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4-1957 WHOLE ISSUE Nebraska Bird Review (April 1957) 25(2)

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The Nebraska Bird Review A Magazine of Ornithology of the Nebraska Region

VOLUME XXV APRIL, 1957 NUMBER 2

Published by the NEBRASKA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION ]"oundcd 189n DORIS B. GATES, Editor EARL W. GLANDON, Assistant Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1956 Nesting Report ...... _...... 18 Report .of the Mid-Winter Convention ...... 21 Dr. John Todd Zimmer ...... 22 Letters of. Special N ote ...... 22 Cowbird Eggs in Nests of Bell's Vireos ...... 23 Notes ...... :...... 24 Treasurer's Report for the Year 1956 ...... 30 Brief Summary of 1956 Hikes ...... ,...... 31 Book Reviews ...... 32

Published quarterly in January, April, July, and O<::tober by the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union as its official journal and sent free to all members who are not in arrears for dues. Subscriptions at $3.50 per volume in the United States and $3.75 in all countries. payable in advance. Single numbers, $1.00 each.· All dues and subscriptions should be remitted to the Treasurer, Mrs. O. W. Ritchey, 315 E. 7, Hastings, Nebraska. Orders for back numbers should be sent to the Custodian, Mrs. C. G. Pritchard, University of Nebras­ ka State Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska. Ail manuscripts for publication should be sent to the Editor, Nebraska State Teachers College, Chadron, Nebraska. 18 Nebraska Bird Review 1956 NESTING REPORT * For years records have been kept evidences of nesting. Because there during the migration periods. Today was a lack of uniformity in the it is a rare bir:!, indeed, that cannot replies, this information is being sum­ be found on a previous migration marized without date or numbers of report. Christmas Bird Counts are times observed. accumulating, and these offer a good The privilege of starting some­ sample of the wintering birds across thing means that an entirely new the State. We are sure that it is system may be evolved if it seems unnecessary to enumerate the value practical. To simplify the records of these endeavors and to encourage without reducing their value, we have their continuance. divided the State into five relatively equal areas. Each area is, in itself, Today our greatest need is for more or less ecologically homogeneous. more information regarding the nest­ The areas are shown on the ac­ ing population-its distribution and companying map, numbered from 1 numbers. For the past few years to .5. the problem has been mentioned at annual meetings of the N.O.U., and Eighteen reports were submitted in Executive Committee meetings. to the Editor. Sixteen counties were Last year it was decided to conduct represented, giving a. fairly good a week-long census June 24-30 (1956), east to west s:lmple. Reporters were and to request as much additional as follows: information relative to nesting as Area 1. Mr. and Mrs. J. Mathisen, could be supplied. Alliance; Mrs. H. I. .J ack­ First, it was asked that mere pres­ son, Rushville; Miss Doris ~nce be recorded-sight and sound Gates, Chadron. records. Presence does not necessarily Area 2; Mrs. Oona S. Bassett, indicate nesting; but certainly it is Tryon; Mrs. Don Held, .a prerequisite! Song does not nec­ Elsmere; Mrs. E. C. Log­ essarily indicate nesting either, and it an, Springview. often indicates the contrary. Un­ Area 3. Mr. and Mrs. John Lues­ mated birds often continue to sing hen, Wisner; Mrs'. Kate L. after the nesting pairs have become Armstrong, Columbus. quiet. Even so, a singing bird strong­ Area 4. Mrs. Harry B. Allen, ly suggests the probable presence of Cozad; Mrs. lola Penning­ nesting pairs of its kind. ton, Wauneta. Area 5. Harold Turner, Bladen; Other information requested in­ Mrs. O. W. Ritchey and cluded whether or not (1) nests were Mrs. A. M. Jones, Hast­ found, (2) eggs were found, (3) ings; Miss Carrie Ludden young were seen, or (4) young were and Kenwood School Aud­ being fed (or adults seen carrying ubon Junior Club (Mrs. food). These are direct or indirect Leslie Conyers) , Kear-

