USA > Iowa > Lucas County > History of Lucas County, Iowa containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc > Part 39
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HISTORY OF LUCAS COUNTY.
ical features of the rocks in question. These consist in the remains of animals, belonging to both the ventebrate and invertebrate classes. The vertebrates are represented solely by the fishes, of which several general and species are found in the rocks belonging more especially to the mid- dle coal measure strata. The forms of lower or invertebrate life are much more numerous, consisting of the remains of brachiopods, a class belong- ing, it is now believed, to the worms, but for a long time and still by many, grouped with the mollusca. The latter are represented by various species of univalves, some bivalves, and an occasional land-shell. The last has been found only in the corresponding strata in the state of Illinois, but without doubt also occur here. Plants are numerous, as the known vegetable origin of coal would lead us to naturally infer. The crusta- ceans are represented by the remarkable genus Phillipsia. The radiates by echinoderms and corals, and the protozoans by the peculiar little form known to scientists as Fusilina cylindrica. This interesting little form is abundant in the limestones of the Upper Coal Measures, and will readily serve to distinguish them. It occurs rarely in the Middle, and not at all, so far as known, in the Lower Coal Measures. It may be likened, with- out doing violence to the analogy, to fossil grains of wheat, and indeed Dr. D. D. Owen, in his report of the geology of Iowa, mentioned this fact as a common one in the belief of many people with whom he con- versed. These remains are in themselves very instructive, and offer a fruitul field for investigation. They relate a story which is truly mar- velous; one well worth the pains and toil requisite to comprehend it.
The economical resources of this county are great. Aside from its ex- tensive beds of invaluable coal, are the adjacent beds of fire-clay for pot- tery and tiling; the great beds of blue clay and sand stone for brick manufacture, and the extensive quarries of limestone for purposes of building. These need but to be enumerated to indicate their value. In every respect, geologically, Lucas is one of Iowa's most favored counties; beneath its surface lie inexhaustible mines of mineral wealth, and within the soil are some of the greatest of agricultural possibilities.
THE NATURAL HISTORY OF LUCAS COUNTY .*
The natural history of this county is almost the exact counterpart of that of all prairie countries. While its forms of life present an infinite diversity, only a few of the many are found to be predominant. With the single exception of the insects, the birds will be found most numerously
*Exclusive of the fishes and insects.
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HISTORY OF LUCAS COUNTY.
represented. The time was, however, when the larger forms of life abounded; when the deer, the elk and the buffalo made these prairies their home. The coming of the white man, attended by all the circum- stances of progress, has driven these larger forms from the county, and now the smaller kinds alone retain a footing.
There is no record of any attempt at any time made to determine the relation of the flora and fauna of this county to the rest of the state. In no counties but those in the eastern portion of the state has such a work been done, and there chiefly in the interests of science and by private individuals. It is to be hoped that the time is not far distant when the state will order and sustain to completion an intelligent and exhaustive survey of her great domain-a survey, the value of which will become more and more apparent with the growth of years. Twice has the state instituted a geological survey, and twice has it failed to support the same, and brought both to a close while yet their work was in its infancy. All that is valuable, all that is best known, of its natural resources has been contributed by the pens and at the expense of men in private life. The following resume of the natural history of the county is by no means a complete representation of its forms, and is to be considered only as in- dicative of the nature of its resources, both animal and vegetable. In the lists following as much information has been incorporated as is consistent with a simple catalogue of forms. This is especially true of the trees and shrubs. It is manifestly impossible to give either descriptions or life histories of a single species in a work of this nature. For the sake of insuring accuracy in the reader, both scientific and common names are given.
AVIDÆ-BIRDS .* TURDIDÆ-THRUSHES.
1. Turdus migratorius, Linn-Robin.
2. (?) Turdus naevius, Gmelin-Varied Thrush.
