I So THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



maj be explained on the supposition thai late in March this species 

 begins to look about for a suitable nesting site, which is usually 

 in sonic outlying wood, and any individuals that are seen alter 

 that time have wandered away from the breeding place. But this 

 is only a supposition, and may not 1 e the true explanation of the 

 rcity ^\ a species that is rratic in its movements. 



During the first three weeks of March there were no records 

 of the Brown Creeper, due probably to cold weather. The species 

 first appeared on the 25th, and was seen three times after that date. 

 In April the Creeper was abundant, as it usually is, having 20 records 

 for that month. There were 10 records for May, and the species was 

 last seen on the 14th. 



In the Downy Woodpecker we have 'a very rare species in 

 Spring. In March there were four scattered records — the 1st, ioth, 

 12th, and 28th. In April, three- the 3rd, 17th, and 24th. In May, 

 one record the 1 ith. These dates give a very adequate idea of the 

 limited distribution of the Downy Woodpecker in Spring. My 

 studies of this species have shown me that it is always very rare in 

 winter and spring. 



The Bluebird was recorded with considerable regularity both 

 in March and May, but, as is usual with this species, it was most 

 abundant in April. March had 19 records, April, 27, and May, 

 20. Not many Bluebirds breed at Notre Dame, although suitable 

 boxes are plentiful enough. 



The Robin usually arrives here in February — this year on the 

 23rd; but records are irregular for some time, so that it would be 

 remarkable to find the species every day after its arrival. This 

 year it was recorded daily after March 17th. The Robin is our 

 most abundant species, breeding into August. 



The records of the Meadowlark are somewhat scattered until 

 about the last week in March. This year the- species was seen daily 

 after the 23rd, and the total for the month was 15 records. In 

 April there were 27, and in May, 25. Some fields are more likely 

 to contain Meadowlarks than others — outlying meadows seem to 

 be the' best places to find this lark. 



The arrival of the Killdeer was a little late this Spring— March 

 11. After that date there were 13 records. In April this species 

 reached its greatest abundance, there being for that month 21 



(Is. There were 17 records in May, which points to the' fact 

 thai this plover does not bred much earlier than most of our 



