Vol. XXXIV No. 2 June 1964 Published by the IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION 34 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 FORTY-SECOND ANNUAL CONVENTION AT DECORAH DR. MYRLE BURK R.R. #2 WATERLOO, IOWA The Iowa Ornithologists Union held its 42nd annual convention May 15-17, 1964, at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, guests of the Northeast Iowa Audubon Society. Dr. George E. Knudson. chairman of arrangements, graci- ously welcomed the early comers at a casual get-together Friday evening. Unsuspecting members were unexpectedly asked to introduce themselves and account for their activities In birding. R. W. Daubendiek, who purchased the Sherman Swift Tower, designed and built by Dr, Althea Sherman at her home in National, Iowa, and moved it to a park near Harper's Ferry, reviewed briefly the activities of this re- markable woman. She was not only an ornithologist, but also an artist and writer who contributed to the literature of birds west of the Mississippi. Her home became a gathering place for well known students of bird life. Following her death, the estate was sold, the house was razed, and the same fate awaited the Swift Tower. It was saved by the timely intervention of Mr. Daubendieck; this commendable action saved for us this historic building where Dr. Sherman studied the life history of the Chimney Swift, and also used as a study and office. The building had fallen into disrepair and still requires work and money to restore it to its original condition. Darwin Koenig, chairman of field trips, described the attractive birding areas: Silver Springs. Twin Springs, the Palisades, Cardinal Marsh, Weisens Farm and others. Bird hikes were held Saturday and Sunday mornings; R, W. Daubendiek, Roy Schultz, Darwin Koenig, Mrs. Alden Bauder. Mrs. Burt Henning, and Mrs. G. W. Heuser were leaders. Other points of interest were the Ice Cave, a recently discovered Woodland Indian cave, fossils areas and Chimney Rock. For more adventurous souls, canoe trips were arranged. A heavy rain fell during the night: the water of the river was deeper, more rapid, and muddy. Adventure for some was salted with a dunking (see pic- ture). Fog. mist, and clouds early both Saturday and Sunday morning inter- fered with clear observation. In spite of this 134 species were recorded for Sunday morning, 11 additional species were seen Saturday morning. Mist netting was carried on Saturday and Sunday by George Crane, Peter Peter- sen Jr., and Homer Rinehart with 170 birds of 32 species banded. Registra- tion at the College Union began at 9:30 on May 6. During this time members looked at the fine display of books brought by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pierce. This is always one of the finest features of the convention. Dr. E. D. Far- well, President of Luther College, welcomed the members of the organiza- tion to the college and to Decorah. Dean M. Roosa, president of I.O.U., re- sponded. The first paper, "Bird Life of the Upper Mississippi Refuge” by Kenneth Krumm, Winona. Minnesota, with slides, depicted an interesting survey of the bird life of the Mississippi River Refuge. This is the longest federal refuge of continental United States. It extends from Pepin, Minnesota, to Davenport, Iowa, marked by the National Wildlife Refuge sign; 55,000 acres of Iowa land are in this area. Winter residents, summer residents and migrating birds representing forty-nine families have been seen. More than 270 species occur. A catalog of species includes four species of grebes, the White Pelican seen infrequently: cormorants were once abundant, more than a million re- ported on the LaCrosse River a number of years ago. Nine species of Heron, the White-faced Ibis has not been seen recently and the Glossy Ibis is rare. ANNUAL CONVENTION 35 The area is in the traditional path of migrating geese and ducks and of the Whistling Swan. There are thirty-one species of water fowl, twenty species of which are ducks. The Canada Goose is common; since the migration fly- way is farther west, only small flocks of Blue and Snow Geese are seen. The Mississippi bottom is the nesting ground of the Wood Duck; the Ameri- can Widgeon is very common; Canvasbacks are in small flocks and Ring- necked Ducks are abundant. The two Vultures, the Turkey and the Black, fourteen species of hawks, the Bald Eagle, and rarely the Golden Eagle, occur. The Virginia Rail is common and Coots are abundant. Sandhill Cranes are rarely seen, a Whooping Crane stopped on the river in 1958. Twenty- eight species of shorebirds migrate through or nest here. Of the well known species of passerines, there are 30 species of warblers and 18 species of sparrows. The list of birds cited by Mr. Krumm offers an invitation for good birding. More complete information may be obtained from the Refuge Manager. Upper Mississippi Refuge. Fish and Wildlife Serv- ice, Winona, Minnesota, 55987. Roy Schultz, farmer from Castalia but guide, hunter, and wildlife photo- grapher in Alaska showed films of his fascinating experiences in Alaska, This showed the building of a hunting cabin in the far north, beginning with the standing timber. He showed the homely, stately Moose, the thieving Parka Squirrel and their predator, the Wolverine, the herds of Caribou, and the hunting by plane of the vanishing Polar Bear. He showed the beauty and relentless might of the great glaciers and in summer their disintegration, the breaking off of huge masses of ice at the water's edge. The flowers that bloomed quickly during the short Northern summer gave no hint that few inches below the surface lies a perpetual freezer. The Convention adjourned for luncheon. The afternoon meeting began with a discussion of the troubles of bird banding and how they may be overcome. Charles and Darleen Ayres, Ot- tumwa, hindered afternoon snoozes with their descriptions of methods of overcoming the problems of bird banders. His first advice was that the bander get an assistant; as an example, he mentioned Pete who last summer acquired an assistant; since then his banding counts have soared. Second, if allergic to mosquitoes use a face mask, which may be an adaption of a bee-keepers mask. For a tranquilizer to quiet biting birds, a mallet is valuable. To accelerate banding when toward evening a flurry of birds are caught, use a double pliers. If the net is too low, balloons may be used to raise it. Finally, if identification of a specimen is the unsol vable problem, the best solution is the use of an Ouija Board; lay the bird on the board, cover with the hands and lo! the name of the bird will be spelled. If young and inexperienced banders have difficulties, Mr. and Mrs. Ayres will be happy to share their wisdom, gleaned from long and successful experience, Shirley A Briggs, Washington, D C., Editor of the Atlantic Naturalist, but always an Iowan, described her unusual trip to Europe. When the Internation- al Ornithological Congress was held in Ithaca, New York, the European visi- tors were entertained in the home of Americans. So pleased were they with this hospitality that they in turn invited their hosts to visit them in their homes when traveling in Eorope. Shirley Briggs was one who accepted the invitation and had a most enjoyable and enlightening trip, visiting ornitho- logists, research centers and nature preserves. One of the most intriguing projects was the effort to create and maintain a natural area, She visited Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, England, portraying her experi- ence to us by means of slides. The banquet was served in the College Union. Adding to the air of 36 KOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 VIEWS AT THE DECORAH CONVENTION. TOT— FIELD TRIP ON UPPER lOW r A RIVER. MIDDLE— NICHOLSON AND DELOSS IN CANOE BOTTOM— PRATTS ANI) PARTRIDGE AFTER UPSET ANNUAL CONVENTION 37 TOP— MRS. VANE, MISS COPP, BERKOWITZ ANI) BROWN. MIDDLE— STANDING ARE NICHOLSON, PETERSEN, RODS A AND KNUDSON. BOTTOM— NEW PRESIDENT VANE WITH FAMILY AND MISS BRIGGS. ! 