p 4 Zl FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Bound at ] A.M.N.H. 1908 r^ i J&irti lore AN ILLUSTRATED BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS EDITED BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN flDfficial flDtffan of t^e Audubon feocietieo Audubon Department Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT AND WILLIAM DUTCHER VOLUME IX— 1907 THE MACMILLAN COMPANY HARRISBURG, PA., AND NEW YORK CITY COHYRlGhT, 19C7 Bv FRANK M CHAPMAN y^/V//V,^^ INDEX TO ARTICLES IN VOLUME IX BY AUTHORS Abbott, Clinton G. See Stackpole, R. E.; Photograph by, 95. Ainsworth, Mrs. See Sloan, Mrs. Allen, Mary Pierson, An Attractive Visi- tor, 216. Anderson, Minnie K., Christmas Census, 31- Antes, Frank T., Christmas Census, 23. Armstrong, E. E., and Carl C. Lawson, Christmas Census, 29. Arnold, Clarence M., Christmas Census, 21; Robins and Sparrows, 84. Baker, John H., Christmas Census, 20. Barber, A. H., The Blue Jay's Food, 128. Barry, Anna K. See Peters, James L. Bartlett, Mrs. Charles T., Bird Notes from New Mexico, 127. Barton, Ethel R., Christmas Census, 16; A Bird Walk in December, 47. Batchelder, Mrs. F. W., Secretary, report of, 345- Bates, J. M., The Bartramian Sandpiper, 84. Beck, Herbert H., Christmas Census, 27. Beckwith, Constance. See Beckwith, Mabel F. Beckwith, Mabel F., Constance Beckwith and Sarah Francis, Christmas Census, 3°- Beebe, R. H., Photograph by, 75. Bent, A. C, Report on Condition of Bird Colonies on Cobb's Island, Virginia, in 1907, 316. Bergtold, W. H., The House Finch from an Office Window, 61. Bildersee, Isaac. See Stackpole, R. E. Bixby, H. S., A New Robin Food, 129. Blake, Francis G., See Wright, Horace W. Blakely, Walter J., President, report of, 345- Blake, Maurice C, Christmas Census, 17. Blanchard, George G., Christmas Census, 16; The Blue Jay's Food, 83. Blanchard, H. H., Christmas Census, 21. Bliss, Lucy B., Christmas Census, 20. Boardman, Miss E. D., and Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge, Christmas Census, 17. Bonner, Mrs. Paul R., Notes on the Starling, 171; Trapping English Spar- rows, 211. Borgen, Nels. See Phillips, Charles. Bosson, C, Christmas Census, 19. Bowdish, B. S., Nature Study Organiza- tions, 90; The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, no; The Skylark {Alauda arvensis) on Long Island, 217. Boynton, Alice M., The Audubon Club in the Bahamas, 184. Bridge, Edmund, and Lidian E. Bridge, Christmas Census, 20. Bridge, Mrs. Lidian E. See Boardman, Miss E. D.; List of Birds Observed at West Medford, Mass., from January I, 1906 to January i, 1907, 162. Brooks, Allan, Christmas Census, 31; The Wood Duck and the Canvasback in British Columbia, 127; Plate by, facing 189. Brown, Edwin C, A Friendly Nuthatch, 218; and Henrietta Jordan, Christmas Census, 31. Brown, Frank A., Christmas Census, 21. Bruen, Frank. See Smith, E. E. Butler, Jefferson, Christmas Census, 30; Secretary's Report, 342. Buttrick, P. L., The Starling at Stonington and New Haven, 208. Calvert, E. W. See McFayden, Charlie; Christmas Census, 16. Carson, Alma, Secretary, report of, 351. Case, E. C. See Mitchell, I. N. Caskey, R. C, Christmas Census, 25; The Starling at Morristown, N. J., 209. Chapin, James, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Finches on Staten Island, N. Y., 174; The Starling on Staten Island, N. Y., 209. Chapman, Frank M., Photograph by, 7; Editorials by, 40, 88, 132, 223, 275; Bird-Lore as a Te.\t-Book, 46; Re- views by, 86, 130, 175, 176, 220, 221, 271; The New Bird Groups in the American Museum of Natural History, 1 68; A Call for Notes on the Starling, 172; The Starling in America, 206; A Season's Field Work, 256; Common Names of North American Birds, 265; A Contribution to the Subject of Bird Surgery, 268. Chase, Ethel B., Herbert T. Thomson and Harriet W. Thomson, Christmas Census, 30. Childs, Helen P., Secretary, report of, 330. Chuver, W. H. See Mitchell, I. N. Clark, Edith M., Christmas Census, 22. Cobb, Beatrice, and Stanley Cobb, Christ- mas Census, 18. Coffin, Lucv V. B. See Gano, L. Cooke, W. W., The Migration of Thrushes 32, 76, 121, 166, 205; The Migration of Fly-catchers, 264. Criddle, Norman, Nesting Sites of the American Long-eared Owl in Manitoba, 12S. Davis, M. B., Secretary, report of, 358. Index Davis, \Vm. T., The Starling Eats Pears, 267. Dawson, W. Leon, President, report of, 359- Davton, Reddington M. See Smith, Wilbur F. De \'ine, J. L., Christmas Census, 29. Dillon, F. X.. A. G. Whitney and G. F. Hubbard, Christmas Census, 17. Dodge, V. K., Christmas Census, 2S. Drew, Emma E., Christmas Census, 17: Some Bird Acquaintances, 114. Drummond, Mary, Secretary-Treasurer, report of, 335. ' Dunham, Louis, A Late Warbler, 129. Dutcher, William, Editorials by, 52. 97, 138, 183, 230, 282; Annual Report of the National Association of Audubon Societies, 2S5. Dwight, Jonathan, Jr., Reviews by, 85, 86, 130, 221, 273; A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America, 103. Earle, Carlos, Christmas Census, 27. Earle, Eleanor P., Christmas Census, 27. Edwards, Edna S., report of, 361. Elliott, E. Earl. See Gavitt, S. B. Ells, George P., The Starling at Norwalk, Connecticut, 207. Evans, William B., Christmas Census, 25. Fair, Wm. W., Christmas Census, 25. Ferrv, John F., Christmas Census, 30. Field, George W., The Heath Hen.^ 249. Finley, William L., report of, 306. Fisher, E. W., Secretary, report of, 353. Fisher, W. H., Photograph by, 63. Fiske, Dwight Lewis, Confiding \'ireos, 47. Fitzpatrick, Adele, and Samuel D. Rob- bins, Christmas Census, iS. Flanagan, Wm. M., and Wm. Rochow, Christmas Census, 27. Fletcher, Arthur W., and Samuel D. Rob- bins, Christmas Census, 18. Foote, F. Huberta, and Alice R. Northrop, Christmas Census, 25. Forbush, Edward H., report of, 303. Fordyce, George L., and Rev. S. F. Wood, Christmas Census, ^o. Ford, R. W. See Smith, E. E. Francis, Sarah. See Beckwith, ^label F. Fuertes, L. A., Plate by, facing 32, facing 61, facing 193. Gannett, Lewis S., Christmas Census, 26. Gano, L., and Lucy V. B. Coffin, Christ- mas Census, 30. Garretson, John Lyall, A Gentle Criti- cism, 73. Gates, Frank, N. Partridge and R. H. Geberding, Christmas Census, 29. Gavitt, S. B., and E. Earl Elliott, Christ- mas Census, 23. Geberding, R. H. See Gates, Frank. Gill, John B., Christmas Census, 26. Glover, Helen W., Secretary, report of, 33°- Grant, Mrs. Henry Tyler, Secretary, report of, 354. Graves, Frances M., Christmas Census, 21 The Starling at New London, Conn., 208. Griffin, Delia I., Secretary, report of, 359. Gross, Alfred O., and Howard A. Ray, Christmas Census, 28. Gurley, Alvin H., Christmas Census, 21. Harper, Francis, Christmas Census, 24. Hegner, Robert W., Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths, 69. Heil, Charles E., Christmas Census, 19. Hendrickson, John H., Wood Duck and Woodcock Summer Shooting Con- demned, 229. Herrick, Francis H., Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian, 156, 193- Higgins, Joy Montgomery, Secretary, report of, 345. Hill, J. Irving, Christmas Census, 21. Hix, George E., Christmas Census, 24, 25. Hodgman, Edith M., Christmas Census, 21. Holtz, Fred L., The House Wren, 198. Honsinger, Lelia E., English Sparrow Notes, 214. Honywill, A. W. See Saunders, A. A., Christmas Census, 22; Photograph by, 37; Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut 174- Horsfall, Bruce, Plates by, facing 48, facing 93, facing 103, facing 134, facing 147, 171, facing 179, facing 225. Horton, Wm. C, An Attempt to Establish a Purple Martin Colony, 204. Howe, F. E., Photographs by. 15, 129, 161. Howe, Florence A., Secretary, report of, 336. Hubbard, G. F. See Dillon, F. N. Hubbard, Marian E., Bluebird Tenants, II. Hunt, Richard M., English Sparrow Notes, 215. Hunter, S., Christmas Census, 16. Hutchins, John, The Feeding Habits of the Blue Jay, Si. Job, Herbert K., .\ Thrashing by Thrash- ers, 241. Johnson, Susan M., Christmas Census, 28. Jordan, Henrietta, and Edwin C. Brown, Christmas Census, 31. Judd, Robert S., The Starling at Bethel, Conn., 207. Kenwood Bird Club, Christmas Bird Census, 31. Kimball, Jessie E., Secretary, report of, 341- Index Kiiowles, Wilhclniina C, Chrisinuis Cen- sus, 22. Kopman, H. H., Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies, 233; report of, 305. Larson, Adrian, Christmas Census, 31. Latham, PVank, Harry and Roy, Christ- mas Census, 23. Latham, Roy, The Starling at Orient, L. I., 209. Lawson, Carl C, Christmas Census, 28; see Armstrong, E. E. Learned, Agnes M., Christmas Census, 18. Learned, H. L., M. F. and A. M., Christ- mas Census, 18. Lee, Charlotte E., Christmas Census, 24. Leete, Bernard E., Christmas Census, 22 Lefebure, E. Lucas, Christmas Census, 28 Lcmmon, Isabel McC, The Starling at Englewood, N. J., 210. Leonard, Mortimer D., Christmas Census, 25- Leonard, Mrs. A. G., Secretary, report of, 35°- Lockwood, Emma H., Secretary, report of, 347- Lockwood, L. E., Photographs by, 11. Lucas, F. A., Oology as a Science, 35, 125. Marble, Richard, and James L. Peters, Christmas Census, 19. Marrs, Mrs. Kingsmill, Chairman of E.xecutive Committee, report of, 332. McConnell, Harry B., Christmas Census, 30. McFayden, Charlie, and E. W. Calvert, Christmas Census, 16. Merriam, C. Hart, John James Audubon, 3, Miller, Frank M., President, report of, 339. Miller, Richard F., Christmas Census, 26. Miller, W. DeW., An Owl Tragedy, 173; The Starling at Plainfield, N. J., '210. Mitchell, I. N., W. H. Chuver, and E. C. Case, Christmas Census, 31. Mitchell, Mrs. M. B., Red-breasted Nut- hatch at Sea, 126. Montgomery, Thomas H., Jr., The Question of the Amount of Science in Oology, 36. Morgan, Albert, The Starling at Wethers- field, Conn., 208. Morris, Robert O., The Introduction of the Starling at Springfield, Mass., 206. Morse, A. P., Photographs by, 13. Murphy, Robert C, A Winter Flight of Vesper Sparrows, 173. Murphy, Robert C, and Edward A., Christmas Census, 24. Nichols, John Treadwell, Around the Horn for Petrels, 245. Norman, Mrs. Charles, Christmas Census, 3°- Norns, Wm. M., Jr., Christmas Census, 25- Xorihr<>i), .Alice R., See Foote, F. Huberta Norton, .Vrlhur H., Report on Colonics of Birds in Maine Receiving Special Pro- tection in 1907, 319; Secretary's report, 340. Orr, Ellison, Christmas Census, 28. Pabody, E. F., Jr., Christmas Census, 31. Packard, W. H., and C. S. Van Deusen, Christmas Census, 28. Palmer, T. S., Reviews by, 87, 131, 222. Pangburn, C. A., Horned Larks Breeding in Connecticut, 217. Pangburn, Clifford H., The Starling at New Haven Conn., 207. Pangburn, D. B. See Saunders, A. A.; Christmas Census, 22. Parrott, Mrs. Wm. F., Secretary, 337. Partridge, N., See Gates, Frank. Patton, John S., and Leonard S. Pearson, Christmas Census, 26. Pearson, L. S., A Persistent Phoebe, 83. Pearson, Leonard S. See Patton, John S.; Christmas Census, 26. Pearson, T. Gilbert, Florida Bird Notes, 6; Notice of Annual Meeting of the Nation- al Association of Audubon Societies, 229; Secretary's Annual Report, 300, 348. Pennock, C. J., Christmas Census, 27. Perkins, Edward H., Christmas Census, 16. Perry, John S., Photographing a Loon, 266 Peters, James L., and Anna K. Barry, Christmas Census, 20. Peters, James L., See Marble, Richard; Christmas Census, 20; List of Birds Observed at Jamaica Plain, from Janu- ary I, 1906, to January i, 1907, 162. Pettigrew, George A., Secretary, report of, 356. Phillips, Charles, and Nels. Borgen, Christmas Census, 31. Phillips, Sherman E., Christmas Census, 16. Pierce, Nellie S., Christmas Census, 23. Pitcairn, William G., A Report on the Nesting Birds in the Vicinity of River- view Park, Allegheny, Pa., for 1906, 154. Pratt, George B., The Blue Jay as a De- stroyer, 82. Princehorn, A. L., Photographs by, 9, 206, 211. Putnam, Miss. See Sloan, Mrs. Putnam, Mrs. See Sloan, Mrs. Randolph, Harriet, English Sparrows and Electric Lights, 126. Rattermann, M. Katherine, Secretary, report of, 350. Ray, Howard A. See Gross, Alfred O. Redfield, Alfred C, Christmas Census, 27. Ripley, B. L., Christmas Census, 20. Robbins, Reginald C, Christmas Census, 21. VI Index Robbins, Samuel D. See Fletcher, Arthur W., and also see Fitzpatrick, Adele. Roberts, Thos. S., Photograph by, 170. Rochow, Wm. See Flanagan, Wm. M. Rogers, C. H. See Stackpole, R. E.; Christmas Census, 24, 25. Rumney, M. Eloise, A Plea for the Spar- row, 213. Saunders, A. A., Christmas Census, 22; The Starling at New Haven, Conn., 207. Saunders, A. A., A. W. Honywill and D. B. Pangburn, Christmas Census, 21. Scribner, Julia S., Secretary, report of, 346. Seeman, Ernest, Christmas Census, 27. Sefton, H. L., A Southern California Aviary, 147. Sloan, Mrs., Mrs. Putnam, Miss Putnam and Mrs. Ainsworth, Christmas Census, 29. Smith, E. E., R. W. Ford, and Frank Bruen, Christmas Census, 23. Smith, Wilbur F., and M. Dayton Red- dington, Christmas Census, 23. Stackpole, R. E., and Clinton G. Abbott, Christmas Census, 25. Stackpole, R. E., Wm. H. Wiegman, Isaac Bildersee and C. H. Rogers, Christmas Census, 24. Rtansell, Sidney, S. S., Christmas Census, 31; Some Edmonton, Alberta, Birds, iiS otarr, Minna D., Secretary, report of, 341. Stockwell, Adelaide, Christmas Census, 20. Stone, Witmer, Reviews by, 176. Stupp, Frederick J., Christmas Census, 23. Swain, J. Merton, The Maine Ornitho- logical Society, 65. Taverner, P. A., Oology a Science, 78. Taylor, B. F., President, report of, 355. Taylor, J. W., President, report of, 343. Ten Eyck, Elizabeth Freeman, A Study of a House Wren, 201. Thompson, Albert A., Christmas Census, 31- Thomson, Harriet W. See Chase, Ethel B. Thomson, Herbert T. See Chase, Ethel B. Thwaites, Mrs. R. G., Secretary, report of, 360. Tinker, A. D., An Unusual Nesting Site of the American Long-eared Owl, 83. Trafton, Gilbert, and Edward Uehling, Christmas Census, 25; The Fallacy of the Moving Bird-house, 269; Robins Nesting in Bird-houses 270. Uehling, Edward. See Trafton, Gilbert. Van Deusen, C. S. See Packard, W. H. Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2, re- viewed, 272. Wade, Francis C, and Jesse H., Christ- mas Census, 17. Wallace, John H., Game Commissioner, report of, 328. Warren, Edward R., A Hummingbird That Wanted Light, 81. Watson, John B., Report on the Condi- tion of the Noddy and Sooty Tern Colony on Bird Key, Tortugas, Florida, 307- Way, W. Scott, Secretary, report of, 328. Wellman, Gordon. See Wright, Horace W.; Christmas Census, 19. Welty, E. J., Corresponding Secretary, report of, 352. Wheelock, Georgiana M., Christmas Cen- sus, 21. Whitney, Alvin G., Christmas Census, 17. Wiegmann, Wm. H. See Stackpole, R. E. Wilson, Burtis H., Christmas Census, 29. Wood, Rev. S. F. See Fordyce, Geo. L. Woodward, Magnolia, Christmas Census, 28. Worcester, E. J., Christmas Census, 20. Wright, Horace, W. Gordon Wellman and Maurice C. Blake, Christmas Census, Wright, Horace W., Maurice C. Blake and Francis G. Blake, Christmas Census, 18, 19. Wright, Mabel Osgood, February, 41; April, 89; In June, 133; August and the Flocking Time, 177; October and Prep- arations for Winter, 224; For December, Six Reminders, 276; The Bluebird, 48; The Red- winged Blackbird, 93; The Baltimore Oriole, 134; The Indigo Bunting, 179; The Purple Finch, 225; The Herring or Harbor Gull, 277. Index INDEX TO CONTENTS Alabama, 3 28. Albatross, 246; figured, 247. Alberta, 31, 118. Anderson's 'The Birds of Iowa,' reviewed, 220. Audubon, John James, an address, 39; photograph of bust, facing 39. Audubon Societies, Directory of the State Societies, 282. Auk, The, reviewed, 86, 130, 221, 273. Bahamas, 256. Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture, recent pub- lications of, reviewed, 272. Bird-baths, 69. Bird Census, Bird-Lore's Seventh Christ- mas, 16; Bird-Lore's Eighth Christ- mas, mentioned, 263. Bird Colonies, Report of Exploration of, 233- Bird Groups, The New, in the American Museum of Natural History, 168. Bird-houses, 69, 269. Bird Reservations, 230. Bird Surgery, 268. Blackbird, Red-winged, figured, facing 93; 93- Bluebird, Arctic, figured, facing 193; 205. Chestnut-backed, figured, facing 48; Eastern, 11, 48, figured, facing 48, 69; Mountain, figured, facing 193, 205. Braislin's ' List of the Birds of Long Island, N. Y.,' reviewed, 271. 'British Birds,' mentioned, 176. British Columbia, 31, 127. Bunting, Indigo, figured, facing 179; 179 California, 31, 147, 328. Canvasback, 127. Cassinia, reviewed, 220. Catbird, figured, 129. Chapman's 'The Warblers of North America,' reviewed, 85. Clark's 'The Birds of Amherst and Vicin- ity,' reviewed, 86. Colorado, 61, 81. Condor, The, reviewed, 87, 131, 222. Connecticut, 21, 22, 23, 81, 172, 174, 207, 208, 209, 211, 217, 241, 330. Cormorant, Double-crested. 325. Council, Bird-Lore's Advisory, 38. Crane, Sandhill, nest and egg figured, 10. District of Columbia, 330. Duck, Wood, 127; figured, facing 189; 189. Egret, American, 259. Eider, American, 325. Finch, House, 61; Purple, figured, facing 225; 225. Florida, 6, 27, 52, 307, 332. Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed, 264; figured, facing 241; Vermilion, 265; figured, facing 241. Forbush's 'Useful Birds and Their Pro- tection,' reviewed, 130. Fourth International Zoological Congress, Proceedings of, mentioned, 175. Frigate Bird, 305, 315. Fuertes' 'Calendar of Game Birds,' noticed, 271. Fulmar, Slender-billed, 247. Goeldi's 'Album de Aves Amazonicas,' noticed, 271. Grackle, Purple, 82. Grosbeak, Rose-breasted, no; figured, no. III, 112. Guacharo, 274. Guillemot, Black, 319. Gull, Great Black-backed, 320; Herring, 277; figured, 280, 320; Laughing, 306, 316, 317. Hen, Heath, 249; figured, 254. Heron, Great Blue, 326. Hummingbird, Broad-tailed, 81; Ruby- throated, figured, 73. Illinois, 28, 29, 30, 82, 335. Indiana, 30, 336. Iowa, 28, 337. Italy, 156, 193. Jay, Blue, 81, 82, S;^, 128.; Canada, figured 119. Journal of the Maine Ornithological Society, reviewed, 176. Junco, Slate-colored, figured, 170. Kentucky, 28. Kingfisher, Belted, figured, 75. Lark, Prairie Horned, 174, 217. LaRue Holmes Nature Lover's League, 346. Linna^an Society, Abstract of the Pro- ceedings, Nos. 17-19, reviewed, 271. Loon, 266. Louisiana, 233, 305, 339. Maine, 65, 319, 340. Maine Ornithological Society, 65. Manitoba, 128. Martin, Purple. 204, Maryland, 341. Massachusetts, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 47, 162, 206, 215, 249. 341. Index Massachusetts Audubon Society Calendar for 1908, mentioned, 273. Merganser, 268. Mershon's 'The Passenger Pigeon,' men- tioned, 131; reviewed, 175. Michigan, 30, 83, 201, 342. Minnesota, 31, 198, 343. Missouri, 28, 345. Montgomery's 'The Protection of Our Native Birds,' reviewed, 176. Nebraska, 84, 345. New Hampshire, 16, 46, 83, 345. New Jersey, 25, no, 173, 209, 210, 216, 270, 346. New Mexico, 127. New York, 23, 24, 25, 129, 173, 174, 209, 217, 266, 267, 347. Noddy, 307; figured, 327, 330. North Carolina, 27, 348. North Dakota, 350. Nuthatch, Red-breasted, 126, 174; White- breasted, 218; figured, 218. Ohio, 30, 350. Oklahoma, 351. Ontario, 16. Oology, discussed, 35, 78, 125. Oregon, 352. Oriole, Baltimore, 134; figured, facing 134. Osprey, 327. Owl, American Long-eared, 83, 128; Barred, 173; Saw-whet, figured, 37. Oyster-catcher, American, 318. Pelican, Brown, figured, 6, 7, 8, 9, 167; 305; White, 306. Pennsylvania, 26, 27, 83, 126, 155, 213, 353- Petrel, Leach's, 324; Wilson's, 245. Phoebe, figured, 74; 83. Photography, 73. Pigeon, Cape, 246; Passenger, 175. Plover, Wilson's, 318. Pufl&n, 319. Rail, Clapper, 318. Rich's 'Feathered Game of the North- east,' reviewed, 271. Rhode Island, 21, 84, 354. Robin, American, figured, facing 61, 118; 76, 80, 84, 129, 269. Sandpiper, Bartramian, 84. Saskatchewan, 260. Skimmer, Black, 305, 317, 318. Skylark, 217. Snipe, 274. Solitaire, Townsend's, 205, figured, facing 193- South Carolina, 259, 355. South Dakota, 31, 356. Southern Seas, Bird Life of, 245. Sparrow, House, 8, 126, 211, 213, 214, 215; figured, 211, 212, 213, 214, 269; Vesper, 173- Starling, figured, 171; 171, 172, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 267. Tennessee, 28, 126. Tern, Arctic, 323; Caspian, 306; Common, 323; Forster's, 306, 317; Gull-billed, 317, Least, 300, 306, 315, 317; Royal, figured, 284, 305; 317; Sooty, 307; figured, 328, 329- Texas, 358. Thrasher, Brown, figured, 210; 241. Thrush, Bicknell's, 109; Gray-cheeked, figured, facing 103; 103, 121; Hermit, figured, facing 103; 103, 123; Olive- backed, figured, facing 103; 103; nest figured, 120, 122; Varied, figured, facing 147; 166; Wilson's, :i^; figured, facing 32; 103; Wood, 32; figured, facing 32, 161; 103. Townsend's 'Along the Labrador Coast,' reviewed, 221; 'Birds of Labrador,' reviewed, 220. Tropic Bird, 245. Vermont, 17, 204, 214. Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2, re- viewed, 272, 359. Virginia, 316. Warbler, Blackburnian, 216; Black-throat- ed Blue, 129. Washington, 359. Willet, 3 1 8. Wilson Bulletin, The, reviewed, 222. Wisconsin, 30, 128, 360. Wolcott's ' Biological Conditions in Ne- braska,' reviewed, 176. Woodruff's 'The Birds of the Chicago Area,' reviewed, 86. Wren, House, 198, 201; figured, 198, 199, 200. Wright's 'Bird-Craft,' reviewed, 86. JOHN JAMES AUDUBON From the bust by Willism Couper in the American Museum of Natural History A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DBVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS laON SOCIITIIS Vol. IX January — February, 1907 No. 1 John James Audubon By C. HART MERRIAM ' OF the naturalists of America no one stands out in more picturesque relief than Audubon, and no name is dearer than his to the hearts of the American people. Born at an opportune time, Audubon undertook and accomplished one of the most gigantic tasks that has ever fallen to the lot of one man to per- form. Although for years diverted from the path Nature intended him to follow, and tortured by half-hearted attempts at a commercial life, against which his restive spirit rebelled, he finally, by the force of his own will, broke loose from this bondage and devoted the remainder of his days to the grand work that has made his memory immortal. His principal contributions to science are his magnificent series of illus- trated volumes on the birds ^ and quadrupeds^ of North America, his Synopsis of Birds *, and the Journals'' of his expeditions to Labrador and to the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. The preparation and publication of his elephant folio atlases of life-size colored plates of birds, begun in 1827 and completed in 1838, with the accompanying volumes of text (the 'Ornithological Biography,' 1831-1839), was a colossal task. But no sooner was it accomplished than an equally sumptuous work on the mammals was undertaken, and, with the assistance of Bachman, likewise carried to a successful termination. For more than ' An address delivered at the American Museum of Natural History, December 29, 1906, on the unveiling of busts of ten pioneers of American science, presented to the Museum by its president, Morris K. Jesup. '^ ' The Birds of America.' 4 atlases, double elephant folio, colored plates. London, 1827-1838; Ornithological Biography, an account of the habits of the birds of the United States. 5 vols Royal Svo. Edinburgh, 1831-1839. ••'The Quadrupeds of North America,' by John James Audubon and Rev. John Bachman. 3 vols. Royal 8vo. text, and elephant folio atlas of colored plates. New York, 1846-1854. *' Synopsis of Birds of North America.' Edinburgh and London, 1839. *' Audubon and His Journals,' by Maria R. Audubon. 2 vols. 8vo. New York, 1897. 4 Bird -Lore three-quarters of a century the splendid paintings which adorn these works, and which for spirit and vigor are still unsurpassed, have been the admira- tion of the world. In addition to his more pretentious works, Audubon wrote a number of minor articles and papers and left a series of Journals, since published by his granddaughter, Miss Maria R. Audubon. The Journals are full to over- flowing with observations of value to the naturalist, and, along with the entertaining 'Episodes,' throw a flood of light on contemporary customs and events — and incidentally are by no means to be lost sight of by the historian. In searching for material for his books, Audubon traveled thousands of miles afoot in various parts of the eastern states, from Maine to Louisiana; he also visited Texas, Florida and Canada, crossed the ocean a number of times, and conducted expeditions to far-away Labrador and the then remote Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. When we remember the limited facilities for travel in his day — the scarcity of railroads, steamboats and other con- veniences— we are better prepared to appreciate the zeal, determination and energy necessary to accomplish his self-imposed task. That it was possible for one man to do so much excellent field work, to write so many meritorious volumes, and to paint such a multitude of remarkable pictures must be attributed in no small part to his rare physical strength — for do not intellectual and physical vigor usually go hand in hand and beget power of achievement? Audubon was noted for these qualities. As a worker he was rapid, absorbed, and ardent; he began at daylight and labored continuously till night, averaging fourteen hours a day, and. it is said, allowed only four hours for sleep. In American ornithology, in which he holds so illustrious a place, it was not his privilege to be in the strict sense a pioneer, for before him were Vieillot, Wilson and Bonaparte ; and contemporaneous with him were Richardson, Nuttall, Maximilian Prince of Wied, and a score of lesser and younger lights — some of whom were destined to shine in the near future. Audubon was no closet naturalist — the technicalities of the profession he left to others — but as a field naturalist he was at his best and had few equals. He was a born woodsman, a lover of wild nature in the fullest sense, a keen observer, an accurate recorder, and, in addition, possessed the rare gift of instilling into his writings the freshness of nature and the vivacity and enthusiasm of his own personality. His influence was not confined to devotees of the natural sciences, for in his writings and paintings, and in his personal contact with men of aflfairs, both in this country and abroad, he exhaled the freshness, the vigor, the spirit of freedom and progress of America — and who shall attempt to meas- ure the value of this influence to our young republic? Audubon's preeminence is due, not alone to his skill as a painter of birds John James Audubon 5 and mammals, nor to the magnitude of his contributions to science, but also to the charm and genius of his personality — a personality that pro- foundly impressed his contemporaries, and which, by means of his biogra- phies and journals, it is still our privilege to enjoy. His was a type now rarely met — combining the grace and culture of the Frenchman with the candor, patience, and earnestness of purpose of the American. There was about him a certain poetic picturesqueness and a rare charm of manner that drew people to him and enlisted them in his work. His friend, Dr. Bach- man of Charleston, tells us that it was considered a privilege to give to Audubon what no one else could buy. His personal qualities and charac- teristics appear in some of his minor papers — notably the essays entitled 'Episodes.' These serve to reveal, perhaps better than his more formal writings, the keenness of his insight, the kindness of his heart, the poetry of his nature, the power of his imagination, and the vigor and versatility of his intellect. MONUMENT ERECTED TO AUDUBON IN TRINITY CEMETERY NEW YORK CITY 'ELICAN ISLAND, CHARLOTTE HA RBOR, FLORIDA The birds here all nest in trees Florida Bird Notes By T. GILBERT PEARSON With photographs by the author WHILE in Florida last year, in the interests of the National Associa- tion of Audubon Societies, the writer spent some time studying ornithological conditions of the lower Gulf Coast region lying between Tampa and Key West. The objects of the cruise were, in part, to visit the bird reservations in Tampa Bay; to explore, in quest of bird colo- nies, a territory heretofore but slightly known; to investigate reported traffic in Egret plumes; and, finally, to select a home in Key West for Mrs. Guy Bradley, wife of the murdered game-warden. The expedition was made, mainly in a two-masted sailing vessel, from which frequent expeditions were made among the Keys and on the neighboring mainland. Indian Key Reservation, near St. Petersburg, was visited on April ii, 1906. This island is about ninety acres in extent and is covered thickly with mangrove trees, many of which attain a height of thirty feet. At this time comparatively few birds were present. Seven Great White Herons were seen standing on the mangroves, but two nests examined revealed no eggs. Near by, one hundred or more Louisiana and Little Blue Herons were likewise engaged in nest-building, but no eggs were seen. A flock of Cormorants, numbering about sixty, left the trees at our approach and settled on the water, as did also perhaps two dozen Brown Pelicans, but these, too, were apparently not interested in domestic affairs. A Barn Owl, (6) Florida Bird Notes 7 a Red -bellied Woodpecker and a few Prairie Warblers were the other birds found. In July, 1905, the writer found Pelicans and Cormorants breeding here in immense numbers, and fully five thousand Man-o'-War birds were using the island as a roosting place. Passage Key, near the mouth of Tami)a Hay, showed on April 18, but an earnest of the throng of bird -life which gathers here later in the sea- son. This island is a low bank of sand covered sparingly with grass and cacti. Near the north sides a pond with a thickly grown margin of trees furnished ideal nesting sites for perhaps fifteen hundred Louisiana Herons. The nests contained usually from three to five eggs. A few Ward's Great Blue Herons were also here, with their well-grown young. A flock of Tea! and a Greater Scaup Duck were swimming contentedly about the pond. Ground Doves, were abundant and many Laughing Gulls filled the sea wind with their shoutings. Mrs. Asa Pillsbury, wife of the warden in charge, has a long list of birds she has seen here. One of her records is the Florida Burrowing Owl. in fact, the warden pointed out one of the burrows of this interesting bird. Eight miles south of Passage Key a little crescent -shaped mangrove island, less than two hundred feet in length, was the home of a colony of Cormorants and Brown Pelicans on April 15. At this time egg-laying had begun, although many nests were not yet completed. \ SCENE ON PELICAN IM.AM), i\|il • Photographed hy F. M. Chapman. The trees having disappeared, the Pcli Compare with Mr. Pearson's pictures where all the birds an Bird - Lore Explorations on shore with local guides resulted in the finding of eight breeding colonies of Herons. They were all located in ' pop -ash " trees growing in small fresh -water ponds. Louisiana, Little Blue, Black-crowned, Ward's Great Blue and Green Herons were found, the relative abundance of the species being in the order named. The Louisiana and Little Blue were about equal in numbers and were far more numerous than the others. One colony of about twelve pairs of Yellow -crowned Night Herons was located. The nests were in the semi -darkness of an exceedingly thick, swampy growth. Two nests were examined; these held four eggs each. The bird not infrequently, however, deposits five or six. The Anhenga, locally called 'Water Turkey,' was frequently associated with the Herons, and the snuf¥-colored young were often seen standing on the nests or near-by limbs. In the scrub -palmetto flat woods of Manatee county. Sandhill Cranes were com- mon, and some of their nests were photographed on April 21. The loud, rattling cry of these birds sounded strange in the silence of the lonely pine barrens, but added much of interest and charm to the journeys inland. The Cara- cara, or ' Mexican Buzzard,' was here, also, at times alert and exceedingly wary, again exhibiting a stupidness and lack of fear for which it is TREE NEST OF BROWN PELICAN difficult tO aCCOUnt. Bald Eagles were occasionally seen and a number of their nests were found. These were usually in the tops of the largest trees available and were sometimes six feet in thickness. Gray Kingbirds were common, espe- cially near the coast, although outnumbered at least two to one by Tyrannus carolinensis. A few miles north of the Caloosahatchee River, on April 23, two large colonies of Brown Pelicans were discovered. Many nests had not yet been completed, and birds were continually flying about with twigs in their bills. No young were found. One of the islands must have been the home of two thousand, the other of at least four thousand of these great birds. In view of the fact that Mr. Chapman has found this species breeding in the Indian River, on the east coast of Florida as early as December, it is interesting to note that here on the west coast, at a point fully as far south> (9) lo Bird -Lore the Pelican's domestic affairs were four months behind the birds of the Atlantic. In the five breeding colonies of Pelicans found on the Gulf Coast, not one of them furnished the sight of young birds in April. On the coast and its immediate neighborhood, Louisiana Herons were abundant, and, in fact, they were far more numerous than all the other Herons combined. Several large nesting places were discovered. In Gas- parilla Sound are two keys which, at the date visited, must have each held 1 ,000 or 1,200 nests. Three other populous rookeries of these birds were found among the Ten Thousand Islands. Unfortunately, the bird laws of Florida are but slightly enforced, although several professional hunters stated that the presence of Guy Bradley in the Cape Sable region had prevented them from operating in that terri- tory. The colonies are constantly raided for their eggs. A negro fisherman told me that cake made with Pelican eggs ''has shure made fine eating." Cormorants are shot in great numbers for food. Plume-hunting on a large scale is no longer profitable, owing to the scarcity of plume-birds. Egrets and Snowy Herons are now so scarce in the sections visited that not over a dozen individuals were seen during the six weeks of field observations. NEST AND EGGS OF SANDHILL CRANE Bluebird Tenants By MARIAN K. HUBBARD. Wellesley Colleee T' iHK l^lucbirds nested just outside the dining-room window on the third floor of a suburban apart- ment house. This building is in the town of Wellesley and surrounded by other houses, but on one side it stands close to the eastern slope of a long, low ridge that forms one of the natural boundaries of the college grounds. Oak-woods, sprinkled with pine, crown the hill and extend one -third of the way down over the eastern side. Birds of many feathers frequent this wooded slope. In the springtime Warblers glean about its edges, the Great - crested Flycatcher whistles, buoyant, as he flies from tree to tree, and notes of the Wood Thrush rise through the stillness of late afternoon like bubbles from the bottom of a spring. The window to which the Bluebirds came is the west one of a southwest bay, and looks straight out and up to the wooded hill. A house stands opposite, a little higher on the slope, surrounded by an apple orchard, some trees of which stray down to the yard immediately beneath. From this window, for two winters past, birds have been fed with suet and nuts. The success of the winter boarding establishment bred the idea of summer boarders, and at the end of the first winter there was set out upon a shelf a substantial and attractive dwelling made out of an apple-tree bough, — the gift of an ingenious and nature-loving friend. The tenement had no occupants during the first season, but last spring a pair of Bluebirds, desperate over their fortunes in a cat-infested neighborhood, took the lease. On April 25 there was grass inside the house, with telltale wisps pro- truding from the entrance. Both birds came openly to the shelf that day, and both worked busily for three days more. Later, four blue eggs were laid, and while the female brooded these, the male, on the tip-top twig of a neighboring tree or on a telephone wire some forty feet away, defended valiantly his domain. Anticipating the exhausting work of the following weeks, a supply of III) THE BLUEBIRDS' WINDOW Photographed by I,. E. I.ockwood 12 Bird -Lore tempting meal-worms was laid in. Sometimes the female, slipping away from her task for a brief interval, would help herself to a worm or two, but by far the greater number were devoured by the male, who watched keenly for every issuance of the rations. On June 13 the young birds hatched, and with that event began the busy season. Tirelessly the mother came and went. She seemed too absorbed to think of eating, and when she did help herself to meal-worms, it was with an eat-to-live air that contrasted strongly with the evident relish of the male. Upon her fell the chief burden of providing food and of keeping both nest and young ones clean. But the male was no idle father. That nest was the apple of his eye, and he guarded it as such. Moreover, he assisted in the feeding to no inconsiderable degree. Besides meal-worms, the young were fed on the usual Bluebird diet of spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, cutworms and other insects, large and small. The male spent much of his time on the edge of the shelf. The arrival of the female with a load of provender was announced by a short, subdued, yet decisive chep, that seemed to ask for a clear track to the nest, a wish that had only to be uttered to be granted by the male. Each visit of the parent birds with food precipitated from the young a shower of notes that sounded like chee -ee-ee-ee, chee -ee-ee-ee, chee -ee-ee-ee, and which did not cease until after the old ones had gone away. Frequently a parent would be observed standing on the nest -porch, looking attentively inside, — an attitude, no doubt, of nest-inspection. Notes on this side of household duties are, unfortunately, almost lacking, but in the few cases that were observed the female removed the excretal sacs to a distance, the large white bundle plainly visible in her bill as far as the eye could follow, some three hundred feet. During these days of preparation of the young for flight, the old birds grew accustomed to their unusual location and came and went freely, paying no attention to ordinary sounds and movements in the room, even permit- ting a person to sit near the open window. It was during this time that most of the photographs were taken, the camera being set up within three feet of the window-sill. June 27, fourteen days after the hatching of the eggs, the most pre- cocious of this precocious brood flew. This was toward sundown. No more of the brood came out that night, and the parent birds, absorbed in the care of their first-flown, let the rest go supperless to bed. The next day was a quiet one. Occasionally the old birds came with food. At 4:25 in the afternoon the second aspirant scrambled up to the nest-hole, where, clinging to the outer rim, it whistled loud and clear the Bluebird call- note — tur-wee — which the parent answered from the tree. This was the first utterance of this call, and later observation made it clear that it precedes immediately departure from the nest, and may even Bluebird Tenants 13 be reckoned upon to herald that event. For half an hour this youngster clung at the entrance, gazing out at the untried world and starting nervously at sounds within the room. To fly or not to fly, that was the question, and, as it sat there wavering, the camera registered its indecision. At last, encouraged by calls from the parent, it flew to the tree below. In ten minutes another tur-wee was heard, as the owner made its way to the air and light. This young one flew in five minutes. Just one minute later came another call as of one fearful of being left behind ; but this m MALE BLUEBIRD AT NEST Photojjraphed from nature by A. P. Mor«e nestling, after scrambling up to the light, fell back for the night, slipping away unnoticed early in the mjrning. They were all out now, and to the parents, busy with the initiation of their charges into the ways of the perilous world, meal-worms offered no further charms. On July 12, just two weeks afterward, the old birds reappeared at the window, helped themselves to meal-worms and went in to inspect their house. Soon they began to prepare for the second brood. Some of the old grasses were pulled out, new grass was brought, and this time some horsehair was used for lining. On August I, three weeks after the birds began to repair the nest, the second brood hatched. The storv of the second brood is a very different one from that of the 14 Bird -Lore first. From the beginning the birds were much more timid, but this at first could be accounted for by the fact that the room was not used much of the time, and they could not so readily accustom themselves to occasional sounds and movements. As the days went on the male grew very nervous, starting at the slightest stir of people in the room, when six or even twelve feet dis- tant. Appetites flagged and meal-worms were often left untasted. More alarming still, the young were fed with much less frequency. The male sel- dom left the shelf for any length of time. Had any one supposed that guard- ing of the nest was an easy job, that illusion would have been quickly dispelled by the sight of this patient father at his post, with bill agape, the picture of discomfort. Dog-days had set in early, and the sun beat upon the window through the middle of the day and in the afternoon until the hill threw over it a friendly shadow. The need of some protection was painfully apparent, and finally, in desperation, an old umbrella was raised outside the window and fastened to a hook inside. The relief as it went up each day was immediate and apparent. One curious habit of the male after the second brood was hatched was that of sitting on the nest-porch, facing the window, with his body pressed close against the hole. Sometimes he would leave this position for the edge of the shelf after the umbrella had been raised, but on other occasions he would take his station there even in the protecting shadow. Was this merely because the porch was an easier resting place than the shelf -rim, or was it an instinctive attempt to keep out heat? In any event, the action, though it may have been useful in the morning when the sun was pouring in, was of doubtful value at other times, when it resulted in shutting out the air. Something was wrong in the Bluebird household, as indicated by the increasing nervousness and evident anxiety of the male. Many times he would stand on the porch, peering steadily into the nest, in a fashion dif- ferent from that of ordinary nest-inspection. His mute devotion was sweet to see, but it was also painful to watch him growing more worn and har- assed. The female all this time came and went, brooded even through the hottest nights, and was apparently steadied by her constant service. The cause of the anxiety became apparent when, on the ninth day, a little dead body, after much effort, was thrown up to the nest-hole and pushed out on the porch. The umbrella, though put up two days after the eggs were hatched, had been raised too late. The next day, flies about the nest and a bad odor told the tale of another tragedy. The male was very nervous again and, as he sat against the entrance, snapped at the flies that buzzed about his head. Late in the afternoon the female went inside and tried to get the dead bird out. Over and over again the little body could be seen tossed up to the opening, but each attempt to get it out was unsuccessful. Three times this was repeated in the course of an hour and a half, and at last she got it in such a position that it could be Bluebird Tenants 15 reached with pinning-forceps, with which in her absence it was removed. The old birds looked once at the body as it lay on the shelf, but paid no further attention to it. One more tragedy remains to be recorded. Early on the sixteenth day, flies buzzed again about the window. The absence of both parents sug- gested the fearful thought that perhaps all of the rest of the brood had died. Reassured at last that the nest was not deserted, the house was lifted from the shelf and carried to the kitchen table, where its roof was quickly taken ofi. Within was one dead -bird and one living one. When this sole survivor of the brood was lifted out he showed no fear, but cuddled down confidingly in the hand and at the whistled call-note opened his mouth for a meal-worm. It was not long, after the nest was put back on the shelf, before the old birds came with food. Three days later, when he was nineteen days old, fear developed, and on being placed on a couch he hopped away hurriedly to hide behind a radiator. In the afternoon he gave from the nest, for the first time, the call-note, and five minutes later scrambled up to the opening. Hopping to the edge of the shelf, he called again, and then, putting his trust in his untried wings, he flew straight ofi and up to a tree one hundred feet away. The old birds had been watching and followed now, guarding his course till he alighted. Another flight to the roof of the neighboring house, with some imperfect attempts at stopping, and he was ofi to the hill, still tended by his watchful parents. An hour later the male came back to the nest-porch, and seated himself against the entrance. Now and then he looked inquiringly into the nest. The umbrella had been taken down, but after it was raised he came again and took a drink; after that he disappeared and nothing more was seen of the Bluebird tenants. A HLUEBIRn HOME Photographed from nature by F. E. Howe, Sterling, II Bird-Lore's Seventh Christmas Bird Census EACH year an increasing number of observers take part in BiRD-LoRE's Christmas Census. Established primarily as a means of arousing inter- est in field work and of encouraging definite methods of recording one's observations, we are now gradually accumulating a mass of exact information, interesting in itself and, in the aggregate, affording a definite basis for comparison with results obtained in other years. It, therefore, has true scientific value. Millbrook, Ontario. — Time, lo a.m. to 2 p.m. Clear; foot of snow on ground; wind northwest, light; temp., 6° to 8^. Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 7; Pine Grosbeak, 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 16. Fotal, 5 species, 39 indi- viduals.—S. Hunter. Orangeville, Ontario — December 21 ; time, 8.25 a.m to 12 M.; 1.25 to 3.30 P M. Damp and foggy atmosphere; about nine inches of snow; wind west, light; temp., 23° to 29°. American Goshawk, i; Blue Jay, 5; Pine Grosbeak, 4; White-winged Crossbill, 19 ; Chickadee, 27. Total, 5 species, 56 individuals. Snowf^akes were seen on December 16 and Golden-crowned Kinglets on December 18. — Charlie McFayden and E. W. Calvert. Toronto, Ontario, High Park and Humber Bay. — December 22; time, 10 A. M. to 12.40 P. M. Light snow, storm at first, bright after; about six inches of snow; wind north- west, light; temp., about 15°. American Herring Gull, i; Old Squaw, about 50 ; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Pine Grosbeak, 13; Slate-colored Junco, 12; Brown Creeper, 5; White- breasted Nuthatch, i ; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 17; Golden-crowned King- let, I. Total, 10 species, 103 individuals. — E. Wellington Calvert. Reaboro, Ontario. — December 26; time, 10.20 a.m. to 12.20 p.m.; 1.05 to 2.20 P.M. Sky dull; about eight inches of snow; wind west, light; temp., 28° to 32°. Ruffed Grouse, 3 ; Hairy Woodpecker, i ; Downy Woodpecker, i ; White-winged Cross- bill, i; White-throated Sparrow, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, 16 individuals. Small flocks of Snowflakes have been seen here this winter. — E. Wellington Calvert. Canterbury, N»H. — Time, 8.45 to 10.45 a.m. Cloudy; snow; wind west; very rough day. Ruffed Grouse, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Chickadee, 12 to 15. Total, 3 species, 14 to 17 individuals. — Sherman E. Phillips. Cornish, N. H. — Time, 9.30 to 11 a.m.; 3.40 to 5 p.m. Cloudy and dark; ground covered with several inches of snow; constantly snowing; strong breeze; temp., 20°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 7; Redpoll, 14; Tree Sparrow, 7; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 17; Golden-crowned King- let, 2. Total, 8 species, 50 individuals. — Ethel R. Barton. Tilton, N. H. — December 26; time, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cloudy, with snow-squalls; about two feet of snow on ground; wind northwest, light; temp., 25°. American Mer- ganser, 13; Hairy Woodpecker, i ; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; Redpoll, 42; Tree Sparrow, i ; Northern Shrike, i ; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 ; Chickadee, 32 ; Gold- en-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 10 species, 103 individuals. — Edward H. Perkins. Wilton, N. H. — Tiiue, 8.45 to 11.45 a. m. and 3.45 to 4.45 p. m. Cloudy ; ground covered with six to ten inches of snow; strong northwest wind; several squalls; temp., 20° to 25°. Ruffed Grouse, i ; Downy Woodpecker, 2 ; Northern Flicker, i ; Blue Jay, 11; American Crow, 6; Pine Grosbeak, 9; White-winged Crossbill, 5; Redpoll, 3; Snowflake, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 15. Total, ti species, 62 indi- viduals. Within two weeks I have observed a Shrike and (joshawk, also Pine Siskins (16) Seventh Christmas Bird Census 17 ami Red-l)ieaste(l Nuthatches, and today I found fresli work of the Pileated Woodpecker in a pine tree. — Georc.k G. Hi.anchard. Burlington, Vt.— Time, 9 to 10.30 a. m . , andi.i5to2 I'.M. Snowing hard; ground covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 10 . From window. — Downy Wood- pecker, 7; Pine Grosbeak, 3; American Goidtincli, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 20 This is tlie first time I have seen the Pine Grosbeak about Burlington. — Emma E. Drew. Norwich, Vt.— December 18 ; time, 7.35 A. M. to 12.20 i'. M. Cloudy to clear; snow, 6 inches beneath a sharp crust ; wind north, moderate ; temp., 14° to 1 1°. Canadian Ruffed Grouse, 2; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 2: Blue Jay, i; American Crow, 18; Pine Grosbeak, 20; American Crossbill, i ; White-winged Crossbill, 53 ; Redpoll, 7 ; Brown Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 48; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 8. Total, 13 species, 173 individuals. — Maurice C. Bi.ake. Groton, Mass. — December 29, 1906; time, 8 to 8.30 a.m. Cloudy; five inches snow ; no wind ; temp., 38°. Blue Jay, 4 ; Crow, 12 ; Redpoll, 115 ; Snowflake, i ; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 13. Total, 6 species, 147 individuals.— Alvin G. Whitney. Ipswich, Mass., Castle Hill and part of Beach.— December 22; time, 12.15 to 3 P.M. Weather cloudy ; wind west, light; ground bare; temp., 42°. Holboell's Grebe, i; Loon, i; Black-backed Gull, 11; Herring Gull, 25; Red-breasted Merganser, 107; Downy Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 2; Horned Lark, 5; American Crow, 130; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 6; Snowfiake, 2; Ipswich Sparrow, 4; Tree Sparrow, 40, a few singing; Junco, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 5; Chickadee, 6; Ring-necked Pheasant, 5. Total, 17 spe- cies, 355 individuals. — Miss E. D. Boardman and Mrs. Lidian E. Brirge. Ipswich, Mass.— Time, 10 a.m. to 12 M. Cloudy; about a foot of snow on the ground; wind northwest, fresh; temp., 30°. Crow, 39; Chickadee, 18; Hawk, i; Flicker, i; Pine Grosbeak, 6. Total, 5 species, 65 individuals. — Francis C. Wa»e and Jesse H. Wade. Lynn Beach and Nahant, Mass.- -December 26; time, 9.30 a..\i. to 2.30 P.M. Fair to cloudy; snow 7 inches; wind west, fresh, to northwest, brisk ; temp., 25° to 32 . Horned Grebe, 5; Loon, 2; Red-throated Loon, i; Black Guillemot, i; Iceland Gull, i; Great Black-backed Gull, 12; Herring Gull, 600; Red-breasted Merganser, 8 ; Red- legged Black Duck, 4; American Golden-eye, 160; Bufflehead, 30; Old Squaw, 66; White- winged Scoter, 6; Horned Lark, 34; American Crow, 10; American Crossbill, i; White-winged Crossbill, 5; Redpoll, 3; Greater Redpoll, i; SnowHake, 8; Tree Spar- row, i; Song Sparrow, 5; Chickadee, 21. Total, 23 species, 985 individuals. — Horace W. Wright, Gordon Wellman and Maurice C. Bi.ake. Devereux and Marblehead Neck, Mass. — December 29; time, 9.1G a.m. to 1.30 p. M. Fair; two inches of snow on ground; wind north, light; temp., 40° to 47"". Hol- boell's Grebe, 18; Horned Grebe, 8; Great Black-backed Gull, 2; American Herring Gull, 90; Red-breasted Merganser, 2; American Golden-eye, 60; Old Squaw, 13; Great Horned Owl, i; Northern Flicker, 10; Horned Lark, i; American Crow, 8; White- winged Crossbill, 23; Redpoll, 2; American Goldfinch, 8; Pine Siskin, 7; Tree Spar- row, 17; Song Sparrow, 6; Northern Shrike, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 8; Chickadee, 23. Total, 20 species, 309 individuals. — Maurice C. Blake and Horace W. Wright. Fitchburg, Mass. — December 29, 1906; time, 2 to 5 p.m. Cloudy; five inches of snow on ground; no wind; temp., 40". Ruffed Grouse, 4; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 5 ; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, i ; Chickadee, 25; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 12. Total, 7 species, 50 individuals. — F. N. Dii.i.on, A G. Whit- ney and G. F. Hubbard. Nahant to Lynn, Mass.— December 21; time, 11 a.m. to 2.30 p..\i. Weather cloudy; wind northeast, light; ground bare; temp., 28°. Holboell's (irebe, i ; Loon, i8 Bird -Lore i; Great Black-backed Gull, i; Herring Gull, 500; American Scaup Duck, 2 ; Ameri- can Golden-eye, 17; Old Squaw, 41; White-winged Scoter, 10; Horned Lark, 10; American Crow, 39; Pine Siskin, 24; Snowflake, 15; Song Sparrow, 2; Chickadee, 4. Total, 14 species, 667 individuals. -Miss E. D. Boardman, Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge. Squantum and Moon Island, Mass. — December 28; time, 9.45 A.M. to 3.00 P.M. Cloudy to fair, snow flurries; snow two inches; wind southwest, light; temp., 32° to 36°. Great Black-backed Gull, 40; Herring Gull, 700; Red-breasted Merganser, 4; Ameri- can Scaup Duck, 200; American Golden-eye, 125 ; Old Squaw, 8; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Short-eared Owl, 3; Northern Downy Woodpecker, i; Northern Flicker, 7; Horned Lark, 2; American Crow, 70; American Crossbill, i; Redpoll, 4; Pine Siskin, 2; Snowflake, 2; Tree Sparrow, 8; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 12; Northern Shrike, i; Chickadee, 7; Robin, 3. Total, 22 species, 1,202 individuals. — Horace W. Wright, Maurice C. Blake and Francis G. Blake. Bolton, Mass. — Time, 10.30 A.M. to i P.M. Walk of one and one-half miles; snow-storm, ground covered; wind light, west of north ; temp., 22°. Blue Jay, i; Pine Grosbeak, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, i ; Chickadee, 6. Total, 4 species, 11 individ- uals.— Agnes M. Learned. Bolton, Mass.— December 26 ; time, all day; seen from windows. Sunny; five inches of snow; wind light, west of north ; temp., 30°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 3; Amarican Crow, 5 ; Pine Grosbeak, 7 ; American Goldfinch, 2 ; White-breasted Nuthatch, I ; Chickadee, 7. Total, 7 species, 26 individuals.— H. L., M. F., and A. M. Learned. Belmont, Mass. — Time, 2.45 to 5.30 p.m. Snowing, ground covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 26° to 18°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Crow, 6; heard a flock of Canadian Pine Grosbeaks and a flock of White-winged Crossbills ; American Goldfinch, 4; Redpoll, 15 ; Junco, 2 ; Brown Creeper, i ; Chickadee, 3; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 10 species, over 35 individuals.— Arthur W. Fletcher and Sam- uel D. Robbins. Belmont, Mass.— December 24 ; time, 7 to 9 a.m. Cloudy; wind not noticeable; ground covered with snow; temp., 20°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Northern Flicker, i; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 15; Pine Siskin, 3; Junco, 2; Crow, 3; Chickadee, 5. Total, 8 species, 31 individuals. — Adele Fitzpatrick and Samuel D. Robbins. Belmont, Mass.- December 25 ; time, 2.15 104.45 P-^'- Snow flurries, ground cov- ered with snow; wind strong, northwest; temp., 26° to 24°. Northern Flicker, i; Blue Jay, 3; American Crow, i; Screech Owl, i; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 70; American Goldfinch, 2; Junco, 2; Chickadee, 9; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 9 species, 97 individuals. — Adele Fitzpatrick and Samuel Robbins. Belmont, Mass.— December 26; time, 9.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. m. Clear ; ground cover- ed with snow; wind northwest, light; temp., 30°. Blue Jay, i; Crow, 2; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 5; White-winged Crossbill, 4; Redpoll, 4; American Goldfinch, 4; Slate- coiored Junco, 22; Song Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i (heard); Chickadee, 8 ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5. Total, 12 species, 59 individuals.— Arthur W. Fletcher and Samuel D. Robbins. Milton Hill, Mass.— December 27; time, 5.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fair to overcast; south breeze, cool; snow on ground. Great Black-backed Gull, 7; American Herring Gull, 100; Red-breasted Merganser, 15; Scaup Duck, 3 (large flocks of i,ooo-|- off shore, probably these birds); American Golden-eye, 500; Old Squaw, 40; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Flicker, i; Horned Lark, 10; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 1,000; Goldfinch, 20; Snowflake, 3; Slate-colored Junco, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 17 species, 2,719 individuals ( numbers approximate). — Beatrice Cobb and Stanley Cobb. Needfiam, Mass. — December 19; time, 9 a.m. to i p.m. Clear; ground nearly Seventh Christmas Bird Census 19 bare; wind east to southeast, light; temp., 15". Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 6; American Crow, 3; Pine Grosbeak, 10; Redpoll, 12; Free Sparrow, 33; Junco, 11; Chewink, i, male; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 17; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 12 species, loi individuals. A Hock of 33 Pine Grosbeaks weie seen on December 20. — Charles E. Heil. West Roxbury, Mass. — December 22 ; time, 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Cloudy; ground bare; no wind; temp., 34. Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 6; American Crow, 28; White-winged Crossbill, 18; American Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, 6; Red-breasted Nut- hatch, i; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 10 species, 90 individuals. — Charles E. Hhil. Boston, Mass. (Arnold Arboretum to Brookline Village and Howard Bridge). — December 22 ; time, 9.20A.M.to i2.20i'.M. No wind ; fair; no snow on ground ; temp., 26°. Herring Gull, 3; Golden-eye, i; Great Horned Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 8; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 21; Goldfinch, 14; White-winged Crossbill, 3; Junco, 3; Song Sparrow, 3; Cedar Waxwing, 18; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Canadian Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 23; Golden-crowne. m. Weather partly cloudy; wind west; temp., 19' to 25°. Herring Gull, 35; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2 Starling, 38; Purple Grackle, i; White-throated Spar- row, 13; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, i; Fox Sparrow, i; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 4; Red-lieiiied Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 6. Total, 14 species, 107 individuals.— Chari.ks H. Rockrs. Central Park, New York City. — Fime, 9 to 10.30 a. m., and 10.15 to 2.25 v. \\. Fine the first time out, overcast the second time; ground bare; wind northwest, brisk; temp. , 28°. Herring Gull, 200; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2 ; Starling, 37; Purple Grackle, 2; White-throated Sparrow, 14; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, 2; Fox Sparrow, i; Cardinal, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 6; Robin, i. Total, 14 species, 272 individuals. — George E. Hix. Central Park, New York City. — December 26 ; time, 8.15 to 9.30 A. M. ; 2.10 to 2.50 F. .\i. Weather fair; ground bare; light winds ; temp. , 40°. Herring Gull, 500 (estimated); Starling, 40; Chickadee, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3: White-throated Sparrow, 12; Downy Woodpecker, i; Cardinal, 2; Junco, 3; Purple (Jrackle, 2. Total, 9 species, 568 individuals. — Mortimer D. Leonard. Central Park, New York City. — December 23; time, 10 a. m. to 12 M., and 2.30 to 4.30P. M. Clear; ground bare; wind northwest; temp., 20°. Herring Gull, 150; Red- tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Starling, 20: Purple Grackle, i; Chaffinch, i; White-throated Sparrow, 25: Junco, 4; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 5; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8; Robin, 5. Total, 15 species, about 236 individuals. — R. E. Stalkpoi.k and Clinton G Abbott. Van Cortlandt Park, New York City, and Yonkers, N. Y.— December 24; time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. M. ; 2.30 to 4 p. M. Overcast most of the time; ground bare; wind high, northwest; temp., 12° to 18°. Herring Gull, i (over river); Downy Woodpecker, 4; Blue Jay, 8; Crow, 2; Starling, 3; Purple Finch. 2; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow (three flocks), about 50; Junco, 20; Song Sparrow. 9; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 6. Total, 13 species, 109 individuals. — F. Huberta Foote and Alice R. Northrop. Passaic, N. J. — Time, 1015 a..\i. to 12.15 p.m. Partly cloudy ; ground bare; wind north, strong; temp., 22°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Crow, i; Starling, 18; Goldfinch, i; Tree Sparrow, 31; Junco, 12; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 ; Chicka- dee, 9. Total, 9 species, 80 individuals. — Gilbert H. Trafton and Edward Uehling. Morristown, N. J. — December 22; time, 3 to 4.30 p. m. Light snow flurries; ground partly bare, with some patches of snow; wind northwest, moderate; temp., 36°. Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Crow, 2: Redpoll, about 30 (one flock): White-throated Sparrow, 6; Tree Sparrow, 10; Junco, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 14. Total, 9 species, 98 individuals.— R . C. Caskev. Princeton, N. J. — Time, 8.20 a. m. to 1.30 p. m., and from 3. 20to 5.20 p. .\i. Clear; ground bare; wind northwest, strong; temp., 15°. Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, i; American Crow, 28; Goldfinch, 36; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow, 260; Junco, 90; Song Sparrow, 60; Cardinal, 18; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Tit- mouse, 4; Chickadee, i; Carolina Chickadee, 3; Golden -crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 18 species, 521 individuals. — William M. Norris, Jr. Newfield, N. J. — Time, 10 A. m. to 3.20 P. M. Cloudy in forenoon, clearing up at noon; ground bare; wind northwest, brisk; temp., 23° to 29°. Crow, 2; Meadowlark, 3; Song Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 30; Junco, 45; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, i; Robin, i. Total, 8 species, 85 individuals. — Wm. W. Fair. Moorestown, N. J. — Time, 6.10 to 7 a. m., 8 a. m. to i. 10 i'. m., and 2.10 to 5. 15 p. M. Clear; wind west-northwest, strong; temp., 25°. Herring Gull, 2: Marsh Hawk, 26 Bird - Lore i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 500; Goldfinch, 5; White-throated Sparrow, 9, Tree Sparrow, 24; Junco, 18; Songf Sparrow (singing) 21; Cardinal, 7; Carolina Wren, i; Winter Wren, i; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chick- adee, 4; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7; Robin, i. Total, 22 species, 624 individuals. — William B. Evans. Philadelphia, Pa., Delaware River Meadows, Bridesburg and Frankford. — Decem- ber 22; time, 9.30 A. M. to 2.30 p. M. Raining at start, afterward clear and overcast, ground bare and unfrozen; wind northwest, light; temp,, 40°. Herring Gull, 20; Ameri- cad Merganser, i; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, i; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker, 2; American Crow, 175 (estimated); Fish Crow, 3; Meadowlark, 18; American Goldfinch, 13; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow, 20; Field Sparrow, i; Slate-colored Junco, 28; Cardinal, i; Song Sparrow, 15; Swamp Sparrow, i; Winter Wren, i; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Tufted Titmouse, 2 (singing); Black-capped Chickadee, i; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i; Robin, i. Total, 26 species, about 315 individuals. — Richard F. Miller. Philadelphia, Pa. —Between Spring Garden Street bridge and the dam on the Schuyl- kill. Time, 12.45 to i P.M. Ground bare; wind cutting; temp., 32°. American Herring Gull, i; American Merganser, 5; Red-breasted Merganser, 15; American Golden-eye, i; American Crow, 2. Total, 5 species, 24 individuals. December 26 same flock con- tained about forty-five Red -breasted and fifteen American Mergansers, also five Golden - eyes. — Lewis S. Gannett. Gernnantown and Fairmount Park, Pa. — Time. 8.45 a. m. to 1.30 p. m. Cloudy; ground bare; wind east, light; temp., 37°. Herring Gull, 4; American Merganser, 7; Downy Woodpecker, 3; American Crow, 25; American Goldfinch, 4; White-throated Sparrow, 8; Tree Sparrow, 14; Slate-colored Junco, 74; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 4; Carolina Wren, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8. Total, 14 species, 160 individuals. — Arthur F. Hagar. Germantown, Pa. (about the Wissahickon, northeast of the town; . — December 27; time, 9 45 A. M. to I p. M.; 3 to 4 p. m. Clear in morning; rainy in afternoon; wind west at first, veering about to east; temp., 35° to 50°. Sparrow Hawk, i ; Downy Wood- pecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, i; American Crow, 155 ( flock of 127); Purple Grackle, i; American Goldfinch, 51 (flock of 50); White-throated Sparrow, 14 (in two flocks) ; Tree Sparrow, 13: Junco, 45 (flock of 40); Cardinal, i; Winter Wren, 2; Carolina Wren (heard, not seen); Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 15 species, 302 individuals. — Lewis S. Gannett. Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa. — December 24; time, i to 5 P. M. Clear; ground bare; wind northwest to north, high; temp., 9^ to ii'^. Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 1,000; Purple Finch, i; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Black-capped Chickadee, 25; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 15. Total, 13 species, 1,061 individuals.— John S. Patton and Leonard S. Pearson. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa.— December 26; time, 8.30 a. .\i. to 2,30 P .m. Clear most of the time; ground bare; wind northwest, high; temp , 30° at start, 33° on return. Herring Gull, i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Crow, 27; Purple Finch, 20; Goldfinch, i ; Tree Sparrow. 1 ; Junco, 75; Song Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 10; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Black-capped Chickadee, 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 17 species, 172 individuals. Leonard S. Pearson. Berwyn, Pa.— Time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.45 P. M., and 2.15 to 4.30 p. m. Cloud) ; ground bare; wind nortinvest, strong; temp., ai"". Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; Seventh Christmas Bird Census 27 Crow, 90; White-throateil Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 28: Jiinco, 77; Song Sparrow, 4; Winter Wren, i; Wliite-hreasted Nuthatch, i. Total, 9 species, 206 individuals.— John B Gill. Lititz, Pa. (Northern Lancaster County, Valley of the Hammer Creek. )— December 23; time, 10.45 \- '^■- to 5-15 '"• M- Partly cloudy, with snow flurries; ground partly covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 19°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Turkey Vul- ture, 3; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Hairy Wood- pecker, 2; Crow, 425: American (Joldfinch, 2: Pine Finch, 7; Cardinal Grosbeak, ii; Tree Sparrow, 70; Song Sparrow, 3; Junco, 3; Brown Creeper, 2; White-bellied Nut- hatch, 7; Black -capped Chickadee, 31; Tufted Titmouse, 12; Golden -crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 18 species, 592 individuals. — Herbert H. Beck. Columbia, Pa. -Time, 9 a. m. to 12 .vi. Cloudy at first, clearing later; ground lightly covered with snow; wind west, medium; temp., 10°. Crow, 200; English Sparrow, 150; Tree Sparrow, 25; Junco, 20; Cardinal, 2: White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 2. Total. 7 species, 400 individuals.— Wm. M. Flanagan and W.vi. Rochow. Kenn8tt Square, Pa.— Time, 10 a. m. to 1.30 p. vi. Northeast wind; sky overcast, a chilly, uncomfortable morning; temp., 20" to 25°. Turtle Dove, 7; Turkey Buzzard, i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, i; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 6; Meadowlark, 5; Redpoll, 5; Cardinal, i; Junco, 55; Tree Sparrow, 9; Gold- finch, 2; Song Sparrow, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, i; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 18 species, 108 individuals. — C. J. Pennock. Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa. — December 29, 1906; time, 9.30A. .\i. to 1.15 P. M. Cloudy, ground bare; wind southwest; temp., 41°. Sparrow Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker. 2: Downy Woodpecker, 3; Crow, 25; Meadowlark, 8: Purple Finch, i; White-throated Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 25; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 3. Total, 14 si)ecies, 113 individuals.— Alfred C Redfield. Durham, N. C. — December 24, 1906; time, 1.30 to 4.00 p, ,\i. Weather, fair; wind northwest, strong: ground bare; temp., 33°. Turkey Vulture, 20; Flicker, i: American Crow, 8; American Goldfinch, 2 ; Field Sparrow, 25 ; Junco, 75; Cardinal Grosbeak, 3; Maryland Yellow-throat, i ; Carolina Wren, 2 ; Winter Wren, i ; Carolina Chickadee. 3 ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 13 species, 194 individuals. — Ernest Seeman. Palma Sola, Fla. — South shore of Tampa Bay, on one small salt-water bayou, and in pitch pine and spruce woods. Clear; wind northwest. Loon, 2; Brown Pelican, 2; Louisiana Heron, 7; Little Blue Heron, 20 Semi-palmated Plover, 12; Ground Dove, 2; Belted Kingfisher, i; Phcebe, i; Red-winged Blackbird, 9; White-eyed Towhee, 3; Cardinal, i; Blue-headed Vireo, i; Myrtle Warbler, 35, Yellow-throated Warbler, i; Pine Warbler, 20: Mockingbird, i; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, i. Total, 19 species, 127 individuals. — Eleanor P. Earle. Palma Sola, Fla. — December 26, 1906. Wind north to northwest; temp. 40" to 55^. Florida Cormorant, i; Brown Pelican, 6; Louisiana Heron, 11; Little Blue Heron, 20: a flock of about 40 shore-birds, too far away to be identified ; Ground Dove, 2 ; Turkey Vul- ture, 3; Bald Eagle, i; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Belted Kingfisher, i; Southern Downy Woodpecker, i; Phcebe, 2; White-eyed Towhee, i; Cardinal, i; Blue-headed Vireo, i; Myrtle Warbler, 60; Yellow-throated Warbler, 2; Pine Warbler, 30; Mock- ingbird, i; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2. Total, 20 species, 192 individuals. — Eleanor P. Eari,e. Palma Sola, Fla. — December 2S, 1906. American Egret, 6; Louisiana Heron, 6: Little Blue Heron, 20; Ring-neck Plover, 3; Least Sandpiper, 5: (Jround Dove, 2; Tur- key V^ulture, i; Bald Eagle, i; Southern Flicker, 2; Phwbe. 2; Cardinal, 2; Towhee, 5: Yellow-throated Warbler, 5; Myrtle Warbler, 3: Loggerhead Shrike, i; Mockingbird, 2; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 10. Total, 17 species. — Carlos Earle. 28 Bird -Lore Knoxville, Tenn. — Time, 9 a. m to i p. m. Clear; ground bare; wind north, light: temp., 28°. Hairy Woodpecker, 2: Crow, 9; Cardinal, 3; Wren, 1; Tufted Titmouse, i: Bluebird, 12; unknown birds, 3. Total, 7 species, 29 individuals. - Magnolia Wood- ward. Lexington, Ky. — December 23. Time, 10 a. m. to 4.45 i'. m. Two inches of snow; cloudy at start, changing to clear; wind brisk, north; distance about nine miles. Pied- billed Grebe, i; Bufflehead, 10; American Coot, i; Killdeer, 5; Marsh Hawk, i; Red- tailed Hawk, 2; American Sparrow Hawk, 2; Short-eared Owl, i; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 3; Horned Lark (about) 3,000; American Crow (about) 2,100; Meadow-lark, 33; Field Sparrow, 22; Slate-colored Junco, 36: Song Sparrow, 38; Cardinal, 8; Carolina Wren, i; Winter Wren, i; Carolina Chickadee, 3; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 11. Total, 22 species, about 5,282 individuals.— V. K. Dodge. La Grange, Mo. — December 21; time, 9 a. m. to 12 m. One inch of wet, new fallen snow covering ground and trees; strong northwest wind; heavy clouds, threatening snow; temp., 30°. Green-winged (?) Teal, 5; Great Horned Owl, i (heard); Hairy Wood- pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 2 ; Crow, 6: Goldfinch, 6; Junco, 12; Cardinal, 13; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted'Titmouse, 14: Chickadee, 10. Total, 13 species, 83 individuals. December 26, route, time, temperature, ground and clouds the same as before, but wind light, southeast. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 7; Goldfinch, 150; Junco, 13; Cardinal, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chickadee, 23. Total, 11 species, 228 individuals. — Susan M. Johnson. Waukon, Iowa. — Time, 9 a. m. to i F'. m. Damp and cloudy a. m.; clearing p. m.; fresh south wind; temp., 30°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 3; Goldfinch, 3; Sparrow (species undetermined), 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, i. Total, 7 species, 16 individuals. — Ellison Orr. Cedar Rapids, Iowa.— Time, 8 to 10.15 a.m. Two inches of snow but thawing some; cloudy. Hairy Woodpecker, 2 ; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 3; Chickadee, 31. Total, 9 species, 52 individuals. — E. Lucas Lefebure. Urbana, IH. — Time, 9.45 a. m. to 12.30 p. .\i. Clear, ground covered with one inch of snow; wind southwest, strong; temp., 35°. Red-tailed Hawk, i: northern Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 4; Purple Finch, 5 (i killed); Tree Sparrow, 38; Junco, 16; Song Sparrow, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 6. Total, 12 species, 87 individuals. — Alfred O. Gross and Howard A. Ray. Atwood, III.— Time, 8 to 11.30 a. .\i. Cloudy; ground covered with one inch of crisp snow; wind northwest, light; temp., 22°. Northern Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red- bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 2; Blue Jay, 11; Crow, 150; Junco, 22; Tree Sparrow, 64; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted Titmouse, i; Black-capped Chickadee, 9. Total, 12 species, 278 individuals. — Alfred Otto Gross. Roby, IlL — Time, 1.30 to 3.30 p. m. Clear, but hazy; ground and small lake here frozen and covered with thin layer of snow; wind southwest, light; temp., 32°. Bob-white, 3 ; Redpoll, 40; Tree Sparrow, 10; Slate-colored Junco, 5 ; Northern Shrike, i ; Chickadee. 2. Total, 6 species, 61 individuals. — Carl C. Lawson. Peoria, 111. — Time, 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Wind light, from south; temp., 28° to 31^. Cloudy; one inch of snow. Ring-billed Gull, 4; American Coot, i; Quail, one flock; Downy Woodpecker. 14; Hairy Woodpecker, 7; Crow, 3; American Goldfinch, 11; Tree Sparrow and Junco, two flocks estimated, 275; Cardinal, 8: Brown Creeper, 6; White- breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 27. Total, 13 species, 362 individuals. — W. H. Pack- ard and C. S. V as Deusen. Seventh Christmas Bird Census 29 Desplains River Region, 111. — December 24; time, 7.40 a. m. to 3.30 i'. m. Trace of snow, cloudy; very light northwest to southwest wind; temp., n " to 36^. Herring Gull, 7; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 17; Crow, 12; Tree Sparrow, 21; Junco, 4; Cardinal, 2; Brown Creeper, i. White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 5. Total, 11 species, 73 individuals. — Fr.wk Gatks, N. Partridck and R. H. Geberdinc. Chicago, III., Glenco to Highland Park.— December 26; time, 7.30 a. .\i. to 12 .\i. Clear, becoming cloudy; wind southwest to south ; temp., 21° to 40°. Loon, i; Herring Gull, 8; Ring-billed Gull, 7; American Merganser, 4; Red-breasted Merganser, 15; Pintail Duck, 5; Lesser Scaup Duck, 50; Canada Goose, 7; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 18; Evening Grosbeak, 2; Junco, 3; Brown Creeper, i; White- breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 4; CJolden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 17 species, 130 individuals. — Frank Gates. Chicago, III., Graceland Cemetery to Evanston and Bowmanvil. — Time, 7 A. .\i. to i P. M. Cloudy, becoming clear; traces of snow on ground; light north wind; temp., 21" to 38°. Loon, 4; Herring Gull, 15; Ring-billed (iull, 2 ; American Merganser, 2 ; Pin- tail Duck, i; Lesser Scaup Duck, 150; American Golden-eye, 7; Canada Goose, 22: Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 18; Blue Jay, 24; Crow, 12; Pine Siskin, i seen, others heard; Tree Sparrow, 50; Junco, 12; Cardinal, i: Cedar Waxwing, 7; Brown Creeper, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; White-breasted Nut- hatch, i; Chickadee, 12. Total, 22 species, 351 individuals. — Frank Gates. Chicago, III., Stickney District.— Time, 10.30 A. .vi. to 3.30 P. M. Clear; ground bare; a little snow in grass; wind west to southwest, light; temp., 33°. Prairie Hen (flock), 20; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Prairie Horned Lark, 3; American Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 30. Total, 5 species, 57 individuals. — J. L. De Vine. Chicago, 111., Jackson Park and Vicinity, District. — Time, 8 A. m. to i v. m. Cloudy and a dense fog, especially on lake, but clearing up toward noon; ground and lagoon fro- zen and covered with light coat of snow; lake full of floating ice; wind light, varying from northwest to southwest; temp., 30° to 32°. American Herring Gull, 15; Ring-billed Gull, 25; American Merganser, 18; Red-breasted Merganser, 8; American Golden-eye, 4; Screech Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 4; Snowfiake, 3; Lapland Long- spur, 50; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 6. I'otal, 12 species, 137 individ- uals.— E. E. Armstrong and Carl C. Lawson. Warren, Jo. Daviess Co., III. — Cloudy; wind southwest; trace of snow; temp., 38°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 2; Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 13; Crow, 564; Goldfinch, 2; Junco, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 11; Chickadee, 20. Total, 14 species, 650 individuals. — [?] signature. Moline, Illinois. -December 27; time, 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., on Arsenal Island in Mississippi River, and 2.15 to 3.30 P..M., on Bluffs of Rock River, four miles southwest. — Very cloudy; moist air; ground bare; wind northeast, light; temp., 35°. — Quail (Bob- white), 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 12; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 ; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 5; Junco flocks (estimated), 100; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Chickadee, 12. Total, 12 species, about 164 individuals. December 16, a Sparrow Hawk, American Goldfinches and Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen, and on December 26 a flock of Blackbirds (Bronze Grackles) were seen on Rock River. — Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Putnam, Miss Putnam and Mrs. Ainsvvorth. Rock Island, 111. — Time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.30 P. M. Cloudy; light snow on ground; light southeast wind; temp., 32°; Mississippi River channel open. Ring-necked Duck, 2; Quail, 35; Barred Owl, i; Crow, i; Blue Jay, i: Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Snowbird, 30; Chickadee, 15; White-bellied Nuthatch, 2. Total, 10 species, 91 individuals. — Burtis H. Wilson. 30 Bird -Lore The Beach, Lake Co.. 111. — Sunny; light west wind ; no snow ; temp., 34". Ameri- can Herring Gull, 10: Snow Goose (?), 5 ; Downy Woodpecker, x ; Blue Jay, 5 ; Crow, 10; White-winged Crossbill, 1 ; American Goldfinch, 4; many unidentified Ducks on the Lake. — John F. Ferry. Youngstown, Ohio. — Time, 7 a. M. to 4 p. M. Cloudy; aiwut six inches of snow, a little snow falling during forenoon, wind west; temp., 14° to 28°. Distance walked, seventeen miles. Quail, 4; Ruffed Grouse, 6; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Broad-winged Hawk, i; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Barred Owl, i; Great Horned Owl, i; Hairy Wood- pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2: Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 3; American Crow, i; Tree Sparrow, 50; Song Sparrow, 16; Cardinal, i ; Winter Wren, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 14; Chickadee, 25. Total, 21 species, 149 individuals. — Geo. L. Fordyce and Rev. S. F. Wood. Cadiz, Ohio. — Time, 9.15 A. M. to 2.15 P. M. Snowing, with eight inches of snow on the ground; wind west, moderately strong; temp., 15° to 19°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Red- tailed Hawk, 3: Sparrow Hawk, i; Horned Owl, i; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, i; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 9; Flicker, 10: Junco, 50; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal, 11; Carolina Wren, 2 (singing); White-breasted Nuthatch, 12; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Chickadee, 8; Robin, i; Bluebird, 5 (singing). Total, 18 species, 144 individuals. On December 17, a farmer living near Cadiz shot a Black Vulture under the impression that it was a Hawk. He brought it to me to identify. This is a very unusual record for eastern Ohio. — Harry B. McConnell. Richmond, Indiana. — Time, 7.30 a. .\i. to i p. m. Wind northwest; four inches snow temp., 8°. Mourning Dove, i;Kingfisher, i ; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Wood- pecker, i; Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, abundant; Bronzed Grackle, 15; Goldfinch, 4; Tree Sparrow, abundant; Junco, abundant; Song Sparrow, abundant; Cardinal, 24; Brown Creeper, i; White breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted Titmouse, abundant; Chickadee, abun- dant. Total, 17 species. — L. Gano and Lucy V. B. Coffin. Greenville, Floyd Co., Indiana. — Time, 10.30 to 11 a. .