*In the following catalogue the general arrangement of Coues' ",Birds of the Northwest" is adopted as being the one most consistent with the great mass of observed facts, and is the one approved by the leading ornithologists of the country. The arrangement is by fami- lies. A few species are included which have not been observed in the county but are known to occur in the counties surrounding. Such are marked with an asterisk (*). Species doubtfully referred to the county are indicated by a question mark (?). Many of the fol- lowing list have not been observed in this county, but are admitted from the fact that they are known in the state, and on the authority of the work above mentioned, which places them here.
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3. Turdus mustelinus, Gmelin-Wood thrush.
4. Turdus pallasii, Cab-Hermit thrush
5. Turdus swainsonii, Cab-Swainson's thrush.
6. Mimus carolinensis, Cab-Cat bird.
7. (?) Mimus polyglottus, Boie-Mocking bird.
8. Harporhynchus rufus, Cab-Brown thrush.
SAXICOLIDA-BLUE BIRDS AND STONE-CHATS.
9. Sialia sialis, Haldeman-Blue bird.
10. (?) Silia mexicana, Sw .- Western blue bird.
PARIDAE-TITMICE.
11. Parus atricapillus, Linn-Chickadee.
12. Parus atricapillus var. septentrionalis, Allen-Long-tailed chick-
adee.
13. Lophophanes bicolor, Bonap-Crested titmouse. SYLVIIDÆ -- WARBLERS.
14. Regulus satrapa, Licht-Golden-crested kinglet.
15. Regulus calendula, Licht-Ruby-crested kinglet.
16. Polioptila caerulea, Sclat-Blue-gray gnat-catcher.
CERTHIADA-CREEPERS.
17. Certhia familiaris, Linn-Brown creeper.
SITTIDÆE-NUTHATCHES.
18. Sitta carolinensis, Lath-White-breasted nuthatch.
19. Sitta canadensis, Linn-Red-breasted nuthatch; very rare.
TROGLODYTIDÆE-WRENS.
20. Salpinctes obsoletus, Cab-Rock wren.
21. Anorthura hyemalis, Coues-Winter wren.
22. (?) Telmatodytes palustris, Bonap-Long-billed marsh wren.
23. (*) Cistothorus stellaris, Cab-Short-billed marsh wren.
24. (?) Thryothorus ludovicianus, Bonap-Carolina wren; a "rollick- ing " singer.
25. Thryothorus bewickii, Bonap-Bewick's wren; an odd bird.
26: Troglodytes aedon, Vieill-House wren; pugnacious.
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MOTACILLIDÆ-WAG-TAILS.
27. Anthus ludovicianus, Licut-Tit-lark.
SYLVICOLIDÆ-WOOD-WARBLERS.
28. Mniotilta varia, Vieill-Black and white creeper.
29. Prothonotaria citraca, Baird-Prothonotary warbler.
30. *Helminthophaga ruficapilla, Baird-Nashville warbler.
31. Helminthophaga celata, Baird-Golden-crowned warbler.
32. (?) Helminthophaga pinus, Baird-Blue-winged yellow warbler.
33. *Dendrocca striata, Baird-Black-poll warbler.
34. Dendroeca palmarum, Baird -Merely a bird of passage.
35. Dendroeca pinus, Wilson-Pine-creeping warbler; a fall loiterer.
36. (?) Dendroeca virens, Baird-Black-throated green warbler.
37. Dendroeca cacrulescens, Baird-Black-throated blue warbler.
38. Dendroeca coronata, Gray- Yellow-crowned warbler.
39. Dendroeca blackburniae, Baird-Blackburnian warbler.
40. Dendrocca castanea, Baird-Bay-breasted warbler.
41. Dendroeca cacrulea, Baird-Blue warbler.
42. Dendroeca aestiva, Baird-Yellow warbler.
43. Dendroeca maculosa, Baird-Black and yellow warbler; prairie warbler.
44. Dendroeca discolor, Baird-Yellow red-poll warbler.
45. Dendroeca dominica, Baird-Yellow-throated warbler.
46. Seiurus aurocapillus, Swain-Golden-crowned wagtail.
47. (*) Seturus noveboracensis, Nutt-New York water wagtail.