38 IOWA BIRD LIFE-XXXtV, 1964 hospitality was the delightful courtesy and consideration of the student wait- resses, The members of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union thanks them and Dr. George E. Knudson for again extending to us this graciousness for which Luther College has been and is remembered < It was regrettable that the ham, through no fault of the college, caused so many to become ill. ed.L After the dinner Dean Roosa welcomed and introduced Mrs, Cleveland P, Grant, Mineral Point, Wisconsin. The film “Bird Watchers Holiday" was of the high quality of all Cleveland Grant pictures and was enjoyed by all. BUSINESS MEETING At 3:30 P.M., May 16, members of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union assem- bled for the business meeting of the convention. Dean Roosa, President, call- ed the meeting to order. He appointed the following members to the Nomination Committee: Myrle L. Jones, Albert C. Berkowitz and Mrs, Helen Barrett. To the Resolu- tions Committee he appointed Dr. Robert Vane, Dorothy Brunner and John Osness. Peter C, Petersen, Jr,, Editor of Iowa Bird Life reported that more mem- bers, including junior members, should report their observations of birds in Iowa for publication in Iowa Bird Life. He also noted that John Paul Moore designed and contributed the cover for Iowa Bird Life for 1964. Dr. J. Harold Ennis, Librarian, suggested that more recognition might be given the local societies affiliated with the I.O.U. As an example, he suggested that recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Waterloo Audubon Society. The Secretary-treasurer presented the following report: Membership report: Regular members ... 331 Honorary members 8 Contributing members 3 Supporting members 33 Juniors — - 19 Libraries 23 Public libraries of Iowa 10 Societies - - 8 New members 33 Unpaid 46 Financial Report Balance in bank. May 8, 1964 $ 1033.11 Checks deposited May 8. 1964 14.00 Checks on hand 14.C0 Currency on hand 2.48 Total . $ 1068.59 Checks written since May 8. 1964 ... 266 00 Balance S 802.59 Sources of Income Membership $ 1005.00 Field check lists 59.93 Decals 16,50 Brassards - 15.00 Copies, Iowa Bird Life 5.75 Distributional check lists 1.25 Grant’s check lists 21.50 Registration fees, Sioux City 113.00 Registration fees, Waterloo 68.00 Total $ 1305.93 ANNUAL CONVENTION 39 Expenditures Decals - - $ 180.00 Convention, Sioux City 85.48 Conference Book Service 10.00 Iowa Bird Life Editorial $ 100.00 Postage 27.72 Engraving 74.51 Printing 693.21 Total $ 895.44 2000 membership cards $ 88.23 Envelopes and subscription slips 34,12 Postage 21.12 Stationary 6.00 Checkbooks 3.00 Parcel post labels -16 Carrying charges 2.30 Total $ 1332.45 Moved by Woodward H. Brown that the secretary-treasurers report be accepted. Seconded by Peter C. Petersen. Motion carried. The president presented for discussion the project of ski runs in Pilot Knob State Park, This development is said to be being pushed by residents of Mason City. Members were urgently requested to write letters of protest to Earl Jarvis, Wilton Junction, chairman of the Conservation Commission or to Everett Speaker. Director of the Iowa Conservation Commission, Des Moines, Iowa. The president requested invitations for the 1964 fall meeting. In answer to desires to meet in the southwest part of the state, Mrs, Getscher, Hamburg, reported that the members lived in too large a territory to successfully spon- sor the meeting in 1964. Question tabled. In answer to the report by the secretary that the stock of sleeve patches, or brassards, was nearly exhausted, the assembly agreed that a new supply should be ordered. Suggestion of color changes were made. Jack McLane moved that meeting adjourn. Seconded by Mrs. Barrett. Motion carried. The members convened for the final business session at 12:30 P.M. May 17, Dean Roosa presided. Dr. Robert F. Vane, Chairman of the Resolutions Committee read the following resolutions: Be it resolved that the members of the Ornithologists’ Union express their deepest thanks to: 1. The officiers of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union for their leadership in guiding the Union through another excellent year. These officiers are. Dean M. Roosa, President; Myra C. Willis, Vice-president: Dr. Myrle M. Burk, Secretary-treasurer; Dr J. Harold Ennis, Librarian; and Peter C. Petersen, Jr, r Editor. 2 . To the Northeast Iowa Audubon Society for inviting us to share their most interesting birding areas. Northeast Iowa Society members to be thanked particularly include: a. Dr, George E. Knudson, Chairman of the Arrangement Commit- tee who made this 42nd annual convention such an outstanding convention. b. Darwin Koenig, Chairman of the Field Trip committee, and mem- bers of his committee who planned and led the well-organized Field Trips. 40 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 3. To Luther College whose generosity in extending the excellent facilities contributed so much to the pleasure of our group, especially the cafeteria and banquet staff of the College Union who provided exceptional dining, 4. To the Chairman of the Program Committee, Myra Willis, for her dili- gence in securing an excellent program. 5. To the panel of essayists and speakers who took part in our program. a. R. W. Daubendiek of Decorah for his talk ‘The Sherman Swift Tower". b. To Dr, E D. Farwell of Decorah, president of Luther College, for his welcome, c. Kenneth Krumm of Winona, Minnesota, for his illustrated talk “Bird Life of the Upper Mississippi Refuge". d. Roy Schultz of Castalia for his film and talk "Alaskan Adven- tures". e. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Ayres for their entertaining talk "Band- aids Benefit Bothered Bird Banders". f. Shirley A. Briggs of Washington, DC,, for her illustrated talk "Visits with European Ornithologists". 6. To Mrs. Cleveland P, Grant, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, for showing "Birdwatchers’ Holiday' 1 and to her husband in absentia, for the superlative photography. 7. To Albert C. Berkowitz for generously printing our programs. 8. To Peter C, Petersen, Jr., for the competent leadership he has shown in his capacity as editor of Iowa Bird Life. 9. To Mr, and Mrs. Fred Pierce for their excellent ornithology book exhibit at the convention. Respectfully submitted. Dr. Robert Vane, Chairman, Dorothy Brunner, John Osness. Moved by A. C. Berkowitz that report be accepted. Seconded by Mrs. Helen Barrett. Motion carried. The Executive Council reported that the records of the Secretary-treas- urer are in order, C, C. Ayres moved that the report be accepted. Seconded by Esther Copp. Motion carried. The discussion of the place for the fall meeting was reopened The Ledges State Park and Bellevue State Park were considered By show of hands the decision to meet at Bellevue State Park on the Mississipi was made. Moved by Darrell Hanna that the fall meeting be held the third week- end of September, Seconded by Forrest Millikin. Motion carried. The necessity of showing strong opposition to the development of ski runs in Pilot Knob State Park was again discussed by Albert C. Berkowitz, Charles C, Ayres and other members. They urged members to write letters of opposition to strengthen the stand of members of the Commission who are opposed. Charles C. Ayres entreated all members of the organization to be alert to the dangers of the use of pesticides for it no longer is a question of the saving of birds, fish and animals, but a question of public health, Albert C- Berkowitz, in the absence of Woodward H. Brown, appealed to the members of the organization to send records of their observations of birds, especially hawks, to Mr. Brown. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Albert C. Berkowitz, made the following nominations: President, Dr. Robert Vane, Cedar Rapids Vice-president, Mrs, Darrel Hanna, Sioux City Secretary-treasurer, Dr, Myrle M. Burk, Waterloo Librarian, Dr. J. Harold Ennis, Mount Vernon Editor, Peter C. Petersen, Jr., Davenport ANNUAL CONVENTION 41 Executive Council: Charles C, Ayres, Ottumwa Fred W. Kent, Iowa City Bob Nickolson, Sioux City Dean Roosa, Lehigh Moved by Albert C. Berkowitz that nominations be accepted and nomi- nees be declared duly elected- Seconded by Helen Hawkins. Motion carried. Convention declared adjourned by the president. Compilation of birds seen May 17, 1964, Charles Ayres, compiler: Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron. American Bittern, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Duck, Red-tailed Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Ruffed Grouse, Ring-necked Pheasant, American Coot, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, American Golden Plover, Black-bellied Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Upland Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, Baird's Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short-billed Dowitcher, Long-billed Dowitcher, Semipal- mated Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Franklin’s Gull, Black Tern, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl. Whip-poor-will, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-shafted Flicker, Pileated Wood- pecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Easten Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher. Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Wood Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher. Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Bank Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Purple Mar- tin, Blue Jay, Common Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Long-billed Marsh Wren, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Robin, Wood Thrush, Swainson's Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush. Veery, Eastern Bluebird, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Starling. Bell’s Vireo. Red-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged War- bler, Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler. Cape May Warbler, Black-throated Green War- bler, Blackburian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler, Canada Warbler, American Redstart, House Sparrow, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-head- ed Blackbird. Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Scarlet Tanager, Cardinal. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Purple Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Tow- hee, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Spar- row, Chipping Sparrow. Field Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Song Sparrow. Birds seen May 16, 1964: Pied-billed Grebe, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-rumped Sandpiper, Ce- dar Waxwing, Yellow-throated Vireo, Solitary Vireo, Myrtle Warbler, Ceru- lean Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler. Attendance Register: AMES — Michael Burns; BELLEVUE — Mr. and Mrs, Myrle L. Jones; BURLINGTON — Jack McLane. Suzanne Wart; CASTALIA — Mrs, Florence Albright, Darwin Koenig, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Schultz; CEDAR FALLS — Gertrude Bode, Annette Haffner, Mrs. Charles Schwanke, Maxine Schwanke; CEDAR RAPIDS — Eleanore Fullerton, Dr, and Mrs. Robert Vane, Robert Vane, Myra Willis; DAVENPORT — Mr, and Mrs. Peter C, Petersen, Jr.; DECORAH — Vernon Bahr, Mrs, Alden Bauder, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Dau- bendiek, Mr. and Mrs. V, A. Edwards, Mrs. Burt Henning, Mrs. G. W. Heuser, Mr. and Mrs, George Knudson, Mr. and Mrs. Verne Koenig; DES MOINES— 42 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 Albert C. Berkowitz, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Brown, Woodward H. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Haskell, Dr, and Mrs, H. R. Peasley; ESTHERVILLE— Mrs, J. B, Osher; GOLDFIELD— Dean Roosa; GRINNELL — Helen Stewart. Mildred Ste- wart; HAMBURG^Mrs. Edwin A. Getscher; HANLONTOWN— Barton Sutter; IOWA CITY— Fred Kent; JESUP— Mrs. Ronald Barnett, Mrs. Lloyd Hewitt; MADRID— Mr. and Mrs, Wayne Partridge; MARSHALLTOWN— Dorothy Brunner, Mr and Mrs. R. J. Prescott, Mr. and Mrs, Homer Rinehart; MOUL- TON— Ann Louise Moore; MT. PLEASANT— George Crane; MT. VERNON— Dr. J, Harold Ennis: NEW HAMPTON— Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Oelke; NEW- TON— Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Moore; NORTHWOOD— Mrs. Elsie Benjegerdes, Mrs, John Bottleman, Helen Holstad. Mrs, Fred Oetken; OTTUMWA — Mr. and Mrs, Charles C. Ayres. Leona L. Havens; ST. ANSGAR— Cora Wahl; SIGOUR- NEY— Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Millikin; SIOUX CITY— Mrs. Helen Barrett, Mr. and Mrs, P B. Davison, Robert De Loss. Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Kirkpatrick, Bob Nickolson: SPIRIT LAKE— Mrs. B. A. La Doux; WATERLOO— Dr. Myrle M. Burk, Helen Hawkins, Russell Hayes, Mrs. Ma- belle Hinckley, Mr. and Mrs. John Osness, Nick, Randi and April Osness, Edith Wallace; WAVERLY— Arlo Raim; WHEATLAND— C, Esther Copp; WINTHROP— Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pierce. BUENOS AIRIES, ARGENTINA— Carlos Andros; WASHINGTON, D.C.— Shirley A. Brigg: LE MOILLE, MINN.— Pauline Wershofen; WINONA. MINN— Kenneth Krumm; LA CROSSE, WIS, — Janice M. Johnson; FLATTE- VILLE. WIS. — Terrence Ingram. LETTER FROM PRESIDENT VANE Robert F. Vane The new president of Iowa Ornithologists* Union is an ora] surgeon practicing in Cedar Rapids, He has been interested in birds and bird photography for many years, joinini' the I.O.U. in IU40. He has been active in the Cedar Rapids Bird club, serving as its presi- dent on two occasions, 194?-1950 and 1961- 196J, He is also a member of the Cooper Ornithological society and the Wilson Ornitho- logical society. Dear Members; 1 would like to take this op- portunity to thank the membership of the I.O.U. for their vote of con- fidence in electing me president I feel that it is an honor and a privi- lege, and as I mentioned at Decorah, I will do my best. With the help of the other officers and executive council I am sure we shall have an excellent year. It is quite customary and pro- per for a new president to have a program for which he stands, and what better place to discuss several topics than here in this first letter. Importance of Iowa Bird Life Our quarterly journal, for many of our members, is their only con- nection with the organization. Also, and certainly of equal importance through past years and into the future, Iowa Bird Life will be the recorded history of ornithology in Iowa. Thanks to our librarian and others, its issues are received and saved in the Library of Congress PRESIDENT VANE'S LETTER 43 and other noted libraries of our land. Let s make I.B.L., then, excellent, correct in all reporting and details, and important. To this end I urge a flow of articles to our editor by our members. How interesting to pick up a copy of I.BX. 40 years hence and read what the situation ornithologically was in the past! And so specifically I urge the writing of articles on the current status of certain Iowa birds including an examination of the literature for past records, changes in distribution as well as current records Species that have been suggested for this research include the Carolina Wren, the Evening Grosbeak and the Woodcock to name a few. Comparatively recent articles by William Youngworth on the Lazuli Bunting and the Arctic Towhee and articles by Woodward Brown on the Upland Plover and the Yellow-crowned Night Heron in I.B.L., would surely serve as models. The “General Notes" section will also welcome paragraphs on worth while observations, not only rarities. Do take the time to send your material to Pete Petersen. Another specific suggestion is the urging of local Iowa bird clubs to take over an entire issue of Iowa Bird Life as an anniversary issue. These co- operative efforts might be patterned after the Sioux City anniversary issue of June 1944 or