~Compiled by M. L. and C. G. Prit­ c~ard Nebraska Bird Review 19

ney; Mrs. Kermit S. SN2n­ BC'own Thrasher (1. 2, 3, 5), Robin son, Aurora; Mrs. H. V. (1,2,3,5), Wood Thrush (5), East­ Whitmus and Audubon ern Bluebird (3\, Loggerhead Shrike Naturalists' Club (Mrs. (1, 2, 3, 5), Starling (5), Bell's G. A. Spidel), Lin~oln. Vireo (5), Red-eyed Vireo (5), War­ bling Vireo (5), Worm-eating War­ State-wide records acclD1Ulated by bler (5), Ye'low Warbler (5), Myrt:e the Nebraska Game, Forestation and Warbler (5), Yellow-throat (3), Parks Commission for game spe::ies. English Sparl'ow (1, 2, 3, 5), Eastern 1.9.56 Nesting Repor·t: 91 specie;; Meadowlark (3,5), Western Meadow­ were reported nesting in Nebraska. lark (2, c~, 5), Red-wing (1, 2, 3, 5), After each species is listed the area Orchard Oride (4. 5), Baltimore (or areas) from which it was re­ Oriole (2, cl, 5), Bronzed Grackle ported. Western Grebe (1), Pied­ (1,2,3,5), Cowb:rd (1, 5), Cardinal billed Grebe (2), Mallard (1, 2, 3), (3, 5), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (5), Pintail (1, 2, 3), Green-winged Teal Black-headei Grosbeak (5) , Blue (1,2,3), Blue-winged Teal (1,2,3), Grosbeak (1, 2. 3. 5), Dickcissel Gadwall (2, 3), Baldpate (1, 2), (3, 4, 5), Evening- Grosbeak (5), Shoveller (2, 3), Redhead (1, 2), Goldfinch (2, 5), Lark Bunting (1, Canvasback (1), Lesser Scaup (2), f) , Grasshopper Sparrow (3, 5) , Red-tailed Hawk (5), Swainson's Vesper Sparrow (2. 5), Lark Spar­ Hawk (5), Marsh Hawk (5), Spar­ row (1, 2, 3, 4), Chipping Sparrow row Hawk (5), Greater Prairie (1, 2, 5), Fie.1d Sparrow (3, 5). Chicken (2, 3, 4), Sharp-tailed Grouse The above species were often re­ (1, 2, 3, 4), Bob-white (all), Phe.'1s­ ported present in areas other than ant (all), Coot (all), Killdeer (1, 2, those in which they were reported 5), Long-billed Curlew (2), Upland nesting. Forty-seven additional species Plover (1, 5) , Avocet (1), Mourning were reported in one or more areas. Dove (all), Yellow-billed Cuckoo (5), Because this is the first nesting re­ Black-billed Cuckoo (3, 5), S~reech port and because knowledge of the Owl (3, 5), Great Horned Owl (5), presence of these species ITay alert Nighthawk (5), Chimney Swift (5), observers next year, a list of the Yeilow-shafted Flicker (1, 5), Red­ species is as follows: Horned Grebe, shafted Flicker (3), Red-headed Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Woodpecker (2, 5), Hairy Wood­ Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned pecker (5), Downy Woodpecker (5), Night Heron, American Bittern, Eastern Kingbird (2, 3, 5) , Western American Merganser, Turkey Vul­ Kingbird (2,4,5), Crested Fly­ ture, Cooper's Hawk, Prairie Falcon, catcher (5), Eastern Phoebe (3,5), Willet, Wilson's Phalarope, Ring­ Say's Phoebe (5), Horned Lark (1, billed Gull, Interior Least Tern, Black 2, [), Bank Swallow (5), Rough­ Tern, Barn Owl, Western Burrowing winged Swallow (4), Barn Swa)]ow Owl, Nutall's Poor-will, White­ (1,2,3,5), Cliff Swallow (1,3), throated Swift, Ruby-throated Hum­ Purple Martin (5), Blue Jay (2, 3, mingbird, Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied 5), Magpie (1,4,5), Crow (5), Sapsucker, \Vestern \Vood Pewee, Chickadee (5), White-breasted Nut­ Violet-green Swallow, Tree Swallow, hatch (1), House Wren (1, 3, 4, 5), Tufted Titmouse, Mounbin Bluebird, Mockingbird (1, 5), Catbird (3, 5), Northwestern Shrike, Black and 20 Nebraska Bird Review

White 'Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, column 2. name of bird (check Audubon's Warbler, Ovenbird, Chat, list order) American Redstart, Bobolink, Yellow­ column :1. evidence of n est i n g headed Blackbird, Bullock's Oriole, (carrying nest materials, Brewer's Blackbird, Western Tan­ nest in use, young, ager, Indigo Bunting, Lazuli Bunting, adults carrying food) House Finc:h, Pine Siskin, Rufus­ column 4. remarks sided Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Everyone submitting a report is Tree Sparrow, and Song Sparrow. contributing to field ornithology in ~ebraska. Whether your interests This is a good beginning, but it is extend throughout a county (or only a beginning. We would like to suggest the continuation of this counties) 01' are limited to your own backyard, you can help by sending worthwhile activity. Although a con­ your observations to the Editor. centrated week-long census is valu­ Don't forget to enlist the aid of the able, it would be even better if re­ young folks you may know-Scouts, porters kept records throughout the 4-H clubs, Audubon Junior Clubs, or spring and summer. The following the boy or girl down the street. Their form seems to be a very useable one: eyes are sharp and their legs are column 1. date (s) :aimble!

