! Vol. XXXVII No. 1 March 1967 Published by the IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION 2 fOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 VOL. XXXVII No. 1 MARCH, 1967 PAGES 1-24 CONTENTS CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS 3-10 BIRD BANDING SUMMARY 11-13 AMES CONVENTION 13 MOCKINGBIRDS IN IOWA 14-20 FIELD REPORTS 20-22 GENERAL NOTES 23 BOOK REVIEWS ... 24 OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION President— Miss Myra G. Willis, 1720 6th Ave,, S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Vice-Pres. — Mrs. Charles C. Ayres, Jr., 922 Green St., Ottumwa, Iowa 52501 Sec’y.-Treas. — Dr. Myrle M. Burk, Route 2, Waterloo. Iowa 50703 Editor— Peter C. Petersen Jr., 235 McClellan Blvd., Davenport, Iowa 52803 Librarian— Dr. Martin L. Grant, Dept of Biology, State College of Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 Executive Council: Fred W Kent, Iowa City, Iowa Robert L. Niekolson, Sioux City, Iowa Mrs. Russell Nicholson, Des Moines, Iowa Dr. Robert Vane, Cedar Rapids, Iowa The Iowa Ornithologists’ Union was organized at Ames, Iowa, February 28, 1923, for the study and protection of native birds and to promote fraternal relations among Iowa bird students. The central design of the Union's official seal is the Eastern Goldfinch, designated State Bird of Iowa in 1933. Publications of the Union: Mimeographed letters, 1923-1928; "The Bulletin,’* 1929U 930 ; "Iowa Bird Life,” beginning 1931, SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $3,00 a year. Single copies 75c each except where supply is limited to five or fewer copies, $1.00. Subscriptions to the magazine is included in all paid memberships, of which there are five classes as follows: Life Member, $100.00, payable in four equal installments; Con- tributing Member, $10.00 a year; Supporting Member, $5.00 a year; Regular Member, $3.00 a year; Junior Member (under 16 years of age), $1.00 a year. EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATION OFFICE 235 McClellan blvd. DAVENPORT, IOWA 52803 Published quarterly by the Iowa Ornithologists* Union at 235 McClellan' Blvd., Davenport. Iowa. 52303 , Second class postage paid at Davenport, Iowa. Subscription 53.00. single copies 75c. CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS IN IOWA 3 THE 1966 CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS IN IOWA Compiled by WOODWARD H. BROWN 4815 Ingersoll Ave. DES MOINES, IOWA The number of participants in the 1966 count was 261, or 23 more than in 1965, and the number of stations was 30 compared with 28 last year. Despite these increases this year’s total Iowa list was only 109, a decrease of one from 1965, The most unusual species reported were the Boreal Chickadee at Du- buque, and the Bonaparte's Gulls at Davenport; both being “firsts”, A Fer- ruginous Hawk at Waterloo was the first since 1954 and only the second to be recorded on these counts. The Swainson’s Hawk at Winthrop was also a sec- ond occurrence having been recorded in 1961. The mild weather and lack of snow prior to the census period might be expected to cause some over-wintering by species which are principally migratory, and Flickers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Blue Jays did not disappoint. The number of Flickers reported was 175% of the 1965 figure. The largest numbers last year were 32 at Aledo and 28 at Davenport, but this year Davenport saw 58, Des Moines, 43, Mercer Co., 111. (Aledo), 57, and Mus- catine, 110. Red-headed Woodpeckers were 232% and Blue Jays 153% re- spectively of the previous year’s totals. An abundance of acorns may have been a factor also. At the same time the local weather proved no attraction to some winter visitors other than Purple Finches which were relatively numerous. Only 6 Pine Siskins were reported from 4 stations, Red Crossbills were at only 2 stations, and no Redpolls were seen. Red-tailed Hawks were seen at 28 stations and increased from 212 last year to 283, but were considerably lower than the 1964 total of 354. Red- shouldered continue scarce with only 8 seen at 6 stations. The habitat pref- erence of this species may be reflected by the fact that 5 of these areas are on the Mississippi River, Iowa City being the exception. 1. AKRON (6 mile circle near Bryant Farm, groves, ditches and fields). Dec. 26; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Temp. 20-30; wind none. Sky mostly clear, ground bare. Observer (1): Eldon J. Bryant. 2. AMES (7^2 mile radius from I.S.U. Campanile). Dec, 29; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Temp, 6-22; wind 6 m.p.h. from NW. Sky clear in a.m., cloudy in p.m.; 7 inches of fresh snow; creeks frozen. Observers (4) in 2 parties: Rich- ard Knight, Bill Jackson, Jim Rod, and Richard Schultz. 3. BURLINGTON (15 mile diameter circle l h mile north of junction of highways 34 and 61; moved 2 Vi miles SW- includes much of same area cov- ered as previous year). Dec. 26; 7:20 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. Temp. 14-27; wind 1-5 m.p.h. from S. Almost clear to partly cloudy; no snow cover; river 75% frozen. Observers (15) in 6 parties: Jane Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Jackson, Jone Kaup, Ann Klohr, Fredric Leopold, Harold Linder, John Lowther, Mrs. Ory Lowther, Peter Lowther, Jack McLane, Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Niemann, Ted Niemann, Suzanne A. Warth. 4. CEDAR FALLS (Black Hawk, Wyth, and Washington Parks; Snag Creek, Beaver Creek, Black Hawk Creek; Goose Lake; city and prairie areas). Dec. 21; 8 a,m. to 5 p.m. Temp. 26-34; wind 12 m.p.h. from NW. Cloudy; no snow, ponds frozen, streams half frozen. Observers (5) in 2 parties; Evelyn Ehlers, Martin L. Grant, Annette Haffner, Russell Hays, Florence Velie. 4 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 5. CEDAR RAPIDS (Circle with fifteen mile diameter, centering on Federal Building), Dec. 26,, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Temp. 9-25; wind 5 m.p.h. from N. Clear, ground bare. Observers (15) in 6 parties: Sally Chase, Dr. R. V. Drcxler, Dr. and Mrs. Karl Goellner, Henry Kyllingstad, Beryl Layton, Mrs. Lucile Liljedahl, Mrs. Forrest Millikin, Lillian Serbousek, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Vane, Robert Stewart Vane, Myra G. Willis, Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich Zobac. 