18 TAL EseA UD 0 BOON SB Ure ealaaie 
Efforts are being made to determine what condtions are now, so 
that these data may be used for planning of the future. In other words, 
how many pairs of Bobolinks can be supported on a twenty acre 
pasture? What effect do these Bobolinks have, both economically and 
biologically on that pasture and vice versa? What factors influence 
the Bobolink population? Some of them might be cover (vegetation, 
height and density of grass, etc.), ecological environment (proximity 
to streams, woodland or cultivated land, etc.), man’s influence (time of 
haying, amount of grazing, etc.), climatic environment (exposure, 
drought, wind, etc.). Each of our common species of birds can and 
should be studied in this way. 
Chicagoland is particularly fortunate in having near it a relatively 
large amount of marshland and sloughs. Much of this has, of course, 
been drained and destroyed but much remains and few large cities in 
the north have ready access to such a large and varied marsh and 
water bird population. Because of the concentration of this type of 
environment much fascinating work can be done to determine the inter- 
relationships of these birds with each other and with the more or less 
accessible and uniform conditions under which they live. 
A much needed and basic foundation on which to build is a survey 
of the Chicago area of the different types of environment that exist and 
their special relationship to each other. This might eventually be ex- 
pressed in the form of a map and could serve both as an index where 
different associations of plants and animals could be found as well as 
the basis for detailed studies on their inter-related life histories. 
Such an undertaking as is outlined above is beyond the capabili- 
ties of any one individual, no matter how industrious or capable. It 
is only through planned and concerted cooperation of interested bird 
students in the Chicago Area that even a dent can be made in what is 
undoubtedly a vital problem. There are many persons who spend much 
time afield and keep records of their observations. If these observa- 
tions could be made according to some preconceived plan and gathered 
together in one place, they would be greatly enhanced in value and 
would form the basis for a sound study in populations and ecology of 
of Chicago Area birds. 
The first problem is to use to the best possible advantage the rec- 
ords and observations that are already being made. The next problem 
is to undertake new techniques of observation, as opportunity affords, 
in order to fill in the gaps. It is to be hoped that both of these possi- 
bilities may eventually be put into operation. I believe that it is essen- 
tial to present a more or less united front to a problem of such magni- 
tude. The interest of such societies and organizations as the Chicago 
Ornithological Society, The Illinois Audubon Society, the Kennicott 
Club, and the Chicago Academy of Sciences, would be almost imperative. 
One of the great advantages of this undertaking is that, even 
though it could not be completed for years, the very beginnings would 
immediately become useful. 
FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HIsToryY, Chicago. 
