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Vegetational succession of an abandoned cornfield on the campus of West Chester University was studied for 34 years from 1967-2000. The succession followed three stages involving 1) dominance by herbaceous annuals, 2.) dominance by herbaceous perennials and 3) dominance by woody plants. Specific details for these three stages are provided.

A grid of approximately seven miles of transects was established in three Indiana State Parks on which to record winter small bird populations in late December and early January. Repeat surveys were made in March to measure the effect of winter severity on species population levels. Data from 1966 to 1981 is summarized and analyzed. Species effected by severe winters included the Carolina Wren, Bluebird, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Mockingbird, Tufted Titmouse, Towhee, and Downy Woodpecker. Certain species were found to be effected by the quantity of the winter mast crop (acorns and beechnuts). These were the Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Tufted Titmouse. Statistical comparisons of selected species are made between parks with the Pearson Product Moment Correlation after computerizing the data. High correlations (.67) were evident especially between the Red-headed Woodpecker and the Blue Jay. Statistical comparisons were also made between mast feeders and the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife mast rating surveys. There were high correlations (.66) between the Blue Jay and Red-headed Woodpecker and the reported regional mast crops.

Fed with buckwheat pancakes and fresh meat grease and paid a monthly salary of twenty dollars for twelve-hour days, lifelong Benzie County resident Ralph Hooker vividly describes his career as a turn-of-the-century lumberjack in Michigan.

A 9.6 km (6 mi) transect was established in 1965 along Brandywine Creek near Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania to record quantitative changes in bird species populations. Rate of change and direction, whether increasing or decreasing, were of particular interest. The same two observers collected data for 20 years from 1965 to 1984 with transect samples taken approximately once a week throughout the year. Data were collected by regular, consistent, and controlled sampling. A total of 734 samples are summarized and reported. Species population changes are presented in tables for 46 permanent resident (9 increasing, 5 decreasing, 7 oscillating), 43 summer resident (13 increasing, 4 decreasing, 8 oscillating), and 20 winter resident (2 increasing, 1 decreasing, 10 oscillating) species. A general summary is given for 74 migrants and 21 visitants. Interpretation of individual species changes and rates of change include: (1) severe winter weather with deep snow and low temperatures for Northern Bobwhite, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark, (2) species resilience or lack of resilience to severe winter conditions for Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, and Rufous-sided Towhee, and (3) problems related to recruitment and repopulation from the surrounding region for several species. The role of the mast crop is discussed in relation to Blue Jay populations. Statistical correlations and linear regression analysis were used to compare: (1) results of individual species changes, (2) winter to breeding populations, (3) winter study site populations to the West Chester Bird Club Audubon Christmas Bird Count data, and (4) select spring and fall migrant species numbers.

A summary of population data on 174 species of birds is presented. Species are grouped and data presented as Winter Resident birds. Summer Residents, Permanent Resdents, and Migrants-Visitors. Species are discussed as to abundance and possible trends in population size over the last 11 years. Trends include increasing population size, decreasing population size, oscillatory populations, and relatively stable populations. Obvious causes for certain changes are discussed.

During the last four years (January 1965-February 1969) an attempt has been made to record bird population changes by species along a 5½ mile transect bordering Brandywine Creek near Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The populations were sampled at least once each month and in many cases, several times a month. Certain field note-taking techniques were developed to record particular types of information.

Crown cover and herbaceous understory vegetation were sampled in 23 mesic northern hardwood stands. Crown cover was relatively uniform with Sugar Maple as the dominant tree species. Changes from the original crown cover before logging and the present crown cover are discussed. Herbaceous plant cover varied form dense cover of nearly 2400 occurrences on a 500 foot transect to 50 occurrences. It was found that stands with over 750 occurrences had a mull type of soil profile. Those with less than 750 occurrences had either a mor or mor· mull intermediate type of profile.