6. CLINTON (7 Vfe mi. radius centered V 2 mi. S. Elk River Jet., Iowa, same as in previous years), Dec. 28; 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Temp. 15-23; wind 12-20 m.p.h. from NW. Overcast, snow and snow flurries, ground covered with 7-8" drifted snow, river 90% ice covered. Observers (7) in 2 parties: Fred and Maurice Lesher, John and W, M. Lonnecker, Peter Petersen, Jr. (com- piler), Paul Van Nieuwenhayse, Phillip Vaughan. Turkeys becoming more wary. Partridge flew across road in front of car south of Savanna, 111. (WML, PPL 7. COUNCIL BLUFFS (Lake Manawa South to U.S. Highway No, 34. Covered as part Omaha Bird Club). Dec. 26; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Temp. 11-32; wind 2-5 m.p.h. from N. No snow cover, water partially frozen. Observers (8) in 2 parties: Glenn H. LeDioyt (only name given, ed.) 8. DAVENPORT (7Vt mi, radius of toll house of Memorial Bridge, same as in previous years). Dec. 26; 2:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Temp. 8-24; wind 0-8 m.p.h. from NE, clear, ground bare, river 90% ice covered. Observers (52) in 18 parties: Mr. and Mrs, Fred Adams, Mr. and Mrs, William Atwood. Steve Aupperle, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Blevins. Harry Carl, Allen Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cox, Dale Dickinson, Larry Dau, Mr, and Mrs, Robert Dau, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dau, Elton and Lois Fawks, Carol Frink, Mr. and Mrs, Jacob Frink, Mrs. Frank Gordon, Richard and Ted Greer, Mr. and Mrs. C. C, Haz- ard, James Hodges Sr. and Jr., Frances Johnson, David, Frank and Howard Larson, John and Mike Lonnecker, Mr. and Mrs, W. M. Lonnecker, Kather- ine Love, Mrs. Frank Marquis, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Petersen, Sr., Mary Lou Petersen. Peter Petersen, Jr„ 1 compiler), Don Price, Urban Stratman, Joe Tracy, Chris and Phillip Vaughan, Norman Ward. Mr. and Mrs. Warren Wickstrom. Details of unusual observations: Old Squaw and Bonaparte’s Gulls seen through scope in excellent light (RG, TGh Osprey seen through scope, care- fully observed, (F.M.). Most of Field Sparrows in a group in W. Davenport, (L.D.). Lincoln’s Sparrow with Tree and Song seen at close range, (LB). 9. DECORAH (Center NE corner Sec. 24, T99N, RSW, Dec. 31; 7:30 a m, to 5:00 p.m. Temp. 10-33; wind 11-12 m.p.h. from SW. Cloudy, 5 in. snow cover, most waters frozen. Observers (14) in 4 parties: Mrs. Florence Al- bright, Vernon Bahr, R. W. Daubendiek, Duane Fenstermann, Gus Heuser, Oivind Hovde, Darwin Koenig, Mrs, Merlin Koenig, Verne Koenig, Mabel LaFleur, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rohm, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Schultz. 10. DES MOINES (Denman Woods, Flint Access, Crocker Woods, Fisher s Lake Wakonsa, Greenwood and Ashworth Parks. Walnut Woods, Impounding Res., Camp Dodge, Sycamore Park, Brenton’s Slough, Clark’s Woods. Dec 31; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Temp. 27-31; wind 10-15 m.p.h. from S-SW. Mostly cloudy, 7 inches snow cover, lakes and rivers mostly frozen. Observers (15) in 5 parties: Albert Berkowitz, Wm, Boiler, Mrs. Dwight Brooke, Woodward Brown, John Faaborg, Oliver Graves, Lester Haskell, Mrs. Lester Haskell David Hurd, Joe Kennedy, Richard Knight, Richard Mooney, Dr. Harold Peasley, Mrs. Harold Peasley, Mary Ellen Warters. CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS IN IOWA 5 Oregon Junco a regular visitor at feeder- 11. DUBUQUE (Linwood and Mi Calvary Cemeteries, City Island, Du- buque’s Grave Area, City Harbor, John Deere, Wisconsin). Dec. 26; 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Temp, 5-20; wind calm. Clear with bare ground; river open in patches, frozen last 2 days. Observers (9) in 1 party: Basil Beal, Frieda and George Crossley, Joan and Howard Higley, Jr., Howard Higley III, Ival Schuster, Phyllis Shultz, Paul Skelley, Jr. The Boreal Chickadee was at a feeder and had been reported since Thanksgiving, (This appears to be the first record for Iowa. edJ 12. GOLDFIELD (Ten -mile radius centered On Goldfield, including Pikes Timber State Park, Elm Lake and Lake Cornelia). Jan, 1; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Temp. 18-28: wind 14-18 m.p.h, from N. Up to 11 inches of new snow on ground, lakes frozen except small area in middle. Observers (2) in 1 party: Dean Oviatt, Dean Roosa. 13. HAWARDEN (Oak Grove Park, Rock-Sioux access, selected points along the Sioux and Rock Rivers, rural areas in SW Sioux county.) Dec. 30; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Temp. 6-20; wind 0 m.p.h. Clear all day, rivers 98% frozen, 7 inches of snow cover. Observers (1): Ron Muilenburg. 14. IOWA CITY (15 mile circle (center near N. Liberty) including Iowa City, Lake Macbride, Coralville Reservoir, and west. Dec. 23; 7 a m. to 5 p.m. Temp. 10-24; wind 0-10 m.p.h. from NW. Clear. Ground bare. River and lake partly frozen. Observers (9) in 2 parties: Dr, J. A. Clifton. J. A. Clifton, Sr.. Seddie Cogswell, Robert Hulbary, Fred, Jim, Tom, Bob, and John Kent- 15. JEFFERSON (15 mi. circle with center on hiway No. 30, 4 miles west of Jefferson, includes Goose lake and Dunbar Slough.) Dec. 30; 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Temp, 12-28; wind 5 m.p.h. from SW, Clear, 8 inches of snow on ground, lakes frozen except for one tiny spot at Goose Lake River was 80% frozen. Observers (3) in 1 party: Dave Bucklin, John Faaborg, Richard Knight. Robins had stayed at cemetery around some crab-apple trees. Rusties and Cow bird all were in one flock. One flock of around 200 Longspurs was seen. 16. JESUP (Cutshaw Access. Buffington Bridge, Otterville Hunting Ac- cess, Stone Quarry No. 1, Spring Creek, Amish Farmland). Dec. 31; 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Temp. 29-32; wind 15 m.p.h. from S. Snow cover entire. Water frozen except 4 Springs, Overcast all day. Observers (4) in 2 parties: Mrs. Ronald Barnett, Miss Alice Black, Mrs, Lloyd Hewitt, Mrs. Duane Williams. 