feito Or Ub CNGeo bas ell 23 
Usually one or two Robins remain in the vicinity throughout the 
year feeding on berries or fruit of some kind which has remained on 
the bush or tree. 
Bohemian Waxwings occurred in numbers late in the winter of 
1931-32 and flocks numbering up to thirty-five at times were seen from 
the middle of February through March to early April. Although not 
found in what has been defined as the winter period, the birds were 
reported in nearby suburbs at earlier dates and are, of course, definitely 
winter visitors. 
Northern Shrikes are rather irregular visitants but a single indi- 
vidual has stayed in the Park Ridge area over two winters, 1933-34 
and 1934-85. In November of 1932 another was seen but it apparently 
moved on before settling for the winter period. 
Although during the winter of 1930-31 Starlings were of uncom- 
mon occurrence, they are now so numerous as to be pests, their squeek- 
ing unattractive voices heard on almost any day. 
Meadowlarks, Redwings, Rusty Blackbirds and Cowbirds have all 
been found irregularly during the winter period. Meadowlarks have 
been present during three winters but the Cowbird has been seen only 
once. The others have been present two winters each, the Rusty Black- 
birds staying near a patch of open water while the Redwings appear to 
be wanderers. Bronzed Grackles have never been seen in the winter 
period but have been recorded very nearly within it. 
In recent years Cardinals have become very common throughout 
the year. The only Evening Grosbeak record which we have is for 
April but this bird, like the Bohemian Waxwing, is definitely a winter 
visitant. 
Purple Finches and Goldfinches are present most winters but the 
Redpoll is an irregular and comparatively rare visitor having been 
recorded three times in three different winters. Peculiarly enough, Pine 
Siskins have never been recorded in the area. Juncos, Tree Sparrows, 
Swamp and Song Sparrows all have been found, the first two very 
abundantly and the latter two less commonly. Swamp Sparrows re- 
mained through one winter only, 1933-34, in the heavy cover of weeds 
along the river shore just above the dam, but Song Sparrows are quite 
regular. Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings both occur but the 
Longspurs seem to be much more abundant than the Buntings, which 
are uncommon. . 
To one not particularly interested in winter birds, fifty species 
over a period of six years, or about twenty-two species on an average 
all-day hike, seems a meagre number of birds to study when any hike 
during the migration season will provide one with many more than 
fifty species in one day. But the numbers and increased beauty of song 
and plumage of later migrants can hardly replace the intimate friendli- 
ness of the winter birds and no better period can be found for a real 
acquaintance with them. 
5841 Nickerson Ave., Chicago. 
