The Audubon Societies 293 



stuffed Cardinal, a Flicker, a Cedar Waxwing, a Chimney Swift, and other 

 birds. 



On June 14, we had a bird contest against the fifth grade, and I won a 

 book for standing up the longest in the contest. The book is about birds, and 

 another boy in our room won a book for making the best bird-box. — Louis 

 Finks (Age 8 years), Third Grade, Alexandria, Va. 



[These letters all suggest active, thinking pupils, who are learning at first-hand about 

 bird-protection and bird-life in general. It might add much to the attractiveness of 

 bird-study about the school if the English Sparrows were trapped in winter, and the 

 lunch-counter made available for more useful species. In many places this Sparrow 

 seems to be normal in number or decreasing, but as soon as it discovers bird-boxes and 

 lunch-counters, it speedily preempts them, keeping away other birds of more desirable 

 habits.— A. H. W.j 



CHIMNEY SWIFTS GATHERED FOR THE FALL 

 MIGRATION 



I once saw in Atlanta a gathering of Chimney Swifts previous to their 

 fall migration. I lived near some chimneys in a four-storied building that 

 were used only for ventilation. There was a remarkable sight in early October. 

 Scores and scores of Swifts circled around one of these tall chimneys as sun- 

 set approached. At first they flew in wide sweeps, then closer and closer, 

 until there was an unbroken, moving, twittering ring. At every round a dozen 

 or more would sink into the open mouth of the chimney, until all had vanished 

 and stillness reigned. They always left so early in the morning that no one 

 saw them depart. After October 12 they came no more. — Lucy H. Upton. 



[Readers of the School Department will welcome this brief chronicle of an incident 

 of fall migration, from the pen of Miss Upton. The habits of the Chimney Swift are full 

 of interest, and none possibly is more spectacular in operation than the descent of a large 

 company of Swifts into a chimney. If you are fortunate enough ever to witness such a 

 sight, take a watch and keep record of the number of Swifts going into the chimney each 

 minute during the descent. Also watch the change in time evening by evening as long 

 as the Swifts visit the chimney. — A. H. W.] 