48. Seiurus ludovicianus, Baird-Long-billed water thrush.
49. (*) Geothlypis trichas, Cab-Maryland yellow-throat.
50. Geothlypis philadelphia, Baird-Mourning warbler.
51. Oporornis formosus, Baird-Kentucky warbler.
52. Myiodioctes pusillus, Bonap-Green black-capped warbler.
53. Myiodioctes canadensis, Cab-Canada warbler.
54. Setophaga ruticilla, Swain-Red start.
55. Icteria vir ens, Baird-Yellow-breasted chat.
TANAGRIDA-TANAGERS.
56. (*) Pyranga rubra, Vieill-Scarlet tanager.
57. · Pyranga aestiva, Vieill-Summer red-bird.
HIRUNDINIDŒ-SWALLOWS.
58. Hirundo horreorum, Barton-Barn swallow.
59. Petrochelidon lunifrons, Sclater-Cliff swallow.
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60. Progne purpurca, Boie-Purple martin.
61. Cotyle riparia, Boie-Bank swallow, sand martin.
62. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, Baird-Rough-winged sand martin.
·
AMPELIDA-WAX-WINGS.
63. Ampelis cedrorum, Gray-Cedar bird, wax-wing.
64. Ampelis garrulus, Linn -- Northern wax-wing.
VIREONDIÆE-VIREOS.
65. Vireo gilvus, Bonap-Warbling vireo; common.
66. Vireo solitarius, Baird-Solitary vireo.
67. Virco noveboracensis, Bonap-White-eyed vireo.
68. Vireo bellii, Audubon-Bell's vireo.
69. Vireo olivaceus, Bonap-Red-eyed vireo.
70. (?) Virco philadelphicus, Cass-Brotherly-love vireo.
71. (?) Vireo flavifrons, Baird-Yellow-throated vireo.
LANIIDA-SHRIKES.
72. Collurio borealis, Baird-Northern shrike; butcher bird.
73. Collurio excubitorides, Coues-White-rumped shrike.
ALAUDIDA-LARKS.
74. Eremophila alpestris, Boie-Horned lark.
FRINGILLIDÆ-SPARROWS.
75. Pinicola enucleator, Cab-Pine grosbeak; an occasional winter visitant.
76. Carpodacus purpureus, Gray-Purple finch.
77. Chrysomitris tristis, Cab-Yellow bird; gold-finch.
78. Chrysomitris pinus, Bonap-Pine finch.
79. Curvirostra americana, Wilson-Red cross bill.
80 Curviroslra leucoptera, Wilson-White-winged crossbill.
81. Aegiothus tinaria, Cab-Red poll linnet.
82. Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer-Snow bunting.
83 Plectrophanes lapponicus, Kaup-Lapland bunting; in winter.
84. Plectrophanes pictus, Cab-Painted bunting ; in winter only.
85. Plectrophanes ornatus, Temm-Black-bellied long spur.
86. Centronyx bairdii, Baird-Baird's sparrow.
87. Passerculus savanna, Bonap-Savanna sparrow.
88. Pooecetes gramineus, Baird-Grass finch.
89. Coturniculus passerinus, Bonap-Yellow-winged sparrow.
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90. Coturniculus henslowii, Bonap-Henslow's sparrow.
91. Melospiza melodia, Baird-Song sparrow.
92. Melospiza palustris, Baird-Swamp sparrow.
93. Funco hyemalis, Sclat-Snow bird.
94. Spizella monticola, Baird-Tree sparrow.
95. Spizella pusilla, Bonap-Field sparrow.
96. Spizella pallida, Bonap-Western field sparrow.
97. Spizella socialis, Bonap-Chipping sparrow.
98. Zonotrichia lencophyrs, Swain-White-crowned sparrow.
99. Zonotrichia albicollis, Bonap -White-throated sparrow.
100. Zonotrichia querula, Gamb-Harris' sparrow.
101.
102. Zonotrichia intermedia, Ridgway-Ridgway's sparrow.
103. Chondestes grammaca, Bonap-Lark sparrow.
Passerella iliaca, Swain-Fox-colored sparrow.
