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ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
Hours of observation and miles traveled in different habitats are 
probably the most significant data in interpretation of coverage. 
These figures should be taken with care, so it is possible to compare 
efficiency of coverage from year to year. Each observer should be 
provided with a map of his territory (U.S. Geological Survey Topo- 
graphic Maps). He can then trace his route exactly and come much 
closer to the true figure in estimating mileage traveled by foot. 
Weather Records 
Complete weather data for at least several weeks prior to the date of 
the Christmas Bird Count should be available at the meeting to draw 
up the list and should become a part of our permanent records. 
Weather data for the count day, itself, is of little importance, except 
as it affects the conditions of the observation. It is of almost no use in 
interpreting the effect weather may have had in determining ob- 
served annual variations in the mid-winter bird population. 
. Care of Records 
A copy of the report submitted to Audubon Field Notes (American 
Birds) and the Illinois Audubon Bulletin along with any more 
detailed count records desired, should become the permanent 
record of the bird group. These records might well be deposited at 
the Illinois State Museum. 
Preparing the List 
The job of preparing the count list for submission to Audubon Field 
Notes (American Birds) and the Illinois Audubon Bulletin should be 
definitely assigned ahead of time. It seems to me that preparation of 
the report would be most simply accomplished if a typewriter were 
made available at the meeting. 
lll. REFLECTIONS 
1p. 
Seems that interest might be heightened by emphasis on the fact that 
(for better or worse) the Christmas Count reports have acquired 
considerable scientific standing. They are being more and more 
consulted for practical information such as for data on trends in 
gamebirds and waterfowl populations, etc. In other words, counts 
are not just taken and forgotten. The very fact that they have 
continued over a period of years is giving the records importance. It 
might be a good idea to plan to publish a 20- or 25-year summary of 
the Springfield (or any established) Christmas Counts, if this could 
be arranged. 
One of our biggest problems has nothing to do with planning. It is to 
get all of the skilled observers in the Springfield region together in 
one group and preserve the group. 
