fee De brOEN@ (RW ih. eK vith N aa 
the first week in September the fiock begins to dwindle; by September 15, 
all but a few stragglers are gone. But during the flocking period, the sight 
is one never to be forgotten. At times these handsome swallows sit side by 
side on telephone wires, festooning the sky for blocks. At other times, a 
flock precipitates into one large tree, causing the branches to bend under 
the weight. When the group takes off, the air is filled with shrilling cries, 
and the bystander is almost deafened by the beating of wings. 
Such a spectacular migration is bound to attract attention, and unfortu- 
nately, too often the wrong people come out as witnesses. For there are 
gravel walks and loose rocks along the edges of the harbor and the lake, 
and to some individuals, the temptation to stone the flocking Martins seems 
too great to resist. To keep these thoughtless few from their wanton de- 
struction, it has been necessary to patrol the harbor area daily. 
One of the Directors of the Society, Miss Florence Cummings, has 
patrolled the Montrose Harbor area every summer afternoon for many 
years in an effort to stop the slaughter. Aided by Mrs. Genevieve Benson 
and occasionally by Mr. Benson, she has walked miles each day along the 
beaches and around the Army Camp, speaking to the wild-eyed boys and 
youths with rocks in their hands. Often a quiet, clear explanation of the 
value of our songbirds is enough. Many times, Miss Cummings reports, the 
stoners stop to ask questions, and end by apologizing for their acts. Some, 
who originally think that Martins and Crows are the same, come back to 
ask where they can learn more about birds or the Audubon Society. Rarely, 
a defiant boy has to be quelled by the threat of arrest. 
Mr. George Donoghue, Superintendent of the Chicago Park District, has 
cooperated by erecting metal signs at strategic places, pointing out that 
Purple Martins are beneficial birds protected by federal law and that any- 
one injuring them is subject to a fine of $500.00. The signs are helpful, and 
an increasing number of people appear to understand that the birds should 
not be molested. Nevertheless, Miss Cummings and Mrs. Benson stop from 
three to a dozen stoners almost every day. And many nights, returning to 
their car in the twilight, they pick up dead or crippled Martins beside the 
walks. 
Here is an opportunity for bird-watchers to help the birds they love. The 
need is great, especially on warm summer week-ends when the park is 
crowded. Only a few hours a day need be spent in patrolling. The Martins 
appear in numbers about 4:00 p.m.; they are most in danger of stoning be- 
tween 5:00 and 7:30, when they wheel closely overhead and settle briefly 
in the trees. At sunset, the birds fly off to their hidden roosting-place. 
If you can patrol for a few hours any Saturday or Sunday during the 
summer, please contact Miss Florence Cummings, 335 Belden Ave., phone 
DIversey 8-6511. Or come yourself to the gate of the Army Camp at the 
east end of Montrose Harbor about 4:30 p.m., where in a short time Miss 
Cummings or Mrs. Benson will walk by and give you instructions. On rainy 
or blustery days, when there are few people in the park, only a few watchers 
are needed. On warm, sunny days, more are needed, for then the stoners are 
out in force. Even one day of watching will help — help to save a few of 