104. Euspiza americana, Bonap-Black-throated bunting.
105. Goniaphea ludoviciana. Cab-Rose-breasted grosbeck.
106. Goniaphea cærulea, Swain-Blue grosbeck.
107. C'yanospiza cyanea, Baird-Indigo bird.
108. Cardinalis virginianus, Bonap-Cardinal bird.
109. Pipilo erythrophthalamus, Vieill-Chewink.
ICTERIDÆ-BLACKBIRDS AND ORIOLES.
110. Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Swain-Bobolink.
111. Molothrus pecorus, Swain-Cow blackbird.
112. Agelaus phoniceus, Vieill-Red-winged blackbird.
113. Xanthocephalus icterocephalus, Baird-Yellow-headed blackbird.
114. Sturnella magna, Swain-Meadow lark.
115. Icterus spurius, Bonap-Orchard oriole.
116. Icterus baltimore, Daud-Baltimore oriole; hang nest.
117. (?) Icterus bullockii, Bonap-Bullock's oriole.
118. Scoleophagus ferrugineus, Swain-Rusty grackle.
119. Scoleophagus cyancephalus, Cab-Blue-headed grackle.
120. Quiscalus purpureus, Licht-Crow blackbird.
CORVIDA-CROWS AND JAYS.
121. Corvus corax, Linn-Raven.
122. Corvus americanus, Aud-Crow.
123. Cyanurus cristatus, Swain-Blue jay.
TYRANNIDAE-TYRANT FLYCATCHERS.
124. Tyrannus carolinensis, Temm-King bird.
125. Tyrannus verticalis, Say-Arkansas flycatcher.
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126. Myiarchus crinitus, Cap-Great-crested flycatcher.
127. Sayornis fuscus, Baird-Bridge pewee.
128. Contopus borealis, Baird-Olive-sided pewee.
129. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird-Yellow-bellied flycatcher.
130. Empidonax traillii, Baird-Traill's flycatcher.
131. Empidonax minimus, Baird-Least flycatcher.
132. (?) Empidonax acadicus, Baird-Acadian flycatcher.
CAPRIMULGIDA-GOATSUCKERS.
133. Antrostomus vociferus, Bonap- Whippoorwill.
134. Antrostomus nutallii, Cass-Nuttell's Whippoorwill.
185. Chordeiles virginianus, Bonap-Night-hawk; bull-bat, pisk.
CYPSELIDA-SWIFTS.
136. Chatura pelagica, Baird-Chimney swift. TROCHILIDÆE-HUMMING BIRDS.
137. Trochilus colubris, Linn-Humming-bird. ALCEDINIÆE-KINGFISHERS.
138. Ceryle alcyon, Boie-King-fisher.
CUCULIDÆ-CUCKOOS.
139. Coccygus erythrophthalmus, Bonap-Black-billed cuckoo.
140. Coccygus americanus, Bonap-Yellow-billed cuckoo.
PICIDÆ-WOODPECKERS.
141. Picus villosus, Linn-Hairy woodpecker.
142. Picus pubescens, Linn-Downy woodpecker.
143. Sphyrapicus varius, Baird-Yellow flicker.
144. Hylotomus pileatus, Baird-Pileated woodpecker.
145. Centurus carolinus, Bonap-Red-bellied woodpecker, abundant in winter.
146. Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Swain-Red-headed woodpecker.
147. Colaptes auratus, Swain-Golden-winged woodpecker.
ARIDA-PARROQUETS.
148. * Conurus carolinensis, Kuhl-Carolina parroquet.
* A resident of Decatur county told me that he had several times seen a flock of Parrots in the southern part of the county, on a tall, dead cottonwood tree, known to the neighbor. ing people as the " parrot-tree " from its having been frequented at intervals by the same flock for several years :- Trippe.
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STRIGIDA-OWLS.
