34 TARE AUDIO BOiN Boal 
A Notable Goose-Swan Incursion 
Every careful observer of the outdoors knows that no two years 
are alike, not only in the weather, but also regarding the occurrence or 
non-occurrence of plant and animal forms, notably of birds. Thus, 
while of late years we had unexpected visits from several of the south- 
ern herons, such as the large and small Egrets, this year, more espe- 
cially the fall was marked by the coming through of unprecedently 
large flocks of geese. Not the rather common Canada Goose, but the 
rare Lesser Snow and Blue Geese. On October 18 several thousand 
Snow Geese passed over River Forest at 11:00 A. M., and again a thou- 
sand or more were seen at 5:30 in the evening. Other observers 
saw these and other flocks on the same day and before and after that 
date. Among the Snow Geese was always a fair sprinkling of the rare 
Blue Geese. Nor did they just pass over, but they remained on ponds 
and sloughs of the neighborhood for days and even weeks. The writer 
saw them at the large Orland Slough, twenty miles southwest of 
Chicago, and at the Eustace place near Barrington, about thirty miles 
northwest. At the latter locality a small flock of six Cackling Geese 
stayed for a while, probably the second recorded occurrence for Illinois. 
The swans were, of course, not so plentiful. But what they lack 
in number they somewhat make up by their bulk. Already in spring 
fourteen had been seen at Lake Calumet and others elsewhere, and in 
fall they turned up again in the company of the geese. A fine pair 
could be seen for several weeks in the Orland Slough. When freezing 
weather came one tried evidently to make the other join in continuing 
their journey southward, but to no avail. It was plain that the one 
remaining behind was unable to fly. Finally, workmen of the Cook 
County Forest Preserve caught the bird and, under the direction of 
Captain Sauers it was taken to Brookfield Zoological Garden for safe 
keeping until spring. 
C. W. G. EIFRIG, River Forest. 
A Bird Bath 
Most birds can find enough food during the summer but during a 
season of drought, like that of 1936, they crave water both for bathing 
and drinking. A bird bath on a pedestal is desirable for it affords pro- 
tection from prowling cats. Such a spot surrounded by a formal 
garden is a charming scene all summer. An outlook from the dining 
room has seldom a dull moment from daylight to darkness. 
Robins and their speckled-breasted offspring drink freely and 
spray the flowers with their bathing. Young English Sparrows often 
sit on the rim of the pool enjoying the copious sprinkling of the Robins. 
The Sparrows bathe too but they are stupid creatures peering down 
toward the water when the pool is partly empty. 
Dainty Bluebirds, old and young, are less frequent visitors. <A 
family of seven graced the garden occasionally. 
