FEATHERS Published by the SchenectcuJy Club

Vol. 4. No. 1 January. 1942

FLICKERS AND ARE FEATURED IN CHRISTMAS COUNT

Chester N. Moore, Chairman, Christmas Count Committee

Sohenectady, N.Y. (Mohawk River fromLock 8 to Mohawk View, Collins Lake, Woestlna Sanctuary and lower Rotterdam Hills, Central Park, Vale and Parkwood Cemeteries, Meadowdale, Indian Ladder, Puller andOxford Road sections of Albany, Albany Air port, Consaul Road, Watervllet Reservoir, and Intervening ter ritory. ) — Dec. 21; 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clear; wind moder ate, northwest; fields mostly covered with light, crusted snow; minimum of open water; temp. -4° at start, 13 at noon, 11° at return. Twenty-five observers working In eight par ties. Total party hours afield, 47; total party miles, 198 (40 afoot, 158 by 'ar, Incidental to trips afoot). Black Duck, 1; American Merganser, 6; Red-tailed Bawk, 2; Red- shouldered Hawk, 1; Rough-legged Bawk, 9; Marsh Hawk, 3; Spar row Hawk, 2; Ruffed , 9; Ring-necked , 37; Her ring Gull, 4; Great Horned , 2; Flicker, 2 (In distinctly separate localities, one by B. D. Miller, Moore and Stone, the other by Preese, Kellyand OleBon); Hairy Woodpecker, 15; Downy Woodpecker, 47; BlueJay, 110; Crow, 1133; Black-capped Chickadee, 240; White-breasted Nuthatch, 42; Red-breasted Nut hatch, 1; Brown Creeper, 3; , 2 (first found by call notes,then seen at close range by Havens and P. S. Miller); Golden-orowned Kinglet, 4; Northern Shrike, 2; Starling, 559; English Sparrow, 547; Meadowlark, 2; Redpoll, 188; Pine Sis kin, 6; Goldfinch, 94; Slate-colored Junco, 69; Tree Sparrow, 748; Song Sparrow, 15; Snow Bunting, 30. Total, 33 specieB; 3935 individuals. — Mr. and Mrs. George H. Bainbridge, Paul ine Baker, Guy Bartlett, Edna Becker, Dorothy Caldwell, Edna DromB, Frank Freese, Esly Rallenbeck, Barrington S. Ravens, Idella M. ffeacox, Alice Holmes, John Kelly, B. D. Miller, P. Schuyler Miller, Mrs. C. N. Moore, Harry Oleson, Vincent J. Schaefer, Dr. M. B. Sootland, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Steele, Ru dolph Stone, Nelle Van Vorst, John Voght, and Chester N. Moore, Christmas Count Chairman (Schenectady Bird Club).

The composite report for the bon Magazine, Is in the above third annual Christmas Count summary. Everything consi of the Schenectady Bird Club, dered — particularly with re in the form required by Audu- gard to the unannounced sudden -1- •FEATHERS

Party Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Number of Species 33 9 25 6 20 23 10 14 9 Number of Individuals 3935 272 426 78 1135 29 268 BlackDuck 1 1 American Merganser 6 6 Red-tailed Hawk 2 l 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 1 1 Rough-legged Hawk 9 7 (1) 1 1 Marsh Hawk 3 3 Sparrow Hawk 2 1 1 Ruffed Grouse 9 1 4 4 Rinp;-necked Pheasant 37 8 19 8 I herring Gull 2 1 1 Great Iferned Owl 1 1 Flicker IOfO£r I Hairy Woodpecker 15 3 2 4 4 2 Downy Woodpecker 47 4 10 23 8 2 Blue Jay 110 3 2 15 32 30 28 Crow 1133 14 27 2 500 500 8 75 7 Black-capped Chickadee 240 40 25 20 53 .68 6 16 12 White-breasted Nuthatch 42 2 4 20 11 1 2 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 1 Brown Creeper 3 1 1 1 Bluebird 2 2 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4 3 1 Northern Shrike 2 2 Starling 559 72 43 1 49 157 2 68 167 English Sparrow 547 11 15 8 108 276 3 36 90 Meadowlark 2 2 Redpoll 188 12 40 100 36 Pine Siskin 6 6 Goldfinch 94 16 12 54 12 Slate-colored Junco 69 14 7 35 11 2 Tree Sparrow 748 126 200 200 191 5 26 Song Sparrow 15 3 1 10 Snow Bunting 30 30

low temperature and the both self, particularly In the Mea- ersome, cold, cutting, north dowdale section. It was more west wind — the count was a common than the red-shouldered good one. There wereno glar and red-tailed, sparrow and ing examples of missed, marsh hawks combined. except for the owlB, and there were some unexpected, finds. Those participating In the 1941 Christmas Count included; The flicker now appears as No. 61 on the composite list Party 1 - WatervlletReser for Schenectady Christmas rec voir, Carman, Gullderland Cen ords of the most recent twelve ter. Eight hours, 9 miles a- years. Tree sparrows were un foot, 34 miles by car. MessrB. usually common, outnumbering Ibllenbeck and Voght, the house sparrow and starling and being surpassed in numbers Party 2 - Meadowdale, Indian onlyby the crow. Among the Ladder, Voorheesville. Eight birds of prey, the rough-leg hours, 5 miles afoot, 35 miles ged hawk was in a class by It by car. Messrs. B. D. Miller, -2- January. 1942

Moore, and Stone. lett and Bainbridge.

Party 3 - Central Park. 2$ party 6 - Collins Lake. Two hours, 3£ miles afoot. Misses hours,*■ 3 miles afoot. Mr. and Becker, Heacox, and Droms. Mrs. Steele, Mrs. Bainbridge.

Party 4 - Vale Cemetery, Party 7 - Woestina Sanctu Rice Road, VIey Road, and in ary, Sohermerhorn Road, lower City of Schenectady. 6% hours, Rotterdam Hills to Lock 8. 5 milea afoot,40 miles by oar* Pour hours, 12 miles afoot, 50 Misses Van Vorst, Holmes, Gald- miles by oar. Messrs. Preese, well, and Mrs* Moore. Schaefer, Oleson, and Kelly.

Party 5 - Niskayuna side of Party 8 - Puller and Oxford Mohawk River, Lisha Kill, Al Road sections, Albany. Pour bany Airport, Consaul Road* hours, 1/2 mile afoot,11by 12&party-hours, 11 miles a- car. Dr. Scotland and Miss foot, 26 miles by oar. Messrs. Baker. Havens and P. 3. Miller; Bart- — C. N. M* ELWOOD TO SPEAK

Walter SIwood of the Sassa nominating committee will b« fras Bird Club, Amsterdam, was named. Four directors are to the SBC speaker a year ago. be elected at the February At our next meeting, Monday, meeting, to succeed Nolle Van January 26, he will again ap VorBt, secretary; Barrington pear here. The meeting will S. Havens, field activities; be in a new place, in the Girl W. R. Steele, conservation; Scout Headquarters, 4 South andGuy Bartlett, publica Church Street — between Union tions. and State Streets. SBC Calendar Colored motion pictures made by Mr. Elwood last summer will The next field trip of S B 0 feature his talk. Carrying on is scheduled for Saturday, with a program similar to January 31, in the Niskayuna those of other reoent summers, section under the leadership Mr. Elwood had his camera with of Guy Bartlett. In the case him while he oovered several of previous trips this season thousand miles of our country. those making the trips have Views he will show include simply met at Nott Terrace some made during a ten-day High School. la the case of hike in the Bob Marshall Wil this trip, however, those ex derness Area of Flathead Na pecting to go are to telephone tional Forest in northern Mon the trip leader,4-1137, the tana; through King*8 Canyon; preceding evening or earlier. at Bonneville, including the famous fish ladder there; at Similar arrangements are to BirdCity in Louisiana; Capie- be made in advanoe by those trano; the territory of Cali planning on the Sohermerhorn fornia's big trees; and sever Road trip on Sunday, February al otter famous sections. 15. Those planning to parti cipateshould telephone B, S. At the January meeting the Havens, 6-4186,in advance. -3- FEATHERS CAPE MAY IMPRESSIONS

Pauline B. Baker

On Friday, October 17, I After an Informal breakfast left Albany by train for New at 4:45, we boarded vehicles York City. The sunset was a for a trip to tne pointfrom brilliant one, and Immediately which we walked along the after passing Hudson I could shore — waves lapping up for see great blue herons standing our feet — to the choice and motionless In silhouette In high sand dune from which we the water of shallow places. were to watch for feathered The Gatskllls were very blue travelers. and beautiful. Soon flocks of ducks in lines stretching a- Confused Migrants cross the river or in stream ers flewupstream looking for Again the south windwas rest and food for the night. blowing, so movement web si on There were crowds upon crowds, At that point the birds are hundreds of trem. confused to see water on both sides of them, and fly back Overnight In was and forth searching for land followed by early rising and a ward routes. A flock of about trip uptown to Audubon Ibuse ten meadowlarks kept flying where I met friends of another back and forth above us. It year. We were off behind the was strange to see them with bus to Cape May, New Jersey, water breaking off to the some 250 miles south of New right; a tall holly tree, ber York. The tripwas broken by ry-laden, behind us; fruited several stops In order to see persimmon trees and Junipers what shoreblrda were about. nearby on our sandy dune. A We reached the Jtotel Macomber flock of white-winged scoters, at Cape May about 5:30. At 6 skimming the water bo trimly - the 86 travelers met for din so speedily. A marsh hawk ner and Instructions. Richard slowly floated over a low Pough and Roger T. Peterson marsh* Flickers, a continuous were with us. After dinner sifting of myrtle warblers, the carstook us to thelight cedar waxwings, a Carolina house to see If there weremi chickadee or two, treeswal grants passing through the lows, golden-crowned kinglets, slowly revolving beams of the and a oardinal were among the beacon* Occasionally a bright rewards. sliver flash would appear as a bird passed. The flicker was When the sun was well up, brief and Infrequent, which and yet no change In the wind, Indicated slow migration. A the group broke Into twos and south wind was blowing. Later threes for a slowwalk through we wandered in the darkness, the sanctuary. Here one re trying to surprise a barred alized there were many king owl that Mr. Peterson was lets and warblers. A cardi hearing. No luck. nal, a Wilson's snipe, pigeon hawk, sparrow hawk, phoebe, The sea breeze was delight and blue Jays were seen. The ful, but an early rising (4:15 trees were In berry. Very de a. m.) demanded Immediatere licious were the plump, warm tirement. persimmons. At this placeve- 4- January. 1942

getatlon of tte North and the South meet, and the oak trees are especially Interesting. FEATHERS In one spot a variety of eac- SCHENECTADY BIRD CLUB tuawas found. The blue-"ber ried Virginia creeper was Annual Membership: Active,$2; A»oc.,$1 beautiful ag it spread Its red leaves over the white sand. Guy Bartlctt, Editor, R.D.1, Rotendafe Road

Sour-gum Visitors common , prairie horned larks, marsh wrens, robins, We left the sanctuary and bluebirds, cowblrds, grackles, walked along the highway to purple finches; the savannah, ward the little lake. There white - throated and chipping was a sight to behold — a sparrows; and Junoos. tall red-J.acy sour^gum tree heavily laden with blue ber A blue - headed vireo and a ries and guzzling birds! Three swamp sparrow were picked up kinds of thrushes — hermit, dead under telephone wires not gray-cheeked, olive-backed — far from shore. not singly butin numbers — nolonger shy, no longer elu- Clam Technique alve! Brown thrashers, warb- lera, yellow-bellied sapsuck- On the beach we watched a er, waxwlngs, a downy wood herring gull rise with a clam pecker called, and then a nut In his beak. After circling hatch. A brown creeper did to gain height he opened his some curling antics around a mouth. As the clam fell, fat cone. The Carolina chick he flew down beside Itand, adee called a greeting — much when the burden hit the ground more rapidly than our chloka- the Impact opened the shell; dee, and hung around so we and the gull was right there could see him. to receive the contents. He toyed a littleand then, with Somewent off to see the a wise look In our direction, Jaegers, butthe sour gum was he swallowed the morsel. a great fascination for oth ers. At 11 the group met for The number of birds seen by a hearty breakfast, and than the party was above 100 spe the return North with some cies. Slnoe the wind favored stops enroute. us at no time,the movement was not particularly varied or Other birds seenwere , numerous. It was grand to be American egret, little blue there, and I hope I may re and black-crowned night her turn again. ons, Canada geese (taking form behind the leader — a thrill NEWS AND N0T23 ing sight), black ducks, bald- pate, pintail, blue - winged "News and Notes*1, usually teal, vultures, bald occupying a few pages, are ab eagle, semlpalmated plover, sent from this issue — absent kllldeer, black-bellied plo because of the amount of ma ver, yellowlega, least sandpi terial awaiting publication^ per, long - billed dowltoher, Our apologies to those contri sanderllngs; herring, ring- butors whose reports are being billed and laughing guile; held for the February number. -5- FSATHSRS MID-NOVEMBER BIRDS

Ruth Bishop

Nine of us started from Nott and flew across the road in Terrace HLgh School on Sunday, front of us; and landed with November 16, at 8 a. m. for a banking wings among the bushes field trip to Duane Lake and near the lake. We heard one Christman'e Sanctuary; two goldfinch, and saw his undula more Joined us later at the ting flight from cover to co Sanctuary. The sun shone dur ver. Here as most places we ing the early part of the saw and heard the starlings. trip. The mildness of the temperature promised to make We reached the Christman our extra ooats superfluous, Sanctuary just before 10 a. m. but at Duane Lake a cold south Mrs. Christman greeted us and wind made them welcome. told us of the birds that had beenfeeding most frequently Near the beach at the north there. end of the lake about five herring gulls, some Immature, Now heavy clouds began to fed. A kingfisher flew before form, threatening rain. Still us, up the lake toward the the downy woodpecker in the woods, his blue and white pat tree by the door grubbed for plainly visible. There inseots. Tree sparrows fed by on the southern part of the the road, apparently most of lake a flock of duoks floated, the morning, for they wereob with a herring and a Bonaparte served now and againlater on gull among them. The harrlng our return to the house. Whan gull at times flew up, appar last observed, they were ently rousing a few of the frightened off by a passing duoks, then settled down fol car. White-breasted nuthatch lowed by the ducks. Some of es also fed by the house. them, showing considerable white on the wing and on the As we passed through the or water, were without doubt gol chard someof thB group ob den-eyes. Others were Identi servedand followed a grouse fied as black ducka. We could In the field toward the road. notIdentify any other species There in the orchard we began at the distance we observed to see and hear the black- them. We sighted them first capped chickadee, so oommon in from the east shore, then from the hsmlockB beyond. A gol the west, then again from the den-crowned kinglet flewfrom south; but the birds always tree to tree, remaining low seemed to senseour approach for some time so that his eye and keep their distance. stripe could be well observed. Across the stile a silent blue Along the road around the Jay was the only new bird we south end of the lake we saw. flushed several pairs of phea sants. Most ran, with their Now the clouds had dispersed stilted steps, backfarther and the sun shone again, but from the road along the low was more moody than earlier. bushes with which they blend This oontinued until we had ed. But one cock took wing crossed the brook. Then the -6 January. 1942

Bky suddenly clouded over, and stopped. The field sloped rain poured down. A short down from the road toward the let-up was followed by another fence row, where a mars h hawk downpour before the rain fi soared up, his white markings nally stopped. The air was plainly visible. Continuing chilled now by both the rain on, we scanned the fields for and the wind. meadowlarks, but saw none. While we were thus on the a- Across the stream again in lert, crows seemed more in the field beyond Mr. Christ- evidence. Lack of food supply man*s grave, a flock of fox had apparently forced the rob sparrows fed among the weeds. in to leave His favorite haunt on Keyes Avenue. Our observa On the way home a bird in tions ended as they had begun, flight caughtour eye* We with English sparrows. SOME RECORDS OF SNOWIES

When all records are in for distance before it dropped to all of the northeastern United the ground. It appears that States, it seems very probable the taxidermist, to whom the that the returns will Indicate personwho shot the bird took that there was a very healthy It for mounting, also has for visitation into the section by mounting two other snowy snowy owls this winter. Be shot In this vicinity. The fore the end of October it was bird shotin Scotia weighed apparent that such a flight 2£pounds. -- G. H.Balnbridge. was on, according to reports from various sections. At the Luther Preserve

Locally, as in most other A few weeks ago a customer sections, the snowy owl is an ina barber shop told me that, irregular vis itor, usually while hunting snows hoe rabbits missing, occasionally in small on the Luther Preserve near numbers, and rarely in large Saratoga Lake, he shotasnowy numbers. Schenectady*s count owl which waseating a cotton this winter has apparently not tail rabbit. — G. H. B. been the largest ever, but has been noteworthy. Rooftop Percher

Village Visitor On November 17, the Gazette reported, a snowyowl perched The Union Star of December 4 for three hours on the ridge had a picture of" two employes pole of the house at 341 (Jer- of the village of Scotia with manla Avenue. At 3 p. m. it a snowy owl oneof them had flew away. shot* This owl had perched on a pole near the Scotia end of Along the Mohawk the old bridge, Just west of the village sewage disposal A snowy owl was observed plant. This Is within the near Rice Road and the Barge corporate limits of the vil Canal terminal in fcha morning lage. The bird was shot with and again at noon of December a .22 rifle, and flew a short 4. The bird wasseen about 8 -7- FEATHERS January, 1942

a. m. In flight ttrough the 1, cityward from Lock 8. fog, and questionably Identi fied. At noon It was again At Saratoga seen sitting on the ground and, with better conditions In mid - November a wounded for observation, the Identifi snowyowl was recovered near cation was positive. Possibly MoGregor. — Dorothy Caldwell. thla Individual was the one which perched for several In Other Sections hours on a house on Germanla Avenue. — W. R« Steele Buffalo, Rochester, New Eng land, and other sections all G-g Record report flights of snowies. Dean Amadon of New York's Am On December 11 a snowy owl, erican Museum, when here De probably the same one recorded cember 16, reported several in Just above, was a visitor to that vicinity the previous the open land adjoining the week. G--E parking area. It flew to that section whsn molested by Still Others? observers while It was along the bank of theriver. Do SBC members know of other snowy owl records this December 1 winter? If so, they should let B. D. Miller,record com Also probably the same bird mittee, know of them now for was the snowy owl reported up inclusion in a summary being the Mohawk River on December prepared. RETURN OF THE ONE-LEGGERS

W. L. Merrill

Late in November I putout of an inch below the fleshy my feeding shelf and stocked part of the leg, which does it with suet and sunflower not seem to trouble him at all seeds. On the first day it flitting up and down the tree, was visited by the usual In making landings and driving habitants — chickadees, nut the seeds Into bark of trees. hatches, and woodpeckers — and much to my surprise by the The chickadee has a withered one - legged woodpecker, the leg which Is bent Just below one - legged nuthatch, and the the fleshy part, sticks out at one - legged chickadee, (FEA right angles to his body, and THERS, May, 1941, page 35). is useless. It does not seem As a matter of fact, the one- to trouble him. legged nuthatch was carrying the seeds and packing them in The woodpecker has a stump to the bark of a locust tree like the nuthatch, only some in less than ten minutes after what longer. tbs foodwas put on the feed ing tray. The birds have continued to visit the feeding station The nuthatch has a well- along with many others of the rounded stump about one-eighth same varieties. ■8- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No, 2 February, 1942

1941 IN REVIEW

B. D. Miller, Records Committee

During 19 4 1 Interesting so well with such handicaps. facts wererecorded about 50 species of non-perching and 89 Also, Miss Baker's observa species of perching birds. tion of the gulls dropping Par from complete, we agree, shellfish to break them open but a modest start,It Is is news to us. We have read hoped, toward what will grow of the fish crow using this Into a listing not only of Im method and, according to our portant statistical Informa recollections of a little tion such as numbers and arri reading In psychology, this Is val and departure dates, but evidence of abstract reasoning anecdotes about their unusual on their part. behavior, and Interpretations of their human-like activity. We could give you the com plete text of last year's rec Many of us are not ornithol ords, but question the wisdom ogists, but plain bird-lovers. of doing so. Such compila Just why the public takes a tions make about as Interest- much greater interest In birds Ing reading as time-tables. as compared to other forms of Readers might entertain the life has long been a thought of'a certain man who mystery to me. carefully read the dictionary and then remarked it lacked The unbounded'curiosity of a "continuity of thought,H so crow, a hawk's grace and Its we'll give only a few sampleB majestic flight, a chickadee's taken from the records: sociability and lnqulsltlve- ness, thatwise but suspicious 1st. On May 1 a party con gaze of an owl — these are a sisting of Misses Oaldwell, few things about birds that Holmes, Reeves and Van Vorst, attract attention. reported 50 American brant In the north end of Saratoga What a delightful story Er Lake. This is a large number nest Thompson Seton wrote for of birds, listed as rare tran us about Sllverspot, the wise sients, to be seen nearby. crow!Mr. Merrill's article In last month's F2ATH2R3 about 2nd. A flock of nearly 30 his birds with "peg legs* a- Canada geese reported north rouses our sympathies. We are ward-bound over Niskayuna on glad to learn* they get along April 26 th. Again, several -9- FEATH5R3

flocks were seen October 5. was reported by Mr. Steele as These were southbound, we as spending the winter of '40-41 sume. The flight of this fine near the Gateway Bridge. bird has long beenusedby ru ral people and sportsmen as a 7th. American egrets were basis for season predictions. again at the Niskayuna wide waters. Five were reported 3rd. Miss Van Vorst's re there on July 4 byMisses Abel port of seeing three families and Van Vorst. It is a great of wood ducks at Watervllet surprise to most people to be Reservoir, one with 13 duck told of this once rare bird lings, Is reassuring, and a- now summering so close to us. galn Justifies our conserva tion laws. This beautiful 8th. When a great blue her bird was at one time thought on wa3 reported by Bahmand headed for -extinction. Schaefer along the Binne Kill on December 29 and 31 we were 4th. Mr. Allen appears to surprised, but again the local have sprinkled salton the check list includes several bald eagle's tail. He report records of this big bird as a ed finding two in January a- winter visitor. Its presence long the upper Hudson. Most on this occasion, along with a people's acquaintance with black duck and a kingfisher, this royal bird is confined to is explained by warm water books and pictures. from the G - E outlet,

5th. The American rough- 9th. The unusual number of legged hawk is shown in the snowy owls reported hereabouts local check list as an Irregu during the early winter exci lar winter visitor. On Decem ted much speculation as to the ber 21, when the annual count cause. Was it the weather or was taken, it was found to be food supply? unusually common, with nine reported. The Indian Ladder 10th. Among surprises were party was rewarded by seeing the Christmas Census listingsx seven of these birds, with of such summer birds as mea- sometimes two in viewat the dowlarks, flickers,and blue same time, and in both light birds. When the flicker was and dark color phases. With a reported some of us said "Here strong wind blowing and with a Is a new record." We were crystal-clear atmosphere, they disappointed, bedell reported gave to the observers several it in 1923, and Bedell and beautiful exhibitions of their Uttal separately in 1937. flying ability. To see these graceful fliers, with a wing- One would be somewhat in a spread of four feet, poise in quandary to predict the '41-42 mid-air as if perched there, winter from our last year's and watch the slight feather bird records. The presence of ing of their wings and tails, snowy owls, flickers and blue is the compensation one may birds complicates the formula. receive for facing an icy We can at least explain these blast; but the birds seemed to paradoxes as a venerable Cats- enjoy it. kill friend of mine often did, by suggesting it miw ht be due bth, A sharp - shinned hawk to the administration.

-10- February, 1942

NEST OFTHE LONG "EARED

Arthur Hubbs. Menands

On a Saturday early laat excitedly pointing to a pair aprlng, when the snow was of long-eared owls sitting in a till on the ground, Phil Oal- a tree. Not far away, 40 feet lahan (who has since moved to up, there was a large nest. ElPaso, Texas, when his fa ther was recalled to that sec The next week, when we re tion by the army) and I were turned with climbing irons, we bicycling near Defreestville found five down-covered owlets when we noticed a pine wooda in the nest. Two weeks later, ona hill to our right. When we found that the young had we were opposite the woods we beenkilled by a large band of saw a road going up near the marauding crows living nearby. woods and decided to go up there to eat our lunoh. Near We soon found a new nest the middle of the woods, under with five eggs. The parents a thick white pine tree, we all the time tried to lure us saw several owlpellets. Upon from the nest, and because of looking up I saw what looked the height and the wind we like a piece of white pine were unable to obtain any pic barkcovered with white pine tures. When we returned la rust. It looked strangely ter, the eggs were gone. like an owl's breast so, while I watched from below, Phil Although we searched every- olimbed a nearby maple tree where, we were unable to find with the camera. The owl flew another nest with any eggs in off, and I followed it a- it. We are afraid thatone of way while Phil came down. the pair was shot, because we have been able to find only When he came up to me I was one of the owlslately.

PITTSFIELD-I94I

G-« Bar tie tt HendrlckB. Berkshire Museum. Plttsfield

In 1941 a total of 212 spe the greater snow goose, sho- cies and subspecies of birds veler, golden plover, American and the hybrid Ridgway's and Arctic three-toed wood grackle were identified in peckers, turkey vulture (as Berkshire County, Massachu many as seven seen soaring to setts, easily the largest num gether) , worm-eating warbler, ber ever reported to me at the cerulean warbler, yellow-head Berkshire Museum. Included ed blackbird, and the red and were four birds new to the white-winged crossbills. county list — the ring-billed gull, "black tern, prairie Every duck and merganser on warbler, and sharp - tailed the all-time record, except sparrow, presumably of the the accidental Barrow's gol James Bay subspecies. den-eye, was found. Of inter est, if not importance, is the Other rare finds included fact that I sawall of these

-11- FEATH3RS

at Onota Lake in Plttafield during the autumn, a fine rec ordfor an inland lake of mo FEATHERS derate size. SCHENECTADY BIRD CLUB We have had two. of the Annual Membership: Activ«,$2; A»oc.,$1 strangest records thus far in January, I identified a Guy Bartlett, Editor, R.D.1 / Rosendale Road horned which had teen found skidding , about, on a Pittafield streeton January SWAN SONG 11; and Dr. Wallace identified a which had teen picked up in Dalton on January It's been fun. After all, 13. Both birds were released it was someone else who had on the river in the south part all the headaches accompanying of the county. Early in Janu the initial work — with this ary mallards, green - winged issue, the Job of the present teal, pintails, a kingfisher, editor is done. It was Barry and song sparrows were present I&vens who had the tough Job in the Sheffield area. of getting FEATHERS going; the details were in order when the The Berks hires, conditiona present editor started, so it permitting, will again be was easy. hoststothe Au- Let's help the new editor as dubon Society for the Berk much as possible. It'sone shire Week-end in June, and it thing to have enough "profes is hoped that members of the sional" background to be able Schenectady Bird Club will a- to swing the Job in a oarefree gain Join in these activities. way — and the editors so far have been professionals. M (For an account of last The new editor will possibly year's Berkshire Week-end,at have a harder Job, unless all tended by six SBC members, help by spontaneously supply see FEATHERS, August, 1941, ing material for publication. page 57.) — G. B.

NEWS S NOTES IN BRIEF

NEW OFFICERS activities chairman, who found it necessary to resign for bu Five directors are to be siness reasons after a year in elected at the February meet office. Directorsremaining ing, at 8 o'clock Monday night in office include Mrs. jfrns February 23 at ' Girl Scout HUthsteiner, treasurer; B. D. headquarters, 8 North Church Miller, records; and Mrs. C. Street. They will succeed N. Moore, program committee. Guy Bartlett, publications; Barrington S. Jfevena, field SNOWIES activities; W. R. Steele, con servation; and Nelle VanVorat, Additional to lastmonth's secretary, all of whose terms list of snowy owls wasone of offioe have expired; and shot locally by a hunter in Dr. R» H. Harrington, Junior early November. — B.S.Ifevens -12- February, 1942

EA.n-T.-ns year to year indicate Scotia as among the most likelypla Featuring the SBC field ces for finding these birds. on Sunday, January 18, were two bald eagles. And it WINTER HERON was easily established that there were two individuals, The 1941 records were ended for one was in mature and the with a bang by Ed Bahm and other in immature plumage. Vincent Schaefer, whoon De The trip was the annual win cember 29 saw a great blue terone made along the upper heron at the GE, along the Hudson for duckB. About 400 wkept-warm-and-open-by-the-(JEH of them were seen, of several BinneKill. A few more days species. and the bird was also on their — H. V.D.Allen, Trip Leader 1942 list.

