James W. Eike papers, 1927, 1950-1983

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Description

This collection of field notes consists of 84 field books and 27 folders of checklists recording bird observations conducted by avid bird watcher and member of the Virginia Society of Ornithology James W. Eike. Notes taken by his wife, Claire Eike, are also included. Between 1950 and 1969, most birds recorded in Eike's field books were observed at his Falls Church home on 2231 North Tuckahoe Street or in the surrounding area. From 1969 onward, most birds recorded were observed from Eike's Fairfax home at 6207 Newman Street or in the surrounding area. Although Eike mentions visiting several locations throughout his field notes, birds were only observed in locations other than Eike's home with explicitly stated. Eike took daily notes on birds he saw, often noting the weather conditions, temperature, occasionally amount of precipitation, sex of the bird, quantity of species, and sometimes time spotted. Other information Eike often recorded was if the bird was calling or singing, the first sighting of the season and subsequent sightings, birds of prey, rising and setting times for the sun, and when full moons occurred. Eike also occasionally noted sightings of small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, racoons, and foxes, larger animals like deer, insects like monarch butterflies, cicadas, and bees, and snakes (which would often attempt to eat birds nesting in Eike's yard). Jame's wife Claire often added to her husband's notes and sometimes substituted for him. The collection also includes many clippings about weather and bird watching.

Date Range

1950-1983

Access Information

Many of SIA's holdings are located off-site, and advance notice is recommended to consult a collection. Please email the SIA Reference Team at osiaref@si.edu.

Topic

  • Aves
  • Animalia
  • birds

Place

  • United States
  • Falls Church
  • Virginia
  • Fairfax

Form/Genre

Collection record

Accession #

SIA RU007342

Extent

111 field books

Physical Location

Smithsonian Institution Archives