The Project Gutenberg eBook ofBird-Lore, March-April 1916This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Bird-Lore, March-April 1916Author: VariousEditor: Frank M. ChapmanRelease date: May 30, 2012 [eBook #39854]Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Tom Cosmas, Larry B. Harrison and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIRD-LORE, MARCH-APRIL 1916 ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: Bird-Lore, March-April 1916Author: VariousEditor: Frank M. ChapmanRelease date: May 30, 2012 [eBook #39854]Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Tom Cosmas, Larry B. Harrison and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Title: Bird-Lore, March-April 1916
Author: VariousEditor: Frank M. Chapman
Author: Various
Editor: Frank M. Chapman
Release date: May 30, 2012 [eBook #39854]
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Tom Cosmas, Larry B. Harrison and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BIRD-LORE, MARCH-APRIL 1916 ***
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Edited byFRANK M. CHAPMANPublished for the Audubon SocietiesBYD. Appleton & CompanyHARRISBURG, PA.NEW YORK
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Bird-LoreMarch-April, 1916CONTENTSGENERAL ARTICLESPageFrontispiece in Color—Bush-Tits, Verdin, and Wren-TitLouis Agassiz FuertesThe World’s Record for Density of Bird Population.Illustrated by the authorGilbert H. Grosvenor77The Robin in Yosemite.VerseGarrett Newkirk84The Spring Migration of 1915 at Raleigh, N. C.S. C. Bruner and C. S. Brimley85First Efforts at Bird Photography.Illustrated by the authorH. Tra Hartshorn88Long-eared Owl on Nest.IllustrationH. and E. Pittman91The Interesting Barn Owl.Illustrated by the authorJoseph W. Lippincott92Photographs of FlickersArthur A. Allen96The Migration of North American Birds.Illustrated by Louis Agassiz FuertesW. W. Cooke97Notes on the Plumage of North American Birds.Thirty-seventh PaperFrank M. ChapmanNOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY100A Correction;Hints for Bird Clubs,W. M. Buswell;Ornithological Possibilities of a Bit of Swamp Land,Arthur P. Stubbs;My Neighbor’s Sparrow Trap,Charles R. Keyes;A Tropical Migration Tragedy;A Shower of Birds,R. L. Tripp;A Heron’s Involuntary Bath,John R. Tooker;Winter Notes From Carlisle, Ind.,J. H. Gilliland;Notes from Nebraska,Howard Paret;A Gannet Over the Hudson River,J. T. Nichols;Petrels on the Hudson,F. M. Chapman;Starling in Ohio,Sheridan T. Wood;Evening Grosbeaks and Cardinals in Southern Wisconsin,Ethel A. Nott;Evening Grosbeaks at Port Henry, N. Y.,Dora B. Harris;Evening Grosbeak at Glen Falls, N. Y.,E. Eveleen Hathaway;Evening Grosbeaks at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.,Jacolyn Manning, M. D.;The Evening Grosbeak at Boston,E. G. and R. E. Robbins;Evening Grosbeaks at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,George W. Gray;Evening Grosbeaks in Lexington, Mass.,Winsor M. Tyler, M. D.;Evening Grosbeaks in Vermont,L. H. Potter;Evening Grosbeaks in Connecticut,Mary Hazen Arnold;Martin Problems,May S. Danner;A Bold Winter Wren,Edward J. F. Marx.BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS110Grinnell’s Distributional List of California Birds;Taverner On The Food Habits Of Cormorants;The Ornithological Magazines.EDITORIAL112THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES—SCHOOL DEPARTMENT113Bird and Arbor Day—An Awakening,A. H. W.;Junior Audubon Work;Ways of Keeping up Interest in Bird Study;For and From Adult and Young Observers,Red-wing Blackbird. Ills.EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET No. 85.Chestnut-sided Warbler.With colored plate by Bruce HorsfallT. Gilbert Pearson128AUDUBON SOCIETIES—EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT132A Case in Point;A Feeding-Shelf; Photographing Water-Fowl;Birds and the Cold Spell;Florence Merriam Bailey;New Members and Contributors;The Virginia Game Bill;Notes From the Field.⁂Manuscripts intended for publication, books, etc., for review and exchanges, should be sent to the Editor, at the American Museum of Natural History, 77th St. and 8th Ave., New York City.Notices of changes of addresses, renewals and subscriptions should be sent toBIRD-LORE, HARRISBURG, PA.Please remit by Draft or Money OrderImportant Notice to All Bird-Lore SubscribersBird-loreis published on or near the first days of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Failure to secure the copy due you should be reported not later than the 18th of the months above mentioned. We cannot supply missing copies after the month in which the number in question was issued.
