24 



THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



Notes from Rockford 



The first bird observations for the year 1920 which were of special in- 

 terest to Rockford bird-lovers was an enormous flock of Snow Buntings seen 

 Feb. 23. They were feeding on snow covered bare fields in company with 

 Horned Larks. They were very restless and apparently just ready to leave 

 The Red-bellied Woodpecker was with us again all through the winter. 



We have a fairly accurate record for the Worm-eating Warbler on April 

 30. It is an unusual record for us, but the bird was observed all day and 

 described so minutely as to appearance and habits that it would seem to 

 be unmistakable. Many White-crowned Sparrows were seen in company 

 with White-throats during May and were reported from all parts of the 

 city. The Prothonotary Warbler was here the latter part of May, but as 

 far as I know we have no nesting record as we had last year. 



August 30 an immense flock of Grebe covered the river. There must 

 have been hundreds of birds as in a trip of eight or ten miles they were 

 abundant all the way. They were unmistakably Grebes and crested with 

 white and chestnut on their head and throat. The early date makes it 

 difficult to identify the birds and we will await with interest any observa- 

 tions from others that may help to identify the flock. 



This fall, a late date for a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was obtained — pre- 

 sumably because of the late fall, October 7. The Titmouse and Cardinal are 

 both with us again this year. Other interesting birds which have been 

 reported to me this autumn are a flock of Pipits, a flock of Purple Finches 

 in full plumage and a Yellow-breasted Chat which was reported Sept. 

 28 in company with Orange-crowned, Black-throated Blue, and Green, and 

 Baybreasted Warblers. 



Edith VanDuzen. 





Photo by waiter toeiuz 



AT BUTLER'S LAKE. THE HIGH WATER RAFTS THE DEBRIS OF LAST YEAR'S REEDS UPON 



THE MUD SHOALS. HERE THE BITTERN TAKES HIS STAND. THE BUSY-BODY 



COOT WANDERS OVER IT AND PUSHES OUT INTO WATERY AISLES 



AMONG THE REEDS WHEN PRIVACY IS DESIRED. 



