36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



according to the count, is one hundred and seventeen, the species, 

 and the number of nests of each, being as follows : Robin 26, 

 Dove 20, Brown Thrasher 18, Catbird 18, House Wren 12, Chip- 

 ping Sparrow 6, Cardinal 6, Flicker 3, Red-bellied Woodpecker 

 1, Bob-White 1, Indigo Bird 1, Great-crested Flycatcher 1, Or- 

 chard Oriole 1, Wood Pewee 1, Red-headed Woodpecker 1, Blue- 

 bird 1. 



Besides the species named above, Mr. Ridgway says he is 

 positive the following nested on our grounds, although we had 

 not been able to discover their nests ; Killdeer (in the open field,) 

 Wood Pewee, Blue Jay, Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Yellow 

 Warbler, Maryland Yellow-throat. He had good reason for be- 

 lieving the following also nested on the premises ; Green Heron 

 (seen daily flying between our little piece of woods and a pond 

 nearby), Screech Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Downy Wood- 

 pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Humming Bird, Goldfinch, Cedar- 

 bird, Red-eyed Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Chickadee. 

 All the above have nested here in previous years, also the Balti- 

 more Oriole, Bewick's Wren, Chimney Swift (in a chimney of 

 our house), Alder Flycatcher (one season only), Cowbird, Tow- 

 hee, and Bronzed Grackle (each spring Mr. Ridgway declares 

 war on this species, to prevent its nesting here, but a pair or two 

 manages to outwit him) . 



The first summer we lived here, the only birds to be seen or 

 heard on the eight acres were Crow, Blackbirds (Bronzed Grack- 

 les), Blue Jays, and English Sparrows, and a vigorous warfare 

 against them was necessary before other birds could get a foot- 

 hold. 



Our seven years' experience on "Larchmound" has impressed 

 us with the great importance of water as a means of attracting 

 birds. Food they can easily find in abundance during the warm- 

 er months ; but often water, unless provided for them, they can 

 only find by flying a considerable distance; and water to drink 

 and bathe in is not merely a luxury to them but an absolute 

 necessity. 



"If I can stop one heart from breaking, 



I shall not live in vain ; 

 If I can ease one life the aching, 



Or cool one pain, 

 Or help one fainting Robin 



Into his nest again, 

 I shall not live in vain." 



Mrs. Julia Evelyn Ridgway 



oj; 



in 



On New Year's Day I took a little stroll in the country to see 

 what birds were present. I only saw Robin 1, Crows 3, Sparrow 

 Hawk 1, European Sparrow numerous, Crested Chickadees 3, 

 Flicker 1, Blue Jays 2, Cardinal 1, Juncos 10, — a very poor 