I I I I I

'. N ebl'aska Bird Review 21

Attending the Mid-Winter Convention are: Ralph Velich, Mrs. C. G. Pritchard, C. G. Pritchard, L. O. Horsky, and Wm. Ferguson. Photo by Mrs. L. lola Pennington. REPORT OF THE MID-WINTER CONVENTION

A Mid-Winter Convention was McClure; "Bird Obsec'vations Around held in the Y.M.C.A. in Om'lha Jan­ Kearney at Four Mi'es Per Hour," uary 12, 1957, with about 50 persons by John C. W . Bliese; "Bird Be­ in attendance. Luncheon was served havior," by Doris Gate3; and "A at 12 :00 Noon and a paper session Preliminary TIeport on Nesting in followed. Charles Mohr of the Aud­ Nebraska," by C. G. Pritchard. ubon Society showed pictures t::lken by Karl Maslowski. He showed them Mrs. ,Tohn Lueshen was in charge during the afternoon for those who of making arrange-:nents for the were unable to attend the evening program an:! meeting places. L. O. program. An informal dinner was Horsky gave considerable assistance. held at a nearby cafe. John Bliese was in charge of the meeting:. The program was as follows: "Winter Bird Populations," by vVm. Those who attended fe~t the meet­ F. Rapp, Jr.; "Dove Bawling," l' y ing was quite successfttl and ex­ Burton Nelson; "Effects of Modern pressed a desire to continue such Science on Homing Instincts of meetings in future years. Some sug­ Pigeons," by Mrs. John Lueshen; gested that local meetings might be "Duck Banding in Canada," by W. G. held in other areas of the state. 22 Nebraska Bird Review DR. JOHN TODD ZIMMER Biographical Background Dr. John Todd Zimmer, Chairman of the wor!d including the Marshall of the Department of Birds of The Field Peruvian Expedition of 1922- American Museum of Natural His­ 1923 and the Conover-Everard Afri­ tory, was born in Bridgeport, Ohio can Expedition of 1926-1927. He is on February 28, 1889. He received a former editor of the "AUK," the his B.S. in 1910 and his M.A. in publication of the American Orni­ 1911 from the Univers:ty of Nebras­ thologists Union and a recipient of ka from which he also received an that organization's 1952 Brewster honorary D.Sc. in 1943. Medal. He was a member of the Society for the Study of Evolution, Dr. Zimmer joined The American the Society for Systematic Zoology, Museum of Natural History in 1930 the Biological Society of Washing­ as Associate Curator in the Depart­ ton and a fellow of the New York ment of Birds, Jater becoming Act­ Zoological Society and the American ing Curator and Curator in 1942. He Association for the Advancement of was appointed Chairman of' his de­ Science, as well as Sigma Chi, the partment in 1954, succeeding Dr. University Club of White Plains, the Robert Cushman Murphy. He was an Explorers' Club and John Burrough authority on the systematic and Me'Ylorial A ward Committee. distributional ornithology of the United States and South America. Dr. Zimmer's scientific writings include several volumes on Peruvian Before joining the staff of the birds and numerous papers on other Museum, Dr. Zimmer was an as­ South and North American birds. sistant curator at the Field Museum, He has also compiled a two-volume now known as the Chicago Natural catalog of the AyeI' Ornithological History Museum, from 1922 to 1930. Library in Chicago. Between the years 1917 and 1921, he was an agricultural expert with the Papuan Department of Agricul­ ture in New Guinea. He also served as an entomologist with the Philip­ LETTERS OF SPECIAL NOTE pine Bureau of Agriculture from -"Birding here in the 'cruel' desert 1913 to 1916 and field expert in has proved very interesting. In a entomology for the Nebraska Ex­ month I have listed the following: perimental Station between 1911 and (mostly in my back yard at one little 1913. mesquite bush, with water, food and Dr. Zimmer has been a member of some shade available) Turkey Vul­ scientific expeditions to many parts ture, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Road-runner (when he appears the Cactus Wren swears with all his A Release from the American might), Great Horned Owl, Long­ Museum of Natural History dated eared Owl (last seen 34 years ago December 21, 1955. Dr Zimmer died in Lincoln), Texas Nighthawk, Gild­ January 6, 1!l57. ed Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, White· Nebraska Bird Review 23 necked Raven, Cactus Wren, Say's stopped off in Pittsburgh and Chi­ Phoebe, Western Mockingbird, Ben­ cago to see old friends, also in Fort dire's Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Leavenworth, Kansas, to meet a col­ Pi!eolated Warbler, Brewer's Black­ league in Mallophaga whom I had bird, Verdin, Green-tailed Towhee, never seen, but with whom I had Canyon Towhee; Pyrrhuloxia, Car­ corresponded for a long time, Co'. dinal, House Finch, Western Lark K. C. Emerson. Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Western Ve s per Sparrow, White-crowned "I have a sister and son here, the Sparrow, Gambel's Sparrow, Brew­ latter an eye surgeon on the staff of er's Sparrow (last seen in Western the Medical School of the UnL of Ne'craska in 1916), Gambel's Quail, Calif., also in private practice with and Red-shafted Flicker. another eye specialist." Signed M. A. Carriker, Jr., Apartado No. 82, "The Bendire's Thrasher is the Popayan, Colombia, S. A. most conspicuous bird in my yard. As the day progresses and the tem­