WINTER DUOKS WINTER ROBIN

A visit to the open outlet According to the Union Star, of Saratoga Lake and to the which pictured the victim, it Hudson River on New Year's Day did not require much coaxing produced the expected list of to get a robin to enter a ducks for us. Unexpectedly, house on Curry Road on January we found them more numerous at 10. The robin was ina canary the lake than on the Hudson. cage when the photograph was — Nelle Van Vorst made. Perhaps the bird was the CANVASBACKS same one reported to Frank Freese in that general vicini At least two, and possibly ty during the week of Decem three, canmsbacks were on Sa ber 15- ratoga Lake on November 21, H. V. D. Allen reports. Also TOO BAD seenwere three Holboell's , and possibly a rough- It's too bad that neither legged hawk in the dark phase the great blue heron nor robin of plumage. was seen on December 21, the day of the Christmas Count. PARK REDPOLLS And it's too bad,too, that the mourning dove reported by A Thanksgiving trip through Alice Holmes on December 18 Centjre.1 Park, on November 17, also was three days off sched included a flock of redpolls. ule. — Idella if. Heacox WINTER FISHER GROSBEAKS The great blue heron seen a- First report of this winter long the Binne Kill was still for the evening grosbeak was to be found there in mid-Janu that of Mrs. E. W. Soott of ary. It was seen January 14, Scotia, who found themin her and so were a kingfisherand a yard in early November. black duck. — Chester N.Moore Eflly Hallenbeck found a flock of grosbeaks in box el BARRED ders near his home on January 8. All of which brings up the When Rud Stone and I visited point that the records from tbs open sections of the Hud- -13- FEATHERS son River above Troy on Decem ter midnight, Patrolman Fferold ber 29 we found the ducks as C. Ketcham was driving over we expected, but not In large McClellan Street whena fluffy numbers. Of particular inter object plunged through the est, however, was a barred owl half - open window of his car. that sat in plain sight on a H9 stopped and discovered an tree branch andpermitted a owl, solemnly regarding him close approach. Before we from the back seat. After re left, the bird also perched on peated"shooing* the bird de a fence post near us. parted out of the same window, — H. V. D. Allen and flew away. -- Anna Diekerman URBAN BARRED TRULY METROPOLITAN For some years records of barred owls in this vicinity And, speaking of urban owls, have been comparatively few, the New York Herald Tribune In while tne numbers of great early January played up, with horned owls have seemed to be pictures 'neverything a "barred on the Increase. That the owl that was seen for several barred owl has not left us for days perched In a tree at the good, however, Is indicated by edge of Central Park, at Fifth the factthat one was recorded Avenue and 78th Street. in Vale CemeteryNovember 13. Also reported by the paper The blr-i had evi.-i.ontly "been in the vicinity of tte city roosting In an evergreen tree. were ravens In the Bronx and Something disturbed It, for it East Hampton; an influx of left that tree and flew to an Acadian chickadees; swarms of other, causing a great deal of black - capped chickadees; a excitement in the neighboring golden eagle near Pelhara; a bird community — a single Pacific loon in the Bronx; downy woodpecker. three shovelers. in with 800 How long the owl stayed In black ducks in the 59th Street the cemetery cannot be stated lake of Central Park; and with any accuracy, except that snowy owls on Long Island. there were occasional records well Into December — but It GATEWAY H&.WK3 could not be found on the day of the Christmas Count. During November and December — B. 3. Havens of the past two or three years a hawk has been sojourning on HITCHHIKING OWL Hog Island in the Mohawk Ri ver. This year we have seen About two years ago In the at least three individuals, early evening, a Rugby Road one of which was identified as resident near Phoenix Avenue a sharp-shinned hawk. Sparrow saw something unusual on the hawks are quite often seenin front porch. It proved to be the vicinity also. an owl, which flew v/hen the — W. R. Steele family attempted to feed It. (As Mr. Steele has stated, The owl was seen and heard in hawks have been seen there the vicinity all winter, but regularly. Many observers, finally it left for parta un usually driving, have not been known. Lately it has returned able to observe the birds in and has been heard for half an detail. Some have reported hour at a time. rough-legged, others have re On November 30, shortly af ported Immature red-tall, and -14- February, 1942

still others mature red-tail. While it is true that dif Actually they have all proba ferent systems meet individual bly been right. On one occa requirements, it is also true sion in the I94o-4l winter, a thatthere are advantages when rough-leggedand a mature red- all club members maintain a tail were observed simultane certain uniformity of method, ously; and on this year's particularly when it comes to Christmas Count both a rough- compilingcomposite summaries, legged and an immature red- tail were in view simultane AUDUBON BOOK ously. And on an earlier oc casion this winter the two May I add to the comment on species were again seen at the new edition of Audubon1 a the same time.) "Birds of Amerioa1* the fact that tte #4.95 edition is in ANY MISSING? every way better than the $12.50 one, which I was unfor If you are saving your cop tunate enough to get. The ies of FEATHERS, it is urged plates of the previous book that you check your stock now were badly off register, and to see if any of the 1941 is the colors very poor — as a sues are lacking. All numbers matter of fact, after three are 3till in stock but some of trials I never did get a book them will not last long. Con with all plates in register. sult the secretary in oase of The new one has better color missing issues. and I haven't yet seen one with bad printing. It is a DUES ARE DUE buy; the other wasnot. — P. S.Miller S B C is starting its fourth year, and dues are due. It YOUR HELP NEEDED hardly seems necessary to say again that the success of the The National Audubon Society club depends upon its member believesthat public opinion ship, both financially and in thoroughly approves of the New extent of its activities. The York law ending all commer larger the members hlpf the cialization of wild-birdplu more its activities. If each mage in April, 1947. SBC member interests some Determined protests are be person in membership, the oon- ing made by some members of tinued success of the organi one group: the fly-fishermen, zation is assured. fly-tyers and manufacturers. It is veryprobable that they ON KEEPING RECORDS will seek to have the state law amended, seeking exemp Following the business meet tions for themselves. ing and election of officers If you wish the New York at the meeting on February 23, State lawkept as it is, you at 3irl Scout headquarters, a should let your voice be discussion of record-keeping heard, particularly by your will be led by b. D. Miller, legislators, and by the State record oommittee chairman of Conservation Department. the olub» Different members — John H. Baker, Executive will explain the systarns they Director, Nat.Aud. Soc. use, and it is asked that all (The SBC secretary and be ready to contribute to the conservation director both discussion, both with exhibits have details in publica and questions. tions available to you.) -15- FEATHERS February, 1942

BUFFALO BIRDS SONG-SPARROW DECOY

Buffalo made Its Christmas Maybe It wouldn't workon Count on Deoember 21, as did other Individuals of the same Sohenectady, but with less species or, again, maybe it wind and a highertemperature. would. At least the story can Thirteen parties, with more be told for others to try. than 40 participants, account The first song sparrow on ed for 13,414 Individuals of the recent Christmas Count was 51 species. Inoluded were found with ease In Nlskayuna. 586.2 Individuals of 13 species Based on previous observations of ducks; 5835 Individuals of of the same bird, the obser four species of gulls. They vers simply banged together had 27 of six kinds of hawks, two short pleoes of galvanized and eight of four kinds of pipe. A couple of hundred owls —- but no barred or feet away, the answering chip screech* Two Wilson's snipe of a song sparrow was heard. were newcomers on the Buffalo Maybe that technique could census. be appliedadvantageously In Buffalo observe!? accounted Investigating the song sparrow for a total of 254 species on population of large growths of their record for the year 1941 oat-talls In the winter. Among Deoember reoords there were a tow hee and a ve sper NEW PUBLICATIONS sparrow. wIt Is difficult to explain Attwater's Prairie Chicken, why song sparrows, robins, Its Life History and Manage meadowlarks, flickers, mourn ment. U. S. Fish and Wildlife ing doves, prairie horned Servioe, North American Fauna larks, great blue herons, 57. 65 p«,11- pl» From Su marsh hawks, and Juncos. (to perintendent of Documents; name a few at random) were so Publication 149.30:57. 40?!. conspicuously lacking In De Birds of Long Island, Publi cember, when other mild win cation No. 4. From the Bird ters have found them present Club of Long Island, Inc., In fair numbers," said The Roslyn, N.Y.; $1. This number Prothonotary of the Buffalo comprises 30 pages of text and Ornithological Society for four pages of photographs of January* nesting prairie horned larks, by Gertrude Pettlt Selby. HEADED SOUTH? Banding reoords of the thrash er, catbird, grackle, redwing, Audubon Wildlife Tours will towhee, junco, and five spar be oonducted In the Lake Okee- rows are discussed by Marie V. c-hobee - Klssimmee Prairie Re Beals and J. T. Nichols. gion of Florida from now to April 18. Different Audubon DUCK HA.WK FOOD Society speakers at 9BC meet- Ings have spoken about the The duck hawk ■ Is usually birds there, and Dorothy Cald- thought of as a bird-eater. well described her trip there K. E. Stager of tte Los Ange at a club meeting and In FEA les Museum reported that he THERS for May,June,and July, sawa half dozen duck hawks 1940. Details about the trips simultaneously at the entrance can be secured direct from Au to Ney Gave,Texas, preying on dubon headquarters or from the the thousands of bata pouring SBC secretary. In and out of the cave. -16- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol* 4, No* 3 March, 1942 SOME RECENT INTERESTING RECORDS FORTHE ALBANY REGION

Dayton Stoner, New York State Museum

Thefield ornithologist, am the more than one-half hour ateur or professional, derives that I watched them, the while incentive for continuing his sunning themselves and assidu observations, and satisfaction ously preening their plumage* from past accomplishments in My only record forthis terri the sight of a rare or uncom tory, 1933-1941. mon bird for his territory. And,in the case of migrant Common Canada Goose species, the opportunity to record a particularly early A belated flock of six indi spring or late autumn date or viduals; Alcove Reservoir; May an rtout-of-season record" re 8, 1938. In spring seldom pays him for the lost sleep seen here after May 1. and tired body which so often accompany his endeavors. Broad-winged Hawk

This brief account has to do A single individual, soaring with such occurrences which I over small wooded tract, three have noted amongbirds in the miles south of Schodack Land vicinity of Albany during the ing, Columbia County; November past few years. Theserecords 25, 1937. are of interest principally from a seasonal and distribu American Rough-legged Hawk tional standpoint and are pre sented in annotated farm. One bird; Torahannock Reser voir, Rensselaer County; Octo ber 17, 1937. As the hawk circled high above the water A single bird; Watervliet it made a sudden dash into a Reservoir; May 8, 1940. flock of eastern red-wings passing at a lower altitude; Double-crested Cormorant thesortie appeared to be un successful. Seldom does this Two individuals, perched on hawk put in its fall appear the dead limb ofa submerged ance here before October 25. tree near the southwest corner of Watervliet Reservoir; May Black-bellied Plover 9, 1941. The birds occupied the same position throughout One bird at small inlet,

-17- FEATHERS west aide of Hudson River at ter date, a late seasonal one Kingston Point; also heard the for this territory. notes of another flying over river between Hudson and King Sanderling ston Point; August 27, 1940. An early fall record* Also A single individual; low-ly two Individuals on mud flats ing, isolated mud flat at at Watervllet Reservoir, Octo southwest corner of Watervliet ber 25, 1940 and October 15 Reservoir, October 25, 1940. and 24, 1941* In addition to A late autumnal occurrence. these records the only other ones I have are three for 1937 Bonaparte's Gull and one for 1939* One bird with ring-billed Greater Yellow-legs gulls, at south end Saratoga Lake, November 4, 1938. One More than usually prevalent bird, east side Hudson River on the mud flatsat the Water near Stockport railroad sta vllet and Tomhannock Reser tion, April 28, 1939. Two In voirs fromearly September dividuals, still In breeding well through October, 1941. plumage, standing on a float- About mid-October, at the Wa- Ing log in Mohawk River at tervliet Reservoir, the spe Niskayuna, July 26, 1940. Al cies appeared to reach Its so a single immatureindividu maximum of abundance when it al over Hudson Rivernear Cat- was commoner than its smaller skill, recorded on August 27, congener* On November 19, 1940. 1941 a single individual was The July 26 record is nota noted on the mud flats near ble in that while non-breeding highway No. 20. Although it individuals sometimes occur in made no attempt to fly, it the Lake Erie region in sum could and did run rapidly and mer, the species usually is uttered its characteristic not seen in the Albany area note* The bird appeared to be until late August. in good physical condition. On December 3, 1941 the yel Black Tern low-legs was still there* As I watched, it fleweasily for One adult, partial winter a distance of about 50 yards plumage, Watervliet Reservoir, and appeared to be in no way August 9, 1939. My first rec physically handicapped. Un ord here for this uncommon doubtedly the lack of snow and transient in six years. Er the continued warm weather in nest Geiser, R. D. 4, Troy, late autumn were accountable reports an example of this for the belated southerly species at Albia Pond in the movement of this bird.Usual southeast section of the city ly the species is not observed itself on May 27, 1941. locally after the first week in November. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Pectoral Sandpiper One male in a white pine thicket, northwest corner Tom Observed at Watervliet Res hannock Reservoir, November ervoir September 19 and Octo 12, 1939. The species is sel ber 20, 24 and 31, 1941. Four dom seen in this territory af individuals noted on the lat ter November !•

-18- March,1942

Eastern Phoebe

A single Individual, edge of FEATHERS wooded area along Route 9Jf Published by the Schenect&dy Bird near village of Schodack Land Club. Annual membership. Including ing, Rensaelaer County, Novem subscription; Aotlve, $2; aaaoc.,&l. ber 26, 1939. Usually the Mrs. Anna Dioicerman, Sdltor last stragglers in this terri 1O88 Dean Street, Sohaneotady, N. Y. tory have departed for the Vol.4» Wo.3 March, 1942 south a month earlier. on the numerous trips made in Eastern Yellow Warbler Washington Park, Albany, be tween April 7 and May 9, 1941. Saw one male, heard another Also a flock of about 12 seen singing, small wooded area at Watervliet Reservoir April near Hudson River, 10 miles 9 and again on April 16, 1941. south of Albany, April 27, The general prevalence, per 1938. sistency of occurrence, and more than usual abundance lo Western Pain Warbler cally of this species in the spring of 1941 was noteworthy. One individual identified among the members of a loose Eastern Pox Sparrow aggregation of small birds, at south end of Tomhannock Reser Several individuals, in some voir, October 17, 1937. Usu brushy thickets, south end Wa ally the last trace of the au tervliet Reservoir, November tumnal movement of this warb 4, 1941. One of the birds ler has passed the Albany area feeding upon wild grapes which by October 10. were still Juicy and untouched by the frost. Also a single Northern Yellow-throat individual, same locality, No vember 14, 1941. A male and female gathering nest material, Normandin Woods Lincoln's Sparrow along Mohawk River near Cres cent. May 11, 1940. This ac One bird, brushy tangle a- tivity seldom exhibited so long Stockport Creek near early in the season. Stockport railroad station, Columbia County, April 28, EasternCowbird 1939.

Eight males and two females, Eastern Snow Bunting feeding on a tract of freshly scattered fertilizer in an o- Twelve individuals, gravelly pen field near Valatie, Colum shores, east bank Watervliet bia County, March 14, 1941. Reservoir, October 20, 1941. An early spring date, particu My earliest local autumnal larly for females of thespe record for this territory, cies. 1932-1941. All the birds save one were in intermediate .plu Red Crossbill mage. They were quite una fraid and permitted the obser Seldom did I fail to see ver to approach within 20 feet from one to 25 or more indi before taking wing in a com viduals of this striking bird pact group.

-19- FEATHERS

DOWN FROM THE NORTH CAME THE SNOWIES

Someof the local records have already been mentioned in our two preceding issues; the present summary includes those birds. Without doubtthere were definite records of more than 12 birds, representing the quantity shot, but there Down from the North they is also the probability that come, in numbers far exceeding at least some of the birds those of recent years. And seen were shot later. Chester down they fell In large num Griffith, local game protec bers before the guns of the tor, had records of four at sportsmen — even If they hap Esperance, Hsrdin's Crossing, pened to be within corporate and Scotia* Including the 10 limits, where hunting Is for handled by the local taxider bidden, as In Scotia. They mists, the records included wereeasy targets — large, Altamont, Ballston, Duanes- conspicuously white, permit burg, and Glenville as well as ting close approach, and fly the places previously men ing slowly. Northeastern Uni tioned* ted States had again played host to more than usual the Dorothy Caldwell reported number of snowy owls. several recordsfrom the vici nity ofMt. McGregor. One was Locally, the birds seemed to shot at Wilton in early Novem have extended their visitfrom ber; another was killed at early November through mid- Gurn Spring, near Wilton; at December. There were numerous about the seme time; and sev sight records, including birds eral others were reported ta perched atop roofs in the ci ken in that vicinity. The ty, near the entrance to the game warden there, Mr. Lyman, G - E parking field several rescued an owl alive but in days, on the parking field it jured near Saratoga Lake in self on one occasion* And the fall, took it to a battery there were at least 12 of the station in Saratoga, whence birds shot locally, with 10 of the owl went to a taxidermist them mounted by local taxider upon its demise• mists. All the information available* locally on the food Still other reports have of the birds is thatone of been heard from Albany, Troy, them 'Was clutching a frog when and other sections; but de shot. Specimens varied as u- tails are not at hand. A sec sual fromvery pale to rather tional sutmaary of the records dark in markings. The one is being prepared, however, by shot in Scotia weighed 2& lbs. the AOTJ, to be available later One was noted by the taxider in the year. The record will mist as being larger than any probably show that the snowy great horned owl he had ever owl flightof 1941-1942 was an handled. outstanding one throughout.

-20- March, 1942

AGAIN A MOCKER VISITS SCHENECTADY

Nelle Van Vorst

Again the mockingbird dally This masterful trait of the visits a feeding station in mocker is described by Forbush the town of Niskayuna. Just aa lording it over the lesser how longthiswelcomevisitor birds and not hesitating to has been In the vicinity is attack the larger ones,even not known, but he has been ob the blue jays. served by Mrs. B. Starie, hos tess of the station, for sev Several SBC members and eral months. their friends have had the rare privilege of seeing the The peculiar action of Eng mocker, and have succeeded in lish sparrows, which were dai taking motion pictures. ly guests, attracted the at tention of Mrs. Starie. Her Edward Howard Forbush in his curiosity was rewarded by the "Birds of Massachusetts" makes sight of a strange gray bird, the statement that the mocker cautiously advancing toward migrates very little. Some the porch forhis breakfast. individuals, usually males, For many days this routine pass the winter in the interi feeding continued. Mrs. Sta or of the state, arriving in rie determined to learn more November and remaining until about the fascinating stranger April. So it would seem that and consultedan S B C member. our visiting mockingbirds are After careful study it was i- wanderers rather than resi dentlfied as a mockingbird. dents, as no summer record has been made. Just where the mocker spends his nights and hours when he ****** is not feeding still remains .a mystery. At feeding time he NOTE: A previous winter ap arrives promptly and perches pearance of the mockingbird In a shrub which is sheltered locally, also in Niskayuna, on the west by two thick cedar was described in FEATHERS of trees. As he flies closer, June, 1939. That bird visited the sparrows give way to him. the feeder of B. D. Miller.

S.B.C. DIRECTORS NAMED

Officers elected at the Feb As specified in the by-laws, ruary meeting include: Miss the vacancy in the position of Nelle VanVorst, reelected sec director of junior activities retary; Esly Hallenbeck, field will be filled by the board of activities; H. V. D. Allen, directors. The two-year term conservation; and Mrs. Anna has another year to run -- un Dickerman, publications. til the election of 1943. FEATHBRS SCHENECTADY'S FIRST WINTER CARDINAL

Malcolm Andrews All thoughts of goldfinches suddenlydropped, we immedi ately started after Mr. Red- Fortunately for us, it was a bird 1 He had now flown a rather mild 8 a.m. that greet short distance away, but by ed us Sunday morning, February carefully listening for his 15. Our first stop was along note and then chasing him from V/endell Avenue to try and lo bush to bush, we were finally cate the source of a flicker able to get a magnificent view note which one of us had heard of him. We then decided not earlier in the morning. No to bother him further, in luck, however, so off we went hopes that he would stay with toward Schermerhorn Road, our us long enough for others to announced destination. enjoyour good luck.

The G - E open water along We managed to stop talking Binne Kill harbored some eight about our find long enough to American mergansers, while notice two song sparrows call across the road a largeflock ing nearby, and a pheasant of treesparrows were feeding. givinghis squawkfrom afield. Overheadnumerous crows passed by on the way to their nearby Back along the road, a star feeding grounds. ling gave us quite a start with some of his imitations. Climbing a small hill, we A large tree was being system were rewarded by a sparrow atically goneover by a downy hawk which flew by and lit in woodpecker, a chickadee, and a the top of a tall dead tree* white-breasted nuthatch. Down the other side of the hill, and along an ice-covered Starting back for home, we stream,we came upon a some passed thesame group of crows what smaller flock of tree that had greeted us upon our sparrows than had been seen arrival• earlier. A blue jay was heard givinghis warning call some * * * # «• where up in the hills, when the characteristic notes of a NOTE: On February 22 the flock of goldfinches attracted cardinal could not be found, our attention. These soon but on March 1 it was again came in- sight, dipping up and seen. There seem to be rec down in flight, and settled ords of just one cardinal lo down to feed on some weeds not cally previous to this winter far away. We then tried to visitor. In 1934 there were get a little closer so that independent observations of one of our group could get a one, on May 28 by Albert Getz, goodlook at their winter plu and May 30 by Paul Schaefer in mage. Suddenly one of us saw the St. David*s Lane section, a flash of red in a nearby without knowledge of the ob bush — a male cardinal J servation by theother.

-22- March, 1942

HAWK MT. IN COLOR MOVIES

Motion pictures in color of April. 17, at 8 oT clock in the Reservation, in Nott '^errace High School Audi Pennsylvania, will be featured torium, John H. Storer will at the next meeting of SBC, at present colored, motion pic 8 o'clock Monday night, March tures and lecture on "Wings 30, in the Old Chapel, Union Weat from Florida." College. The film was made by Maurice Broun, known to many Mr. Storer, Harvard A.B., SBC members for both his Hawk has developed an avocation in Mountain and his Long Trail to a vocation. His purpose is activities* to spread an interest in the conservation of our wildlife In addition to this reel, and its environment, our great two reels of the Audubon Na natural resources of land, wa ture Camp in Maine, to which ter, and forests. His new many SBC members have gone, film is the record of 18,000 will be shown. The film was miles traveled in 1941 to made by Mr. and Mrs. Allan D. searchoutand study the home Cruickshank in 1940 and 1941, lives of some of the most rare Mr. Cruickshank will be remem and beautiful birds of North bered as one of our speakers America. last year. As in the case of previous The March 30 meeting will be lectures by outside speakers open to the public; bring your at the High School, there will friends with you. be an admission charge — 35 cents, including tax; 25 cents At the meeting on Friday, for SBC members. EVENING GROSBEAKS-EVERYWHERE

Evening grosbeaks have been regularly seen since then, and more common than usual locally more than 25 in the vicinity this winter, according to the in late February. One dead volume of reports received. male bird found in snow bank Some of the records were list in late February. ed in our February issue; still others include: At least 25 in a flock in the general vicinity of Rosa A flock in the yard ofHiss Road and Wendell Avenue on nu Stephanie Podrazik, Eastern merous dates in mid-February Parkway, on December 23; ir- and reported to H.V.D. Allen.

Sunflowers, left in heads on V standing stalks through the winter, were an attraction for a flock of seven evening gros beaks in mid-February on the fam of H. C. Ritchie, Charl- ton.

i'here were many February re- Courtesy National AudubonSociaty -23- FEATHERS March, 1942 ports of a flock, or flocks, mid-January. They were in a of the grosbeaks In Scotia. berried tree. One of thenwas Bedford Road, to which the said to have been there two birds havenot been strangers weeks previously. in previous years, had a large flock in early March, box-el "Two beautifully marked yel der ing. low birds, much larger than sparrows, have been making Following the heavy snow their home during the day in a storm of February 5, EslyHal- tree opposite the home ofMrs. leribeck had them in his yard Arthur Bauries of 16 Myrtle in Scotia. Previously he had Avenue, for threedays. They been seeing andhearing of have yellow and black crowns them in the vicinity. and a heavy beak. ...nSo re ported the Union-Star onFeb E. G. Ham of Troy reports ruary 4. This time the des seeing three female andone cription was that accurate male evening grosbeaks in a that few questioned evening neighbor's yard shortly after grosbeaks.

NEWS & NOTES IN BRIEF

STRANDED LOOM waxwings here or in Saratoga this winter. Have seen no Holboellfs grebes are fre creepers, no red-breasted nut quently stranded locally in hatches, no crossbills so far. winter, forced to land on snow Evening grosbeaks were repor or ice, and unable to resume ted in Glens Falls in December flight since they must start and many in January. Have ne from water to get into the ver had them up here. No sis air. Less frequently kins or redpolls here so far. are found in the same predica We do have a few Juncos win ment. tering and, for the first Game Protector Chester Grif time in five years, a few tree fith rescued a loon, in chang sparrows wintering here. A ing plumage, from ice-covered few golden - crowned kinglets Duane Lake about February 1. are here. My feeding station The bird was delivered to the continues popular, and the Delmar experimental station banding work goes on. for liberation under favorable — Dorothy Caldwell conditions. FEW RED-3REASTEDS. "HAVE NOT'S" A check-up indicates that My Mount McGregor records so red - breasted nuthatches were far (mid-February) are mostly less common than usual in "have not's." John Engle has the general vicinity, with been fortunate enough twice to them missing from many sec see pine grosbeaks up here tions where regularly seen. within the past month, and Incidentally, before February theyhave been reported by was over, Miss Caldwell was others. So far I havenot finding a few of the birds at seen them. Have seen no cedar MountKc regor.

-24- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No. 4 April, 1942 JOHN H. STORER TO SPEAK ON BIRD DAY, APRIL 17

New Color Films of America's Wildlife Will Feature Program at Nott Terrace High School—Speaker Nationally Known

Friday, April 17, has "been their weight in gold; the rare designated aa Bird Day by Er swallow-tail kite, wizard of nest E. Cole, New York State the air; the incomparable Commissioner of Education, splendor of the roseate spoon bill, with the sun shining On that evening the Sobenec- through its glowing pinkish tady Bird Club will present wings against a background of John R Storer ina lecture. brilliant blue sky; and the "Wings West from Florida,fl courtship of the shy Florida with colored motion pictures. , shown in color for the The meeting will be at 8 p. m. first time. in the Nott Terrace High School auditorium, under the Mr. Storer has spoken before, Joint auspices of the Mohawk many meetings, and has been Valley Hiking and Schenectady highly endorsed by all. Last Bird Clubs, season several SBC members heard him when he appeared in In obtaining the films that Albany with other motion pic win feature his presentation, tures, and it was upon their Mr. Storer traveled 18,000 recommendation that Mr. Storer miles last year, with long has been brought here this stops at the different places year as the Bird Day speaker. where many of America's most rare and spectacular birds As in the case of previous breed. Every spring in the meetings when outside speakers Florida wilderness there are have been brought to Schenec ceremonials that few have ever tady, it has been necessary to heard of — by rare and beau have an admission charge. For tiful birds. These are among members of the HLking and Bird the scenes depicted in Mr. Clubs the tickets, including Storer1 s films. He has ob tax, is 25 cents; for non-mem tained pictures of the egret, bers the cost is 35 cents. once nearly exterminated for Tickets have been distributed its plumes which command twice to themembers of both clubs.

-25- FEATHERS SOME CHRISTMAS STATISTICS

The story of Sohenectady1 a Comparisons Christmas count has already bean told* Audubon Magazine How Sohenectady oompared of January - February has many with other places in this notes of interest on censuses state (omitting New YorkCity across the country. vicinity and Long Island) and with comparable 100.000 Plua sections is indicated in the following table, Ob being num Schenectady counted nearly ber of observers, opnumber of 4,000 birds. At least six speoies observed, and TC the places counted more than 100,- total count: 000 Individuals* Chautauqua, 111., with a wildlife refuge, Ob had a count of 658,668, lnolu- SCHENECTADY 25 IS 3935 ding 650,000 mallards and 6000 Buffalo 38 51 15014 black duoks* The Deer Flat Na Cortland 8 35 11360 tional Wildlife Refuge, Idaho; Croton Point 3 41 4363 had 386,558, with 332,000 mal Fort Plain 1 15 116 lards, 12,396 pintails, 9,422 Geneva 18 39 5537 green-winged teal, and 978 Ca Ithaca 1 32 2086 nada geese. Three other sec Kerhonkson 1 16 242 tions, "by reason of duck con Otisville 2 15 213 centrations, also scored hea Rochester 21 56 3677 vily. The sixth high - count Watertown 20 22 1178 section, Raritan, N.J., had Bennington, Vt* 3 14 80 256,587, Including a night Wells River, Vt. 2 14 197 roost of 250,000 red-wings, Hblyoke, Mass* 17 44 2800 starlings, two kinds of grack- Lenox, Mass* 1 10 118 leB, cowbirds, and rustles. It Northampton,Mass .38 39 2730 also had a roost of 2,000 Great Barrington 9 24 606 orows. and Sheffield, Mass* Some Uneaepecteds Sons Sparrows At Bennington there were in cluded a catbird anda greater At Schanectady no concerted scaup duck (oaptured alive)* drive was made for records of At Great Barrington was a song sparrows, but it had more green-winged teal. At Holyoke than most sections. In fact, were wood duck, green-winged general reports are to the ef teal, four saw-whet owls, Aca fectthat song sparrows were dian chickadee, and white- less common than usual in the crowned and white - throated northeast; but Buch did not sparrows. Northampton had a seem to be the case locally. great blue baron, mockingbird, hermit thrush, northern yel- Sohenectady1s 1941 Census lowthroat (memories, of one in was not particularly high, but Schenectady only a few winters did stack up with its average back), anda bronzed grackle. for the past several years* Sohenectady^ all-time high in Counts on chickadees were number of species was 35, in generally high, and Aoadian 1937; and in totalcounted was records unusually frequent. 7700, in 1932. -26- April. 1942

THESONG OF THE THRASHER

Edna Becker. Soheneotady and Holllns College. Va.

(Soae of Hiss Backer'a obnerratlona Unfortunately, these mad of brown threshers hare already been fits of singing are of com published In FEATHERS (September and paratively short seasonal dur Ootober, 1941)* The following la on ation — ending almost simul abstractof another eeotlon of her taneously with the choosing of Cornell the«i»»J a mate and the consequent be ginning of nesting duties. From Its very nature, the Before mating, when singing song of the brown thrasher and feeding are the chief day would command attention re light pastimes, thetwo occur gardless of where It were de Intermittently. The singing livered, since it may be heard periods are then long-contin for half a mile. Add to this ued (15 minutes to half an the fact that the thrasher hour being the average dura loses his characteristic shy tion) ; the perches are tall ness when he sings andmounts trees or telegraph wires. Al to the highest perch, from though early morning and late where he may be seen and heard afternoon are the favorite by all, and we have an Idea as times for singing, the male to the reason for his fame as thrasher Is so Intent upon ac a songster. Besides, he Is of quiring a mate that he sings great endurance and often almost continuously throughout sings for long periods at a the day until he has succeeded time. I have heard thrashers In his purpose. sing for as long as 45 min utes with hardly a break. Less Enthusiastic

Altitude Sought Once he has a mate, the thrasher no longer needs to When the urge to sing over proclaim his presence and his takesa thrasher, It apparent singing promptly diminishes. ly takes effect Immediately There Is a slight recurrence since often he does not wait of song — but not rendered so to begin singing until he has enthusiastically nor from so reached his final perch. Many high a perch, as a rule — af times I have seen thrashers, ter nest - building is well who had started to sing while started and again when the on the ground or In a low eggs are about ready to hatch* bush, move progressively up — Quite often, too, the male either In one tree (If It were sings briefly, near the nest, high enough) or In several — Immediatelyafter he has been singing all the while.The Incubating. Ife sometimes uses Increase in fervor Is apparent a very low singing, combined then not only In the songIt with a call note, to urge the self, which grows more and female to leave the nestwhen more determined, but In the it is his turn to incubate. actionsand behavior of the bird, who becomes ever more A few days after the young absorbed in his singing. It are out of the nest, the male Is true quite often that the resumes singing to someex higher the perch from which a tent — sometimes even using thrasher sings, the longer a high perch again. After Ju will the concert last. ly 1, when nesting Is usually -27- FEATHERS

over, thrasher songs are rare of sexor age (excepting nest Indeed. I have, however, lings) — seem to be equally heard thrashers sing their adept at rendering tiro thrash whisper song" as late as the er call notes. TheBe consist latter part of September — of a whistled wheeu, which may Just before departing for be given In one, two or three their winter home. This Is a syllables, as wheeu, whee-u. regular thrasher song but sung or whe-e-u. the last resem very softly with closed bill, bling somewhat the pee-a-wee making a melody which Is "in of the wood pewee;tne loud expressibly sweet but which kissing note, w^ich Is prompt can be heard only when very ly used at the approach of an near them," as stated by F. W. Intruder and which Is respon Roe In ftSome Florida Birds," sible for the bird being spo Bird-Lore, 6: 188. ken of as the "great American chipper" (Birds and Poets, by Females Burroughs, 1904; page 114); thirdly there Is the hoarse, The brown thrasher Is not guttural note, "half a hiss one of those few species In and half a whistle, " ( The which the female sings equally Birds of Eastern North Ameri aB well as the male. The fe ca, by liaynard; 1879; p. 21), male thrasher does sing, how which Is used mainly at dusk ever, and on occasion can com and again at dawn. pete quite successfully with the male In all except endur The first mentioned of ance and loudness. It was these, the whistled wheeu. In while the eggs of Nest No. 1 Its variousmodifications, is were hatching that I first the principal call note of the heard Female No. 1 sing. Some birds, being used by the par time later, about the time the entsIn talking" to the young young left the nest, she again and to each other. The second, sang — softly but definitely, the "kissing" note, Is some and the male answered her. A times used as a call notealso month later, when they had to announce to the young tne their third set of eggs, Fe approach of food, etc., but is male No. 1 sang louder than used chiefly as a notice of the male In answer to his soft warningor disapproval to In singing. truders. The guttural sound is, apparently, used almost Call Notes exclusively to express disap proval — particularly in the All thrashers — regardless early morning or at dusk.

