Bird Survey 1954

More from past posts....

Another one of my finds at a used book store was a Bird Survey of the Detroit Region (1954), published by the Detroit Audubon Society.  Back then a survey was conducted annually from lower Lake Huron to northern Lake Erie, comprising the five counties in Michigan and three in Ontario.

I found this booklet interesting as many sightings are from the local area and some familiar names are included.  Back then, the Carscallen brothers of Wallaceburg were very active birders and provided much information.  There were four brothers.  One brother, James, is still living in Toronto I believe.
A young birder, by the name of Dennis F. Rupert who lived in Wallaceburg at the time, tagged along with them.  I suspect this is where Dennis gained much his knowledge of birds in the beginning.  I heard many stories of the Carscallen's and Rupert's from my father.

Going through the booklet, it is interesting to note what was seen in 1954.  One of the most noted spots of bird sightings was the Bradley Marsh at the mouth of the Thames River.  Those were the days when access was unlimited and it was a popular destination for bird watchers.
One of the sightings there included Snowy Egret April 17 by the Carscallen's and Ross Brown.  It was believed to be Ontario's 5th record. (Ross Brown of Tupperville is better know for his work with native orchids).
Nearby at St. Luke's Marsh, a Glossy Ibis was seen May 22 (Dr Miles Pirnie et al).

Other highlights included:
Blue Goose and Snow Goose were considered separate species back then.
Northern Bobwhite were widespread.
Migrant (Loggerhead) Shrikes were numerous as indicated by up to 11 records in Lambton Co. from June through August.
Prairie Warblers were numerous from Port Franks to Grand Bend.
Western Meadowlark was found June 12 at Ipperwash (Ralph A. O'Reilly,  Harriet Wolfenden ) and in Sombra Twp. July 16 (Carscallen).
Dickcissels made an appearance at Point Pelee as W. W. H. Gunn noted 10 flying off the Tip May 8, and two were at the parking lot May 13.

There is also a hawk migration report, bird banding report and nesting report contained within the booklet.
Interesting reading, but too much to detail here!