0 perature reaches 100 on the way "As you may have heard, Dr. John up, then the Thrasher comes and T. Zimmer, since 1930 a me:11ber of sings softly in the little mesquite the Department of Birds at this bush, 'yards of it' sometimes by the Museum, died on .January 6. While hour. It must be that he is one of an undergraduate at the University those birds that the zoologists a~'e to of Ne':raska he was an active student ll~eet in the next world!" Signe'd of brds of your state, and your Ralph (R. W.) Dawson, 14 Desert society will be p'eased to know, I Lane (Palm SJ]rings), Route 2, Mes], am sure, that he had as'cel us to send Arizona. his collection of the birds of N ebras­ ka made at that time to the Univer­ sity of Nebrask'1 Stat3 Museum at "I received your letter while in Lincoln." Signed Dean Amadon, Washington . . . I wanted to visi t American Museum of Natural His­ my son at Chapel Hill, N. C., whom tOlY, Central Park West at 79th I had not seen for four Y3ars . . . I Street, New York 24, N.Y. COWBIRD EGGS IN NESTS OF BELL'S VIREOS

On May 7 (1956) we heard a Bell's removed. By May 27 there were four Vireo singing in our yard for the Vireo eggs. Two weeks later (June first time. On May 22 we found the 10) the first two young were hatched. first nest just being completed in When we looked in the nest a a Persian Lilac hedge. On the day week later we found three young, all following the discovery of the nest dead, and one egg that had not we found a Cowbird's egg in it and hatched. The nest was full of ants we removed it. The next day we but we are inclined to doubt that found the first Vireo's egg. On the the ants killed the young birds. third day we found two Vireo's eggs A second Bell's Vireo nest was and one Cowbird's egg which we located in a Tartarian Honeysuckle 24 Nebraska Bird Review ------hedge about 75 feet from the first as I had all the other Cowbird's nest. This one also had a Cowbird's eggs. The first Vireo egg was laid egg before the Vireo laid the first June 21 and the fourth egg, June egg, and another Cowbird's egg was 25. The first young hatched July 8.* laid on the day the first Vireo egg was in the nest. Both Cowbird's The Cowbirds laid one egg in each eggs were removed. A small hole of two nests and two eggs in each appeared in the Vireo egg. It might of two other nests. The presence of have been made by the Cowbird the Cowbirds would have been un­ eitber by its bill or claw. The nest known to us if we had not found the was abandoned. eggs. (Two years ago we found two Cowbird's eggs in a Cardinal's nest This pair of Vireos constructed a in a mock orange bush near our second nest about 50 feet from the kitchen window.) nest of the first pair, in a Korean Without our interference the Lilac hedge. As in the other nests, Vireos would only have raised Cow­ the first egg laid was a Cowbird's, birds. Possibly it is deemed illegal which I removed. The first Vireo to remove Cowbird's eggs from other egg was laid June 9. By June 13 birds' nests, but John Burroughs did there were four eggs. The young it and Mrs. Horsky and I believe began hatching June 24 and all four that a majority of N. O. U. mem­ eggs hatched. One young disap­ bers would have done the same. peared, but the other three left the nest July 6. It seems to take the Vireo's eggs about 15 days to hatch and about Another BeIl's Vireo nest was built 13 days for the young to leave the in the same hedge as the first nest nest after they are hatched. and we assume it was the same pair of Vireos. A Cowb"ird's egg was in -L. O. Horsky, Omaha the nest after the first two Vireo eggs had been laid. This I removed "'Four were successfully fledged. NOTES KEITH COUNTY.-On June 18 on diffe-Tent occasions. (1955) a nest of the Lark Bunting On May 28, 1956, a new bird was found in the pasture lands north voice was heard in the trees in of Brule. The nest was among Prick­ Brule. After a few minutes the ly Pear Cactus foliage and contained singer came into sight where we, six eggs. The male was flushed from Clarence Huntley and I, were able the nest. Two days later the male was seen feeding two young. to identify him as a Blue-headed On the same date a Grasshopper Vireo. After much checking and Sparrow nest was discovered con­ double-checking, I am inclined to taining four eggs. This sparrow believe the bird was a Plumbeous could be classed as a regular nester. Vireo according to Peterson's West­ Several young are to be seen each ern Guide and the Nebraska Check­ year. The young have been caught list, page 29. Nebraska Bird Review 25