NEWS S NOTES IN BRIEF

INVITATION TO ALBANY Treat will speak on HNews on the Wing," Friday,. April 17,' All SBG members and friends at 3:30 o'clock In Chancellors are Invited to attend the an Ife.ll, State , Education Build- nual Bird Day event sponsored Ing. Miss ^reat is in charge by the Dana Society of Natural of Junior Audubon work In the fttstory, Albany. Miss Dorothy Audubon Society. She Is a de- -28- April,1942

ever, to a great age. There FEATHERS5 Is a record of one which re Publishedby the Scheneotady Bird mained at the Tower 44 years. Ravens are believed to have Club. Animal membership» Including tenanted the Tower since Its ggbsoriptlont Active. %£\ aaaote.,tl. completion in the 11th centu Hra. Anna Dloiceroan* Bdltor 1O88 Dean street, Soheneotady, H. T» ry wnen, attracted by its high turrets, they flew In from the llghtful speaker. Admittance surrounding forests. Is free. The Dana Society Is They are prankish.birda and the oldest body of organized sometimes pretend to be dead, women In the United States. then suddenly rise to nip tne Monthly meetings have been person who Is solicitously held regularly for 73 years. bending over them. Mrs. Dayton Stoner, wife of Their present fate is un the State Zoologist, Is presi known, butbefore the war no dent. sightseeing trip was complete without a glimpse of the Tower WATER. SOFTENER ravens.

Some peoplemay say It's on RESOLUTION ly Instinct, butothers know that birds use reason. Grack- Letus plan, If we possess les returned to the yard of an even a tiny plot of ground and S B G member on March 7« They have not done It before, to observed blue Jays and squir plant a shrub this spring to rels eating peanuts. One of provide winter food for birds, the grackles helped himself but could not open the shell. AUDUBON WALLPAPER He selected several of the smaller nuts and carried them Audubon wallpaper Is some to the water pan where he thing new,. Different groups soused them until the sheila of birds as doneby the great had softened, andtnen he rea naturalist are scattered about dily removed the contents. on a neutral ground. They are In full color and look exactly TOWER OF LOHDON'S RAV5MS as If the original prints had been cut outand mounted. Until Admiral Byrd's Antarc tic expeditionsmadepenguins TOO GR3EDY the world's best-known birds, the honor belonged to the five A bald eagle flying over an ravens of the Tower of London. Adirondack lake in March saw These funereal - looking birds bis opportunity for a feast of measure two feetfrom beak to fresh fish and, swooping down, tall-tip. They are fed dally fastened his talons in the In mid - morning by a yeoman- gills of a huge fish. He did warder, on rations of raw beef not reckon with the size and and fresh eggs. They some strength of the fish, which times vary their dietby put upa terrific struggle and catching mice and pigeons. pulled the eagle down* until Their wings are clipped and his 7fings werein the water. they do not mate. A raven Not being able to free himself which dies Is replaced, and he was about to drown, when there Is a long list of ready two guides from a nearby park, donors.The birds live, how- who chaloed to be rowingon

-29- FEATHERS

ths lake, saw the commotion STRIKES, COMMON and went to the rescue. The men reacued the eagle, removed Northern shrikes were rela the flah, took the eagleto tively common last winter, it tneir camp, dried his plumage, is reported by Chester Grif and watched him soar away, fith, local same protector. none the worse for his experi He frequently saw a half dozen ence. or more in one trip.

STILL WITH US RECORDED SONGS

The cardinal discovered In An album of Blx standard mid - February In the-Campbell ten - Inch double disks, con Road section stayed with us taining the songs of 72 North through March. Not allsaw It American birds, has been an every time they visited there, nounced by the Comatock Pub but the records were fairly lishing Company, Ithaca, N. Y. numerous. The album costs (5 postpaid, or individual records are $1. "THIN A3 A " The songs wererecorded by the Albert R. Brand Bird Song The familiar expression "as Foundation, Cornell Universi thin as a rail" doesnot refer ty. The six records includes to a fence rail, as many per Birds of the Northwoods; of sons have mistakenly supposed. Northern Gardens and Shade Birds known as rails, or "mud Trees; of Southern Woods and hens," are thin-bodied so they Gardens; of the Fields and can thread their way readily Prairies; Game Birds; and through the marsh grasses. Birds of Western North America The sora rail, somewhat small er than a robin, is one of the STAT3 BIRD DAY NUMBER thinnest of all birds, hence the comparison. The March issue of the Bul letin to the Schools, of the 300 FEEDINGS A DAY University of the State of New York, is the annual Arbor Day A pair of martins, observed and Bird Day Issue. Ten or throughout a single day, fed more of the articles are devo their young 300 times. ted to birds. Dayton Stoner of the State YOUNG ROBIN'S DIET Museum reports on "Purple Mar tins at Albany and Saratoga." Professor Treadwell, bird He has had a few records of authority, made an experiment the birds in the Immediate vi to determine the amount of cinity, but not as breeders. food that young robins eat. Ife also reports on the colon From a robin family kept in ies formerly nesting In Sara captivity, he learned that the toga, and on the colony at the birds ate 68 earthworms daily, Olcott estate. or 41 per cent more than each A comment in general on the robin's weight. The worms if issue as a whole — there are laid end to end would measure some strange illustrations. 14 feet. Man by comparison There are objections to re would eat 70 pounds of flesh touching in Nature photographs and drink from five to six and the Bulletin has much of gallons of water. It: Backgrounds have been

-30- April,1942

"blocked out; a chickadee pho NEW PUBLICATION tograph by Roger Tory Peterson "rery apparently retouched; the Not of immediate local in semipalmatedplover apparently terest, but of general use is made into a "breeding bird of "Common Birds of Southeastern the Susquehanna Valley, "by United States in Relation to reason of the inclusion of a Agriculture,11 Fish and Wild photograph of an adult and two life Service, Conservation young as one of tha illustra Bulletin 15. 1941, 43 p. 11., tions acoompanying the arti 10 cents. cle. Most peculiar of all is a photograph of evening gros MORE DUCKS beaks. The birds have been "outlined" and, if the beak of Ducks Unlimited has calcula one is correctly shown, the ted that ducks in 1941 had in bird probably is a cross be creased only 6.17 per cent o- tween a skimmer and a goosbeak ver 1940. They estimate that since in no other way can the 75f238,000 ducks flew south. apparent extreme length of the Far fewer will fly north,be lower mandible be explained. cause of the fall hunting and The cover is an excellent other causes. painting by S. J. Sawyer of a The duck population seems to robin on a blossom-loaded ap have improved considerably ple branch. —G.B. over the 1934 - 1935 all-time low, but the birds are still *500 FOR FOOD far from as numerous as they were before then. "To the Fulton County Branch of the Mohawk and Hudson River ROAD BLOCKED Humane Society is bequeathed the sum of $500 to be used for There are frequent reports the purchase and distribution of birds nesting in inconven of food for wild birds of ient places — of killdeer Gloversville." neats between railroad tracks, So read part of the will of of robin nesta on railroad Frank M. Lord of Gloversville cars, of wren nests in mail who died in January. boxes, of robin nests atop garage doors. Out in Muncie, LIFE BEGINS Ind., a killdeer selected the center of tha road as the pro A feature of the National per site for Its eggs. Police Sportsmen's Show in New York solved the problem byputting City in late February were a road blockand warning lan hundreds of and pheas tern over the nest. ants that were incubator- hatched during the show, two WEASEL FOOD or three months in advance of the normal hatching season. Birds do not form an impor Made possible by game re tant part of the food of wea search studies and the use of sels, according to an investi light irradiation, it is be gation by scientists of the lieved that the hatching of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Ser bob-white at the show wasthe vice and the U. S. Soil Con first public demonstration of servation Service. the start of life for New Morethan half their food York's smallest game bird. was found to be mice, and two-

-31- FEATHERS April. 1942 fifths to be shrewa. Birds, with the quietly feeding blrda rabbits, squirrels, porcu already there. In late Febru pines, and fish supplied the ary, however, the feeding sta remainder of thediet. tion had fewer visiting chick adees, perhaps Indicating that BOUND VOLUMES one flock had departed. Those remainingwere more peaceful. If you Intend to have your copies of FEATHERS through STARLINGS IN ROCKIES 1941 bound intoone volume*, It Is necessary to letMiss Van The Rocky Mountains, a stum Vorst know so Immediately. bling block to the spread of The volumes will be sent to birds, are now being penetra the binder within a few days. ted by the starling, an Intro duced species. Groups of them WINTER RECORDS seem to be well established now In the eastern Rockies. The club report on local winter bird records Is being IN ICELAND completed. Those with Inter esting observations should re Visitors to Icelandbefore port on them now to the record the warwere given a small chairman, B. D. Miller. book, in which was said: "Please rsmeraber that it la NEW CHAIRMAN not considered sport to shoot birds In Iceland. The birds At the recent meeting of the are dearly loved as messengers S B 0 board, Miss Nelle Van of summer and beauty, and Vorst, who was reelacted sec their shooting Is strongly re retary of the organization, sented by the people." was named club chairman. LOONS AND GREBES BELLIG5R5NT CHICKADE3S For some time the members of In line with most other sec the Schenectady Bird Club have tions in the northeast, Sche- been asking for more complete nectady had more than the usu local records of the birds — al numbers of black - capped records more In detail than chickadees last winter. those in the now-out-of-print Indicating that at least booklet printed In 1937, and some of them were "foreigners" including the records since was the experience of one Nis- then. kayuna feeding station. In A start is now to bemade on previousyears that station such a list. How accurateand had been regularly visited by how oomplete the story will be about thirty chickadees, and depends upon the extentmem they got along withoutfric bers cooperate. tion, both with other species The first article willcover and among themselves. the available recordsand ob The past winter told a dif servations on the loons and ferent story. Sporadically grebes. Your records on those the station was visited by birds should be given now to larger numbers of chickadees, the record chairman, B.D. Mil and the "extras" were scrappy, ler. Petrels, pelicans, cor not only among themselves but morants, etc., will be next. -32- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No. 5 May, 1942 WHAT IS LOCAL TERRITORY ?

George H. Bainbridge

"What Is looal territory?" Ladder road and up to the top. Occasionally parties would Interesting question, this, hike back through the woods to and just about as answerable Altamont forthe return train as "What Is enough?" Well, trip. This 1b a real hike. for both It cantruly be said One story goesthat some mem "That depends on circumstan bers of a party who made this ces.11 The principal factor in hike had to walk (?) down determininglocal territory stairs backwards the following appears to be the ability to day. So it seems reasonable get there. to assume tnat Schenectady Birders — there probably were Naturally, back in the days some even in those dayB — did of shanks' mare (walking to not consider the Indian Ladder you), "local" really was con section as part of the looal stricted. Probably a safe territory. guess as to the distance a Birder might cover would be a County Lines Mean Nothing circle of about five milesra dius. But even the circle Obviously, artificial bound might have some crimps In It aries of government, such aB because lack of bridges or county lines and the like, do boats would require too much not mean a thing to bird life walking to get to the other except as variations in laws aide of the stream, even of the different governmental though it were well within the units may affect their slaugh supposed circle. ter* Of course, while some streamor body of water may be a>rae-and-buf^y Days a natural factor in bird life, such as part of a flyway, or Even back in the horse-and- good feeding or breeding buggy days, well within the grounds, it may also form part remembrance of several members of a governmental boundary. of 9B0, it really wasa Jour This latter is only incidental ney to get to the Indian Lad and there is no reason why it der section. From Sohenectady should not be considered a and return was an all-day trip part of local territory even by train or trolley to Albany, though it may be outside of train to Meadowdale,and walk some county or other govern from there to the old Indian mental unit. The main ques- -33- FEATHERS

tlon la how accessible It Is cal andmental energy consumed to the local Birders, slnoe by the old train-trolley walk they would seem to be governed could be devoted entirely to entirely by two principal fac the pursuit at hand after tors of transportation and reaching the desired location. natural features. Not Unmixed Blessing Transportation, the first of these factors, was improved by To the individual inspired the bicycle. But even so, lo by a real love of nature, the cal territorial expansion was automobile has not come in the limited by natural features. nature of an unmixed blessing, Thus,It was relatively easy since it has also opened the for the bicycle rider to cover great outdoors to the wanton more territory In comparative killer, commercial and other ly flat country, but It was wise, and to the defaoerwho difficult to coverhilly sec has yet to learn woods man tions. For example, try to ners.Of course the Birder Imagine pumping and pushing a can now encompass so much more bicycle up Altamont ffl.ll of in a day as compared to pre- the old day a, or even today automobile times that the con with Its Improved curves and ception of "local" Is now more grades. Also, even In the nearly a matter of a circle of heyday of the bicycle, now say forty miles radius, and promising a return, there were that really covers a lot of very few good roads and oyole goodbird territory around paths, especially In the sec 3ch9nectady. Such, for exam tionswhere birders would na ple, as Saratoga and Round turally have to go to find Lakes and even Lake George; birds. Therefore, It is rea Mt. McGregor; the upper Hudson sonable to assumethat tbe bi River, especially to Stillwa- cycle did not greatly Increase ter; the Ifelderbergs and Rens- local territory, especially In selaerville; Ravena section; the more or less hilly country Big Nose; and what haveyou. around Schenectady. Farewell. Gas and Tires Welcome to the Automobile With the present HThou must With the advent of the auto not" In rubber and Ingas,It mobile and good roads,the behooves us to take what re factor of accessibility became creation we have available for a relatively minor one by vir bird trips with loaded oars so tue of qulok, flexible,and as to carry on through what relatively economical trans looks like a long and dizzy portation. The Birder could session. In fact, "local* may go literally when, as, and If, even now be on the retrograde, without consulting timetables for surely a return to the bi or waiting or running for any cycle would prevent covering trains.In short, the Birder such territorial extent as Is became a free Individual like now possible with the auto. the birds he was seeking. Round trips to the Indian Lad- And to close with a real der section became a matter of pessimistic blackout, maybe two or three hours Instead of tnat old five - mile circle is a whole day. Both the physi on the way back. -34- Mav. 1Q42

RECENT LOCAL RECORDS B. D. Miller, Records Committee

After a comparatively mild While flowers fade; and ev and agreeable winter, with eryday considerably less thanour Repeats his small, contented normal snowfall, no extremely lay; low temperatures or severe loe As If to say, we need not fear storms, "spring weather" pro The season's change, if love bably arrived a little earlier is here this year than usual. With rtSweet-sweet-sweet-very merry cheer.1* Aa with mankind, food ap pears to be Item No. 1 In the Besidesseveral of the per lives of birds. Man's essen manent residents, reports have tials, according to econo been recorded up to May 4 for mists, are food, clothing and 73 species. A few of the shelter* If that Is so, then "early birds* will now be gi the essentials In a bird's ven In the order reported: life must be food and weather. Bronzed grackle - Arrived In The heavy snowfall of nearly Scotia March 5 (Ikllenbeck); a foot we received April 10 quite an early date for this and 11 must have caused consi bird. derable hardship among the Red - winged blackbird - On early arrivals, but so far as March 8, flocks reported (An I have learned, It did not re drews and Balnbrldge). ducethem to the starvation Kllldeer - Schermerhorn Road point. At such times one won area, March 8 (Andrews). ders how the phoebes, swal Flicker - March 8, Indian lows and other Insect - eating Ladderregion ( Balnbrldge ); birds survive several success exceptfor some winter dates, ive days of cold, wintry wea this is early. ther. Mourning dove - March 8, Campbell Road (Andrews). How dejected and homesick Bluebird - March 8, in three the robin appears during and localities, some singing (An after these late snowstormsJ drews, Balnbrldge, Havens). And so do many other bipeds In Robin - March 12, singingon spite of warm homes and plenty Dean Street (Balnbrldge). of food. The song sparrow Fox sparrow - March 15» alone appears to meet such along Foentlo Kill (Andrews). weather reverses bravelyand Meadowlark - March 22, five with an outward indication of birds along Campbell Road (An joy: drews ) • Phoebe - March 29, ten birds He comes in March, when winds In SaratogaLake region (Cald- are strong, well). And snow returns to hide ( Kingbird - April 12, Central the earth; Park I Ifellenbeck). According But still he warms his heart to our looal records this is with mirth the earliest arrival date we And waits for May. He lingers have. May 2 Is given by Ba long ton*

-35- 3, Central Park (Van Vorst). FEATHERS 5 Bobolink - Hay 3» large flockB at Vlsoher'B Ferry (van Publishedby tho Soheneotady Bird Vorst). Olub. Annual mriberahlp, laolodlog Crested flycatcher - May 3, aabsorlptlom Aotlvo, J2t aaaoe««fl» Central Park (Van Vorst). Mra. Ama MoKarman, Bdltor Myrtle warbler - May 3, an 1088 Daanstreet, 3oh»neotady» S. T» unusual migration wae reported (Van Vorst), White-throated sparrow - Ar rived In Scotia on April 16 Of the ducks, nine species (Bambrldge). have been reported; of the Warbling vireo - April 24, warblers, seven species. Scotia (Bainbridge). Another early arrival date. As a result of continued Wood thrush - May 2, singing mild weather - almost like along Myron Street (Miller). summer for nearly three weeks Ruffed grouse - May 3, a prior to May 5 - a careful nestwith 13 eggs, Central comparison might show the mi Park (Van Vorst). gratory birds a little earlier Rose-breasted grosbeak - May than usual.

PROTECT THE SNOWIES

Cora T. Brockway

I was Interested In the ar "Mice are the chief food of ticle on snowy owls In a re owls. They also destroy some cent number of FEATHERS. I Insects. With the single ex have noticed that at no time ception of the great horned has there been any unfavorable owl, they destroy neither game comment In the magazine a- nor poultry to an appreciable gainst shooting these beauti extent, and comparatively few fuland comparatively harm birds of any kind. less birds. "Neither is there anyreason The Emergency Conservation for destroying tbe great gray Committee, Mrs. C. N. Edge, owl and the snowy owl. They President, has published a both feed mainlyon rodents. pamphlet. "Framing the Birds There should be a law protect of Prey. Of the owls In gen ing the snowy owl In every eral, it states: state where It is ever known to visit. "It may be stated with con fidence that owls are among (Itoanbe stated that at the most beneficial of all least the big majority of SBC birds, inflicting very little members and other bird stu damage on the poulterer and dents are opposed to shooting conferring vast benefits on of snowy owls — particularly the farmer. The work of owls when In violation of the law, supplements that of hawks, and as in the case of the specimen materially assists in prevent shot within \the corporate li ing an undue increase of many mitsof Scotia during the past obnoxious rodents. winter.) -36- May. 1942

HAWKS AND HERONS

Malcolm Andrews

Some fifty or more broad- A grottse nest, with nine winged hawks were seen April eggs April 2tt and 13 eggs May 25, migrating overhead along 3, was discovered In Central the Mohawk River near Vls- Park, not far from the golf oher's Perry, Theywere circ club. The female was on the ling amongthemselves while eggs both times. Two birds slowly progressing In a nor were seen nearby previously. therly direction. (The heronry referred to has On the same day a heronry of been In existence a few years, black-crowned night herons was and Is slowly being Increased found directly opposite Rlska- In size, but Its location has yuna, just below Vise her1a not been publicized* It Is Perry and definitelyseparate very likely,because of the from the other,, better known Increased construction In the one farther, down the river- vicinity of the other heronry Mr, Allen knows of this loca lower along the river, that tion as Heron Fond, and point In time this new heronry will ed It out to me at an earlier become the major one. There date, before the herons1 arri are also Indications that a val. There were from 100 to heronry may be startingon the 150 nests on this date, al Sohenectady side of the river. though birds were seen bring It seems doubtful, though, ing nesting material continu that It would be successful ally, so that more may have since It encroaches.) been under construction.

THE DANCE OFTHE GOLDEN "EYE Dorothy Caidwell

The Ice left Saratoga lake and excellent views could be early this year, fortunately had, even without binoculars. for the 3B0 field trip of the 29th of March, which found the The curious head and neck entire lake open, and many dance, part of the courtship ducks present. As Route 9? posturing of the golden-eye, follows closely most of the was seen repeatedly. "The east shore of the lake, obser drake extends Its head and vations could be made easily neck straight forward likea from the oars, to the comfort bowsprit, then vertically up of both ducks and observers. wards, then backwards so that the occiput restson the rump, Probably several hundred and lastly forward to the nor ducks were seen but these were mal position" (C. W. Townsend, of only four species ~ Ameri "Beach Grass11). can merganser, American gol den-eye, lesser ecaup duck, In one scrubby field,a cho and black duck. Many of the rus of Junoos, tree and fox birds were close to the shore sparrows was heard, plus the -37- FEATHERS occasional song of a field Hill and north along the river sparrow. The group also visi road on the west bank of the ted the marshes at Stafford's Hudson. No waterfowl were Bridge, about a mile below the seen here, but more marsh outlet of Saratoga Lake. The hawks, sparrow hawks, blue special rewards here were a birds, red - wings, and graek- lone tree swallow anda pair les; and finally a prairie of marsh hawks flying low over horned lark perched on a fence the marshes. post for all to see. A flock of goldfinches helped give a The trip continued to Bacon total of 31 speoles.

NEWS d NOTES IN BRIEF

ON THE PROttHAM stops so that he could suc cessfully film the rarest and Included on the SBG calendar most beautiful birds in all are the following: America. Week-end - Bus trip to Mon- Glimpses of animal life on tezuma Mars hea on May 22 to 24 the western plains were also with the Sassafras Bird Club shown, and there were several of Amsterdam. Description of views of exquisite flowers in that region in FEATHEK3, June- the process of opening. Slow July, 1941, page 44; and more motion added a great deal to details concerning this year's the charm of the pictures. trip in the supplement aeoom- panying this issue. INVITATION. AUDUBONIANA Picnic - Special plans have been made for this year's pic A cordial Invitation has nic meeting, May 25, Monday. been extended SBC members and Details in supplement. friends to view a fascinating Looal field trips - Details collection of Audubonlana, In supplement concerning when, loaned by Mr. John 3. Williams where. and on display at Audubon House, 1006 Fifth Avenue, New 8T0RER LECTURE York, until June 1. The exhibit may be seen John M. Storer, nationally daily, Mondays through Fri known speaker, delighted a days, from 9 to 5 o'clock. large audience in the Nott Among interesting items In Terrace High School auditori cluded are Audubon's gun, un um on the evening of April 17, published letters to his fami highlighting th8 state - wide ly and many of his choice ori observance of Bird Day. ginal drawings, watercolors, Mr. Storer oame to Soheneo- an oil, and original hand- tady under the Joint auspices colored Haveil prints. of the Mohawk Valley Hiking and Sohenectady Bird Clubs. FRIENDLY SPARROW To obtain material for his lecture and the accompanying A bus driver on the Albany- presentation of pictures in Scheneetady line lives on Con- color, he traveled more than eaul Road. An English spar 18, 0 0 0 miles, making long row has taken a liking to him -38- May, 1942 and watchea for his homecom eating to watch her give a tap ing. The sparrow then files with her powerfulbeak and to to meet him and perches on his see a slab of bark a footlong hat or his shoulder, remaining or so slide off the trunk of as long.as the man is out-of- the tree. Unfortunately, she doors.The sparrow disap moved on to fresh feeding pearedfor a time and It was grounds after two days of ex feared that he would not "be tensive excavations on the seen again, tut of late he has dead pine. — D.G. returned and Is as friendly as ever. SINGING CREEPERS

BIRD FATALITIES A heavy migration of sap- suckers, winter wrens and Regarding bird fatalities brown creepers occurred during which may come to the atten the week of April 15-22. The tion of members of the Sche- brown creepers were the most nectady Bird Club, I am always common, and several of them glad to receive forthe Museum sang. Their exquisitely pure specimens, . either entire or and tender song, which resem skulls of birds or other ani bles the finer song of the mals, together with appropri winter wren, Is seldom heard ate data for the zoologloal during migration* — N.V.V. collections of the State Muse um. The specimen or part of SCOTIA'S GROSBEAKS specimen provides visible evi dence of the record and It oan The evening grosbeaks that be preserved Indefinitely to oame to a feeding station on supplement the notation on the James Street, Scotia, on Feb accession card so that as much ruary 21 stayed until April data as possible may "be avail 27 at least* able. Of course the name of the person furnishing the rec AT THE HERONRY ord and material (skin and/or skull, etc. ) constitutes a On April 19 a group of S B C part of the preserved data. memberB were somewhat sur — Dayton Stoner, State prised to find the black- Museum, Albany crowned night herons well es tablished in the heronry near MoGRBGOR PILBATED Crescent. The actual date of their arrival Is not definite Late In April a female plle- ly known, but It seems to be atedwoodpecker discovered a about the middle of April. dead pine treenear one of the April, Incidentally, Is a good buildings at Mount McGregor. time to visit the heronry as She spent many daylight hours the trees are not In leaf, so digging for food, oblivious of tha birds and nests oan easily dozens of eyes and of several be seen. — N.V.V. cameraB focussedupon her from the windows about 60 feet MORE G-E BIRDS away.Her crest, not nearly as large as that of her spouse That G-E list of birds will of course but covering consid probably never stop growing. erable area on her head, was Among reoent observations of gleaming likea great flame in interest within the gates of the sunlight.Itwas lnter- the plantwerea screech owl

-39- FEATHERS May. 19Ag

on February 23 and, shortly The climate of the desert is thereafter,a barred owl In the third driest In the world, Building 60. exceeded only by a portion of the Sahara and smaller por UPLAND PLOVER NB8T tions of the deserts of Ara bia. The oasis Is a mile-long In the Glfford Road section, stretch of springs and pools, In the general neighborhood of supporting a luxuriant growth one of the sites of the upland of mesqulte, cottonwood and plover known for years to SBC palms. Abundant food, water members, Same Protector Ches and shelter attract many mi ter Griffith found a nest with grants, as well as native four eggs on May 4. birds.

GARDEN BIRDS BUFFALO RECORDS

The meeting of the Seheneo- March waB warmer than usual tady Garden Club on April 22 at Buffalo, and many cf the was addressed by Barrlngton S. early migrants were ahead of I&vens, SBC member. Following schedule. Through Maroh the the talk there was a bird walk composite list fortheBuffalo through the grounds of Mrs, Ornithological Society Inclu A. H. Armstrong, Troy Road, ded 102 species, with 29 new where the meeting was held. thatmonth*

EARLY SPARROWS WAR VICTIMS

Among other early birds this "New England Bird Life" re season were two sparrows in ports that some 5000 oiled March - field sparrow at Sara ducks were found February 22 toga Lake, and swamp sparrow on Monomoy Point*! beaohes, at Vlscher's Ferry, both on victims of a tanker's founder March 29. ing nearby. About 90 per cent of the birds were elders; nine RING-NECKS species were In the total. Among winter rarities in New I have not been In the field England < were pacific loon, much this springbut to date blaok gyrfaloon, ivorygull, (April'23) my bestfind among Richardson's owl, American the duckswasa flock of 18 three-toed woodpecker, Aoadian ring - necks, no Infiltration chickadee (five reports), eve of other species; April 18* ning grosbeak (many flooks), -• Dayton 8 toner and mockingbird.

GUEST WRITER WATER CHESTNUT

FEATHERS has a treat In That pest of the Mohawk,, wa store. Orlee Jacques {Mrs. ter chestnut, which wasthe Jean Jacques), a noted Call* topio in some issues of FEA fornla author and bird stu THERS last year, is the sub dent, has promised towrite an jectof an article In Water article on Bird Life In the Works and Sewerage for March. Desert for one of the summer How the plant has been con numbers. Her observations trolled In the Potomac Is des were made from an oasis on the cribed by an army officer of edge of the Mojave desert* Fort Belvolr, Va* -40- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, Nos. 6 ft 7 June-July, 1942

SOME EXPERIENCES WITH BANDED PURPLE FINCHES

Colored Bands Used To Assist In Identifying Birds Not Yet In Full Adult Plumage Year-around Cafeteria Visitors

Dorothy Caldwell, Mount McGregor

My feeding station, like nuptial molt, and as some most others,was originally males do not acquirefulla- maintained during the winter dult plumage until even later months only. After I had com In life, a definite system of bined a banding station with color banding the birds was this in the winter of 1937-38, adopted, that each individual I found thatsome of the band finch might be recognized at ed birds were nesting nearby sight and that changes in plu in 1938* so the cafeteria was mage might be recorded easily. kept open the year around* The usual numbered aluminum With the exception of anocca band was given to all rosy sional chipping sparrow and maleson the left leg and to robin, most of the patrons the all brown birds on the right first three summers were band leg; each bird was also color- ed birds nesting in the neigh banded and both color and po borhood- sition of this band recorded. For instance,a finch in brown Purple finches are abundant plumage might be banded on the summer residents at Mount Mo- right over a black celluloid Gregor but they did not dis band, on the right under a cover the free hand-out of black band,or on the right sunflower seeds until the leg with a black band on the spring of 1941, when they made left leg, giving various pos themselves very much at home sible combinationsfor the li and were constantly at the mited color series available. feeding station from late Ap ril until mid-October. Prom April 25 through Aug ust 23, 1941, fourteen purple As the purple fincheB do not finches were taken; six rosy attain their superb rosy-red males were banded on the left coatsuntil their first post leg, eignt brown birds banded

-41- FEATHERS on the right. Two of the lat The ninth "return11 was one of termolted to rosy plumage the finches banded late In late In August. August 1941. H9 did not stay more than a day or two In the Pew Winter Pinches spring of 1942 — apparently a migrant both seasons. Purple fincnes seldom winter at Mount McGregor, and the From Another Station winter of 1941-1942 was no ex ception. Even the tremendous There were numerousunbanded purple finoh Invasion of the finches at the feeder the last winter of 1939 missed us com of April 1942. Two of these pletely. On April 4, 1942, to were taken but lt was not pos my Joy» a banded purple finch sible to run the banding traps with a colored band returned during the height of the mi to the window and was Identi gration.By May 4 most of the fied as one of the males which newcomers had moved on, Inclu had come Into rosyplumage In ding one * foreign H purple August, 1941. On April 6 he finch, a brown bird banded on was joined by an unbanded the left and my first visitor male. On April 14 a second from another banding station. banded male returned and began Unfortunately this bird was at once to sing. Prom April seen for oneday only and was 27 through May lt many purple not trapped and Identified. finches came, Including the Perhaps lt will come this way first brown birds of thesea again In the autumn, or per son. There wereoften eight haps sometime one of the thou birds In sight at once at the sands of purple finches banded feeder or In the trees nearby, at other stations In tne 1939 which looked like the Rex Invasion will visit the window Brasher cover of the Universi sill. ty of the State of New York Bird Day Bulletin for 1938. All Summer Residents

Nine Returns The birds banded In the spring and early summer of Nine of the fourteen birds 1941 were all summer residents banded In 1941 had returned In apparently, andmost of them April, 1942; twee of the rosy returned for the ly42 season. males banded on the left, the Of the birds banded In August two males which molted Into 1941, only one returned In rosy plumage In August 1941, 1942 and then only duilng mi two more males which were gration. Although Mount Mc brownwhan last seen In August Gregor Is a bit outside the but which were rosy-red when main migration lanes we do they arrived In 1942, and two have some migrant purple fin birds, apparently females, ches In the spring and fall in whose brown plumage persisted* addition to those which nest Of these nine, eight were here* birds banded between April and early June, 1941. During the YEAK-AKOUND F33DER3 — first week In June 1942, six of these eight were still In A feeding station Ina lo residence; four banded males cality free of English spar and ths two banded brown birds rows and starlings can be of coming dally to the window. Interest tne year around. To -42- June-July. 1942 be sure, most of the birds spring, equally divided be that come dally all winter tween the sexes. Usually the gradually wander away in the male has brought the son to spring as they scatter for the feeder the first week or nesting. The summer colony so and the female has brought from 1958 through 1940 consis the daughter. This season ted of a single pair of chick each parent has come sometimes adees and a pairor two each with the sonbut Just as often of white-breasted nuthatches, with the daughter. One pair hairy and downy woodpeckers. of downles has achieved a fa Since 1941, when the purple mily of three for 1942, one finches became summer board son and two daughters. One ers, the chickadees have been young woodpecker can keep one conspicuous for their absence parent extremely busyeven af during the nesting season* ter it seemsold enough to look out for Itself. When one Teaching the Young of the parents of the triplets tries to take care of the food From midnJune on the feeder for two at once, there is much becomes especially fascinating excitement outside the window. as the nuthatches and wood It has been interesting also peckers bggin to lntroduoe to note how the whole crown of their offspring to the free the head of the young downy lunch at the window sill. The or hairy male is often red al young downy and hairy wood most to the forehead at first peckers ar9 almost dazzling in and how gradually the red fea theircrisp black and white thers are replaced by black Juvenal plumage; and the par until only the usual small red ent birds are so bedraggled patch remains at the back of with their dingy feathers, the head. gray where they were white be fore they took on family Learning How cares. The first day or two the young birds stay In the One year an especially fluf trees nearby while the parents fy young nuthatch made its bring them choice tidbits of first visit to the window;it suet or doughnut crumbs from watched the parentbird pick the feeder. Ifow hard they do up a sunflower seed, wedge It chamour for more and still Into a crevice, andstart to more food, and how the parents hammer it open. The youngster have to hustle to satisfy the promptly seized for itself an growing appetites! At first emptyshell and proceeded to the young birds are still go through exactly the same clumsy, and it is amusing to procedure. Before many days, watch them imitate the older however, it was adept at oho birds as they follow after sing at a glance the fattest them on the limbs in their at sunflower seed on the shelf. tempts to search the bark of the tree for still more food.

