' 9"-8 The Ottawa Naturalist. [Nov. 



We remained until July 24th, when the fall migrations were 

 just commencing. We regretted greatly not being able to contintie 

 our observations during the early part of the fall migrations, 

 as thev would have completed and rounded out the work pre- 

 viouslv done in the locality in a most satisfactory manner. 



The most striking feature of the summer bird population 

 was the scarcity or total absence of several species common 

 in the surrounding country and of expected occurrence here. 



Some of the most noticeable of these species were: — • 



Wood Thrush, Wilson's Thrush, Ovenbird, Least Flycatcher, 

 Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Warbling Vireo, 

 White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher. 



All these species are conspicuovis either by their plumage 

 or notes and could scarcely have been overlooked by us. The 

 cause of their absence raises an interesting question, as there 

 are seemingly good habitats for them on the Point, and no 

 obvious reasons for their absence. 



On the other hand, the breeding popiilations of Chipping 

 Sparrow, Wood Pewee and the Baltimore and Orchard Orioles 

 were unusually large. Chipping Sparrows haunted almost every 

 corner of the dry land of the Point throughout the summer and 

 constituted perhaps a quarter of the total bird population. 

 Wood Pewees could be heard nearly every minute of the day 

 in every suitable locality. The two Orioles, Orchard and 

 Baltimore, were more than common, approaching abundant. 

 Their rich varied songs made every daylight moment delightful. 



From reports received we had been prepared for a large 

 falling off in the number of Cardinals, but were agreeably 

 surprised to find them in their old numbers. Like reports 

 of the Carolina Wren, however, were only too true. This species, 

 after being common ever since regular study has been given to 

 Point Pelee bird life, i.e., since 1905, have, apparently at least, 

 succumbed to the rigors of the climate and not one was found or 

 heard during our stay*. This species is resident wherever 

 found and undoubtedly the past winter or the past two winters 

 were too severe for it. Its loss will be keenlv felt by those who 

 remember its far carrying liquid notes that added such a charm to 

 the locality. The writer remembers one 22nd of February, a 

 bright sunshinv morning, the ground white with snow, but the 

 air cart-ying the greatest flood of bird music he ever heard. 



*Mr. W. E. Saunders tells me that since our visit a few Carolina 

 Wrens have again put in an appearance and promise to rejoin their old 

 numbers. 