17. LAMONI (Parts of 7Vz mile radius centered 2Vz miles east of Lamom. Includes country roads, farm land, farm lots, Graceland College campus, 2 feeding stations), Dec. 31; 8 a.m, to 5 p.m. Temp. 25-33; wind 5 m.p.h. from South. Weather cloudy, 2 inches snow cover, water frozen. Observers (8) in 4 parties: Mrs. Dean Ballantyne, Mrs, Paul Elswick, Bill Gillaspey, Jim Gil- laspey, J. Donald Gillaspey (compiler). Dr. D. T. Goode, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Silver, 18. LEDGES STATE PARK (From Boone south through the Ledges to the Iowa State 4-H Camp— territory surrounding the state park). January 2; 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Temp. 30-32; wind 7 m.p.h. from NW. Overcast, snow in A.M., 8-10” snow on ground, most water frozen. Observers (2) in 1 party: Dick Knight, Myron Swenson (compiler). 6 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 Ja*n «OITH [»TI*A "H sssmumtft ItB-nCX? itTJ itvopvvua^S ojfSc BOT^ffscny 'in '*«a joSjajsh .»SjHq dncaf GO* Ji-» J J»f A.110 &**1 u^pjiini'^ ** and Petersen with warblers. Petersen again led all banders with 6134 individuals, Diggs were sec- ond with 3370 and Ayres a close third with 3041, Painted Bunting, Stilt and Western Sandpiper, Red-necked Grebe and Hooded Merganser made their first appearance on the Iowa bird banding summary. Following is a list of banders and the number of species and individuals they banded in Iowa in 1966: Judge and Mrs, Charles Ayres, Ottumwa 101 3041 Gladys Black, Pleasantville 42 440 Dr. Myrle Burk. Waterloo 49 243 Mrs. W. C. DeLong, Shenandoah 55 576 Mr, and Mrs. Fitzhugh Diggs, Hamburg 33 3370 Paul Ferguson, Union Slough, Titonka 10 687 Kenneth Formanek, Bellevue State Park 7 20 Iowa Conservation Commission. Des Moines 22 6376 Dr. Martin Grant, Cedar Falls 9 59 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D, Layton, Oskaloosa 78 1389 Rev, Kay Mills, Goldfield 19 go Peter C, Petersen, Jr., Davenport 148 6134 Mr. and Mrs. Homer Rinehart, Marshalltown 86 958 Dean M, Roosa, Goldfield 13 160 Mrs. Donald Walters, sub-permitee of Mrs, DeLong .... 45 353 174 17,451 Red-necked Grebe 1 Eared Grebe 50 Pied-billed Grebe 21 Double- crested Cormorant 9 Green Heron 2 Black-crowned Night Heron,. 1 Canada Goose 01 Mallard 504 Gadwall 1 Pintail - 15 Green-winged Teal 52 Blue-winged Teal 3930 American Widgeon l Shoveler 8 Wood Duck 903 Redhead 39 Ring-necked Duck 3 Lesser Scaup 9 Ruddy Duck 47 Hooded Merganser 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 19 Cooper’s Hawk 1 12 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 Red-tailed Hawk ... ........ Broad-winged Hawk Swainson’s Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Sparrow Hawk Bob white Virginia Rail ....... ....... King Rail — - Sora - Common Gallinule American Coot Killdeer American Woodcock Common Snipe Spotted Sandpiper Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Pectoral Sandpiper Least Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Semipalmatcd Sandpiper Western Sandpiper Mourning Dove .......... Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Screech Owl Great Horned Owl Barred Owl Long-eared Owl Saw-whet Owl Whip-poor-will Common Nighthawk Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird . Belted Kingfisher Yellow-shafted Flicker Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ........ Hairy Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Eastern Kingbird Western Kingbird Crested Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe Say’s Phoebe Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Acadian Flycatcher Traill's Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Epidonax Flycatcher Eastern Wood Pewee Olive-sided Flycatcher Horned Lark Tree Swallow Bank Swallow Barn Swallow 134 Cliff Swallow 4 Purple Martin 51 Blue Jay 409 Common Crow 13 Black-capped Chickadee 189 Tufted Titmouse 58 White-breasted Nuthatch. 38 Red-breasted Nuthatch 11 Brown Creeper 71 House Wren 442 Winter Wren 23 Bewicks Wren 1 Long-billed Marsh Wren 2 Mockingbird 3 Catbird . 570 Brown Thrasher 243 Robin . „„ 583 Wood Thrush 19 Hermit Thrush 59 Swainson’s Thrush . 387 Gray-checked Thrush 141 Veery 45 Eastern Bluebird 449 Golden-crowned Kinglet 229 Ruby -crowned Kinglet 833 Cedar Waxwing 186 Loggerhead Shrike 16 Starling 51 White-eyed Vireo 1 Bell’s Vireo 5 Yellow-throated Vireo 1 Solitary Vireo 39 Red-eyed Vireo 140 Philadelphia Vireo 20 Warbling Vireo 12 Black-and-white Warbler 60 Prothonotary Warbler ... 8 Worm-eating Warbler 2 Golden-winged Warbler 8 Blue-winged Warbler 4 Tennessee Warbler 244 Orange-crowned Warbler 142 Nashville Warbler 282 Parula Warbler 7 Yellow' Warbler 26 Magnolia Warbler 126 Cape May Warbler 18 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 Myrtle Warbler 341 Black-throated Green Warbler 16 Blackburnian Warbler 9 Chestnut-sided Warbler 41 Bay-breasted Warbler 52 Black-poll Warbler 29 Pine Warbler 3 38 1 15 1 17 15 1 5 2 3 50 4 3 1 2 1 3 7 18 1 4 1 1441 8 8 14 8 5 2 11 8 4 6 11 5 153 41 38 23 35 181 27 4 26 53 12 53 23 66 85 84 26 1 5 5 8 SPRING MEETING AT AMES 13 Palm Warbler . 9 Painted Bunting 1 Ovenbird ... 166 Dickcissel ... 40 Northern Waterthrush ... 103 Purple Finch 1112 Louisiana Waterthrush 1 Pine Siskin 36 Kentucky Warbler ... 10 American Goldfinch 612 Connecticut Warbler 11 Rufous-sided Towhee 11 Mourning Warbler ... 40 Savannah Sparrow 36 Yellowthroat ... 204 Grasshopper Sparrow 2 Yellow-breasted Chat 6 Henslow’s Sparrow ... 3 Wilson’s Warbler ... 86 Vesper Sparrow 1 Canada Warbler ... 38 Lark Sparrow 18 American Redstart 76 Slate-colored Junco 1288 House Sparrow 5 Tree Sparrow 1697 Eastern Meadowlark 10 Chipping Sparrow 49 Western Meadowlark .. 12 Clay-colored Sparrow 1 Red-winged Blackbird .. 155 Field Sparrow 52 Orchard Oriole 14 Harris’ Sparrow , , 391 Baltimore Oriole 69 White-crowned Sparrow ... 23 Rusty Blackbird 33 White-throated Sparrow ... 579 Common Crackle . 393 Fox Sparrow 258 Brown-headed Cowbird 37 Lincoln’s Sparrow ....... 173 Scarlet Tanager 13 Swamp Sparrow 59 Summer Tanager 1 Song Sparrow 203 Cardinal Rose-breasted Grosbeak Blue Grosbeak ... 205 . 