1923] STODDARD, LOCAL BIRD NOTES 129 



quenting this strip of original prairie should be gathered next spring 

 before it is too late. The growing industrial towns of Waukegan and 

 Kenosha have already changed the character of much of this flat strip 

 of lake shore. A recent real-estate development known as "Chi- 

 waukee" on the south border of that part of the prairie favored by the 

 shore birds, points to further changes. The right of way of an electric 

 railroad promises to divide lengthwise the already narrow strip of 

 prairie. In fact, the whole western shore of Lake Michigan, from 

 Green Bay on the north to the Indiana Dunes on the south seems to 

 have been suddenly "discovered." Cottages and sub-divisions are 

 springing up everywhere, and competing with the factories for the last 

 remaining strip of shore line. 



The building of cities has no terrors for the lake ducks, however, 

 as they are more abundant during the colder half of the year in our 

 sheltered harbors than off less frequented shores. The substantial 

 breakwaters that curb the fury of the lake storms makes Milwaukee 

 harbor a haven of refuge for them, and here they gather in impressive 

 numbers, being forced to leave temporarily when the harbor freezes 

 or is packed by drift ice, forced in by south winds. Many varieties 

 that prefer shallower water for feeding come boldly into the Yacht 

 Club slips, or the lagoon off Juneau Park. 



Golden-eyes, American, and Red-breasted Mergansers, Old Squaws, 

 both varieties of Scaup, Buffleheads and many other varieties are 

 present in late fall and early spring, many remaining all winter. Can- 

 vasbacks, Redheads, Baldpates, and occasionally Mallards, Black 

 Ducks, Teal and Pintail, appear for short periods within the lagoons 

 or out in the harbor. Loons, Grebes and other divers are also well 

 represented at times. 



During periods of exceptionally inclement weather, or after severe 

 storms, members of the Museum's Department of Taxidermy keep a 

 watchful eye on the harbor, for it is at such times that rare and un- 

 usual specimens are most likely to be found. 



Specimens were collected in the harbor late in February and in 

 March, for two groups of the new "Flying Group" series. One will 

 show four American and three Red-breasted Mergansers in full flight 

 in their characteristic line formation, and the other a small flock of 

 Buffleheads and Golden-eyes as they drop in with lowered wings rigidly 

 set. For these groups, the most perfect specimens were selected from 

 the large numbers present. These groups of flying waterfowl are to 

 be followed by others, differences of flight and flight formations being 

 emphasized. 



