18 Ie ee ASUYD UsBrOoNe a tU och ae etn, 
and two partially grown chicks. We observed that the chicks were good 
swimmers even in strong river current. 
Two years ago I observed over 20 pairs on eggs on this sand bar, but 
high water destroyed all nests. With boats, picnickers, pollution, sudden 
rises of water, I think it’s fortunate we have any breeding Least Terns. 
—Richard Anderson 
ft fl & fi 
THE ANNUAL EGRET CENSUS 
by Southwest Chapter, Illinois Audubon Society 
The yearly egret census was taken July 11, 1971 in the heronry located 
at Routes 111 & 50 near East St. Louis. Weather was a sunny 85 degrees. 
The lowland area consists of about 12 acres with willow, oaks, elms, 
and haws. 
Approximately 500 nests were estimated. Some probably were of 
previous years, but it remains among the largest nesting sites in the region. 
Participants were James Arcynaki, Byron Arcynaki, R. H- Rodrian, 
Mrs. Greer, Connie Greer, Darin McCall, and Lucius Wrischink. The 
summary: 
Little Blue Heron: 27 adult, 50 immature. 
Black-crowned Night Heron: 71 adult, 120 immature. 
Common Egret: 9 adult, 150 immature. 
Cattle Egret: 2. 
fl fi fl A 
SUMMER RECORDS: DEEP SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 
Horned Grebe—One bird in breeding plumage was on a reservoir at Prairie 
Du Rocher (Randolph Co.) on June 13. I watched the bird for 15 
minutes at close range. 
Herons at Sump Lake (Jersey Co.): 
Common Egret—88, Aug. 1; 65, Aug. 15. 
Little Blue Heron—35, Aug. 1; 2, Aug. 15. 
Great Blue Heron—60, Aug. 1; 75, Aug. 15. 
Little Blue Heron—48 were seen between Harrisonville and Fort Chartres 
on Aug. 15. 
Black-Crowned Night Heron—Were present all summer at Chautauqua 
Lake. Highest count was 12 on July 4. 
Cattle Egret—Immature at Crane Lake (Mason Co.) on July 10. Only one 
observed. 
Pintail—At Chatauqua Lake on July 31 with 1, and on Aug. 14 with 3. 
Lesser Scaup—July 20 at Springfield. 
American Widgeon—At Chautauqua Lake on June 19. 
Ruddy Duck—In breeding plumage at Chautauqua Lake on June 26 and in 
winter plumage (?) at Meredosia Bay on July 24. 
Black Vulture—3 at Heron Pond, Pope Co., June 12. 
—Cooper’s Hawk—Adult at Williams Hill, Pope Co., July 27. 
Red-Shouldered Hawk—4 in southern Illinois on June 12. 
Mississippi Kite—Two were seen on July 27—one at Grand Tower and 
another at Union Co. Refuge. 