185 4 Total individuals 23,886 Indigo Bunting 85 Total Species 183 1.0. U, SPRING MEETING TO BE IN AMES Reserve May 12, 13, and 14, 1967 for attending the 45th annual conven- tion of the Iowa Ornithologists 1 Union at Ames, Iowa. Plans are well under way toward making this a memorable weekend. Dr. Milton Weller of the Iowa State University Department of Zoology heads the local arrangements. Those who can arrive early will be welcomed at an informal reception Friday evening, May 12, to be held in the museum (basement of the Science Building) from 7:30 P M. to 9:00 P.M. No official field trips are planned for Saturday morning, but Dr. Weller plans to have maps of the area available Friday evening for those who wish to “get an early bird’’ the following morn- ing, There is an excellent warbler area adjacent to the campus just across Squaw Creek, Registration will open Saturday morning at the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union where morning and afternoon sessions will be held. The roster of speakers includes John Bowles of Penn College, “Birds of Kauai and Lehua, Hawaii 1 '; John Faaborg and Frances Phillips “Population Study of Cliff Swallows in Central Iowa”; Steven Patterson, “Experiences with Bluebird Nest Boxes"; Peter C. Peterson and Bill Lonnecker, “Confusing Iowa Birds". Immediately following the afternoon paper session, the business meeting will be held with Miss Myra Willis, president, presiding. Saturday breakfast and luncheon will be available in the basement cafeteria of Memorial Union. Details for the banquet and early Sunday breakfast will accompany the information which will be mailed to members in mid-April. We are most fortunate to have Mr, Bill Lonnecker of Daven- port as our banquet speaker. He will present and narrate a fine nature film which he has made. Field trips will be scheduled for early Sunday morning. A noon luncheon, species compilation and short final business meeting will culminate the weekend, — MRS. CHARLES AYRES, JR 14 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 MOCKINGBIRD Sketch by E. W. Steffen THE NORTHWARD ADVANCE IN RANGE OF THE MOCKINGBIRD (MIMUS POLYGLOTTUS) IN IOWA 1961 - 1965 RUTH SUMMY 304 Jackson St. PLEASANTVILLE, IOWA A survey conducted in cooperation with members of the Iowa Ornithologists Union. MOCKINGBIRDS IN IOWA 15 My interest in the Mockingbird (Mimus polygflottus), a southern bird usually associated with dogwood, magnolias, and the Deep South, began in 1960 while doing observations to fulfill the requirements for a number of Girl Scout Proficiency Badges leading to the Curved Bar Hank. Observations of Mockingbirds in five different locations during the sum- mer of 1965 caused me to wonder if this increase might be statewide. I am a Junior member of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union so I first obtained per- mission from the President, Dr. Robert Vane, to ask all members for their Mockingbird observations covering a five year period, 1961 through 1965. Double postcards requesting summer, winter, migrations and nest obser- vations brought replies from 72 Iowa Ornithologists’ Union members re- porting no Mockingbirds and 54 reporting Mockingbirds at various seasons. This report is shown on Graph I. These findings confirmed the belief that the Mockingbird is extending its range northward. Dr, Martin Grant in his comprehensive research through the ornithological literature of Iowa, the results published in "The Check- list of Iowa Birds” gives the status of Mimus polyglottis as an “uncommon summer resident” in southern Iowa and as a “rare extension of normal range” in northern Iowa. Mr. William Youngworth and Mr. Eldon J. Bryant of the Akron and Sioux City area have found the Mockingbird to be a breeding bird nearly every summer since 1957. Prior to that Mr. Youngworth had records for 1942 and 1948 summers and a few earlier ones, Mr. Woodward H. Brown in his article “Mockingbirds in Iowa” I.B.L, June, 1961, states that “Iowa Bird Life has printed 30 references to Mock- ingbird observations in the last ten years” distributed as follows: Iowa Bird Life 1950-1960 Section of State N W. N.C. N.E. w.a c. E.C. s.w. s.a S.E. No. of Reports 4 S. 1 S. 1 S. 0 1 s. 5 S. 1 W, is. 4 S. 2 W. 2 W. 3 W. 8 W. 1 w. 2 W. In my search for last century and early twentieth century observations I found in DuMonts A Revised List of Birds of Iowa about 32 records from 20 counties covering 45 years between 1888 and 1933. This northward trend is true of the entire United States. Mr. Aaron M. Bagg in Audubon Field Notes, August 1965, states “this species seems to be moving northward all the way from the Northern Rocky Mountains to the Northeastern Maritime regions.” More banding data on the winter residents is much needed to determine if this is partly due to a northward wandering after the breeding season in the south. Six other Carolinian species. Red-bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Carolina Wren, Prothonotory Warbler and Cardinal, have continued their northward advance in range during this century, Locally our records, which were confined to Pleasant Grove Township, Marion County, Iowa, shows for 1960 one adult in Section 27, in 1961 one ad- ult in Section 25, in 1962 two adults and three immatures in Section 14, in 1963 two adults in Section 14 and two adults and one immature in Section 25, in 1964 two adults in Section 14 and one adult in Section 16- in 1965 two ad- ults and two immatures in Section 11, one adult and one immature in Section 16 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 GRAPH I Town County Observers Years 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 Agency Wapello 1 1 Akron Plymouth 1 IS IS Ames Story 1 1W 1M Boone Boone 1 2S Burlington Des Moines 3 2W 3S Cedar Falls Black Hawk 1 IS 1M 1M Cedar Rapids Linn 3 IS 1S1M 1S1M 1M Chariton Lucas 1 2S 6S 3S 3S 2S Clarinda Page 1 2S1N 2S 4S Davenport Scott 3 3GS 35S 25S 20S 20S3N Decorah Winneshiek 1 2S1N Des Moines Polk 2S1M IS 1M Diagonal Ringgold 1 6S1N 5S 4SIW 6S 6S Dyersville Dubuque 1 231N Goldfield Wright 1 1M 1M Grinnell Poweshiek 1 1W IS Griswold Cass 1 IS 2M 2S1N Grundy Centei : Grundy 1 IS Hamburg Fremont 3 4M 3M 4M 4M 6M Hull Sioux 1 IS Humboldt Humboldt 1 IS Indianola Warren 1 1W Madison 1 1W Iowa City Johnson 1 3W1S 1S1W 2S1N 3S1N 2S1N Keokuk Lee 1 1M 1M 1M 1M1W 1M Kilduff Appanoose 1 IS Lamoni