28 THE. AU DU BONY BIL LD eeieien 
in the summer, but they are relatively bare during the winter and offer 
poor cover for such game species as quail and rabbits. 
The most common birds are the seed-eaters which frequent the forest 
edge: the field sparrow, the indigo bunting, cardinal, and mourning dove. 
As the trees become older and the canopy of leaves shades the forest floor, 
it is probable that a larger proportion of forest species will establish 
themselves. 
Strip mine areas contain numerous ponds which offer good fishing 
when they are stocked. These small lakes are of two types—shallow and 
deep. The deep ponds are formed by the final cut of the mining operation 
and have steep banks. Because of their chemical nature they are very 
clear, since soil particles settle to the bottom instead of remaining sus- 
pended. The shallower ponds are formed by the accumulation of water 
in depressions, and their levels show considerable fluctuation. Because 
conditions are more favorable for plant growth, these ponds support a 
greater animal population. Muskrats are the most common mammal, but 
racoons, mink, weasels, and other animals have been observed. Beavers 
have been introduced into the Pyatts area and have become established. 
In September, the board of trustees of S.I.U. voted to transfer the 
Pyatts area to the Illinois Department of Conservation which already 
owns 1,600 acres of adjoining land. The department plans to add 500 
additional acres to form a 3,000 acre conservation area which will be 
open to the public. 
—P.O. Box 3, Centralia 
fT ft ft ft 
EDITOR’S NOTE: H.B. 545, sponsored by approximately 87 Illinois legislators, was introduced 
Feb. 15, 1967, into the General Assembly. It has the strong support of the Illinois Federation 
of Sportsmen’s Clubs and other groups. It is designed to correct some of the problems 
described in this article. It will protect state parks, lakes, streams, and public roads from 
intrusions of strip-mining and provide stronger control over potential pollution as caused 
by coal operations. H.B. 545 is receiving important support from Illinois conservationists 
who are writing their state legislators and Governor Kerner in Springfield. 
ii fa via FI 
PLANS FOR WOOD DUCK HOUSES ARE FREE 
Folks living within Y% mile of water now should put up houses 
for wood ducks. They nest both in high dead trees and in artificial 
domiciles — and they need help. Since the ducks don’t mind human 
company, it’s hoped some houses can be placed near tollway lakes. 
These colorful, beautiful water birds look early for sites. 
Adults and kids easily can build wood duck houses. Free plans 
now are available upon request by sending a stamped & addressed 
envelope to the I|.A.S., 997 Lee St., Des Plaines, Ill. 60016. 
