OK I just realized that I said Lincoln's when I meant Lark sparrow, both
starting with the same first letter I guess. But this is why I spoke of
not having binos and the obvious song and the specific grassland/savanna
habitats. I would still say while there was woods around I bet the war
parties (if you can call them that!) could have gathered under an island
of burr oaks on a grassy plain where battles could ensue. But heck we
will never really know.
Sorry for the mix up and thank you for not calling me crazy for the
suggestion of a Lincoln's Sparrow which is far from oblivious without
binos.
*********************************************************************
Pete Whan
Appalachian Forest Program Manager
The Nature Conservancy of Ohio
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd.
West Union, OH 45693
Ph. 937-544-2188 ext. 13
fax 937-544-7030
email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
[log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 3:15 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [Ohio-birds] Daniel Boone's Ohio bird riddle
Not a sighting -
Thanks to all those who responded to my post about the mystery bird in
the 19th century Daniel Boone biography. When I posted this I was hoping
for some spirited discussion and some insightful suggestions, and that
has certainly happened, with responses both on and off this list. In a
failed attempt at brevity, and possibly in underestimating the interest,
I omitted some details, which I offer here, along with responses to some
of the suggestions and candidates.
First of all, this is by no means a first-person account. It is not even
clear if author Timothy Flint interviewed the aged Boone himself, or if
he relied on various hearsay sources. Both may be true. Later in the
book he does relate some recollections of Audubon, with whom Boone spent
at least one night. Flint spent some time in Missouri. He says he lived
in St. Charles in 1816, and he was acquainted with "Colonel Boone", who
"with the return of peace (from Indian wars and British intrigues) had
resumed his Kentucky habits" (hunting and trapping.) Boone died in 1818.
So, it is not clear if the account of the omen-bearing bird should be
taken in the seasonal context of its appearance in the book or not. It
is contained within a section dealing with the cultural practices of the
Shawnee, presumably those that Boone observed while he was a
prisoner/adoptee, as Paul observed February - June 1778. Specifically
the account appears in the passages dealing with a salt making
expedition to the licks of the Scioto, during which Boone learned of a
planned attack on Boonesborough (his home settlement in Kentucky), after
which he made good his escape to warn the village. He then commenced an
evasive and circuitous route, "through unknown forests and pathless
swamps, and across numerous rivers, spreading in an extent of more than
two hundred miles" to be re-united with family and friends.
I'm sure exactly where the Shawnee made salt along the Scioto, but I
think it points to central or southern Ohio. I diverted the discussion
when I mentioned travels between Chillicothe and Lake Erie. The salt
making expedition was said to commence the first day of June, 1778.
There is no mention of clearings or agriculture in this section. After
Boone learned of the impending expedition against his home the book
covers the various cleansing rituals, preparations for war, and the
means by which they advance through the forest, specifically the deep
woods. Then it deals with omens, like "an unpropitious dream" or the
"sparrow" in question.
My assumptions are by no means rock-solid, but I am inferring late
spring or early summer, and in the forest (since the account mentions
"were it to perch and sing over their war-camp.") Challenge this if you
will, but that's my take on it.
For these reasons:
White-throated or white-crowned sparrow, as well as winter wren are out
of season.
Marsh or sedge wrens are out of habitat.
I think yellow-billed cuckoo is a little large. They might have even
shot at those regularly, as they used to with flickers.
Carolina or house wrens seem too common. Bad omens would be everywhere,
thus peace would be rampant, which it was not.
Lincoln's sparrow and veery are certainly interesting candidates. I also
stand by my thoughts regarding Louisiana waterthrush, although they also
may be a bit too common in certain habitats that would be difficult to
avoid with a war-party to southern Ohio or northern Kentucky.
I don't know of any sources dealing with the "Shawnese" language, which
might provide some kind of answer. Ultimately, the riddle is probably
unsolvable, although it sure is interesting to speculate, isn't it?
It is also fascinating to find such an ornithological riddle buried in a
non-scientific, historical work.
Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County
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