Bird-Lore's Eighteenth Christmas Census 



THE ornithological feature of this winter, as shown by the Census reports, 

 is the invasion of the northeastern states by Northern Shrikes. Last 

 winter, memorable for the extensive southward movement of so many 

 northern species, but three Shrikes appeared in censuses from Ontario, New 

 England, New York, and New Jersey. This winter the number is twenty-five, 

 with several others recorded as seen recently but not on the census-day — in 

 other words, the species figures in about 35 per cent of the reports from the terri- 

 tory mentioned. The 'farthest south' is central New Jersey and southeastern 

 Pennsylvania, but there is only one record from the latter state and none west of 

 the Alleghanies except two birds seen near Denver. Furthermore, there are 

 several mentions of Migrant Shrikes from points in and around Connecticut; 

 this, in view of the rarity in winter of the Migrant and the unusual abundance 

 this year of the Northern, is a somewhat suspicious coincidence. On the other 

 hand, one or more of the former may have been recorded as the latter by ob- 

 servers thinking that any Lanius seen in winter is necessarily borealis. There 

 has also been a marked southward movement of Goshawks and of Great Horned 

 Owls (see especially the Warwick, R. I., report); and a flight of Iceland Gulls 

 along the northeast coast — one, at least, reaching eastern Long Island. But 

 of the northern Finches so prevalent last year, the only occurrences are a few 

 widely scattered of Redpoll and Pine Siskin, of Red Crossbill in Maine and 

 Nebraska, Evening Grosbeak at Bennington, Vt., and Pine Grosbeak and 

 White-winged Crossbill at Newfane, Vt. There is no record of the Brown- 

 cap Chickadee in the Census, and we know of none elsewhere. 



Many observers in the East and Middle West speak of an uncommonly 

 cold autumn and early winter and a general scarcity of birds, especially seed- 

 eaters. On the other hand, some birds are to a certain extent wintering north 

 of their custom, as indicated by many Belted Kingfisher records, Canada 

 Geese at two points in Massachusetts, three on Long Island and one in Iowa, 

 Crackles (probably all or most of them Bronzed) at eight points from Massa- 

 chusetts to southeastern Pennsylvania, and an occasional individual of other 

 species. 



First place goes to the energetic Los Angelenos with 106 species observed 

 within a 15-mile diameter. Santa Barbara is second with 92, which is the 

 largest 'one-party' list. 



Our sincere thanks are always due to our many friends who help make the 

 Census a success, but, as usual, there is a regrettably large number who pay so 

 little heed to our italicized requests as to leave several days between the tak- 

 ing and the posting of their censuses, send them to Harrisburg, or in some other 

 such way to cause the rejection of their reports. — Charles H. Rogers. 



Amprior, Ont.^ — Dec. 25; 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clear; 14 in. of snow; wind north- 

 west, strong; temp. min. 14°, max. 16°. Twelve miles on snowshoes. Observers separate. 



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