ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 35 
arrived in Cass County by 24 April (R. Sandburg). Evening Grosbeaks remained 
throughout the state during April and at several localities until 7-11 May, the latter in 
District 11 being the latest date for the season. The only Pine Grosbeak for the entire 
state this past winter or spring was found at Park Forest, 7 April (*A. Duke). The last of 
the Common Repolls were gone before April arrived — none were seen after 25 March. 
Late dates for Red Crossbills included: 12 birds at Urbana, 25 May (D. Friedman) and 7 
(all adults) at Springfield, 23 May (D. Bohlen); is it possible that these were birds that 
had attempted nesting somewhere locally or farther south and were unsuccessful (at 
least three nests were attempted in Springfield during March & April)? 
SPARROWS and LONGSPURS. LeConte’s Sparrows were only reported from five 
Districts; careful scrutiny of proper habitat should prove these birds to be more common 
than the records indicate. Henslow’s Sparrows were also reported rather sparingly; even 
though this species has been considered for the national “Blue List”, observers familiar 
with their habitat should find these birds or at least prove they are worthy candidates for 
the “Blue List”, — look for this species during the last two weeks of April. More and 
more observers are familiarizing themselves with Clay-colored Sparrows; the species 
migrates regularly through Illinois — especially the western portion — during late April 
and early May; the species was found in eight Districts between 22 April and 12 May. 
Harris’ Sparrows were also noted in eight Districts; migration occurred between 26 April 
and 22 May. The first Smith’s Longspurs (2) of the season were found at Springfield, 6 
March (D. Bohlen); others included one at Rend Lake, 20 March (B. Peterjohn); eight at 
Urbana, 19 April (J. Frank, et al.); the last one of the season was at Springfield, 7 May, 
(D. Bohlen). The large flocks of Lapland Longspurs had greatly diminished (or moved on) 
by April and nearly all birds were gone by mid-April; the last authentic report was 1 
May in District 7 (fide A. Duke). 
As everyone can see, the amount of information used in the SEASONAL REPORTS 
continues to increase. We encourage all birders to contribute notes so they can be 
included in these regular reports. Please observe the following schedule: 
Date reports 
Pre-determined due to Field 
SEASON Season Ending Date Notes editor* 
WINTER SEASON April 10 April 15 
SPRING MIGRATION June 10 June 15 
BREEDING SEASON August 10 August 15 
FALL MIGRATION December 10 December 15 
* For convenience of reporters, all records to be used in future seasonal reports, but 
occurring in earlier seasons (Ex., nesting Great Horned Owls found in March) can be 
reported along with the WINTER SEASON field notes you submit; however, these 
records will only be used in the BREEDING SEASON report. (Observers are encouraged 
to submit their field notes to the editor in advance of the deadline). 
Kids Aid Fullersburg Birds 
Oak Brook bird life will be better housed this year, thanks to 
efforts of 40 eager youngsters who built 25 new birdhouses to place 
around Fullersburg Woods Nature Preserve. 
The young folk, 4-to-12 years old, sawed and hammered for 3 
hours in the recent ‘‘Bird-Box Build-In’’ of DuPage County Forest 
Preserve District. Naturalists hope to attract tree swallows, wrens, 
bluebirds & screech owls. 