Decatur 1 2S1N 2S1W 2S1W 2S1W 2S1W Madrid Boone 1 IS IS Marshalltown Marshall 1 4S Mason City Cerro Gordo 1 IS IS Moville Woodbury 1 2S1N 3S Marion Linn 1 4S 4S Oelwein Fayette 1 IS 2S Oskaloosa Mahaska 3 2S 1M 2S2M Ottumwa Wapello 4 2S 2S 6S 2S2M 4S1M Pleasant villc Marion 2 2S 2S 5S 2S1M 16S6N Shenandoah Page 2 2S1N 4S1N 9S1N 5S1N Sigourney Keokuk 1 IS Sidney Fremont 1 IS IS Sibley Osceola 1 1M IN 2N Perry Des Moines 1 1S1W 2S1N 2SIW 2S1W 4SIW Univ. Park Mahaska 1 1M Vinton Benton 1 IS IS Waterloo Blackhawk 2 1W IS Woodward Dallas 1 1M Wheatland Clinton 1 1M 1M IS TOTAL 89 75 80 85 102 I.egend — W-winter; S-summer; N-Nest; M-migrant MOCKINGBIRDS IN IOWA 17 1886 through 1933 Earlier Observations of Mockingbird GRAPH II Year Town County Season Observer 1883 Burlington Des Moines W Cooke 1888 Lee N (from DuMont 19331 1889 Charles City Floyd S Keyes & Williams 1894 Van Buren S 1894 Wayne S 1899 Warren N Jeffrey 1901 Sioux City Woodbury S Guy Rich 1902 Sioux City Woodbury S Guy Rich 1911 Wapello s Spiker 1911-12 Sioux City Woodbury N A, W. Lindsay 1914 Maquoketa Jackson N Ellis 1914 Marti ns burg Keokuk N 1922 Polk M A, T. Walson 1923 Fairfield Jefferson S W. G, Ross 1923 Wapello s Spiker 1925 Mt. Pleasant Henry N S Parks & H. E, Jacques 1925 Sioux City Woodbury S Spiker & Dales 1926 Dallas Center Dallas M Mrs, E. L. Moser 1926 South English Keokuk N 1927-29 Keokuk S Nauman 1928 Keokuk S J. B, Slate 1929 Grinnell Poweshiek S Gard, Mack & Douglas 1929 Polk S 1929 Polk S 1929 Sigourney Keokuk N Slate 1928-30 Stanton Montgomery N Haskenson 1929 Valley Junction Polk N Du Mont 1930 Vinton Benton S W. L. Burk 1931 Cedar Rapids Linn S Palas & Kubichek 1931 National Clayton S Althea Sherman 1932 Des Moines Polk s Du Mont 1932 Des Moines Polk w 1932-33 Ogden Boone w Rosene Only 32 observations from 20 counties recorded in the 45 years from 1888 through 1933. Legend — W -winter, S-summer, N-nest, M-migratory visitor 13; two adults in Section 14; four adults and seven nestlings in Section 26 and one adult in Section 16. These were all summer birds. Mr. Bruce Stiles at the Vinton I.O.U. Convention told Mrs. Gladys Black that he had records of Mockingbirds in the Pella. (Marion County) area cov- ering several years. Mrs. Black observed one at a nursery in Pella in 1963. Mrs. Black’s mother, Mrs. J. M. Bowery, born and raised in the south, report- ed a nesting two miles south of Pleasantville in 1947, It would appear that Marion County has had breeding Mockingbirds for many years. 18 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 GRAPH III State or Province Number of Locations Nova Scotia ..... Ontario - Maine - - New Hampshire West New York Michigan North Wisconsin ... North Minnesota Montana East Massachusetts West Pennsylvania Ohio Illinois Iowa - Northern West Virginia . 1 .10 . 1 .10 .12 1 + ■ 1 + 1 + . 1 - 1 + .. 1 ■ 1 + - 1 + .23 + many The Nation-wide Northward Advance in Range. 1965 Mockingbird Spring Migration. Audubon Field Notes August 1964-65 Mockingbird Observations in USA, Canada and the Maritime Provinces The nesting studies during the summer of 1965 were pure pleasure be- cause of the long sustained mimic songs, often two hours of continuous song in the evening. Two pairs nested in a shrubby pasture in Section 26 f60 acres of blue grass) having everything desirable to a Mockingbird, insects, nest sites, water, wild fruit of gooseberries, mulberries, red haws, multiflora rose, crabapples, wild cherry and Virginia creeper. Pair I nested twice, the nests being located deep in cattle-pruned six foot red haw trees near the north end of the field. This first nest of Pair I constructed entirely of dead sticks and lined with grass and the nest con- tained four beautiful greenish-blue eggs splotched with brown. The incubation time was thirteen days. The natal down u/as a grayish brown, not very dark, as Mrs. Gladys Black and Mrs. Ruth Binsfield ob- served these four on hatching day. Their mouth linings were very bright yellow and they appeared to be all mouth! Their growth was rapid, banded on the seventh day and although they didn’t leave the nest until the thir- teenth day, they could easily have left it as they were fully feathered and hopping around in the branches of the nest tree close to the nest on the eleventh day. The young left the nest on June 18 and on June 23 we were surprised to find the second nest just 25 feet north containing three eggs with the female already incubating. Only one egg hatched and this young was banded on July 6. Pair II had three eggs in their first nesting, produc- ing two young, banded on June 17 and flying in nearby haw trees on June 23. We were unable to locate the second nest of this pair. The fourth nest located some four miles north in Section 11 was a sec- ond nesting. It contained four eggs on June 26 but had been predated by an animal by June 28. The male and two immatures with dusky spots on their breasts were observed in nearby trees. Later they were seen feeding in mulberry trees in that field. Another pair but no young were observed in Section 14 having returned April 26 and last observed in August. One adult and one immature were observed feeding in a mulberry tree June 26 in Section 13. One lone bird was observed in late May in the Pleasantville Cemetery in Section 16. Two MOCKINGBIRDS IN IOWA 19 more were observed feeding on wild grapes in Section 2 in August but were probably the ones from Section 11 about ^ mile south. The nesting pairs I and II had definite territories which they defended pugnaciously. The favorite sentinel post of the Pair I male was the top branch of a huge dead black walnut tree at least 200 feet from his nest. From this perch he swooped with white flashing wings at birds several times dur- ing our observations. Occasionally his attacks appeared wholly unnecessary, just a demonstration of "dive-bombing”. The Loggerhead Shrike had a nest and five young at the extreme edge of the field. The Mockingbird and shrike had no encounters whatsoever while we watched — rather like respectful but non-speaking neighbors or an armed truce. Mr. Philip A. DuMont was "mildly amused" that in a review of his 1933 book A Revised List of the Birds of Iowa wing (in the Wilson