Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 



443 



pected places. Generations of the same family of birds and animals have felt 

 the protection, and are increasing in number, due to their security. It is 

 impossible to tell the exact number of species which enjoy the hospitality of 

 Fort-Hill. A safe estimate of those noted during the year would be seventy- 

 five species. 



Dr. Mercer has made the following interesting observations: A pair of 

 Barn Swallows has built a nest under the cloister of the castle in which Dr. 

 Mercer lives, and raised a brood for three successive years in the same nest, 

 which they have repaired each year. A pair of Sparrow Hawks built their 

 house in the chimney and reared a family of four for three successive years. 

 A Cooper's Hawk winters at the Sanctuary and has a propensity for white 

 Pigeons. A peculiar feature of this particular bird is he will only kill Pigeons 

 in foggy weather, then methodically put the feathers in heaps. Nighthawks, 

 which are rather rare in this locality, visit the Sanctuary. The Quails and 

 Pheasants are becoming quite numerous and tame. 



Killdeers lay their eggs on a much-traveled cinder path, used daily by 

 vehicles, but for two years they have escaped harm. 



The Junior members are being taught the value of birds, trees, and flowers, 

 and during severe weather they provide feed for the bird-boxes and place suet 

 in the holders which are fastened to the trees. A wild-flower garden has started 

 at Fort-Hill, and in time the Nature Club hopes to have all the flowers and trees 

 native to Bucks County growing at the Sanctuary. — (Mrs.) I. M. James, 

 President. 



A WOODCOCK FRIEND OF THE DOYLESTOWN (PA.) NATURE CLUB 



