26 THE AUDUBON. BULLETIN 
seen, but no nests or young found, were Widgeons, and American Mergan- 
sers. 
In Fulton County, Herman Heir, Galesburg, reported that Ruddy Ducks 
nested in strip-mine areas, and a Green-winged Teal. nested. 
Other reports of Blue-winged Teal and Pintails nesting were from Hank 
Hannah, conservation officer. 
—Elton Fawks 
HERONS AND EGRETS—ALWAYS FORCED TO MOVE? 
Egrets and Herons were seen in the Frank Holten State Park located in 
East St. Louis. The birds nested in this area for many years before 1963. 
The nesting site was an island of trees within the park, but with removal of 
the trees, the birds were forced to move. 
In 1967, a new nesting site was discovered near the Mississippi River on 
the Miss Commet’s farm. This is in the vicinity of Routes 50 and 111, about 
five miles from the previous site. This area is about 400 by 1,500 feet with a 
variety of trees — oaks, wills, osage and cottonwood. The site retains water 
after rains, The adjacent sides are farm land, Interstate 64 and residential 
areas. This makes for targets for shooting. 
Annually since 1967, members of the Southwest Chapter of Illinois 
Audubon Society have taken a census of the Egrets and Herons—always in 
the month of July. Here are comparative figures for the last six years: 
Little Black-crowned 
American Egret Blue Heron Night Heron Cattle Egret Dead Nests 
adult, young adult, young adult, young adult, young 
1968 45, 30 10, 8, 24 20 227 
19€9 75, 120 30, 30 29; 39 10 200+ 
1970 20, 50 150, 300 12, 25 6, 8 11 500 
1971 99, 150 27, 50 71, 120 2: 11 300 
1972 42, 50 58, 70 45, 70 6, 2 8 183 
1973 92, 154 127, 214 63, 90 6, 13 247 
Again, this important rookery is endangered: Miss Comment, owner 
of the tract, is 75 years old, and what if she’s forced to give up the farm? 
The Southern Region Conservation Committee of IAS now is making plans 
to try to save it. But are there federal, state, or private funds available? 
Suggestions are needed badly from other members. 
—Lucius Wrischnik, Chapter Secretary 
GALLINULE NEST NOTED AT MERMET LAKE 
The purple gallinule has returned as a nesting bird at Mermet Lake 
refuge. A successful nest, with young, was noted at Mermet recently and 
the Department is taking steps to protect the nesting site and the peculiar 
water habitat that is necessary for gallinule propagation. This particular 
bird has an affinity for water lotus, walking on the floating plants and eating 
their flowers, Purple gallinules haven’t been seen at Mermet, nor anywhere 
in Illinois, since 1966, as a breeding bird. 
Also, visitors to Heron Pond Nature Preserve have had some rare 
warbler sightings in store — including the Swainson’s. 
—Illinois Department of Conservation 