Father and 3on FEATHERS Published by the Scheneatady Bird In other seasons there has Club. Annual membership, including seemed to be a tendency for subscriptions Aetive. $2> asaocil. the downy and hairy woodpecker lira. Anna Diokerman, Bditor families to run to two off 1O88 paan Street. Scheneotady. N. Y« -43- FEATHERS AT THE MONTEZUMA MARSHES AND SANDY POINT New Birds for the Life List of Dozen Members On Second Annuol Trip

Helen Cole, Edna Dromms, Ruth Balleok, and Dorothy Rowley

Want to add some new birds vestigate how the luggage, to your life list? Want to piled against the aide door, meet some fine people and vi was getting along* The bag on sit some excellent* and beauti the bottom was the only one to ful bird country? Better plan ship water, and Ruth ffalleck right now to go with the Sche- was the only unfortunate to nectady Bird Club if tney have have to sleep in wet pajamas. a trip to Seneca Palls with the Sassafras BirdClub of Am Nothing else happened to sterdam next year. Twelve of disturb us, and we sped thru the S. B. Clubbers (andwe do the wet countryside, arriving includeDorothy Caidwell, even at the hospitable home of Mr. though the Sassafras Club also and Mrs. LeRoy Oliver, a short claims her!) and ten from Am distance outside of Seneca sterdam took off by chartered Falls, about 10 o'clock. They bus from Amsterdam on Friday served us with refreshing tea night, May 22nd, after a week and cookies and lir. Marble, of of rain, rain and morerain the Seneca Faiia Bird Club and with intermittent showers on our leader on the trip the the day or departure and a next day, gave us a short talk drenching rain after we had about ouritinerary and what been traveling aoout two we could hope to see. After hours. To save time, we had deciding to have breakfast at brought our lunches in various 5:30 we adjourned to our com containers and started eating fortable, heatedcabins about them about 6 o'clock, thus a quarter of a mile distant. launching a round of continu ous food which almost threat Baldwlnsville Swamp ened to eclipse our major in terest in birds, and ended on Just a3 dawn was breakingon ly when we packed up to leave Saturday morning a passerby the bus at Amsterdam on our would haveseen plenty of ac way home. tivity - around the camp, for breakfast was to be served at Syracuse's Martins 5:3D* We dressed hurriedly and walked to breakfast at the We passed our first "bird Olivers, hearing early-morning landmark," the martin house, bird songs on the wayand re in Syracuse. The buswas com joicing that the rain seemed fortable but not water-tight, to be over as the morning was as we discovered after a while clear and windy. Breakfast when a trickle of water ran a- was promptly at 5:30 — first oross the floor in several breakfast, that is — and our places and we decided to in selves and lunch loaded In the -44- . June-July, 1942 bus by six o'clock to start on fromtheir nests, even though our eighty-mile drive to 3andy it looked as if they would Point, on Lake Ontario, where have to start their nesting we planned to spend the great activities all over again as er "part of the day. On the the heavy rains of the previ way we stopped at the Bald- ous week oaused the lake to winsvllle Swamp where the flood the point so that most black tern, green heron, swamp of the nests we saw were ru sparrow, long - billed marsh ined and the eggs cold. We wren, great blue heron, and spent happy hours watching many ducks were the most out countless sandpipers and plo standing birds seen, amidst vers, the piping plover being many others. Back Into the an especial favorite as he bus and on our way again! seemed so unafraid and in fact curious about us. We watohed Hunger set In shortly and we red-backed, semipalmated and began to consume the apparent spotted sandpipers long enough ly limitless supply of good so that we felt we could reo- things which Mrs. Oliverand ognlze them when we meetthem her helpers hadput up for us. again; but the experts assured Still going strong when we ar us that the next time we see rived at our destination where them they will probably look we added some liquid refresh entirely different. Nothing's ments, impossible to manage on sure in bird-watching. The the speeding bus. height of the shore trip came when a Caspian tern was dis "On to the Beach!" covered. He behaved beauti fully and gave everyone a The parking place was at a grand opportunity to get a deserted estate, and we saw good look at him. and heard many warblers, but couldn't wait to track them As we rounded the point to all down as the cry was w0n to go down the other side of the the beach!" and we must ke-ep sandy peninsula the transition up with the gang. The daywas was like night and day. Here ideal. A brisk wind made hi the trail led through the king pleasant and drove away woods, beautiful hemlocks and annoying files. Mr. Marble pines, and the songbirds seen hoped to show us the bald ea here were too numerous to gle which frequents the shore list. However, we saw for the but ha wasn't at home and we giret time the mourning warb contented ourselves with the ler, and would travelJust as other delights which were so many miles to see it again! abundant. The walk along the In fact, the mourning warbler shore with wind and waves wasn't all we saw for the pounding at our feet and the first time. One member had a sky a beautiful clear blue list of 21 life birds. with powdery clouds was almost treat enough, but in addition An Obliging Owl there were birdsin great pro fusion — ruddy turnstones Thecamps were deserted, not near enough to studythem having been opened yetfrom well, many herring gulls and the winter season, but stand oommon terns flying constantly ing like a sentinel in back of above us, ciroling and soream- one of the camps was a screech ing and trying to keep us away owl with his back up against -45- FEATHSRS the trunk of a small hemlock. ted the stump landscape in the He aat there and stared at us, distance, so that you felt it never blinking an eye until must be a mirage when you one manber of the party ven first glimpsed them thru your tured nearer to take his pic glasses — 12 stumps and 12 ture. • As he hot closer, the blue herons in varying atti owl turned and watched him, tudes. We arrived baok home facing the camera ina most about 8:30 that evening, anda obliging way. A little far few brave souls had energy ther along the path we roused enough left to clean up and go a startled bittern with his out for another meal. The raucous cry* We saw so many others, looking forward to the things andwere having such a next day's trip, soothed ten good time doing it that the der spots with sunburn lotion walk took longer than the four and climbed into bed at an hours planned on, butnoone early hourto be ready for minded that. another day of birding on the morrow. We reached the bus to find thatan advance guard had al Montezuma ready started cooking, so on the warm sands around Lake On Pour forty-five Sundaymorn tario we enjoyedanother good ing* The alarm rang out into meal, likewiseprepared by the hushed stillness of break- Mrs. Oliver. We had a little Ing dawn, and 22 bird-lovers time to explore the old or again Jumped out of bed and chard, bub the warblers seemed made ready for an early break to have gone on, all except a fast at the Olivers. It seemed parula which was singing con as though Mrs. Oliver had to stantly but which we were una stay up all night to prepare ble to see. In tryingto get the meals that she served us, a glimpse of him, however, we but she claimed she didn't. Wo did seea white-crowned spar visited the Montezuma Marsh row, which was some recom region, one of the newer re pense. fuges of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It contains Rowland's Island 5932 acres and is an important sanctuary for migrant birds About 4:30 we started our which stay near Cayuga Lake. homeward trek. Part way there Here we saw and heard fly it was decided to save the catchers,warblers, both the hamburgs, etc., scheduled for yellow- and black-billed cuck a fireside supper at the Oli oos, and the golden - winged vers and have them Sunday warbler. This was indeed a noon,eating out that night birder's paradise, but we had and thus enabling us to take a lot of ground to cover and time to visit Howland's Is only half a day to do it in, land. We arrived at the is so we had to tear ourselves land, a federal game refuge, away from that delightful spot where theyhope to breed many and move on to the next place, wild duoks, about 7:30 p.m. an old towpath where we heard We had hoped to see the black- many songs but didn't see much crowned night heronbut our for it was so overgrown and wishes weren't granted. The thickly foliated. Prom there special attraction was the way we went to Cayuga State Park, the great blue herons decora where we got an excellent view -46- June^uly, 1942 of a red-headed woodpecker and Music in the Marshes several members were able to add another life bird to their It was Sunday in Montezuma lists. After a shortstop at Mars hes the park we drove along the Where men very seldom trod, shore of the lake. Here more Yet the peaceful, soothing shorebirds were seen. There stillness were a couple of loons,a Made it sacred, as the Church pied-bllled grebe, and a flock of God. of herring gulls, all of which flew away when we got too The tall, stately trees of the near. A cedar waxwlng was woodland added to our list here, bring Seemed to beckon and to say, ing the total to 120 varieties "Come, enter this holy temple- for the two days; Rest—find peace--and pray."

The scene shifts again from From out of that shrine of lakeside drives to towpaths, beauty for we drove toward home and A choir of birdsong was stopped at Demont's Landing to ringing, scour the woodB for warblers. Flycatcher, redstart and The yellow warbler was very golden-winged much in evidence while the All blended in the singing. song of the northern water- thruBh filled the air* •Midst the heart or the far, dense thicket The hands of the clockwere V/ith notes so mellow and spinning around and it had cheery come to an end,so we reluc Came the beautiful, liquid tantly climbed back into the notes bus and headed toward the ca Of the wood thrushand the bins once more. Fifteen min- veeryi utes was the time allotted in which to pack, dress, and be They all harmonized so back at the Olivers forthe sweetly — delayed hamburgs, which were Never faltered or once lost most welcome and satisfying. key — After each guest signed the That compared to human voices guest bookand the group posed We seem in our infancy. fora picture, farewells were said and the happy, enthusi As I listened the music grew astic group started the long ric her, trek back east. Each bird with its own distinct song The drive back home was by Helped weave a choral pattern way of Cherry Valley. Amster That I shall remember long! dam was reached at 7 o'clock, and we parted company, all It was Sunday out In the agreeing it had been a most mars hes satisfactory and happy excur Not a church was anywhere in sion, thanks to Mr. and Mrs. sight, Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Marble, But I had been to a service and the Amsterdam committee Planned only by God In His headed by Lillian Perkins. mightJ -47- FEATHERS BIRD MAGIC IN MEXICO

Dr. George Mikach Sutton, Curator of Birds, Cornell University

(Dr. Sutton was the speaker at the June 23 meeting of 9 B C, following his appearanoe aa theWGY Science Forutn apeeker on the sans subject. At the Club meeting Dr. Sutton exhibited many of the life-»i*e water-color paintings he madeIn Mexloo from life or from freshly killed apeolasna. ' The following la adapted from the talk given by Br. Sutton.)

A little over a year agothe other noises too. What is Cornell University - Carleton more, the same birds were mak College Expedition returned ing all three noises. The from Mexico with a wealth of great - tailed grackle, a most scientific data and a fascina versatile fellow, oan pipe, ting story to tell. The Expe chack, and make a sound like dition established Itself In crackling of cornstalks. He an unoccupiedwilderness ran- looks something like, a long- cho In the secluded Sablnas tailed crow. When he goes to Valley, some 375miles south work, he sticks his bill of Laredo, Texas. The purpose straight up, puffs out his bo was the study of bird life In dy feathers, spreads his wings a region rich with possibili and tail, shakes as if pal ties — and, needless to say, sied, and delivers himself of we made the most of the two a series of ridiculous squeals months of our stay. Dr. Olln When the squealing subsides 3. Pettlnglll, Jr., professor into a mere fizzing, he rests of zoology at Carleton College a moment, and starts all over In Minnesota, hadthe respon again, this time producing in sibility for the photographic some corner of his amazing program; I centered on paint voice-box the sound of break- ings In water-color, a repre Ing stubble. We had a great sentative collection of bird deal of fun out of those skins, and certain ecological grackles. Of coursewe saw studies. many other species of birds during our stay, but after two We stopped off at Monterrey days wegot underway again and for a few days to get the mem moved down to Linares. bers of our party familiar with Mexican birds, coming to Brown Jays grips first with the birds at our tourist court. From the We were even busier atLi moment we arrived, we'dbeen nares than we were at Monter hearing loud orles from the rey, because we were trying to palmettoes outside. Some of make, a complete list of the them were pipings, tuneful birds. That meant being out enough to be bird-like. Oth at night as well as in the day ers were harsh chacks. Others time, so we had our hands were comparable only to the full, especially with the noises oattle make In tramp brown Jays, They took good ling dry brush or cornstalks. care that we werewellan nounced wherever we went, and Birds were making those they weren't content to sound trampling noises, and all the just one alarm — they fol- -48- June-July. 1942 lowed us wherever we went, about Inpairs. Some of their screaming almost Incessantly, courting they did In mld-alr, saving their vilest language fluttering about In a daze, and loudest voice for the time screeching and clawing as If we most wanted quiet. They're climbing some Invisible vine, about as big as crows, dark facing each other. One morn- gray brown on their upper Ing we saw them, they were parts, lighter beneath, and eating the ojlta buds and rather long-tailed. They have flowers, devouring about a one unique anatomical feature. tenth of what they pulled off. On the brown Jay's chest there The soundof discarded petals, is a curious little bag that buds, and stems was like rain. fills with air when the bird screams. It pops up from the Plenty of Other Species feathers, sometimes showing quite distinctly, and col There were plenty of other lapses when the scream ends. birds. Gorgeous black and In seme Individuals the col white and flame-orange Alta lapsing part of the process is Mlra orioles trooped through so audible that the bird seems the tree-tops* Red-brown wood to hiccough. hewers bitched up the trunks and along the big boughs, jab Quaoomayas bing their beaks Into the clumps of epiphytes. A cop The birds of the Sablnas pery-tailed , bronzy Valley were even more Inter green above, poppyred below, esting. We were Just settling with snow-white chest band and down at the ranoho when we yellow bill, called "cory, co- heard a couple ear-splitting ry, cory,cory" Ina husky, squawks outside. plaintive voice that reminded us of a hen turkey. Humming "Guacomayaa!" exclaimed our birds darted about. Wrens host. "Remember them?" sang Jubilantly. Off In the distance a Guatemalan Ivory - I certainly did remember billed woodpecker, regal In them — It would have been Im black and white and red, possible to forget. We ran to rapped an Incisive challenge tne door and saw them; two ona cypress stub. guaoomayas headed down the ri ver, flying deliberately, not Too Much Rain veryhigh In the air. The sunlightgave their pointed We had trouble with the wea wings and long tails a tur ther. It rained a goodpart quoise shimmer, but they were of the timewe were there, and really green, with golden wing was cloudy moBt of the rest. linings. They were military But we did the best we could macaws* under the circumstances, and we were richly rewarded. Take During our stay at the ran- our second morning at the ran- cho there were Immense flocks cho. It had rained allnight, of red-crowned milling and the paths were muddyj but about the tall ojlta trees Pettingj.ll and I started out near the river, screeching In together to observe birds. cessantly. Their flight was rapid,rather like that of a We separated toward noon. wild duck. Often they flew Each of us was beginning to -49- FEATHERS feel, aa a good ornithologist In painting my Faisano I may under such circumstances, made a quick pencil outline of that bird identification prob the whole bird, thereby deter lems are worked out better by mining the design of thepic individuals thanby parties. ture as a whole, then worked out the plumage of the head, Falsano colorpatterns of the faoe and bill, and scalation of the All at once, out in the feet in great detail. It does gray - green tangle somewhere takea great deal of time, in between me and the river, finite patienoe, and exhaust sounded the solemn oomp, oomp, ive attention to detail. But of courting male Mexican cu- it1 s worth it. Of course you rassow, a bird the Mexloans aren't through even when you call the Paisano Real. So I have made the drawing; you started off, through the un have to make the birdskln. derbrush. My nioe new pants were torn in a dozen places Singing Quail before I ted taken many steps* And for each snagin the pants The bird that gave me the there was a corresponding snag most trouble was the singing in me. quail — a bird known among the more stuffy ornithologists The Paisano Real is almost a as the long-clawed quail. Not ventriloquist; he may seem far that the species was so diffi away and still be close by. cult to draw, though its fea Suddenly, to my great sur ther patterns were intricate, prise, there was a crackling but the bird itself was so of branches almost overhead, difficult to see and obtain. and a loud whuff, whuff of wings, as the heavy black and We heard the bird singing on white bird left the high the mountain the first day we branoh on which he had been gottotherancho, but we did perched. Then I automatically not recognize it right away. raised my gun and fired, and But before long getting one of the winging Fai3ano crashed the mountain-inhabiting quail into the thicket. had become a sort of mania with me, and at last I aaw At that very instant the one — two birds, in fact. Paisano1s face had all the oo- They got away from us that lors of life. In five minutes time, but we did find out for or ten that great golden yel sure that they were nearby, low knob at the base of the and that was something. Un bill would be a bit duller^ fortunately for me, though, the eyes less bright, the Pettingill got the first spe flesh colors of the mouth and cimens — a male and female* tongue lessintanse. What IP-ndling them, I was torn be oddly beautiful, stiffly re tween vague hatred of any mere curvedfeatherswere those of photographer whocould blunder that barbaric top-knotJ Haw into two almost fabulously strange the pattern of black rare quail and actually get and yellow and grayish ivory them; deep admiration for this on the bill! Lifting my old friend who knew how des prize, I decided that It must perate our need for these spe weigh as much as eight or ten cimens was; and sheerenjoy pounds, perhaps more. ment of the birds themselves. -50- June-July, 1942

We made good use of them* I Exclusively Tropical painted and skinned them, and we all ate them* Soyou oan During the course of our say we exploited them to the work we recorded on or near fullest* But there was one the rancho, representative oaten. Pettlnglll had to species of four distinctly and shoot them at very close range exclusively troploal bird fa and consequently they were milies thatprobably are not pretty badly battered. So It to be found anywhere else In was Just as well I ran across the world north of the ran- a mother bird and two newly cho'fl latitude. These fami hatched young ones* When I lies were the Nyctlbldae, or first stumbled across them, of potoos; the Cyclarhldae, or course, I didn't realize that pepper shrikes; the Oochlearl- there were any young. I was ldae, or boat-billed herons; right on top of the female be and the Pormlcarlldae, or ant fore I noticed her, and since shrikes. No representative of I didn't want to duplicate any of these families has ever Pettlnglll's hard luck In been recorded anywhere In the shooting at too close range, I United States, and so far as I was faced with the choice of have been able to learn, not backing up ten or twelve paces one of them has ever been ta or takingthe slim chance of ken as far north aa the Tropic getting It at the proper range of Oancer — less than fifty on the fly. I decided to back miles to the north of the up, got away with It without rancho. flushing the bird, and picked It off at the proper distance. And, of course, the photo It was a perfect specimen* I graphs, the palntlogs, and the found the two baby birds when specimens speakfor them I stooped to pick up the spe selves: forty life-size water- cimen — partly to my sorrow, color paintings direct from and partly to my great ela life or from freshly killed tion. They were possibly the specimens; the first full- first baby singing quail ever length color motion picture to be collected, and almost ever made of Mexican birds;a certainly the first ever to be full report on birds found In seenby a bird artist* I made southern Tamanllpas from March a painting of the singing to June, the transient forms quail family together — the Included — these were among father, mother and two babies* the results attained. HORSE HAIRS AND BIRD NESTS

B. D. Miller

Have some of our birds been In some rural districts forced to make substitutions horse hair Is so generally for the horse hairs so popular used by chipping sparrows In with them In nest building? constructing their nests, they Long, strong hairs from the are known as Hhalr birds." It tails and manes of this noble also Is favorite material for animal are In demand with sev the Baltimore orioles In weav eral of ournative sparrows, ing their strong pouch - like vlreos, warblers and orioles. nests. -51- FBaTHBEB

Are the orioles' nests as This year In Scotia a resi long as they used to "be prior dentdiscovered both the ori to 1900? Where I lived as a oles and robinB were appropri boy the Baltimore orioles were ating string he had put up to known as "hanging birds" — a protect hie lawn. When a name suggested by the long, piece of stringwas attached pendulous nests they built, to stakes at both ends, they largely of horse hairs, from would use It as a trapeze, the swaying branches of elms performing various acrobatic and maples. They then ap stunts in their attempts to peared to me as 18 or more in- gain possession of the desper ohes long, but considerably ately needed material fornest shorter nowadays. building.

As a substitute for hairs A considerate lady, seeing thesebirds azie now using con thebirds' difficulty and hop siderable string. Burroughs ing to supply their needs, put mentions this In some of his outsomeshort lengths of yarn later writings. Be tells us and string. Each time she put of supplying orioles with silk out a mixture of cotton and threads and watching them wool, as reported to me, the weave with it a nest of many oriole would take only the colors* One of his threads cotton threads. Now, why did became caught so that the they prefer cotton to wool? bird was unable to carry It It appears to me like an exam away* This appeared to pro ple of bad judgment. I wonder voke her — she couldn't for if they would be able to dis get It all that summer, and tinguish silk from rayon or would occasionally return to nylon. Can any readers throw give It a few more vicious lighton this subject? If yanks, as if to say "There's not, it will be worth obser that darned string again." ving next year.

TREADING BIG NOSE

Virginia C. Prellgh

Again this year SBC colla and last source of interest. borated with the Mohawk Valley Here nesting placeswere ideal HLking Club and spent Sunday, and many of the birds were af May 12, at Big Nose in the ter the all-too-numerous sup foothills of the Adirondaeks, ply of insects found in any several miles west of Fonda, orchard. An old, hollowed-out Just off Route 5, where the fencepost yielded a bluebird Mohawk River, oourslng through family nestled cosily ten in the valley, has terminated the ches down. The parent birds Junction of the Appalachian were fortunately not too a- and Adirondack mountain chains larmed at the satisfying of The day was blustery but the our curiosity, and when they sun shone invitingly, and be accommodatingly left the nest fore we even reached our des five light blue eggs were re tination a flicker was ob vealed. served alignting on a lawn near the river. The orchard Farther up the road a hawk near the road wasour first sailed majestically above. As -52- June-July. 1942 he neared us his gray under- The abunflnnce of the magen parts came into view, but as ta-colored fringedpolygala he banked to complete his found In the lighter soil of ever-windlr^ orbits, his back the woods was of special In and tall feathers came Into terest. White trllllum car prominence. He concluded It peted many a sunny spot of to be a red-tailed hawk. Oth hillside. Dogwood bloomed er members of the hawk family profusely on the steep sides were observed soaring very of the ravine, and at the sum close to the Heavenly Blue. mit or one of the mountains a Many different kinds of warb hawthorn blossomed. A yellow lers, sparrows, swallows, vl- moccasin flower was discovered reos, woodpeckers, and thrush and sevenkinds of violets es were Inevidence. counted. In all, approximate ly forty varieties or flowers The scarlet tanagers and o- poked nodding heads from be rloles sang superbly, and' the neath trees and shrubs, and rose-breasted grosbeak put on fifty kinds of birds cavorted an ostentatious performance from precarious perches, cir for our benefit. It was In cled smoothly overhead, beat teresting to note how the barn rhythmic tattoos on hollow and rough - winged swallows trees, preened exquisitely skimmed over the plowed fields beautiful feathers In the sun for Insects, Just as the tree light, sang lovely songs from swallows skim over thewater. near and distant boughs of the A group of bank swallows was deep woods, or swooped down discovered up the creek, where for Insect pests In the gath they were Just commencing a ering twlllgnt. And thus "the colony. end of a perfect day."

WORTH HIS SALT ?

George H. Balnbrldge

With the coming of the auto high degree and real economic mobile and the passing or the value• horse and certain concomitants from the city streets at Thus, about four springs least, the ever-present Eng back, the silver mapleson lish sparrow has risen from a Washington Road In Scotia were lowly gutter-snipe and rowdy heavily Infested with a small bully £0 a position of some caterpillar. This pest so respectability. How much de quickly riddled the leaves pends on one's point of view. that the trees presented a Tte purpose of this article is half-naked appearance with the not to present any brief for ground beneath literallycov the drab plumage, unmusical ered with leaf fragments and and somewhat annoying chirp, what-not. In fact, the trees, andthe messy nest-build Ing of lawns, sidewalks and streets this so-called foreigner, who looked like — well, you know had no voice In his Importa what Sherman said aboutwar. tion but has had plenty ever since. My observation over Oflme to the rescue the Bal the last four years gives evi timore oriole, but in too dence of adaptability to a small numbers for the magni- -53- FSATHSR3

tude of the Infestation, It predations are of little con was a Joy to watch him work — sequence except on one or two no loat motion digging the isolated trees. In passing, caterpillar from its rolled It nay be well to mention that leafy "bed, usually from the no sprayinc or other preven very tip of a twig — nothing tive measures have been taken but the beauty of stream-lined to reduce this leaf - eating action and the precision of pest. bull's eye perfection. Perhaps you are familiar Clumsy Emulator with that pesky annual known locally at least as crab or Then one day near dusk while summer grass. Mow and pull we were eating dinner, some all you can, still some will clumsy bird waich, through the go to seed in late summer, window glass, looked like an ffere again the English sparrow English sparrow was seen try- proves his economic worth for Ing to emulate the oriole. he has a great hankering for But nis motions v?ere so clumsy theseeds of this grass. Too while trying to nang on to the bad he can't be sold on vita twig tips and at tm same time mins, so that he would also get the caterpillar, one could eat the grass. But even Eng but tttntc 01' an elephant try lish sparrows have limitations ing to dance with a mosquito* Seed Cracker And could it be an English sparrow? Well, dinner was This .past relatively mild temporarily forgotten and bi winter gave further proof of noculars quickly trained on the English sparrow's adapta the clumsily performing bird. bility and perseverance. For Yes, it was an English spar days he longingly watched the row. Well, if there is any chickadees and nuthatches oat thing in the old copybook max sunflower seeds grown in 1940. im "If at first you don't suc Age apparently makes the seed ceed, try, try again," the shells more flinty and harder English sparrow has demonstra to crack. Even the chickadees ted it. True, he has never and nuthatches discover this acquired the dexterity, grace Finally the English sparrow and efficiency which the Bal must have decided thatwhat timore oriole displays, but was good for other birds was what there lacks in these also good for him. But he qualities is more thancompen seemed to realize that the sated by numbers. At any methods of attacking sunflower rate, this, the fourth spring seeds used by the chickadees counting the first oecurence and nut hato he s were beyond of the pestin question, finds him, so he developed a tech the English sparrow still on nique of his own. This con the Job, and more and more sists of rolling a seed over proficient. The robin also in his bill — one bird took fcas contributed by gathering a minute and a half by watoh, the caterpillars which fall until a mechanically weak spot witn their island leaf-frag is located, or some softening ment which they chew loose. effect of mouth liquids, if birds have such, helps the Each year the pest has les process of opening the shell sened, and this year its de and revealing the food. -54- June-July, 1942

The English sparrow also But in spite of the English showed himself a bit of a sparrow's proof of economic beachcomber in that he inves value and intelligence, I tigated the opened shells left still feel like throwing some by th9 chickadees and nut thing at him. Perhaps it is hatches for remaining tidbits, Just a surge of youthful mem thereby saving himself to some ories of the one-time gutter extent the cracking process. snipe bully.

A CAPE ANN IDYL

Caroline Hamilton, Greenfield, Mass,

One of the happy features of Club, and is an easy place to this present day is the in reach. crease and wide distribution of unknown, unofficial, small Thehouse, practically hid bird sanctuaries, maintained den amid trees and shrubs, not by taxes or publiccontri stands on the corner where butions, but by garden club bird lovers leave the circular members for their own Joy, a bus line out of Gloucester to joy, however, they gladly go down to I&libut Point, that share with any real lover of projection into the great At birds for birds' sake. The lantic runway where one can collector is not wanted in sit in the Pall to watch the these paradises. flocks of ducks, cormorants, and geese fly byon the annual Usually the owners were un southward trek. All carcon interested in birdsat first, ductors know this stop. And a owned no binoculars, went on big sign makes it easy for the no bird hikes at early dawn. stranger who motors that way. Instead they planted trees and shrubs, built arbors for An Exotic Visitor vines, developedpools and brooks, and the birds moved On May 14 Dorothy Caldwell in. Naturally it followed and I received from the exci that the owners became bird- ted householders a royal wel conscious, added feeding sta come. Inside we were seated tions, began to look up on in easy chairs to watch the kinds of food for shelves and window feeding shelf. Barely on fruit-bearing bushes for were we seatedwhen the exotic the yard. visitor flew in and began to eat. It was clearly a cardi "Strange Bird" nal of sorts, but what sort? The crest and part of the head Such a Bird Eden was visited a warm blood red, the rest of bya member of the SBC and I the plumage soft shades of on May 14 to run down there gray! Unfamiliar andbeauti port of a "very strange bird. ful. Strange to see perched, No one, birding on Massachu after feeding, among the pink setts' North Shore at any sea buds of the apple tree! son sho.uld fail to call there. It belongs to Mr. and Mrs. We could not linger long Elihu Clark, the latter presi watching this fascinating no dent of the Pigeon Cove Garden velty, for urgent calls from -55- FEATHERS June-July, 1942 another member of the Clark the right to feedwhen she family made us hurry down to chose. the kitchen, beneath whose windows scratched sparrows — May 14 and 15 were the days white-throats, kingly white- this year of the great wave of crowns, Lincoln's, with songs warblers, thrushes and spar and ohippies. rows through the eastern sec tion of Massachusetts. Only a Thrushes wandered on the few Blackbumlan, Nashville lawn outside the living room and myrtle warblers wereno windows. Hunting Insects In ted. Quantities of parulas, shrubs, magnolia and Canadian black - throated greens and warblers almost touched the blues, magnolias, Canadians, lower panes of the dining room redstarts, oven birds, northern window* A scarlet tanager yellowthroats, the black and flashed through the yellow whites, yellow warblers, water flowers- and the young, yellow thrushes. All the thrushes leaves of a spreading oak, except the hermit — "and unu while more than a dozen male sual numbers of white-crowned bobolinks, each trying to out- and Lincoln's sparrows. sing the others, dropped to gether into a bush on the edge It is the custom of a group of the pasture across the of Essex County men to make a road. Everywhere birds! two-day bird census of Essex County birds, both upland and During the night the major shore, In mid-May each year. migration wave of May had The group Is led by S. G. Eml- poured onto Cape Ann. Yet the llo, curator of the Peabody cardinal was not a part of Museum In Salem. Thecensus this mass movement. For a this year was on May 16 and week previously he had been 17. This year's list was unu feeding In Mrs. Clark's yard. sually small, contained no Whatkind of a cardinal? Ac rarities, and no migrants. cording to Mr. Clark, who Just one day can such such a claimed to have owned a simi difference. lar bird years ago, It was a Brazilian cardinal. We left It there among the apple blos W. H. Hudson, who spent many soms, perhaps a good-willmes years In Argentine. In "Adven senger between the Americas, tures among Birds," wrote: perhaps a lost pet escaped w— a bird of the finch fam from a glided cage. ily of southern South America, about the size of a starling, Massachusetts Notes but more gracefully shaped, with a longer tall; the whole The evening grosbeaks lin upper plumage clear blue-grey, gered on In Greenfield Into the under parts pure white; the May, being last seen on May face,throat, and a highpoin 13th. The male rose-breasted ted crest an Intense brilliant appeared on May 1, the female scarlet. May 3; and both varieties fed "The cardinals are taken as on the same shelf, though not fledglings from the nests In too peacefully. The evening forests on the upper waterB of grosbeaks drove the male rose- the Plata River, andreared by breasted away, but the female hand by the natives, then sent rose-breaBted fought and won down to the bird dealers...w -56- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4. No. 8 August, 1942 THE 1942 STATUSOF THE NORMANDIN WOODS HERONRY

Recent Years Have Seen Rookery Successively Smaller — Possible Explanation Seen in Marauding Activities of Crows

Dayton 3toner, New York State Museum

For at least the past eight nests there at 300 to 400. On years the number of breeding May 5, 1939 I placed the num Individuals making up the co ber of nests at 175to 200; lony of black-crowned night some nests were then still un herons in the Normandin woods der construction. On May 11, on the west side of the Mohawk 1940 the number of nests was river three miles south of about 125 with Borne construc Crescent has been slowly tion still going on. On May though gradually diminishing. 7, 1941, between 70 and 80 Aeeording to Guy Bartlett (N. nests were completed or under 7. State Sd. Dept.Bull, to construction. When I visited the Sohools, 20, no. 13, 151 - the heronry again on June 25 52, 1934), this colony was es of that year, perhaps 80 to 90 tablished "years ago. In the nests were occupied. On May summer of 1933, the period 9, 1942, between 60 and 70 covered specifically by his nests were in various stages report, he indicates that of construction andoccupa there were "nestB by the hun tion. dreds.11 At another point in his discussion Mr. Bartlett A note by "N.V.V." in the refers to the "few hundred" May,1942 number of FEATHERS nests which had served the oc (page 39) indicated that this cupants of the colony in the heronry was "well established" breeding season of 1933. aa early as April 19, 1942.

