of a tail still visible. The
shore from three to five feet from the water's edge was
simply carpeted with them and a person walking along the
shore apparently sent almost the entire surface leaping into
the water. It was an easy matter to secure a number with
the aid of a stick, and we soon had between fifty and sixty in
a couple of cans. When these had all disappeared down the
five gaping throats in two feedings, about an hour apart, we
thought we understood the necessity for such great numbers

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 63

of frogs. As Graham remarked, "It's a good thing tliere is
such a fine crop of frogs and only this one Bittern family
around. If the frogs were any less or the Bitterns any more
plentiful, there would be a famine in the Bitteru tribe."

Only the female came to the nest, although the male was
often heard "pumping" in the surrounding reeds. We noted
one fact in connection with the Bittern's hunting not noted
in any other bird studied, and that was the distance from
the nest of the regular hunting grounds. All other birds
studied forage in the immediate vicinity of the nest while
the Bittern went across the end of the swamp at least a half
a mile from it. The nearest shore line and the place where
we obtained the frogs was not more than a liundred yards
away and the frogs fairly swarmed there. She was never
noted feeding along this shore but flew across the swamp to a
grass grown point covered with about two inches of water.
One day I went around to this point and concealed myself
in the willows to watch while Mr. Graham remained in the
blind. The Bittern soon came flying from the direction of
the nest and dropped into the grass a short distance from me
and immediately became stationary. The frogs, which were
as thick here as on the other shore, soon forgot her presence
and began to swim about or climb over the bogs. When one
came within reach, out shot the long neck and beak and seized
him. He was hammered against a bog a few times and
swallowed. After securing a number in this fashion she
stepped up onto a bog and went to sleep. After a short rest
she flew a little waj's down the shore and went to hunting
again. After her hunt and rest this time she flew heavily
across the swamp toward the nest. Her disinclination to
hunt on tlie nearer shore probably arose from the fact that
it was frequented by boys much of the time and not from
any aversion to hunting near the nest.

It was not until July 1 that we secured a good description
of the complete feeding process. The following extract is
from the note book used on that occasion: "At 9:55 A.M.
I heard the flapping of heavy wings and the female settled
down into the rushes about twenty feet from the nest. She

64 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

consumed ten minutes in covering that distance, advancing a
few steps and then remaining "Motionless for a time. When
only four or five feet away, she stopped for five minutes,
remaining, as far as I could see, absolutely motionless, and
then, apparently satisfied, stepped up to the nest. She pro-
gressed by grasping the upright stems of the aquatic plants
and when she stopped to listen looked as though she were on
stilts. As soon as she reached the nest, the young commenced
jumping at her beak, continuing this until one succeeded in
seizing it in his beak at right angles to the base. A series of
indescribable contortions followed, the head of the female
being thrown jerkily in all directions and the muscles of the
neck working convulsively. Finally her head and neck were
placed flat on the nest for several seconds and then slowly
raised again. As it came up the food came slowly up the
throat into the mouth. As the food passed along the beak,
the open beak of the young bird followed its course along
until it slid into its mouth and was quickly swallowed. The
young one then released his hold and the parent stood with
the muscles of the neck twitching and jerking. The remaining
young kept jumping at the beak until one secured a hold
on it, when the process was repeated. By 10:30 all five of
the brood had been fed. Each one after receiving the food
staggered across the nest and lay down with the head and
neck flat on the weeds and remained in this position for some
time before showing any signs of life again." After the
feeding the parent walked away and built the platform
described elsewhere. She rested here until 11 :15 and then
flew away. On the sixth of July the young had become well
feathered out although the natal down was still conspicuous
on the head and neck. It was impossible to do any more work
with them after this time as they began going out in the
swamp to meet the parent, receiving the food there and
returning to the nest. On July 1 the nest was under observa-
tion from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. and the young were
fed three times during that period, making from five to eight
feedings the probable number for the day. Each time all
five young were given a mass of food about the size of an

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 65

English walnut. In its quick passage from the parent to the
young it was not possible to determine much as to its nature
except to discern an occasional frog's leg. When last noted
they were still being fed by regurgitation. It would be inter-
esting to know how long this method of feeding is continued
but we were unable to follow the fortunes of this Bittern
family any further.

An observation made in 1910 may be of some interest in
this connection. While a piece of wild hay was being cut,
a nest of this species was uncovered and four of the five
young were killed before the team could be stopped. A small
patch of hay was left standing about the nest and the young
one placed in it. At this time he was fully feathered out
but was unable to fly. The next day the parent was noted
flying into the patch of hay without anything in her beak.
After she left I walked over and approached the young one,
who immediately started to run. Seeing that he could not
escape he stopped and disgorged the contents of his stomach.
An examination showed one garter snake about sixteen inches
long, a meadow mouse and three cra;yfish, all partially
digested. This observation seemed to prove that at this age
the young were still being fed by regurgitation.

During the time the nest was under observation, a number
of interesting facts were noted in connection with behavior.
One thing which struck us very forcibly was the apparent
readiness of the parent to abandon the young at the approach
of any person. She made no attempt to defend them but
stalked stealthily away at any slight noise or movement.
This made it necessary to sit absolutely motionless in the
boat while she was at the nest and as she frequently remained
for an hour or more it became decidedly uncomfortable. Any
slight movement would cause the boat to tip and at this she
was gone in a flash. Several times she approached to within
a few feet of the nest and was frightened away by some
slight motion of the blind. On these occasions she generally
remained away for from three to four hours. This is not
always true of the Bitterns as I have liad them remain on
the nest and almost allow me to touch tliem and have had

66 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

them try to frighten me away by ruffling up the feathers
and making a funny hissing sound.

The actions of the young were very interesting and were
in direct contrast in many ways to all other young birds
with which we were familiar. No sound was ever made on
the approach of the parent beyond a slight hissing, barely
audible in the blind four feet away. This was very different
from the young Yellow-headed Blackbirds on all sides of
them, who could be heard almost constantly begging for food.
During the absence of the parents, however prolonged, no
outcry M'as ever made by the young Bitterns unless one of us
went out of the blind and tried to touch one of them. When
we did this they backed away from us, uttering a curious
hissing sound and pecking viciously at our fingers. It was
interesting to note the change in their actions after the parent
left the nest. For perhaps ten minutes they remained in the
position assumed after feeding, as described above. At the
end of that time they commenced to raise their heads and
look around. For the next hour they sat contentedly on the
shaded side of the nest, occasionally dipping the tip of the
beak into the water but never drinking anything. In the
next half hour they began to grow uneasy and to keep watch
for the parent. Every blackbird that flew above the nest
caused each head to rise to its full height and silently watch
his flight across their horizon. At times they seized each
others' beaks in the same manner as the parent's was held.
At other times they seized the reed stems crosswise and pulled
vigorously on them, sometimes working the mandibles as if
chewing. This continued until the return of the parent,
when all would assemble on one side of the nest and watch
her approach through the reeds. No sanitary measures were
noted, and the nest became a rather unpleasant smelling
place before our work was finished.

LEAST BITTERN. (IxohrycJius exiUs.)

The Least Bittern nest, which was located on June 26,
contained five eggs. On July 4 two eggs had hatched and
on the sixth all but one. The blind was put in place on the

Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp 67

evening of the sixth, and we watched this nest most of the
day on the seventh. In marked contrast to the timidity of
the Bittern, these birds were devoid of fear. Wliile we
hauled the boat and blind in place and drove stakes to anchor
it, the female sat quietly on the nest. And when we removed
the blind, the male gave an exhibition of equal fearlessness
by sitting on the nest through it all and pecking angrily at
our fingers when we tried to touch him. On July 7 at 8 :00
A.M. I entered the blind. The female was on the nest and
did not leave until I stepped into the boat, causing the blind
to tip suddenly toward her. At this she stepped off from the
nest and walked some five or six steps. After remaining there
watching the blind for about thirty minutes she returned.
The nest was a small platform built in the rushes and back
of it was a mass of broken down vegetation which formed a
platform several feet square. This the Bitterns used as a
landing place. The fifth egg had hatched and the shell was
gone when I entered the blind, although the nestling was not
yet dry. One or the other of the parents kept the nest
covered throughout the day and both assumed the same posi-
tion. They sat on the nest with the wings spread in such a
manner as to give the body a curious flattened appearance
while the head and neck were extended to their full length
with the beak pointing straight in the air. Occasionally the
head was lowered for an instant to examine the young but
almost immediately was raised again. Every bird that flew
by was watched and every movement in the surrounding
vegetation seemed to be noted by the bird on the nest. This
position had the advantage of elevating the eyes some distance
above the nest and gave the bird a better view of what was
going on around.

I was curious to see how these newly hatched yoiuig would
get their food ; to see if they were fed as the young American
Bitterns had been. At 10 :50 the bright colored little male
alighted on the platform behind the nest and stood there
watching the female who was on the nest. From time to
time he allowed the beak to hang open and shook his head
in a comical way. After he had been doing this for ten

68 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

minutes, the female stepped from the nest and flew away.
The male took her place and stood, still shaking his head.
All of the brood, including the one just hatched, were jump-
ing at his beak. Finally one of them succeeded in securing a
hold on it and pulled his head down toward the nest. His
beak was seized at right angles by that of the young as in the
case of the American Bittern. Instead of the violent contor-
tions which preceded the act of regurgitation in the other
species, a few convulsive jerks of the throat and neck muscles
brought the food into the mouth, from which it passed into
that of the young in the same manner as before. The food
instead of being in a compact mass was more of a liquid
containing pieces of small frogs and occasionally whole ones.
These nestlings had not yet become proficient in their strange
manner of feeding and more or less of the food material fell
into the nest. When this happened, the young which were
not receiving food at the time seized it and swallowed it.
When two secured a hold on the same frog, an exciting tug
of war followed until one or the other was victorious. All
five young were fed at each visit, and it seemed to be as
instinctive for them to jump at the beak of the parent as it is
for other young birds to raise the opened beak.

During the day the male and female alternated in the care
of the nest but the brooding periods of the latter were much
the longer. She seldom remained away any length of time.
On the other hand the male did all the feeding, four times,
during the day. The female evidently hunted only for her
own food during her absences from the nest while the male
foraged for both the nestlings and himself. Both parents did
their hunting on an extensive mud flat about two hundred
yards from the nest.

No attempt was made at sanitation during our brief study,
the excreta being allowed to drop on the nest or fall into the
water beneath. The unconcern of the parents at our presence
made them the most interesting of all the birds studied and it
was with regret that we removed the blind and closed the
work.

MarshalltOA^Ti, Iowa.

Breeding Birds of an Iowa Farm

69

BREEDING BIRDS OF A CLAY COUNTY, IOWA,
FARM.

By Ira N. Gabrielson.

The title of this paper is not literally accurate, as the
territory included parts of several farms as well as the home
place. The notes on which the report is based were made
during the summer months in the years 1907-1911 inclusive.
The land of the farm and surrounding territorj^ is typical
prairie land lying in the eastern edge of the county. It is

XEST A.\L) EGGS OF BLACK TEKX

gently rolling and is characterized by innumerable "kettle
holes," cat-tail swamps, ponds, and small lakes. Much of it
is still unbroken and retains a flora of native grasses and
flowers. The only timber in the territory covered by this
report consists of the artificial groves — mostly willow, maple,
box elder, and cottonwood — a small apple orchard on the home
place, and a fringe of low bushy willows along one of the
ponds. The remainder of the land is in native grasses, used
as hay, or pasture, or under cultivation, usually in corn, oats.

70

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

or clover. There were, during the years of study, two ponds
of thirty and forty acres respectively, and fifteen small
swamps, ranging from one or two square rods to three acres
in size, scattered over the region included. This and much
of the surrounding land has been drained since 1911, and it is
only a question of a short time until the remainder of the
swamps and ponds will disappear. A visit during August,
1913, was interesting because of the glimpse obtained of the

NEST AND EGGS OP BITTERN

manner in which bird life had been affected by the change.
Only five species of birds, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow,
Bartramian Sandpiper, Killdeer, and Meadowlark, were noted
in an entire day in the field where in 1910 or 1911 from forty
to fifty species could be noted any August day. Of these five
species, the last four were resident and of these only two,
the Meadowlark and Barn Swallow, were as numerous as
before.

Breeding Birds of an Iowa Farm

71

While the list may appear as incomplete, the draining
of the country makes it impossible to obtain any further data
under the old conditions, and it is deemed advisable to publish
it at this time as an approximate list of the nesting species of
the region. It might be said that the only species noted in

NEST AND EGGS OF LEAST BITTERN

the territory during the breeding season which did not nest
there was the Black-crowned Night Heron. These birds
visited the ponds daily but nested in the timber along the
Little Sioux River some ten miles away.

The species listed here are sharply divided into two dis-
tinct groups ; viz., those native to the prairie and swamp, and

72

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

those which have followed man into the country and nest in
the artificial groves and about the buildings.

In the first class may be placed the following twenty-eight
species which in all probability were in the country in greater
or less numbers previous to its settlement : Pied-billed Grebe,
Black Tern, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Bittern, Least Bit-

NEST AND EGGS OF KING RAIL

tern, King Rail, Sora Rail, Florida Gallinule, Coot, Wilson's
Phalarope, Bartramian Sandpiper, Killdeer, Prairie Chicken,
Marsh Hawk, Short-eared Owl, Prairie-horned Lark, Bobo-
link, Cowbird, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Red-winged Black-
bird, Western Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark
Sparrow, Dickcissel, Maryland Yellow-throat, Short-billed
Marsh Wren, and Prairie Marsh Wren.

Breeding Birds of an Iowa Farm

73

In the second class are included the following twenty-one
species which nest only in the artificial groves and about the
buildings : Bob-white, Mourning Dove, Screech Owl, Downy
Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Flicker, Chimney
Swift, Phoebe, Blue Jay, Crow, Baltimore Oriole, Bronzed

NEST ani> i;(;(;s of Florida gallinule

Crackle, Goldfinch, Purple Martin, Cliff Swallow, Barn
Swallow, Yellow Warbler, Catbird, BrowTi Thrasher, Western
House Wren, and Robin,

Of the fifty on the list only the Kingbird is doubtful. This
species nests usually in the groves and belongs probably to
the second class, but I have found them nesting in the willow

74

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

growth along the pond, and they may have nested in situa-
tions of that kind before the groves were present. However
that may be, it was, at the time these notes were made, one
of the most characteristic and abundant birds of the
region.

NEST AND EGGS OP UPLAND PLOVER

After the young left the nest, they were to be found along
the fences and telephone lines and during August were among
the most conspicuous bird forms.

1. Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. Abundant summer resi-
dent and breeder. One or two nests found every year in each little swamp.

2. Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis. Black Tern. Breeds com-

Breeding Birds op an Iowa Farm

75

monly in small colonies in the swanijis. Nest generally built on a de-
serted niuskrat house. In the spring and fall they follow the plows in
great flocks, picking up the insects turned up. Picture was taken June
18, 1910. The nest was, as usual, on an old muskrat house.

3. Anas platyrhynclws. Mallard. A common migrant, but rather
rare breeder. On July 24, 1910, I saw a female and nine partly grown
young in one of the small ponds.

4. Querquedula discors. Blue-winged Teal. Common breeder. Nests
generally found in the long grass bordering the swamps.

5. Botaurus lentiginosus. Bittern. One nest containing five eggs
was discovered in a hay field on the ground on June 15, 1909. June I'.i,

NEST AND EGGS OP KILLDEEK

1910, I found another nest containing four young within a few feet of
the place where the 1909 nest was located. Picture taken June 15, 1909.

6. Ixobrychus exilis. Least Bittern. Common about the swamps
every year, but only one nest was ever discovered. That was found
June 10, 1909. It contained five eggs and was a platform built in the
reeds over the water.

7. BaUus elegans. King Rail. Common summer resident and breeder.
Nests usually built in the thick grass around the small swamps, though
they were occasionally placed in the hay fields some distance from the
water. A photo of a nest of this species containing 14 eggs was taken
June 24, 1907.

76

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

8. Porzana Carolina. Soia Rail. This species was always present in
considerable numbers during June and July. While I never succeeded
in finding a nest, there is no question of their nesting here, as I noted
several times young birds scarcely able to fly.

9. Gallinula galeata. Florida Gallinule. Three nests of this species
were found: two in 1909 on June 10, and one on June 18, 1910. They
seemed to be quite common throughout the region.

10. Fulica americana. Coot. Abundant breeder in the ponds and
cat-tail swamps.

11. Steganopus tricolor. Wilson's Phalarope. I have no definite
breeding record for this species, but a pair remained all through June

NEST AND EGGS OF KINGBIKD

and July, 1910. A certain small muddy point projecting out in one
of the small ponds seemed to be their particular haunt. At any ap-
proach to this place both male and female would appear and circle
about the intruder. I thought they had a nest at that point, but
although I searched carefully I never succeeded in finding it.

12. Bartramia longicauda. Bartramian Sandpiper. Common summer
resident. One nest containing four eggs was discovered in a pasture
in a bunch of grass. The nest was well concealed and was found with
difficulty after it had been visited twice. The photo of this nest was
taken June 4, 1909.

13. Oxeychus vociferus. Killdeer. Common breeder. Nests generally
in the cornfields. The eggs are laid on the ground or on a few pieces

Breeding Birds of an Iowa Farm

77

of broken corn husks, with little attempt at nest building. Picture taken
June 15, 1910.

14. Colinus virginianus virginianus. Bob-white. During 1909 and
1910 a pair of these birds nested in the corner of the orchard.

15. Tympanchus americanus americanus. Prairie Chicken. One or
more pairs of this species nested every year. Nest built generally along
the fences in the tall grass and weeds.

16. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourning Dove. Nests in the
groves.

17. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. Nested in the damp wild hay
fields. One or two nests discovered and destroyed every year by the
farmers.

XF:ST AXI) KGGS of B0I.!0L1XK

18. Asio flamvteus. Short-eared Owl. Nested in much the same
localities as the marsh hawk. The young were very tame and imsus-
picious and would allow a close approach as they sat on the hay stacks.

19. Otus asio asio. Screech Owl. Nested every year in one of the
groves.

20. Dryobates pubescens medianus. Downy Woodpecker. Nested in
the same grove with the screech owl.

21. Melanerpes erthroceplialus. Ked-headed Woodpecker. Common
summer resident and breeder in the groves.

22. Colaptes auralus luteus. Northern Flicker. Not as common as
the preceding. One nest found July 3, 1909, containing six eggs.

78

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

23. Chaetura pelagica. Chimney Swift. Two pairs nested in the
chimney to the farm house every year.

24. Tyrdnnus tyrannus. Kingbird. Common breeder. After the
young leave the nest they spend their time on the fences and telephone
wires. At this season they appear to be the most conspicuous birds of
the region. Nests in groves, in the willows along the swamps, on fence
posts, and even in machinery left in the fields. June 26, 1910, a nest
was found in a large maple tree along the road.

25. Sayornis phoehe. Phoebe. One pair nested in 1910 and 1911
under a small wooden culvert in the road in front of the farm.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD'S NEST

Containing Two Cowbird"s Eggs

26. Octocoris alpestris praticola. Prairie Horned Lark. Nests abun-
dantly. Two broods are generally raised. The first nests are built in
pastures and the second ones almost invariably in the corn fields at the
base of a hill of corn. I have found as many as ten in a thirty-acre
field.

27. Cyanocitta cristata crisfata. Blue Jay. A common bird in the
neighboring towns, but not often found in the groves. One or two
nests have been found in the region covered by the paper. One nest
built in an old apple tree and one in a maple grove.

Breeding Birds of an Iowa Farm

79

28. Corvus brackyrhynchos hrachyrhyndws. Crow. Breeds quite
commonly in the larger groves.

29. Doliclwnyx oryzivorus. Bobolink. One of the most common
breeders. Nests commonly in the hay fields. Nests are well concealed in
the long grass. One found June 12, 1910, contained four bobolink eggs
and two cowbird eggs.

30. MolothrUrS ater ater. Cowbird. Altogether too common. The
eggs are most frequently placed in the nests of redvA'ings and bobolinks,
although they are sometimes placed in the robin, yellow warbler, and
meadowlark nests.

XEST AXD eggs of GRASSHOPPER SPARROW

31. XanthocepJialus xantlwceplialus. Yellow-headed Blackbird. Breeds
in colonies in the swamps over the water. The nests are basket-like
affairs woven in the reeds about two feet from the water. In 1909
many nests were flooded and the young drowned by high water.

32. Agelaius phoeniceus phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. Prob-
ably the most abundant breeding bird. Generally builds in the cat-tails
and flags in the edge of the swamps, but sometimes in the meadows in
bunch grass. On June 18, 1910, I found twenty-three nests in a small
swamp not over two rods square. The number of nests in the territory

80 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

covered by this report ran into the hundreds if not thousands. In 1909
many nests were destroyed by flooding. A nest discovered June 12,
1910, contained three redwing eggs and two cowbirds' eggs.

33. Sturnella neglecta. Western Meadowlark. Common breeder.
Next to the bobolink the most numerous of the ground-nesting birds.

34. Icterus galhuJa. Baltimore Oriole. One or more pairs nested in
the groves each year. I never succeeded in finding an occupied nest, but
noted them each year after the fall of the leaves. I also saw the young
after leaving the nest.

35. Quiscalus quiscula aeneus. Bronzed Graekle. Nests in groves.

36. Astragalinus tristis tristis. Goldfinch. One pair nested every year
in the orchard.

37. Ammodramus savannarum australis. Grasshopper Sparrow. July
14, 1910, I found the only nest of this species discovered in this region.
The nest contained two eggs and was in a hay field. It was discovered
in mowing, the old bird remaining on the nest until the mower had
passed, and then flying off. The nest was abandoned, although every
effort was made to leave it undisturbed.

38. Chondestes grammacus grammacus. Lark Sparrow. Nests on
the dry hillsides.

39. Spiza americana. Dickcissel. Nests commonly along the fences
and in weeds in the small grain fields.

40. Progne subis suMs. Purple Martin. Common summer resident in
the towns. Several pairs built about the farm building in 1910.

41. Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. In 1909 and
1910 a colony of these swallows built under the eaves of the home build-
ings. Each year there were about half a dozen nests containing eggs
and several others in which eggs were not laid.

42. Hirundo erytlirogasira. Barn Swallow. Common about the build-
ings. Nests found every year at all the farms of the region.

43. Dendroica aestiva aestiva. Yellow Warbler. Several pair built
every year in the orchard and in bushes about the house.

44. Geothlypis trichas trichas. Maryland Yellowthroat. One pair
built in the orchard in 1909. The nest containing three eggs was found
Jime 12 at the foot of a small tree.

45. Dumetella carolinensis. Catbird. Builds occasionally in bushes
about farm houses. The parents and young leave the groves as soon as
the latter are able to fly.

46. Taxostoma rufum. Brown Thrasher. Found nesting in 1910 in
an old brush pile in one of the groves.

47. Troglodytes aedon parlcaviani. Western House Wren. Common
breeder about the farm houses.

48. Cistothorus stellaris. Short-billed Marsh Wren. Bather a rare
resident and breeder. One nest found July 28, 1910, contained six eggs.
The nest was built close to the ground in a damp marshy hay field.

Notes on the Spotted Sandpiper 81

49. Tehnatodyies paltistris iliacus. Prairie Marsh Wren. Nests com-
monly in the reeds growing in the ends of the larger ponds.

50. Planesticus migratorius migratorius. Eobin. Common. Builds
in the groves and about the houses.

NOTES ON THE SPOTTED SANDPIPER.
By Arthur F. Smith.

During the summer of 1913 the writer was privileged to be
present at the session of the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, on
Lake Okoboji, Iowa. There are many opportunities here for
the intensive study of the life and behavior of birds, and
such work is encouraged by the Laboratory.

In the summer of 1913 two nests of the Spotted Sand-
piper (Actitis niacidarius) were found, and at the suggestion
of Dr. T. C. Stephens the writer followed their history some-
what carefully. Both of the nests were located similarly,
viz., near the extremity of long, low sand spits projecting
into the lake for a distance of two hundred yards or more.
In each case the nest was about seventy-five feet from the
point. The nests, which were located on Gull Point and the
Sand Spit in Miller's Bay respectively, may now be considered
separately.

The nest on Gull Point was found on Friday, June 27, at
5:30 P.M. At this time it contained four eggs. The ground
at this point was sandy, covered by a sparse growth of fox-
tail grass and a few weeds. The neck of land here was not
over thirty or forty feet in width, and was quite low. The
nest was afforded very little concealment among the short,
dry grass ; but, nevertheless, the nest itself is so inconspicuous
that it is seen with difficulty even at close range. It was
noted that when the parent bird was on the nest her colors
harmonized quite perfectly with the surrounding vegetation
and ground. The eggs also presented little or no contrast
with the environs of the nest.

Visits were made to this nest on June 29, July 1, 5, 7, 8,
10, and 13, and on each occasion one of the parents was

82 The Wilson Bulletin — No, 87

flushed from the nest. At each of these visits the bird, when
flushed, flew to some distance ; however, when the eggs began
to hatch this distance became greatly shortened.

About 7 :3(rP. M. on the 14th of July the first egg was found
to be hatching. The shell was roughly broken across the large
end for a distance of about three-fourths of an inch, and from
one end of this jagged opening there extended a clean crack
pretty nearly to the small end of the egg.

Close examination now revealed that two other eggs were
pipped. In both cases there was a little round hole just large
enough to permit the protrusion of the tip of the chick 's beak.
In all three the beak of the chick kept at work crumbling
away the edge of the shell and membrane.

The old bird was now very tame, and at no time was she
more than a few yards away. She displayed great curiosity,
or anxiety, slipping in and out between the grass, and eyed
the intruder from one side and then the other.

I then withdrew to a point about twenty feet away in order
to allow her to return to the nest. This she did immediately,
but something must have frightened her again, for she
jumped about four feet straight into the air. I now grad-
ually approached the nest, repeatedly flushing the bird and
waiting for her return ; when I got within five feet of the
nest the old bird left, only to return at once, calling and
receiving answering chirps from the partly hatched young.
Finally, I got within three feet of the nest; the old bird
simply stood up on the piece of bark by the nest, looked
interested, and returned to the nest.

The old bird covered the nest by spreading the wings
slightly, and fluffing the breast feathers.

As I crept a little closer the old bird flushed, and I saw
that the first young bird had emerged from the shell. At
8 :30 P.M. I left. The nest contained at this time one chick,
two pipped eggs, one entire, and one empty shell.

July 15. When I returned to the nest at 4:30 A.M. the
old bird was on the nest, but flushed at my approach. The
nest now contained four young birds and three empty shells.
Evidently one shell had been disposed of, and probably the

Notes on the Spotted Sandpiper 83

night before. One of the chicks left the nest with vigorous
chirps, and joined the mother near by. One other chick,
though not yet dry, was endeavoring also to leave the nest.

As I lay within two and a half feet of the nest, the old bird
came and pecked at an egg shell, and then sat down. Two of
the chicks climbed onto the mother's back.

I was able to distinguish two calls of the adult birds. One
might be called the alarm note, which gives warning to the
young of danger; it is simply a repetition of a single note,
thus: "Peet-peet-peet-peet," etc. The other might be called
a song, for the parent sings it as she coddles the young. It
runs thus : ' ' Tr-tr-tr weet, tr-tr-tr weet, tweet, tweet, tweet,
tr-tr-tr."

One of the first acts of the old bird was to pick up one of
the half shells and carry it to the water's edge, where it was
dropped. A little later she bit off some pieces from the small
part of the shell and swallowed them. At 5 :30 A. M. she
carried oft' the second half shell and dropped it at the lake
shore as before. At 6 :00 A. M. she cleaned out the nest,
eating a number of small bits of shell, some of which she
obtained by scatching in the grass; the last large piece of
shell was carried to the shore as before, but this time she
held it under the water and shook it. The shell was then
eaten, thus departing somewhat from the previous conduct.

At 6 :10 A. M., when the old bird returned, two of the young
were about twenty feet away in the grass. Up to this time a
close watch had been kept as to the feeding of the young
birds. The parent was not observed to bring any food to the
nest. But now the two little chicks which had left the nest
were observed to pick at the grass as if in the act of catching
insects. And with continued observation I concluded they
were feeding, all of which the old bird watched attentively.
On one occasion a garter snake came to the vicinity of the
nest, but was warded away from the direction of the young
birds by the vigorous wing action of the parent.

On the 17th the place was again visited for the pui-pose
of photographing the young. Two were found and photo-
graphed ; the other two were seen to run off in the grass, but

84

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

were not caught. The old bird seemed to divide her atten-
tion between these two pairs of chicks.

Some summer cottagers living near by said they had been
in the habit of feeding these sandpipers (what I do not
know), and they stated that the chicks usually appeared in
pairs. Just why the chicks should leave the nest in pairs

NEST AND EGGS OP SPOTTED SANDPIPER

I am not at present able to say, except that a suggestion is
found in the study of the next nest.

The nest on the Sandspit in Miller's Bay was found on
June 27, and contained four eggs. It was visited daily and
on the evening of July 12 the four eggs were intact. At
1 :30 P. M. on the 13th there were two chicks and two eggs.
At 3 :20 P.M. the third egg was pipped, with the chick's bill
protruding. At this time the two chicks were running about
in the grass. It was interesting to observe that at this early

Notes on the Spotted Sandpiper

85

age, only a few hours out of the shell, the young exhibited
the peculiar habit of teetering the tail, which is characteristic
of the adult, and which gains for them the common names,
"Tip-up," and "Teeter-tail."

At 5 :00 P. M. there was no change in the third egg, but the
fourth was cracked at the large end. At 8 :30 P. M. the third
egg had not changed, but the fourth egg presented a small

W9r^

'%

i 'J

NEST AND EGGS OF SPOTTED SANDPIPEK

hole about three-eighths of an inch from the large end. At
9 :30 P. M. there was no further change in either egg.

At 5 :00 0 'clock on the morning of the 14th the last two
eggs had hatched, and there were three chicks in the nest,
together with the two shells. These shells were complete
except for a cap about five-eighths of an inch in diameter at
the large end. The cap, which lay in the nest, was very
cleanly cut from the rest of the shell.

86 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 87

At 9 :00 A. M. the nest was empty.

At some time about the middle of July some members of the
Laboratory brouglit in two of the chicks from Gull Point.
They should have been returned to that place, but, instead,
were liberated on the Sandspit. However, on July 24, five
of the six young sandpipers which were now on the Sandspit
were banded by Dr. Stephens and Dr. Lynds Jones. As a
matter of interest and record the numbers of the bands may
be here given as follows : 11522, 11523, 11524, 11525, 11526.
The young birds were observed on the spit as late as July 29.
It is hoped to continue the study of these birds during the
summer of 1914.

The facts obtained in this study may be summarized as
follows :

SUMMARY.

The incubation period would seem to be over seventeen days.

The old birds dispose of the egg shells partly by devouring.

Hatching seems to occur during the night.

The chicks leave the nest within five or six hours, but
probably not much sooner unless disturbed.

It seems that the young birds are not fed by the parents
at any time, but forage for themselves from the beginning.

THE EESIDENT BIRD LIFE OF THE BIG CYPRESS
SWAMP REGION.

By F. M. Phelps.

In the spring of 1913 I had the good fortune to be in
Florida during the months of March and April and the early
part of May. Of this time the latter half of March and
nearly all of April were spent in the Big Cypress Swamp
region of Lee County in the southwestern part of the State,
and it is relative to its resident bird life that this paper has
to deal, giving particular attention to the larger and more
important species.

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 87

For a week before entering upon this trip I visited at
Clearwater with my good friend, Oscar E. Baynard, going
over details and arrangements. I must thank him largely for
such measure of good fortune as came to me later, for he
gave me the benefit of the knowledge he had gained of the
country during the two previous winters, and also secured
for me the services of guides whom he had employed.

I arrived at Fort Myers March 13th, where I met Mr.
Rhett Green, now employed as warden by the National Asso-
ciation of Audubon Societies, who was to conduct me to the
rookery under his charge. We started out just before noon
of the 14th in a light, single buggy and drove the rest of the
day through the open, sun-lit pine woods without particular
incident, and camped that night in a temperature that made
even the lightest covering a burden and stirred the mos-
quitoes to the highest pitches of fervor.

By sun-up we were on the way again. The country was
now growing wilder. The dog started a Wild Turkey from
a clump of saw palmetto beside the trail, a Sandhill Crane
swung trumpeting across a near-by pond. Twice we stopped
while I slipped on my climbing irons and ran up to nests of
the Florida Red-shouldered Hawk, each time to find two eggs
apparently advanced in incubation. The ground was becom-
ing low and wet and cypress "heads" more and more fre-
quent. Toward noon we came out upon the edge of a big
open marsh stretching away four or five miles to the south,
far across which we could see a solid background of great
cypress trees. This was my first view of the Big Cypress
Swamp, which beginning here runs almost unbroken for sixty
or seventy miles to the south and to the eastward until it
finally merges with the Everglades.

As we progressed slowly across the marsh, often hub deep
in water, singly and by flocks water birds began rising on
every hand; Ward Herons, Egrets, White and Wood Ibis,
Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Little Blue and Louisiana
Herons, and several species of Ducks, including three of the
rare Florida Duck (Anas fulvigula fulvigula). On an open
pond we also identified the Limpkin and Pui*ple Gallinule.

88

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

Early in the afternoon we arrived at Mr. Green's camp
beside one of the finest rookeries to be found in Florida, an
imposing one even in these days of diminishing bird life.
Here is no doubt the largest nesting colony of Wood Ibis in
the State, probably not less than 5,000 pairs of birds. Per-
haps 300 American Egrets were nesting here, and a little
handful, not more than a dozen pairs, of the beautiful

WHITE IBIS AT NEST
Photo by O. B. Baynard

Roseate Spoonbill, which I saw here for the first time in
life, a memory that still recurs to me. That evening as we
stood watching the birds filing in from the feeding grounds
and circling over the rookery, I caught a gleam of pink as
one of the more distant birds turned in the rays of the
setting sun, and leveling my glass I watched my first "Pink
Curlew" circle slowly two or three times above the tree tops
and then drop down to its nest.

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region

89

Next morning as the first light of dawn tinged the eastern
sky a pair of Sandhill Cranes began whooping on a little
pond scarcely a quarter of a mile away, an old Turkey
Gobbler struck up his mating call down the open glade that
lay between us and the cypress swamp, the thousands of
young Wood Ibis and other nestlings set up their insistent
clamor for food, which did not hush nor diminish until the
sun was high in the heavens, and then I realized that here

nest and eggs of white ibis

Photo by O. E. Baynard

was nature at first hand and that opportunities awaited me
that do not come to every ornithologist.

I passed several very pleasant and profitable days with
Green, and perhaps a few words in description of this splen-
did rookery, known as the Corkscrew among the plume
hunters of South Florida, will not be amiss. In form it is a
great ellipse of cypress swamp enclosing an open treeless
area some three miles long and a mile or more in width,
covered with saw grass and other swamp grasses. The
encircling band of cypress varies in width from about one-

90 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 87

third of a mile at the narrow point on the east to two and
three miles on the north and west, and to the south it stretches
away solidly. Around this great circle birds may be found
nesting at many points. Mr. Baynard, who visited this
rookery in February, 1912, before the cypress trees had leaved
out, gave it as his opinion that there were not less than
seven or eight thousand nests of the "Wood Ibis here. Tree
after tree bore from twelve to twenty or more nests of this
species, and in one I counted thirty-two. Years ago before
the Egrets and Spoonbills had become so sadly decimated,
for they once bred here in large numbers, it must have been
a spectacle so imposing as to defy an adequate description.
The Egrets, Wood Ibis, and Spoonbills all nest high up in
the cypress trees, very few under fifty feet and many seventy-
five and eighty feet up. At this season, the middle of March,
nearly all the nests contained young. A few of the Wood
Ibis and Egrets were still incubating eggs, but these were
more than likely birds that had been broken up elsewhere.