A Snow Bunting was observed now. Juncos and Tree Sparrows have with a large flock of Lapland Long­ been with me. Also, the White­ spurs north of the Elmer Cole crowned Sparrow was here· from De­ Ranch home February 5, 1956. An­ cember 17 to 20 inclusively. The other one was sighted in Eagle highlight of my season's bil'd-wat~h­ Canyon.-Clarence W. Huntley for ing pleasure was the presence of a Harold R. Benckeser, Brule Northern Shrike from December 16 to February 5. But what is so thrill­ WINTER REPORT FROM WEB­ ing as a bunch of Bob-whites? At STER COUNTY.-This past winter last count, I had at least 15 left out (dated February 25, 1957) has been of 24 (t w 0 broods combined) . quite drab, at least from this birder's -Harold Turner, Bladen observations. I believe it has been CHERRY COUNTY.-Shortly be­ the most Crow-less yet. Magpies are fore Christmas, 1955, our first flock now ever-present here but they have of Redpolls appeared. They furnished favorite places and it is sometimes lots of entertainment during the necessary to know where to look for long winter, working busi,ly on the them. This is likewise true of some sumac and maples, and posing of the other permanent winter beautifully on the green cedar tips. species such as Chickadees. It often We had always thought tumble­ pays to search for Hairy and Downy weeds unsightly things but from Woodpeckers in wooded areas. (Those now on we will prize them as a who have their birds trained to favorite source of food for the tiny come to feeders in the yard are likely Redpolls. rewarded for their efforts.) Last winter brought other visitors Since the beginning of the year I to our refuge who were not so wel­ have found Cardinals present along come. One morning in the new-fallen the Little Blue near Bladen, but no snow we found the prints of beat­ Robins have appeared at this writing, ing wing tips and followed them and Redwings seemed absent until across the lawn to a partially eaten February 6. Pine Siskins and Gold­ rabbit. We knew that Great Horned finches were not seen until February Owls had invaded our cedars. These 16 and 17 respectively. I did, how­ owls are welcome and useful birds ever, have a Rusty Blackbird from because of the great numbers of January 8 to about the 15th and kangaroo rats; but since we es­ again from about February 10 to 17. tablished a Bobwhite covey, this is Chestnut-collared Longspurs were the second winter that owls have more common with me this season destroyed them down to a single than usual. A flock estimated at pair. 150-200 was seen January 23. Lap­ During one February blizzard our land Longspurs and Horned Larks quails were safe from both owls were fairly numerous. and sharp winds but we were sad­ Western Meadowlarks were always dened by their disappearance. Our present but quite scarce for a few Airedale dog found them under an weeks. Starlings also were seen in ice-glazed drift, still in good condi­ limited numbers about the farmstead. tion, after ten days of imprisonment. The Horned Owl is common and can Last December 23 (1955) a North­ be heard calling almost every night ern Shrike appeared, the first to be 26 Nebraska Bird Review observed here'. It chased a Robin Grosbeak near Memphis Lake. We through the cedars, forced it to the also heard another male singing in ground and killed it by tearing off the same locality. About five miles the head. The hungry shrike, flying east of Ceresco we observed a pail' of a few feet at a time, dragged its Mockingbirds carrying food but did kill to the base of a wild currant not locate their nest. At a small pond which it used as a sort of clamp to on the Ceresco Flats, three miles grip the body of the Robin while it east of Ceresco, we saw a Least tore away the feathers. Tern. Two Swainson's Hawks were A Mourning Dove nested in the circling overhead.-Dennis L. Cartel'. Chinese elm close to the barn in the Anws, Iowa summer of 1956. We could watch GAGE COUNTY.-August 13, this nest from the window and three 1956, we saw at least 3000 swallows broods were hatched. The third nest in South Beatrice. They weTe mostly was late in August and only one on telephone wires, but a few were egg hatched. The growth of twigs in nearby trees and a few were fly­ and leaves throughout the summer ing. They sat quite still whiIe I inclosed the nest and it became a drove by severet! times. They were very satisfactory location. T his mostly Tree Swallows (I could see the seemed an unusual observation to us. white breasts) and some were dark­ There were four young in a Blue er, probably l'.1artins. There were Jay nest when they were attacked others with darker throats, probably by a bull snake. Hearing the usual Rough-winged Swallows. commotion we were in time to shoot -Mary Stu.nner, Beatrice the snake before any of the young were destroyed, but two were spat­ HALL COUNTY.