\i., and 2 to 3.30 p. .\i. Ground partly covered with snow; wind northwest, light, fair; temp., 40°. Buzzard, i; Red-bellied Woodpecker, i; Red-headed Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 14; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 16; Cardinal, 5; Junco, 23; Song Sparrow, 6; Carolina Wren, 4; Crested Titmouse, 13; Carolina Chickadee, 5. Total, 12 species, 96 individuals. — Mrs. Charles Norman. Port Sanilac, Michigan. — December 28; time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.30 P. M. Cloudy; two to six inches snow; southwest wind, light; temp., 32° to 34°. American Merganser (?) . 2; Crow, 6; White-winged Crossbill, 22; Chickadee, 4. Total, 4 species, 34 individ- uals.— Ethel B. Chase, Herbert T. Thomson, Harriet W. Thomson. Detroit, Mich. — Time, 10.15 to 11.45 ^- ^'- Cloudy; three inches of snow; wiod northwest, light; temp., 20°. Location, Belle Isle in Detroit River. White-breasted Nuthatch, 24; Chickadee, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 4; Goldfinch, 5; Crow, 2: Herring Gull, 7; Pied-billed Grebe, 2 (flying southward). Total, 7 species, 59 individ- uals.— Jefferson Butler. Elkhorn, Wis. — December 23; time, 2 to 4 p. m. Clear, sunshine; ground partly covered with snow; wind northwest, light; temp., about 50°. December 26: time, 9 to II A. .M. Sunshine, snow in places; wind southwest, light; temp., about 40°. Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 16; Crow, 10; Redpoll, 70 (approximately ) ; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, about no indi- viduals. Our lunch-counter is visited daily by one Hairy and two Downy Woodpeckers, several Blue Jays, two White-breasted Nuthatches, one Red-breasted Nuthatch, and three Chickadees. — Mabel F. Beckwith, Constance Beckwith and Sarah Francis. Milwaukee, Wis. — December 24; time, 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Clear, sunshiny; ground bare; wind north, very light; temp., 15° at 8.30 A .\i. Herring Gull, 12; Ducks, 214, chieflv Bufflehead, American (jolden-eye, and American Scaup: Downy Wood- Seventh Christmas Bird Census 31 pecker, 3: Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 7. Total, 5 species, 237 individuals, — I. N Mit- chell, W. H. Chuver and E. C. Case. Lake Minnetonka, Minn.— (Twenty miles west of Minneapolis.) Brief observations between .2 m. and 2 i'. m. Clear, light southeast wind; no snow; temp., 30°. Downy Woodpecker, i ; Blue Jay, 3; Pine Grosbeak, 10; American Goldfinch, 5; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, 30 individuals. Nearly ail seen atone spot in the woods where I had placed a supply of beef suet on Thanksgiving Day. Grosbeaks very tame; could almost touch them.— E. F. Parody, Jr. Red Wing, Minn.- Time, 8 A. m. to 1.45 p. m. Slightly cloudy; about two or three inches of snow; wind southeast, moderate; temp., 21° to 27°. Bob-white, 16; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 23; American Goldfinch, 60; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, i8- Cedar Waxwing, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee'. 17! Total, 10 species, 153 individuals. — Charles Phillips and Nels. Borc;e\. Minneapolis, Minn.-Time, 8 A m. to 12 .M. Partly cloudy, ground nearly bare- wind southeast, light; temp., 30°. Quail, 5; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2! Goldfinch, 9; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, 25 individuals. — Henrietta Jordan and Edwin C. Broun. Minneapolis, Minn.-Time, 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. Cloudy; ground nearly bare; wind northwest, strong: temp., about 35°. Bob-white, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, many: Redpoll, 4: American Goldfinch, 8 ; Snowf^ake, 3 ; Brown Creeper, '2 ; White- breasted Nuthatch, many; Chickadee, 10. Total, 9 species, about 50 individuals.- Kenwood Bird Club. Murdock, Minn.-Time, 9 to ,0 a. m. Clear; one inch of snow; no wind- temp about 38°. Prairie Horned Lark, 20: Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 7; Chickadee, 6.' Total, 4 species, 35 individuals.— Albert A. Thompson. Kolls.LymanCounty.S.D.-Time, ii.30A.M.t04.30P.M. Cloudy ; ground covered with snow ; light south wind. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 14 : Black-billed Magpie, 4 • Red- poll, about 150: Chickadee, i. Total, 4 species, about 170 individuals. -Adria.n'larson Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.-Time, 8 a. m. t0 4P. m. Clear; thirty inches snow- wind south; temp., 20". American Goshawk, 3; Ferruginous Rough-leg Hawk 6- Golden Eagle, i; American Hawk Owl, 7; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Canada Jay ' ,0' American Raven, i; American Crow, 12; Pine Grosbeak, 4; Snowflake, .00; Chickadee 100. Total, II species, 246 individuals. — Sidney S. S. Stansell. Okanagan Landing, B. C. — December 29; time, 7.30 a. m. to 2.30 p. m Fine • five inches of snow; calm; temp., 20° at 7 a. m. Western Grebe, i; Holbcell's Grebe, i ;" Horned Grebe, 2; Greater Scaup ( duck ), 120; American Golden-eve, 2 ; Bufflehead's' Herring Gull, 3: Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse, 5; RuflFed Grouse, 3; Northern Hairv Woodpecker, i; Cabanis' Woodpecker, i; Red-shafted Flicker, 4- Magpie 1- Western Evening Grosbeak, i; Pine Grosbeak, 25; Rusty Song Sparrow, 2; Western Meadowlark, i ; Slender-billed Nuthatch, 2; Red-bellied Nuthatch, i; Loner-tailed Chickadee, 7; Mountain Chickadee, 2; Great Northern Shrike, i; Townsend's Solitaire, I. fotal, 23 species, 203 individuals.— Allan Brooks. Vernon. B. C- December 26. Cloudy; wind southwest: three inches of snow - temp., 23 at 7 a. m. Northern Golden-winged Flicker, 2; Red-shafted Flicker 3- Clarke's Nutcracker, i; Magpie, 8; Pine Grosbeak, 7; Shufeldt's Junco, 7- Rusty Song Sparrow, 5; Mealy Redpoll, 60; Western Meadowlark, 6; Kingfisher... Total 10 >pecies, 100 individuals. — Allan Brooks. La Cafiada, Los Angeles County, CaL-Fime. 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. Cloudy- no per- ceptible wind; temp., 78° to 80°. Red-breasted Sapsucker, .; Red-shafted Flicker 2- Black Phoebe, 6; California Jay, 2; House Finch, 6; Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow' Golden-crowned Sparrow, large flocks; Thurber Junco, 6: California Towhee 26- Au- dubon Warbler, large flocks; Western Mockingbird, 8; California Thrasher 2" Vigor's Wren. 5: Western Robin, 45. Total, 15 species, ,08 individuals.- Minnie K a'nderson The Migration of Thrushes FIRST PAPER Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall WE believe that all field -students of American birds will endorse the statement that few ornithological papers have been published pos- sessing greater enduring interest and value than those on the ' Mi- gration of Warblers' which Professor Cooke has prepared for BiRD-LoRE. We have, therefore, special cause for congratulation that, with the kind permission of the Biological Survey, Professor Cooke has consented to treat other groups of birds in the same equally thorough manner. — Ed. WOOD THRUSH SPRING MIGRATION No. of years' Average date of record spring arrival Earliest date of spring arrival Atlantic Coast — Northern Florida .... Atlanta. Ga. (near) . . Raleigh, N. C Variety Mills, Va Washington, D. C. . . . Beaver, Pa. .... Germantown, Pa. . . . Englevvood, N. J Rosiyn. N. Y Shelter Island, N. Y. . . Ballston Spa., N. Y. . . Hartford, Conn Providence, R. I. ... Eastern Massachusetts . . Mississippi Fa I ley — New Orleans, La Helena, Ark Eubank, Ky. ..... St. Louis, Mo Wauseon, Ohio Petersburg, Mich Plymouth, Mich Chicago, III Southwestern Ontario . . Muskoka District, Ont. . Ottawa, Ont Keokuk, Iowa ... Hillsboro, Iowa (near) . Central Iowa, 41° 40' lat. Sabula, Iowa . . Lanesboro, Minn. . . Minneapolis, Minn, (near) Northeastern Texas . . . Manhattan, Kans. . . . Onaga, Kans. . . Southeastern Nebraska . April 26 April 9 April 16 April 28 April 26 April 25 May I May I May I May 7 May 8 May 7 May 8 May 6 March 31 April 13 ! April 16 I April 19 April 29 I April 29 May I May 3 May 4 I May 13 May 10 April 30 April 30 May 2 May I 1 May 5 May 8 April 18 April 28 May 5 I April 27 Once in winter April 3, 1893 April 10, 1893 April 17, 1896 April 19, 1891 April 22, 1889 April 30, 1890 April 26, 1900 April 29, 1894 May I, 1891 May 3, 1896 May 3, 1892 May 3, 1905 May I, 1899 March 25, 1900 April 6, 1896 April 10, i8§3 April 19, 1886 April 24, 1886 April 23, 1891 April 25, 1897 April 28, 1897 April 30, 1899 May 8, 1899 May 6, 1905 April 20, 1896 April 23, 1897 April 26, 1902 April 28, 1892 May I, 1892 May 3, 1904 April 16, 1891 April 22, 1885 April 28, 1891 April 25, 1897 (32; 1. Wood Thrush. 2 and 3. Wilson's Thrush. The Migration of Thrushes 33 The date of May 6 in eastern Massachusetts is based on the notes of twenty-four observers in eleven towns in Massachusetts east of the Con- necticut; the date of May 2 at 41° 40' latitude in Iowa is from the records of twenty -two observers in eleven towns. FALL MIGRATION Lincoln, Neb Onaga, Kans Lanesboro, Minn. . . . Central Iowa Chicago, III Southwestern Ontario . . Wauseon, Ohio Waterloo, Ind New Orleans, La Melrose, Mass Providence, R.I Croton-on- Hudson, N. \' Englewood, N.J Beaver, Pa CJertnantown, Pa French Creek, W. \'a. Raleigh, N, C Southern Florida . . August I September 14 September 18 September 15 September 1 1 September 17 September 15 October 14 October 5 October 3 October 2 October 6 October 7 October 11 October 12 I September 15, 1900 j August 26, 1894 September 19, 1888 j October 6, 1887 September 22, 1900 October, 9, 1905 September 27, 1895 ! September 28, 1891 October 18, 1903 September 16, 1899 September 22, 1904 I October 6, i89r October 7, 1885 October 8, 1890 October 11, 1887 October 12, 1891 October 16, 1885 October 13, 1885 WILSON'S THRUSH SPRING MIGRATION No. of years' Average date of records spring arrival Atlantic Coast — Key West, Fla Northern Florida ... Raleigh, N. C. French Creek, W. Va. . . Washington, D. C. ... Englewood, N.J Ballston Spa, N. V. ... Hartford, Conn Eastern Massachusetts . . . St. Johnsburv, Vt Durham, N.H Southern Maine Scotch Lake, New Brunswick Montreal, Can Quebec City, Can May May 9 May Mav 3 Mav 2 May May 7 4 May Mav 10 Mav •S Mav Mav 21 May 16 Mav '5 Earli est date of spring ar ival April 28 1887 Mav 8, 1903 April 27 •89^ Apri 28 1891 Apri 26 1891 Apri 27 1900 May 3. 1905 Apri 29 1891 May 4. 1904 .\Iav s. 1886 Mav II, 19CO May 12, 1900 May 20, 1904 .May II. 1889 May '4. 1898 34 Bird- Lore SPRING MIGRATION, continued PLACE No. of years' records Average date of spring arrival Earliest date of spring arrival Mississippi ralley — New Orleans, La Helena, Ark 4 5 6 12 15 g 15 5 9 8 April 19 April 25 May I May 2 May 5 May 6 May 13 May 8 May 9 May 15 April 14, 1905 April 18, 1904 April 28, 1894 April 26, 1897 May 2, 1900 May 2, 1898 May 5, 1902 May 5, 1885 May 5, 1890 May II, 1904 Plymouth, Mich, (.near) Southwestern Ontario Toronto, Ont Ottawa, Ont Lanesboro Minn . . Aweme, Manitoba ........ The date of spring arrival, May 7, for eastern Massachusetts is obtained by selecting the earliest dates, as contributed during a series of twenty years, 1886-1905, by twenty observers located in thirteen different towns in Mass- achusetts east of the Connecticut river. No measurable difference can be noted in the time of arrival at Springfield and at Boston or in the intervening districts. Treating the notes from these thirteen towns as if they had been contributed from one locality, the record of the first one seen is so uniform that it will be given in full. All the dates of the first one seen are in May and are for consecutive years, beginning with 1886: May 8, 7, 6, 9, 8, 11, 7, 7, 10, 7, 4, 7, 8, 6, 9, 6, 7, 9, 4, 5, average xMay 7. If the average date of the first one seen had been calculated for each town separately and then an average made of the resulting averages, the date of May 9 would have been obtained for the final average instead of May 7. FALL MIGRATION The average date of the first one seen in the fall in southern Mississippi is September 14, and at Raleigh, N. C, September 5. The first was noted at Lexington, Ky., September 3, 1905; St. Mary's, Ga., September 13. 1905; Tallahassee, Fla., September 11, 1904; northern coast of South America, October 5, 1900; central Brazil, November 4, 1882. Aweme, Manitoba Chicago, 111 Waterloo, Ind. (near) Wauseon, Ohio . . . Lexington, Ky. . . . Bay St. Louis, Miss. New Orleans, La. . . Englewood, N. J. . . Germantown, Pa. Tallahassee, Fla. August 27 September 6 September 12 September 16 September 24 September 16 September 16 September 4, 1903 September 27, 1903 September 22, 1887 September 25, 1895 September 27, 1903 October 11, 1898 October 17, 1903 September 20, 1885 September 19, 1890 October 9, 1904 Oology as a Science To the Editor of HlRU- I.ore : It is rather curious that neither Professor Montgomery, who attacks the "egg collector," nor Mr. Sharpies, who defends him, should have mentioned von Nathusius, who made a careful study of the microscopical structure of egg-shells and obtained some highly interesting results. He, at least, pur- sued oology as a science. J. A. Ryder studied the relations of the shape of eggs to that of the birds that laid them, and elaborated a theory to account for the various forms of eggs. The pigmentation and character of the pig- ment have also been the subjects of more or less research, and an English naturalist has made long and careful observations on the eggs of the Murre from which he seems to have learned much. Of course, the average egg-collector is that and nothing more, but has the average collector of bird skins any higher claim to being a "scientist"? How many collectors of anything, in fact, from cigar wrappers to old masters, collect with any really intelligent purpose, any aim more definite than to accumulate a number of objects whose possession gives them pleasure, all the greater because their neighbors do not have them? Collecting skins and eggs of the Great Auk comes dangerously near being just as much of a fad as collecting stamps; in some cases it is possibly more of a fad, for there are stamp-collectors with definite aims and purposes. The eggs of the humble and multitudinous English Sparrow have yielded more important results than the highly prized and expensive eggs of the aristo- cratic Great Auk. To secure a skin of the Labrador Duck would fill the recipient with boundless joy, and yet, from a strictly scientific standpoint, it is not a whit more valuable than one of the Old Squaw. One yields precisely the same amount of information as does the other, neither more, nor less. The Dodo is not important because it is e.xtinct and rare, but because it is a highly aberrant member of the Pigeon family and a magnificent example of the effects of isolation and environment. Supposing that the eggs in the cabinets of collectors had developed into embryos, would the world have been the wiser? How many eggs have been wasted by embryologists and thus prevented from developing into chickens and thereby contributing to the sustentation of mankind? Years ago Alfred Newton came forward to defend the egg-collector before a parliamentary commission, and recently Mr. Brewster rose in his behalf before the A. O. U. ; and, while this note is not to be taken too seriously nor to be considered as a defence of indiscriminate egg-collecting, it may perhaps show that in proper hands it may be capable of yielding good results. For it is not the thing, but the manner in which it is used, that counts. — F. A. Lucas. 35) The Question of the Amount of Science in Oology To the Editor of BiRD-LoRE: Two replies have been made to m\' article on this subject in this magazine of the May-June issue, and I would ask a little space for a return of courtesies. Mr. R. P. Sharpies (Bird-Lore, September-October), in admitting his ignorance of the names and works or the great embryologists named by me, presents an example of the general lack of knowledge among oologists of biological thought. He is also mistaken in considering embryology to be a branch of oology, for the former subject comprehends all the stages of the organism from the egg and the spermatozoon up to the adult, and had been studied for some three centuries before the term oology came into use. One might as well say that a gable upon a house supports the house! Then, in answer to his question, I would reply that I know the works of Davie and Bendire, and am aware that the latter is of great importance; that I have had a slight personal acquaintance with Warren, and high esteem for his services in securing protection for the Hawks and Owls; and that for Baird I have always felt a great admiration, and would point out that his fame rests largely upon his studies in comparative anatomy and geographica' distribution, particularly of the fishes and amphibians. It is not quite fair to allude to me by innuendo as one who has no field acquaintance with birds, because from my ninth to my eighteenth year I spent most of my time col- lecting and observing birds near the very town in which Mr. Sharpies resides, and my collections of skins are in two of the Philadelphia museums. The writer of the editorial in 'The Condor,' November number, ex- hibits a broader point of view. But he is hardly correct in his statement that the vast bulk of the work of embryologists, morphologists and systematists is mere cataloguing of the structures of animals and plants." Embryology alone has built up the following important conclusions: that the adult is formed by a gradual differentiation, by an interaction of inherent energies and environmental stimuli ; that the species is as much marked in the egg as in the adult stage ; that all problems of heredity come down to an understanding of the energies of the germ-cells, as also does sex-determina- tion; that it is probable that the mystery of variations will be solved by the analysis of individual development; that the adult cannot be comprehended without an understanding of its growth; and here many other great con- clusion might be mentioned were the space at my command not limited. Systematists and morphologists in cooperation have given us the theory of evolution, the meaning of division of labor and polymorphism, the idea of homologies, etc. These results would have been impossible with a simple cataloguing of facts; they depend on far-reaching generalization. But oology, the collecting and study of dead egg-shells, what ample generalization has it given us? None at all, and, therefore, it is not science and cannot be (36) The Amount of Science in Oology ^7 considered to have reached the scientific stage. To be sure, many of our major theories remain to be tested, but it is scientific work that generah'/.es, then tests the theories. It is a pleasure to agree with both my critics that many subjects are associated with oology that are of enjoyment and scientific profit. The searching for nests furnishes keen delight and is a most wholesome and re- freshing occupation; but, though it be all this and more, can it be called scientific? If oologists will only recognize that it is not scientific, I will have no disagreement with them. The study of the nesting habits is, in iny opinion, one of the most suggestive lines of ornithological inquiry, for habits and instincts are matters much more complex than any structures, and of fundamental value for understanding the course and factors of evolution. Most vigorously this study should be prosecuted. Here my critics have both missed the point, for my whole argument was directed to show that the col- lecting and preservation of dead egg-shells is the quest that in my opinion has so far proveti to be without scientific value. To put it in other words: whatever observations ornithologists make with regard to habits and acts of intelligence, may well serve as a basis for scientific induction; but the col- lection of dead egg-shells is barren of scientific spirit, and result. Alfred R. Wallace and Lloyd Morgan have opened the inquiry into avian architecture> but I doubt much whether most American oologists arc* acquainted with their writings. — Thomas H. Montgomery, Jr. SAW-WHET OWI. tiy A. VV. Honywill. New Haven. Conn.. Marrh 25. 1906 Bird-Lore's Advisory Council WITH some slight alterations and additions, we reprint below the names and addresses of the ornithologists forming Bird-Lore'S 'Advisory Council,' which were first published in BiRD-LoRE for February, igoo. To those of our readers who are not familiar with the objects of the Council, we may state that it was formed for the purpose of placing students in direct communication with an authority on the bird-life of the region in which they live, to whom they might appeal for information and advice in the many difficulties which beset the isolated worker. The success of the plan during the six years that it has been in operation fully equals our expectations; and from both students and members of the Council we have had very gratifying assurances of the happy results attending our efforts to bring the specialist in touch with those who appreciate the opportunity to avail themselves of his wider experience. It is requested that all letters of inquiry sent to members of the Council be accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope for use in replying. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES Alaska. — Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C. Arizona. — Herbert Bro«n, Yuma, Ariz. California.— Charles A. Keeler, Calif. Acad. Sciences, San Francisco, Calif. Colorado.— Dr. W. H. Bergtold, 1460 Clayton Ave., Denver, Col. Connecticut. — J. H: Sage, Portland, Conn. Delaware.— C. J. Pennock, Kennett Square, Pa. District of Columbia.— Dr. C. W. Richmond, U. S. Nat'l Mus., Washington, D. C. Florida. — Frank M. Chapman, American Museum Natural History, New York City. Florida, Western.- R. W. Williams, Jr., Tallahassee, Fla. Georgia. — Dr. Eugene Murphy, Augusta, Ga. Illinois, Northern.— B. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, 111. Illinois, Southern. — Robert Ridgway, U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C. Indiana. — A. W. Butler, State House, Indianapolis, Ind. Indian Territory. — Prof. W. W. Cooke, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Wash- lowA. — C. R. Keyes, Mt. Vernon, la. [ington, D. C. Kansas. — Prof. D. E. Lantz, Maniiattan, Kan. Louisiana.— Prof. George E. Beyer, Tulane University, New Orleans, La. Maine.— O. W. Knight, Bangor, Me. Massachusetts. — William Brewster, Cambridge, Mass. Michigan. — Prof. W. B. Barrows, Agricultural College, Mich. Minnesota. — Dr. T. S. Roberts, 1603 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Mitm. Mississippi. — Andrew Allison, Ellisville, Miss. Missouri. — O. Widmann, 5105 Morgan St., St. Louis, Mo. Montana. — Prof. J. M. Elrod, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont. Nebraska.— Prof. E. H. Barbour, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. (38) Bird-Lore's Advisory Council 39 Nevada. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C. New Hampshire. — Dr.G. M. Allen, Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Boston, New Jersey, Northern. — Frank M. Chapman, Am. Miis. Nat. History, New York City. New Jersey, Southern.— Witmer Stone, Academy Natural Science, Philadelphia, Pa. New Me.xico. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C. New York, Eastern.— Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washing- New York, Northern. — Egbert Bagg, 191 Genesee Street, Utica, N.Y. [ton, D C. New York, Western.— E. H. Eaton, Canandaigua, N. Y. New York, Long Island. — William Dutcher, 141 Broadway, New York City. North Dakota.— Prof. O. G. Libby, University, N. D. North Carolina. — Prof. T.G. Pearson, Greensboro, N. C. Ohio. — Prof. Lynds Jones, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio. Oklahoma. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept of Agr., Washington, D. C. Oregon. — A. W. Anthony, 761 '2 Savier St., Portland, Ore. Pennsylvania, Eastern. — Witmer Stone, Acad. Nat. Science, Philadelphia, Pa. Pennsylvania, Western. — W. Clyde Todd, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburg, Pa. Rhode Island. — C. Abbott Davis, Museum Natural History, Roger Williams Park, South Carolina. — Dr. Eugene Murphy, Augusta, Ga. [Providence, R. I. Texas. — Prof. Thomas A. Montgomery, Jr., University of Texas, Austin, Tex. Texas. — H. P. Attwater, Houston, Tex. Utah. — Prof. Marcus E. Jones, Salt Lake City, Utah. Ver.mont. — Prof. (j. H. Perkins, Burlington, Vt. Virginia. — Dr. W. C. Rives, 1723 I Street, Washington, 1). C. Washington. — Samuel F. Rathbun, Seattle, Wash. West Virginia. — Dr. W. C. Rives, 1723 I Street, Washington, D. C. Wisconsin. — H L. Ward, Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wis. CANADA British Collmbia. — Francis Kennode, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C. Manitoba. -Ernest Thompson Seton, Cos Cob, Conn. New Brunswick. — Montague Chamberlain, 45 Milk St., Boston, Mass. Nova Scotia. — Harry Piers, Provincial Museum, Halifax, N. S. Ontario, Eastern. — James H. Fleming, 267 Rusholirie Road, Toronto, Ont. Ontario, Western. — E. W. Saunders, London, Ont. Quebec. — E. D. Wintle, 189 St. James Street, Montreal, Can. MEXICO E. W. Nelson, Biological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. WEST INDIES C. B. Cory, Field Museum, Chicago, 111. GREAT BRITAIN Clinton G. .Abbott, 153 West 73d St., New York City, N. Y. 40 Bird- Lore A Bi-monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Vol. IX Published February 1, 1907 No. 1 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post- age paid. COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FR/ ch; Bird-Lore's Motto: A Bird in the Bush is Worth Ttho in the Hand Various causes beyond our control have necessitated a change in the order of publi- cation of the plates of Thrushes as announced in the last issue of Bird-Lore. The Wood Thrush and Wilson's Thrush appear in this number, the Robin will be given in April, and in June the Hermit, Olive-backed and Gray-cheeked Thrushes will be published. Dr. Dwight will supply maps to accompany the last-named birds, showing the nesting ranges of their numerous races. It will doubtless interest Bird-Lores readers to know that the bust of Audubon recently unveiled at the American iMuseum of Natural History, and which is figured in this issue, was based solely on the print of the Cruikshank portrait published by Bird- Lore some years ago. We publish in this number of Bird-Lore two additional communications in regard to the subject of egg-collecting, and the editor of 'The Condor' contributes a page to the same controversy in the November- Decem- ber, 1906, issue of that journal. None of the disputants, however, mention what, as we have frequently stated, seems, to our mind, to be the most deplorable result of egg-collecting, namely : that in robbing a bird of its eggs we are robbing ourselves of an opportunity to study it during the most interesting part of its life. The editor of ' The Condor ' extols what he terms the "recreation phase" of egg- collecting, and in California, the home of 'The Condor, 'one may find some admirable examples of 'oologists' to whom egg-collect- ing is primarily a recreation, and very read- able indeed are their often thrilling stories of how ' rare takes ' were made. But if one is in search of information in regard to the nesting habits of California birds, he will pass by these tales of adventure, attractive though they be, for the recDrds of definitely directed field work by an ornithologist who went to California for the express purpose of studying the home-life of California birds, and wisely, therefore, left their eggs where they were found. The controversy, after all, is more or less academic. A comparison of present con- ditions with those which existed twenty-five years ago shows how much a thing of the past egg-collecting has become. Nor is the change surprising. As long as there was anything to learn or to record from a gather- ing of birds' eggs, their collecting was en- couraged. But, when collecting brought only duplication and the gratification of the desire for acquisition, it was discouraged and the collector discountenanced. Mean- while more stringent bird -protective laws have rendered increasingly difficult that trading and trafficking in birds' eggs which has ever been the mainstay of egg-collect- ing; and eveiy one should rejoice that, in North America at least, we have passed the day when a mere hoarder of egg-shells might pose as one of its exponents. The ' Warbler Book ' is so directly the offspring of Bird-Lore, we are sure Bird- Lore's readers will be interested to learn that, if all goes well, it will leave the printer's hands sometime in February. The book has required just one year more time to prepare than we had anticipated, but we hope is one year better! Frankly, if we had known of the amount of work involved in preparing a book of this kind, we should have turned a deaf ear to those who induced us to undertake it. It is one thing to place on record what you your- self know about a given subject, but quite another to record also what everyone else has written concerning it; and we have tried to make the Warbler Book reflect existing knowledge of North American Mniotiltidas. d)e 3^uDubon ^ocietiee^ SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT Aildn-ss all communications to the Editor of the School L)epartrn<-nt. Nation Association of Audubon Societies. 141 Broadway. New Vork Ci FEBRUARY When autumn is over, with all the excitement and confusion of the great bird flight southward, we pause, draw a long breath and turn toward the score of patient winter residents with positive relief. Now, at last, we have time to meet them face to face and enjoy their individuality. In December, if it be mild, we are often surprised by the lingering of some belated migrant. This year an Orchard Oriole, a bird that should leave us in September, hovered about the old apple trees near the house feeding upon some frosted fruit that still clung to their branches, the flesh of discarded pumpkins, or else upon the berries of the porch honeysuckle vines, in the shelter of which he roosted nightly until the i6th of the month, a particularly sunny day, during which he left the neighborhood. During January, any one who is much abroad will have grown accus- tomed to the residents of his neighborhood, — the Woodpeckers, Downy and Hairy, and the substantial Flicker, who has hewn him a home for all seasons under the ventilator of the hay-barn or, maybe, in the cupola of your house itself: the Nuthatches, Finches, Gold and Purple, the Meadowlark of the fields, the Crow and his cousin the Blue Jay, the Chickadee and the Myrtle Warbler. The various Owls and Hawks will have passed in review, claiming attention either by power of voice or wing. The Brown Creeper and Winter Wren will have become so familiar that we forget that they are merely visitors together with the Tree Sparrow, Junco, Shrike and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Comes February, the suspension bridge between winter and spring. We may be unconscious that we have left the mainland of winter and are facing the opposite shore of promise, yet so it is. The landscape round about is more dreary than at any previous time since leaf-fall. The snow has pulled away from the soft drapery it first formed and lies crusted and hard under foot; its glare hurts the eyes. This is the ' Coon Moon " of the Indian calendar, when, emerging from his hole, this wary beast feels that he can find sure footing for his peregrina- tions, but, to my thinking, in this latitude, at least, February should wear the title the Redman gave to March — ^'The Moon of Snow Blindness.' The days have alreacl\ lengthened an hour, at least, and what do the\ (41) 42 Bird - Lore bring? With the first half of the month, come the tardy winter visitors that have exhausted their more northerly feeding-grounds; the last half, after the upward curve of the span has been reached, and one steps quicker, a straggling advance guard of spring appears — the armorer, with his creaking and filing of metal; the bugler, the minstrel and his more silent brother the poet — the Grackle, the Redwing, the Robin and the Bluebird. Last week I heard a nature -loving friend say: " February is the poorest month of the season out-of-doors; every year when it comes I wish that I might curl up and sleep like a woodchuck or bear. It is merely a twin of January and the rougher and more monotonous of the pair." This may or may not be, according to the chance of the particular season. For myself, February has always been a month of surprises. In February I can quite surely count upon seeing the lovely brown and white Snowflake in company with dainty Redpolls in the field of wild grasses yonder. The Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks will visit the spruce knoll that has had never a glimpse of them all winter. After a northeasterly snow flurry I scan the marsh meadows hopefully for the great Snowy Owl, and I find the Horned Lark and Lapland Longspur, or his telltale tracks, about the hayricks and waste fields behind the shore huts. But best of all, after that central curve has been rounded, is the first bit of spring color that tinges breast and pinions as wings flutter through the bare trees and alders — ruddy breast of Robin, azure spread of Bluebird and russet cloak of Song Sparrow. " Yes," but perhaps you say, " I have seen these birds in every winter month." Surely, so there have been days and sunrises and sunsets in every month of winter, but not the same as that day and the sunset thereof when, hearing a scrap of rapid, insistant, half-nervous song, we rush out bareheaded and find a Robin sitting alone, trying his throat. Not the winter wanderer, ill plumed, scantily fed and anxious, darting hither and thither like a great wind-blown leaf ; but the Robin who, in the far South , has felt the glow of spring, and its impulse has bid him venture forth and proclaim it ahead of his fellows. ^ And faintly, afar on the air, comes a purling call ; nearer and nearer it grows until sound takes shape bearing the sky colors of a calmer, milder clime than the one to which it has returned with the anxious expec- tancy of one glad to be at home again. Ah! we should love and speak well of February, since before it ends its brief days it often gives to us the joyful braggart Redwing; the Robin, that sings to the ear; the Song Sparrow, that speaks to the silent places of the soul, and the Bluebird, that quickens the beating of the heart. M. O. W. THE AUDUBON SCHOOL LEAGUE SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT One of the principal objects of the National Association of the Audubon Societies is to encourage the teaching and study of birds in the schools. To The Audubon Societies 4.3 this end, it desires to assist teachers by supplying them with material suitable for their uses and by stimulating the interests of their pupils. Consequently it is proposed to form an Audubon School League, mem- bership in which, shall be open to all boys and girls of sixteen years and under who successfully take part in the competitions arranged by the Society. These competitions will be in the form of essays, the subjects for which will be announced in each issue of BiRD-LoRE. The first essay will be in the form of a life- history of the Bluebird. This biography should tell of the Bluebird's range, or geographic distribution, of its migrations, of its nesting habits, its notes, its food, and should include particularly the results of persona! observations. No fact connected with the bird's habits should be considered too insignificant to receive attention, and each biographer should write as though nothing had ever been published about the Bluebird before. Each biography should be divided under the main headings given above, with such additions or sub-headings as prove to be required, and should be accompanied by a colored outline of the Bluebird and a map showing its geographical distribution. Outlines for coloring and blank maps, similar to those on a succeeding page, may be secured, without cost, of the National Association of Audubon Societies at 141 Broadway, New York City. There is no limit to the number of words in each biography. Biographies should be sent to the National Association of Audubon Societies at the address above given, so as to be received not later than March i. Biographies received after that date will not be considered as eligible for the competition. Competitors living in the West may write on either the Western or Chest- nut-backed Bluebird. For the best biography of the Bluebird, on the lines above mentioned, will be given the first prize, the gold badge of the Audubon School League. For the second best biography will be given the second prize, the silver badge of the Audubon School League. Writers of biographies which are accorded honorable mention will receive the bronze badge of the Audubon School League. All to whom badges are granted become, by virtue of such grant, members of the Audubon School League. All manuscripts, maps and outlines should be endorsed by the competi- tor's teacher or guardian as the work of the competitor. SUBJECT OF THE SECOND BIOGRAPHY The subject of the biography for the Second Audubon School League competition will be the Red-winged Blackbird. The announcement is made now in order that those who propose to prepare biographies may have an opportunity to study this bird in life, for it should be stated that, in awarding prizes, preference will always be given to the biography containing the largest amount of original observation. OUTLINE OF BLUEBIRD PLATES Teachers may obtain copies of this plate for coloring, on application to the School Dep= National Association o* Audubon Societies, i + l Broadway. New York City. (4*) r =r= -s ^ — ' — ; - ii /^ \ c^i^vi \ ^K' \ \ _-— — - — ' — V \i VVyv \ ^-^^""^ \ \ ^.-^-^■^x"""^ \ ■i ^\ ^.tf==^^^^ '*-\ ,^^^\^^^ \ ^y-K""""^ \ \ )KIJ^^^^^^,,.^^\'^^\ V-— — r ' s /-^vOfw^"^ J^-A"!""! ? ^\r \,'^:^r)"'''\A^fY'-''^J^ \ \ ___Lr r>^r\ '"Oox^^^v^^^— ^ — "1^' r s ^^^ V-""'''^ ^'A ' * ^^sT^^'^^l--'-?'^^'*^^^^ aa^T) 1 1 \ y^^^^X \ ^^-^^oK^?^' '« \'W^\ m\ 1 i_ o \^^^^^ o ■■ ■ » » A -is >' j^,.-— ifT''''''^ / \ aTN ■" \ ? \ 'f- ''>' ' 0 \ ''^N ___— I— — Z^P^^^-Z " ' a \ ^--^-M^"'^'^''* \ ~^ J \ dVrA-i-^^'^^^^'^^'^^ u 'v\ ^'''"'^ \V'^~ii^^^^--V''-F"''^^7^ 1 '1 )^\ ' \° x-/ « 1 i^ -^H""^^^-' — "M " 7^1 '^ L c^^'^'^J ''i po 1 -■-! _X^> Us III ^--A — ""^ 1 ^^^^-^ \ ° / / -C^_?_-+— "— a ^\ irv_-X4----T'"rW — T^v VS/H^ ' "' ^ » w '"(^ s 8 '^ ' ( p(4f nil': ""'"""""rj ^ ?1^ / i'^ 1 5 1 •o rXj Fv^?^ S " / ? J „' " i .V ' 2 V— ff^ s -^ ../ K'^'^^R'^'Tf-^^ ' 1/ / : _^;^ Z'^^~'^''^~~~~~-~--/-~^" 1 ° i s I h l " ^ < i;; 7 ^-^ '- "'''' ^"'t o °0 ^ /7~r4i^:ii/i;i Ji rr^i!.L ,L : ""T p o*f>-~^_^/ ; / '/ / ^ r^^~~~~~i~~Li ' / ~i > °^ '^ s ~ \ /^<7''^?7^r-^-7-- '' /' ^t!>7^'° ^/ ^^^V^°' / / ~ -Pr^-^iiJc -'TtT^^^ § ">^ 1^i^^*^^i^^^"" -^^A^^i^^STJ- S ^^"^^^^/^M^S^^ / L= °S -^ •§ -^ 'S TC o ■= z z O u fe i" ^ I O - 46 Bird - Lore BIRD-LORE AS A TEXT-BOOK It is suggested that teachers will find material in each issue of BlRD- LoRE which will have a seasonable value in the study of birds. In the present number, for example, Dr. Merriam's tribute to Audubon might well be made the subject of a lesson on the life of this naturalist. Miss Hub- bard's Study of Bluebirds contains much original observation and may well be used to supplement the more general information contained in Mrs. Wright's Leaflet. The Bird Census furnishes a wealth of material for a study of the dis- tribution of winter birds. The Chickadee, Junco, Crow, Downy Wood- pecker, or some other abundant widely distributed winter bird may be taken as a subject for study and the student asked to outline its winter range, as shown by the census, on the map. In this connection the maps supplied by the School Department of the National Association of Audubon Societies may be used and the birds' distribution plotted upon them. Professor Cooke's Migration Tables will also supply information in regard to the distribution of birds, while as an aid to the study of bird migration they are obviously of great value. A bird's journey northward may be followed by the records from the localities given, its average rate of speed reckoned, and the times of its arrival at each locality be used as some index of the northward advance of spring itself. In Mrs. Wright's Editorial Essays on the month, which will be continued through the year, the teacher will not only find matter of exact seasonal interest, but we are sure an incentive to the study of nature as well. F. M. C. NOTES FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS Boys and girls of 14 years and under are invited to send to the Editor of the School Department, of the National Association of Audubon Societies, at 141 Broadway, New York City, notes of interest in regard to their study of birds. Contributors should state their age. A Bird Walk in December Filling my pocket with nuts, I started at 8 o'clock for a tramp about the woods and fields in search of birds. It rained nearly all the time I was out. I started toward the east, but, hearing a Woodpecker, returned to where I heard the call and found that it was a Hairy one. Turning to my left I entered a wood, but, not seeing many birds, thought it best for me to come out into the opening. As I approached the clearing once more, I observed two Chickadees examining the bark of an apple tree. The Audubon Societies 47 When I stopped one of the Chickadees flew toward me as if he intended to alight on me; but, to my disappointment, he alighted on a bush just back of me. Not to be discouraged, I followed the two Chickadees, and therefore returned to the woods where I hat! been. Coming to a thicket of pines I stopped, anticipating a better acquaintance with the Chickadee, but again to my disappointment it flew away. Ascending a little higher, where I was not so much surrounded with trees, I saw several Chickadees. The two nearest me were evidently procuring food. Going as near as I thought possible without frightening the birds, I stopped and put two butternuts on my hat, and, holding one in my hand, awaited for the approach of the Chick- adees. Up flew a Chickadee to a dead sumac tree, then on the tree which I was near, and at last on my hat, pecking the nut until he got sufficient food, then flew to a neighboring tree. But ah, thought he, it is so good I will come back and have another taste. This time he came on to my hand, eating part of the nut, flew to a branch and wiped his bill, and then returned to my hand again to say good-bye. I arrived home a little past eleven o'clock. — Ethel R. Barton, Cornish, N. H. Confiding Vireos One Sunday afternoon in July, as I was getting out of m\' carriage, I discovered a bird underneath the horse; I picked it up and found it to be a young yellow -breasted Vireo. He was too small to fly, so I took him in the house. I fed him a while on potato; then took him out on the piazza. His loud chirping attracted the parents. I put him on my finger, and, after fifteen minutes of patient waiting, the mother bird flew down with a gypsy cater- pillar, which she had taken from the apple tree. She first lit on my shoulder, then on my hand and fed her young. She continued to feed it for three quarters of an hour, when it became so dark I took it in the house and put it in a cage on the piazza roof for over night. The next morning when I went to see how it was, I discovered another one of the brood on the roof; and before noon I had all four sitting on my finger, with the mother feeding them. The father only fed them once. Fourth of July morning my sister and two of my friends each sat with a bird on their finger, while the mother fed them in turn. That night I put them in a tree close by, and the next morning, when I went to look for them, they had flown. — Dwight Lewis Fiske (aged. 14 years), Winchester, Mass. THE BLUEBIRD By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT TOe i^ational ^association ot audufaon Societies EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 24 Who dares write of the Bluebird, thinking to add a fresher tint to his plumage, a new tone to his melodious voice, or a word of praise to his gentle life, that is as much a part of our human heritage and blended with our memories as any other attribute of home? Not I, surely, for I know him too well and each year feel myself more spellbound and mute by the memories he awakens. Yet I would repeat his brief biography, lest there be any who, being absorbed by living inward, have not yet looked outward and upward to this poet of the sky and earth and the fullness and goodness thereof. For the Bluebird was the first of all poets, — even before man The Bluebird's , j li j -i • l -i i u • r i_ • _ had blazed a trail in the wilderness or set up the sign ot his habitation and tamed his thoughts to wear harness and travel to measure. And so he came to inherit the earth before man, and this, our country, is all The Bluebird's Country, for at some time of the year he roves about it from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Mexico to Nova Scotia, though westward, after he passes the range of the Rocky Moun- tains, he wears a different dress and bears other longer names. In spite of the fact that our eastern Bluebird is a home-body, The Bluebird's .... . , , _ . loving his nesting haunt and returning to it year after year, he is an adventurous traveler. Ranging all over the eastern United States at some time in the season, this bird has its nesting haunts at the very edge of the Gulf States and upward, as far north as Manitoba and Nova Scotia. When the breeding season is over, the birds travel sometimes in family groups and sometimes in large flocks, moving southward little by little, according to season and food-supply, some journeying as far as Mexico, others lingering through the middle and southern states. The Bluebirds that live in our orchards in summer are very unlikely to be those that we see in the same place in winter days. Next to the breeding impulse, the migrating instinct seems to be the strongest factor in bird life. When the life of the home is over, Nature whispers, " To wing, up and on ! " So a few of the Bluebirds who have nested in Massachusetts may be those who linger in New Jersey, while those whose breeding haunts were in Nova Scotia drift downward to fill their places in Massachusetts. But the great mass of even those birds we call winter residents go to the more southern parts of (48) J^.w Upper Figures— CHESTNUT-BACKED BLUEBIRD Order— Passeres Family— Turdid/e Genus — Sialia Species — Mexicana Subspecies — Bairdi Lower Figures — BLUEBIRDS Order — Passeres Family— Turdid/E Genus— Sialia Species— Sialis The Bluebird 49 their raiii^e every winter, those who do not bein^ but a handful in com- parison. "What does this threat downward journe_v of autumn mean?" you ask. What is the necessity for migration among a class of birds that are able to find food in fully half of their annual range? Why do birds seek extremes for nesting sites? This is a question about which the wise men have many theories, but they are still groping. One theory is that once the whole country had a more even climate and that many species of birds lived all the year in places that are now unsuitable for a permanent residence. There- fore, the home instinct being so strong, though they were driven from their nesting sites by scarcity of food and stress of weather, their instinct led them back as soon as the return of spring made it possible. Thus the hereditary love of the place where they were given life may underlie the great subject of migration in general and that of the Bluebird's home in particular. Before more than the first notes of the spring song have The Bluebird i j • . j- r>i ■■ j l l j Home sounded m the distance, Bluebirds are to be seen by twos and threes about the edge of old orchards along open roads, where the skirting trees have crumbled or decaying knot-holes have left tempting nooks for the tree -trunk birds, with whom the Bluebird may be classed. For, though he takes kindly to a bird -box, or a convenient hole in fence - post, telegraph pole or outbuilding, a tree hole must have been his first home and consequently he has a strong feeling in its favor. As with many other species of migrant birds, the male is the first to arrive; and he does not seem to be particularly interested in house -hunting until the arrival of the female, when the courtship begins without delay, and the delicate purling song with the refrain, "Dear, dear, think of it, think of it," and the low, two-syllabled answer of the female is heard in every orchard. The building of the nest is not an important function, — merely the gathering of a few wisps and straws, with some chance feathers for lining. It seems to be shared by both parents, as are the duties of hatch - ing and feeding the young. The eggs vary in number, six being the maxi- mum, and they are not especially attractive, being of so pale a blue that it is better to call them bluish white. Two broods are usually raised each year, though three are said to be not uncommon ; for Bluebirds are active during a long season, and, while the first nest is made before the middle of April, last year a brood left the box over my rose arbor September 12, though I do not know whether this was a belated or a prolonged family arrangement. As parents the Bluebirds are tireless, both in supplying the nest with in- sect food and attending to its sanitation; the wastage being taken away and dropped at a distance from the nest at almost unbelievably short intervals, proving the wonderful rapidity of digestion and the immense amount of labor required to supply the mill inside the little speckled throats with grist. 50 Bird -Lore The young Bluebirds are spotted thickly on throat and back, after the manner of the throat of their cousin, the Robin; or, rather, the back feathers are spotted, the breast feathers having dusky edges, giving a speckled effect. The study of the graduations of plumage of almost any brightly colored male bird from its first clothing until the perfectly matured feather of its breeding season, is, in itself, a science and a subject about which there are many theories and differences of opinion by equally distinguished men. The food of the nestling Bluebird is insectivorous, or, rather, the Bluebird ^^ ^^ rnore exact, I should say animal; but the adult birds vary their diet at all seasons by eating berries and small fruits. In autumn and early winter, cedar and honeysuckle berries, the grape-like cluster of fruit of the poison ivy, bittersweet and catbrier berries are all con- sumed according to their needs. Professor Beal, of the Department of Agriculture, writes, after a pro- longed study, that 76 per cent of the Bluebird's food ''consists of insects and their allies, while the other 24 per cent is made up of various vegetable substances, found mostly in stomachs taken in winter. Beetles constitute 28 percent of the whole food, grasshoppers 22, caterpillars 11, and vari- ous insects, including quite a number of spiders, comprise the remainder of the insect diet. All these are more or less harmful, except a few predaceous beetles, which amount to 8 per cent, but in view of the large consumption of grasshoppers and caterpillars, we can at least condone this offense, if such it may be called. The destruction of grasshoppers is very noticeable in the months of August and September, when these insects form more than 60 per cent of the diet." It is not easy to tempt Bluebirds to an artificial feeding-place, such as I keep supplied with food for Juncos, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Jays, etc. ; though in winter they will eat dried currants and make their own selection from mill sweepings if scattered about the trees of their haunts. For, above all things, the Bluebird, though friendly and seeking the borderland between the wild and the tame, never becomes familiar, and never does he lose the half-remote individuality that is one of his great charms. Though he lives with us and gives no sign of pride of birth or race, he is not of us, as the Song Sparrow, Chippy or even the easily alarmed Robin. The poet's mantle envelops him even as the apple -blossoms throw a rosy mist about his doorway, and it is best so. THE BLUEBIRDS I. Eastern Bluebird {Sialta sialis) Adult male. — Length 7 inches. Upper parts, wings and tail bright blue; breast and sides rusty, reddish brown, belly white. Adult female. — Similar to the male, but upper parts, except the upper tail coverts, duller, gray or brownish blue, the breast and sides The Bluebird 51 paler. A'/\f//;/;jf. —Wings and tail essentially like those of adult, upper parts dark sooty brown, the back spotted with whitish; below, whitish, but the feathers of the breast and sides widely margined with brown, producing a spotted appearance. This plumage is soon followed by the fall or winter plumage, in which the blue feathers of the back are fringed with rusty, and young and old birds are then alike in color. Range. — F^astern United States west to the Rocky Mountains; nests from the Gulf States to Manitoba and Nova Scotia; winters from southern New England southward. ifl. Azure Bluebird {Siatia sialis azurea) Similar to the Eastern Bluebird, but breast paler, upper (larts lighter, more cerulean blue. Raiii^e. — Mountains of eastern Mexico north to southern Arizona. 2. Western Bluebird [Siatia mexicana occidentalis) Adult male. — Above deep blue, the foreback in part chestnut; throat blue, breast and sides chestnut, the belly bluish grayish. Adult female. — Above grayish blue, chestnut of back faintly indicated, throat grayish blue, breast rusty, paler than in male, belly grayish. Ratline. — Pacific coast region from northern Lower California north to British Columbia, east to Nevada. 2a. Chestnut- BACKED Bluebird (Salia me.xicana hairdi) Similar to the Western Bluebird, but foreback wholly chestnut. (See plate. ) Range. — Rocky Mountain region from Mexico north to Wyoming. 2b. San Pedro Bluebird (Sialia mexicana anahelte) Similar to the Western Bluebird, but back with less chestnut. Range. — San Pedro Martir mountains, Lower California. 3. Mountain Bluebird (Sialia arctica) Adult male. — Almost wholly blue, above beautiful cerulean, below paler, belly whit- ish. Adult female. — Above brownish gray, upper tail coverts, wings and tail bluish, below pale fawn belly whitish. Range. — Western United States from Rocky Mountains to Sierras, and from New Mexico north to the Great Slave Lake region. Questions for Teachers and Students How many kinds of Bluebirds are there? Trace their distribution on the map. How do they differ from one another? How far north does the Eastern Bluebird remain in winter? Are the Bluebirds we see in winter the same individuals that spend the summer with us? When do the Bluebirds begin to migrate northward? Do they travel singly or in flocks? Which sex comes first? When do the Bluebirds begin to nest? Where do they place their nests ? Of what is the nest composed ? Do both male and female build ? How many eggs are laid? What color are they? Do Bluebirds raise more than one family in a season? What does the Bluebird look like when he leaves the nest? What do Bluebirds eat? Cbe ^utiubon ^ociette0 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Address all correspondence the National Association of Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER d send all Audubon Societn ces for dues ; 111 Broadwa ributions, to York City Membership in the National Association About Investments 55.00 pai^dju,nuaiiy constitutes a person a Sustaining ^^^ Association has received from the $100.00 paid atone time constitutes a Life Membership Albert Willcox legacy the SUm of $256,078. $1,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron ... ,^ S5.000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder 1 he h inance Lommittee have invested I245,- fz5.ooo.oo paid constitutes a person a Benefactor ^^^ ;„ ^^^^ mortgages OH property in the FORM OF BEQUEST City of New York, and the balance of $io,- I J , L ■ J L .1 ^ T-,,.- SyS, which has only recently been paid into / do hereby ^tve and bequeath to The ^' ' . -^ . ■' ^ National Association OF Audubon SociE- the treasury, will be invested as soon as a TIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WiLD BiRDS satisfactory loan Can be found. AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of The Finance Committee never loan more ^'^ "^ ' than two-thirds of the appraised value of a property, the valuation being made by the firm of Douglas Robinson, Brown Sc Co., of New York, one of the most conserva- tive real estate firms in the city; further, a Title Guarantee Company's insurance New Year's Greeting policy is also taken, guaranteeing the title, so that our investments are conservative and The President wishes every member of the „r , „ ,„ /- ^ , „.•„.,.»(. c -' . safe and earn nve per cent interest, tree or Association and all others who are inter- . taxes, ested in the subject of bird and game pro- ^^^^,^^^ ^^^^^^ ^j ^^-^ S^^j^^^ 1^^^,^ tection a Happy and Prosperous New Year, ^j.^.^^ed, who in life contributed twenty- and, at the same time, asks for their active j^^,^ j^„^^^ annually to the work of the cooperation in the work of our Society. They Association, left it a legacy of five hundred can give it in many ways, one of the most j^^,,^^^ ^^^.^ continuing his contribution in valuable of whicii is to encourage others to oeroetuitv join the important economic movement we Reservation News ' are carrying on. The whole trend of tlie public mind just now seems to be toward a more intelligent consideration of the value of wild birds and animals. A great deal of this sentiment can be attributed to the active campaign made by the Audubon Societies during the past decade. This is progress which must be continued. It is a change in public senti- ment which cannot be expressed in more beautiful words than the following: "I see the hearts of men go out, in new love and care and understanding, to the beasts of the field and to the birds of the air ; and in all these I see the mind of the Son of Man and the power of the Will Eternal." Warden Kroegel, in charge of Pelican Island, Florida, sends us frequent and in- teresting reports regarding the condition of the birds there. He writes that the first Pelican eggs were found about November I, almost a month ahead of the date in 1905. On November 15, there were nearly one thousand nests with eggs in them and about five thousand birds on the island, and nest-building was still going on. He adds, it looks as though the island would be full this season. On December 12, he reports that the first birds were hatched the day before, that not many were out yet, but the island is very well filled up with nests. (52) The Audubon Societies 53 During the recent marked fall in temper- ature throughout the South, when thin ice was made during two mornings at Pelican Island, Warden Kroegel reports that about one hundred and fifty young Pelicans, mostly birds just hatched, perished as the result of the freezing. On December 31, the largest of the young Pelicans were beginning to show wing-feathers; the cold did not seem to hurt birds of this size at ail. He estimates that there are two thousand young birds upon the reservation at this date. All of the above shows the remarkable results that can be achieved by perfect protec- tion. At the Breton Island and Audubon Res- ervation, Louisiana, great changes have taken place. During the hurricane in Sep- tember last, one of the largest islands in the reservation, Grand Cochere, which was a sand and shell heap, but an admirable breeding place for Terns, was entirely ob- literated, washed away, so that the birds will have to seek another breeding place during the next season. The same storm carried away our house of refuge on Breton Island, and every sign we had upon the entire reservation. The largest island in the reservation, Breton, was infested with musk- rats and raccoons, but the hurricane and consequent high tides swept over the island completely and every vestige of animal life was destroyed. This will make it an ad- mirable breeding ground for the Terns, as there will be no mammals to destroy the young birds or eggs. The reservation covers about seven hun- dred square miles of territory, in a part of the Gulf subject to violent storms; therefore, it has been deemed necessary for the safety of our wardens, and in order that they may patrol the territory more rapidly, to furnish them with a seaworthy boat. An order has been given for a boat forty-five feet long, fourteen feet beam, schooner- rigged, with an auxiliary engine of eighteen horse-power. It will have accommodations for four men and will be used exclusively for patroling this large reservation, which undoubtedly will in time become one of the most wonderful of the bird-breeding grounds in the western hemisphere. Warden Sprin- kle reports large numbers of Royal and Fos- ter's Terns on the reservation as late as De- cember 4, Black Skimmers December 9, and Common Terns and Laughing Gulls December 29. Wild birds soon discover where they are not interfered with or an- noyed, and remain there. Legislation The year 1907 bids fair to be one of the most active legislative seasons ever experi- enced by this Association, as will be seen by the following outline of legislative work : Alabama. — A bill of the most advanced character has been introduced. It embraces the Model Law and the following features : Short open seasons for game and birds ; non - sale ; non-export ; establishment of a game commission ; non-resident, alien and resi- dent hunting licenses. A large amount of educational work has been done and every possible aid has been given to the Honor- able John H. Wallace, Jr., who has taken charge of the bill. Vice-President Palmer visited the Alabama legislature for the pur- pose of fully explaining and advocating the bill. California. — This state is a hotbeil, at the present time, of legislative activity, and there will undoubtedly be many important and drastic changes made. Secretary Way, of the California Audubon Society, is devot- ing a great deal of time and energy to this important work, Mrs. Alice L. Park, Chairman, Humane Education Committee of the California Fed- eration of Women's ('lubs, has introduced in the legislature a bill to establish Bird Day in the schools. Mrs. Park, two years since, introduced a similar bill which was passed by both houses of the legislature, but unfor- tunately it did not receive the Governor's signature, and therefore Bird Day in the schools had to be postponed two years and the work has all to be done over again. This shows that a woman, when she knows she is right, and is serving the public, is not apt to be discouraged but continues the fight until she is finally successful. 54 Bird - Lore Connecticut. — An attempt will be made to change the open season for wild fowl and shore-birds from late in the spring until January i. A great deal of preliminary work has been done to help accomplish this very greatly desired result. Iowa. — Mr. George A. Lincoln, State Fish and Game Warden, has introduced in the legislature a resident hunting license bill in order to make the game commission of his state self-supporting. In this con- nection it may be stated that the benefits derived from the hunter's-Iicense law are becoming better appreciated every day, and it will certainly be only a few years before every state shall have adopted this wise provision. Massachusetts. — Mr. George W. Field, President of the Fish and Game Commis- sion, has introduced a bill to "authorize the Commission to take certainunimproved lands upon the island of Martha's Vineyard." This is for the purpose of making firestops in order to protect the feeding and breeding grounds of Pinnated Grouse, or Heath-hen, and otherwise secure the maintenance of these birds or of any other species of wild birds upon the said island. A strong effort will also be made to repeal the law permitting the killing of Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Cutis in Massachusetts, which is the only state in the country that does not protect these two sea- birds; and every bird-lover in Massachusetts should make it his first duty, after reading this notice, to write a strong letter to his representative in the legislature, urging that the present law shall be repealed. It is known that the Game Commission of Maine has written to the Game Commis- sion of Massachusetts protesting against the present Gull law in the latter state, on the ground that it is an injustice and a violation of the comity of states for Massachusetts to permit the killing of migratory birds which Maine is making special efforts to protect. Missouri.— The conditions in this state are very interesting. Two years ago, the Honorable H. R. Walmsley succeeded, af- ter strenuous work, in passing what is known as the Audubon Bill. This law prohibits the sale of game in Missouri and it also em- braces the Model Law feature. St. Louis has always been one of the greatest selling and distributing points for game in the West, and the enforcement of the present law has restricted the business of the game dealers to such a degree that they are determined to repeal the whole law if possible, and, if not, that portion of it relating to the sale of game. It is reported that one game dealer spent #2,000 to prevent the reelection of Mr. Walmsley to the legislature, which he was successful in doing. However, Mr. Walms- ley cannot be prevented from taking an ac- tive part in defending the present excellent law of Missouri, notwithstanding he is not a member of the legislature. The fight in the legislatures of Missouri and Texas this year is probably the initial step in a campaign that is necessary to pre- vent the total disappearance of the game- birds of this country, including, amongthem, water-fowl and shore-birds. If the sale of game is not totally abolished it is only a question of time, and probably a very short time, before there will be no game to protect or sell ; and it is the duty of the public, es- pecially those who love wild-life, to see that this question is settled once for all, not only in Missouri and Texas, but throughout the whole of North America. On the one hand, the sale of game can be permitted for the benefit of a limited class of people, i.e., market-hunters, game dealers, and a few high - priced restaurants and hotels. On the other hand, the game-birds can be protected and perpetuated for the enjoyment of an exceedingly large class of persons who prefer the live bird in its natu- ral surroundings and also for the benefit of a still larger class of persons, known as agriculturists, to whom birds of all kinds are of great economic value. New Hampshire. — Following the sugges- tion made in the last annual report, it is probable that a bill will be introduced by Commissioner Nathaniel Wentworth, to establish a close season of ten years on the Upland Plover and the Wood Duck. The The Audubon Societies 55 <'ommissioner "thinks that it will be easy to pass such a bill, as the sentiment of the people is changing reniarkaiily on the sub- ject." New Jersey. -President Benjamin P. Mor- ris, of the New Jersey Game Commission, in his excellent report to the Governor and legislature of the state, advocates very strongly the abolishment of spring wild-fowl and snipe shooting and also the adoption of the resident hunter's license law. His impor- tant recommendations will undoubtedly be acted upon, and this Association, of course, will do all that it can to help in this impor- tant matter. The fact that in Connecticut and New Jersey, wild fowl can be shot after the first of January, has always been one of the strongest arguments brought by the Long Island duck shooters for the repeal of the New York law, and it is very pleasing indeed to know that the Game Commissions of New Jersey and Connecticut are both strongly in favor of having a wild-fowl law in their states, similar to the one in New York, because they realize that spring shoot- ing is one of the greatest causes for the diminution of wild fowl, second only to market-shooting and sale. New Mexico — Mr. W. E. Griffin, Game and Fish Warden, has agreed to introduce our Model Law at the present session of the legislature, and he writes : " From the present outlook, I believe little difficulty will be experienced in passing not only your bird law, but also a comprehensive game law." New York State. — The battle in this state has not yet taken form, as the legislature has just commenced its session and it is too f '■"^fraPf* will IL^'ift'lL ^ ^ ^^^ H^^B . Sm 'vH Hi ^ta^iili ^HH^^P^ ^^H ^^1 ^^^Hp^H ^^^^^^^■' ^ ^ 'iil^''' nS^^V ^^^^^^^^^^H ^^^HHjHR^^^^HJI^H^' ' '.'^^^^^^^^K ^^^^^^^^H '^* "^wKJiflB^^ly ' ^I^^^H w^'^f *^ . ■iv .^|H ^^^^^^^^^^^H 1.- .A' "MB ''nfl^^K-^dl ^^^^^^H B li^^^^H l^^^^l ^ ' , . .^i^^h!^^I ^^^JiB I mm Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths By ROBERT W. HEGNER Wiih photoi;raphs from nature by the author A PROBLEM that greets us with the coming of each spring is that of attracting the birds to our homes. One of the best magnets is the artificial nesting site, or bird -house. The most common bird -house birds are the Wrens and Bluebirds. Whenever possible, the Bluebird will build in a deserted nest -hole of a Woodpecker or a weather- worn cavity in a tree. The pair of Bluebirds in the illustration nested in a cavity in a fence -post. They had five young almost ready to fly when the photographs were made. Wrens nest in similar situations, but will build in bird -houses whenever possible. The introduction of manual training and nature study into graded schools has given a great opportunity to teach the value of birds by means of the bird -houses made by the children. The children at the School of Education of the University of Chicago studied carefully all the kinds of birds that are known to nest in artificial sites, and then (69) 70 Bird- Lore each one selected the bird for which he wished to build, and drew his plans accordingly. In the spring of igo6, these children, in cooperation with the Chicago South Park Board, made several hundred Wren- and Bluebird -houses which were placed in trees in Jackson and Washing- ton Parks. A photograph of the child- ren, each child with his bird-house, about to start for the park, was published in the May, 1906, number of the 'Elemen- tary School Teacher.' A new method of building bird-houses was recently adopted in the clay-work department of this school. The children in the sixth grade modeled them from clay. They made them with concave backs, so that they would fit the trees for which they were intended and could be fastened easily by wires. They were baked a brownish color resembling the trees, as a protection from various enemies. Several of the children wrote the name of the bird they wished for a tenant in sunken letters on the front of their production. One of the finished efforts is so ingenious as to warrant a drawing ana description. This house is f CLAY NEST- BOXES Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths 71 the one in the center of the lower row in the illustration. The builder of it furnished it with a lid so that the contents could be examined at pleas- ure. Bird -baths had been under discussion, and this lid was made con- cave so that the rain would fill it with water. A gutter led from this bath- tub to a cup of clay built on one side of the structure. This cup caught the overflow and directed it through a small hole into another cup on the inside. This made it possible for the bird to drink without leav- ing the nest. On the other side of the house two other cups were fastened. The cup outside was for food, which was to be protected by a lid. The food was to run through a hole into the cup inside as fast as the sitting bird desired. I do not know how successful this house has proven during the two years it has been in use, but it certainly is a mode! of modern methods in sanitation. An accompanying illustration shows an excellent bird-bath. This is the work of Mrs. W. M. R. French, of Beverly Hills, Illinois. About four feet from the corner of the veranda of her home there is a connection for the garden hose. From this an abundant supply of water was obtained andi a bathing pool was built just beneath it. A shallow hole was dug two> feet wide, three feet long, and eight inches deep. This was lined with small cobblestones laid in cement. The end away from the tap was; made lower than the upper end, and the superfluous water ran down ai slight incline to the roots of a large oak tree, the visiting place of a remark- able number of birds at all times of the year. Every day throughout the summer a swift stream of water was turned on which effectually cleaned the tub and left a clear, cool supply for the thirsty birds. No> account has been kept of the varieties and numbers of birds that visited the 72 Bird-Lore bath, but it very soon became known to the feathered neighbors and they came daily for their refreshment. Blue Jays, Catbirds, Bluebirds, Robins and Wrens at once took possession, and not only were visitors but built their nests and made their homes in the trees and bushes about the yard. And the birds were not alone in their appreciation of their hostess' kindness, for many a dog has quenched his thirst at this same fountain. A large pedestal for flowers which stood on the lawn served as a bathing and feeding place for birds, and its attractions were many. These are only two of the devices at the home of Mrs. French for bringing nature to the doorstep. Bird-boxes, food during the winter, and succoring the strayed, injured or stolen were other activities that made the lives of the wild inhabitants happier in this vicinity. The final result will no doubt be the continued presence of birds and a general uplifting of the men, women and children who become interested in them. IAi '•■ \iillP IB A BATHING FOUNTAIN A Gentle Criticism By JOHN LYALL GARRETSON With photographs by Ihe author LFIT us encourage the study of natural history with the aid of the camera, and by our friendly criticism may we cause others to think of ways to benefit themselves and at the same time bring pleasure into the hearts of the lovers of nature. With this idea in mind, it is the desire of the writer to call atten- tion to the pages of many of our best magazines on natural history, with their interesting pictures, especially of birds, many of which are YOUNG RL'BV THROATEO HUMMINGBIRDS admirable for what they bring to us, but are not strictly true representations of nature. The pictures, as we see them, truly portray the birds of the woods and meadows while in a state of alarm; hence, they convey to us false impres- sions of what we believe to be animal life in its wild state. The question before us is: How may we overcome the obstacles which hinder us from accomplishing the end we are striving for: that is, pho- tography of nature while at home, as it were ? There seems to be but one solution to be offered, and that is, to so arrange our work that the subject photographed be wholly uncon- (73) 74 Bird -Lore scious of what is taking place: thus we ehminate all timidity on the part of our shy friends. Then only are we on the road to successful animal photography. The best picture is not the most difficult one: but that one which brings nature to us as it exists away from harm's reach, and is an '•1 I PHCEBE honest representation of the manner in which God's creatures live while at home. The expression, "at home with the birds," sounds very nice, but we should add, "while entertaining company," and we will conclude that the bird acts as unnatural while in the presence of strangers as does the human bemg. Attention may be called here to the intelligent, peaceful expressions shown in our pictures of the domestic animals where there is no suggestion of alarm. Is this not ample proof that, in order to obtain the best pho- tographs of our wild animals, we must press the bulb while they are unconcious of our presence ? It is seldom that we see a photograph of a bird standing on one leg with his feathers all ruffled up, and yet how well do we know from our observations with the field-glass, that this is one of the most common poses for a bird to assume ! The picture of the Humming-birds shows them full-grown and very nervous, being ready to take flight at any moment. This picture, although interesting, could hardly be called natural, since the birds are intently A Gentle Criticism 75 watchin>2; the observations of the intruder. Shortly after the picture was taken they left the nest. Hying, to all appearances, as well as their parents. The young Ph(Ebe here shown has a distinct naturalness which is lack- ing in the other attempts, for the reason that the bird was wholly unconscious of observation. Let us have pictures of our birds, as of ourselves, exhibiting an unrestrained naturalness and ease of manner. The Migration of Thrushes SECOND PAPER Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuer-tes and Bruce Horsfall AMERICAN ROBIN* SFRhVG MIGRATION PLACE No. of years' Average date of Earliest date of record spring arri al spring arrival Atlantic Coast— New Market, Va. . 12 February February 23 26 A few winter Wasliington, D. C 7 A few winter Waynesburg, Pa 4 February 21 February 15, 1893 Beaver, Pa. 4 February 17 February 16, 1890 Berwyn, Pa., early years 7 February '4 January 16, 1899 Bervvyn, Pa., late years 13 March 7 February 26, 1901 New Providence, N.J 6 February 24 January i, 1892 Selden, N. Y 7 March i January 17, 1892 Flatbush, N. Y 6 March 6 February 9, 1892 Alfred, N. Y 14 March 1 1 February 18, 1900 Shelter Island, N. Y 6 March 16 January i, 1887 Branchport, N. Y. .' . . 9 March 11 February 29, 1896 Boonville, N. Y 10 March 20 March 4, 1889 Center Lisle, N. Y. .... 13 March 19 March i, 1902 Holland Patent, N. Y 17 March 18 March 6, 1894 Ballston Spa, N. Y 16 March 18 January 20, 1892 Paradox, N. Y 4 March 25 March 20, 1889 Hartford, Conn 13 March 16 February 26, 1888 Providence, R. I 9 March 11 January 4, 1905 Eastern Massachusetts 19 March 11 January i, 1903 St. Johnsbury, Vt 10 March 21 March 9, 1902 Hanover, N. H 5 March 20 March 13, 1898 Southwestern Maine . . .... 18 March 21 March 3, 1902 Halifax, N. S.. 4 March 19 January i, 1890 Grand Manan, N. B 5 March 24 March 14, 1889 St. John, N. B 10 March 30 March 12, 1898 Pictou, N. S. . . 5 April I March 15, 1887 North River. Prince Edward Island . 4 March 31 January 9, 1887 St. Johns, Newfoundland II April 6 March 25, 1865 Mississippi Valley — Central Tennessee 7 February 19 A few winter Central Kentucky 7 February 20 A few winter Bioomington, Ind 7 February 14 January 16, 1887 Waterloo, Ind. (near) . II March 2 February 22, 1891 Wauseon, Ohio 7 February 28 February 6, 1887 Oberlin, Ohio 7 February 28 February 14, 1897 Ann Arbor, Mich ' " 19 February 24 January 24, 1904 Central Michigan 7 March 28 March 16, 1889 Northern Michigan 5 April 3 March 23, 1894 Rockford, III. 6 March 10 February 2, 1891 Chicago, III 18 March 13 February 25, 1888 Strathroy, Ont 13 March 8 Februarv 19, 1890 Toronto, Ont. 10 March 12 Wintered 1888-89 Listnwel, Ont II March 13 Wintered 1891-92 Southeast Parry Sound District, Ont. 14 April 6 March 9, 1902 (76) The Migration of Thrushes 77 SPRING MIGRATION continued PLACE No. of years' Average date of Earliest date of record spring arrival spring arrival Mississippi Falley, continued Ottawa, Ont 15 March 23 January 9, 1894 Keokuk, Iowa 12 March 2 January 12, 1902 Fairfield, Iowa (near) 14 March 5 January 14, 1891 Iowa City, Iowa ( near) 12 March 5 January i, 1879 Davenport, Iowa (near) H March 8 February 18, 1890 Southern Wisconsin 14 March 12 March 2, 1885 Wisconsin. Latitude 45° .... II March 25 February 15, 1892 Lanesboro, Minn 10 March 18 March 4, 1889 Heron Lake, Minn. .... 6 March 26 March 19, 1894 Minneapolis, Minn, (near) .... 12 March 24 March 9, 1903 Northwestern Minnesota 8 April 7 March 28, 1905 Onaga, Kansas 6 March 5 February 28, 1896 Syracuse, Nebr. . . . II March I Wintered 1904-05 Argusville, N. D. . . II April 10 April 1 , 1892 Larimore, N. D. . . 9 April 6 March 25, 1905 Aweme, Man. . . 12 April 10 April 2, 1905 Reaburn, Man. 10 April 13 April 7, 1901 Qu' Appelle, Sask. . 5 April 10 April 4, 1904 Fort Providence, Mack (near) 2 May I April 29, 1905 Fort Simpson, Mack. 3 May 3 May 2, 1861 Fort Enterprise, Mack May 14, 1821 Kowak River, Alaska ... ... May 20, 1899 Rathdrum, Idaho 6 February 25 January 20, 1900 Columbia Falls, Mont S March 21 March 15, 1896 PLACE No. of years' records Average date of last one seen Latest date of last one seen 5 5 3 March 14 April 6 April 8 April 27, 1887 April 16, 1902 April 26, 1895 April 17, 1897 Central Mississippi Fredericksburg, Texas Pasadena, Calif FALL MIGRATION PLACE No. of years' record Average date of first one seen Earliest date of first one seen Northern Florida Southern Mississippi .... Fredericksburg, Texas Pasadena, Calif 3 6 4 October 9 October 20 October 22 August 8, 1890 October 9, 1897 October 15, 1894 October 5, 1897 78 Bird - Lore FALL MIGRATION, continued Kowak River, Alaska . . . . Great Bear Lake, Mack Columbia Falls, Mont. . . . Aweme, Man. . . . . Northwestern Minnesota . . . . Lanesboro, Minn Onaga, Kansas Keokuk, Iowa Ottawa, Ont Gait, Ont Oberlin, Ohio Chicago, III Alberton, Prince Edward Island St. John, N. B Montreal, Canada Southwestern Maine Renovo, Pa Berwyn, Pa November 14 October 22 October 26 November 6 November 23 November 12 November 12 November 24 November 4 November 11 October 3 1 November 5 November 4 November 12 November 10 November 20 September September November November November Wintered November Wintered November December November November November Wintered November December November December 7, iS9» 25, 1903 20, 1892 4, 19Q1 5. 1895 [888-89 27, 1904 [888-89 29, 1888 15, 1901 28, 1896 21, 1904 3. 