1923] 



STODDARD, BIRD BANDING 



121 



one of the early visits this summer and watched. Two Spotted 

 Sandpipers were soon caught, and their actions previous to, and after 

 entering the funnel, carefully noted. It was soon realized, however, 

 that the trap was not practical, as birds approaching from the rear 

 could not enter, and some that entered the first funnel would not go 

 on into the second compartment, but retraced their steps and escaped. 

 On the next visit a new trap was tried out. It had a funnel on 

 each end that sloped gradually upward, and a partition across the 

 center formed two compartments. The theory was that Sandpipers 



Fig. 75. — Drop traps fin foreground) and others, used in trapiKiig .shore 

 birds for banding. Bar Creek Trapping Station. 



could enter from either end, and having entered, would not again 

 notice the funnel opening, now considerably above their eye level. 

 This trap was a great success and about forty Sandpipers were taken 

 in the few week-end trips made. On one occasion it held six Semi- 

 palmated Sandpipers, and frequently caught four or five. In fact, all 

 traps work better after one or two are imprisoned, which makes other 

 birds lose their fear and desire to enter also. 



A number of other traps were constructed after the same general 

 plan, but damaged more or less by intended improvements. The 