the Cedar Rapids Bird club issue of September 1959. In these issues the local situation ornithologically, topographically and biographically might well be covered for future ornithologists to use- insecticides and Pesticides So that each member of the LO.U. may be educated for intelligent, sane leadership in his own community in this period of indiscriminate poisoning, it is hoped that a packet of authoritative material or sources where this ma- terial may be obtained will be collected and made available to our member- ship on their request. Your president expects to appoint a committee for this purpose in the near future. Need to Interest Young People Let's lower the average age group of our organization! I well remember the Dubuque convention of 1940 when I was on a field trip led by Walter Rosene and how thrilled I was at his calling out, first by song, a Cerulean Warbler, or his flushing a Woodcock, 1 am told that Zell Lee of Sioux City interested Bob Nicholson as a boy, Bob now serves on the executive coun- cil and is one of our most active members. So for our coming meetings, let's take along a young person. Future Meetings At Decorah it was agreed the Fall meeting should be held at Bellevue, at the invitation of Myrle Jones. The May 1965 meeting will be held in Davenport at the invitation of the Davenport Public Museum. Details of these meetings will be sent at a later date. Plan your part on the program now. One question comes to mind: Should the LO.U. continue to meet at rather fixed times each year? Would, perhaps, a later Fall meeting with a program and papers be better than mid-September? Expressions from our members would be most welcome. In conclusion, let me say that I hope to carry on the fine tradition of the I.O.U. With the help of the other officers and the council I am sure this can be done. Let us hear from you. Sincerely, Robert F. Vane 44 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 BANDING AT THE CORALVILLE RESERVOIR PETER PETERSEN. JR. 2736 E. High St. DAVENPORT, IOWA Despite last year's success at Muskrat Slough the turnout of banders this year dropped greatly. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Rinehart of Marshalltown were the only banders present except for the author and his wife. The banding took place at the Coralville Reservoir north of Iowa City on May 22-24, 1964, Exact locations were just east of Highway 218 and near the mouth of Hoosier Creek. In addition to the banders Myra Willis of Cedar Rapids; John Brouhard of Iowa City; Shirley Briggs of Washington, D C.; and a group from Davenport visited the area and observed the banding. Compared to last years totals the banding was less successful in some respects. Effective net hours were hard to calculate as the wind rarely went down, but were about 75, with 105 birds netted. Saturday night a severe storm hit the area with winds up to 50 m.p.h.. bending some net poles almost 90 degree. Fortunately this occured after dark when the nets were empty. Captured in the nets were Semipalmated Plover-2, Spotted Sand- piper-1, Pectoral Sandpiper-1, White-rumped Sandpiper-4, Least Sandpiper- 1, Semipalmated Sandpiper-85, Eastern Kingbird-1, Catbird-2, Starling- 1, Yellowthroat-1, Red-winged Blackbird-1, and Common Grackle-1. This totals 101 birds of 12 species. Also banded were 6 nestling Loggerhead Shrikes, It had been the original intention to band at Muskrat Slough, but due to the high water there the previous weekend and the poor results obtained by Bob Trial the location was changed. An attempt was made to notify banders who had expressed interest in the banding of the change, but if any- one was not informed it is regretted. Bob caught no shorebirds at Muskrat Slough on May 16-17, He observed a Willet there, but no other shorebirds were present except two flocks which circled overhead and flew on without landing. Bob and John Brouhard observed many of the above mentioned species as well as Black-bellied Plovers and Baird's Sandpipers in the Hoosier Creek area on May 17, In addition to the birds banded the fol- lowing were observed on May 23; Great Blue Heron rookery north of Swan Lake. Herring Gull, Caspian Tern, and Orchard Oriole, Since banding shorebirds depends upon water levels to a great extent it is felt that in the future a more informal and “spur of the moment" band- ing effort should be attempted. Advance notice does not aid in a good turn- out and it makes a change of locality difficult. This year’s effort must be considered very successful in view of the adverse weather conditions. We banded about one third of the shorebirds present in the area. FIELD REPORTS The first week of March in central Iowa was abnormally warm but colder weather set in, and the remainder of the month was cold with sub- zero recorded on the 26th, The average temperature for the month was 5 degrees below normal. April was likewise colder than normal with average wind speeds the highest since 1955, May, to date, has been abnormally warm with winds of tornadic force in the first week and these may be responsible for some of the unusual spring observations: several Little Blue Herons, a species usually seen in the late summer if at all; a Purple Gallinule in the Conesville area photographed in color by Fred Kent (see separate note); a Whimbrel at Cardinal Marsh; several Goshawks; a Mountain Plover on Credit Island (see separate note); Chuck- wills-widow in Wildcat Den State Park (see separate note); a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at Cedar Falls (see separate note); a male Lark Bunting in breeding plumage near Des Moines, another FIELD REPORTS 45 near Goldfield, and two near Akron. A good case for a Yellow-throated Warbler is made by Mrs. Getscher, and another warbler appearing to be the Prairie is reported by Mrs. Hanna. In general, the migration was thought to be early with opinions regarding numbers varying from place to place, Loons, Grebes, Pelicans. Two reports mentioned the Common Loon in Iowa, one at Lake Keomah on 4 May, (KL), and 26 April on the Shell Rock River, (AH), but 200 were seen at Gavin's Point Dam in South Dakota, about 70 miles west of Sioux City, (RM), A Red-necked Grebe was seen at W. Twin Lake near Goodell on 18 May, (HP). White Pelicans were seen; 12 on 10 April. (DG); 1 on 17 April, (JK); and 1 for two unspecified days, ; 1 on 9 May on the Des Moines Audubon Spring Census: 1 on 10 May at Goose Lake where several pairs usually nest, (JF). No bitterns and few herons is Kent's comment. Swans, Geese. At Jefferson on 16 March, 31 Whistling Swans, (JF), and 3 spent several days near Van Meter at the end of March. On 7 March flocks of 100 each Canada. Blue and Snow, and White-fronted Geese with 15 “smaller Canadas" were seen in the Blue Lake area, William Felton found a dead Hutchin’s Goose with plastic and aluminum bands in mid-May. An estimated 50,000 Blue and Snow Geese northwest of Sioux City, near Elk Point. S.D., the largest concentration in many years were seen 30 March. (DH). On the night of 6 April a reverse migration of Blue and Snow over Des Moines was noted. A pair of Canada Geese are reported nesting at Goose Lake near Jewell, (Dick K). Ducks. One of the best seasons at Iowa City, due perhaps to cold later on, with first big influx on 6 March. There were 100 Canvasbacks for 10 days, but few Ruddy Ducks. On 11 April 3.000 Lesser Scaups and Shovelers. Sur- prising numbers of Pintails present into April, < FK > Best spring ever at Lake Keomah, (KL). Ducks plentiful and early, (JK>. Blue-winged Teal migration very early, (Dick K.). Not many early Mallards and Pintails, but in late April 1.000 of all species present for two weeks, including 7 Buffle- heads for 10 days, (DG). A flock of 200 Goldeneyes on the Missouri River in mid-February, and on 7 March "thousands and thousands" of ducks, mostly Mallards and Pintails in the Blue Lake area. Fewer Green-winged Teal than last year and very small numbers of Canvasbacks, Redhead, American Widgeons and Gadwalls, but Lesser Scaups and Shovelers up. (DH). Most ducks arrived at Lock & Dam 9 by 18 March, a week earlier than last year. Numerous Redheads, . Not as many Pintails as in previous years but Buffleheads were the most ever seen, (RM). A good year for Mallards and Pintails, and more Goldeneyes than usual, (DR), Wood Ducks seem to be staging a good come-back: 25 at Lake Keomah on 3 April, (KL); best year ever seen, (DR); a flock of 55 on Credit Island 25 March, (PP); and occasional pairs seen around Des Moines. About 75 Common Mergansers were on the Des Moines Impounding Reservoir on 14 March, and Red-breasted came later in very good numbers. Vultures, Hawks. Turkey Vultures were seen; II April, 5 (FK) ; 7 on 12 April, (RH); 2 pairs, but few and far between, (KL); and, numbers defini- tely up, (DR). On March a mature Goshawk chasing a pigeon flew into a Cedar Rapids window, according to Dr. Vane, (FK); one was seen 23 March. 