Bird-Lore
March-April, 1916
CONTENTS
A Correction;Hints for Bird Clubs,W. M. Buswell;Ornithological Possibilities of a Bit of Swamp Land,Arthur P. Stubbs;My Neighbor’s Sparrow Trap,Charles R. Keyes;A Tropical Migration Tragedy;A Shower of Birds,R. L. Tripp;A Heron’s Involuntary Bath,John R. Tooker;Winter Notes From Carlisle, Ind.,J. H. Gilliland;Notes from Nebraska,Howard Paret;A Gannet Over the Hudson River,J. T. Nichols;Petrels on the Hudson,F. M. Chapman;Starling in Ohio,Sheridan T. Wood;Evening Grosbeaks and Cardinals in Southern Wisconsin,Ethel A. Nott;Evening Grosbeaks at Port Henry, N. Y.,Dora B. Harris;Evening Grosbeak at Glen Falls, N. Y.,E. Eveleen Hathaway;Evening Grosbeaks at Saratoga Springs, N. Y.,Jacolyn Manning, M. D.;The Evening Grosbeak at Boston,E. G. and R. E. Robbins;Evening Grosbeaks at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,George W. Gray;Evening Grosbeaks in Lexington, Mass.,Winsor M. Tyler, M. D.;Evening Grosbeaks in Vermont,L. H. Potter;Evening Grosbeaks in Connecticut,Mary Hazen Arnold;Martin Problems,May S. Danner;A Bold Winter Wren,Edward J. F. Marx.
⁂Manuscripts intended for publication, books, etc., for review and exchanges, should be sent to the Editor, at the American Museum of Natural History, 77th St. and 8th Ave., New York City.
Notices of changes of addresses, renewals and subscriptions should be sent toBIRD-LORE, HARRISBURG, PA.
Please remit by Draft or Money Order
Important Notice to All Bird-Lore SubscribersBird-loreis published on or near the first days of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Failure to secure the copy due you should be reported not later than the 18th of the months above mentioned. We cannot supply missing copies after the month in which the number in question was issued.
Important Notice to All Bird-Lore Subscribers
B
ird-loreis published on or near the first days of February, April, June, August, October, and December. Failure to secure the copy due you should be reported not later than the 18th of the months above mentioned. We cannot supply missing copies after the month in which the number in question was issued.
Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Office at Harrisburg, Pa.
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Send $1 for this famousWREN HOUSEKnown as Jennie’s ChoiceFor three seasons “Jennie” preferred this House where there was a choice of fifty.A. P. GREIM“Birdville”TOMS RIVER, N. J.
Send $1 for this famous
WREN HOUSE
Known as Jennie’s Choice
For three seasons “Jennie” preferred this House where there was a choice of fifty.
A. P. GREIM“Birdville”TOMS RIVER, N. J.
THE JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE COMPANYOur Indorsement.First American enterprise for the manufacture ofBird-Houses and Bird-Feeding DevicesOver 33 years’ experience by the Pres. Mgr.Always leading in the Bird-House enterprise,Jacobs Now Pays the Freightto your nearest steam railroad freight station!Twelve beautiful designs of colony houses for the Purple Martin.Individual nest boxes for Wrens, Bluebirds, Swallows, Chickadees, Flickers, Titmice, Woodpeckers, etc.Sheltered Feeding Devices and Food Tables, Cement Bird Baths and Drinking Fountains.Genuine Government Sparrow Traps.Direct from our factory to user at factory prices, thus giving customers the benefit of local dealers’ and agents’ commissions.Mention this magazine and send 10 cts. for our beautifully illustrated bird-house booklet.JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE COMPANY404 S. Washington St., Waynesburg, Pa.