Bird studying in a cypress swamp is not all roses, though.
It means wading from start to finish, anywhere from knee
to waist deep, with a good chance of hitting unexpected
depths at any moment. The cypress trees, heavily draped
with the Florida long moss, or as it is more commonly known,
"Spanish moss," stand close together, vines cross and recross
in the openings, impenetrable tangles of button-wood force
you to turn aside. Occasionally one comes upon deep, open
pools and lagoons covered with lettuce and lily pads, with
here and there a half-grown alligator perking up his head.
There were big ones in the swamp, too, although I never
chanced to see one, but the bellows that emanated forth on a
couple of hot nights never came from anything less than
eleven or twelve foot 'gators.

Another interesting feature, and one that is not likely to
slip your mind for any great length of time, is the dangerous
cotton-mouthed moccasin, for he puts in his appearance just
about often enough and at just about familiar enough range
to keep one on the qui vive. Wading waist deep you come
to a nice log and start to climb up onto it. You look again.

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 91

a moccasin is within reach of your hand. If he is a small
one, he will probably slip off the other side, but if he happens
to be four and a half or five feet long and eight or ten inches
in girth, he just coils up, opens his white mouth, gently
quivers his tail and waits. You will have to kill him or go
the other way.

I visited this rookery a second time the middle of April,
making the trip across country from Immokalee. Large
numbers of the young birds had now left the nests and many
were accompanying the old ones to the feeding grounds. In
the morning the young Wood Ibis congregated by the hun-
dreds in the cypress saplings at the edge of the swamp just
opposite the camp to enjoy the warmth of the early svm.
We found one group of Egrets, about fifty pairs, with fresh
nests and just beginning the duties of incubation. These
were undoubtedly new aTrivals, remnants of a shot-out
rookery not far aw^ay.

To illustrate some of the uncertainties of a cypress swamp.
We were three hours reaching this colony of Egrets, located
less than a mile within the swamp, although we had visited
the same place a month before and presiunably knew exactly
where it was. The trouble arose from starting in at a slightly
different point and encountering a deep lettuce covered lake,
in detouring around which we got off our course. By climb-
ing a tree we got a line on the flight of the birds and event-
ually the croaking of the nestlings drew us to the right spot.
In going out we picked up our old trail and were at the edge
of the swamp in half an hour.

This rookery has been under the protection of the Audubon
Society since 1912. In that year, through the energetic
efforts of Mr. Baynard, B. Rhett Green of Fort Myers was
hired as warden and assumed the duties of guarding it about
the middle of the breeding season. Its future now seems
assured, and it is perhaps not too much to anticipate that it
wdll eventually regain something of the prosperity of its
former days.

I shall not go into the details or attempt to recount all
the various happenings of my trip, for this might finally

92 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

become burdensome. During the latter part of March I made
an excursion southward from the Corkscrew rookery, follow-
ing down along the edge of the Big Cypress Swamp to a
point some sixty miles below Fort Myers. The first two weeks
of April, in company with a guide from Immokalee, I crossed
the Ocaloacoochee Slough and penetrated southeasterly to the
Seminole Indian reservation at the edge of the Everglades.
Then returning to Immokalee, I made a second trip to the
Corkscrew rookery from that point.

A few words in regard to the general character of the
country. The interior of Lee County is pretty much a wilder-
ness. The Big Cypress Swamp, beginning some thirty miles
south of Fort Myers, covers most of the central part of the
county. To the north and east of the swamp it is principally
open pine woods, interspersed here and there with hammocks
of oak and palmetto and small cypress swamps, or "cypress
heads," as they are usually called. There are several con-
siderable prairie tracts, particularly in the vicinity of Immo-
kalee. In the eastern part of the county there is another
large swamp area known as the Ocaloacoochee Slough. In
general the country is low and wet wifh many small lakes
and i^onds, and after heavy rains water stands everywhere.

Game is fairly abundant. I saw five deer at one time
enjoying a noonday siesta in a small grove of pine trees, and
in all I probably saw thirty during my trip. Wild Turkey
are plentiful and in the wilder country about the cypress
swamps wild-cat, bear and panther are to be found.

Immokalee, with a population of fourteen families, located
about thirty-two miles southeast of Fort Myers, is the prin-
cipal settlement, although there are a couple of other smaller
ones. Excepting these the only inhabitants are the Seminole
Indians and a few cattlemen, who take advantage of the
excellent pasture afforded in some places to graze their lean,
half-wild cattle. Maps show several forts such as Shackleford
and Simon Drum, but these are relics of the old Indian
wars, long since fallen into ruin, and their sites can only be
determined with difficulty.

The Seminoles, who number about four hundred, live on a

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 93

reservation down at the edge of the Everglades about eighty-
miles southeast of Fort Myers. They are under the control
of a government agent, but do little or no work, depending
largely on otter and alligator hunting to pick up a few
dollars. For several years back the alligator market has been
very flat, and they find plume hunting the more lucrative.
We camped with an Indian one evening a few miles south
of the Ocaloacoochee Slough, who informed me he had shot
eight plumes that season, which he had sold at Miami for
$8.00 apiece, bringing him in rather a tidy sum. Incidentally
I had the pleasure of dining on palmetto cabbage as pre-
pared a la Seminole, and an excellent dish I found it.

The subject would not be complete without a word or two
about insect pests. The mosquitoes are without number. As
soon as darkness falls they simply arise in swarms. Sleeping
without a bar, and a cheesecloth one at that, is out of the
question. Even the Seminoles use them. The steady hum
of mosquitoes hovering just outside your bar becomes merely
a part of life. The horse flies of this region are the last
word. In April it is necessary to wrap a horse in burlap
when used, and even then they get to them pretty hard.
Around camp a horse will stand right up in a smudge all
day, and trust to feeding at night. The cattle are forced to
bunch together and retire into the cypress swamps during
the middle of the day. Even man is not entirely exempt.
A couple of times when dining somewhat en dishabille after
a wade in the swamp we w^ere forced to hustle out our shoes,
etc., for protection.

In the following list of resident species I have aimed to
name only those that I actually found breeding or observed
under circumstances which made it seem fairly certain they
were doing so. The winter of 1912 and 1913 was unusually
warm and the spring early, which had its effect on the nesting
of many of the species, causing them to begin in some cases
several weeks earlier than in ordinary seasons.

1. Aiihinga anhinga. Water Turkey. Some four or five hundred
were breeding at the Corkscrew rookery. On my first trip into the
swamp, March 16th, most of the nests contained eggs, but some of the

94 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

young had hatched at that date. Many of the nests were 50 and 60
feet up in the cypress trees, but others were found in low bushes beside
lagoons.

2. Anas ftdvigula fulvigula. Florida Duck. Observed feeding on the
marshes, but no direct evidence of nesting obtained.

3. Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. A common resident in and about the
cypress swamps. One nest found April 18th in a Pileated Woodpecker 's
hole about 30 feet up in a large pine. It contained nine eggs neatly
covered with down. Birds not observed about nest.

4. Ajaja ajaja. Eoseate Spoonbill. This species is right on the
danger mark. I doubt if there are more than 50 or 60 birds in the
several rookeries in the interior of Lee County. There were not over
ten or twelve pairs at Corkscrew, about a similar number at the principal
rookery of the Ocaloacooche Slough, and a few are to be found at the
other important rookeries. Nesting usually begins in February.

5. Guara alba. White Ibis. Observed feeding in considerable num-
bers on the Corkscrew marsh during March. They nest during April
and May, and at Corkscrew they use the elders and button-wood that
fringe the inner circle of the swamp.

6. Mycteria americana. Wood Ibis. This species forms the bulk of
the population at each of the principal rookeries of the Big Cypress,
region, and its abundance can be readily inferred from my remarks as to
the number nesting at the Corkscrew rookery. Nesting usually begins
in January and by March 1st the young are as a rule all hatched. The
number of eggs is usually three, occasionally four. This bird is a
splendid flier and it is a fine sight to watch them filing in from the
feeding grounds, floating high in the air on motionless pinions like
great kites, for in their power of flight they are comparable to the
raptores rather than to the heron tribe.

7. Ardea herodias wardi. Ward's Heron. Fifty or sixty pairs were
nesting in the Corkscrew rookery, as a rule in company vrith the Egrets.
Their huge nests are fully twice as large as those of the latter. They
are early breeders, usually beginning family duties in January. Also
observed nesting in company with Little Blue and Louisiana Herons in
willow bushes in ponds.

8. Herodias egretta. Egret. The Long White has succeeded in
maintaining itself in the face of constant and relentless persecution, for
here it has the Seminole Indian as well as the white plume hunter as an
enemy. Annually in February the birds gather at the old accustomed
rookeries, build their nests and perhaps lay their eggs, and then the
plume hunter appears. Each is so anxious to beat the other to it that
they scarcely give the birds a chance to get a few sticks piled together,
as my guide put it. A few birds are killed, not many, as the birds are
wary until the eggs are advanced in incubation or the young hatched.
Then they desert the rookery and try it somewhere else, with more than
likely the same result. A cattleman told me of coming onto a small

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 95

colony nesting in a little cypress swamp late in June, 1912, every plume
shed, but incubating eggs. There is still a sufficient nucleus of these
birds left in the Big Cypress region, so that the species will build up
rapidly if given proper protection.

9. Egretta candidissima candidissima. Snowy Egret. Now but a
memory in this region. I have asked hunters and the settlers at Immo-
kalee about this bird and the answer is always the same : ' ' About eight
or ten years ago I saw one at such and such a place. ' ' This Egret is
still to be found, however, in the coast rookeries of Lee County and on
the Caloosahatchie Kiver near the Everglades.

10. Hydrana^sa tricolor mficollis. Louisiana Heron. Abundant. Ob-
served nesting in company with Little Blue Herons In clumps of willows
in ponds during early April.

11. Florida caerulea. Little Blue Heron. Always associated with
the Louisiana Heron and remarks about one are equally applicable to
the other. Large numbers of immature birds in the white plumage
were observed on the feeding grounds.

12. Butorides virescens virescens. Green Heron. Not very common.
Observed only now and then and not found nesting.

13. Nycticorax nyeticorax naevius. Black-crowned Night Heron.
Observed several times, and it is no doubt a breeding species, although
I did not find it nesting.

14. Nyctanassa violacea. Yellow-crowned Night Heron. Quite a
number nested at the Corkscrew rookery and we used often to come
upon them feeding beside quiet pools and lagoons.

15. Grus mexicana. Sandhill Crane. Still to be rated as a common
bird in Lee County. I hardly believe there was a day of my trip that
I failed to see or hear it. They were usually in pairs, though a number
of times I saw four or five together. The nesting of this bird is very
uncertain. It may begin in late February or it may be deferred to
April or May. Mr. Green told me of finding a nest early in June, 1912,
with fresh eggs. I am inclined to think the amount of water in the
nesting ponds is an important factor. The bird seems to require that
its nesting site be surrounded by water. Twice after heavy rains I
found them scratching up nests in grassy ponds which they abandoned
without using when the ponds began to dry up. Three occupied nests
were found, on April 4th and 8th, with eggs far advanced in incubation,
and on April 12th with fresh eggs. In this latter case the birds had
scratched up no less than four nests in a small flag pond I could throw
a stone across. Why the extra nests, two of which were only about half
complete, is a question.

16. Aramus vociferus. Limpkin. Observed twice in the cypress
swamp at Corkscrew, and also feeding on a small lake on the marsh.
Presumably there was a small nesting colony in the vicinity.

17. lonornis martinicus. Purple Gallinule. Observed several times
on small lakes feeding among the bonnets.

96 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 87

18. Gallinula galeata. Florida Gallinule. Identified twice on a small
lake on the Corkscrew marsh.

19. Colinus virginianus floridanus. Florida Bob-white. Abundant
about Immokalee and through the higher and more open pine woods.
Nesting in late March and early April. I was told of a nest with 13
eggs being found at Immokalee the last week of March.

20. Meleagris gallopavo osceola. Florida Turkey. A common resi-
dent throughout the interior of Lee County and should remain so for
years to come. I saw many, thanks largely to the dogs that were nearly
always along. Late on the afternoon of April 18th as we were working
along an open glade bordering a cypress swamp the dog began to nose
excitedly in the grass. Suddenly up popped half a dozen little brown
cannon-balls, quail I thought, but when they alighted in some cypress
saplings I saw at once they were young Turkeys. The old hen, hard
pressed, soon rose from the grass and sailed away across the tops of the
cypress trees. More youngsters kept popping up until there were eleven
sitting about in the saplings some twelve or fifteen feet up. Soon one
gave a peculiar little * ' quit, ' ' and then to my utter astonishment flew
straight away over the tops of the cypress trees after the old hen, and
one by one the rest followed. My guide pronounced them to be about
two weeks old and that seemed to me about correct. A few days later
the dog ran onto another old hen w ith young but a few hours old, and we
had some trouble in keeping them from coming to harm. The early
sjiring of 1913 caused some of the Turkeys to begin nesting the forepart
of March. In ordinary years deposition of eggs does not begin much
before April 1st.

21. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourning Dove. Observed
occasionally in the pine woods. Not common.

22. ChaemepeJia passerina terrestris. Ground Dove. Common about
Immokalee, and seen occasionally in the pine woods. One nest found
April 4th with two fresh eggs.

23. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. Turkey Vulture. Present in con-
siderable numbers during the breeding season, but no evidence of nesting
found, and it may be that it does not so far south in Florida.

24. Catharisia uruhu. Black Vulture. Abundant. I found no nests,
but saw them mating several times. They are a nuisance hanging around
a camp, as it is necessary to keep things pretty well covered to be safe.

25. Elanoides forficatus. Swallow-tailed Kite. I spent much time
looking for the breeding haunts of this species, which is still to be found
in certain of the wilder parts of Florida, and was rewarded bj' finding
it nesting at two widely separated points, one far down on the. edge of
the Big Cypress Swamp, the other near the Ocaloacooehee Slough. It is
a bird to be associated with cypress swamps. It loves the broad, open
glades that fringe them, and here of a late afternoon you may chance
to see them feeding. Gracefully and tirelessly they circle back and
forth, chattering as they pass close to one another, and perhaps if the

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 97

mood is on them they will take a turn at somersaulting and otlier start-
ling aerial stunts. They show very little fear of man at such times,
for more than once as I have stood watching them they would swing
unconcernedly within 30 or 40 feet of me. The birds are to a certain
extent gregarious, for where you find one pair there will likely be two
or three more nesting within a radius of half a mile or so. The Kite
population of the vicinity can easily be arrived at when you start to
climb a nest. The cries of its owners quickly attract the other Kites
within hearing distance, and they join in the outcry, though at a safer
distance. At each of the nests I climbed from five to eight Kites were
circling above me by the time I had gotten well started.

It is an exhilarating experience to sit in the top of one of those tall
southern pines, with the breeze swaying j^ou gently back and forth, and
watch these matchless fliers sweep and careen above you. Only once
did I encounter a really vicious bird. Time and again she swooped
down on me, once just brushing my shoulder with her wing. It took
all my attention to do the climbing and I never knew just when I was
to feel the rush of her wings and hear the sudden boom of their arrested
motion right at my ear. It was just a little nerve trying.

Two different times I had the good fortune to watch the birds nest
building, and both times the ceremony was much the same. The female,
escorted by the male, carried the nesting material. With the most
graceful of evolutions, accompanied by a constant chatter, very pleasing
to hear, and which reminded me much of the love-making of a pair of
Barn Swallows, they flew to a point above the nest. The female dropped
down for a moment, arranged the stick or bit of moss in the nest, then
rejoining the male away they went chattering as far as one could follow
them.

The nests I examined were made of dead cypress twigs and Spanish
moss, and were lined abundantly with a soft, silky, green moss plucked
from dead cypress trees. In all I found six nests. Two were in the
process of construction, the other four contained two eggs each. Five
were in pine trees, the sixth in a tall slim cypress. One was at the com-
paratively low elevation of 55 feet, the highest about 85 feet up and
well out on a branch running off at an angle of 45 degrees, the most
difficult climb of them all. This last mentioned nest I collected together
with the eggs, first crawling out and securing the eggs, then roping up
the limb and cutting it off with a hand axe. Nesting dates were March
17th, an unusually early date, perhaps a record, March 28th, April 7th
and April 21st. In the latter case the eggs were half incubated. The
dates when observed building were April 6th and 7th.

26. Circus Imdsonius. Marsh Hawk. Observed several times quarter-
ing over marshes and ponds during April, and I am inclined to think it
nests here.

27. Buteo liorealis borealis. Eed-tailed Hawk. This species is rare
in Lee County. One nest found April 5th about 20 miles south of the

98 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

Ocaloacoochee Slough. It was about 75 feet up in a big pine. Unfor-
tunately a cattleman, who chanced to take dinner with us near the spot,
had shot the female about three weeks previous. Her body lying under
the tree was sufficiently preserved to make certain of the identity.

28. Buteo lineatus alleni. Florida Eed-shouldered Hawk. By far
the most abundant of the hawks. Fully 20 nests were seen and no
especial effort made to find them. Seven which I examined had either
two eggs or two young, not a single one three. The birds nest either
in pine or cypress, and where available use large quantities of Spanish
moss. Nesting dates: March 15th incubated eggs, April 7th eggs far
advanced in incubation, April 3rd half -grown young.

29. Buteo hrachyurus. Short-tailed Hawk. Eare. Found breeding
by Baynard in February, 1912.

30. Haliocetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. There was
one large nest in a pine standing at the edge of the Corkscrew marsh.
As breeding begins in November, the young had already left.

31. Falco sparverius paulus. Florida Sparrow Hawk. Moderately
common resident of the pine woods and hammocks.

32. Polyborus cheriway. Audubon's Caracara. Nowhere common.
It prefers the more open country and the palmetto hammocks, this tree
being its favorite nesting site. I found a nest on April 5th about 50
feet up in a pine, containing two half-grown young. Green reported
seeing two young just out of the nest at the edge of a palmetto ham-
mock April 15th.

33. Fandion haliaetus carolinensis. Osprey. There were two occu-
pied nests in the Corkscrew cypress swamp. One was a huge affair
planted squarely on the top of a limbless cypress stub, 60 feet up. At
both nests the birds were incubating eggs the third week in March and
were very noisy as long as we remained in the vicinity.

34. Strix varia alleni, Florida Barred Owl. Abundant. Their nightly
serenades were one of the most interesting features of camp life. On
March 16th, while exploring a little cypress head, I found a young one
about 15 feet up in a sapling. He could get about the limbs and work
from tree to tree too lively for me and I tried in vain to catch him.
During the proceedings the mother came up close, ruffling her plumage
and clicking her bill savagely. On the above basis it would seem that
nesting begins early in January.

35. Otus asio floridanus. Florida Screech Owl. Apparently not very
common. Heard two or three times about hammocks.

36. Bubo virginianus virginiamis. Great Horned Owl. A rare resi-
dent. Heard once down on the edge of the Big Cypress Swamp.

37. Speotyto cunicularia floridana. Florida Burrowing Owl. This
interesting little Owl is nearing extinction. On the prairie near Immok-
alee I could find only four or five pair nesting where formerly it was
abundant. The hand of the cattleman is against it. A couple of bur-

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 99

rows excavated April 4th showed the birds just getting ready to nest.
One contained one egg.

38. Cavipephilus principalis. Ivory-billed Woodpecker. In Florida
this splendid Woodpecker is now confined to the wildest and remotest
swamps. Far down in the Big Cyjiress I had the good fortune to see
and hear it, the reward of hours of laborious wading. It is readily
distinguishable from the Pileated Woodpecker in flight by the large
amount of white on the wings. Its call is quite different, too. There is
a distinct pause between the notes and it lacks the carrying power of
that of the Pileated. Two nesting sites of former years were seen, both
in cypress trees. They may be identified with certainty, as the hole is
somewhat oblong in shape, the height being to the width in about the
ratio of three to two. The birds also have the peculiar habit of stripping
the outer bark from the trunk for a considerable distance below the
nest. *

39. Dryobates iorealis. Eed-cockaded Woodpecker. Locally dis-
tributed in the higher pine woods. Several nesting sites noted. These
are cut into living pines with dead hearts, and the trunk for several feet
below the nest is thickly smeared with pitch.

40. Phlwotomus pileatus pileatus. Pileated Woodpecker. Common
and observed almost daily. Three nests were found, all in dead pines,
one with three slightly incubated eggs April 5th, a second on the follow-
ing day with three half-grown young, and the third April 18th, in which
the birds were feeding young. One fact that I noted several times is
that this bird feeds on the ground after the manner of the Flicker.

41. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Eed-headed Woodpecker. Common,
but less so than the two following species. Beginning nesting in
April.

42. Centurus carolinus. Eed-bellied Woodpecker. Common and nest-
ing in March. I found one pair apjjropriating a former nesting cavity
of the Eed-cockaded Woodpecker.

43. Colaptes auratus auratus. Flicker. Common throughout the pine
woods. Nests with fresh eggs April 19th and 23rd.

44. Antrostomus carolinensis. Chuck-will's-widow. Common in the
hammocks, but rare elsewhere. Nesting in April.

45. Chordeiles virginianus chapmani. Florida Nighthawk. Observed
during early April near Immokalee and it probably nests there.

46. Tyrannus tyranmis. Kingbird. A common resident of the pine
woods. Saw my first Kingbird March 21st and in a day or two they
were plentiful. Observed a pair building April 19th.

47. Myiarclms crinitus. Crested Flycatcher. Abundant. The small
cypress heads are their favorite haunts and nearly every one harbors
a pair or two. They were common everywhere when I first entered the
woods March 14th. Nesting begins in April. On the 7th I observed a
bird carrying material into a hole in a small cypress tree, and on the
17th I picked up part of an eggshell from the ground.

100 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 87

48. Cycuwcitia cristaia forincoJa. Florida Blue Jay. A few were
observed about liaminocks, but not commonly. No nests found.

49. Corvus brachyrhynclws pascuus. norida Crow. Abundant and
many nests seen. Eggs far advanced in incubation March 17th.

50. Corvus ossifragus. Fish Crow. Found only in the vicinity of
rookeries, particularly at Corkscrew, where they do a great deal of
damage. Collected a set of five slightly incubated eggs March 28th, the
nest being in the bud of a slim pine.

51. AgeJaius plweniceus florid-anus. Florida Eed-wing. Common on
the marshes and larger ponds. Nesting in April.

52. Sfuri)eJla magna argutula. Southern Meadowlark. Abundant in
the open pine woods and prairies. Nesting dates: March 25th four
fresh eggs, Ajiril 4th three incubated eggs.

53. Quiscahts qaiscula aglaeus. Florida Grackle. We found quite
a colony nesting in cavities in the cypress trees at Corkscrew March 20th,
and the latter part of April I found another group making use of sim-
ilar sites in a small cypress head.

54. Megaquiscalufi major major. Boat-tailed Grackle. Observed nest-
ing in several ponds in early April. Common where it can find suitable
haunts.

55. Ammodramiis savannarum floridanus. Florida. Grasshopper Spar-
row. Bather common on the prairies. I scratched up a lot of grass
looking for their nests when flushed at close range, but was no doubt
too early for them.

56. PipiJo eryihrophtlialmxis alleni. White-eyed Towhee. Very local
and not common. About Immokalee quite a few were seen.

57. Cardinalis cardinalis floridanus. Florida Cardinal. Common
near Fort Myers and about Immokalee, but almost entirely wanting in
the wilder sections.

58. Progne subis subis. Purple Martin. In early April half a dozen
pair were nesting in woodpecker holes in a couple of dead pines near
Immokalee.

59. Laiiius ludovicianus ludovicianus. Loggerhead Shrike. Observed
only in the orange groves at Immokalee.

60. Vireo griseus maynardi. Key West Vireo. Not common. Seen
only a very few times. One nest found April 10th containing four fresh
eggs.

61. Geothlypis trichas ignota. Florida Yellow-throat. Noted fre-
quently about the saw palmetto growth in the vicinity of Immokalee.
Apparently nesting about the middle of Ajiril.

62. Mimus polyglottos polyglottos. Mockingbird. Like the Cardinal
the Mocker prefers the haunts of man. They were common at Immokalee,
but I don 't think I ever saw one in the wilder country.

63. Thryotliorus ludovicianus miamensis. Florida Wren. A common
resident. I saw a nest in an old tin coffee can hanging on the side of
a shed at Immokalee April 4th. At Green's camp a pair built in the

Bird Life Big Cypress Swamp Region 101

jioeket of an old sweater. I also saw a nest in a natural cavity of a
gnarled pine tree at the edge of cypress swamp 20 miles from any human
habitation.

64. Sitta i)usilla. Brown-headed Nuthatch. Moderately common resi-
dent of the pine woods. Saw a pair building March 16th, and another
pair feeding young April ISth.

65. Sialia sialis sialis. Bluebird. Quite common in the pine woods.
Observed them about nesting holes several times in April, but examined
none.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.
Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, one dollar a year, 30 cents a
number, postpaid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union,
$1.25 a year, 40 cents a number. Subscriptions should be sent to P. B. Coffin,
3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

OFFICEES FOE THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Orpheus M. Schantz, 5215 West 24th St., Cicero, 111.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

Editor ' ' The Wilson Bulletin"; Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory, Ober-
lin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Edw, R. Ford, 1100 Great Northern Building,
Chicago, 111.

EDITORIAL

The editor's address for the summer — until the middle of August —
will be Sandusky, Ohio, care Dr. C. B. Bliss. Mail addressed to Oberlin
will reach him, but will be delayed somewhat in reforwarding.
0

The short time between the two issues of the Bulletin and the ex-
amination season have conspired to prevent reviews of literature for this
number of the Bulletin. They will be resumed in the September number.
0

Interest in studies of the nesting behavior of birds has increased many-
fold in the last five years. While July may seem to be rather late for
most birds to nest, experience has proven that nests of many of our
common birds may be found even into August. Studies of nesting be-
havior are exceedingly valuable and ought to be taken up more generally
over the country before we may hope to get far in our understanding of
the inner life of the birds. The intimate study of the Red-winged Black-
bird at Ithaca by Mr. A. A. Allen well illustrates what valuable results
may be achieved by faithful and long continued studies of this sort, and
the papers by Miss Sherman, Mr. Gabrielson and others well illustrate
that valuable facts may be discovered by even a one-nest study. Let
everybody try at least one nest.

Field Notes 103

FIELD NOTES

A TWO-STORY YELLOW WARBLER'S NEST.

We have found a yellow warbler's nest with a cowbird's egg in the
bottom, over which the warbler had built a second floor on which to lay
her own eggs. ' E. A. Fields.

Sioux City, Iowa.

PARTICULAR WRENS.

A pair of wrens had reared a brood in a box on our back porch and
were preparing to raise a second brood, when the cover of the box was
loosened by the wind and was tied down with a white string. This
aroused suspicion on the part of Mrs. Wren, who immediately removed
the six eggs and part of the nest. I removed the rest of the nest, but
the wrens did not use the box again. What became of the eggs I do not
know, as there was no trace of them either in the box or on the porch.

Sioux City, Iowa. E. A. Fields.

COWBIRDS MONOPOLIZING A RED-EYED VIREO'S NEST.

In the woods bordering Lake Okoboji, Iowa, in July, 1912, some bird
lovers discovered a daintily constructed red-eyed vireo's nest, covered
with a pure white, web-like substance, making it the most beautiful nest
we had ever seen. Evidently we were not the only ones attracted to it,
as it contained four cowbird 's eggs and no vireo 's eggs. While we ex-
amined the nest the vireos, much disturbed, sat on a branch near by. We
removed the eggs and returned a week later, hoping to find that the
proper owners had used it, but the nest was empty and another vireo's
nest was being built near by, presumably by the same birds.

Sioux City, Iowa. E. A. Fields.

THE RED PHALAROPE IN IOWA.
Through the kindness of Mr. A. J. Anderson I was permitted to see a
specimen of Phalaropus fulicarius, which had been shot on a sandbar in
the Missouri river below Sioux City. It was presented to Mr. Anderson
on November 28, 1912, and had been taken a day or two before. The
bird was in the white winter plumage. It was mounted and is now in
Mr. Anderson's collection. It seems that this species has never hereto-
fore been reported for either Iowa or Nebraska. T. C. Stephens.

FALL RECORD OF THE GOLDEN PLOVER.

On October 15, 1913, my friend, Mr. Fred C. Smith, learned of large

flocks of strange birds along the Missouri river bottoms near the villages

of Owego and Holly Springs. Word came to the Sioux City sportsmen of

the abundance of these birds, and several went down. Mr. William

104 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 87

Anderson shot several and one of these was taken to the Stag Cigar
Store, and there identified as a Gohlen Plover. Mr. Anderson described
the birds as having a short bill and a ' ' black back speckled with greenish
yellow. ' ' Dr. B. H. Bailey, with whom I interviewed Mr. Anderson, was
satisfied of the correctness of the identification.

A Dr. Flageau, of Holly Springs, reported that large flocks of these
birds, which were locally called "Prairie Pigeons," had been seen in the
vicinity for the past ten days "feeding on the winter wheat." Mr.
Anderson thought they were feeding on the crickets and grasshoppers
rather than the wheat.

A Mr. Williams, of Owego, was also (pioted as having seen these
birds in large numbers about the same time. Mr. Anderson says he
was able to obtain very few birds because of their shyness. When dis-
turbed they would tiy up \'evy high in the air, circle around, and finally
fly away. T. C. Stephens.

SOME WINTER RECORDS FROM MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA.

During the winter of 1913-1914 several records of unusual interest to
nie were made in this locality.

Red-headed Woodpecker {Melanerpe-s enjtlirocepludus). In the fall
long after the other individuals had left three of this species were to
be seen about the cemetery. Every time I passed thru that region I
expected to discover that they were gone, but they remained thru the
winter. The cemetery contains large numbers of oaks of different species
and the Red-heads used tlie acorns, particularly those of the white oak,
for food. These three birds were to be seen at any time either feeding
or fighting with the Blue Jays. They had one particular tree which
they seemed to use as a sleeping place, and tliey allowed no Jays to
remain in that vicinity.

Red-bellied Woodpecker {Centurus carolinus). This species was another
form which I was surprised to find here during the winter. I liave re-
garded this as a rather rare bird in this locality, as the only other
specimen noted in two years' field work was one taken April 4, 1913.
This second specimen remained all winter in the cemetery and is still
here at the present writing (May 5). This bird was much more shy than
the Red-heads and not so noisy, but we managed to see him on nearly
every trip during the winter.

Tufted Titmouse {Bceoluphus bicolor). On the 25th of January, as
I was walking thru a small Avillow thicket, a small bird flew into a bush
not ten feet in front of me. It was snowing hard at the time and this
made any observation work difficult. However, I recognized the bird as
one of this species and after considerable maneuvering managed to se-
cure him. A short time later another was secured. This is another form
which I have considered rare, tlie only other record being a pair noted
on two different dates in April, 1913. Ira N. Gabrielson.

Field Notes 105

NESTING OF THE BLUE-WINGED WARBLER IN NORTHERN

ILLINOIS.

Apj)arently the blue-wingeil warbler is not common in this area even
in migrations. However, some few observations made at a time when
the presence of the bird argued the likelihood that it had remained to
breed in the locality are on record, and Mr. Frank M. Woodruff in
' * Birds of the Chicago Area " ' has been led to say, ' ' It does not seem
imjjossible that a very few individuals may remain and breed within
our limits. ' '

On May 23 while pushing my way through cover of lesser growth, but
comparatively free of underbrush — a rather damp part of the woodland,
at its edge and situated between its higher slopes and the creek bottom-
land— I came upon a nest new to me but quite certainly the nest of a
warbler. There were no eggs nor for a time was any bird in evidence.
Presently, liowever, I caught sight of a small yellow head peering out of
the greenery. That, I believe, was the male; for my next glimpse was
of a biril not so bright but exhibiting some alarm in frequent chippings
though for the most })art contriving to keep in concealment.

Upon revisiting the nest. May 29, accompanied by Dr. Frederick C.
Test, I found it to contain four small, delicately marked eggs, but, as
before, the birds were shy and it was only after a considerable interval of
waiting that Dr. Test and I were able to descry the female. She kej^t to
the higher branches of the nearby trees, and while manifesting alarm in
nervous chipping, seemed indisposed to make the fearless approach
common to most of the smaller birds when their nests are threatened.

Th» nest was placed on the ground and supported by the three stems
of a small choke-cherry shrulj, to which it was not in any manner at-
tached. It was composed of oak leaves, the stems up-pointed, strips of
grape-vine bark and a few coarse grasses. The lining was of long fibres
of plant stems, brown in color, and some horse hair.

The record refers to a locality near Fort Sheridan, Lake county,
Illinois. Edward R. Ford.

THE FOX SPARROW IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS.

On December 28, 1912, while out on a bird "hunt," my brother and
I noticed a bird flying along a hedge before us. At first we thought
it was a brown thrasher, but soon we found our error and identified it
as a fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca). We soon noticed that it was
in some way crippled, and at last we saw that its right wing was not
fully develojied. It was alile to fly short ilistances easily and avoided
capture.

During the winter we saw it again on February 16, 1913, with a
companion of the same species, so that our fears for its surviving the
winter were allayed. It was easily identified as the same individual we
had before seen by its wing. On February 23, 1913, it was again seen

106 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 87

with a companion, as it was again March 16. It was recorded by itself
on March 24 and 26, but with a companion on March 30. From that
date it was observed with or without a companion (which being so often
seen with him, and being somewhat lighter colored, was finally concluded
to be his mate) on the following dates: April 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 19; May 5,
8, 12, 23, 29; June 16, 25; July 12, 24; August 15; September 9 and
21. In October he was observed several times, but with others of his
kind, which we gathered, from their actions, were not only of his kind,
but of his family. Although no nest could be found, I feel certain that
this maimed bird and his mate raised a brood of young fox sparrows
in this vicinity. The birds were always found in an abandoned road-
way about a half mile from my home. I am also glad to say that our
hero's wing seemed to develop during the summer, and though not as
strong as the other nor as large, he got along very well and would take
long flights without much trouble. George E. Ekblav^.

Eantoul, 111.

NOTES FEOM HUEON, EEIE COUNTY, OHIO.

Pound a Black-bellied Plover in an oat field half a mile south of
Huron on May 24.

A pair of Prothonotary Warblers have been around Huron for several
days prospecting for a nesting place. I had always supposed that these
birds were swamp-loving birds, but this pair stay around houses. They
were trying to get into wren boxes, and yesterday (May 24) they
started building in an empty sprinkling can hung up on the back of a
house. They have been around today, but have not done any more
building. H. G. Morse, Huron, Ohio.

TWO NEW BIEDS FOE OBEELIN, OHIO.

Apparently a season of erratic weather conditions is favorable for
the appearance of extralimital species. The spring migration of 1914
in northern Ohio will be remembered for the late beginning of the first
wave of migration and for the extreme variations from normal of many
migration records of first arrival and dates for the arrival of the bulk.
The curve of migration was about sixty-five per cent abnormal. The
Carolina Chickadee made its first appearance in Oberlin and for the
general region on February 27 and remained in the village to April 21.
There was a single individual.

Bewick's Wren was taken on April 20. It has been found in the region
on three other occasions, but never before in the village.

In this connection it may be worth notice that the Hooded and Pro-
thonotary Warblers were more numerous than ever before.

Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Field Notes 107

A CANNIBAL GEACKLE.

The morning of May ;!0 in crossing the mall to the Smithsonian Insti-
tution, I noticed what appeared to be a fight between a Purple Graekle
and an English sparrow, and stopped to see the outcome. The Graekle
held the sparrow by wing or leg under its feet and peeked savagely at
the head. The fluttering sparrow escaped two or three times, but was
instantly recaptured. Presently the Graekle began swallowing the
grewsome contents of its bill obtained from the still fluttering sparrow.
I did not wait to see more, but at noon I sought the spot and found
a dead female English sparrow with the back of the head laid bare to the
skull. So far as I could see it was not injured elsewhere.

Is the Purple Graekle a bird of prey or was it a fight to the death
only, the blackbird swallowing his billsful merely to get rid of them?
Was he after a meal or after revenge f As the little corpse was covered
with ants when I found it I could not be sure whetlier the Graekle had
eaten the brains or wliether the ants had emptied the skull they now filled.

Dejt. Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Agnes Chase.

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THE

WILSON BULLETIN

No. 88.

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORXITHOLOGY
VOL. XXVI SEPTEMBER, 1914. No. 3

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVI. NEW SERIES VOL. XXI.