Fewer Each Year Crows, Marauders

At the timeof my own first At the time of each of my visit to the colonyon May 17, visits to the heronry, the 1935,a combined count and es presence of considerable num timate placed the number of bers of eastern crows in the -57- FEATHERS immediate vicinity was noted. Occasionally one would swoop FEhTHERS down toward an incubating night heron or toa nest car Pttbllohed by tho Sohenootady Bird rying eggsor young. The rau Olub, Animal membership, lnoludlng cous voioes of the crows and sobsoriptlom Aotlve* &\_ their persistent sorties into lira. Anna Diek«rmant Bdltor the heronry appeared to oauss 1088 Sean Stre«t, aohaneotady, S. T. considerabledisturbanceand confusion therein. It waa ev limy, semi - fluid excrement ident, too, that these sudden from the inhabitants of the visits of the crows resulted colony has so burned and in considerable destruction of seared the underlying green both heron eggs and young. foliage by mid^Tune that the For, in their hurried and har trunks and branches of the assed leave-taking the night nest trees are stark and bare herons often broke theeggs or and the ground beneath them pushed the nestlings from exhibits little that Is green. their prsoarious perches in or Numerous fragments of egg near the frail nests. On June shells littered the ground. 25, 1941, I found the partly From an ornithologist's view decayed bodies of several point the unwontedquietude young night herons on the and lifelessness about the a- ground with the brain-case of rea was startling and depress theskull pickedopen and the ing. contents removed — work of the black marauders. Whether or not the crows wereentirely to blame for the My most recentvisit to this departure of the night herons heronry occurred on June 24, from their usual nesting 1942when it presented an unu haunts is difficult to deter sual appearance. As I ap mine but all the evidence pro cahed the place I missed points to the marauding acti the hoarse, croaking notes of vities of those aggressive the herons; not a bird circled birds as an Important factor about; somewhere near by the in the evacuation of the her "caw caw* of a crow reached my ons from the territory. It ear. will be Interesting to observe whether,In future seasons, Inspection of the rookery, the night herons attempt to well-populated six weeks be renew their nesting activities fore, now revealed a oomplete here and the degree of success absence of night herons. How that may attend these efforts. ever, many nests remained in Further Interest also will be the tall trees; some had part associated with the forthcom ly disintegrated there while ing status of the heronry in others lay upon the ground; this territory which la di those nests in the trees ap rectly opposite Niskayuna and peared not to have beenoccu was reported upon briefly by pied recently.The ratfher Malcolm Andrews in this Jour profusely growing ground vege nal. (Volume 4, no. 5, yjt tation as well as the foliage 1942).It Is possiblethat an of the nest-trees themselves infiltration from the Norman- further indloated that the din woods heronry may consi rookery had been unoocupled derably augment the size of for some time. Usually the that colony. -58- August. 1942 BIRDS OF VALE CEMETERY

One-year Intensive Study Reveals Large Number of Species in City-Encircled Area

Barring ton 3. ffevens

During the years 1940-1941 a ate vicinity. Trips were made comparatively Intensive study through the territory almost was made of the birds of the dally In an attempt to get ValeCemetery and Its Immedi some Idea of the various spe-

SPKCIB3 SPBCXES SPECIE

Green boron***** House wren...... Pine warbler.... Canada goose.... Winter wren Ovenbird...... Black duck 1-b.marsh wren.. Hb.watertbrush.• Red-nhould.hawk. Catbird Mourning warbler Sparrow bawic...* Brown thrasher.. No.yellow-throat KiJldoer Hob in Wilson's warbler Spot•sandpiper.• Wood thrush..... Canada warbler.• Barring gull...* Hermit thrush... Redstart... Hourning dote... Olive-back thr*. English sparrow. Soreeoh owl..... Gray-oh.thrush* • Bobolink Barred owl...... Veery...... Ueadowlark...... Slghthawk Bluebird Red-wing...... Chimney swift... Gold-or.klnglet. Baltimore oriole ..... Huby-or .kinglet • ituety blackbird. Kingfisher Cedar waxwing... Bronsed grackle. Fllaker Starling Cowblrd • Sapsuaker. Tel-thr.vireo... Soarlet tanager. Hairy woodpeoker Blue-h. vireo... Rose-br.grosbeak Downy woodpecker Red-eyed vireo.. Indigo bunting.• Kingbird Warbling vireo.. Purple finoh.... Cr. flycatcher.. Blk.& wh. warbler Redpoll... Phoebe Golden-w.warbler Pine siskin..... Yel-bel.fiyo.... Tennessee, warb.. Soldflnoh...*... least flyoatoher Nashville warb.. Bed crossbill... Wood peweo Parula warbler.• Fowhee Horned lark bellow warbler.• Vesper sparrow*. Barn swallow...* Magnolia warbler Junco.• Bluejay Blk-thr.bl.warb. Tree sparrow.... Crow *...... Myrtle warbler.. Chipping sparrow

Chickadee Blk-thr.grn.wblr sparrow..• Rh-br.nuthatch.. Blackburn.warb.• Wh-er.sparrow.■. Red.br.nuthatch* Che stnut-a•warb. Wfa-thr.sparrow.• Brown creeper... Blaokpoll warb.. Song sparrow.... Snow bunting.... II - resident| 3 - sunnier resident! ]7 - winter visitor; T - transient visitor, it - Flew overi J9 - lesa than 10birds; o_ - from 10 to 20; d^ - 20 or ooret e_ - fairly common; £ - common; ~\ - abundant; h_ - f"loofc( a ]. Figure? Indicate total seen*.

-59- FEATHERS

eles of birds which might be summer resident, a winter vi found there aa residents, sum sitor, and a transient visi mer residents, transients, and tor. Greatest number of spe visitors of different kinds. cies recorded on one trip was This article summarizes the 42 on May 7f 1941. Leastnum results of that study. ber was none on both December 6, 1940 and January 3, 1941* Aa a rule the trips were not Temperatures ranged from zero exhaustive. Usually they were on January 14, 1941 to 75 on made on the way to and from June 27 and July 21, iy4l. work, In the morning and eve ning (more often In the morn- General Comments Ing). Usually time waa not Bufflclent to chase down uni Before entering Into a spe dentified species, or locate cific discussion of noteworthy nests or to otherwise check up findings on Individual spe points worthy of more careful cies, a few general comments study. But the results, mea should be Bet down for the ger though they may be, seem record: worthy of recording. 1. Species found In the In all, trips were made on cemetery vary more or less er 283 different days during the ratically fromyear to year, period from October 3» 1940 to as a result of which this sum November 14, 1941* On some mary snould not be considered days, especially during the as a true representation of pleasant months, more than one what mlgnt be found In the trip waB made on a given day. territory over a long term. Additional trips were also For Instance, the red-headed made by others, principally woodpecker has been found In Nolle Van Vorst, who, occa the Vale Cemetery In other sionally with some other bird years, but was not recorded students, provided material during the Intensive study. for these records. 2. As already mentioned, A summary of the findings Is most of the birds found In the provided In the accompanying region were transients. This table of bird species, which Interesting fact Indicates a howsthat a total of 100 dif that, while birds have not ferent klnd8 were recorded In settled In this section to any the period specified. Eighty- great extent either as perma three birds are shown as tran nent or summer residents, they sient visitors — the largest do use It as a feeding ground percentage of the total In their migrations or wander while, on the other hand, but ings. While this was inter seven species were recorded as esting as applied to the win residents. Of summer resi ter period, It was not any dents there were 23; there more Interesting than would be were seven winter visitors. the case In any typical terri These subtotals do not, of tory studied. On the other course, make a grand total of hand, the remarkable lack of 100 for the simple reason that definite evidence of breeding In many cases a single species of species which might normal was observed in more than one ly be expected to spend the category. The aong sparrow, summer was very curious. The for example, Is listed as a wood warblers are a noteworthy -60- August, 1942 example of this conspicuous- Barred owl: This bird, re- ness by absence. corded onlyon November 3, 1941, was seen in the daytime 3. Many records were based and may have stayed in the on the observation of their territory, Judging by later song alone. But In no case actions of crows. At the time wao the species recorded un it was seen, but one birdno less the song was sufficiently ticed its presence and objec well known to warrant the o- ted: a ha iry woodpecker. mlsaion of a sight check. Night hawk: Regularly found 4. Six species shown on the In summer feeding in the air tabulation were observed In over the territory near Bran- flight only: Canada goose, dywine Avenue. killdeer, herring gull, barn swallow, bobolink, and snow Chimney swift: Regularly ob bunting. The records were served" feeding in flight over made of the bird or birds fly- the general territory. Ing over the territory In these cases, but where the Flicker: One was killed by birds were feeding In flight crows in the spring of 1941, over the territory, they were as observed by NelleVan Vorst considered as belonging to and companions; another was that territory; e.g., night- chased by a sparrow hawk. hawk and chimney swift. Horned lark: No attempt was Specific Comments ma*de ?o make a subapeclfic distinction. On March 25 It Black duck: One was observed became evident that a pair was circling in flight over the "breeding In the Brandywine cemetery ponds on October 9, Avenue lots. The nest (a sec 1941. It was quite obvious, ond brood?) was discovered on from the actions of the bird, June 16, with young. (See that It had been flushed from F2ATHERS, August, 1941, p. 16: one of the ponds by people "Nesting with Difficulty'*) walkingthrougn the cemetery to work, and It seemed that .Crow: Large flocks flew on the bird was trying to make up their way to and from their Its mind to alight again in roosting places during the the water but was frightened winter season. On June 30 a Into the air each time by more family was observed acting pe people going through. A num culiarly in a tree and on the ber of years ago trvo of this ground, and investigation dis species were seen swimming in closed the fact that they had one of the ponds. been preying on some young rabbits; one young rabbit, Sparrow hawk: In September, dropped by one of the Immature ly^Tl one of these birds waa crows, had been decapitated. seen chasing a flicker. Other crows killed a flicker.

Screech owl: At least two Black-capped chickadee: In- pairs or thlB species are per terestlngly, not a single one manent residents. On June 13, was observed during the winter 1941 four were seen perchedon of 1940-1941, although a few a single limb, Including two seemed to be wintering for Immature a. 1941-1942.

-61- FEATHERS

Brown creeper: At least two exception was the black and "blrda spont tha 1940-1941 win white warbler, and this record ter, and daybreak and early of brooding is questionable. morning records were usually made at the same place' eaoh Engl Is a sparrow: Although time, Indicating that the regularly found In the terri birds spent the night In the tory invaryingnumbers, there same spot regularly. Weak was no evidence that it bred songwas first recorded on in tho territory proper, one February 13 and was heard reg possible breeding place was in ularly, Increasing In strength the vicinity of tte caretak from than until the spring de er's house on the high ground, parture • Meadowlark: Two interesting Long-billed marsh wren; A records of' single birds a- single bird wal regularly lighting in tte territory on found singing In tho cattallB Oct. 17, 1940 and April 4, »41 during the summer, but no evi dencecould be found that It Red-wing: Large flocks flew had a mate. over, evidently on the wayto and from roosting places, eaoh Gray-cheeked thrush: This fall. In tte fall of 1941 a bird Is entered for the record small flock of the species only, because there Is no pos regularly spent the day in the itive evidence that It was ac cattails. In the morning tually there.The record was these birds, vocally active, based on a guess of what the evidently acted as decoys to song may be (see FEATHSRS, the larger flocks, for great September, 1941, p. 76: "Was numbers occasionally lit in It a Gray-cheeked?") the trees near the ponds for short periods, only to fly off Veery: Although one would a shortwhile later. The spe expect naturally that this cies was always in song, in species would breed In tho early spring or late fall. territory, no evidence was found that this was the case. Bronzed grackle: Continued It was not recorded In the in song until fall departure. cemetery at all from spring to fall,1941. Gowblrdt Males wore observed before females in the spring Starling: Large flocks flow of 1941. First males arrived over, evidently to and from March 24, while no females roosting places, in the fall were recorded until April 15. of 1941. At that time tho first "rat tle" notes were heard. Warbl Ing vl reo: Although listed as a summer resident, White-throated sparrow; On It apparently did not breedIn Stay 5~, 1941, She cemetery the territory properbut in soomed veritably alive to an the outskirts. overwhelming visitation of this species. Beat guestimate Warblers: With one possible of the number, 250 birds. exception, there was no evi dence to Indicate that any Song sparrow: At least two species bred in the territory wintered in the cattails dur during the 1941 season. The ing the 1940-1941 winter. -62- August. 1942 DESERT BIRD HOMES

How Materials for Nests are Found, and Where They Are Built

Orlee Jacques, La Canada, Calif.

To the "bird lover newly ar One nest, found by the wri rived on the desert one ques ter when the brooding bird tion re ours again and again. flew out from almos t under Hdw do "birds find material for foot, was placed in a small, nests, and places to put them? round, gray-green bush. Thru the center of the bush a ohol- Of course, time reveals that la (ahoy - yah) cactus had the desert — particularly a- thrust Its way to a height of round Twentynlne Palms In the about 18 inches. The nest was southern part of the Mojave most cunningly placed in the desert of California where top of the bush, Just under these observations were made — the protecting spread of the 1b not so barren as It seems cholla's crown. The word on first appearance. The "protecting1* becomes eugnifi- floor of the desert bears oant when you picture a many- scattered yuccas, greasewood, branchedcactus with spines cactus and the small gray- closely set and over an inch green bushes, domeshaped and long. The three, waxy-white about a foot In height, which eggs fitted well their neat, are typical of most American little grass-lined cup. desert landscapes* Even the grim blackened rocks of the Scott's oriole selects the age-old mountains which sur tree yucca for building site round the Twentynlne Palms and material as well. These valleybear upon their lower yuccas bear a crown of stiff, slopes some growth of cactus narrow leaves atop a trunk or stunted shrub. that varies from a foot to 8 or 10 feet in height, depend Many birds rear their young ing on age and available mois out on the open desert. Lo ture. The orioles seek out cating their nests Is a real the tallest of these. The adventure. Equipped with stout nest is hung (oriole fashion) boots, a wide hat and good under the dead, down-drooping bird glasses, a few early leaves and is constructed from morning walks (a 5 ofclock the fibers strippedfrom the start makes cooler going) in edges of the yucca leaves. It April or May are most enlight is not too easy to locate, so ening to the seeker. closely is it hung among the dead leaves and so perfectly Though the desert sparrow doesthe material blend in co nests anywhere about the des lor with the background. ert, she may often be found along the rocky borders of a Where there is underground wash, cut out by the very In moisture, on the floor of a frequent rains which are some wash or near a spring, smoke times real cloudbursts. trees and mesquite flourish. -63- FEATHERS

These house a large population weeks during the scant, pre- of verdlns. The verdln, his summer rains. To watch them gray dress relieved by a dust at this task Is to wonder how ing of yellow over the faoe they escape the long, vicious and brightchestnut shoulder spines, for the nest Is com patches, is forever busy. pletely surrounded by a pro tecting network of cactus. The verdln1anest Is a com pact ball of gray twigs with a Say's phoebe seeks out man's tiny opening near the bottom* company and the use of his It servestwo purposes, the.u- buildings for a home. Themi sual one of family rearing and ner'sshack Is often nottoo that of a shelter for the a- Inviting, but nothing daunted, dultbird In winter. If a phoebe will place her nestun summer nest Is not available der the three- or four-Inch when fall winds begin to shar overhang of Its corrugated pen, the verdln cheerfully Iron roof. With the withering builds a new one. Such a heat of the desert sun beating nest, started September 22, down on the top of the roof 1940, In a mesqulte In the all day long there Is no ex writer's back yard, took about plaining how the nestlings two weeks to build and was as survive, but the number of perfect In finish as any sum phoebes seen attests to the mer nest observed. fact that they do.

Thecactus wren, as her name Many otherbirdsnest In Implies, builds almostexclu this section of the Mojave, sivelyIn the larger branching among them Gambel's quail, the cactus forms,some of which road runner, the white-rumped reaoh a height of four or five shrike, the mourning dove, and feet. The completed nest re Le Conte's thrasher. All have sembles a long-necked gourd very cleverly adapted them lying on Its side, with the selves to the blazing sun, opening In the end of the neck scanty shade or none at all, of the gourd. Both birds work and water holes miles apart. at Its construction, using as Their nests are as secure and material some twigs and the as trimly constructed as those fineblades of desert grass, of their kind In more favored which springs up for a few localities. EAGLES, PROTECTED

We quote a recent item from from law enforcement officers. the New York State Conserva tion Department: A spokesman forthe Depart ment voiced the opinion that Prompted by reports of the the recent destruction of recent shooting of two eagles, these two birds could hardly the Conservation Department be classed as a case of mista Issued a new warning today ken identity. The bald eagle, that these birds are protected as compared with tha turkey under the Conservation Lawand vulture or hawk, Is much lar future killing of either the ger, weighing about 12 pounds. bald eagle or the golden eagle Theyalso are much easier to will bring stiff penalties spotIn the air because of the -64- August, 1942 whit9 head and tail which dis lze those who shot thetwo ea tinguishes the bald eagle af gles* How many eagles have ter several years' growth. been shot since they became protected birds yearsback? Known principally as a sca How many fines have been Im venger, the "birds1 food con posed, and how stiff have the sists chiefly of coarse fish. penalties been? Shooting a Observations of conservation pheasant — which is hardly ists have established the fact more than a barnyard fowl run that the eagle has become ning wild — carries a stiff slightly more abundant in the penalty. are easily Adirondacka, on Long island replaced (although it is a and along the Great Lakes. question as to whether or not they shouldn't be eliminated); why is the sportsman who takes a hen or out-of-season cock So much for the press re pheasant in trouble, while the lease of the Conservation De sportsmanwho bags a woodduck partment. But nothing is said or eagle, or other rare spe as to what was done to penal- cies, usually merely warned? — G.B.

NEWS a NOTES IN BRIEF

BETTER WAY TO DO IT bird, but there's more of a story to the picture than you It was quite a relief to see think. Three days ago the a different kind of a bird bird, an oriole, was shoved story in the Union-Star for a out of its nest by the motter change. Too many of than tell to force it to fly, and it how children have taken home landed in a rosebush in front young screech owls, robins, or of a home on Broadway. There other birds; have the young it was found by some children sters posed with the birds in of the neighborhood, but Joey a canary cage; and make it Reynolds of 470 Vedder Street, look as though the children (the boy in the picture) took have done well by the birds. a particular interest In it. No need to go on here as to For three days he guarded the the advisability of not hand small bird from oats andother ling any young birds, since so dangers, arriving early in the seldom have they really been morning and staying until abandoned by their parents. dark, leaving long enough only And no need to mention that for meals. During his watch, keeping the captives is Ille the mother oriole would appear gal. and feed her youngster and Jfewever, the Union-Star of would try to get him to fly. June 20 had a picture of a boy The picture was made yester and bird that was refreshingly day afternoon. Last nifcht the different. Headlined "Keeps mother bird got tough and Foundling Bird from I&rm,11 the pushed her offspring off the item said: rose bush trestle and it flew HYou*relooking at a picture to a porch* She brought it a of a small boy and a small worm, and it then flew up to a -65- FEATHERS window sill. It was then BENT, No. 14 pushed off "by the persistent motner, and It disappeared in The fourteenth inthe series to the yard, and today proba of bulletins by Arthur Cleve bly has its wings." land Bent has been announced. "Life Histories of North Amer- G-B ONCE MORE ioan Flycatchers, Larks, Swal lows and Their Allies, Order To that probably-never-will- Passer if ormes11 is thetitle. end list of G-E birds has been It has ■ 555 pages plus plates, added the rose -breasted gros and is available from the Su beak, on duly 8 an immature perintendent of Documents, bird flew througn an open win Washington, at §1 per copy. dow of the fifth floor or the It is National Museum Bulletin main office building. It of No. 179. course followed that the oocu- pant of that office got in N2ST OF THS OVEN-BIRD touch with George Bainbrldge on the same floor. After a Apparently not all SBC mem few minutes in the office, bers are familiar with the mostly up on pipes near the nest of the oven-bird for on a ceiling, the bird flew away. recent field trip Bomeone asked "Why is a bird that says CENTRAL PARK TRIP •Teacher, teacher, teacher1 called an oven-blrd?H On Saturday, April 25, the On a wooded trail early one writer took charge of a trip gray evening in June, a little through Central Park, starting brownshadowslipped suddenly from the archery grounds at through the undergrowth and 7 a. m« Six were present. We then fluttering pitifully on hoped to see warblers but not the ground gave an obvious in one appeared, although we cov dication of a nest nearby. ered thB area north of Stump Sureenough therewas the Pond where I expected to find beautiful little domed nest of the myrtle warbler. Unfortu the oven-bird, for all the nately, we did not cover the world like a little old-fash pine tree district to the ioned Dutch oven. Under the south, where we might have arched roof exquisitely fash found the pine warbler. ioned of the materials of the The list of birds seen in forest floor, a clutch of five cluded: Starling, downy wood eggs was Just visible. pecker, ruby-crowned kinglet, — D.C. chickadee, cedar waxwing,cow- bird, crow, Junco (two dozen), EARLY ORIOLE chipping sparrow, blue Jay, song sparrow, meadowlark, red An early date for the Balti wing, yellow-bellied sapsuck- more oriole was established er, field sparrow. There were this year at Troy — May l. perhaps a dozen of the king — Everett Q. I&m, Troy lets, and we were lucky in one case to see the ruby crown. STORM BIRDS We enjoyed a good view of the field sparrow singing in an Recall the rather brief but open field, north of the unusually heavy rain of Satur woods. day afternoon, Hay 23? Not — IL V.D.Allen more than five minutes before -66- August, 1942 the downpour started, a turkey whenwe drove near the farm. vulture went overNiskayuna. Following the swallows, we Its tall was narrowed and It soon found several pairs of was aiming duenorth, with no oliffs were nesting under the time Bpent in idle sailing. eaves of the barn and also on During the first few minutes the other buildings. of the storm starlings were — Prances 8. Reeves seen in straight-line flight back to their roosts. The AOUEDITOR rain prettywell quieted down all the songs, but a few robin The Amerloan Ornithologists1 calls were heard. And, before Union has elected John T. Zim- the storm was over, a mallard mer,executive curator of birds drake was seen to fly from its of the American Museum of Na nesting to its feeding area. tural Iftstory, to the post of The slight sprinkle that editor of The Auk,the official continued after thereal rain organ of the society. Ha suc had stopped wasnot enough to ceeds Dr. Glover M. Allen, who keep the robins from returning died in February. to their search on the lawns. — G.B. BIRDS A HAZARD

PARK FLICKERS Birds are a hazard to trans port planes, Allen L. Morse Police Officer E. Klein has of the C A A said ata recent reported his observations on aeronautical meeting. There the nest building and raising have been, since 1939, 61 air of the young of a pair of plane accidents in which birds flickers In Central Park. were involved. Two-thirds of While making his rounds he themwere at night; a third was attracted by a brown bird shattered or penetrated wind with a red spot on the back of shields. the head. The bird washewing In one case a plane collided out its home in a maple tree with a flock of five night- about four feet from the flying swans, with consider ground, Just off Pehr Avenue. able damage to the plane, not With Its stout bill It tore to mention death to the birds. into the tree and broke off large pieces until it had a AT BUFFALO round hole in which the eggs could be laid and the young Buffalo bird observers had a hatched. Offloer Klein both series of early migration rec watched and photographed them. ords this year, particularly — Alice Itolmes in late April and early May. Their total throve h April was CLIFF SWALLOW COLONY 160 species. The annual duck census, on A gathering of swallowsnear April 12, showed a decided in an old barn on the road at the crease in Canada geese but de foot of the Helderbergs be creases in the cases of most tween Altamont and Voorhees- of the ducks* ville has attracted the atten A sage thrasher, purely ac tion of seveml people. Sun cidental as a bird of that vi day, June 7, we stopped to cinity, was collected as a study the group since one specimen on the trip; that was cliff swallow was Identified the outstanding find. -67- FEATHERS

LATE ROUGH-LEGGED LATE GEBSB

On May 17 a small group made Not only were they excep the annual trip to Indian Lad tionally late, but they were der to find the worm-eating also headed In an unusual di warbler. Several were heard rection — in mid-afternoon on on the wooded hillside and one May 21 a flock of about 50 Oa- was seen In some low under nada geese went down the Mo brush* The usual twushes and hawk over Nlskayuna, headed warbler* were abundant, and east toward the Hudson. Their two hawks were soaring above flight formation was the usual the tree tops. Watching them V, and they were high. Their for some time, we Identified honking was the first Indica them as rough-legged hawks. tion of their presence* Again on June 7 we went to — G.B. Indian Ladder. As we started BANDED GEESS up the old road we were greet ed by some very unusual and It is reported that, of the amusing calls. No other bird 26,500Canada geese banded by but the yellow - breasted onat Jack Miner In 27 years at his could tease us as thebirdwas Klngsvllle, Ont., sanctuary, doing, and sure enough It was only six of the 6,000 reports the chat.' A golden - winged have been of birds killed west warbler called as we neared of the Mississippi. the edge of the wooded sec tion. At this late date It IN NEW ENGLAND would seemas If they were nesting there. We have found New England records In March them In this section for at Included three reports of the least three conBeoutlve years. American egret; and many ex Several worm-eating warblers ceptionally early reports were were singing from their usual turned In for variousspecies high perches. On our return duringApril. trip through the ravine a barred owl sounded off several OIL SLICKS TRAP BIRDS times; It was being tormented by some crows and blue Jays, Oilfrom tankers and other as usual. craft sunk In naval warfare In Near the farm buildings the Atlantic Is taking Its where on May 17 we first saw toll of North American bird the rough - legged hawk, the life, according to the east bird again appeared. This coast migratory bird officer time we very definitelycould of the Canadian Department of Identify him. It Is very unu Mines and Resources, sual fora rough-legged to be Observers along the coast In this area In the summer, as report that Increasing numbers he Is an Irregular winter vi of waterfowl and sea birds are sitor. being was tied ashore, dead or To make our trip complete, a nearly dead* The oil from plleated woodpecker called as sunken vessels or submarines we approached the Anderson's oomes to the surface and then yard, and before we left he floats for days In oalm pat was seen nearby on a tree be ches or slicks, often extend side the little bridge where ing overwide areas. The we had parked our car. birds alight on the oil-calmed — Nelle Van Vorst water and, once their plumage -68- August, 1942

Is saturated with oil, they ciety. Inoreased traffic to are unableto fly, and must the oemetery has been notioed drift helplessly until death since the advertisements ap by cold or starvation ends peared and there has been oon- their misery* slderable bird study there. The oemetery believes the NEW PUBLICATIONS bird angle has solved the problem of finding a suitable Diseases of Upland Game subject far oemetery adverti Birds; Pish and Wildlife Ser sing. vice, Conservation Bulletin 21; 32 p. 11., 15 cents. FEWER Barnes for Birds; Fish and Wildlife Service, Conservation Without vouching for the Bulletin 14; 24 p. 11., 10 correctness of the figures, we cents. quote a recentnewspaper Item Local Bird Refuges; Fish and to the effect thatbird life Wildlife Service, Conservation in this country has deoreased Bulletin 17; 17 p. 11., 10 75 per cent in 60 years. cents. Improving the Farm Environ ABOUT SWALLOWS ment for Wildlife; Fish and Wildlife Servioe, Conservation Reference has already been Bulletin 12; 56 p. 11., 10 made (page 66) to tte new vol cents. ume of life histories by Bent. Wildlife Management through Among those quoted in the book Soil Conservation on Farms in is Dayton Stoner, one ofthis the Northeast; revised 1942; month1 s authors vp. 57) • Agriculture Department, Far Dr. Stoner has done much mers1 Bulletin 1868; 52 p. 11. original work in his study of map, 10 oents. the swallows; and the new vol Available from the Superin ume contains numerous refer tendent of Documents, Washing ences to his work. ton; or through the SBC secre tary* AGAIN. WATER OffiSTNUT

CEMETERY BIRDS Another possibility for rid ding looal waters of water ApropoB of the article by ahestnut —> about which so Barrington S. Ifevens concern much has been said and so lit ing the birds of ValeCeme tle done — may be offered by tery (page 59, this issue), it an organic chemical, sodium is of interest to note what is pentachlorphenate. This chem going on in Buffalo. We quote ical, called Santobrite com a clipping: mercially, has been used with Forest Lawn Cematery In Buf success in ridding southern falo features birds in its waters of water hyacinth. newspaper advertisements. Co Eighty parts per million is py which runs regularly in a sufficiently strong solution Buffalo Evening News describes to killthat plant; five parts the different birds seenin per million will retard ths the cemetery and carries il growth. lustrations of each one. A ohemioal, with atleast a The advertisements were pre different trade name, was gi pared in collaboration with vena trial in Collins Lake the Buffalo Ornithological So- In 1939. -69- FSATHSRB

MORE CQWBIRD3? clvillzed tactics of self-pre servation — or destruction as At least some local bird ob ttB case may be. servers have been wondering If "Not being fully certain oowblrds were unusually common from the human angle, I can this summer* Small flocks of only say, I trust I am wrong them were to be found In many from the bird's-eye view of sections where they had not the situation, but again there been seen In other recent sum is some doubt, for it isn't mers; and many of them wereto all the bird's fault, because, be seen, particularly in early for purely logical reasons, June, day after day on the most gas utilities construct same city or suburban lawns. their gas holders and fuel tanks near the water, which is TRANSOCEANIC also in close proximity to the shore, and where there is a A captured at Bo- shore, there is 'shore' to be navista Harbour, Newfoundland, sea gulls. during the autumn of 1939, MNow sea gulls love clams, proved to be a long-dlBtance but the pesky clams have a traveler. It had been banded, hard shell surrounding their and investigation revealed the tasty morsels, for their pro gull had been banded during tection, I guess, or maybe thesummer of 1938 on the Is It's to keep them warm in win land of Kharlov by a worker of ter; anyway, sea guile don't the Central Bureau for Bird go for the idea at all. But Ringing, Moscow. The Island if and when Mr. Gull does suc of Kharlov lies in the Barents ceed in snatching his hard- Sea, off the coast of Mur shelled friend from the mud, mansk, about 200 miles within he plaoes Mr. or Mrs. Clam, as the Arctic Circle. the case may be, gently but very firmly in his beak, and WINGS OVER STAMFORD takes off in a very graceful glide until he getshigh up o- We quote from "Illuminator,1* ver the oil fuel tank. When employes' magazine of the Con he sights the light painted necticut Power Company of top of the tank, be outs his Eartford, Conn.: motors and at the same time "With the war of survival on releases Mr. or Mrs. Clam from in full swing, and with dive his beak, dropping him or her bombing becoming more popular nine times out of ten, smack every day as an international on the target, where the shell pas tine In Europe, one some breaksand Mr. Gull descends times wonders if some of the rapidly to enjoy the agonizing ideas we so-called humane have remains, thus saving wear and flashed across our mind from tear on his beak. If Mr. Gull time to time aren't theout were a good bird, he would al growth of observations made of so dispose of the shell and the habits of birds; than, on salt water and mud which rests theother hand, onealso won on the top of the tank, but ders if some of the birds one can't expect oneto eat aren't slowly falling into the plate too, so up on the sort of a deoadency, gradually tank about three times a week descending from their former goes our Steeple Jack, and lofty heights of grandeur to sweeps off about a bushel of copy some of our modern, anti- shells, then repaints portions -70- August. 1942 of the tank wtdoh have become grackle close together on the corroded from the salt water. ground. The robin foundworms To relieve this nuisance, which the grackle tookand why not fool these birds. proceeded to eat. The woman They're not half as smart aa was annoyed until she saw the the war birds on the other robin actually offer a worm to side, and those birds are •che graokle. Then she ob fooled every day in the week served that the grackle was a by camouflage. So why not use young bird and had only on8 camouflage on the tops of leg, and that tha friendly ro tanks and holders with "various bin was feeding it. colored paint? It'll fool these looalgulls and may HSNSLOff'S. INCREASING Berve some day to fool some other gulls — not so local Henslow's sparrow very de and who wouldn't drop clams." finitely Is an increasingspe cies locally. Ten or so years CALCIUM CHLORIDE ago it was customary to drive maybe several miles to a few You've seen -various birds favored spota where the "flee- feeding in and along newly sick notes could be heard and snow-scraped roads duringthe the singing birds seen atop winter ~ maybe you are one of the tall weeds. those who have mentioned see- Each succeeding year has re Ing pine grosbeaks In the road vealed more summer places for up inthe Adirondacks in re this inconspicuous sparrow. cent winters. Among new sections are' two a- Now we learn from The Auk, long the Rosendale Road, one in a report from Roc heater, a fieldon the left Just be that oalcium chloride, often fore reaching the old school- used to melt the snow from house, and the other a field roads, is a poisonous lure for on the left Just beyond the Y- many birds. White-winged and intersection with the river red crossbills, pine grosbeaks road. There are a few places and pine siskins were killed along the Schenectady - Troy by the hundreds in March, 1941 road also. One Is on the left when they ate such salt on the out of Schenectady, in the Saranac-Tupper road. The ef field atop the hill Just be fect of the salt is apparently yond the Cemetery-Pearse Road to sake the birds so sick that Intersection near Stop 14. they do not rise from the road to escape from automobiles. EVER NOTICE IT?

