The Ninth Christmas Bird Census 



THE present winter appears to be an exceptionally favorable one for birds. 

 We may attribute the presence of se\'eral species north of their usual 

 winter range to the mild weather and comparatively light snow-fall; 

 but this same reason makes it difficult to explain the abundance of certain boreal 

 birds. 



A winter Phoebe at New Haven is possibly more surprising than the two 

 Tree Swallows on Gardiner's Island, where the unlimited supply of bayberries 

 no doubt furnished the two birds observed with food. 



From this remarkable island, also, we have a record of the Ruby-crowned 

 Kinglet, which Mr. Roy Latham writes was satisfactorily identified. An indi- 

 vidual of this bird was also seen at Orient, L. I., where, Mr. Latham writes, a 

 Ruby-crown stayed throughout the winter of 1907-8, and he adds that he has 

 December records of this species during the past four years at Orient. 



The Carolina Wren appears in an unusually large number of northern lists 

 in this census. Evidently this species has extended its range northward in recent 

 years, and it is now permanently resident as far north as southern Connecticut 

 and Rhode Island; while, northward to the vicinity of Boston, it is of not infre- 

 quent occurrence. 



A correspondent asks how it is possible to state with acciu"acy the number 

 of individuals of a species seen. Where the number is small, no difficulty should 

 arise here, provided one's route does not bring the same birds under observation 

 more than once; but where birds are abundant, it is not to be expected that one 

 can ascertain their exact numbers. An estimate, however, conveys a much more 

 definite idea than the terms "Common," "Abundant," etc. 



It is also asked whether, when censuses are signed by more than one person, 

 the observers worked together, all seeing practically the same birds, or whether 

 they worked independently of one another, the census being their combined 

 records ? We assume in cases of this kind that the observers are more or less 

 closely associated; but in the future it would be well to have an understanding 

 in regard to this matter, so that when observers take different routes, the results 

 will not be combined in one census, when, in fact, two or more censuses have 

 been made. — Ed. 



Milliken, Ontario. — Dec. 25; 10.25 to 11.50 a.m. Cloudy; wind west and moderately 

 strong; about three inches of snow on ground; temp., about 40°. Downy Woodpecker, 2;- 

 Crow, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 4 species, 

 7 individuals. Flocks of Pine Grosbeaks have been seen occasionally this month. We 

 have been twice visited by flocks of White-winged Crossbills. Redpolls are abundant 

 and Snowflakes are quite common. — Leslie H. Miller. 



Millbrook, Ontario. — Dec. 25; 9 a.m. to 12 m. Thawing; half a foot of snow on 

 ground; wind southwest. Great Blue Heron, i; Ruffed Grouse, i; Downy Woodpecker, 

 i; Blue Jay, 16; White-winged Crossbill, 45; Redpoll, 12; Chickadee, 20; Robin, i. 

 Total, 8 species, 97 individuals. — Sam. Hunter. 



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