THE PROTHOXOTARY AVARBLER AT LAKE
OKOBOJI, IOWA.

By T. C. Stephens.

Ou July 4, 1914, our entire camp* was takeu on an excur-
sion along the southwest shore of Lake Okoboji, Iowa. At
noon the party was to eat lunch at a point on the west shore
known as Elm Crest. They had been carried in relays across
Emerson's Bay so that the first to reach the destination had
some time at their OAvn disposal before the last ones arrived.

As I came up I Avas met by Mr. H. C. Pollock Avho, Avith
evident excitement, informed me that he had seen a bird
which he thought must be a Prothonotary Warbler. I Avas
naturally a little skeptical as to the identification, but never-
theless anxious to see Avhat he had found.

We were in the immediate \ucinity of a summer cottage
OAA-ned by Mr. A. J. Goodell, Avhich had, as j'et, not been
opened for the season. It Avas surrounded by a heavy groAvth
of timber, mostly oaks. Very soon Ave heard a clear, but gentle,
"weet, weet, tveet, weet," and Mr. Pollock exclaimed, ''There
is the bird"; and it was but a moment till aa'c had our glasses
focused upon her.

'.Students of the Jlacbride (Iowa) Lakeside Laboratory.

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XEST OF inOTHOXOTARY WAUBLEit REMOVED FROM THE CAN

Thp: Pkothuxotaky Warbler 111

The head, throat, and lireast appeared to be a bright lemon
yellow (the orange tinge was not noticeable at this distance) ;
the wings and tail were dark, the former appearing to have
a distinctly bluish cast. Alcove the nearly black tip of the
tail there was a distinct band of white. The black bill was
unusually long for a warbler. As we watched a second bird
came within view.

These characters, so clearly recognized, convinced us at
once that we had, indeed, stumbled upon a pair of Prothono-
tary Warblers (Protf)notaria citrca). My next thought was
that the birds must be breeding; and after about five min-
utes' close watching, I saw one of the birds fly low and direct
to an empty tin can nailed to the trunk of a tree not more
than ten feet from the cottage. Immediate examination
revealed a single young l)ird, which was almost ready to leave
the nest.

The location of the nest Avas a thickly wooded and elevated
point of land projecting into the lake on the west shore. At
the highest elevation, l)ut scarcely over fifty feet from tlie
shore line, stood the cottage. The underbrush had been
cleared away from the front of the cottage, and at the sides
for a distance of perhaps a rod.

We now noticed tliat on the trees around the dwelling, at
intervals of ten to fifteen feet, there had been put up empty
tomato cans for the use of Ifirds — especially the house wrens,
which are so aliundant around the lake. These were mostly
at about the height of a man's uplifted hand, viz., about seven
feet. The warblers had selected one whose opening faced the
south.

The photograph will desrrilie the external appearance of
the nest site sufficiently.

Subse(iuently the nest was removed from the can for exam-
ination. Only two materials seemed to enter into its com-
position to any noticeable extent. The great bulk, or
"foundation," consisted of a tangled mass of moss. The
lining consisted of dried grass of rather coarse grade.
Roughly, the cavity of the nest measured 70 mm. in
diameter.

112 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

While we were watching the birds, the owners of the cottage
arrived for their summer sojourn. We explained to them that
the grounds were already tenanted, and found them to be
very much interested in the welfare of their distinguished
bird guests.

The next day ]\Ir. Goodell walked a good mile around the
lake shore, about noon, to tell me that the young warbler had
left the nest that morning about nine o'clock, and that the,y
Mere keeping track of its whereabouts until I could arrive.
About two o'clock the young bird was banded with the num-
ber 16291. and returned to its home — the tin can — where it
seemed perfectly contented to remain. By this procedure we
hoped to entice the parents to visit the nest and feed, in order
that we might make photographs. In this we were entirely
successful, for within five minutes one of the parents had
discovered the young and visited it with food.

The feeding visits were then continued with frequency
during the remainder of the afternoon, and we made over a
dozen exposures of the old bird in the process of feeding.
Unfortunately, all but two of the plates were underexposed.
The photograph here reproduced shows this bird in a some-
what ditferent attitude from that usually depicted in the
illustrated accounts of the species.

Usually, if undisturbed, the parent flew directly' to the
nest, alighting on the disc of tin cut out for an entrance and
bent into a horizontal position. However, if at all alarmed
the approach was made more cautiously. It would, under
such circumstances, alight on the tree trunk or small twigs
ten or fifteen feet above the nest, and descend by hopping
from twig to twig; or, hy simply clinging to the bark of the
tree, and hopping, neither backward nor head-first, but side-
wdse. Of course it is quite possible that the two methods of
approaching the nest here mentioned may have belonged to
the male and female birds respectively, but in the short time
the sexes were not distinguished.

No effort Avas made to recognize the food brought, Init in
one instance a green larva was noticed. The photograph also
shows some insect in the bird's bill.

The Prothoxotaky AVarbleu 113

It was very (evident from the old bird's actions that she was
trying to coax the young one ont of the nest. She would
remain nearby twittering and calling for a considerable time
before going to the nest to deliver the food she carried. The
young bird left the nest the following day (Monday) and
neither young nor old birds were seen again, although the
vicinity of the nest was visited a number of times later.
Although no other young were seen, it is quite likely that
the one we found was the last one of a larger brood to leave;
the nest.

The distribution of the Prothonotar}^ AVarbler in Iowa does
not seem to be fully known. It has been observed along the
Missouri river as far north as jMills county, Iowa, and pos-
sibly at 8ioux City. Its plentiful occurrence along the upper
Mississippi river is well recorded by Dr. T. S. Roberts (see
the Auk, XVI, 1899, pp. 236-246). The only published
account, apparently, of its distribution within the state of
Iowa occurs in Anderson's Birds of Iowa, from Avhich the
following paragraph may be quoted :

"It is a bird of southern distribution and is only tolerably
common along the bottom lands of the larger rivers in south-
ern Iowa. It reaches to about its northern limit on the Iowa
river in Johnson county, on the Cedar river in Blackhawk
county (Peck), and the Des Moines river in "Webster county
(Somes). Dr. Trostler reports it as a common summer resi-
dent, but becoming scarce, in Mills county on the INIissouri,
while Dr. Rich reports it as rare at Sioux City. Dr. B. H.
Bailey shot two males at Lansing, Allamakee county. Iowa, in
1904. The most northern record outside of the ]\Iississippi
bottoms was one male, seen along the Des Moines river in
Kossuth county, by W. H. Bingaman, May 20, 1901. The
liird was not taken, but identity is positive, Mr. Bingaman
having found many nests in southern Illinois."

Dr. Roberts (Auk, XVI, p. 240) refers to an "indefinite
record" for the region of Heron Lake. INIinnesota, only about
twenty-five miles directly north of Lake Okoboji, but which
he thought was a mistake in identity. I have no information
as to the authoritv for this record and am unable to judge as

PROTIIONOTARY WARBLER ABOUT TO FEED YOUXG

The Prothoxotary Warbler 115

to its value. This Okoboji record, however, Avould tend to
make the Heron Lake record probable.*

An interesting pro])leni which naturally arises is as to the
route by which these birds reached the lake region (refer-
ring solely to the Okoboji record). It is not a great distance
along tlie Des Moines river from Webster county, where the
species has ))een recorded, to the lake region. But the Des
Moines valley lies on the ea.st of the divide, while the lakes
are on the west; and there are no streams or valleys connect-
ing. The actual distance across from the Des Moines valley
to the lakes at this point ^\•ould only be about eighteen miles.

However, if the V)irds follow the river valleys strictly in
their migration (and, conse((uently, in extending their range)
we must look to the JMissouri river drainage basin for the
route of the Okolioji l)irds. From the investigations of Loucks,
Roberts, Adams, and others, it seems to be pretty well estab-
lished that the species in question is very closely restricted
to the river valleys in its movements, as well as its breeding.

The outlet of Lake Okoboji is through a chain of several
smaller lakes (including the Upper and Lower Gar lakes, and
Lake ]\Iinnewashta) into a shallow and swampy creek which
empties into the Little Sioux river about a mile below the
town of Milford. This river, after traversing the north-
western portion of Iowa, finally empties into the JMissouri
river a1)0ut midway between Sioux City and Council Bluffs.

Taking into account the ]Missouri river records above re-
ferred to, it seems very probable that the Prothonotary
Warbler has pushed up the Little Sioux valley to the lake
region of Iowa. We may, therefore, await with some interest
reports from points in the Little Sioux valle}' with reference
to this species.

The authors cited are as follows :

1. Loucks, AV. E. The Life History and Distribution of the
Prothonotary Warbler in Illinois. Bull. 111. State Lab. Nat.
Hist., IV, 1895, pp. 10-35.

* In response to an inquiry Dr. Thos. S. Roberts writes me under date of
August 21. 1914, in wliicli he states tliat the Heron Lake Record has never
been published otherwise tlian by tlie negative reference in his article above
cited. He also assures nie that his reference to the bird in this locality must
not be considered a "record." for he placed no reliance on the information
as it reached him.

116 The Wilsox Bulletin — No. 88

2. Roberts, Dr. Thos. S. The Prothouotary or Golden
Swamp Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) a Common Summer
Resident of Southeastern Minnesota. Auk, XVI. 1899. pp.
236-246.

3. Adams, C. C. The Migration Route of Kirtland's War-
bler. Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, V, 1904, pp. 14-21.

4. Anderson, R. M. The Birds of Iowa. Davenport. Iowa,
1907.

Sioux City, Iowa.

HABITS OF THE OLD-SQUAW {HARELDA HYEMA-

LIS) IN JACKSON PARK, CHICAGO.

By ED^YIN D. Hull.

INTRODUCTION.

The following notes are the result of three winters" study
of the habits of the Old-squaw in Jackson Park, Chicago, 111.,
from 1912 to 1914 inclusive. It is regretted that observa-
tions could not have been made for a few years more, and
it is conceivable that exceptions to some of the statements
contained herein might be made through additional study,
but it seems advisable to publish what observations there are,
as the stock of information concerning our waterfowl is gen-
erally conceded to be woefully deficient.

PREVIOUS LITERATURE.

I have been able to find l»ut two extensive papers on tiie
habits of this bird, both of which have been noted carefully.
In 1892 G. H. Mackay (Auk 9: 330-337. 1892) gave an
excellent account in a general way of the species in New
England, where the birds were observed almost exclusively
on salt-water. In 1913 a more intensive study was recorded
by J. G. Millais (British Diving Ducks, Vol. 1, 112-131. 1913) .
The notes here, however, relate mainly to the habits of the
species in the Old World, and likewise on salt-water. No

Habits op the Old-S(^ua\v 117

extended aeeoiiiit of the habits of the species inland seems to
have been -written, and it is in part to supply this deficiency
that tlie following notes are recorded.

ENVIRONMENT.

Jackson Park is noted for its beautiful chain of lagoons,
which bears a striking resemblance to a large river. Both
ends of the chain are connected with Lake j\Iieliigan. at the
connections being spanned by bridges. The lagoons in thi?
main are broad and fairly deep at the middle, l)ut become
very narrow in places, more especially at the several bridges.
Along the sides in shallow water are broad zones of the
crisped pondweed {Potamogeton crispns), a European plant,
not long in this region, but already exceedingly abundant and
vigorous. With this species occur a few less conspicuous
plants. Rocks have been thrown in about the edges in places.
The lake itself which borders the park on the east is shel-
tered much by a harbor and somewhat by piers built into it.
The plants, rocks and piers constitute a very favorable habitat
for immense swarms of silvery minnows (Notropis atJicri-
noidcs), which seem to be almost if not entirely the solo
source of food for the 01d-S(iuaw in this locality.

OCCURRENCE AND ABUNDANCE.

Where two or more birds are found together tliey do not
appear until severe weather sets in, and the lake is covered
more or less with ice, l)ut leaving several open places here and
there, especially about the piers, Avhere the birds are able
to obtain food. My earliest record is January 28, 1912, when
eleven were seen, and the latest February 27, 1913. when
four Avere seen. The occurrence of flocks and twos is cer-
tainly determined by the weather. Solitary individuals may
appear much earlier and remain much later. 'Sly earliest
record is December 14, 1913, and the latest :\Iay 6. 1912.
Another very late record is April 8, 1914. In two cases at
least these early or late birds appeared following a cold wave,
but they were associated with the Lesser Scaup, and in all

118 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

probability were not so much dependent on the weather as on
the migrations of the Scaups, less boreal in habit and the
most abundant ducks in this region. They may, however,
remain after the Scaups have left for the south, and also
leave ahead of the Scaups in the spring, after sojourning with
them a day or more, so that the weather plays a role even
here, but is not the only factor.

The ducks in twos or more keep to the lake or more rarely
in the harbor, and only the solitary ducks enter the lagoons,
and not then except when they occur with the Scaups. In
midwinter the lagoons are usually frozen solidly over, but
exceptions occur, so that the absence of the flocks from them
cannot be always thus explained.

The birds seem to be growing scarcer every j-ear. The size
of the flocks is decreasing rapidly, and single birds are very
common. The largest flock noted was eleven in 1912, and the
next largest six in 1913.

SOCIAL LIFE.

The birds when more than one keep to themselves, but
when isolated are (juite likely to be seen with other species,
although occasionally utterly alone. If the birds are mated
at this season of the year it is hardly possible to pick out the
pairs on account of all the birds keeping together. Further-
more, even numbers, which might indicate pairs, are not one-
half so common as odd numbers, which show, of course, at
least one unmated bird. The birds seen in twos are not paired,
either, so far as can be ascertained. Single birds have been
found associated with the Lesser Scaup and the American
Goldeneye, particularly during periods of inactivity, although
when feeding they may desert the other species. Quite often
the Scaups feed in too shallow water, as along the edges of
the lagoons, to suit the tastes of tlie Old-squaw, while the
Goldeneyes often feed in water entirely too deep. A bird seen
February 17, 1914, with a small flock of American Groldeneyes
out in the lake quite a distance from the piers left the flock
when it wanted to feed, and came to the piers, where the
water was much more shallow, but after its hunger was

Habits op the Old-Squaw 119

satisfied returned to its companions. Even when the Golden-
eyes were diving vigorously in the deeper water the Old-squaw
made no attempt to imitate them. In their association with
these other species the Old-squaws keep somewhat aloof, and
never display the same familiarity with the birds of a dif-
ferent species as do the individuals of a single species tOAvard
each other. They generally keep a certain distance away
from the birds of another species, and may even attack them
if they get too close ; similarly the birds of another species
may attack them.

FOOD.

The feeding ground is a place apart, but mainly close to
the resting ground, so that it is reached by a brief swim.
After feeding the birds return to their resting ground. When
a suitable feeding locality is once found the birds return to
it again and again, and likewise the same resting ground is
repeatedly chosen.

The food no dou])t is almost entirely animal, and would
seem to be restricted to a single species of fish, the silvery
minnow, a long slender fish which fairly swarms about the
piers and in the lagoons. The stomach of an adult female
found floating in a lagoon April 1, 1912, contained approxi-
mately 140 of these minnows, all entire, besides many fi'ag-
ments of the same fish, but no other food. The fish averaged
about two inches in length. Another fish very abundant in
this region is the yellow perch, but it is rough and spiny,
and is no doubt avoided, as so much better food can be had.
AVhether any vegetable food is utilized is uncertain. An adult
male was seen to be nibbling along the sides of a bit of loose
piling, as if scraping off algae, but this may not have been
the case.

The food is swallowed under water. Millais says concern-
ing a pair of tame birds that they swallowed pieces of food
smaller than a minnow below usually, Avhile larger pieces
w^ere brought to the surface and vigorously shaken. I have
yet to see, however, any bringing of food to the surface of
the water.

120 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

DIVING.

Millais says that iu diving- thej' use the feet only, but
according to Chapman after Towusend they use their Avings
(Birds of Eastern North America, p. 198, 1912). My owji
observations confirm those of Townsend. March 13, 1914, I
Avas fortunate in witnessing the diving of an exceedingly tame
bird about the piers. In this bird the movement of the wings
was very plainly visible for some time as it dived obliquely
in the clear water.

In all but one instance the birds spread their wings and
disappear almost immediately, but the bird of March 13, 1914,
just noted, adopted a much more leisurely method. It first
put its head under water, then moved forward a feAV feet
with wings folded, then flapped its wings a few times, moving
forward all the while, and finally disappeared beneath the
surface. In feeding this action was invariable in all the
observations made. When frightened, however, this bird dove
as quickly as any other. The diving as observed in this bird,
as I have stated, was in a very oblique direction. The bird
started many feet out, diving towards the pier, and on reach-
ing it turned and worked along the pier for some distance
before rising to the surface. Once it was seen to dash just
beneath the water for the pier, and on reaching it come at
once to the top. In diving much splashing is made, which
is not the case in a duck which dives with folded wings, as
in the Lesser Scaup. The time spent under water was noted
in nineteen instances, the maximum being twenty-five seconds,
minimum ten seconds, average about eighteen seconds. Food
was probably easily obtained, however, and the water rela-
tively shallow. No doubt a much longer time could be
endured. Millais gives the usual time as being from thirty
seconds to one minute.

VOICE.

In flocks the Old-squaws are noisy birds, as noted by
]\Iackay, and their cries are adequately described by him.
I have found single birds, however, with but one exception,
absolutelv silent. The single exception was the bird occur-

Haljits op the Old-Squaw 121

ring- Avitli the Goldeneyes February 17, 11)14, cited under
''Social Life." This bird in leaving its companions for the
piers to feed, on its way called a few times at fairly definite
intervals, a subdued call of two notes, best described, perhaps,
as 0-0 nc. The significance of this brief cry could not be
determined with certainty. It was noted that the bird in
going to its feeding ground was alert, so that this call may
have indicated a slight alarm.

FLIGHT.

IMrds in flocks are often very active, but single birds are
inclined to fly very little if at all. Even Avhen badly fright-
ened they will try to escape by diving instead of taking wing.
In spring, hoAvever, when they are about to depart for the
north, they become more active. The bird seen April 8, 1914,
took wing Avheu scared, and another seen March 22, 1914,
would sometimes fly from its feeding ground about the piers
farther out into the lake, Avhere it rested. But ordinarily
single birds will not fly even AA'hen the other ducks Avitli which
they are associated take flight. This unwillingness to fly
would seem to bear no relation to age, for a bird which could
not be induced to take flight under any circumstances was
an adult male upon which I made observations from Decem-
ber 14 to December 28, 1913 (see Auk 31: 244, 245. 1914).
According to Millais, however, j^oung birds will not rise on
their first arrival from the north, differing in this respect
from the adults.

BATHING.

Bathing is not undertaken except after diving for food,
and in one instance, where the bird made a single dive, no
bathing followed at all. Occasionally after feeding the bird
delays bathing in order to preen, but more often preening
follows bathing. In cases of prolonged feeding bathing may
take place at different intervals, a period of diving being fol-
lowed by a period of bathing. Once after a bird had bathed
it climbed out on a bit of piling, and on getting oft' bathed
again. Bathing very seldom takes place on the feeding

1^2 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

ground, the action being delayed until the resting place is
reached. In one instance, however, a bird was seen to bathe
Avhile coming from its feeding ground.

Bathing is a very leisurely process at first, being merely a
dipping of the head under water, but soon increases in vigor,
being accompanied by much flapping of M'iugs and splashing
of water, followed in all instances by preening, whether or
not a preliminary preen was undergone before bathing com-
menced. In only one instance was bathing so vigorous as to
carry the bird completely under the surface.

DRINKING.

Drinking takes place but seldom, only two instances having
been noted. The bird seen from December 14 to December
28, 1913, was seen to drink twice in rapid succession about
40 minutes after feeding, and another very hungry bird seen
March 13, 1914, was correspondingly thirsty, drinking again
and again between dives, often several times in succession.
Occasionally, however, the bill was merely dipped in the
water, the head not being thrown back nor the swallowing
reflex taking place afterward. Probabl}^ in most cases enough
water is taken in with the food.

PREENING.

Preening alwaA^s takes place after bathing, and occasionally
before, as I have said, and also at various intervals through-
out the day. The belly feathers are not given the same
attention that the other feathers are. In one instance the
bird would not preen these feathers until after it had climbed
out on a piling, and in another case the bird stood on its tail
in the water in the manner cited by IMillais. These were the
only instances noted, while the feathers of the back and sides
undergo a thorough preening continuously.

PERCHING.

While the birds never come out on the shore, keeping
strictly to the water, a bit of piling stuck in the bottom of

The Kentucky Warbler 123

a lagoon in a slanting direction, with only a portion of the
top out of water, was made much use of by one bird to preen
and rest. AVhile on the piling, however, the bird Avas always
more or less alert, seeming to realize that it w<is not alto-
gether in its proper element, and althougli it would squat
down after a while it was never seen to go to sleep, at least
it never put its head under its wing, as it did so often in
other situations, although the head was often di-awn down
snugly between the shoulders.

MORTALITY.

My observations on this point agree very closely with those
of Mackay, the deaths happening to females and immature
males. Along the south shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana
side, I have seen a few dead adult males, but in every instance
the bodies were so torn by gulls that the cause of death could
not be determined. March 31, 1914, I found an adult male on
the beach at Jackson Park, in good condition, but with very
little fat. There were no wounds apparent except a liad one
on the back, which was probal)l>' made by a gull, Avhich bird
may have been the cause of the Old-squawk's deatlL although
it does not appear likely. Dead birds have been found in
all winters except that of 1912-1913, the mildest of all. But
not even in the severest winters have I found a l)ii-d that was
starved to skin and bones, although besides the adult male
just referred to, none of them possessed any fat.

THE KENTUCKY WARBLER IX COLUMBLAXA
COUNTY.

By H. W. We:isgerber, Salem, Ohio.

I am fully convinced that the Kentucky AVarbler is tirmly
establishing itself along the northern boundry of Columbiana
County, for a bird could scarcely appear for three successive
years in a given locality and not continue to do so. provided,
of course, that conditions remained the same.

SITE OF KEXTIX'KV WAltBLERS NEST

Till' iii'ST is on the .i;i-iMiiid bcm nth the stick, .'is inrliintril hy vivr]

The Kp:ntucky Warbler 125

My first experience with the species was on May 5, 1907,
which was during tlie early years of my bird study career.
But l)efore going- on I wish to relate a rather funny incident
with that first observation. It was on a lovely Sundaj^ after-
noon and T had gone to the woods — just for a walk and with-
out my opera glasses — not expecting to find anything rare.
I found the bird nnder the thick cover of brush in a low, wet
spot in the woods. Across my path lay a large, partly
decayed hickory log with a few short stubs of limbs still upon
it. The bird was feeding about the earth-bank that still hid
the bnried roots, and in order to get a better view of it I
stepped upon the log and then leaned rather heavily with
my left hand upon one of the decayed limbs. Well, suddenly,
and without warning, the limb gave way and I found myself
astride the log, looking m the opposite direction from where
the bird was feeding. As might be expected, the bird flew
away and I failed to find him again.

It Avas in the height of the migration season of 1912 that
I again saAv him ; this time in woodland nearer the city, I
listed him several times during the "season," after which I
did not visit the woods until fall. I had the same experience
with him during the "season" of 1913, and while I suspected
a breeding pair, I never found more than one bird — the
male for he was in song.

During the 1914 "season" I had a collaborator, Mr. J. F.
]Machwart, of the high school faculty, whose great desire was
to ""list" a Kentucky Warbler, and very fortunately he found
it on a rainy morning when I was not wdth him. I listed
the bird the next morning and about every other morning
during the "season." It was some time after the migration
season that Mr. Maciiwart reported that he had seen a Ken-
tucky Warbler with nesting material in her beak and that she
was very much concerned about his presence.

On the afternoon of June 13th I was "hunting" with a
caiuei-a. and while waiting for a Red-eyed Yireo to return to
her nest a pair of Kentucky Warblers were greatly excited.
This was the first time that I had ever seen a pair.

After she had disappeared in a brush pile she went to the

TWO YOUNG KENTUCKY WARBLERS IN NEST
Photo by II. W. Welsgerher, Salem, Oliio

The Kenticky AVarblkr 127

nest with food. Then it was found out that 1 had been
sitting within 10 feet of her nest and onee during that time
she liad perched upon the stick al)ove the ne.st. I did not see
it (hiring my first hunt for it. At tliis time the young birds
were only a few days old and S(iuii'ined so much that they
spoiled the negative of the nest.

I notified Mr. George L. Fordyce, of Youngstown, Ohio, of
my find, and on the 18th he and ]Mr. John L. Young came to
Salem and got to see the old and young birds. At this time,
too. I obtained the negative of the young in the nest, for
they were old enough to remain perfectly quiet.

On the next visit to the place the nest was empt^^ and I
trust that the young made a safe getaway. Later I got the
nest and brought it home. It is a rather bulky affair com-
pjosed of dead leaves, the most of which no doubt were on
the ground and were simply pushed aside, while the nest
proper is composed of wild grapevine bark, grass and rootlets
with a lining of very fine rootlets and many horse hairs.

Prof. Wells W. Cooke, of the biological survey, in acknowl-
edging my report says: "You are to be congratulated on
finding the nest of the Kentucky warbler. It is a very rare
bird in northeastern Ohio. We have probably six or ten
records of it at different times and places, but no actual
finding of the nest. ' '

And here's a wish that they may continue to come and
multiply and spread over adjacent districts so that other
observers may list them. And in concluding may I suggest
that the casual observer look closely at what he thinks are
i\Iaryland yellowthroats that he finds in the thick underbrush
of the woodlands, and follow up all "oven-bird" songs that
sound the least bit off tune? I verily believe that many
observers have missed the Kentucky warbler on the two above
suggestions.

128 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

SPRING MIGRATION (1914) AT HOUSTON, TEXAS.
By George Finlay Simmons.

For several j'ears past, the writer has taken a particular
interest in the migratory movements of the more common
birds at Houston, Harris County, in southeastern Texas. Dur-
ing the spring migration of 1914, he made semi-weekly one-
day trips into the woodlands and fields within a mile or two
of the city limits with the special object of ascertaining as
near as possible what relation, if any, existed between bird
migration at Houston and the sudden changes of weather at
that point.

It is to be regretted that trips could not be made each day
during that season and the exact dates of arrival and depar-
ture ascertained. But the results obtained satisfy the writer
that, as Prof. Wells W. Cooke has already stated,^ local
weather conditions on the day of arrival are minor factors iji
determining the appearance of a species at that place and
time, and that the major factors in the problem are th(3
weather conditions far to the southward, where the night's
flight began.

The writer does find, however, that local weather condi-
tions greatly affect the dates of departure of our migrants for
their more northern summer homes, thus further strengthen-
ing the theor}^ set forth in the last clause of the preceding
paragraph.

Faunal Position. — Harris County, of which Houston is the
county seat, lies well within the semitropic or Gulf strip of
the Austroriparian zone of southeastern Texas. Houston
lies on Buffalo Bayou in the southeast-central part of the
county.

With very few exceptions, the notes were all taken on the
south side of Buffalo Bayou, a coastal prairie region Avith few
farms or ranches ; the only timber in this section lies in strips
from a quarter to a half mile Avide along Buffalo and Bray's

1 CookP. "Wells W. The Relation of Bird Jligration to the AA'eather. Auk,
Vol. XXX, April, 1013, pp. 1'05-221. Cf. first parag-raph, p. 20.-,.

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 129

Bayous, both of which How eastward toward Galveston Bay,
the latter skirting the city on the south and joining the former
a few miles to the east. The remainder of the country is
flat, uncultivated prairie, sprinkled with small ponds or
grassy marshes.

A line drawn nortli and south through Houston Avould be
the center of the United Stat(^s; the city itself is a little
south of New Orleans, Louisiana, and St. Augustine. Florida,
and more than 200 miles south of California's southern
boundary.

The majority of the walks were taken in two directions;
the first to the west of the city along the Buffalo Bayou
woods, the timber to the right and the prairie to the left, and
the second to the south of the city, passing Bray's Bayou and
its narrow strips of timber just after leaving Houston, and
then across the extensive prairie to Taylor's Ranch. Ti/o miles
south of Houston.

Weather Conditions. — It would Ix' far too tedious and of
no especial value to go into details of the weather conditions,
but before the reader can realize the truth of Prof. Cooke's
theories as seconded by this paper, he must appreciate the
unusual conditions Avhich accompanied the migration.

January was 4.9° warmer than is usual for this month, the
mean temperature being 58°, with the lowest at 32' and high-
est at 79°.

February was 1.4° warmer than is usual, tlie mean for
the month being 53°. Notwithstanding the fact that this con-
dition occurred, on seven days the mercury dropped suddenly
to 32°, on the 7th falling to 24°, the coldest day of the whole
winter.

On the other hand, March was 4.2° colder than usual, the
mercury ranging from 36° to 80°, with a meaDi of 59°.

The mean temperature for April was 68°, 1.7° below the
general average; lowest 38° and highest 86°.

Although the winter was quite dry, the whole of the migra-
tion season was unusually rainy, and during the early part
of May the region was nearly flooded by the unusually heavy
downpours. When one takes into consideration that, though

130 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

over 50 miles from the Gnlf of Mexico, Houston's altitude is
but 53 feet, and that the country is flat and the drainage
bad, one can understand how unfavorable to the student of
birds were the general weather conditions. For weeks after
even the slightest shower water stands in the woodlands and
on the prairies, making it almost impossible during the rainy
season to leave the graded roads.

The Migration. — Houston lies in the "fly-line" of birds
which skirt tiie western coast of the Gulf o£ Mexico, follow-
ing the tropical and semitropical coast regions northward,
and proceed up the Mississippi Valley and across the great
plains. Furthermore, it catches many of the migrants
which reach the ITnited States by flying across the Gulf of
]\Iexico.-

Generally during the last week of Febrviary migrating
Blackbirds, ]\ieadowlarks and Graekles are observed, but this
year on account of the unsettled condition of the weather none
were noted until the first of March. In fact, only one migrant
was noted before March 1, the Purple Martin. It Avas first
observed February 22, but retreated immediately and was not
seen again until the return of real spring Aveather, about
March 15.

Though the season was late in commencing, and the weather
colder than usual, when it did start it came with a rush, for
the greater part of the migrants arrived slightly earlier. The
colder weather and excessive rains, especially in the early
part of JMay, seemed to have the efl^ect of detaining for a
longer period the birds which summer north of the region
under consideration.

Few water birds were noted, for I had not the time to
make extensive trips into the wilder sections of the county.

The following list graphically illustrates the migration of
1914 at Houston, the species being arranged according to the
order of their arrival from the south :^

-' The onlv papers on the birds of the region are:

Nehrling, H. List of Birds Observed at Houston, Harris County, Texas,
and Vicinity, and in the Counties Montgomery, Galveston and Fort Bend. Bull.
Nutt. Orn. Club, Vol. VII, 1882, 3 parts.

Singlev, .J. A. Notes on the Birds of Galveston Island. Texas Birds,
Report of Texas Geol. Survey, Austin, 1893, pp. 3.55-363.

"■ S. R. denotes summer resident.

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 131

Arrival. Departure.

Feb. 22. Purple Martin S. B.

March 1. Sprague 's Pipit March 28

March 14. Mississippi Kite S. R.

March 14. Sycamore Warbler S. R

March 15. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher S. R.

March 21. Upland Plover May 7

March 21. Swallow-tailed Kite S. R.

March 21. Crested Flycatcher S. R.

March 21. Black and White Warbler April 18

March 21. Western Parula Warbler May 7

March 21. Northern Yellow-throat May 12

March 21. Wood Thrush S. R.

March 23. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher S. R.

March 24. Chimney Swift S. R.

March 26. Bank Swallow May 10

March 26. Rough-winged Swallow May 7

March 28. Ruby-throated Hummingbird S. R.

March 28. Kingbird S. R.

March 28. Yellow-throated Yireo S. R.

March 28. White-eyed Yireo S. R.

March 28. Cerulean Warbler April 21

March 28. Black-throated Green Warbler May 16

March 28. Hooded Warbler May 9

March 28. Redstart May 9

March 29. Florida Red-wing S. R.

March 29. Red-eyed Yireo S. R.

March 30. Cliff Swallow May 2

4. Least Bittern S. R.

4. Swainson 's Hawk April 4

4. Whippoorwill ^ . . . . April 11

4. Summer Tanager S. R.

4. Prothonotary Warbler S. R.

4. Orange-crowned Warbler May 3

4. Yellow-breasted Chat S. R.

5. Baltimore Oriole April 11

11. Green Heron S. R.

11. Solitary Sandpiper May 16

11. Wood Pewee S. R,

11. Orchard Oriole S. R.

11. Painted Bunting S. R.

11. Scarlet Tanager May 2

11. Blue-winged Warbler April 11

1 1. Nashville Warbler May 9

11. Kentucky Warbler May 10

April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April
April

132 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

Dcparttire.

Gliuek-will 's-widow S. E.

Blue Grosbeak S. E.

Magnolia Warbler May 16

Barn Swallow S. E.

Worm-eating Warbler April 15

Yellow-billed Cuckoo . . . < S. E.

Least Flycatcher May 10

Indigo Bunting May 16

Yellow Warbler May 23

Grinnell 's Water Thrush May 9

Catbird May 10

Olive-backed Thrush May 9

Florida Nighthawk S. B.

Green-crested Flycatcher S. E.

Diekscissel S. E.

Ovenbird April 19

Virginia Eail May 2

Sora Eail May 9

Black Eail. April 21

Blaekburnian Warbler May 2

Wilson 's Warbler May 2

Willow Thrush May 9

Bobolink May 2

Eose-breasted Grosbeak April 26

Chestnut-sided Warbler April 26

Maryland Yellow-throat S. E.

Canada Warbler May 9

Bay-breasted Warbler May 2

White-rumped Saudi:>iper May 10

The following list gives the M'inter resident species and the
dates on which they were last seen :

Short-eared Owl March 28

Fox Sparrow March 28

Bewick 's Wren March 28

Short-billed Marsh Wren March 28

Brown Creeper March 28

Sparrow Hawk March 29

Tree Swallow March 29

White-rumped Shrike March 30

Sapsucker April 4

Phoebe April 4

Eed-winged Blackbird April 4

Arrival.

April

3 2.

April

12.

April

12.

April

13.

April

15.

April

18.

April

18.

April

18.

April

18.

April

18.

April

18.

April

18.

April

19.

April

19.

April

19.

April

19.

April

21.

April

21.

April

21.

April

21.

April

21.

April

21.

April

26.

April

26.

April

26.

May

2.

May

2

May

2.

May

9.

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 133

Goldeu-erowned Kinglet April 4

Marsh Hawk April 11

Slate-eolored Junco April 11

White-breasted Nuthatch April 11

Hermit Tliriish April 11

Northern Flicker April 26

White-erowued Sparrow April 26

Pipit April 26

Brown Thrasher April 26

Eobiu April 26

Kuby-crowned Kinglet May 2

Brewer 's Blackbird May 3

White-throated Sparrow May 3

Towhee May 3

Ijark Bunting May 3

Myrtle Warbler May 3

Western House Wren May 3

REMARKS ON CERTAIN SPECIES OBSERVED.

In the foregoing condensed migration report there are a
few species that need explanation. In addition to these,
there were species which could not be classified. For that
reason this section is added.

Several species sul)specifically doubtful have not yet been
positively determined. Hylocichla fusccscens salicicola might
be 11. f.fuscescens (Veery). It is not certain that Sitta caro-
linensis carolinensis is the form of White-breasted Nuthatch
that winters in southeastern Texas, but it is presumedly so.
Gcothlijpis trichas trichas occurs as a summer resident, and
G. t. hrachidactyla as a migrant ; I watched carefully the sum-
mer resident haunts of the bird and noted the day it was
first observed there, giving that date as the arrival of G. t.
trichas and considering all other birds as migrants and be-
longing to G. t. hrachidactyla.

1. Larus franllini. Franklin's Gull. — April 18 a scattered flock of
these Gulls was noted flying high overhead about a half mile west of
the city. Eighteen were in sight at one time, some moving northward
with slow, easy Aving strokes, while others were floating, circling and
shifting back and forth. During the course of that day I observed
no less than eighty. On the 19th a few more were noted as they
passed over the city. None were again seen until ^lay C, on which

134 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

day a flock of some thirty birds passed over the city. A third and last
flight was witnessed on May 16, composed of perhajis seventy of these
graceful birds.

