10 Teh Ew eASU.DeUl BO (Neb: Goer 
THE 1963 CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS 
By Mrs. Ross Norton and Mrs. Harry C. Spitzer 
After analyzing all the station data for this year’s count period, December 
19, 1963, through January 1, 1964, we find that there were 359 observers 
from 21 localities, reporting a total of 123 species and 148,287 individuals. 
In addition, two subspecies were seen, and a considerable number of “un- 
identified” birds. To conserve space, we have not tabulated Rock Doves, 
as they were not included in the National Audubon Society forms; nor 
have we listed the unidentified birds, and those seen other than on the 
count day. This information is included in the Station Data, and will 
account for some variations between reported figures and those in the table. 
Only two stations had temperatures above freezing on their count 
days, and one group’s high temperature was 2° below zero! Despite the 
cold, the list exceeds last year’s by ten new species, plus the Krider’s Red- 
tailed Hawk and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow. 
By marking a map of the State as tallies were received, we found only 
two reports from the southern third; one of them (Richland County) re- 
ported the Greater Prairie Chicken. The central third of Illinois fared a 
little better, but even the northern third had uncovered gaps. If those of 
you in other areas became interested too late to make a count this year, 
why not plan ahead for 1964? Begin by rereading Miss Margaret Lehmann’s 
article in the December 1963 BULLETIN, which covers the subject thor- 
oughly. 
One final word — several reports listed in their areas “same as last 
year.’ After several years of this, only the participants know just what 
is meant. We would suggest giving a complete description in ’64. 
1509 Sequoia Trail, Glenview, Ill. 
1776 Roger Ave., Glenview, III. 
Editor’s Note: In Mrs. Norton and Mrs. Spitzer we have found two extremely capable replace- 
ments for William Southern, our former Census Editor, who is now engaged in a research 
project at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. We are also happy to welcome two “new” 
Census Report areas — McLean County (Bloomington) and Peoria County. Many of the names 
of participants in these areas are familiar to us, but this is the first time their counties have 
appeared in our census table. Richland County (Olney) is back again after a year’s absence. 
Note that we have reached our physical limits for the table. After this year it will be 
necessary to rule out reports sent in after January 15th.’Two such reports turned up this 
year after the table was compiled, so that the editors had to take apart, re-calculate, and 
re-assemble many complex columns. It is unwarranted to ask them to go through such 
labors again. 
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STATION DATA 
Bureau County, PRINCETON. Fifteen-mile diameter circle centered at 
Bureau Junction; includes Bureau Creek, Old Mill Road, Thomas and 
Callinan Woods, Illinois River area, Old Mark and Hennepin Pike Roads, 
canal and Tiskilwa area. Town 10%, farms 20%, woods 20%, roadsides 
209%, creeks and rivers 25%. Dec. 30: 7 A.M. to 4 P.M.; five inches of snow. 
Clear; -2° to 10°; wind NW. Seven observers in three parties. Total party- 
hours 27 (4 on foot, 23 by car; total party-miles 185 (5 on foot, 180 by car). — 
Bureau Valley Audubon Club: Orville Cater, Donnabelle Fry, J. D. Hawks, 
Daisy Henke, Carl H. Kramer (Compiler), Marjorie Powell, Harry Thomas. 
(Seen in area during count period, but not on count day: Robins and Saw- 
whet Owl. Conservation officer estimates the following in the area: 100,000 
Mallards, 100 Canada Geese, 8 to 10 Bald Eagles, 50 Wild Turkeys.) 
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