THE JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE COMPANY
Our Indorsement.
Our Indorsement.
First American enterprise for the manufacture ofBird-Houses and Bird-Feeding Devices
Over 33 years’ experience by the Pres. Mgr.
Always leading in the Bird-House enterprise,
Jacobs Now Pays the Freight
to your nearest steam railroad freight station!
Twelve beautiful designs of colony houses for the Purple Martin.
Individual nest boxes for Wrens, Bluebirds, Swallows, Chickadees, Flickers, Titmice, Woodpeckers, etc.
Sheltered Feeding Devices and Food Tables, Cement Bird Baths and Drinking Fountains.
Genuine Government Sparrow Traps.
Direct from our factory to user at factory prices, thus giving customers the benefit of local dealers’ and agents’ commissions.
Mention this magazine and send 10 cts. for our beautifully illustrated bird-house booklet.
JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE COMPANY404 S. Washington St., Waynesburg, Pa.
Just the Book to Interest Children in Bird StudyLITTLE BIRD BLUEBy William L. and Irene Finley“No child can read this beautifully printed and illustrated book without having his love for the bluebird increased; even the adult will find much pleasure in text, illustrations, and exquisite make-up.”—Guide to Nature.“One of the prettiest and most commendable of children’s books.”—St. Louis Republic.“It has the beneficial effect of intensifying our love of birds.”—Rochester Post Express.“Children could hardly have a more happy introduction to bird-study.”—Lexington Herald.“One of the most entertaining books for juveniles.”—Boston Globe.“Told in a manner to delight children.”—Zion’s Herald.“Mr. and Mrs. Finley have written the book with much charm, and woven into the story a great deal of bird-lore.”—Portland Evening Telegram.Profusely illustrated with drawings by Bruce Horsfall and photographsby Mr. Finley. Price 75 cents net.4 Park StreetBOSTONHOUGHTON MIFFLIN CO.,16 East 49th St.NEW YORK
Just the Book to Interest Children in Bird Study
LITTLE BIRD BLUE
By William L. and Irene Finley
“No child can read this beautifully printed and illustrated book without having his love for the bluebird increased; even the adult will find much pleasure in text, illustrations, and exquisite make-up.”—Guide to Nature.
“One of the prettiest and most commendable of children’s books.”—St. Louis Republic.
“It has the beneficial effect of intensifying our love of birds.”—Rochester Post Express.
“Children could hardly have a more happy introduction to bird-study.”—Lexington Herald.
“One of the most entertaining books for juveniles.”—Boston Globe.
“Told in a manner to delight children.”—Zion’s Herald.
“Mr. and Mrs. Finley have written the book with much charm, and woven into the story a great deal of bird-lore.”—Portland Evening Telegram.
Profusely illustrated with drawings by Bruce Horsfall and photographsby Mr. Finley. Price 75 cents net.
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Everything from “Soup to Nuts” for the BirdsTry Evang Bros. Mixtseed for Native and Migratory Birds! Large size package, 50 cents.230 Main Street Evanston, Illinois
Everything from “Soup to Nuts” for the Birds
Try Evang Bros. Mixtseed for Native and Migratory Birds! Large size package, 50 cents.
230 Main Street Evanston, Illinois
Bird GardeningWALTER M. BUSWELL, at present the Superintendent of the famous Bird Sanctuary of the Meriden Bird Club, is prepared to give expert advice on all matters pertaining to the attraction and protection of birds.Address: Meriden, New Hampshire
Bird Gardening
W
ALTER M. BUSWELL, at present the Superintendent of the famous Bird Sanctuary of the Meriden Bird Club, is prepared to give expert advice on all matters pertaining to the attraction and protection of birds.
Address: Meriden, New Hampshire
I should be pleased to have any MUSEUM or HIGH SCHOOL desiring to secure an excellent ORNITHOLOGICAL and OÖLOGICAL COLLECTION for study and scientific purposes communicate with me.GEO. W. AMESNo. 707 Washington AvenueBay City, Mich.