149. Strix flammea, Scl-Barn owl.
150. Bubo virginanus, Bonap-Great horned owl.
151. Scops asio, Bonap-Screech owl.
152. Otus vulgaris, Flem-Long-eared owl.
153. Brachyotus palustris, Bonap-Short-eared owl; rare.
154. Syrnium nebulosum, Boie-Barred owl.
155. (?) Syrnium cinereum, Aud-Great gray owl.
156. Nyctea scandiaca, Newt-A wanderer in this county.
157. (?) Nyctale albifrons, Cassin-Kirkland's owl; very doubtful.
FALCONIDA-HAWKS.
158. Falco cowmunis, Gmelin-Duck hawk.
159. Falco columbarius, Linn-Pigeon hawk.
160. Falco richardsonii, Ridgw-American merlin.
161. Falco sparverius, Dinn-Sparrow hawk.
162. (?) Astur atricapillus, Bonap-Gos-hawk.
163. Accipiter fuscus, Bonap-Sharp-shinned hawk.
164. Accipiter cooperii, Gray-Chicken hawk.
165. Buteo borealis, Vieill-Red-tailed hawk.
166. Butco lincatus, Jardine-Red-shouldered hawk.
167. (?) Buteo pennsylvanicus, Bonap-Broad-winged hawk.
168. Archibutco lagopus, Gray-Rough-legged hawk.
169. Nauclerus furcatus, Vigors-Swallow-tailed hawk.
170. Circus hudsonius, Vieill-Marsh hawk; common.
171. (?) Aquila chrysactos, Linn -- Golden eagle.
172. Haliatus leucocephalus, Say-White-headed eagle; occasional.
173. Pandion halictus, Cuv-Osprey; fish-hawk.
CATHARTIDA-VULTURES.
174. Cathartes aura, Illiger-Turkey buzzard.
COLUMBIDA-PIGEONS.
175. Ectopistes migratoria, Swain-Wild pigeon.
176. Zenadura carolinensis, Bonap-Carolina dove.
TETRAONIDAE-GROUSE.
177. Pediocates phasinellus, Linn-Sharp-tailed grouse; rare.
178. Cupidonia cupido, Baird-Prairie hen; abundant.
179. Bonasa umbellus, Steph-Ruffed grouse.
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PERDICIDA-PARTRIDGES. 180. Ortyx virginianus, Bonap-Quail, bob-white. MELEAGRIDÆE-TURKEYS. 181. Meleagris gallopavo, Linn-Wild turkey. CHARADRIDÆ-PLOVERS.
182. Charadrius virginicus, Bork-Golden plover.
183. Ægialitis vocifera,, Bork-Kildee plover.
184. Ægialitis meloda, Cab-Piping plover.
185. Ægialitis semipalmata, Cab-Ring plover.
186. Squatarola helvetica, Brehm-Black-bellied plover.
RECURVIROSTRIDÆE-AVOCETS.
187. Recurvirosta americana, Gmelin-Avocet.
188. Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill-Black-necked stilt.
PHALAROPODIDÆ.
189. Steganopus wilsonii, Coues-Wilson's Phalarope.
190. (?)Lobipes hyperboreus, Cuv-Northern Phalarope.
191. Phalaropus fulicarius, Bonap-Red Phalarope.
SCOLOPACIDA-SNIPES AND SANDPIPERS.
+192. Philohela minor, Gray-Woodcock.
193. Gallinago wilsonii, Bonap-Wilson's snipe.
194. Macrorhamphus griscus, Leach-Red-breasted snipe.
195. Tringa canutus, Linn-Robin-snipe.
196. Tringa minutilla, Vieill-Least sandpiper.
197. (?)Tringa bairdii, Coues-Baird's sandpiper.
198. Tringa maculata, Vieill-Jack snipe.
199. *Tringa americana, Cass-American Dunlin.
Ereunctes pusillus, Cass-Semi-palmated sandpiper.
200. 201. (?)Micropalama himantopus, Baird-Stilt sandpiper.
202. Totanus semi-palmatus, Temm-Willit.
203. Totanus melanolcucus, Vieill-Tell-tale, tattler.
204. Totanus flavipes, Vieill-Lesser yellow shanks.
205. *Totanus solitarius, Aud-Wood-tattler.