AGED SPARROW You have seen such flight plenty of times, butcan you In The Auk of July, Dayton offhandedly describe the undu S toner reports on a oaptive lating flight of the gold English sparrow that lived, finch or downy woodpecker? caged, for 12 years- It died Does it, for instance, dip in Albany last year. on set wings and rise with beating wings, or does It beat GOOD SAMARITAN its wings on the downward part of the flight and then glide A woman waiting in a parked up? And does It sound off its car while her oompanion did an call while gliding or beating, errand, noticed a robin and a while rising or descending? -71- FEATHERS August. 194S

ANOTHSR SEASON HOSPITAL

Maybe it seems as though It Schenectady has several pla 1b still Bummer, "but already ces where night hawks are seen It is autumn for many of the regularly. One is the vicini birds. ty of Ellis Hospital, and it The shorebirds are already Is atop some of the flat roofs working to the south* Warb or the hospital buildings that lers, In plumages far differ the birds nest year after ent from those of May, are to year. be found flocked.Swallows To the rear of the hospital are bunched. Roosting colo Is a large, cindered area for nies of the various blackblrdB parking automobiles. Just be are of increasing size. Some foredark on July 4 an adult of our summer residents have and two young night hawks were already disappeared; and those to be seen on these cinders, to be heard are far fewer. with close approach permitted. And It won't be long now be The first hospital visitor to fore there will be plenty of find the birds that night saw ducks on the rivers and lakes, them in one of the main drive and migration In full sway. ways, closely bunched together and threatened with death by POINTED any passing car. It was not difficult to pick out the par It was a paved road that had ent bird — when an observer light traffic. On this day in bent too close, the old bird early June a dog stood in the was the one to spread her center of it, facing the on wings, open wide her mouth, coming car, and apparently not andbecome noisy. intending to move. The road It was not difficult to put was a narrow one, and there all three birds Into flight, was hardly room enough to pass but it was another matter to the dog on either side. The keepthemfrom alighting only car was moved slowly up and a few feet away, still in the the dog — a young pointer — driveway. Finally, when two never budged. visitors teamed up on the Then the cause became appar birds, it was possible to ent. A few feet in front of flush the young to a low, the dog was a young English stone window sill, where the sparrow. Not until the driver parent bird soon Joined them. stepped into the road did ei In the next few evenings It ther bird or dog budge, and was easy to follow the birds then it wasthe bird that made in flight- over the hospital. the firstmove. It flew a There was a decided difference hundred feet or so, low over a in the quality of the notes of fence and down intoa field. theold and young. A week la Quickly the dog raced after ter, however, either the young tha bird. had attained practically ma Some might say that the dog, ture voices or else they had realizing that the bird was moved on to other hunting threatened , was protecting grounds, for the voices of the itby standing there. However, birds were all much alike. the way the dog chased the Incidentally, the hospital bird made It apparent that the night hawks have always been sparrow had been hunted out by conspicuous for toe amount of the pointer. "zooming" they do. -72- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, Ho. 9 September,1942

EAGLES AND EGRETS

Geneva L. Sddy

One can hardly put in words what a delight the Hudson Ri ver trip Is, though early Saturday morning, August 15, as three of us neared Albany, blankets of fog made a boat trip to see birds Beem a bit foolish. However, being bird enthusiasts as well as optimists regarding weather, we took the 9:20 boat, anticipating a clearance of weather and plenty of birds — and neither of these failed us.

The trip itself is restful. We said "We will Just sit back and relax," always keeping an eye out for anything with wings, to be sure.

The mate on the Robert Pulton was very kind and, noting our interest in birds, told us to look for the American egrets between Coxsackle and Hudson, and that between Markers 67 and 65 on the west shore bald eagles could be seen, we were nap- pilythrilled at ttie prospect. But even without birds I could recommend the trip. There were long stretches of shoreline in varying shades of green, often entirely bordered and with glimpses of fields beyond of the lovely purple loosestrife, and here and there a dotting of small poplars gold-leafed for fall, so as we glided along we watched a continuing flower garden.

Then we saw a black-crowned night heron, then another, then great blue herons — they seemed numberless on the trip. We were too excited to relax ~ the word was without meaning to us. We began to watch for eagles. No sooner spoken thana fine adult flew by. The white head and spreading white tail as he alighted made a striking contrast to his dark body and wings. On a stretch of sandy beach near Marker 70 we saw two immature bald eagles and a third bird with much tawny plumage in wings and tail. We consulted th8 ever-ready "Peterson," for an immature golden eagle would have looked well on our list and this particular bird seemed to fit the description nicely. Sadly we put him down finally as an immature bald eagle. Sadly? No, there wasn't a sad moment on the trip. We Just put him down. -73- FEATHSRS

The egrets came Into view, one, then three, and then so many we counted up to 35, and Just had to estimate after that. The boat was moving, we were excited, and so we lost count. I think a safe estimate would be 50, perhaps more. Some stood in the river, some were in flight with graceful movements of their largewhite wings. On our return trip all the egrets were roosting in trees. There were too many again to count accurately. They looked like huge white boquets scattered a- mong the green boughs. It was a picture to remember.

We ate our picnic lunch at Kingston Point where a park and a nice picnic place ramble over a hill beside a brook filled with water plants and the blue pickerel weed in blos som. It is no doubt an excellent spot to findwarblers and I am sure — though I cannot prove it — that there were bit terns there.

Other waterbirds for the day included the double-crested cormorant, blue-winged teal, baldpate, black duck, herring and Bonaparte gulls, and, last of all,, on the tripback, high on a bare tree-top sat an osprey.

(For other descriptions of this section, see Wilson Bulletin, March 1941, p. 41, Dayton Stoner; and al so FEA.THERS, September 1941, p. 77, Nelle VanVorst.)

TIME FLIES AT AUDUBQN NATURE CAMP Minnie B. Scotland

Did you ever make a sundial, a war-time sundial? No? Well, I hadn1t either until I went to the Audubon Nature Camp on Hog Island off the coast of Maine. It happened this way. At the first meeting of the Nature Activities group I learned that every camper had to decide upon some project and to de velop it within his two weeks1 stay at camp. After pondering awhile I chose to do something about which I knew nothing, > namely, to make a sundial on war-time. A helpful instructor, Miss Dorothy A. Treat, and a shelf of nature books aided me greatly in carrying out my project.

Fortunately it rained for four days the first week of camp, for that gaveme plenty of time to do all the computa tions and to make my diagram, and, incidentally, to locate a large, flat stone on thebeach. On the first clear day I man aged to get two young men to move the stone to the lawn in front of the office and to transfer my plan to the face of it. With part of a wire coat-hanger for a gnomon, imbedded in a cup of plaster-of-Paris at Just the right angle (43.58° for Medomak, Me.) with the base line, I waited for the sun to re appear from under a lingering cloud.

Well, It checked, but It needed double-checking through several days to convince me that my sundial worked. I have heard, since leaving camp, that it is really functioning. One thing that I found out about a complete sundial was that it

-74- September, 1942

always had to have a motto. And so, the last strokes of the "brush, after the Roman numerals had been painted, wrote, "Time Files at Audubon Nature Camp."

Instead of this meteorological project I could have ar ranged an exhibit of different kinds of soil, as the girl from Florida did. Or there was the Interesting compilation of food plants, grouped by the social worker from Boston Intoa book let the shape of a pot and entitled "Pot-pourri." The Nature Trail game planned by the twins from Aberdeen, Md., excited Interest; and the very neatlylabelled display of many kinds of mosses, arranged by the man from Baltimore, was admired. A fine exhibit of rocks collected, labelled, and well grouped was the work of a mother from Chicago who was at camp with her daughter. A survey of nesting birds was well dome by a Massa chusetts girl who aspires to become an officer In W.A.A.C. A terrarlum showing the succession of plants from shore to cli max forest was executed by the youngest member, a lively four teen-year-older from Long Island. These were a few of the projects that we all enjoyed duringour last days of Nature Activities.

What prompted me to write the not-too-orlglnal motto on my sundial? Well, It was the very truth of It. Never have minutes cast their shadows so quickly — so It seemed. And yet, I feel that the Inspiration from these two weeksat Audu bon Camp Is like an accumulation of lengthening shadows that win ever be with me. In Edna Becker's account of "A Day at Audubon Camp" (FEATHERS, August 1941, p. 60) thespirit of the camp was truly reported. This spirit Is due largely to the excellent staff, who are real educators. A statement gleaned in one of the talks on conservation will apply here. It was from Angelo Patrl: "Education Is lighting a lamp, not filling a bucket.11 Audubon campers are eager to learn, and they feel confidence in their instructors who do impart thsir own In fectious enthusiasm."

Perhaps the telling of a few high spots on our lasttrip on the Osprey, one of two boats owned by the Audubon Society, will reveal best the advantages of Audubon Nature Camp. Ear lierwe had visited Old Hump Lodge, down Muscongus Bay, and had seen the nesting cormorants. Not only had we observed the adults on and off the nests, but we had watched the struggling young peck open the shell and gradually emerge from the eggs. We were told that in 1900 there was not a cormorant on the is land, but that in 1931 eight breeding birds were counted and that last year, Just 10 years later, the number totalled 367 pairs of nesting birds. The cormorants have far outnumbered herring gulls on Old Hump.

We had stopped at the still untrampled Wreck Island to see the teronry with its great blues and black-crowned night herons winging and squawking overhead. From the boat we had become acquainted with the common loon, the black-"backed and laughing gulls, the white-winged, surf, and American scoters, the common and Arctic terns, not to mention a surprise flock of American eiders that oroaaed the bow rather close to the -75- FEATHERS water. We had learned to reoognlze the frequently seenosprey and had had one good view of a bald eagle.

But the moat unusual experience came when we were on our last trip, the one to Eastern Egg Rock. Here the nests of herring gulls abounded, and campers had to watch carefully to avoid stepping on eggs or young. Though the family life of herring gulls was Interesting, the real thrill came when Allan Cruickshank reached arm's length Into a burrow and brought out a Leach's petrel. It seemedlike magic until I realized that we were fortunate enough to be on hand at the beginning of the petrel's nesting period, and that the bird Incubated Its sin gle egg at the end of a burrow about 18 Inches deep. When we had seen the tube-nosed1, drab-coloredbird and had caught the characteristic petrel odor, Mr. Crulckshank placed It on the turfsome dlstanoe from the opening of Its burrow. To our surprise It hurried directly toward the opening and disap peared all too quickly Into the dark passage.

Another act of apparent magic was the producing of eggs andfluffy black young of guillemots by crawling far under large tumbled-together rocks and reaching Into the sheltered crevloes where the birds had placed their nests.

Pew bird enthusiasts have had suohrare privileges as these. Conservation of bird life In Muscongus Bay, stimulated by the purchase and occupation of the Islands by the National Audubon Society, has made these experiences possible.

What of the land birds, you ask. More than eighty kinds were recorded during the two weeks. To me one of the most fascinating was the northern parula warbler as It laced to gether strands of the llchon, Usnea, for Its beautifully cam ouflaged nest. A new bird on the camp list was reported by Carl W. Buchhelater, the dlreotor. It was none other than the mockingbird.

I wish that I might tell you of the marine class and the wonders revealed on collecting trips. Joseph Cadbury, the In structor, delighted In handing us speolmens with the challeng ing remark, HNow, you're stuck,*1" ~ and most of the time we were. It was very stimulating to the Inquiring mind. I can't resist telling of an experience on the freshwater trip overon the mainland. I&ve you ever found yourself knee-deep In a fast-flowing stream, with fish all around you swimming up stream to spawn? Well, we did, and all we had to do to get e- ndugh fish for lunch the next day was to bend over and catch those alewlves in our hands, believe It or not!

Then there were those visits to the botany class under the direction of Dr. Joslah Lowe.It was an opportunity to sit inon a study of lichens and mosseswhere material was a- bundant and simple keys wereprovided to help In identifying the different kinds.

My sundial motto waa right; time did fly at Audubon Camp.

-76- September. 1942

ELK LAKE, 1942

George H. Balnbrldge

Abandonment, In view of the gasoline and rubber muddle, of a proposed -vacation In the West, raised the question "What to do that would be easy on tires and the gasoline ration?" A long-felt desire to see some sunrises and sunseta at Elk Lake, and maybe photograph a bit, together with a recollection of the enjoyable time some SBCmembershad there last year in Mr. Rogers' Nature Group (FEATHERS, September 1941, p. 74) an swered this question.

Arrangements were accordingly made with Mr. Rogers and Mr. Davis, manager of Elk Lake Camps, to Join the secondperi od, July 19 - August 2, of Mr. Rogers' group. So, as the e- ventful day arrived, into the Dodge went nature books, field glasses, cameras, Folbot, Staway, and everything but the kit chen sink. Even so, there was enough room in the front seat for what 1b left of the Bginbrldge family at 32 Washington Road, and departure was made for Elk Lake Sunday morning, July 19. Tea, verily, it was one of the hottest days ever. Short ly after noon Elk Lake hove into view, witha cordial welcome from our genial but perturned host, Mr. Davis, and later from Mr. Rogers, when he returned from meeting otherB at the train.

Yes, it was hot even at Elk Lake, but nothing like Sche- nectady. After noon meal we took over a room in the Darling Cottage, where most of the Nature Group, including Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, were staying. At this time there was also at Elk Lake Camps a hiking group of about a dozen members, led by E. A. Dench, whom some willremember as theauthor of the hik ing column which appeared In Nature Magazine a few years ago. The rest of the day was spent in swimming, eating, setting up the Folbot, an apparently novel and interesting operation to the many bystanders, and later an evening paddle on the lake.

Although Elk Lake is a man-made body of water by virtue of a timber cribdam at its south end, It is nevertheless an island-studded wilderness-Jewel, encircled on the east, north and west by the high Adirondack peaks, MoComb (elevation 4425 ft.); Dlx (4842 ft.); Nlppletop (4620 ft.); Colvin Range (max. 4074 ft.); and Boreas (3815 ft.). The lake' is streamfed only by East Inlet, flowing south out of Banters Pass, between Dlx and Nlppletop, and by WeBt Inlet, flowing Boutn out of Elk PaBs between Nlppletop and Colvin. However, due to past lum bering operations on the Bides of these mountains draining in to Elk Lake and the resultant erosion, the run-off Is toora pid to maintain uniformity of flow. Moreover, the dam leaks considerably and the lake level is apparently low. The U. S. Geological Survey map gives the elevation of the lake as 1986 feet above sea level* The wilderness charm of the lake and particularly Its appeal to wild lifeas well as to nature lo-

-77- FEATHERS

vers> is further enhanoed by a tan On motor boats, including ?: The characteristics aorlptlon, a?;L «?-ffSg £J£ ^tftJKlake are mUCh^8lmllarf Bra. Anna Dloiceraan. aditor Ontario, in that the lake is 1088 Dean Street. Schaneotafr. N. Y. ^^J **«« vegetation-filled . - . _ .-— ^* . _ . with bog growth. Eventually, barring some natural upheaval or human interference, the lake will be like Gonsalus Vlaie (FEATH3RS, October 1939, p. 21).

Beginning Monday morning and each morning thereafter, those of the Nature Group at Darling Cottage were whistled out of bedbetween 6:30 and 7 a.m. by Mr. Rogers. Afterbreak fast, for which appetites werewell whetted by the exhilarat ing mountain air, oame a birding hike over some of the numer ous mountain trails; a walk to Clear Pond two miles south of Elk lake and well named; a canoe trip on Elk Lake, closely following the shore line and into the inlets; or a mountain climb. These outings were generally led by Mr. Rogers, al though the group sometimes divided so that those particularly interested in plant life oould go with Mrs. Rogers. Oneday the group climbed Boreas, and on another occasion most of the groupwenton a hike to Ranters Pass. Except for these two hikes, everybody was on deck for the noon meal with an appe tite oapable of doing full Justice to the excellent food served. Afterwards, everyone was on his own. Some rested, others did not, and nearly every daya few enjoyed the swim ming in water which was surprisingly warm for a mountain stream-fed lake. In the late afternoon the group gathered at the Darling Cottage fora talk on birds by Mr. Rogers. These talks covered thedifferent families and species, with parti cular emphasis on the birds likely to be found at Elk Lake and vicinity. Mr. Rogers used bird skins for illustration. Since the members of the group were free to handle these skinsaf terwards, one could readily become better acquainted with some of the fine points not readilu visible in field glass ranges. The lasttalk given by Mr. Rogers was devoted to mammals, of which there wereseen at the lake and vicinity, white-tailed deer, "beaver, red fox, muskrat, porcupine, red squirrel, and white-footed mouse. And thereby hangs a tale.

One SBC member of the mouse-fearing sex decided at even ing meal after returning from the strenuous hikeInto Hunters Pass (during most of the time it rained and RAINED) that If sleep wereto be enjoyed that night, the nocturnal prowler In her room, one white-footed mouse, should take his dally dozen elsewhere than around her bed. So came a bright idea — one piece of processed cheese, not too surreptitiously lifted from the cheese supply on the table, was very carefully placed Ina strategic position on the porch outside her room. This kept Hmousle° busy, and the very much fatigued SBC member "slept soundly and soundless, without anyqualms as to the movements of the room's pet.

The white-footed mouse was not the only nocturnal prowler

-78- September, 1942 to disturb light sleepers at theDarlingCottage.The floor of a nearby dilapidated outhouse made a grand sounding board on which a porcupine freely sharpened his teeth. The accom panying noise was anything but soporific.

After evening meal some took to the canoes fora trip on the lake, usually to one of the beaver houses to see theeven- Ing performance. This consisted largely of the water-spanking Job, whloh the beaver does only too well at surprising moments. Morning tripsonthelake almost Invariably resulted in find ing deerstanding in the water and feeding, with bucks deci dedly in the minority.

The second-period Nature Group was not fortunate enough to see the three evening grosbeaks which were reported as seen tte second week of the first group. These birdswere reported as one male, onefemale,and one questionable, possibly a young bird. They were seen at the lodge and alsoat Clear Pond. Where they bred is a question. Chapman, In his "Ifend- book of Birds of Eastern North America," second revised edi tion, page 509, lists the evening grosbeak as breeding once at Woodstock, Vt. (Auk, 1926; 549)- It Is therefore within the realm of possibility that thetwo adult evening grosbeaks bred not veryfar from Elk Lake.

During the second period (July 19 - August 2), the songs of the birds were diminishing in length and intensity, al though some like the termlt thrush were still singing beauti fully. One hermit Just started her nest about the time the group arrived. When we left, she had three handsome blueeggs under her* On the whole, though, the nesting season was about over. A pair of myrtle warblers had brought forth one brood near the dam, and were busily engaged in feeding a second, much younger brood. Cedar waxwlngswere everywhere. One pair nested near the lodge and emptied their nest during the first week of the second period. One morning a nest of the least flycatcher was found with young, but during the day something wrecked this nest and did away with the young. There were several broods of American mergansers on Elk Lake and one brood on Clear Fond. Elk Lake also had several loons. Appar ently only one pair bred. Originally this pair had two young, but one disappeared. The survivor was as much fish as bird If the length of time he or she could stay under water is any criterion. Observations of loons for several years, and es pecially in the Canadian lake country, fails to make any point for the old saying, ttGrazy as a loon.

The wing and tail feathers of a broad-winged hawk were found ina circle of small diameter in a boggy but wooded sec tion wellup East Inlet. The feather-pulling Job looked as if a red fox made the kill, but how a hawk could fall prey to a fox unless the hawk was disabled, sickly, or unable to get away quickly through the tangle of young trees is a mystery.

Fifty-three species of birds were recorded by the writer. Most outstanding of the records -- no crow, no starling.

•79- FEATHBRS September, 1942

NEWS S NOTES IN BRIEF

NEXT MEETING — An Interesting collection of motion pictures 18 scheduled for the next SBC meeting, scheduledfor Monday night, September 28, in the Old Chapel of Union College. For details about the films, see the supplement with this issue* The meeting is an open one — bring your friends,

PORT EDWARD MARTINS — Friends had shown us a purple martin colony in Glens Falls, near Crandall Park; we had discovered for ourselves the colony at Innisoara in Saratoga Springs; and we had been told of a colony at Fort Edward, butoppor tunity had not presented to follow the clue. In July sever al of us were driving east on Route 197 and as we entered Route 4 and the town of Fort Edward our genial SBC ohalrman and secretary said, *I hear purple martins'1 — and there we were, right at thepurple martin colony. It Is located on the main street of the townnear the Junction of Routes197 and 4, with two apartment houses on poles providing adequate accommodations for a sizeable colony* ...Dorothy Caldwell.

MOUNTAIN ASH. GONE — Late in August I noticed robins were feeding on the berries of four mountain ash trees in our neighborhood. " There was a good crop of bright red berries on each tree — they did look appetizing, but I assumed were not eaten by birds exoept during the late winter months when hard-pressed for food. A scarcity of food could hardly have explained their eating at this time, after the wet growing season of 1942, when there was an abundance of fruit of all kinds. Although the trees are only about three Inches in di ameter, each must have yielded at least five quarts of ber ries. The birds displayed a little system in harvesting, by concentrating their efforts ononetreeata time, and be ginning atone end of the row. Nearly all the birds I noticed in the trees were young robinB — often four to six in a tree. By September 1 prac tically every berry had disappeared from all of the four trees. .... B. D. Miller.

URBAN MARSH WREN — In late August W. R. Steele found an un- expected visitor in his yard in Scotia. First he heard, and then he saw, a long-billed marsh wren. The amount of marsh in the vicinity is zero, and the wren was gone the next day.

MIGRATING B&WKS — Schenectady does not seem to have the pro nounced migrations of hawks that some sections experience, but even so there are occasions when such movements are evi dent. Malcolm Andrews reported on a flight this spring (FEATHERS, May 1942, p. 37). Now we have reports of some fall flights. On August 29 and 30 buteos and acolpiters in numbers were seen irregularly through the day headed south across the Mohawk at Nlskayuna; and on September 13 the I&l- lenbecks and Bainbridges found a movement at Indian' Ladder.

-80- FEATHERS Published by the Schenectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No. 10 October, 1942

HENRY BOYD,BIRD MIMIC, WILL FEATURE OCTOBER MEETING Bird Man of Columbia Broadcasting System at Nott Terrace High School on 21 st Tickets Available for Public

Did you ever hear a bird that bad a very striking song, a song that you vividly remembered — but a bird you never Iden tified because you couldn't see the bird and because you did not know the song? Maybe that song will be recalled to your memory at the October meeting, on Wednesday, the 21stt In the Nott Terrace High Sohool Auditorium at 8 o'clock.

Hanry Boyd, rated among the foremost bird Imitators of our times, will present his featured talk, HTales from Bird- land." This Is an hour lecture Illustrated with colored ster- eoptloan slides made especially for him. The program Includes Interesting facts about bird music, general Information about bird life, and unusual true experiences he has had with birds. Mr. Boyd, of New York City and to be heard regularly on the Columbia Broadcasting System, imitates scores of birdB and teB been knom as the "classic whistler* because of the type of music he warbles. Ha has lectured on bird study ever since boyhood. HMr. Boyd is a super-specialist. He is a bird oon- mentator who narrates the events of birdland, the New Yorker magazine has said in referring to him.

Tickets on Sale

The response of SBC members to previous featured meet ings has been so good that it has been found possible to sup ply tickets without charge for the use of members. Tickets for ttf publlo arebeing made available through the members, and they will also be available that night at the auditorium.

Members having tickets for sale are asked to report on them by October 18 to any member of the ticket committee, or to Mrs. Chester N. Moore, program committee, from whom addi tional tickets can be secured. -81- FEATHERS

NEWS a NOTES IN BRIEF

REWARDED — A different kind of reacued-bird atory was rela ted in FEATHERS for August (page 65). The atory has a se quel. Quoting the Union-8tar of July 22: nA kind deed to a young bird several weeks ago brought Its reward to Joseph Reynolds,son of lira. Dorothy I- Reynolds of 470 Veeder Street today when he was presented a book, "Travelling With Birds,' by the flohenectady Bird Club. " The lad found a young bird whioh apparently bad fallen from its nest before its winga were fully developed. !fe put it ina bush near his home and watched and guarded it, until it was able to fly away."

SOUTHBOUND -- Plenty of migrating hawks can be seen in both spring and fall over Soheneotady, but they passover in rel atively small numbers at a time, and over a relatively long period of time. On Sunday, September 20, it was apparent o- ver Niskayuna that the hawk movement was still in progress, even though late August had also bad its flight. That Sun day's records included mostly the three more common buteoa - red-shouldered, red-tailed, and broad-winged - and also three kinds of acoipiters - Cooper's, sharp-shinned, and one gos hawk- Falcons were absent, except for one high-flying duek hawk. And no marsh hawks were seen. It was very evident that night that many other species were migrating. Call notes of many kinds could be heard, starting almost as soon as it was dark. It wasnot a parti cularly dark night, however. Even thoughthe sky was partly cloudy, the nearly full moon gave considerable light. Many of the birds could be followed as coming in from the north, their call notes becoming louder and vanishing to the south* There were migrants withloud whistles, others with nasal chirps, some with almost whispered notes. The next night was colder, the sky clear, and the moon bright* Again the migrants could be heard. Therewere the unmistakable cry of the killdeer and the quaoklng of duoks whlc h may or may not have been migrating. Incidentally, try the stunt sometime of watching the face of tha bright moon through telescope or binoculars, and see how many migrating birds you can count ina given time, in flight across your view. Maybe you'll even be able to iden tify some of them. ••• G.B.

DIM VIVIMU3VIVAMU3 — Allan Cruiokshank chose to quote Ca tullus when ha autographed a copy of his recent book for me. "Dum vivimus vivamus" 'While we live, let us live) serves as an excellent thought for a conservationist to write in his book on "Birds around New York City, Whereand When to Find Them." Inasmuch as one object of the Soheneotady Bird Club ia "conservation of bird life" and another 1b to collect data on bird life in an area not too distant from the region cov- -82- Ootober. 1942

ered by Mr* Cruioksbank, this up-to-date book on the migration and distribution of birds will be most wel- WttH** V the Sebeneotady Bird oome* The introduction of °*iib. Anaaftl ou&erahip, including 47 pages contains helpful wfttorlptlom Aotiva, %L\ aaaoc..*l. material in chart form of ooIIril# lBaa Mekoraan, Bditor eoological groups and sea- looo Dean Street, aeheaeotody* H» T. sonal variation; This is followed by429 pages of text, the content of which la the result of 20 years of keen observation and study in the field* This annotated list Is accompanied by 36 of the best photographs ever taken of birds* Thirteen pages of a care fully prepared index complete the volume* The American Museum of Natural History asked Mr* Cruiok sbank to write this book; and it has been published as Hind- book Series No.13, beautifully printed and bound, and unu sually low inprice, fl*75* • •■ Minnie B. Scotland.

YBB? — It's a question as to how much to believe when you read it in the newspapers* For Instance, here's an item out of a New England weekly: " Himmlngblrdo have to eat about every ten minutes during the daytime because the energy from their food is consumed by the rapid beating of theirwings as fast as it is pro- duoed. In New York recently, six hummers were taken on a 50-mlnute taxi drive, without food, from a pier to the Bronx zoo, with the result that one died and the other five passed into a coma from starvation." This hardiy Jibes with the fact, though, that hummers regu larly migrate, non-stop, across a few hundred miles of the Gulf of Mexico* Not much chance to feed every few minutes during that trip.