1897 [893-94 8, 1887 8, 1904 20, 1899 23, 1894 'Oology a Science' To the Editor of Bird -Lore: The recent discussion of this subject in BiRD-LoRE and 'The Condor' has been one of considerable interest, but in spite of the various views given it still seems that the crux of the question has been passed unnoticed. In the first place, it must be admitted that oology is not embryology and that, therefore, it is more or less unreasonable to discard the former because it has given no results to the latter branch of science. Oology, even at its best, has nothing to do v\^ith the development or structure of the embryo, except in so far as it afifects the removal of the same from the shell. Therefore, oology, as oology, should not be tried on its merits as embryology, though it is difficult to see how any thorough naturalist can be unfamiliar with the great names cited in former letters on this subject. Mr. Lucas has mentioned several cases where external ovarian fea- tures have yielded greater or lesser results in capable hands, and a few more might be cited that have shown confirmatory evidence of taxonomical relationships, but here is the point — are these few and isolated results enough and sufficient to dignify the subject as a special 'ology'? Is there a series of facts in nature, however commonplace they may be, that, with the same amount of work as has been expended upon egg-shells, would not have yielded equal if not greater results ? Do these meager results war- rant us classing egg-shell study, as a whole, as scientific? On one point aU authorities seem agreed, that nest-hunting does afllord Oology a Science 79 atlinirablc facilities for the stiul\- of bird habits and life -histories, but is not this but a by-product of o()lo^y'? Are eg^s collected for the sake of the life-history knowledge thus gained, or are habits studied to aid egg- collecting ? In other words, is life-history the end of oology, or is it a means to an end ? If the former is the case, egg-collecting must be looked upon as scientific, but in the latter we can only regard it as in the nature of kindergarten work and as a means of absorbing knowledge in a pleasant way. The fact that some of our greatest ornithologists began as collectors of eggs does not alter the question in any way; they began in the kin- dergarten, that is all. The question is, "How many of them kept at it when they grew able to do better ?" This immediately brings to mind the memory of the late Major Bendire, who, perhaps, reached the high-water mark in American oology. But what part of his fame rests upon his oolog- ical work? If we eliminated the strict oological matter from his 'Life- Histories,' would the latter be seriously damaged ? Reverse this operation and what would be left ? If the pursuit of egg-collections was the only way in which knowledge of the habits of birds could be attained, the ques- tion would have a different aspect, but could not Bendire have learned as much of birds and their ways if he had taken up photography, or had sought to tag nestlings for migrational study, or, in fact, had taken up any one of the many subjects of inquiry that suggest themselves ? Until such is proved to the contrary, the case of Bendire, and others of his class,. cannot go far to substantiate the scientific claims of the oologist. Mr. Lucas asks also whether the average skin -collector is any less of a "mere collector" than the average oologist ? I am afraid that he is not,, but there is this difference; he is of more use to science than the lat- ter. A skin, with its locality and date, is always of value irrespective of the maker. It bears its own identity upon itself, and at any time may fall into the hands of those who can use it. A properly made skin made by a savage is of as much importance as one made by Mr. Ridgway, except, per- haps, for sentimental reasons. Some of our most valuable data has been gathered from old collections made by "mere collectors." As much cannot be said for egg-collections. Egg-shells can, in the great majority of cases, be only identified by the label and data attached, and this can never, in any case, be any more reliable than the knowledge of the one that wrote it. Their identity is but the opinion of one man, and once the record is made, mistakes can never be corrected. Add to this that, in many cases, absolute identification is impossible to make without taking and pre- serving the parents, and that at all times the utmost care must be taken to make sure that the eggs really belonged to the supposed parents, and we have ample reason for doubting what little value there is in the "mere collector" of eggs. 8o Bird -Lore Mr. Lucas says that his letter must not be taken too seriously, thereby admitting that his words are but an apology and not a justification, and it is well that he does add that qualifying statement when he comes to speak of the comparative values of Old Squaws and Great Auks. 1 would not like to offer him a skin of the latter in straight exchange for one of the former. He would likely defend his eagerness to trade on good, scientific grounds. The mention of the name of Sir Alfred Newton as a defender of the oologist, made me naturally turn to his Dictionary of Birds, but I find that he does not seem to deem the word oology as of sufficient importance to even mention it as a separate heading, and only refers to it under the heading of "egg," p. 182. This edition is dated 1899, and seems to indicate that with years a riper judgment has considerably altered his opinions on this question. I quote what he says about it: "It is, therefore, eminently pardonable for the victims of this devotion to dignify their passion by the learned name of 'Oology,' and to bespeak for it the claims of a science. Yet the present writer — once an ardent follower of the practice of birds' -nesting, and still, on occasion, warming to its pleasures — must confess to a certain amount of disappointment as to the benefits it was expected to confer on Systematic Ornithology, though he yields to none in his high estimate of his utility in acquainting the learner with the most interesting details of bird-life " This seems to sum up the question in a few words that I have taken considerable space to state. The apologetic tone that is so evident in Mr. Lucas' letter and the editorial of Mr. Grinnell's in 'The Condor,' is most evident here. In conclusion, I am induced to give the gist of a quotation that floats hazily through the brain — from I know not where — but to the effect that the greatest interest in oological work lies in "What contains the egg and what the egg contains." This may be epigrammatic, but we sometimes find a good deal of truth even in an epigram. — P. A. Taverner, Highland Park, Mich. Plumages of the Robin The colored plate of the Robin, published in this number of BlRD- LORE, shows the female as duller than the male. Often, however, the sexes cannot be distinguished in color, the female being fully as bright as a richly colored male. jBtotefi^ from jFtelti anti ^tudp A Hummingbird That Wanted Light The accompanying picture shows the nest of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird built in a most peculiar situation. I presume it to have been the above-named species, as that is the most common one in this locality, but as only the female was seen I cannot he posi- tive, for tiie females of the Broad-tailed and Rufous-backed Hum- mers are too much alike to be told apart unless one has the specimens in hand. This nest was built, as the photograph shows, on an electric light fixture on the porch of a residence in Colo- rado Springs. The light is directly in front of the front door of the house, and so close to it that the screen door, which swings out, comes within a few inches of the lamp when opened. It was July 18 when the picture was taken. At that time people were passing in and out quite frequently, and sitting on the porch much of the time, but they did not seem to disturb the bird. The picture shows how the nest was placed on the fixture much better than I can describe it. In taking the picture I must have been at work over a quarter of an hour, but the bird never budged, though I was fussing about with a step-ladder, using that for a support for the camera, in order to get somewhere near to a level with the nest. Several exposures were made, the longest of a minute, the others less, but all were time exposures, and not a single negative shows any trace of the bird having moved. Two young were successfully reared in the nest and flew away. The parent bird was seen to come back once after the young had left, examine the nest, and then depart. Possibly, of course, this may have been another bird attracted by the sight of the nest. It cer- tainly seems to be a very remarkable instance of confidence on the part of a bird, when one con- siders the publicity of the location and the constant disturbance the bird was subjected to by people passing in and out, and moving about on the porch. — Edw aro R. Warren, Colorado Springs, Colo. The Feeding Habits of the Blue Jay In the November- December, 1906, num- ber of Bird-Lore, the Editor offers a welcome to the testimony of orni- thologists from the Mis- sissippi valley upon the feeding habits of the common Jay. It was my good fortune, through a period of nearly twenty years, to be an interested observer of bird-life in that region, principally along the Baraboo and Wisconsin rivers. (81) 82 Bird - Lore The Jay, like the poor of the scriptural passage, was always with us, summer and winter. In the latter season he frequented largely the corn-cribs of the farmers, and would even come familiarly into the wood- shed of the house where we lived in the edge of the village. As a boy I liked the sociable fellow in winter; but when the spring and summer came the Jay was hated by all the other birds, and I could not help sharing in their feeling. In the ' ' oak open- ings," as we called them, along the edge of the prairies, he was the one sly and ferocious robber of eggs and young birds. The Mi- grant Shrike made his feather-lined nest in the locusts or amid the thorny depths of the osage orange hedges, and he took also is occasional toll of a Sparrow in summer and Nuthatch in winter But I have never seen the birds gather in screeching flocks against the Shrike as I have seen and heard them with the Jay. My remembrance of the Jay's depredations upon the young of birds recalls more especially his greed for the young of the Baltimore Oriole. With the exception of the regions along the river-bottoms there were few elms and maples, and the Orioles built their nests most often in the top branches and twigs of the bur-oak. These were sufficiently stiff to permit of so large a bird as the Jay perching upon them and making of the young Orioles an easy prey. But the robber was not particular in his choice. All the birds hated him, and he preyed upon the eggs and young of all. May I also add this, however, as a pos- sible explanation of the varying observation and verdict of different bird-students as to the habits of the Jay. His feeding habits may be different in different localities, and even at different times. I state this from my observations of another species of birds. That other species is the Bronzed Grackle. The western sloughs and river-bottoms fairly swarmed with this Grackle, and yet, in all the twenty years of my residence in Wisconsin, I never saw a Grackle molest a nest, or eat either egg or young. In the East I have lived now for some- thing over thirty years, always and in many different localities, taking deep interest in the birds. But until I came to my present place of residence I never saw a Grackle rob a bird's nest. But eleven years ago, on com- ing to Litchfield, the marauding habits of the Purple Grackle were forced upon my notice to such an extent that if it had been my only experience with the birds I should have said that their chief diet during the nesting season is made up of the eggs and young of other birds. These depredations went on through a period of three or four years. The Robins were the special victims. Hardly a nest in the apple trees about our door, and, in so far as we could see, in the orchard of our neighbor, escaped. The con- stant bickerings of the Robins and the harsh cry of their enemies under attack, quite spoiled our spring-time pleasure. I have seen, at such times, the Grackle making off with fledglings of the Robin which were quite a load for him to carry. Now here is the strange part of the story : — For four years I have not seen a single depre- dation of a Grackle upon the nest of Robin or other bird. It is true that the Grackles, during this period, have not been nesting near us in such numbers as they did. But they have been present in the region, and I can only attribute the peacefulness of these later times to a change of habit on the part of the black freebooters. In tropical coun- tries, where the tiger abounds, it is not true that all tigers are man-eating ones; but let the tiger once get a taste of human blood and then he becomes the terror of the villages, lurking in wait and snatching his victims wherever he can come upon them. May not the same be true of the bird- eating ]?iyi and Grackles? — John Hutchins, Litchfield, Conn. The Blue Jay as a Destroyer In Dundee, Illinois, while walking down one of its shady streets, I heard a great com- motion among the English Sparrows. Glancing up on to the outstretching bough of a box elder, I saw a Blue Jay ferociously tearing to pieces and devouring a young, callow Sparrow just picked out of its nest. It had no feathers on. The nest was con- spicuous a short distance ofl^. A friend of mine testifies that she saw at Stevens Point, Notes from Field and Study 83 Wisconsin, a Blue Jay eating the remains of a youni^ Song Sparrow just Hiclieil from its nest on the ground. If the Blue Jay will confine its diet to tiie young English Sparrow I am fairly content, and could see a possible way by which we could be rid of some of these miserable rats of the air; but when the question is turned toward a depletion of the beautiful Song Sparrow, there I have to weigh evidence. The large nests of the English Sparrow are such objective bunches of deformity, perhaps the Jay will go for them sooner than for the diminutive homes of the Chipping or the Song Sparrows, when we could allow the Jay to continue in his depredation. I don't believe every pair of Jays go into this kind of business; yet there is testimony enough here in the West to establish the fact that as much as we delight to see the bird on a cold winter's day, yet he does sometimes develop strong cannibalistic tendencies. — Geo B. Pratt, Chicago, III. The Blue Jay s Food The appended quotation is from the Bos- ton 'Evening Record' of January 3, 1907. Blue Jays ^re very plenty here, as well as brown-tail moth nests. I shall watch the Jays most carefully, and if I find this good work is kept up shall be glad to report it to you. It will be interesting to know if you receive any reports of like nature from other sections. — Geo. G. Blanchard, IVilton, N. H. BLUE JAY EATS MOTHS AND MOTH EGGS "Wilton, N. H., Jan. i.— I he Blue Jay is helping to solve the brown-tail moth question. Dr. Hatch reports that he wit- nessed a sight which will be of interest to all the people of New Hampshire, and it may in a measure help out the brown-tail moth question. While calling upon a patient he noticed a Blue Jay at work on a tree near the window. "Upon investigating he found it was breaking into the nests of the brown-tail and eating the eggs and the moths them- selves. The bird cleaned the tree and was busily engaged on another when the doctor left. Upon fxaniinatiDii he found that every nest had been c'eaned. Bird students explain this by saying that the crust has been hiding a great deal of the bird's food, and he is getting what he can find elsewhere." A Persistent Phoebe For the past four years a pair of Phcebes has taken possession of a certain spring- house near here. The nest has yearly been destroyed, owing to its near proximity to a much-used path. I was, therefore, greatly suiprised, on April 17, 1906, to see a pair building in the same old place. Two days later the nest was completed and contained one egg. The following day I planned to photograph the egg, but I found the rafter stripped of its dainty home. On May 2, I again found them at work on a new nest where the first had formerly been, but this was likewise destroyed, and so also was a third the following week. Far from being discouraged, however, they began a new structure on the opposite side of the building which protruded into a small pond. This was also torn down and left the poor birds once more without a home. I anxiously awaited to see what their next move would be. I am sorry to say they soon began a nest in the place where they had lost their first three homes. At first they were successful, and laid one egg: but, alas! this was also taken. I thought they would give up and try somewhere else, but they went right to work and built a nest on the water-side of the spring-house, far out of reach. This, sixth and last, nest, I am glad to say, was not molested. It was started on June 10, and served as a home for the patient Phoebe's young ones. — L. S. Pearson, Wayne, Pa. An Unusual Nesting-Site of the Ameri- can Long-eared Owl It was in the spring of 1903 (April 13) that I came upon the nest of an American Long-eared Owl placed upon the ground underneath a couple of low, scraggy bushes. The locality in general was a bit of swampy ground, well fringed in by thickets of wil- 8+ Bird -Lore low and other water- loving species of shrubs, surrounded on two sides by wood- land. Plenty of suitable nesting-sites were to be had in this wood for the asking, so there was no apparent reason for this pair departing so far from their usual habits of nesting in trees. In fact, a nest of the species had been, shortly before, discovered in a hollow limb of one of the trees. The nest proper consisted simply of a few leaves and fine rootlets laid on the bare ground. No attempt at concealment other than that afforded by the surrounding shrubs had been made. Six eggs were present, oval in shape and pure white. The female manifested great displeasure at my presence, and her peculiar notes, re- sembling the moaning meow of a cat, soon brought the male to the scene of action. Although the latter exhibited his annoyance at having his home matters broken in upon, by a sharp snapping of the beak, he was not nearly as determined in his efforts to frighten as the female. She would frequently fiy so close to my head and with such a show of courage as to cause me to duck in some trepi- dation. Upon one occasion, when bending over the nest to secure a better view of its contents, she hissed loudly, accompanying the action with a fluttering movement of her wings and a general ruffling of the entire plumage. During the period of my stay at the nest the birds kept within a circle of thirty feet. The female was on several occasions within easy reach. Some few days later I revisited the nest in hopes of gaining a view of the young, but was disappointed to find the eggs broken and the nest abandoned.— A. D Finker, Ann Arbor, Mic/ii^an. The Bartramian Sandpiper I have been greatly astonished, in reading "Special Audubon Leaflet No. 6," on Bar- tram's Sandpiper, to find the statement made three times, that this bird is wholly insectivorous. In Nebraska, at least, like many other birds, it takes what comes most easily. After the wheat is cut, and during migration, it frequents the wheat stubble and gorges itself with the waste grain. They become, naturally, very fat on this nourishing food. As I used to find them on the rye stubble, commonly in Connecticut, when I was a lad, I presume they were eating rye likewise, but it did not interest me then as now to observe the stomach contents. All that is said in the ' Leaflet ' regarding the confiding nature of these birds and their value in the landscape is perfectly correct. They used to be shot for market straight through the nesting season in Rock county, Nebraska. They should, however, certainly be well protected during the nesting season, and not more than one month be open, as is the case in some states with Quail and other useful birds. I think it highly prob- able that this liberty would be more bene- ficial here, and elsewhere, than absolute prohibition. Such is human nature. — J. M. Bates, Red Cloud, Nebraska. Robins and Sparrows For a number of years I have been an interested observer of the bird-life about my home, but not until last summer did I note that the English Sparrow had begun to trouble the Robins so much that the lat- ter are now seen in fewer numbers than during past seasons. A large lawn near my home has long been the Robins" favorite feeding-place. Sometimes eight or ten of these birds might be seen, but this year (1906) they have almost deserted it, and it is rare to see more than two there at the same time. The cause of this is as follows: As soon as a Robin alights and begins to search for a worm, an English Sparrow will fly down and follow it closely. When the Robin pulls forth the worm the Sparrow rushes in, seizes it and flies off a few feet to swallow it. The Robin looks around in a bewildered sort of way but makes no attempt to recover the stolen morsel, and either goes to hunting again or flies away. Sometimes he has time to secure a worm before the Sparrow is back, but most often not. This performance is gone through with nearly every time a Robin visits the lawn, so that now they rarely visit the place where once they were so common. — C. M. Arn(ji.I), iroonsocket, R. I. iSooft i^etoe; and 3^ebieto0 The Warbi.hrs or North Amhrica. By Frank M. Chapman, vvitli the cocipieration of other ornithologists, with 24 full-page coloreii plates by Louis Agassi/ Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall and 8 half-tones of nests and eggs. D. Appleton ci: Co., New York City. 8vo., 320 pages. However jaded may be the palate of the weary bird-student who has swallowed the nature-books of the last few years, he will assuredly experience new and pleasant sen- sations on turning the pages of Mr. Chap- man's latest contribution to his particular needs. It is a work valuable to the expert and indispensable to the amateur who would know all that there is to know about the life and surroundings of the Warblers of North America, so fitly called the "best gems of Nature's cabinet." It contains a wealth of biographical ami other detail that is posi- tively bewildering, but the arrangement is good and the volume well printed and of convenient size. The plan of the work, which the author rightly hopes "adequately reflects existing knowledge of the North American Mniotil- tidae," is admirably carried out in every detail. Each of the fifty-five species and nineteen subspecies peculiar to the conti- nent is treated separately, with a colored figure of each species. These plates, by Fuertes and Horsfall, having already ap- peared in Bird-Lore, need no commen- dation here. There are, in addition, a dozen new half-tones illustrating nests and eggs. An introduction of thirty-six pages is devoted to 'General Characters,' 'Plumage,' 'Distri- bution,' 'Migration,' 'Song,' 'Nesting Habits,' 'Food' and 'Mortality,' the remain- ing 301 covering the individual species. Under each of these will be found first, its 'Distinguishing Characters,' followed by 'General Distribution,' 'Summer Range,' 'Winter Range,' 'Spring Migration,' 'Fall Migration,' 'The Bird and its Haunts,' 'Song,' 'Nesting-Site.' 'Nest,' 'Eggs,' 'Nesting Dates' and 'Biographical Refer- ences'— in short, nothing is lacking save the purely technical which would be out of place in a volume of this kind. This brief outline of contents, however, gives very little idea of the valuable contributions to the life-his- tories of the birds which have flowed from the author's own pen or have been judi- ciously culled here and therefrom the writings of others. Indeed, our author has been so generous in crediting the contributions of others that he has, we think, too modestly put himself in the background while cover- ing his retreat with quotation marks. There has also been much original matter contrib- uted to the book; Professor Cooke's migra- tion data and Mr. Gerald Thayer's descrip- tion of songs and habits, being especially noteworthy Among the numerous praiseworthy features of the book may be noted the efforts to de- scribe songs. Now, not for a moment should the current use of 'cheps' and 'zees' and even musical notation be discouraged; but it must not be forgotten that, at best, these symbols merely jog the memory of the individual who writes them in his note-book and mean nothing to ears that have not heard the original music. Inasmuch as most bird notes are far removed from human rendition, a sentence, such as "you must come to the woods, or you won't see me," which Mr. Chapman felicitously attributes to the Hooded Warbler, is quite as likely to rouse the memory echo as any jumble of meaning- less syllables. We note, too, with regret, that the 'teacher' song of the Oven-bird is merely scotched. Any one who can put the accent on the first syllable certainly gets the cart before the horse. The care in^the descriptions of plumages and the elaborateness of the tables of migra- tion data are also features deserving of especial mention, and there is a novel group- ing of the Warblers according to their songs. Belief in the stability of popular names receives a severe shock in the loss of our old friend, the Maryland Yellow-throat, that must now be known as the Northern Yellow- throat with a Latin name a foot long. We (85) 86 Bird- Lore could have spared the less familliar Connec- ticut Warbler or the Tennessee, but this is indeed too much for our equanimity. Cruel fashion deprives us of our birds, wliile a crueler science deprives us of the very names by which they might linger in our memories ! Some critics might take exception to the contents of that ornithological scrap basket, the 'Hypothetical List' or object to Oporor- nis as a full genus, but such minor matters in no wise affect the general excellence of the work. It is one that reflects great credit on its author and will be nothing short of a boon to everybody who wants to learn the best of everything that is known about the North American Warblers — J. D., Jr. Bird-Craft. A Field Book of Two Hun- dred Song, Game and Water Birds. By Mabel Osgood Wright. With eighty full-page plates by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. New York, The Macmillan Company, 1907. i2mo, 319 pages. The contents of this standard book have long since passed with honor the examination of the reviewer, and we call attention to this new edition only to comment on the new dress with which 'Bird-Craft' celebrates its twelfth year. The text is printed on un- glazed paper, adding greatly to ihe pleasure with which the book is read, while Mr. Fuertes' bird portraits ('drawing' is far too indefinite a term to apply to the character- istic work of this artist) are effectively repro- duced as plates on the coated paper half- tone engravings require. The corners of the pages are rounded, the cover is flexible, and, in short, the book's makeup makes it closely conform to the requirements of its subtitle. — F. M. C. The Birds of Amherst and Vicinity. By Hubert Lyman Clark. Second edition; revised and rewritten. Amherst, Mass., Press of Carpenter and Moorehouse, 1906. i2mo, 103 pages. The original edition of this list, published in 1887, has been long out of print, and the present edition has been prepared to meet the demand which every authoritative, easily accessible, local list creates for itself. Ten species are added to the list of 1887, making 185 which are included n the present list. A 'Field Key' of twenty-one pages is a new feature, while the 'Artificial Key' has been remodeled. Brief descriptions of plumage are included under each species, with the remarks on its local status, making it possible for the student to begin his study of Amherst birds with no other help than this book affords. The nomenclature is several years behind the times, but since the A. O. U. 'Check-list' now in preparation promises to make our current classification and nomen- clature quite out-of-date, it is probably advisable to await its appearance and take the medicine at one dose. — F. M. C. Biological Conditions in Nebraska. By R. H. Wolcott. Studies from the Zoo- logical Laboratory of the University of Nebraska. No. 68. Lincoln, Neb. De- cember 1906. Pp. 23-34. Within a few pages Dr. Wolcott draws a clear and comprehensive picture of faunal conditions in Nebraska. The state is divided into a 'Missouri Wooded Region, ' a 'Prairie Region,' a 'Sandhill Region,' a 'Plains Region' and a 'Pine-Woods Region ' In other words, Nebraska is a true connecting link between eastern and western bird-life. In its eastern part many arboreal eastern birds find the western limit of their range, the avifauna of the plains is fully developed in its arid western portions, while the in- trusion of wooded foothills in the north- western part of the state marks the eastern limits of the range of a number of western arboreal species. Small wonder, then, that 400 birds have been recorded from Ne- braska,— a larger number, we believe, than has been found in any other state except California and Texas. — F. M. C. The Ornithological Magazines The Al'k. — There is much that is com- mon-place in the January 'Auk,' for it can hardly be expected to furnish new thrills every quarter; still it is very pleasant for its readers to wade in fancy up to their waists, with Mr. C. G. Abbott, in the mud and water of the Newark marshes, and study at close range such denizens as the Florida Gallinule, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe, and others whose presence so near great centers of population was hardly to have been suspected. Mr. C. W. Beebe's 'Notes Book Notes and Reviews 87 on the Early I-ife of Loon Chicks' is also instructive. He watched a pair of young- sters in the New York 'Zoo' and their habits, taken in connection with observations on other species, convince him that swim- ming, feeding, flight, call-notes and other phenomena are congenital instincts,— so away goes the pretty fable of the fond parents teaching their offspring to fly! Mr. F. M Chapman now tells us that the Maryland Yellow-throat did not origi- nally come from Maryland, bravely slaugh- ters his Florida form, ignota, on the altar of synonomy, and leaves us with two races east of the Rockies, —theSouthern Yellow-throat, tric/ias, and the Northern Yellow-throat, brachiJactyla, for which conclusions let us be profoundly thankful. A fresh batch of Audubon-Baird letters are presented by Mr. R. Deane, and they contain many bits of information concerning birds and beasts of America as known fifty years ago. There is a local list of the spring birds of Tishomingo county. Miss., by A. Allison, and one of those of Cobalt, Ontario, by F. C. Hubel There is a strange lack in the latter of several species that must have been overlooked, and the form of Downy Wood- pecker should be medianus, not ^^ pubescens." Mr. J. H. Fleming's accurate list of the birds of Toronto is completed in the present number. Two hundred and ninety species and subspecies are recorded from a some- what limited area. Among 'General Notes' 'A Migration Disaster in Western Ontario' is worthy of special attention. Thousands of birds were drowned in Lake Huron, over- taken by the snow and cold of October 10, 1906. In closing, a review of the proceed- ings of the Twenty -fourth Congress of the A. O. U. may be noted, also an article by Dr. J. A. Allen on the status of the Rio Grande Seedeater. — J. D., Jr. The Condor. — Two numbers of 'The Condor' have appeared since the last review in Bird-Lore. The November number opens with the first part of Finley's 'Life History of the California Condor, ' illustrated with photographs by Bohlman, which in- clude some of the most remarkable pictures of birds ever taken with a camera. The author has made a wonderful addition to our knowledge of the nesting habits and devel- opment of the young of this rapidly disap- pearing bird. Four other papers on habits of western birds also deserve mention. These are Bowles' account of 'The Kennicott Screech Owl' ; Sharp's description of 'Nest- ing of the Red-bellied Hawk' in San Diego county, California ; Miss Head's 'Observa- tions of the Notes and Ways of Two Western Vireos' and Willett's note on 'The Southern California Clapper Rail Breeding on Fresh Water.' The editor reviews the status of the Hutton Vireo, recognizing three forms: Fireo huttoni, which is common west of the Sierras; V. h. oberlinlseri in San Diego county, and V. mailliardorum on Santa Cruz Island. An editorial on 'Better Ver- nacular Names' suggests a number of changes chiefly in the interests of utility, uniformity, and the substitution of English names now in common use for the 'book names' now applied to several species in the A. O. U. check list. In the January number, the two leading articles are on the habits of the Magpie in Colorado. The first is by Warren, on 'Photo- graphing Magpies,' and the other by Gil- man, on 'Magpies on the La Plata.' Finley contributes an account of his work 'Among the Gulls on Klamath Lake,' in Southern Oregon in 1905. A good illustration of the opportunities for original observations even in localities supposed to be well known is given in Carriger and Pemberton's 'Nesting of the Pine Siskin in California.' In 1903 and 1904 the authors examined some 25 sets of eggs of this species in San Mateo and San Francisco counties. In view of the fact that this section has been the collecting ground of ornithologists for forty years or more, and was supposed to be as well-known as any part of the state, the record is as re- markable as it is interesting. Among the shorter notes is a record of the nesting of the English Sparrow at Newhall, Los Angeles county. May 19, 1906. This record marks the lirst entrance of the bird into southern California and indicates a decided advance in the distribution of the species in the Southwest.— T. S. P. Bird - Lore A Bi-monthly Maerazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds OFPICIXL ORGAN OF THH AUDUBON SOCIETIES Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Vol. IX Published April 1907 No. 2 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post- age paid. COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN Bird-Lore's Motto: A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand The last issue of 'The Warbler' contains the unwelcome news that this publication has been discontinued. Mr. Childs has published some excellent material in this magazine, and we regret to see that his enterprise has not been accorded the support it deserves. This makes the third journal wholly or in part devoted to birds, which has sus- pended publication within a year, 'The Warbler' being preceded by 'American Ornithology' and 'Our Animal Friends." All merited a better fate; for we believe that they came to their end not through failure on the part of their editors to meet the demands of their readers. Are we to infer, then, that the demise of these periodicals indicates a decreased inter- est in bird study on the part of the public to which they catered? Personally, we should not hesitate to reply to this question with an emphatic "No," and we base our answer on the experiences of an unusually active lecture season which has brought us in contact with the bird-loving public in many and widely separated districts, on our knowledge of the sales of bird books, and on the ever-widening field of Audubon educational work. Why, then, have the magazines mentioned been forced to suspend publication? Doubt- less they have not been "forced" to suspend, but probably they have been discontinued because they have not met with the success their originators anticipated. Their failure is not to be attributed to loss of interest on the part of the public, but rather to the fact that no ornithological magazine has ever secured a circulation large enough to assure it the patronage of adver- tisers, and without advertising the most pros- perous magazine of the day could not exist as a profitable proposition. Whether a sufficient number of possible subscribers exist to make a bird magazine profitable, from a commercial point of view, is open to question, but assuredly the means has not as yet been devised for bringing such a magazine to their attention. General advertising scores too many misses for each hit made to make it profitable. Circulars rarely seem to reach the mark, and if the publisher cannot secure the cooperation of his readers, he may be assured a handsome deficit at the end of the year. The Audubon education work to which reference was made above is destined to ex- ert an influence which only those intimately concerned with its development appreciate. When Mr. Willcox endowed the National Association of Audubon Societies, bird- lovers doubtless thought of the numerous practical ways in which the resulting income could be employed to protect birds, but few doubtless realize the far-reaching influence the expenditure of a portion of this income for free Educational Leaflets will have on the future of North American ornithology. As long as this sum will supply the demand, no teacher or pupil need lack first-class bird literature, and the thousands and hundreds of thousands of these little monographs, with their attractively colored plates should reach, an audience forever deaf to the publisher who has profit in mind. A WORD of explanation for the unfortunate delay in the appearance of 'The Warbler Book' is due the many inquirers who were led to expect its publication in February. Its tardiness is due to that 'congestion of trade' of which we hear so much in other branches of commerce. Paper that had been l)romised early in January was not delivered a month later and, as a result, the efforts of author and printer to be prompt, went for naught. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department, National Association of Audubon Societies. 141 Broadway, New York City APRIL April is the dawn of the natural year. March is a sprinji; month merely by courtesy— a sort of delusive "twilight," as Wilson Flagg said of it — through which familiar shapes flit, appearing and disappearing like wind-blown phan- toms. March may respond to the sudden lure of the south wind and, yielding a little, show us a few hepaticas on a sheltered bank, a trembling group of snowdrops in a garden corner, or the raised cowl of the skunk- cabbage in the still ice-edged marsh. The flocks of Robins, Bluebirds and Fox Sparrows may bring melody to the leafless trees, while the Meadow- lark returns to the lowland pastures in company with his squeaking and creaking cousins, the Crackles, Redwings and Cowbirds, and the Phoebe vies with the Chickadee in telling his name about the sheds and outbuild- ings. Or March may mean that the hope born of the lengthened days is deferred by snow-squalls that check both insect and vegetable life and drive the early birds disconsolately to mope in cover. But with April all is different. To be sure, the old fields lie sere and brown for the greater part of the month, edged and threaded here and there by green ribbons born of watercourses, while on hillside and open woodlands the verdure is of moss rather than grass; yet everywhere the change quivers on the air, and the cheerful chorus of the hylas rises from the reed -beds and makes the heart beat faster. For after all, northward from the middle part of the country, it is by sounds rather than by sight that the season takes possession of the senses and makes us realize that it has come. It is by the bird and not by leaf or flower that Spring first proclaims herself; the flower lies next to the heart of earth, and one would think should be the first to feel the pulse of renewal; but no, it is to the bird of the air that the vision below the visible horizon belongs and, as if seeing the glow of the spring sun before it has reached us, the birds arrive as heralds to proclaim it. Already, when April comes, the Woodcock is practicing his sky dance, and a snow flurry during the first half of the month may whiten the back of his mate brooding on her nest among the protecting leaves with which her colors blend. In April two bird families send their members with a rush. The flocks of Fox Sparrows increase and pause on their northerly migration. The White-throats, traveling in still more leisurely fashion, pause (89) 90 Bird -Lore wherever there are seeded weeds and grasses, and mingle their exquisite httle piping song with that of the Purple Finch and Vesper Sparrows; while the Song Sparrow, that was perhaps present as an individual all winter, becomes legion in a single night, and presently the tremolo of the Chipping Sparrow, insectlike though of different quality, sounds at dawn from the ground or a low bush where he sits with head thrown back in rapture. In April, toward the middle of the month, the Swallows return to us, with their pretty call notes and lispings, and the ear and eye are often piqued by the voices and plumage of many Warblers. The Myrtle, that has been with us at intervals all winter, is easily named ; then there comes the Pine Warbler and the Louisiana Water-Thrush, a Warbler that suggests the larger Wood Thrush. The Black-throated Green and the Black and White Creeping Warblers, the latter mistaken frequently by the novice for a diminutive Woodpecker, may be expected, and, should the last week in April be fair and the leaves of the birches and swamp maples old enough to throw a faint shadow, in reply to the golden signal of the willows, we may prepare to welcome deputations from the families of Thrushes, Wrens and Thrashers, the Wood-Thrush, Catbird, Brown Thrasher and House Wren; and when we see the latter tip-tilting and scolding about the repairs necessary to his last year's residence, we know that spring, in all its promise and fullness, is but lingering around the corner, coyly arranging her drapery before dancing into our sight. — M. O. W. NATURE STUDY ORGANIZATIONS The value of nature study, properly conducted, as a training to the powers of observation has long been conceded; moreover, its direct value in teach- ing the true economic relations to man of objects animate and inanimate is well established. The more we study nature the better we learn that part of nature's balance which best conserves human interests. Such studies have enabled us to distinguish between friends and enemies among the lower creatures; to realize how the former are beneficial and the latter harmful. It must be conceded, also, that "in union there is strength"; that properly conducted organizations for the study and preservation of the lower forms of life accomplish more than scattered individual effort. Admitting all this, conscientious teachers are anxious to provide for the nature-study needs of the pupils under their charge, but they sometimes are at a loss to create that interest which must underlie all successful educational work. The writer belongs to a natural history society which is remarkable because of its success in maintaining deep interest among its members, and the consequent good attendance at meetings, two things unfortunately rare in such organizations. The Audubon Societies 91 He also has had the privilege of attending, by invitation, a meeting of a bird club composed of boys of a New Jersey school, and he was expected to offer suggestions about the management of the club and its method of con- ducting meetings; but, after critically noting the methods employed, he could make no suggestions for their improvement. There are certain features in the management of these two organizations which so obviously contribute to their remarkable success that they are here used as examples, in the hope that other organizations may derive from them hints that will lead to a like measure of success. The natural history clubs above referred to have the usual officers, which are elected annually; meetings are held twice a month, and are presided over by the president, or, in his absence, by the vice-president or some mem- ber temporarily selected; the secretary keeps the minutes, which must be read and approved at a subsequent meeting; the dues are $1 per year. Occasionally a member gives a stereopticon talk or some other special program, but the usual order is to pass briefly through the routine business, roll-call, reading minutes of last meeting, election of members proposed at last meeting, proposal of new members, unfinished business, new business. Then comes "items of interest," under which head the president calls on each member in turn for any matter of interest he may have to relate, and general discussion of such items takes place. In a membership almost entirely amateur it is surprising what an amount of interesting and valuable information is brought out, and the discussion is so informal that there is no atmosphere of undue stiffness or restraint. Follow- ing the items of interest, all of the members exhibit specimens, rare or com- mon, many being of the simplest form, yet all are of interest to those present. The boys' bird club referred to is nearly ideal and will continue to be so while its original methods are adhered to. The ages of the members range from twelve to sixteen years; there are the usual officers and parliamentary methods of conducting meetings; the educational leaflets of the National Association of Audubon Societies are used as a basis of study. A leaflet is alloted to each member to study and report on, three or four members at each meeting reading essays on as many different birds, studied from the leaflet, from any other accessible source, and as far as possible from original observations. In these essays, quotations are given from authorities, with remarks on the quoted statements from the experience of the boy obser\'er, much of the matter given being entirely original. Prizes are given for the best essay during a given period. Another feature is the reading, by each member, of a list of the birds observed since the last meeting, and prizes are given for the best lists made during a given period. A few of the boys have cameras and photograph bird life, and here again prizes reward the greatest measures of success. 92 Bird - Lore The boys are careful in their photographing not to harm or disturb the birds; they aim to be very accurate in preparing lists, and they never collect birds or eggs, but only nests after the birds have left them. The meetings are held in the evening, twice a month, at the school. They have field days, when they go out Saturday in small parties to find nests and record obser- vations. They are always careful never to remain long in the vicinity of a nest. While a teacher fosters the club, the management is entirely with the boys. Here is the problem of nature study solved ; study and work are made play; no time is lost from other essential studies; powers of observation are developed ; healthful recreation is had ; there is practice in parliamentary methods of conducting meetings; information is acquired which in the future life of the students will benefit them in a thousand practical ways; and all the time the direction of their diversion, recreation and surplus energy is turned into safe and improving channels and away from the innumer- able temptations that beset boys. The writer has yet to hear of the boy who earnestly and conscientiously studied nature who became a bad man. The success of these two organizations is due to the way in which their programs are made attractive. The same secret applies to man as well as boy. Put an attractive program before the members, let them manage, sug- gest, discuss, and, above all, observe and report their observations and leave the success to them. They will take care of that part, and nature study can be conducted not only without interfering with, but to the advantage of all other practical studies — B. S. BowDiSH. THE VALUE OF BLACKBIRDS "Kalm states, in his 'Travels in America,' that in 1749, after a great destruction among the Crows and Blackbirds for a legal reward of three pence per dozen, the northern states experienced a complete loss of their grass and grain crops. The colonists were obliged to import hay from England to feed their cattle. The greatest losses from the ravages of the Rocky Mountain locust were coincident with, or followed soon after, the destruction by the people of countless thousands of Blackbirds, Prairie Chickens, Quail, Upland Plover, Curlew, and other birds. This coinci- dence seems significant, at least. A farmer from Wisconsin informed me that, the Blackbirds in his vicinity having been killed ofif. the white grubs increased in number and destroyed the grass roots, so that he lost four hundred dollars in one year from this cause." — FoRBUSH, 'Useful Birds and their Protection.' RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Upper Figure, Male; Lower Figure, Female) Order — Passeres Family — Icterid^e Genus — Agelaius Species — Phceniceus THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT TOf Rational association ot ^nnnbon Societies EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 25 "Among all the birds that return to us in April, which is the most strik- ing and most compels attention ? " asked a bird -lover of a group of kindred spirits. "The Fox Sparrow," said one who lived on the edge of a village where sheltered wild fields stretched up hill to the woodlands. ''Every morning when I open my window I can hear them almost without listening." ■'The Phoebe," said another, who was the owner of a pretty home, where many rambling sheds broke the way from cow-barn to pasture. "The Whippoorwill," answered a third, a dweller in a remote colony of artists in a picturesque spot of cleared woodland, where the ground dropped quickly to a stream. "No, the Woodcock," said her nearest neighbor, a man whose cottage was upon the upper edge of these same woods, where they were margined by moist meadows and soft bottomlands — a man who spent much time out- of-doors at dawn and twilight studying sky effects. "And I think it's Red-winged Blackbirds," cried the ten-year-old son of the latter; "for when I go out up back of the trout brook by the little path along the alders near the squashy place where the cattails grow in summer, you've just got to hear them. You can't listen to them as you do to real singing birds, for they make too much noise, and when you listen for a bird it's got to be still at least in the beginning. Sometimes they go it all together down in the bushes out of sight, then a few will walk out up to the dry Meadowlark's field with Cowbirds, or maybe it's their wives, and then one or two will lift up and shoot over the marsh back again, calling out just like juicy sky-rockets. Ah, they're it in April before the leaves come out." And, in spite of difference of viewpoint, the group finally acknowledged that the boy was right. In point of coloring the Redwing is faultlessly plumed — Per^sorTality"^ ^ glossy black with epaulets of scarlet edged with gold — the uniform of a soldier, and this, coupled with the three martial notes that serve him as a song, would make one expect to find in him all the manly and military virtues. But aside from the superficial matter of per- sonal appearance, the Redwing is lacking in many of the qualities that endear the feathered tribe to us and make us judge them, perhaps too much by human standards. When Redwings live in colonies it is often diflficult to estimate the exact (93) 94 Bird - Lore relationship existing between the members, though it is apparent that the sober brown, striped females outnumber the males; but in places where the birds are uncommon and only one or two male birds can be found, it is easily seen that the household of the male consists of from three to five nests each presided over by a watchful female, and when danger arises this feath- ered Mormon shows equal anxiety for each nest, and circles screaming about the general location. In colony life the males oftentimes act in concert as a general guard, being diverted oftentimes from the main issue, it must be confessed, to indulge in duels and pitched battles among themselves. The Redwing belongs to a notable family — that of the His Family Blackbirds and Orioles — and, in spite of the structural sem- blances that group them together, the differences of plumage, voice and breeding habits are very great. The Cowbird, the Redwing's next of kin, even lacks the rich liquid call note of the latter and the lack of marital fidelity on the part of the male is met in a truly progressive spirit by the female, who, shirking all domestic responsibility, drops her eggs craftily in the nests of other and usually smaller birds, who can not easily resent the imposition. Though a strong proof of the unconscious affinity of race lies in the fact that these young foundling Cowbirds invariably join the parent flocks in autumn instead of continuing with their foster mothers. The Meadowlark with the true spring song, who hides his nest in the dry grass of old fields, is also kin to the Redwing and the Bobolink too, the vocal harlequin of the meadows and hillside pastures. The Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, also next of kin, are skilled musicians and model husbands. Still another plane is to be found in the Redwing's dismal cousins, the Crackles— Purple, Rusty, Bronzed and Boat-tailed — all harsh of voice and furtive in action, as if a Crow fairy had been present at their creating and, endowing them with ready wits, had, at the same time, deprived them of all sense of humor and cast a shadow upon their happiness. For a Gracklc is gloomy, even during the absurd gyrations of his courtship, and when, in autumn, the great flocks settle on lawns and fields and solemnly walk about, as they forage they seem like a party of feathered mutes waiting to attend the funeral of the year; and this trait somewhat tinctures the disposition of the Redwing before and after the breeding season. The Redwing, in one of his many subspecilic forms, and His Country masquerading under many names, — Red -shouldered Black- bird, American Starling and Swamp Blackbird, — lives in North America from Nova Scotia and Great Slave Lake southward to Costa Rica. The Redwing, as known to us of middle and eastern North America, breeds in all parts of its United States and Canadian range, though it is more numerous by far in the great prairies of the upper Mississippi valley, with their countless backwater sloughs, than anvwhere else. It is in regions of The Red-winged Blackbird 9S this sort that tlie ^rcat flocks turn both to the fall-sown {j;rain, as well as that of the crop in the ear, causing the farmers the loss that puts a black mark against the Redwings. Yet those that dwell east of this area, owing to the draining and ditching of their swamp\ haunts being in much reduced numbers, are comparatively harmless. During the winter months the Redwings are distributed His Travels throughout the South, though stragglers may be occasionally seen in many parts of their summer range. Exactly why they begin the southward migration in September and end it with the falling of the leaves in late October, it is not easy to guess; for the food -supply is not NEST OF RED-WINGED BLACKBIRO Photographed from nature by C. G. Abbott at an end and they do not dread moderate cold, else why should they be in the front rank of spring migrants? The last of February will bring a few individuals of the advance guard of males, [n early March their calls are heard often before the ice has melted and the hylas found voice; yet, in spite of this hurried return, the nesting season does not begin until the middle of May ; and so for two months and more the flock life continues, and foraging, fighting and general court- ing serve to kill time until the remote marshes show enough green drapery to hide the nests. 96 Bird - Lore As a nest-builder the Redwing shows much of the His Nest weaver's skill of its Oriole cousins, though the material they works with is of coarser texture, being fastened firmly to low bushes or reeds and woven of grass and the split leaves of reeds and flags, all nicely lined with soft grasses and various vegetable fibers. Often, like that of the Marsh Wren, the nest will be suspended between three or four reeds and so firmly knit that it resembles one of the four-legged work- baskets that belonged to the ' mother's room ' of our youth. The pale blue eggs of the Redwing are particularly noticeable from the character of the markings that thickly cover the larger end, for they seem the work of a sharp scratching pen dipped in purplish black ink and held by an aimless human hand, rather than the distribution of natural pigment. An eater of grain though the Redwing is, and a menace to His Food the farmer in certain regions. Professor Beal concedes to him a liberal diet of weed seeds and animal food, itself injurious to vegetation. Dr. B. H. Warren, who has made a wide study of the food habits of this Blackbird, says: "The Redwing destroys large numbers of 'cutworms.' I have taken from the stomach of a single swamp Blackbird as many as twenty-eight 'cutworms.' In addition to the insects, etc., men- tioned above, these birds also, during their residence with us, feed on earth- worms, grasshoppers, crickets, plant -lice and various larvae, so destructive at times in the field and garden. During the summer season, fruits of the blackberry, raspberry, wild strawberry and wild cherry are eaten to a more or less extent. The young, while under parental care, are fed exclusively on an insect diet." These facts should make us of the East welcome rather than discourage the Redwing; for this is one of the species of familiar birds that must become extinct in many localities, owing to the circumstance so desirable in itself of reducing the waste marsh lands, and, though later in the year other birds replace him acceptably, March and April would seem lonely without the Redwing, for then, as the child said, "You've just got to look at him." Questions for Teachers and Students Are there other species of Redwing than the one pictured? Trace its distribution. How far north does it breed? At what season does it leave for the South in autumn? When does the spring migration begin? What sort of country does the Redwing inhabit, high or low ground? Does it nest immediately on its return? Where is the nest built and of what materials? Do Redwings mate in pairs like Robins and Bluebirds? Are the males and females feathered alike? What color are the eggs? To what family does the Redwing belong? Name some of his kindred. Cbe Audubon ^octetie^ EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER srrespondcnce. and send all r Association of Audubon Soc iices for dues and C( 141 Broadway. Nc York City Membership in the National Association $5.00 paid annually constitutes a person a Sustain I nj; Member 1 1 00. 00 paid atone time constitutes a Life Membership $1,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron $5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder $z;.ooo.oo paid constitutes a person a Benefactor FORM OF BEQUEST / do hereby ^ive atui bequeath to The National Association of Audubon Socie- ties FOR the Protection of Wild Birds AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of Neiu York, Legislation This issue of Bird-Lore might well be called the legislative number, as all of the matter in the Executive Department will relate only to legislative proceedings through- out the country. While much of the story will show that the Association has been successful in many of its attempts for better legislation and the defeat of bad legislation, yet, unfortunately, in some important cases the forces that have combined against us have been successful. In the entire experience of the President of the Association in legislative work, the year 1907 surpasses ail the others in the number of bird and game bills that have been intro- duced; they certainly number several hun- dred. It is true that many of them are local bills of little importance, but, on the other hand, many of them seem to have emanated from market-hunters and game dealers who are becoming very restive under the pressure of restricted opportunities for killing and selling the fast-disappearing game birds and animals of the country. Our great benefactor, Mr. Willcox, "builded far better than he knew" when his love for wild life led him to leave to this Association a substantial legacy. If the National Association had not been placed in its present strong position through this benefaction, it would not have been able to carry on the enormous amount of legis- lative work that it has done during the present legislative season. Heretofore, it was only after the most careful consideration and under the most urgent stress of circum- stances that money could be appropriated for legislative work, but this year we have had able and energetic representatives doing missionary work at a number of capitals. The detailed story of legislative work which follows will show to the members of the Association and the readers of Bird- Lore how important this branch of our work is. Congress and the Biological Survey While the story of how the House Com- mittee on Agriculture attempted to end the existence of this valuable and important Bureau is familiar to many of the members of the Association, because they took an active and prominent part in continuing the Survey, yet to others this episode will be entirely new; further, it is well to place such matters on permanent record. When the agricultural appropriation bill was reported in Congress by the committee in charge, it was discovered that no ap- propriation whatever had been made for the Bureau of Biological Survey. This meant that this important and necessary Bureau would be legislated out of existence, which would have been such a serious handicap and loss to the work of the National Associa- tion that it would have taken years to have overcome the setback. There was only one (97) 98 Bird - Lore thing to do, and that was for the National Association and the State Audubon Societies and the real sportsmen of the country to rally to the work of saving the Survey. The first week after the matter was dis- covered was a busy time at the Association headquarters. The mails weie entirely too slow, and whole letters were sent by wire to all parts of the country, asking for help in this emergency. Our lecturers and organ- izers were taken from their legitimate work and were detailed to help save the Biological Survey. The importance of this Survey to the Association can hardly be realized, unless one is actively connected with the ■work at headquarters. To the Biological Survey we turn for all data regarding the food habits of birds and their relations to agriculture that are used, and in addition, whenever the Association is advocating a legislative bill relating to game or non- game birds, the Bureau of Biological Survey IS appealed to for an expert to appear at hearings. To the Bureau also we turn for publications, relative to birds and game, for distribution to help in the educational campaign the Association is always carry- ing on. Who instigated the outrageous attack on the Bureau of Biological Survey is hard to discover, but when we recall the work done by the members of the House Agricultural Committee in 1906, in the matter of the meat-packing bill, it suggests the thought that the same interests, through the same channels, sought to cripple the work of game protection and to remove a factor that is doing so much to stop the sale and cold storage of game. The Senate of the United States insisted that the Survey be continued, and forced the House into a compliance with its wishes; thus reflecting the wishes of every person in the United States interested in the preserva- tion of its wild life. The Bureau of Biological Survey was continued with the same meager appropria- tion that it had last year. This appropria- tion is so small that it does not permit the Bureau to carry on its valuable work with a force of scientists that it should be able to employ. The National Association and the real sportsmen of the country are struggling at the present time with the subject of the preservation of the water game-birds of the country, and the Survey is unable to give us any data as yet regarding the food habits of this class of birds, simply because they have never yet been in a position to make these important investigations. It is ex- tremely desirable and vitally important that the food of the shoal water-ducks and the shore-birds of the country should be de- termined at once; there is little doubt but that it will be discovered that these two classes of birds destroy enormous numbers of noxious insects whose larval stages are passed in water, but the proofs are needed. Maine — Our representative in Maine, Mr. Arthur H. Norton, some time since sent us a copy of a petition that had been sent to the legislature of his state by eighty- three persons, residents in the township of Lubec, and another petition from nineteen persons in the township of Trescott, both of which towns are in Washington county, in the extreme eastern part of the state. The petition prayed for an amendment to Section 8 of Chapter 32 of the Revised Statutes by adding after the word "caught" in the fourth line the words "but this shall not apply to the shooting of Gulls by the owners of land or those having lawful possession thereof in the towns of Lubec and Trescott and Whiting in Washington county, while said Gulls are in the act of taking or menac- ing to take fish exposed for drying purposes or fish refuse or pumice spread upon said land for manure or fertilizer." This Association and its predecessor, the Thayer Fund, spent several thousands of dollars in protecting the Gulls of Maine. There is no part of the United States at the present time where Gulls are not considered as non-game birds of beneficial character and are not protected by the model law. There was but one thing to do, which was to send an ornithologist to make an investi- gation of the damage claimed to have been done by the Gulls and also to investigate the character of the persons who petitioned. The Honorable James Carroll Mead was The Audubon Societies 99 selected; he was the nieml)er of the Assem- bly who introduced arnl successfully carried to adoption tlie model law in his state in 1902. Mr. Mead's report is an interesting one, and shows how little foundation there was for the petition. As a matter of record, the report is given in full : "Of the eighty-three names on the Lubec and Trescott petition, I find but nineteen are in any degree farmers. One man is dead, four unknown, and the balance are businessmen, mechanics, boatmen, laborers, etc. I have personally interviewed fourteen of the farmers, as well as several farmers who were not petitioners, and the results are almost confusing. I find no one making complaints against the Gulls except for the practice of feeding on the fish cuttings, or 'Scoots,' when spread on the land, and they claim to be damaged annually from 10 per cent to 75 per cent of the cost of the spread fish. Several men have assured me that it sometimes happens that while a man is at the factory for a load, the Gulls will devour a load already spread. The worst damage they claim is done after the weather grows cool in the fall ; early in the season (a few men say until the middle of September in ordinary years) the 'Scoots' spread decay rapidly and the damage to them by Gulls is not worthy of consideration. Those pushing the bill strongest insist that June and July are the only months that they are free from the depredations. Some admit that Decem- ber, or the fall of snow, ends all trouble, while others just as strongly insist that the danger on exposed, hilly farms, is equally great all winter, inasmuch as the late-spread fish, especially those kept some time in pickle, remain intact all winter, unless eaten by Gulls. For potatoes, grain, etc., the 'Scoots' are plowed in and the injury done is not worthy of consideration. It is only when spread as a top-dressing for grass land that the Gulls are attracted. The farmers commence haying in July, but I judge late in the month ; right after this, and until winter, they do their fertilizing. The 'Scoots' in July are often given away by the packers in order to get rid of them, but later sell for from 75 cents to $1.50 per load of ten or fifteen barrels' capacity, and are usually s(iread at the rate of two or three loads per acre. I foimd two farmers who said they protected their fields with dogs. Another man has a piece of boiler iron near his house on which his children pound with a hammer and so frighten away the birds for an hour at a time. Another man says he can frighten them from his fields by pounding his barn with a board, but he added that 'pounding a barn with a board wouldn't earn a living in Lubec' One man, Walter Myers, thought the (iulls a damage to him as a farmer, but a help to him as a fisherman, inasmuch as they kept his weir and the shore free from dead fish." From the above report, it will be seen tha* the greater part of the damage claimed is in the late fall and winter months, at which time there certainly can be very few Gulls left in the state of Maine, as the great body of them have migrated further south. A copy of this petition was sent to our warden. Captain Fred. E. Small, in charge of Old Man Island, Me., which is not very far from Lubec, asking his opinion of the merits of the complaint, and he replied as follows : "I have heard some few complaints made by farmers against Herring Gulls eating the herring off their fields, but most of them make an image of a man and put in the field, which keeps the Gulls away. In regard to their eating codfish or herring left on boards to dry, there is no truth in such reports. This is called the principal fishing locality in Maine, and I have been in the business myself and know what I am talk- ing about; my opinion in regard to these reports is that the petitioners are planning to make a business of killing Gulls for market." Mr. Norton and Mr. Mead appeared at the legislative hearing on the petition and submitted all the facts gathered, and made an appeal to the committee not to report the amendment favorably. This appeal was suc- cessful, and the Fish and Game Committee reported adversely. This Association does not take the stand, nor has it ever advocated the protection of birds when it is conclusively proven that they are doing more damage than good; at lOO Bird -Lore the same time, the Executive of the Associ- ation never has, nor will it ever consent to any amendment of a wise law on a com- plaint, until the reasons back of the same and all of the facts have been thoroughly investigated. We have never yet found a case where such a petition was not founded upon prejudice or ignorance. It is only another instance showing the value of and necessity for thoroughly organized work, such as is being carried on by the National Association. There is a petition before the legislature of Maine to make the open season on Ducks in the county of Lincoln extended to April I. This is being combated, as there are two reasons why it should not be adopted ; first, because it is the trend of public opinion at the present time among the best class of citizens to prohibit all spring shooting; and second, because it is unwise in a state of the size of Maine, where the conditions are practically the same in every part of the ter- ritory, to have different open seasons. The game law should be general and apply to the entire state. A petition is also before the legislature to make a close season of five years on the Wood Duck and the Buffle-head Duck, commonly called "Dipper." The reason given in the petition is an exceedingly wise one. "We urge the protection of the Wood Duck and Buffle-head, because they are at present so exceedingly rare as to afford prac- tically no sport or food supply, and we be- lieve, unless rigid protection is afforded them, it will be only a short time before both varieties are absolutely extinct." Such an intelligent appreciation of present conditions deserves the highest commendation and ap- proval. Another petition: "No person shall at any time, hunt, trap, catch, kill, destroy or have in possession any Moose, Deer, Caribou or any game or fur-bearing animals of any description, within a radius of ten miles from the highest point of Mount Katahdin, known as the south monument, believing that the best interests of the state require this to be done." The above is an exceedingly meritorious measure, and, if adopted by the legislature, will establish a game refuge in one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Maine. New Hampshire.— A bill to amend the Fish and Game law of this state was intro- duced and has been passed. In some re- spects the bill makes important improve- ments ; for instance, it makes the close sea- son on the shore-birds and Ducks from Jan- uary 31, which practically stops spring shooting, as none or but very few of these birds are found in the state during the month of January. A second bill, making a five years close season on the Wood Duck, Killdeer Plover and Bartramian Sandpiper, commonly known as the "Upland Plover," was intro- duced and has been adopted. This is the first state to adopt the recommendation made by the American Ornithologists' Union at its last annual meeting. Massachusetts. — Out of the mass of bill that were presented to the legislature tor and against bird and game protection, the fol- lowing important measures are of interest to this Association : An act for the protection of Loons and Eagles; this was adopted. An act to protect the Herring and Great Black-back Gulls; this was adopted. By the passage of this act protection is now given to all the Gulls in every part of the United States. The privilege to kill these two species of Gulls in Massachusetts was the only gap in a perfect series of laws in the entire country. This is one of the results of the work of the "Thayer Fund" and the National Asso- ciation during the last seven years. When the plume-hunters commenced their on- slaught against the larger Gulls in 1900, it was found that in many states there were no laws protecting these birds. Two bills regarding spring wild-fowl shooting were introduced, one making the close season on certain species of wild fowl commence March i, and another January i. Neither of these bills received favorable consideration. This is unfortunate, because The Audubon Societies lOI it is ahsnliitely necessary that the spring shooting of wild fowl should cease in North America. There is need for educational work in this connection in Massachusetts; but with the love of birds and the intelli- gence of the people of that state, there is practically no doubt that, when the matter is properly brought to the attention of the pub- lic, laws shortening the open season for wild fowl will he adopted by a future legis- lature. A bill to make an open season on the Sabbath Day was very properly defeated. Without considering the question of respect for the Sabbath Day, it is always well to make a close season of at least one day in the seven, even during the season when shooting is lawful. Connecticut.— In this state, bills have been introduced to make the close season for Ducks and shore-birds commence Janu- ary I. A great deal of educational work is being done, antl it is hoped that the bills will be considered favorably, although there is considerable opposition developing from the shore towns of the state, because the market hunters do not desire their special privileges curtailed. It is a fact that the only opposition that is ever found in any part of the country to the passage of bills stopping spring shooting, comes from the restricted class of persons who shoot for market or who sell game. The great majority of the people of every state advo- cate laws that conserve the wild life of the country for future generations; all intelli- gent people hope to prevent conditions that will lead to another story like that of the Wild Pigeon and the bison. New York — In the president's last annual report, he called the attention of the citizens of this state to the very wicked provision in the game laws, which permits the sale of wild fowl sixty days after the close season commences. This provision renders the January i wild-fowl law nugatory and practically of no effect. There is a further provision in the New York law which permits the placing in bond of surplus game which is on hand at the end of the close or sale season, to be held until the next open season. Bills to remedy this marked defect in the game law of this state were introduced; that is, for the purpose of stopping the sale of wild fowl after the loth day of January; in otiier words, giving the dealers ten days in which to get rid of their surplus stock and also to stop the cold storage of any kind of birds or game. A hearing was held on both of these bills on the 19th of February before the Assembly Fish and Game Committee. The Audubon interests were represented by your president; two other Game Protective Asso ciations were ably represented, and the only opposition to the bill came from the Poultry and Game Dealers" Association of New York,, which was represented by a paid attorney. It was thought that those in favor of the two bills had proved conclusively to the Assembly Fish and Game Committee that these bills were meritorious and necessary, and that they should be favorably reported. The only claim that the attorney of the Game Dealers' Association made was that the bills interfered with vested rights and the interests of his clients who were legiti- mate dealers in game. Further, he claimed that they did not sell New York State Ducks^ but received all of their supplies from other states. In rebuttal, it was shown that many of the states prevented the export of wild fowl and other game and therefore the New York dealers must necessarily be selling goods illegally obtained. For some reason which it is hard to learn or understand, these bills have not been reported out of the committee, although the chairman has been personally urged to give them favorable consideration and let the fight for the bills be made on the floor of the House: it is believed that the sentiment of the state is so strong for the passage of these bills that the Assembly will pass them. At this writing an appeal is being sent broadcast throughout the state, asking the citizens to insist that the above bills should be reported by the committee. New Jersey. — An anti-spring shooting bill for wild fowl and shore-birds have beea 102 Bird - Lore introduced, together with a Hunter's License Bill. A joint hearing before the Game Committees of both Houses was held, and it is an interesting fact that not a voice was heard at the hearing in opposition to them. Both of these bills have passed the Assembly and are now before the Senate for action. It is with great pleasure that we call the attention of the citizens of New Jersey to the speeches made in behalf of the anti-spring shooting bill, and also for the most advanced bird and game protection by Assemblymen Crowther, of Middlesex; Fake, of Bergen, and Hahn, of Essex. South Carolina.— A bill incorporating the Audubon Society of South Carolina was passed by the legislature. This law is exactly like the one in North Carolina, and gives the Audubon Society of the state all the powers and duties of a game commission. Secretary Pearson will spend a large part of April in organizing and starting the new organization, so that the same efficient game and bird protection may be had in South Carolina that has obtained in North Carolina since the Audubon Society of that state was vested with its present powers. How necessary it is to have an organiza- tion to enforce the bird and game laws of South Carolina will be shown by a quota- tion from a letter recently received from Sumter : "About February 21 the first Robins made their appearance in this vicinity, and almost immediately a wholesale slaughter began. Boys just large enough to hold a gun (many with slingshots), men and ei'en ivomen, all joined in the 'sport.' You can hardly look out on the streets that you do not see some one passing with a string of a dozen or more birds. They seem to vie with each other to see who can kill the most. Only last evening, the gentleman with whose family we board came in after only a few hours' gunning with a bag of Robins. You think, when everyone, almost, that you meet is bent upon the self-same errand, that it is a wonder there are any Robins left to continue the journey northward. "There is a splendidly organized Civic League here, and I have thought that pos- sibly they might take the matter up, if it were placed before them in the proper light. I spoke to one of the members the other day, and she promised to mention the matter at the next meeting. Can you not send each of them one of your leaflets on the subject? "This is the heart of the cotton-growing industry of South Carolina, and I believe that if the subject were placed in the hands of a few of the leading men, something might come from it." Alabama.— The bill spoken of in the January number of Bird-Lore passed both branches of the legislature and was signed by the Governor, and it is now a law in this state. It is without doubt the most advanced and drastic game law now in force in the country. By appointment of the Governor, the Honorable John H. Wallace, Jr., has been made the Game Commissioner of the state, and this means that the new law will be enforced, for he is a most ardent protector and has a very high conception of the value of birds to agriculture, and also that they are one of the assets of a state and should be conserved in every possible way. Pennsylvania. — A very radical retrograde step has been taken in this state, and it is understood that the legislation was approved by the Fish and Game Commission. A bill was introduced and has been passed by both branches of the legislature to repeal the anti- spring-shooting law. It has been stated that this will not result in the killing of more than ten thousand Ducks in the spring, but when we consider that that means that there will be at least a shortage of sixty thousand Ducks in the following fall, the offspring of those killed in the spring, there is no ques- tion whatever regarding the great wrong that has been done the wild fowl. West Virginia. — This state has just adopted by a practically unanimous vote of both branches of the legislature the model law. Senator Hazlett introduced the bill and successfully accomplished its passage. The bird-lovers of the state are under great obli- gations to him for his public spirit and his high appreciation of good civics. ^-r Hermit Thrush. 2. Cray-cheeked Thrush. 