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A NATURALIST'S VIEW OF THE SUMMER OFRSG@ 
by KARL E. BARTEL 
‘There were two points of view for the summer of 1967: Some 
said it was not hot enough; others thought it just fine. Those 
who thought it fine said so because they could work and sleep 
without being overheated. 
The cool and wet summer was extra good for nature, for 
it not only kept the grass and plants lush, but brought out an 
abundance of insects which the birds thrived upon. [The mos- 
quitos were out in great force, too, to the dismay of the 
mosquito abatement people who had to work hard and not 
rely on their luck. 
Did you see the grackles, catbirds, brown thrashers, robins, 
house wrens — ye even the lowly English sparrows — probing 
your lawn for the culprits, the mosquitos? 
House wrens bring two broods a year, but in 1967, 
because of the large amount of insects, some had three broods. 
Even a third brood saw five young. 
Nature is, a good ‘‘ecologist’’: When there is an over- 
abundance of insects, then nature sees to it that the balance is 
maintained by allowing larger families in the birds. 
The problem lies in man. He tries to control the insects 
“‘his’’ way, thus upsetting nature's balance. Some of man's 
spray programs are helpful, others are not. 
The Forest Preserve lakes and ponds had water all summer 
long. This afforded a good crop of wood ducks, blue-wing teal, 
mallards, coots and even two pair of shoveler ducks. Shoveler 
ducks very seldom nest around here. 