Bulletin) had chosen to throw out the records of Mockingbirds in Iowa because there were no Iowa specimens in our museums. As Mr. William Youngworth says "For credulity’s sake have someone with you, or, better still, two somebodies to to verify any rare findings," Therefore I wish to list the following persons who in one or more years verified by sight observations Mrs Black’s and my identification of the Mock- ingbirds and their nests: Mrs. Ruth Binsfield, Mrs. G. Adolph Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Nicholson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Kroeger, Mrs. Dwight Brooke, Mrs. Frank Eyerly, and Mr. and Mrs, Woodward H. Brown of Des Moines. Conclusions: 1. That the Mockingbird is definitely extending its breeding range north- ward into Iowa, that this is also true nation wide. 2. That there is a northward migration in spring and a southward migra- tion in fall although the Mockingbird is a permanent resident in most of his southern territory. 3. The favorable ecological conditions, pasture land with shrubs and small trees, wild fruits, and an abundance of insects are to be found in most areas of Iowa. 4. That the food supply in spring and early summer consists mainly of insects and is supplemented by wild fruit throughout summer and fall. 5. That two broods of young are produced each summer. 6. That nest predators are mainly raccoons and snakes. 7. A full clutch varies from two to five eggs. 8. Mockingbird song consists of phrases repeated three or more times and while many bird songs are mimicked the bird also has many original phrases, 9. Sustained singing is most pronounced during the breeding season; two full hours of song during an evening was not unusual. 10. Nesting territory is pugnaciously defended. However, the Mocking- birds were not as aggressive toward us during banding operations as the Brown Thrasher. 11. "Wing-flashing” was observed several times as the birds hunted in- sects on the ground both in 1962 and 1965. Acknowledgments: I wish to thank President Robert Vane and all the members of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union who responded with observations and words of en- couragement. I am especially indebted to Mrs. Gladys Black who has direct- ed my efforts in bird study for the past six years. The original drawing of 20 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVI \, 1967 the Mockingbird by Mr. Earnest W. Steffen of Cedar Rapids was a gift to the author. For this I am deeply grateful. Bibliography: Bagg, Aaron M. “The Changing Seasons" Audubon Field Notes, Volume 19, p. 439. Bent, A. C. “The Mockingbird*' Life Histories of North American Nut- hatches, Wrens, Thrashers and their allies, p. 314-315, Brown, Woodward H. "Twenty Years of Christmas Bird Censuses Analy- ses and Criticism" Iowa Bird Life Vol. 27, p. 88. Brown, Woodward H. "Mockingbirds in Iowa" Iowa Bird Life Vol. 31, p 32-33. DuMont, Philip "The Mockingbird" 1933 A Checklist of the Birds of Iowa p. 108-110. Grant. Martin "Checklist of Iowa Birds Iowa Bird Life, Vol. 33, p. 59 Peterson, Roger T. "Mockingbird" A Field Guide to the Birds, p. 167-170. Youngworth, Wm. "The Mockingbird in Northwest Iowa" Iowa Bird Life, Vol. 33, p. 33-35, FIELD REPORTS The winter of 1966-67, up to 1 February, has been one of extremes of weather with periods of spring-like temperatures alternating with severe cold spells. Little or no snow fell in many areas until the end of December, and it was then unevenly distributed over the state with some parts ex- periencing blizzards and others having relatively little precipitation. The season might well be described as a winter of few northern visitors other than Snowy Owls. Geese, Ducks. Reports of late Canada Geese mentioned 65 flying north near Ames on 10 December, (DP), 5 on 10 January at Cedar Rapids with a number of ducks, (CH), and 12 at Pleasant Valley on 17 December. : most of those seen have been Red-tailed and not too many of these, (DH); Red- tailed almost non-existent, (JKi; but, some December trips showed more Red-tailed than any other year, (PL); seen rather frequently since 1 Novem- ber, (DG»; and population quite good, (PPL A Harlan's Hawk was seen north of Donahue, Scott Co. December 22 by Lewis Blevins (PP). Red- shouldered was seen on 10 December at Cedar Falls by Annette Haffner, (RH>, and 2 on 27 January were the first in six months, (HM), though they are down even more and not seen all winter at Credit Island. (PP). Rough- legged: only 3 this winter, (JK); 2 on 20 January, iHMi; and seem to have increased, (JF); with both phases seen rather frequently, (DG). Most of the Bald Eagles were seen along the Missouri or Mississippi with 25 said to have been at De Soto Bend the last week in December, (DH), and 30-40, which is more than last year, at Keokuk, (MS). Burlington had more than any other year, (PL), and at Davenport the population was holding at 35-50 with FIELD REPORTS 21 immatures sharply up, (PP). At Bellevue on 25 January there were 5 adults and an immature was seen at Sweet Marsh in November, (RHi r From Mad- rid near the Des Moines River L. M. Lanning reports 2 adults and an imma- ture on 19 November. Marsh Hawks: several on 23 January were the first since fall, (HM), and they, and Sparrow Hawks, were thought not as abund- ant as in other winters, (DG>. Bobwhites, Pheasants, Snipe. Two good reports are that Bobwhite are most abundant in 20 years, (DG), and the population is up in southern Iowa, (MS). Pheasant reports were divided geographically: average, but down a bit from two excellent seasons, (EB); numbers reduced greatly, (DH); a little farther south; came through in good shape, (JK): more numerous than last year, (RK); and more than usual with 30 hens in one flock, (DG). Using a snowmobile, Paul Ferguson counted 1500-2000 in the standing corn at Union Slough on 21 January. A Snipe was at Ames on 12 January, (RK), and 2 at Grundy Center on the 2nd were seen by Glenn Bloomfield, (RH). Gulls, Doves. A Glaucous Gull was present for a week in mid-Decem- ber, (PP). The usual reports of wintering Mourning Doves were received. Owls, A dead Barn Owl found in the barn on 8 January was possibly the owl seen flying the previous