46 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 (JF); and another at Rock-Sioux Access, north of Hawarden, (RM). The accipiter migration was thought poor, (DR). Red-tailed Hawks were normal with three nests under observation, (EB); one observation where there should be more, (RM); only 1 pair in Pleasantville area and none where they had nested for seven years, (GB); more than other years, (JK). A Krider s was observed at close range on 18 April, (EB). Hawks scarce except for 1 pair Red-tailed in Oskaloosa, (KL); Red-tailed and Red-shouldered down, (PPL Broad-wings numbering 90 went over Big Wall Lake on 25 April, (Dick K' Two favorable reports: Swainson’s unusually abundant from 11 April to 15 May, alighting on the ground and approaching within 40 feet of a tractor, (DG); more Swainson’s than ever seen, at least 15 from 20 April on, com- pared to a normal 1 to 3, (DR). Rough-legged Hawk reports are good; 3 times as many this spring as last fall with 3 melanistie in 1 square mile on 27 March, (EBi; numerous around Cedar Falls, (PPL The last week in March and first week in April found Red-tailed, Marsh and Sparrow Hawks abun- dant, (DG). Buteos thought to be doing well around Goldfield, (DR); but numbers of large hawks greatly reduced, (RM), The only Golden Eagle re- port refers to 1 seen at Goose Lake on 11 March. (Dick K.). Bald Eagle re- ports were widely scattered; 20 at Gavin’s Point Dam, (RM); 5 on 14 March, (FK); 2 near Pleasantville, 17 March. ( GB > ; 1 near Decorah. 18 April, (DP); 2 immatures near Cedar Falls by Albert Berkowitz enroute to the Decorah meeting; 6 at Lock & Dam 9 on 30 March, (DK). Marsh Hawks: none seen since 5 January, (RM); and a similar situation in Polk Co. A Peregrine was sighted at Cardinal Marsh 10 May, (DK), and one was seen at Rock-Sioux Access, (RM). Sparrow Hawks: were very common earlier, (RM); but, scarce, (GB); (KL); and around Dos Moines; and still down in numbers, (DK), The only reference to Red-shouldered Hawks was that of Petersen, above. Quails, Pheasants. A tremendous winter survival of Gray Partridge and Ring-necked Pheasant, (EB), An increase in Gray Partridge in Wright Co., (DR). Bobwhites came through the winter well, (GB), but Pheasants and Quail fewer than a couple of years ago, (KL). Rails, Gallinules, Coots, Plovers. Very few rails other than Sora, (FK); very poor shorebird year, (DR). One King Rail reported, (JKh A Purple Gallinute photographed on 7 May, (FK). Hundreds of American Coots at Lake Keomah 3 April and for several days, (KL); a heavy concentration earlier, (RM). A flock of 11 Semi-palmated Plover was seen on 13 May, (JK); a small flock remained in Des Moines Waterworks Park for several weeks: 20 were at Cardinal Marsh 10 May, (DK) ; with a few remaining on the 17th. A Mountain Plover was on Credit Island 25 March, and seen by Elton Fawks the next day, (PP), Killdeer reports varied greatly: definitely down, (EB); not many seen in Polk Co.; seem fewer, (GB); scarce, (DG); but, in num- bers, (JK); plentiful after 12 March, (KL); and, abundant, (RM). Golden Plovers were; near Jefferson 17 May, (JF); 30 near Castalia 27 April, and 100 on 2 May, (DK); 9 on 25 April, (EB); 30 on 3 May, (RH), while several were at Cardinal Marsh in company with some Black-bellied on 17 May. Sandpipers, etc. This group was thought to have had a poor migration: few shorcbirds, disappointing, (EG>; few except snipe and yellowlegs, (GB); a few Spotted only, (KL). A number of reports of American Woodcock: 18 March, (FK); 20 March in the yard of Dr. Peasley in Des Moines which was six weeks earlier than any previous Polk Co. record; 15 March in Oakdale Cemetery, Davenport, for three weeks with a maximum of 6 birds; a pair may be nesting in Wildcat Den State Park, (PP); 12 April (RH); and 26 April, (DR), Common Snipe: a good migration, (GB); very scarce, saw but 1, (DG». The very rare Whimbrel was seen by a number of observers at Cardinal Marsh on the Sunday field trip. Upland Plovers seem plentiful only at Cresco where 30 were seen 17 April, (DP); they failed to appear, FIELD REPORTS 47 (JK); first arrived on 17 April, but scarce, (DG); and none seen so far in former nesting areas in Polk Co. Willet were seen at Beed s Lake, (AH), and in Des Moines 1 May. Lesser Yellow-legs were numerous: seen by the dozens, (JK); many in Goose Lake, (Dick K>; and as many as 90 to 100 in Waterworks Park in Des Moines the last week in April and the first 10 days in May. Hudsonian Godwits were seen; 9 May, (JK); and 2 on 10 May, (DK). There was only one reference to the American Avocet, one was seen (no date given) (RM). There were two records of numbers of Wil- son's Fhalaropes: 15 on 9 May, (JK): and 24 on 10 May with 1 Northern, (DK) . One concentration of shorebirds was in a field near Jefferson and was estimated to total 1,500,. mostly Pectorals, but including Dunlins, Wil- son's Phalaropes and Dowitchers, (JF). Gulls. Franklin's Gulls were seen on three dates, (JK); there was one sighting of a small flock at the Des Moines Impounding Reservoir on 9 May; and there were 2 on the 11th and 40 on the 30th of April, (DG); but numbers were thought greatly reduced this year, (RM). Doves, Cuckoos. Not as many Mourning Doves as last year, (GB); and numbers in Des Moines may be less also. Both cuckoos seem fewer in Des Moines than last year when there was heavy infestation of worms. Owls, Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds. A Snowy Owl was on the ice at Lit- tle Wall Lake on 14 March, (Dick K>‘. Great Horned had a good nesting season with at least 7 successful nests near Goldfield, (DR), Short-eared were very abundant, 13 and 14 being seen at one time late in March, (DG). A Whip-poor-will was found by William Felton on 16 May, (DH); and one banded on 17 April in Oakdale Cemetery, (PP). A Chuck-wills-widow was found by Mr. and Mrs, Jacob Frink on 9 May in Wildcat Den State Park, and heard on 19 May by Peter Petersen (see separate note). An early Ruby- throated Hummingbird was found 27 April, (DH). Woodpeckers, Yellow-shafted Flickers: everywhere, with SO to 90 seen on 11 and 12 April. (RH); in good numbers, (GB); excellent numbers, many nests, (DR). Pileateds are becoming more common and often seen on Credit Island, where they are apparently nesting, (PP). Red-headed seem numer- ous, (GB); and found on all back roads in Polk Co. Flycatchers, Swallows, Eastern Kingbirds appeared in Polk Co. on the early date 6 April when 2 were seen; 50 were observed 9 May, < DG) ; and a similar number on 13 May, , Blackbirds. Bobolinks: most ever seen, (EB); plentiful in Des Moines, and many seen en route to Decorah and McGregor; good numbers, (JK); more than usual, (DR); but, small numbers from 1 to 20 May, (DG). Eastern Meadowlarks are moving into the Goldfield area formerly occupied by the Western, (DR). Yellow-headed Blackbirds: quite a few, (DH); 10 seen 20 April and 6 females 10 May, (DG); 30 near Readlyn on 17 May were sur- prising, (RH); best year yet in Wright Co,, especially Morse Lake near Bel- mond, (DR). Redwinged Blackbirds seem everywhere; large flights