I should be pleased to have any MUSEUM or HIGH SCHOOL desiring to secure an excellent ORNITHOLOGICAL and OÖLOGICAL COLLECTION for study and scientific purposes communicate with me.
GEO. W. AMESNo. 707 Washington AvenueBay City, Mich.
To Bird-LoversUse Comstock’sBIRD NOTEBOOKSNos. 1 and 2in your bird studyEach book has outlines for recording location, size, nesting, habits, etc., for use in the field. In addition, book No. 1 has 30, and book No. 2 has 28 outline drawings of birds (by Louis Agassiz Fuertes), on watercolor paper for recording the colors.These books are used in quantity in classes, rural, city and normal schools and colleges.Pocket size, 124 pages30 cts. each, 50 cts. set of twoSend for circular of the NatureNotebook SeriesThe Comstock Publishing Company110 Roberts Place, Ithaca, N. Y.
To Bird-Lovers
Use Comstock’sBIRD NOTEBOOKSNos. 1 and 2in your bird study
Each book has outlines for recording location, size, nesting, habits, etc., for use in the field. In addition, book No. 1 has 30, and book No. 2 has 28 outline drawings of birds (by Louis Agassiz Fuertes), on watercolor paper for recording the colors.
These books are used in quantity in classes, rural, city and normal schools and colleges.
Pocket size, 124 pages30 cts. each, 50 cts. set of two
Send for circular of the NatureNotebook Series
The Comstock Publishing Company110 Roberts Place, Ithaca, N. Y.
Wren House No. 6Do You Love Birds?Encourage them to live in your gardens. Use our successful bird-houses for Wrens, Chickadees, Bluebirds and Purple Martins. Strongly made—well painted, to resist weather. Prices 35¢ to $10. Design illustrated $1 50. Our reliable wire Sparrow Trap endorsed by U. S. Government, $3 F. O. B. Dubuque.Write for free illustrated Folder No. 233-B.Farley & Loetscher Mfg. Co., Dubuque, Iowa
Wren House No. 6
Do You Love Birds?
Encourage them to live in your gardens. Use our successful bird-houses for Wrens, Chickadees, Bluebirds and Purple Martins. Strongly made—well painted, to resist weather. Prices 35¢ to $10. Design illustrated $1 50. Our reliable wire Sparrow Trap endorsed by U. S. Government, $3 F. O. B. Dubuque.Write for free illustrated Folder No. 233-B.
Farley & Loetscher Mfg. Co., Dubuque, Iowa
Bird-Lores Wanted(The publishers of BIRD-LORE respectfully urge subscribers who desire to have unbroken files of the magazine, to renew their subscription at the time of its expiration.)Vol. I, Nos. 2, 3, 4; Vol. II, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5; Vol. III, Nos. 4, 5; Vol. XIII, Nos. 1, 2.Philip Dowell, Port Richmond, N. Y.Vol. I, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6; Vol. II, Nos. 2, 3, 5; Vol. III, Nos. 1, 2, 4; Vol. IV, Nos. 1, 2; Vol. V, No. 1; Vol. VII, No. 1; Vol. IX, Nos. 3, 6; Vol. X, Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5; Vol. XII, Nos. 4, 6; Vol. XIII, Nos. 1, 2, 4; Vol. XIV, Nos. 1, 2; Vol. XV, No. 6.W. H. Broomhall, Stockport, Ohio.Vol. XII, No. 5; Vol. XV, No. 6; Vol. XVI, Nos. 1, 2.Willard L. Metcalf, 140 W. 79th Street, New York.Vol. III, No. 2; will pay $2.E. W. Hadeler, Painesville, Ohio.Vol. XIII, No. 1.E. S. Wilson, 1044 Congress Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana.Vol. X, No. 3; will pay $1.P. S. McGlynn, Moline, Ill.Vol. XI, complete.A. J. Anderson, 1822 West Palmer Avenue, Sioux City, Ia.Vol. XVI, Nos. 1, 2.A. D. Tinker, 631 S. 12th St., Ann Arbor, Mich.Publisher’s Note.—Complete sets ofBird-Lorecan no longer be supplied by the publishers, and now bring nearly three times the price at which they were issued. To subscribers who desire to complete their files, we offer the free use of our advertising columns.