evening, (DG), Snowy Owls were mentioned by seven contributors: (DH. CH. HL, DG, RH, KV, JF). The 3 in the Cedar Falls area may include the one in the Hewitt report. The owl at Goose Lake near Jefferson was seen to capture a Coot. Long-eared were mentioned but once, (JF). Short-eared were seen daily from 26 October on, with as many as 8 at one time, (DG), and Mrs. Barlow saw 11 on 11 December, (RH), but they were thought scarce or only a few seen according to others. One ex- planation, Reservoir floods probably eliminated the rodents, (FK), A Saw- whet was wintering north of the Ames campus for the fourth consecutive year, (MS), and 1 was found the last week in January, (FK). Woodpeckers. Wintering Flickers were mentioned, (GB, RH), and some have remained in Des Moines. Red-headed have been unusually numer- ous: never before in winter, (CW); first time in years and common, (JF). Other reports from (DP, RK, DG, MS). They are seen in Polk Co. also. Horned Larks, Jays, Crows. Horned Larks: not many, (EB); very few, (DH), but, present in good numbers, (PP), and abundant everywhere, (DG). Only a few Jays and Crows seen, (DH). Nuthatches, Creepers, Wrens. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been very scarce: none, (DH, JK), only 1 at Jefferson in addition to the 3 on census day (JF), 1 for a few days in December, only, (PL), singles at two different feeder locations, (DG), and few at Des Moines. The only comment on Brown Creepers said “none”, (JFi. Reports of Winter Wrens were limited to 1 each, (HM, PL). A Carolina Wren is wintering, (PL). Mimics, Thrushes. Mockingbirds were seen: on 14 November, ; 6 seen on 22 January and subsequently found feeding in sorghum, (HM); and 2 stray s, (CW). A Brewer’s on 27 January was thought very unusual, (EB), but 175 were near Ames on 16 December, (DP), A large flock of Crackles was seen at Brower’s Lake on 8 January by the Davisons, (DH); they were numerous in November and December, (DP); a few wintering, (RK), while an observation on 21 January was a first win- ter record, (RM). Finches. A rather late Dickcissel was seen on 27 September, (DHi. A few Evening Grosbeaks appeared after a heavy snow on 27 December, (DH); Annette Haffner saw 1 in Iowa Falls on 15 January, (RH); a female has been feeding on crabapples in the Dwight Brooke’s yard in Des Moines. Purple Finches: only one report of 2, (DH); fewer at Burlington, (PL); not seen un- til 15 December and fewer than last year, (HM); but, common all winter, (JF>. In contrast to the invasion last winter, there has been but one report of Redpolls, that a flock on 26 December seen by Mrs. Miller, (RH). Pine Siskins likewise are scarce: very few, (DH); 1 at Annette Haffner’s home, (RH) ; and 2 at A1 Buchanan's feeder in Algona, (PF), All other reports say none seen. Goldfinches seem fewer than several years ago, (DH), but have been thought numerous by Des Moines observers. Red Crossbills were seen 26 October and 17 November, iWM); 10 were on the Ames campus through October and November, (DP); and 2 were seen north of Davenport on 12 November, (PP, PL). Vesper Sparrows were seen on 8 and 22 January, (JF). Juncos were in good numbers, (DH); the population down from the peak three years ago, (GB); and scarce, (PK). Tree Sparrows: numerous, (DH, JK); not quite as numerous this year, (PK, GBi; few, but many last year, (CW). Harris’ Sparrows: a few, (EB); fewer than last year, (JF); not too many, (DH); numerous in early fall while seldom seen in other years, (CW); common in Ames area, (DP). White-throated Sparrow, 1 wintering, (CW), Song Sparrows, numerous, (JF). Lapland Longspurs: with blizzard conditions on 7 January there were flocks of 200, 75, and 35, (CH); very common, with an estimated 1000 seen on a 60-mile trip on 8 January, (JF); at least 500 seen late in November, but not observed since December first, (DG), A mixed flock of 1-200 Horned Larks and Longspurs observed on 8 January by Albert Berkowitz. Snow Bunting: 1 was noticed in each of the Longspur flocks (CH), and 1 on 16 December near Backbone by Mrs. Bar- low, (RH), Contributors: Mrs, Gladys Black, Pleasantville; Eldon Bryant, Akron; John Faaborg, Jefferson; Paul Ferguson, Titonka; J. D. Gillaspey, Lamoni; Mrs. Darrell Hanna, Sioux City; Russell Hays, Waterloo, Clarisse Hewitt, Jesup; Jim Keenan, Ogden; Fred Kent, Iowa City; Richard Knight, Ames; Pearl Knoop, Marble Rock; Mrs. B. A, LaDoux, Spirit Lake; Peter Lowther, Burlington; Mrs. Wilma Mayberry, Wyoming; Howard McKinley, Russell; Ron Muilenburg, Webster City; Don Peterson, Ames; Peter C. Petersen, Jr., Davenport; Myron Swenson, Ames; Mrs. K. A Velie, Cedar Falls; C. F. Wolden, Wallingford, WOODWARD H, BROWN, 4815 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, 50312. I GENERAL NOTES 23 GENERAL NOTES Summer Shorebird Migration at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge — It is quite interesting to follow the shorebird migration in Iowa. During the summer of 1965, weekly population estimates from 29 May to 3 September were made at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Titonka, Iowa. Twenty-five species were recorded during the period with a peak popula- tion of 3,525 during the week of 24-30, July. These large numbers of shore- birds probably appeared due to the low water level which exposed extensive stretches of mudflats. The most common shorebirds were the Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sand- piper, Solitary Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and the Killdeer, re- spectively. However, there were also large numbers of Spotted Sandpipers and Greater Yellowlegs. Several Dunlins and Stilt Sandpipers appeared in mid-summer and one Golden Plover was observed on L9 July, The Black-bel- lied Plover was more commonly seen in late summer. Other late summer visi- tors were the Baird’s Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, White-rumped Sand- piper, and the Marbled God wit. On 26 July, four American Avocets were observed but were gone the following day. On several occasions, Ring-billed Gulls, Forster's Terns, Common Terns, and Caspian Terns were observed, Large transient flocks of Franklin’s Gulls were seen during July feeding in the corn fields on the refuge. Killdeer, Common Snipe, Spotted Sandpipers, and Black Terns nested on the refuge. The Wilson’s Phalarope was a summer resident and was fre- quently seen along the unmowed road-ditches. It has nested on the refuge in the past. No nest was located but young were seen in the area in August. During the summer of 1966, very few mudflats were exposed and the summer shorebird population was low, The most interesting visitor was the Willet which appeared several times in mid-summer with the passing of low- pressure storm systems from the northwest.