22 TAB ASU DAUR © Na Ue el tabi tay 
future). Unlike Christmas Bird Counts, Rock Doves (Pigeons) WILL be 
counted. 
Having completed this first statewide spring bird count, I would 
guess that the total of 256 species will be hard to attain again. Virtually 
every species that could be found in the state on that day was reported — 
only extreme rarities were missed. Some of the northern winter invaders 
were still present; all of the regular southern specialties (except the Least 
Tern) were found; the herons, waterfowl, hawks and shorebirds were repre- 
sented better than expected. None of the vireos, warblers (we don’t consider 
the Bachman’s or Kirtland’s) or sparrows were missed. 
It is also possible that some species reported may have been misidenti- 
fied and therefore helped to increase the total number of species. Obvious 
misidentifications were edited (several), but less obvious ones could not 
always be detected. I feel that some incorrect identifications have been 
included in this count, but at present, have no way of knowing which ones 
they are. By having such a count, we can improve observer-competence; 
once this competence has been attained, these counts can become more 
useful. 
We should therefore set high standards for acceptance of reports; some 
counties have already learned to edit reports submitted by questionable 
observers. We want to encourage as many observers as possible to help on 
this count and not belittle anyone; however, in order to assure a valid 
report, we must know which records are acceptable and which are not. 
Although unfortunate, we do have to question some records because a few 
observers tend to misidentify common species for less common ones. In 
order to protect observers, everyone is requested to submit written docu- 
mentation (notes taken in the field at the time of actual observation) for 
all rare or unusual species. 
May I thank all participants for making the first statewide spring 
count successful. Hope you can all help us again. I want to especially thank 
David Hayward and Lee Bush for their time in helping me compile these 
results. Thanks is also extended to the secretaries in the Department of 
Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, for allowing me to make 
extensive use of the electric typewriter in their office. 
—New Address: 500 S. Douglas, Apt. D, Springfield 62704 
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR OF THIS PUBLICATION: 
As of December 1972, the address of the editorial office of THE 
AUDUBON BULLETIN changed to: Route 2, Box 618, Kenosha, Wis. 
53140. But the name of the editor (Bill Bennett) didn’t change (just 
his domicile). So, when you have editorial material for this maga- 
zine from here on, remember to mail it to the Wisconsin address, 
which also is printed on the back cover each issue. 
And, perhaps, as time passes, we may find out whether there 
is any significance in the fact that the president of Illinois Audubon 
lives in lowa, and the editor in Wisconsin. —D.W.B. 
