42 Tin E YA U'DiUiB O NB UE EARN 
Christmas Census of 1935 
The second annual census of the winter bird life of Illinois was 
undertaken during the holiday week of 1935, and although inclement 
weather prevented many from participating, a good list of birds was 
compiled. Five less species were observed this season than last— 
fifty-five against sixty for 1934, but nevertheless, a few interesting 
birds were recorded. The Rusty Blackbird, for instance, was noted in 
the Chicago Area for the first time since 1906—-so far as our records 
go—and was observed in two localities, LaGrange and along the Des 
Plaines River near Park Ridge. 
Comparatively few observers have sent in observations and we 
hope that another season will result in greater activity, especially 
among bird students who live outside of the Chicago Area. We realize 
that birds are observed in such small numbers in winter that occasion- 
ally one has little to show for energy expended, but it is only through 
combined efforts that we will be able to make an accurate census. As 
in last year’s report, we have grouped the observations according to 
counties, listing those of the Chicago Region first. 
Vv Riverside, Cook Ce., Ill. (along Des Plaines River and Salt Creek to the 
county line and back to LaGrange) December 22; 8:30 A. M. to 2:30 P. M. 
Light snow falling all day; moderate s.w. wind; temp. 20°, observer alone. 
Pheasant 2; Hairy Woodpecker 3; Downy Woodpecker 6; Blue Jay 3; Crow 
3; Chickadee 8; Tufted Titmouse 10; White-breasted Nuthatch 5; Brown 
Creeper 5; Robin 1 (feeding on smilax berries); Golden-cr. Kinglet 10; 
Cardinal 12; Purple Finch, flock of 11 including but 1 adult male; Goldfinch 
4; Junco 75; Tree Sparrow 50; Song Sparrow 2. Total—17 species.—Frank 
A. Pitelka. 
/ Evanston, Cock Co., Ill. (from Evanston to Harms Woods and return) 
December 31, 1935, January 2 and 4, 1936; temp. 40°, 42°, 38°, sky dark 
and ground snow-covered. Red-tailed Hawk 2; Pheasant 5; Herring Gull 
14; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Downy Woodpecker 1; Crow 6; White-breasted 
Nuthatch 1; Starling 5; Junco 50; Tree Sparrow 100. Total—10 species.— 
Hugh Howard. 
Vv Blue Island, Cook Co., Ill. (South side of Chicago, Ill.) December 25, 
9 A. M. to 4:30 P. M. West wind; snowing hard at times; snow on ground; 
temp. 0° to 15°. Three observers at two different places 15 miles by 
auto. Most of the observing was done at Blue Island and Palos banding 
stations. Marsh Hawk 1; Sparrow Hawk 3; Herring Gull 1; Screech Owl 5; 
Hairy Woodpecker 10; Downy Woodpecker 16; Blue Jay 8; Crow 12; 
Quail 8; Chickadee 18; Tufted Titmouse 8; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; 
Red-breasted Nuthatch 1; Carolina Wren 1; Robin 1; Hermit Thrush 6; 
Golden-cr. Kinglet 2; Pipit 50; Starling 6; Cardinal 1; Purple Finch 5; 
Pine Siskin 2; Goldfinch 50; Junco 30; Tree Sparrow 4; Song Sparrow 4. 
The Carolina Wren and Hermit Thrush are banded birds. The Hermit 
Thrush was banded December 22 and repeated on the 25th. Total—26 
species.—Alfred H. Reuss, Karl E. Bartel, Frederick C. Labahn. 
Park Ridge, Cock Cc., Ill. (Along the Des Plaines River between 
Lawrence Avenue and Algonquin Road and over adjacent country). Birds 
recorded on hikes taken on the 24th, 26th and 27th of December and on 
January 1. Mallard Duck 1; American Goldeneye 4; Red-tailed Hawk 2; 