Bird-Lores Wanted
(The publishers of BIRD-LORE respectfully urge subscribers who desire to have unbroken files of the magazine, to renew their subscription at the time of its expiration.)
Vol. I, Nos. 2, 3, 4; Vol. II, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5; Vol. III, Nos. 4, 5; Vol. XIII, Nos. 1, 2.Philip Dowell, Port Richmond, N. Y.
Vol. I, Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6; Vol. II, Nos. 2, 3, 5; Vol. III, Nos. 1, 2, 4; Vol. IV, Nos. 1, 2; Vol. V, No. 1; Vol. VII, No. 1; Vol. IX, Nos. 3, 6; Vol. X, Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5; Vol. XII, Nos. 4, 6; Vol. XIII, Nos. 1, 2, 4; Vol. XIV, Nos. 1, 2; Vol. XV, No. 6.W. H. Broomhall, Stockport, Ohio.
Vol. XII, No. 5; Vol. XV, No. 6; Vol. XVI, Nos. 1, 2.Willard L. Metcalf, 140 W. 79th Street, New York.
Vol. III, No. 2; will pay $2.E. W. Hadeler, Painesville, Ohio.
Vol. XIII, No. 1.E. S. Wilson, 1044 Congress Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vol. X, No. 3; will pay $1.P. S. McGlynn, Moline, Ill.
Vol. XI, complete.A. J. Anderson, 1822 West Palmer Avenue, Sioux City, Ia.
Vol. XVI, Nos. 1, 2.A. D. Tinker, 631 S. 12th St., Ann Arbor, Mich.
Publisher’s Note.—Complete sets ofBird-Lorecan no longer be supplied by the publishers, and now bring nearly three times the price at which they were issued. To subscribers who desire to complete their files, we offer the free use of our advertising columns.
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(One-half natural size)1. Bush-Tit2. Lead-colored Bush-Tit3. Lloyd’s Bush-Tit, Male4. Lloyd’s Bush-Tit, Female5. Verdin6. Wren-Tit
(One-half natural size)
Bird-Lore
A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS
Official Organ of The Audubon Societies
The World’s Record for Density of Bird Population
By GILBERT H. GROSVENOR
Editor of the National Geographic Magazine
With photographs by the author
I
n the winter of 1913, our family bought a farm of one hundred acres, fifty acres in forest and fifty in fields, in Montgomery County, Maryland, about ten miles from Washington. We moved out in April. At the time, no members of the family, including my wife, six children, and myself, could name more than three birds—the Crow, the Robin, and the Turkey Buzzard. We had, however, become interested in birds, owing to our friendship for the Editor ofBird-Lore, and for other Audubon workers, and determined to see what we could do to get birds around the home, which we named ‘Wild Acres.’
The house is a typical old farmhouse, surrounded by an old apple and pear orchard, with vegetable garden and hedges, and open fields beyond. Surrounding the fields is a tract of fifty acres in woods, with a beautiful stream, and several springs scattered around in the fields and woods.
The first thing we did was to drive away the English Sparrows which had possession of the place. We got small shot-guns, and, whenever a Sparrow appeared, shot him. It wasn’t long before those that were not shot, left. We then made houses for Martins, Wrens, Bluebirds and Flickers, some of which were immediately occupied. We had such success that in the winters of 1914 and 1915 we put up more houses, and in the spring of 1915 had attracted so many birds around the house that Dr. H. W. Henshaw, the Chief of the U. S. Biological Survey of the Department of Agriculture, became interested, and delegated Dr. Wells W. Cooke to visit our place. Dr. Cooke was so impressed by the number of feathered friends that we had gathered around us that he urged me to make a census of the birds living on an acre or two adjacent to the house, as he thought it probable that a count would bring us a world record. The record up to this time was held by a family in Chevy Chase, Maryland, who had attracted thirteen pairs of birds to one half-acre.
