Vernon Bailey - Notes on birds observed around Washington, D.C., 1909-1910

What birds might you have seen in Washington, D.C. a century ago? Even when he was home, Bureau of Biological Survey naturalist Vernon Bailey was ever watchful, observing the animal life and looking for patterns. He kept this small pocketbook of bird observations made in a few local neighborhoods during the springs of 1909 and 1910. It begins with the birds' scientific names, but switches to their more popular, common names just a few pages in. It is not clear if Vernon was joined on these outings by his wife and ornithologist Florence Merriam Bailey, but maybe you will join us in transcribing these notes and take a look at some historic Washington neighborhoods through his eyes.