3o8 



Bird - Lore 



proved this to be correct, and more than 300 birds were found the following 

 day, feeding upon decayed apples left in the orchards. 



On February 22, Dr. W. H. Bergtold observed a large flock of unidentified 

 birds which he now believes to have been Waxwings, because of their later 



BOHEMIAN WAXWIXGS VISITING THE DENVER MUSEUM 



abundance in the city. On the morning of February 28, a flock of about 75 

 was seen feeding upon the fruit of the wild rose and the remnants of the Russian 

 olives, near the Museum, and notwithstanding the 'high cost of living' it was 

 determined to induce these birds to remain as long as possible. As canned peas 

 and cranberries resembled the Russian olives and rose 'apples' in appearance, 

 these were tried and proved highly successful in attracting the Waxwings' 

 attention. In the meantime the original flock had been augmented by the arrival 

 of additional birds until fully 300 were assembled. After gorging themselves, 

 the Waxwings would fly to the trees and, after a short period, take quantities 

 of wet snow. Within less than a half hour they would again feed, and the amount 

 they consumed was astonishing. 



Photographing the birds on the feeding-ground was a failure because of the 

 continual movement and confusion. A few cranberries were therefore stuck on 

 a twig near the blind, with more satisfactory results. 



With a view of making a more intimate study of the Waxwings, a Sparrow- 

 trap was set, and, by enlarging the opening, a number of specimens were soon 

 obtained. 



