26 THE AUD UB ON. BU Lie ay 
nothing unusual: thrasher, robin, cowbird, Downy Woodpecker, Mourning 
Dove, and Song Sparrow. On May 7 a Red-shouldered Hawk was added, 
and although the species count apparently continued to rise, I found that 
undesignated cards also accumulated and I was unable to give a clear 
picture of the last decade at Linne. : 
On April 29, 1949, a Yellow-crowned Night Heron was seen. I have 
traced this species through our records and find that a nest was seen at 
least twice every year from 1949 to 1955. There are no records for this 
species in 1956 or 1957. Linne Woods seems to be changing for three reasons: 
the river is being polluted, the pressure of incoming population has its 
effect, and a swamp has been filled. It is interesting to note; however, that 
63 species were recorded in May 1952 and approximately the same number 
(66) were found in May 1953. 
From a study of the cards for this area I have found that Evanston 
Bird Club records, although carefully and diligently kept, lack a very 
necessary factor: that of always keying a “find”. This was done, as I 
have mentioned, for about 50% of our records, but not enough to enable 
all our records to be useful. There was only a specific bird — the Yellow- 
crowned Night Heron — for Linne Woods. One of our members tells me 
that the bluebird no longer nests there. This observation is made from 
her own personal records. There is no mention in the club’s records. 
There are always new angles to bird study and there always will be 
a challenge. We should take part in a breeding bird census. It is only 
when specific goals are in sight that we become experienced and competent 
in making complete and satisfactory field notes. 
In summarizing let me bring out the three points that I wish to leave 
with you: 1. Let us always be sure to record where we have seen a certain 
bird. 2. Let us make more notes about general nature conditions at the 
time of identification. 3. Let us always be mindful of the fact that our 
club records, if well kept, are material for larger projects of study. 
Editor’s Note: Helen McMillen’s report, prepared May 18, 1957, was found in her papers 
after her untimely death. She has left a valuable reminder for all bird clubs and nature 
students. 
SS Ly 
Flowering Dates of Local Plants 
By Floyd A. Swink 
Naturalist and Plant Taxonomist 
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinots 
An authoritative guide to all flowering plants to be found in 
the northern half of Illinois and nearby areas throughout the 
growing season. Covers earliest and latest flowering dates of wild 
plants and shrubs, giving Latin and common names. An indispens- 
able 10-page guide for the hiker, outdoors lover, and botanist. 
A Special Reprint of the Illinois Audubon Society 
PRICES: Single Copy — 25¢ 6 Copies — $1.35 12 Copies — $2.50 
Sent Postpaid. Order from: 
LeRoy Tunstall, 1.A.S. Book Chairman 
323 East Wesley Street °® Wheaton, Illinois 
