220 Bird -Lore 



There were four young in the nest. Often three appeared at once, con- 

 tending for the place of advantage. 



After two weeks they flew away, apparently well able to care for themselves, 

 judging from their size and well-developed vocal cords. 



Just five days after, the parents came back, intending to raise another 

 family; but they had been too noisy tenants and were greeted by a piece of 

 wire netting. — Rebecca Watson. 



[The nesting-site described above is a common one with this species, according to 

 the English work before quoted. The Starling does not, however, ordinarily raise two 

 broods ; still it is not uncommon for it to do so. More data on this point, as to its habit 

 in this country, would be valuable. — A. H. W.] 



Note. — In the September-October number of Bird-Lore, 1907, data were given 

 upon the status of the European Starling in America up to that time. On March 6, 

 1890, 80 Starlings were set free in Central Park, New York City, and a year later, 40 

 more. This original colony at first spread to the north and south more rapidlj^ than to 

 the east or west. 



Stonington, Conn., marked its eastward, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, N. Y., its 

 northward range. Plainfield and Morristown, N. J., limited the southern extension, 

 although by the fall of 1906, a report appeared of the occurrence of this species in 

 Baltimore, Md. 



Of 100 Starlings placed in Forest Park, Springfield, Mass., in the spring of 1897, 

 few seem to have survived, or, if surviving, to remain in this locality. 



In 1900, the Starlings appeared in Norwalk, Conn., and by 1907 had increased 

 much in number. 



The newcomer was reported from New Haven, Conn., October 26, 1901, where it 

 became very common, spreading to several adjoining places. 



A pair was seen as Bethel, Conn., in April, 1907, but after two weeks disappeared. 



During the spring of 1906, the Starling was noted at Wethersfield, Conn., and a 

 small flock wintered there. 



May 28, 1907, 10 Starlings were observed in New London, Conn., part of whom 

 were immature. 



Some 20 individuals settled on Staten Island, N. Y., in the fall of 1891, and by 1907 

 had spread over the island. 



By May 12, 1907, 2 Starlings had found their way to Orient, Long Island, reaching 

 the limit of eastern extension at this point. 



In March of the same year, a flock numbering about 20 individuals, appeared in 

 Morristown, N. J., and by fall some 200 were noted in small flocks. 



March 15, 1898, 2 starlings were found in Englewood, N. J. By 1907, the species 

 had become "tolerably common" there. 



At Plainfield, N. J., record was made of 7 Starlings, February' 11, 1900. This small 

 number settled, increased and became "common in the surrounding country." 



May we not secure from our Young Observers a more complete record to date of 

 the increase and dispersal of this species? 



Strikingly conspicuous in song and plumage, every school-child ought to learn to 

 recognize the Starling, wherever it occurs. — A. H. W. 