3. Olive-backed Thrush. A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS Vol. IX May — June, 1907 No. 3 A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America By JONATHAN DWIGHT, Jr.. M. D. DAINTY of plumage and musical of voice, the Thrushes of North America are perhaps the most delightful members of the great bird population that spreads northward over the continent in spring, to retreat far southward again in autumn before the snow and ice of a northern winter. Five species inhabit our country, all of them abundant, but so silently do they accomplish their long migratory journeys, slipping along in undergrowth and hedge-rows by day and winging their way far up in the quiet sky by night, that, except for flashes of wings in the woods or mellow calls borne on the night air, their presence may easily be overlooked until they have settled for the brief summer in their breeding haunts. Then truly it may be said that they "waste their sweetness on the desert air," for two of them, the Hermit and the Olive-backed, vie in breaking the solemn spell of silence that broods over the wilderness of the great north woods; one, the Gray-cheeked, carries his music to the very shores of the Arctic Ocean, and only two, — Wilson's and the Wood Thrush, — remain to pass the summer in the more temperate and populated portions of the country, their northern range scarcely reaching the northern borders of the United States. In plumage the Thrushes are brown of different shades, the breast and under parts white with dusky spotting and often suffused with buffs and grays. They molt but once in the year, but, as they dwell mostly in shaded seclusion, they do not fade as much as might be expected in a twelvemonth. The field -student will do well to distinguish even the species, for the geographical races or subspecies are not readily recognizable even with specimens in hand for comparison and measurement. It is to be regretted that so much effort has been expended in forcing names upon very slight differences, because, in the confusion which arises, the very purpose for which a name is given, convenience, is defeated. Here, I merely ask my readers to remember that variation is of three kinds, — individual, when one bird differs from his own relatives; seasonal, when plumage is affected by molt and by wear; and geographical, when environment imposes characters I04 that are inherited, nameable. Bird- Lore The geographical are the only variations that are My out-of-door acquaintance with the Thrushes is of years' standing, and I have enjoyed their company in many parts of the United States and Canada. Furthermore, I have had access to large series of skins, and I now BREEDING RANGES OF THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSHES t Hylocuhia ustulalat I. H. 11. usiulaia. 1. H. u. svjainsoni. J. H. u. alm X , JS Mourning Dove . . . . Yellow-billed Cuckoo . . Red-headed Woodpecker Flicker Nighthawk Crested Flycatcher . . . Wood Pevvee Baltimore Oriole . . . . Chipping Sparrow . . . . Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Rose-breasted Grosbeak . Red-eyed Vireo Catbird Brown Thrasher . . . . House Wren ...... Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Wood Thrush American Robin . . . . Bluebird Total 7 4 4 Some breeding: species of which no nests were found— Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Yellow Warbler, Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, American Goldfinch, Chimney Swift, Indigo Bunting, Cowbird. dss) Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian By FRANCIS H. HERRICK, Author of 'The Home Life of Wild Birds' I WISH it could be said that Italy was at last beginning to awake to the necessity of protecting its bird-hfe, but thus far the efforts of a few ornithologists and humanitarians seem to have been of little avail. Individual protests of the strongest kind have been made ; international congresses have been held and stringent laws proposed, but little has been accomplished. The annual hecatombs of song-birds are still offered up, and the great peninsula of Italy, famed for centuries as one of the most beauti- ful and fertile spots of the earth, which should be teeming with bird -life at all seasons, is well-nigh desolate. In a former article (in BiRD-LoRE, November-December, 1906) I spoke of the general absence of bird-life in Italy as it impresses an American traveler and resident in that delectable country. Italian birds are trapped and shot in incredible numbers, especially during the spring and fall migrations, without respect to kind, size or habits, and are regularly sold in the markets as food for man and beast. Comparatively few birds are thus allowed to breed, and outside of the limits of certain cities, no adequate or uniform protection is afforded those which succeed in rearing young on Italian soil. There is no strong public sentiment in favor of the birds, and their service to agriculture is doubted. We showed that, in consequence of the destruction of birds in Italy, the little insect-eating lizards had undoubt- edly increased, that they form avast army, enlisted to aid the farmer by help- ing to save his crops; yet, in spite of the reptile brigades, many districts suf- fer, and famine is not unknown. But the Italian might reply: ''You are jumping to conclusions too fast; there is a fatal flaw in your reasoning; liz- ards, like birds, are indiscriminate destroyers of insects; how can you know that they both do not effect more harm than good, or, at least, no less harm than good by destroying parasitic and other insects beneficial to agriculture?" We shall meet this question again. It goes to the very root of the problem, and may well stagger any one who has accepted a sentimental solution to this large problem, without question. Before considering remedies for this hard lot of the birds, we will let the Italians speak for themselves. The subject is wide-reaching, and I must depend upon relatively few sources for information, but these are suggestive, and, so far as they go, seem to be authoritative.''" I made a number of visits to the University of Rome to examine the excellent collection of stuffed birds in its museum, which forms a very useful and instructive *It should be added that my observations in Italy were made in 1903-4, but, so far as I am aware, the fortune of the birds has not materially changed since that time. (156) Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 157 exhibit. A curious fact about this collection, which furnishes unimpeach- able testimony of the ruthlessness of Itah'an pot-hunters, is that a very large proportion of these specimens, great or small, common or rare, were obtained from the Roman markets, and are often thus marked (for example, "^ Mercato al Pantheo^) with the date. Besides the common song- birds of Europe there were Grebes, Loons, Egrets, Herons, Gulls, and many others too numerous to catalogue here which found their way to the markets in Rome at various times of the year.''" The curator of the museum informed me that the smaller birds were pro- tected from April 15 to August 15, the close season for water -fowl being shorter. As we shall see, different regulations have been in force in different provinces, but the result does not seem to have been to preserve the birds or to augment the bird -life of the country, but rather to improve the business of the gunners and snarers at other times. My informant would not admit that the killing of wild birds had led to any injury of vegetation or of crops. Further, I interviewed the director of the Royal Institue of Forestry at Vallombrosa, and submitted to him a series of questions upon the subject of bird protection in Italy, but this kindly man was unable to give me any information on the subject. The idea of protecting the lives of wild birds seemed as foreign to his thought as the "canal system" of the planet Mars. ^^ ^uod semper, omnibus, ubique,''^ what has always been done by every one, everywhere, seemed to him eminently proper. The director knew that the practice of killing song-birds was very old, but he thought it did no harm, and he could not refer me to any literature upon the relations of birds to man. Sig. Nigro Lico has written an interesting manual •' on the protection of animals, from the standpoint of an Italian, and Professor Antonio Berlese,+ *It would require a far greater familiarity with the birds of Europe than I possess to identify a large part of those offered for sale in Italian markets, especially when the bodies of the victims are plucked or even skinned, as is sometimes the case. I will note here a few of the kinds seen in the Roman markets in 1903-4, concerning the identity of which there >vas little or no doubt. When the Latin name Is given, the common Italian one follows in brackets: Turdus musiciis {Tor Jo, the name used indiscriminately for various species by the populace). Song Thrush, February 29. T. pilaris, Fieldfare; sold at 8 cents apiece (in markets apparently under the name of Grit'es sa-voyard), February 29. Erythracus rnbecola ( Fet/irosso) , Robin Redbreast; seen tripping about the Medici gardens, March 9. rariellus cristatus (Paz'rj7ice!la), Lapwing or Plover; seen on the marshes in Holland in early September; very common in the Roman markets from January i to April I ; sold in the markets, and hawked all over the city in long strings, bringing ten to twenty cents apiece. Gallinago ccrlcstis [Beccaccini], on sale at Ponti's on the Corso at twenty cents each, February 29. Allodola, a large Finch streaked all over with umber and buff, to be seen in great piles in the markets toward the last of February and in March. About twenty-five other species were more or less common in the markets of Rome at some time of the year. tLa Protezione degli Animali (Manuali Hoepli), Milano, 1902. % Bolletino di Entomologia Agraria, anno VIII, Num. 59. Padova, 1901. 158 Bird - Lore director of the Royal Station for Agricultural Entomology in Florence and a distinguished entomologist, has very decided opinions upon the relations of birds and insects to agriculture. Aside from every question of sentimen- tality, he considers it an open question whether wild birds are not, upon the whole, more destructive than useful in their relation to insects, and thus to the farmer and his crops. He considers that predatory and parasitic insects are quite capable in most cases of controlling injurious species, while many of these really useful agents are destroyed by birds*. This naturalist is now engaged upon a treatise on insects, the concluding volume of which will deal with the relations of insects to man. We may examine his views more fully at some future time, but, since the latter work is not yet com- pleted and his earlier writings are not readily accessible, we shall follow for the present the compilation of Lico. Lico devotes a chapter to the relation of birds to agriculture in which he weighs the opinions of Italians both in favor of the birds and against them, taking a stand rather guardedly with the latter. In the following paragraphs I shall translate freely or literally from Lico, or even paraphrase his remarks, in order to present his meaning or to define his position and that of others upon this important question. Quoting from a paper delivered by Comm. C. Durando before the National Zoophile Society of Italy in 1899, he says: "In Italy, while the olive fly and the piralidi t cause annually losses of several millions of francs, there is a furious hunt after birds of every kind with firelocks, drag nets, bird-lime, snares, as well as mirrors, bird-calls, artificial decoys, and even with birds caged and blinded for the purpose. At every period of the year, without regard to the laws which prohibit it, hunting is carried on. The prey is sold with impunity in the public markets in the close season, and, what is worse, they do not spare the nests of young birds, not even those of the poor Swallows. It is estimated that in all Italy the annual hecatomb amounts to ten millions of individuals, among which the Landsteiner of Wiholsburg reckons three millions Swallows. "As a result of this, one should not wonder at the fact that not only in Italy, but also in foreign countries and especially in Germany, the alarm has been sounded and has spread from one state to another so that it has been turned into a kind of proverb which one hears everywhere repeated; 'The birds are the best allies of the farmer; let us protect the birds.' "One of the most fervent of our ornithologists is Sig. C. Ohlsen. Animated with a passion and a persistency worthy of better success, if not a better cause, he does not limit his exertions to lectures on this subject, *For the reference to Professor Berlese's work and for this expression of his views I am indebted in the first instance to the courtesy of Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the United States Bureau of Entomology, and later to Professor Berlese himself. tLepidoptera (moths and butterflies), of which we are told in another place that there arc twenty-eight genera in Italy, and that all of them are very injurious to agriculture, especially to the apple, to hemp, and to the vine. Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 159 but, with the aid of a political press, tries to scatter his ideas among the people. His various articles which have appeared for this purpose in the journal 'II Sole' of Milan present ample details for confirming those prin- ciples which are briefly stated here. He further shows how the destruction of forests, no less than shooting, has led to the decrease of birds and the consequent multiplication of insects." Under the heading of "Friends True and Imaginary," Lico continues: "Regarding this maxim a recent entomological school has attempted to establish the two following cardinal ideas: (i)The enemies of injurious insects should be sought in the order of insects, and (2) insectivorous birds destroy not only injurious but useful insects as well. In support of the last thesis, the remarks of the distinguished ornithologist, Dr. T. Salvadori, delivered to the Chamber of Deputies in Vienna, on December 9, 1891, are quoted in part as follows: 'You must have heard, O gentlemen, repeated a hundred times the eternal refrain — "Protect the birds! They are very useful, because they destroy a great quantity of insects!" In regard to this question, I would like to ask upon what kinds of insects do the little birds chiefly feed, since the merit of their activity hangs upon this question; in which of the two warring armies do they select their victims? Do they feed chiefly upon the destroyers of our woods and fields? With all security and determination, I answer. No!'" Lico then observes that the birds which devour harmful insects should be preserved, while those which feed upon useful kinds should be destroyed as quickly and as painlessly as possible. It is recognized that the question of the utility of wild birds is a complicated problem, because it embraces various elements. In order to decide whether a bird is useful or injurious, we must inquire, says Lico, first, whether the products of agriculture or insects themselves are its prevailing food, and second, whether such insects are in a greater degree useful or injurious under all conditions. Lists of the useful and harmful birds are then given as approved by an international commission for the protection of birds and agriculture, which sat in Paris in 1895.* While this classification of the good and evil may be unjust or inaccurate, on the other hand, says Lico, the figures which Sig. Ohlsen has set down as the measure of the loss to Italy through the abuse of hunting do not have the appearance of accuracy. In this regard the 'Naturalist's Bulletin' (Sienna, 1896) ofifers the following comment: "Dr. Carlo Ohlsen, who has very decided views in regard to the losses of agriculture due to hunting, in an article published in a journal referred to above, recommends, in his usual style, excessive rigors for the sport, and says that while the public treasury received only 25o,000 lire (francs) from the sale of the hunting *In the class of birds condemned as injurious to agriculture, to hunting or to fishing are Eagles, Kites, Hawks, Goshawks, Falcons, Owls, Crows, Magpies, Jays, Herons, Bitterns, Pelicans, Moor-hens and Coots. i6o Bird - Lore permits, agriculture incurred a loss of 25,000,000 lire at least. How does the distinguished Sig. Ohlsen prove his estimate of this damage? Besides proof to the contrary, we maintain that this sum is wholly imaginary, because we believe that this gentleman cannot be in a position to distinguish the utility from the harm which birds bring upon the cultivated plants by feeding on insects, some of which are certainly of much more use to agricul- ture than a few birds." The same sheet for November 15, 1897, further expresses its views upon the subject as follows: ''As we have remarked on other occasions, there are most estimable persons and distinguished writers who fall into contra- diction in their efiforts to prove the utility of birds and the need of excessive measures in order to protect them, the outcome of which would bring more harm than good to Italy. Here is another example of their efforts: 'An esteemed sportsman and writer upon sporting matters has published in a periodical of sport a plea for a single hunting law, and in it we find the fol- lowing remarks: "The immense slaughter of little birds which is carried on in autumn by means of nets, especially in upper Italy, arouses every- where even in foreign countries the fiercest protests." ' "There are millions of pretty little birds which hunters destroy every year by carefully crushing the cranium. In order to form an idea of this slaughter, it is sufficient to walk at this season (October and November) in the market place at Bergamo and at Brescia. There are to be seen, Robin Redbreasts, Thrushes, Sparrows, and other kinds piled up like grain along the walls. Pass at once one good law that shall put an end to such bar- barity and such insane destruction. And here it is understood that this good law should be of such a character as to prohibit absolutely the use of the nets in hunting everywhere." Now hear Lico's comment upon these sane remarks: "Let us ask if, after so many, many years that hunting has been carried on by the use of nets, after our fields have become less and less suited as covers for the poor little birds, after that the government has shown that it is absolutely unable to protect the birds during their reproductive period among us, — if after all this there can still regularly occur that enormous slaughter of millions of little birds, so that they can be seen in the markets like sacs full of grain, then why condemn absolutely hunting by means of nets, since by this very showing the method of hunting has not yet caused grave damage? Why renounce a thing certainly useful in order to substitute another which is very problematical ? " 1 have given this long and almost verbatim translation in full, because it illustrates the kind of argument which is sometimes used, and used no doubt with a certain degree of sincerity, to bolster up a bad cause. It is a sad case of the blind leading the blind, for the entire bottom of this kind of argument drops out the moment we consider the fact that the present great Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian i6i destriKtioii of bird -life in Italy falls not upon the resident species which alone belong to the Italian soil, but upon the migrants, — the birds of passage which belong to the rest of the world. Owing to the compass-like preci- sion of their instincts, one and all have kept for ages to the fatal overland route in passing the peninsula of Italy on their migrations. The resident species are as dead as the ancient Romans themselves, who fortified the Capitoline Hill or built the Colosseum. When the migrants really give out, Mr. Editor, so that they are no longer piled in your markets like grain, it will be a sign not that "grave damage" has been done to Italy alone, but that a large part of the bird-life of two continents has been wiped out. In discussing the relation of birds to man, the migratory instincts, and the relation of the country to the rest of the world, are just as important as the food habits. Where do the millions of Swallows and the smaller migratory song-birds, which are annually slaughtered for food in Italy, come from, if not from central, northern, eastern and western Europe, and where do many of them go, if not to Africa by way of Italy and Spain ? ( To be concluihd) WOOD THRUSH ON NEST Photosraphed by F. E. Howe, Sterling. Ills., Ju The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists ONE of the means employed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society to interest its members in the practical side of bird study is an invitation to make lists of the birds noted in the state during the year, blanks being furnished for the purpose of properly recording observations. The best ten lists received by the secretary for the Society for the year ending December 31, 1906, were made by the following members: Lidian E. Bridge, West Medford, 184 species; James L. Peters, Jamaica Plain, 164 species; Anna K. Barry, Dorchester, 138 species; Percival S. Howe, Jr., West Newton, 138 species; Louise Howe, Brookline, 116 species; Henry H. Lowell, Newton Centre, 115 species; William T. Barker, Jamaica Plain, 11 1 species; Bertha Langmaid, Boston, 108 species; Samuel Dowse Robbins, Belmont, 86 species; Georgianna M. Wheelock, 63 species. The two lists first mentioned are published herewith. Name of Species Holboell's Grebe Horned Grebe Pied-billed Grebe . . . . Loon Red-throated Loon . . . . Black Guillemot . . . . Parasitic Jaeger Kittivvake Great Black-backed Gull . Herring Gull Ring-billed Gull . . . . Laughing Gull Common Tern Arctic Tern Roseate Tern Least Tern Gannet Double-crested Cormorant American Merganser . . . Red -breasted Merganser . Mallard Black Duck Red-legged Black Duck . Blue-winged Teal . . . . Scaup Duck Lesser Scaup Duck . . . . American Golden-eye . . Buffle-head Old-squaw American Scoter White-winged Scoter . . . List of Birds observed by Lidian E. Bridge, >X'est Medford, Mass., from January 1, 1906, to Jan- uary 1, 1907. List of Birds observed by James L.Peters, Jamaica Plain, from J a n u a r y 1, 1906, to January 1, 1907. Nahant .... Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Nahant .... Nahant .... Ipswich . . . Ipswich . . . Middlesex Fells Medford . . . Ipswich . . . Muskeget . . . Muskeget . . . Muskeget . . . Muskeget . . , Muskeget . . . Jan. 6 Oct. 22 Sept. 2 Jan. 6 Jan. 6 Ipswich . . . Middlesex Fells Nahant .... Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Nahant Squantum Nahant . Squantum Nahant . Nahant . Nahant . Aug. 29 Nov. 9 Jan. 21 Jan. 7 Nov. 17 July 28 July 28 July 28 July 28 July 28 Nov. 9 Mar. II Jan. 6 Oct. 22 Apr. 8 Jan. 21 Apr. 8 Jan. 6 j Apr. 14 Jan. 6 1 Dec. 19 Jan. 6 Feb 22 Feb. 22 Nahant .... Feb. 3 Ipswich . . . Oct. 20 Jamaica Pond . Oct. 24 Nahant .... Feb. 3 Nahant Oct. 6 Ipswich ... I Nov. 17 Brighton . . . Jan. 13 Boston .... Jan. i Boston .... Sept. 29 Vineyard Haven Aug. 15 Vineyard Haven Aug. 15 West Tisbury, Revere . . . Ipswich . . Newton . . Revere . . . Natick Cambric Aug. 3 1 Jan. 20 Oct. 20 Jan. 13 Feb. 17 Apr. 7 Mar. 14 Nahant . . Squantam Boston . . Nahant . , Revere . . Revere . . Revere . Feb. 3 Apr. 14 Jan. I Dec. 27 Jan. 20 Feb. 17 Jan. 20 (162) The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists 63 Name of Species List of Birds observed by LIdian E. Bridge, Wesi Medford, Mass., from January 1, 1906, to Jan- uary 1, 1907. List of Birds observed by James L. Peters, Jamaica Plain, from January I, 1906, to January 1 , 1907. Surf Scoter Nahant .... Ruddy Duck Middlesex Fells American Bittern Belmont . . . Great Blue Heron I Ipswich . . Green Heron : Midtllesex Fells Black-crowned Night Heron . . . Middlesex Fells Virginia Kail ■ . Cambridge . . American Coot Cambridge . . American Woodcock Medford . . . Wilson's Snipe ! Medford . . . Pectoral Sandpiper Ipswich . . . White-runiped Sandpiper I Ipswich . . . Least Sandpiper ! Ipswich . . . Red-backed Sandpiper Ipswich . . . Semipalmated Sandpiper . . . . ; Ipswich . . . Sandcrling , Ipswich . , . Greater Yellow-legs Cohasset . . . Yellow-legs j Ipswich . . . Solitary Sandpiper ! Middlesex Fells Bartramian Sandpiper 1 Ipswich . . Spotted Sandpiper i Middlesex Fells Ipswich Nahant Ipswich Nahant .... Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Jan. 6 Oct. 22 May 5 May 19 May 20 May 20 June 5 Nov. 3 Apr. 8 Mar. 18 Aug. 30 May 23 May 19 Sept. 28 May 19 May 19 May 30 Aug. 17 May 18 Aug. 17 May II May 19 Sept. 27 May 23 : II Sept. 27 Mar. II Mar 3 I Apr. 27 Apr. 28 May 7 Mar. II Feb. 25 Nov. 26 Aug. 17 Nahant . Ipswich Ipswich Dedham Morton Marshe Cambridge . Jamaica Pond Black-bellied Plover American Golden Plover Semipalmated Plover . . Piping Plover .... Ruddy Turnstone . . . Bob-white Ruffed Grouse Marsh Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Cambridge Cooper's Hawk I Middlesex Fells Red-tailed Hawk I Medford . . Red-shouldered Hawk ' Middlesex Fells Broad-winged Hawk • • ' " American Rough-legged Hawk . . Middlesex Fells Duck Hawk 1 Ipswich . . . Pigeon Hawk I American Sparrow Hawk I Medford . . . American Osprey | Medford . . . Short-eared Owl Ipswich . . . Screech Owl Medford . . . Yellow-billed Cuckoo Middlesex Fells Black -billed Cuckoo Medford . . . Belted Kingfisher Medford . . . Hairv Woodpecker Middlesex Fells Down\- Woodpecker Medford . . . Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ..... Grevlock . . Northern Flicker Medford . . . Whip-poor-will . 1 Nighthawk ! Medford . . . May 17 Chimney Swift Medford . . . May 5 Ruby-throated Hummingbird ... Medford • • • June 3 Kingbird Medford ... I May 4 Crested Flycatcher Belmont • • • May 26 Chilmark Ipswich Nahant Ipswich Ipswich Ipswich West Tisbury Franklin Park Chilmark . . Franklin Park Ipswich Feb. 3 May 19 May 19 May 5 May 8 May 25 Oct. 24 Chilmark Chilmark Feb. 23 ! Apr. 28 [ Oct. 30 1 Aug. 4 May 18 May 13 Apr. 19 Feb. 25 Jan. I June 16 Jan. 4 Franklin Park Holden . . Ipswich Franklin Park Natick . . . Natick . . Morton Marshes Weston Aug. 18 May 19 Oct. 6 May 19 May 19 May 19 Aug. 24 May 18 Sept. 8 May 4 May 19 Aug. 24 Aug. 24 Jan. 10 May 12 May 19 Jan. 2 Apr. 7 Apr. 7 Jan 16 Apr. 28 Franklin Park Newton . . West Tisbury Jamaica Plain Franklin Park Belmont . . Franklin Park Arnold .\rborctum Franklin Park Belmont . . Franklin Park West Tisbury Boston . . Franklin Park Cambridge . Dedham . . Belmont . . Oct. 14 Jan 13 Aug. 30 Aug. 5 May 16 May II Apr. 17 Dec. 30 Feb. 18 Sept. 28 Jan. 7 Aug. 15 June 21 "May 4 Aug. 10 May 5 May II [64 Bird -Lore List of Birds observed by Lidian E. B.idge, West Medford, Mass., from January 1, 1906, to Jan- uary 1, 1907. Phcebe Olive-sided Flycatcher Wood Pewee ..... Alder Flycatcher. . . . Least Flycatcher .... Horned Lark Prairie Horned Lark . . Blue Jay American Crow .... Bobolink Cowbird .... . . Red-winged Blackbird . Meadowlark Orchard Oriole .... Baltimore Oiiole .... Rusty Blackbird .... Bronzed Grackle . . . Canadian Pine Grosbeak Purple Finch American Crossbill White-winged Crossbill Redpoll American Goldfinch Pine Siskin Snowflake . - ... Lapland Longspur . . . Vesper Sparrow ... Ipswich Sparrow ... Savanna Sparrow . . . Grasshopper Sparrow . . Henslow's Sparrow . . . Sharp-tailed Sparrow . White-crowned Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Tree Sparrow . . Chipping Sparrow . . Field Sparrow Slate-colored Junco . . . Song Sparrow .... Lincoln's Sparrow . Swamp Sparrow . . Fox Sparrow Towhee Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting . . Scarlet Tanager .... Purple Martin Cliff Swallow ... Barn Swallow Tree Swallow Bank Swallow .... Cedar Waxwing ... Northern Shrike .... Red-eved Vireo Medford Grey lock . . . Medford . Middlesex Fells Medford . Nahant . . Ipswich Medford . Medford . Concord . Medford . Medford . Medford . Ipswich Medford . Cambridge Medford Medford . Medford Greylock . Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Medford Middlesex Fells Medford . . Ipswich . . Medford . . . Ipswich . . . Medford . . Concord . . . Ipswich . . Medford . . . Medford . . . Medford . . Medford . . Medford . . . Medford . . . Medford . . . Medford . . Crainbridge . . Medford . . Medford Middlesex Fells Medford Medford Concord Ipswich Medford Medford ('oncord Medford Medford Middlesex Fells May 2 June i6 May 13 May 27 May 2 Feb. 22 Aug, 17 Jan. I Jan. I May 2 Apr. 16 Apr. 7 Apr. 5 May 19 May 12 Mar. 17 Apr. 12 Nov. 18 Apr. 17 June 18 Nov. 3 Nov. 24 Mar. II Nov. 26 Mar. 17 Oct. 30 Apr. 17 Oct. 30 Apr. 16 May 14 May 19 May 11; Apr. 5 Feb 24 Apr. T I Apr. 17 Apr. I Mar. 7 May IS .Apr. 28 Mar. 21 May 4 May 5 May 13 May 13 June II Mav rq Apr. 28 Apr. 12 May 14 Mar. 30 Ian. 6 Mav 6 List of Biras observed by James L. Peters, Jamaica Plain, from January 1, 1906, to January 1, 1907. Franklin Park .Apr. 9 Holden . . May 12 Dedham Ipswich May 5 Oct. 20 Jamaica Plain Jan. 2 Franklin Park Jan. 2 Franklin Park May 8 Franklin Park Apr. 5 Morton Marshes Feb. 25 Morton Marshes Ipswich Feb. 25 May 19 West Roxbury j May 5 Mar. 6 Nov. II Apr. 8 Nov. 25 Nov. 3 Nov. 25 Jan. 13 Nov. 4 Feb. 24 Nov. 17 Apr. 13 Oct. 20 Apr. 14 Aug. 30 June 16 May 19 Franklin Park Arnold Arboretum Franklin Park Arnold Arboretum Jamaica Plain Arnold Arboretum Franklin Park Franklin Park Squantum Ipswich . . . Franklin Park Ipswich . . Squantum . . West Tisbury Norwood . . . Ipswich . . , Franklin Park Morton Marshes Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Morton Mar>hes Apr. 28 Jan. 14 Apr. 15 Apr. 14 Jan. 10 Jan. 16 Morton Marshes Franklin Park Weston . . ■ Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Wayland . . Ipswich Franklin Park Natick .... Ipswich . . . Franklin Park Morton Marshes Franklin Park Apr. 13 Mar. 28 Apr. 28 May 7 May 13 May 15 June 2 May 19 Apr. 28 Apr. 7 May 19 Feb. 18 Ian. 21 May II The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists i6s List of Birds observed by Lydian E. Bridge, West Medford, Mass., from January 1, 1906, to Jan- uary 1. 1907. List of Birds observed by James L. Peters, Jamaica Plain, from January 1, 1906, to January 1, 1907. Warbling Vireo Medford . . . Vellow-throated Vireo ; Medford . . Blue-headed Vireo Concord . . . White-eyed Vireo Cohasset . . . Black and White Warbler .... Middlesex Fells Golden-winged Warbler . . . Middlesex Fells Nashville Warbler Middlesex Fells Northern Parula Warbler ... Middlesex Fells Yellow Warbler Medford . . Black-throated Blue Warbler . . . Medford . . Myrtle Warbler Medford . . . Magnolia Warbler Medford . . Chestnut-sided Warbler Middlesex Fells Bay-breasted Warbler . . . : Medford Black-poll Warbler I Middlesex Fells Blackburnian Warbler Middlesex Fells Black-throated Green Warbler . . . Middlesex Fells Pine Warbler Medford . . . Yellow Palm Warbler | Medford . . . Prairie Warbler . Arlington Ovenbird Middlesex Fells Water-Thrush Middlesex Fells Mourning Warbler Greylock . . . Northern Yellow-throat Middlesex Fells Yellow-breasted Chat Cohasset . . Wilson's Warbler \ Middlesex Fells Canadian Warbler i Middlesex Fells American Redstart Medford American Pipit Ipswich Catbird Brown Thrasher House Wren Medford . . Middlesex Fells Medford . . . Winter Wren I Greylock Short-billed Marsh Wren Long-billed Marsh Wren Brown Creeper White -breasted Nuthatch . . Red-breasted Nuthatch . . . Chickadee Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-crowned Kinglet . Wood Thrush Wilson's Thrush Gray-cheeked Thrush . . Olive-backed Thrush .... Hermit Thrush American Robin Bluebird Ring-necked Pheasant . . . Kumlein's Gull Black Tern Purple Grackle Baird's Sandpiper Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow Orange-crowned Warbler . . Norwood Cambridge . Middlesex Fells Middlesex Fells Medford . . Medford . . Medford . . . Arlington . . Medford Middlesex Fells Medford . . Concord Middlesex Fells Medford . . Medford . . Ipswich Ipswich . . . Cohasset . . Middlesex Fells May lo May lo May 2 July 4 May May May May May May Apr. 22 May 13 May 6 May 20 May 18 May 18 May 6 Apr. 15 Apr. 16 May 26 May 8 May 13 June 18 May II May 30 May 20 May 20 May 6 Aug. 30 May 5 May 4 May 14 June 18 July 14 June 5 I Feb. 25 Feb. 25 Sept. 24 Jan. 7 Jan. 7 Apr. 21 May 1 1 May 7 Sept. 25 May 14 May 15 Mar. 4 Mar. 4 Jamaica Plain Franklin Park May 6 May 6 Braintree . . Franklin Park Holden'.'"?'"."' . Belmont . . Franklin Park Holden ... Franklin Park Franklin Park Arnold Arboretum Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Hyde Park . Franklin Park May 30 Apr. 28 .May 6 May 12 May II May 2 May 12 Apr. 10 May 13 May 6 May 15 May 21 May 2 Apr. 15 Apr. 14 May 26 May 5 Dedham . . Braintree • • Franklin Park Franklin Park Belmont . . Nahant . . . Franklin Park Morton Marshes Belmont . . . South Sadbury Cambridge . . Franklin Park Jamaica Plain Franklin Park Franklin Park Franklin Park Jamaica Plain Arnold Arboretum Franklin Park Aug. 30 Sept. 28 May 30 Nov. 26 Franklin Park Squantum Arnold Arboretum Milton . . Franklin Park Boston . . West Tisbury West Tisbury May 5 May 30 May 15 May 19 May II Oct. 6 May 2 Apr. 22 May II May 26 May 25 Jan. 16 Jan. II Sept. 29 Jan. 2 Jan. 2 Apr. 17 May 6 May 23 May 24 Apr. 14 Feb. 4 Mar. 1 1 Jan. 2 Feb. 3 Aug. 29 Aug. 15 The Migration of Thrushes FOURTH PAPER Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey With drawings by Louis AGASSiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall VARIED THRUSH THE Varied Thrush, under which name both forms of this species are included, breeds from northwestern California, northern Idaho and northwestern Montana, north to Fort Franklin, Mackenzie, Fort Yukon, and the Kowak river, Alaska; winters from central Washington to southern California. Accidental in New Jersey, Long Island, Massachu- setts, Kansas and Guadalupe Island, Lower California. The spring migration begins so early that, on the average, migrants arrive in central Washington March 6 and southern British Columbia March lo. The valley of the Kowak river, Alaska, was reached May 21, 1899. The average date of arrival at Columbia Falls, Mont., is April I, and the earliest date is March 2, 1895. Central California is deserted, on the average, April 2, and the latest date in southern California is April 12, 1899. The species leaves its breeding grounds in northern Alaska about the first of September and usually arrives in central California, along the coast, November 7, the earliest date being September 27, 1898. It appears on the higher mountains of northern California about the first week in October. SAINT LUCAS ROBIN The Saint Lucas Robin is a resident species in the southern portion of Lower California. The only record for the United States is that of a speci- men taken January 2, 1880, at Haywards, California. (166) Mr wm The New Bird Groups in the American Museum of Natural History By FRANK M. CHAPMAN FROM time to time during the past four years photofiraphs of certain bird groups in the American Museum of Natural History have appeared in Bird-Lore, but, beyond the caption with each cut, nothing has been said of the groups themselves or of the object of the series of which they form a part. This series will be known as 'The Habitat Groups of North American Birds.' The novel features of these groups consist mainly in their painted back- grounds and in their method of installation, particularly with respect to lighting. Briefly, it may be said that these groups are lighted from above by reflected natural, and, when necessary, artificial light. The source of light, therefore, whether by day or night, is always the same, and, in consequence, there is but one set of shadows, a matter of the first importance where an attempt is made to connect the actual foreground with the painted back- ground. In ground plan the groups are curved at the back and straight in front, from which point alone they can be seen. Only a part of the front is occupied by the glass through which the group is viewed, both the ends and the top of the group being beyond the range of vision from the normal view" point. This increases the panoramic illusion and adds greatly to the artistic «efifectiveness of the whole. It is, however, not my object to speak of the method of construction of these groups, but rather of the idea which they are designed to embody. The more novel feature of this idea is to be found in the painted back- grounds which form a part of each group. Painted backgrounds for small groups or panels of mounted birds have long been employed by the taxider- mist; but this, it is believed, is the first attempt to introduce backgrounds painted from nature and intended to reproduce a given scene as accurately as the groups they supplement do a limited portion of it. Such backgrounds have, therefore, not only a biologic or ecologic value, as they portray the nesting habitat of a species or illustrate colonial nesting habits on a scale which mere taxidermy alone would prohibit, but they have also a botanic, geographic and physiographic value. It is believed, therefore, that when the thirty-odd groups which have been planned for this series are completed, the Museum will have not alone adequate reproductions of the nesting habits and haunts of many American birds, but will have also a series of paintings representing, in a novel and attractive manner, characteristic American scenery. The series might indeed be called America and its Bird- Life. (i68) *js?'Tnr .X Tr^i>9#^-'»i ^^^BHwHn^i^^ BHB H^^^^T^ •_ lyo Bird -Lore The following groups have been completed: (i) Summer Bird-Life of Cobb's Island, Virginia'^'; (2) A Flamingo Colony in the Bahamast ; (3) Summer Bird-life of an Irrigated Section in the San Joaquin Valley at Los Bafios, California! ; (4) Brandt's Cormorant, Monterey, California:^; (5) Sandhill Crane, Kissimmee Prairies, Florida; (6) Anhinga, in a 'bonnet' {Nitphar) swamp, Brevard County, Florida; (7) Ward's Heron, Brevard County, Florida; (8) Brown Pelican and Pelican Island, Indian River, Florida; (9) Wild Turkey, Mountains of West Virginia; (10) Prairie Hen, Sandhills of Nebraska; (11) Golden Eagle, Bates' Hole, Wyoming; (12) Cactus Desert Bird-life, Tucson, Arizona. Others are approaching completion, and it is hoped to finish the series in 1908. It should be added that the photographic reproductions here shown are so far from doing justice to the originals that they serve only to suggest the method of treatment, without conveying an idea of the remarkably success- ful manner in which artist and preparateur have overcome the technical difficulties encountered. ^Figured in Bird-Lore, V, 1903, p. 108. tFigured in Bird-Lore, VII, 1905, p. 201. JFigured in Bird-Lore, VII, 1905, p. 202. IFigured in Bird-Lore, VIII, 1906, p. 202. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO AND VOUN( Photographed by Thomas S. Roberts jBtote0 from JftelD anti ^tuDp Notes on the Starling Unless the ornitiioiogists are satisfied that Starlings are enormously valuable to the country economically, I predict that we are going to deplore the importation of these '"^^ STARLING, WINTER PLUMAGE Drawn by Bruce Horsfall birds quite as much as we do that of the English Sparrow. I do not know that they raise more than one brood each year, but from their increase in numbers, they evi- dently have large families, and I am led to believe that they have singularly bad dispositions. They have appropriated not only all the holes in the old apple trees, including those stolen from the Blue- birds by the English Sparrows, but also the holes in all the bi trees, hitherto occupied by Flickers, etc. For three consecutive summers a pair of these latter birds nested in a hole in an elm tree, on a level with, and not more than ten feet from my bedroom window. Very early last year a pair of English Sparrows tried to build there, but I promptly ousted tliciii. They started in a second time, hut Starlings had discovered the snug place and wanted it for themselves, so they were my allies until I had to watch out that both interlopers were forced to go elsewhere. In spite of this, and in spite of the fact that the Starlings had a hole of their own and had occupied it for some time, they harassed my poor Flickers into seeking a nest else- where. It certainly looked like mere wan- ton cruelty, for having gained their point, the Starlings took no more interest in that hole. It is strange that these birds, so much in evidence throughout the rest of the year, become, when the trees are in leaf, so secre- tive that they are rarely seen. Occasionally, late in the summer, small flocks join the Red-winged Blackbirds feeding in the salt marshes; but, excepting between dawn and sunrise, one looks in the trees for them in vain. At this early hour they are invariably to be seen within a few yards of their nest, apparently having a good game of "hide- and-seek," and keeping up an incessant chatter. The trees are old and have many holes, and five or six Starlings play until a few minutes after sunrise, then disappear as if from the face of the earth. That the same thing goes on every morning in the vicinity of other Starlings' nests, and that their first STARLING. SUMMER PLUMAGE. (171) Drawn by Bruce Horsfai: 172 Bird - Lore appearance mornings seems to be as they emerge from a hole, causes me to believe that the young, as well as the old, sleep in holes. I think, but cannot say with cer- tainty, that the young, until each takes a mate, sleep in the hole in which they were hatched; for those that I watched played •every morning about their birthplace long after they were fully grown. Possibly about the time of the fall migration they seek new quarters for themselves; but so secretive are they that it is almost impossible to study their habits through the summer months. Even before the young can fly, the parents are seen no more on the lawns with Robins and Crackles, but hunt for food where they •cannot be seen. In the fall, when not a leaf remains on the trees, Starlings are seen in their tops in «mall flocks of from three to eight or ten. It is at this time that one hears their loud, clear whistle of two notes, — a high one fol- lowed by one a trifle lower, the two some- what slurred together. It is rather sweet and very easy to imitate; in fact, one. can ■call them. This whistle and the result pro- duced by the ludicrous straining at a song, and which is only a wheezy creaking heard all through the spring, constitute the Star- ling's own singing; but, "to give the devil his due," he is an excellent mimic; he can copy many notes of the Catbird; he gives the Wood Pewee's call so perfectly that the reason is the Pewee's only alibi. One day I was so sure that I heard a Downy Wood- pecker hammering over my head that I strained my neck searching for him; then, to my astonishment, discovered a Starling producing this noise from his throat. In proof of my statement that these birds have bad dispositions, I may say that I have seen them annoy many diflFerent kinds of birds, and I must tell of one incident that occurred very early one morning only last week. A Flicker was calling so loudly and persistently that I was awakened. Thinking it must be close at hand, I went to the window and saw a male bird in the old hole in the elm I have al- ready spoken of. The female, although quite near, was too timid to join him, ■evidently because of a pair of restless Star- lings just overhead. I was too sleepy to watch any longer, so settled myself for another nap, and, almost at the same mo- ment, heard both Flickers "talking" softly together at the hole. It could not have been more than five or ten minutes later when I heard a bird cry very much like the quaver- ing cry of the Screech Owl, only softer. I jumped to the window and saw the body of a Flicker half-way out of the hole, its head twisted so far back and downward as to be invisible. The contortions it made strug- gling to get away were pitiful, and this pathetic cry wrung my heart, but it got away, and almost at once was followed by a Starling, who gave a satisfied grunt as he came to the edge of the hole, then (\ew to a branch above, where he began his torturing efforts at singing. — Mrs. Paul R. Bonner, Stamford, Conn. A Call for Notes on the Starling Seventeen years have passed since the Starling was first successfully introduced into this country, and Mrs. Bonner's esti- mate of the bird suggests calling for information in regard to the distribution of this recent addition to our avifauna, as well as for an expression of opinion in regard to its desirability. Introduced into Central Park, New York City, in March, 1890, the Starling has now spread eastward nearly if not quite to New London, Conn., north- ward to Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, and southward at least to Princeton, N. J. As a contribution to the history of this bird in America, it will be well to place on record now replies to the questions which appear below : 1. When did the Starling first appear in your vicinity ? 2. What is its status now? 3. Do you consider it a desirable addition to our avifauna ? 4. If undesirable, give reasons why. 5. Do you know of any Starlings, other than those released in Central Park, which have been introduced into this country ? 6. Was the introduction successful ? The Editor will welcome replies to one Notes from Field and Study 173 or all of tlK!.c (luestions. They may be sent to him at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City, not later than September i, for insertion in the next issue of Bik!>-LoRH. — Frank M. Chapman. A Winter Flight of Vesper Sparrows The following account, relating to a mid- winter flight of Vesper Sparrows in the vicinity of New York City, appears to consti- tute an unprecedented record. The presence of this species here first came to my notice on February 12, 1907. During the forenoon of that day 1 observed many individuals of the species in the grassy fields and stubble growth north of Merrick, Long Island; and from this locality southward to the salt meadows and westward along the Merrick Road, I found Vesper Sparrows in com- parative abundance. The birds were some- times seen singly or in groups of two or three, but were more commonly found associating with Juncos and Tree Spar- rows. All three species were industriously feeding among the roadside weeds, in a temperature which stood near the zero point. Within the limits of Freeport, L. I., just north of the center of the village, many Vesper Sparrows were seen feeding between the rails of the electric-car tracks from which the snow had been entirely cleared, and, as I followed the tracks toward Hemp- stead and Garden City, one bird after another f^ew up from before me, only to alight again some distance ahead. After being repeatedly flushed, the birds would fly into a near-by bush or tree, and allow me to pass before resuming their quest for food. They were, without exception, exceedingly tame, and usually permitted a close approach before flying and expanding their white- edged tails. North of Freeport, one of the birds was secured for the Museum, thus mak- ing identification positive. On February 17, a careful search in the vicinity of Jamaica, Long Island, failed to disclose a single Vesper Sparrow, and none was seen by members of the Museum stafi, who spent several days on the south shore of Long Island during the latter part of February and the first week in .NLirch. Se\eral hunts made since that time have yielded no [setter results; the conclusion, therefore, is that the flight must have been either very local or of short duration, probably the latter. Although Giraud, in his ' Hirds of Long Island,' says of the Vesjier Sparrows, "A few remain with us throughout the year,'' recent records for dates later than the middle of November are not common, and, more- over, the above statement would hardly account for sucli numbers of the birds as were seen by the writer. With the excep- tion of Giraud's account, the northernmost recorded winter range of the species is in southern Pennsylvania, where, according to Warren, the birds are frequently seen in winter. In Rhoad's and Pennock's list of the ' Birds of Delaware,' the Vesper Spar- row is given only as a summer resident. The fact that the Vesper Sparrows were with us during the coldest period of the winter would appear to preclude the sup- position that they were early migrants from the South, and yet no other theory seems probable. Field notes from all sections of the country around New York City might aid greatly in determining the direction of the flight, so it is to be hoped that other observers will be heard from. — Robert C. Murphy, American Museum of Natural History, AVxf I'ork City. An Owl Tragedy Early in April, 1906, I made my first trip of the season to the home of a pair of Barred Owls which I had been in the habit of visit- ing each spring for several years. The Owls nested in the hollow top of a dead pin- oak stub about thirty feet from the ground. The hole was open and unsheltered at the top, and its floor was about two feet below the entrance. Upon reaching the familiar tree, I rapped upon the trunk, expecting to see the big Owl fly out as usual. Nothing happened, how- ever, so I climbed to the nest. As I neared it the clicking of an Owl's bill reached my ear. Upon looking into the hole, I was taken aback to see it closed by a heavy cake of ice a few inches below the top, and it did 174 Bird - Lore not take long to guess what had happened. Two or three days before there had been a snow-storm, and the old Owl, keeping her eggs warm, had been covered by the falling snow. The sleet and subsequent cold had converted this into ice, which had frozen so closely around several projections on the walls of the hole as to resist all the Owl's attempt to break through. In the center of the ice-cake was an opening little more than an inch square, and through this hole I could see the Owl. Her head was pressed against the center of the disk of ice, and this had resulted in melting the hole through the thinnest part. It took but a few minutes to break and remove the ice, but it is no wonder that the Owl had been unable to do so, as it was from three to four inches thick around the edge. The poor bird presented a most pitiable appearance, her bedraggled feathers hang- ing in wet, stringy masses, with lumps of ice adhering to parts of the plumage. I pulled her from the hole, for she was so stiff and weak as to be unable to fly. I suc- ceeded in greatly improving at least her appearance by drying and smoothing her plumage, and left her sitting in an appar- ently dazed condition in a cedar tree not far from the nest. Before I left, her mate was observed flying about among the large oaks near by, but he did not go to the nest. Whether the Owl recovered or not I do not know, but this year (1907) the old hole was found to be unoccupied when I paid it my annual visit. It may be well to add that in her strug- gles to escape the imprisoned Owl had broken her eggs into small fragments. Also that a feather on the ice-cake showed that her mate had visited the nest while she was entombed within. — W. DeW. Miller, Plainfield, N. J. Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut Prairie Horned Larks breed in Berkshire County, Mass., and in the northern New England states, but I can find no record of their occurrence in Connecticut, except during migrations. While spending my vacation at Wash- ington, Conn., in the summer of 1906, from the middle of July to the end of August, I saw almost daily a flock of between twenty and twenty-five of these birds on a side-hill pasture lot not far from the house. They fed on the ground, and, when startled, flew to the top of a stone wall or into a tree; unless further disturbed, they immediately returned to the ground to con- tinue feeding. If suddenly startled, the flock would rise and fly to a distant part of the field, uttering on the wing a note that sounded like tzee-a-nuee, tzee-a-ivee. I believe that the Larks nested here this year (1906). Only four or five were in adult plumage, the rest having the plumage of the immature bird. As some were here all summer, there can be no chance that they bred elsewhere and then wandered here. Likewise I was told of a nest that had been found, which corresponded with a descrip- tion of the Lark's nest and eggs, although the person at the time did not know what the birds were. — [Will the writer of this note kindly send his or her name for pub- lication ? — Eo.] Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine- Finches on Staten Island, N. Y. In Bird-Lore for December, 1906, Mr. Dutcher described a remarkable migration of Red-breasted Nuthatches over Fire Island Beach, N. Y. While no such flight was noticed on Staten Island, still these birds were unusually abundant throughout the fall of 1906, the first being seen about Sep- tember I, and the last remaining till late in the autumn. Pine-Finches, too, were present in for large rnumbers during the winter of 1906-7 than in the two preceding. They were most numerous on the beach on the south side of the island, where they fed on the ground and in the goldenrods. Singularly enough, both birds were also common on Staten Island during the season of 1903-4, when the Nuthatches were ob- served from September till November, and a few the following spring, and the Pine- Finches were even more numerous in the central part of the island than during the past winter. — James Chapin, Ne^ Brighton, Staten Island, N. T. iSooft i0eto0 ant) 2^et)ietja0 Prochedincs ok the Fourth Imerna- TiosAi. ORNiTH(;u)t;icAi. CoNCRKSS Lon- don, June I, 1905. Edited under the direction of the president, R. Bowdler Sharpe, LL.D., bv the secretaries: Ernst J. O. Hartert, Ph.D., and J. Lewis Bonhote, M.A. London; Dulan & Co., 37 Soho Square, W. February, 1907. 8 vo. 696 pages, 18 plates. This well -edited volume contains not alone the papers presented before the F"ourth International Ornithological Congress, but also an excellent history of the Congress itself, with lists of officers, committees and members, and detailed reports of the pro- ceedings of the various sections into which the Congress was divided. It is manifestly impossible to review here in detail the con- tents of the nearly seven hundred pages forming this volume, and, merely as a matter of information, we give the titles of those papers of interest to Bird-Lore's readers. (21 ' President's Address' (A His- tory of the British Museum's collection of Birds), Bowdler Sharpe; (3) "What Con- stitutes a Museum Collection of Birds?' 6 plates, Frank M. Chapman; (5) 'On the Migration of Birds,' Otto Herman; (9) 'On Extinct and Vanishing Birds,' 2 plates, Walter Rothschild; (11) 'On Some Ant- arctic Birds,' Edw. A. Wilson; (12) ' Some Notes on the Hybridizing of Ducks,' 4 plates, J. Lewis Bonhote; ( 13) ' The Prin- cipal Aims of Modern Ornithology,' Ernst Hartert; (14) 'Some Ornithological Re- sults of the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition," W. S. Bruce; (16) 'Mono- graphie de la Sterne de Dougall,' 1 plate, Louis Bureau; (20) 'On the Origin of the DitTe-rences Between Nestling Birds,' W. P. Pycraft; (24) 'Sequence in Moults and Plumages," Jonathan Dwight, Jr.; (27) 'The Unusual Migration of Briinnich's in Eastern North America,' i plate, J. H. Fleming; (30) 'On Colour Variation in the Eggs of Palasarctic Birds,' F. C. R. Jourdain; (31) 'The Wild Birds Pro- tection Act,' Sir Digby Pigott; (32) 'Bird Legislation in Australia,' Sir John Cock- burn; (33) 'The Rationale of Bird Protec- ( tion,' Frank E. Lemon; (34) 'The Food of Birds,' Otto Herman; (35) 'Ornithologie Economique,' A Quinet ; (37) 'The Sparrow: Is it Useful or Harmful to Agriculture?' Igali Svetozar; (40) 'The Importance of Aviculture as an Aid in the Study of Ornithology,' D. Seth-Smith. — F. M. C. The Passenger Pif;EO\. By W. B. Mer- SHON. New York: The Outing Publish- ing Company, 1907. 8vo. xii 225 pages. 9 plates, 2 in color. Mr. Mershon is to be thanked for bring- ing between two covers the more important literature relating to the Passenger Pigeon, and adding thereto his own recollections of this lost species, together with much interest- ing data from various sources. Thus we have the biographies written by Wilson, Audubon and Bendire; Fennimore Cooper's graphic description of a Pigeon flight from 'The Pioneers,' with more or less extended quotations from later writers. No part of the original contributed matter appears to be of greater value than that furnished by Mr. Henry T. Phillips, of Detroit, who from 1864 to 1878 marketed Passenger Pigeons either dead or alive. From a single nesting in Oceana county, Michigan, in 1874, Mr. Philips states 100 barrels of dead birds were sold daily for thirty days and, in addition, 175,000 live birds were shipped. He writes that in this same year there were over 600 professional netters, we assume in Michigan, and adds that "when the Pigeons nested north every man and woman was either a catcher or picker." And still people marvel at the Pigeon's extinction, and seek to account for its disappearance through the action of some catastrophe which destroyed nearly all the existing birds. Need we look for a greater catastrophe than that supplied by man himself? We are glad to observe that Mr. Mershon places no belief in this alleged cause of the Pigeon's disappearance, but finds in their persecution by man a sufficient explanation of their decrease. A colored plate of the Passenger Pigeon by Fuertes 175) 176 Bird- Lore and one of the Band - tailed Pigeon by Allan Brooks add to the attractiveness and value of this volume. — F. M. C. The Protection of Our Native Birds. By Thos. H. Montgomery, Jr., Pro- fessor of Zoology, University of Texas. Bulletin, University of Texas, No. 79, 1906. 8vo. 30 pages. Professor Montgomery discusses the sub- ject of bird protection under three heads: (a) "Reasons for Protection," {b) "Data on the Destruction of Birds," and {c) "Means of Protection of Birds." He has long been interested in a study of the food of birds, and the information acquired by personal investigation, as well as that obtained from the published works of others, has convinced him of the value of birds to our agricultural interests. The question is handled in a scientific, logical manner, which increases the force of the arguments employed, and we trust that the publication of this paper in a state particularly in need of the services of insect- destroyers will help to bring its inhabitants to a realization of their indebtedness to birds.— F. M. C. The Birds of the Chicago Area. By Frank Morley Woodruff. Bulletin VI of the Natural History Survey, Chicago Academy of Sciences, April 15, 1907. 221 pages, 12 full-page half-tones. In an introduction of twenty-four pages, Mr. Woodruff states the sources of informa- tion on which this list is based, outlines the territory embraced with its more significant climatic conditions, calls attention to locali- ties of special interest, describes conditions unfavorable to birds, speaks of those extra- limited species which have occurred and those which may be expected to occur, and has a word to say about migration from a local standpoint. For the excellent reason that a local list is not the place in which to exploit the latest scheme in classification, the A. O. U. check-list is followed. Pages 25 to 195 are devoted to the treat- ment of the birds which have been reported from the area covered. This is stated to in- hi 1: ' i' ) Cook and Du Page counties. the nine north townships of Will county and the northern portion of Lake county, Indiana." The species are not numbered, nor does there appear to be a synoptic table of their manner of occurrence from which we could readily obtain an impression of the character of the ornis of the area under consideration. The annotations include a statement of the local status and general distribution of each species, the less common species being treated with a detail which should make this paper of great value to local students. An extended bibliography should help to rescue from oblivion much matter in regard to Chicago birds which has been published in the daily press. It is interesting to observe that, although E. W. Nelson appears here as the author of only two papers relat- ing to the birds of the Chicago area, he is more frequently quoted than any other author. — F. M. C. Journal Maine Ornithological Society. ^The leading article in the December, 1906, number is on 'Bicknell's Thrush on Mt. Abraham,' by D. W. Sweet, describ- ing the occurrence of the species in Maine during the breeding season. W. H. Brown- son contributes some notes on 'Portland Birds ' observed in 1906 and J. M. Swain furnishes 'Contributions to the Life History of the Pine Warbler." Migration tables and numerous local notes make up the number. In the March, 1907, number, O. W. Knight contributes to the Life History of the Yellow Warbler and A. H. Norton dis- cusses the occurrence of the Jerfalcons, Lapland Longspur, Sharp-shinned and Pigeon Hawk in Maine in winter. There is also the report of the Eleventh Annual Meeting and numerous Christmas Bird Censuses and Local Notes. — W. S. The publication of the first number of 'British Birds,' an illustrated monthly magazine devoted to the birds on the British list, is announced for June i. The editor will be Mr. H. F. Witherby, assisted by W. P. Pycraft. The annual subscription of 10 s. 6d. maybe sent to Witherby (i Co., 326 High Holborn, London. Ct)e ^utiubon S)onette0 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department, National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City AUGUST AND THE FLOCKING TIME The nesting season is practically over at middle July, and dingy, faded feathers are everywhere seen as the forerunners of the August time of silence and withdrawal to seclusion for the summer molting. There are but three birds that can be counted on for August music— the Red-eyed Vireo, the Song-sparrow and the Indigo Bunting. The novice cannot hope to identify new birds at this time of changing and mixed plumage, and it is no easy task to follow some of the most familiar species through the change and still be able to name them. The clearly marked black, white and buff male Bobolink of June meadows, now wears the brown stripes of his mate. After molting, the Scarlet Tanager is feathered in olive-green, his wings and tail remaining black; the autumn Goldfinch changes his bright gamboge coat for olive-gray, though his wings are as in summer. The birds of more sober plumage remain much the same, though the markings seem less distinct. The brick-red spring breast of the male Robin has faded to a yellowish hue, while the immature plumage of the young birds of the season make the work of naming very difficult for the amateur. In May and June, identification, learning the various call-notes and songs, and watching the various processes of rearing the young, fill the hours to overflowing, so that one day lapses to another, and midsummer comes all too soon. The nesting season shows the personal and individual side of bird - life, while, with late summer and early autumn, the impersonal or gregarious phase begins. This gathering of the clans, as it might be called, under the autumn spell, or flocking impulse, is very interesting to watch, and is in itself a study. The smaller birds travel in more or less mixed companions, and as early as the first week in August, flocks of various Warblers arrive from the North and remain for a month or more, according to the season, feeding in the tree-tops. The first of our own summer residents to leave are the Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, the Purple Martin, Yellow Warbler and the Yellow- breasted Chat; and, though they do not finally disappear before the middle of September, their migratory activity begins the last of August, as soon as the molt is over and they have gained fresh strength of wing with the new pinions. (177) 178 Bird - Lore There are two classes of birds whose flocking is of special moment, and, when we see them assemble, we know that summer is over, no matter how green the trees or fresh the herbage, — these are the Blackbirds, including Crackles, Redwings and Cowbirds, and the Swallows. The Purple Crackle makes himself ludicrous in April and May by tak- ing a conspicuous position in a tree-top, and standing on tip-toe, with extended wings, going through a series of ludicrous contortions and gasps and squeaks that he evidently considers highly dramatic love-making. But, when they have at last settled down to domestic life, they become almost as furtive as the Crows in their comings and goings, and we forget them. Comes a day in late August and there is a noise in the open between garden and orchard like the rustling of fallen leaves under the tread of many feet, mingled with strange creakings as if the doors of autumn were turning on rusty hinges, and there far and wide, walking through the stubbly grass or cloaking the bushes and trees upon which they perch in sable, are the Crackles. At a signal from the leader, they will rise and drift away like a storm- cloud ; but tomorrow they will return, and the next day, and the next, staying with us until Thanksgiving, and many injurious insects will they glean from the land plowed for fall sowing. The Crackle flocks haunt stubble-fields and wood edges, while the Cowbird flocks keep to the open pasture, and the Redwings claim the marsh -lands. The flocking manceuvers of Barn and Bank Swallows are interesting in the extreme, and worthy of patient observation, for there are many things not yet understood. It seems to me that they engage in flying drills, with distinct right- and left-wheels, and various other tactics. Whether this practice is merely for the pleasure of motion, or whether it is to accustom the young of the year to the fatigue of travel, who can say? But one thing is a fact, that while both Bank and Barn Swallows flock in the middle or late August, they keep up this flying practice for a full month, during which period they may be seen in vast numbers resting on the tele- graph wires by the wayside, or on the fence-rails of wide-open commons along the shore. One day we think that they have swept ofi for good, but the next sees them back at their posts, and a Barn Swallow flock has often remained in this latitude until the first week of October. Then, when other flocks fail, except in the absolute breeding season, we have the Crow always with us ; and mendicant, thief, or whatever else we choose to call him, the watch - ing of a flock of Crows, from August, when the corn is in the milk, until the next mating season is a sufficiently interesting proposition for any bird student. — M. O. W. INDIGO BUNTING. (Upper figure. Male; Lower figure, Female. Order — Passeres. Genus— Passerina. Family — Fringillid/E. Species— Cyan EA. THE INDIGO BUNTING By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT %^e il^attonal j900ociatton ot SLntmbon ^ocietitfi EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 27 Rich color is the chief attribute that sets the Indigo Bunting apart from its kin of the tribe of Sparrows and Finches. Blue that is decided in tone, and not a bluish gray, is one of the rarest hues among the birds of temperate zones; for one may count the really blue birds of the eastern United States upon the fingers of one hand. This Bunting belongs to the tree-loving and tree-nesting His Family part of his tribe, in company with the Grosbeaks and the brilliant yellow American Goldfinch, whose black cap, wings and tail feathers only enhance his beauty. The Sparrows, of sober stripes, nest on or near the ground, and their plumage blends with brown grass, twigs, and the general earth coloring, illustrating very directly the theory of color-protection, while the birds of brilliant plumage invariably keep more closely to the trees. In size, the Indigo Bunting ranks with the small Sparrows, coming in grade between the Field- and Song-Sparrows, and being only slightly larger than the Chippie. The female wears a modification of the Sparrow garb, the upper parts being ashy brown without stripes, the under parts grayish white washed and very faintly streaked with dull brown, the wings and tail feathers having some darker edges and markings. When it comes to painting the plumage of the male in words, the task becomes difficult; for to use simply the term indigo -blue is as inadequate as to say that a bit of water that looks blue while in shadow is of the same color when it ripples out into full sunlight, and catches a dozen reflections from foliage and sky. A merely technical description would read: Front of head and chin rich indigo-blue, growing lighter and greener on back and underparts; wings dusky brown, with blue edges to coverts ; tail feathers also blue-edged; bill and feet dark; general shape rounded and canary-like, resembling the Goldfinch. The last of May, one of these Buntings came to a low bush, outside my window, and, after resting awhile, for the night before had been stormy, dropped to the closely cut turf to feed upon the crumbs left where the hounds had been munching their biscuits. I have never seen a more beautiful specimen, and the contrast with the vivid green grass seemed to develop the color of malachite that ran along one edge of the feathers, shifting as the bird moved like the sheen of changeable silk. (179) i8o Bird -Lore In vain did I search among contemporary writers for a description of this phenomenon, which appears only in the plumage of the fully developed male of two or more years of age. Finally, I chanced, in searching Alexander Wilson's American Ornithology for a different matter, to find the only adequate pen-picture of this bird that I know. Of its plumage he says: There is one singularity, viz., that in some lights, his plumage appears of a rich sky-blue, and in others of a vivid verdigris green : so that the same bird, in passing from one place to another before your eyes, seems to undergo a total change of color. When the angle of incidence of the rays of light reflected from his plumage is acute, the color is green; when obtuse, blue. Such, I think, I have observed to be uniformly the case, without being optician enough to explain why it is so. From this, however, must be excepted the color of the head, which is not affected by the change of position." The nest, in no wise typical, is a loose and rather careless His Nest structure of grass, twigs, horse-hairs, roots or bits of bark placed in a low, scrubby tree or bush at no great distance from the ground, and the eggs are a very pale blue or bluish white, and only three or four in number. Being a seed -eater, it is undoubtedly this Bunting's love His Travels of warmth that gives him so short a season with us; for he does not come to the New England states until the first week in May, and, after the August molt, when he dons the sober clothing of his mate, he begins to work southward by middle of September, — those from the most northerly portions of the breeding range, which extends northward to Minnesota and Nova Scotia, having passed by the tenth of October. It winters in Central America and southward. Although of the insect -eating fraternity of the conical His Food beak, the Indigo Bunting consumes many noxious insects in the nesting season, when the rapid growth of the young •demands animal food, no matter to what race they belong. Being an inhabitant of the overgrown edges of old pastures, or the brushy fences of clearings and pent -roads, he is in a position where he can do a great deal of good. Mr. Forbush, is his valuable book on Useful Birds and Their Pro- tection, credits the Indigo Bunting with being a consumer of the larvx of the mischievous brown -tail moth; but, whatever service it may do as an insect destroyer, its service the year through as a consumer of weed seeds, in common with the rest of its tribe, is beyond dispute. The voice of the Indigo Bunting is pretty rather than His Song impressive, and varies much in individuals. It consists of a series of hurried canary-like notes repeated constantly and ris- ing in key, but, to my mind, never reaching the dignity of being called an impressive song. Yet on this point opinions differ, and Wilson calls it "a vigorous and pretty good songster. It mounts to the highest top of a tree, The Indigo Bunting i8i and chants for half an hour at a time. Its sonj^ is not one continuous strain, but a repetition of short notes, commencing loud and rapid and falling by almost imperceptible gradations, for six or eight seconds, until they seem hardly articulate, as if the little minstrel were quite exhausted; and, after a pause of half a minute or less, commences as before." Then, too, the Indigo bird sings with as much animation in the month of July as in the month of May, and not infrequently continues his song until the last of August." Nuttall writes that though usually shy the Indigo bird during the nesting season is more frequently seen near habitations than in remote thickets: "Their favorite resort is the garden, where, from the topmost branch of some tall tree that commands the whole wide landscape, the male regularly pours out his lively chant, and continues it for a considerable length of time. Nor is this song confined to the cool and animating dawn of morning, but it is renewed and still more vigorous during the noon -day heat of summer. This lively strain is composed of a repetition of short notes, which, com- mencing loud and rapid, and then slowly falling, descend almost to a whisper, succeeded by a silence of almost half a minute, when the song is again continued as before. ''In the village of Cambridge (Mass.), I have seen one of these azure, almost celestial musicians, regularly chant to the inmates of a tall dwelling- house from the summit of the chimney or the tall fork of the lightening-rod. I have also heard a Canary, within hearing, repeat and imitate the low lisping trill of the Indigo bird, whose warble indeed often resembles that of this species." This combination of musical ability, lovely plumage and its seed -eating qualities long since has made the Indigo Bunting in danger of extermina- tion, through the fact of its being universally, throughout the South, cap- tured and sold as a cage-bird, both for home use and for export. In that section the bird is called "blue pop," a corruption of "bleu pape," or "pope," of the French. Thomas Nuttall and Alexander Wilson, both writing in the early years of l8oo, speak of the Indigo Bunting as one of the most familiar of cage birds. Not only has this traffic existed since the days of Wilson, but, until a very few years ago, when the Audubon movement began to be a power, this Bunting, together with its cousin, the beautiful Painted Bunt- ing, or Nonpareil, the Cardinal Grosbeak and the Mocking-bird were listed and sold, as a matter of course, by every bird -dealer in the country. Oh, the untold misery and waste of this caging and selling of free-born birds! It is only one grade less direct a slaughter than killing them to trim a bonnet. While the sufferings of the bonnet-bird have ended, with it life those of the caged bird have only begun as the door closes behind him, A few exceptional cases, where birds in the care of those who are both able and willing to make their surroundings endurable, count as nothing against the general condemnation of the practice of caging birds born wild. i82 Bird -Lore Those of us who have known, by experience in caring for wounded or sick birds, exactly what incessant watchfulness is necessary to keep them alive, realize how impossible it is that this care should be given them by the aver- age purchaser. Birds born and reared in captivity, like the Canary, are the only ones that real humanity should keep behind bars. There is no more condemna- ble habit than allowing children to take nestlings of any kind, and try to feed and rear them; if disaster overtakes the parents, a responsible adult should be the one to endeavor to succor the brood. Nominally, the traffic in caged wild birds has ceased ; actually, it has not ; nor will it until every bird-lover feels himself responsible for staying the hand that would rob the nest, whether it is that of the ignorant little picka- ninny of the South, who climbs up the vine outside the window where you are wintering, and sees in the four young Mockers in the nest just under the sill a prospective dollar, the child at home, who likes to experi- ment for a few days with pets and then forgets them, or the wily dealer, who sells sub rosa what he dares not exhibit. No quarter to any class who make prisoners of the wild, outside of the Zoological Gardens or private aviaries where the proper conditions exist. Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the literalists will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly to lack the spiritual quality. Should we make prisoners of "The ballad -singers and the Troubadours, The street musicians of the heavenly city. The birds, who makes sweet music for us all In our dark hours, as David did for Saul."? — H. W. Longfellow. Questions for Teachers and Students When does the Indigo bird come in Spring ? How far north does it travel ? How is its color different from the blue of the Jay and Bluebird ? Is the caging of wild birds ever right ? Why was the Indigo bird popular as a pet ? Cbe ^utiubon ^otittm EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER Address all correspondence, and send all remittances for dues and contributions, to the National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City Membership in the National Association $vOO paid annually constitutes a person a Sustaining Member f 100.00 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership $1,000 00 paid constitutes a person a Patron $5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder $15,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Benefactor FORM OF BEQUEST / do hereby gi-ve and bequeath to The National Association of Audubon Socie- ties FOR the Protection of Wild Birds AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of Neiu York. " I go to prove my soul ! I see my way as birds their tracltless way; I shall arrive: what time, what circuit first I ask not; but, unless God send His hail Or blinding fire bails, sleet or stifling snow, In some time. His good time, I shall arrive; He guides me and the birds. In His good time." The bird and animal lovers will arrive at the goal of their hopes, " In His good time," but the way to mortal eyes seems dim and undefined very often and is beset by many an obstacle placed by indifference, or, what is far worse, selfishness and greed. The altruistic has not been reached, by any means, although bright gleams of sunshine often cheer our way. When public officials take the time from their busy lives to pen such sympathetic words as the following, which came from Governor Davidson, of Wisconsin, it shows that "He guides." "I assure you our Audubon Societies will ever find me ready to lend any assistance in my power to protect the wild birds and animals of our country." Doubtless there are many other men who occupy positions of public trust who have the same feeling at heart but, (183) unfortunately, they do not take the time to express it, and thus the influence of a word from them is lost. Another gleam of sun- shine from a well-known public man, James Lane Allen, whose pen gives pleasure to so many, will serve as a guide to others who probably have the same sympathy at heart but have not yet expressed it in a like practical manner; " I am today in receipt of your letter of i8th of June, requesting me to become a sustaining member of the Audubon Socie- ties. It gives me pleasure to do so, and my cheque in payment of the annual dues shall be found herein enclosed. "I should have become a member long ago, if I had been asked— since the aims of the Association appeal to me very strongly." Members and readers, please recollect that the work of the Association isexpandingdaily and that our great need is a largely increased membership and a greater endowment in order to carry on the work to which we have placed our hands; that is, to protect and conserve the wild birds of the country, Nature's own check on the undue increase of insect pests. Do you know the annual loss occasioned by destructive insects in the United States? If not, the following will give you some facts which surely will be of interest to you. Cereals . . Hay ... Cotton . . Tobacco . . Truck crops Sugars - . ,. , Percenta>ie Amount ^^'""^ of loss of loss . $Z. 000.000, 000 10 S2oo.00o.coo 5?o,ooo,ooo 10 5?. 000.000 600.000.000 10 60,000.000 53.000.000 10 5,300.000 265,000,000 20 53,000,000 50,000,000 10 5.000,000 Fruits - 135.000.000 20 27.000.000 Farm forests ... no 000.000 10 11.000.000 Miscellaneous crops. 58,000.000 10 5,800.000- Animal products . . 1,750.000.000 10 175,000.000 Total . . . Natural forests a forest products Products in storag ^5,55I. 1.000 J^595,I00.