March, 1885.] history society of Wisconsin. 5 
nesting within ten miles of Racine, and I was able to furnish 
several naturalists with specimens of this beautiful kite. I have 
not seen one in this locality since 1856. 
Owls are not now common within fifteen or twenty miles from 
this point. 
Hawk Owls ( Sarnia ululci) were not uncommon during win¬ 
ter. I procured six or eight specimens. Now they are extremely 
rare. 
Three specimens of the Great Grey Owl (Syrnium cinereum) 
were taken at Racine in the winters of 1858 and 1860. 
The Turkey-Buzzard ( Catharles aura) was once common and 
nested near Racine. It occurred as far north as Lake Winne¬ 
bago. Now it is seldom or never seen, having abandoned the 
locality; but why, is a mystery. 
Ravens of the species Corvus carnivorus were quite numer¬ 
ous for two or three years. Since, I have seldom heard their 
hoarse calls. 
Crows {Corvus Americana) were in early days rare, and none 
were discovei'ed to nest within thirty miles of the Lake. The 
first I saw was in 1858. They began nesting in this section 
about twenty years since, and now are common. Perhaps the 
increase of domestic animals and the necessary losses from dis¬ 
ease and accidents, may have been one remote cause of their 
increase. 
The Yellow-breasted Chat ( Icteria viridis) was once frequently 
met with. One pair nested near the Rapids, three miles from 
Racine. Two were picked up by the roadside, killed by coming 
in contact with telegraph wires during the night when migrat¬ 
ing. They have left us, and we no longer hear their sprightly 
songs. 
Warblers, as residents, have decreased, except the Yellow 
Warblers ( Dendroica eestiva ), which have rather increased in 
number. Their song is heard on every side during June, July 
and August. 
The fine species Protonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) 
nested on Root river, near Racine, in 1848 and 1849, in decayed 
stumps near the water. Willard found one recently near Green 