A BLUEBIRD'S NEST BOX, IN WHICH A PAIR OF BLUEBIRDS REARED THREE BROODS IN 1914, AND AGAIN IN 1915
A BLUEBIRD'S NEST BOX, IN WHICH A PAIR OF BLUEBIRDS REARED THREE BROODS IN 1914, AND AGAIN IN 1915
The prospect of securing a world’s record was so inviting that, during the last week of June, 1915, I made a census of all birds nesting on the acre adjoining our house and barns, with the result that we found fifty-nine pairs of birds with young or eggs in the nest on that acre, the highest number of land-birds inhabiting one acre that has yet been reported to the Department of Agriculture or to any Audubon society. The details of the census are presented below:
LIST OF BIRDS NESTING ON ONE ACRE ADJACENT TO THE HOUSE AND BARNSOF GILBERT H. GROSVENOR IN THE WEEK OF JUNE 15-21, 1915
(Only pairs whose nests were located with young or eggs in them are counted.)
Flicker*1pairBluebird*1”Yellow Warbler1”Orchard Oriole2”Catbird2”Song Sparrow1”Chipping Sparrow2”Phœbe1”House Wren*14”Robin7”Robin7”Kingbird1”Martins*26”Total59pairsEnglish Sparrows0
The asterisk (*) indicates pairs nesting in boxes put up by the family.
A similar census made of the second adjoining acre showed thirty-three pairs nesting in this area, as follows:
LIST OF BIRDS NESTING ON SECOND ACRE
Song Sparrow1pairCarolina Wren*1”Flicker*1”Maryland Yellow-Throat1”Brown Thrasher1”House Wren*4”Robin2”Catbird1”Chipping Sparrow1”Screech Owl* (no young in nestJune 15, as brood hadalready left)1”Martins*18”Towhee1”Total33pairsEnglish Sparrows0
A MARTIN HOUSE IN THE MEADOW, ABOUT ONE HUNDRED YARDS FROM THE HOUSE
It is advisable not to place the Martin box too near the house, for the birds begin to chatter long before dawn, and will awaken the household.
MARTIN HOUSE IN THE HEN-YARD OCCUPIED BY TWENTY-FIVE PAIRS OF MARTINS IN 1914 AND 1915.
The Martins are very efficient guardians of our chickens. I have often seen them drive the Hawks and Crows away. They hate Buzzards also.
I attribute our success primarily to shooting the Sparrows and driving all cats away, to putting up many boxes, to keeping fresh water handy at all times, etc. We did everything we could for the comfort of our birds; for instance, we put on twigs little pieces of the oil-paper that our butter was wrapped in, and we left mud in convenient places for the Martins. The Catbirds used the oil-paperfor their nests, in fact, they used all kinds of scraps. Imagine the delight of the family when, on examining one of the Catbird’s nests in the autumn, we found one of the children’s hair-ribbons, and also a piece of an old dress of the baby!
A SCREECH OWL'S NEST
This box was put up for Flickers in the winter of 1914. Flickers took possession in March, but were driven out by Sparrow Hawks. But the Sparrow Hawks were frightened away two weeks later by the too great prominence of the position. Later a pair of Screech Owls adopted it for their home. Last winter we took the box down and carried it to the barn, to serve as a model for making other boxes. On opening it we found a live owl inside.
A SPARROW HAWK’S NEST ON THE EDGE OF THE WOODS
We had much difficulty in keeping red and flying squirrels out of the houses placed near the woods. In 1915 red squirrels drove out a pair of Flickers brooding in a box on the forest edge.
We had read a great deal about how tame birds become when they are protected, but were constantly amazed at the quickness with which they perceived the care taken of them. Perhaps the most remarkable nest was that of a Phœbe, which was built under the cornice of the piazza, within reach of my hand. We had a little school in the morning at the house, and ten children were continually running up and down the piazza, shouting at the top of their voices, but the Phœbe went on building her nest, then hatched her eggs and fed her young without fear, though she could see everyone and everyone could see her.
I was also surprised to find how friendly birds, even of the same species, can become. For instance, we had fourteen pairs of Wrens on a single acre, some of the nests being not more than fifteen feet apart. We also had Robins nesting only twelve yards apart. The Bluebirds, on the other hand, do not likeeach other and would not tolerate another pair of Bluebirds nearer than 100 yards.
