fet eee Cel ON BW Lo EID TN 21 
Describing his impressions of Beall Woods in The Chicago Tribune on May 
23, 1965, Dr. William J. Beecher, Technical Consultant of the I.A.S., wrote: 
“How many now extinct species once knew this forest? Carolina Parakeets 
greedily devoured its abundant fruits and seeds. Each spring the passenger 
pigeons arrived in millions that blotted out the sun to feed on its acorns. Aside 
from the loss of these few, it (is) still the same forest. The same warblers 
still hurry through its flowering hickories and oaks each May. The same 
thrushes still fill its vaulted corridors with their chimes at dusk. It (is) as a 
natural laboratory that Beall Woods (will) fulfill its great promise. Who 
knows what benefits may emerge for mankind from future studies of such 
areas? What new miracle drugs may emerge from truly virgin soil?” 
It is gratifying to know that the people of Illinois, through their state 
government, have at last succeeded in preserving this unique virgin bottom- 
land forest for the study and enjoyment of all the generations to come. 
Nesting of the Cedar Waxwing 
(Bombycilla cedrorum) 
By Mr. and Mrs. Turner Nearing 
Observers: Mrs. Harry Woodruff, Rev. William Wohlfart, Mrs. Elmer Soden 
(daily), and Mr. and Mrs. Turner Nearing. 
Early June 3, 1965, a pair of Cedar Waxwings began nesting near the 
Soden residence at 9 Big Three Drive in Decatur. The lot, 50x 150 feet, has 
a back lawn with a border of flowers, shrubs and trees, a small vegetable 
garden, and an assorted patch of berries. Together, the birds explored several 
trees, much to the concern of the Catbird which apparently was nesting in 
the willow tree in the southwest corner. Finally the waxwings chose the 
golden rain tree, located in the center of the lawn. Throughout the day the 
pair constantly carried in small twigs, grasses, vines, and strips of bark 
gleaned from the premises. These were carefully placed and shaped into a 
nest near the trunk of the tree, on a westward horizontal limb, 8 feet in 
height. This was an ideal location for observation with binoculars, and oc- 
casionally, with a step ladder. 
June 4th: Nest building continued. The home, apparently completed, 
was approximately 4 inches deep, with a narrow apex, and 5 inches across 
the rim. But, early June 5th,. the birds were industriously carrying in more 
material, consisting of small sticks, straw, and strands of binder twine ob- 
tained by vigorously pulling and tugging at twine securing an ear of corn in 
a low fork of the nesting tree. By June 6th, the rim had been raised about 
2 inches, and the first egg had been deposited. Two more eggs were laid on 
consecutive days, and incubation began. 
During this period, the male had taken his protective perch in a nearby 
hickory tree, about 15 feet distant, beside the patio of the home. From here, 
Mrs. Soden observed: ‘“‘The male kept up a sad, low, melancholy murmuring, 
all through the day, as regular as a heart beat’’. Occasionally the birds left 
together for brief feedings. At times, too, it was necessary to chase to the 
Catbird. 
On June 21 the first baby bird hatched; two more came out on June 28. 
The first fledgling left the nest on June 30, and the other two on July 1. 
1400 W. Macon Street, Decatur, III. 62522 
