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nests in the colony. Judging by nest size, I estimated that 75% were those 
of the black-crowned night heron, while the others were divided between 
the American egret and great blue heron. The nests were between 50 and 
75 feet from the ground. However, it cannot be assumed that all of these 
nests were constructed during 1949, as the black-crowned night herons 
have been nesting there for at least two years. Most of the nests of the 
American egret appeard to be from the 1949 season. 
ft ft oo 
On July 9th, 1950, I again visited the colony and found the nesting sea- 
son to be at its peak. The black-crowned night heron predominated, with a 
definite decrease in the American egret and great blue heron, although this 
was anticipated because of a poor spring migration of both species. I found 
ten of the black-crowned herons dead on the ground, having fallen from 
the nest. They were well-feathered and would have left the nest in a few 
days. However, one of these birds was only a few days old. I also found 
several eggs on the ground that contained embryos, and an adult egret that 
had been shot and killed. I was able to collect over 200 egret head plumes. 
While I was in the area a black-crowned night heron that would have 
been flying in a couple of days, fell 60 feet from its nest. As soon as it hit 
the ground I ran over and picked it up. It seemed dead; I could touch the 
eye and it would not even respond by moving the membrane. The legs were 
drawn up to the body. I moved the bird around a great deal to take pic- 
tures; in a period of ten minutes, the eyes looked more alive and the mem- 
brane worked constantly. In ten more minutes the bird cried out at in- 
tervals and began to resent my presence. Fifteen minutes later it had re- 
covered enough so that it was able to walk. Approaching darkness caused 
me to leave, so my data on the incident is incomplete. 
The only other recorded nesting colony of the American egret was in 
the bottom lands of the Mississippi river in 1942 in Jackson County, lowa, 
about seventy miles up river from the present site. However, these birds 
did not return the following year. Perhaps a few pairs still nest in more 
favorable areas to the south, in the Mississippi valley, but nevertheless, 
this is the second reported nesting colony in this vicinity. If any readers 
desire to visit the area for observations or photography, they should com- 
municate with me. The first week of July is the best time to observe the 
nesting colony. 
324 W. 8ist Street, Davenport, Iowa 
1 ial ff 
Epiror’s Note: In accordance with the author’s suggestion, the Society is 
considering an unofficial field trip to Rock Island, Illinors, probably in the 
week-end of July 9-10, to observe the nesting colony. Mr. Hodges, in a recent 
letter, states that he will be happy to guide our group to the site if the 
spring floods have not made access impossible. The final decision to make 
the trip will be made the third week in June. Members who wish to attend 
are requested to write to the Editor or Mr. Hodges. 
