fee ee DCN) AB Ue sesh BIN 3 
smaller groups of willows and an elm tree used by the martins as 
roosts, none of them over thirty feet high. 
Large flocks were still pouring in from every direction at seven- 
forty-five. The willow twigs bent lower and lower as the birds settled 
on them as close together as they could sit. It would be impossible to 
Martins going to roost in an elm tree in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Photo by E. G. Wright. 
estimate their number. The air overhead and for many yards around 
was a seething mass of birds. Their twittering, lisping notes grew to 
a buzzing sound. I did not hear the usual loud call made in spring and 
summer when the martins are engaged in nesting activities. The sun 
had set behind heavy clouds so that darkness came a little early. 
At eight-five the sky was still filled with birds and a moment 
later they were all in the tree tops. This sudden clearing of the air 
was very noticeable. A small belated flock came in from the southeast 
and dropped into the roost without the usual circling. By eight-thirty 
it was quite dark and the buzzing chatter was at its height. An old 
male gave a shrill whistle and a sudden lull fell over the roost. The 
quiet was only temporary and the chatter grew again to a loud buzz. 
After a moment the signal for quiet was given once more, with the 
same result. This was repeated several times, and it was quite evi- 
dent that one bird had taken the leadership and was trying to quiet 
his fellows. At eight-forty-five the signal was ignored and this caused 
the leader to burst into the typical carol song. This had the desired 
effect and not another sound was heard from the roost as the birds 
settled down for the night. 
Chicago, Ill. 