( Grand 1 $795, 1 8+ Bird- Lore The above table was prepared by Prof. C. L. Marlatt, Assistant Entomologist, United States Department of Agriculture, and was published in the ''Year Book," 1904. Professor Marlatt says, "'In no country in the world do insects impose a heavier tax on farm products than in the United States. The lessening or prevention of this loss is the problem for the economic entomologist to solve." The members of the National Association arc doing their part to solve the problem. Every wild bird that is saved is an additional natural check. Reader! Have you among your possessions a tree or bit of land that you cherish and love? Then encour- age the wild birds to dwell with you; be an example to your neighbor, and also help the Association to spread its propaganda every- where. "In some time, His good time, I shall arrive." — W. D. The Audubon Club in the Bahamas Perhaps nowhere in the world are birds more needed than in Nassau, New Provi- dence. Ants infest the gardens, borers rid- dle the trunks of the most useful trees — in short, nothing but the lynx-eyed, hungry bird is able to cope with and check the ubiquitous West Indian creeper and crawl- er. And yet, strangely enough, birds are scarce throughout this beautiful island. Tourists, enamored with Florida's glorious song-birds, complain of this defect in our favorite winter resort, which, climatically, is unequaled. Various causes are assigned to the phenomenon, as the absence of run- ning streams, etc. But the main cause is this : the native children are incessantly catching and killing the lovely bright-plu- maged native birds. Sapodilla-gum, traps —all possible devices are utilized to this unspeakable end. Convinced by long observation that, once the value of the bird, and the joy of culti- vating his acquaintance in the tree, could be brought home to these children, the problem of bird protection would be solvetl, I began in the winter of 1906 distributing Audubon Bulletins, with short informal talks; the response was a surprise. A num- ber of young colored men formed themselves into a police-corps for the protection of the birds. Now any boy detected with a bird tied by the leg to cap or buttonhole, with a bit of string, is promptly seized, and, if necessary to the release of the victim, is thrashed, and the frightened, often injured, bird is after some careful nursing set at lib- erty. In short, so much interest has devel- oped that three Bird Clubs are now regularly organized. One, the " Nassau Audubon," has a membership of intensely interested little white girls. Another, the " De Lancey-Town Audubon," is made up of young colored men and is doing a splen- did work. The third is a club of eighty school children of Nicoll's Town, Andros Island. These children have made a marvelously practical move by planting guinea corn for the birds around the school yard. A fourth club is now forming under the leadership of another Andros Island boy in the settle- ment of Fresh Creek. Herbert, who visits Nassau from time to time in his father's boat, loaded with kindling-wood, strayed into my cottage: to my questions whether birds were abundant in Fresh Creek, and whether he clubbed and trapped them, he laughed and answered "Ves'm." A set of Bird Bulletins to read and carry to his school-teacher with the usual "talk" per- suaded Herbert that there was a lot more in the bird than he had ever dreamed of. A month later, a letter came from Herbert, brought direct to the cottage by a brother, because he had "done forgot how to spell your name." He wrote that he had "got into many a strife" and been taunted with indulgence in "fool talk" through his ad- vocacy of the cause of the birds. He ended with "I am getting on fine with the birds. O, I love them and all what you say is true." Two months later, the day before we sailed, he again appeared on the porch. He was overjoyed to find on our table a package of magazines and newspapers ad- dressed to him, and which we were just about mailing. On May 23, he, with other faithful friends, carried our many bags and baskets aboard the tug "Colonia," said "good-bye," and went back to his isolated island home cheered and enheartened by The Audubon Societies 185. "love for the bird." Outside the harbor, where we boarded tlie " V'igilancia" four members of the young men's club batle us "God speed," with a cheery promise " /o look after our birds ." — Ax.icv. M. Bovnion Legislation. New Jersey.— In April Bird-Lore the passage by the House of an anti-spring shooting bill for wild fowl and shore-birds was reported. When the bill reached the Senate, it was referred to the Committee on Game, consisting of three members, one each from Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean counties At the hearing in the Senate Chamber, the professional gunners and those interested in the preservation of shoot- ing, but not of tlie birds, were out in full force. They had no arguments to advance of a scientific or economic nature, but their strong plea was that they had always shot birds in the spring and still wished to do so and that it did no harm, and their gain and pleasure should not be interfered with by sentimentalists. One of the advocates of spring shooting was a clergyman and some of his ornithological statements were of such a remarkable character and so entirely new to all of the scientists present that one was led to wonder whether his ecclesiastical lore might not have been obtained in the same school. The bill was never reported out by the Game Committee and consequently the lack of wild fowl and shore-bird law still exists in New Jersey. Without exception this Commonwealth has the most barbaric law regarding wild fowl and shore-birds that now is extant in any part of the conti- nent of North America. Further, it is decep- tive and misleading, for it seemingly pro- vides a close season for ducks and snipe, but it is so carefully arranged that the period that is closed by law is only when there are no wild fowl or shore-birds in the state. Repeated visits to Trenton were made b)- tliose interested in the passage of the anti- spring-shooting bill to urge on the Game Committee to let the bill be passed upon by the Senate as a whole, and not to have the Committee decide a question which was of interest to the entire state. Every possible argument and legitimate influence was brought to bear on the Committee, but with- out avail. The bill was killed in Committee by a vote of /aco to one. And thus the people of the state of New Jersey were deprived of their unalienable right to have a. voice in the making of the laws that they are subject to. Legislative committees, as death-traps for bills, are far too prevalent at the present time. This is death to states- manship, for a legislator is now valued far. more for his ability to steer a bill to Com- mittee and there advance or kill it, than for ability to expound to his fellow legislators, in public debate on the floor of the chamber, the worth of a measure or explain why it should be defeated. In the present case the whole state of New Jersey was disfranchised by the action of two men, and yet not another legislator raised his voice in protest. Is not government by the people a farce in such cases ? However, it is, after all, the fault of the people themselves for not taking enough interest in legislation to keep in touch with the work of their representatives and when, they do or do not approve of measures to speak plainly and forcefully. New York. — In April Bird-Lore atten- tion was called to the bills to prevent sale of wild fowl after the close season and also to stop the cold storage of any birds or game. The Legislature was in session almost six months, yet these bills were never reported out by the committees in charge, although persistent effort to that end was made by repeated visits to Albany, by letters and by all other legitimate means. The lack of this legislation is a serious defect in the game laws of New York. This is another case where the criticism made of legislation in New- Jersey will apply with equal force. All of this emphasizes the urgent need tor Federal control of all migratory birds. So long as there is divided control over creatures that are in one state one day and in another the next, satisfactory protection cannot be given them. It is practically impossible to get the legislatures of all the states to look at the matter in the same light. It is a serious sub- ject and one that deserves the closest atten- tion from the public. As a marked example^ 1 86 Bird -Lore of the need for Federal control, take the case of wild-fowl laws in the states of New York and New Jersey. During the northward migration, wild fowl can be killed in the latter state, but cannot be in the former, although the two great wild-fowl resorts of Barnegat Bay (N. J.) and Great South Bay (N. Y.) are only a few miles apart. It is a manifest injustice to the citizens of New York that New Jersey permits the killing of wild fowl during the spring, and it is a still greater injustice to the citizens of the whole country that on one side of an arbitrary geographical line migratory birds may legally be killed, while on the other side of the line they may not be. The only remedy for this inconsistency is to place all migratory birds under Federal control. Several feeble attempts were made to pass local bills per- mitting spring shooting of wild fowl and snipe, but they were successfully combated. However, were it not for the vigilance of the National Association in all legislative matters, a flood of such bills would be passed each session. Very early in the session foreign-game- sale bills were introduced in both branches of the Legislature. The Committeesto which they were referred were seen at once and an agreement was obtained from the Chairman that before the bills were reported the National Association should have a hearing, when it could present reasons why the bills were undesirable and a formal protest against their passage. A hearing was not called for, and it was supposed that the advocates of the bills had abandoned them. In the Assembly in this state, about ten days prior to the close of the session, all un- finished legislation is taken from the hands of Committees and is placed in charge of the Rules Committee and thereafter no hear- ings are held. Much to the surprise of the executive of the Association a bill to amend Section 33 of the Game Law was introduced by a member of the Rules Committee. This amendment was the old Foreign Game Sale Bill in another form, but with all its vicious features. This necessitated another trip to Albany ; a stay was obtained for a few days to enable the Association to prepare a brief , showing why the proposed amendment was undesirable legislation. To prepare such a brief necessitated a trip to Washington to consult experts on the subject. A copy was sent to Governor Hughes, and also to many of the most prominent and influential mem- bers of both the Senate and Assembly. Nothing further was heard of the bill. The brief was as follows: Brief on Assembly Bill No. 2769, Entitled An Act To Amend Section 33 of the Forest, Fish and Game Law Relating to Certain Varieties of European Birds. This bill proposes to authorize, in any' city of the state having a population of more than a million, the sale during Dec- ember, January, February, March and April, of five species of foreign game birds, namely, Egyptian Quail, Red-leg, Lapwing, Russian Grouse, and Rebhiihner; attempts to impose a tax of one cent on each bird imported; and provides for the appoint- ment of at least two special officers at a salary of $1,500 and an allowance of $1,000 each for traveling expenses — a total annual expense of at least $5,000 — for carrying out the provisions of the Act. This bill (i) contains provisions in direct conflict with the constitutions of New York and of the United States; and is also (2) defective in title; (3) bad in form; (4) bad in policy; (5) class legislation. (i) Bill Unconstitutional. In so far as the bill provides for imposing a tax on birds imported, it is clearly in conflict both with the Constitution of the State of New York and the Constitution of the United States. On p. 4, line i, occurs the provisions: A person, firm or corporation importing said game shall, upon the arrival of said game into the port of New York, pay a tax of one cent per bird to the Forest, Fish and Game Commission, to be paid by said Com- mission into the treasury of the state of New York in the same way as other moneys are received and transmitted into said treas- ury by said Commission. No statement is made as to the reasons for or objects of the tax and the bill is, therefore, clearly in conflict with the provis- ion in Section 48 of the State Constitution, which declares: Every law which imposes, continues or The Audubon Societies 187 revives a tax shall distinctly state the tax and the object to wiiich it shall be applied, and it shall not be suHicient to refer to any other law to fix such tax or object. The bill is also clearly in violation of Art. I, Sec. 10 of the Constitution of the United States relating to import duties. The Supreme Court of the United States in passing upon a provision enacted by the state of Maryland in 1821, almost identical with the tax provision of this bill, held in Brown v. Maryland (12 Wheat. 419) that: An act of a state legislature, requiring all importers of foreign goods by the bale or package, etc., ... to take out a license, for which they shall pay $50 and, in case of neglect or refusal to take out such license, subjecting them to certain forfeitures and penalties, is repugnant to that provision of the Constitution of the United States which declares that "no state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any impost, or duty on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing its inspection laws;" and to that which declares that Congress shall have power "to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states and with the Indian tribes." The principles here laid down have been applied, reiterated and relied upon by the same court in subsequent decisions so often that this decision is now generally regarded as a leading case for the guidance of courts in the interpretation of this section of the Constitution. (2) Title defecti've. The title is defective: (a) In purporting "to amend Section 33 of the Forest, Fish and Game Law relating to certain varieties of European birds." Sec- tion 33 of said law relates primarily to the protection of non-game birds native to the state of New York, not of European birds, or of game birds. It therefore attempts to amend a section which in reality has no existence as there is no "Section 33 relating to certain varieties of European birds." {b) The bill attempts to amend Section 33 by deliberately inserting two subjects, each separate and distinct from the subject-matter of the original section ( i ) the sale of certain game birds imported from Europe, and (2) the imposition of an import tax. (f) The bill is manifestly a local measure in that it applies only to cities which have a population of more than a million, that is, to the city of New York, and as such, itg title is in violation of that provision of the Constitution of New York (Sec. 40), which declares that "No private or local bill . . . shall embrace more than one subject and that shall be expressed in the title." (3) Bill Bad in Form. The subject- matter of the Forest, Fish and Game Law is arranged in an orderly manner, and to facilitate reference to the various topics, each special subject is placed in a separate sec- tion which is given a distinctive number. The amendments proposed in this bill have no relation to the subject-matter of Sec. 33. but relate primarily to the sale of Grouse and Quail, and as such, should be given a distinctive number following either Sections 28 or 29. The bill is ambiguous, {a) In author- izing sale of European game but allowing importation of Egyptian Quail ; {b) in allow- ing sale of Red-leg without specifying whether the birds intended are Red-legged Partridges, Red-legged Sandpipers or Red- legged Ducks; (c) in permitting sale of Russian Grouse which may cover a number of species, some of which are indistinguish- able from native birds; (d) in permitting sale of 'Rebhiiher,' which is not a recog- nized name in this country of any game bird, but merely a German name that should be translated into the common English equiv- alent of 'Gray Partridge'. (4) Bill Bad in Policy, (a) The bill is opposed to the general policy of the state in breaking up the practically uniform close season for the sale of game under existing law. (b) It is opposed to the policy of the state in making a distinction between imported and native game. (f) It is a direct reversal of the policy of the state maintained at considerable expense to the taxpayers and upheld by the Court of Appeals in the cases of People ex rel Hilj V. Hesterberg, Sheriff (1906), and People v. Waldorf Astoria Hotel Co. (1907). {d) The bill is bad in policy in attempt- ing to amend Section 33, a section which Bird - Lcre has alreadj' been re-enacted three times (in 1901, 1902 and 1903) since it was originally passed in 1900, which has been construed by the courts and the language of which is now in a form which is generally under- stood. {e} The bill is bad in policy in author- izing an expenditure of $5,000 or more for the employment of two special officers, without the powers of ordinary protectors, who may be on duty less than half the year solely for the purpose of inspecting the transactions growing out of the importations of a single firm. How extensive these trans- actions may be is perhaps disclosed by the tax clause which is evidently intended to rcrnrbarse the stafe^for the.-cost of inspec- tion. At this rate, the importations would aggregate at least 500,000 birds per annum. (5) Class Legislation. The bill is evi- dently drawn in such a way as to be genera] in form, but by restricting its operation to "any city of the state having over one mil- lion in population," it is practically limited to the city of New York. In fact, on p. 4, line I, the mask of general form is thrown aside in the declaration that "a person, firm or corporation importing said game, shall, upon the arrival of said game into the port of New York pay a tax, etc.," ignoring the fact that such game might be imported via Canada through the ports of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Ogdensburg, Plattsburg, Sag Harbor, Oswego, Rochester, Dunkirk, or Cape Vincent. The measure will work injustice and hardship to every other city in the state and to every game-dealer outside of New York by granting exclusive privileges in Greater New York for the importation and sale of five kinds of foreign game birds in large quantities during four months in the year when the season is closed elsewhere in the state. Careful scrutiny of the history of the measure and of the restrictions of the "person, firm or corporation importing said game" will reveal the fact that the bill is as clearly drawn in the interests of a single firm as if its title were "A bill to benefit A. Silz & Co., of New York City." Massachusetts.— The bill referred to in February Biro-Lore to "Authorize the Fish and Game Commission to take certain unimproved lands upon the Island of Martha's Vineyard" passed the Legislature and is now a law. This act is really for the purpose of enabling the Commission to con- duct a scientific experiment of the greatest value and interest, i. e., to preserve the very small remnant of Heath Hens from extermi- nation. This sole remaining colony of a once numerous species of Grouse is in an ideal situation in which to conduct the experi- ment. Not more than one hundred birds still remain, and the question of whether a species so close to extermination can be indefinitely continued will be watched with the greatest interest by scientists in all parts of the world. Connecticut. — In addition to the other excellent game and bird laws adopted by this state during the present legislature, a law was secured providing for hunting licenses for residents, non-residents and aliens. A law was also passed "making the possession in the open air on Sunday of any implement for shooting, prime facie evi- dence of an intention to hunt." Certainly the citizens of Connecticut have reason to be proud of the very advanced position held by the Commonwealth in the great economic question of bird-protection. A Bison Herd in the Adirondacks The legislature of New York appropriated $20,000 for the purchase of a herd of Bison to be placed in the Adirondacks. Governor Hughes vetoed the item, in view of the many other demands on the treasury of the State. In Massachusetts the citizens interested in the perpetuation of the Heath Hen did not ask for a state appropriation, but raised the money themselves to carry on the experi- ment. Had the same method been taken in this state, Governor Hughes probably would have conceded the use of the necessary public lands. Both of these instances emphasize the importance of not permitting a wild species to approach so near extermination as the Bison and Heath Hen, and also empha- sizes the need of the proposed ten years closed season for the Wood Duck. 1^ I 2 < U) I I Oo THE WOOD DUCK By WILLIAM DUTCHER ^i)e iRational SL^Qociation ot )3Lutiubon &ocicttt0 SPECIAL LEAFLET NO. 10 (Supplement to Bird-Lore, Vol. X. No. 4, July-Aueust) The object of this leaflet is to call the attention of the American public to a condition that now exists, but which it is hoped may be remedied by concerted and prompt action on the part of all those who love the beauti- ful in nature and are willing to guard it. When Audubon wrote his account of the Wood Duck in Former n i i / i i • , , io35> only seventy-two years ago, he referred to their very great abundance in such statements as follows : "At Boston, where I found them rather abundant during the winter"; "I knew a person in South Carolina who caught several hundreds in the course of a week"; "For my own part, I assure you, I have seen hundreds in a single flock." That they were abundant even as late in the last century as in the seventies is well established by reference to Dawson's 'Birds of Ohio,' published in 1903, in which it is stated "Thirty years ago Wood Ducks were killed by wagon -loads every spring." Dr. A. K. Fisher, Ornithologist of the Biological Survey, Scarcity United States Department of Agriculture, was the first to call attention to the growing scarcity of the Wood Duck in an article entitled 'Two Vanishing Game Birds,' published in igoi. He said, "Unless strong protective measures are soon adopted, the Woodcock and Wood Duck, two popular and valuable game birds, will become extinct." In order to secure late data, inquiries were made in all parts of the continent, and the information received came from so many points that it can be relied on to fairly represent the present status of the Wood Duck. The consensus of opinion is that the Wood Duck has become alarmingly scarce. Many reports were received showing that this species has entirely disappeared as a breeder in the sections referred to, while others used such terms as "Absolutely disappeared," "None," "Very rare migrant," "Have seen but one in twenty years," "Decrease 6o per cent — 70 per cent — 90 per cent." Quotations from the reports might be continued indefinitely, but they would all be of the same general tenor; although, in some localities near the center of distribution of the species, the reports were not quite so alarming. However, nearly every report showed in the most emphatic manner that the time has arrived when the most heroic means must be taken to stop the decrease. There are several very potent reasons for the rapid decrease in the numbers of the Wood Duck which are worth careful examination. Some (189) igo Bird - Lore of these it is possible for man to remedy, while others are easons or inherent in the habits of the species itself and thus are beyond the direction of mankind. The habits of the Wood Duck, which is often known as the Summer Duck and in some portions of the South as ''Branchu," differ greatly from other wild Ducks. This species, as its name indicates, is not a bird of the ocean or even the wide coastal bays, but is found about the swamps and inland streams and ponds, especially those bordered by timber. Contrary to the usual habits of Ducks, it nests in trees, generally in holes or natural cavities. Its tree-loving habit is one of the causes of decrease. The increase of population in this country, and the consequent clearing of the land for agricultural purposes, the ruthless destruction of the forests and the draining of swamp-lands, have lessened the number of breeding sites; this applies particularly to the eastern and middle -western section of the country. In many localities where the Wood Duck was known to breed until within a few years, it is not now found, owing to the fact that every tree suitable for nesting has been cut down. This cause of decrease is largely due to the habits of the species, and in some degree to the unwise practice of defores- tation, which unhappily is so common in these days. When the citizens of the United States wake up to the fact that it is criminal to cut down all the forests, the homes of the Wood Duck will be saved; but, at the present rate of decrease of this species of Duck, it may then be too late to be of avail. Another cause, and probably the greatest, is spring-shoot- Spnng- j^ Yhe Wood Duck is a species of very wide distribution Shooting = "^ ... on this continent, and in some portions therefore, it is practi- cally a resident. For this reason, the species has suffered far more than any other of the wild fowl by the wasteful practice of spring-shooting. The killing of any species of birds while on the migration to the breeding grounds or after they have reached there, is indefensible, and, in these days of increas- ing intelligence respecting the value of birds, both economic and aesthetic, is becoming more and more repugnant to the self-respecting sportsman. Until spring-shooting is absolutely prohibited, both by law and sentiment, the wild fowl of this continent, as well as all other migratory game birds, will decrease. Let us examine for a moment how spring-shooting affects the Wood Duck. This species, according to Audubon, pairs about March first in Louisiana and as far north as Kentucky, and sometimes a fortnight earlier; in the middle states about April first, and still later as it approaches the northern limit of its range. One of the writer's correspondents in Louisiana, who states that his knowledge of the "Branchu" is derived from fifty years' experience as a sportsman, claims that these birds "pair off or mate during the month of December, and from then on until February they prepare for breeding. On the nth of May (1907), on my way to the fishing haunts, I came across a flock of young, fully four weeks old." A The Wood Duck 191 report from Kansas states, "Early in April, 1906, examined a female Wood Duck, killed by a local hunter; the ovaries contained partly developed eggs." A correspondent at Princeton, N. J., states, "In 1905 a pair were killed here late in April, after tw^o eggs had been laid in their nest." Still another reporter, in Utica, N.Y., states, "Saw female killed April 15th, which contained a well-developed egg." A well known ornithologist at Portland, Maine, says, "Wood Ducks reach us mated, and spring-shooting of mated birds has no doubt had a potent influence toward decrease." From the evidence given above, it is fair to assume that the Wood Ducks that are resident in the Gulf states certainly mate early in February, with some evidence that pairing takes place earlier, and that mating has already taken place when the migratory numbers of the species reach the northern limit of their range. It is, therefore, a self-evident fact that every Wood Duck that is killed after January first is a strong factor in the ultimate and early extermination of the species. There are no words too strong to use in condemnation of the unscientific, wasteful and depraved practice of killing mated and breeding birds. A sportsman who has any self-respect or regard for the rights of future generations will not engage in spring-shooting. A glance at the accompanying map, showing the 1907 open seasons for Wood Ducks will demonstrate to the reader what a terrible drain on the species spring-shooting is, for the diagram shows that, in the fifty-seven states and provinces, thirty-eight legalize the shooting of Wood Ducks during all or some part of the spring. It will also be noted that six states, nearly 10 per cent, give the Wood Duck no protection whatever, but allow it to be killed whenever it is found in the state. It may also be noted that, in several of the states where no protection is given, the Wood Duck is a resident, which renders the entire lack of protection a far more serious matter than if the species were only a summer visitor for the purpose of breeding. Is it strange that by reckless waste, this species of wild fowl is rapidly becoming exterminated? Wood Ducks are greatly attached to their breeding places, g, .^ and are gentle and rather unsuspicious. This very fact is often the cause for the complete annihilation of an entire family, where summer-shooting is allowed. Several of the reports received give this as one of the important reasons for the decrease of the species, stating that in some cases, even before the open season, entire broods are killed by one or two pot-shots, and that in many sections the entire hatch of a season is killed on the first day for legal shooting. There are several other reasons for the decrease that may Other Causes be mentioned, but cannot be considered in detail: the very great increase in the number of gunners ; the marked improve- ment in guns, — compare the old muzzle-loading shotgun with the present breech-loader and the magazine gun ; the great number of gasolene launches 192 Bird -Lore that are on the lakes and streams, which can cover more space in an hour than a boat propelled by oars could in a day; the natural enemies, such as the Great Horned and the Barred Oivls that live in the same territory with the Ducks; the turtles, snakes and large predatory fish that are known to destroy the ducklings when they are first led to the water. With so many artificial, as well as natural enemies to deplete, the numbers of Wood Ducks, it is imperative that drastic action should be taken at once, to prevent the total extermination of the species. There are several methods by which the rapid extinction Remedy of the Wood Duck may be prevented, the first of which is to have Congress pass a law placing all migratory birds under the control of the Department of Agriculture. Federal control of such birds is undoubtedly constitutional. To secure such beneficial legisla- tion is a ma^er of time and education; the public need to be shown the necessity for such action, and the legislator must be shown that his constit- uents demand that the birds that cannot secure uniform legislation for their protection by state laws must get it through Congress. In the interim, the second method may be employed, which is to secure in every state and province where the Wood Duck is found, either as a resident or migrant, legislation making a closed season for ten years. There should be a heavy penalty for the slightest violation of the act, either by shooting, possession, ofifering for sale, or the destruction of nests or eggs. Two states, Massa- chusetts and New Hampshire, have already adopted such a statute, — but only for five years from 1907. In addition to such a law, which is imperatively necessary at this time, it is recommended that all the clubs of the country which control large preserves, and individuals owning estates where suitable breeding places are found, should engage in the experiment of raising Wood Ducks, which at the end of the breeding season could be liberated. With a ten years' close season and breeding by public-spirited citizens, this beau- tiful species of American wild fowl may be prevented from following in the steps of the Bison, the Passenger Pigeon and others of the wild fauna of the continent that the present generation of nature-lovers are lamenting the loss of. Shortly, it will be too late to take action. This is an appeal to the ornithologists, who still have scientific facts to discover; to the true sportsmen, who are willing to refrain from reducing a species of game-birds to the verge of extinction, and to the nature-loving men and women of the country, who desire the added beauty of all wild life, to join in the demand that not another Wood Duck shall be killed for a period of ten years, to enable a fast-disappearing species of wild fowl to recuperate its wasted and depleted ranks. Do not read this paper and idly pass it by, but join in the movement, actively and aggressively; nor cease your good work until it is known that success has been achieved, and that the Wood Duck is no longer in danger of being classed as an extinct species. CLOSE AND OF EN SEASONS FOR WOOD DUCKS IN 1907 NORTHERN STATES JAN. t FEB. 1 MAH. | APR. | MAY 1 JUNE | JULY | AUG. | SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. .Maine 1 j-//^^ N.w llanipslUre ;^^^^ Venn. .lit T .M:is-ut CLOSE N.'w Vork ^:%% rA N,-\v .I.Tsey i '^^ renubvlvania ^^^ DoUuvaie Maiylaudi wmmm. ^^^ $$?^ Distii.t of Columbia ..c-./g-..^ Virsiiia ^^5^. ^, SEASON 1 U'l'sl Viife'ina 5^^ !v<^nliioky Ohio [ 1 ^^^ Michisau Indiana Illinois 1 \Visi;unsin .Minnesota SEASON i$?^ Iowa w. ^^9y'^'»M^/i^. . Jlissouii ^^^ I i Kansas 5^ mm^^ Nebraska -^ '^^^Mm> ^%iifc%^ Soutli Dakota ?$$%$p$$$$$?^$^^^^ Xorth Dakota OP EN Montana w%> ^ ^^^ ^^;' 5$?^ Wyoming Colorado ! 1- ■ 1 SOUTHERN STATES North Carolina 1 1 w.,,.. South Carolina (Jeorgia I-: : l--!orHi Al.;'i,'M,,; p^ Ml--: .-.11., 1 1 ■IVhi, i , 1 Al l,,i:,-,-.- :Ei\^ofi ' 1 I 1 1 I..M;:-,a;ia /^^^ •le.xas Oklahoma Sew .Alexico Arizona PACIFIC STATES | California 1 Nevada ^ i ! Utah ^ CLOSE Iilaho J Oregon 1 1 Washington 1 1 CANADA 1 Alberta ^m^A 1 1 1 British folunibia S.:s-Kul.-heuan SEASON : M^n.ituba ^;%:%J Uiitario N Quebec 1 Sew Brunswick 1 . .. . : : J M^ Nova Seotia ' Seasons vary In different counties I. Townsend's Solitaire. 2. Mountain Bluebird. Male. 3. Mountain Bluebird, Female, (one-half natural size.) A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS OrriciA'L Organ of thc Audubon Socictics Vol. IX September — October, 1907 No. 5 Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian'^' By FRANCIS H. HKRRICK Author of 'The Home Life of Wild Birds' II THE question of protecting wild birds is usually discussed in relation to their practical use to man, but, says Nigro Lico, there is also the question of humanity to be considered. If we drop the consideration of real or presumed usefulness, should the birds be protected out of regard for our esthetic feelings and our duties to humanity? Upon this point Sig. Salvadori is again quoted as follows: "As to the esthetic side of the question, I heartily agree that the birds are an ornament to the woods and fields, but who could deny that the butterflies are still more so ? Is it not a pleasure to see, in the spring time, and to salute again the strawberry Colia, the gloomy Antiopa, the resolute lo, the great Policlora, all of them harbingers of the mild season? Why do we not dance with joy when one after another are present on the scene — the silent Cavolaia, the social Pieridi, the restless Arlecchino, the suberb Apollo, the grave Podalirio, the playful Licene ? Why is it not a pleasure for whomsoever is not a stranger to nature, to welcome these familiar friends, to study anew and to admire the varied colors with which thc\- are clothed, their manifold forms, properties, and habits? Unfortunately, all of these graceful and attractive creatures, which contribute so much to the esthetic side of nature, all are more or less injurious and on this account all are condemned to destruction." "In respect to humanity, I would like, moreover, to ask in turn, is it a humane act, when, with a shot from a musket one brings down a Woodcock, a Partridge, or Grouse; when, with its legs broken or its bill crushed or split, it is condemned to a slow and painful death by hunger ? We bird hunters,at least, do not torture any of our victims. Not a brief second passes between the shot and death. Whv, on the score of humanity, should we not also speak of a prohibition of hunting? Such a construction of the law would in no way, I believe, receive official sanction, and further, I submit, it would be refused with entire reason." *Thf first part of Professor Herrick's Paper appeared in thc July -August number of Bird-Lore. 194 Bird - Lore This sounds well, but has not Sig. Salvadori confused the main point with subordinate issues? The great question raised is the protection of song birds, which, according to a large number, — probably the largest number of students, the world over, — are, upon the whole, of decided benefit to agriculture, and therefore to man, to say nothing of esthetics, and this question must not be involved with the Hindoo doctrine of the sanctity of all animal life. Invertebrates, like the insects, are not to be placed on a par with the highest expressions of vertebrate life. We all must and do acknowledge that hunting, whether for food or sport, entails inevi- table hardship upon the animals. The rule for all to follow is: No needless sacrifice of the life of any animals whatsoever, whether vertebrate or invertebrate, unless (i) they are destructive to the life of man, or to his interests, especially in tilling the soil, and (2) unless they are of prime value as food. Where two living beings — the man and the animal — can not dwell together in peace and to mutual advantage the rule has ever been and must ever be that the weak gives way to the strong. Under the head of necessary food animals, come the domesticated kinds like the pig, sheep, and ox, various birds, and, as a compromise to the latent savage instincts of man in the present state of civilization, wild or preserved game, whether fish, flesh, or fowl. As to what shall be legitimate game among the mammals and birds, it should not be difficult to reach a common-sense agreement. No animal should be considered game which is not useful for food, and no food animals should be sought among the small and liarmless mammals, or among the small or useful birds. Taking the life of the higher animals is an unpleasant, and, when needless, a cruel proceding ; but it is necessary unless the whole world is to be converted to a vegetarian diet. Nature, however, does not seem to expect this, and probably would not permit it, for in the alimentary tract of man she has made a luxurious provision for both the digestion and the absorption of proteids. Proteid is also stored away in the muscles and other tissues, to meet unexpected emergencies, like the storage bins of fat and starch in both plant and animal bodies. Now, since the animals are the great source of proteid, or nitro- genous food, it is evident that nature expects us to make a liberal use of them in our diet. The laws and proposals of laws, as given by Lico, upon hunting in Italy, are interesting and instructive. As he remarks, those who are interested in the protec- tion of birds, from whatever motive, confine their attention to laws to regulate hunting. Many assemblies have been held for this purpose, and many societies have been formed to obtain from the government the most judicious laws upon the subject.* We are told upon the authority of Comm. Durando, that the present hiws which regulate hunting are those which were in force in the ancient Italian States. Thus, in the Neapolitan and Sicilian provinces the law of October 18, 1819 exists, and is still in effect; in what were formerly the Papal States, with the exception of the Marches, the edicts of July io, 1826, and August 14, 1839 prevail; in Tuscany the law of July 3, 1856; in Modena the decree of Febru- ary 6, 1815, and notifications of January 22, 1826 ; in Parma the royal resolutions of Septem- ber I, 1824, June 10, 1828, May 23, and 28, 1835; in Venice the law of February 13, 1804, Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 195 It is not suprisiiiK t" lu-ar it said that "thr multii.li.alion of so many dilTcrent rules tarings confusion and contradiction between regions but a sliort distance apart or contiguous, whence the negligence or the ignorance of the authorities to whom the execution of the law belongs; whence everything is in disorder in the development of rural economy everywhere so important, and especially in Italy." What these varied and antiquated laws are in every case is not stated, but it is evident from the present practice, as already suggested, that they were framed mainly in the interests of the hunters, and not of the birds nor of agriculture. What are the legal enactments demanded by those Italians who desire to really protect their birds? Lico quotes the statement of Sig. G. Spanna, made at the Congress of the Zoological Society, held at Turin, in October, 1898, and which may be summarized as follows: (i) To prohibit absolutely the hunting of birds by any means except firearms; (2) To prohibit the destruction of the nests of birds, taking or destroying the eggs, the young, the mothers; disturbing in any way the nidification, also with the design or pretext of training dogs for hunting, and this in whatever position the nest is found; (3) To prohibit the hunting with firearms from March i to August 15, in all Italy; (4) To make it penal to pos- sess and to sell in public or in secret, during the time when hunting is forbidden, any birds, whether living or dead; in the hunting season it is legal to receive only those birds which have been killed by firearms, and on the bodies of each of which appears a wound from a leaden bullet, sustained by the living animal; (5) To prohibit at all times the sale of birds alive, in cages, or otherwise confined, excepting only foreign species, or those which are not migratory or resident in Italy; (6) To increase the tax upon hunting with firearms to such a sum as may correspond to the loss sustained by the public treasury through the suppression of the concessions for hunting with nets, snares, and every other forbidden means; (7) To declare as lawbreakers all who hunt in property not belonging to them, and in the neighborhood of lakes, ponds, or streams, and water-courses belonging to the provinces, to the municipality, or to private persons, without having previously obtained permission in writing from the proprietor, which is to be shown to the police officers whether public or private; (8) To the person author- ized to proceed against the lawbreakers, and to the accusers, a share of the fine is to be given, as well as of the sums paid per head of the game seized; (9) In so far as regards the secondary rules, account is to be taken of the royal patents of what was formerly the kingdom of Sardinia. The sponsor for these laws thus expresses his opinion regarding them : " Hunt- ing, now-a-days, I am glad to say, is no longer a means of procuring food.* For a few is it a means of diversion and of ostentation in banquets. In either case, and decrees of July 7, 1S04, September 21, 1805, March 21, 1811, and the proclamation of July 5, 161 5 ; in the provinces once forming the Sardinian States, and in those of Lombardy and the Marches the royal patents of December 29, 1836, July 16, 1844, and July i, 1845. It thus appears that the antiquated laws upon the shooting of birds in Italy date all the way from 1615 to 1856. ' *This is hardly the case in Italy wlicre shooting l)irds is often a means of eking out a living. 196 Bird - Lore the pleasure and the luxury ought not to be obtained at a loss to the public economy, and, therefore, the coercive measures framed to protect it have to be such as produce efficient results." Had the provisions recommended by Spanna been adopted in 1898, and stringently enforced throughout the Kingdom of Italy, not only that country, but the whole continent of Europe, would have been benefited. The proposals are designed to prevent wholesale slaughter by restricting the times and methods of killing wild birds. No discrimination is made between kinds supposed to be useful, useless, or injurious, so far as agriculture or any of the interests of man are con- cerned. Considering the antiquity of the practice of killing birds in Italy without any discrimination whatever, and the state of public opinion upon the whole subject of bird protection, the proposals of Sig. Spanna are commendable, and if they were adopted and carried out they would mark a great stride in the right direction. ' We learn further from Lico's Manual that demands for new and uniform laws to regulate hunting have not been made in Italy alone, but in other countries also. Since the migratory birds change their habitation at stated periods, it is for the interests of all countries through which they pass to protect them by common consent and for the common good. Again, we are told that a great ornithological Congress was held at Aix, in Provence, November 9-14, 1897, and another at Gratz, in Stiria, August 5-8,1898. The resolutions passed at these meetings were considered by the different governments; but to the proposals made by France, with the concurrence of adjoining states, unfortunately, the Italian government did not agree. From the preceding extracts it will be seen that those Italians who have given any thought to the subject of birds, in relation to man, are by no means agreed upon the desirability of evoking the aid of the law for the protection of birds of any kind. Lico presents both sides of the question from the standpoint of an intelli- gent Italian, and I hope it has been made sufficiently clear to what extent I am indebted to him for the substance of many of the preceding paragraphs. His conclusion of the whole matter, in which his own sympathies are clearly ex- pressed, is given in the following sentiments: " Birds, like all other creatures endowed with feeling, ought not to be subjected to needless suffering on the part of man; they deserve his protection. This sounds well! Again, when everything is considered, birds do more good than harm. The conclusion is logical! But the excess of utility over damage is so great we should favor in all possible ways the multiplication of birds. How would that sound? This is a question to which we should give more direct attention, before insisting on new and definite results in the work of national and international legislation. Heaven forbid that a humanitarian cause like this should one day make its defenders repent of superfluous zeal !" Thus, we are brought again to the main ])r()blem: " Should the birds really be be protected?" as the Italians conceive it, but it cannot be discussed at the close Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 197 of this |)a|)cT. M\- aim has ht-cii to ,L!;ivc' tht' view of the t'c' [hv daii.t^HT in this liahil, and refuse to do so, will liax'e a better elKUue to li\x' loiii,'. At tlu' conier of the porch was a spreading funkia. L'nder it our cat |o\-ed to lii', thoui^h alwa\s dri\H-n awa\- when found there, he may have spent the night there. It is a (juestion what to do with cats in the bird-nesting season. On the morning of the si.xth, the tragedy must have taken place before I took my place on the porch, for the mother bird came no more. The male bird fretted for her and came and dropped a moth inside the nest, though he knew she was not there. He hung above the cup with his neck stretched down to look in the door, and then uttered his discontented call. Once before, when she was lost, he had used this querulous call and it had driven her back to the nest, — she was neg- lecting her duties. Now it was the only sound he made; there was no more song. The family came home. If the boy could not see a nestful of young birds he should at least see the eggs! I went to the nest — the eggs were gone — not even a shell was left — and the eggs were not on the ground — there was nothing to show there had ever ever been an egg in the nest! The doorway was too small for any bird but a Wren to enter, — what had he done with those eggs ? Some one said "He must have eaten them." Perish the base thought! — until it is proved against him. On the same day in which the loss of the eggs was discovered, the Wren was seized with a fury of industry, and back and forth from the nest to the pine tree he flew, each time carrying out a single feather and dropping it from his perch in the pine tree. When the feathers were all out, he carried out the hairs of which the nest was made till the last one caught about a twig and hung from his doorway. He did not carry out any twigs. What a sad piece of demolition it was. But, fortunately the little fellow had a short memory, for now, on the other side of the house, he at once began to sing for another mate ; and the song which had before seemed so cheerful now seemed a very sad and lonely one. It was so late in the season to have his hopes blasted, and how could he e.xpect another mate? As he sang, I counted ten, then counted ten between the songs, — the song and the silence were of the same length. Thus it went on, the bird occasionally coming to the side of the house where the porch with the empty nest was. And one day she came and entered the little doorway, while his bubbling song and lifted quivering wings testified to his delight. But she came out of the little house, and flew away never to return. Did she feel there the presence of the ghost of the murdered bird ? He followed her and never came back. In some happier spot where death had not been, they may have made another home and raised their brood. An Attempt to Establish a Purple Martin Colony By WM. C. HORTON, Brattleboro, Vt. A COLONY of Purple Martins which for twenty five years had occupied a house at the home of Mr. Wm. C. Horton, Brattleboro, Vermont, having been killed by the exceptional weather of June, 1903 (See Bird-Lore Vol. V, 1903, 164), Mr. Horton has attempted to establish a new colony by plac- ing Martins' eggs under Tree Swallows. While his experiment has not met with success it is nevertheless encouraging and, from a purely ornithological point of view, exceedingly interesting. Mr. Horton writes that the "experiment was tried under favorable circum- stances, as the Tree Swallows were occupying my old Purple Martin house, and had been for three years. Five years ago, when the Martins left on their migra- tion south, they numbered about eighty young and old." FROM MR. HORTON'S NOTE-BOOK May 31, 1907 — Received four Purple Martin's eggs from J. Warren Jacobs, Waynesburgh, Pa. June I, 1907 — I found six Tree Swallow's eggs in nest; four eggs were removed and replaced by four Martin's eggs. June 6, 1907 — I removed the other two Tree Swallow's eggs, leaving the four Martin's eggs, only. The Swallow was sitting on the eggs nicely. June 16, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. Found one egg hatched. June 16, 1907 — 6.00 P.M. Found two more eggs hatched. June 17, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. Found the fourth egg hatched. The young Mar- tins were doing well, their foster parents feeding them as though they were their own. June 22, 1907 — Young ^Martins growing and looking finely. Eyes not open vet and not a feather started. Foster parents feeding them nicely. June 24, 1907 — 6.00 A.M. Young Martins progressing finely. Feathers begin- ing to show under the skin. Eyes just beginning to open. Foster parents are caring for them satisfactorily. June 25, 1907 — 6.30 A.M. Young Martins' eyes about one-third open; feathers just beginning to show through skin. June 26, 1907 — This morning 6.30 a.m. I found the young Martins' eyes open ; feathers well started through skin ; tail feathers showing perceptibly. All were doing finely and were plump and fat, — foster parents giving them the best of care. June 29, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. On visiting the Martin house, I found not one young Martin in the nest. One was found on the ground under the house, and from its appearance I should say it had been dead two or three days. I could not find the other three. What caused this disaster I cannot conceive, but it ended summa- rily my first experiment in trying to establish a Purple Martin colony. (204) The Migration of Thrushes FIFTH AND CONCLUDING PAPER Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey With drawings by I.ouis Agassiz FukrieS and BKitK Hokskall TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE THIS s])ecies l)i-ci'(ls ihroughoul thr Rock}- mountain re,:,non from nortliern Mexico and southern California to the valley of the Yukon, near Circle Citw and the valley of the Mackenzie near the Nahanni Mountains; and from the Pacific coast to western Texas, western Nebraska and central Montana. Since it winters as far north as southern British Columbia and central Montana, its migrations are not extensive, and consist largely in i)assing from the winter home in the valleys to the breeding grounds on the hii^h mountains. Most of the migration dates fall in the month of March. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD The Mountain Bluebird breeds north to southern Manitoba, southern Sas- katchewan, Lesser Slave Lake and the upper Yukon; and winters north to central Kansas and northern California. It is one of the early spring migrants, as shown by the following dates: Northern Colorado, average, March 6, earliest, February 24, 1902; Cheyenne, Wyo., March 12, 1889; Custer City, S. D., March 17, 1897; Terry, Mont , average, March 25, earliest, March 20, 1903; Columbia Falls, Mont., aver- age, March 23, earliest, March 9, 1895; Rathdrum, Idaho, March i, 1903; Spo- kane, Wash., March i, 1905; southern British Columbia, average, March 9, earliest, March 3, 1906; Banff, Alberta, April 2, 1903; Medicine Hat, Sask., April 6, 1894. The latest date on which the species was seen in Los Angeles county, Cal., was March 14, 1895, and the earliest date of the return in the fall, October 31, 1897. The last birds leave southern Manitoba, on the average, October 13, the latest date being October 16, 1900. The latest date at Columbia Falls, Mont., is November 6, 1896; and in southern British Columbia, November 6, 1888. Bird-Lore's Colored Plates With the publication of colored figures of the Solitaire and Mountain Bluebird, the series of plates of North America Turdidae is completed. It is proposed now to take up the Flycatchers, and the first plate of this series will appear in Bird- Lore for December. Much time is required in the preparation of these plates, and it is necessary now to select the group which will follow the Flycatt. hers. We ask our readers, therefore, to write to the Editor stating their choice of the next family to be treated. The delay in the appearance of this number of Bird-Lore is due to unexpected difficul- ties in the preparation of this plate. — Ed. (205) The Starling in America In the last issue of Bird-Lore (Vol. IX, p. 172) the editor called for replies to the fol- lowing questions concerning the Starling (Stum us vulgaris) in this country: 1. When did the Starling first appear in your vicinity ? 2. What is its status now? 3. Do you consider it a desirable addition to our avifauna ? 4. If undesirable, give reasons why. 5. Do you know of any Starlings, other than those released in Central Park, which have been introduced into this country ? 6. Was the introduction successful? Several correspondents have responded to these questions serially, others in a general YOUNG SrAKLIXG AT EXTRAXCE TO NEST Photographed by A. L. Princchorn, New Rochelle, N. Y. way. All the replies arc given below as a con- tribution to the history of this introduced spe- cies. It appears that although Starlings have been introduced at several localities in eastern North America (see the note of Mr. Morris beyond) only those birds released by the im- porter, William Bartels, under the direction of their purchaser, the late Mr. Eugene Schief- felin, have prospered. On May 16, 1895, Mr. Schieffelin wrote us that 80 Starlings were released in Central Park, New York City, on March 6, 1890, and that on April 25, 1891, 40 more were set free in the same place. The city to the south, the Hudson river to the west and East River to the east proved, for a time, boundaries to range extension in those directions, and the bird spread more rapidly and more numerously northward into the country lying between the Hudson river and Long Island sound. Stonington, Conn., to the east, and Poughkeep- sie and Newburgh to the north, mark the known limits of the Starling's range in these direc- tions, while to the south it seems not to be established beyond Plainfield and Morristown, N. J., although a report has been re- ceived of its presence in Baltimore in the fall of 1906. — Ed. The Introduction of the Starling at Springfield, Mass. In the early spring of 1897 nearly one hundred Starlings were liber- ated in a secluded spot in Forest Park, in Springfield, Mass. The next day two of these birds re- turned and entered the box in which they had been confined and which had been left at the place where they were let go, undoubt- edly coming back for the food that they could obtain there. From that time, for nearly a year, noth- ing was heard from these birds by the persons who had released them. Then it was learned that (206) The Starling in America 207 three had wintiTfd in thr town of Long- meadow, aljout live niik's from where they had been liberated. I saw these three birds several limes, but before the middle of spring they had disappeared. About that time it was reported by a farmer that at another place nearby a Blackbird had spent the winter in the vicinity of his house. Very likely this bird was a Starling, as Blackbirds only very rarely winter in this region. The meteorological conditions of the year following the release of these birds was about normal, except that in July the rainfall was almost unprecedented, nearly fifteen inches being recorded in Spring- field for the month. Since the spring of 189S, the presence of an unconfined Starling within twenty-five miles of Springfield has not been noted by any competent observer. — Robert O. Morris. The Starling at Norwalk, Conn. Starlings were first discovered in Norwalk in the spring of 1900 by Mr. Frank L. Hum- medieu, who called my attention to them. They were first seen by me on June 10, of that year. They first located in the extreme south- eastern part of the town, but now can be found in various parts of the town, they hav- ing increased much in number. I have heard some complaints against them but I am apt to take it with a grain of salt and have plenty of leniency for them, and believe they do much good. Whether or not they will be a desirable addition to our avifauna, depends; some think not. — George P. Ells. The Starling at New Haven, Conn. 1. The first bird I saw at New Haven was on October 26, 1901. I did not see the species again until 1905, and the first nest that I saw was in 1904. 2. At present the Starling is a common bird in the city and in certain localities in the surrounding country. It is increasing. In the fall of 1906 I saw a flock in the salt marshes near Woodmont, Conn., which I estimated at about 1,500 birds. 3. I do not think that the Starling is a desirable addition to our avifauna. 4. .\i cording to my observations the Star- ling is mu( h more fond of hollow limbs in ajjple orchards, etc., than the English Spar- row and, for this reason, is liable to have more effect on the Bluebird and others than the English Sparrow has had. In feeding habits I believe that they are largely bene- ficial, as they eat insects both in meadows and pastures, and from the terminal twigs and bark of elm and apple trees. In spite of this, they are probably not so valuable as the Blue- birds and others that they drive away, and are, therefore, not desirable. — A. A. Saunders. The Starling at Bethel, Conn. The Starling was first seen in Bethel during the first week in April, 1907. On April 16 I saw a pair building in the clock-tower of the Congregational church. There was a shingle off on its southwestern corner and they were bringing dry grass from a sidehill nearby to this hole. I saw them nearly every day after this for about two weeks, when they seemed to disappear entirely. — Robert S. Judd. The Starling at New Haven, Conn. I first identified the Starling in New Haven on March 4, 1903. I had been in this city only three months at that time and, judging by the numbers then present, I think that they must have been here as early as 1901. The Starling is very common here and seems to be well established. My daily bird record, in which I record the birds observed every day, shows that in the 218 days from January i, 1907, to date (August 5), I have recorded the Starling 213 times, although there are other sections of the city in which it is more abundant. Regarding their distribution, I would say that on one occasion, during the summer of T906, Mr. Philip Buttrick, my brother, and myself observed the Starling at Stonington, Conn. Stonington is fifteen miles east of New London. I think that nearly all Starlings raise at least two broods each year. I know of two pairs both of which have raised two broods. One of these pairs commenced the construc- tion of their nest on April 3, and the second 2o8 Bird - Lore brood flew July 25. I think that six is the ordinary number of young. While the young are being raised the old birds keep very quiet. They usually go to a considerable distance for food, and they make their trips to and from the nest with great regularity. They obtain their food on lawns or, if there is one convenient, from a cow pasture. In the winter I have often seen them eat decayed apples. About the middle of July the first flocks of Starlings appear. These flocks, I think, are largely composed of young birds of the first brood, as a large part of the old birds are still occupied with family affairs. During the fall and winter the Starlings gather in flocks. — Clifford H. P.^ngburn. The Sterling at Wethersfield, Conn. In the spring of 1906, in Wethersfield, Conn., where I reside, I noticed a strange, dark-colored bird, with straws in its bill, fly- ing toward an old tree with a hole in it where a branch had been sawed off. This bird was entirely new to me and for a long time I did not have a chance to observe it again. How- ever, the following winter a flock of five or more of these birds stayed with us all through the winter months. I finally decided that without a doubt they were English Starlings; probably the first observed in this section of the state. It is evident that at least one brood was raised, and in all probability more broods will be raised, as I observed the parent birds flying across my yard many times during the past summer and have been very much interested in their strange calls. — Albert Morgan. The Starling at Stonington and New Haven In reply to the request for information con- cerning the English Starling, made in the last issue of Bird-Lore, I can say that the Star- ling has reached New London and beyond. In July, 1906, during a three-weeks' stay at Stonington, Conn., I saw this bird twice. The first time on July 9, at a short dis- tance outside the town; the ne.xt day in the town itself. This time I was accompanied by Mr. D. B. Pangburn, a well-known New Haven bird student. On neither occasion was identification doubtful. Once, while passing though New London on the train, Mr. Pangburn and myself saw a Starling sitting on a telegraph wire in the railroad yards there. I am inclined to think that the Starling is not numerous east of New Haven. At West- brook, Conn., near the mouth of the Connec- ticut river, it is practically unknown. Miss B. A. Moore, a bird student who has had field experience with the bird, says that it is some years since a Starling has been seen in the town, and she doubts if there is a pair there now. This bird was first reported from New Haven by Dr. L. B. Bishop. He discovered it on December 3, 1900, as reported in 'The Auk' (Vol. XVIII, 1901). By 1903 it had be- come common, and today it is, next to the English Sparrow, the most numerous and conspicuous bird in the city, and it is con- stantly on the increase. Starlings roost in most of the church towers, even those on the green, often in company with flocks of escaped domestic pigeons, with which they seem to get along peaceably. I wish we could settle the question of the desirability of the Starlings by saying that they are a desirable addition to our avifauna in the cities, for there they do not come into contact with many native species, and they are certainly fully as interesting as the English Sparrow. It seems to me, however, that they seek the city largely as a place of protection from the elements, that only a small portion of their food supply is drawn from it, and that the great bulk of them nest outside of its borders. During midday, few are seen in the city except when the ground is covered with snow. They are seldom seen on the ground or about the streets in the neighborhood of their roosts, with us. Toward dusk they .appear near their roosting-places, flying from the direction of the surrounding country, singly and in flocks. At the same time of day I have stood on the hills outside the city and seen them flying toward it. At daybreak there is a re\ersc flight. The Starling in America 209 Near my liome is a large clin tree which rises above the surrounding shade trees and has a very large, flat crown; near it is a church tower, used as a roosting-place. Late in the affernoon on winter days often as many as a hundred Starlings may be seen in this tree, altogether making a racket that may be heard several blocks. Yet I do not know of a pair breeding in the neighborhood. These facts, together witli the fact that during late summer, when few Starlings are to be found in the city, they are found in flocks on the marshes, convinces me that, economically, they must be considered with the Grackles and Red-wings, and not with the English Sparrow and a few other city dwellers, and that to arrive at an estimate of their desirability we must examine their food supply. In Germany (see Baron Laffert in ' Forest and Stream' for March 30, 1907) they are regarded as economically valuable. It may be we shall find them a welcome addition to our avifauna. — P. L. Buttrick. The Starling at New London, Conn. The Starling has arrived in New London. On May 28, 1907, a friend came to me and wanted me to go up near her house to see a strange Blackbird. From her description I suspected it to be the Starling, which I had been looking for ever since it was reported from New Haven and Norwalk. Sure enough, it was the Starling, which I saw for the first time. There were not more than ten birds in all, and several of them were big young birds, still being fed by the old birds; so it looks as if they had come early enough for the nesting. This is their first appearance in New London, as far as I know, and I have never seen them except in that locality, so that I can not say so soon whether they are desirable or not. — Fr.ances M. Graves. Starlings observed by Mr. Heineken, about twenty in number, settled in Livingston, Staten Island, in November, 1891. The fol- lowing summer he found a nest in West New Brighton; and in the winter of 1892-3 the Starlings at Livingston numbered about forty. Thereafter they slowly increased; but even in 1898 Mr. Heineken knew of no others on the island than those at Livingston and West New Brighton. Only three or four years ago, when Star- lings were quite numerous throughout the northern and eastern portions of the island, they were rarely to be seen in the less populous districts. At the present time, however, they may be seen almost anywhere on the island, though they still seem to favor the vicinity of houses. During the early summer, while breeding, they are very inconspicuous, but in the autumn they wander about in large flocks. I have never seen them attack any of our native birds, but their rapid increase is start- ling. I do not believe in introducing foreign birds, but, even now, I doubt if the Starling could be completely exterminated.. It is a far warier bird than the House Sparrow, and e ven that pest seems well able to survive the half- hearted dislike of the general public. — -J.^mes Chapin, iVfw Brightun, Staten Island, N. Y. The Starling at Orient, L. I. Two Starlings have been observed here this spring. They Were first seen on May t2, by Mr. Rufus W. Tuthill, an enthusiastic local ornithologist, who called my attention to them. They were seen almost daily through May, spending most of the time in a large cherry tree, containing an old Crow's nest, fifty yards from the highway and a trifle farther from the dwelling of Mr. Tuthill. Orient is at the extreme end of Long Island on the north shore and one hundred miles from New York City. — Roy Latham. The Starling on Staten Island, N. Y. The early history of the Starling on Staten Island, N. Y., has already been recorded by Mr. W. P. Heineken in the 'Proceedings of the Natural Science Association of Staten Island' for February 12, 1898. The first The Starling at Morristown, N. J. I believe that the Starling has never been seen in this locality until 1907. On March 20 I saw a flock of about twenty, and since that time until the last week in June saw one or more of them nearly every day. On June 9 2IO Bird - Lore I saw probably two hundred of them flying in small flocks toward some evergreens, evidently to roost, as it was near evening. I have noticed a number of nesting-places, both in hollows in trees and under electric- light hoods. No acts of aggression against other birds came under my notice ; but one old orchard that has heretofore furnished nesting -sites for a number of Bluebirds was almost de- serted by them this year, and the Starlings were in possession. — R. C. Caskey. The Starling at Englewood, N. J. 1. March 15, rSgS, two were seen, 2. Tolerably common. 3. No. 4. They are noisy and unmusical, and, with their fondness for buildings, I think would soon become a nuisance. Moreover, when a flock takes possession of an old or- chard or similar neighborhood, their rapid increase makes it probable that Bluebirds, Wrens and other small birds would soon be driven out. 5. No. — Is.^BEL McC. Lemmon. The Starling at Plainfield, N. J. The Starling was first noticed by me in the vicinity of Plainfield, N. J., on February 11, 1900, when I met with a flock of seven birds in Ash Swamp, Union county. Since that date they have steadily increased in numbers and are now generally distributed and com- mon in the surrounding country. Although the Starlings do not seem to openly annoy or drive away our native birds, there can be little doubt that their increase will have an unfavorable eff'ect on several of our native birds that have similar nesting or feeding habits. For this reason, I would be glad to see them exterminated in this country, but greatly doubt the possibility of doing so. — W. DeW. Miller. BROWN THRASHER Photographed by Henry R. Carey, Portsmouth, N. H. jBtote0 from Jftelti anti ^tudp Trapping English Spanows That I may not be considered heartless, let tne lirsl sa\- that I am known as a lover of i)irds: i)Ut earh year that adds to my acquain- tance with tile I'Jii^lish Sparrows, brings my wrath against them nearer to the boiling- point. If they only went about their own business, living their own lives, one could forgive their disagreeable, insistent noise, and even forgive the expense they entail by their depredations in the chicken-yard; but they seem to have only mean traits and, certainly, they are pleasing to neither eye nor ear. When I hear people called tender-hearted who plead in favor of the English Sparrow, I cannot help feeling that they must live where there is a sad scarcitv of our more attractive i)iids. Not thai 1 (loui)t their tenderness of heart, only it seems to me that they cannot have had opportunities to observe this Spar- row among communities of other birds. There may be exceptional individuals but, as a whole in my experience, the English Sparrows have really vicious natures; I know lhe\- drive away and harass other birds. They, and of late the Starlings, have appropriated all the holes in the old apple trees, they promptly take possession of nearly every bird-box I make, or in the few cases where Bluebirds or Wrens have succeeded in starting a home, the Sparrows try to oust them; failing in this, they pester and harass them nearly to death: and this, even, when they have a home and family of their own. From what I have seen, I believe I am justified in saying that the English Sparrows .VRTIMCIAL RriSHlSH HK.M' 1\ WHICH THK I'H( ) TC )(;R.\1'HP:R W .\S (( )XCK.\LEI) WHILF. .\I.\KIX(i THE .\CCO.Nn\ANYING PICTURES OK ENGLISH SPARROWS Photographed by A. L. Princehorn (2,1) 212 Bird - Lore will neglect their young for long intervals many times a day, iust to persecute other birds. I have seen them pull out nesting materia! from Wrens' boxes, the entrance to which was so small that the}- could only gel their heads in. I have seen them pull to pieces a Robin's nest only to let the material float off on the breeze. I have seen them enter Starlings' nests every time the Starlings left to get food for their young and remain only just long enough to escape detection; and the way they harass my Wrens inclines me to murder- ous thoughts. We are told that besides the birds of prey, Crows, Blue Jays, Grackles and even Catbirds become cannibals at times and eat little nestlings of other birds, but English Sparrows have been known to kill them and I'ust drop them to the ground in what looks like pure wanton cruelty. All told, the English Sparrow is a menace in too many ways to deserve considering his pro- tection. They are dirty, noisy, quarrelsome, meddlesome and cruel. To be perfectly fair, I will say that for a couple of weeks in the spring they no doubt are a benefit to my elm trees for they eat the little green worm that attacks the leaves; but I am very confident that were the Sparrows absent or more scarce my trees would be quite as well cared for by Warblers and X'ireos, — birds that I see fewer of every \ear. It is the same with Song Sparrows and Bluebirds, both of which I used to have in large numbers. I fear we have got to choose between having English Sparrows with perhaps a few Robins and Grackles on the one hand and hav- ing all the other birds indigenous to the locality on the other; and as this latter c hoice means having perhaps fifty dif- ferent varieties nesting within a stone's throw, and all of them valuable because of the good they do, it has my vote. This means that I must rid the place of the Sparrows as far as possible. I dislike having them shot, fearing some might escape instant death and get away to die slowly; so I was glad to learn of a way to trap them. The knowledge came to me by mere accident but the method seemed to work, and I give it here below. Get some of the very large wire rat-traps, the kind that have the funnel-shaped entrance the small end of the funnel pointed inward. Sprinkle on the floor of the trap some grain or crumbs or any suitable bird-food and a little more on the ground leading to the trap. Place it where the birds will see it and if you have the luck mv stable-bov had vou will Notes from Field and Study 213 have caught fifteen or twrnty Sparrows in as many minutes; thc-n ihey may be drowned. It seems incredible trap, but I had the evidence of my own eyes and I mean to try this method late in the fall and through the coming winter; for, of course, it should be done only after the fall and before the sprin.i; migrations. A very few yea'S of persist- ent work should re- sult in bringing back many birds whose gay colors or sweet song are sadly missed or rarely seen or heard— Mi«. Paxjl Conn. :hat Ihev will flew from the vines and settled on the cross of the ( hurt h spire, preening his feathers, ap- [)arenlly oblivious to all the trouble he caused. R BoxNER, Statu jord, A Plea for the Sparrow In the April numljer of Bird-Lcjre I read an article condemning the much-maligned English Sparrow, stating that it drove off the Robins and other song-birds. This statement, often made, is so contrary to my own obser- vations that I feel obliged, in justice to the Sparrows, to give my experience. Around our old home there were many trees, with a lawn in front, where the birds daily collected. In the vines covering the stone walls of the church and parish house adjoining, the Spar- rows built their nests, while the others built theirs around the piazza or in trees nearby. One morning, while in the library, I heard a frightful signal of distress from a Robin, followed instantly by a pro- longed noisy chattering from the Spar- rows. Hurrying out to learn the cause and to protect the birds if necessary, I saw a Robin perched on top of the parish house chimney, trailing his wings and giv- ing a shrill cry of distress. The frightened Sparrows had flown from their nests, and settled on a beech tree in front of the house. In a few minutes a Sparrow Hawk The Roljin, however, still gave his call of alarm and the Sparrows chattered in angry protests in the tree. After a few minutes the Hawk flew away and the Robin gave him chase, joined by another bird, and soon all three were lost to sight. The Sparrows then returned to their nests and peace was restored. Three times I think it was that the Robin warned the Sparrows of their enemy, and they always heeded his cry, leaving the vines and fleeing from them in distress to the tree on the lawn. The Sparrows and Robins I have constant- ly feeding together, neither disturbing the other. Sometimes perhaps an impudent or quarrelsome fellow would jump toward a ^^-^^ ';;*;'?^ 214 Bird -Lore Robin, but he would only move a short dis- tance off and go on peacefully "grubbing." The Sparrows' main food is so different from the worms the Robins eat that there is no reason why they should be enemies. A friend feeds the birds daily from her window, and both the Robins and Sparrows feed together on her roof. As to the farmers' objections, I find the Robins are the thieves of their cherries and strawberries; but, after all, we have plenty of our garden fruits to spare the birds their gleanings. Instead of seeing fewer song-birds, for the last two summers, there have been more. m;t'--. The Robins have returned each spring very fat and tame. There are many trees and gardens where I am now living in Germantown, Philadelphia, and this summer before leaving, there were many beautiful birds settled for their summer abode in the trees around. The Sparrows, too, were many, but they settled their families in the vines around the house, or back of the shutters, which were not often closed. The Sparrows gleaned much of their food from the streets, while the Robins, Blackbirds and many others fed in the gardens or lawns around. I plead for the Sparrows who stay with us all winter, through cold and ice. They are always cheery and so grateful if you cast them even a crumb which falls from your table. So trustful and sure you will not forget them, while they wait patiently in the cold, huddled together, until you have eaten your warm breakfast, only softly chirping their knock at your front or kitchen door. — M. Eloise Ri,'MXEV, Germanlo-iim, Philadelphia, Pa. English Sparrow Notes In the May- June, 1905, number of Bird- Lore (page 176), is a very interesting note "The English Sparrow as an Evictor," in which your correspondent intimates he would like to hear from the readers "who have really discouraged these pests," and experiences in the use of firearms for their extermination, ''as to whether or not the shooting scared away any other birds." In the spring of 1902, a pair of Bluebirds, after thorough inspection, began carrying building material to one of the apartments in the bird-house which is fastened to the top of the horse barn, to be immediately set upon, of course, by a pair of English Sparrows, and ousted after an unequal fight. Thereupon the lordly cock Sparrow settled himself before the disputed door and began his impudent yelp- ing, to the evident chagrin of the crestfallen Bluebirds and the raising of my ire, for seiz- ing my brother's 22-calibre Winchester repeater, I carefully concealed myself, fully determined to teach that Sparrow a lesson if possible, to give him one good scare at least. A few flying feathers was the only tangible result of the light report of the rifle, plus the sudden ceasing of the yelps. Returning the rifle to its accustomed place, I brought out the glasses and discovered the body of the braggart on the shelf where he had stood and fallen. With considerable wonder as to whether or not the Bluebirds would take offense at the use of a gun in ther nearby presence, I kept a keen lookout and was soon gratified to see the pair working their way slowly back to their rightful possessions, — alighting on the barn, on the weather-vane of the bird-house, and all the time warbling to each other in their soft, pretty voices. Finally the male became bolder and flew down to the shelf on which lay his dead enemy, eyeing the body askance, hopped nearer, and finally shoved the body over the edge where it fell to the ground below and I picked it up, still warm. Then the Bluebirds engaged in such a hallelujah as I never witnessed before and Notes from Field and 'Study 215 only once since, the entire family of us watch- ing the proceedings with much irtterest from the time llie shot w;is I'lrcd. The tjirds sang and warlilcd, made ecstatic little gyrations in the air and hoj)ped around in the grass not fifteen feet from the door where we were watching them, warbling over and over again their soft notes, the beautiful blue of tlieir plumage fairly scintillating in the sun. The next day both birds — I suppose the same jmir — were carrying materials to the bird-house. In a day or two another pair of Sparrows drove away the Bluebirds with e.xactly the same result as happened to cock number one, and with exactly the same happy evolutions of Bluebirds, even to the male pushing or knocking the dead Sparrow over the edge to the earth below. This time the Bluebirds were left in peace and happily reared their brood in the bird-house. This year a pair of Bluebirds nested early in the same bird-house; Chipping Sparrows in a large gooseberry bush not fifteen feet from the back of the house, and Robins under an outside stairway of the shop. These nests, aside from the Bluebirds, were inspected daily and the Chippy's was photographed once. About this time a cloud of English Sparrows settled down and, as usual, my brother began shooting them with his .22 rifle. I have repeatedly watched these nests by turns as he aimed, and have never seen a bird fly therefrom at the light report of the rifle. Both the Bluebirds and Chipping Sparrows are now nesting for the second time on or near the first sites. This is only one or two years' experience out of seven or eight, during which time my brother and self have used the 22-caliber (never a shot-gun) effectively and effectually until either of us appearing anywhere in sight has been the signal for a general flight of Sparrows, they finally leaving for good and all for months at a time. Meanwhile all the other birds are confiding and fearless, and abound in great numbers around the house. — Leli.-x E. Honsinger, St. Albans, Vt. English Sparrow Notes In the May-June, 1905, issue of Bird- Lore, Mr. F. M. Bennet's account of his English Sparrow troubles is of more than ordinary interest to me, for my own exijeri- ences with this pest have been strangely similar. His description of the actions of these Sparrows toward the "respectable" birds illustrates splendidly the way my English Sjmrrows have done. I, too, have bird-boxes, and my Bluebirds had a hard time indeed until I relieved them. Perhaps a brief account of my experiences will be welcomed by other bird-lovers, whose bird-boxes are infested with these pests. My plan for exterminating the English Sparrows is simple, but is better than it sounds. I simply shoot from the house, through a win- dow slightly raised, every English Sparrow that comes to a bird-box. .'