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definitely established that some of these birds are still nesting in our 
state after the first of September when the hunting season for them is 
opened. Regardless of our attitude toward the open season of this species, 
if we call ourselves conservationists, we surely must approve of delaying 
the opening date for at least two weeks. By expressing our opinion on the 
subject through letters to the governor, the Conservation Department and 
to our assemblymen, we will eventually get results. 
Our letters should be brief and to the point, and it is not at all neces- 
sary for them to be formal. They can be written on scratch paper with 
a pencil, but it is most essential that we be sure of our facts in every 
statement we make. If we are among those who insist on advancing the 
alibi of “too busy” we can buy a dozen postcards and mail one as occasions 
arise when we wish to express approval or disapproval of movements 
directly affecting our wildlife or the habitats upon which it is dependent. 
Our sincerity may well be questioned when we say we love birds or 
flowers and the other children of Mother Nature, if we do nothing for 
their preservation. It is our personal responsibility, and “it is later than 
7 1 ee bp Sos: Bey § 
we think! 809 Michigan Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 
say 
The Purple Martins Need Your Help 
THE PURPLE MARTINS which gather each fall at Montrose Beach on the 
Chicago lake front just before they leave for the south need protection 
— the kind that members of the Illinois Audubon Society can give. Some 
cruel and uninformed persons have been stoning and destroying these 
valuable birds as they roost in great flocks shortly before Labor Day in 
north Lincoln Park. 
This fact has been called to the attention of the Board of Directors 
by Mrs. Genevieve Benson, who has acted as unofficial protector, warden 
and teacher during the gathering period of the martins. 
The Society has written the Chicago Park District, some civic organ- 
izations, and various bird clubs in the city to obtain cooperation in the 
protection of these birds. The objective is to obtain the volunteer services 
of several interested bird lovers who would act as unofficial wardens for 
the Society and patrol the Montrose Beach area for one to two hours at 
least one evening a week during this period. The approach to anyone 
found stoning the birds would be simple — they would be told that they 
are destroying valuable song birds, that they are committing a federal 
offense, and that birds generally are of immense value to mankind. Here 
is an opportunity to enjoy the parks at sunset, to mix with people, to 
practice bird-watching and to teach others the value of our wildlife. 
Organizations become most effective and useful, more important to their 
community and more widely known, by entering an area of struggle. If 
you have always wanted to do some work for the Society, protect the 
songbirds, and share your enthusiasm for birdwatching with others, here 
is your opportunity. You can contact Mrs. Benson at 4540 N. Magnolia 
Ave., Chicago 40, or myself for further information. 
Raymond Mostek, 3345 N. Harding Ave. 
Chicago 18, Illinois. Irving 8-5933 
