REPORT ON BIRD CENSUSES, 1916-1920. 31 



Wherever the data over a given tract continue for 1919 and 1920, 

 they indicate a gradual return to the normal numbers of breeding 

 birds. In some cases, in 1920, the total number of birds nesting 

 was greater than in any previous year recorded. 



One of the largest continuous areas on which a census has been 

 taken is 210 acres at Rhinebeck, N. Y., a part of Grasmere Farms, 

 and M, S. Crosby explains that in making the count he divides the 

 tract into five sections, going over each several times during the 

 breeding season. This tract contains 92 acres of woods, creek, and 

 swampy land, 40 acres of orchard, 58 acres plowed for crops, 5 acres 

 of pasture, and the remaining 15 acres in drives, lawns, gardens, and 

 buildings. All birds except starlings and English .sparrows are 

 strictly protected and the latter are kept down to 15 to 20 pairs. 

 For the years 1915-1917 the bird life here was fairly constant and 

 averaged 369 pairs and 55 species, a rate of 176 pairs per 100 acres. 

 No count could be made in 1918 or 1919, and when the count in 1920 

 showed only 254 pairs of 47 species nesting within the area, 

 Mr. Crosby expressed himself as much puzzled and totally unable 

 to account for the great decrease and even total disappearance of 

 certain species formerly common. This decrease now seems to be 

 satisfactorily explained and it is a matter of regret that the minimum 

 figures are not available. 



Evidently the loss in bird life here in 1918 was very great or else 

 something in local conditions retarded the recovery, since in 1920, 

 the second season after, the number of birds breeding was still 

 30 per cent below that of 1917. It is possible that this indicates 

 very nearly the minimum, for areas on which there are continuous 

 reports show little or no increase in 1919, though in most places 

 the increase had become considerable by 1920. 



BIRDS RESPOND TO PROTECTION. 



Birds are too few on the farms, especially about the parts more 

 intensively cultivated, and should be encouraged in every way.' 

 Protection alone will help a good deal, as shown by the increase in 

 bird life at Viresco, Va., already noted; but at the same time shelter 

 and nesting sites must be provided, or, at least, not destroyed. 

 Clearing the brush from woods and along fences and roadsides 

 destroys the nest sites of many birds, driving them away from 

 fields where their assistance is needed. Efforts toward attracting 

 birds should not be limited to the area immediately surrounding 

 the house, but should be extended to the part of the farm that is 

 under cultivation. Most nesting birds subsist largely on insects, 

 and young birds are fed almost exclusively on them. 



The response of birds to protection and friendly care is shown by a 

 report from near Pontiac, Mich. Here a tract of 150 acres has been 

 posted for several years and the birds thereon carefully protected; 

 dogs have not been allowed to run wild, all vermin have been shot 

 on sight, and English sparrows have been kept down by shooting 

 and trapping. Over fifty bird houses have been erected, including 



6 Farmers' bulletins of the United States Department of Agriculture on methods of attracting birds are 

 as follows: No. 609, Bird Houses and How to Build Them; No. 621, How to Attract Birds in Northeastern 

 United States; No. 760, How to Attract Birds in Northwestern United States; No. 844, How to Attract 

 Birds ia the Middle Atlantic States; No. 912, How to Attract Birds in the East Central States; No. 1239, 

 Conununity Bird Refuges. 