seen 22 March, (DH). Orchard Orioles, more than in the previous six years com- bined, (RM). Rusty Blackbirds; good numbers around, (FK), Brewer’s; seen on several occasions, (JK); had 6 following the plow on 14 April, (DG), Seven Common Grackles on 1 February were very early, (GB). GENERAL NOTES 49 Sparrows, Finches, An Evening Grosbeak was in Des Moines from 10 to 15 April, (HP). This was evidently a migrant and not a winter resident as was the case with the flock which was fed by Dr. Vane into April. There must be more Dickcissels than usual: too many from 16 May on, (KL>; a dime a dozen, , On 13 May 3 Henslow’s were seen in good light, (JF); one banded at Goose Lake near Cedar Falls 31 May. . Vesper, down con- siderably, ; but around Des Moines in at least usual numbers. Chipping, most ever seen, (EB). Clay-colored were observed 2 May, (FK), 8 May, (DP) and 3 May, (RH). White- crowned: some increase, (EB); up, (DK); good migration, (DR). White-throated: good flight as usual, a partial albino 21 April with only yellow on cheek to distinguish it from the Snow Bunting, (EB); 150 going through my yard, and 500 seen all day, (FK); very good migration in April and May, (Dick K); but, thought down in numbers, (DK). Lapland Longspurs: 200 on 16 February, (FK); 100 on 3 March, and again 15 March but no big flocks, (DG); 21 March near Ames, (DPi. On 3 May a definite identification of a Smith's Longspur although not in breeding plum- age, (FK), At Jefferson airport on 21 March, nearly 100 Snow Buntings, (JF). Contributors: Mrs. Gladys Black, Pleasantville; Eldon Bryant, Akron; John Faaborg. Jefferson; Mrs. Edward Getscher, Hamburg; Donald Gillaspey, Lamoni; Annette Haffner, Cedar Falls; Mrs. Darrell Hanna, Sioux City; Russell Hays, Waterloo: Myrle Jones, Bellevue: Fred Kent, Iowa City; Jim Keenan, Ogden; Dick Knight, Ames; Darwin Koenig, Castalia; Keith Layton, Oskaloosa; Ron Muilenburg, Hawarden; Mrs. Harold Peasley, Des Moines: Peter Petersen, Davenport; Don Peterson, Ames; Dean Roosa, Goldfield WOODWARD H. BROWN, 4815 Ingersoll, Des Moines, Iowa 50312. GENERAL NOTES Mountain Plover at Davenport — At noon on March 25, 1964, a Mountain Plover in full breeding plumage was observed at Credit Island, Davenport. The bird was seen in the company of several Killdeer on the mudflat of the harbor area. Light conditions were favorable and it was observed through 12X binoculars from a car at a distance of about 100 feet. The clear breast and white area on the forehead and over the eye were noted. On the next day the bird was seen in flight with Killdeer by Elton Fawks. The faint wing stripe was noted by him. Strong southwesterly winds of March 24 could have blown this bird into this area. This appears to be the first record of this bird in Iowa, and it is regrettable that this bird could not have been captured and photographed, A sleet storm the afternoon and evening of March 25 made an attempt at mist netting impossible. — PETER PETER- SEN, JR., 2736 E. High St., Davenport. Chuck -will's- widow at Wildcat Den State Park — On May 9, 1964, the Chuck-wilTs-widow was heard and seen at Wildcat Den State Park by Mr, and Mrs. Jacob Frink of East Moline, Illinois. They had heard this bird in the south, but were surprised to find it this far north. The author, ac- companied by his wife, Larry Dau and Urban Stratman visited the area 50 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 with the Frinks on May 19. 1964. All observers heard the bird and Dau, Frink and the author saw the bird from about 30 feet using flashlights. Having heard the bird in New Jersey as well as having many Whip-poor- wills about for comparison there can be no mistake as to the identity. On May 31. 1964, the Frinks observed two birds and noted the white throat. Perhaps a bird can be captured later this summer. We also heard and saw Woodcocks in the area where they are presumably nesting, — PETER PETER- SEN, JR,, 2736 E. High St., Davenport, PURPLE GALL1NULE Pholo by F. W. Kent A Purple Gallinule in Iowa — On May 7 Tom Kent. John Brouhard and I made a morning trip some 20 miles south of Iowa City to an area which includes the Conesville Marsh and some oxbows of the Iowa River, In the first of the oxbows we had a very fine view of a pair of Yellow-crowned Night Herons, the male in very fine plumage, and at the next one as we crossed a causeway to get into some fine warbler territory Tom spotted a bird in the water at some distance and said it looked like a gallinule (com- mon). I picked it up with my binoculars briefly as it went behind some brush and quickly, and perhaps a bit jokingly said it was a Purple Gallinule. Afterwards I realized that I had seen the red bill but no white on the sides. So Tom went off through the poison ivy and brush and soon called back that I was right. So I went back to thhe car for my photographic equipment and began taking pictures as soon as in range in case it should take off, but it was quite unconcerned and we got close enough for some full size color shots (with telescope combination >, having more trouble shooting through the branches of the brush in which it had perched (see pictures. So we all had a fine view of the bird, noticing its agility in climbing in the brush, the white patch on the forehead with bit of blue color, the red-orange bill with yellow tip. and the rich purple of neck and shoulders. The next day John took a friend back and found it in the same area. DuMont puts it his hypothetical list and questions the early Allen rec- ord. Martin Grant's most recent list of Iowa birds does not include it. In recent issue of the Auk, 61-2, two nesting records are given, one in central Ohio and the other in southern Illinois as new northern limits for breeding. GENERAL NOTES 51 Bent cites many scattered records of singles mostly in eastern U.S., even into Ontario. F. W. KENT, 302 Richards St., Iowa City. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in Cedar Falls — On April 15, 1964, Bob Berry and Forrest Benton of the Benton Concrete Products Co., Cedar Falls, noticed a bird with an extremely long tail in the trees in Island Park across the road from their office. They looked in Peterson's Field Guide and de- cided it looked like a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, It stayed around and finally on the third day, April 17, they decided they ought to tell somebody about it. The call got through to me, and I went up to see the bird and found that it really was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Calls went out and many bird watchers from Cedar Falls and Waterloo observed the bird, including Mr. and Mrs, John Barlow, Mrs. L. W Bireline, Mrs. George Wood, Gertrude Bode and Verna Davis of Cedar Falls; also Dr. C. W, Robertson, George O. Faulkner, Russell Hays, Helen Hawkins, Pearl Rader and Virginia McDonald, of Waterloo. The bird was still there at 5:30 that evening. There was a decided drop in temperature that night and next morning it was not around and has not been seen since. Heavy winds earlier in the week may have blown the bird off its course. —MRS. JOHN M. BARLOW. 4304 Hillside Drive, Cedar Falls. February 15 or 16, 1964, Bald Eagle Count— Mississippi River bordering Illinois and interior of state. Locations double checked to avoid duplication. Adults Immature Not Aged Tota 2/16 Dubuque, Iowa 2 0 0 2 2/16 Lock 12 thru 16 98 24 4 126 2/16 Lock 17 .... 19 0 0 19 2/16 Lock to Putney Chute 57 5 0 62 2/16 Lock 18 7 1 0 8 2/17 Lock 19 5 1 0 6 2/17 Lock 20 8 0 0 8 2/16 Lock 21 0 0 0 0 2/16 15 mile N, Quincy 8 0 0 8 2/16 Pool 21 Cl 0 67 67 2/16 Lock 22 1 0 0 1 2/16 Pool 25 0 0 6 6 2/16 Pool 26 0 0 49 49 2/15 New Canton 3 9 0 12 2/21 Els ah 4 13 0 17 2/16 St, Louis 4 0 4 8 2/16 Alton Dam Area 10 4 0 14 2/16 Crab Orchard 0 1 0 1 2/16 Rock River all 0 0 0 0 Illinois totals Percentage Mississippi River from source to 226 79.56% Illinois. 