206. Tringoides macularius, Gray-Spotted sandpiper.
207. Limosa fedoa, Ord-Marbled Godwit.
208. Limosa hudsonica, Swain-Hudsonian Godwit.
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209. Numenius longirostris, Wilson-Long-billed curlew.
210. Numenius hudsonica, Lathrop-Hudsonian curlew.
211. Tryngites rufescens, Cab-Buff-crested sandpiper.
TANTALIDÆ-IBISES.
212. Tantalus loculator, Linn-Wood ibis.
ARDEIDÆ-HERONS.
213. Ardea herodias, Linn-Great blue heron.
214. (?)Ardea egretta, Gray-Great white heron.
215. Ardea virescens, Linn-Green heron, poke.
216. Nycteardea grisea, Allen-Night heron.
217. Botaurus minor, Boie-American bittern.
218. Ardetta exilis, Gray-Little bittern.
GRUIDÆ-CRANES.
219. Grus canadensis, Temm-Sand-hill crane. 220. Grus americana, Temm-White crane.
RALLIDAE-RAILS.
221. Rallus elegans, Aud-Marsh hens.
222. Rallus virginianus, Linn-Virginia rail.
223. Porzana carolina, Vieill-Carolina rail.
224. Fulica americana, Gmelin-Coot.
225. Gallinula galeata, Bonap-Florida gallinule.
226. Gallinula martinica, Lath-Purple gallinule.
ANATIDÆE-DUCKS.
227. Cygnus americana, Sharp-American swan.
228. Cygnus buccinator, Rich-Trumpeter.
229. Anser hyperboreus, Pallas-Snowy goose.
230. Branta canadensis, Gray-Canada goose.
231. Branta bernicla, Scop-Black brant.
232. Anas boschas, Linn-Mallard; common.
233. Anas obscura, Gmelin-Dusky duck.
234. Querquedula discors, Stephens-Blue-winged teal.
235. Querquedula carolinensis, Stephens-Green-winged teal.
236. Spatula clypeata, Boie-Shoveler.
237. Chaulelasmns streperus, Gray-Gadwell; common.
238. Marcca americana, Stephens-Baldpate.
239. Aix sponsa, Boie-Wood duck.
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240. Fuligula marila, Steph-Bluebill, shuffler.
241. Fuligula affinis, Eyton-Broad-bill, little black-head.
242. Fuligula collaris, Bonap-Ring-necked duck.
243. Fuligula fernia, var. americana, Coues-Red-head.
244. Fuligula vallisneria, Steph-Canvas back duck.
245. Bucephala clangula, Coues-Golden-eyed. Rare!
246. Bucephala albeola, Baird-Butter ball.
247. Histrionicus torquatus, Bonap -- Harlequin duck.
248. Erismatura rubida, Bonap-Ruddy duck.
249. Mergus merganser, Linn-Sheldrake.
250. Mergus serrator, Linn-Red-breasted merganser.
251. Mergus cucullatus, Linn-Hooded merganser.
PELECANIDA-PELICANS.
252. Pelecanus trachyrhynchus, Lath-White pelican. Common.
GRACULIDÆ-CORMORANTS.
253. Graculus dilophus, Gray-Double-crested Cormorant. LARIDA-GULLS AND TERNS.
254. (?) Larus marinus, Linn-Black-backed Gull.
255. Larus delawarensis, Ord -Ring-billed Gull.
256. Gelochelidon anglica, Mont-Marsh Tern.
257. Sterna hirundo, Linn-Wilson's Tern.
258. Sterna antillarum, Coues-Least Tern.
259. Hydrochelidon larıformis, Coues-Black Tern.
COLYMBIDA-LOONS AND GREBES.
