233 



than before. In 189(5, however, they remained but a few days in the locality for- 

 merly frequented, and did not breed there. 



Bobolinks have been reported from Decatur County for a number of years. 

 Prof. W. P. Shannon found them June I, 1895, and a pair July 2, 1896. He is 

 inclined to think it breeds. 



Thus it can readily be seen how the breeding range of this species has been 

 ■extended within recent years through the encroachment of man upon the t)riginal 

 forest area of our region until it now occupies in summer near two-thirds of the 

 State. By this also its range during the breeding season is extended southward 

 about three degrees. In addition to those noted, the Bobolink has been reported 

 from the following counties in this State, in most of which it probably occurs as 

 a migrant; Knox — Bicknell (E. J. Chansler), Vincennes (Angus Gaines); Mon- 

 roe — Bloomington (W. S. Blatchley, C. H. Bollman, B. W. Evermann, G. G. 

 Williamson, E. M. Kindle); Bartholomew— Newbern (U. F. Glick); Fayette — 

 Oonnersville (J. E. Rehme); Dearborn— Moore's Hill (C. W. Hargitt, G. C. Hub- 

 bard); Grant — Marion (H. N. McCoy); Putnam — Greencastle (J. F. Clearwaters, 

 Jesse Earlle); Henry — Dunreith (E. Pleas); Brown— Spearsville (Victor H. Bar- 

 nett); Madison — Anderson (Charles P. Smith); Johnson — Trafalgar (Miss Harriet 

 Jacobs). 



It is interesting to note the summer range of the Prairie Horned Lark, 0. a. 

 praticola and of the House Wren {T. irdon), arid see how nearly they coincide in 

 this State with the summer range of the Bobolink. 



In Ohio, Dr. J. M. Wheaton (Report on the Birds of Ohio, 1882, p. 352) tells 

 us : Dr. Kirtland gives it without comment, Mr. Read gives it as very abundant 

 and breeding, and says that "years ago it was not found upon the reserve." Mr. 

 B. F. Abell, of Welchfield, Geauga County, says that it was first observed in 

 that place May 20, 1857. In the vicinity of Columbus, he states, it was unknown 

 to old residents. He says: "I first saw them in May, 1857, when I obtained a 

 specimen which, with two or three others, was perched upon a tree upon the bank 

 of Alum Creek. Since then they have increased in numbers and, during the last six 

 or seven j'ears at least, a few have nested with us. They are also known to breed 

 at Yellow Springs, about fifty miles south of west of this city." Dr. F. W. Langdon 

 (Journal Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. Ill, Oct., 1880, p. 224), the week ending July 

 4, 1880, observed a few birds only near Port Clinton, Ottawa County. Prof. E. 

 L. Moseley reports it from the vicinity of Sandusky. In addition to those noted 

 Prof. A. L. Treadwell, Oxford, O., and Mr. Charles Dury, Cincinnati, note it in 

 their respective localities, where it is probably only found as a migrant. 



