6 THES AU DU BeOeNS TB Ul Dhar 
Christmas Census —= 1954 
Our Birp CouNnT for 1954 is only the second to be presented in tabular 
form, but already a number of interesting comparisons can be made. First 
and most important, the number of areas summarized has been reduced 
from 24 to 13. This was the result of a tightening of requirements: each 
group had to consist of three or more experienced observers, covering an 
area about 74% miles in diameter containing a variety of habitats, and work- 
ing at least six hours in the field. Four reports which appeared in the 
table last year were omitted this time because they did not meet the speci- 
fications of the National Audubon Society. Reports from Channahon, Jack- 
son Park, and Orland Park were based on observations by less than three 
persons; the Glen Ellyn report covered an area surveyed earlier by another 
group. These censuses, however, will be found at the end of this article 
under “Supplementary Reports,” since they will prove of interest. 
The smaller size of the table will make it possible in future years to print 
tabular comparisons with the counts of previous years. Some differences 
should be pointed out now. Although less areas are included in this report, 
there are 117 species as against 116 last year. Also, there are 201,063 birds 
this year, as against 103,393. However, 100,000 of this year’s were Mallards 
from the new refuge at Willow Slough. A few rarities did not turn up this 
year: the Western Grebe, Swainson’s Hawk, Osprey, Gyrfaleon, Duck 
Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, European Partridge, Red Phalarope, Kittiwake, 
Short-eared Owl, Catbird, Hermit Thrush, Townsend’s Solitaire, Myrtle 
Warbler, and Fox Sparrow are missing. But 17 new species have been 
added: Snow Goose, Blue Goose, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Scoter, 
Ferruginous rough-legged Hawk, Iceland Gull, Franklin’s Gull, Barn Owl, 
Saw-Whet Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern 
Horned Lark, Brown Thrasher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Western Meadow- 
lark, Pine Grosbeak, and White-winged Crossbill. 
As before, the names of the areas are abbreviated at the top of each 
column. Data about the locality, weather, numbers of observers, and special 
notes are given in the paragraphs following. 
CODE: Arboretum; Lisle, DuPage County; entire 800 acres of Morton 
Arboretum and surrounding roads (same as last year); semi-open area 
15%, open fields 10%, oak woods 35%, river bottom 10% pine and spruce 
stands 30%, — Dec. 26; 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cloudy; light rain in after- 
noon; temp. 34° tc 40°; wind SW, 10-15 m.p.h.; ground mostly bare. 24 
observers in two parties. Total party-hours, 13 (11 on foot, 2-by car) ; total 
party-miles, 26 (12 on foot, 14 by car). Chicago Ornithological Society, 24 
members. Karl E. Bartel, compiler. 
CODE: Decatur; around Lake Decatur and parts of the Sangamon River; 
Dee. 24, 1954; 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; clear; light winds;929 st0m410.. 
ground bare, water open. — Jerry Chaniot, Dean Fisher, Frank Irwin, 
Robert Kirby (compiler), and Richard Sandburg. On Dee. 23, Richard 
Sandburg saw an Oregon Junco near Sand Creek in Decatur. (New area 
this year — Ed.) 