-(From a letter tered with blood. The parent birds dated June 28, 1956.) Our Brown tossed these two young to the ground Thrashers (assuming it is the same and one was killed. The smaller one pair) came back and built in the survived the fall. We placed it in same climbing rose, same spot. They the nest but later found it on the had fom' eggs but I heard them ground again. scolding one morning and later dis­ Early one morning last May a covered all the eggs broken but one. Least Bittern alighted on our lawn a The birds deserted it and the yard, few feet from the house. It stood in but there is still a pair around. the open for some time but finally The Catbird has a nest out in the walked near a clump of lilacs. We wild plum bushes. There were four walked within four feet of it but it beautiful eggs and now there are made no movement. Late in the eve­ three little birds. ning when we attempted to pick it There are at least two pairs of up, it flew away.--M)'s. Donald Held, Baltimore Orioles and two pairs or Elsmere more of Orchard Orioles. I hear SAUNDERS COUNTY.-April 29, them singing and see them in the 1956, Peter C. Petersen, Jr., and I yard. I supplied the orio.les with saw a flock of 78 Eared Grebes in white yarn and string after watch­ one group on Memphis Lake. July ing them try to pull off the strings 22, 1956, Dale Birkenholz and I first holding up the climbing rose. Even heard and then saw a male Blue then I had quite a time locating Nebraska Bird Review 27 nests as they flew around the' side 4 :30. This is the first report of the of the house and got away so fast. bird in this part of the state. Then a Western Kingbird gathered -Carl Smith, Halsey up the strings while the Orioles HAMILTON COUNTY.-April 27 tugged at the climbing rose string. as I was birding in the small park The Eastern Kingbirds are thick. next to our home a large gray hawk There must be six pairs or more flew from the top of a spruce. It was around, and their nests aren't very in pursuit of a Mourning Dove and far apart. flew so quickly that I was not sure of A Warbling Vireo sat on its nest its identity. The next day I was and sang until I located it near again in the park and a hawk flew the hen house, about 12 feet high. from the ground under a spruce. I think they have hatched as the The long banded tail and the white birds are not on the nest constantly stripe above the eye marked it as now. I tried to see in it with a mirror a Goshawk. I found a dead robin on a hoe but the nest is under some under the spruce. The next day the leafy twigs. hawk was still in the park and the The Redwing in the lilac bush has small birds seemed to be absent. The her young out of the nest. There are following day two men worked in about three pairs around. And four the park most of the day and when or five pairs of Bronz,ed Grackles. I walked through I saw no sign of The' swallow in the cowbarn has the hawk. a nest crowded with six almost ready May 16 (1956), while birding in to fly. The other three nests are the park with three neighbor chil­ not full enough to see the young as dren I sighted a small bird in one yet. I saw a Robin carrying worms of the bushes. Although it was a so know it has a nest. There are small bird we had approached it three or four pairs of Mourning closely enough to see it plainly even Doves. I've heard a Yellow Warbler without a binocular. The breast was singing but no nest has been located. plain and a dirty white. The back I've heard the flicker and seen it, was olive-brown. The crown was a and the Red-headed Woodpecker so warm brown and there was a light am sure they are nesting. And of line above the eye. Both the wings course, there are Dickcissels on and the beak were longish. We stood every telephone wire--almost be­ quite still and watched it as it fed tween every pair of poles. I saw old on the bush. I am certain that it and young Killdeers in the barnlot. was a Swainson's Warbler. At a neighbor's we found a -Mrs. Kermit S. Swanson, AllT01'(( Yellow Warbler's nest in a lilac BOX BUTTE COUNTY.-We bush, and we heard a Great Horned Owl.-Margaret Morton, Doniphan have found western Nebraska to be an Ornithologist's paradise. (Previ­ THOMAS COUNTY.---June 11, ously we were southeastern Michigan 1956, at 8 :00 P.M. I heard the call "bird watchers.") The variety and of the Nuttall's Poor-will. I again abundance of species was amazing to heard the call at about 9 :00 P.M. us during the' spring migrations, the same' evening and again the many of which we had been hoping mornings of the 15th and 16th about to see for a long time. On May 2, 28 Nebraska Bird Review