2. Branta canadensis Jmtchinsii. Hutchin's Goose. — While walking
along a shell road just west of the city on April 18, I was extremely
surprised to observe a Goose of this species fly up from the prairie about
two hundred feet from the road and go flapping off to the south, at no
time rising over fifteen feet above the ground. It was probably due
to my careless method of observation that I had not observed the bird
before it took wing, for the only shelter in the prairie pasture from
whence it flew was the scattered growth of ' ' sage-brush ' ' hardly a
foot tall.

Both B. c. canadensis and B. c. Imtcliinsii occur as migrants and are
not uncommon in winter. Small flocks of from ten to thirty birds passed
over the city on various dates in March and early April (March 3, 9,
11, 27; April 4).

3. Grus mexicana. Sandhill Crane. — On March 10 a flock of about
thirty, and on March 18 a flock of eighteen, were noted as they passed
northward over the western edge of the city. On April 11 I witnessed
a truly astonishing flight. I was observing a number of small Warblers
in a patch of tall oaks on the edge of the Buffalo Bayou Avoods about a
mile west of the city limits, when my attention was attracted by strange
noises which I could not for the moment locate. And then I discovered
the source, a flock of about seventy Sandhill Cranes flying northward
about a hundred yards overhead; following this flock at a distance of
about three hv;ndred yards came a second and larger flock, numbering
perhaps two hundred birds. Yet a third flock followed at some distance,
numbering approximately one hundred and twenty birds.

4. Creciseus jamaicensis. Black Kail. — On April 21, while beating
around in the sedge and tall grass of a tiny marsh about eight miles
south of Houston, looking for nests of the Louisiana Clapper Eail, I
nearly stepped on a small Eail which I at first took to be an early downy
bird of the Clapper variety. However, I soon recognized my mistake
and saw that the bird was the rare Black Eail; it ran just ahead of me
through the reeds and rushes for quite a distance, easily evading my
attempts to lay hands on it, until the edge of the marsh was reached,
there taking wing and flying about a hundred yards before dropping into
the next marsh.

The only other record for this region is that of Dr. Henry Nehrliug,
who states that one was taken April 29, 1879.

5. Gallinago delicata. Wilson's Snipe.- — Common winter resident on
the wet prairies and rice fields of the county; they began to move north-
ward about March 1, and were not at all uncommon in suitable localities
near the city from then until May 2, when the last two birds were
observed. They were most abundant and more distinctly migrating on

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 135

April 18, when inimbeis wei-e observed feeding along a shallow ditch
just west of Houston.

6. Fisohia maculata. Pectoral Sandpiper. — Quite a rare migrant on
the wet prairies and rice fields, but scarce near the city. Between March
7 and May 2, a few were noted feeding along the shillow ditch men-
tioned above, and a few in small flocks on the wet prairies.

7. PiscoMa fuscicollis. White-rumped Sandpiper. — May 9 a small
flock was noted on a small stretch of prairie just northeast of the
city, and the following day (May 10) on visiting the prairie west of the
city I observed numerous small flocks. That locality was well within
the city limits and but a short distance from the edge of the residence
district. Flock after flock passed and repassed me, their white rumps
standing out j^lainly as they wheeled this way and that.

8. Pisobia mimdiUa. Least Sandpiper. — Three were observed April
18, in company with a few Solitary Sandpipers along the small ditch
previously mentioned.

9. Elanoidcs forficaius. Swallow-tailed Kite; and

10. Ictinia misisippiensis. Mississippi Kite.— These two Kites, though
listed as summer residents, should more properly be stated to occur
irregularly during summer, for they are both very rare. Whenever noted,
the birds were seen singly and sailing rapidly overhead on motionless
Viings.

11. Biilco phituplerus. Broad-winged Hawk.— From the few records
I have, I can hardly state just how the bird occurs. Generally they are
only noted during the spring migration, and then only rarely. This year
(1914) one was noted on the edge of the Buffalo Bayou woods west of
the city on March 21, and another in about the same locality April 18.

12. Asio wilsonianus. Long-eared Owl.— This year I had the pleasure
of examining an odoriferous specimen of this bird shot March 19 in the
deep woods on Buffalo Bayou a few miles west of the city, and called
to my attention two days later by the negro who caused the avieide,
though not until the body had been shorn of its wings and consigned to
the scrap heap. This is my second record for the region.

13. CJiordeiles virginianus chapmani. Florida Nighthawk. — The migra-
tion of Nighthawks during my five years in the vicinity of Houston has
been of particular interest to me because of the regularity of first
arrivals. My belief that they arrive each year on the 19th of April has
thus far held true, on that day a single bird being seen as it flew high
over the city. For the first few days they were only noted by ones
and twos. And then on the 24th came a closely packed flock, numbering
about thirty birds, which flew low over the city and disappeared to the
north. A few days later another such flock was observed. By the last
of May the last straggling migrants had passed, leaving only our
summer resident birds.

14. CJiaetnra pclagica. Chimney Swift. — My dates for the first

136 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

arrivals of Chimney Swifts at Houston for the past four years range
from March 26 to 30, averaging March 29. This year (1914) two birds
were observed on March 24. The next were noted on the 26th, but the
birds did not become common until the 28th; after that they were seen
each day, being common summer residents about the city.

15. ArcMlochus colubris. Euby-throated Hummingbird. — Prof. H. P.
Attwater first observed the Hummers in his garden in the city on March
28, but it was not until the 30th that I noted my first. By April 4 they
were fairly common and remained so until about May 2, when the migra-
tion apparently ceased, leaving a very few birds as rare and irregular
summer residents.

16. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink. — Houston does not fall within
the ' ' fly-line ' ' of the Bobolink, but a few are generally noted during
each migration. This year two males were noted on the edge of the
Buffalo Bayou woods about a mile west of the city on April 26. On
May 2, four males and two females were observed on the south side
of the city.

17. Molothrus ater ater. Cowbird. — During the winter months small
flocks are not unconnnon on the prairies near the city. About March 30
the last wintering flocks were observed, leaving only the summer resident
birds. Whether these summer birds are M. a. ater or M. a. obscurus
(Dwarf Cowbird) has Aot yet been determined, though I feel sure they
are the latter.

18. Xanthocepliulus xanilioceplmlus. Yellow-headed Blackbird. —
Evidently quite rare in late years, for my only record for the past winter
and spring is April 5, when three of these birds were noted in a small
marshy spot near Webster, a station some 20 miles from Houston in
the southeastern part of the count}'.

19. Sturnella magna argutuUi. Southern Meadowlark. — In several
localities about the city Meadowlarks are not uncommon all winter, and
though I have not determined by collecting the birds, I am convinced
that they are S.m. magna, S. m. argutula and S. neglecta, the former
j^robably predominating.

March 1 the first migrating Meiulowlarks were noted; during the whole
of March flocks of considerable numbers were continually passing north-
ward. By the end of that month the migration dwindled and the last
straggling migratory flock was observed on April 4, after which date
only the summer resident birds remained. Migrants and summer res-
idents are S. m. argutula.

20. Eiiphagus carolinus. Eusty Blackbird. — This migrant Blackbird
seems to become more common year by year. First arrivals (1914) noted
March 1, after which date they were the most abundant of all the birds.
Throughout the month they weie migrating northward, and the last
were observed April 5. During this period they were abundant in flocks
on all prairie lands, especially to the west of the city, where I often

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 137

observed large droves following plows in company with the Brewer's
Blackbird and two Grackles.

21. Qniscalus quiscula acncus. Bronzed Grackle. — Quite rare in
winter, arriving in large numbers with the preceding species on March
1. Throughout March and early April they were migrating through,
after which period only the summer residents remained.

22. Astragaliiius iriHtis tristis. Goldfinch. — Fairly common migrant
and not uncommon in winter; migration apparently commenced about
March 15 and ended April 25, when the last birds were noted. During
this migration period the birds were not uncommon in and about the
shade trees of the city.

23. Spinus pinu-'^. Pine Siskin. — Quite a scarce and irregular winter
visitor in this locality. None were noted from December, 1913, to
March 28, 1914; on that date a flock of twenty was observed in a small
patch of woods on the western edge of the city. Later during the day
three more were noted. May 9 a few were observed in the woods on
Buffalo Bayou about seven miles east of the city, and on May 23 a
flock of six was noted.

24. Pooecetes gramineus gramineus. Yesper Sparrow. — Abundant
migrant and scarce winter resident. Migration commenced March 1, and
during the whole of March the birds were abundant in small flocks on
the prairies and near the woods on Buffalo Bayou. Last observed
April 4.

25. Passercnhis sandicichensis saranna. Savannah Sparrow. — 1 was
under the impression that both this form and P. s. alaudinus occurred
in this locality, but a number of skins were sent Mr. Oberholser, and he
kindly identified them for me as P. s. savanna.

Common migrant. The first were observed April 4, were common
during April and were last observed May 2. They were observed in the
newly planted shade trees of a pra'irie suburb on the western edge of
the city, and were later (after April 4) observed on the open prairies
in flocks of some numbers.

26. Ammodramus savonnarum himaculatus. Western Graf-shopper
Sparrow. — On March 14 Prof. Huxley and myself observed for some
time a small Sparrow which we could not at the time identify, but w-hich
was later found to be this bird. But it was not until May 17 that I
really became acquainted with the birds; that day Mr. L R. Tannehill,
an Ohio ornithologist, kindly accompanied me afield for the particular
purpose of ascertaining whether or not the birds occurred near Houston.
I felt sure they occurred, but that on account of their inconspicuousness
I had overlooked them. Show them to me he did, and it did not take me
long to find them common on all weedy prairies near the city, particularly
those to the west, where they are summer residents.

27. Chondestes grammacuft strigatus. Western Lark Sparrow. — Com-
mon summer resident; a few winter and in migrations a few are noted in

138 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

flocks, of Pipits aud Vesper Sparrows, feeding among the broom weeds
on old plowed fields near the edges of timber. Summer residents arrived
March 21, and were apparently settled down and ready for nesting
March 28.

28. Spisclla passerina passerina. Chipjiing Sparrow. — Scarce winter
resident in the vicinity of Houston, and generally observed in clearings
and along the edges of timber. Large flocks migrating northward
during February and March. Quite rare in April. Last noted May 10,

29. Spizella pusilla pusilla. Field Sparrow. — Not uncommon winter
resident; small flocks migrating northward during March. Last observed
April 18.

30. Melospisa melodia melodia. Song Sparrow.- — A few winter in
thickets near the city, but they are very shy and diflieult to observe.
Generally during migrations we see large flocks as early as February 1 ;
but this year, on account of the imusual cold of February, none were
observed until March 1. During March scattered flocks were migrating,
the birds being particularly common from the Sth to the 14th. A few
noted on April 11, and the last, a flock of eight, on April 21. During
migrations these birds leave their usual haunts and arc soon in flocks
on the prairies near edges of timber.

31. Zamelodia ludm-iciana. Eose-breasted Grosbeak. — Two males on
April 26 form my only record for this locality. They were in a small
pear orchard of a farm several miles west of the city, and on being
closely approached took refuge in a nearby thicket.

32. Eirundo erythrogastra. Barn Swallow. — This Swallow is listed in
the condensed migration report as a summer resident, for the reason
that nearly every summer a few are noted. This year they were common
and migrating during the latter part of April and early May, but none
were seen after May 30.

33. Stelgidopicryx serripeniiis. Rough -winged Swallow. — The last of
these Swallows were noted May 7. Though I have heretofore recorded
but few during the summer months, I am told by several competent
observers that they occur cjuite regularly and breed in sand banks of
Buffalo Bayou and Galveston Bay.

34. Bombycilla cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. — None were observed dur-
ing the winter and I had feared they were victims of pot hunters, when
on March 1 I was surprised to note a flock of about fifty of these
birds in the wocds on Buffalo Bayou west of Houston. On March 8
Prof. J. S. Huxley and myself observed a flock of thirty-five on Bray 's
Bayou.

On the 15th of March Mr. W. W. Westgate and myself observed
numerous small companies in the cut-over timber lands on White Oak
Bayou, north of the city. Generally the birds Avere to be observed sitting
quietly in the topmost branches, their short tails, folded wings and crests
giving them a rather conical appearance. Then one would fly and the

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Tex. 139

rest would straggle after, reminding us of a flock of Bluebirds. Their
thin, beady, pulsating notes (pee-ee-ec-ee-ee, reminding one of the
screeching of a bearing that needs a visit of the oil-can) were almost
continually heard while we were in that locality.

During the last of March a few more were observed, and a few during
April, but rarely. Last observed May 9.

35. Naiunis hiemalis hiemalis. Winter Wren. — On March 28, while
wandering through the woodlands on Buffalo Bayou about a mile west
of the city, I observed a single bird of this species in a tangled brush
heap in a. mixed portion of the woods where there was nuich underbrush.
Though I watched it for some time, the bird w^as not heard to utter
a sound.

On visiting the locality April 4 I again observed the bird, or an-
other of the same species, and remained for some time to observe it.
Finally it left the brush heap and crept out on an old pine log nearby,
and, much to my surprise, sang a very pretty little song, reminding me of
the song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, though not of such a warbling
nature, containing more trills and tinkling notes.

3*3. Polioptila caerulea caerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. — To me the
191i migration of Gnatcatchers was little short of wonderful. Hereto-
fore they have been quite scarce, even during migrations, and were
always observed in the tallest forest trees. This season they were
especially abundant.

On March 15, while in the cut-over timber on White Oak Bayou,
northwest of the city, Mr. Westgate and myself observed the first Gnat-
catcher of the season. We were watching a number of Myrtle Warblers
feeding, when near at hand we heard a familiar twanging note, very
thin and purring, sounding like the sping of a .22 rifle. We soon located
the bird, a male, in the branches of an oak near at hand.

Tliat afternoon five males and two females were observed.

On March 21 I walked westward from the city along the edge of the
timber which borders Buffalo Bayou on the south. Gnatcatchers were
everywhere, attracting attention by their peculiar call note. Anywhere
and everywhere I observed them : in the deepest parts of the woods, on the
lower branches of trees, on the edges of clearings and woods, and even
on the ground. Numbers were observed on the barbed wires of the
fences along the country road. They were not at all shy, frequently
allowing me to approach within two or three feet of them. On one
occasion in a small clearing in the timber I was watching a Downy
Woodpecker tapping on a dead bough in a pile of brushwood on the
ground, when a pair of Gnatcatchers lit on the brush, hopped actively
about and lit on the ground. As they moved along on terra frma they
looked for the world like a pair of miniature Mockingbirds, their long
tails and general color strengthening that impression.

In the distance of less than two miles along the old road I observed

140 Thk Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

one hundred and ten of the birds, always singly or in pairs. Tliey were
never seen away from timber.

A few more were noted during the latter part of the moutli, but by the
end of March the migration had apparently ceased, leaving only a few,
a very few birds as summer residents.

37. Planesticiis migratorius migratorius. Eobiu. — A few Avinter with
us, but they are becoming scarcer year by year {via pots). Frequent
the Avoodlands along the bayous, Avhere they are very shy. On March 1
a flock of some seventy-five was observed just west of the city, by far
the largest tlock I have noted in years. Then a few on the 21st and
28th of March and the 4th of April; and on April 26th the last, two
lone birds, were observed.

THE PINE SISKIN BREEDING IN IOWA.
By W. J. Hayward and T. C. Stephens.*

The joy of seeing and identifying a new bird is exciting
and satisfying, but to find a pair of migratory birds building
a nest in a tree in your front yard, when to the best of your
knowledge the rest of the species were busy with this opera-
tion in the pine forests 500 or 1,000 miles to the north of us,
is more exciting and more interesting. When my young
neighbor, Ralph Whitmer, called my attention to a nest Mon-
day, April 13, 1914, in a pine tree 15 feet from his father's
front porch, 1 knew something unusual had happened in bird
land.

In late February and early March a new bird song more
musical than the Blue Bird's contralto carol and more inspir-
ing than the Robin's "cheerily, cheerily," had come to me on
the frosty morning air. It was a new song to me, as it not
only had in it the freshness of the first south wind of spring,
but the tenderness and sympathy of the summer bird songs
as well. A half hour of quiet study with field glass and bird
guide convinced me that ray first harbinger of spring was
the Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus). A flock of twenty-five or

* Part I by INIr. Hayward, Part II by Jlr. Stephens.

NEST OF PINE SISKIN', SIOUX CITY, IOWA

142 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

thirty of these small migrants greeted me for a week or ten
days each morning as I stood waiting for my car. They Avere
between 4i/4 and 5 inches in length. The bird might easily
be mistaken for the Goldfinch dressed in his winter suit, as
its flight is very mnch like the Goldfinch. But the difference
in the song makes the identification comparatively easy.
When my young friend visited me the evening of April 13
and told me of the nest, I asked him what the birds looked
like and he said "summer canaries." In answer to my ques-
tion regarding their feeding habits, he replied that they
seemed to eat ' ' pine cones. ' ' Having my interest thus aroused,
I went with him to the Colorado Blue spruce {Picea pugens)
tree in the yard and near the end of a limb about nine feet
from the ground was the nest. Getting a box upon which to
stand, I could look over into the nest and see the bird. 1 had
no difficulty in satisfying myself that it was the same bird
that had so gloriously entertained me two or three weeks pre-
viously. I approached the nest with my hand, pulling aside
the branches, and my hand was within six inches of the nest
before the young housekeeper hopped to a branch no more
than three inches the other side of her artistic home. This
lack of fear seemed to be a characteristic of the bird, as she
would remain on the nest when approached, no matter how
often, but, when flushed, would return very promptly after the
intruder withdrew. When the nest was first discovered April
13 it contained three eggs. These were greenish white, speckled
with reddish brown. My young friend placed a basin of fresh
water under the tree, which both male and female used as a
bath tub and drinking fountain. But they were not tempted
by the tray of bread crumbs that was invitingly placed by
the basin of water, seemingly satisfied with the bill of fare
furnished by the seeds of old and young pine cones on the
tree. Only one of the eggs hatched, but this one bird was
tenderly reared and was seen no more after May 5, Pre-
sumably it left with its fond parents for the far North on
that date and is now being shown off to admiring relatives
as an example as to just what the delightful spring air of
Northwest Iowa can do for young Pine Siskins.

The Pine Siskin Breeding in Iowa 143

Just a word about the eonstriictioii of this unusual nest.
It was of the modern Ijungalow type. The foundation was
rather loosely saddled on a pine bough about 15 inches from
its tip, and consisted of dead pine twigs and pieces of dead
weeds, grass, pieces of cord and roots were woven in to bind
the foundation more securely. Placed rather loosely upon
this was the real living apartment. This was made of finer
roots, horse hair, and cotton. It was round like the nest of
the Goldfinch, but only one-half as deep. The peculiarity of
this nest was the lack of connection between the upper part
of the nest and the lower.

On account of the rainy weather and the overhanging
branches of the tree, it was impossible to see what kind of
food was fed the young. This we regret very much. We both
are hoping, however, that this pair of Siskins found Iowa such
a hospitable state that they will want to build and breed
here next year, and then Ave will endeavor to see just what
kind of baljy food they recommend.

II.

No Pine Siskins had been observed all winter (1913-14),
by the present writer, until March 2, when four were seen
up the Big Sioux river, feeding on the seeds of the common
sunflower {Helianthvs annuus L).

They were next noted on March 16 on the college campus.
On this date a good sized flock was observed in the pine trees.
It was observed that on this date the pine cones were opening,
thus making the seeds accessible ; and upon these tlie Siskins
were feeding. Where had they been all winter, and how did
they manage to reach this spot on the very day the pine cones
opened ?

From this time on, until the third week in ]\Iay, they could
be seen daily in small flocks of from three or four to a dozen.
On April 20 thirty-one were counted in one flock, and on the
23d this same flock had increased to more than fifty indi-
viduals. This large flock was seen almost daily for about two
weeks ; but after May 4 only scattered individuals were noted,
the last record being May 21.

144 The Wilsox Tjulletin — No. 88

]\Ir. Hayward was kind enough to take me to see the Pine
Siskin's nest on April 14, and at that time I verified his
account of the behavior of the parent bird on the nest, as
given above, as well as his identification of the species. It
was not necessary to kill the bird to determine its identity.

After the brood had departed he very kindly turned the
vacated nest over to me for examination. A fuller description
of it may be desirable, since but few have had the privilege of
personal examination of the nest of this species.

In the available literature I am able to find a specific
account of the finding of only five nests (counting once the
report of several nests by Simpson, noted below).

Anderson, in The Birds of Iowa, makes no suggestion that
the species may breed in the state.

Kumlien & Hollister simply quote other observers who
affirm a belief that it may breed in Wisconsin. Cory adds no
information on this point.

Hatch leaves one to infer that he had definite knowledge
of the breeding of this species in northern Minnesota, but
he is vague on this point.

Barrows points to evidence that they were breeding in
Michigan, but states that no nest has been found. Davie says
they breed in Michigan.

Wheaton thinks they may breed in northern Ohio, but
Dawson says this is still undetermined. Bruner, Wolcott,
and Swenk think it may lireed in the pine forest region of
northwestern Nebraska.

Allen ^ refers to a nest having been found at Cambridge,
Mass., in May, 1859, but I have not been able to locate the
original account.

Fisher - records the finding of a Siskin 's nest at Sing Sing,
N. Y., on jNIay 25, 1883, which contained four eggs. This
nest was located in the top of the tree, twenty-four feet from
the ground. It measured 8 cm. (outside) by 5 cm. (depth).

Allen ^ gives a rather full account of the finding of a breed-
ing pair of Pine Siskins in Orange county, N. Y., in the spring

' Auk, IV, p. 28G.

- Bull. Nult. Orn. Club, VIII, p. 180.

' Auk, IV, p. 284.

The Pine Siskin Breeding in Iowa 145

of 1887. A nest which ho found in i^rocess of construction on
May 3 was later deserted. This one was only eight or ten feet
from the ground. However, by ^iay 12 another nest had been
constructed, and coutained four eggs. This nest was also in
a Norway pine, but about thirty-five feet high. This writer
also mentions the tameness of the sitting bird.

Ralph and Bagg * record the breeding of the Pine Siskin
at Remsen, N. Y., April 4-9, 1889.

R. B. Simpson ''' records the finding of ten nests of this
species in the hemlock forests and in the mountains of War-
ren county, Pennsylvania, during the spring of 1912. These
nests varied in height from 10 to 30 feet from the ground.
The first one was found on April 14; the others on through
the month of April.

One other record, which, however, is over the Canadian
line, is descril)ed by C. H. Morrell ^ as being found on jMarch
29, 1898. in Nova Scotia. This author describes the nest
somewhat fully, and also mentions the bird's lack of fear.

The nest referred to in Mr. Hay ward's paper possessed the
following dimensions, although, it should be noted, the meas-
urements were taken after the nest had been abandoned and
was in a more or less dilapidated condition. Outside diameter,
90 mm. ; inside diameter, 45 nnn. ; outside depth, 50 mm. ;
inside depth, 10 mm.

As Mr. Hayward says, the upper part, or superstructure,
was very loosely laid upon the foundation ; this, probably,
is not a general characteristic.

The foundation of the nest was rather loosely constructed
of coarse pine twigs, which were interwoven with string and
some silk thread. Numerous broken bits of roots and stems
(including stems of the tumble weed, Salsola Jiali var. tcnui-
folia) were used. The superstructure was composed of bits
of much finer roots and stems, intermingled with a great deal
of some sort of wool and human hair. More might ])e said of
this latter component, because of its rather unique occur-
rence. The amount of this material was considerable. Short

* Trans. OneUla Hist. Soc, XII. lOlJ. pp. IG-S.j.
' Oologist. XXIX. p. 372.
•"' Auk, XVI. 1S99, p. 2.52.

146 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

strands (40-60 mm.) of rather coarse gray hair, and longer
strands (150-200 nnn.) of somewhat finer auburn hair, seemed
to indicate two sources of material. There were a very few
still coarser black hairs, which may have been horse hairs.

The presence of this material in the Pine Siskin's nest is
of interest and significance. This bird is accustomed to nest
in localities Avhere such material is probably not available.
We find here, then, an instance of its abilit}^ and readiness
to adapt itself to new surroundings and conditions of
environment.

This pair of birds was evidently overtaken witli the breed-
ing instinct before the bulk of the species had moved north-
ward from this locality. Finding a suitable site in the spruce
trees, no doubt accentuated the developing instinct. Con-
struction was begun, and a foundation of the normal type wa.s
built from the pine twigs. Then in searching for the softer
material in the immediate vicinity, which included a human
liabitation, they came across a supply of human hair, which
they were able to recognize as suitable for their purpose.

There are, in this instance, two notcAvorthy facts. The
establishment of a record of the breeding of the Pine Siskin
in the state of Iowa ; and the interesting modifiability of habit
in response to external conditions.

Sioux City, Iowa.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds.
Official Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club.

Edited by LYNDS JONES.

PUBLISHED BY THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB, AT CHICAGO, ILL.
Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, one dollar a year, 30 cents a
number, postpaid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union,
$1.2.5 a year, 40 cents a number. Subscriptions should be sent to P. B. Coffin,
3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President: Dr. T. C. Stephens, Morniugside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president: Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Orpheus M. Schantz, 5215 West 24th St., Cicero, 111.

Treasurer : P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

Editor "The Wilson Bulletin"; Lynds Jones, Spear Laboratory, Ober-
lin, Ohio.

Business Manager: Edw. R. Ford, 1100 Great Northern Building,
Chicago, 111.

EDITORIAL

Remember the second annual meeting of tlie Wilson Ornithological
Club, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois, on December 29 and 30,
1914. The first opportunity for a gathering of ornithologists in the
central part of the United States was presented at the 1890 American
Association for the Advancement of Science held at Indianapolis. The
writer attended that meeting, where he met Mr. O. Widmann, Dr. B. W,
Evermann, Dr. A. W. Butler, Dr. Morris Gibbs and others. The next
opportunity was offered in February, 1914, at Chicago, when we met last
spring. We ought to make this tliird opportunity count big by planning
now to attend.

In anticipation of the Chicago meeting, plan to present a paper. Send
the title to the chairman of the program committee, Lynds Jones,
Oberlin, Ohio, not later than December 1, but as soon as you can. Plan
to place these papers in the hands of the editor for publication in the
Wilson Bulletin, to be published after the meeting.

148 Thk Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

There are large mimhers of oiuithologists througliout the central dis-
tricts of the United States who are not now affiliated with any organiza-
tion but who ought to be for their own sakes. Such persons would
probably be glad to join our Club if its existence and aims were made
known to them. Be a missionary and help all such known to you to find
themselves among our number this year.

There are too few short field notes. As the Wilson Bulletin grows
this lack ought to be supplied. It is an easy matter to write up a
short account of some happening worth recording, as compared with
preparing an article of some length. If written at the time of the
happening, in first draft form or in permanent form, the thing is done.
Trv it.

We regret to have to say that on account of the Pan-European war
Eev. W. F. Heuninger's work on the Ne-arctic Ornis will be indefinitely
postponed. The first part was about ready for mailing when the war
began. Mr. Henninger has our sincere sympathy in this bitter disap-
pointment.

TO MEMBERS OF THE WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB:

The next meeting of the Club will be held in Chicago on Tuesday and
Wednesday, December 29th and 30th. It is probably not possible to
select a date suitable to every one, but we have done the best we could
do, taking all things into account.

Now, we hope this will be a great meeting, and things even now point
to a large attendance. Last spring we had a very good meeting, without-
very long notice in advance. This year the notice is ample, and we hope
that every one will plan to attend who possibly can do so.

In the meantime cannot each member do a little toward strengthen-
ing our membership? It is our liojie to greatly increase our member-
ship before the next meeting. Will each member try to secure at least
one or two new members, and send to the officers the names of others
who may be solicited?

We need a larger membership in order to publish a larger Bulletin.
Cooperation at this time will mean a great deal to the future of the Club.

Sincerely yours,

T. C. Stephens.

Field Notes 149

FIELD NOTES

Ax Experience Wrn£ a Florida Gallixule.

On or about the twelfth of last May I beard of a strange bird that
was in a certain grocery store window. Being naturally curious I
thought I would stop in and see it. The grocer was not acquainted with
the binl and was not able to find any more definite name for it than that
it was a green legged snipe. I myself had never seen a gallinule but I
knew at first glance that it belonged to the same family as the coot, which
bird 1 was quite familiar witli in some of his northern Iowa breeding
grounds.

I got out my Chapmans and Eeed's and easily placed him with his
proper name. This incident occurred in Des Moines, la. The breeding
ground of the gallinule is in Minnesota and the Dakotas. This par-
ticular species, the Florida gallinule, is never found in this territory
except on its yearly migrations.

The bird was found tangled up in some barb wire fence about a mile
from a river in a more or less populated portion of the city. My assump-
tion is that the bird in flying strayed a little lower than its comrades
and thus met its fate. It had the characteristic slate color of the family,
the legs were a bright green with a reddish tinge on the upper part of the
femur, the bill and nose plate were red, except for about one-half an inch
of yellow on the tip of the bill. This latter point or characteristic was
probably an anomaly. This is true of the Purple gallinule but not of
the Florida. The serrated edging of white along the lower margin of the
wings, together with the reddish upper femur, distinguished it as the
Florida rather than the Purple, which it so closely resembles. I have
found these differences and variations in the color of the mandibles of
water birds to be quite common.

The fact that these birds fly at night, and being as they are by nature
weak flyers, probably accounts for the strange situation in which he
was found.

I paid the sum of fifty cents for the bird, took it to the zoology
department at Drake University, where we caged it and kept it under
observation while it recovered from its unusual experience.

At first he was very tame and made no fuss at being handled, but
soon he became restless and it became a problem what to do with his
Floridaship, The bird thrived on angle worms but ate cracked corn
when there Avas nothing better.

When school closed the tenth of .lune, I carried him in a yeast foam
box a distance of about two hundred miles north to the Iowa City Lake-
side Laboratory at Lake Okoboji. Here I tethered him out on the shore
by a string about twenty feet long. He seemed quite content with his

150 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

lot and spent liis time feeding amongst the seaweed and drift on the
water's edge. Tliere were a number of Scaup du<'ks nesting in the
vicinity who manifested considerable curiosity and decoyed to within a
few yards of a number of us who were woi'king on the shore. They
seemed not to understand why their friend was so reckless. At night I
often found them together.

And now I come to the end of my gallinule 's experience. One night
a strong wind came up from the northwest, the little box that had
served as a shelter Avas blown away and the next morning I found him
beating against the shore dead. I examined his wing and found one of
the wing tips to have been injured in a way that would have left him
unable to ever again Ay for any distance.

I have since found this summer that the gallinule nests here in
northern Iowa, and after Matching the flight of the bird I figured that the
accident to the bird Avas a very natural one. Their flight Mhile rapid
is very low, especially is this true when flying over water.

Milford, la. Arthur F. Smith.

Miniature Earthquake.

A few days ago, while cutting the upper limbs oif a large Ijurr oak
tree, we barely missed wrecking a whole family of wrens. On one of
the lower branches was a small bird house, in which a pair of wrens were
nesting. They seemed not to mind the noise of a couple of saws grinding
away above them but went on, totally oblivious of noise, feeding the
young and taking turns singing from the roof of their little domicile.

All went Avell until an accident occurred, as accidents so often do. The
branch that we had figured on falling a certain Avay naturally fell the
other Avay; the bird house Avas hea\'ed from its bearings, spun through
the air some twenty feet, coming to the ground with a thud.

I ran over to it, lifted the bottom off, pulled out the tAvigs which
formed the nest, being careful not to spoil the pocket of the nest. There
were six young, barely a Aveek old; they Avere not actiA'e enough to tell
whether they had been injured or not. The old bird who Avas Avith them
acted as though she had taken her last flight and Avas ready to give up
the fort. When she saw the crowd around her she essayed to fly, but
her head was evidently still whirling in such a way that she could not
balance. I placed her back on the nest, put the nest back in the house
and put the house on a porch roof some thirty feet awaj' at about the
same height from the ground.

The mate to the injured one soon came back with a grub in its mouth,
hopped all around the old nest site for some Aa'c minutes, then suddenly
he recognized the house, Avhieh, by the way, he was within three feet of
seA-eral times, for in his excited flying he would land on the edge of the
porch where he had been accustomed Avithout seeing anything, but sitting
at the old nest site he recognized his old home and without further

Field Notes 151

adieu he flew across, went straight up to tlie liouse and walked in. A
few niihutes and the two old birds came out and calmly went for either
food for the young or perhaps herbs to cure seasickness.

Several days have elapsed and the birds still continue to take regular
trips with food. We are of the opinion that the wren family has not
been wiped out througli its fifteen-foot flight on the perpendicular.

Milford, la. Arthur F. Smith.

Bay Point. Ohio, Migration Notes. 1914.

Bay Point is a low, sandy bar, extending a mile and a half toward the
city of Sandusky from the southeastern corner of the Peninsula upon
Avhich Lakeside and Marblehead are built. It is in the direct line of
the southward migrations of the birds which cross lake Erie by the
Point Pelee, Pelee Island, Middle Island, KeUeys Island, and Marblehead
Peninsula route. The waters, or shores, of Sandusky Bay and the San-
dusky Eiver, which flows into the bay, continue the route southward.

The seven weeks between June 26 and August 14, 1914, were spent
within easy access to this point, and daily studies of the birds found
there were made. Frequent visits were also made to it during July, 1913.

In 1913 the first migration noted was on July 11th, when Least Sand-
pipers, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Yellowlegs and Semipalmated Plovers
were found on the beach. On the 12th a cloud of Bank Swallows passed
over the Point on their way southward. The great majority of them
came directly from the direction of Marblehead Lighthouse and passed
up the bay along the western shore. In 1914 the first migrants appeared
on June 29 — a Black-bellied Plover in fuU dress. When he was flushed,
he flew up the bay. On July 3rd there were three Least Sandpipers on
the beach. They were next noted on the 9th, and nearly every d;iy until
our departure — August 14. Three Semipalmated Plovers arrived on July
3, with three Baird 's Sandpif)ers, and were regular feeders there during
our stay, occasionally increased in numbers up to a dozen of each
species. A Dowitcher came to the beach on July 14, in the afternoon,
and was seen there on the loth, 22d, 23d and 24th. The flrst Caspian
Terns came on July 17, and were there every day afterward. There Avere
three at first, but they gradually increased to the maximum of 16 on
August 2.5, when a brief visit was made to the Point. The first Semi-
palmated Sandpipers came on July 16, the Yellowlegs on the 22d, the
first Pectoral Sandpipers on the 24th, and the first Solitary on the 24th.

On July 17 a Stilt Sandpiper visited the Point, A capture was not
made, but the bird was feeding in a shallow lagoon just outside the
line of vegetation which bordered the bare sand beach, and permitted
an approach within three rods. There was no mistaking the barred
under-parts, the long slendet legs, and the habits which I had carefully
studied in Iowa in the summer of 1913. The bird was with Spotted
Sandpipers and Piping Plovers.

152 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

It Avas clear that Bay Point is the favorite gathering plaoe of the
Caspian Terns, and that the few individuals which have hitherto been
seen in the vicinitj' of Cedar Point and the east Sandusky marshes were
birds that had wandered from here. Taken all in all, Bay Point is a
far more favorable place to observe the southward migrations than
Cedar Point.

Lyxds .Joxes.

The Golden Winged Warbler in Central Iowa.

In Anderson's "Birds of Iowa" practically all of the records of this
species are from the eastern part of the state. To these I would like to
add two records for central Io\^a. Both of these were made in Marshall
County along the Iowa Eiver. The first record was May 24, 1J»1.3, when
an adult male was taken out of a dense hawthorne and wild crab thicket.
I caught just a glimpse of him and then hunted for more than an hour
before I finally succeeded in securing it.

The other record was on May 11, 12, and 13, 1914. The 11th and 12th
were cloudy and cold following warm weather. One male Golden-wing
was found about a small sheltered spring during these three days. He
could be found almost any time during the day and was never more
than a few yards away. It was presumably the same bird, as it was
always found in company of two Chestnut-sided Warblers.

