84 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1917. 



THE PARK AS A BIRD SANCTUARY. 



The entire 169 acres of the National Zoological Park constitutes a 

 carefully preserved sanctuary for native wild birds. Every effort is 

 being made to increase the bird population within this area and to 

 give better protection to the resident species. During the past year 

 over 100 nesting boxes were provided for those species which com- 

 monly nest in holes in trees. These were made in the carpenter shop 

 at odd times during the winter months from trunks and limbs of 

 fallen trees with the bark in place. Attached to trees of the same 

 kind or with bark of the same color these nesting boxes are much less 

 conspicuous and unsightly in the park trees than square boxes made 

 from planed boards. Many of the boxes were occupied during the 

 summer by bluebirds, chickadees, nuthatches, wrens, and flickers, and 

 additional nests will be provided from year to year. During the 

 colder months food is provided for the winter residents in various 

 parts of the park. 



Of all the native wild birds within the park perhaps none attract 

 so much attention as the turkey vultures, or "buzzards," which con- 

 gregate here in great number during the fall and winter months. 

 Food, at practically no expense, is provided for the vultures, and they 

 become very tame and confiding. Many visitors from the Northern 

 States, to whom the birds are a novel sight, greatly admire the grace- 

 ful flight of these interesting creatures. During the summer months 

 the vultures scatter out over the surrounding country to nest, and 

 only a few appear within the boundaries of the park, but the security 

 afforded for winter roosts brings them back in great numbers with 

 the approach of autumn. 



Bobwhite quail appear to be increasing in numbers within the 

 park and are now fairly abundant. A considerable number of these 

 birds much help stock the surrounding country from year to year. 



Numerous bird classes from the schools and parties of Audubon 

 Society members find the wilder parts of the park ideal grounds for 

 observation of the birds. 



ALTERATION OF WESTERN BOUNDARY. 



It again appears desirable to recapitulate for future reference the 

 various stages through which the matter of the adjustment of the 

 western boundary, near the Connecticut Avenue entrance, has passed. 



The following appropriation was made by the act approved June 

 23. 1913 : 



Readjustment of boundaries: For acquiring, by condemnation, all the lots, 

 pieces, or parcels of land, other than the one hereinafter excepted, that lie 

 between the present western boundary of the National Zoological Park and 

 Connecticut Avenue from Cathedral Avenue to Klingle Road, $107,200, or such 

 portion thereof as may be necessary, said land when acquired, together with 