\s I do not thrust the muzzle out of the window, very little noise is heard outside and the birds are not disturbed, — except, of course, the stricken Sparrow. I use a 38-caliber auxiliary barrel inside of my shot-gun, the shells being charg- ed with smokeless powder and dust-shot; but, of course, any rifle or gun with a similar charge would do. Now, one might say that all bird-boxes cannot be reached from a window, and indeed I have several times shot Sparrows from out- doors from necessity. And I can say this truthfully: the bang of the rifle did not frighten my Bluebirds or Tree Swallows in the least. They even seemed to appreciate the service I was doing them. In one case, an English Sparrow expelled a Tree Swallow from one of the boxes, and sat uttering its disgusting notes at the door. The Swallow lit in a nearby tree. From outdoors I shot the English Sparrow, which fell to the ground. Almost immediately the Swallow, with a joyful twitter, was on the grass by the dead Sparrow, surveying it quizzically from all sides; then it entered its own home in peace. I give this incident more as a noteworthy happening in bird-life than as an illustration of "how Tree Swallows regard the bang of a gun," however; yet, as I said, my Bluebirds and Swallows seem to know my good intent towards them while, on the other hand, I now take pride in the fact that the English Spar- ows in my yard have become as wild as Hawks, and fly at the mere rattling of a window-sash. 2l6 Bird- Lore I certainly should not recommend Sparrow- shooting to readers of Bird-Lore if my own experiments in doing so had not proved highly satisfactory as they have; for this year I have had the pleasure of recording, in my yard, more birds than ever before, and several never seen there before; while the nests, built all within twenty feet of the house, show that the birds trust in us for their protection. Let the following "nest-record" speak for itself: One Song Sparrow's nest and four young, in shrubbery eight feet from our front steps; one Chippy's nest in front-piazza vine, I'ust built; two Bluebirds' nests in boxes, one pair just raising second brood; one Yellow Warbler's nest with young in bush; one Tree Swallow's nest and eggs in box, live feet from ground and near our parlor window, and one Robin's nest and eggs on top of same box. And I have killed no less than a score of English Sparrows on these boxes since early spring! And my Swallows are so tame that I can stand within a yard of them without any uneasiness on their part. — Richard M. Hunt, Winchester, Mass. An Attractive Visitor On the ninth of May a friend gave me a female Blackburnian Warbler which had evi- dently been stunned in some way, as it was lying with closed eyes when found. When the exquisite little orange-throated creature came into my possession she had greatly improved and could fly about again. I brought her home with me and placed her in my room until after supper when I attempted to find some insects with which to try to tempt her appetite. Three circumstances greatly hind- ered my success in this laudable undertaking. In the first place, it was growing dusk. In the second place, the season was but little ad- vanced and the evening cool, and in the third place, I am not related to the family Tyranni- dae. However, I procured a few specimens and attempted to feed my little friend, but she refused to eat a mouthful. I picked up my orange stick and found that the mite's feet would close around it beautifully. After a little I walked carefully to my bureau and shut the sharpened end of the orange stick in one of the drawers. I left the room, and when I returned later with the light I found the tiny traveler still on the slick with her head tucked carefully under her wing and resembling a dainty pompon, save for the almost imperceptible rising and falling of the little breast. Later she roused a little and I put out the light, fearing she would become frightened and fly about the room. A few A VISITING BLACKBURXI.W WARBLER Photographed from nature moments later I lighted a match and found that my guest had again tucked the head under and was settled for the night. In the morning she was still sitting on her perch but later began to fly about the room. I placed a fly on the rubber tip of my fencing foil and slowly raised it toward her as she sat on a picture-frame, but she still scorned my advances. I climbed on a chair and placed a fly on the picture-frame and on her return she cocked her head and eyed it with interest. The next time she came I was overjoyed to see her snap up the little fly. I found a sunny Notes from Field and Study 217 phuc in the f^ank'ii whrri' I was ahlf In caWh sonic Hies, and a good part of my morning was spent in this humble occupation. The little stranger soon concluded that I served up a fairly acceptable class of delicatessen, and, waiving formality, sat upon my hand and ate flies by the wholesale. I put my face down close to the exquisite mite, but found her so apparently interested in my eyes that I had to keep them partly closed for fear of the sharp little beak. Perhaps she was fascinated by seeing the ri'tlcction of her dainty self. I introduced her to the dining-room bay- window, filled with house plants, and here she was indeed happy, for she hopped from plant to plant, picking up insects and larva* by the dozen. She had many callers during her short stay with me, but seemed to care little how many people were about her. Early in the afternoon I caught the tiny morsel, placed her on a spray of alder and photo- graphed her. But pictures are so inadequate to her coloring and grace that they seem almost sacrilegious. In the early afternoon I gave her her freedom, leaving her time to get her bearings before dark, and I may always think as I look upon one of these brightest gleams in our migrating throng, "perhaps it's my beautiful little friend." — Mary Pierson Allen, Hackettstown, N. J. The Skylark (Alauda arvensis) on Long Island About mid- June, while passing a vacant field in Flatbush, Greater New York, my attention was arrested by the flight song of a Skylark. The bird was above this vacant lot and continued to rise and poise in the manner so described. It remained in the air for at least five minutes, singing continually, or until I walked some distance away. Then it descended in zigzag fashion to a point near the center of the field. Thinking it might have alighted near a nest, I carefully marked the spot and walked rapidly over to it. I flushed the bird at about the point I expected, but a systematic search failed to discover a nest or flush another bird. When the bird was flushed it again rose in song flight . Another bird was seen in a nearby field. On August 30, 1907, I went to the same place for the jairpose of investigating the status of the Skylark in that locality. In the same field where the bird was found in June one was flushed, but it merely flew away much after the manner of a Horned Lark, no song was heard and no other bird was seen. I enquired about the bird at the otiice of a real estate dealer nearby and was referred to an intelligent ex-farmer living in the vicinity. This gentleman said that the bird was a regu- lar but not abundant permanent resident, equally common in winter and summer; that about eight years before while farming in that section, he found a nest and four young, and he did not believe that the birds had in- creased in numbers since that time. He esti- mated that there were not more than thirty birds in a radius of a mile in that section. In two fields in front of his place he thinks that the birds now breed and says that in the early- evenings they rise in flight song above these fields. Of course the song is heard only dur- ing a period covering the breeding season and a short time prior to and following it. During, the rest of the year, the birds are compara- tively silent and inconspicuous. For the failure to increase in numbers this gentleman could suggest no cause. — B. S. Bowdish, New York City. Horned Lark Breeding in Connecticut In the July-August Bird-Lore there is published an unsigned article on the Prairie Horned Lark in Connecticut. As the writer, who is a friend of mine, is away from' home' and will not see this article until his return in a month or two, I take the liberty of reply- ing to your request for his name. The writer is Mr. Albert W. Honywill, Jr. I was with Mr. Honywill for a time and also saw the Larks. On May 30, this year, my friend and' I went with Dr. L. B. Bishop to Washington, Conn., and although we went over all the ground, were unable to find any Larks. Sev- eral people, who had become acquainted with the Larks in 1906, said that they had not seen any this year. However, we heard an account of a nest and young which was undoubtedly that of a Horned Lark. We found the Bartramkn Sandpiper oa Mav so. — C. A. Pangburn. 2l8 Bird- Lore ■HW ^-1 rapij ■p ^^fe.:!/M| idUpf ^^K^^^KV 4'.^'jjy?M \^K'^^K^m I^^^^^^T*' ^^^ M 1 ^'^^^^^H WHITE -BREASTED NUTHATCH AND SUET. NOTE THE GRASP OF THE BIRD'S EXTENDED FOOT A Friendly Nuthatch Last winter I kept a lunch-counter for the lairds just outside a window of my room. It was visited by several different species of birds, but the most frequent patrons were the White- breasted Nut- hatches. They ate everything from cracked corn to suet, but seemed particu- larly fond of walnut meats. I took ad- vantage of this and, after the birds had become accustomed to my presence at the window, tried feeding them from my hand. One little fellow became much tamer than the rest and after a few days of training he hopped upon my hand and fed quite fearlessly. After eating a few pieces he invar- iably took one and flew to a nearby tree, where he hid it in a crevice in the bark. Later in the winter, the Nuthatch hopped upon my arm, and even upon the top of my WHITE-BRE.\STED NUTHATCH AT WINDOW FEEDING TR.\Y Notes from Field and Study 219 head, and took food 1 had iihucd there. lie found it great sport to eonie into my todhi and feed from piles of food on the vvindovv-sill, and also from my hand. One day he took another hop towards civili-cation, — -he flew from the window-sill to my dresser and ate from a luni[) of suet I had placed there. After feeding a while, he gave an indignant glance at his image in the looking-glass, and flew out of the window with a piece of food in his hill. He even took food from a chair set a few feet from the window and, at the request to " look pleasant" in the form of a sharp whistle, posed for his picture several times. He apparently paid no attention to the glaring face of the camera only two feet away. My room was now being converted into a photo- graphic studio, but all my customers came in through the window! When out in the vard, the Nuthatch would lly down and eat from the top of my head. He also would tome down the tree trunk and feed from my hand. I took some pictures of him doing this, pressing the bulb with my other hand. (When I was feeding the Nut- hatch, with nothing between me and the bird, I could not help but think of Bird-Lore's motto, but must confess that I thought for the time being that "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush") These little exjjeriences which I had with the Nuthatch, go to show what can be done with a wild bird when its confidence is won. I won the confidence of Teddy (as we called him), and he knew that he would not be harmed or even frightened if he came near me, and therefore he came into my room and fed from my hand with very little fear. Teddy was a friend whom I shall never forget. — EinviN C. Brown. Minneapolis, Minn. \ SELF-SUPPLVIXG LUXCH-COUXTER iloob J^eto0 ant) 2^etoietD0 The Birds of Iowa. By Rudolph Martin Anderson, Proc. Davenport Academy Sciences, xi, 1906, pp. 125- 388. Familiarity with the literature of his sub- iect, access to pertinent collections, the coop- eration of other workers, and an extended personal field experience, combined with an evident grasp of his thesis, have enabled Mr. Anderson to produce an admirable treatise on Iowa birds. An introduction of twenty pages contains sections entitled 'Scope,' 'Historical Work,' 'Relative Abundance,' 'Breeding,' 'Food,' 'Migration,' 'Range in Iowa,' Topography of Iowa,' 'Climate of Iowa,' 'Faunal Areas,' and 'Contributors.' We wish that there had also been included here some discussion of the changes which have occurred in the char- acter of the Iowa ornis incident to the tillage of prairies, drainage of sloughs, planting of trees and increase of population. In this con- nection, we may also suggest the desira- bility of placing in a separate list those species which have become e.xtinct in Iowa. Mr. Anderson is commendably conserva- tive in admitting birds to his list of 353 species; capture within the state and satis- factory identification being the entrance con- ditions imposed. The annotations under each species relate, in the main, to the bird's distribution, relative abundance and season of occurrence, liberal quotations from the earlier writers affording material for comparison with the notes of recent observers. There are also remarks on habits which, in the case of breeding species, often include much interesting biographical matter. — F. M. C. C.ASSINIA. Proc. of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, x, 1906. 8vo. 76 pages, 2 plates. There are evidently certain conditions in and about Philadelphia favorable to the development of ornithological endeavor. Whether Alexander Wilson was stimulated by them, or whether the 'Father of .American Ornithology' created and willed them to his (2 scientific descendants in the valley of the Del- aware, we do not pretend to say, but each year when Cassinia comes to us as a material evidence of the continued activity in organ- ized bird study about Philadelphia, we won- der why such a weU-directed interest cannot be aroused and maintained elsewhere. Fifty observers, for example, sent in sched- ules covering the 1906 migration, and the edi- tor, Mr. Stone, remarks of the work thus far done by the "migration corps" of the D. V. O. C. : " It is doubtful if such an accurate and comprehensive series of data has ever been collected over such a limited area anywhere in America . . ." In addition to a report on the results of this cooperative migration work, and an abstract of the proceedings at the meetings of the Club during igo6, this volume contains papers on 'William Bartram,' by George Spencer Morris (with two plates); ' .\ Study of the Solitary Vireo,' by Cornelius Weygandt; 'Summer Birds of Western Pike County, Pennsylvania,' by Richard C. Harlow; 'The Concordville Robin and Grackle Roost,' by Samuel C. Palmer; 'A June Trip to Pocono Lake, Monroe County, Pennsylvania,' by John D. Carter; and 'Winter Bird-life in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania,' by Wil- liam L. Bailey.— F. M. C. Birds of Labrador. By Charles W. TowNSEND, M.D., and Glover M. Allen, Proc. Boston Society Nat. Hist., Vol. ;i^, pp. 277-428, pi. 29. A summer on the Labrador coast gave the authors of this paper an opportunity to be- come acquainted with the more significant characteristics of the avifauna of the region and, at the same time, gave them that inter- ested and discriminating point of view which only personal experience creates. Hence, we have here, not alone, some exceptionally good biographical material based on original observation — and in passing we commend this paper to young ornithologists as an illus- tration of how much may be seen in a brief period if one is determined to make the best use of one's opportunities, — but a critical Book News and Reviews resume of all that has been previously pub- lished in regard to Labrador birds. The result is a copiously annotated list of 213 "authenticated," 2 "extinct" and 44 "doubt- ful and erroneous species. " Introductory sections on 'Topography,' * Faunal Areas, ' ' Migration, ' ' Ornithological History — Ornithologists,' 'Bird and Egg Destruction,' supply much general informa- tion. While the actual number of specimens col- lected was small, they proved to be of special value showing, among other things, that the Prairie Horned Lark has no status as a Lab- rador bird, Otocoris alpestris alpestris being apparently the only form of the group occur- ring in this region. An unusual feature of this paper is a census of the approximate number of individuals of species of birds seen at stated localities. — F. M. C. Along the L.abr.^dor Co.vst. By Ch.^rles Wendell Townsend, ^M.D., with illus- trations from Photographs and a Map, Boston, Dana Estes & Co., 1907. i2mo. xii -f- 289 pages. 40 half-tones, i map. This book admirably supplements the paper on Labrador birds by its author and Glover M. Allen, reviewed above. It is the story of the summer cruise along the Labra- dor coast, during which was gathered the material on which the more technical paper is based. Each work has its place, and each appeals to its own audience, but in reading the two together one is impressed by the com- parative absence of repetition and conse- quently realizes how much of the story of the expedition would have been left untold if the present work had remained unpublished. Here we have a continuous narrative, in which with no effort at "fine writing," the Labrador coast and its inhabitants, human as well as avian, is brought very clearly before us. We wish there were more books of this kind, and if every traveling ornithologist could tell his story as simply and as pleas- antly as Dr. Townsend relates his, our supply of readable and informing nature literature would be acceptably increased. — F. M. C. The Ornithological Magazines The Auk. — In the 128 pages of the July number there is much to attract the general reader as well as other matters that will more particularly please the student of ornithology. The first instalment of an exhaustive local list of 'The Birds of Custer and Dawson Counties, Montana,' by Mr. E. S. Cameron, is finely illustrated by photographs of the country and is accompanied by two maps. The third instalment of Messrs. Beyer, Allison and Kopman's 'List of the Birds of Louisiana,' will be found on later pages. The Rev. P. B. Peabody writes pleasantly of his experiences with 'The Crossbills of Northeastern Wyoming,' where he found these nomadic birds nesting in mid-winter. A mop-stick proved a successful, though un- certain weapon for securing specimens of the birds. Fledglings and a nest were obtained. Mr. A. H. Clark gives us a glimpse of 'Char- acteristic Kamchatkan Birds ; ' Mr. J. T. Ferry has something to tell us about the win- ter birds of southern Illinois, and Mr. J. C. Wood WTites about the autumn migration of Warblers near Detroit. More technical articles are one by Mr. O. Bangs on birds of Costa Rica, one on a hybrid Humming-bird by Messrs. Bangs and J. E. Thayer, and one on a new Agelaius from Canada by Mr. H. C. Oberholser. Mr. Bangs describes two new species and five new races, but what comes nearer home to most readers of Bird-Lore is the separation by Mr. Oberholser of the Red-winged Blackbird of the Canadian Northwest under the sub- specific name of arctole,qus. This is still another of the millimeter races, differing from its nearest ally, according to its describer's own figures, about 5 per cent in dimensions and nothing in plumage. Inasmuch as the Red-wing is already split into so many races that even experts do not agree as to what name to caU a given specimen, this latest 'split' in a much worked-over — if not over- worked— species is not a welcome guest. An obituary notice of Professor Affred Newton marks the passing of an old-time ornithologist of note. — J. D., Jr. 222 Bird- Lore The Condor. — In the leading article of the July number of 'The Condor,' entitled 'The Grebes of Southern Oregon,' Finley gives an interesting account of the habits of the Western and American Eared Grebes and calls attention to the ruthless manner in which the birds have been destroyed for the millinery trade. Five illustrations from pho- tographs by Bohlman show the old birds, the young and the nests. One figure shows clearly the curious habit the old birds have of carry- ing the chicks on their backs. ' Nesting Habits of Phainopepla nitens,' by Harriet Williams Myers, contains the results of some observa- tions of these interesting birds made near Garvanza, in the vicinity of Los Angeles. A brief, but important, illustrated article on 'The Thick-billed Parrot in Arizona' is contributed by Austin Paul Smith, who states that a flock of Parrots estimated at 700 or 1,000 was observed in the Chiricahua Mountains in August, 1904. He expresses the opinion that the birds are "not nearly as casual as supposed." 'Summer Birds of a Prairie Lake,' by G. Willet, is an account of collecting experiences in northeastern Montana in 1903. Under the title 'Measur- ing a Condor,' M. French Oilman gives notes on several California Condors seen near Werner Ranch and San Jacinto Peak in San Diego county, and near Bear Valley in San Bernardino county. The specimen measured had an expanse of nine feet, ten and one-half inches. Finley adds some brief 'English Sparrow Notes' illustrated by a photograph of a Sparrow's nest built inside of a hornet's nest. Among the short notes ' From Field and Study,' Torrey records the Vermilion Fly- catchers at Santa Barbara, California; Beck adds several species to the list of birds known from Clipperton and Cocos Islands; Finley records the Magnolia Warbler from Salem, Oregon; and Felger the Prothonotary War- bler from Colorado. The 'Directory of the Cooper Ornitho- logical Club,' published in this number, shows that the Club has two honorary and 229 active members, and has lost seventeen members by death. — T. S. P. The Wilson Bulletin. — Four numbers of the 'Wil«on Bulletin' have appeared since the journal was last noticed in these columns. They are filled with the usual annotated lists and popular sketches of bird-life. The September, 1906, number contains a short sketch of the birds of Clayton county, Iowa, by A. R. Sherman, an annotated list of common birds of Whittier, California, by E. Craigmile, based on six months' obser- vation— far too short a time to warrant publication for a region so well known— 'A Purple Martin Roost,' by P. A. Taverner; 'A Glimpse of the Birds of Second Lake, Coos county, N. H., by C. H. Rogers; 'August Days with the Birds,' by L. Jones, — locality not mentioned — -and 'Two Days with Beach Birds and Botanists' at Stone Harbor, N. J., by C. J. Hunt. In the December number J. Henderson describes the birds observed on a trip through northeastern Colorado; the editor presents an anonymous list of 'Birds of Cleveland, Ohio,' which had perhaps better have been preserved in manuscript until something could be learned of the author; F. H. Hall writes of 'Some Western Adirondack Birds,' and L. Jones on ' Some Migration Records in Cedar Point, Erie County, Ohio.' In the March, 1907, number, W. F. Hen- ninger writes at length on the 'Paradise of Germany;' G. C. Fisher describes the 'Nest- ing of Bald Eagles at Lewistown, Ohio ; and C. J. Hunt gives a list of 'August Birds of Lake Sebago, Maine,' with a description of the locality. A list of 'Birds of Summit, N. J.,' by the late L. K. Holmes, is published and Lams jrankUnii and Ammodramm lecontei are added to the Ohio list. The issue for June contains the first in- stalment of an important paper on 'Birds of Point Pelee,' by P. A. Taverner and B. H. Swales, which promises to be one of our best contributions to the bird-life of the Great Lakes. O. Widmann discusses 'Spring Migration Anomalies in 1907,' a subject which we trust may receive further attention from observers elsewhere. Other papers are 'Notes on the Broad-winged Hawk,' by R. W. Shufeldt; 'Our Bird Bath,' by C. F. Schautz; 'Ruby-throats,' by C. J. Hunt, and 'Walter J. Hoxie,' by F. L. Burns. Numerous short notes appear as usual in each number of the Bulletin. — W. S. Editorials 223 ilirti Eore A Bi-monthly Magazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THK AUDUBON SOCIFTIE5 Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Vol. IX Published October 1. 1907 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post- age paid. COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN Bird-Lore's Motto: A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand The annual meeting of the National Association of Audubon Societies, to be held at the American Museum of Natural History on October 29, should be well attended. The Association's increased income has per- mitted it greatly to broaden its field of activ- ities, and with its allied State Societies, it is now not alone the most effective organized protector of wild life, but through its work in disseminating good, sound, popular ornitho- logical literature to the schools, it exerts a profound influence on the future of ornithol- ogy in this country. Numerous possibilities for development present themselves and their discussion at the annual meeting is greatly to be desired. Comparison of conditions prevailing in this country with those which exist in Italy, as they are revealed by Professor Herrick's paper, concluded in this number of Bird- Lore, should give all Americans cause for special thanksgiving. In other phases of ornithology — the study of migration, of geo- graphical distribution, and of climatic varia- tion— .\merican ornithologists, as is well known, are more advantageously situated than their brethren of the continents, where smaller political divisions do not beget the cooperation and unity of interests which are found in this country. Uniformity of law is one of the fundaments of adequate bird protection. While with us the passage of the Model Law, by most of the states in the Union, has gone far toward mak- ing the laws effective in their primary intent, the ideal condition will not be reached until we have a Fefleral law such as Mr. George Shiras, 3d, has proposed, placing the framing and enforcement of all laws relating to migra- tory birds in thchandsof the Ferleral govern- ment. In Europe the altitude of Italy well-nigh renders the whole case hopeless. .\t the International Convention for the Protec- tion of Birds, held in Paris in 1902, Italy's delegate was instructed to sign no "bind- ing schedule," and her refusal to cooperate with the other countries represented was emphasized by her further statement that "no agreement refused by Italy could be of any advantage to Hungary or Austria." Not only is the enormous destruction of bird-life in Italy to be deplored, but the fact that Italy is a migratory highway over which the birds of a large part of Europe travel in their jour- neys to and from Africa discourages attempts to protect these birds in their more northern summer homes. It is unfortunate that the attempt to form an ornithological section of the International Zoological Congress held in Boston, August 19-24, 1907, was undertaken at too late a date to permit of proper organization, for that there was no lack of interest in the subject, was evinced by the number of papers on birds presented before the Congress, as will be seen by the following titles: 'A Comparative Study of Birds with Respect to Intelligence and Imitation,' J. P. Porter; 'The Influ- ence of Domestication on the Behavior of the Ostrich,' J. E. Duerden; 'Organization of the Gull Community: A Study of the Communal Life of Birds,' F. H. Herrick; 'A Statistical Study of the Local Distribution and Ecology of Birds,' S. A. Forbes; 'Geo- graphic Variation in Birds, with Special Refer- ence to Humidity,' C. \V. Beebe; 'Remarks on the Geographical Origin of North Ameri- can Birds,' Frank M. Chapman. In republishing several of the photographs illustrating Schilling's 'Flashlights from the Jungle,' the National Geographic Magazine calls attention to the fact that the flashlight apparatus employed by Schilling was in- vented by George Shiras, 3rd, the pioneer in the flashlight photography of wild animals. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT Address all communications to the Editor of the Sc))ooi Department. National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City OCTOBER AND PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER If you have not already set- tled the location for your lunch- counter, and begun to spread it with tempting tid-bits, you should do so at once. Whatever form this table may take, either a partly roofed shelf surrounding a tree, a bracket against the side of the house, or merely an extension to the win- dow sill, it should be made of weathered wood and be wholly free from the taint of new paint. Birds love the old and are distrustful of the new and glittering. It is a good plan, when time serves, to make a collection of old boards or mossy shingles, that are so often discarded when old buildings are repaired, and keep them ready; for there is nothing better than such material either for birds' houses or feeding-boxes. Also, do not wait until the natural food-supply is cut off, and most of the birds have gone, before you offer them daily rations ; for the fact that food lies close at hand may win for you many winter friends that otherwise would pass on. Hungry birds will eat many things that do not belong strictly to bird diet, but two articles I have found will suffice for all species, and gray squirrels as well, if you have any in the neighborhood, — suet in good-sized lumps that will not be torn to shreds too soon for the Woodpeckers and all other tree-trunk climbing birds, and any one of the various dog-biscuits broken into pieces of various sizes, rang- ing from that of a chestnut, which Jays and Nuthatches love to pound up to suit their taste, to crumbs that tempt the Junco, Tree Sparrow, Purple Finch, Snow- flake, and even the Robin and Bluebird. As for the Chickadee, bless his brave little heart! he will take both meat and bread and nod you thanks between courses. The suet may remain on the counter until it is consumed, but be careful to put only enough of the biscuit out each morning for the day's use, as, if it becomes water-soaked and lacks crispness, it not only loses its seed-like quality and ceases to be tempting, but is unwholesome for birds accustomed to digest either dry seeds or juicy fruits but not pultaceous masses. — M. O. W. (224) PURPLE FINCH. (Upper figure. Male: Lower figure. Female.) Order— Passeres. Family —Fringi Genus — Carpodacus. Species— Purpurea. THE PURPLE FINCH By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT TOf iRational Si&somtion ot jaudubon ^ocittie& EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 28 The family of Si)arn)\vs and Finches, like that of the Warblers, Blackbirds and Orioles, offers such an infinite variety of species and disports so many con- tradictory fashions in the cut of beaks and tinting of plumage that when we have even a bowing acquaintance with it we feel that we have really entered the realm of bird knowledge. In addition to its rarity, family Fnngillidae is the largest of all His Family bird families, numbering some five hundred and fifty species, that inhabit all parts of the world except Australia. The one point that binds them together which the untrained may discover is the stout bill, conical in shape with great power for seed-crushing. For, first and last, all of the tribe are seed-eaters, and though in the nesting season much ani- mal food is eaten by adults as well as fed to the young, and tree-buds and fruits are also relished, the tribe of Finches and Sparrows can live well upon seeds — seeds of weeds, the seeds concealed between the scales of pine-cones and the pulp- enveloped seeds of wild fruits that are called berries. This ability to pick a living at any season of the year that the seeded weeds of waste fields and roadsides are uncovered makes what are called " permanent resi- dents" of many species of Sparrows, and causes them, when they migrate, to still keep to a more restricted circle than their insect-eating brethern. Also, alas! this seed-eating quality, coupled with beauty of plumage and voice, has made them favorite cage-birds the world over. Happily, freedom has now come to them in this country, together with all our birds, and as far as the law may protect them they are safe, though the latest reports say that small consignments of Mocking- birds and Cardinals are still smuggled over seas by way of Hamburgh. Run over the list of prominent members of the Fringillidac, or family of Finches and Sparrows. Call them by memory if you can; if not, take a bt)ok and look them up. The Sparrows are clad in shades of brown more or less streaked, and their dull colors protect them amid the grasses in which they feed and lodge. The birds of brighter plumage are obliged to look out for themselves, as it were, and keep nearer the sky, where their colors are lost in the blaze of light. First to be remembered are the birds that wear more or less Colors of red,— the Cardinal, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, the Redpolls, Crossbills, the Pine Grosbeak and the Purple Finch (who is no more purple than he is blue or vellow). (225) 226 Bird -Lore Then come three birds who would seem original and striking in any family — the Indigo Bunting, the southern Blue Grosbeak and the beautiful Painted Bunt- ing or Nonpareil, gay in blue, gold, red and green plumes. Red and blue — then yellow must follow as a natural sequence, to complete the primary colors. It is a fact, in the floral kingdom, that the three primary •colors never exist naturally without artificial hybridization in one family; thus, there are red and yellow roses, but no blue; red and blue verbenas, but no yellow, and so on. In the Sparrow family, however, we have the three primary colors in all their purity, — the American Goldfinch clad in pure gold and the Dickcissel of the yellow breast, together with the yellow wing and tail marks of the Pine Siskin, supplying the third color. The Towhee Bunting stands alone, a blending of brilliant black above, white below, with chestnut sides and red eyes. The Chippy, Song and Field Sparrows are typical of the color - protective family type. The white outer tail quills are an index to the Vesper Sparrow ; the same white quills and a white vest name the Slate-colored Junco. The White-throated Sparrow has his name plainly printed under his beak, and the White-crowned Sparrow writes his in his white head-stripe, while the rusty brown Fox Sparrow is known both by size and color. The Purple Finch, which, as I have said, is not purple, but, when in full plumage, washed with a rich raspberry -red, deepest on breast, crown and rump, light breast, brownish back, wings and tail, is one of the notable members of thie family. Its bill is heavy and round, approaching in size those of the Grosbeaks, while in body it ranks with Song and House Sparrows. Besides having a heavy bill that suggests the Grosbeak, it has a way of bristling the feathers of its crown that sometimes gives it the aggressive mien of the Cardinal; while its clinking call- note and way of flying in scattered flocks, and the fact that it is with us in winter, cause it to be sometimes mistaken in the distance for one of the Crossbills. One would think that, with its rich coloring and the fact that it is a winter resi- dent in many parts of its range, this finch would be a well-known bird; yet many people who have a fair knowledge of our common birds do not seem to know it. Perhaps this is because the females and immature birds, wearing gray and brown stripes, look so very much like their Sparrow kin that the rosy-vested bird that sings in the trees, where his colors cannot be seen unless you are directly under him, escapes unnoticed. The change of the young male Finch from his northern plain garb to the full crimson costume is interesting as it is deliberate, taking two seasons, the rosy flush not appearing until the end of the second year. The range of the Purple, or Crimson Finch, as I wish that the His Range Wise Men would agree to call him, is eastern North America. The nesting season is spent from Minnesota and the Middle States northward, and the winter from the borders of the northern States southward to the Gulf. Its choice of a nesting location is very wide, for, like the Catbird, it is equally at home in unfrequented and brushy woodlands, and on the borders of hom^e gardens where people are constantly present. The Purple Finch 227 In si)itt'()f his uni(|uc plumage, it is for his song that this bird has won renown, and il is by his song thai hv is most readily to be identified. To hear this in its l)frkH lion, one must listen for it in May and June; for this Finch His Song has not ihe enduring vocal (jualities that endear his cousin, the Song Sparrow, and give us the perpetual hope that we may hear his voice in every month of llie year, — a hope that is usually fulfilled. The Finches that have wintered with us begin to warble a little in late March, and the same partial song may be heard in October, after the molt; but the song that suddenly bursts into exuberance, rendering him one of our most conspicuous songsters and recalling many notes of the English Chaffinch, belongs to the nesting season. It is almost impossible to render the song of a bird in syllables so that it appeals to any number of people; for, as bird music is phrased according to the natural, not the artificial key that we associate with annotation, its translation is a matter of mood, temperament and accord between imagination and ear. To me, when the voice of the Crimson Finch bursts forth in sudden joyousness, it cries, " List to me, list to me, hear me, and I'll tell you, — you, you!" There must be, however, some similarity between these syllables and the song, because more than once, on endeav- oring to name a curiously described bird that I suspected might be this Finch, the rapid whispering of these words has completed the clue, by the inquirers exclaiming — "Yes, that is the way the song went." Yet, do the best we can to suggest rhythm of the song, the music of it belongs to the woods and fields, the sky and sun, from which we may not separate it. Forbush says of it: "The song of the male is a sudden, joyous burst of melody, vigorous, but clear and pure, to which no mere words can do justice. When, filled with ecstasy, he mounts in air and hangs with fluttering wings above the tree where sits the one who holds his affections, his efforts far transcend his ordinary tones, and a continuous melody flows forth, ...ml, exhausted with his vocal effort, he sinks to the level of his spouse in the tree-top." These Finches travel at times in flocks and are at all times somewhat grega- rious, and this trait has made them an easy prey for bird-catchers, and Mr. For- bush tells us that, "If a bird of this species is confined in a trap-cage in spring and exposed in a conspicuous place, most of the Purple Finches in the neighbor- hood may be trapped. The greater part of the so-called 'Linnets' in many localities have been taken in this way, despite the law and its officers, who are on the lookout for the law-breakers. The birds have been sold in the bird stores or •sent to Europe as red or gray Linnets. This may account for a local scarcity of this Finch in some ])laces where it was formerly common." The Purple Finch, though, like many others, it hunts for suc- His Food culent food, apple and cherry blossoms in the spring, has a decided economic value; for, the season through, it feeds upon orchard and woodland caterpillars, lice, cankerworms, and when these are out of date it con- sumes quantities of the seeds of injurious ])lants, including the noxious ragweed. 228 . Bird -Lore Wilson (1829) devotes some space to a description of his experience with these Finches as caged birds, showing that they have been captives these many years: " The Purple Finches fly at a considerable height in the air, and their note is a single chink, like that of the rice bird. They possess great boldness and spirit and, when caught, bite violently and hang by the bill from your hand, striking with great fury; but they are soon reconciled to confinement and in a day or two are quite at home. I kept a pair of these birds upward of nine months, to observe their manners. Both are now as familiar as if brought up by hand from the nest, and seem to pre- fer hemp seed and cherry blossoms to all other food. Both male and female, though not crested, are almost constantly in the habit of erecting the feathers of their crown. . . . They are a hardy and vigorous bird. . . . When these birds are taken in their crimson dress, and kept in a cage until they molt their feathers, they uniformly change their appearance and sometimes never after regain their red color. . . . They are also subject, if well fed, to become so fat as literally to die of corpulency, being at these times subject to something resembing apoplex}^, from which they sometimes recover in a few minutes, but oftener expire in the same space of time. The moral of this being that even a hardy Finch, when caged, becomes abnor- mal and should be granted the same liberty as the Cardinal, Mocker, and all the rest. Wilson says that the pair he caged were reconciled to confinement in a day or two. This I am never prepared to believe about any bird born wild and cap- tured after maturity. Cowed, or caged into submission, they may be, but recon- ciled, never! Questions for Teachers and Students What family of birds has the greatest number of species ? What is the relation between the colors of Finches and Sparrows and their haunts ? What is the principal e.xternal character of Finches? What is their chief food? Do they migrate as far as birds which live mainly on insects? How many of our commoner winter birds belong to the Sparrow family? Cl)E 3.ut)Ubon ©octEties EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER Address all correspondence, and send all the National Association of Audubon Soc for dues and contributions, to Broadway, New York City Notice oi Annual Meeting of the National Association of Audubon Societies The annual meeting of the members of the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, for the election of four directors to take the places of the following directors, viz.: Frank M. Chapman, Witmer Stone, Hermon Bum- pus and William Brewster, class of 1907, whose terms of office will then expire, and of George Panitz and Alphonso Hodgman, class of 1907, who have resigned, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, will be held at the American Museum of Natural History, Columbus avenue and 77th street, in the Borough of Manhattan and City of New York, on the 29th day of October, 1907, at 2 o.clock.— T. Gilbert Pearson, Sec'y. Wood Duck and Woodcock Summer Shooting Condemned Wood Ducks bred here (Long Island, N. Y.) this season and all summer long I have seen scattered birds, and now small bunches are beginning to appear in the ponds close by. I saw one nice bunch of seven, a few morn- ings ago, in a pond right close to several houses. For the past two months — ever since I first looked for them — I have been finding Woodcock, and I believe I have pretty well proven the theory that these birds can regu- larly be found within a few feet of where you first locate them, for I have found them every time I cared to look for them. If summer shooting is allowed to continue, you can readily see how^ this local habit of the Wood- cock will seal its doom. To this very habit I attribute its present scarcity in sections where it was formerly abundant, for gunners have ( killed everv bird they could find, until none was left to return another season. In Nassau and Queens counties I know great stretches of fine Woodcock grounds where today the bird is rarely seen in the summer months, while further east, in Suffolk county, where the bird is not much disturbed, in the summer months, it can still be found in goodly num- bers. To illustrate how destructive summer shoot- ing is, I have heard of one man who killed nine birds on the Fourth of July, this year. This man is not a good shot, but he takes pride in the fact that not a bird escaped him. These birds were killed along a small drain, in one piece of woods, and he probably killed the old and young of two entire broods. Next season this party will probably wonder why there are no birds in this particular patch of woods. A few such men as the above will destroy many birds in a season and in a short while wdll leave the section of country they hunt without a bird. If the open season did not begin until the first of October, or even until the 15th of Sep- tember, it would be impossible to kill off all the birds found; for by that time they would have obtained their full growth and would be better able to take care of themselves. Every gunner knows that after you put up a fall Woodcock a couple of times without getting it, it is a hard matter to again locate it. In this connection, I might state that, on a trip last fall, a friend found about thirty-five Woodcock, only sixteen of which were killed. He could, of course, have killed a few more of these birds, but does not believe in hunting too close. Many of these birds would not lie for the dogs, and flushed with- out giving a shot, showing that in the fall they are well able to take care of themselves. — John H. Hendrickson, Jamaica. L. I. 229) The New Bird Reservations in the Gulf of Mexico The National Association of Audubon Societies, in continuing the plan origi- nated by the Thayer Fund of making a thorough bird survey of the coasts of the United States, sent its lecturer and organizer, Mr. Henry H. Kopman, who is a well-equipped ornithologist, early in May last to explore the coast of Louisiana from the Texas line to the mouth of the Mississippi. The trip was made in a small schooner, 15 tons, the "Sea Bird," under command of Captain Couvillier with mate Colson. The results obtained by Mr. Kopman were complete and satis- factory and furnished the desired information on which to base a request for two new reservations which were made by official orders of President Roosevelt in August, as reproduced below. The report of Mr Kopman contains so much valuable ornithological material that it is given in full for the benefit of the bird students of the country, and also because it cannot fail to interest the members of the Association who, besides being deeply concerned in the preservation of the birds, furnish the funds with which to cairy on the work. — W. D. jexecuttve ®rt)er It is hereby ordered that all small islets, commonly called mud lumps, in or near the mouths of the Mississippi river, Louisiana, located within the area segregated and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agri- culture, as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. This reservation to be known as Tern Islands Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT The White House, August 8, igoj lExccutive ©rber It is hereby ordered that the Executive Order of July 9, 1855, creating the Light House Reservation, which embraces a small group of unsurveyed islets loca- located in the Gulf of Mexico about three and one-half miles south of Marsh Island, Louisiana, and approximately in latitude 29° 26' north, longitude 91° 51' west from Greenwich, as appears upon United States Coast Survey Chart No. 200, be, and the same is hereby vacated and set aside; and it is also ordered that these islets, located within the area segregated and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this Order, be, and they are hereby reserved and set apart for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a reserve and breeding ground for native birds. This reservation to be known as Shell Keys Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT The White House, August //, jgoj (230) TERN ISLANDS RESEITs^sTION For Protection, of Native Birds At Mouths of Mississippi River LOUISIANA . Embracing all small islets within area se^re^ated by brol-S ON MUD LUMP, S. W. PASS, MISSISSIPPI RIVER nests were found, but the Laughing Gulls and Louisiana Herons were nesting freely. The Gulls nest chiefly at the western end of the island, the Herons chiefly at the eastern end. The area of the island is about 50 acres. It is making at the eastern end, and washing at the western end. East Timbalier has the heaviest vegetation of any of the seaward islands, yet raccoons do not appear to be present. Other birds seen here were about 200 Royal Terns and 500 Brown Pelicans. 4. North Pass Mud Lumps (All the mud lumps are now a Reservation). — These lumps are about a mile directly off the pass. Their bearing from Pass a L'Outre light is N. N. E. On two of these lumps, the larger of the two being only about one hundred feet across, the following birds were nesting: 25 Laughing Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies 237 Gulls, 25 Royal Terns, 50 Forster's Terns, 75 Caspian Terns and 20 Brown Pelicans. A stop was made here, June 13. 5. J\i.ss (I I.'i hitir M ltd Lumps. — A rather large lump lies a little to the north of a direct line out of this ]xiss. Its bearing from the light is E. by N. ^N. A few Royal Terns, 25 Caspian Terns, 25 Laughing Culls and about 125 Forster's Terns were nesting here. This lump was visited June 13. 6. Northeast Pass Mud Lumps. — About twelve islands, with a general bearing of E. S. E. from Pass a L'Outre light, lie off Northeast Pass. The more northerly of these lumps are in most cases the larger, and are occupied almost exclusively bv Brown Pelicans. Of young and adults there were about 600 birds. From 350 LOUISIAX.\ HERONS. E.\ST TIMBALIER to 400 Forster's Terns and about 500 Laughing Gulls were distributed among the more southerly islands, and the majority of them were nesting. There were also about 50 Cabot's Terns in this vicinity, but no certain proof of their nesting was secured. These lumps were visited June 14. 7. Southwest Pass Mud Lumps. — Just to the east of the new jetties and about a mile from the lower end, I found about 200 Brown Pelicans nesting on three of the four lumps in that locality. On the west of the jetties and near the upper end, two small lumps and two large lumps were found occupied by about 7,500 Brown Pelicans in every stage of nesting. The situation of these Ium})s, within easy reach of the Southwest Pass light- house and the United States engineers' offices, renders them an ideal location 238 Bird -Lore for a government reservation. Surveillance here would be a very simple matter. These lumps were visited on June 15. FEEDING STATIONS 1. Calcasieu Pass — I had excellent opportunities for observation at this point, being held there by contrary winds from the evening of May 21 to the morning of May 26. Calcasieu Pass is the site of the Gulf Biologic Station, a state institu- tion. The town of Cameron, or Leesville, is about two miles up the river. Except for this village, the region about Calcasieu Pass is rather isolated. The nearest town of any size, Lake Charles, is about forty miles distant in a direct line, and nearly sixty by river. This entire locality offers exceptional advantages as a pre- serve for both land and water birds. The country is low and open, for the most part. At the time of my visit, I observed about 50 Least Terns, 50 White Pelicans and 300 Black Skimmers feeding along the shore and about the pass. Florida Ducks w^ere nesting plentifully in the vicinity. In winter. Ducks of many species are present by thousands. In spite of the lateness of my visit, shore birds were present in great variety and in considerable numbers. On the prairies, Doves, Meadowlarks, Bob-Whites and Nighthawks are exceedingly abundant. Some of the larger and less common water-birds, such as the Wood and Glossy Ibises, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Duck, and Sandhill Crane are present where deep swamps and river woods occur in this region. Altogether, this entire locality seems one of exceptional avian resources. 2. Trinity Bay, Isle Demi ere. — A number of birds were seen June 3 at the head of the bay, and at a point half-way up the bay. The species and approxi- mate numbers were as follows: Black Skimmers, 600; Brown Pelicans, 450; White Pelicans, 175; Royal Terns, 100; Least Terns, 75; Laughing Gulls, 50; Forster's Terns, 15; Caspian Terns, 10. The nesting season of Black Skimmers had hardly begun when this locality was visited, but, as they have occupied it as a breeding place in former seasons, it is very probable that they are nesting there this summer. 3. Wine Island. — Although shown on the charts a^ a single island, this island has been divided into two parts. Birds were found on the spits at both ends of the eastern island, and on the eastern end of the western island. The total bird population here was: Brown Pelicans, 1,300; White Pelicans, 150; Royal Terns, 400; Black Skimmers, 100; Least Terns, 60. These were the estimates made on June 4. 4. Ft. Livingston (Barataria Light). — Visited June 7, 10 and 16. About 25 Cabot's Terns and 300 Brown Pelicans were observed in this particular locality. 5. Barataria Bay. — I was in various parts of this bay and its contiguous waters, June 7-10, and June 16 and 17. 50 White Pelicans, 150 Brown Pelicans, 200 Forster's Terns and about 500 Laughing Gulls included most of the birds seen. 6. Shell Islands, Bastian Bay. — Though these islands seem to afford a very suitable nesting-site, being somewhat similar to the Shell Keys off Marsh Island, Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies 239 few birds were found near them, and none were nesting. I saw, in all, about 25 Royal Terns, 40 Forstcr's Terns and 125 Brown Pelicans. ENUMERATION OF SPECIES al feeding stations. (Breeding colonies are Of hirds seen in nesting colonics anc marked with an asterisk [*].) Brown I^elic.\m — Diamond Reef Keys 60 *Shell Keys 300 Caroline's Cut Island .Soo Trinity Bay 45° Wine Island (eastern) 325 Wine Island (western) 1,000 East Timbalicr 5°° Ft. Livingston ,iOO Barataria Bay 15° Shell Island 125 ♦North Pass 20 ♦Northeast Pass 600 *South\vest Pass 7'Soo 11,630 White Pelican — Calcasieu Pass 5° Caroline's Cut Island 200 Trinity Bay 15° Wine Island (eastern) 200 Barataria Bav 50 650 Least Tern — Calcasieu Pass 50 Trinity Bay 75 Wine Island (eastern) 06 185 Cabot's Tern — Ft. Livingston 25 Northeast Pass 50 Caspian Tern— *North Pass *Pass a L' Out re. Royal Tern — Diamond Reef Keys 200 ♦Shell Keys 9°° Caroline's Cut Island 150 Trinity Bay 100 Wine Island (eastern and western) . . 400 East Timbalier 200 Shell Islands ♦North Pass. . 25 Black Skimmer — Calcasieu Pass 3°° ♦Caroline's Cut Island 75° Trinity Bay 600 Wine Island (eastern) 100 ♦East Timbalier 5.5°° Northeast Pass 100 7.350 -i>75o Louisiana Heron — *East Timbalier Laughing Gull — Trinity Bay 5° ♦East Timbalier 4,5°° Barataria Bay 5°° ♦North Pass 25 ♦Pass a L'Outre 25 ♦Northeast Pass • 5°° 5,600 Grand Total 30.340 75 Appro.ximate numbers of birds found breed- Forster's Tern— ♦Barataria Bay . . Shell Island.... *North Pass ♦Pass a L'Outre. ♦Northeast Pass . Southwest Pass . 200 50 50 Brown Pelican 8,500 Forster's Tern 7°° Caspian Tern 100 Royal Tern - 9°° Black Skimmer 6,000 Louisiana Heron i>50° Laughing Gull -5'°°° 240 Bird - Lore In making the estimate above, considerable difficulty was experienced on account of the unsettled condition of the birds. This was particularly true on East Timbalier. Frequent disturbance of the birds here made it almost impossible to judge the proportion of breeding to non-breeding birds. My estimates in this respect, therefore, are purely approximate. The estimates of birds seen are reason- ably accurate. ROUTE OF TRIP The general course of my route was from Morgan City to Sabine Pass, and return, and from Morgan City to Pass a L'Outre, Mississippi river and return. The first trip occupied the time from May 15 to May 29, and the second trip was made between June i and June 21. Four days were entirely lost on account of head winds; three Sundays we lay at anchor and two days we stayed in port at Morgan City, while putting the Seabird on the ways for copper painting and small repairs. The rest of the time was spent either 'n making destinations or in studying conditions ashore. A log was kept for brief entries of the daily course, including all stops. A copy of the exact itinerary, as entered in this book, will be furnished on request. COURTESIES EXTENDED At the Gulf Biologic Station, Mr. M. H. Spaulding, who was in charge at the time of my visit, did everything possible to make my stay, and that of my crew, a. pleasant one. At East Timbalier, Mr. Will Oliver, the lightkeeper, cooperated with me in warning off violators of the state laws, and furnished some of the material for the erection of large warning notices. At Southwest Pass jetties, the United States engineers put at my command what information they had. In conclusion, I wish to express my satisfaction at the faithful performance of their duties by my crew. Captain Frank Couvillier and Mate O. C. Colson. 1 SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER 2. VeRMILION FLYCATCHER, M/ 3. Vermilion Flycatcher, female I One-half natural sizei i6irti = tore A BI-MONTHLY MAQAZENE DBVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS OrrieiAL Oroan of thc Audubon SoeicTii* Vol. IX November — December, 1907 No. 6 A Thrashing by Thrashers By HERBERT K. JOR With photographs by the author SOMEWHERE, I had read that the Brown Thrasher is at times very bold in defending its nest, even from human intrusion. But as the years slipped by and I had inspected nest after nest of this species, in every case finding the owners as timid as thc average song-bird, I began to wonder whether the story was not the product of some nature-fakir's art, which needed the prover- bial grain of salt. But one day I found out the truth of the matter. On the afternoon of June i8, 1906, toward sundown, I was driving homeward along a country road, on one side of which was a farmhouse, and on the other a bushy pasture. Here I saw a Brown Thrasher fly across the road just ahead of me, carrying in its bill a large worm. It flew down into the pasture and alighted upon the top of a dead sprout which projected from a thick clump of bushes. After pausing a moment to look around, in order to be sure that the coast was clear, down it went into the midst of the thicket. It was evident that there was a nest somewhere near that spot, so I hitched the horse, took my 4 x 5 camera and tripod, and went to investigate. But, though I made a careful search of the thicket into which the Thrasher had gone, I could find no sign of the nest. After looking it through again without success, I was about to look further away when I began to hear some hissing sounds, which increased in vehemence as I began to follow up this clue. It proved to be no snake, but the Brown Thrasher, sitting close on a nest which was built into a cavity of the ground under the bushes. There the bird remained, though I was but a step away, looking up into my face and continuing to hiss, braving me and daring me to touch it. Withdrawing a little, I made ready the camera on the tripod. But the presen- tation of that blunderbuss was too much for the Thrasher's nerves. It ran off into the bushes, where it was joined by its mate, and both of them set up a great outcry. I could now catch glimpses of them both, and discovered that the brighter-hued one, the male, was the one which had been on the nest. No wonder they were angry and anxious, for they had five promising young — ragged and uncouth, to be sure — but fine, healthy young birds. After opening the bushes, to let in a little 242 Bird- Lore more light upcMi this interesting subject, I set the camera upon the shortened tripod, decked it with fohage, attached a thread, set the shutter for an exposure of one second, and retired awhile. The birds soon stopped their scolding, so I quietly returned and discovered that the male bird was again on the nest. I pulled the thread, and was glad to see that my subject did not mo\e. He even allowed me to creep up behind the camera, change plates and make exposures by hand. But when I tried to push the camera nearer, he beat a retreat. It was now getting too dark for further work that day, so I put back the bushes in order and pro- ceeded homeward. Owing to trips away and rainy weather, it was not till four days later, June 22, that I was able to resume the work, this time with a reflecting camera. Again I found the male on duty. He slipped off, as before, and again I opened the bushes, and then, very innocently, put out my hand to the nest to remove an obstructing leaf. I was so surprised and startled that I almost fell over backwards when instantly the male Thrasher dashed from the shrubbery behind the nest and struck the offending hand a stinging blow. Instantly, he withdrew again and took his station behind the nest, waiting to see what I would do. As I was not looking for a fight, but for pictures, I stepped back a bit and squatted, waiting for the A Thrashing by Thrashers 243 brave dclVnder to make the next move. Thou.^di it was mid-aflernoon and the June sun was (|uite hot, and in a very sliort time the young, now about old enough lo leave the iiesl. began to grow restless. The devoted father noticed this, and came at once to their relief. Running out from this shelter, he took his stand over them, spreading out wings and tail so as to make a perfect canopy to shield them from the sun. How impressive he looked as he bravely did his duty, with an air of being fearless and resigned to whatever might befall, if only he might protect his hcli)less little ones! The female was back in the thicket, exhorting BROWN THRASHER AND YOUNG him, I took it, to be brave, — though she took good care not to expose herself to danger. With the reflecting camera, I then advanced, and, presenting the instrument as near to him as I cared to, made a couple of exposures. Then I wanted a differ- ent pose of the brave bird, so I extended my foot toward him. Instantly he pounced at my leg, struck it a quick, angry blow, and hastened back to the young, this time sitting on the nest as though incubating. After getting his picture in this position, I decoyed him off again and again. After each attack he would generally go off into the thicket, whence in a short time he would return to the nest and there assume some new and striking pose. One such was when he stood over the young and some of them poked out their heads through the feathers of his wing to see for themselves what was going on. Sometimes, when I made only a slight feint, 244 Bird - Lore he would run part way to meet me, and stand out in the open in a defiant attitude while I snapped him. During the course of this fracas, the young had one by one crawled out of the nest and into the shade of the thicket, — all but one which was more puny than the rest, and could not get up out of the rather deep cup. It was fortune for me that this was so, for the brave little father was as ready to incur danger for one as for all. His fine example at length seemed to inspire his mate, for she began to grow more threatening in her advances, and she even came out in front of the nest, where I secured just one snap-shot of her standing on a low, flat rock. Having now used up a couple of boxes of plates and secured pictures of about every possible position, I thought I would see what they would do if I actually handled the young. So I started to lay hold of the chick in the nest. But no sooner had I touched him than like a whirlwind, with shrieks of rage and despair, both Thrashers precipitated themselves upon me. Seizing my fingers with their claws, they hung on, scratching like badgers, nipping my hand here and there with their sharp bills, and beating it furiously with their wings. Then they darted off into the thicket, and again and again I touched the young one, with the same result. The whole performance so interested me that I felt no injury from their attack. When I bethought myself to look at my hand, I saw that it was dotted with little drops of blood, where they had scratched or bitten through the skin. Then I wrapped a handkerchief around as armor and let them try their strength on that. If I put my foot near the nest, they went for that in the same vindictive fashion. My only lack was of an assistant, to photograph the birds in the act of attack- ing me. It was too late to secure one that afternoon. The next day I would have brought my son, but the rain poured down unceasingly, and on the following day the thrashing Thrashers and their offspring had retired from the bloody field of the hard-fought battle and the glorious victory. No doubt they believed that they had worsted and routed a man, and henceforth and forever Thrasher art, ballad and literature will, of course, prate of arms and of the man who, on a memorable day, baffled and beaten, backward reeled from some stubborn birds and a barren field. As for the man in the case, he no longer doubts the Thrasher prowess, and, even while nursing his sore hand, took pleasure in describing to interested audi- tors his rather unusual experience in receiving a thrashing from small but experi- enced professional Thrashers. 1II1>''''J ' •111,,- Around the Horn for Petrels By JOHN TREADWELL NICHOLS With photographs hy the author THERK is a glamour which liangs about tlie sea, due perhaps to its dangers, its wildness, its mystery. There is a peculiar fascination in the study of pelagic birds. For some years the writer has been particularly interested in the Albatrosses and Petrels, and in the latter part of the year 1906 was fortunate enough to make a trip to their center of abundance, the Southern Ocean. Some species of this group occur on all oceans, but to find them in abundance one should cross the parallel of, say ;^_^° south latitude. At about this point the weather changes irom good to bad. Soutli of it are the westerly gales and the birds. The ship, a square-rigged, iron sailing vessel w-hich plies between New York and Honolulu, T. H., averaging about one year to the round trip, left her wharf, near the Battery, early one August morning. That same day, w^hen well to sea, Mother Carey's Chickens became common. As to size, color and habits, birds of the Petrel order tend to be grouped about certain types. One of the best marked of these groups is the Mother Carey's Chickens. This again is separable into two structurall}^ quite different divisions. One has short legs and generally a forked tail, and is characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere. A representative of it, Leach's Petrel, breeds on our coast from Maine northward. The Mother Carey's Chickens that were following the ship w'ere, however, a long-legged, square-tailed species, Wilson's Petrel, which breeds in the far south in our winter, the southern summer, and, crossing the equator, is common off our coast in summer. For a few- days they were about the ship, then they were gone. We passed through a great, practically birdless area in mid- Atlantic, and once seven days went by without a bird,- — the longest period of the voyage, — perhaps of my life. One day, out in this barren region, a beautiful white Tropic Bird was seen resting on the water. When the ship came abreast of it, it rose and flew away with characteristic flapping flight, and with a glass it was possible to see plainly its elongated central tail-feathers. Tropic Birds are as truly ocean wanderers as any fowl of the sea, and particularly characteristic of fine weather and the trade-wind belts of the Pacific. Here they are not numerous, and sometimes days go by without them; but again there are several flying about the ship, and their constant nasal cry becomes as familiar as the sunshine and the dancing trade-wind waves. They are higher flyers than the Petrel tribe, and this and their flapping flight mark them at once as of a different kidney from those low-sailing birds left in the westerly weather farther south. Sailors call them 'bo'sns,' and liken their elongated central tail-feathers to the ' marlin-spike' a boatswain might be expected to carry with him. But, to return to Petrels. As we approached the equator, with South America drawing closer to the west and Africa to the east, there was a Mother Carey's (2+5 ) 246 Bird - Lore Chicken again, that looked so Hke those left in the (lulf Stream that it was pro- bably the same species — Wilson's Petrel — journeying south to its breeding grounds. None could l)e secured, however, so the identification must stand as hypothetical. Because we entered south latitude in September, wliich would correspond to our northern March bad weather and the birds were found well to the north. On September t8, about 20° south, there was a lone Cape Pigeon, not positively identified. That evening a heavy wind squall with rain and a little lightning bringing the wind about southwest, gave us our first taste of bad weather. Tw^o days later there were ' Mollyhawks, ' and the da\- after that Cai)e Pigeons. The smaller southern Albatrosses, exclusive of the gra\-, wedge-tailed Pluvhetria, the weirdest looking bird of the sea, belong to one type. Although systemati.sts make two divisions of them, one of which includes also the large Albatrosses, — they are lumped b}- the sailor under the name " Mollyhawk ' or ' Molly, ' and the name 'Albatross,' is reserved for the larger birds which difTer also in color-pattern. Sailors claim that the 'Albatross' has one more joint in its wing than any other bird, and while doubting the anatomical truth of the statement, we still must confess that the narrow wing and elongated upper joints do give somewliat that impression. Petrels and Albatrosses are birds primarily of the sea. No less truly, however^ are they birds of the air and wind. The high winds of the region they inhabit, instead of being an obstacle, are to them a source of power. The sailing flight shared by many species (all the Albatrosses, the Giant Fulmar, the familiar litde spotted Cape Pigeon, etc.) is particularly adapted to wind, and perhaps this sail- ing flight is the most interesting, and to a landsman the most striking thing about these birds, not even excepting the great bulk and wing spread of the Albatross Around the Horn for Petrels 247 YOUNG WANDERING ALBATROSS poor picture, which nevertheless shows the characteristic scaling flight, low over the water which afterwards makes (om- mon Itirds seen unnaturally -mail. They all will occasion- ally give their wings a few flaps, but the sailing greatlx predominates. I cannot do better than quote from my note-book. "September 20. A gray day; the sun barely more than burning through the clouds in the middle of the day. Not much wind, and the sea very smooth, but for the swell. Heard a cetacean blow close to the ship, and had a glimpse of his rather light-colored, brownish black, and his small dorsal fin. Saw^ two or three Mother Carey's Chickens settle and sit on the water astern of the ship, which seems worth noting, because one usually sees them on the wing. There were a couple of small Albatrosses about,— the first this voyage. It was fine to watch these birds sweeping along in their sailing flight, at intervals interrupted by a few flaps of their great wings; turning this way and that, often leaning far over to one side; now close to the water, now curving into the air some yards above it. They seemed to flap their wings less frequently later when the wind was a little fresher, than earlier with less wind. "September 22. Towards evening watched a small Albatross come close to the ship, and then fly off into the distance. I watched it as continuously as I could, and did not see it flap its wings at all. I believe it was sailing all the time. There was a strong wind blowing. " October 29. In the afternoon there was a strong wind blowing. I was watch- ing carefully the flight of some Cape. Pigeons, a few 'Mollies' and a Cape Dove or slender-billed Fulmar. The flight of the ^^^^ ihree was very similar and illustrated well ^^^H^ the sailing, Petrel flight at its highest devel- ^Bb ^>^^ opment. Occasionally they gave their wings ^l^lj^^M^ a few flaps, but only occasionally, and the ^^^^ general impression was that they were sail- ^H ing, sailing, sailing always. The birds were V sometimes horizontal, but often one wing ^ was lower than the other, and frequently the bird was thus tilted far over to oneside. '- I noticed that they turned toward the down ^[J^^^!^^^^^^!"^"^"^" wing, and probably this is a, if not the 248 Bird- Lore chief, factor in their steering method. Occasionally, I saw a bird flapping its wings often, as though it were for the moment tired of sailing, or found diflficulty in getting properly started, but this was exceptional. " The Cape Dove seems to be much like the Cape Pigeon in flight and habits, ■coming about the ship with equal fearlessness and being equally eager for food which may come from her. The light mark near the end of the wing also suggests the stronger though not dissimilarly placed mark in the Cape Pigeon, and I find it very useful in recognizing the species. " Later I had a chance to watch a few Phcrbetria and one or two large Alba- trosses. The flight is the same as that just described. Perhaps Phoebetria is more inclined than the other birds to half flap its wings, a tremor, which it is hard to •decide to have been flapping, or simply adjustment of the wings in sailing. "October 31. At sunset watched a Phcebetria sailing about, back and forth, at times passing directly over the ship, and when highest in the air, I should say a little higher than her masts, I watched it for some time, constantly, until it sailed astern and I lost track of it for the moment. Only once or twice was it out of my sight for an instant, and I did not see it flap its wings once. It was sailing -constantly. There was a breeze, but it was not blowing hard." One thing all the members of the Petrel order with which I am familiar have in common, — they fly low. Their method seems to be to fly about over the sea scrutinizing the miles of salt water which slip by below them for what they may pick up; at the same time ready to take the hint from another more fortunate bird which they see drop down to some food it has spied. Luck must play a big part in this game, and who can say how many miles sometimes go by without yielding return. But miles mean little to them, and a day's gorging doubtless -compensates for days of want. C.A.PE HORN' The Heath Hen A Sketch of a Bird Now on the Verge of Extinction By DR. GEORGE W . FIELD. Chairiiian, Massachusetts Commission on Fisheries and tlanic Dl'RIXC; the past two years much interest has been shown to save the last remnant of tlie iuislern Pinnated Grouse or Heath Hen (Tympanuchtts ciipido). It was formerly distributed from Cape Ann to Virginia, and was especially abundant in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey; but immense numbers of adult birds were destroyed by guns and traps, while the young fell victims to the colonial cat and to forest fires. So abundant was this bird in the dark ages of ornitholog)', when indis- criminate slaughter prevailed without thought of the bird's economic value or place and function in Nature, that the articles of apprentices often specified that they should not be compelled to eat the meat of this Grouse, (locally called 'Heath Hen'), oftener than twice weekly. Between 1800 and 1840 the bird had been generally exterminated in Massa- chusetts. In 1844 Giraud believed it to be extinct on Long Island; as late as 1869 it was still found in New Jersey, and today the very last stand of the bird is on the island of Martha's Vineyard. The eastern bird was first distinguished frt)m the western t.\pe by William Brewster, and described by him under the name Cupidonia cupido (Auk, January 1885, p. 82). In 1890 Mr. Brewster estimated that 120 to 200 birds, inhabiting about forty square miles, were left over from the previous winter. This number has slowly but surely diminished. Careful daily observations, extending from October 1906 to May 1907, showed that the inhabited area has become restricted to about thirty square miles, and the probable number of individuals to less than one hundred. By actual count of the flocks very definitely located in various, sections of the range, seventy-seven different individuals were accounted for. In May 1906, a destructive forest fire swept practically the entire breeding grounds, and very few birds were reared that season. The summer of 1907, how- ever, was a favorable one. We know that at least ten broods were successfully reared, and our census this year will probably show that the number of birds has more than doubled. This Grouse (called 'Hethen' by the natives) has been a well-known and characteristic bird of the island as far back as memory or local tradition extends.. Opinions are widely held that from time to time western Pinnated Grouse or Prairie Hens have been liberated on the island. Careful inquiries indicate that the facts are as follows: (i) In 1859 Dr. Fisher liberated Ruffed Grouse and Quail on the island, but no western Prairie Chickens; (2) In 1902 specimens of the western Prairie Chicken {Tympanuchus americanus), which had survived the sportmen's show at Boston, were liberated on Martha's Vineyard, but no- suljscqucnt indications of their i)resence are known. (249) 250 Bird - Lore In 1877, foxes and coons were introduced for sport and later liberated from spite, but it is probable that these have now been exterm'nated, and at present the chief checks to the increase of the Heath Hen are (i) the forest fires, which in recent years have swept large areas of the breeding grounds almost annually, usually during the nesting period; (2) cats, whether kept or abandoned by the summer visitors, feed upon the young Heath Hen, Terns and other birds; (3) cer- tain species of hawks, notably the Goshawk, are known to kill considerable numbers of adult Grouse; (4) with the increase of poultry raising on the islands, particularly of the Turkey, there is danger of the introduction of enteric diseases, notably "the black head," caused by the internal parasite Amoeba melcegridis, which is equally fatal to Turkeys, Ruffed Grouse and Quail, but which is also spread by domestic fowls. About 1813 the Heath Hen disappeared from the district around Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1824 it was reported as no longer common around Boston. Cape Cod was the last stand on the mainland. In 1831 the ' Grouse or Heath Hen' had become so reduced in numbers that a law was passed making a close season from March i, to September i. In spite of this, the decline continued. Chapter 170, Acts of 1837, made a close season of four years upon this bird, which, by Chapter 7, Acts of 1841, was extended for five years. These acts, however, per- mitted any town to suspend this law in that town for such a period as they deemed expedient. Some towns took advantage of this to secure special privileges for the inhabitants of that town, e. g. Tisbury, on May 6, 1842, "Voted that the Law for the Preservation of the Grouse or Heath Hen be so far suspended in the Town •of Tisbury as to allow the inhabitants of said town to kill, take or sell Grouse or Heath Hens from the first day of December to the tenth day of December inclu- sive, provided they hunt them without the aid of dogs." The action of a subse- quent town indicates that the decline in numbers was rapid. On April i, 1850, the same town of Tisbury voted to suspend this law so as to permit the hunting (without dogs) of these birds on the "12 and 13 of November next." (Perhaps for the purpose of providing a substitute for the Thanksgiving Turkey.) From this period to i9'^5 there were no systematic attempts to enforce the law. The number of birds killed usually equaled or frequently exceeded the annual in- crease. The islanders resented the intrusion of non-resident hunters, but many birds were killed by rabbit hunters and by duck hunters crossing the island to the ducking stands on the south shore. Some birds were taken by collectors, and these skins, supplemented by others bearing fraudulent data, were disposed of •extensively to museums and natural history stores. During all this period, however, there was kept alive the feeling of local pride in the Heath Hen as a peculiar possession of Martha's Vineyard. It has been even stated that sentiments wellnigh voodoo-like in tendency were current on the island, — e. g., that a boy must eat Heath Hen before reaching a certain age. The writer, however, from careful inquiry, is of the opinion that there is no basis for such statements. The Heath Hen 251 Siiuf alnidsl nothinj,' has been recorded of the habits of the Heath Hen, the ioUowiiig notes, made by the writer on the spot, may be of interest. Maktha's Vi.xeyakd, May i, 1906 At 6 I'. M., we arrived al the point where we hoped to thid traces of the Heath Hen. In a cleared t'leki aljout thirty rods from the road we di.stinctly saw two large birds. On our nearer approach they squatted close, and their protective coloration was so effective that, although we knew almost exactly the precise location of the birds, we could not distinguish them. We crawled behind the nearest cover, and THE HOME OF THE H The men are looliing at the nest shcjw n in tin nt\t illu~tr,ili. m. Photographed by George W. Field remained motionless for perhaps ten minutes. At length the long shadows from the descending sun enabled us to distinguish the birds as they crouched with head close to the ground, among the very scanty vegetation. After another interval of motionless activity on our part, one bird quickly arose and began feeding, appar- ently without suspicion; soon two more birds arose as if by magic from the ground. Then began a most interesting series of antics. These birds were joined by five others, coming in singly and on foot from the scrub in various directions. The birds came frequentlv within forty paces of our hiding-place, and in one instance alighted on a small oak tree twentv-three paces frf)m our camera. While not near 252 Bird -Lore enough for successful photographing, we were well situated for using our field glasses. The birds were all actively feeding in the open field, apparently on grasshoppers and other insects, but nipping red clover leaves very freely. They moved leisurely about. Frequently two birds, sometimes as much as one hundred to one hundred and fifty yards apart, ran directly toward each other, dancing and blowing on the way, with the so-called 'neck wings' pointed upward in a V form. On facing each other, both squatted and remained motionless from one to five minutes. We could see none of the nodding and pecking motions of the head so commonly indulged in by domestic fowls when fighting; rarely was there sparring with the bill or striking with the feet and wings. In twelve or fifteen encounters, only three or four times did they strike thus, and only once did we see ' feathers fly. ' Most of the energ)- seems to be spent in posturing and blowing. Generally, one of the combatants backed slowly away, suddenly stopping if the opponent advanced too rapidly. In all these fighting tactics the similarity of habits with those of the domestic fowl were very marked. From all directions- came the peculiar ' toot, ' like distant tug-boats in a fog, all having whistles of the same pitch. This call may be well imitated by blowing gently into the neck of a tw^o-drachm homoeopathic vial. Each call extends over a period of two seconds,, and is repeated at frequent intervals. It is prefaced by a run of about one yard, with very rapid, mincing steps. The strides, however, are so short that the bird does not advance rapidly. The tail is spread and the wings dropped after the manner of the strutting Turkey cock. When the tail is spread, the white under- tail coverts are conspicuous, and remind one forcibly of the 'white flag' of the deer and antelope or of our gray rabbit. The head is then depressed and the neck outstretched forward until it is about parallel with the surface of the ground; the neck tufts are elevated to a V-shape. The bright, orange-colored air-sacs on each side of the neck, directly behind the tufts of feathers, are slowly inflated until they reach apparently the size of a tennis-ball, w^hen they appear like two small, ripe oranges, one protruding from either side of the neck. The duration of the call appears to closely coincide with the period of inflation, and seems to be emitted as the air enters the sac, rather than when the air is expelled. The collapse of the sac is sudden. The sound is ventriloquial, and it is very difficult to h cate the direction or distance whence it comes, unless the bird can be seen. A second sort of call is much less frequent, and closely resembles a single syllable of the hoot of the Barred Owl. Another characteristic antic was a peculiar combination of a short run, a sudden jump of three to five feet into the air, and a rapid uncoordinated flop and scramble in the air, the bird usually alighting within ten or twenty feet of the start- ing point, but turning so as to face at least at right angles, or even in the opposite direction from which it started. When in the air, it emits a peculiar cacophonous call or cackle, which, when heard at a distance, gives the impression of a hearty burst of laughter. The purpose of these semi-somersault-like manoeuvers ap- peared to be to attract the attention of other birds, ])ossibly even as a challenge^ The Heath Hen 2S3 for frequently they seemed to j)recede the somewhat pacific duels described above. The effect of these sounds, together with the 'tooting' calls in the mists which so often obtain in their habitat before sunrise, is weird in the extreme. At 4:15 A. M. on May 2, these sounds were practically continuous, without appreci- able interval, apparently from all directions. At 4:45 A. M. six birds could be counted, all in sight at once. They appeared to resort to a particular clear space of about two acres in (.