Ira N. Gabrielsox.

A Wren Incident.

On Saturday, May 1(3, a couple of my friends went on an over Sun-
day camping trip up the Iowa Eiver. They pitched their tent, and in
disposing of their coats hung one of them on a small thorn apple tree.
Sunday a wren appeared and seemed to be quite fascinated by the pos-
sibilities of that coat. My friends placed a few bread crumbs on the
coat sleeve and the bird soon found them. A little later it commenced
to investigate the pockets and scramlpled about through all vi tliem. in-
cluding a large game pocket.

It finally decided on the pocket to be preferred as a nesting site and
commenced to clean out. This pocket happened to contain cartridges
for a 22-caliber rifle and the Avren was seen to carry thirt.v-uine of them
out of it. Some of them were simply pushed out over the edge of the
pocket while others were carried some distance from the coat before
being dropped into the grass. The bird worked industriousl.v until every
cartridge was out of the pocket and then, after scratclwng around
vigorously, proceeded to carry sticks and straw into tlie pocket and
built a nest.

Unfortunately operations had to be suspended at this point, as the coat
vvas needed for the return trip to town.

Ira N. Gabrielsox.

Reviews of Publications 153

REVIEWS OF PUBLICATIONS

THE BIRDS OF NOETH AND MIDDLE AMERICA.

Part VI. By Robert Ridgavay.

The sixth part of this monumental work comprises the Picariae with
the families Picidae (152 forms), Capitonidae (4 forms), Ramphastidae
(14 forms), Galbulidae (3 forms), Bucconidae (13 forms), the Aniso-
daetylae with the families Alcedinidae (10 forms), Todidae (6 forms),
Momotidae (20 forms), Caprimulgidae (39 forms), Nyetibiidae (5
forms) and the Striges with the families Tytonidae (9 forms) and
Bubonidae (94 forms). Quite a number of new forms are here given
for the first time and many critical remarks on already diagnosed forms
are made. For instance in regard to the further subdivision of the
genus Centurus among the Picidae. When it is stated that the forms
of Dryohatcs villosus and pitbescens, of Colaptes cmratus of Phl(x:otomus
pileatus show a gradual increase in size from Florida northward with-
out any material change in coloration one is inclined to ask has the
naming of all these forms a practical value besides the mere scientific
value? A great deal depends of course upon the point of view in such
cases, but Avhen it comes to being a science for science's sake only, when
the scientific and the practical are thus separated Ave are inclined to ask,
"cui bono?" On the other hand, some of these iwoblems must be solved
along these lines, and no man is better able to solve them than Professor
EidgAvay, the distinguished author of this work. It is interesting, too,
to notice the different views, which for instance Professor Eidgway and
Dr. A. Reichenow, express in their respective works about such a family
as the Striges. Space forbids us to enter upon any details, but a care-
ful study of both authors will show that either view has some points in
its favor, and that Dr. Reichenow 's ideas cannot be disposed of with a
few remarks, as was done in the review of his work in the Auk some
time ago, which only showed and proved that the reviewer had not in
the least understood the fundamental principle of Dr. Reichenow 's classi-
fication, and in his ignorance of the case had simply scjuelched its merits.
Cryptoglaux acadicus scotaeus is considered an individual variation of
acadicus proper, and Otiis fammeohts idohocnsis is referred to flam-
meolus, and Otus xantnsi is made a subspecies of asio, and we think in
every case that Mr. Ridgway is correct. The same principle will per-
haps apply to Glmicidium gnoma hosMnsii, which applies to Cryptoglaux
acadicus scotaeus. Altogether Mr. Ridgway is to be congratulated upon
the completion of this volume, and we hope that the other parts will
speedily follow. W. F. H.

154 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

THE BIRDS OF VIRGINIA.

By Harold H. Bailey.

This neat and attractive volume of 362 pages treats of the breeding
birds of the great state of Virginia, practically all of which have been
hunted up and critically recorded by the author and his father. One
huntired and eight generally good halftones from various sources accom-
pany the text, as also fourteen full page colored plates by Mr. Earl L.
Poole, of Philadelphia. We have seen some of the original paintings
of this young artist and do not hesitate to declare that they are both
highly artistic and scientifically correct, and absolutely equal to the best
which have been produced in this country, and we have seen the paintings
of them all. The text is carefully written and shows that Mr. Bailey,
who is an ardent Oologist, has put his knowledge acquired in watching
the nesting habits of the birds to good use, and is a splendid protector
of the feathered tribe, as every true Oologist should be. We regret that
he has not added a short list of all the birds recorded in the state, and
that he has not used the metric system in giving measurements of eggs.
We can highly recommend this pleasing volume to all who love to read
about and study the birds in their haunts. W. F. H.

A Monograph of the Genus Chordeiles Swainsou, Type of a new Family
of Goatsuckers. By Harry C. Oberholser. U. S. National Museum
Bulletin 86. 1914.

The author seems to have made out a good case for the addition of a
new family to North American birds. He has evidently gone into the
subject deeply and spared no pains to prove his case. The same seems to
hold for the erection of a new genus to separate the Wliippoorwills from
the Chuch-wills-widow group. The paper is thorough in treatment and
is nearly the last word as related to the Goatsuckers. There are still a
few forms whose winter distribution is not known. L. J.

A Distributional List of the Birds of Arizona. By Harry S. Swarth.
Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 10. Published by the Cooper Ornitho-
logical Club, May 25, 1914.

There are here included 362 species and subspecies, grouped as 152
resident, 72 summer visitant, 57 winter visitant, 30 transient, 51 of
casual occurrence, and a hypothetical list of 24. The large number of
resident sjjecies is explained as due to the fact that many species which
are truly migratory merely migrate from a higher to a lower altitude
but do not leave the state. A colored map of the state is a great help.
The paper closes with lists of species grouped according to fauual regions,
and with a voluminous bibliography. This contribution is in every way
the equal of other numbers of this valuable series of papers. L. .1.

Reviews of Publications 155

TJie Birds of El Paso (Jounty, Coloritdo. I and II. By Chailos K. H.
Aiken aud Edward E. Warren. Colorado College Publications, Gen-
eral Series Nos. 74, 75, 76. May, Jnne-Septeniber, 1914.
The life zones included in this county are Upper Sonoran, Transition,
Canadian, Hudsonian, and Ai'ctic-Alpine. Lists of the birds which are
peculiar to these several zones are given. A history of the work <lone in
the county is given, the climate is described, and the altitudes given.
The birds are divided according to occurrence as resident throughout the
year, 46 species; summer residents, 84 species; breeding birds which
occasionally winter, 7 species; non-breeding birds which winter, 28
species; non-breeding birds which pass through in migration, 52 species;
non-breeding birds of occasional occurrence, 51 species; exterminated
species, 3; introduced species, 4, making a grand total of 275 species.
There are many good halftone pictures from photograjihs, and in the
treatment of the species in the body of the paper the annotations are
interesting and valuable. This ]iaper is a distinct contri])ution to local
ornithology. L. .J.

The Birds of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. By Alvin R. Cahn. Bul-
letin of the Wisconsin Natural History Society, Vol. XI ( Xew
Series), No. 4, December, 1913. Pages 113-149.
A good map of the county makes clear the great number of lakes
which it contains, and the large amount of swampy area. It would have
helped to have also indicated the tamarack areas. A description of the
topography of the county and an account of the work done upon which
the list is based, wnth acknowledgements, is followed by the annotated
list of 202 species, 8 of which are given as hypothetical. There are 15
Residents, 7 Winter residents, 69 Summer residents, 79 Migrants, 11
Migrant and summer residents, 7 Migrants and winter residents, aud 6
Eare visitants. These various groups are given in separate lists in a
recapitulation at the close of the paper. The author has evidently taken
pains to make certain of the identification of each species before giving
it place. In this he is to be commended. There are four good halftone
plates from photographs, each plate containing two pictures. Probably
the author is not responsible for the capitalization of the part of the
compound words which follows the hyjihen. This is consistently done
throughout the paper. We are glad to have this faunal local list.

L. .1.

The Eed-winged Blackbird: A Study in the Ecology of a Cat-tail IMarsh.
By Arthur A. Allen. From Abstracts of Proceedings, Linnaean
Society of New York. Nos. 24-25, 1911-13. Pages 41-128.
We have seen few jjapers which can compare with this one in thor-
oughness of the work done, interpretation of the facts gathered, arrange-
ment of the material, selection, and makeup. The numerous halftones
from photographs are not only unif(n-mly good, but tiiey tell something

156 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

worth recording. It is not possible to begin to do justice to this paper
in the space at our disposal. Everybody who is at all interested in the
side of bird study illustrated by this paper ought to possess a copy.
We hope that there are plenty of them to be had. L. J.

On the Habits and Behavior of the Herring Gull, Larus argentatus
Pont. By E. M. Strong. From "The Auk," Vol. XXXI, January and
April, 1914. Pp. 23-49, 178-199.

This paper is based on studies carried on among the breeding colonies
of these gulls upon the islands in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The limits
of this review preclude anything like an adequate treatment of this
excellent paper. The field studies are supplemented by painstaking inves-
tigations in the laboratories of the University of Cliicago. The jiictures
— halftones from pliotographs — are carefully chosen and each one has
its peculiar contribution to make to the paper. There is little left to be
desired in the field which this paper covers. If a similar study of the
winter habits of these gulls could be as carefully done we should then
know about all of the life history. L. J.

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

A Further Study of the Home Life of the Brown Thrasher — Toxos-
toma rufum Linn. By Ira N. Gabrielson. From the Proceedings of the
Iowa Academy of Science for 1913. Pp. 299-304.

A Heronry near Indianapolis. Pp. 57-58.

Further notes on Indiana Birds. Pp. 59-65.

Birds that Destroy Grapes. Pp. 53-55.

All by Amos W. Butler. From Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 43.

Use and Value of Wild Birds to Texas Farmers and Stockmen and
Fruit and Truck Growers. Compiled by H. P. Attwatev. 1914. Texas
Department of Agriculture Bulletin. May-June, 1914. No. 37.

Birds in Relation to the Alfalfa Weevil. By E. R. Kalmbach, Assis-
tant Biologist. Bulletin of the U. S, Dept. of Agri. No. 107.

The Ontogeny of the White Ibis; Specialization of Tail Down in
Ducks; Effect of Postponed Moult in Certain Passerine Birds; Prelim-
inary Pheaant Studies. By C. William Beebe, Curator of Birds. Zoo-
logical Scientific Contributions of the New York Zoological Society,
Vol. 1, Nos. 12-15.

The Extermination of America's Bird Fauna. By E. W. Shufeldt.
Separataftryk Af, "Nyt Magaziu for Xaturvidenskaberne. " Chris-
tiania. 1914.

Osteology of the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius). By
R. W. Shufeldt. From "The Auk," Vol. XXXI, No. 3, July, 1914. Pp.
358-362.

Notes on the Louisiana Clapper Rail (Rallus crepitans saturatus) in
Texas. By George Finlay Simmons. From "The Auk," Vol. XXXI,
No. 3, July, 1914. Pp. 363-384.

Correspondence 157

okxitiiological journals eeceived.

The Auk, A'ol. XXXI, April aud July, 1914.

Bird-Lore, A^l. XVI, Nos. 2, 3, 4. 1914.

Bluebird, Vol. VI, Nos. 10 and 11. 1914.

The Condor, Vol. XVI, Nos. 2, 3, 4. 1914.

The Oregon Sportsman, Vol. II, Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7. 1914.

The Oriole, Vol. II, Nos. 1, 2. 1914.

The Taxidermist, Vol. 2, No. U. 1914.

Our Feathered Friends, Vol. I, No. 4. 1914.

CORRESPONDENCE

A REJOINDER.
By T. C. Stephens.

There appears in a recent number of the Auk" a criticism by W. L. M.
of some -work which has appeared from time to time by students of the
Macbride (Iowa) Lakeside Laboratory. Inasmuch as the present writer
is largely responsible for this work, and iuasmucli as similar work may
appear in the future, it becomes a duty to ascertain to what extent the
criticisms are groundeil.

The criticism is directed wholly at such parts of the work as relate to
the food of nestling birds, a field which seems to be guarded zealously
by the critic as the peculiar domain of the Biological Survey.

Let us examine specifically some of the objections raised. He charges
the workers with "over-enthusiasm" (a statement rather too vague to
detain us), and goes on to say that it is a grievous fault "to publish
identifications that could not possibly have been made under the
circumstances. ' '

Truly, this is a bold and sweeping accusation. Upon wliat does our
rash reviewer base- his confidence ? W. L. M. further says, ' ' Now the
positive identification of a mosquito, and the distinguishing of the house
and stable flies, two obscurely marked species of the same family, require
far closer and more definite observation than could possibly be made on
specimens in process of being fed to nestling birds."

This criticism is directed at Gabrielson's work on the catbird (Wils.
Bull., XXV, Dec, 1913, pp. 179-180), where, in Table III, 99 "Flies"
were recorded as being fed to the young over a period of ten days; and
in which the text says ' ' The flies were mostly fish flies, tliough house and
stable flies were also noted. ' '

* The Auk, XXXX. July, 1914, pp. 420-421. "W. L. M." presumably stands
for W. Li. McAtee, of the Biological Survey, but inasmuch as his name does
not appear on the editorial staff, and not having been introduced by the
Editor of The Auk, the writer regrets to be compelled to refer, in the present
note, simply to the initials as signed.

158 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

Now the uest of the catbirils was in a bush located on a stee}- hillside.
The blind being higher, enabled the observer to see over and around the
bushes. Flies SAvarmed aliout on the foliage of these bushes, and the
observer in the blind could see the catbird capture them and feed them
To the young birds in the nest. A number of these flies were caught and
submitted to an entomologist from Ames College, who was teaching that
subject at the laboratory, and who named the tiies as above. The paper
did not state that every fly fed to the young birds was recognized as to
kind. In the tables II and III they are simply listed as "Flies." The
enumeration in the text may have been based upon specific data, or it may
have been a general estimate leased upon memory, and still lie an
accurate statement.

The original statement is perfectly safe, and scientifically accurate,
notwithstanding the obstinate misinterpretation by the critic.

Now, in regard to the mosquitoes, which are also denied by AV. L. ]\[.
in the statement above quoted. The one mosquito recorded in the cat-
bird paper (page 179) was obser\ed under the following circumstances,
as communicated to me by the author of that paper: "The old bird was
on the nest, and I was in the blind. As it was only 8:00 a.m., a few
mosquitoes were still about. One in the blind buzzed around my face,
and I struck at it with my hand. It flew out of the peep-hole, and as
I idly followed its flight it lighted on a leaf within six or eight inches of
the nest. The old bird immediately snapped it up and fed it to one of
the nestlings. ' '

With reference to the mosquito records in the Yellow Warbler study
(Wils. Bull., XXV, June, 1913, p. 5.5), I can only call the reader's atten-
tion to the fact that as the observer sat in the blind, the nest was almost
as close to his eyes as is a newspaper while being read — not over two
feet away. The bill of a Yellow Warbler is only 3.5 mm. wide at its
base, while the terminal third of it is not over a single millimeter in
width. Thus even the body of a mosquito could scarcely be entirely con-
cealed in the bill of such a bird. I am well aware that it is almost
a waste of time to be discussing the question whether .a mosquito was ac-
tually seen or not; lint I would simply remark that when the possibility
of it is so evident, it would seem that the critic is rather forcing an issue.
When we admit the possiliility of seeing one mosquito, the repetition
of it, even to sixty-five times, should give us no greater concern.

Our captious reviewer displays a lack of knowledge of this kind of
field work, and its methods, when he questions an observer 's ability to
count 5, 6, or 7 Mayflies in the beak of a Brown Thrasher at the nest.
May I be permitted to call attention to a few elementary facts ?

The date on which these seemingly large numbers of Mayflies were
recorded was June 28, at which time the Mayfly swarms Avere at their
maximum. In the evening dense clouds of them filled the air, and during
the day the grass was full of them. Frequently the old l)irds fed in the

Correspondence 159

grass ill c-losc proximity to the nest, where they \\ere uiider observation.
In a few instances the Mayflies were counted as they were being gathered.
On this date 244, counted, Mayflies were fed to the young.

Usually the old bird pauses an instant at tlie nest before feeding,
during which time there is au excellent opiiortunity for counting. In
fact, Mr. Gabrielson tells me that this summer, while watching a Eose-
breasted Grosbeak's nest, he was able, by making a slight noise, to hold
the male on the edge of the nest for three minutes, by the watch, while
trying to determine the contents of its beak. I wish I might assure the
critic that it is not surprising for the bird to have so many Mayflies in its
beak; neither is it, under the circumstances, particularly difficult to
count that number of them.

The ants may be discussed in a similar way. I think no more than
three ants were recorded at any single visit. In all of these records, it
is understood, I had supposed as a matter of course, that the number
recorded were seen and counted; but it was not claimed, nor was it in-
tended to convey the impression, that no more were in the bird 's bill.
For instance, if the old bird visits the nest with a beak full of ants,
and the observer could distinguish the bodies of three individuals, it
would be ridiculous to assume that no more than three were in the
bird's mouth. This is so elementary!

It will be found that in Gabrielson 's report on the Brown Thrasher
study, in Table I, the plus sign was frequently used to indicate that a
certain number of individual insects were recognized out of a larger
number. In this report (Wils. Bull., XXIY, June, 1912, p. S4) there will
be found the following statement : "It Avill be noticed in the tabulated
data that the number of insects was not always determined exactly, but
was entered in this manner, '6+ Mayflies,' etc. In all such cases
the minimum number was used in computing the tables. As all of the
persons who assisted were cautioned especially to note the number of
insects exactly, it is safe to assume that if there be any error in the data
it is in having recorded too few insects, rather than too many. ' '

The reviewer then believes he has given sufficient illustrations of the
inaccuracy of the work to demolish it completely, and proceeds with this
ex cathedra pronouncement : "It should be recognized that reporting on
the food of nestling birds on the basis of field observation is work for
accomplished entomologists, not for amateur ornithologists, ' ' with em-
phasis, perhaps, on the "amateur." Of course, no one will dispute this
statement, although the work is more likely to be done by an ornitholo-
gist who knows some entomology, than by an ' ' accomplished entomolo-
gist." The only fault with such a remark is the animus revealed by it,
which does not beget confidence or friendliness. The reviewer is expected
to give more conclusive proof of inaccuracy before indulging in such
caustic comment.

The very excellent pioneer report on the nest study of the Chipping

160 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 88

Sparrow by Dr. C. M. AVeed* is cited as a model, because of the iu-
definiteness of identification of the food fed to the young sparrows. This
nest of tlie chippy Avas "near" a window, from which it was watched;
but nothing further was stated to enable one to know whether the
distance was two feet or ten feet, or whetlier it was watched through an
open or closed window. It is only fair to the authors of this paper to
quote from page 109 as follows: "The precise determination of the
most of the food brought was, of course, impossible, the observations
having been undertaken especially to learn the regularity of the feeding
habits of the adult birds. ' ' Since this study was not undertaken for the
purpose of determining the nature of the food, it hardly seems proper, in
fairness to the author, to set it up as an example of this line of work.

The reviewer's proposal to tie bags over the anal orifices of nestling
birds for the purpose of collecting the excreta will be highly amusing
to anyone who has noticed young birds in the nest. However, any sug-
gestion coming from so well qualified a critic deserves attention, and the
writer will endeavor to try out this new method at some future time.

As another suggestion that the authors of the several papers reviewed
may have been deceived in their observations the reviewer has said, "A
great many birds feed by regurgitation and the food is at no time
visible. ' ' We take it that the reviewer here has in mind passerine birds,
since no other order was involved in the discussion.

In our studies on the passerine birds we have succeeded in following
the feeding of at least one out of a brood, from the moment it left the
egg until it left the nest, in the cases of the yellow warbler, the catbird,
and the meadowlark (report on the last having not yet been published) ;
and in each of these instances there has been no feeding by regurgita-
tion. This is known simply from the fact that the food has been
visible in the bird's bill. It is quite possible, of course, that regurgi-
tation may be found to be practiced by certain passerine birds, such as
the flycatchers and the grosbeaks, and it is just such questions which can
be settled by field observation. (I am not now considering the carry-
ing of berries in the throat of a waxwing as coming under the definition
of regurgitation.)

The reviewer's confession of limited experience in field work of this
kind is sufficient reason in itself to make him more cautious of such
vigorous, though quibbling, criticism.

It would seem that he is very skeptical of the value of field observa-
tions on the food of nestling birds in any case. It is to be assumed
that he relies wholly upon the examination of stomach contents. But
there are limitations to that method also. The examination of a stomach
will give, at best, the story of only three or four hours of the bird's
life. Even with the food mass in a watch glass, some of the material
must be macerated beyond recognition. What is unrecognizable cannot

* Weed Clarence M. An Observation on the Feeding Habits of the
Chipping Sparrow. X. H. Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull. 5.j, 1898, pp. 101 -llo.

Correspondence 161

be taken into account, except as "unknown" or as "miscellaneous."
If the tables or diagrams do not show this must we not conclude that
the writer has discarded the unidentified material? Wilcox,^ v,ho ex-
amined over 200 stomachs of the robin in one year, says: "The
determination of insect remains in the stomachs of birds is a very
difficult and i^erplexing task, and one which is not all pleasant, since
nearly all the material is in the very worst condition imaginable, and
mutilated and jiartly digested fragments of several species of insects
being mixed up in utter confusion. The elytra, mouth parts and tarsi
are, of course, usually left to tell their tales, as are also the harder parts
of all other insects, snails, myriapods and the seeds of the various fruits;
but the soft bodied larvae and earthworms are too often macerat>id almost
beyond recognition." (p. 118.)

Too often the adherent of stomach examination publishes only his
percentage results, without the detailed data upon which his percentages
are based, which are necessary in a strictly scientific piece of work.

Most ornithologists. will concede that field observations on the food of
birds possess certain advantages; those who have had much practice
in this method will understand that it yields results with far greater
accuracy than its critics are ready to admit.

No field worker, I presume, would claim that field observations alone
would give us a full knowledge of the economic status of a species. It
will be claimed, however, that such observations contribute to such knowl-
edge very largely, if not with parity, in comparison with other methods.
Furthermore, this method is not destructive of life, which would become
a fact of importance in the study of any rare species. It is not par-
ticularly reassuring to read the boast of having killed so many thousands
of nestling birds in order to determine what their food had been for
the last two or three hours. The writer recognizes that under certain
circumstances it may be justifiable, but nevertheless, in the judgment of
many this criticism will apply to the stomach method.

It would seem, when a careful review is made, that the hypercritical
apostle of stomach examination ought to be more cautious whither he
slings. To paraphrase the revie^^er's closing remark, what is needed
above all on the part of iconoclastic reviewers is more certainty and less
quibbling, and more hard work in the field and laboratory that there
may be developed an appreciation of the difficulties to be encountered
in productive efl^^ort.

Sioux City, Iowa.

* Wilcox, E. V. Bull. 43, Ohio Agric. Exp. Sta., 1892, pp. ll.j-1.31.

_ ,.€S^iiisZi>,2Si

The Site of the Roost.

Upper, from the South-east. Middle, from the North-east.

Lower, from the West.

THE

WILSON BULLETIN

NO. 89.

A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY

VOL. XXVI DECEMBER, 1914. NO. 4

OLD SERIES VOL. XXVI. NEW SERIES VOL. XXI.

NOTES ON A NORTHERN ROBIN ROOST.^

BY ARTHUR R. ABEL.

The Robin roost to be here described w^as located within
the city Hmits of Sioux City, Iowa, in fact in a rather closely
built up district of the city. The flight to the roost was first
noticed about August 7, 1914, although no record was made
at this time.

However, by the fifteenth the regularity of the flight had
been noted and it was decided to determine its origin and des-
tination. At this time the birds were flying in considerable
numbers, from northeast to southwest, over Newton St. and
the College Campus. On this evening the flight was watched
on Newton St. from 7 :lo to 7 :28 when the flight practically
ceased, and eighty-five birds had been counted.

On the evening of August 16th, the birds were first noticed
at 6 :50, and from this time to 7 :30 110 birds flew over the
route. By the thirtieth the numbers were considerably aug-
mented, and I had planned to work over toward the north-
east in hope of ascertaining how far they came.

Accordingly I left about six o'clock and went northeast-
ward until I reached the ravines north of ^Morningside known
as North Ravines. The country here was very hilly and the

' Read before The Sioux City Bird-Stiuly Club, Nov. .^d. 1014.

166 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

flocks were seen first as they came over the ridge of the hills.
I kept on going northeastward thinking that each hill con-
cealed the ravines where the flocks formed. Each time how-
ever I was disappointed and was forced to go still farther on,
until at last about dark I saw a few flocks fly out of a ravine
about one and one-half miles from Newton St. This how--
ever did not prove to be the source of the supply for the next
day about noon this ravine was deserted, proving that the
flocks stopped only for a brief rest. On the same evening (the
30th.) we were surprised to find many kingbirds flying over
the same route. The kingbirds, however, flew somewhat earl-
ier than the Robins, although part of the time the flight was a
mixed one. The last of the flight consisted entirely of robins,
which flew until it became dark.

The Robins flew faster and with more rapid wingbeats than
the Kingbirds. The observations of this evening made clear
that the flocks gathered over a very large territory, and were
formed by additions from the many ravines east of town. A
word of explanation might be made as to the use of the term
" flocks " in this connection. At the best time of the flight
the birds came stringing in almost continuously, sometimes
singly or in pairs, and sometimes in groups of from ten to
twenty ; often it required alertness to keep the count correctly.
On the evening of the thirtieth, at a point about two miles
west of where the roost was subsequently found. I counted
226 robins and 93 kingbirds.

On the next evening I went in the opposite direction, and
found at some distance southwest of the college, the robins
were flying in a direction reverse to that of the night before ;
this suggested that the roost might be nearer to the college.

On the evening of Sept. 1st, the roost was located in a small
wooded hollow adjoining the athletic field. The central clump
was composed of about fifty rather tall box-elder trees, pretty
well crowded together so that the foliage was dense enough
and high enough to afiford protection and shelter. To the
north there were a good many scattered trees, but on the east
there was a large open space occupied by the athletic field,

Abel — A Winter RornN Roost 167

which afforded an excellent place for counting. ' To the south-
east there were a good many trees but they seemed to disre-
gard them and fly directly over. At 6 :27 p. m. most of the
birds had congregated, and a few Kingbirds were also seen
among the robins.

On the evening of Sept. 2, the roost was visited at 6 :30
and only four Robins were counted in the trees. The first
birds to fly in from the east came at 6 :43 and from this on
they came in from the east with rapidity until 7 :30 when it
became too dark to see or count them. By this turn we had
counted 302 Robins entering the roost from the north and east.

Territory where the Flocks Gathered.
Typical ravine in wliicli Robins feed during tlie day.

The Kingbirds had vanished — none were to be seen, although
a single one was seen in the roost 'early the next morning.
The cold night of Sept. 1st, had probably been too much for
them. It was decided to visit the roost early the next morn-
ing in order to see how it would break up. So at 3 :45 A. M.
we were on the ground, but everything was so quiet and dark
and cold that we sought shelter. Returning at 4:55, we
heard the first Robin chirp at 5 :05. At 5 :10 several flew si-
lently from outside trees to the main roost. At 5:15 we

168 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

could say that morning had dawned, and a chorus of chirps
and calls beg-an which did not quiet down until the roost had
been vacated. At 5 :21 the first bird flew out. At 5 :32 the
calling became much louder, and we heard the call which can
be best expressed by " whe-ap." At 5 :25 the disturbance be-
came quite general and there was considerable uproar, and
much flying about among the trees.

At intervals about twenty-one mourning doves flew from
outside trees and the main roost. At 5 :20 a Blue Jay called
and was answered two or three times by other Blue Jays ; this
seemed to stir the Robins up a little, and they began to leave
in large numbers. Among other birds heard in and about
the roost at this time might be mentioned the Baltimore Ori-
ole, several Goldfinches, a Downy Woodpecker, and several
Chickadees ; while on Sept. 24th, about 100 Blue-bi-rds' rested
there over night. At 5 :45 about a hundred Chimney Swifts
appeared, probably coming from a large chimney of a nearb)'
schoolbuilding. By 6 :50 the roost was practically deserted
except for two or three Robins which had been stunned by
flying into telephone wires. The great majority of the Robins
on leaving the roost, flew out a short distance, alighting in
other trees or on wires, where they seemed to take a brief
rest before proceeding to the feeding grounds. On the way
from the roost the Robins were seen on all sides, on the Col-
lege Campus, in private yards ; many were on the ground
feeding, others were perched in trees and on the roofs of
houses. No doubt the birds gradually dispersed to the outer
limits of their feeding range, for by ten o'clock they had dis-
appeared from the immediate neighborhood.

On Sept. 4th, an effort was made to count the Robins ar-
riving from the south, as well as from the north ; at this time
362 birds were counted, in a similar manner 558 were counted
on the evening of the eighth.

On Sept. 9th, a heavy rain fell throughout the day, in fact
it was said to be the heaviest rain in sixteen years ; dark-
ness settled rather early in consequence of the cloudiness.
Although watching under these circumstances was uncom-

Abel — A Winter Robin Roost 169

i'ortable it seemed advisable to ascertain what effect the
weather conditions would have upon the flight. The first
Robin flew into the roost at 5 :47 ; they now followed regular-
ly at intervals of two or three minutes, at G :06 thirty birds
flew in. The watch was now discontinued, as it seemed that
the only noticeable change was that the flight started fifteen
or twenty minutes earlier than usual. But as there was no
cessation in the steady and almost uniform downpour this is
attributed to the earlier twilight.

It was thought desirable to attempt a complete census of
the birds arriving from all directions. Accordingly on the
evening of Sept. 11, a number of members of the Sioux City
Bird Study Club visited the roost and assisted in the count-
mg. It was thought that all the birds could be observed by
establishing three stations, as follows : the writer undertook
to watch the flight from the west ; the southeast quadrant was
watched by Dr. Stephens and Mr. Fields ; and the northeast
quadrant w^as watched by Mrs. Fields and Miss Hood. Al-
together 761 Robins were counted as they entered the roost
from all directions.

The following table sho^\s the only complete census that
we made :

Time West Northeast Southeast Total

6:04 2 2

6 :08 2 2

6:15 3 2 5

6:16 2 2

6:17 5 5 10

6:18 1 1 2

6 :19 2 2 4

' 6 :20 16 1 17

6:21 6 6

6 :22 19 1 20

6 :23 2 2

6 :24 7 7

6 :2.5 3 3

6 :26 15 15

6 :27 2 2

6 :28 4 4

170 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Time West Northeast Southeast Total

6 :29

6 -.30 1

6 :31

6 :32 6

6 :33

6 :34 1

6 :35 1

6 :36

6 :37

6 :38

6 :40

6 :41

6 :42

6 :43 1

6 :44

6 :45

6 :46 4

6 :47 2

6 :48

6 :49

6 :50

6 :51

6 :52

6 :53

6 :54

6 :55 3

6 :56

6 :58

6 :59

7 :03

7 :05

7 :06

7 :09

Total 7G1

It is believed that this count is approximately correct, i.e.,
probably not more than a hundred birds were missed in the
counting-. Of course to one who is witnessing the flight,
without attempting to make a count, there would probably
come temptation to estimate them by the " thousands " ; a
flock of even several hundred birds presents quite an imposing
arrav.

24

i
25

3

3

27

33

18

18

8

11

20

2

4

7

4

4

45

45

46

21

67

17

31

48

21

28

49

4

25

29

7

23

31

10

28

38

9

11

20

32

20

56

24

19

45

12

16

28

3

3

9

9

6

7

13

9

9

10

3

13

9

9

3

4

10

1

1

8

8

2

2

1

2

3

1

1

2.

2

1

1

2

Abel — A Winter Rorin Roost 171

From this time observations were made only on the North-
east quadrant, and there seemed to be a very rapid decrease
in numbers. Since a complete census was not attempted
later it will probably be best not to give any incomplete fig-
ures. Suffice it to say that the observations were made every
three or four days until the middle of October. After Sept.
27 there were only scattered individuals; and on Oct. 16 none
flew in from any direction.

It seems to be a regular habit of Robins to roost in im-
mense flocks in their winter homes in the south, and there
are numerous published accounts of the wanton slaughter of
them under such circumstances. But if it is their habit to
roost thus at the close of their breeding in the north, before
the fall migration, it does not seem to be very generally rec-
cognized.

Mr. Wm. Brewster publishel nearly twenty-five years ago,^
a most admirable account of several " Summer Robin Roosts "
near Cambridge. His observations on the behavior of the
birds were so complete that little can now be said in addition.
The present paper must be largely in the nature of a confirm-
ation.

Our observations agree in that the flight was not equal in
all directions, and that various other species of birds, in
small num.bers, often became associated with the Robins in
the roost.

Mr. Brewster also discusses the matter of the composition
of the roost as to the sex, and gives some reasons for think-
ing that the summer roosts are made up of the males and
young of the first broods of the yea-r. Fisher - also expresses
his belief that the fall roosts of the Barn and Bank swallows
consisted of males. I have been unable to make any positive
observations on this point ; but, in as far as the lighter color
of the breast is indicative of sex, I should incline to tbe opin-
ion that the roost under my observation contained a fair pro-
portion of females.

The manner of flight to the roost seems to be distinctive in
^Tbe Auk, 7, 1S90, pp. 360-373.
= The Observer, 7, 1896, pp. 382-384.

172 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

some birds. Dr. Jones ^ found that the Crackles formed in
rather definite and compact hosts, even remaining together
while feeding during the day. It is not this way with the
Robins. Their flight is more like a continuous stream, now
broad enough to fill a considerable segment of the horizon,
now narrowed to a single individual ; sometimes even ceasing
temporarily.

As would be supposed the birds flew close to the ground
on dark cloudy days and much higher on clear sunlight
evenings.

The birds seemed guided in flying by the conditions of
light and if the darkness came earlier the flight was corres-
pondingly early. The height of the flight lowered as dark-
ness came on so that at dusk the Robins were skimming along
close to the ground swerving from side to side in avoiding
the numerous obstacles. When flying high the birds main-
tained about the same level until directly over the roost then
darting down with set wings to the topmost branches where
they hesitated a minute or two before diving down into the
depths of the foliage. The first arrivals seemingly realizing
that they were early occasionally went off to the nearby alfalfa
and corn fields to feed, returning about dusk to roost. Then
for a few minutes a squabble usually took place as they se-
lected and fought over their roosting places.

Soon only a few individuals were heard as they uttered
their plaintive calls ; but in a short time this also died away
and no sign remained to tell of the large number of birds so
near.

Further notes were made on the habits and behavior, but
these details have already been fully described in Mr. Brews-
ter's paper, which the reader will find to be a most entertain-
ing account.

Sioux City, lozva

MVils. Bull., 0, 1897, pp. 39-56.

CoMi'TON — The Birds of Douglas Lake Region 173
THE BIRDS OF THE DOUGLAS LAKE REGION

BY JAS. S. COMPTON.

The Biological Station of the University of Michigan is lo-
cated on Douglas Lake in the western part of Cheyboygan
County, Michigan, in a district almost equidistant from the
Straits of Mackinac, and the Great Lakes, Huron and Michi-
gan. The data upon which this paper is based were gath-
ered by the writer while in residence at the Station during
the summers of 1913 and 1914. The session at the Station
like that of the university of which it is a part covers a period
of eight weeks beginning the last of June. The weather
conditions, then, are those of midsummer in the region of the
upper Great Lakes.

The region about Douglas Lake has a remarkable geologi-
cal history, most of it at one time or another during the Gla-
cial Epoch having been moraines, outwash aprons, lake beach,
lake bottom, lake dune, or two or more of these different de-
posits, an outwash apron at one time furnishing the materials
to build a lake beach, and it a little later in turn the sand for
a dune.^ The soil is sandy ; much of it has little in it besides
well worn grains of quartz ; in some places especially on the
higher levels where least washing by wave action has taken
place there is much gravel and a little clay and loam. So
far as permanent human settlements are concerned most of
the region is still wilderness, the barren sand having little at-
traction for even the most land-hungry. Conditions of life
for man and beast and bird are decidedly primitive.