NSW PUBLICATIONS — From the Superintendent of Documents, at Washington, D*C., or through the SBC secretary: Miniature portraits, wildlife of our national parks (pos ter-stamps). Consists of 26 detachable poster-Btamps* Pub lishedby National Park Service ( 129*2: W 64 ), 10 cents* White-neoked ravek in relation to agriculture. 56 p. 11* Fish and Wildlife Service, Research Report 5, 10 cents. ( 149*26:5 ) Gives life history notes, damage caused by ra vens, food habits, eoonbmle status, and crop protection* A western desert species. Propagation of aquatic game birds. 40 p. 11. Fish and Wildlife 8ervloe, Conservation Bulletin 29; 10 oents. ( I 1*72: 29 ) Gives information relating to the propaga tion of the mallard duok, and other duoka, also Oanada geese and other geese.

MIGRATION — Augustg 22 was one of the dates this yearwhen plenty of night hawks were to be seen inlow, si lent flight. Dozens of them were seen going over the Troy Road in late afternoon, in a general southerly direction. They were a little earlier than usual, the flight generally being observed In early September* -83- FEAT HEIRS .

PILEATEDS — Decidedly unuBual were the circumstances under which two Scteneotadians 8aw pileated woodpeckers on Sunday, AuguBt 30. While they were driving along the main road "be tween Duanesburg and Quaker Street, in a high and open part of the territory, a pileated woodpecker flew from woods In the background and alighted on a lone tree beside the road. In another few seconds it was Joined by a second pileated.

A 0 U MEETING — The sixtieth stated meeting of the American ornithologists' Union will be held at Philadelphia October 12 to 16, with all programs at the Academy of Natural Sci ences, excepting the business meeting at the Warwick. In cludedin the program will be a field trip, by train, to the Witmer Stone Wildlife Sanctuary at Cape May, N. J. There will also be nearby field trips on Saturday, October 17. The new Audubon fell of Birds, of the Academy, will be open in time for the meeting*

MORE VULTURS8 — There seems to be no doubt about the turkey vulture extending its range to thenorth. As yet it is not really a bird of this vicinity — although there are occa sional records of it — but it's notnecessary to go very far south without finding them. Bear Mountain had several duringthe summer.

MOKE GROUSE — Hunting season on ruffed grouse opened October l to the north of the main New York Central tracks and will last through November 12. Simultaneously the woodcock sea son opened for 15 days. South of the tracks, the season on both opens October 15, woodcook for 15 days and grouse thru November 26. Quoting the State Conservation Department: "There seemed to be no reasonfor limiting the grouse sea son to the 15-day woodcock season. * In fact, two independent surveys were made — oneby the Bureau of Game, which re ceived reports from its own field foroes and fromgame pro tectors, and the otherbyCommissioner Osborne himself who circularized more than 700 fish and game clubs. "The resultB of thase surveys were almost identical. They revealed the fact that in most seotiona of the state, grouse appeared to be moreplentiful this year thanlast year and perhaps than In any recent year. Therefore, there appears tobe reason for extending the season rather than limiting It."

DUCK HUNTING — Duck hunters are entitled to be afield this year over an extended season and with longer shooting hours. Theseason for wild ducks, geese including brant, and coot, rails and galllnules is 70 days from October 15 to December 22. Last year the season lasted 60 days. Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset; last year they were from sunrise to4 p.m. There are numerous speolal provisions that must be kept in mind by the hunters, but it hardly seems necessary to go in to them here. The point Is, though, thatbird hikesalong the river will not amount to much from mid-October until Christmas.

-84- October, 1942

PISD TANAQER — A few seasons ago some of the patients at Mount McGregor were much Interested In watchingamale scar let tanager In the curious pled coat he wears as he changes from his brilliant nuptial plumage into his quieter travel ling clothes. My effortB to see the bird were In vain. This year on August 20 I was fortunate In obtaining my first glimpse of a scarlet tanager In postnuptial molt. He was bizarre indeed with his greenish head, dark wings, and breast flecked with patches of scarlet; no longer glorious to behold but most Interesting to see for one's self. ... Dorothy Caldwell

WAR-MINDED — Heard Sunday afternoon, August 9, onWashington Road, Scotia, a war-minded Baltimore oriole singing the so- called victory opening of Beethoven's 5th albeit Ina higher pitch but the timing was excellent — This birdrepeated this four-note phrase three times at Intervals of about one- quarter of a minute* ••• George B, Balnbrldge.

CHESTNUT — Not that enough has not already been Bald In our columns about water-chestnut, here's another Item. Says Southern Power and IndustryIn Its September lBSue: "A road building contractor bad a contract which Involved the remo val of hyacinths froma Florida canal, fyaclnths have de- fled the engineers for the last 25 years.This contractor made a special bucket with the aid of his welding and mach ine shop equipment and dipped the hyacinths out and dumped them on the bank. The special rig was a complete success." Maybe there's a germ of an Idea in that Item as to a way of fighting,the water chestnut In the Mohawk. A flat-bot tomed scow might be equipped with a similar special bucket, and a few million tons of the obnoxious weed removed from Collins Lake and the Mohawk.

HUDSON CHBSTNUT — Last year It was Indicated In FEATHERS (p. 94J that water chestnut might be becoming established In the Hudson River, as a result of the terrible condition of the uncared-for Mohawk. There were reports then of growths a- bove the Waterford bridge and In the Stookport marshes. This year Miss I. M. Smith of Earl ton, N. Y., forwarded a fruit of water chestnut to Albany, with the explanation she found it on the beach at Coxsaokle. This may reveal still another station for the plant. If the water chestnut becomes established In the Hudson — as It oertainly will if the Conservation Department or some otherInterested government agenoy doesn't do something a- bout it — it's not going to bemany years before there will bean army of hot-headed, real sore, Justifiably indignant duck hunters bitterly complaining about botulism killing off the Hudson ducks and chestnut making duck waters Impossible to penetrate. And, too, there will be a similar large army of fishermen unable to push their boats through the growth, and unable to find fish if they' do Buoceed. There's one thing certain — There's going to be a mess If action isn't taken. A State Biological Survey In 1934gave warning as to what to expect. -85- FEATHERS

PROTECTED — Maybe ths State Conservation is kidding, maybe It doesn't know the difference — at any rate, it regu larly announces that there will be no open seasonon Ross's goose. "There will be no open season In New YorkStateon snow geese, Ross's goose, swans and Wilson's snipe or Jackanlpe," says the Conservation Department's press release. A question — Did you ever hear of a Ross's goose being seenor taken anywhere in New York State or, for that mat ter, anywhere in the eastern part of the country.

100.OOP-MEMBER CLUB — The largest birdclub in the world has 100,000 members, according to George Sherwood Fly, writing in the American Legion Magazine recently* Connie Watts, a disabled veteran living on Apple Pie Ridge in the red-clay hills of Habersham, Ga., beloved bySidney Lanler, heard his neighbors complain that bluebirds- were building nests in mailboxes. He reasoned that the birds were not to be blamed, slnoe the 00C boys had cleaned out the old dead hollow trees in the forests, and the picturesque oldtime rail fences had Been supplanted bymodernwire ones. The purple martins were likewise homeless. Mr. Watto decided that the nation's housing shortage must not apply to birdB, so be whittled holes in gourds for the benefit of the martins, andbuilta few houseB for the blue birds. All were occupied so quickly that he made n>ore. He then organized the HDlxie Martin-Bluebird Cooperative Club* so as to enlarge the scope of the work* Radio station WSB, Atlanta, told about the cluband its founder onone of the broadcasts, and Mr. Watts, was deluged with letters. Hundreds more came when editorial mention ap peared in southern newspapers. Mr. Watts sends each corres pondent a membership card and, if requested, twenty-five gourd seeds. Last year he mailed 56,000 seeds and expects to double the number in 1942. The club Is unique in that there are no funds andno dues, nor will there be any. The martins, after being away allwinter, return to the gourd they occupied previously.The bluebirds remain in Georgia all the year. One grateful bluebird spotted a nest of cutworms in the garden and cleaned them allout in less than two minutes. They make short work of Japanese beetles*Mr* Watts com ments on the amazingly swift flight of the mar tin b, which only touch ground when gathering nesting material. They take their food on the wing, eating only flying insects, and do not pause to drink but sooop water in their bills as they skim the surface*

BY THE HUNDREDS — Starlings in loudly squawking hundredsare being seen abundantly this autumn in sections previously not bothered by them. One suchgeneral section is Nlskayuna out to the Troy Road county line. Maybe It's Just a case of the usual flocks In unusual sections, however. The redwings did not wait forOctober this year before be ing gathered into their large wandering flocks. -86- October.1942

tftWK MIGRATION — Last month (page 80) reference was made to towns seen at Indian Ladder this fall. George H. Balnbrldge reports in greater detail: A party of SBC members while In Thacher Park Sunday after noon, September 13* saw an appreciable hawk migration* The weather was clear with gusty to steadystrong west northwest winds. About fifteen hawks were seen. For the most part, they were flying south too highand too fastfor positive 1- dentlfloation. However, there were apparently several broad-winged hawks, some sharp-shinned hawks, and a red- tailed hawk* A goshawk flew around along the edge of the escarpment* yNQPffTflXAL REPORT — (Being unofficial notes from an observa tion post* !fo$ reported to B. Q. R. 5:30 - 7:30 PM watch): Tuesday, July 14* Sunny and warm* Good visibility. Lit tle companies of chimney swifts darting about overhead, chattering as they wheel* Broad-winged hawk appears In the east with a little band of barn swallows In pursuit. Size able company of swallows skimming about In the sky, the deeply forked tails of the barn swallows, the gleaming white breasts of the tree swallows, and the gritty notes of the bank swallows easily distinguishable* Note suggestive of the orested flycatcher punctuating the robin chorus. Soon the orested flycatcher himself files to a dead bra no h of a nearby oak and calls vociferously* Occasional notes of the wood thrush heard* Purple finches fly about* Chipping sparrow disregards sign NNo admittance. For air-raid obser vers only" and pays his his nightly call to the observation post* Least flycatcher out for his supper. Infrequent call of wood pewee. Call of flicker who presently appears on the soene* Red-eyed vireos sing incessantly toward sunset. Thursday, July 16. Sunny and warm. Occasional chimney swifts overhead* Two crows skirt the tree tops on business bent. Occasional song of wood thrush and intermittent robin chorus. Two cedar waxwlngs perch temporarily on bare branch near tip of large oak* Phoebe flits about* White-breasted nuthatch calls"What, what, what, what,what" very rapidly, his nearest approach to song* Goldfinches go over singing as they loop around* Lonebarn swallow heads south. Scar let tanager flies past, his beautiful red ooat gleaming in the sunlight* Chipping sparrow sings from lawnbut falls to inapeot observation post as usual. (Passing planes duly observed and reported)* ...Post ABC

NSW FSSDSR VISITOR — On returning from vacation, we were surprised to find a hummingbird feeding in the petunias and other low flowers* The feeders were quickly brought forth and filled with maple syrup and water and set low near the flowers. The next day, the feeders were empty much to our surprise because no hummers bad appeared. Moreover there was no evidence of ants. So the feeders were filled again* The following daythe 'hummer'was discovered — a new spe cies — our4&years old granddaughter, who was visiting us, was bending low and tipping the feeders to empty their con tents into her mouth. •••• The Balnbrldges. -87- FEATHERS Ootober. 1Q-4&

ATTRACTING THRUSHES „»„ b.

Threeyears ago I became very much Interested In thelate Mr. Brand1 a work with bird songs* I borrowed bird pictures from the State Education Department, and used Mr. Brand*s rec ords for the bird songs.

I tried to Interestchildren In birdsby using this method In my home city of Troy. I found boys quite Interested, but girls as a rule were not* Miss Jfowe and I worked out a pro gram for a group of women In Haosick Falls. The plan worked very successfully, but I was too Interested In what I was do- Ingto tryto find out what effect If any It bad on thewomen* Mlse Jbwe manipulated the portable phonograph, and I the lan tern slides* We put the bird and Its songtogether. This was the onlytime that I considered the plan worked successfully from my point of view, thinking of the mechanics of the pre sentation and not of the effecton the audlenoe*

A Wood Thrush Answers

I took the phonograph out on Berlin Mountain about 6 o'clock one morning In May, and decided to try to find thrushes. It was an Interesting experiment. The wood thrushes oame up the mountain} I could hear them calling as they came nearer. I hid behind the rock on which the phonograph was placed and tried to keep the recordon the wood thrush song. One bird oame within a few feet of the phonograph and answered the call, but then the bird gave a low, throaty alarm call, and they disappeared and were very quiet. I have heard hermits there, but they were not interested If they werethere that morning.

Szolted Hermits

That fall I heard a flock of birds In the cemetery that ad joins our backyard. I was sure they were thrushes. I brought out the phonograph* This time the hermits were ourlous. Six of them oameinto the yard with a rush at the sound of the firstnotes thatwere played. There were two in the oak tree almost directly over my head. Two more alightedon the fenoe a few feet away, and two more were on the ground. They were excited. Again I tried to hold the hermit song. Of oourse I oould not prevent the soraplng sound of theneedle. I played it twloe and then the birds lost interest* Two flew away, and tha others went to feeding. I tried at intervals to attract their attention again, but I wasnot successful.

(In connectionwith this report by Mrs. Kiloawley on working with thrushes, It is interesting to note that Dr. A. A. Allen of Cornell University, while recording bird aongs In the south, photographed a mockingbird that was attracted to a loudspeaker when the song of the mocker was played.)

-88- FEATHERS Published by Ike Sctienectady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No. 11 November, 1942

LOST OR INJURED ORPHANS

Caroline Clark Barney wNo~rt I aald emphatically, when a youngrobin was brought to me. "Take him back to hi a mother.1*

This is what I have said many times to several children and some older people during the past two years.

I remembered the arduous work, the sadness at the parting after I had enjoyed the different robins that I had brought up. There was a boy to whom I paid a centa dozen for worms. There was a neighbor who helped me. But there were dry sum mers when worms were scarce, as they bored deeper Into the ground formoisture. Then we had to depend on the butcher for beefout to Imitate a worm, or on hamburg steak rolled to look like worms. To be sure, the first weeks were more simple be cause a boiled egg or bread and milk sufficed. But there was the time when the robin demanded worms and berries, and needed them. We bought blueberries especially for him; we stuffed him with, beef worms; we gave him water from a medicine droppen

The Injured leg or wing healed quickly, but It often seemed as if the birdwouldnever learn to fly. There was no one to teach him; that was one thing that I could not do.

Pam and Mike

Epamlnondas (Pam), and Michael (Mike), Nicholas (Nick), Peter, and then Reddy came and went. I loved each one, but they were grown and In good condition, and the late days In September came. When we hadto leave our summer home I knew that I must send the robin on. Somerobins I took to the Moose ra.ll Sanctuary In Sharon, Mass. One I sent to Franklin Park In Boston. Two returned to the wild.

They were so tame that they spent much timeon the ground and often flew to the heads andshoulders of strangers. They had to be protected until they became wild birds. I grieved to let each one go, for I had become attached to him and had enjoyed much of the care that I had to give him.

I enjoyed the gaiety of the robin, especially In the -89- ^flBlLHiipkp ^-f- morning when he played with FEBTHERS u.\ me a&°ut tne room and, after «-v,*w-^ ?™ * a *J a while, out-of-doors. He Pabliahed by the Soheneotady Bird liked £ u ^ and Mde_ Olub. Annual aamberahlp. including and-go-seek, hopping from rabsorlptlom Active. J2t aaaoo..fl. cbalr to chalrhiding under Hra. Anna Dlokermas, Bditor deak and taDle and calllng HDoan^ Street. Sohenaotady, N. T. softly to me to follow him. Towards noon, after he had learned to fly, he hurried to the kitchen sink when water was left dripping a little from the faucet. Then he hadhis "bath in glee, chucklingand cooing until he was soaked. After the bath, he would fly to the top of the door and preen his fea thers until he settled down for his nap, with his head tucked under his wing. About 2 o'clock he was ready for another fro- lioand for much food. I have given him as many as 63 small earthworms In a day.

At night he flew to the screen door, flapping his wings against it until we admitted him. When the door was opened, he would fly immediately to the lamp, preen his feathers, and coo happily until, he was sleepy. After a while ray pleasure came, for he settled down on the table with his little "body pressed against my arm and, cooing quietly, even lovingly, went to sleep. I usually put him In a oage at night. How he did rejoice to see me In the morningi I shall never forget hts calls and his Joyous greeting.

Ready to Share

I shall remember always his affection for me, his desire to share his berries and grapes with me, though I had several dresses stained by the fruit when he flow eagerly to me with nls gift. I shall treasure the memory 01 ms first song — a sweet, tender, little song, usually given to me as he perched on my chairor on a stone on a stand beside me.

Reddy was thelatest bird, brought to melast June. The people who had adopted him had been his kind parents during his early days; but as they were going away for the summer, they turned to me. At first I demurred; but finally consented to take him. I vowed that I would not become attached to him; and I dod not, for the reason that he was not really affec tionate or grateful. Jfe was not playful. Perhaps he was rea dy for wild life and objected to human attention. After a few days I freed him; but he stayed nearby, enjoying.the bird baths and the pool, and finding ants for his food. Jfe called me often, whenever he wanted a worm.

An Angry Robin

Oneday we had to be awayfrom the house for five hours, and I had to shut him in his cage. When I returned, he scol ded; and when I opened the door of the cage, he bit my hand. No robin had ever treated me so ungraciously. When I opened the outer door he flew, chattering angrily, to the roof of the

-90- November, 1942 housewhere he had not been before. After that he would not come Into the house. He did come to my chair every two hours for some worms. He feared that he would be Imprisoned again, away from the sunshine and his freedom. He had learned to fly and he cameless often to me. After fourweeks, he came no more. A family of robins had Iur9d him away. Once In a while we saw him v:ith another robin; and we knew him because I had banded him.

Will He Return?

Another spring he may return, as did Michael and Peter; but he will not come to. me. There may be a nest In the tall white pine tree, and a lady bird sitting, and there may be ju bilant songs punctuating the dawn, and I shall be oontent.

From now on, though, I shall hesitate to care for an in jured or a lost orphan robin — the parting hurts too much.

THRASHERS AS INDIVIDUALS

Edna Becker

(Some of Miss Becker's observations of brown thrashers have already been published in FEATHERS (September and October, 1941, and April, 1942). The following Is an abstract of another section of her Cornell thesis.)

Brown thrashers living in the same area show definite In dividuality. The most noticeable point of difference of the thrashars I had under observation on the campus of HDllins College, Virginia, was in their reaction to me ~ the degree of wariness shown toward intruders.

This varied from the deoidedlypugnacious and offensive attitude of Pair 1, both of whom tended pretty much to the bu siness of caring for the young while I was thereand who made no bones about fighting me — striking me anynumber of times on the hand, back and head ~ to the mere defensive, scolding attitude of Pair 3, "both of whom would leave the nest when I was still a considerable distance from it and refuse to go back until sometime after I had gone. This pair stayed away from the newly hatched young for an hour and a half because I had weighed them.

Carefully guarded

In the case of Nest 1, I had to watoh fora chance to take the young out of the nest since they were so carefully guarded. While there was yet only one egg in the nest, Male 1 went baok on to incubate fiveminutes after I had chased him off in order to mark the egg. Pair 2 reacted differently from -91- FEATHERS both of these otters• While they stayed near the young were always ready to protect them, this police duty seemed to absorb their whole energy. At least, the young received very little food whan I was around; the parentswere too busy scolding me. Pair 4 showed a differencefrom the "normal" In that the male did much of the Incubating of the eggs*It was theexception to find any of the other males on thenest, but after finding Male 4 In the process of Incubating the eggs every time I approached the nest for several days In a row, I had about concluded that the female had either deserted or "been killed, and that the male had undertaken to do double du ty. This was a false alarm, however, since the female soon reappeared.

Sexual Differences

The differences between male and female thrashers are definite, and apparently quite consistently uniform. All five males were easily trapped — food and the young both being ef fective bait. None of the femalesentered the trap to feed the young; two of them went In It to feed — Female 2 being caught along with the male (who had already been banded); Fe male 4 tte day after the male was caught. The other three never would enter the trap, and two of them remained unbanded, Female 1 being caught In a nest trap.

That Interest Inthese later phases of the reproductive cycle reach their peak earlier In the female thanIn the male was quite evident. The female ordinarily shows more Interest than the male during the time of Incubation and until the young are nearly ready to leave the nest. This Interest seems to lag then; and by the time the young leave the nest,.and soon after, it is the male who assumes the main responsibility. It Is the male, also, who shows the first Interest in terri tory and nest building.

THE RETURN OF THE PHOEBES

Guy Bartiett

The story of the bad luck accompanying one pair of phoe- bes has already been told (FEATHERS, February, 1941, p. 12, and June-July, 1941, p- 52). It was then stated that "Perhaps the time will come when phoebes will again neston ledges of the garage or house, but they will not be thesame birds."

During both 1940 and 1941 phoebes were missing from the immediate vicinity of this particular Niskayuna farm house, following a succession of a half dozenyears in which nests had been attempted butno young successfully, raised.

In 1942 the story was different — phoebes successfully

-92- November. 1942

reared their brood, using the garage-ahed door ledge as the site f.or their nest. The phoebes of the vicinity had TLQ-ver been banded so It was, of course, Impossible to say that the male who had disappeared during neBt-bullding In 1939 was not the same one who appeared In 1942. All Indications were, how ever, that the 1942 birds were a new pair — In all their ac tions they differed considerably from those who were there previously.

A Late Start

In former years the resident phoebes had arrived early In the spring, and started nesting activities promptly. The 1942 birds were not seen around the house untilearly May. At first an attempt was made to buildonthe narrow ledge over the uBual second-story window on the north — the same ledge where unsuccessful nests had previously been built. By May 15 the nest was practically completed; on May 17 It was a bulky mass of long grass, chicken feathers, and junk. As In previ ousyears, English sparrows had taken over.

A couple of squeezes on the trigger of a .22 accounted for the sparrows; and the surplus material was removed from the struoture the phoebes had built. The phoebes returned, but did not attempt to take over. Instead, they started con struction of a new nest, on the wider ledge over the door of the garage-shed. In this respect they behaved as did the phoebes of previous years ~ flrBt the housewindow, and then the easterlyfacing door.

On Memorial Day there were four eggs In the nest — and for some reason there was not the usual cowblrd egg, even though those birds were more common than usual that season. Perhaps the answer was that the phoebes were nesting late, and the many other nests of small birds in the vicinity had al ready been depositories for the cowblrd eggs.

Successat Last

Before the end of June four healthy young phoebes left the nest. For a few daysthey remained inthe Immediate vici nity, and then went on to new regions. In the autumn it ap peared as though the parents and two of the young returned to the vicinity of the house. Will there be a phoebe nest on the house or garage in 1943? Probably, and possibly even two.

Why Is it felt that the birds of 1942 were not the phoe bes of 1934 through 1939?

Of course there is no doubt in the oase of tte one — the female found deadin 1939. But there might be a question a- bout ths male who disappeared Just before the death of his mate.

The 1942 birds had different favorite perching places; and their territory extended more to the creek and woods,

-93- FEATHERS ; rather thanInto the garden and to the east of the house. The birds perohed more In an elm; the previous "birds preferred the power wires between, house and garage*

Previous nests were of mud and clay obtained from one particular section of the bank of the oreek — the same sec tion where most of the robins, swallows, and wasps obtained their ingredients. The 1942 birdsobtained their mud from a section of the creek a couple hundred feet above stream, In the woods and around a bend*

Despite an early spring, which brought most birds In far sooner than usual, the 1942 phoebes were weeks behind tha ear lier pair.

Easily Captured

The garage and shed doors were always open most of the time; and the windows naturally were happy hunting grounds for insect-eating birds, working within the buildings. Both phoe besand chickadees regularly fed within the buildings. The birds of previous years had learned how to find their way out on those occasions when a wlnd-slammed door would trap them. In fact, If the doors were closed, they knew how to get In and out without difficulty.

The phoebes of 1942 were different. Repeatedly ttey were trapped, particularly In the shed. Then they would beat and flutter against the windows, and continue In a frenzy even af ter the door was opened. On at least a dozen occasions one of the phoebes was ploked up at a window and released outside; and onone occasion both birds were so removed.

New NlKht Perch

In at least one more respect the male p hoe be of 1942 also differed. The male of previous years had regularly perched at night on the power wires close to tha eaves of the garage. It was always possible to flash a light up there and seethe bird asleep. Not so with the 1942 male, however. Neverwas he to be seen there, and his night perch was ne\e r found.

NEWS a NOTES IN BRIEF

MORE "MOUNTAIN ASH, QONE* — Instead of explaining why Mr. B. D. Miller's robins gobbled all the mountain-ash berries in sight, as described in FEATHSRS for September (p. 80), my observations add to the mystery by confirming his. This year tha crop of berries on my 40-foot mountain ash wasunu sually good. That on my large wild cherry tree was at least normal. As in former years the robins, assisted by a few waxwings, who soon disappeared, stripped tha cherry tree at random. Then, contrary to former practice, they began eat-

-94- November. 1942

Ing berries at the very top of the mountain ash. They worked down so systematically that there was always a defi nite line above which all berries were gone and below which few if any were taken. Now, October 3, there are berries on the lowest bra no he s only. Formerly the robins, after sampling a few berries, have generously left almost the entire crop as winter food for the waxwings and other winter birds. Their appetite this season carries my memory baok more years than most club mem bers can muster. As a small boy, I once observed for sever al days a flock of robins denuding a mountain ash tree of its berries. They ate so fast that every now and then one of their number would fly heavily to the ground and sit there for some time with outspread wings — too full for ut terance or motion* ••• Malcolm 7. Rix.

NOT "MOUNTAIN ASH. GONE* — That a different fate awaits dif- f erent mountain ash trees locally is apparentfrom an inspeo- tion of still otters of the trees. Along Mohawk Road,off the Troy Road, is a mountain ash heavily laden with berries. It remained apparently untouched through October, despite plenty of robins and waxwings In the neighborhood, and a large flock of starlings roosting nightly ina nearby giant oak. In the vicinity are many wild grape vines, also heavy with fruit; and these too hardly seemed to tempt the birds. Along Roaendale Road two other mountain ashes have also been watched. They, also, through October did not seem to Interest the birds. Perhaps most heavily laden of all in early November was a mountain ash atop the crest of the Troy Road at Stop 14. ••• G»B.

DO BIRDS EAT WALKING-STICK SQG3? — I am Interested in photo- graphing bird food; thus the question as to whether birds eat the eggs of walking sticks. Theeggs are certainly at tractive, being glossy black on top, with whitestripes on the sides, and about an eignth of an inch long. They might be mistaken for a small beetle. I oaught a male and female the first week of September on a hollyhock leaf. The female waB kept in captivity for a- bout three weekson a diet or hollyhock leaves before she died. During this period she laid93 eggs. Every day new eggs appeared, eightbeing the limit for a day. Can I' expect some member of SB C to give me the answer? ...J. M. Hollister

HEADSD SOUTH — Tnere were about 200 geese In the honking flock seenby Jack Voght in flightsouth over Scotia at 7 o'clock in the evening on Sunday, October 18.

ABOUT SrtALLOWS — Dayton Stoner, New York State Museum, A1-. —bany, is the author of several articles in current publica tions : THEAUK, October, contains an article by Dr; G. M. Meade of Rochester and him, reporting on "Aspergillosisin a Snov/y OwltHwith two photographs. Theowl had been captured alive near South Cambridge, N. Y., November 15t 1941. -95- FEATHERS November. 1942 "European Starling Nesting in a Bank Swallow" is the sub jectof an item by him in TBS WILSON BULLETIN, September. The neat described was at a gravel pit about nine miles northwest of Albany. In BIRD BANDING, July, Mr. Stoner reported on "Behavior of Young Bank Swallows after First Leaving the Neat." In SCIENCE forSeptember 18 he and Mrs. Stoner reported on "A Seven-year-old Bank Swallow," banded in1936 when at least a year old, near Oneida Lake, and most recently cap tured in May, 1942. Science Service syndicated an abstract of the item.

FLYCAT0HSR3 — Did you ever notice how it is possible to see a half dozen species of summer-resident flycatchers in one small section? In that semi-wooded, swampy section where the Lisha flows into the Mohawk, for instance, the six spe cies can b9 recorded throughout the summer, in an area not over three acres in extent. Crested flycatchers are atop the higher trees in the small wood plot. Kingbirds are in the adjoining open field, and nesting in a scrub apple tree there. Phoebes are along the edge of the woods at the stream. Leastflycatchers are in the woods, as are the wood pewees. And the alder flycat- cters are in the swampy growth below the woods. It is not difficult to record all the species in a short time from one spot, simply by listening fortheir very spe cific andeasily identified notes.

TWO BOOKS — "Birds Across the Sky"by Florence Page Jaques, illustrated by Francis Lee Jaques; ferper & Brothers, §2.50. "Trail of the Money Bird" by Dillon Ripley; Iferper & Bro thers, #3.50.

FSSDSR3 — Plenty of feeding stations are already in opera- tiori, with plenty of customers. It may not be long now be fore plenty of birds will be ready to visit plenty of feed ers. Remanber that it is the well-provisioned feeder that attracts the most birds. Food stationsthat are permitted to gofor days without replenishment of feed quickly lose tteir customers. Maybe you will find that it is no longer an easy matter to get plenty of suet, even of the tough and stringy kind that most butchers do not want and which have some advan tages so far as feeding stations are concerned. And maybe youpreviously banked on using plenty of sunflower seed. And maybe, too, peanut butter seems now to be pretty ex pensive to be plastered wholesale on the bark of trees. The list of f lods that will attract birds is so large, however, that there is still plenty of opportunity to keep the tray filled. If you have not maintained a feeding station previously, why not start one now? They're not difficult to make — even a bracket shelf nailed against a tree in the yard or against the window sill will do the trick. Even a nail through a piece of suet against a tree will attract plenty of species. -96- FEATHERS Published by the Schenecfady Bird Club

Vol. 4, No« 12 December, 1942

INLAND WADERS .. . Dorothy Oaldwell

When we inland bird watchera havethe rare treat of a vi sittothe coast during shore-bird migrations, it is a delight to watch the myriads of littlewaders as they scurry upand down the sands, daintily hunting for morsels of foodor scam pering back before the incoming tide, and to see them rise up from the sand or the saltmarshes, wheel in the air now this way, now that, and then return' to their feeding. But when it comes to identifying any but the most common species and those that are easiest to sort out from the multitude, we folk who seldom have opportunity for this kind of bird study are in difficulty andoonfusion at once. Study of the occasional stragglers that visit our inland waters (Autumn Shore Birds in the Albany Region, Dayton Stoner, N. Y. Bulletin to the Schools, March, 1940, p. 248; FSATISRS, May, 1940, p. 14) Is fascinating but increases our little store of experience very alowly.

Without Distraction

Our SBC chairman and I were especially grateful on Sun day, October 4, along the Orescent Lake section on the south shore of the Mohawk, when a single group of 30 or 40 waders was constantly in our field of vision for an hour or more and we had the opportunity to study them thoroughly and without the distraction of others of the tribe moving in and out.

When we first saw them, theywere feeding busily on the beachy point at our feet; they occasionally flew to the patch of water-chestnut to the right of us or to the patch to our left, but always returned to the bit of shore in our Immedi ate foreground, unmindful of the factthat we were standing in tne underbrush a few feet away.

