The Audubon Societies 313 



an occasional Kingbird, or, possibly a Red-shouldered or Sharp-shinned Hawk, 

 the air above seemed full of life as well as trees and shrubs. The Kingbird is 

 especially attractive when poising high up or breaking forth into infrequent, 

 musical though brief song. It is likely, however, to confuse one who is unaware 

 of its appearance in midair or its song. 



The Scarlet Tanager and Crested Flycatchers are a delight during the sum- 

 mer months, and the Purple Finch also, if one is so fortunate as to be in its 

 vicinity. The Tanager's fragile nest is rather easily discovered, and, like the 

 Goldfinch, the brilliant and attentive male makes a picture not soon forgotten, 

 as it carries food to the young, or, in the latter instance, to the female as well. 

 One must not forget the humble Sparrows either, for without the familiar songs 

 of the Chipping and Song Sparrows, a summer bird-chorus would seem thin 

 and lacking in quality. Up on the dry pastures. Grasshopper Sparrows give 

 their indistinct buzzing notes, and occasional flight-songs of more musical 

 value, but by the salt-water inlet which I am describing, the Chipping and Song 

 Sparrows most commonly represent the great family of fringilline birds. 



Wrens find this environment congenial, especially House Wrens, which 

 chatter and scold on the slightest provocation. When a big Carolina Wren 

 chanced that way on its rather erratic wanderings, excitement prevailed, for 

 its notes awaken even the careless onlooker of Nature. The Wood Pewee is 

 one of our most delightful summer birds. When Phoebe has become silent and 

 is secretively getting off its last brood, the Wood Pewee is pursuing household 

 duties with unfailing care and charm. A Pewee's nest is almost as beautiful a 

 structure as a Hummingbird's. Forget an aching neck if the opportunity 

 comes to watch one in the making or the using. 



Around the honeysuckle and creepers about the locust. Hummingbirds 

 came regularly. They seemed to have each desirable flowering plant or shrub 

 located, so constant were their visits. In contrast to these minute rapid crea- 

 tures were the slow, big Herons on the inlet at low tide, whose raucous notes 

 are familiar to all who visit the neighborhood. Sometimes an early migrating 

 Great Blue Heron chanced in the inlet. With Kingfishers and a flock of Laugh- 

 ing Gulls, an occasional Tern or Herring CiuU, and Spotted Sandpipers, the 

 water side of the road was equally attractive. Indeed there is always so nuK li 

 to see and to learn, one can hardly afford to give up bird-study because of 

 hot weather. When early fall comes, conditions change and migrating birds of 

 many species confuse the observer. It is wise to improve each da\- in July 

 and August. — A. H. W. 



For and From Adult and Young Observers 

 MEANS OF SECURING INTEREST IN BIRD-STUDY 



.\s a first step in securing interest in our spring bird-study, I suggested to 

 my fifth-grafle jnipils that the\- form a Junior Audubon Club. Having seen 