A generation or less ago the land was heavily forested with
white and red pine, hemlock, spruce, hard maple, beech, birch,
white cedar, balsam, tamarack, swamp maple and black ash,
but now little of the original growth remains. In only one
place within a radius of three miles of the Station can the
primeval conifer-hardwood forest be seen untouched by forest
fire or the ax of the lumberman. This oasis is Fairy Island in
Douglas Lake, an exception to the rule because of its isolated

^ Summary, of Surface Geology of Micliigau. Alfred C. Lane,
1908.

174 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

position. Two tracts of cut-over hardwoods lie within a
mile of the Station, a typical cedar bog two miles distant on
the north shore of Burt Lake, and all about and between are
the sand hills and plains covered with aspens.

The cut-over hardwoods are a vast brush-heap laid and
ready for the match. Tree-tops in varying stages of dissolu-
tion cover the ground lying as the lumberman left them when
he withdrew ; the few trees that he failed to cut down, the
saplings and second growth that have since sprung up, pro-
ject above but scarcely conceal the debris. So numerous
are the fallen trunks and so dense the foliage of the shrubby
growth that one may sometimes walk for rods upon them
without so much as a glimpse of the earth beneath him. Un-
der this leafy jungle where the midsummer sunlight seldom
falls is a thick layer of humus and wood in all stages of de-
cay inhabited by hordes of lowly creatures, ants, worms,
snails, beetles, and larvae of many insects. Here in July and
August are plenty of berries, especially of the red-berried eld-
er and the red raspberry fruiting wherever they can find a
place to grow. It would be difficult to find conditions of food
and shelter more acceptable to the forest avifauna than are
afforded by these cut-over hardwoods.

The large bog on Burt Lake to which reference has been
made may well serve as a type of the bogs of the region as
there are a number of smaller ones partly filled with vegeta-
tion and sand washed down from the adjacent higher land.
This bog, known locally as Reese's Bog, has evidently been
formed by dune or wave action that resulted in the cutting
off of a large shallow arm of the lake ; the quiet bay thus
formed became filled with vegetation, each generation of
plants at its death laying the foundation on which the next
was to grow. Underfoot now is a water-soaked carpet of
Sphagnum and other mosses, sundews, orchids, and other wa-
ter-loving plants into which the foot sinks to shoe-top ; over-
head the trees meet in a tangk of twigs, white cedars, bal-
sams, spruces, and larch, with here and there a swamp maple,
a white birch or a black ash. The competition for sunlight

CoMPTON — The Birds of Douglas Lake Region 175

is very keen ; most all of the survivors are dead in their low-
er limbs and are soon adorned for the funeral by a vigorous
colony of lichens, both of the crustaceous and filamentous
kinds. Only in a few places in the old logging roads does
the sunshine fall without obstruction even at noon ; in such
favored places there is a vigorous growth of vegetation of
many species, more than two hundred having been officially
identified by the botanists of the Station. Numerous minute
pools of water in the moss, and several brooks flowing a few
inches below the surface tell us that water is never very far
away, and suggest that perhaps Burt Lake has never quite
given up the struggle for this part of his ancient domain.

The aspens are the pioneers of the drier lands. They en-
ter upon the scene early, tam'e the sand down a little and hold
it in their possession till the more dominant types appear,
fighting always a losing fight in which it is foreordained that
they go under unless some outside force interrupts the order-
ly march of events and starts the plant succession back near
the beginning. The outside force that has intervened in this
instance is the forest fire which has swept away practically
all of the splendid mixed pine and hardwood forest that once
covered these sandy stretches. Fire after fire has swept
through this aspen territory till now in a few localities it is
nearly as bare of vegetation, other than mosses and lichens,
as it was the day the sullen waters of the glacial lake re-
treated from it for the last time. Among the aspens grow the
white birch, red oak, pine, and a number of berry-bearing
plants such as the blackberry, huckleberry, two kinds of blue-
berries, the pin cherry and the wintergreen.

The habitats discussed in this paper are the three that have
been described at some length in the foregoing pages.

The tent which the writer lived in during the period men-
tioned was located on the beach of Douglas Lake ; obviously
the opportunities for observation were best in this habitat ;
furthermore the lake was rimmed by a growth of pines that
stood just where the beach and the aspens meet. There was
very little marsh or swamp in the region ; if we use the term

176 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

swamp, for instance to designate a tract of wet land grown up
with reeds and coarse grasses, cattails, etc., but without any-
conspicuous woody shrubs cw trees as is the case with the bog.

These habitats are of interest only in their relation to the
birds living in them. Some species show decided preferences
for one plant association : the golden-crowned kinglet found
only in the cedar bog, the junco only in the aspens ; others like
the hermit thrush were more generally distributed, being
found in the bog, hardwoods, and aspens alike., At the end
of June there is quite a large bird population in the asp'ens,
but by the middle of August it is very much reduced both in
numbers of individuals and of species observed. A half day's
jaunt in the aspens the forenoon of July 8 gave me a list of 23
species ; two days before a similar trip in the hardwoods gave
41 species. On August 7 the number seen on a sunny fore-
noon's trip was 6 species ; the next forenoon in the hardwoods
my list was 46 species.

In the list which follows will be found the English names
of the species, the habitat preference of each species, the fre-
quency, the abundance, and nesting data where any were
gathered. Frequency and abundance as here used need a
word of explanation. The former term refers to the com-
parative frequency with which the species, not the individual,
was seen; in this connection I have used three degrees as fol-
lows : r or rare=rseen from 1 to 4 times ; c or common=seen
from 5 to 20 times; a or abundant=seen more than 20 times.
Abundance, on the other hand, applies to the total numbers
of individuals of the dififerent species seen during a given
period ; in this case the period covers from June 30 to August
7, stopping before the fall migration gets any headway to dis-
turb our study of midsummer birds. (1) under abundance
means that this species stands highest in number of individual
birds seen, 227 in our study ; at the other end of the scale of
abundance (47) means that only 1 bird of this species was
identified. With this explanation it will not be difficult to
interpret the data :

CoMPTON — The Birds of Douglas Lake Region 177

Name of Bird Nests or Young Abundance

Bluebird (38

Robin, younsj: (17

Hermit thrnsli, 9 nests ( 9

Olive-baeked tlirush, 1 nest (41

Wood tlirush (47

Wilson thrush (40

Blue-,trra,v ^niatcatcher (40

Golden-crowned kinglet (39

Chickadee, young (-1

Iie(14)reasted nuthatch (40

White-breasted nuthatch (22

Brown creeper (47

Winter wren (23

House wren, 1 nest (30

Brown thrasher, 1 nest and young (20

Catbird (42

Redstart, 2 nests (14

Canadian warbler, nest ? (43

Maryland Yellow-throat, nest ? (32'

Mourning warl)ler, nest ? (40

Ovenbird. 1 nest (11

Pine warbler, nest ? (34

Black-thr green warbler, young (29

Blackburnian warbler, 1 nest and y (44

Black-throated blue warbler (40

Blackpoll warbler, young (40

Tennessee warbler (40

Chestnut-sided warbler, 3 nests (21

Myrtle warbler (40

Yellow warl)ler (40

Nashville warbler (40

Black-and-white warbler, nest ?...(34

Blue-headed vireo (45

Yellow-throated vireo (40

Red-eyed vireo, 1 nest and young.. ( 5
Cedar Waxwing. 1 nest and young. ( 1

Tree swallow, young (28

Barn swallow, young (45

Puriile martin (40

Bank swallow (44

Cliff swallow, young (32

Scarlet tanager, 1 nest (30

Indigo bunting, 1 nest (23

Rose-breasted grosbeak (44

Towhee, 4 nests ( 4

Goldfinch, nest ? ( 7

Purple finch (39

Junco, 1 nest (15

Song sparrow, 2 nests and young.. ( 2

Swamp sparrow (40

Field sparrow (47

Chipping sparrow, 2 nests and young (1.3

White-throated sparrow, young (18

Lincoln's sparrow, young (45

Frequency

Habitat

. .0

. .a
. .a
. .r

.cultivated areas

.all habitats

.all hal)itats

.hardwoods
. r . . bog
. r. .hardwoods
. r . . bog
. c . . bog

.c. .all habitats
.r. .bog
.a.. bog and hardwoods

hardwoods
. .c. .hardwoods and bog
..('..cultivated areas
. .c. .hardwoods and aspens
. .c. .hardwoods and aspens
. .a. .hardwoods and aspens
. .r. .hardwoods and aspens
. .c. .hardwoods and beach
. .r. .hardwoods and beach
. .0. .hardwoods and aspens
..c. beach (pines)
. . c . . hardwoods and bog
. .r. .hardwoods and bog

hardwoods

hardwoods

hardwoods

hardwoods
. .r. .beach (pines)
. .r. .cultivated areas

. hardwood

. hardwood and bog

.hardwoods

.hardwoods

.hwd, bog and aspens

.all habitats

.beach and open water

.cultivated area

.cultivated area

.beach and open water

.cultivated area

. hardwoods

.hardwoods and aspens

. hardwoods

.all habitats
. .a. .all habitats
. .c. .beach
. .a. .aspens

..a.. beach and hardwoods
. .r. .beach
. .r. .hardwoods
. .a. .hardwoods and aspens
. .a. .hardwoods and bog
. .r. .hardwoods

.r.
.r.
.r.

.c.

r.
.c.
.r.
.r.
.a.
.a.
.c.
.r.
.r.
.r.
.c.
. .c.
.c.
.r.
.a.

178

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Name of Bird Nests or Young

Savanna sparrow

Vesper sparrow. 4 nests and young.

English sparrow, young

Bronzed grackle

Meadowlark

Red-winged blaclibird, young

Cowbird, young

Bobolink, young

Crow, young

Blue jay

Prairie horned lark, young

Least flycatcher

Acadian flycatcher

Olive-sided flycatcher

Wood pewee, 1 nest

Phoebe, 2 nests

Crested flycatcher

Kingbird, young

Hummingbird, 1 nest

Chimney swift

Nighthawk

Whippoorwill, 2 nests

Northern flicker, 1 nest

Red-headed woodpecker, 1 nest & y

Yellow-bellied sapsucker, young

Downy woodpecker, young

Hairy woodpecker

Belted kingfisher

Black-billed cuckoo

Screech owl

Barred owl

Short-eared owl

Osprey

Marsh hawk

Cooper's hawk

Sharp-shinned hawk

Broad-winged hawk

Sparrow hawk

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, young

Bald eagle

Mourning dove

Ruffed grouse, young

Quail

Kildeer, young

Spotted sandpiper, 1 nest and y...

Solitary sandpiper

Virginia rail. 1 nest

Great blue heron

Blue-winsed teal

Wood du( k

Red-ln-easted merganser, young

Bittern

Buffle-head duck

Abundance Frequency Habitat

45) . .r. .aspens
. . a . . aspens
. .c. .cultivated areas
. .r. .beach

. .r. .cultivated areas
. .c. .beach
. .c. .all habitats
. . r . . cult i vated a reas
. .a. .all habitats
. . c . . bog

. .r. .cultivated areas
. .r. .hardwoods
. .r. .hardwoods

. .r. .hardwoods

. .a. .hardwoods and aspens

. .c. .cultivated areas

. . r . . hardwoods

. .a. .all habitats

. .c. .all habitats

. .a. .all habitats

. .a. .all habitats

. .a. .aspens

. .a. .all habitats

. .c. .hardwoods

. .a. .hardwoods

. .a. .all habitats

. .c. .hardwoods

. . a . . beach

. .r. .hardwoods

.hardwoods

.hai'dwoods

. hardwoods

.beach and open water

.aspens

.hardwoods

.hardwoods

.hardwoods

.hardwoods and aspens

• bog

. beach

.beach and aspens

.hardwoods and aspens

.cultivated areas

.beach
. .a. .beach
. .r. .beach

..r.. beach and swamp
. .c. .beach

. . r . . beach and open water
..r.. beach and open water
..c. beach and open water
. .r. .beach and open water
..c.beacli and open water

. .r
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .c
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .r
. .a
. .r
. .0

CoMPTON — The Birds of Douglas Lake Regiox 179

Name of Bird Nests or Young Abundance Frequency Habitat

Common tern (-t(!) . .r. .l)e;ifli and open water

Caspian tern C.VA) . .c. .l)eaeh and open water

Pied-billed sreiie (47) . .r. .beaoli and open water

Loon, younij; (28) . .e. .beach and open water

Only such nests as were found actually occupied by the
birds are recorded as " nests," the accompanying numeral in-
dicating the number belonging to that particular species. The
word " young " is used to indicate that young of the species
were observed outside of the parental nest. "Nest?" is used
to designate a probable nest, probability being based on see-
ing the parent bird with a larva in its beak, at the same time
showing great concern over the approach of the writer.

12 of the species on the list show a decided preference for
the society of man, for his houses, barns, cultivated lands and
the like. With the 11 native birds this preference is doubt-
less acquired recently in a biological sense, the other, the
English sparrow has doubtless had this preference for a long
period of time even as biologists reckon it. They are the
bluebird, house wren, ^-ellow warbler, barn swallow, purple
martin, clifif swallow, meadowlark, bobolink, prairie horned
lark, phoebe, and quail ; these all rank low in the scale of
abundance, the house wren (30) being most abundant, the
average for the 11 about 41.

The habitats most characteristic of the wilderness are the
bog and the aspens, of our list 6 belong to the former and 5
to the latter ; it w^ill be noted that together they equal the
number of native speci'cs showing a preference for human
society. The vesper sparrow has an abundance of (8) and
the whippoorwill (12), but the others rank much like the
birds of the preceding paragraph.

35 species show-ed no decided preference of any kind, but
were quite generally distributed thruout the territory. To
this group belong the cedar waxwing (1), song sparrow (2),
crow (3), and towhee (4). Of the chewink or towdiee Bar-
rows says : " It is far from common about Little Traverse in
Emmett County." ^ It is only two miles to the Emmett-
^Michigan Bird Life, W. B. Barrows, 1912, page 526.

180 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Cheyboygan county-line from the Station and only twenty to
the Little Traverse Bay at Bay View.

Of the 25 listed as belonging- to the " beach " or to " the
beach and open water " only 14 will probably be called water
birds. Of these the spotted sandpiper has an abundancs of
(6) and the red-breasted merganser (17), while the others
rank rather low, from (28) to the lowest of all (47). Pos-
sibly Douglas Lake is too small to compete successfully with
the larger lakes, Burt, Mullet, Huron and Michigan, none
of which is more than 20 miles away, for the favor of the
gulls and terns, and possessed of too little swamp to com-
pete with Indian and Crooked Rivers for the favor of the
coots and bitterns. Two trips were made to these rivers and
on each of them large numbers of swamp birds were seen,
but they are too far from the Station to be visited regularly ;
for this reason the records are unavailable for our purpose.

A HERMIT THRUSH STUDY.

BY CORDELIA J. STANWOOD.

A hill wooded with gray birches and evergreens slopes
down to a peat bog. Just above the swale grows the painted
trillium that carries at its snowy heart the symbol of the
Trinity in royal purple. One morning as I plucked a hand-
ful of these dainty blooms, I flushed a brooding Herm'.t from
her eggs. A small fir shaded the nest. The three green-
blue eggs made a charming bit of color against the dull
orange lining of pine needles.

Twelve days later I visited the nest again. The woods
were now sweet with linnea and three fascinating little
Thrushes, about seven days old, welcomed me with a wide
expanse of golden throat. The young birds had beautiful,
large eyes ; the natal down was conspicuous at the close of
the quill stage; and the tips of the olive and buffy feathers
were just beginning to show beyond the quill casings.

I was anxious to try an experiment with tame Thrushes,

Stanwood — A Hermit Thrush Study 181

Tame Hermit Thrushes,
photo by cordelia j. stanwood

183 . The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

so I carried the little birds home. The journey to my home
did not disturb them in the least. They ate bountifully of
bread and milk from a little gold-lined, silver spoon, took a
few drops of water- and slept the greater part of the day with
their heads straight in front of them.

After the first day, I varied their diet with earthworms,
ants' eggs, steak, wild pears, strawberries, a spider, or a
fly occasionally, and a grasshopper when I was able to find it.

Until the morning of the fourth day the Hermits remained
as distinctly inside the small nest as if an invisible wall sep-
arated them from all else. They grew rapidly, ate well,
preened vigorously, scratched their ears with their toes, and
although the nest was quite deep, voided all excrement with-
oiit it, sometimes standing on the edge of the nest to do so.

In the middle of the morning of the fourth day, they slow-
ly and cautiously stole forth from the nest, one at a time,
just as they do in the wild woods. From that moment they
insisted on flying and perching and refused to snuggle down
anywhere.

During the eleven days that followed, I carried the birds
to the woods for part of each day, or the entire day and let
them run wild. At night I took them in and they perched at
dark in the balsam boughs that I placed for them over a' door.
At' first I remained near them all the time that they were in
the woods, and fed them as they came for food. Later I
put them out early in the morning, and went and fed them
as often as once in two hours.

The first afternoon in the woods, I saw one Hermit take a
sunbath with his feathers all flufifed out, one pick up a small
brown caterpillar, and another several mouthfuls of earth.

The moment that I put the Thrushes down near a shallow
pool below the spring, and rippled the water with my hand,
the birds entered the pool, drank, and splashed the water all
over themselves. These irresistible, immature birds, going
to the water so slowly, cautiously, and surely, and bathing
after the exact patterns handed down to them made an awe-
some as well as a pretty picture.

Stanwood — A Hermit Thrush Study 183

Between feeding times when the birds were not seeking
food for themselves, they Hked to snuggle down on the pine
needles under low firs, or among dead leaves and sticks in
hollows, or to perch on dead branches or stumps. The
Thrushes resembled their surroundings so closely that I was
in constant fear lest I should step on one. I always examined
the ground carefully before advancing a step.

When in the woods, the birds kept in touch by a very sweet,
low call that sounded like phee. A bird became uneasy at
once if he lost his mates. I heard them call peep frequently,
and also chuck once. One day when I covered a little bird
in a basket to take him to the studio, he gave the pitiful call
that the parents give when concerned for the safety of the
young in the nest, a call that sounds like a deep sigh.

Even after the young had been in the woods for several
days, they would have suffered for food and water without my
constant care. I found that it was necessary to select a new
feeding place for them where they must find water, and where
they could not avoid the wild birds that came to drink and
bathe.

When the Hermits were about fifteen days old, they awoke
me one morning, calling for food. I fed them and returned
to my room. When one became hungry again, he perched
on the molding of the door through which I disappeared and
called until I came and fed him.

When seventeen days old, the Thrushes were able to pick
up anything from the floor such as ants, ant's eggs, flying
ants, small spiders, and the like.

Often tame young birds will follow voices, and fly up onto
a stranger and beg for food instead of helping themselves.
To counteract this tendency in my Thrushes, I never exhibited
them to company at home, I never took visitors to see them
in the woods, I never called them save at the feeding place,
I never answered their welcoming peeps until I arrived at
the feeding tree. Although I loved them dearly, I never
petted or coddled them. And I never spared myself any ex-
ertion that would add to their health, comfort, or safety.

184

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Painted Trillium.
In the environment of the Hermit Thrush.

PHOTO BY CORDELIA J. STANWOOD

Staxwood — A Hermit Thrush Study 185

When the Thrushes came to feed, they liked to perch on
my arms, head, or fly into my lap. They disliked being held
across the wings, and strenuously resisted being caught.
Every day they became more swift in their movements, more
sensitivs to sounds, and less dependent on the food supply
that I brought to them.

I saw them pick up brown and green caterpillars, moths,
and ants, besides such food as I left on the ground for them
as spruce bud moths, grasshoppers, earthworms, ants' eggs,
wild pears and wdld strawberries.

A few days later, after I began to leave the Thrushes out
nights, there came a severe rain storm. I was able to visit
the Thrushes but twice that day. I found them dry save the
tips of their tail feathers and not very hungry. The follow-
ing day I carried food to them three times. On one of these
trips, a little Thrush came to meet me, dripping from his
bath in the spring. Although the feeding tree was not more
than six yards from the wire fence that separated the woods
from the open pasture and the spring, I never knew the
Thrushes to come through the wire fence when anyone was at
the spring.

They now ate so rapidly that it was awkward for them to
open their mouths sufficiently to take steak from the scissors,
and there was danger of cutting their mouths or throats. A
mouthful or two sufficed and they darted away. They were
also extremely quiet and started and listened at every sound.

The Thrushes were so w^ell able to care for themselves
that it seemed needlessly cruel to toll them to a certain spot
with food where animals of prey might lie in wait for them.
My frequent visits, also, kept them from their kind. Their
parents drank and bathed at this same spring. I did not visit
the feeding spot again. I never saw or heard of the Thrush-
es again.

I have lived with several Thrush families and I do not hesi-
tate to affirm that this experiment might not have been so
successful with all of them. Most young Thrushes when
tamed, particularly when excessively petted, loose all instinct

186 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

for caring for themselves ; they are little fool birds. How-
ever, Thrush character varies ; it is as beautiful and flexible
as the bird's wonderful voice. While nearly all Thrushes
are extremely gentle and affectionate, I must confess that the
only bird that ever dealt me a blinding blow in the eyes with
his wings, when I accidentally startled the young from the
nest was an 'extremely beautiful specimen of the Hermit
Thrush. In one family I have found one helpless little bird
that insisted on sitting in my note book all the time, with two
that resented too much attention.

June 15, 1912, I found a Hermit Thrush incubating three
egg-s.

June 26, the young Hermit Thrushes were seven days old ;
it was the end of the quill stage ; I took the young Thrushes
to study.

June 29, the young Hermits left the nest.

June 30-July 10, the young Thrushes spent part or all of
each day in the woods learning to feed. They perched in
fir boughs in the house at night.

July 10-July 15, I freed the Thrushes entirely and fed
them what was necessary.

July 15. the Thrushes appeared to be in an almost natural
state. They were entirely competent to care for themselves.

A BRIEF STUDY OF THE NEST LIFE OF THE
• BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.

BY CORDELIA J. STAN WOOD.

Beside a shady path that marked the course of a neglected
woodroad, a pair of Black-throated Green Warblers con-
structed a nest, near the tip of a branch of a large spruce
tree, but three and one-half feet above the ground. It is
not very often that the Black-throated Green Warbler pro-
vides the student with such an excellent opportunity for study-
ing her nest. Usually these birds build at a greater elevation.

Stanwood — Black-throated Green Warbler 187

This spruce stood in a clump of firs that bordered an open
space in the woods.

There was just room enough among the trees to erect a
small balsam blind. When it was completed, my face was
about a yard from the nest, and it was so dusky in the tent,
that there was little fear of the birds becoming aware of my
presence, save when I moved.

As usual, the nest was a dainty-looking, soft, strong, warm
cradle. Fine spruce twigs, curls of birch bark, bits of dead
wood, secured and cemented together with spiders' silk, gave
the substantial foundation. The lining consisted of plant
down similar to that of the cinnamon fern, a few threads of
black plant fibre, and a' few of the dull, orange setae of some
moss such as dicranum pulled before they were ripe. The
nest was just large enough to accomodate four, plump, hun-
gry, sleepy, little Warblers.

Hidden in the blind, I saw the mother bird brood the
young, cleanse the nest by burrowing under the young, and
carry away the excrement. The diet of the young consisted
of brown, white, gray moths, a fly-like insect, a bee-like
insect, a small beetle similar to the larder beetle, and a large
number of smooth caterpillars, both green and brown. Some-
times the mother bird fed three brown or three green caterpil-
lars to one nestling at a time. Often besides the insect that
I was able to distinguish, was a mass of other insect food that
I was unable to place. Usually each bird fed several nest-
lings at each feeding but not more than three at one feeding.

The first day after the tent was constructed, I observed
three hours in the afternoon — from 18:37 to 3:05 p. m. A
bird cam'e a dozen minutes after I entered the blind. Dur-
ing that time, the male fed the young nine times, and car-
ried away the excrement three times : the female fed the
young nine times ; one visit was made by a bird whose sex
I did not determine : the rate of feeding the young was once
in nine and one-half minutes ; during my stay, I saw a few
of the insects fed to the young; among them were seven
smooth, green caterpillars, two brown moths, and three gray

188 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

moths ; when the female fed the young she twittered sint,
sint, sint.

At this stage the young twittered faintly when the birds
came, gave a vigorous food reaction, preened a great deal and
yawned. They had yellow beaks, brownish at the tip, throats
lined with red, greenish-grey upper parts, wings darker than
the back, two buffy-yellow wing-bars, buffy-yellow under-
parts, and almost invisible streaks on the breast. Most of the
time the young rested their beaks on the rim of the nest, at
other times they raised them at an angle of 60°.

The parent birds had formed a habit of walking out the
branch to the west side of the nest, but when both birds came
at the same time, the male sometimes came to the north side
of the nest and the female to the east.

The following morning I was present at the blind from 7
a. m. to 11 :11 a. m. — four hours and eleven minutes. Dur-
ing this time the parent birds fed the young once in seven
and one-half minutes. The male brought food thirteen times,
and the female sixteen times. On the bill of fare I saw one
fly-like insect, one bee-like insect, one beetle similar to the
larder beetle, ten smooth green caterpillars, eleven smooth
brown caterpillars, one white moth and three brown moths.
The morning was very wet and foggy. The young are more
hungry at this time of day, and usually more caterpillars and
fewer moths are served, I suppose on account of the damp-
ness.

The eyes of the young looked intelligent ; one called when
the parent left the nest ; they all snuggled down in the nest
when I moved in the blind.

In the evening I spent an hour in the blind. At 7 :25
the female fed the young. I remained in the blind until 8
P. M. It was so dark in that part of the woods that the nest
ceased to be visible. I saw nothing more of the parent birds.

Two days later the young were still in the nest in the morn-
ing. At noon the little grove was deserted and the nest of
the Black-throated Green Warbler was " To Let."

Cahn — Food of Nestling Birds

189

THE DETERMINATION OF THE FOOD OF NEST-
LING BIRDS.

BY ALVIN R. CAHN.

I note with interest the discussion regarding- the relative
value of field observations and laboratory examinations in
the d'etermination of the food of nestling birds, and beg
leave as an " outsider " to say a word on the subject, and to
offer a suggestion. The controversy, in a word, seems to be :
Are field observations of the food of nsstling birds of any

House Wren with Food for Youxg.
photo by a. e. cahn

value as compared with the laboratory examination of stom-
ach contents ? ^ My answer to this question would be that
^W. L. M.. Auk XXXI. .July. 1914. pp. 420-421 vs. T. C. Stephens,
Wilson Bui.. XXIV, Sept.. 1014. pp. 1."5T-1G1.

190 The Wif.soN Bulletin — No. 89

each method serves its own end, and that neither can to any
extent supplant the other ; that there are at least two big prob-
lems in connection with the food of birds : the determination
of the specific food, and the amount of food eaten, and each
problem demands a different method of solution.

Laboratory examination of the stomach contents yields at
best a list of specific material which chanced to be in the pro-
cess of digestion at the time the fledgeling was killed — a list
of species which, as W. L. M. states, requires an accomplished
entomologist to compile. Given the tarsus of a beetle, it
would indeed require an expert systematic entomologist to
place that appendage in the proper family, genus and species
to which its owner belonged. And with the very many spe-
cies of beetles which abound in nearly every habitat, it would
probably require a specialist in Coleoptera to perform the
task to the satisfaction of the exacting scientific world. In
a similar way it would require a specialist in Lepidoptera to
ascertain with any degree of certainty the species of moth
or butterfly to which a head, a particle of wing, or an isolated
leg belonged. The great advantage of stomach examina-
tions is the determination of sfrcciHc animals eaten, and unless
this is exact, the value of the method as a means of deter-
mining the food of the bird is minimized.

Field observations, on the other hand, should yield data on
the amount rather than on the species eaten. It is no difficult
matter to watch the feeding of nestlings, whether the neigh-
borly warbler and sparrow, or the hawk nesting on the face
of a perpendicular cliff. I have sat in a blind four feet from
the nest of a Redstart and have watched the actions of the
young and parents ; I have removed the Song Sparrows from
the nest and had the parents feed them, perched on my fin-
ger, within less than a foot of my eyes ; I have sat above the
nest of the Duck Hawk and watched the daily life of the
birds through powerful binoculars, and identified the birds
that were brought in for the young. In every case I feel
sure that I could have gathered much data on the amount
of food administered to the youngsters had I given my at-
tention to that phase of the subject. I think, also, that I

Cahn — Food of Nestling Birds

191

Blueiiirds with Food,
photo by a. r. cahn

192

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

could have determined many of the more familiar insects with
some certainty, though not with that degree of certainty an
expert entomologist would were he examining the remains
under a microscope. As it was, my attention was given to
photographing the home life of the birds, and particularly
of the parents, which brings me to the suggestion I would
offer.

As long as we admit that field observations are not carried
on with the idea of determining the specific food, I would
suggest the use of the camera as an amount determinant, —

Robin Feeding with Food Massed in the Bill,
photo by a. k. cahn

not that I would leave it to the camera to determine the
amount of food administered ; I would use the camera as a
check upon the observations made. There are few of our
common birds that will not eventually become reconciled to
the presence of a camera either artfully concealed or without
any attempt at concealment placed three or four feet from the
nestlings. If the birds object to the presence of the observ-

Young — Flight of Shore Birds 193

cr, the undesirable party may withdraw, and operate the cam-
era by means of a thread, watching the birds through a field
glass, and taking the picture at the psychological moment.
Why not let the cyclopic eye of the camera verify the obser-
vations on the amount of food given the young? I admit
that I have not tried this out, but I find in looking over my
negatives that I have quite a number of photographs showing
the parent with a definite amount of food in the bill, and I
think that possibly very definite results might be obtained af-
ter a little experience, if the object were kept in mind. To
illustrate my point I ofifer the photographs accompanying
this note. Whether these will show as clearly in print as
they do on lantern slides is very doubtful indeed, but the
slides, when projected on a screen, show the food in great
detail, so that it may be roughly identified.

A FLIGHT OF SHORE-BIRDS NEAR YOUNGSTOWN,

OHIO.

BY JOHN P. YOUNG.

Near North Lima, Mahoning County, Ohio, there is a res-
ervoir of about 400 acres area, made by damming the outlet
of an old tamarack swamp. Many water birds stop at this
lake in the migrations, and this article is written to tell of a
heavy migration of shore-birds which occurred on August
10 and 11, 1914.

Our first visit to the lake after the return of the shore-birds
was on July 27th, when we found Pectoral, Least, Semipal-
mated and Solitary Sandpipers, Wilson's Snipe, Great Blue
Heron and Black Tern. On August 3, in addition to the
above, we found the Semipalmated Plover, Yellow-legs, and
Dowitcher.

On August 10 and 11 there were many shore-birds of the
common kinds, and in addition we saw 4 Western Willets, 4
Dowitchers, one Western Sandpiper, one White-rumped
Sandpiper, one Greater Yellow-legs, 2 Red-backed Sand-
pipers, also the Common Tern. On these days there were

194 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

many more shore-birds than there have been any day since,
so far as we know from our rather frequent visits.

The Western Willets seen were the first we have recorded,
and they were still there August 13th. The Dowitchers
were not seen after the 11th.

The Western Sandpiper seemed to Hke the surroundings,
as we saw it there for almost two weeks, presumably the same
bird. It was found with the Least and Semipalmated Sand-
pipers, and in the opinion of Mr. Fordyce, and myself, was
easily recognizable by the long bill. (This is the first record
for the Western Sandpiper Erciinetes mauri for Ohio. The
fact that the species occurs on the Atlantic coast during the
southward migration, and is more or less regular in Missouri,
Iowa, and Wisconsin, would make its occurrence in Ohio cas-
ual rather than accidental. Ed.)

The White-rumped Sandpiper was seen on August 10 and
11, and on October 29, and was quite tame. It would re-
main on the shore after the other birds had flown from the
approaching observer. On one occasion I got within fifteen
feet of it before it flushed. When it did fly it showed the
white rump very plainly, but even when feeding it was rath-
er easily differentiated from Pectorals and other sandpipers
v/ith which it was associated.

The appearance of the Red-backed Sandpipers and the
Greater Yellow-legs was unusually early according to our
records.

On August 13 the larger part of these birds had disappeared,
and since that time no unusually large flights have been seen,
though the Sanderling, Black-bellied Plover, and Golden Plov-
er have come along in due time. Only one Sanderling has
been seen, as our beaches are not very sandy. The Black-
bellied Plover has been more numerous this year than be-
fore, and four or five individuals have been seen at frequent
intervals.

. The following extract from the Journal of ^Ir. W. E.
Clyde Todd, may throw some light upon this remarkable
flight:

"Great Whale River, Hudson Bav, Aug. 7, 1914.— Heavy

Henninger — Corrections to A. O. U. Checklist 195

storm of wind and rain from the west, the worst I have ever
seen in this country. Worked on our birds all morning and in
the afternoon went out along the beach to the mouth of the
river, and thence northward to where the sandy beach gave
way to a rocky ridge. The wind nearly blew me off my feet
and birds were naturally very scarce."

We believe that the Wood Duck bred in the swamp at the
lower end of this reservoir, as they were seen a number of
times during August and September. On September 3 we
saw 13 of them.

CORRECTIONS OF THE A. O. U. CHECKLIST IN
REGARD TO BIRDS OF OHIO.

BY W. F. HENNINGER.

When the writer reviewed the last A. O. U. Checklist in the
Wilson Bulletin, Sept.. Dec, No. 1910, pp. 198-199 he made
the statement that evidently neither the pages of the Wilson
Bulletin nor any Ohio ornithologist had been consulted by the
authors, who worked out the geographical ranges of the birds,
as otherwise 'errors and omissions concerning this state would
not be found so frequently in it. Some time later on a simi-
lar statement was made concerning another state in the col-
umns of the Auk. Thereupon the writer corresponded with
the editor of the " x\uk " concerning Ohio birds and sent a
complete list of the changes that should be made. A long
time has since elapsed during which the writer expected the
list to appear in the Auk as that was the impression he got
from this correspondence, but as this was never done he
thinks it is time that the correct records appear in print so
that any one can change his checklist accordingly. They are
herewith appended ; and one glance will suffice to show how
incomplete the checklist is without them as far as the status
of many birds is concerned in Ohio and this no doubt will
be true in regard to other states.

1. Garia immer. — Does not breed in Ohio. (Jones. Wils. Bull.,
June. 1909, p. 68.)

196 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

2. Stercorariiis pomav'mus. — Casual in Ohio. (Jones, Cat. Ohio
Birds, p. 26.)

3. Sterna antillarum. — Occurs in Ohio. (Jones, Cat. Ohio Birds,
p. 33.)

4. Oceanites oceaniciis. — Accidental in Ohio. (Henninger, Auk,
1907, p. 447.)

5. Anhinga anhmga. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Wils. Bull.,
June, 1905, p. 64.)

6. Anas platyrhynclms. — Breeds in Ohio. (Wils. Bull., Dec.
1912, and other records.)

7. Oidemiw perspicillata. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Wils.
Bull., Dec. 1908, p. 210.)

8. Branta canadensis. — Winters regularly in Southern Ohio.
(Henninger, Wils. Bull., Sept. 1902, p. 80.)

9. Branta hernicla glaucogastra. — Rare in Ohio. (Jones and
Fisher, Wils. Bull., Dec. 1908, p. 210.)

10. Plegadis aiitimmaUs. — Casual north to Ohio. (Jones, Cat
Ohio Birds, p. 216.)

11. Ixohryclius neoxenus. — Rare in Ohio. (Jones, Wils. Bull.,
March, 1908, p. 50 and Auk, 1907, p. 338.)

12. Herodias egretta. — Casual north to Ohio. (Jones, Cat. Ohio
Birds, p. 54.)

13. Egretta candddissima. — Casual in Ohio. (Jones, Cat. Ohio
Birds, p. 55.)

14. Florida caerulea. — Wanders rather regularly to Ohio. (Hen-
ninger, Auk, Jan. 1910, p. 66, Dawson's Birds of Ohio, and Jones,
Cat. Ohio Birds, p. 55.)

