May, 1916 
THE SPEED OF FLIGHT IN CERTAIN BIRDS 
113 
Horned Larks were more abundant than other species along the roads, 
which accounts for the number of tests made with them. It is assumed that 
they were all Otocoris a. actia, as specimens collected belong to that form. 
Their speed of flight, as shown in the table, varied from 22 to 28 miles per 
hour. In some instances observations were made on two or three birds at the 
same time or, on two occasions, on small flocks. In one test a Horned Lark 
travelling parallel to the car was easily outdistanced with a speed of 30 miles 
per hour. 
Two Great Blue Herons observed separately travelled at exactly the same 
speed. The rate of flight of a Western Redtail was found to be 22 miles per 
hour. One Sparrow Hawk that flew parallel with us for nearly a quarter of 
a mile also maintained an even rate of 22 miles. 
In these observations the birds that were timed were all near at hand. 
The two Great Blue Herons were about seventy yards away, the individuals of 
the other species much nearer. As the distance of the bird from the ear in- 
creased there was an increase in liability to error, but in the case of these two 
herons, which were gauged separately, the speed registered the same, and all of 
the readings may be considered fairly accurate. With the Horned Larks the 
observations were made often at a distance of only 30 or 40 feet. With all 
of these birds only those pursuing a direct flight were recorded. When the 
course was erratic (from side to side) the birds were disregarded. 
In examining the results a surprising agreement is found in the rate of 
flight of birds entirely unrelated, and in species varying greatly in size. There 
is no doubt that if frightened any of those observed might have made a more 
rapid course, but I believe that the figures show approximately normal flight 
in all. That these speeds fall far below those attributed to birds in general will, 
I think, be appreciated at a glance. 
Washington, D. C., March 31, 1916. • 
A VISIT TO HAT AND EGG ISLANDS, GREAT SALT LAKE 
By R. H. PALMER 
WITH FIVE PHOTOS BY A. O. TREGANZA 
O N THE 14th day of May, 1915, four members of the Salt Lake branch of 
the Cooper Club began a trip planned for the purpose of visiting the two 
principal bird rookeries located on the islands of Great Salt Lake. 
The party left Salt Air at 4 p. m. and encountered a calm for several 
hours in which very little progress was made. Time, however, did not rest 
heavily on the party. The cool afternoon followed by a gorgeous sunset, the 
flight of an occasional bird, the ever present snow-covered hills, and the 
gentle, restful rocking of the boat, tuned with the pulse of the waters, were 
all conducive to bringing forward to the present memories of past experiences 
as well as comments appreciative of our most charming and care dispelling 
surroundings. The hours until sunset came and went, and finally the sun 
slowly passed down behind the western hills and the time of shadows and 
haze' followed, adding mystery to the strange outlines of earth and sky and 
water, while the friendly little wavelets snuggled warmly up to the sides of 