5, 6, and 14 (1956) we saw 50 or In this area a Northern W a ter­ more species in a single day. The thrush was present from May 11 to high was on May 14 when we saw 23. 63 species. (The names of these One or more Olive-backed Thrushes birds appeal' in the' Migration and were noted from May 11 through Occurrence Report, October Number May 23 in or neal' bushes and trees. of the Review.) They were always silent. A Spotted On May 3 at approximately 10 :45 Sandpiper was seen at the edge of P.M. (and probably earlier and the duck pond in the mud on May later) the sky over Alliance was 13 and again on May 25. A single literally alive with bird voices-some male Red Crossbill was observed close and some far. The stars were May 22 feeding on dandelion seeds not shining and no birds could be in the grassy lawn of the park and observed. It appeared that a large on May 23 and 25 a pail' was seen. number of birds were passing over­ They kept close together. The male head-a mass migration. The next followed the female whenever she morning a Lincoln's Sparrow was flew off a little. They were probably found dead on the sidewalk below a attracted by the abundance of dan­ living room picture window. Gambel's delion seeds. Sparrows, Spotted Towhees, Myrtle On April 14 an unusual goose Warblers, and Lark Sparrows were was seen on a pasture pond with also observed in the City Park and several thousand Snow Geese and adjacent backyards. Gambel's Spar­ one or more Blue Geese. Due to the rows were the most numerous of the great distance an accurate descrip­ migrants. tion was almost impossible, but it The City Park attracts a number appeared as follows: Its belly and of birds during migration, probably throat appeared to be black, the due to the trees, shrubs and two neck and upper back were rusty, ponds. Gambel's Sparrows arrived while the middle and lower back on April 29 and the last individual were white. In flight black wing-tips was seen May 19, 1956. They were similar to those possessed by a Snow especially numerous during the ear.l­ Goose were noted. At that time we ier portion of this period when they felt it was an individual splashed were frequently seen and heard. with mud, but on April 21 it was During the latter part they were again observed in the same condi­ less frequently heard and near the tion, hence this the'Ory was dis­ end of the period they weTe only counted. We suspect this goose was seen, not heard. a hybrid.-John and Ann Mathisen, Mrytle Warblers were noted in the A.llial1ce city on April 27 and the last one was seen May 15. They were much D A W SON COUNTY.-Starlings more numerous than Audubon's War­ have had two very noisy broods. One blers. The Yellow-throat was present was early in the summer and the from May 11 through May 22. Both other about July 1. Several females males and fema.les were seen, but had four big young following them males outnumbered the females. They about the yard. Our Starlings are preferred the low (about four feet) multiplying very fast and many birds bushes adjacent to a small pond. formerly abundant are rare or miss- Nebraska Bird Review 29 ing. I'm blaming the flocks of caught her and cared for her until Starlings. she was able to fly. She and the As for Harris Sparrows, I saw male disappeared from the neigh­ them first in the yard January 20. borhood. Mrs. S. A. Perkins checked They seemed to be passing a stage on an albino Robin which had been of moulting because the black was reported the summer before and it patchy, not continuous about the appeared this was the same Robin head and throat. But it gradually returned the second ye·ar. spre'ad until in the spring they had -L. O. Horsky, Omaha full deep color. Earlier some had I want to report that Miss Edith light colored throats. Neal and her sister at Ft. Calhoun February 16 there was a smaller are very sure they saw a Painted sparrow on the table, whose stripes Bunting at the bird bath in their on the crown were brown and gray, yard. It stayed around long enough but later these cleared into black for them to get their bird books and and white strips for the White­ identify it. The bird was there about crowned Sparrow. They fed at the the middle of June. The Misses Neals table practically every day, often have been observing birds for some five or six at a time, until the eve­ time so I think it quite probable ning of May 5 whe'n the yard and they are correct.-Mary A. Towne, hedge seemed full of very excited Omaha birds. They fed often and we NUCKOLLS COUNTY.-The Dick­ guessed they were making ready cissels are everyplace around here. for a night flight. May 6 our yard Everywhere you drive is full of and hedge weTe bare of birds and Dickcissels (June 22, 1956). we have not seen a Harris Sparrow -2Vl1"s. Earle Lionbwrger, Superimo since. A few White-crowned Spar­ CUMING COUNTY.-(June 15, rows were around for several days, 1956) The Sioux City Bird Club was then they were gone, too.- here for the day, and they saw a -Hallie J. Allen, Cozad White-winged Scoter in Cuming KEITH COUNTY.-The Town­ County. The next morning we went send's Solitaire has been quite com­ back to look for it but it was gone. mon in Brule this winter. -Mrs. John L.ueshen, Wisner -Clarence W. Huntley, Brule LINCOLN COUNTY.-We saw DOUGLAS CO U N T Y.-July 1, Chimney Swifts first on May 9, 1956, we visited the nesting colony 1956-four of them-and I saw of Great Blue Herons on Dr. Har­ them every time I was in town old Gifford's farm adjoining the (North Platte) all summer. The last Fontenelle Forest. In spite of some time I saw them was August 3, and shooting of the Herons, we found a I counted 16. Mr. (Wilson) Tout rather large number still nesting. has only one record in his book and A female albino Robin was report­ that is of a dead one found in his ed in Omaha during the summer of chimney in 1908. I'm sure if they 1956. Her only mark was a small had been here other summers I red spot on the breast. Her mate would have seen them because they was a normally colored Robin. They are alwaysune of the first birds nearly completed a nest but didn't that I am aware of when we go finish it apparently because of cats. east.-]v!rs. Glenn Viehllleyer, North She was injured and Mr. Smolinski Platte 30 Nebraska Bird Review TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1956