15. G^rus mexicana. — Still breeds in Ohio. (Several records pub-
lished and unpublished.)

16. Coturnicops novcboracensis. — Breeds in Ohio. (Jones, Cat.
Ohio Birds.) Set of eggs taken by Dr. B. R. Bales of Circleville,
Ohio, identified in 1909 at Smithsonian Institution. (Apologies due
Dr. Bales.)

17. lonornis martinica. — Irregularly north to Ohio in summer.
(Jones, Cat. Ohio Birds, p. 61 and Dawson's Birds of Ohio.)

18. Recurvirostra americana. — 'Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Cat.
Ohio Birds, p. 64.)

19. Hinnantopus mexicanus. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Cat.
Ohio Birds, p. 64.)

20. Oallinago delicata. — Winters north locally to Ohio. (Jones,
Cat. Ohio Birds, p. 67.)

21. Macrorhamphxis griseus scolopacens. — Rare migrant in Ohio.
(Jones, Cat. O. B., p. 68.)

Henninger — Corrections to A. O. U. Checklist 197

22. Pisobia bairdi. — Irregular migrant in Oliio. (^Vlleaton, Jones,
Henninger and Wils. Bull., Sept. 1909, p. 126.)

23. Catoptrophorus seniipalmatus inornatm. — Accidental in Ohio.
(Jones, Wils. Bull., Dec. 1900, p. 131, and Wils. Bull., Sept 1909,
p. 129.)

24. Machetes ptignax. — Strays to Ohio. (Wheaton, Jones, Cat.
O. B., p. 317, and Dawson's Birds of Ohio, p. 527.)

25. Elanoides forficattis. — Accidentally north to Ohio. (Jones,
Cat. O. B., p. 88, and others.)

26. Astur atricapillus. — Winters south to northern Ohio. (Daw-
son, Birds of Ohio.)

27. Bitteo boreaUs calt(7'iis. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Cat.
O. B., p. 217, and Henninger, Wils. Bull., Sept. 1912, p. 156), the
latter record since the publication of the checklist added for the
sake of completeness.)

28. Falco rmticolus. — Accidental in Ohio. (Henninger, Wils.
Bull., March, 1911, p. 58.) Added for the sake of completeness.

29. Asio flammeiis. — Breeds in Ohio. (Wheaton and lately Dr.
Bales.)

30. Cryptoglaux acadica. — Breeds in Ohio. (Dawson's Birds of
Ohio.)

31. Dryobates borealis. — Casually to Central Ohio. (Jones, Cat.
O. B., p. 218, and also Dawson's Birds of Ohio.)

32. Antrostomms carolinensis. — Does not occur in Ohio at all.
The writer would like to see the Biological Survey furnish the
proof (printed or otherwise) that the Chuck-wilLs-widow breeds in
Ohio.

33. Muscivora forflcata. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Cat. O. B.
and Wils. Bull., June, 1905, p. 64.)

34. Empidonax traillu alnormn. — All Ohio birds are alnorum
and not traillU proper. (Jones, Wils. Bull., March, 1908, p. 51.)

35. Xanthocephalus xanthocephahis. — Casual in Ohio. (Jones,
Cat. O. B., p. 218.)

36. Pinicola etiucleator leiicura. — Winters south to Ohio. (Jones,
Cat. O. B., p. 136 and 137, and Wils. Bull., March, 1910, p. 35.)

37. Calcariiis pictus. — Accidental in Ohio. (Wils. Bull., Sept.
1904, p. 85.)

38. PasserherbuUis lecontei. — Accidental in Ohio. (Wils. Bull.,
March, 1907, p. 20.)

39. PasserherbuUis nelsoni. — Accidental in Ohio. (Jones, Cat
Ohio Birds, p. 145.)

40. Melospha georgiana. — Breeds in Ohio. (Jones, Cat. Ohio
Birds, p. 152.) Since then found breeding in Ohio, but record not
published.

198 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

41. Oporornis fonnosa. — Add to breeding area, " from Southeru
and Eastern Ohio."

Since then Prof. Jones has found the White-throated Spar-
row {Zonotrichia albicollis) breeding in Ohio, in two suc-
cessive seasons, which should also be added to the check list.

NINETEEN YEARS OF BIRD MIGRATION AT
OBERLIN, OHIO.

BY LYNDS JONES.

Migration studies have been carried on at Oberlin for up-
wards of twenty-five years, but there seem to be good reasons
for limiting this record to the years since 1895. The data
have not been presented before in this complete form because,
in the opinion of the writer, the records were not sufficiently
numerous to furnish a reliable table for the use of those who
may wish to continue these studies.

For the first six years the territory covered lay almost whol-
ly within Lorain county, extending from about five miles south
of Oberlin to the shore of Lake Erie, and east and west from
Oberlin about five miles, comprising a territory seventeen
miles north and south by ten miles east and west. In this
area, all of which was originally virgin forest, there are two
river valleys extending in a northerly direction, extensive open
fields, remnants of the original forest, brushy tangles where
the dumps of abandoned sandstone quarries have been over-
grown, and the lake shore with its considerable marshy areas
at the mouths of streams. There are no 'elevations of im-
portance. The two river valleys now have slender remnants
of once considerable growth of white pine and red cedar, with
islands of hemlock.

Since 1900 operations have been extended to include the
Cedar Point sand pit with the adjacent extensive marshes and
lake shore, and the narrow area bordering the road between
Berlin Heights and the lake shore at Ceylon Junction, and
also the mouth of Old Woman's Creek, the lower reaches of
which are extensively marshy. Perhaps it would have been

Jones — Migration at Oberlin, O. 199

better to separate the records from this distinctively different
region from those of the definitely Oberlin reg-ion, but that
•could not be done without danger of serious mistakes. The
Cedar Point sand pit records are mainly those of water birds,
at least as they affect the appended tables. Some land birds
tarry there later in the spring than they have been found in
the Oberlin region.

I have no hesitation in saying that the percentage of error
in these records must be small, because observations have
been carried on almost every day during the season of mi-
gration, and for weeks before any migration began and for
three weeks after it closed, and by a considerable body of
trained observers. Questionable records have been elimin-
ated.

Since the Crow, Robin, Bluebird, ^leadowlark. Northern
Flicker, Bronzed Crackle, and Mourning Dove regularly re-
main all winter in small numbers, the exact arrival of the first
migrating individuals may not have been determined with
certainty in every instance, but the migration of these species
has been considered as begun with the advent of a considerable
number of individuals who were singing and evidently indi-
viduals which had not remained in the region all winter.

The writer is well aware of the fact that averages based
upon few records are of questionable value. Nearly all of
the species which have been recorded as migrants are here
given for the sake of completeness, with no thought that av-
erages based on as few as nine records can be taken as true
averages.

The median rather than the average date of arrival has been
used in these tables, because the median has proved the more
reliable in practice. Extremes in either earliest arrivals or
latest records of species which pass north to breed do not af-
fect the median as they do the average.

The species are arranged according to their average date
of arrival as a matter of convenience for further studies of
the migrations rather than according to the systematic ar-
rans^ement of the A. O. U. Check-List. If this arrangement

200 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

be objected to on the ground that it is inconvenient to find
any species because it is out of ahgnment with the Check-
List, one would answer that the purpose of this paper is not
to show the systematic relationships, but rather groupings ac-
cording to times of migration. Even if it were possible, in
any list arranged according to taxonomic relationships, to
show those relationships accurately, which is avowedly im-
possible, the inconvenience of such a list when used in almost
any sort of field work is considerable, so considerable that
some other arrangement must often be devised. The only
general utility arrangement is the alphabetical one.

Where the records are less than twelve in number it is likely
that additional records covering a number of years will change
the date here given as the median. In such cases, then, this
paper claims only to give a basis upon which further work
may be done. It is entirely possible that any of the dates
given here as first seen may be moved forward by later re-
cords. They are of value only in showing what the range
of variation may be, and also in showing that the birds are
held back by a backward spring, and encouraged to move
northward early in an early spring.

It will be noted that there is very marked disagreement in
the dates of " Last seen." The irregularity is rather more
marked among the water birds than among the land birds.
The very late date of the Mallard in 1904 possibly indicates
that the pair seen was breeding, although no nest was found.
Color is lent to this supposition by the finding of a female
Mallard in the marshes of Bay Point on the last day of June,
1914. The case of the Olive-backed Thrush (June 13, 1905)
cannot be explained in this way. The single individual seen
did not seem to be abnormal. There is a strong suspicion
that the single Semipalmated Plover recorded on June 17,
1904, was a wounded bird. It flew without difficulty when
approached too closely, but permitted an approach within five
feet. The other June records are not particularly notable,
since mv records show a consid'crable number of early June
" lists " for transient species.

Jones — Migration at Oberlin, O.

201

The average variation between first arrivals (earliest and
latest) for all of the species here listed is 21 days. The av-
erage variation of first arrivals of the water birds is 33 days,
and of the land birds 20 days. The variation in the land
birds which remain to breed is 20 days, of the transient spe-
cies is 19 days. The land bird with the least variation is the
Black-throated Green Warbler with 8 days, and the greatest
variation is the Pipit, with a variation of GG days. It is like-
ly that the regular route of migration of the Pipit does not
cross this region, since only occasional scattered flocks are
found. The March 15, 1901, record is my own. There were
two birds, one of which was secured for positive identification.

Number

Records

Crow 19

Robin 19

Killdeer 19

Bluebird 19

Canada Goose 14

Meadowlarli 18

Bronzed Grackle 19

Song Sparrow 19

Northern Flieljer 17

Red-winged Blaclibird. . . 19

Blaclj Ducli 11

Baldpate 9

Redhead 8

Mourning Dove 14

Migrant Shrike 19

Canvas-back 7

Cowbird 19

Rusty Blackbird 19

Towhee 19

Pintail 10

Whistling Swan 5

Greater Scaup Duck.... 11

Field Sparrow 19

Mallard 12

Fox Sparrow 19

Red-breasted Merganser. 11

Belted Kingfisher 19

Phoebe 19

Merganser 5

Turkey Vulture 18

Vesper Sparrow 19

Wilson's Snipe 19

Chipping Sparrow 19

Shoveller 8

Lesser Scaup Duck 16

Median

Earlies

Median

Laiest

First Seen

Record

Last Seen

Laggard

Fel). 28

Feb. 11,

•98:

Breeds

Feb. 28

Feb. 14,

14;

Breeds

Mar. 1

Feb. 18,

■12;

Breeds

Mar. 1

Feb. 16,

'11;

Breeds

Mar. 6

Feb. 19,

'13

Apr. 1;

Apr. 15,

'07

Mar. 6

Feb. 22,

'13;

Breeds

Mar. 6

Feb. 1.5,

'12;

Breeds

Mar. 6

Feb. 26,

'06;

Breeds

Mar. 7

Feb. 26,

'06;

Breeds

Mar. 8

Feb. 26,

'13;

Breeds

Mar. 14

Feb. 22,

'06

Apr. 4;

Apr. 15,

'99

Mar. 14

Mar. 9,

'08

May 10

May 27,

'07

Mar. 15

Mar. 9,

'08

Apr. 21,

'03

Mar. 15

Mar. 11,

'07:

Breeds

Mar. l.^

Mar. 2,

'01

Breeds

Mar. 17

Mar. 13,

'03

Apr. 1:

Apr. 10,

'05

Mar. 17

Mar. 9.

'10;

Breeds

Mar. 17

Mar. 5,

'10

May 8

May 16,

•08

Mar. 17

Mar. 6,

'99;

Breeds

Mar. 18

Feb. 22,

'09

Apr. 20;

Apr. 29,

'07

Mar. 18

Mar. 14,

'04

Apr. 3,

'99

Mar. 19

Mar. 2,

'04

Apr. 19

Mar. 19

Mar. 12,

•98-

Breeds

Mar. 20

Mar. 5,

'06

Apr. 10

Jun. 17,

•04

Mar. 20

Mar. 5,

'10

Apr. 21

May 2,

'07

Mar. 21

Mar. 15,

'09

Apr. 30

May 22,

'09

Mar. 22

Mar. 11,

'10;

Breeds

Mar. 22

Mar. 5,

'05;

Breeds

Mar. 23

Feb. 22,

'06

May 10.

'12

Mar. 24

Mar. 11,

'08;

Breeds

Mar. 25

Mar. 16,

'03;

Breeds

Mar. 27

Mar. 15,

'03

May 3

May 22,

•09

Mar. 30

Mar. 21,

'10

Breeds

Mar. 31

Mar. 18,

'07

Apr. 21,

•14

Mar. 31

Mar. 9,

•08

Breeds

202 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Number Median Earliest Median Latest

Records First Seen Record Last Seen Laggard

Coot 14 Mar. 31 ; Mar. 9, '08 May 5; May 22, '09

Woodcock 18 Mar. 31; Mar. 10, '02: Breeds

Swamp Sparrow 18 Mar. 31: Mar. '13, '08; Breeds

Hermit Thrush 19 Apr. 2; Mar. 21, '03 May 8; May 26, '10

Pied-billed Grebe 18 Apr. 3: Mar. 16, '07 May 6: May 28, '04

Hooded Merganser 7 Apr. 3; Mar. 11, '11 Apr. 20; Apr. 30, '11

Great Blue Heron 18 Apr. 5; Mar. 20, '97; Breeds

Brown Thrasher 19 Apr. 5; Mar. 22, '02; Breeds

Pectoral Sandpiper 13 Apr. 6; Mar. 30, '10 May 2; May 11, "07

Yellow-I)ellied Sapsucker. 19 Apr. 6; Mar. 23, '10 May 9; May 30, '11

Bufflehead 14 Apr. 8; Mar. 15, '09 Apr. 26; May 13, '07

Purple Martin 19 Apr. 9; Mar. 23, '10; Breeds

Bittern 12 Apr. 10; Mar. 25, '10; Breeds

Barn Swallow 19 Apr. 11; Mar. 30, '07; Breeds

Blue-winged Teal 12 Apr. 12; Mar. 22, '13: Breeds

Ruby-crowned Kinglet. .. 19 Apr. 12; Mar. 25, '05 May 12; May 24, '10

Tree Swallow 18 Apr. 12; Mar. 31, '10; Breeds

Upland Plover 19 Apr. 13; Mar. 22, '04; Breeds

Bonaparte's Gull 14 Apr. 14: Mar. 31, '13 May 20; May 22, '11

Ruddy Duck 11 Apr. 14; Mar. 26, '07 May 10; May 13, '02

Horned Grebe 13 Apr. 16; Mar. 24, '14 Apr. 29; May 17, '08

Osprey 11 Apr. 16: Apr. 5, '08; Breeds

White-throated Sparrow. 19 Apr. 16; Mar. 21, '03 May 18; May 22, '09

Louisiana Water-Thrush. 19 Apr. IG; Mar. 28, '04; Breeds

Loon 10 Apr. 17; Mar. 19, '07 May 8; May 21, '01

Spotted Sandpiper 18 Apr. 18; Apr. 9, '04; Breeds

Savanna Sparrow 13 Apr. 18; Mar. 30, '12 May 12; May 25, '06

Wood Duck 6 Apr. 19; Mar. 23, '04; Breeds

Chimney Swift 19 Apr. 19; Apr. 10, '10; Breeds

Greater Yellow-legs 13 Apr. 20; Apr. 12, '10 May 12

Myrtle Warbler 19 Apr. 20; Mar. 26, '08 May 19; May 27, '07

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. . . 19 Apr. 20; Mar. 29, '07; Breeds

Bank Swallow 18 Apr. 22; Apr. 6, '02; Breeds

Green Heron 17 Apr. 23; Apr. 6, '13; Breeds

Yellow Warbler 19 Apr. 24; Apr. 11, '08; Breeds

Grasshopper Sparrow 19 Apr. 25; Apr. 10, '10; Breeds

House Wren 19 Apr. 25; Apr. 17, '96; Breeds

Rough-winged Swallow. . 17 Apr. 26; Apr. 16, '02; Breeds

Solitary Sandpiper 18 Apr. 27; Apr. 18, '09 May 17; May 25, '03

Bobolink 19 Apr. 27 ; Apr. 16, '04 ; Breeds

Warbling Vireo 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 17, '96; Breeds

Oven-bird 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 22, '99; Breeds

Catbird 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 19, '13: Breeds

Long-billed Marsh Wren. 17 Apr. 27; Apr. 16, '06; Breeds

Olive-backed Thrush 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 13, '08 May 25; Jun. 13, '05

Cliff Swallow 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 6, '03; Breeds

Wood Thrush 19 Apr. 27; Apr. 10, '04; Breeds

Red-headed Woodpecker. 19 Apr. 28; Apr. 13, '10; Breeds

Kingbird 19 Apr. 28; Apr. 19, '14; Breeds

Baltimore Oriole 19 Apr. 28; Apr. 14, '05; Breeds

Lark Sparrow 10 Apr. 28;

Blue-headed Vireo 17 Apr. 28; Apr. 17, '02 May 16; May 22, '07

Black and White Warbler 19 Apr. 28; Apr. 19, '14; Breeds

Jones — Migration at Oberlin, O.

203

Number Median
Records Fiist Seen

Blue-winged Warbler 19 Apr. 28

Ilenslow's Sparrow 5 Apr. 29

Black-thr. Green Warbler 19 Apr. 29

Palm Warljler 10 Apr. 29

Yellow-legs 12 Apr. 30

Red-eyed Vireo 19 Apr. 30

Maryland Yellow-throat. . 19 Apr. 30

Sora 17 May 1

Crested Flycatcher 19 jNIay 1

Scarlet Tanager 19 May 1

Nashville Warbler 19 May 1

Water-Thrush 16 May 1

Redstart 19 May 1

Veery 18 May 1

Virginia Rail 19 May 2

White-crowned Sparrow . 19 May 2
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.. 18 May 2
Yellow-throated Vireo. .. 19 May 2
Orange-crowned Warbler 13 May 2

Least Flycatcher 19 May 3

Florida Gallinule 9 May 4

Orchard Oriole 18 May 4

Cerulean Warbler 19 May 4

Black-thr. Blue Warbler. 19 May 4
Chestnut-sided Warbler. . 17 May 4

Whip-poor-will 16 May 5

Indigo Bunting 19 May 5

Northern Parnla Warbler 13 May 5
Magnolia Warbler ...... 18 May 5

Short-billed Marsh Wren 7 May 5

Pipit 17 May 6

Pine Warbler 6 May 6

Blackburnian Warbler. .. 18 May 6

Kirtland's Warbler 3 May 6

Common Tern 14 May 7

Least Bittern 9 May 7

King Rail 9 May 7

Wood Pewee 19 May 7

Yellow-breasted Chat .... 19 May 7
Gray-cheeked Thrush. ... 14 May 7

Philadelphia Vireo 8 May 8

Golden-winged Warbler. . 8 May 8
Prothonotary Warbler. . . 5 May 8

Acadian Flycatcher 18 May 9

Dickcissel 7 May 9

Lincoln's Sparrow 12 May 9

Hooded Warbler 12 May 9

Yellow-billed Cuckoo 17 May 10

Kentucky Warbler 8 May 10

Tennessee Warbler 17 May 10

Bay-breasted Warbler 18 May 10

Canada Warbler 18 May 10

Cape May Warbler 12 May 10

Earliest
Record

Apr. 19, '14; Breeds

Apr. 22, '07; Breeds

Apr. 25, '96

Apr. 20, '08

Apr. 1, '12

Apr. 27, '06; Breeds

Apr. 19, '14; Breeds

Apr. 11, '08; Breeds

Apr. 24, '13; Breeds

Apr. 24, '13; Breeds

Apr. 27, '14

Apr. 24, '13

Apr. 25, '12; Breeds

Apr. 20, '99: Breeds

Apr. 14, '13; Breeds

Apr. 21, '11

Apr. 27, '96; Breeds

Apr. 20, '14; Breeds

Apr. 26, '09

Apr. 11, '03

Apr. 20, '07; Breeds

Apr. 29, '99; Breeds

Apr. 29, '99; Breeds

Apr. 27, '96

Apr. 30, '06

Apr. 19, '14; Breeds

Apr. 26. '02; Breeds

May 1, '00; Breeds

Apr. 28, '96

Apr. 30, '06; Breeds

Mar. 15, '01

Apr. 29, '98

Apr. 27, '05

May 2, '06

Apr. 29, '07; Breeds

Apr. 25, '04; Breeds

May 4, '08: Breeds

May 2, '99; Breeds

May 1, '03; Breeds

Apr. 29, '99

Apr. 29, '07

May 4, '02

Apr. 27, '13; Breeds

May 3, '13; Breeds

May 6, '96; Breeds

Apr. 14, '12

Apr. 22, '14; Breeds

May 6, '99: Breeds

Apr. 27, '04

May 1, '13

May 4, '02

Apr. 28, '96

Apr. 27, '14

Median
Last Seen

May 22;
May 16;
May 13;

May 21 :
May 20;

Latest
Laeeard

May 28, '07
May 22, '09
May 19, '03

May 27, '01
May 25, '03

May 19; May 22, '09

May 14;
May 24;

May 22;
May 23:

May 22, '09
Jun. 3, '10

May 29, '01
May 27, '07

May 22; May 28, '08

May 16;
May 13:
May 22

May 26, '99
May 15, '14
May 29, '09

May 22;
May 20;
May 14;

May 29, '09
May 27, '07
May 23, '05

May 14; May 23, '04

May 22;
May 21 ;
May 22;
May 16;

May 30, '13
May 28, '07
Jun. 3, '10
May 27, '07

304

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Number Median Earliest

Records First Seen Record

Connecticut Warbler .... 9 May 10; May 3.

Black Tern 12 May 11 ; May 2,

Black-billed Cuckoo 18 May 11; May 4,

Ruby-thr. Hummingbird. 19 May 11; May 2.

Prairie Warbler 9 May 11; Apr. 29,

Mourning Warbler 15 May 11; May 3,

Least Sandpiper 10 May 12; Maj' 4,

Nighthawk 17 May 12; Apr. 21,

Black-poll Warbler 18 May 12; May 4,

Semipalmated Plover 5 May 13; May 11,

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 4 May 13; May 9,

WiLson's Warbler 14 May 13; May 5,

Red-backed Sandpiper.... 4 May 14;

Alder Flycatcher 19 May 14; May 7,

Olive-sided Flycatcher. . . 5 May 14; Apr. 29,

Ruddy Turnstone 10 May 18: Mar. 31,

Semipalmated Sandpiper. 5 May 20; May 16,

Median
Last Seen

Latest
Laggard

14

07: Breeds

14: Breeds
•06; Breeds
■99
'14
•14

•09: Breeds
'06

12
'04
•00

'02; Breeds

'13

'12

•03

May 25: May 29, '12

May 17;

May 25
May 16;

May 24;
May 25;
May 26;
May 25;
May 17;

May 27;
May 28;
May 23;

May 20, '07
Jun. 2, '13
May 22, '10

Jun. 3, '04
Jun. 17, '04
Jun. 1, '14
Jun. 3, '10
May 20, '10

Jun. 1, '14
Jun. 1, '14
Jun. 1. '14

THE FOLLOWING SPECIES ARE WINTER RESIDENTS

Brown Creeper 17

Tree Sparrow 19

Golden-crowned Kinglet. . 16

Slate-colored Junco 18

Purple Finch 16

Winter Wren 18

Red-breasted Nuthatch.. . 12

Pine Siskin 7

Horned Lark
Northern Shrike
Snowflake

Apr. 28;
Apr. 29;
Apr. 30;
May 1;
May 2;
May 8;
May 13:
May 13:

May
May
May
May
Ma.y
May
May
May
Apr.
Apr.
Mar.

24, '10

9, '09

11, '09

20, '07

28, '07

17, '98

28, '07

20, '07

1, '99

3, '99

16, '08

The following species have been recorded, but the records
are either too few or too irregular to be of any value for
reference. They need particular attention. The species are
arranged alphabetically.

Chickadee, Carolina

Cormorant, Double-crested

Crossbill, White-winged

Curlew, Hudsonian

Dowitcher

Duck, Ring-necked

Eagle, Golden

Gadwall

Golden-eye

Golden-eye, Barrow's

Goose, Blue

Goose, Snow

Goose, White-fronted

Goshawk

Grosbeak, Evening

Grosbeak, Pine

Hawk, Duck

Hawk, Rough-legged

Knot

Lark, Hoyt's Horned

Longspur, Lapland
Mockingbird
Murre, Brunnich's
Owl, Saw-whet

Jones — jMigration at Oberlin^ O.

205

Owl, Short-eared
Owl, Snowy
Phalarope, Wilson's
Plover, Black-bellied
I'lover, Golden
Plover, Piping
Sandpiper, Baird's
Sandpiper's, Stilt
Sparrow, Bacbman's

Sparrow, Nelson's
Teal, Green-winged
Tern, Caspian
Vireo, "SMiite-eyed
Warbler, Worm-eating
Waxwing, Bohemian
Willet. Western
Wren, Bewick's

The Red-Crossbill is too irregular to be placed in any group.
It is sometimes found every month in the year, but often
absent.

The Herring and Ring-billed Gulls are present all the year,
but do not breed in the vicinity, of course. The departure in
spring of the birds which breed during the season cannot,
therefore, be ascertained with any degree of accuracy.

The following species are regular residents : Alphabetically
arranged.

Bob- white

Cardinal

Chickadee

Eagle, Bald

(xoldflnch

Grouse, Ruffed (scarce)

Hawk, Cooper's

Hawk, Marsh

Hawk, Pigeon

Hawk, Red-shouldered

Hawk. Red-tailed

Hawk, Sharp-shinned

Hawk, Sparrow

Hawk, Broad-winged

Jay, Blue

Lark, Prairie Horned

Nuthatch, "^Tiite-breasted

Owl, Barn

Owl, Barred

Owl, Great Horned

Owl, Long-eared

Owl, Screech

Titmouse, Tufted

Waxwing, Cedar

Woodpecker, Downy

Woodpecker, Hairy

Woodpecker, Red-bellied

Wren, Carolina

206 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

DISCOURAGING THE ENGLISH SPARROW.

BY THOMAS H. WHITNEY.

For nearly two years I have spent a good deal of leisure
time on the almost hopeless task of ridding my home grounds
of the English sparrow. Having tried nearly all the methods
I could think of or read about that promised any practical
results, in the hope my experience may be of some little value
to others, I venture to describe it briefly.

The sparrow problem naturally divides itself into three
parts : Destruction, Prevention of Increase, Protecting Food
Supplied to Native Birds.

DESTRUCTION.

In the twenty months elapsed since I began work, I have
killed 216 sparrows. Not a very large number, but ours is a
small inland city which does not harbor any big flocks in the
upper residence districts, the sparrows being rather evenly dis-
tributed a few to a place, as nesting and roosting are con-
venient. Those formerly resident in our grounds have long
since been killed, and the great majority of those destroyed
were new-comers in search of food or un-preempted home-
sites. The total number killed is divided as follows :

Poisoned by strychnine-coated wheat 13

Shot with air-rifle 10

Shot with .22 cal. rifle 31

Caught in wire funnel trap 13

Caught in nest box trap 137

Total 216

There are practical difficulties in the use of poison, the prin-
cipal one that of limiting the poisoned bait to sparrows only.
I have a fresh supply of poisoned wheat made up for use this
winter, but juncoes linger, and would probably be killed with
the sparrows. Better a whole flock of sparrows than the un-
necessary death of one native bird.

It is only occasionally that a bird can be killed or even in-

Whitnev — Discouraging the English Sparrow 207

jured with an air-rifle, irrespective of marksmanship, as the
shooting- quality of the ordinary air-gun is very unrehable.

In my judgment the best gun for shooting sparrows in
towns is the .22 caHbre rifle, using shot cartridges, and to be
equipped with a silencer; it is then practically noiseless, and
almost certain to drop the bird if fired from a reasonable dis-
tance. When shot at irregularly and with this gun, sparrows
do not become especially "gun-shy," as they certainly will if
hunted in the ordinary way. Shooting', however, is usually
against the ordinances of towns and cities, and apt to be dan-
gerous, no matter how much care is 'exercised. Moreover,
little impression can be made in this particular way, on the
large numbers of sparrows always present in towns.

The ordinary funnel wire trap such as advertised extensive-
ly of late by various bird supply houses, I have tried out thor-
oughly, and found wanting. It will catch a few birds the first
time or two of setting, — after that the sparrows will not en-
ter, no matter how carefully the bait is placed, and irrespec-
tive of moving the trap to different locations. Where locali-
ties are over-run with large flocks of sparrows, a funnel trap
will at first catch a g"Ood many, but the fact remains that they
will not enter it after a few days, and further setting is use-
less.

It will be noted that more than 50% of the sparrows killed
have been caught in a nest box trap. This kind of trap is
fully described in the U. S. Farmer's Bulletin " The English
Sparrow as a Pest." All the time I have been trying to shoot,
poison, and trap sparrows by other means, this nest box trap
has been steadily reducing their numbers, in all sorts of weath-
er, and in all seasons of the year ; it makes no difference when
the bird arrives, the trap is ready and there is no escape. A
thousand nest box traps put in commission throughout the
country, would take their annual toll of tens of thousands of
sparrows, and if placed with discretion will catch few native
birds.

Of all the methods I know, the nest box trap is by far the
best ; not only from the standpoint of actual results in my

308 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

experience, but because it affords a really constant menace to
tlie sparrows. Poisoning, shooting and trapping by other
means are effective only when attended to by some one. The
nest box trap, once put up, is always set, and if the receiving
sack be fairly large, needs visiting only once or twice a sea-
son, though common humanity will direct attention to it at
frequent intervals to prevent unnecessary cruelty.

PREVENTION OF INCREASE.

Sparrows are not allowed to roost anywhere on our prem-
isis ; at intervals of not more than a few days, we make the
rounds of the house and grounds, and by poking with a fish
pole in corners and above windows, and shaking vines and
awnings, any birds present are driven off; if disturbed more
than once, the same birds will not return. This undoubtedly
discourages to a large extent any attempt to build in these
places.

Boxes made of boards are put up only for wrens, the hole
being made too small for sparrows. Any board box contain-
ing an ordinary sized hole, and especially if fitted with a perch
or ledge, will certainly be occupied by sparrows and not a
chance afforded the birds for which it was erected.

Several boxes in the von Berplesch style hung on our trees
have been successfully occupied by wood-peckers, and are
now in use by nuthatches and possibly chickadees as winter
c[uarters. Early last spring the sparrows reconnoitered nearly
all of these boxes, but made no attempt to occupy them and
have not annoyed the rightful tenants. It may be too soon to
be sure, but indications point strongly to the immunity of this
style of nest boxes from occupation by the sparrows. If this
is so, they certainly deserve a wide sale.

Our martin house has to be carefully watched, even for
some time after arrival of the martins. At least one pair of
sparrows will be allowed to rear broods without objection by
the martins, and it has been necessary each spring to climb
up several times and tear out nests. If the owner of a mar-
tin house is not persistently watchful, young sparrows will be

Whitney — Discouraging the English Sparrow 209

reared amidst the martins without his knowledge, as the par-
ents develop astonishing cunning in concealing the presence
of the family.

Once in a while some one writes that he does not let any
sparrows nest in his yard. All praise to those who pursue this
laudable ambition. " No sparrows nests " ought to be the slo-
gan of every member of the Wilson Club, and every one else
who takes an interest in our native birds.

PROTECTION OF FOOD SUPPLIES FOR NATIVE BIRDS.

I have tried out two of the best known winter feeding de-
vices, one a self feeder attached to a tree, the other an expen-
sive glass shelter with self feeding hopper for nuts, 'erected on
an iron pole. The tree self-feeder was up only a short time
till the sparrows began to frequent it, to the virtual exclusion
of all others. Even when it contained food they did not want,
the sparrows sat around anyway, and kept other birds at a
distance. The glass shelter worked admirably last winter,
and afforded the chickadees and a red breasted nuthatch
plenty of dry food, and a sunny and shelterd place to rest. I
thought the recommendation of its makers, that sparrow.'^
were afraid to enter, was justified ; but alas, my fond expecta-
tions were dashed this fall by finding it the favorite resort of
sparrows, who drove the returning chickadees away. Pos-
sibly it should not have been left standing all summer, and
familiarity bred contempt. Any way, it has been taken in
now, to be put up again later if there seems to be possibility
of the sparrows forgetting it.

No attempt is now made to feed any of the hard billed or
seed eating birds, as it seems to be impossible to prevent such
food being monopolized by the sparrows. At present I am
feeding sun-flower seeds in cloth pockets on the trunks of
trees, and suet in mesh bags. Both these supplies are tacked
or tied on the upright trunk, and all small nearby limbs or
other projections that might serve as perches, are carefully cut
awav. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and brown
creepers have no difficulty in using these food supplies owing

210 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

to their ability to cling to the bark, the lack of which faculty
prevents the sparrows from interfering.

In our part of Iowa, practically no seed eating birds are
seen in towns during the winter. It is therefore not worth
while to in efifect invite the sparrows by putting out grain of
any kind, especially as any such attempt is sure to be ren-
dered valueless by the pugnacity and persistance of the spar-
rows, who will eat or waste all the food put out.

In conclusion, I believe I have demonstrated to my own
satisfaction that sparrows can be successfully combated, by
any one who can devote a small part of his spare time to the
work. It requires energy and persistence, but it can be done.

In every locality, there needs to be a development of public
sentiment to a point where many will be become interested
enough to help. It is all well enough to talk and write about
conserving our native birds, putting up nest boxes for them,
etc., but in my humble opinion the crying need at present is
an active campaign against the sparrow. If we will reduce
the numbers of sparrows, native birds will certainly come in
of themselves, and have a chance to survive the increase in
towns and cities, which is denied them under present condi-
tions.

Those of mature age can remember when the first visit of
the snow birds was a welcome event of the early winter.
When the lovely blue-birds, and vireos, and phoebes were
about our yards in town all summer. How sad it is that all
this is gone, perhaps forever, and we are compelled to listen
to the incessant chirp of the alien sparrows, and witness their
persecution of any hapless native birds that chance to stop
even for a day, in their migration.

Lack of training and in doors occupation doubtless pre-
vents many members of the Wilson Club, as well as myself,
from following many lines of bird study we would enjoy;
these must be left to others. But there is a line of work we
can engage in, and one of the greatest importance. The des-
truction of the English Sparroisj.

THE WILSON BULLETIN

A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Birds. Official Or-
gan of the Wilson Ornithological Club

Edited by LYNDS JONES

PUBLISHED BY THE WH.SOX ORXITHOI.OGICAL rLUB. AT CHICAGO, ILL.

Price in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, One Dollar a year. 30 cents a number,
post paid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, $1.25 a year, 40 cents
a number. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. P. B.
Coffin, 3232 Groveland Avenue, Chicago, 111.

OFFICERS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

President : Dr. T. C Stephens, Morningside, Sioux City, Iowa.

Vice-president : Geo. L. Fordyce, Youngstown, Ohio.

Secretary: Orpheus M. Schantz, 5215 West 24th St., Cicero, 111.

Treasurer: P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland Ave., Chicago, 111.

Editor " The Wilson Bulletin " : Lynds Jones. Spear Laboratory,
Oberlin, Oliio.

Business Manager : Gerard Alan Abbott, 943 ^larquette Build-
ing, Chicago, 111.

EDITORIAL

The considerable delay of this number does not presage a like
delay for the March number. Many things have conspired to bring
about this delay, but they need not be enumerated. Suffice it to
say that copy for the March issue is now ready.

Now that the annual meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Club
has been sanctioned officially and is a settled event, as many mem-
bers as possible should make definite plans to attend. It does not
seem likely that the holiday .season will prove to be a convenient
time. President T. C. Stephens would be glad to have all mem-
bers express their opinions in regard to the best time for the meet-
ing. The editor favors the two days following Thanksgiving.
What is your preference? Tell Stephens.

Notice is hereby given that membership dues are now payable.
They should be sent to Treasurer P. B. Coffin, 32.32 Groveland Ave-
nue, Chicago, 111. If members will heed this notice it will save
the time of the Treasurer as well as save the expense of sending
out notices.

212 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

FIELD NOTES

NESTING OF PROTHONOTARY WARBLER NEAR
HURON, OHIO.

