4i6 Bird -Lore 



able to read; nevertheless, some of them either cannot, or else their moral 

 sense is so low that they are unable to possess any conception of that essential 

 element of civilization — respect for the rights of ownership. One teacher, a 

 young man who at least looked to be intelligent and honest, deliberately 

 entered and shot a gray squirrel within fifty feet of one of the signs forbid- 

 ding trespass; another (a young woman, I am sorry to say) took her entire 

 school, in several automobiles, and with her scholars, climbed over the locked 

 (and barb-wire protected) gate, and had a picnic on the grounds. Surely 

 a fine example for her pupils! 



Under such circumstances, it is not strange that birds should be less nu- 

 merous than would be expected from the natural advantages of the place. That 

 birds are by no means really scarce, however, on Bird Haven, may be seen 

 by the list of species that have been positively ascertained to breed there, and 

 by the fact that during a little over one month in spring (April 17 to May 21, 

 1909) Mrs. Ridgway and I counted one hundred and seventeen species* on 

 the eight acres then representing the area of the property, a considerable num- 

 ber seen just outside the boundaries not being included. We have been so little 

 on Bird Haven, especially within the last three years, that our knowledge of 

 the bird-life of the place is, necessarily, imperfect. Indeed, while living there, 

 my time was so fully occupied with the planning and superintendence of 

 improvements, planting, and other work, that there was practically no time 

 for anything else, and what knowledge was gained as to birds was mainly 

 obtained by more or less casual observation. The species observed were, 

 however, noted, and such memoranda made as time could be spared for. 



Altogether, the number of species observed on Bird Haven (including a 

 few that were seen flying over and others positively identified by voice or other 

 means) is one hundred and thirty-four, of which the more notable are the 

 following : 



Mississippi Kite. One pair seen soaring overhead, during the summer 

 of 1910. (Exact date apparently not recorded, but it must have been prior 

 to August, as we left there July 28. These were the very last individuals of the 

 species, formerly common and at times very numerous in this portion of the 

 country, that I have seen.) 



Barn Owl. Not seen, but its peculiar cry frequently heard at night. 



Long-eared Owl. Not seen, but its feathers found. 



Chuck-wilVs-widow. Not seen, but the easily recognized call-notes of one 

 individual heard regularly nearly every evening. 



White-crowned Sparrow. Very abundant and tuneful during the spring 

 migration, early in May. 



Montana Junco. A common winter resident, in the proportion of at least 

 one to ten of the Slate-colored Junco. The two are very easily distinguished 

 in life, the pinkish sides and lighter gray head of Junco montanus being con- 



*May 14-16, 1908, seventy-eight species were noted during the two days. 