— DONALD PETERSON, ISU Station, Box 1021, Ames. Summer Goose Observations at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge — During the summers of 1965 and 1966, several goose observations at Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge near Titonka, Iowa, seem worthy of men- tion. A single Canada Goose was observed on 15-18 June, 1965, and a pair on 1-17 June, 1966. No nesting attempts were made, although Canada Geese have nested there in the past. A late Snow Goose w*as observed on 6 June, 1966, and was flying south. A late Blue Goose was observed on 3 June, 1966, and was flying north. An adult White-fronted Goose was on the refuge when 1 arrived on 29 May, and left on 27 July, 1966 — DONALD PETERSON, ISU Station, Box 1021, Ames. Golden Eagle in Plymouth Co,— On Oct. 27, 1966, Mr. Alva Rollins and myself were unloading shelled corn into the blower at one of my silos. We noticed a very large dark colored bird soaring in broad circles above the silo at a height of about 150 ft. I grabbed my binoculars from the glove com- partment of my pickup truck. We noted the whitish tail with the dark sub- terminal band and some white in the wings of an otherwise very dark bird. The size indicated an eagle but at the time I supposed it to be an immature Bald Eagle in some sort of transition plumage. These are not rare here since they will occasionally fly the 70 miles from Lewis and Clark Lake behind Gavins Point Dam at Yankton, South Dakota. I checked these markings with those given by such printed authorities as Peterson, Bent, and Coues and was amazed to discover the eagle we had seen was an immature Golden Eagle, a species I had never expected to see in Iowa. — ELDON BRYANT, R.R 1, Akron, 24 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXVII, 1967 BOOK REVIEWS Population Studies of Birds— David Lack— 341p., 3 photographs, many line drawings, charts and tables— Oxford University Press, London and Fair Lawn, New Jersey — 1966 — $10.10, A collection of population studies chosen to illustrate the various theories of population dynamics. While none of the examples are drawn from work done in the United States, the species cover a varied group of birds from many parts of the world. All but one of the studies used represents at least four years of research and goes deeper than merely an annual census. Studies dealt with in detail in the author's earlier work, The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers, are not included, and several of these are American studies. One of the primary aims of the author is to stimulate and guide new research into avian populations. The specific examples of the various principals include studies of the Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pied Flycatcher, European Flycatcher, Tawny Owl, Que- lea, Manakins, Wook Pigeon, Red Grouse. Ptarmigan, White Stork, Yellow- eyed Penguin, Kittiwake, Australian Mutton-bird, and Manx Shearwater. A concise conclusion summarizes major points brought out by the various studies. Lack covers the main points made in The Natural Regulation of Animal Numbers in an appendix, finishing with a discussion of the theoretical controversies concerning animal populations. In addition to making interesting reading for the average amateur, this volume stimulates the reader to contribute to ornithological knowledge. Col- lege libraries should certainly have it available for students, ed. A Naturalist in Alaska— Adolph Murie— 3l4p., w r ith many photographs and line drawings — Devin- Adair, New York — 1961 — $6.50. The author, a veteran naturalist, gives a vivid word picture of the eco- logical dynamics of one of the last frontiers of America. Having spent much time in Alaska over a long period he is especially well qualified to tell of the unspoiled interrelationships prior to the coming of a large population, tell of the unspoiled interrelationships prior to the coming of a large pop- ulations, Murie devotes most of his major thoughts to mammals, but gulls are the primary subject of one chapter and frequent mention of common birds is made. It makes a good book for occasional browsing in addition to steady reading. Any school library would find it a valuable book. ed. Adventures with a Texas Naturalist— Roy Bedichek— 330p. with many line drawings— University of Texas Press, Austin— revised edition— 1961— $4.50. Another book in the same vein as the book reviewed above. It deals much more with people and their relationships with animals than Murie’s book. Each chapter reads almost like an independent essay. Birds are fre- quent subjects, especially Cliff Swallows, Inca Doves, Golden Eagles, Mock- ingbirds and herons. The style is very readable and much valuable informa- tion is included on wildlife. Bedichek had an interesting philosophy of na- ture and a unique literary style. This book provides a fine background on the Texas area. ed. Introducing Our Western Birds — Matthew F. Vessel and Herbert Wong— 72p, many color illustration by Ron King— Fearon Publishers, Palo Alto, Cali- fornia— 1965— $3 .95. A nice first book of birds for youngsters. Very colorful, with modern- istic illustrations and an easy to follow text. Such aspects of bird biology as feathers, bills, feet, food, and nesting are covered. The fundamentals of identification are discussed, including behavior, voice, habitat, range, and seasonal status. Common birds are discussed and illustrated by habitat. The basic equipment for a field trip and suggestions of what to look for are in- cluded. Additional references for further study are given. This would make a good book for a western elementary school library or science room. ed.