A FLICKER WAS NESTING IN BOX AND DID NOT STIR, THOUGH THERE WERE FIVE CHILDREN IN THE TREE AND FOUR BELOW WHEN THIS PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN. (June 7, 1914.)
A FLICKER WAS NESTING IN BOX AND DID NOT STIR, THOUGH THERE WERE FIVE CHILDREN IN THE TREE AND FOUR BELOW WHEN THIS PHOTOGRAPH WAS TAKEN. (June 7, 1914.)
AN APARTMENT HOUSE FOR WRENS
When we started building houses, we did not realize that Wrens would not share a house with another pair of Wrens. This house has rooms for eighteen pairs of Wrens. The room on the left was occupied in 1913, 1914 and 1915, and all the other rooms were vacant. Note Wren on box.
A WREN HOUSE IN THE GARDEN
Note the Wren on the perch. We had fourteen pairs of house Wrens nesting on one acre adjoining the house and barns in 1915. This is the largest number reported of Wrens living on one acre.
The first year we had no Flickers, but there was a pair nesting in an old apple tree on our neighbor’s property. During the winter the tree was blown down and our oldest son obtained permission to get it. He cut out the portion of the tree which contained the nest, cleaned out the hole, and then hung thenest in a dying cherry tree, as shown in our illustration. The nest was not more than ten yards from the house, but was taken possession of in 1914 and again in 1915.
The photographs illustrate some of our tenants. We are putting up this winter many more houses on the rest of the farm, as, up to this time, our efforts have been confined to the ten acres nearest the house.
A FLICKER'S NEST BOX ON AN APPLE TREE ONLY TWELVE YARDS FROM THE HOUSE AND BORDERING THE DRIVEWAY.
In this same tree, also, a pair of Robins and a pair of Chipping Sparrows nested in 1915.
A BOX OCCUPIED BY FLICKERS AND WRENS
When the Flickers came back the second year (1915), they tried to excavate a new door to their house, on the opposite side from that shown in the picture, but soon desisted, leaving a hole about 2 inches deep. Later a pair of Wrens built a nest in the new hole, so that in 1915 a brood of Flickers and a brood of house Wrens were living in the box at the same time. Note the Flicker’s head in the doorway.
We have already found the following birds nesting on some part of the 100 acres of field and woods: Flicker, Robin, Catbird, Bluebird, Orchard Oriole, House Wren, Purple Martin, Summer Warbler, Brown Thrasher, Chipping Sparrow, Phœbe, Barn Swallow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Whip-poor-will, Towhee, Indigo Bunting, Black-and-White Warbler, Song Sparrow, Meadowlark,Chat, Maryland Yellowthroat, Field Sparrow, Cardinal, Red-eyed Vireo, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Mourning Dove, Kingbird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Wood Pewee, Bob-white, Chickadee, Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Mockingbird, Goldfinch, Crow, Bluejay, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Barred Owl, Screech Owl, Sparrow Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Redstart, Yellow-throated Vireo, Cedarbird, Vesper Sparrow, Louisiana Water-thrush, and Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
We had, in 1915, seventy-five pairs of Martins in an area of approximately ten acres, and expect to have a great many more than this in 1916. We had one pair of Red-shouldered Hawks nesting in our woods, and kept them for two years; but they developed such fondness for poultry, being caught repeatedly thieving, that finally we had to shoot them.
We have in the woods a splendid pair of Barred Owls. They come around the barns at night, and I suspect them also of attempts at chicken-thieving, but they are too handsome and rare a bird in these parts to shoot. We have nothing good to say of the Screech Owl, which we suspect of having been the cause of the mysterious disappearance of many young birds from the nests.
If any one wants excitement, I suggest that he buy or borrow a stuffed Owl, and put it out in the garden in the daytime during the nesting season. All the birds in the neighborhood will soon congregate, and the children will learn the birds quicker than in any other way.
The Robin in Yosemite
By GARRETT NEWKIRK
In this divine cathedral grand,O’erborne by silent awe I stand,When, friendly greets me, near at hand,The Robin in Yosemite.Beneath high wall and towering dome,By roaring rapids dashed with foam,I hear the old, sweet voice of home—The Robin in Yosemite.I hear from every sculptured wallThe voices of the ages call,And, cheering with their echoes all,The Robin in Yosemite.