■xteiit, wIrtc tlie antics just described were carried on. All the birds, except one, were observed to have the orange-colored air-sacs. These THE FIRST XEST OF THE HEATH' HEX TO BE DESCRIBED AND PHOTOGRAPHED Photographed by George W. Field, June 2, 1906 were probably cocks. We saw only one bird which we suspected might be a hen. The other hens were probably nesting, or at least had secured mates, and no longer resorted to the promenading place. As the sun rose high the 'tooting' became less frequent; the birds became more restless, often flying to the neigh- boring low oaks, nesting there until disturbed. The flight reminds one of that characteristic of the Carrion Crow or Black Vulture of the south {Catharista uriibu), — a succession of four to ten strong, rapid wing-beats, followed by a sail of one hundred to two hundred yards on set wings; this is repeated until the bird again alights or passes beyond the range of vision. The line of flight is usually a straight line, twenty to twenty-five feet above the ground. Of our native birds, the manner of flight most resembles our Meadowlark. 25 + Bird- Lore Thebird gives one the impression of admirable adaptation to the open country, — a large, muscular, hardy, vigorous bird, able to withstand snow and sleet, in size equal or even exceeding the Rufifed Grouse in weight. Inhabiting open fields and pastures, subsisting on insects, leaves, seeds and wild berries, in a country where the absence of foxes and raccoons reduces the numbers of its enemies prac- tically to cats, men, skunks, field-mice and rarely some species of hawks, the problem of maintaining and bringing back the bird to its former abundance seems practicable. Of the total number, twenty-one, which we observed on Ma\- i and 2, twenty were plainly males; of the sex of one we were uncertain. On June 4, a set of nine Heath Hen's eggs was taken and placed under a ban- tam hen, selected for this purpose because she appeared to be unusually tract- able; but on June 20, when one of the chicks hatched it was immediately killed bv the hen, which attacked it viciouslv before it was entirelv out of the shell. The , HE AMERICAN AH tK^ "ii; shown hi situ in the p.^^^v Photographed by J. Otis Wheelock 1 L RAL HISTORY lion The Heath Hen 255 other Heatli Hen's eggs failed to hatch, and onlyone contained a well-developed embryo. After destroying the Heath Hen chick, the hen was given some pheasant eggs, hatched them, and reared the chicks with all possible care. An injured Heath Hen was received from Martha's Virfeyard, November 19, but refused to feed, and, though placed in a pen with a tamed Ruffed Grouse, lived only a week in the pen. The only nest known to the writer was found in oak woods among sprouts at the base of a large stump and contained either twelve or thirteen eggs, about June 10. William Brewster has a set of seven eggs taken July 24, 1885. The value of the birds as a local asset was early appreciated by man\' of the best people, but to J. E. Howland is due the credit for initiating the action which promises to prevent for all time the extermination of this bird. Mr. Howland called the attention of the Massachusetts Commissioners on Fisheries and Game to the conditions, and a permanent guardian was located in the midst of the region inhabited by birds, to study their habits and to enforce the law. Amply supported by public opinion, Representative Mayhew introduced a bill, placing under the control and use of the Commission on Fisheries and Game such lands as may be donated, leased, purchased or otherwise placed under temporary or permanent control as a refuge and breeding area for the Heath Hen. Already $2,338 has been pledged by public-spirited individuals and associations for the purpose, and about 1600 acres placed under special protection. In order that the expense may be minimized, the legislature authorized the commissioners to take, "for and in the name of the Commonwealth, such unimproved lands upon Martha's Vineyard, not exceeding one thousand acres, as they may deem necessary for the purpose of making fire-stops for the protection from fire of the feeding and breeding grounds of the Pinnated Grouse, or of otherwise securing the maintenance and increase of such Pinnated Grouse or of any other species of wild birds upon said islands." For work "incidental to these purposes, and for an investigation and reports upon the best methods and probable cost of protecting and increasing the colonies of birds on the island," two thousand dollars was appropriated by the last ^lassachusetts legislature. KZii^^M''^-'--^ A Season's Field Work By FRANK M. CHAPMAN With photographs by the author THE many readers of Bird-Lore who have expressed an interest in the ' Habitat Groups ' of North American birds, now being prepared in the American Museum of Natural History, may care to hear briefly of the field work accomplished in connection with these groups during the past season. This work can be prosecuted only during the nesting season. The studies for this year were, therefore, planned to cover as long a nesting period as possible, beginning with southern species which nest as early as January, and ending with northern birds which are not concerned with domestic affairs until July. In brief, the schedule was as follows: March, southeastern Bahamas for Alan-o'-war Birds and Boobies (Siila leiicogastra). April, southern border of the Florida Everglades for Spoonbills and Ibises. May, South Carolina for White Egrets. June, plains of Saskatchewan for Wild Geese and Grebes. July, summits of the Canadian Rockies for Ptarmigan and other arctic- alpine birds. The species of birds here included show wide variation in form and in nesting habit, while the country in which they live, — their habitat — presents an even greater diversity as we pass from a coral islet to a mangrove swamp or cypress forest, or over rolling plains to snow-clad mountain crests. The subjects selected were thus designed to add to the zoological as well as the geographical instruc- tiveness of the exhibits as a whole. A series of mishaps so prolonged the Bahaman expedition that I was pre- vented from reaching the Everglades in time to find Spoonbills nesting, but, with this exception, the schedule outlined above was followed with eminently satis- factory results. On March 28, with Dr. Alfred M. Mayer and Mr. George Shiras, 3d, I sailed from Miami, Florida, for Nassau, Bahamas, aboard the 58-foot auxiliary ketch ' Physalia, ' belonging to the Marine Biological laboratory of the Carnegie Insti- tution. Dr. Alfred M. Mayer, director of the laboratory, was in command. To Dr. Mayer's cooperation the Museum is indebted for the success which attended our efforts to secure material and studies for the group of Alan-o'-War Birds and Boobies; indeed, had it not been for Dr. Mayer's skillful seamanship, it is probable that the expedition would not have returned. Nassau was reached March 29, at midnight. Laboratory supplies were here landed for the use of members of the staff, who proposed to pursue their studies in this vicinity, and, permission to collect the birds needed having been prompdy granted by the Bahaman Government, we set sail for Cay Verde, March 31, at 7 A. M. (256) A Season's Field Work 257 Cay Verde is an uninhabited islet of some forty acres area, situated on the eastern edge of the Columbus Bank, between the Ragged Islands and Inaugua. It is only 250 miles from Nassau, but, owing to adverse weather conditions, which at times threatened us with serious disaster, ten days were required for the voyage. The absence of definite information, both as to the number of birds frequent- ing Cay Verde and the time of their nesting, made the outcome of our trip more or less uncertain, and the difficulties encountered in reaching this remote islet added in no small degree to the pleasure with which we found it thickly populated with Boobies and Man-o'-war Birds, whose nesting season was at its height. '.js^i^m^^w^m. CAMP ON CAY VERDE The birds in the air are Boobies There is no harbor at Cay Verde, and, fearing that we might be forced by a'storm to leave, Mr. Shiras and I camped on the islet, while Dr. Mayer anchored off shore, changing his position from one side of the Cay to the other, as the wind required. We estimated that there were about three thousand Boobies and five hundred Man-o'-war Birds on Cay Verde. The Boobies nested on the ground, the Man-o'- war Birds in the dense thickets of sea-grape and cactus. Some nests contained fresh eggs, but the larger number held young birds in various stages of develop- ment, while a few young were already on the wing. The nesting conditions, there- fore, presented an epitome of the whole nesting season. The Boobies were remarkably tame, our intrusion occasioning surprise and 258 Bird - Lore resentment rather than fear. One could walk among them as one would through a poultry }ard, examining the nests and their occupants without attempt at con- cealment. The Man-o'-war Birds were more suspicious, but still were approached without difficulty. Under these circumstances photographs and specimens were "^ ^ ' ?.-^^:P^*|gi fiSMd^f 'js i CYPRESSES IX WHICH WHITE EGRETS WERE NESTING The blind from which the birds were studied may be seen in the upper right-hand corner of the picture easily secured, and at the end of three days satisfactory material was collected for the proposed group. A much larger period would be required to make ade- quate studies of the life of this bird community. Cay Verde was left April 1 1, and, after encountering the usual unfavorable conditions and some mishaps, we arrived at Miami April 29. It being now too late to do the work planned for southern Florida. I pro- A Season's Field Work 259 ceeded to South Carolina, being joined Ijy Mr. J. D. Figgins of the Museum's department of pre])aration, and by Bruce Horsfall, the artist, who has so success- cessfirilv painted many of the backgrounds of the groups already completed. It has long l)een our desire to include the White Egret in the series of 'Habitat Groups,' hut plume hunters have brought this bird so near the verge of extermi- nation that our efforts to lind a 'rookery' in which suitable studies might be made had been fruitless. However, in February, 1907, information was received of the existence of a colony of Egrets on a large game i)reserve in South Carolina, where the Museum was readily granted permission to make the necessary studies and collections. On our arrival, every facility in the way of transportation, guides, etc., was accorded us. When the ground in which the rookery is situated was acquired by the club now owning it, plume hunters had nearly exterminated the aigrette-bearing Herons which formerly inhabited it in large numbers. A few had escaped, and, after sev^en years of protection, they have formed one of the largest colonies of this much persecuted bird now existing in the United States. Six other species of Herons were found nesting with the White Egrets, the whole making a rookery such as existed commonly in the days of Audubon, but which in the United States are now almost unknown. A former 'plumer, ' now chief warden in charge of the preserve, stated that both the little White or Snowy Egret and the Roseate Spoonbill were once found in the region, but their complete annihilation left no stock which, under pro- WHITE EGRI.l' . Made from the blind shown preceding piclur 26o Bird - Lore tection, might prove the source of an ever-increasing progeny. It is doubtful if these birds could be introduced, but, in any event, the preservation of the White Egret alone is a sufficient cause for thanksgiving, and bird-lovers will learn with gratification of the existence of an asylum where this beautiful creature will long be assured of a haven of refuge. The Egrets were nesting high in the cypress trees growing in a lake several miles in length. In order, therefore, to make the photographic studies so essen- tial to the taxidermist in securing life-like poses for his subjects, as well also, as. to RIXGED-BILLED AND C.ALIFORXIA GULLS, CRAXE LAKE, SASK A ICHEWAX learn something of the Egrets' little-known home life, the artificial umbrella-blind employed on many previous occasions was placed fifty feet up in a cypress tree, and draped with Spanish 'moss' (Tillandsia). From it photographs of the birds nesting in neighboring trees were eventually made. The surroundings here were of great beauty, and Mr. Horsfall's carefully- made studies will no doubt enable him to reproduce in his background the singular charm of a flooded cypress forest. On June 5, accompanied by Mr. L. A. Fuertes, as artist, I left New York for Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, on the line of the Canadian Pacific railway. This is a region of rolling plains dotted with lakes and ponds, which, when the water is not too alkaline, support in their shallower parts a dense growth of rushes, — the home of Grebes, Coots, Bitterns, Franklin's Gulls, Ruddv, Red-headed A Season's Field Work 261 and Canvas-back l)u(k>. Ahoiil ihv t^rassy borders of the lakes and sloughs, Mallards, Gadwalls, Pintails, Widgeon, Blue-winged Teal and other Ducks nested. These species were also found on islands in the lakes where alone the Wild Goose was known to nest, while some small islets were virtually covered by hosts of Gulls and Pelicans. On the prairies, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwits and Bartramian Sandpipers laid their eggs. The region has well been called the nursery of wild fowl, as at one time were our border states to the south. But the advance of civili- zation, which first transforms a buffalo range to a cattle countrv, and later to a ^^■^ CAMP AT PTARMIGAX PASS wheat ranch, has already reached the early stages of its agricultural development about Maple Creek, and the forced retreat of the wild foW to the more remote north is onl\- a ciuestion of time. The Canadian Government would do well to set aside some of its still unsettled lands as permanent breeding reservations, to w^hich each year, the water-fowls could return to nest. Such reservations would in truth be nurseries, and, in permitting a bird to reproduce, would be of infin- itely more importance than preserves which afford protection only during the winter. Near Majjle Creek, materials were secured for groups of Wild Geese, Western and Eared Grebes, the Long -billed Curlew and Bartramian Sandpiper, due permission having tirst been received from the chief game guardian of the Province. The lack of timber and of drinking water made this region poor camping-ground, 262 Bird - Lore and, while hunting and collecting, we were given quarters with Mr. x\ndrew Scott on Crane Lake and with the Messrs. Baynton on Big Stick Lake. To these gentlemen we are indebted not alone for entertainment but for much practical assistance. July 2 , we resumed our western journey in search now of those arctic birds which on the alpine summits of the Rocky Mountains find congenial surroundings. After inquiry at various places, we decided to camp near the Ptarmigan Lakes, where we were informed the birds we wanted could be found. Saddle and pack- MR. FUER a T W II \1LED PTARMIGAN TO STROKE A ON ITS NEST The bird left the nest a moment later horses and a guide were secured at Laggan, and on July 8, we encamped near timber-line, here at an altitude of 7,500 feet, just below the entrance to Ptarmi- gan pass. The alpine spring was at its height. The wet meadows from which the snow had but lately disappeared were yellow with buttercups, the borders of the rapidly shrinking snowbanks were starred with large white alpine anemones; on the drier slopes heath and heather bloomed luxuriantly, and the rocks were covered with flowering Dryas. The lakes were still ice-bound, the mercury reached the freezing point nightly, and we experienced storms of snow and sleet, our tent, one morning, being stiff with ice. Bird-Lore's Eighth Christmas Bird Census 263 Our' work in tliis indescribably picturesque region was unexpectedly suc- cessful, specimens of birds and plants and a large number of photographs being obtained. l^'urthiTinore, the view from the heather-grown home of the Ptarmigan, which will form the actual foreground of our group southward through the IMar- migan pass, was, even in this land of sublime scenery, of exceptional grandeur. The successively fainter timber-clad shoulders of the gap leading to the Bow valley are backed by Mt. Temple towering impressively, the central peak on a horizon marked, to the east, by the spire-like summits of the mountains about Moraine lake and to the west by Hungakee, Lefroy, and Victoria. The tourists who climb these mountains or penetrate the valleys lying between them, may obtain a far more striking view of the range by crossing the Bow river at Laggan and ascending the mountains to the north, in which the studies for our Ptarmigan group were made. Bird-Lore's Eighth Christmas Bird Census THE plan of reporting one's observations atield on Christmas Day has met with such cordial and practical endorsement by bird students throughout the country that Bird-Lore's Christmas Bird Census may now be con- sidered a fixed event, which increases in interest as the accumulating records give additional material for comparison. From a total of 25 lists received in 1900, it has grown to 135 lists in 1906. Reference to the February, 1901-1907 numbers of Bird-Lore will acquaint one with the nature of the report of the day's hunt which we desire; but to those to whom none of these issues is available, we may explain that such reports should be headed by a brief statement of the character of the weather, whether clear, cloudy, rainy, etc. ; whether the ground is bare or snow-covered, the direc- tion and force of the wind, the temperature at the time of starting, the hour of starting and of returning. Then should be given, in the order of the A. O. U. ' Check-List, ' a list of the species seen, with exactly, or approximately, the number of individuals of each species recorded. A record should read, therefore, some- what as follows: Yonkcrs, X. Y. Time, 8 .\. M. to 12 m. Clear, ground bare; wind west, light; temperature 38". Herring Gull, 75. Total, — species, — individuals. — James Gates. These records will be published in the February issue of Bird-Lore, and it is particularly requested that they be sent the editor (at the American Museum of Natural History, New York City) not later than December 28. It will save the editor much clerical labor if the model here given and the order of the A. O. U. Check-List be closclv followed. The Migration of Flycatchers FIRST PAPER Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall READERS of Bird-Lore who are familiar with Professor Cooke's contri- butions on the migrations of Warblers and of Thrushes will be gratified to learn that with the kind permission of the Biological Survey this valu- able series will be continued with a similar treatment of the Flycatchers. The unrivalled amount of data which Professor Cooke has at his disposal gives to these papers a value and interest readily appreciated by all field students of bird-life. — Ed. SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER The winter home of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is in Central America and Mexico, from which region it enters the United States in March. The average date of arrival near San Antonio, Texas, is March 21, and the earHest, March 16, 1904. The bird is one of the most uniform species in its dates of arrival from year to year. During fifteen years of observation, it reached San Antonio for five years on March 21, and for eleven years within two days of this average date. In southern Texas the average date of arrival is March 18, the earliest being March 12, 1898. The average date in northern Texas is March 26, the earliest being March 21, 1876. Thus, the species, on the average, is only eight days in crossing the great state of Texas, or an average of more than fifty miles per day — a speed almost twice as great as the average of birds in the southern United States. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is one of the few birds whose progress can be measured in this way, from southern Texas to the northern part of the state, for the reason that it migrates from its winter home to its breeding range by a land route through Mexico, while some other species that fly across the Gulf of Mexico to Texas appear in northern Texas as early as they are seen along the Rio Grande. The Scissor-tail is most common in eastern Texas, fairly common in southern Oklahoma, and ranges north to southern Kansas. The journe}- from Texas to Kansas is usually made during the first ten days of April. The return movement begins in August, and the greater numljer leave the United States in September. The last bird at Winfield, Kansas, was seen Sep- tember, 26 1902. In northern Texas, the average is October 11, the latest, October 18, 1888. In central Texas, the average is October 18, the latest, October 20, 1892. A few enter Louisiana, and they have been noted as arriving at New Orleans, March 25, 1894; the latest record being near Kenner, Louisiana, October 6, 1889. The Scissor-tail is one of the greatest of wanderers. While its regular home (264) The Common Names of North American Birds 265 extends from eastern Louisiana to soutliern Missouri, central Kansas and south to central Texas, it has been noted as an accidental visitant in twelve of the United States and three Canadian provinces, from Florida and Colorado to New Brunswick and Hudson Bay. VERMILION FLYCATCHER This species winters in Mexico, so near the United States boundary that it sometimes appears in P^ebruary (San Antonio, Texas, February 8, 1890; Oracle, southern Arizona, February 25, 1899). Usually, however, it enters Texas a month later, and the northern limit of the ordinary range, which is about at San Antonio, is reached the latter part of March. About the same time the birds enter their breeding grounds in the lower mountain valleys of Arizona. A few wander in winter to southern California, as far northwest as Ventura county. Stragglers have been taken in southwestern Utah, :\Iay 13, 1891, and in northwestern Florida, March 25, 1901. The Common Names of North American Birds IN preparing its 'Check-List of North American Birds' the "Committee appointed by the American Ornithologists' Union showed excellent judg- ment in the selection of the 'common' or English names for our birds. With few exceptions the names adopted have met with general approval and are now in almost universal use. In this period of biblio-zoological activity little is now left of the scientific nomenclature of the first (1886) edition of the 'Check- List,' whereas the English names, not being subject to nomenclatural rules, have proved far more stable than the technical ones. Winter Wren, for example, is still Winter Wren, though from 1886 to 1907 it has been known as Troglodytes hiemalis, Anorthiira hiemalis, Olbiorchilus hiemalis and Nannus hiemaUs. Only the specialist keeps informed of these changes, but the name Winter Wren is intelligible to all concerned. The consistent use of the English names of the 'Check-List' — and in Bird-Lore we try to employ these names consistently — renders unnecessary for purposes of identification the use of the technical name. In the forthcoming edition of the 'Check-List,' therefore, it is hoped that the A. O. U. Committee will make only such changes in the common names of our birds as seem to be absolutely necessary. Where, however, the attempt to secure the adoption by the public of names given in the original edition of the 'Check- List' (e. g. Bartramian Sandpiper, House Finch, Wilson's Thrush) has failed, the name most commonly used should be accepted for the new 'Check-List.' Again, certain 'Check-List' names are so obviously inapplicable (e. g. Louisiana Tanager, Magnolia Warbler, Palm Warbler) that a change seems desirable. The subject is eminently one for popular discussion and Bird-Lore will be glad to print the views of its readers. — Ed. jBtotefi^ from jTteld anD ^tuDp Photographing a Loon When I arrived at Spencer Bay, Moosehead Lake, last June, I was told that there was a Loon's nest on a small island three miles down the bay. The birds, they said, were in the habit of nest- ing there each summer. A few days later I was rowing around this island to find a landing-place, and was greatly surprised to see the old Loon, which I imagined far out on the lake, come scrambling out from under a pile of logs and dive into the water. This was my introduction to a bird which afterward gave me no little excitement when I attempted to take its picture. My tirst chance to photograph the Loon presented itself two weeks afterward, as my guide and I were paddling down the bay on our way to a neighboring pond. The Loon's island lav directlv in our course, and, remembering my previous experience with the bird, I suggested that we try to photograph him. When we were within fifty yards of the island, I arranged the camera for an exposure at fifteen feet. The guide then paddled quietly up toward the place where I had seen the Loon dive into the water. Nearer and nearer we approached, until it seemed as if the Loon was not there, and that we were to be dis- appointed. Suddenly, with a great com- motion, the old bird came scrambling off the nest and dove into the lake, as before splashing water right into the canoe, and startling me to such an extent that I hardly had enough presence of mind left to press the bulb. Our calculations were upset completely by the bird's sudden retreat at the last minute. We had no idea that he would allow us to approach as near as we did. The camera was focused at fifteen feet. LOON LEAVING lib NES'l Note how the white neck-ring seems to cut the bird's head off; an apparently conspicuous mark, which, in effect, renders the bird less evident. Photographed by John S. Perry (266) Notes from Field and Study 267 ::^.^ EAT EX BY TARl and, as a matter of fact, when the ex- posure was made, I could not have been five feet from my subi'ect. It is no wonder then that the negative, upon develop- ment, showed only a gigantic splash and no Loon. The experience gained from our first attempt, together with good luck, enabled us, in our second, to secure a picture, which, considering the subject, might be called a success. We employed the same tactics as before, except that we kept further out from the shore, and, having gained respect for the old fellow's rapidity of motion, set the shutter speed at one hundred and twenty-fifth of a second. This time, the Loon, when we started him, did not immediately dive into the water, but skirted the shore for a few feet, and, in so doing, gave me a better opportunity to expose my film at the right moment. How well I succeeded may be judged by looking at the picture itself. I afterward attempted to photograph the Loon on the nest by means of a set camera, but was unsuccessful. The camera may not have been hidden skil- fully enough to deceive so w-ary a bird as the Great Northern Diver. But another reason for my failure has been suggested to me by hearing the guides declare that in hot weather the Loon often leaves her nest for a long time, relying upon the hot sun to keep the eggs warm. J am inclined to doubt this, and think that ihe cause of my not getting the picture was due 10 the extreme shyness of the bird. — John S. Perry, Troy, X. Y. The Starling Eats Pears In the early morning of October 17, 1907, the pleasing notes of Starlings were heard in a large pear tree close to the window of my home at New Brighton, Staten Island. I looked out cautiously and saw three Starlings engaged in eating the ripe pears. They were very noisy about it, and each seemed to think that the pears being devoured by the other two were better than its own, and they accord- ingly changed places several times. In a few minutes a large portion of each pear had been devoured, and the Starlings flew away. All the time they were busy, several House Sparrows sat within a foot or two, looking on, and, as on previous occasions, I observed that they had no fear of the Starlings. However, they knew better than to molest these comparatively new comers, and seem to be treated with indif- ference by the Starlings. When the birds were gone, I climbed the tree and procured two of the pears, and it will be seen from the photograph that they were quite destroyed. Under the tree I found two other pears that had evi- 268 Bird -Lore dently been eater, on a previous occasion. These fallen pears are quickly covered by Prenolepis ants, that may sometimes get the credit for the destruction first com- menced by the Starlings. When critically examined, however, the work of the birds is very unlike that of the ants. It is with regret that I present this pho- tograph and damaging evidence, for it would be much pleasanter to say a wholly good word for the cheery-voiced Starling that adds so much to the interest of our rambles in town and country. Personally, I am quite willing to give the Starlings some pears in exchange for their enter- tainment, nor do we begrudge the few cherries that our native Robin eats every summer. Mr. Clifford H. Pangburn has men- tioned, in the expressions of opinion regarding the Starling printed in the last number of Bird-Lore, that he has seen them eating decayed pples in winter; and Mr. James Chapin, referring to Mr. Heineken's published note, gives an account of the bird on Staten Island; but, to be strictly impartial, the pear- eating habit should be added in evidence. — Wm. T. Davis, Neiv Brighton, Staten Island. A Contribution to the Subject of Bird Surgery It is a well-known fact that at the close of the wild-fowl shooting season there are present a greater or less number of what sportsmen term 'cripples.' These are usually wing-broken birds which, de- prived of the power of flight, are unable to join their more fortunate comrades in the return to a northern nesting-ground. Such birds are not known to breed, and, handicapped by the loss of flight, they generally fall prey to some enemy before the return of another shooting season. The American Museum of Natural His- tory has been presented with the humerus (reproduced herewith) of a Duck which met this fate. Attached to the bone is a label which reads: "Wing-bone of a Shell Drake, broken in December, 1891, at the head of River Pond by J. B. Payne of Smithtown, L. I. The bird escaped by crawling under a bog where he could not be reached. It was seen occasionally dur- ing the winter, and finally shot on March, 9, 1892, by A. W. Payne of Brooklyn, while in my company. The bird did not attempt to fly when found the last time. This is only to show what nature will do without the aid of surgery." (Signed) J. B. Payne. HUMERUS OF A MERGANSER WHICH HAD BEEN BROKEN BY A SHOT. A second shot may be seen embedded in the right end of the bone Notes from Field and Study 269 "Nature," however, as will be seen from an examination of the specimen, made a very poor job of it. The growth of new bone is indeed remarkable, but, far from joining the ends of the fractured bone, it has forced them apart, rendering the wing useless, so far as flight is concerned. The bone appears to be large for a Merganser, but without commenting on its size or the pathologic aspects of the case, I present it as an authentic instance in which a bird with a broken wing was evidently unable to set it. The usual fate of the crippled birds, referred to above. Torts to attract the birds around )mes. In the work in nature-study in the public schools of this city, the chil- dren have been encouraged to feed the birds in winter, and to provide nesting-bo.xes in the spring. But the almost universal report comes from the children that what- ever they try to do for the birds proves of little avail on account of the interference of the English Sparrows. If food is put out, the Sparrows devour it and drive away the other birds: when nesting boxes are put up. the Sparrows occupy them at once. or. after other birds have begun to build YOUNG HOUSE WREN JUST LEAVING A NEST WHICH HAS NOT BEEN MOLESTED BY THE ENGLISH SPARROW eads to the conclusion that this is only one of many similar cases, and raises the inquiry if, as has been recently asserted, birds can and do set their leg-bones when broken, why do they not also employ their alleged surgical abilities in the repair of a far more important part of their anatomy ? — Frank M. Chapman, Englewood, N. J. The Fallacy of the Moving Bird-house The English Sparrow has proven itself, in this locality, a quarrelsome, trouble- making nuisance, driving away our native birds and discouraging the children in quarrel with the first inmates till they are driven away, so that the children are dis- couraged from making further efforts. As this activity of the children in doing something for the birds is an important factor in the child's development, the author has sought for several years for some clue as to how the discouraging inter- ference of the Sparrows might be avoided. Various devices in the method of con- structing the bird-houses have been tried, but with no avail. Last year the author saw a suggestion which he hoped might prove successful, namely, that if the house were suspended the Sparrows would not 270 Bird -Lore use it. In order to give this matter a fair test, the cooperation of the children was sought in those sections of the city where any native birds still remained. The matter was explained to the elder children of the schools, and they were asked to sus- pend their bird-houses by a spring or wire and to notice whether the English Spar- rows interfered with them. In the fall, statistics w^ere obtained from the children concerning the results. Re- ports were received from 33 moving houses. In 26 of them birds began to nest, including 12 Bluebirds, 12 House Wrens, 3 Robins, i English Starling, and 6 English Sparrows. Of these six, two pairs reared their young, and others doubtless would have done so had they not been driven away by the children. Of the other twenty birds, only six reared their young. Of the fourteen that did not complete their nesting, six were driven away by the Sparrows. Of the six which did rear their young, three were attacked by the Sparrows, but were able to defend themselves successfully. These experiences indicate that the moving house is a failure as a means of outwitting the English Sparrow. Indeed, much less difficulty was reported from the stationary houses. Out of 27 from which reports were received, birds began to build in 24 and successfully reared their young in 15, including 8 Bluebirds, 5 House Wrens, i Robin and i English Sparrow. Three pairs of Sparrows began to build, and three pairs of birds which had begun to nest were driven out by the Spar- rows. As far as the author's own experi- ence goes, the Sparrows seem to show a preference for the stationary house; but these reports indicate that the preference is a slight one, and that they quickly avail themselves of an opportunity to occupy a moving house if no others are near. The majority of reports indicated that the Sparrows drove away the other birds simply from the generally quarrelsome nature of this troublesome nuisance, as, in most cases, the Sparrows did not remain to nest after driving out the first inmates. In some instances, the Sparrow inter- fered with the House Wren, although the openings were made so small that the Sparrows could not enter the house. They were reported as remaining near the box and worrying the Wrens as they were bringing nesting material, till the Wrens deserted the nest. In all the author's experience, the Eng- lish Sparrow has proven an unmitigated nuisance, and, apparently, the only effec- tive way of getting rid of it is by use of the rifle or shotgun, although this method cannot, of course, be recommended to the children. The only kind of nesting-box which the author has used, the inmates of which have never been troubled by the Sparrows, is one made of an old tomato can with a circle of wood, containing an inch hole, fitted into one end. The opening is so small and the house is so insignificant that, apparently, it seems beneath the notice of the Sparrow. A brood of Wrens has been reared in this for four successive seasons, and, during one summer, two broods were reared. Possibly, this might be a little safer from the attacks of the Sparrow if it were suspended by a wire. Has any one found a successful method of outwitting the Sparrow other than kill- ing it, which might be recommended to the use of the children?— Gilbert H. Trafton, Supervisor of Nature Study, Passaic, N. J. Robins Nesting in Bird-houses Five cases have been reported to the writer of the Robin's beginning to build in bird-houses, and one case of their suc- cessfully rearing their young. Three of these were in moving, and two in station- ary houses. As these were the first cases of this kind to which the attention of the author had ever been called, he took special pains to investigate each case as much as could be done in the fall, and he was convinced that in two instances, at least, the reports had been correct. It will be worth while for students to experi- ment with houses containing openings large enough to allow the Robin to enter. — Gilbert H. Trafton, Passaic, N. J. ilooft jBtetDs; ant) B^etoietos FuERTEs' 'Calendar of Game Birds.' — While the printing of an artistically designed little statement of days and months on each of the large sheets (i8 x 14 in.) to which Mr. Fuertes' beautiful draw- ings are attached, makes this publication a 'calendar,' it might better be known as an album or portfolio of paintings of birds in nature. The species represented are the Can- vasback, Willow Ptarmigan in winter and in summer. King Rail, Sandhill Crane, Ruffed Grouse, Wood Duck, Upland 'Plover,' Bob-white, Mallard, Wild Tur- key and Wild Goose. Acknowledged to be America's leading ornithological por- trait painter, Fuertes has here reached a higher plane than that in which his drawings show only the bird. In these drawings he has placed his bird in the landscape, and the result is not merely a portrait but a picture. Long after this 'calendar' has been forgotten, these admir- ably reproduced paintings will continue to appeal to the nature-lover, who will appreciate the spirit of the bird and season they so strongly convey, while the lover of the beautiful will be attracted by their artistic excellence. The Calendar may be obtained from its publishers, Moffat, Yard & Co., or from L. A. Fuertes, Ithaca, N. Y. The price, carriage paid, is $3.50. — F. M. C. Feathered Game of the North- east. By Walter H. Rich. With illustrations by the Author. New York. Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 8vo. xvi + 432 pages. Colored frontispiece. 82 full-page half-tones. Practically all the Gallina;, Limicolse, Rallidffi and Anatidte of northeastern United States are treated in this volume, and nearly every species is illustrated. While writing chiefly from the sports- man's point of view, the author shows a naturalist's interest in his subject, and much information is given concerning the habits of those birds whose misfortune it is to be ranked as game. The book there- fore admirably supplements those works which treat only of the land birds of the northeastern States. — F. M. C. Album de Aves Amazonicas. Organi- sadopelo Professor Dr. Emilio A. Goeldi. . . . Desenhos do Ernesto Lohse. Supplemento illustrative A' Okra 'Aves do Brazil.' pelo Dr. Emilio A. Goeldi. With the issue of the third part, this important work is concluded. Designed to illustrate Dr. Goeldi's 'Birds of Brazil,' this album is also issued separately. It contains, in all, 48 quarto plates and illus- trates 420 species, in many instances, both sexes being figured. The birds are excep- tionally well drawn and, as a rule, satis- factorily colored, and, notwithstanding the fact that from ten to fifteen species are often placed on a single plate, they are so tastefully grouped as to produce a pleas- ing effect. Dr. Goeldi should be congratu- lated on his choice of an artist. No other work contains so large* a number of colored illustrations of South .American birds. We have here then an adequate pictorial exposition of one of the most remarkable of avifaunae. This series of plates framed would make a capital mu- seum exhibit where funds were lacking to secure specimens of the birds themselves. The 'Album' was projected while Dr. Goeldi was director of the Museum Goeldi at Para. Since his resignation Dr. Goeldi has resided in Berne, Switzerland, where he may be addressed for further informa- tion.—F. M. C. Abstract of the Proceedings of the LiNNAEAN Society. Nos. 17-19, 1904- 07. Containing a List of the Birds of Long Island, N. Y. By William C. Braislin, M.D. From an average attendance of nine- teen in 1903, the number has arisen to thirty-four for the year ending March 12, 1907, and the figures are indicative of the increased interest which has been shown in (271) 272 Bird -Lore the meetings of the Linnasan Society. Stand- ing for the more popular phases of natural history, particularly for field studies of the local fauna, the Society is deserving of far greater support from local natural- ists than it now receives. Dr. Braislin's paper occupies pages 31-123, bringing together for the first time the information in regard to the occurrence of birds on Long Island which has been gathered, most of it, by Linnaean mem- bers, since the publication of Giraud's book in 1844. The number of species listed is 364; but, subtracting two e.xtinct and three introduced species and 2 (Acto- dramas cooperi and ALgialitis mcloda circumcincta) that have no standing, we have 356 as the number of birds properly to be accredited to Long Island. Dr. Braislin's list is authoritative; his annotations are to the point; references and exact migration dates are liberally given, and we wish he had also presented an analytical synopsis of the Long Island avifauna together with remarks on the confines of the faunal areas represented. — F. M. C. Recent Publications of the Bureau OF THE Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agri- culture. Each publication of the Biological Sur- vey increases the indebtedness of orni- thologists to this Bureau. Sentiment is admirable in its place, but its place is assuredly not legislative halls, and, when the advocate of bird-protec- tive measures appears before committees of Senate or Assembly, facts, not esthet- ics, win him a hearing. The increasing number of facts in re- gard to the economic value of birds, gath- ered by trained specialists who are ac- knowledged authorities in their particular branches, which the Biological Survey is each year making accessible, form the most effective arguments which can be presented when urging the birds' claims to our attention. Among the recent economic publica- tions of the Survey, each one of which, through distribution or republication. should have tne widest possible circula tion, are: Circular No. 56, 'Value of Swal- lows as Insect Destroyers,' by H. W. Henshaw; Circular No. 57, 'Birds Useful in the War Against the Cotton-Boll Weevil,' by H. W. Henshaw; Bulletin No. 29, 'The Relation of Birds to the Cotton-Boll Weevil,' by Arthur H. Howell; and 'Birds that Eat Scale Insects' (reprint from Yearbook of Department of Agricul- ture for 1906), by W. L. McAtee. The Survey has also published a re- port, by Henry Oldys, on 'Cage-birds Trafiic of the United States', in which it appears that the once large traffic in Amer- ican birds for 'pets' has been suppressed, and that for the year ending June 30, 1906, we imported 322,297 cage-birds, of which 274,914 were Canaries and 47,383 various species, chiefly of wild birds. The Survey's Department of Game Preservation, under the efficient care of Dr. T. S. Palmer, continues its good offices in unifying the work of game pro- tectors by the publication of the follow- ing papers: Bulletin No. 28, 'Game Com- missions and Wardens, Their Appoint- ment, Powers and Duties,' by R. W. Williams, Jr., a book of nearly 300 pages; Farmers' Bulletin No. 308, 'Game Laws for 1907,' by T. S. Palmer, Henry Oldys and Chas. E. Brewster; a tabular chart showing the ' Close Seasons for Game in the United States and Canada,' by T. S. Palmer and Henry Oldys; Circular No. 62, 'Directory of Officials and Organi- zations Concerned with the Protection of Birds and Game, 1907,' by T. S. Pal- mer; from the Yearbook for 1906, 'The Game Warden of Today, ' by R. W. Wil- liams, Jr.; and ' Game Protection in 1906,' by T. S. Palmer.— F. M. C. Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2, Burlington, Vt., July, i907-8vo.,35 pages. The first and most important paper in this Annual Bulletin is by Mrs. E. B. Davenport, on the 'Birds of Windham and Bennington Counties.' An intro- duction conveys a clear impression of the leading physiographic and botanic fea- tures of the region, and is followed by a briefly annotated list of 176 species. This Book News and Reviews 273 list is hasod on long-continued observa- tion, and has evidently been prepared with a thoroughness which will make it a guide for future workers as well as of unusual reference value. Mr. Carlton D. Howe's 'Problems of the Vermont Bird Club' may be profit- ably read by others who have similar problems at heart. G. H. Ross describes the 'Nesting of the Winter Wren.' An excellent paper by Miss Isabel M. Pad- dock, in whose untimely death not only the Vermont Club but the science of ornithology has suffered a severe loss, is en- titled 'Our Thrushes and Their Songs,' and is accompanied by musical notations. Abstracts of other papers are 'Notes from a Bird Table,' by Marion Boll; 'A Warbler Guest,' by Emily L. and Susan E. Clark; 'Some Bird Acquaintances,' by Emma E. Drew. There is a report of the New England Federation of Natural History Clubs, by Miss Delia I. Grifl&n, of the Club's Field Meetings, and there are Bird Notes from various sources. — F. M. C. Massachusetts Audubon Society's Calendar for 1908. — The Massachu- setts Audubon Society has reissued the plates which appeared in its Calendars for 1906 and 1907 in two Calendars for 1908. Each contains si.x plates; one illus- trates the Pine Grosbeak, Saw-whet Owl, Catbird, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, King- fisher, and Blue Jay, the other, the Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canadian Warbler, Northern Yellowthroat Oven- bird, Blackpoll and Myrtle Warbler. The plates were printed in Japan from blocks made expressly for this purpose, and are tastefully mounted on cards 9I x 14J inches, with descriptive text on the back. The price of each Calendar is $1.50, and orders should be sent to the Society at the Boston Society of Natural History. The Ornithological Magazines The Auk. — A great bird catastrophe is recorded in the opening pages of the October 'Auk' by Dr. Thos. S. Roberts. A host of Lapland Longspurs overtaken. while migrating, by a wet snowstorm on the night of March 13-14, 1904, perished in countless thousands in Minnesota and Iowa over an area approximating 1,500 square miles. The accompanying photo- graphs of lake and lawn surfaces attest the magnitude of the tragedy, and yet, in spite of the destruction in a single night of a million or so birds of a single species, and this just before the breeding season, no preceptible diminution in their numbers has been observed, Truly, the bad man who collects birds may take heart! A continuation of E. S. Cameron's paper on 'The Birds of Custer and Daw- son Counties, Montana,' is accompanied as usual by several fine photographs; J. F. Ferry has 'Further Notes from Extreme Southern Illinois'; and A. T. Wayne offers 'Observations on Some Birds Procured near Charleston, S. C Mr. H. E. Bige- low describes in detail the plumage of four hybrid Mallards and Dr. W. Faxon and Mr. H. G. Higbee have each a word to say about recent specimens of the supposed hybrid, Brewster's Warbler. The 'Summer Birds of Southwestern Saskatchewan' is an illustrated tale of the plains, by A. C. Bent, — and one well worth the telling; for the day may not be far distant when man, his cat, and the House Sparrow will have ousted from this region all species save those that can adapt themselves to the new conditions of civilization. With a minimum of shelter and concentrated breeding areas, it is not surprising that the bird population moves out when human population moves in. The progress of Ridgway's, 'Birds of North and Middle America' is shown by a review of the fourth volume, and there is an obituary of Dr. Wm. L. Ralph, curator of the egg collection in the United States National Museum, who died July 8, 1907. The latest rules in the game of names, as adopted at the Seventh International Zoological Congress, will be found at page 464. Everybody has always in- sisted on playing the game according to his own rules, and now a loud howl of 274 Bird -Lore opposition may be expected from the esti- mated lo per cent of dissenters who can- not square their scientific consciences with the heresies proposed in the new ♦Article 30.'— J. D , Jr. Book News To the evergrowing list of defunct nature magazines must be added the name of 'Birds and Nature,' one of the best known and oldest publications of this class. In May last, the first number of a new series was issued in a form show- ing a marked improvement over earlier volumes, but evidently suflicient support was not received to warrant the issue of further numbers. The 'Bleating' or 'Drumming' of Snipe {Callinago) is the subject of an exhaustive paper by P. H. Bahr, in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society (1907, pp. 12-35). Mr. Bahr's experi- ments appear to prove that the sound is produced by the passage through the air of the outer feather on each side of the tail which, his observations of Galiinago calestis show, are spread forward beyond the remaining tail-feathers when the bird is bleating. The paper should be read by those who propose to investigate this subject. Dr. T. S. Roberts contributes to 'A Pioneer History of Becker County, Minne- sota' (Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.) a compiled list of the birds of the county, numbering 262 species. Its annotations make it of value to the student of the birds of the region in question. An article on the 'Disappearing Birds and Game- birds of Becker County,' by D. W. Meeker, is included in the same volume. Magazines which are taking an active part in the 'nature-fakir' campaign should make doubly sure that their own columns are free from errors of statement, I he result of carelessness or inexcusable ignorance For example, the magazine in which President Roosevelt has, with characteristic force, denounced those na- ture-writers who present fiction for fact, contains an article entitled 'The Mystery of Bird-flight ' in which we are informed with due authoritativeness that the Emu "flies, when at all, with the greatest difficulty"! In the September issue of the Massa- chusetts 'Crop Report,' Mr. E. H. For- bush, under the title 'Statutory Bird Pro- tection in Massachusetts,' reviews the history of bird laws in Massachusetts from 1632 to the present time, and adds suggestions for "needed legislation," in which he urges the abolition of spring and summer shooting, the issuance of a resident hunting license, the prohibition of the sale of game birds, the granting to wardens of the right of search, and the establishment of sanctuaries or reservations. In the October, 1907, issue of 'The Museum News,' published by the Brook- lyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Mr. George Cherrie, of the Museum, gives an account of his visit to the caves of the Guacharo {Steatornis caripensis) in the mountains of Trinidad, which is not only a capital story of field experience, but adds considerably to our knowledge of the habits of this remarkable bird. In addition to articles of local interest, 'British Birds' contains papers of a gen- eral character which may be read with profit by all ornithologists. In the Novem- ber issue, for example, we find the third part of W. P. Pycraft's suggestive study of 'Nestling Birds, and Some of the Pro- blems They Present' and also the third part of F. W. Headley's article on 'Wind and Flight.' Witherby & Co., 326 High Holborn, London, W. C, have issued a prospectus of 'A Monograph of the Petrels' by F. Du Cane Godman. The work will be a large quarto, issued in five parts, the first of which will be ready in December, 1907. It will contain 105 hand-colored plates by Keulemans and is offered at the sub- scription price of £2, 5s per part, or £10, IDS for the complete work. The Bulletin of the Charleston Museum (Vol. Ill, No. 6, Oct. 1907) contains a section devoted to the local fauna, in which are various ornithological notes of interest. Editorials 275 A Bi-monthly Maeazine Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds OrPICIAL ORGAN OF THR AUDUBON SOCIKTIE5 Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY Vol. IX Published December 1. 1907 No. 6 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post- age paid. COPYRIGHTED, 1907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN Bird-Lore's Motto: A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand The twenty-fifth Annual Congress of the American Ornithologists' Union will be held at the Academy of Natural Sci- ences in Philadelphia, on December 10-12. Those of us who remember the first meet- ings of the Union realize with difficulty that its life extends over a quarter of the century in which distinctively American Ornithology may be said to have existed. In the Historical Preface to his ' Key to North American Birds' (1884), Coues divided the portion of this century which had then elapsed into Wilsonian, Audu- bonian, and Bairdian epochs. Assuredly, the succeeding epoch should be known as the Epoch of the American Ornitholo- gists' Union. The present widespread interest in the study of birds in this country may be largely attributed to the influence exerted by the Union, and every bird student should consider it a privilege to be con- nected with an organization to which he is so deeply indebted. Membership in the associate class is open to every American ornithologist, and applicants for admission may learn all needful details from Dr. J. Dwight, Jr., treasurer of the Union, 134 West Seventy-first Street, New York City. Dr. Field's article on the Heath Hen, published in this number of Bird Lore. emphasizes the largely haphazard manner in which the habits of North American birds have been studied. In spite of the fact that the Heath Hen is a species of unusual interest and is on the verge of extinction, no one appears to have at- tempted to make a special study of its life-history until Dr. Field visited it in its home, which, by the way, is not a thou- sand miles from one of the centers of greatest ornithological activity in this country. Dr. Field's description of the notes of the strutting Heath Hen appar- ently shows that this eastern bird dififers from the western Prairie Hen more in voice than in plumage. In the western bird the 'boom' is a strongly accentuated hoom- ah-boom given with much apparent mus- cular effort, the head being jerked violently as the syllables are uttered. With this issue we publish the first of a series of colored plates of North Ameri- can Flycatchers. The ser'ies will doubt- less be completed in the next volume of Bird-Lore, and it is essential that we decide at an early date on the next family to be figured. A call for an expression of opinion on this subject issued in the last number of BiRD-LORE leaves the matter in doubt, and we shall be glad to receive additional suggestions No OXE can glance through the annual report of the National Association of Audubon Societies and its allied Socie- ties without being impressed by the scope and importance of its work. In addition to its legislative, protective and educa- tional activities, the Association has inaugurated investigations of purely orni- uliological interest. We call attention, for example, to the report on the birds of Bird Key in the Dry Tortugas by Dr. Watson. The Association is to be con- gratulated that, while acting as its warden. Dr. Watson made the first adequate study of the life of a bird community, from the opening to the close of the nest- ing season. For three months he lived day and night with the subjects of his researches, and we are assured that the results of his labors, which will be pub- lished by the Carnegie Institution, will add much to our knowledge of bird-life. SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department. National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City FOR DECEMBER— SIX REMINDERS (i) Be sure that there is a heap of brush or corn-stalks somewhere about the place. If you live near cedar woods, cut half a dozen small trees and fasten them securely against a fence or shed on the south side. If you have a pile of logs or kettle-wood at hand, thatch it loosely with either corn-stalks, hemlock or cedar boughs, — then you will have the Winter Wren and half a dozen other birds as permanent lodgers. Many perching birds in winter prefer to roost upon something broad and flat, where they can huddle and squat rather than perch. (2) Be sure that your trays or tree-boxes for holding bird-food are per- forated at the bottom, so that moisture can get through and not freeze. The boarders will find their meals chilly enough without having them literally put in cold storage. (3) Be sure to vary the food, and when possible grind up some meat scraps in your meat-chopper and mix it with the cracked corn and dog-biscuit on very cold days and after a storm. At these times of peril, some freshly boiled pota- toes or rice (the usual salt being omitted) will be much appreciated. (4) Be sure to set a pan of water in a sunny spot every day, no matter how cold the weather is; there will be at least an hour when the birds will be able to drink. (5) If you have undertaken to feed game birds either in natural or arti- ficial cover that is at some distance from your house, be sure that it is done regu- larly. A little experience will tell you how long the rations will last. If, as I hope, you have a feeding-box for the smaller birds near the school-house, always remember to provide an extra supply of food there on Friday, so that Sunday need not be a fast, instead of a feast day. (6) Be sure to begin the New Year by keeping an outdoor diary if you have never done it before, — the best memory is treacherous. A simple book with three days to a page will suffice. Do not write long descriptions, as these are awkward for reference. Jot down the names of birds or other objects seen, the kind of weather and any other incidents as briefly as possible. Then, when you open the book later on, the details will group themselves about this frame- work of accuracy. — M. O. W. (276) THE HERRING OR HARBOR GULL By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT %^t i^ational SiQQOtiation ot Audubon &ocietie0 EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 29 The Sandpipers have ended their pretty courtesyings, and no longer patter to and fro upon the beaches and river edges. The flocking Swallows have fin- ished their fall manceuvers and left the marshes, and the Wild Goose arrows no more fleck the sky. But white wings are bending over the crested waves, and the clamor of call-notes comes from bar and shore, — the high-pitched cry of the Harbor Gull. If there is any one kind that deserves the title of our National The Gull's ^y^^^j. gjj.^ j^ jg ^j^jg Harbor Gull, for it is to be found in the Season Northern Hemisphere wherever there is a sufficient body of water to yield it food. For the three or four months of the year that are its breed- ing season, it may be seen only northward from Maine, the Great Lakes, Minne- sota and British Columbia, and in the northern parts of the Old World; but for the rest of the year the Harbor Gulls travel southward as far His Journeys as Cuba on the east, and lower Cahfornia on the west; and, in Europe, southward to the Mediterranean; in great flocks or .only small groups stopping to winter as regularly in certain haunts as the migrant song-birds return in spring to their old nesting-places. The Harbor Gull, like some of its land brothers, has two changes of plumage in the year. The full-grown bird in summer wears a beautiful pearl-gray cloak, with black and white markings on the wings, all the under plumage being; of the purest silver white, of dazzling brilliancy. The bill runs straight out from the head and is strongly hooked at the end, while the four-toed feet are webbed, and fit the bird for resting on the water and swimming with all „, ^ " ^ the ease of a Duck, though without its swiftness. In winter Plumage . ° . plumage, the old bird's head is streaked with gray and brown, while the young bird of the year is generally grayish brown, streaked and spotted on the upper parts, the breast and belly being marked with rusty brown and gray, in the combination seen in some of our Hawks. The name Herring Gull was given to this bird beforetime, because, as they were originally fishermen by trade, their presence flying above the water told where schools of herring were to be found. Today the schools of herring are less plentiful along our shores, and the value of this Gull, though greater than ever, is due to a different ^ f, ^ ".^. ° source. Coming familiarlv about the harbors of great cities, Gulls to Man o . & > frequentmg the beaches after the summer throngs of pleasure- seekers have left, the Gulls become the health-oflficers of the coast, gleaning not (277) The Herring or Harbor Gull 279 only the refuse of shore and vessel but of cities as well, when the sea-going gar- bage scows disgorge their loads Nature never creates a useless type, and even so wise a man as our scientific and far-seeing Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes was mistaken when he wrote of this bird, "Such is our Gull; a gentleman of leisure, Less fleshed than feathered ; — bagged you'll find him such ; His virtue, silence ; his employment, pleasure ; Not had to look at, and not good for much." This verse is doubly surprising when you realize that our medical poet must have daily seen the Gulls at work as scavengers in the nearby Charles river. It is another warning about careful seeing, for to overlook an important point is as misleading as to get the habit of seeing what you would like to see in nature, rather than what is there. Of the thousands of people that see this Gull as a winter bird, compara- tivelv few know of its home life during the season when it has left us and the first breath of warm weather drives the Gulls northward. As a Gull's chief food is gleaned from the sea, it must nest as close as pos- sible to its source of supply. You can easily see that so large a bird could never be free from annoyance on our bathing beaches or off-shore islands that are used as summer resorts; so, as people flocked to the shore, more The Gull ^^^ more, the places where Gulls might nest in comfort grew fewer and fewer, and they w^ere driven to the remote islands like those off the Maine coast, Great Duck Island, No-Man's-Land, and others, and it is at Great Duck Island that is to be found the largest colony of Gulls within the United States. But even here and on many lesser islands, with only lighthouses and their keepers for company, where there were no summer cottages or pleasure-seekers, until a few years ago, the Gulls were not safe, for they, like the White Herons of the South, were bonnet-martyrs. These beautiful white breast-feathers were made into feather turbans. Perhaps, on one side of these, a smaller cousin of the Gull, the Tern, or Sea Swallow, with its coral-red beak, would be perched by way of finish. Or else, soft bands made of the breast, and some of the hand- somest wing-quills were used for trimming. Not only were these feathers sold wholesale to the plume merchants and milliners, but people who went to the coast resorts would buy them of the sail- ors simply because they were pretty, without giving a thought to the lives they cost, or of how desolate and lonely the shores would be when there were no more Gulls. They are very sociable birds at all times of the year, keeping in colonies even in the breeding season, a time when song- and other land-birds pair, and prefer to be alone. Trees are sometimes used for nesting but the ground is the usual place. The nests, when on the ground or upon flat rocks, are built 28o Bird- Lore of grass, mosses, seaweed, and bits of soft driftwood formed into a shallow bowl. If the edges of this crumble or flatten while the birds are sitting, they use bunches of fresh grass or seaweed to keep it in repair, with the result that the nest is not only a very tasteful object, but it blends perfectly with its surroundings. The eggs are very interesting because no two are of the same color, being of every shade of blue and gray, from the color of summer sky and sand to the tint of the many-colored, water-soaked rocks themselves. The markings vary also in shape and size, and are in every shade of brown, " ^ through lilac and purple, to black. The parents are very devoted to their nests, and take turns in sitting. When the young are first hatched, though covered with down, they are very weak in the neck and help- less; but in the course of a few hours the little Gulls are strong enough to walk, and the instinct to hide at the approach of anything strange comes to them very suddenly, so that a Gull only three or four hours old will slip out of the nest, and either hide beneath a few grass blades or flatten itself in the sand, where, owing to its spotted, color-protective down, it is almost oung invisible, so well does Nature care for her children — provided that man does not interfere. When a Gull nests in a tree, how- ever, the little birds, not feeling the same necessity for hiding, do not try to leave the nest until the growth of their wings will let them fly. On the sea beaches, squids and marine refuse are fed to the young Gulls, but where they have nested near fresh, instead of salt, water many insects gleaned from the fields are eaten. It was in the Gulls' nesting season that the plunderers chose to go to their island haunts, steal the eggs, and kill the parent birds, whose devotion, like that of the WTiite Heron, left old the birds at the mercy of the plume hunters. M:\\ YORK HARBOR The Herring or Harbor Gull 281 At tlu' cml of suiniiuT, llie \ouii.n, wearing ihcir si)eckled suits, are able to join tlie 1)1(1 in Hocks, and it is then that they scatter along the coast, some going from the northern borders down to the Great Lakes. In and ^ " '" about \e\v York City, thev are one of the features of the winter the Winter , ^ ■' ' . , , , . , scenery; as they tly to and fro under the arches of the great bridge, and follow the ships the entire length of the harbor, and out to sea. At night, they bed down so close together that in jilaces they make a continuous line of feathers on the waters of the reservoirs and in the sheltered coves of the Hudson. From the banks of Riverside Park, any autumn or winter after- noon, so long as the channel is free from ice, they may lie seen Hying about as fearless as a flock of domestic Pigeons. Hear what Mr. Forbush has to say of these birds of the sea-mist and spray: " The true Gull of the sea, the spirit of the salt, is a sort of feathered bell-buoy and thus is of use to the sailors, as there is ample testimony to prove. " In summer, in thick weather, the appearance of Gulls and Terns in num- bers, or the sound of their clamorous voices, give warning to the mariner that he is near the rocks on which they breed. Shore fishermen, enshrouded in fog, can tell the direction of the islands on which the birds live by watching their undeviating flight homeward with food for their young. The keen senses of sea-birds enable them to head direct for their nests, even in dense mist. "Navigators, approaching, their home ports during the seasons of bird migration, welcome the appearance of familiar birds from the land. . . . "Sea-birds must be reckoned among the chief agencies which have made many rocky or sandy islands fit for human habitation. The service performed by birds in fertilizing, soil-building, and seed-sowing on many barren islands, entitles our feathered friends to the gratitude of many a shipwrecked sailor, who must else have lost his life on barren, storm-beaten shores." Questions for Teachers and Students At what season do Gulls visit your vicinity? What kind of Gulls do you find? Where do they pass the summer? What is the difference in color between the adult Harbor Gull and that of the young, born the preceding summer? What is the range of the Harbor Gull? How are Gulls of value to man? Why were Gulls destroyed? How do Gulls nest? Describe the appearance and actions of young Gulls. Of what use are Gulls to sailors? Cbe ^utiubon ^octetie0 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER Address all correspo the National Assoc! ice, and send all re of Audubon Socii ances for dues and . 141 Broadway, N DIRECTORY OF THE STATE AUDUBON SOCIETIES With names and addresses of their Secretaries California W. Scott Way, Box 62, Glendora. Colorado Mrs. Martha A. Shute, Capitol Building, Denver. Connecticut..'.". Mrs. William Brown Glover, Fairfield. Delaware.......................... Mrs. Wm. S. Hilles, Delamore Place, Wilmington. District of Columbia Miss Helen P. Childs, Chevy Chase, Md. Florida Mrs. I. Vanderpool, Maitland. Georeia -Martin V. Calvin, Augusta. Illinois Miss Mary Drummond. 208 West street, Wheaton. Indiana Florence A. Howe, 2043 Hillside Ave., Indianapolis. Iowa Mrs. William F. Parrott, 302 Franklin St., Waterloo Kentucky..!. ............. Miss Ella Kerr, Campbellsville. Louisiana Miss Anita Princ, 1682 Peters Ave., New Orleans. Maine ................. .\'.. Arthur H. Norton, 22 tlm St., Portland. Maryland Miss Minna D. Starr, 2400 N. Charles St., Baltimore. Massachusetts Miss Jessie E. Kimball, care Boston Societv of Natural History, Boston. Michigan Jefferson Butler, 411 Moffat Block, Detroit. Minnesota Miss Jessie Whit.man, 2356 Bay less Ave., St. Paul. Missouri............. August Reese, 2516 North Fourteenth street, St. Louis. Nebraska Miss Joy Higgins, 544 South 30th street, Omaha. New Hampshire. Mrs. F. W. Batchelder, Manchester. New Jersey Miss Julia S. Scribner, 510 E. Front street, Plainfield. New York. Miss Emma H. Lock wood, Scarborough. North Carolina.. T. Gilbert Pearson, Greensboro. North Dakota Mrs. A. G. Leonard, S97 Belmont Ave., Grand Forks. Ohio Miss Katherine Ratter.mann, 510 York street, Cincinnati. Oklahoma Miss Alma Carson, Guthrie. Oregon Dr. Emma J. Welty, 321 Montgomery street, Portland. Pennsylvania Miss Elizabeth Wilson Fisher, Room 22, 524 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Western Pennsylvania G. B. Mason, Edgewood Park. Rhode Island Mrs. Henry T. Grant. 187 Bowen street, Providence. South Carolina Hon. O. B. Martin, Columbia. S Dakota George A. Pettigrew, Sioux Falls. Tennessee Mrs. C. C. Connor, Ripley. Texas M- B- Davis. VV'aco. Vermont Miss Delia I. Griffin, Museum Natural History, St. Johnsbury. Virginia E. C. Hough, Falls Church. W^ashington H. Rief, 4S Maynard Building, Seattle. ^^risconsin Mrs. Reuben G. Thwaites, 260 Langdon street, Madison. Wyoming Mrs. Cordelia Chivington, Loveland. Annual Meeting of the National Association The third annual meeting of the Na- tional Association of Audubon Societies was held October 29, in the American Museum of Natural History, New York City. Members were present from Massa- chusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina. The treasurer's report showed that the income of the Society during the year had been $17,978.53 and that the e.\pendi- tures were $26,843.43, making a deficit of $8,864.90. This condition arose from ( the fact that legislative expenses were very heavy during 'the past year, and it was also necessary to help several of the State Societies to carry on their local work. Further, the Society received only six- months' interest on its endowment fund, as none of the investments of the Society were made early enough in the year to permit it to receive a full year's interest. The Society now holds mortgages amounting to $316,000 on six pieces of New York City property. Each title is guaranteed by a Title Guarantee Com- pany. None of the loans exceeds two- thirds of the appraised value; the said 282) The Audubon Societies 283 values being certified to by tlu' nmsl lon- servative and well-known appraisers in New York City. All of the loans pay 5 per cent interest and are non-taxable. The President gave a synopsis of what had been accomplished during the year 1907, and outlined some of the plans for 1908. For details of his report, together with the reports of the State Audubon Societies and other matters of interest, readers are referred to the complete report which follows in this numt^cr of BlRD- LoRE. After December 15, members of the Association can receive separates of the annual report and financial statement on application at the office, 141 Broadway, New York City. The following Directors were elected to serve for a period of five years, being the class of 191 2: Mr. F. M. Chapman, New York; Mr. Witmer Stone, Pennsyl- vania; Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus, New- York; Mr. Frederic A. Lucas, Brooklyn; Mr. Carlton D. Howe, Vermont. A resolution approving the work of the United States Bureau of Biological Sur- vey, and calling upon Congress to amplify the work of the said Bureau, was unani- mously passed, and it was further resolved that the secretary send a copy of the reso- lutions to every member of the next Con- gress. Subsequently a meeting of the Directors of the Society was held, when the follow- ing officers were elected to serve for one year: President, William Dutcher; First Vice-president, John E. Thayer; Second Vice-president, Dr. T. S. Palmer; Secretary, T. Gilbert Pearson; Treasurer, Frank M. Chapman. Mr. Samuel T. Carter, Jr., was reappointed counsel for the Society. The President appointed the following Standing Committees: Executive Com- mittee—Dr. J. A. Allen, Dr. George Bird Grinnell, Mr. F. A. Lucas, Mr. F. M. Chapman. Finance Committee — ^Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus, Mr. John E. Thayer, Mrs. C. Grant LaFarge, Mr. F. M. Chapman. — T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary. The Protection of the Heath Hen Dr. Field, whose article on the Heath Hen in this number of Bird-Lore will be read with interest, reports that in addi- tion to practical and most valuable assist- ance by J. E. Howland, Captain B. C. Cromwell, and many others, contribu- tions for the purchase of land for a reser- vation on Martha's Vineyard have been pledged as follows: William Brewster $100 F. S. Pearson 100 G. B. Clark 100 John E. Thaver 100 H. H. Fav...' 100 S. M. Weld 100 Frank E. Peabody 100 L. D. Baker 100 Arthur F. Whitin 108 Judge F. C. Lowell 100 Dr. John C. Phillips 100 R. C. Robbins 100 Gardner M. Lane 100 Dr. B. H. Kidder 100 Hon. Herbert Parker 100 Anawan Club 50 R. L. Agassiz 50 Hon. A. P. Gardner 25 Dr. Gorham Bacon 100 Harriet E. Freeman 5 Middlesex Sportsman's Association 200 • National Audubon Society . 100 For Making Fire Stops — Town of Tisbury (at last annual town meeting) . 250 Town of W. Tisbury (at last annual town meet- ing) 50 $2,338 Inasmuch as under these conditions every dollar contributed for the purchase of land adds at least one acre, it is hoped that sufficient funds may be raised to secure extensive tracts as refuges for the Heath Hen, Least Tern, Upland Plover and other birds which still resort to this island. Contributions may be forwarded to the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, State House, Boston. -•> *'^ ^•'■■■' ^B [:* y u 1 9-. jn ; jfH^^H ■ ; r.--^^ Annual Report of the National Associa- tion of Audubon Societies for 1907 CONTENTS REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT. Introductory. Results Achieved in 1907. Special Agents; Reservations; Warden Work; Educational Work; State Socie- ties; Women's Clubs; Big Game. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY. General Remarks. Meeting of Game Commissioners. REPORTS OF SPECIAL AGENTS. Report of Edward Howe Forbush. Report of H. H. Kopman. Report of William L. Finley. Report of John B. Watson. Report of A. C. Bent. Report of Arthur H. Norton. REPORTS OF STATE SOCIETIES. Reports from Alabama, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michi- gan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin. LIST OF MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTORS. REPORT OF THE TREASURER. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT By WILLIAM DUTCHER INTRODUCTORY Members of the National Association: Stevenson says: "It is a golden maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of them- selves. Nor must the ear be forgotten; without birds, a garden is a prison-yard. " I take it that the province of your President is to present to you annually a concise statement of what the Association has done to prevent this country from becoming a vast prison-yard through lack of birds. The Association is now in a strong and vigorous condition, and is well equip- ped to conduct an aggressive and progressive campaign for wild-bird and animal protection through the several channels of work which it has followed since its organization. This does not mean that it has reached the place that it intends to occupy in the world of economics and philanthropy, but it has made such a splendid beginning that those interested in this Society have every cause to con- (285) 286 Bird -Lore gratulate themselves on the position we now occupy. We are no longer an experi- ment, but are a dominating factor in good civics. With an endowment, safely invested, of nearly one-third of a million dollars, we have no fear for the future. I do not wish this train of thought to mislead our members or the public, for we are not yet endowed sufficiently, and we have but a very small part of the mem- bership that we should have in order to do our best work. We have the experi- ence and the equipment, and could largely increase our results did our own means allow expansion. The membership of the National Association still remains under i,ooo, notwithstanding the strong efforts that have been made to increase it. The cause we advocate is so closely connected with the agricul- tural and forestry interests of the country that it is one of the most important now before the public. When we try to realize the enormous sum that is lost to the country through insect and rodent pests, which the Government experts tell us amounts to $800,000,000 annually, we are lost in wonder at the apathy of the public. If a million or more dollars are lost through the mismanagement of a bank or other fiduciary institution, it creates a wave of protest throughout the entire country; yet a yearly loss equal to the entire capitalization of the national banks of the country creates no comment whatever, simply because the public do not realize what is going on. How to excite an interest in this important matter is the function of this body, and to do it successfully we need more money and a largely increased membership. In this connection, it is proper to mention a misapprehension that has arisen in the minds of some persons, notably among some of our oldest and heretofore most liberal contrib- utors. They evidently believe that, as the Association has an endowment, there is no need for further funds with which to carry on the work. There certainly cannot be a more mistaken idea than this. As a matter of fact, as the Society grows older and more widely known, the demands upon it become daily more exacting and its opportunities for doing good increase far more rapidly than its resources. Our outlay during the past year was some thousands of dollars more than our income, but the demands upon us were of such vital importance that they could not be overlooked. Had we not responded, the cause of bird protection would have suffered a setback which would take years to overcome. Right here is the proper time to emphasize the need for a far larger field staff: many parts of the country that need educational work cannot be touched, owing to the inability of this Association to set aside the necessary funds to employ additional expert aid. We have reached the extreme limit possible until our income is largely in- creased. Here is an opportunity for some of the wealthy philanthropists of the country to place some of their riches where it will be doing the greatest amount of good. To what object could a person contribute where the results for good would be greater? MAP SHOWING STATES (SHADED) HAVING AUDUBON SOCIETIES We teach people to protect wild life, thus making men, women and children kinder and better citizens. We teach the value of birds to the agricultural and forestry interests of the country, and thus instruct citizens in economics. We teach of the live bird or animal in plain simple words, thus giving the rural populace, especially, an interest in nature, which never fails to brighten and broaden human lives. MAP SHOWING STATES (SHADED) IN WHICH THE MODEL LAW IS IX FORCE 288 Bird - Lore We stand for the rights of our fellow citizens, the wild birds and animals, and demand just and uniform laws for their protection, and also their rigid enforcement. We stand for the principle of non-political appointments in the office of Game Commissioner, and recommend that such offices shall be filled by scientific experts who alone are capable of securing the best and most lasting results. We stand for civil service in the appointment of game wardens; they should pass a satisfactory examination showing fitness for the position, and should be continued in office during good behavior. We emphatically stand for the abolition of spring shooting of any kind, on the ground that the practice is wasteful and is the reason for the rapid decrease of many species of birds. We recommend very short open seasons for hunting and a small bag limit. We urge that, when satisfactory scientific evidence is presented that any species of game bird is in danger of extermination, laws be enacted making a close season for the said species, in order that recuperation may take place. We urge the passage of laws providing for gun licenses, in order to curtail as much as possible hunting by irresponsible persons, and also to provide ready means of identification of hunters who violate bird and game laws or commit trespass on posted lands. We also urge such laws for the purpose of providing funds for protection and propagation of game, and to render unnecessary the levying of taxes for such objects. We urge the passage of laws prohibiting the cold storage of game of any kind. We urge Federal protection for all migratory birds, for the reason that it is practically impossible to secure uniform State laws in time to prevent the disap- pearance of several species of birds that are now known to be on the verge of extinction. We urge the enlargement of the Biological Survey, on the ground that the statistics and information relative to birds and animals furnished by this Bureau of the Department of Agriculture is absolutely necessary for the farmers of the country. The educational work of this Association would be seriously handi- capped were the scientific investigations of the Biological Survey to cease. This Association has no criticism to offer regarding the amount of public funds expended for the protection of the country against possible foreign attacks, but it believes that a more liberal appropriation for the Biological Survey would be a wise investment. The meager sum now appropriated annually, some $60,000, is exactly the amount which it costs to manufacture one 12-inch, 45 caliber, nickel-steel gun. The cost of firing this gun one time is $220 for powder and $190 for a battle shell. The $60,000 expended for the Biological Survey furnishes information regarding the economic value of birds which saves millions of dollars annually to agriculture and forestry. We, therefore, respectfully but emphatically Results Achieved 289 urge an increased appropriation for the Survey, in order that it may more rapidly continue its important work. RESULTS ACHIEVED IN 1907 Special Agents. — It is always a dilTicult matter to place in concrete form successes achieved in a given time by a moral movement, as many of them are in some degree intangible. However, so much actual progress has been made during the past year that it will be hard in the future to keep up the same ratio of progress. The greatest gain of the year has been the enlargement of the lield staff of the Association. Before the present year, our able and earnest Secretary, Mr. Pearson, did a large part of the organization work; in fact, almost his entire time was occupied this way. It cannot be questioned that the very best results are to be obtained by the employment of trained men and women to carry to the public the propaganda of wild-bird and animal protection. It is absolutely necessary that the organizer should have a good knowledge of birds and animals, especially in respect to their economic relations to the human race; moreover, he or she must be an enthusiast whose whole mind and powers are engrossed in devotion to the Society and its work. Such qualities are hard to find, but we know that this Association has found them, or the results secured by the field staff would not have been as great as they are. A brief review is in order : Mr. Pearson, in addition to the valuable work he did in his home state, North Carolina, where he is the moving spirit of the Audubon Society, con- ducted an exploration along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, securing much needed information regarding the birds of that section. He secured the passage of an act in the legislature of South Carolina conferring upon the Audubon Society the powers and duties of a Game Commission; he conducted an investigation with a view of suppressing cage-bird traffic in its last stronghold; he visited a number of Audubon Societies in the western states, giving them encouragement and advice, while on a trip to the Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, where he attended one of the most important meetings held during the year — the biennial session of the National Association of State Game Wardens and Com- missioners. It is of vital importance that this Association have the closest affilia- tion with all state game officials, as the objects sought by each are identical. He did excellent and valuable service in behalf of the Biological Survey at the last session of Congress, and, finally, was instrumental in securing the passage of resolutions at the International Conference of Cotton Growers, in Atlanta, Ga., demanding the protection of wild birds, and calling on Congress to continue the Biological Survey with increased appropriations, in order that it may more rapidly determine the economic relations of wild birds to agriculture. Air. Edward Howe Forbush, ornithologist of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, and now in charge of Audubon interests in the New England States for this Association, accomplished results of splendid proportions. He 290 Bird - Lore was instrumental in securing legislation in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut of the most advanced character; the legislative work in the last-named state continuing over a period of five months. He gave a series of educational lectures, reaching hundreds of people, many of them teachers. He contributed to the literature of bird protection two of the most important and valuable ornithological publications that have ever been presented to the public, both of which will exert a great influence. He did yeoman service in behalf of the Biological Survey, and has pushed Audubon work to the fore in his territory by aggressive and progressive methods. Mr. Henry H. Kopman, one of the leading ornithologists of the Gulf states, who commenced his services for this Association May 15 last, has accomplished in a very short period results of great importance. He conducted a bird survey on the Louisiana coast, west of the Mississippi delta, with results already pre- sented in Bird-Lore, which paved the way for two additional reservations. He has lectured before hundreds of planters in Mississippi at farmers' insti- tutes, showing the importance of bird protection. He is now engaged in organizing a Mississippi State Audubon Society, with every prospect of forming a strong and influential body of the best citizens of the state. He has prepared and is widely circulating a large amount of valuable educational matter, among the most important of which is a series of papers regarding the value of birds, which is appearing in the press of his section; and, finally, he is preparing an exhibit of Audubon methods and literature for the Mississippi State Fair, which will be seen bv thousands of citizens and cannot fail to exert a great and far-reaching good. Mr. William L. Finley, the well-known bird student and photographer of the Northwest, has given us a small portion of his time during which he has exerted a valuable influence in his section. He has contributed largely to the press in Oregon and Washington, and has delivered many illustrated lectures on bird subjects. He was instrumental in preventing the repeal of the Model Law in Oregon. He aided ver\' largely in the organization of the Washington Audubon Society, and also gave a series of lectures under the auspices of the Association before the Audubon Societies in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Minnesota. His illustrated magazine articles on bird life attract wide- spread attention and lead to a greater interest in the live bird and its home life. Miss Mary T. ]\Ioore, of North Carolina, who has lately joined the field stafif of this Association, has been conducting a series of farmers' meetings in her home state, which cannot help but raise the standard of intelligent apprecia- tion of the value of birds. The work she is doing is not merely economic, but is of value in the homes of the people, as it reaches the fireside and interests the mothers and children, thus attracting them to nature and her beauties. The foregoing represents a part of what was accomplished by the field-staflf during the past year, but there is no way to tell you in words of the beneficent influence which is rapidly growing wherever the staff has worked. Results Achieved 291 THREE ARCH ROCKS RESERVATIONS For Protection of Native Birds OREGON — Embracing all small islands off the Oregon coast segregated by broken line and designated "Three Arch Rocks Reservation" Department of the Interior, General Land Office, Richard A. Ballineer, Commissioner Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 14, 1907 lEiecutivc ©rbcr It is hereby ordered that the group of small unsurveyed islands known as the "Three Arch Rocks," located in the Pacitic Ocean from one-half mile to one mile off the coast of Oregon, approximately in latitude 45° 28' north, 124° west from Greenwich, as shown upon the United States Coast Survey Chart No. 6100, and located within the area segregated by a broken line and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, is hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This reser- vation to be known as Three Arch Rocks Reservation. The White House, October 14, 1907 THEODORE ROOSEVELT 292 Bird - Lore FLATTERY ROCKS RESERVATION For Protection of Native Birds WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated by broken line and designated " Flattery Rocks Reservation " Department of the Interior. General Land Office, Richard A. Ballinger, Commissioner Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 23, 1907 lExecutive ®r^er It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed and unreserved islands lying ofif the coast of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between lati- tudes 48° 02' North and 48° 23' North, among which are those named and commonly known as Spike Rock, Father and Son, Bodiel-teh Islets, Flattery Rocks, Ozette Island and White Rock, as the same are shown upon coast sur- vey chart No. 6400, or upon the General Land Office map of the State of Wash- ington, dated 1887, and located within the area segregated by a broken line and shown upon *he diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture, as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This reser- vation to be known as Flattery Rocks Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT The White House, October 23, 1907 Results Achieved 293 QUILLAYUTE NEEDLES RESERVATION For Protection of Native Birds WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated by broken line and designated " Quillayute Needles Reservation" Department of the Interior, General Land Office, Richard A. Ballineer, Commissioner Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October ij, 1007 2440 wCp 1 dfi- 46- J^ss'-'^^^l^ ,,;A c*k)>^i^' . V 0 , 0 0 C ^ ^\i 24°40' leiccutive ©rber It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed and unreserved islands lying off the coast of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between latitude 47° 38' North, and 48° 02' North, among which are those named and commonly known as Hand Rock, Carroll Islets, Bald Island, Jagged Islet, Cake Rock, James Island, Huntington Rock, Quillayute Needles, Rounded Islet, Alex- ander Island, Perkins Reef, North Rock, Middle Rock, Abbey Island and South Rock, as the same are shown upon coast survey chart No. 6400, or \\\w\\ the General Land Office map of the State of Washington, dated 1887, and located within the area segregated l)y a broken line and shown upon the dia- gram hereto attached and made a part of this order, are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a preserve and breed- ing ground for native birds and animals. This reservation to be known as Quillayute Needles Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT The White House, October 23, 1907 294 Bird - Lore COPALIS ROCK RESERVATION For Protection of Native Birds WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated by broken line and designated "Copalis Rock Reservation" Department of the Interior, General Land Office. Richard A. Ballinger, Commissioner Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 27, 1907 w-eo- lEyecutive ®r^er It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed islands lying ofif the coast of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between latitudes 47° 8' North, and 47° 29' North, among which are those named and commonly known as Arch Island, Sea Lion Rock, Willoughby Rock, Split Rocks, Sonora Reef, Greenville Arch and Copalis Rock, as the same are shown upon coast survey chart No. 6400 or upon the General Land Office map of the State of Wash- ington, dated 1887, and located within the area segregated by a broken line and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agricul- ture as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This reservation to be known as Copalis Rock Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT The White House, October 23, 1907 Results Achieved 295 Rc.scn\itioiis.—()nc of the most important results secured by this Association since its organization has l)ccn the large number of reservations set aside as bird refuges and breeding homes by President Roosevelt. During the present year, six have been added, all of which arc the ancestral homes of birds, and they will, in the future, be under the direct suj^ervision of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture. It is our function to investigate and discover bird-breeding islands, rocks and keys; the locality and number and species of birds is reported to the Department of the Interior, at Washington, and, if the pro]KTty still belongs to the Federal Government, an order is prepared for the signature of the Chief Executive. This Society then selects a suitable person to act as a guard, who is recommended for ai)pointmcnt as warden. He is then officially commissioned by the Department of Agriculture at a nominal salary, which is supplemented b\- additional compensation from this Association. Two of the new reservations, 'Tern Islands' and 'Shell Keys' in Louisiana, have already been reported in 'Bird-Lore' for September-October 1907, and the four additional ones are now recorded. One is located on the Oregon coast and is known as 'Three Arch Rocks Reservation,' the order for which was signed October 14, 1907. A detailed report of the bird inhabitants of this rescrvaticm may be found in Bird-Lore, Vol. VII, 1905, pp. 103-106. Mr. W. Leon Dawson, the President of the Washington State Audubon Society, who is a careful as well as enthusiastic bird student, spent the summers of 1906 and 1907 in a survey of the bird life on the islands and rocky islets off the coast of Washington. These all lie close to the mainland, and are of no agricultural or commercial value. They are, however, the homes of thousands and thousands of sea-birds and a few small groups of sea-lions. On one island alone Dr. Dawson estimated there were 40,000 Kaeding Petrels. This report was the basis for three new bird and animal refuges, to be known as ' Copalis Rock Reservation,' ' ()uilla\ute Needles Reservation,' 'Flattery Rocks Reser- vation,' the orders for which were signed October 23, 1907. The plan of bird and animal refuges is destined to be a great factor in the future in the preservation of the wild life of the country. However good the laws are and however well they way be enforced, killing will go on, and there should therefore be refuges established in all parts of the country where shooting is abso- lutely prohibited. It is astonishing how soon birds and animals learn to know where they are undisturbed, and how little fear of man they display within such bounds. The reservations we are securing are the beginning of the plan of refuges, but the Federal Government owns no land in any of the thirteen original states, nor does it own any in Texas. In these fourteen states, the proposed s}-stem of refuges can be secured only by purchase, or by a legislative act. It is very much to the credit of the authorities in Pennsylvania that the game- refuge plan has been adopted. The authorities of New York should adopt the plan at once, and establish a large number of bird and game refuges in the Adi- rondack and Catskill Parks. The setting aside of land for a refuge does not 296 Bird -Lore necessarily mean that it cannot be occupied by man, it simply means that when a bird or animal reaches these sacred precincts its life is safe. The refuge plan must necessarily in the future be largely by purchase or lease or donation from individuals or societies. The Louisiana Audubon Society has been very active in this work, and now owns or leases a large number of islands. During the past year, the North Carolina Audubon Society has acquired some sandy islands on the coast, which are noted bird resorts. On one of them is located the largest colony of Least Terns that exists in the United States. The La Rue Holmes Nature Lovers' League has raised a considerable sum of money for the purpose of buying a large tract of suitable marsh land in New Jersey,, which is to be dedicated as a bird refuge. The state of Massachusetts has, during the present year, acquired a tract of 2,000 acres on Martha's Vineyard for a refuge, especially for the purpose of preventing the total extinction of the Heath Hen. Individuals are adopting the idea, and are making their estates bird and animal refuges; this is specially the case in California and in Indiana. Thousands of memorial dollars are contributed annually to educational or philanthropic institutions. We suggest that a beautiful and appropriate memorial would be an island or tract of land dedicated in perpetuity as a bird refuge in charge of this Association. It would be a lasting and fitting monument. Warden Work. — The importance of this branch of effort of the National Association is hardly realized by the public. Had it not been for the faithful guardians who have cared for the colonies of sea-birds on the coasts and inland waters of the country, many of the species of birds that we now have strong colonies of would have been exterminated. This is easily proven; take for instance the Terns and Gulls. A habit implanted in all species of birds centuries since impels them annually to journey to an ancestral breeding home for the purpose of reproducing their kind. If they are undisturbed, enough young are raised to offset the decrease, caused by old age, epidemics, cold storms, high tides, lack of food and predatory birds and mammals, and a species is maintained at a high degree of strength and efficiency. If, on the contrary, the birds are prevented from breeding for one season alone, the species is weakened, and, if this is con- tinued, it will, necessarily, finally become exterminated, because not enough new birds are produced to keep up the stock. Our warden system is for the purpose of allowing the birds to breed undisturbed, and the loyalty and efficiency of the men in our employ is the reason why our coasts and inland waters are slowly but surely being repopulated with sea-birds, some species of which were dangerously near the point of disappearance. Even with all the care exercised in the past few years to prevent such a misfortune, there is grave doubt whether it will be possible to restore at least two species that were formerly common, viz., the Least and Gull-billed Terns. During the breeding season of 1907, all of the colonies cared for did well, and some of them had a specially favorable season. Each warden is required Results Achieved 297 to make preliniiiiarN' rc'|)()rts of the coiiditioiis at his station during tlie season, and a tinal re[)ort or suiiiniaf\- at the tlose of tiie hreediii}; ])eriod, or when the young birds are all awin^. \'ery often we are fortunate enough to have some member of the Assoeialion, wlio is a trained ornitholoj^Mst, make a tour of in- spection. This \ear the coast of Maine and a i)arl of the Virginia coast were visited, and the reports are appended. In addition, Professor Watson of Chicago, a biologist, took charge of the bird colonies at the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and his very interesting report is given in full. There were the usual number of excessive tides, when thousands of eggs or young birds were swept away; but such natural tragedies are to be expected. If we can prevent interference by man, the balance established by nature will be maintained. P>om every station, the wardens report that the birds are becoming more tame and fearless of man, and this statement is often verified by letters to the Association from members or persons who have noticed the change. Fur- ther, when the birds are permitted to breed undisturbed, the first clutch of eggs is hatched, and the young birds mature early in the season, and are much stronger and more able to care for themselves when the migration period is reached than birds that are hatched late in the season. To detail the reports of each warden would take far more space than can be allowed, but from them it is safe to say that during the past season many, many thousands of sea-birds were raised. UNCLE MARK YOUXC, FAITHFUL WARDEN, NO-MAN'S-LAND ISLAND, MAINE Largest colony of Herring Gulls in the United States. They are known as Uncle Mark's pets 298 Bird - Lore Educational Work. — This branch of the work of the Association has been very largely extended during the past twelve months, and is daily becoming a more important factor in the advancement of the cause of bird protection. Since our last report, the Association has issued six new Educational Leaflets, viz., ' The Killdeer, ' ' The Bluebird, ' ' The Red-winged Blackbird, ' ' The Baltimore Oriole,' 'The Indigo Bunting,' 'The Purple Finch,' and, in addition, the follow- ing special leaflets: 'In February,' 'In April,' 'In June,' 'The Wood Duck,' ' August and the Flocking Time, ' ' October and Preparations for Winter. ' In the past year, we have printed 608,050 leaflets of the various issues, which have been circulated in all parts of the country. This means that 2,320,450 pages of accurate information regarding the life-histories and food-habits of birds and their economic relations to mankind have been spread broadcast among the people, especially the school children. In addition, we have circulated 15,440 reports, 266,047 colored plates of birds, and 244,000 outlines of birds for children to color. The good results of this distribution cannot be for a moment doubted. We see them on every hand in an increased interest in the live bird and the willing- ness of the public press to advocate bird protection. The following quotation from a recent letter from Professor Minear of Texas very clearly shows the appre- ciation of an educator in the bird literature we supply: "In connection with the garden work of the public schools of this city, I am endeavoring to protect the birds of this section. I believe I can save many hundreds, if not thousands, by the use of the leaflets which are being sent out by the Audubon Society. I have about 300 leaflets on the Robin, Meadowlark, Nighthawk or 'Bull-bat,' and Mourning Dove, which are being distributed, and I find the boys are astonished as to the good birds do the farmers. I wish to continue this good work, and would appreciate any number of leaflets you could spare me. I have eleven hundred boys in the garden and would like to reach them all if possible. This work means much to the farming interest of our state. " Our own short experience proves conclusively that children never fail to respond to our teaching about birds, and therefore it is our duty to expand as rapidly as possible this branch of our work. This is not a new idea, for Col- eridge says: "That strain again I "Full fain it would delay me! My dear babe, "Who, capable of no articulate sound, " Mars all things with his imitative lisp, "How he would place his hand beside his ear, "His little hand, the small fore-finger up, "And bid us listen! And I deem it wise "To make him nature's playmate — " — — — — — And, if that Heaven "Should give me life, his childhood shall grow up "Familiar with these songs." Results Achieved 299 Among the many beautiful thoughts left us by Bishop Brooks, there is one which is so i>erlinent in this connection that it is (juotcd for encouragement: "It means something tliat, in the (Hsorder of tliought and feeling, so many men are fleeing to the study of ordinary nature. And it is rest and comfort. Whatever men are feeling, the seasons come and go. Whatever men are doubt- ing, the rock is firm under their feet, and the steadfast stars pass in their certain courses overhead. Men who dare count on nothing else may still count on the tree's blossoming and the grape's coloring. It is good for a man perplexed and lost among many thoughts to come into closer intercourse with Nature, and to learn her ways and to catch her spirit. It is no fancy to believe that if the children of this generation are taught a great deal more than we used to be taught of nature, and the ways of God in nature, they will be provided with the material for far healthier, happier, and less perplexed and anxious lives than most of us are living. " Sliite Societies. — The reports of the thirty-three State Societies presented beyond speak for themselves, and, in this connection, your President cannot too strongly emphasize the importance of the work of these organizations which, familiar with local conditions, can act as circumstances require far more sym- pathetically and effectively than could a foreign body. Women^s Clubs. — There are few countries where nature has been more prolific and generous with beautiful birds and interesting animals than in the United States. It is a sad fact that the citizens of the country have not all realized their blessings in this respect, and have wasted what nature has so generously provided. Many of the wild birds of the country have been ruthlessly slaught- ered to ornament the head-gear of women. Many organizations of women in the country are taking an active stand against the cruel practice of killing birds for millinery ornaments, and I believe that it is the patriotic duty of every woman in the land to join in the great civic movement to preserve the wild life of the country. Surely the love of country embraces within its meaning a love for its natural beauties. The following resolution is being circulated by the General Federation of Women's Clubs, and is exerting a powerful influence in the right direction. This Association recommends its adoption by every woman, whether she is a member of a club or is simply an individual: Whereas: The beautiful white Herons are rapidly ciiminishing, with a likeli- hood of their becoming extinct, and Whereas: The demand for aigrettes for millinery purposes is responsible for the slaughter of these feathered innocents antl the ( onsequent death of the nestlings, therefore Resolved: That I pledge myself not to wear any such Badge of Cruelty as the aigrette, or the plumage of any wild bird, and that I will use all possible influence to restrain others from doing so. Big Game. — This Association lately took its first step in big game preser- vation by bearing a j)art of the expenses in the trial of two poachers for the 300 Bird - Lore illegal killing of Elk. The defendants were convicted and sentenced to imprison- ment for three months and to pay costs amounting to $933. When they have served their terms, they will have been in jail fourteen months, besides having all the elk hides, horns and teeth in their possession confiscated. This case will have a very far-reaching effect, especially in the Jackson's Hole region in Wyo- ming, and, in fact, in the entire Northwest. Our Vice-president, Dr. Palmer, is now perfecting plans for extending our work of big game protection. Before closing this imperfect report of the activities of the year, it is my duty as well as my pleasure to bear witness to the willing and loyal service ren- dered by the officers and active workers in the state organizations. So long as such a spirit is dominant, there can be no fear that the cause of wild birds and animal protection will not go steadily forward. — William Dutcher, President. REPORT OF T. GILBERT PEARSON, SECRETARY General Remarks. — The past year has been a busy one in the southern office of the National Association of Audubon Societies located in Greensboro, N. C. The correspondence in all parts of the southern states has greatly increased and a large amount of literature, copies of game laws, and cloth warning notices have been distributed. In addition to this, the secretary has done an unusually large amount of field work. Early in June, a vessel was fitted out at Morehead City, N. C, for an exploring expedition southward along the coast as far as Florida. The object of the cruise was to locate the breeding colonies of sea-birds in this territory and secure wardens to guard them. The most inter- esting discovery was that of a colony containing about five hundred birds of that rare species, the Least Tern. This was located on the South Carolina coast about ten miles from Cape Romain. More than two thousand Brown Pelicans were also found on this coast. The vessel was out about thirty-one days. Legislative work has claimed the secretary's attention in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and he appeared before legislative committees in these three states. Much time has been spent in travel and work in South Carolina, to assist in getting that state's Audubon Society on its feet. It is now fully organized, having been incorporated by the Legislature with all the power of a state game commission, and with good officers at its head. A number of cities in South Carolina and Georgia have been visited in the interest of the suppression of the traffic in song-birds, and, as a result, a number of dealers have discontinued their work. Some other interesting discoveries were made, which will be published in due time. More than two dozen public lectures have been given by the secretary during the year. He also represented the National Association at a number of gather- ings, particularly the meeting of the League of American Sportsmen in Norfolk, Va.; the meeting of the International Conference of Cotton Manufacturers Report of T. Gilbert Pearson 301 and Growers, Atlanta, Ga.; and the biennial session of the National Associa- tion of State Game Wardens and Commissioners, in the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. At these meetings, he introduced and secured the ])assage of strong resolu- tions endorsing the woik of the United States Biological Survey, as follows: Whereas: The Bureau of Biological Survey, United States Department of Agri- culture, has been engaged for many years in studying the habits and distribution of wild birds and mammals for the purpose of determining their economic value to the agri- culturist, and Whereas: It has been discovered by the said Bureau of Biological Survey that many of our non-game and song-birds and certain of our mammals are most valuable assistants in destroying worms and other insects injurious to growing crops, fruit and forest trees, and the bulletins of this subject issued from time to time by the Bureau are a practical and valuable aid to farmers and planters, and Whereas: The Bureau of Biological Survey has investigated the relations of birds to the boll-weevil in Texas and other cotton-growing states, and has issued several publications on the subject, naming the species that destroy the weevil and giving infor- mation as to their habits, with practical suggestions for increasing their numbers, and Whereas: The work of game preservation by this Bureau has resulted in a more general uniformity of state laws relating to open seasons, licenses and other details, while the enforcement of the Federal statute known as the Lacy Law has resulted in a more general observance of state laws regulating the export of game-birds and animals, and Whereas: All of this work is of direct and positive benefit to the cotton-grower, therefore; — Be it Resolved: That this Association recognizes fully the value of the work of the Bureau of Biological Survey, and most respectfully petitions the national Congress at its forthcoming session to make a sufi&cient appropriation for the support of this Bureau to enable it to continue and broaden its work along the lines indicated; and be it further resolved: — That a copy of this resolution be furnished by our Secretary to every Senator and Representative in Congress from the cotton-growing states. \' isits with the officers of the state Audubon Societies have been made, and more or less work has been accomplished in Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio, Missouri and Colorado. A number of trips, in executing the preHminary work for legislative enactment, have been made to Virginia. Miss Mary T. Moore has, during the year, been added to the office force as school secretary. During the summer months she lectured before twenty-four farmers' institutes, and since then has been busy with correspondence and supplying the school-teachers in North Carolina and Virginia with leaflets of the Association. Meeting oj Game Comiuissiouers. — Your Secretary attended the fourth biennial meeting of the National Association of State Game and Fish Wardens and Commissioners which was held at Fort Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, August 9 and 10. The members met at Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel on August 8, and the same day called in a body to pay their respects to General S. B. Young, Superintendent of the Park, by whose invitation the Association was holding 302 Bird -Lore its meeting there. The sessions of the convention were presided over by President W. V. Scott, State Game Warden of Montana; Chas. A. Voglesang, of Cah- fornia, acting as secretary. In the course of General Young's hearty address of welcome, many exceedingly interesting statements were made regarding the increase of game in the park. For instance, we learned that about sixty-five head of Buffalo are still preserved. About one-half of these are kept in a corral near Gardner. The remaining ones are still running in a wild state in the Pigeon Creek country, near Yellowstone Lake. The increase of these herds is not rapid, one reason being the fact that the males increase much more rapidly than the females. About 25,000 Elk are now believed to be in the Park, and the number is continually augmented by additional bands which come in from the surround- ing states to escape prosecution of the hunters, many of whom desire to kill these fine game animals simply for the teeth. Antelopes are on the increase, as are also Mountain Sheep. Mule Deer are today very abundant, and may be seen almost everywhere while passing through the Park. Following the remarks of General Young, Colonel Anderson, former acting superintendent of the Park, was introduced. His address was one of the most valuable and interesting of the entire convention. His experience in endeavor- ing to preserve the game and repress poachers dated from the time of his appoint- ment in 1881, and his early struggles on behalf of the game of the park were listened to like tales of romance. Dr. T. S. Palmer, of Washington, D. C, spoke on 'Novel Features of Recent Game Legislation,' giving, in connection with this, a most valuable summary of all the game legislation in the United States in the past year, as well as throw- ing out many valuable suggestions regarding needed laws in different states. The commissioners from one state after another followed, and told of the bird and game conditions in the territory over which their jurisdiction extended. It is interesting to note that many of these gentlemen gave the National Associa- tion of Audubon Societies and the officers of the state organizations very decided credit for battles which had been won in their states for bird and game protection. The work of the Audubon Society in influencing legislation, particularly the past year in saving the non-game bird law in Oregon; helping preserve the remnant of the Game Commission in Missouri; the splendid work done in Con- necticut with the establishment of the license law and other important features; the creating of the Game Commission in Alabama, and the securing of full control of the game protection work in South Carolina, were some of the matters which were discussed in detail before the convention. The Audubon Society is today an enormous factor in game legislation in America, and the cooperation of the Audubon Societies and the State Game Commissioners throughout the union is a most fortunate and valuable combination, and these two forces should work hand in hand continually with tremendous and far-reaching results for good. Among the most entertaining speakers of the convention were David E. Farr of Colorado, L. T. Carleton of Maine, Dr. Geo. W. Field and John Reports of Special Agents 303 Delano of Massachusetts, (ico. \V. Clark of Illinois, Carlos Avery of Minnesota and William \. Stephens of Idaho. An important feature of the convention was the i)resence and addresses of seven National Forest Rangers. E. A. Sherman, Chief Inspector of the National Forest for the district of Montana, northern Idaho and Wyoming, in a most interesting manner enlarged on the work of forest preservation and the relationship between this valuable subject and game protection. New officers were elected for the Association as follows: President, William F. Scott, Helena, Montana; First Vice-president, T. G. Pearson, Greensboro, N. C; Second Vice-president, L. T. Carleton, Augusta, Me.; Secretary, Chas. A. Voglesang, San Francisco, Cal.; Treasurer, Carlos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.; General Council, Joseph Acklen, Nashville, Tenn.; Directors, John W. Delano, Marion, Mass.; David E. Farr, Denver, Col. After the adjournment of the convention, the commissioners proceeded on a five-day tour in the Yellowstone National Park, where many facilities were afforded them for seeing not only the wild life but the natural phenomena of this wonderful, world-renowned region. — T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary. REPORTS OF SPECIAL AGENTS REPORT OF EDWARD HOWE FORBUSH My work with the National Association began in January with the intro- duction of two bills into the Massachusetts legislature. One of these was drawn to protect the larger Gulls at all times, and the other to prohibit all spring shoot- ing of Wild Ducks. While these bills were pending. Congress refused the appro- priation for the Bureau of Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture, and it became necessary at once to concentrate all effort on the attempt to make more widely known the importance of the work of the Survey. From January 15 to June i, my time was given mainly to legislative work in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This work was almost uniformly successful, as all the measures advocated were enacted, with the exception of the anti-spring shooting bill in Massachusetts. All proposed bills inimical to bird protection were defeated. The bill to protect the Gulls was enacted largely through the efforts of Dr. Geo. W. Field, chairman of the Com- mission on Fisheries and Game. I followed through all their stages a bill to protect Loons and Eagles, and another, introduced by the Fall River Natural History Society, to protect the more useful Owls and Hawks. A bill requiring non-residents hunting within the state to procure a $10 license was also advo- cated and supported through all its stages. The bill to authorize the Commission on Fisheries and Game to take land on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, to be used in conserving and propagating the nearly extinct Heath Hen, met with considerable opposition in the Ways 304 Bird - Lore and Means Committee, and was delayed until late in the session; but the Chair- man of the Fish and Game Commission, together with Mr. William Brewster, president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and many other friends of the bill, came handsomely to its support, and a redraft was finally p3,ssed. The commissioners have now taken, by gift or otherwise, about two thousand acres of land, and are protecting this vanishing game-bird in its last stronghold, where they intend if possible to propagate it, so that it may, in time, take the place it formerly occupied in the Atlantic coast states. The campaign in Connecticut was long and tedious, occupying more than five months, but was finally successful in every respect. The forces which for so many years had been able to keep open a spring-shooting season for wild fowl, snipe and shore birds, were defeated and demoralized for the time being, and all shooting of these birds is now prohibited in Connecticut from January I to September i. The enactment of this law was finally followed by that of another requiring the registration of all hunters. This is the greatest gain ever made by the bird protectionists in Connecticut, for it provides money in the shape of license fees to be used for the enforcement of the game and bird laws, which were formerly little respected in many parts of the state. Another law, which was strongly advocated and passed, prohibits the sale of upland game- birds for a period of years. The Connecticut legislation was upheld by the Audubon Society, by many enlightened sportsmen and intelligent farmers, and opposed mainly by market hunters and others who care nothing about the extermination of the birds provided they get their share of the birds or the money which is expended in hunting them. My work in New Hampshire was mainly devoted to the support of a so-called omnibus bill for the protection of fish, birds and game, and bills for protecting the Wood Duck, Upland Plover and Killdeer at all times for a series of years. Mrs. Arthur E. Clarke, of Manchester, president of the New Hampshi.-e Audu- bon Society, exerted a most potent influence for the passage of this legislation, and she was ably seconded by the secretary, Mrs. F. W. Batchelder. These ladies fully exemplify the power that officers of the Audubon Societies possess. Great credit is due to Chairman Nathaniel Wentworth of the Fish and Game Commission, for his work in shaping legislation. During this legislative work, I have been impressed with the fact that each member of this Association and each member of the State Societies is capable of exerting a considerable influence toward the enactment of good laws, and a large part of my work has consisted of getting acquainted with those who are interested in bird protection, and showing them how they can best use their influence. Twenty-two lectures were given from January to June before state normal school teachers, farmers' associations and legislators in the three states. Most of these talks were illustrated by stereopticon, and recent reports show that they have led people, especially children, to feed birds, put up bird-houses and otherwise care for birds and study them. From June to October, fully Reports of Special Agents 305 half my lime has ht'cn (ic(u])ied with other (hities than those connected with the work of the Association. The time given to its work has been utilized largely in organizing people interested in the protection of birds in New England, and in soliciting members for the National and State Associations. In August, a series of five illustrated lectures on birds in their relation to the farmer was given at the Massachusetts Agricultural College at Amherst before students in the large and successful summer school of agriculture. This course })roved one of the most popular of the year. The students were mainly teachers and others connected with school or college instruction, and the attendance at these lectures included nearly the entire school. The bird laws enacted in Massachusetts since the first settlement of the colony have been studied, and a bulletin entitled 'Statutory Bird Protection in Massachusetts' has been prepared and printed by the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture for free distribution among farmers and others, in antici- pation of a movement for better legi.slation. Co])ies may be had by application to Secretary, J. Lewis Ellsworth, State Board of Agriculture, State Hou.se, Boston, jNIass. As the first edition of ' Useful Birds and their Protection ' was practically exhausted within three weeks of its issue, a bill authorizing a second edition was introduced into the legislature and passed. The second edition is now in press, and copies may be obtained of Secretary Ellsworth when issued. I have prepared also an illustrated article on the relations of birds to agriculture for Prof. L. H. Bailey's Cyclopedia of Agriculture, now in press. — Edw.ard Hcjwe FORBUSH. REPORT OF H. H. KOPMAN The work undertaken by your present special agent since his first connection with your Association last May has included three principal lines of activities, viz., a cruise along the Louisiana coast west of the Mississippi river, cover- ing the period from May 15 to June 21, attendance on farmers' institutes in Mississippi, for the purpose of addressing farmers on the importance of bird protection, and covering the period from July 15, to September 6; and pub- licity work in ISIississippi, with Jackson as a base of operations, having as its object the organization of a Mississippi State Audubon Society. As this report is being drafted, preliminary steps are under way for making an Audubon exhibit at the Mississippi State Fair, at Jackson, November 5-16. The cruise along the Louisiana coast was made in the schooner 'Sea-bird,' of Pass Christian, Miss., owned by Captain William Sprinkle and sailed by Captain Frank Couvillier and Mate O. C. Colson, of Morgan City, La. The breeding colonies found on this trip were: Shell Keys, off Marsh island, at the entrance to Vermilion Bay, the nesting-home of about two thousand Royal Terns, and the resting-place of Brown Pelicans and Man-o'-War birds; that portion of Last island west of 'Caroline's Cut,' where about 6,000 Black Skim- 3o6 Bird -Lore mers were found breeding; East Timbalier, the breeding-place of aljout 4,500 Black Skimmers, 5,500 Laughing Gulls and 1,750 Louisiana Herons, as well as about six pairs of Snowy Herons; the 'Mud Lumps' islands off North Pass, Pass a L'Outre, Northeast Pass and Southwest Pass, Mississippi river. These ' mud lumps, ' together with the Shell Keys, have since been set aside as national reservations. Important feeding stations were found also at Calcasieu Pass, at Trinity Bay, Last island, at Wine island, on the Shell islands in Barataria Bay, at Barataria Light (Ft. Livingston), and at Shell island, Bastian Bay. The principal species observed were Laughing Gulls, Royal Terns, Black Skimmers and Brown Pelicans. Caspian Terns and the greatest number of Forster's Terns were seen on the mud lumps off Northeast Pass. Least Terns were seen at several points, but none were found breeding; similarly with White Pelicans. The number of brown Pelicans breeding and reared on the mud lumps off Southwest Pass was estimated at 7,500. Your agent made talks to farmers at twenty-five points in Mississippi, in the counties of Lincoln, Copiah, Amite, Pike, Newton, Scott, Leake, Neshoba, Kemper, Yalobusha, Grenada and Tallahatchie. The number of farmers reached in this way was probably about five hundred. In addition, a talk was made before about two hundred farmers at the ' Round-Up ' Institute at Agricultural College(Starkville), September 4-6. The subject of this, as well as of the other talks, was ' The Necessity of Feathered Help in Agriculture. ' Actual speci- mens were shown in all cases, and much interest was manifested at the ' Round- Up' and at a number of other institutes. About one thousand copies of the poster, ' Save the Birds, ' have been sent out to Mississippi post-offices; and this work will be continued until all the post- offices in the state are supplied, and the circulation will probably be extended to railway stations, hotels, etc. Two hundred copies of a circular letter calling on the people to help in the organization of a Mississippi Audubon Society have been sent to Mississippi newspapers, while some of the circulars have been posted. Your agent wishes to express his appreciation of courtesies extended him by state officials in Mississippi, and especially by Prof. E. R. Lloyd, Director of Farmers' Institutes, and Hon. H. E. Blakeslee, Commissioner of Agriculture. The latter has kindly invited your agent to make his headquarters in the Com- missioner's office, and, in consequence, our literature is on file at this office, while your agent spends a considerable part of his time there. Our literature is also to be had from the Secretary of State, and the Superintendent of Educa- tion.— H. H. KOPMAN. REPORT OF WILLIAM L. FINLEY During the past few years, there has been considerable change in economic conditions in Oregon and Washington. Great stretches of land have been cleared and settled, and fruit-raising has grown to be the leading industry. Native trees and bushes have given place to grain-fields and orchards. The birds that Reports of Special Agents 307 formerly lived on wild i'ruits and berries have taken to a civilized diet, and this has naturally caused complaint from farmers and horliculturists. iiirds that were unknown to the ordinar\- fruit-raiser, such as the \'ariefl Thrush and Lewis Woodpecker, have suddenly been discovered, and have aroused com- plaint,— the former because it eats grapes, and the latter is known as the ' Apple Bird, ' because it frequents apple orchards. The complaint has come from certain (juarters that birds are doinj^ more harm than benefit, and, at the last session of the Oregon Legislature, a bill was introduced which permitted farmers, orchardists and gardeners to kill any bird they thought harmful. Such a sentiment was aroused against the birds by a few fruit-growers that the bill passed both Houses, and would have become a law had the members of the Audubon Society not made a strong a]:)j)cal to the Governor, who vetoed the bill. In order to forestall evil bird-legislation, we have begun a systematic work of education throughout this part of the country. A series of Bird Leaflets are being prepared, and will be published under the authority of the University of Oregon. These are to be used at teachers' institutes, and, in connection with the Leaflets of the National Association, will spread the interest among the school children. During the past 3'ear, a series of lectures have been delivered in eight differ- ent towns and cities throughout the state, in order to arouse greater interest in the study of bird life. These lectures are also to be given before the various granges and other societies. Considerable publicity work has been done by articles in newspapers and magazines, such as ' School and Home, ' and ' The State Grange Bulletin.' The past year has marked the beginning of systematic work in bird protec- tion in the state of Washington. Several bird lectures have been given, and on April 20, at the conclusion of a lecture in the assembly hall of the Seattle High School, the Washington Audubon Society was organized. This has since grown to be a thriving organization, and will undoubtedly have a wide influence in protecting the birds of the state. Your agent has also given public illustrated lectures on the subject of bird study and bird protection in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Indiana. — William L. Finley. REPORT OF JOHN B. WATSON ON THE CONDITION OF THE NODDY AND SOOTY TERN COLONY ON BIRD KEY, TORTUGAS, FLORIDA During May, June and July of the present year (1907), which are the import- ant months in the nesting season of the above-mentioned Terns, I acted as warden of Bird Key. While serving in this capacity for the National Associa- tion, I was at the same time engaged in a scientific study of the habits of these birds for the Marine Biological Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution. The scientific report of this work will naturally first appear in the archives of the Carnegie Institution. I wish, in the present connection, to extend my thanks 3o8 Bird -Lore to President Dutcher and to the Audubon Society, for kind permission to carry- on scientific studies on a protected bird colony, and for the complete control of the colony during the period of study. The writer has nothing but favorable statements to make upon the con- dition of the colony. A few years ago, Dr. Thompson (Bird-Lore, Vol. V, 1903, pp. 77-86), made a detailed report upon the condition of this colony. Apparently, since that report was made, the birds have increased largely in OLD HOSPITAL BUILDING, BIRD KEY, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA Used by wardens as a residence numbers. By methods which are described below, some notion of the number of birds nesting upon the island was obtained. Approximate Number oj Sooty Terns. — As was shown by Dr. Thompson, some of the Sooties lay their eggs in holes in the sand, either under the bay cedar bushes, or out in the open spaces, while others lay directly upon the sand, or upon the matted grass. Apparently, the Sooties come to the island in groups. This is evidenced by the fact that laying begins at slightly different dates upon different portions of the island, Roughly speaking, the southwestern portion of the island was first 'taken,' for the eggs first appeared in that section; then, in order, the central and northeastern portions. The natural subdivisions of the surface of the island, the sandy places, wooded portions, etc., made it pos- Reports of Special Agents 309 sihlc to sul)(iivi(lr thrsc large lU'sling-placcs into given areas, for the i)ur])()se of enumerating the eggs. The three large areas were accordingly subdivided into ten smaller areas. The number of square feet in each was ne.xt determined. Likewise, in each of the tell areas, several smaller areas containing ten square feet were marked off at random, and the number of eggs in each of these was actually counted. These separate counts were then averaged, thus giving a fairly representative NODDY TERN ON NEST, DRY TORTUCIAS, FLORIDA figure for the number of eggs per square toot. Knowing the number of square feet in the area as a whole, the estimate of the total number of eggs contained in it could easily be made. When this same procedure had been followed with respect to each of the ten areas, the total number of eggs was found to be 9,429. Since the birds usually lay but one egg and there are two adults attached to each nest, the total number of Sooties reaches 18,852. This, certainly, is not an excessive valuation. The group photographs (reproduced by permission of the Carnegie Institution) taken upon one of the areas most numerously supplied with eggs, give a fairly correct notion of how thickly the birds are packed together. Reports of Special Agents 31 Approximate X timber oj Xoddy Terns. — Since the Noddies build their nests of twill's, moss and sea-shells in accessible places, it is easily possible, with the help of a mechanical counting device, actually to count the number of nests. In some places, where the bay cedar is exceedingly dense, and the area has to be gone over dog fashion (or at times even more primitively), and in others, where the cactus growth is very dense, error in counting is possible. Six hundred and three nests were actually counted. Probably 700 nests (inhabited) would be a safer estimate. Doubling this count to get the number of birds as before, we have approximately 1,400 Noddies on the island. For reasons which I will admit arc not scientific- ally based, I feci that the above figure does not give a sufficient num- ber of Noddies. In the first place, from the general impression one gets, one feels that there is a vastly greater number present. In the second place, there are always hun- dreds of Noddies 'sunning,' either on the beach or in the trees. Now my studies show that, during the brooding season at least, the Noddy has no leisure. Consequently, I feel sure that there are many cases where the birds live on the island without nesting. I venture the suggestion, merely as a suggestion, that the Noddy does not breed until at least two years of age. A Running Account oj ^Nesting Events.'' — The birds landed upon the island (April 27) five days before I reached it. On May ?, the beginning of my three months' continuous resi- dence there, the birds (both species) were present in large numbers. As Dr. Thompson suggests, mating, apparently, had already taken place before the arrival of the birds upon the island. The Noddies were busily engaged, some in rehabilitating old nests, others in constructing new ones. (The Noddy is never satisfied with its nest, no matter how large it is. A suitable twig, piece of shell, or bunch of moss, is an irresistible stimulus, which sets free the collect- ing movements, regardless of the stage of advancement of the nesting period.) The Sooties, at this time, were choosing and 'holding' appropriate nesting- sites. This was done c)nly by dint of persistent fighting. The building of the 312 Bird -Lore Scoty nest is an affair consuming very little time, even when an 'elaborate'' nest is constructed, — a little 'back shoveling' with the \vebbed foot, a little 'breasting': — a term I have chosen to designate the operation of sitting flat in the nest and turning round and round and using the breast as a 'shaper' — and the deed is done. On May 5, two Noddy eggs were found. On May 7, several Sooty eggs were laid. From this time on, the eggs were rapidly laid by both species. Three weeks from these dates, most of the eggs had been laid. On June 3, the first SOOTY TEKNS NEST ON THE GROUND, NODDY TERNS NEST IN THE TREES, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA Sooty young was found. Marked eggs showed the incubation period to be slightly variable but averaging about twenty-nine days. On June 9, the first of the Noddy voung appeared. Marked eggs showed the incubation to be very variable, from thirty-three to thirty-eight days. In most cases, only one egg was laid. This is strictly true for the Noddy. I have never seen two eggs in a Noddy nest except in cases where the first egg had been displaced, and hence no longer gave the proper contact sensation?. I counted in the neighborhood of fifty Sooty nests where two eggs were present. In one case, I actually saw the parent bird with two young, and, in another case, one young bird and one unhatched egg. Since no unhatched eggs were Reports of Special Agents 313 found later, I am incliiu'd lo believe that, in these ex- ceptional eases where two ej^^i^s are laid, hoth are hatelied and the young reared. The weather during the past nesting season was calm. ()nl\- one storm occurred, which did little damage. The island is so small and so little above sea-level that the birds are always in danger from this source. It is well that they have favorable years, when thousands are born and reared without mishap, as was the case during the past year. In addition to adverse climatic conditions, the young of these birds are subject to the following vicissitudes: (1) The adult Sooties kill the voung belonging to adjacent Sooty nests. This occurs, however, only when the colony is disturbed and the young seek cover. The old SOOTY TERN EICJHT D.-WS OLD Iji^ SOOTY TERX TWEXTY-FIVE U.^YS OLD, DRY lORrUGAS, FLORID.\ NODDY TERN EIGHTEEN DAYS OLD NODDY TERN THIRTY DAYS OLD, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA (314) Reports of Special Agents 315 birds return to the nest first. When the very young birds shortly begin to return to their respective nests (as they always do after every interruption until they are read\- to (\y), tlicy lia\c to run the gauntlet of the sharp beaks between them and their goal. The }-oung which are thus slain are, approximately, from one to five days of age. After they attain the fifth day, they are quick to avoid the neighboring nests. (2) On account of the carelessly constructed nest, the Noddy young often falls to the ground and perishes. Just what percentage of the young of the two species are lost in these ways is not known. Rdalion of Frigate Bird to Tern. — After the young Terns appeared, possibly five hundred Frigate Birds were present on the island. Even during the lay- ing season of the Terns, one hundred to one hundred and fifty Frigate Birds are alwa\ - present. In order to verify th( statements of Dr. Thompson and others to the effect that the Frigate Bird chases the fish- laden Tern until it disgorges, a tower was constructed which gave an adequate view of the island as a whole. The al)o\c statement of Dr. Thompson could not be verified, nor could a further statement which is sometimes made, to the effect that the Frigate Bird eats the young Terns. On the other hand, hundreds of times I have seen the Noddy (rarely the Sooty) chase the Frigate Bird when the latter attempted to alight (roost) in the vicinity of the Noddy nest. In justice to the above writers, it must be said, however, that the number of Frigate Birds rapidly increases as soon as the young Terns a]:)pear, and that all during the day they continually rest on the low Irishes which are nearest the open nesting-places of the Booties. A Feii' Words About the Least Tern (Sterna antillanim). — The Least Tern, so far as the Tortugas group of islands is concerned, is nearing e.xtinction. Early in the season, it was thought that a moderate-sized colony was going to thrive on Loggerhead Key. When this colony was first visited, in the neighborhood of fifty nests were found, a large percentage of w^hich contained two eggs. About two weeks later, the colony was again visited. Only one nest containing eggs remained. A visiting dog (from the lighthouse) and a large colony of wild rats which infest this island probably destroyed the eggs. One Least Tern was ONLY LEAST TERN FOUND ON LOGGER- HEAD KEY, FLORIDA Rats and dogs destroy the eggs. This species of Tern has been nearly exterminated by plume hunters 3i6 Bird -Lore hatched in the above nest. The photograph of this bird is given below. (This photograph was taken by Mr. Keller of the Marine Biological Laboratory Staflf.) Still another attempt was made by these birds to colonize Sand Key, but there their nests were systematically robbed. Sand Key is about two miles dis- tant from Bird Key. It is very small, and is so constantly washed over by waves at flood-tide that it is extremely improbable that it can ever form a suitable nest- ing-place for these Terns. Dr. Mayer who is extremely interested in the bird life at Tortugas has prom- ised to afford the Least Tern adequate protection if it again attempts to colonize Loggerhead Key. Colonization of Loggerhead Key will give them their only chance to survive. There is no room for them on Bird Key, and the other Keys can probably never be adequately protected. — John B. Watson. REPORT OF A. C. BENT, ON CONDITION OF BIRD COLONIES ON COBB'S ISLAND, VIRGINIA, IN 1907 We landed on Cobb's Island Sunday afternoon, June 23, and left the follow- ing Sunday, June 30, at noon. We made our headquarters at the Cobb's Island Club House with Mr. George Isdell, who was then in charge of it; we consulted Captain Andrews frequently, at the life-saving station, but could not sta\^ with him, as he had no room for us. We explored Cobb's Island quite thoroughly, and several of the surrounding islands and marshes, as they are called, including Wreck, Moon and Pig Islands, Big Eastward, Little Eastward, Rapesan and Presses ' marshes. ' Pig Island is a large, low and sandy island, practically devoid of vegetation, — really nothing more than a large sand-bar raised sufficiently to be above the reach of the highest tides. Cobb's, Wreck and Moon Islands consist mainly of extensive salt-marshes, partially flooded at high tide, protected on the ocean sides by high sandy or stony beaches, frequently covered with great piles of oyster-shells, washed up from the .sea. The so-called 'marshes' are inside islands consisting mainly of salt-marshes, flooded at high tide, but generally contain- ing some dry lands. We did not visit Smith's Island, for lack of time and because we heard that birds were not as plentiful there as on the islands we explored. Laughing Gulls were abundant everywhere, perhaps nearly as abundant as they have ever been within recent years. We found two or three large breeding colonies on Cobb's Island, and many smaller colonies or scattering pairs nesting on the salt-marshes, where their nests were conspicious in the short marsh grass. The largest colony of all was on Big Eastward, and there were other large breed- ing colonies on Little Eastward, Rapesan and Wreck Islands. The birds do not seem to be molested, but, as egging is allowed up to July 4, the eggs are persistently and thoroughly collected almost daily by the oyster- men until that date, after which they are allowed to raise their l)irds. Out of Reports of Special Agents 317 hundri'ds of nests examined, we were able to find only two complete sets of three eggs. It was surprising to see the thoroughness with which the nests were robbed. Oystermen and fishermen are very numerous here, and, as they are busy on their fishing-grounds at this season they live in small shanties on the marshes and derive an important part of their food supply from the eggs of the sea-birds, principally the Gulls. As the birds do not seem to be materially reduced in numbers by their depredations, laying their eggs persistently like domestic fowls, perhaps it would be hardly fair to deprive the men of this convenient source of supply where provisions are so hard to obtain; but it does seem as if the egging season might be shortened somewhat. The wardens, of course, are powerless to stop egging until laws can be passed prohibiting it. Gull-billed Terns are rapidly disappearing from this region, where only a few years ago they were common. Only two pairs were seen on Cobb's Island. I saw a few Terns, not over two or three pairs, at Pig Island, which I thought were this species. At Wreck Island we found a few Gull-billed Terns, — perhaps eight or ten pairs, — breeding in the Black Skimmer colony. We found, in all, only four nests, one on Cobb's Island and three on Wreck Island. A few Common Terns were seen almost everywhere, and a number of their nests were found, but no large breeding colonies were noted. Forster's Terns were occasionally seen at various points, and a few frequented a marsh on Cobb's Island almost constantly, but no nests were found there. On June 28, we discovered a large breeding colony on Wreck Island. Probably over one hundred pairs, and possibly nearly two hundred pairs, were breeding on a salt-marsh, where their nests were thickly congregated on windrows of driftwood along the edge of a creek. The birds can be easily recognized by their notes, and their nests are characteristic, being very neat, well-built structures on large piles of driftweed. These and the other Terns' eggs are apparently not regularly taken by the fishermen, perhaps because they are too small, for we found full sets of eggs in all stages of incubation and some young birds. The Royal and Least Terns have now become {)ractically e.xtinct in this region; we saw none of either species, but were told that a few Royal Terns are seen occasionally. The Least Terns have been thoroughly annihilated for millinery purposes. Our guides told us most appalling stories of the immense numbers of these birds that were slaughtered here within the past few years; the figures were almost incredible; he and nearly all of the gunners and fisher- men on the coast took a hand in the game, and they kept at it until the last one was gone, though at first the supply seemed inexhaustible. Probably this species will never be reestablished on this coast, but I am happy to say that protection has come in time to save the Forster's and Common Terns. I understand that shooting for the millinery trade has been entirely and eflfectually stopped, as it is known to be illegal and the wardens are seeing that the laws are enforced. 3i8 Bird -Lore Clapper Rails are still abundant on the meadows, where they are almost constantly heard, though less often seen. We found a great many nests, but saw practically no young birds. The eggs we found were probably second sets, but we were unable to decide whether the earlier sets had been destroyed by high tides or whether they had hatched and the young were keeping out of sight. The eggs are taken to some extent by the fishermen, but not so regularly as the Gulls' eggs, which are larger and more easily collected. There were two very large colonies of Black Skimmers nesting on Pig Island, a small colony on Cobb's Island and a large colony on Wreck Island. They were only just beginning to lay, and hardly any of the sets were complete before we left. I doubt if many of the eggs are taken by the fishermen, though they are considered good eating; they do not begin laying much before the egging season closes. The birds are not shot or disturbed in any way, and I do not see why they should not hold their own for many years to come. Of the Willets, there were not over three pairs, and I am inclined to think that there were only two pairs, as we never saw more than four birds at one time. They frequented the north end of Cobb's Island and had apparently finished breeding. About three or four pairs of Wilson's Plovers also frequented the same locality and had evidently been breeding here; they acted as if they had young in the vicinity, but we could not find them. Both of these species are, in my opinion, doomed to speedy extermination in this locality, as they are far from wary and will sooner or later be killed by some of the numerous shore-bird hunters, who come here to shoot the migrant birds in the spring as well as in the fall. Less than half a dozen pairs of American Oyster-catchers were seen, — one pair on Pig Island, two or three pairs on Cobb's Island, and one pair on Wreck Island. The latter pair evidently had young, but the others were apparently through breeding. These birds are exceedingly wary and better able to survive; moreover they are not considered good eating and therefore are not sought for by the gunner, but it hardly seems likely that they can last many years more. To sum up my conclusions — I should say that the Royal and Least Terns are hopelessly gone; the Gull-billed Tern, Willet, Wilson's Plover and American Oyster-catcher are doomed, and nothing can be done to save them; but the Laugh- ing Gull, Forster's and Common Terns, Black Skimmers and Clapper Rails are now being adequately protected, and should survive. The wardens seem to be doing their work effectively and the laws are respected. But the egging season might be shortened and spring shooting ought to be stopped entirely. The only possible way to save the three shore birds which now breed on Cobb's Island would be to make it a reservation and stop all shooting there at all times. As the eastern Willet is rapidly approaching extermi- nation, it would seem worth while to protect it. — A. C. Bent. Reports of Special Agents 319 REPORT OF ARTHUR H. NORTON ON COLONIES OF BIRDS IN MAINE RECEIVING SPECIAL PROTECTION IN 1907 The birds receiving s|)ecial protection in Maine In- wardens employed l)y the National Association are Puf!in, Black Guillemot, Leach's Petrel, Double- crested Cormorant, Common and Arctic Terns, Herring, Great Black-backed and Laughing Gulls, American Eider Uuck, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue, Black-crowned Night Herons and Ush Hawk, — a total of fourteen species. With the exception of the Cormorant and Black-backed Gull, all breed in greater or less numbers. Bv the timely effort of the Association, three species, the Puffin, Laughing Gull and Eider Duck are being rescued from the very verge of extir- pation in Maine. The colonies were last inspected during the period from July 12, to August 16, 1904, and the results given in summary in Bird-Lork (January-Eebruary, 1905, Vn, pp. 90-93). The present inspection covers the period from July 24, to August 7, a much shorter period. On August 9, a trip was made to Blufif Island in Saco Bay, and August 16, one was made to Muscongus Bay, completing the work. The ground covered extends from Eastport to Saco Bay, Maine, approximately two hundred miles in an air-line. The number of islands and ledges on which I found colonies of birds breeding this year is twenty-eight. This includes all of the important ones now known on the coast. The significance of these facts will be considered in treating of the Herring Gull. In order to reach all of the various islands in the limited time at my command, it was necessary at each center to employ a competent boatman with a motor craft; this brought me in direct contact with lobster fishers, sailing-masters, scallop dredgers and general shore-fishermen. It may be here remarked that the invention of the motor-boat marks the beginning of a new period in the history of the shore fisheries of all classes, an industry which has had a potent influence on the history of our sea-birds. It seems to me that this new period is one for the better, and it is to be believed that the darkest days have been passed. It is also a fact that the birds used as food are now much less numerous than they were a dozen years ago, and the generation of gunners among the fisher- men are Ijecoming superannuated. In those days it was usual for many to carry a gun in their boats, but the practice seems to have ceased, and all are aware that there 'is a fine' on the game birds. PuFFix. — I saw no Puffins this year, though, on landing on ^latinicus Rock, I hastened to their resort. This was during the middle of a clear day when the birds were away fishing, even the Black Guillemots, which are so numerous here, being absent from the vicinity. I was told by Captain Hall's young son that he had seen five Puffins at one time this summer, and other observers assured me that they had seen one or more. The Puffin is one of the most picturesque features of our bird-life and its preservation is much to be desired. Black Guillemot or Sea Pic.kox. — These most attractive birds arc still 320 Bird -Lore common on the coast of Maine. They are very local in their choice of haunts, and, though they are undoubtedly holding their own, do not seem to be increas- ing. Their habitat in Maine still embraces most of the outer islands from the western entrance of Machias Ba\- to the west side of Muscongus Bay. They are especially numerous about the Mt. Desert and Matinicus groups of islands. They appeared tamer than on former visits, flying very near boats or allow- ing a close approach. On August i6, but one was seen on the Western Egg Rock (Muscongus Bay), where formerly about a half dozen were accustomed to breed. At all of their other stations about the usual numbers were observed. This absence so late in the season may have been due to their having left the breeding grounds. The one seen was certainly not shy, but came to its nest with a rock eel, while we were still near the shore. She hurriedly carried the tish into the rock pile for her young, and quickly emerged and flew away. All of my observations on this species convinces me that at this season, at least, its food consists almost entirely of rock eels {Gunnellus gunnellus). Thus, so far as food is concerned, it is of neutral value. Yet its beauty, gracefulness and pathetic voice makes it fill a peculiar place in the scenery of barren rugged coasts. Surely, to the increas- ing throng who visit our shores for recreation and esthetic enjoyment, it is, in the near future, to "awaken an interest they could not e.xcite in a savage breast." It was a matter of much satisfaction to find that the nest shown with the incu- bating parent (The Auk, Vol. XXI, PI. XVII), contained, on August 6, this year, two young ones nearly ready to leave. This nest was first observed in 1902, since which time it has been occupied on each visit. Great Black-backed Gulls were resting in small numbers — a dozen or two birds — at No-Man 's-Land, Wooden Ball and Metinic Green Islands. They are not now known to breed on the coast, but are evidently becoming regular summer residents, in increasing numbers, in the vicinity indicated, taking advan- tage of the security afforded their near relatives. Their breeding is to be expected under such suitable conditions. Herring Gull. — Eight colonies of this Gull were visited. They are located at Old Man, Brothers, Pulpit Rock, Cone Island, Little and Big Duck Islands, Heron Island and No-Man's-Land. The distance, in an air-line from Old Man, the most eastern colony, to No-Man's-Land, the most western one, is one hundred and twelve miles. The three western colonies are the largest, and contain many more than half of the Maine Gulls. Each of these colonies commands an inden- tation or bay of the adjacent coast, which, with its peculiar currents, large areas of flats, bars, ledges and mussel beds, furnishes the greater part of the food of the dependent colony. It is well known, of course, that these Gulls radiate in some numbers in all directions up to thirty miles, and it has been conjectured that they range much farther. Reports of Special Agents 321 My t'stimalc of tlu' luinihtT of the smalk-r or eastern colonics is fifteen hun- dred to two thousand at each, Old Man and lirothers, ei<^lit hundri'd at Pulpit Rock, and four thousand at Cone Island. The area occupied as breeding stations by the birds just enumerated has its extremities thirty-two miles asunder, with a possible feeding range of sixty miles, east to west, without encroaching upon the feeding-grounds of any other colonies. The colonies of Cone Island and the Brothers show the most remarkable increase in the total number of adult birds; and it is certain that the breeding birds have increased at both places, though much more at Cone Island. The number of adult birds at Great Duck Island, one of the most securely orotected colonies on the coast, seemed noticeably less than on my last visit. It is worthy of note, in this connection, that the number of Gulls spending the summer west of Pemoquid this year is much smaller than at any correspond- ing season for the past four years. On all of the breeding grounds the birds are tame; nowhere did I see evidence of molestation by man. At Old Man and Brothers the breeding season seemed much later than elsewhere, many young being just hatched, and some of the occupied nests were just hatching. At Cone Island the season seemed to correspond with the western colonies. With the exception of the Old Man, at all of the colonies considerable mortality was noticed among the young, probably due to the causes which have affected the Terns. The Gulls are tame and unsuspicous; their young hatch at a seasonable time, and they are occupied with feeding them rather than with remating and trving all summer to breed. While we now have several very large colonies of Gulls, it should be borne in mind that, previous to 1900, many smaller ones existed. There are now considerably fewer colonies than there were previous to the move- ment to preserve the birds. They now lead normal lives, and it seems certain that they have reached the state of abundance where their competition with natural checks is much more severe. With the increase of birds at any colony, the supply of food must be sought at greater distances, causing greater exposure of eggs and young to the elements and to predaceous animals. Several checks are evident and operative, and the idea that the birds are about to overrun all bounds, as claimed by a small party, is plainly fallacious. Crows are notorious robbers and destroyers of eggs and young birds, including Terns, and why not of Gulls. Terns are much more agile in the defence of their nests and young, yet with them the cunning of the Crow often prevails. Captain Stanley, of Duck Island Station, told me that the day before my visit an Eagle had visited his colony and been seen to kill two old Gulls. At the Brothers a magnificent individual of the Peregrine Falcon was seen, and evidences of several feasts on Petrel were discovered. Young Gulls must have been entirely at his mercy. Ravens are numerous enough in all the section inhabited by Gulls in this state to serve as a factor in holding them in check. 322 Bird - Lore The trip from Rockland to Matinicus on the little steam packet ' \V. G. Butman,' carrying in addition to her crew, passengers, freight and the United States mail, was made through a dense fog, which obscured all objects fifty or seventy-five yards away. It was a matter of especial satisfaction to me to witness the fact that, after running by the compass for a specified time, the Captain stopped the engine, and listened for the Gulls on No-Man's-Land. This welcome sound being distinctly heard,