58 20.42% 130 414 2/16 Lock 2 1 0 0 1 2/16 Locks 7 & 8 1 0 0 1 2/16 Pool 4, 5, 5A, 6 27 3 0 30 2/16 Pool 9 15 1 0 16 2/15/16 Pool 10 7 6 0 13 2/15 Pool 11 15 3 0 18 2/16 Conover, Wise 2 0 0 2 Above Illinois totals Percentage 68 84% 13 16% 0 81 Grand totals Total percentage 294 80% 71 20% 130 485 ELTON FAWKS R.R. #1, Box 112, East Moline, Illinois 52 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXXIV, 1964 Arrival Dates Summer Residents of Wapello County.— Based on 13 years of records starting 1951 with daily excursions made. March 9 Robin 29 White-throated Sparrow 12 Meadowlark 29 Brown-headed Cowbird 13 Grackle 30 Lark Sparrow 13 Brewer's Blackbird 30 Barn Swallow 13 Red-winged Blackbird 30 Warbling Vireo 15 Eastern Bluebird May 1 Baltimore Oriole 16 Killdeer 2 Upland Plover 16 Mourning Dove 3 Catbird 22 Red headed Woodpecker 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 30 Song Sparrow 4 Yellowthroat April 5 Belted Kingfisher 4 Grasshopper Sparrow 6 Turkey Vulture 6 Dickcissel 12 Chipping Sparrow 6 Whip-poor-will 13 Purple Martin 8 Indigo Bunting 15 Rufous-sided Towhee 9 Yellow Warbler 15 Ruby crowned Kinglet 9 Common Nigh thaw k 16 Field Sparrow 10 Red -eyed Vireo 17 Eastern Phoebe 14 Vesper Sparrow 20 Mockingbird 15 Scarlet Tanager 22 House Wren 16 Wood Pewee 26 Myrtle Warbler 17 Ruby-throated Hum bird 27 Brown Thrasher 22 Chimney Swift 29 Eastern Kingbird 29 Yellow-billed Cuckoo MBS. ORVILLE T. UPP. 608 Wildwood Drive, Ottumwa. Western Kingbird and Mockingbird in Wright County. — While looking for Red-tailed Hawk nests on April 25. I saw a Mockingbird 5 miles north of Goldfield. I watched it for 15 minutes in good light. This was an interesting record because it was about a mile from where I saw a Mockingbird on October 24, 1963, These are my first records of the Mockingbird in Wright County. On May 13, I saw a Western Kingbird 3 miles north of Goldfield. It sat for several minutes on a fence wire about 15 feet from my car, allowing good observation. This came after several days of strong winds. This was my first record of the Western Kingbird in Wright County. — DEAN M. ROOSA, Goldfield. White-eyed Vireo and Lawrence's Warbler in Wright County.— On May 2nd, I was observing a small wave of warblers in a quiet valley north of Goldfield, After watching a small warbler in a gooseberry thicket for some time, I decided it was a Lawrence's Warbler (hybrid Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers t, While I had my glasses focused on the warbler, I heard the distinctive song of the White-eyed Vireo. I soon located this bird in the top of an elm, adding two birds to my life list and to my records for Wright County within two minutes of each other. — DEAN M. ROOSA, Goldfield. Lark Bunting in Wright County. — On May 24, while driving on a gravel road a mile north of Goldfield, I casually glanced at a dark bird sitting on a fence and dismissed it as a Bobolink. A few seconds later I realized my mistake, stopped, backed the car and discovered a beautiful male Lark Bunt- ing. I observed it in good light and listened to its song for 15 minutes, when it flew. The previous night we had very strong winds from the west and probably owe the visit of this beautiful bird to these winds.— DEAN M. ROOSA, Goldfield. Beauty Personified — The low call of a night bird is often beautiful to those ears that are tuned to it and the sight of a wild bird in even some simple activity is often as not just as beautiful to those in harmony with na- GENERAL NOTES 53 ture. Such was the case once on a bright, but bitter cold January day. A Cardinal was flying in for his food. The climbing honeysuckle on the porch was partially covered with bright orange-red berries, but the fruit was all out on the ends of tiny twigs. This Cardinal decided it was much easier to fly for his food than to perch for it. The ensuing flights were one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. The blur of crimson wings against the white of the snow and the green of the background arbor vitaes was something truly from the Creator's hand. Time and again this dashing bird held himself suspended in mid-air as he plucked berry after berry from the vine. The only other observer was none other than a female Cardinal, lovely in her own right, in shades of olive-brown and washed gently with a delicate shade of vermilion-red on the crest, wings, tail and other areas. We two, the bird and I, watched for several minutes as the above action was carried on, when suddenly the male gave a loud chip and both birds flew off to feed elsewhere. — WILLIAM YOUNG WORTH, 3119 Second St., Sioux City, Jaunary 18, 1964, in the Field —The valleys of the Little Sioux and Maple rivers were calling, so on the above morning we drove southward- The sun was bright and the predicted temperature could be felt through the wind shield as we drove. Small flocks of Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs lifted from the roadside and an occasional meadowlark flitted across the highway. Just east of Onawa a large flock of at least fifty meadowlarks were seen feeding in a stubble field. Our immediate destination was the Castana Cemetery and the cedar clad hills in that vicinity. As we stepped from the car we saw Cedar Waxwings everywhere. We started to glass the red cedar trees and soon discerned the larger, grayer forms of the Bohemian Waxwings. Robins were liberally mixed in with the waxwings and we were even able to pick out two Purple Finches among the hundreds of waxwings. We worked the cemetery care- fully and then ate our lunch and worked it again with some very definite conclusions. We had seen at least a thousand Cedar Waxwings and probably from two hundred to five hundred Bohemian Waxwings. The Robins num- bered in the dozens. Heavy stands of red cedars are also both north and south of the cemetery and there was a constant trading back and forth of flocks of all three species. A good guess would be that there are several thousand waxwings wintering in this area along the Maple River- On December 6, 1963, the Mapleton Cemetery was alive with birds of the following species: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ce- dar Wax wing. Cardinal, Slate-colored Junco, Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Harris and White-throated sparrow. It was only natural then that we would go there on this trip, but what a vast difference we found, A pair of Great Horned Owls had moved in and bird life was absolutely absent except for one accipiter. All we saw of this latter bird was a flash of short rounded wings and it was gone. The cemetery was void of bird life or sound and not even a single chickadee called to break the silence. I even walked over the area twice to make sure I was wrong, but didn’t find a single bird, I noticed frequent scattered feathers and the ground under the roosting trees was not bare of the huge regurgitated pellets of the Great Horned Owl. It is quite apparent that sometimes even with plentiful food, predators will scare birds from a given area. The trip home was enlivened by numerous Red-tailed Hawks and Spar- row Hawks, Other birds seen were Rough-legged Hawk, Marsh Hawks, and a few Tree Sparrows. — WILLIAM YOUNGWORTH, 3119 Second Street, Sioux City. The Beginning of the End— This past fall I faithfully shocked the zinnia stocks and placed them in a protected place for the finches. I already had 54 IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXX IV, 1964 a sack of zinnia seed drying in the cellar for future use and hoped for a few winter bird visitors. Continued bedlam is the word from our neighborhood, because we live just two blocks from a large public school. Closer to home we are surrounded by healthy children, numerous free -running dogs and this winter even a small pony named Midget, Finally on a cold day the first little flock of Goldfinches alighted on the zinnia shock, but timing could not have been more perfect, for almost immediately a dozen or more scream- ing children accompanied by several barking dogs and Midget made their appearance. The children wanted to ride the pony and the pony would buck and the