M o nthly B ulletin 11 



One type is the split ring band for all small birds, and the other is the flat 

 strip band that is adjustable for all large birds. For general land-bird 

 trapping the so-called Government "sparrow trap" has been found the most 

 satisfactory. The Bulletin contains details of construction of this trap. It 

 also discusses other methods of trapping, the operation of traps, handling 

 and releasing birds, and filling out reports. Federal trapping permits for 

 this work are required under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Applications 

 for permits and and requestt for the Bulletin should be addressed to the 

 Bureau of Biological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS 



"After all," says the State Ornithologist, in his latest issue of "Notes 

 for Observers," "the most important observations that we can make are those 

 by which we learn what birds do in the world. For example, we should like 

 some corroborative evidence in regard to the following: 



1. If anyone has noted Grebes of any species or Loons using their 

 wings in flight under water, we should like to hear of it and especially how 

 the wings were used (how widely spread) and whether the feet also were 

 used at the same time, — that is, whether the bird depended mostly on its 

 wings or on its feet. 



2. What unusual notes have you heard from Crows? We have heard 

 some similar to those of Owls and Cuckoos and other indescribable notes, 

 one of which, often repeated, exactly imitated the whine of a young puppy. 

 We have records of two instances where Crows in captivity have been taught 

 to talk. Are there others? One correspondent writes that in December three 

 Crows amused several persons by their comical actions, bending down their 

 heads so that their neck feathers might be dressed by each other, presenting 

 one another with little twigs and touching their bills as if in salutation. Has 

 anyone else observed anything like this? 



3. Catbirds have a nest-robbing reputation among the country people. 

 Has anyone observed this? 



4. Who has heard from the Meadowlark a loud clear song resembling 

 somewhat that of the Bobolink, but much louder? 



5. We wish descriptions of the flight song of birds. 



6. Who can describe the singular mating flight of the Ruby-throated 

 Hummingbird? 



The above are suggestions which we hope will bring new or corrobora- 

 tive information. 



What imitations of the notes of other birds have you heard from the 

 Catbird and the Brown Thrasher? 



This is an extra sent out to notify you of the May flight. 



Edward Howe Forbush, 



Director, Division of Ornithology. 



