54 BIRDS OF SWOPE PARK 



SECTION NUMBER 16 



Section Number 16 was so large and so densely over- 

 grown that it was canvassed with difficulty. Part of the dry, 

 post oak-covered ridge between Southeast Hollow and Hazel 

 Dell was passed over rather hastily. The ground was covered 

 with bittersweet vines, blackberry vines, shrubs and brush, 

 which not only made travel difficult but also made it difficult 

 to determine the exact amount of territory explored. 



The birds were not at all numerous in this dry upland. 

 Those found were mostly Indigo Buntings, Gnatcatchers, a 

 few Chickadees and now and then a stray of some other 

 species. 



While the upland was not so well inhabited, the slopes of 

 Southeast Hollow and the similar region in Hazel Dell to the 

 north are at present the best bird lands in the Park for the 

 more retiring species. These slopes are well wooded, and ex- 

 cept in the very driest weather, well watered by the humidity 

 from the little stream and moist valley below. They are wild 

 and picturesque and beautiful. 



Present plans of the Park Board, if carried out, will 

 doubtless interfere somewhat with the bird population of this 

 fine region. These plans, as indicated on the map, include an 

 automobile road through Southeast Hollow and another one 

 leading down into the head of Hazel Dell. These improve- 

 ments will be met with favor by the great majority of people 

 who wish to see the beauties of the Park from an automobile. 

 But they will not be quite so welcomed by the naturalist, who 

 looks with suspicion on all artificiality. Personally, I belong 