uproar was simply too much for the frightened Goldfinches and they flew off never to return. Later after a snow storm 1 spread the curing zinnia seeds in a sheltered spot and found that the flock of Harris Sparrows enjoyed them the most. On rare occasions a pair of Cardinals would stop and eat a few of the seeds, but the other birds weren t interested in zinnia seeds. The little episode above illustrates what is happening to bird study around the average urban home. Writers for one hundred years have been noting the gradual decrease in bird life in the cities and recently have been pointing out that it is nearly as bad in the neat new suburbs. One interest- ing little paperbacked book. Attracting Birds to your Backyard, W. J. Beecher, 1955. gives a good account of the receding wild bird life in Chicago, Illinois. One species after another leaves the city and even suburban yards because of noise, lack of cover and other reasons. Soon only the Starling and the House Sparrow remain in your city backyard. The truth is that the Yellow Warbler and even the various vireos have long since departed most urban backyards for more desirable areas. The Orchard Oriole will persist for a few years and then not return. The Balti- more Oriole and the Rose-breasted Grosbeak are rapidly deserting most city areas. Because many people put up wren houses, the House Wren is one of the last of the native birds to leave a city backyard. The Starling and the House Sparrow make life so miserable for the Purple Martin that the aver- age home-owner feels it is a losing battle and takes down his martin house forever, It is truly the beginning of the end for bird study in the average city backyard, so kind birdwatchers cherish to the limit those few birds hardy enough to nest on your premises. Put it down as a day among many when you see a gently, shy Fox Sparrow feeding around the edges of your garden This writer hasn't seen a Fox Sparrow on his home grounds now for more than seven years and doubts if he ever will again. It is rapidly be- coming a question to the city bird student of not when will I see some rare bird in my backyard, but will I ever see one there again. — WILLIAM YOUNGWORTH, 3119 Second St, Sioux City. BOOK REVIEWS The Mourning Dove in Illinois— Harold C. Hanson and Charles W. Kos- sack-133 p., many photographs, maps, charts and tables-Illinois Department of Conservation Technical Bulletin Number 2, Springfield, Illinois— 1963— paper- bound— free. This well written work covers all phases of the life history of the Mourn- ing Dove in a state where it is a game bird. The authors discuss the usual aspects of life history covering distribution, migration, nesting, sex ratios, behavior, growth and development, propagation, food habits, natural mor- tality factors, hunting, and population trends. Of interest to banders is a series of photographs showing growth stages and wings of immature birds. Concerning the hunting of doves the authors take no sides. They do point out that all recent data indicate that the Illinois dove population is not NOTES AND MEMBERSHIP 55 declining. Those wishing a good background on the periodically suggested possibility of a hunting season on doves in Iowa will find this book an excel- lent source, ed. Biology of Birds — -Wesley E. Lanyon-American Museum Science Books. The Natural History Press, Garden City, New York— 186 p., 64 line drawings— paperbound — 1963— $1.25. This well done introduction to birds would make a fine book for a high school or college student with a budding interest in ornithology. Dr. Lanyon, who will be remembered for his excellent work on the meadowlarks, covers his subject thoroughtly for a general presentation. It lacks the color illustra- tions of Peterson’s recent The Birds, but the price will appeal to the stu- dent. The readability is enhanced by many examples, often drawn from the author's own research. Chapter headings cover origin and evolution, design for flight, variations on a general theme, migration and navigation, distribution and environment, courtship and reproduction, and growth and survival. References are given by chapter, easily enabling those with ac- cess to a good library to read further in areas of interest, ed. Social Behavior and Organization Among Vertebrates — William Etkin, editor — University of Chicago Press, Chicago — 307 p., plus 88 illustrations— 1964— $7.50. A textbook type of ’work, bringing together the knowledge of many au- thorities. The best known names to ornithologists are David E, Davies and Niko Tinbergen. The book deals specifically with the following topics: Co-operation and Competition in Social Behavior, Neuroendocrine Correlation in Vertebrates, The Physiological Analysis of Aggressive Behavior, Reproduc- tive Behaviors, Biological Bases for Reproductive Behaviors, Control of Be- havior, Cycles in Reproduction, Theories of Animal Socialization and Commu- nication, The Evolution of Signaling Devices. The Effects of Early Experience on Social Behavior and Organization, and Types of Social Organization in Birds and Mammals. Many readers would find this book too scientific for their interest and background, but anyone who is even a semi-serious stu- dent of bird behavior will want to read it. Many “loose ends’ 1 ol behavior are drawn together here. ed. NOTES AND MEMBERSHIP NEWS Due to the coming departure of Dr. Weller nest record cards should be obtained from the editor. A good example of the valuable work that can be done along this line is the project of Stephen Patterson of Perry, He studied 101 nests and wrote a paper on his work for the U.S. Army Sci- ence Symposium at Iowa City. As a result he received a free trip to the National Science Symposium in Washington. Stephen is a junior member and sets a good example. Dr. Martin Grant will remain in Iran for another year. The editor s wife, Mary Lou Petersen, will attend Carleton College on a National Science Foundation Grant this summer. The editor and his wife were the only lowans at the recent convention of the Wilson Ornithological Society, held May 1-3 at Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is regrettable that others did not take advantage of the nearness of such an outstanding meeting. Of particular interest was the symposium chairmaned by Dr. O. S. Pettingill, an I.O.U. member, on hawk migration around the Great Lakes, Don't overlook the 1965 meeting June 17-20 at Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills of South Dako- ta, Anyone not familiar with this society should contact the editor. VOL. XXXI NO, 2 JUNE, 1964 PAGES 33-56 CONTENTS ANNUAL CONVENTION 33-42 PRESIDENT VANE’S LETTER 42-43 BANDING AT CORALVILLE RESERVOIR 44 FIELD REPORTS - 44-49 GENERAL NOTES 49-54 BOOK REVIEWS - - 54 -55 NOTES AND MEMBERSHIP NEWS 55 OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION President— Dr, Robert Vane, 2220 Grande Ave., S.E , Cedar Rapids, Iowa Vice-President— Mrs. Darrell Hanna, 1026 S. Alice, Sioux City, Iowa Sec’y.-Treas.— Dr. Myrle M, Burk, Route 2, Waterloo, Iowa Librarian— Dr. J. Harold Ennis, Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa Editor— Peter C. Petersen Jr., 2736 E. High Street, Davenport, Iowa Executive Council: Fred W. Kent, Iowa City, Iowa Robert L. Nickolson, Sioux City, Iowa Charles Ayres, Ottumwa, Iowa Dean Roosa, Lehigh The Iowa Ornithologists' Union was organised at Ames, Iowa, February 2Z. 1923. for the Study and protection of native birds and to promote fraternal relations among Iowa oird 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,” 1929-1930; "Iowa Bird Life.” beginning 1931. SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $3.06 a year. Single copies 75? 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 four classes, as follows: Contributing Member, $10.00 a year; Supporting Member, $5.00 a year; Regular Member, $3.00 a year; Junior Member (under 16 years of age). $100 a year. EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATION OFFICE 2736 E. HIGH STREET DAVENPORT, IOWA