The prothouotary warbler was first seen by me, in Huron, on
April 27, 1913, when one was found singing in an orchard, where
it stayed until May 3. On May 4 one was found singing on the
Cedar Point sandspit.

On May 22, 1914, one was found singing in town. It was seen
nearly evei-y day until June 7, when it disappeared. It appeared to
be prospecting for a nest, as it would investigate holes in trees and
even started carrying nesting material into a sprinkling can hang-
ing on the back porch of a house. On May 31, besides the one in
town, two others were heard singing at Rye Beach, about two miles
west of Huron on Lake Erie. On June 14, two were found at Rye
Beach in the willows and button bushes fringing the marsh. One
was singing, but the other used only a scolding note. From their
actions I suspected a nest, but was unable to find it. I searched
on several occasions after that, but it was not until June 26 that
I was successful. By watching the male bird it was found that
he had a certain perch where he would sing at about fifteen min-
ute intervals and that after singing he would occasionally drop
down into the underbrush. Search near there finally flushed the
female from the nest, which was situated in an old woodpecker hole
in a stub of a button bus;h, about four feet from the ground. The
nest was about four inches below the opening, was lined with grass
and contained two quite heavily marked eggs.

The stub was part of a clump of bushes and in the spring was
evidently surrounded by water, but at this time the water had
dried up so as to leave the ground nearly dry. On June 28, I ex-
amined the nest again and found but one egg. Both birds were
seen, but not close to the nest. On July 3 the nest was empty and
the birds were not seen, but on July 9 I found the male singing
about a hundred yards from the old nest. This was the last seen
or heard of them. The eggs were probably taken by red squirrels,
as there were numbers of these around.

This record extends the known breeding range of the species in
Ohio north to Lake Erie, previous records being chiefly at St.
Mary's reservoir and at Licking reservoir. H. G. Morse.

Field Notks 213

BURROWING OWL BREEDING IN IOWA.

On September 20, 1914, seven members of the Sioux City Bird
Club made a trip to a point about eigbt miles southeast of the city,
to observe a small colony of Burrowing Owls. Three pairs of these
owls have occupied holes, in which they have reared their young,
in this pasture during the past summer. The owls have been com-
ing to this locality for a number of years, during which time their
habits have been observed closely by the boys on the farm. The
holes occupied by the owls were probably originally dug by coyotes
or other mammals. The birds have occupied the same holes from
year to year. The holes are on the side of a hill — the northwest
exposure. As we approached first one and then another started in
flight, flying perhaps 300 yards before alighting again. The birds
were very shy, and it was not possible to get close to them or to
get a good view of them. The holes in which they have their nests
are not deep, the boys say, they having dug out one or more of
them. After entering the ground, the holes make a turn, and at
the end, where the nest is located, is a cavity three or four feet
in length. There is no evidence that any other animals except the
owls occupy the holes. When the owls have young in the nests
they are much bolder than at other times. When a dog belonging
to the place would enter the holes he would be attacked by the
old birds on the outside. At other times the owls would attack
the dog while he was following the cattle through the pasture. The
owls migrate for the winter, and will leave, according to their habit,
about the first week in October. A. F. Allen.

NOTES FROM COLUMBIANA, OHIO.

An incomplete census of nesting birds within sight from the
porches of our house shows nests (or sites of nests not plainly vis-
ible) of the following: One pair of Oven-birds, one of Red-eyed
Vireos, one of Scarlet Tauagers, one of Wood Pewees (on a limb
in a maple within thirty feet from a window!), one of Phoebes, one
of Flickers, one of Bluebirds, one of House Wrens, one of Chipping
Sparrows, one of Song Sparrows, one of Catbirds, and four of
Robins. I am quite certain that continued searching would have
revealed the nests of Indigo Buntings and Cardinal Grosbeaks veiy
near at hand. This autumn we find several on the leafless limbs
that we missed in the summer.

One afternoon this autumn a Red-tailed Hawk flew into a field
near the woods, and capturing a small animal, flew into a leafless
elm. With my glasses I could see the Hawk plainly, but not his

214 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

prey, which, however, could not have been much larger than a field
mouse. The incident was of especial interest because three or four
chickens were scratching in the grass within a few rods of where
the Hawk struck for the mouse. The field was far enough from
the house that it is not probable the Hawk left the chickens undis-
turbed out of fear, and the story lends strength to the argument
that the Red-tailed Hawk, as a rule, attacks chickens only when
other prey is not to be found. Alice Edgerton.

Columbiana, Ohio.

THE SUMMER TANAGER AT HILLSBORO, OHIO.

A pair of Simimer Tanagers was first observed on May 4, 1913,
flitting through the dazzling noonday sunlight and alighting on a
nearby wire fence. The favorite places of these birds are the boi"-
ders of the forest, where they may be seen flying about among the
trees or perching on the telephone poles. The latter part of June
the frequent visits of a pair to a particular spot revealed their
secret. The nest was in a catalpa tree about twenty feet from
the ground and two feet from the end of a limb, carefully con-
cealed. The young left the nest July 1st.

Katie M. Roads.

FIELD NOTES FROM CAMBRIDGE, OHIO.

The list is unusual, only because the birds have all been found
within a radius of less than a mile. Others seen, but not within
this radius, are omitted. The selected area contains a little of
almost every attraction for bird life : woodland, meadow, hedge,
orchard, evergreen, thicket, stream and pond. Being unable to
hunt the birds every day during the migratory season, I have not
seen the entire list in one year. But, with the few exceptions,
which I have marked rare, no doubt they might all be recorded the
same year.

The Bobolinks, Stilt Sandpiper and Bonaparte Gull made their
first appearance within this radius this last May. The Bachman
Sparrow is very rare. Another bird student and I together saw
the bird and heard the clear sweet song.

The Mockingbird, Evening Grosbeak, Pileated Woodpecker and
Black-crowned Night Heron are accidentals ; no other record be-
ing had from this locality, that I know of.

A decrease in the number of Hairy Woodpeckers has been noticeable
for two or three years ; while this season a decided increase in Blue
Jays, Robins, Brown Thrashers, Wood Thrush, Cedar Waxwings,
and Shrikes is marked, and never have we had such flocks of Juncos

Field Notes

215

and Tree Sparrows as assembled together during March and the
first two weeks of April ; the sweet tinkling voices filled the air
with melody, and the telltale white feathers looked like hundreds
of tiny pennants.

Only once before have I heard the song of the Fox Sparrow.
This April a number of Songsters remained in the thicket for over
a week. I cannot tell of that music, the sunset glory through the
budding trees must go with it.

Song Sparrow

Lark Sparrow — Rare

Vesper Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Tree Sparrow

Bachman Sparrow (one year

only, but seen distinctly and

heard singing)
White-throated Sparrow
AYliite-crowned Sparrow
Goldfinch

Purple Finch — Rare
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak (Feb. to May,

1911)
Towhee
Cardinal
Dickcissel — Rare
Indigo Bunting
Junco

Snowflake — Rare
Bronzed Grackle
Rusty Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Cowbird
Meadowlark
Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Scarlet Tanager
Summer Tanager
Crow
Blue Jay

Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Prairie Horned Lark
Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Hermit Thrush

Wilson Thrush

Wood Thrush

Olive-Itacked Thrush

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Robin

l>luel»ird

lU'own Creeper

Catbird

Brown Thrasher

Bewick Wren

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren — Rare

House Wren

Southern Mockingbird (Sept. and

Oct. 1912 only)
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow

Rough-winged Swallow — Rare
Bank Swallow — Rare
Purple Martin
Red-headed Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeclcer
Downy Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Flicker
Northern Pileated Woodpecker

(once only)
King-bird
Phoebe
Wood Pewee
Crested Flycatcher
Traill Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Acadian Flycatcher
Ruby-throated Humming-bird
Nighthawk
Whippoorwill
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Yireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo — Rare
Warbling Vireo

216

The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

Migrant Shrike

CLiimuey Swift

Blue-winged Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Myrtle Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Black and White Warbler

Wilson Warbler

Mourning AVarbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Hooded Warbler

Kentucky Warbler — Rare

Palm Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Cerulean Warbler — Rare

Northern Parula Warbler — Rare

Nashville Warbler

Redstart

Yellow-breasted Chat

Water-Thrush

Louisiana Water-Thrush

Oven-bird

Northern Yellow-throat

Black-poll Warbler

Canada Warbler

Bohemian Waxwing — Rare

Cedar Waxwing

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Black-billed Cuckoo

Kingfisher

Mourning Dove

Turkey Vulture

Cooper Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

I'igeon Hawk

Sparrow Hawk

Screech Owl

Saw-whet Owl

Killdeer

Semipalmated I'lover

Wilson Snipe

Pectoral Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Yellow-legs

Greater Yellow-legs

Solitary Sandpiper

American Woodcock

Blue-winged Teal Duck

Lesser Scaup Duck

Buffle-head Duck

Ruddy Duck

Baldpate Duck

I'ied-billed Grebe

American Bittern

Sora Rail

Virginia Rail

Black-crowned Night Heron

Great Blue Heron

Bob-white

Bonaparte Gull (May, 1914)

Bobolink (May, 1914)

Stilt Sandpiper (May, 1914)

Mks. Robert T. Scott.

THE NEST-BOX TRAP FOR SPARROWS
I would like to call the attention of bird-lovers to the efficiency
of the nest-box trap for English sparrows. This trap is fully illus-
trated and described in U. S. Bulletin " The English Sparrow as
a Pest," but I have never found reference to its use in current bird
literature.

Poisoned grain is liable to kill native birds. Wire traps must be
baited with tempting food, and after two or three settings in the
same place, sparrows will not enter at all. Shooting is effective to
only a limited extent, and dangerous as well as unlawful in towns.
In contrast to these methods, the nest-t)ox trap needs no bait
wliatever; every bird that enters disappears and will quickly die
of suffocation if not removed and killed ; it has the attraction of
mystery, for none of those that enter are able to warn their com-
panions of the danger ; and it is in working order all the time,
whether any one is at home or not.

Field Notes 217

The possible objection is that native birds of course can be
caught, as well as sparrows, and will die unless soon removed.
However, in my experience, only two birds other than sparrows
have entered ; both were wrens, and one was released unhurt ; the
other, a very young bird, was dead when found. To minimize this
risk, the trap may be placed in a position frequented by sparrows
and therefore apt to be avoided by other birds, and examined dur-
ing the nest hunting season as often as possible ; or the rack can
be detached during that time.

My nest-box trap w^as built in April, 1913, and cost only a trifle.
Since its erection, or a year and six months to date, it has caught
152 sparrows, with no attention except to remove and destroy the
victims. Five or six live sparrows have been taken out at one
time.

I often feel that the stern necessity for constant war against the
sparrow is not properly kept in mind by all of us as bird lovers.
Nest boxes and martin houses are worse than useless if not care-
fully guarded ; feeding devices for winter birds are monopolized by
sparrows sooner or later in the majority of cases. It is not enough
that we occasionally use the dust-shot gun or air rifle ; there must
be active antagonism as nearly all the time as possible. It seems
to me that the nest-box trap above referred to affords a constant
means of destruction, and I urge its adoption by all those inter-
ested in the preservation of our native birds. t. h. w.

loica. October, lOl'i.

WHERE ARE THE CHICKADEES?

There are no Chickadees in the vicinity of Oberlin, Ohio. It
would be interesting to know if they have gone farther south than
is their custom in winter. Reports from more southern counties
indicate that there is no lack of Chickadees there. The editor would
be glad to receive reports on the Chickadee for this winter.

218 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

CORRESPONDENCE

A letter wiitten to Dr. T. C. Stephens by our fellow member.
Dr. P. A. Taverrier, of the Victoria Memorial Museum, Ottawa, Can-
ada, is of such general interest that with the permission of both
gentlemen it is reproduced here. Dr. Taveruer says :

I have just returned from a field trip to the South Shore of
the Gulf of St. Lawrence, for the Zoological Division of the Geo-
logical Survey of Canada. We spent a month from May 21st on
Miscou Island, N. B., and then went to Perce, across the Bay of
Chaleurs ; where we spent the remainder of the season to August
23d, with side trips to Gaspe and a flying visit to the Magdalen
Islands.

Most of the work after Miscou was put on sea birds and Bona-
venture Island the famous Gannet breeding place, three miles from
Perce was a mine of interesting experiences and at Gaspe we made
an economic study of the Cormorant — Phalerocorax auritus — in re-
lation to the salmon fisheries and hope that incidentally we have
gone far to stop the killing of these birds.

We obtained a fine series of skins of nearly all the sea species
inhabiting these shores, showing the various summer plumages of
the various ages.

We are also able to correct the generally reported identification
that gives P. carho as the breeding Cormorant of this section. They
are in fact all auritus, and one of the interesting problems will be
in future to map out the summer distribution of these two species
on the St. Lawrence coasts.

Besides this expedition we have two others in the field yet. Dr.
R. M. Anderson is collecting and second in command with the Ca-
nadian Arctic Expedition under Stephanson. Our latest reports
from him were written last December, but at the time of his writ-
ing he was in good health and his collecting progressing most fa-
vorably and with the promises of most satisfactory results. For-
tunately he was not with the ill-fated " Karlark," that was crushed
in the ice and whose crew we are still anxiously waiting to hear
of through the U. S. Revenue Ship Bear.

Mr. Francis Harper of Cornell, constitutes the Zoological section
of another expedition crossing from Lake Athabasca to Great Slave
Lake. His last report was dated Athabasca Lake, June 8th, when
about to make the final traverse. His results so far seemed most
satisfactory and doubtless his final report on return will continue
the promise of the earlier work.

Yours sincerely.

P. A. Tavekner.

Reviews of Pup.lications 219

REVIEWS OF PUBLICATIONS

Handbook of Birds of the Western United States. Florence Mer-
riam Bailey. Houghton, Mifflin Co. $3.50, net. Fourth Edition
Revised.

This last edition of a well known and useful book is in the main
a reprint of earlier editions, but with an extended '"Addenda " of
58 pages, in which are indicated the changes in the nomenclature
made in the last revisions of the Check-List of the A. O. U. com-
mittee, together with the addition of 56 forms and the elimination
of 52. The last part of this "Addenda " is concerned with the
" Birds of the Western United States in the Nomenclature of the
1910 Check-List," and with a list of "Books of Reference." The
book was so complete for its purposes in the first edition that there
has been little need for other changes than those given above.

L. J.

Alaskan Bird-Life as Depicted by Many Writers, edited by Ernest
Ingersoll. Seven plates in colors and other illustrations. Pub-
lished by the National Association of Audubon Societies. New
York, 1914.

As stated in the introduction by T. Gilbert Pearson, the Secre-
tary of this Association, the object of this volume of 72 pages is
for free distribution among the people of Alaska for the purpose of
educating them in regard to the real value of the birds and thus
securing their cooperation in the conservation of Alaskan birds.
This finds the hearty approval of the United States Bureau of
Education. The birds of the several districts into which Alaska is
divided toix)graphically and climatically are treated on the group
plan, and the volume closes with the extended treatment of the
Tufted Puffin by William Leon Dawson, the Crested Auklet by
Charles Haskins Townseud, the Emperor Goose by Edward W. Nel-
son, the Hudsonian Curlew by A. C. Bent, and the Alaskan Long-
spur by Edward W. Nelson. There are colored plates of these spe-
cies, and of the Red Crossbill. It is a valuable volume. l. j.

A Peculiarity in the Growth of the Tail Feathers of the Giant Horn-
bill (Rhinoplax vigil). Alex. Wetmore, of the Biological Survey,
U. S. Dept. Agr. No. 2059. From the Proceedings of the U. S.
Nat. Mus. Vol. 47, pages 497-500. Published October 24, 1914.

It appears that one tail feather of the central pair of long feath-
ers is fully developed before the young bird leaves the nest, and
that in adult life the new feather of this pair grows out under the
old one, the latter not being shed until the new one has become
fully grown ; also that the two central long feathers are shed in

220 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89

alternate years. Certainly a remarkable condition of growth and
molt. L. J.

Anatomical Notes on the Young of Phalacrocorax articeps georgia-
nus. R. W. Shufeldt, M.D. Extract from A Report on the South
Georgia Expedition. Science Bulletin of the Museum of the
Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 95-
102. November 5. 1914. Two plates.
This is a carefully prepared technical paper about a specimen

twenty-four hours old. l. j.

The Gannetry at " The Stack," Orkney Islands. J. H. Gurney,
F.Z.S. From "The Ibis" for October, 1914, pp. 631-634. One plate.
This short paper is a report of the impressions of the number of
these birds found here after three visits in May and June, 1914,
by the Duchess of Bedford. The Duchess concluded that the esti-
mate of 8000 was too high, and that 5000 was nearer the fact.

L. J.

Are Gannets Destructive Birds? J. H. Gurney, F.Z.S. Reprinted
from the Irish Naturalist, October, 1914, pp. 212-213.

The c-onclusion here reached is that while these birds do eat
great quantities of herring and other fish they only serve to main-
tain the necessary balance, and therefore should not be consid-
ered a menace economically. l. j.

Geological Survey Work on Point Pelee, Ont. P. A. Taverner. Re-
• printed from The Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. XXVIII, November,
1914, pp. 97-105.

This is a brief report of work done here by the author and oth-
ers, beginning on May 15, 1914, with references to work done here
previously. It is encouraging to note that the Cardinals and Mock-
ingbirds are holding their own here, if not increasing, but discour-
aging to find that the Carolina Wrens w^ere all but exterminated.
Indications point to their increase again, however. It is also in-
teresting to note the reappearance of the Dickcissel and the taking
of a specimen of Cory's Bittern {Ixohrychus neoxenus). To the
record of the taking of the Prothonotary Warbler {Protonotaria cit-
rea) noted on page 100, should be added the writer's record for
August 22, 1911, on Pelee Island. The paper contains records of
certain trees and other plants, and other animals than birds.

L. J.

ATTENTION!

Museums, Educatiooal InstitutioQS °od Collectors

I am prepared to mount or furnish mounted specimens of mam-
mals, birds, reptiles and fish and to prepare or supply scientific skins
and oological specimens.

Our life groups of the above are sought by those who recognize
ability and accurateness of workmanship and the perfect condition of
material furnished.

Descriptive matter relative to our methods, also references per-
taining to our responsibility, will be furnished upon application.

K^arl W. Kahmann

Work Rooms and Siiidio
2457 Lincoln Avenue, CHICAGO, ILL.

Glinnpses of Wild Life

If you are in need of illustrations involving bird life or any of
the vertebrates let me know your plans.

I have many unpublished sketches, drawings and paintings truly
depicting the creatures of the air, land and water.

Poses and attitudes are characteristic of the species and should
enhance the value of your articles.

KARL PLATH

cAriisi

3307 W. Congress St., Chicago, 111.

SUBSCRIBERS TO

BIRD-LORE

FOR 1915

Will receive the December, 191-4, issue free of charge. This
number will contain Robert Ridgway's article on the changes
in the bird-life of southern Illinois during tbe past half-cen-
tury. Louis A. Fuertes' " Impressions of the Voices of Trop-
ical Birds" (fully illustrated), Arthur A. Allen's studies of
Evening Grosbeaks, and numerous other contributions. In
all, over one hundred pages of text, two colored plates, and
many other illustrations. Annual Subscription $1.00.

D. Appleton Sc Co.

29 ^A^est 32d Street

New York City

Vol. XXVI MARCH, 1914 No. 1

THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 86
CHICAGO, ILL.

L

WILSON ORNITBOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

PAGE

An Intimate Acquaintance with Woodcocks Gerard Alan Abbott 1

A Time with the Owls Dr. E, W. Shufeldt 6

PlED-BIliLED Geebe Notes Ira N. Gabrielson 13

The Boll op the Log-cock or Pileated Woodpecker Ernest W. Viekers 15

Winter Conditions in Northern Ohio, Winter of 1913-14 Lynds Jones 18

The Effect on the Birds in the Opening of the Park and the Building

op the Eeservoies in the Vicinity of Youngstown, Ohio

Geo. L. Fordyce 20

A Brief History op the Wilson Ornithological Club Lynds Jones 23

Die Vogel Handbuch dee Systematischen Ornithologie. von Dr. Anton

Reichenow. a Critique Eev. W. F. Henninger 27

Bird Surgery Harold H. Bailey 36

Editorial Page 38

Minutes op the First Meeting of the Wilson Ornithological Club 41

Field Notes: Unusual Central Ohio Occixrences; Queer Practices op

Wood Thrushes; Sandpiper Notes j the Guide to Nature 44

Publications Eeviewed 47

THB WIUSOIN BUUUETIIN

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and December,
by the Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, 111., edited by Lynds
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Subscription: One DoUar a year, including postage, strictly in ad-
vance. Single numbers, 30 cents, unless they are "Special" num-
bers, when a special price is fixed. The Bulletin, including all
"Special" numbers, is sent to aU paid up members, either Active or
Associate, after their election, it being understood that fifty cents out
of the annual dues paid by members is for the Bulletin.

Subscriptions may be addressed to P. B. CoflSn, 3232 Groveland
Ave., Chicago, 111.

Advertisements should be addressed to The Wilson Bulletin.
1100 Great Northern Bldg., Chicago, HI. Terms will be made known
upon application.

All articles and communications intended for publication, and all
publications and books for review, should be addressed to Lynds
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solicited. They
should be in the hands of the editor not later than the fifteenth of
the month preceding publication.

Entry as second-class mall matter at the Postofflce at Chicago, 111., applied (or.

Vol. XXVI JUNE, 1914 No. 2

THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 87
CHICAGO, ILL.

WILSON ORNITUOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

PAGE
Fkontispiece

Ten Days' Bird Study in a Nebraska Swamp, Ira N. Gabrielson 51

Breeding Birds of a Clay County, Iowa, Farm, Ira N. Gabrielson 69

Notes on the Spotted Sandpiper, Arthur F. Smith 81

The Resident Bird Life op the Big Cypress Swamp Region, F. M. Phelps 86

Editorial 102

Field Notes: A Two-Story Yellow Warbler's Nest; Particular Weens;
CowBiRDS Monopolizing a Red-Eyed Vireo's Nest; The Red Phalaropb
in Iowa; Fall Records of the Golden Plover; Some Winter Records
from Marshalltown, Iowa; Nesting op the Blue- Winged Warbler
IN Northern Illinois ; The Fox Sparrow in Central Illinois ; Notes
from Huron, Ohio; Two New Birds for Oberlin, Ohio; A Cannibal
Gracele.

THB WIUSOIN BUUUBTIIV

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and December,
by the Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, HI., edited by Lynda
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Subscription: One DoUar a year, including postage, strictly in ad-
vance. Single numbers, 30 cents, unless they are "Special" num-
bers, when a special price is fixed. The Bulletin, including all
** Special" numbers, is sent to all paid up members, either Active or
Associate, after their election, it being understood that fifty cents out
of the annual dues paid by members is for the Bulletin.

Subscriptions may be addressed to P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland
Ave., Chicago, HI.

Advertisements should be addressed to The Wilson Bulletin,
1100 Great Northern Bldg., Chicago, HI. Terms will be made known
upon application.

All articles and communications intended for publication, and all
publications and books for review, should be addressed to Lynds
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solicited. They
should be in the hands of the editor not later than the fifteenth of
the month preceding publication.

Authors of articles, other than ** Field Notes," or short items of a
general nature, will receive 25 bound reprints free of charge. Addi-
tional bound reprints of articles comprising 16 pages or less may be
had at the following rates : 25 additional copies, $1.00 ; 50 additional
copies, $1.50; 75 additional copies, $2.00.

Entered as Second Class Matter, May 21, 1914, at the Postofflce at Chlcaeo, III., under th*

Act of March 3, 1879.

BIRD -LORE

No. 1 of Vol. XVI, issued February 1,
1914, is the Christmas Bird Census Number,
containing reports from over 200 observers
who contributed to this annual event.

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

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

The first Volume of Bird-Lore contained
2 1 4 pages, the latest 506 pages. The Mag-
azine has grown but the price remains the
same.

$1,00 per annum.

D. APPLETON & CO.

29 West 32d St., New York City.

WILSON CLUB PUBLICATIONS

Consist of two Series: Old and New

The Old Series comprise the following issues :

Ornithologists' and Oologists' Semi-Annual, Vols. I and
II, two numbers each, Vol. Ill, one number. (Only
No. I of Vol. Ill is obtainable.) 50 cents.

Wilson Quarterly, Vol. IV, two numbers. Both out of
print.

The Journal, two numbers. 10 cents a number.

The New Series comprise the

Wilson Bulletin, from i to 87 inclusive. (Nos. 4, S, 6, 7, 8,
24, 28, are out of print.)

Of the Wilson Bulletins, No. 15 is a study of "The Oberlin
Crackle Roost," 18 pages, by Lynds Jones. Price 15 cents.
No. 30, "Warbler Songs," 56 pages, by Lynds Jones; in
which all North American Warblers are discussed, the songs
of nearly all described, and a field key to the adult males
given. Price $1.00. No. 31, "A Monograph of the Flicker,"
82 pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price 50 cents. No. 33, "A
Summer Reconnoissance in the West," by Lynds Jones and
W. L. Dawson, being a study of the birds in fourteen states
during a journey of 7000 miles. Price 20 cents. No. 37, "A
Sectional Bird Census," by Frank L. Burns. Price 50 cents.
Nos. 76-77, "A Monograph of the Broad-winged Hawk," 176
pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price $1.00.

The other numbers consist of "General Notes." Price 15
cents and 30 cents each. The whole available New Series for
$16.00.

Address all communications to

THE WILSON BULLETIN

1100 Great Northern Bldg. Chicago, 111.

BIRD -LORE-

No. 1 of Vol. XVI, issued February 1,
1914, is the Christmas Bird Census Number,
containing reports from over 200 observers
who contributed to this annual event.

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

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

The first Volume of Bird-Lore contained
2 1 4 pages, the latest 506 pages. The Mag-
azine has grow^n but the price remains the
same.

$1.00 per annum.

D. APPLETON & CO.

29 West 32d St., New York City.

WILSON CLUB PUBLICATIONS

Consist of two Series: Old and New

The Old Series comprise the following issues :

Ornithologists' and Oologists' Semi-Annual, Vols. I and
II, two numbers each, Vol, III, one number. (Only
No. I of Vol. Ill is obtainable.) 50 cents.

Wilson Quarterly, Vol. IV, two numbers. Both out of
print.

The Journal, two numbers. 10 cents a number.

The New Series comprise the

Wilson Bulletin, from i to 86 inclusive. (Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
24, 28, are out of print.)

Of the Wilson Bulletins, No. 15 is a study of "The Oberlin
Grackle Roost," 18 pages, by Lynds Jones. Price 15 cents.
No. 30, "Warbler Songs," 56 pages, by Lynds Jones; in
which all North American Warblers are discussed, the songs
of nearly all described, and a field key to the adult males
given. Price $1.00. No. 31, "A Monograph of the Flicker,"
82 pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price 50 cents. No. 33, "A
Summer Reconnoissance in the West," by Lynds Jones and
W. L. Dawson, being a study of the birds in fourteen states
during a journey of 7000 miles. Price 20 cents. No. 37, "A
Sectional Bird Census," by Frank L. Burns. Price 50 cents.
Nos. 76-77, "A Monograph of the Broad-winged Hawk," 176
pages, by Frank L. Burns. Price $1.00.

The other numbers consist of "General Notes." Price 15
cents and 30 cents each. The whole available New Series for
$16.00.

Address all communications to

THE WILSON BULLETIN
1100 Great Northern Bldg. Chicago, 111.

Vol. XXVI SEPTEMBER, 1914 No. 3

THE

WUson BoUetin

No. 88
CHICAGO, ILL.

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

^ PAGE

Frontispiece

The Prothonotary Warbler at Lake Okoboji, Iowa, T. C. Stephens 109

Habits of the Old-Squaw (Harelda Hyemalis) in Jackson Park, Chi-
cago, Edwin D. Hull 116

The Kentucky Warbler in Columbiana County, H. W. Weisgerber 123

Spring Migration (1914) at Houston, Texas, George Finlay Simmons 128

The Pine Siskin Breeding in Iowa, W. J. Hayward and T. C. Stephens. . . 140

Editorial 147

Field Notes: An Experience with a Florida Gallinule; Miniature
Earthquake; Bay Point, Ohio, Migration Notes, 1914; Golden-
Winged Warbler in Central Iowa ; A Wren Incident 149

Eeviews 153

Correspondence 157

THB WIUSOIS BUUUETIIN

is published on the fifteenth of March, June, September and December,
by the Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, 111., edited by Lynds
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Subscription: One Dollar a year, including postage, strictly in ad-
vance. Single numbers, 30 cents, unless they are "Special" num-
bers, when a special price is fixed. The Bulletin, including all
"Special" numbers, is sent to all paid up members, either Active or
Associate, after their election, it being understood that fifty cents out
of the annual dues paid by members is for the Bulletin.

Subscriptions may be addressed to P. B. Coffin, 3232 Groveland
Ave., Chicago, 111.

Advertisements should be addressed to The Wilson Bulletin,
1100 Great Northern Bldg., Chicago, 111. Terms will be made known
upon application.

All articles and communications intended for publication, and all
publications and books for review, should be addressed to Lynds
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solicited. They
should be in the hands of the editor not later than the fifteenth of
the month preceding publication.

Authors of articles, other than "Field Notes," or short items of a
general nature, will receive 25 bound reprints free of charge. Addi-
tional bound reprints of articles comprising 16 pages or less may be
had at the following rates : 25 additional copies, $1.50 ; 50 additional
copies, $2.00 ; 75 additional copies, $2.50.

Entered as Second Class Matter, May 21, 1914, at the Postofflce at Chicago, 111., under the

Act of March 3, 18T9.

Vol. XXVI. DECEMBER, 1914, No. 4

THE

Wilson Bulletin

No. 89

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

WILSON ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

CONTENTS

Frontispiece

Notes on a Northern Robin Roost . . Arthur R. Abel 165

The Birds of the Douglas Lake Region . James S. Compton 173

A Hermit Thrush Study . . Cordelia J. Stanwood 180
Nest Life of the Black-Throated Green Warbler

Cordelia J. Stanwood 186

Food of Nestling Birds .... Alvin R. Cahn 189

Flight of Shore-Birds Near Youngstown . John P. Young 193

Corrections to A. O. LT. Check-List . W. F. Henninger 195

Migration at Oberlin, Ohio .... Lynds Jones 198

Discouraging the English Sparrow . Thomas H. Whitney 20G

Editorials " 211

Field Notes 312

Correspondence ......... 318

Publications Reviewed ........ 319

XHE \A/IL.©ON BULLEXIN

if, iniblishetl on the fitteenth of March, June, September, and December, by
tlie Wilson Ornithological Club at Chicago, 111., eclitecl by Lynds Jones,
Oberlin, Ohio.

Siihscription: One Dollar a year, including iwstage, strictly in advance.
Single numbers, ;-0 cents, unles^s they are "Special" numbers, when a special
price is fixed. The Bulletin, including all " Special " numbers, is sent to all
paid up members, eiiher Active or Associate, after their election, it being un-
derstood that one dollar out of the annual dues paid by members is lor the
Bulletin.

Subscriptions may be addressed to P. B. Coflin, .3232 Groveland Avenue,
Chicago, 111.

Advertisements should l>e addressed to The Wilson Bulletin, 94.3 Mar-
quette Bldg., Chicago. 111. Terms will made known upon application.

All articles and communications intended for pi»blication, and all publica-
tions and books for review, should be addressed to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Articles of general interest relating to bird life are solicited. They should
be in the hands of the editor not later than the fifteenth of the month pre-
ceding publication.

Authors of articles, other than *' Field Notes." or short items of a gen-
eral nature, will receive 25 bound reprints free of charge. Additional bound
reprints of articles comr-ris^ing 10 ,pages or less may be had at the following
rates: 2.5 additional copies, .fl.50; .50 additional copies, $2.00; 75 additional
copies. .«2.50.

P^ntered a<^ Second Class Matter. May 21. 1014, at the Postofhce at Chicago, 111.,
under the Act of March H, 1870.

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interchange between the two forms, $45
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WILSON CLUB PUBLICATIONS

Consist of two Series, Old aod New

THE OLD SERIES comprise the following issues:

Ornithologists' and Oologists' Semi-Annual, Vols. I and II, two

numbers each, ^/ol. Ill, one number. (Only No. 1 of Vol.

Ill is obtainable.) 50 cents.
Wilson Quarterly, Vol. IV, two numbers. Both out of print.
The Journal, two numbers. 10 cents a number.

THE NEW SERIES comprise the

Wilson Bulletin, from 1 to 89 inclusive. (Nos. 1, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 24, 28, are reprinted.)

Of the Wilson Bulletins, No. 4 is a study of the Mniotiltidae, 22
pages, by LYNDS JONES. Price 25 cents. No. 5, The American
Crow, 41 pages. Price 50 cents. No. 15 is a study of " The Oberlin
Crackle Roost," 18 pages, by LYNDS JONES. Price 25 cents. No.
30, "Warbler Songs," 56 pages, by LYNDS JONES, in which all
North American Warblers are discussed, the songs of nearly all de-
scribed, and a field key to the adult males given. Price $1.00. No. 31,
"A Monograph of the Flicker," 82 pages, by FRANK L. BURNS.
Price $1.00. No. 33, "A Summer Reconnoissance in the West," by
LYNDS JONES and W. L. DAWSON, being a study in fourteen
states during a journey of 7000 miles. Price 25 cents. No. 37,
"A Sectional Bird Census," by FRANK L. BURNS. Price 50 cents.
Nos. 76-77, "A MONOGRAPH OF THE BROAD-WINGED
HAWK," 176 pages, by FRANK L. BURNS. Price $1.00.

The other numbers consist of " General Notes." Price 15 cents
and 30 cents each. The whole New Series for $18.00.

Address all communications to
XHE \A/ILSON BULLETIN

SPEAR LABORATORY, OBERLIN, OHIO

BIRD -LORE

No. 1 of Vol. XVI, issued February 1,
1914, is the Christmas Bird Census Number,
containing reports from over 200 observers
who contributed to this annual event.

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

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

The first Volume of Bird-Lore contained
2 1 4 pages, the latest 506 pages. The Mag-
azine has grown but the price remains the
same.

$1.00 per annum.

D. APPLETON & CO.

29 West 32d St., New York City.

WILSON CLUB PUBLICATIONS

Consist of two Series: Old and New

The Old Series comprise the following issues:

Ornithologists' and Oologrists' Semi-Annual, Vols. I and II, two numbers

each, Vol. Ill, one number. (Only No. 1 of Vol. Ill is obtainable.)

50 cents.
Wilson Quarterly, Vol. IV, two numbers. Both out of print.
The Journal, two numbers. 10 cents a number.

The New Series comprise the

Wilson Bulletin, from 1 to 88 inclusive. (Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 38, are out
of print.)

Of the Wilson Bulletins, No. 15 is a study of "The Oberlln Crackle Boost,"
18 pages, bv LYNDS JONES. Price 15 cents. No. 30, "Warbler Songs," 56
pages, by LYNDS JONES, in which all North American Warblers are discussed,
the songs of nearly all described, and a field key to the adult males given.
Price $1.00. No. 31, "A Monograph of the FUcker," 83 pages, by FRANK I..
BURNS. Price 50 cents. No. 33, "A Summer Reconnaissance in the West,"
by LYNDS JONES and W. L,. DAWSON, being a study of the birds in fourteen
states during a journey of 7000 miles. Price 20 cents. No. 37, "A Sectional
Bird Census," bv FRANK L,. BURNS. Price 50 cents. Nos. 76-77, "A MONO-
GRAPH OF THE BROAD-WINGED HAWK," 176 pages, by FRANK L,.
BURNS. Price .^1.00.

The other numbers consist of "General Notes." Price 15 cents and 30 cents
each. The whole available New Series for $16.00.

Address all communications to

THE WILSON BULLETIN

1100 Great Northern Bldg. Chicago, 111.

REPRINTS OF OUT OF STOCK
NUMBERS

Consisting of Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 28

May be purchased by addressing Lynds
Jones, Spear Laboratory, Oberlin, Ohio.

These reprints will make it possible for
everybody to complete the entire New
Series.

Prices made known upon application.