In this divine cathedral grand,O’erborne by silent awe I stand,When, friendly greets me, near at hand,The Robin in Yosemite.
Beneath high wall and towering dome,By roaring rapids dashed with foam,I hear the old, sweet voice of home—The Robin in Yosemite.
I hear from every sculptured wallThe voices of the ages call,And, cheering with their echoes all,The Robin in Yosemite.
The Spring Migration of 1915 at Raleigh, N. C.
By S. C. BRUNER and C. S. BRIMLEY
T
he migration of birds at Raleigh, N. C, during the spring of 1915 was so unusual that it is believed that a short account, together with a list of the records, will be of interest to the readers ofBird-Lore. In considering the following remarks, it may be well to bear in mind that records of the bird migration in this locality have been made each year for the past thirty-one years. Also, the amount of time spent in making observations during the past season is significant. From March 19 to May 7, field trips were made by Mr. Bruner on forty-seven days out of a possible fifty. Prior to and after this period observations were made by him for several weeks at intervals of from two to four days. Mr. Brimley was in the field for twelve days from March 30 to April 28, but was unable to pay full attention to birds. The duration of each trip averaged about four hours, this figure not including the time spent in going to and from the city. Observations for the most part were made independently by each of the writers, and on lands differing somewhat in general character. It is believed that the great majority of species were recorded on as near the actual date of their arrival as it would ordinarily be possible to obtain them.
The most remarkable fact in connection with the season was the very great delay in the arrival of the earlier migrants and in the departure of the winter birds. This was very probably due almost entirely to the unusual weather conditions which seemed to prevail throughout the South during March and early April. March was abnormally cool, especially so during the latter part of the month. At Raleigh one-half of an inch of snow fell on the thirty-first, and this was soon followed by the most severe snowstorm on record for the month of April. On April 2, at 8P. M., wet snow began to fall, and continued steadily until about 8P. M.on April 3, the ground at that time being covered to a depth of about ten inches, the total fall being equivalent to thirteen inches of dry snow. In the wake of this storm came fair and very warm weather. By April 6 nearly all traces of snow had disappeared, and the birds began to arrive. Between April 6 and April 9, the Black-and-White Warbler, Louisiana Water-Thrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Maryland Yellowthroat, and White-eyed Vireo all reached Raleigh, these species being from nine to fourteen days late. Prior to this period the Chipping Sparrow had appeared on March 19—about two weeks late,—and the Blue-headed Vireo on April 1, this bird arriving only one week late. After April 6, the greater number of other species came in at about their usual time or a few days later, but several were decidedly early. The Kingbird reached Raleigh on April 12, the earliest date yet recorded in this locality. However, this was the only record for early arrival that was broken among the commoner species, although two others were equaled.
Six new records were established for late departures of winter birds, namely: Loggerhead Shrike, April 1; Fox Sparrow, April 6; American Pipit, April 6; Brown Creeper, April 19; Song Sparrow, April 28, and White-throated Sparrow, May 19. Two former records were duplicated and seven of the remaining fourteen species noted were from four to fourteen days later than the average. It is plain that species which leave normally before the sixth of April could have been delayed a few days by the severe weather of late March and early April; but it is not easy to understand how it could have affected, to any marked extent, the species which depart in late April and in May.
The migration at Raleigh was also characterized by an unusually great variety of species, including a number of very rare birds. A Black-crowned Night Heron taken on April 4 and a Bay-breasted Warbler observed on May 5 constitute new local records. Other rare or uncommon species worthy of especial mention are the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Osprey, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-legs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Bartramian Sandpiper, Cape May Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Wilson’s Warbler. The total number of species whose arrival was observed amounted to no less than sixty-eight in all, which is the largest number yet recorded at Raleigh during a single season. This fact can probably in no way be attributed to the abnormal weather conditions before mentioned (except possibly in the case of the Night Herons), but rather to the large amount of time spent in making observations. Also the fact that two observers were in the field did not play so large a part in this as might be expected, as one of them alone observed all but one of the sixty-eight species recorded.
A. COMMONER SPECIES
B. RARER SPECIES[2]