Jan. 1, 1956 Balance in general fund $646.01 $658.01 Life membership fund 12.00

Receipts Active memberships, 102 $307.00 Sustaining members, 15 75.00 Life member 1 50.00 Review subscriptions 33 109.00 Sale of Reviews 16.74 Sale of checklists 3.73 Interest on bonds 5.00 Surplus from state meeting 49.75 Contribution 1.00

617.22 1275.2:;

E'x1 Jendit1l1·es Graham Printing Service Biyd Review, Jan. '56 118.28 Bird Rel!icw, Apr. '56 107.88 Bird Review, July '56 156.60 Bi,·d Review, Oct. '56 204.18 Addressing NOD News 3.08

590.12 Doris Gates, editor Paper, postage, phone Gas on NOD business 57.72 57.72 Mrs. John Lueshen, secretary Postage 8.42 Phone 1.49 Programs for annual meeting 21.80 Gas to meetings 8.00 39.71

VlTm. F. Rapp, outgoing pres. Phone calls and stamps 24.10 24.10 W. E. Eigsti Pub.licity for annual meeting 10.23 Mrs. C. G. Pritchard, custodian Library fund 21.76 Mrs. O. W. Ritchey Stamps 6.50 Treasurer's bond 5.00 11.50 Nebraska Bird Review 31

Dave Jamieson, stationery 33.05 Quiz Engraving Company, cuts 2.74 1.40 4.50 .32 8.96

Dr. Raymond Hail, speaker at annual meeting 50.00 Refunds on dues l.50 Bank service charge .30 Honorary membership certificate 3.85

852.80

January 1, 1957 Balance on hand 422.43 1275.28

Tnveshnents Two G Bonds, maturity value $200, cost $100 each Three J Bonds, maturity value $100, cost $72 each Mrs. O. W. Ritchey Treasurer

BRIEF SUMMARY OF 1956 HIKES

Carl H. Swanson of Omaha sent a highest number (50) being recorded table su '1111larizing his activities in June 13-14 and the lowest (12) being 1936. The Editor took the liberty to recorded March 16. Species he in­ reduce it to the following: cluded are Gol:lfinch, many sp3rrows During the months from March to (Harris's, Fie I d, White-throated, Dece:nber inclusively Mr. Swanson White-crowned, Fox. and Song) • took 36 hikes making an average of Carolina Wren<, one White-eyed 3.6 hikes per month. His total mileage Vireo, Bluebirds, Titmice, Robins, was 350 with an average of 9.72 Cardina ~s, Red-winged Blackbirds, miles p(,r hike. The maximum number Towhees, Catbirds, Bohemian W'ax­ of miles was 1::, and the minimum wings, Juncos; and he saw a heronry was six. Each hike required an aver­ of the Blue Heron with about 40 age of 4.18 hom's the extre'mes being nests. He heard the Barred Owl. two and a half and nine and the total being 150.75 hours. He saw an Truly, Mr. Swanson must enjoy average of 28.08 species with the the out-of-doors!

SCOTTSBLUFF IS THE PLACE; MAY 18-19, 1957, ARE THE DATES; N. O. U. CONVENTION IS THE EVENT. Nebraska Ornithologists' Union BULK RATE 325 So. lIth Street U.S. POSTA.GE Lincoln, Nebraska PAID Lincoln. Nebr. Permit No. 202

BOOK REVIEWS

THE SPIRIT OF THE WILD. OF THE WILD.-DG William J. Long. Double & Company, A MANUAL FOR THE IDENTI­ Inc., Garden City, New York, 1956: FICATION OF THE BIRDS OF 256 pp. $4.00. MINNESOT A AND NEIGHBORING STATES. Thomas S. Roberts. The Dr. Long's daughter found a col­ University of· Minnesob Press, Min­ lection of short articles among his neapolis, Minnesota, 1955: 293 pp. belongings after his death and they have been collected into this book. $3.50. He was a philosopher and accurate This manual has a key with descrip­ observer of animals in their own tions of 335 species plus 33 subspecies. surroundings and records them with There are many drawings to explain skill and charm. He not only tells the meaning of some of the descrip­ about the Musquash, Fox and Deer tions. This book would be very valu­ but challenges his readers to reason able in any reference library for out the why of their behavior. Any bird identification and particularly naturalist will enjoy THE SPIRIT for the "bird in the hand."-DG