the former quiet, and on the large streams the noisy steamers ply up and down, awakening the echoes 
of the hills with the clatter of their machinery and the far-reaching sounds of steam whistles. Such 
changes were sure to produce corresponding influences upon the Ava fauna of the region, and we have 
only to refer to the writings of the older ornithologists to show how important these have been. A few 
examples will suffice. When Dr. Kirtland and Mr. Read made lists of Ohio birds, they found the 
Carolina Parakeet, the Wild Turkey, the Log-cock, and the Pinnated Grouse common ; but they never 
observed, or only on rare occasions, the now plentiful Black-throated Bunting and Loggerhead Shrike. 
Numerous other birds, that need not be mentioned in particular, as reference is made to the subject in 
the text, have come under the ban of this same influence, and have been driven out, induced to come 
here, or changed largely in some of their habits. And while it is true that no such great strides in 
civilization will take place in the next fifty years as have occurred in the fifty just past, yet it is 
probable that, in some instances, the influences which have been at work are yet to be fully felt. And 
it is certain that some species are yet to be changed in their geographical distribution, and also in 
habits. The importation of the English Sparrows and their rapid multiplication has produced a marked 
but undesired effect upon many native bifds. It would certainly be well for these natives if every 
community would make an effort to exterminate, or at least to reduce, the prodigous increase of the 
foreign pests. If this is not done, this sparrow must be added to the list of baneful influences which 
drive away much needed birds. To cast the horoscope for the bird-life of the future is uncertain work, 
and perhaps without profit; but the stars certainly predict utter extermination of the finest of all game 
birds, the Wild Turkey, and the diminution to the point of extermination of the Ruffed Grouse, the 
Quail, and the Wood Duck. Of the smaller birds, the signs are less certain, but changes are likely to 
occur by the introduction of new species and by the extinction of old ones. 
In the fall, winter, and spring, the majority of our birds roam about from place to place, selecting 
for a short visit localities where food is abundant, and moving to new fields when it becomes diminished 
or exhausted. In the summer, or nesting season, this nomadic life is for the time given up, and the 
birds become home bodies, seldom going far from their place of residence. Most birds like at this 
season the protection afforded by the presence of man, and, as a rule, seek in a shy way his aid and 
companionship. More nests are built in cultivated than in wild districts, and more are situated about 
the outskirts of woods and in open fields than in the depths of the forest. Many species are partial to 
road-sides, garden patches, orchards and even populous cities, seemingly appreciating the immunity from 
Hawks and other destroyers offered by such localities, as well as the advantages of an abundant supply 
of food. Wild woodland is not, then, the place to find the nests of the greatest number of birds, but 
rather the outskirts of your native town, or the fields and groves of your farm. There are, of course, 
some birds, such as the Ruffed Grouse, Whip-poor-will, Woodcock, and a few Warblers and Flycatchers, 
that seek the most retired woods for nesting ; and the water birds generally build about secluded streams 
and ponds, and are very wild and suspicious. But these birds may in the future, as other species have 
done in the past, learn the peculiar advantages of man’s seeming intrusion upon their haunts, and 
ultimately court his protection rather than fear his presence. Who can tell? If men would use the gun 
with wise discretion, boys abandon the “flip,” and all would treat bird-life as it deserves, few species 
would avoid man as an enemy. 
* 
* * 
In order to appreciate and understand the feathered tribe, it should be studied at every season of 
the year, but especially at that time when bird-life is at its perfection. During the winter months, most 
of our handsomest and sweetest songsters are in the sunny South, those birds that remain being nearly 
silent, devoting all their energies to procuring a scanty subsistence. But with the return of spring, our 
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