Seven Species

A lone spotted sandpiper was the first to be identified, then a killdeer or two became obvious, then several lesser yellow-legs bobbing in the water and giving their two-sylla bled ory when on the wing. The remainder of the group re quired oloaer scrutiny, but a lone seraipalmated sandpiper and several sanderlings werenext identified. Most of the birds,

-97- PBATHBRS

some fifteen or twenty of them, were larger than the aanderlinga and smaller than

T T IT5T* * f » v sroufsandpipers.Onestill troubledbirdus;In theIt Dean Street. Soheneotady, K. Y. wafl 6Pay8r than the re at of the pectorals, and apparently taller and slimmer. The next time the group swirled over to the water-chestnut we noted thatthis bird had an obviously different flight pattern, suggestive of a diminutive yellow- legs. We reproached ourselves forhaving left the faithful "Peterson* behind, but temporary lack of a field guide stimu lated minuteand aoourate scrutiny of the group at our feet.

When we finally could consult our handbook and hadsatis- fled ourselves that our seventh wader was a stilt sandpiper, a rare species In this locality and rather a late date for it at that, not to mention its being a life bird for one of us, great was our delight and ^satisfaction at the results of our hour of study of a single small diversified group of shore- birds. Next time we see a stilt sandpiper, if he happens to be In fall plumage, we shall feel that we are meeting an old friend.

CANVASBACKS ... Hells van vorst

The dull gray Sunday, November 29 gave ua one of the most Interesting morning b along Saratoga Lake we have experienced this year. We met Dorothy Caldwell at Collamer'a Corners and then started toward the south end of the lake, where we saw our first large flock of American golden-eyes of the season. The lake, dark but very calm, wasalmost free of hunters and fishermen, and traffio was very light. This was all in our favor for olose study of the concentrated flock feeding near the shore.

Wheeling gulls

The gulls wheeling and diving for food are always inter esting at this time of the year since their various stages of plumage make it dlffloult to distinguish the ring-bills. How ever, when we found a group resting along the shore the ring- bills could be identified by their smaller size.

As we watched the large rafts of ducks in the middle of the lake we would scan the water for a late-leaving loon, but all of them that had been therea few weeks earlier seemed to have left.

North of Snake Hill we observed a flock of perhaps 50 -98- December. 1942

soaupt drifting In to feed In the shallow water. On oareful study Dorothy Oaldwell spied a male red-head, then another, and still another. We had parked our oar back of some small trees so we could watch the ducks from the car. The light was very bad, but as the ducks continued to feed nearer the shore we could even Identify the female red-head. A few ring-neoka and some golden-eyes Joined the group. Almost constantly small flocks ora lone duck flew close.

A pair of small, Interesting ducks alone In a cove near a rocky shore proved to be Mr. and Mrs. Hooded Merganser.

Chiseled Profile

The climax of the morning came soon. A flock of fifteen ducks not very far out attracted our attention. At once we knew they were strangers to some of us. Their chiseled pro file and striking white backs against the dull gray water were most outstanding. Sight male oanvasbacks with sQme Immaturea and females were our unusual find. We were oareful not to disturb them as a few hunters were In their queer-looking blinds a few rods back, evidently not aware of the fine specie they were missing.

Mlsa Oaldwell, who has kept very careful records of the Saratoga Lake area for several yearsadded a new record on this trip which terminated her field work for a time at least In this section. Residing at Mt. McGregor for 16 yearB, she has done a great deal of fine work there and In the nearby country. Her migration records and records of residents for the Mountain are most complete. Now she Is leaving to take a position on the staff at Harvard Medical School, Boston. Prom her findings many Interesting facts have been established, and a story of the nesting warblers on Mt. MoGregor, among other reports, has been promised us.

JENNY LAKE BIRDS Alice Moore

OneSunday morning In July I was washing breakfast dishes about 9:30. It was raining -- a warm, slow drizzle. My at tention was attracted to the lower branches of thewhite pines. These branches are all dead, becoming smothered as the trees grow close together. Very quietly, with no calls what soever, four tiny birds were gatte ring breakfast for their young In the nests. There were a female redstart, a chicka dee, a female black-throated green warbler, and a chipping sparrow. Theway the chickadee made the deadbark fly and filled Its stubby beak with fuzzy aphids.1

All the birds seemed very tame, coming close to the screen where I was standing. Another rainy Sunday I was calling the chickadees, which were feeding very low about my head. Sud-

-99- FEATHERS

denly I realized there were king lets near the other birds, Just as curious and tame as the chickadees. Why do birds feed so fearlessly In the lowerparts of trees In the rain? I'm sure they save the more accessible placesfor use In emer- genoles. On clear, sunshiny days they are often In the tallest of the trees, where It Is very diffi cult to see them.

It Is fun to study birds at Jenny Lake because they come to breed and are so preoccupied with their ownbusiness one can ap proach closelyand trail them. Identification Is not as difficult as during migration. When the pa rents are feeding the fledglings It is easy to study them. They return again and again to the squawking youngster. As long as you keep him In sight, you have a good opportunity to Identify his parents. Both black- throated blue and black-throated green warblers come in large numbers. I get a great thrill watching them, their plumage la so beautiful.

ThrushConcerts

The olive-backed thrush gives us many a concert from across the lake. His notes take on a ventrlloqulstlc quality or echoing around sunset. For a month to six weeks the Blng- lng Is delightful, and then the Insects take over.

Boss Robin

We had a robin take up his abode, early In the season, near our cabin. Last year we often enjoyed watching thrushes have their breakfast at the same timewe had ours. But not this year* The robin did not bother the little birds but he wouldn't allow the thrushes near his bailiwick.

At a certain time In the season the borers, with which the pines are generously Infested,, leave their tunnels to drop to the ground and pupate. Two hermit thrushes were gathering a feast by our wood pile when the robin, scolding and bully- Ing, finally drove them away.

Morning Dip

About seven one morning we were taking stock of the wea ther. There had been a heavy rain during the night. Now the sun had climbed the mountain and was picking out every droplet caught on the heads of the red-top grass, which was Inflower. The grass was holding much moisture, and how It did sparkle! Two white-throats were taking their early morning dip. They would rush through the grass until they were soaking wet, tte n

-100- December, 1942 perch-on a flat rock of the outdoor fireplace to shake them selves a second, and then return to the wet grass. Over and over the performance was. repeated, as If to say HAlnt we got fun?"

Hide-and-seek

We played hide-and-seek with a grebe one lovely summer day. He won the game easily. Wepaddled near him before he was aware of us, and then he dove. It's Impossible to tell whloh direction the birdwill take under waterfrom his posi tion on the surface. Each succeeding dive took him farther away from us and we stopped chasing him, for fear he would burst a lung.

The nest of a ruffed grouse, full of eggs, was found not ten feet from where Barry Havens was working on hla cottage. The following week the little ones were hatched and gone.

It la no wonder to me that John Burroughs andmany other nature writers have paid so much attention to the purple flnoh. His songIs so ecstatic, poured forth with such vehe- menoe and so tirelessly. He is so beautiful, perched on the topmost branch of a dead tree, or swaying in the breezeon the tip of a white birch. The sun oatches the raspberry feathers and turns them into flame. His notes are not monotonous, be cause the warble is varied.

This summer I watched one suitor, so enthusiastic he sang in flight — not the dignified, sustained song and flight of the meadowlark buta topsy-turvy series of somersaults.

Barry Havens and Chester Moore have lists of over sixty varieties of birds summering at jenny Lake this past season.

MT TOM Beulah T/. Huthstelner

Early on the morning of October1,, first Sunday, four en thusiastic SBC members — three experienced and one amateur — started to climb Mount Tom, near Northampton, Mass. It was chilly, with a drippy mist obscuring all but the nearest land scape.

We stopped frequently and looked and listened In vain for our feathered friends. Suddenly, about fifty feet ahead of us, a fox dashed across the road with his breakfast in his mouth.

As we continued the climb the fog thinned and there was a dlstlnot feeling of spring in the air. We discovered a bush In bloom. It was witchhazel, our latest blooming shrub. Soon the climb began in earnest and when we reached a resting place

-101- FEATHERS __ we all gladly sheda few layers of clothing. Here we began to hear the birds, and I heard for the first time the bluebird's call.

We wandered toward a patch of sunshine filteringthrough the autumn foliage and came out on a ledge of rock overlooking the wide, thickly wooded Connecticut Valley. We were looking down on the tops of the trees, and the colors were breath taking. In the distance wasall there was left of the fog — a wide, soft blanket that obscured the river.

Two Schools of Thought

It seems there are two schools of thought In looking for birds. One may go out and hunt them, or one may sit quietly and let the birds come. I promptly Joined the latter school and picked a comfortable seat. Soon we sawthe birds busily feeding among the leaves and topmost branches of the trees be low, and were able to distinguish goldfinches, myrtle warblers and ruby-crowned kinglets, to name a few.

Although the great hawk migration had occurred two or more weeks previously, when 700 hawks were seen, there were five stragglers about, to show us how they ride the air cur rents.

A wild scurrying In the leaves Just back of where we sat proved to be a merry game of tag among three chipmunks. One stopped to lookat "Peterson" which was on the rocks beside us.

Suddenly there was a flutter of wings, and a bird lit on the ledge not two feetIn front of me. For Just an Instant a startled hermit thrush looked eye-to-eye with an equally aston ished Bird Clubber (Are you sure the hummingbird Is the only one that can fly backward?)

Thoughts of the lunch basket began to Intrude as we talked, and presently we all started down the trail. At the picnic area we enjoyed a delightful lunch together and com pared notes. Reluctantly we packed our baskets and started for home.

CHRISTMAS CENSUS

Do you know of any mockingbirds at local feeding stations this winter? Or the whereabouts of any wintering robins? Or of flocks of cedar waxwlngs? Or the wintering quarters of any owls? Or have you heard of any flocks of evening grosbeaks In our territory?

These questions areall In connectionwith the coming an nual Christinas Count, plans for which are being completed by

-102- December. 1942 the committee of which Mlaa Alice Holmes la chairman. Any SBC member who, particularly during December, has been seeing any unusual birda should notify Mlaa Holmes (Phone 4-2740) ao that plana can be made for inclusion of thoae birda in the Christ- mas count.

Details about the census were arranged at theSBC meeting on December 14. That doe8 not mean, however, that It la too late to plan on participating. Any club members who were not at the meeting andwhowant to Join the trip should telephone to Miss Holmes, who has the information not only as to the date and general arrangements, but also the details as to how Schenectady1 s H15-mlle circle" will be covered this year.

NEWS 8 NOTES IN BRIEF

FIRST SNOWY — The first record of this season for the snowy owl was that of a darkly marked individual on display In front of the Hub store in mid-November. It. was reported to have been shot on November 15 at Jonesvllle by Dr. McElroy.

MORE RECORDS — Since our August report (see supplement to October FEATHERS) several new andinteresting records have been turned In by Malcolm Andrews, bringing the otal tran sients up to 142. Besides several earlier dates, there were the following of Interest: New records - Winter wren, April 22, one in Central park; bay-breasted warbler, May 13, several in Central park; ring- necked duck, October 11, several below Nlskayuna; Virginia rail, October 17, one below Niskayuna; green-winged teal, October 18, Watervllet Reservoir; coot, October 11, one be low Nlskayuna. Interesting data - Broad-winged hawk, April 25, about 50 birds migrating over Visschers Perry; common black duck, October 11, estimated 2,000 along the Mohawk; blue-winged teal, October 18, estimated 100 on Watervliet Reservoir; wood duck, October 18, twenty birds on WatervlietReser voir. • •• B. D. Miller.

TWO FOR G-E — November 27 was one with unexpected birds at the G-E. The morning was clear, though windy. Over the works,flying lowenough so that its plumage could be seen easily■, went a mature bald eagle, headed toward the Mohawk. In the afternoon, flying even lower but In the same direc tion, was a great blue heron. Last winter a great blue her on wintered along that part of the Mohawk, but unfortunately was not found on the Christmas census. Perhaps therewill be one this year. ... G. B.

INTERESTING PEOPLE — In the ttInteresting People" section of the Deoember issue of the American Magazine Is a sketch on Allan D. Crulckshank, recent SBC speaker. -103- FEATHERS

EXTINCT BIRDS Dean Amadon

(The following is an abstract of an interview pre sentedbyThe Science Forum of Station WGY, Sche- nectady, on December 1. Mr. Amadon is a member of the staff of the American Museum of Natural His tory, New York City.)

Extinct birds have always been of especial interest to the naturalist. They also arouse the curiosity of many who are not otherwise interested in birda. This is particularly true of extinct species which were once widespread and common, but which became extinct under somewhat tragic and dramatio circumstances. Such a bird was the beautiful passenger pigeon.

Audubon and other early travellerswitnessed migration flights of this pigeon which contained millions of birds and literally darkened the sky. Yet within a brief period of years the passenger pigeon decreased tremendously. By the be ginning of the twentieth century, only a few stragglers re mained. Dr. G. V. Whitman had established a flock in captivi ty, and for a time it was hoped that they might perpetuate the specieb. Perhaps as a result of inbreeding, they stopped nesting, and the last individual of this species died in the Cleveland Zoo in 1914. Tnusa bird which less than 100 years before had been possibly the most numerous species in North America was totally exterminated. Little wonder that philoso phers sometimes find in the fate of the passenger pigeon a melancholy commentary on man's brief sojourn in this vale of tears.

Opinions have been expressed that the passenger pigeon had migrated to Mexico, Bolivia, or some other country; but there 1b almost no chance at all of this being true. Birds Just haven't the intelligence to move out of their former home area when conditions become unfavorable, the way human beings sometimes do. T^e average ornithologist would be more sur prised to learn of the existence of a live passenger pigeon anywhere today, than he would to hear that an undiscovered is land the size of Cuba had been found between the United States and England.

Sixty Recent Extinctions

About sixty species of birds have become extinct in the world asa whole.This number, of course,does not Include fossil species which disappeared before man had come onto the Bcene. I have also excluded species which beoame extinct be fore any specimens had been preserved. -For many such species, only legends, crude drawings,or bones and other remains found around the campfires of primitive man, exist. The war-like Maoris of New Zealand, for example, exterminated for food the

-104- December. 1942

huge flightless moas, which ooourred onthat Island. Ifoaa were related to the ostrich, "but were much larger. They were all gone before Europeans arrived In New Zealand. Another speciea which disappeared before any complete apeelmena were secured was the famous , which has given rise to the ex pression, "Dead asa dodo.* The dodo was a huge flightless pigeon native to the Frenoh Island of Mauritius, near Mada- gasoar. It survivedlong enough so that we have some written aocounts of it. Apparently it was exterminated by pigs lntro- duoed on the Island whloh ate Its eggs and young.

Vanished American Birds

Unfortunately, there are several other American birds be sides the passenger pigeon which have become extinct. One of the most Interesting was the great auk, which nested on is lands on both sides of the North Atlantic south as far as New foundland. The auks are the northern counterparts of the pen guins of the Antarotlo,but the great auk was the onlyoneof Its family which had lost its ability to fly. This proved to be a fatal mistake- When fishing and sealing vessels began to visit the northern Islands where It nested, they found that the great auks could easily be killed with clubs. The eggs were eaten, and If provisions were short, the birds too were eaten. They could also be used for oil. The unfortunate auk could not cope with such persecution, and the last one was killed In 1844. About eighty specimens are preserved - most of them in various museums* Of most speoles which have been extinct for 100 years, there are fewer specimens than that In existence, but the great aukwas such a curious bird that it early attracted the attention of collectors In Europe.

The Labrador duck is another North Atlantic species which became extinct. It was found only on the American side of the ooean, and the reasons for Its disappearance are a matter of debate as it was able to fly andapparentlywas subject to no greater hazards than many other specieb of duoks whloh survive In large numbers to this day. Even from the first It had a much smaller range than most other duoks, and we must assume that it wason the verge of extinction for some natural but unknown cause and that man at moat merely hastened its disap pearance.

1931. Oone

The most recent of our birds to become extinct was the heath hen. The last individual died on Martha's Vineyard Is land off the coast of Massachusetts In 1931. This bird was formerly found In the pine and oak barrens of the North Atlan tic states. On the mainland it was exterminated at an early date by hunters, but It found sanctuary on Martha1 a Vineyard. Unfortunately a brush fire and diseases which it acquired from Introduced pheasants depleted Its numbers so seriously that It never recovered*

This bird was an eastern -variety, or subspeoies as they

-105- FEATHKR3 are called, of the prairie chicken which la still found In the central states, and It requiresan expert to tell specimens of the two apart. For that reason Its extinction, to my mind at least, was not quite such a depressing event as that of such unique species as the passenger pigeon and the great auk.

Probably Gone

Two other American birds now probably extinct are the Es kimo curlew and Carolina parakeet. The latter was the only native to the United States. In colonial times flocks of thisbeautiful little parakeet occasionally wandered north as far as Albany, but for almost a century they have been con fined to the most Impenetrable swamps of the southeast. A few may still survive there, but It Is very doubtful.

Valuable Specimens

Specimens of the great auk and other extinct birds have sold for well over $1000, but that was at a time when private collectors were much more numerous and competitive than at the present time. Such competition has been discouraged because It might lead to a further reduction or even to the extinction of a rare species.

To thescientist, however, specimens of extinct birds are unique and Irreplaceable, quite apart from any monetary consi derations, Just as are great works of art. For that reason we have moved our collection of extinct birds at the American Mu seum of Natural History to a safe place away from the city where it will be kept under lock and key until after the war. It is probably the largest collectionof extinct birds in the world, with the possible exception of that of the British Mu seum.

A few years ago we obtained the large ornithological col- leotion of the late Lord Rothschild of Tring, England. He had long been especially interested in extinct birds and is the author of the standard reference work upon them. His collec tion contains several of which less than a dozen specimens exist.

Lawrence, an early New York ornithologist, writes of see ing six fine drakes of the now extinct Labrador duck hanging in the Fulton Street meat market, In New York City, until they spoiled and were thrown out ... although the price asked was only -a few cents each. This duck became extinct so rapidly that at the time few realized what was occurring. Less than fifty specimens now exist and, needless to say, they are worth considerable.

Isolation, A Handicap

In these days when we are waging a world-wide war of sur vival and when some nations have beoome extinct — at least temporarily — before our very eyes, this question of survival andextinction seems very roalj and there is a similarity in -106- December.

the conditions whiah make a given species of bird or a given nation especially subject to decline or extinction.

More than half of the extinct species of birds Inhabited small Islandsor Isolated mountains. In this atmosphere of Isolation they did not find It necessary to cope with the nu merous enemies which beset birds on the larger continents. As a result, the Island species often lost their power of flight, and otherwise became unfit for the active competition and struggle for survival which characterizes nature. When ene mies do Invade their stronghold such species are usually doomed to quick extinction.

Survival of the Fittest

The course of evolution both In birds and other groups of seems to have been one in which a few species acquire advantages that enable them to crowd out or otherwise exter minate neighboring species. The species which become extinct are those too Isolated, too specialized, or too small In num bers to put upan effective resistance.

So long as "survival of the fittest" continues to play such an unfortunately large role In the relationship of na tions, countries which are over•<• specialized, which have Iso lated themselves from the activities and progress of their neighbors, or which are so unfortunate aa to be both small and weak, will have to beware the fate of the dodo.

From this standpoint extinction of some species may be considered as Inevitable so long as evolution by the existing prooess of natural selection continues, and so It Is. But ex tinction by natural processes Is usually a slow process. Most of the birdswhich have become extinct In the last century or two have met their fate asa result of the activities of that most destructive of all animals — man himself. Such extermi nation is deplorable for almost every species of bird is of some economic value in addition to the scientific and aesthe tic interest of such a species as the passenger pigeon.

Man's Methods

Most of the methods by which man has brought about the extinction of aome birds and greatly reduced the numbers of many others have already been mentioned. Hunting for sport or for food, commercialized destruction for the millinery trade, destruction of forests by axe or fire, draining of swamps ... these are some of the activities which must be regulated if rare birds are to be saved. On many islands such as Jamaica, in the Atlantic, or Fiji and New Zealand of the far ajuth Pa cific, foreign mammals such as the weasels and mongooses, not to mention oats, dogs and swine which are allowed to run wild, have been introduced and are a scourge to native birds.

One peculiar extinct bird known as the Steven's Island wren had a unique history. Steven's island is a small island -107- FEATH3RS near New Zealand, and Its only Inhabitant was a lighthouse keeper. The known specimens or this wren, about fifteen In number, were all brought In by the keeper's cat. Apparently this cat discovered the wren and exterminated It as well, for no one has been able to find one of them there since.

War. Exterminator

As a final method in which man may decimate the ranks of rare species of bird, It Isbut necessary to consider the ef fects of the present war. For Instance, the Philippines and many islands in the Sast Indies are inhabited by splendid, rare native birds. Some of these are very likely to become minor victims of the conflict. Hawaii is already noted for the number of its birds which have become extinct, and we must hope that more will not be added to the list.

Threatened Species

A number of our birds in the United States are now being threatened with extinction. Legislation directed towards the preservation of rare species has been in effect for some years but In many cases this is not enough.

The National Audubon Society of New York has recently had the wisdom to sponsor special studies of vanishing American birds, to find out the exact cause of their decrease and to attempt to take corrective measures while there is yet time. The results of two of these studieshave recently been pub lished — one on the roseate spoonbill, and one on the ivory- billed woodpecker. The spoonbill is threatened with extermi nation in Florida but it still exists in considerable numbers In Texas and to the south of the United States. The Ivory- billed woodpecker, however, is on the very brink of extermi nation, and almost a miracle will be required to save it. This magnificent bird, which is larger than a crow, is black and white with a flaming red crest.Its large white bill was used by the Indians to wear as a luck charm. James Tanner, who studied the species for the Audubon Society, investigated all likely localities In the southern states, Tout found Ivory- bllls only in one tract of virgin forest in Louisiana. 2ven there the number of birds Is less than ten. Tannerestimates the maximum existing population of ivory-bills as 22 individu als scattered over five localities in three states. Whether they can be saved is a moot question, as they reciuire large areas of wilderness.

Rifle Victim

Another bird that is dangerously reduced In numbers is the Cglifornia condor* ^ost of us think of the condor as South American, but the California species Is about the same size andhas by far the largest wing-spread of any bird native to the United States, Perhaps 40 or 50 Individuals still ex ist. They nest in a remote mountain rangein southern Cali fornia, 'out as thisbird ranges over an Immense area in search

-108- December. 1942 of food condors occasionally appear In more settled regions. This subjects it to its greatest danger, that of "being shot "by riflemen out of sheer curiosity. The California condor lays but one egg a year and thus will increase very slowly, even with the g trictest protection.

Two More

Among other species threatened with extinction are two of the largest of American birds. The nests in the prairies of Saskatohewan and Alberta, and winters along the gulf coast of Texas, partly within the confines of the famous King Ranch. It is an immense white bird and by shoot ingand by drainage of marshes where it onoe nested it has been reduced to a total population that may number leas than fifty.

The trumpeter swan, the largest of the two American swans, now survives only in Yellowstone Park, and in one area of British Columbia in small numbers. Unlike the whistling swan, which nests in the Arctic where it is relatively free from disturbance, the trumpeter swan has steadily decreased in numbers though now it is responding to protection.

It is to be hoped that the efforts to save the ivory- billed woodpeckerandother vanishing Amerioan birds from ex tinction willbe successful. The extermination of a species of bird by man's activities is always a melancholy event.

EMPIDONAX .. . guy Bartlott

rtHOw can I tell the smaller flycatchers apart?" is a fre quent question. The answer is — by voice, easily;by appear ance, difficultly If at all. Of the four apeoieB of the gtmua Empidonax — the yellow-bellied, Acadian, alder, and least ~ it is too frequently impossible to differentiate; it might be better to indicate the individual simply asan Empidonax and let it go at that.

In the following table havebeen listed the characteris tics of the nine flycatchers regularly found In this vicinity. No claim is made for originality in the tabulation; nor are the indicated local dates absolute — there is always the pos sibility of finding the birds earlier or later than indicated in the table.

The type of territory, the arrival or departure date, and in the case of highly plumaged individuals the color, areall of help In establishing probable identification; but It la the voice that is the determining factor, so far aa field recogni tion is concerned. And in the autumn Bight Identification might aswell be considered as impossible. -109- FEATHERS

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-110- FEATHERS-VOL.4, 1942- INDEX

(Regularclub notices, the "News and Notes In Brief sec tions* andthe miscellaneous short Items have beenomit ted from this Table of Contents.)

January - Flickers and Bluebirds Are Featured In Christmas Count, Chester N. Moore, lj Cape Hay Impressions, Pauline S. Baker, 4; Hid-November Birds, Ruth Bishop, 6; Some Records of Snowies, 7; Return of the One-leggerB, W. L. Merrill, 8.

February - 1941 In Review, B. D. Miller, 9; Nest of the Long-eared, Arthur Hubbs, 11; Plttsfleld - 1941, a. Bartlett Hendrlcks, 11.

March - Some Recent Interesting Records for the Albany Re- glon, Dayton Stoner, 17; Down from the North Came the Snowies, 20; Again a Mooker Visits Sohenectady, Nelle Van Vorst, 21; Soheneotady's First Winter Cardinal, Malcolm Andrews, 22; Evening Grosbeaks - Everywhere, 23*

April - Some Christmas Statistics, 26; The Song of the Thrasher, Sdna Becker, 27*

May - What Ig Local Territory? Geoi^je H. Bainbrldge, 33; Recent Looal Reoords, B. 0. Miller, 35? Protect the Snowies, Cora T. Brockway, 36; Hawks and Herons, Malcolm Andrews, 37; The Danoe of the Golden-eye, Dorothy Caldwell, 37*

June-July - Some Experiences with Banded Purple Finches,Do- rothy Caldwell, 41; At the Montezuma Marshes and Sandy Point, Helen Cole, Edna Dromms, Ruth Halleok, and Dorothy Rowley, 44; Mualc In the Marshes (poem), 47; Bird Magic In Mexico, Dr. George Mlksoh Sutton, 48; HorBe Hairs and Bird Nests, B. D. Miller, 51; Treading Big Nose, Virginia C. Frellgh, 52; Worth His Salt? George H. Bainbrldge, 53; A Cape Ann Idyl, Caroline Hamllton, 55.

August - The 1942 Status of the Normandln Woods Heronry, Dayton 3toner, 57; Birds of the vale Cemetery, Barring ton S. Havens, 59; Desert Bird Homes, Orlee Jacques, 63; Eagles, Pro tected, 64.

September - Eagles and Egretb, Geneva L. Eddy, 73; Time Fifes at Audubon Camp, Minnie B. Scotland, 74; Elk Lake, 1942, George H. Bainbrldge, 77-

Qgtober - Attracting Thrushes, Mary B. Klloawley, 88.

November - Lost or Injured Orphans, Caroline Clark Barney, 89; Thrashers as Individuals, Edna Becker, 91; The Return of the Phoebes, Guy Bartlett, 92.

December - Inland Waders, Dorothy Caldwell, 97; Canvasbacks, Nelie Van Vorst, 98; Jenny Lake Birds, Alice Moore, 99; Mount Tom, Beulah W. Huthstelner, 101; Extlnot Birds, Dean Amadon, 104; Bmpldonax (and Key to Flycatchers), Guy Bartlett, 109- HIQH-LIQHT8 OF 1942

Speclee (Local reoorda) ~ Loon, 24; horned grebe, 17} cormorant, 17; great blue heron, 13, 103; Amerloan egret, 73; black-crowned night heron, 37,39, 57; Canada gooae, 17, 68; 95; rlng-neoked duok, 40; oanvaebaok, 13, 98; golden-eye, 57; turkey vulture, 67; hawks, 80, 82, 87; aharp-ahinned hawfc, 14; red-tailed hawk, 14; broad-winged hawk, 17»37; rough-legged hawk, 14, 17, 68; bald eagle, 13, 73, 103; Bandpipera, 97; black-bellied plover, 17; upland plover, 40; greater yellow- lega, 18; atilt aandplper, 97; sanderllng, 18; Bonaparte1 a gull, 18; aoreeoh owl, 14; snowy owl, 7, 12, 20, 36, 103; barred owl, 14; long-eared owl,11; nighthawk, 72, 83; king fisher, 13; flicker, 1, 67; pileated woodpecker, 39, 84; aap- sucker, 18; flycatchers, 96, 109; kingbird, 35; phoebe, 19, 93; cliff swallow, 67; purple martin, 80; crow, 57; ohlokadee, 32; red-breasted nuthatoh, 24; brown creeper, 39; long-billed marsh wren, 80; mockingbird, 21; brown thrasher, 27, 91; robin, 13,80, 94; wood thrush, 88; hermit thrush, 88; blue bird, 1; northern shrike, 30; starling, 86; yellow warbler, 19; western palm warbler, 19; oven-bird, 66; yellow-throat, 19; English sparrow, 53; Baltimore oriole, 51, 65, 66, 82, 85; bronzed grackle, 29,35; cowbird, 19, 70; scarlet tanager, 85; cardinal, 22, 30; evening grosbeak, 13, 23, 39; purple finch, 4l; redpoll, 13; red crossbill, 19; Henslow^ sparrow, 71; chipping sparrow, 51; field sparrow. 40; fox sparrow, 19; Lin coln's sparrow, 19; swamp sparrow, 40; song Bparrow, 16; snow bunting, 19.

Localities — Albany, 17; Big Nose, 52; California, 63; Cape Ann, 55; Cape May, 4; Central Park, 67; Christman Sanc tuary, 6; Crescent Lake, 37, 39,57; Elk Lake, 77; General B- leotrlc, 13,39, 66, 103; Hudson River, 17,73; Indian Ladder, 68; Jenny Lake, 99; Mexico, 48; Montezuma, 44;Mt. McGregor, 24, 39, 41: Mt. Tom, 101; Niskayuna, 97; Pittsfield, 11; Sara toga, 37, 40, 98; Vale Cemetery, 14, 59; Virginia, 27.

Authors — H. V. D. Allen, 13,14, 66', Dean Amadon, 104; Pauline E. Baker, 4; Guy Bartlett, 64,67, 68, 82,92,95, 103, 109; George H. Balnbrldge, 33, 53, 77, 85, 87; Caroline Clark Barney, 89; Edna Becker, 27. 91; Ruth Bishop, 6; Cora T. Brockway, 36: Dorothy Caldwell, 24, 37, 41,66, 80. 85, 97; Helen Cole, 44; Anna Dlckerman, 14; Edna Dromms. 44; Geneva Eddy, 73; Virginia Freligh, 52; Ruth Haileok, 44; Everett (J. Ham, 66; Caroline Hamilton, 55; Barrington S. Havens, 12, 14, 59; Idella M. Heacox, 13; G. Bartlett Hendrlcks, 11; J. M. Holllster, 95; Alice Holmes, 67; Arthur Hubbs, 11; Beulah W. Huthateiner, 101; Orlee Jacques, 63; Mary B. Kllcawlay, 88; W. L. Merrill, 8; B. D. Miller, 9, 35,51, 80, 103; P. Sohuy- ler Miller, 15; Alioe Moore, 99; Chester N. Moore, 1, 13; Frances Reeves, 67; Malcolm Rix, 95; Dorothy Rowley, 44; Min nie B. Scotland, 74, 82; W. R. Steele, 14; Dayton Stoner, 17, 39, 40, 57; Dr. George Mlksch Sutton, 48; Nelle Van Vorst, 13, 21, 39, 68, 98.

Water Chestnut — AO, 69, 85.