Journals, 1871-1919 (inclusive)
Page 189
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
92 UPTON, MAINE 1874 September 14 sparrow. After sunset I heard several birds singing faintly but could distinguish only G.trichas. That singular note heard throughout the Massachusetts woods in Autumn is not wanting here and this evening its unknown author (Hyla pickeringii) was es- pecially noisy on all sides: I think it must be some insect. We also heard off some distance in the gloomy depths of the for- est a single loud cry that was new to us both: concluded that it was made by a mammal of some kind. I heard also much to my surprise a Hyla piping industriously near the lake shore: I noted a few shortly after my arrival in July but have noticed none since. The ferns have nearly all turned brown but other- wise the woods are still nearly as green and luxuriant as ever, and are filled with wild flowers among which the golden rod and several fine species of asters are most prominent. September 14. Clear and nearly the most sultry day of the sea- son. Started down river at about 10 A.M. and paddled to the mouth. Here S. shot a Gambetta Melanoleuca, one of two, and I fired both barrels at long range after a Pod.podiceps: we had been chasing it for some time when to our great surprise it rose directly and easily out off the water clearing its surface in a few yards although there was not so much as a breath of wind. After flying about 600 yds. it lit, but we were unable to find it again. I also saw here two Anthus ludovicianus, and watched a ♂ Falco sparverius flying over the marsh in the manner described a few days since, and once I was positive I saw him dart up and catch an insect. After taking a swim and eating