260. Colymbus torquatus, Brun-Loon.
261. C'olymbus septentrionalis, Linn-Red-throated Loon.
262. Podiceps holbolllii, Reinh-Red-necked Grebe.
263. Prodiceps cornutus, Lath-Horned Grebe.
264. Podiceps cristatus, Lath-Crested Grebe.
265. Podilymbus podiceps, Lawr-Carolina Grebe. Dabchick.
It will be observed from the above list that over two hundred and fifty different and distinctly defined species of birds occur in this county, which are distributed among forty-six families and one hundred and sixty-eight genera. The presence of so large a number-a certain per centum of which are migratory, and though sometimes tarrying, are not, properly speaking, residents of the county-is to be attributed to the extensive
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wooded sections within its limits, and the presence of a considerable stream-the Chariton river-which acts as a highway along which many birds migrate to or from high latitudes.
It would have been a matter of deep interest, and perhaps of abiding value, to have introduced short notes illustrative of the habits and homes of many species. The limits of a work of this nature will permit only a brief extract or two from the highest living authorities on American birds, which, it is hoped, may serve to interest some of the residents of this county in the study of their wonderful and beautiful avi-fauna. In the following notes, the figures refer to the numbers of the preceding list:
No. 16 .- " I was walking in a narrow path through a hummock, which lies back of the old fort at Miama, Florida, and had paused to observe a female of this species, when I heard a low warbling which sounded like the distant songs of some bird I had never heard. I listened attentively, but could make nothing of it, and advanced a few paces, when I heard it more plainly. This time it appeared to come from above me, and looking upward, I saw a male gnat-catcher hopping nimbly from limb to limb on some small trees which skirted the woods. Although he was but a short distance away, I was obliged to watch the motion of his little throat before I became convinced that this music came from him. It was even so, and nothing could be more appropriate to the delicate marking and size of the tiny, fairy-like bird than the silvery warble which filled the air with sweet continuous melody. I was completely surprised, for I never imagined that any bird was capable of producing notes so soft and low, yet each one was given with such distinctness that the ear could catch every part of the wondrous and complicated song. I watched him for some time, but he never ceased singing, save when he sprang into the air to catch some passing insect. The female seemed to enjoy the musical efforts that were accomplished for her benefit, for she drew gradually nearer, until she alighted upon the same tree with her mate. At this moment she took alarm and flew a short distance followed by her mate. As I walked away I could hear the murmur of the love song till it became indistinguishable from the gentle rustling of the leaves around."- Maynard.
No. 21 .- " Once when traveling through a portion of the most gloomy part of a thick and tangled wood in this great pine forest, near Mauch Chunk, in Pennsylvania, at a time when I was intent on guarding myself against the venomous reptiles I expected to encounter, the sweet song of this wren came suddenly on my ear, and with so cheery an effect that I suddenly lost all apprehension of danger, and pressed forward through the rank briers and stiff laurels in pursuit of the bird, which I hoped was not far from its nest. But he, as if bent on puzzling me, rambled here and there among the thickest bushes with uncommon cunning, now sing-
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ing in one spot not far distant, and presently in another in a differ- ent direction. After much exertion and considerable fatigue, I at last saw it alight on the side of a large tree, close to the roots, and heard it warble a few notes, which I thought exceeded any it had previously uttered. Suddenly another wren appeared by its side, but darted off in a moment, and the bird itself which I had followed disappeared. I soon reached the spot, without having for an instant removed my eyes from it, and observed a protuberance covered with moss and lichens, resembling the excrescences which are often seen on our forest trees, with this differ- ence, that the aperture was perfectly rounded, clean and quite smooth. I put my finger into it and felt the pecking of a bird's bill, while a queru- lous cry was emitted. In a word, I had, for the first time in my life, found the nest of a Winter Wren. * * *
* Externally it measured seven inches in length and four and a half in breadth; the thickness of its walls, composed of moss and lichens, was nearly two inches; and thus it presented internally the appearance of a narrow bag, the wall, however, being reduced to a few lines where it was in contact with the bark of the tree. The lower half of the cavity was compactly lined with the fur of the American hare, and in the bottom or bed of the nest there lay over this about half a dozen of the large, downy abdominal feathers of our common grouse, Tetrao umbellus." - Audubon.
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