276 Beyer, Allison, Kopman, Birds of Louisiana. [juiv 



Biotic conditions, especially floral conditions, to be noted in south- 

 ern Louisiana the first of the year are somewhat perplexing. In 

 point of defoliation and imminence of cold, the winter is just be- 

 coming installed, and yet many prevernal indications are to be 

 detected before the middle of the month. Maples and cypresses 

 begin to bloom in the earlier part of the month in the latitude of 

 New Orleans. Tree-toads and even frogs become very vocal if 

 rains come without cold. Very balmy weather frequently occurs 

 within the first week of January. Occasional butterflies, especially 

 Pyrameis atlanta and Callidryas eubule, possibly hibernants in 

 some cases, but doubtless individuals fresh from the pupre in many 

 instances, are more apt to be met with than during several weeks 

 past. A few Myrtle Warblers are often in obvious transient pro- 

 gress before the 10th of the month. Yet the ranks of many winter 

 birds are only lately well filled. Robins have about reached their 

 maximum abundance, which they maintain for fully a month 

 longer. Wintering blackbirds, sparrows, kinglets, and Hermit 

 Thrushes do not give the slightest indication of dispersion. The 

 Orange-crowned Warbler, however, which arrives in southeast 

 Louisiana in greatest abundance about the middle of December, 

 is nearing the limit of the time of its greatest abundance in that 

 region. In a normal season it has become inconspicuous by Jan- 

 uary 20. And this, in fact, is often a decisive date in the season. 

 A second mild spell in January may be expected then, bringing 

 very likely fresh advances of transient Myrtle Warblers, putting the 

 willows into very early leaf, and the elm into bloom, and starting 

 the first flowering of the peach and plum. In pine regions, Cra- 

 taegus aestivalis and possibly one or two other species of Crataegus 

 will bloom as early as this, while Alnus and Juniperus are in flower 

 at least by this time. But the great body of winter bird life, ex- 

 cepting some of the water birds of the lower orders, especially the 

 Anatidse, is as yet unaffected. Three weeks to a month of weather 

 apt to include a severe freezing spell, are yet ahead. In most 

 respects the growth of the new season is extremely circum- 

 spect. Numerous and constant lesser indications of spring are in 

 evidence, and yet substantial vernal progress is extremely slow. 



The first few days of February are often notable for rather high 

 temperatures and the appearance of more Tree Swallows than are 



