Journals, 1871-1919 (inclusive)

Brewster, William,1851-1919
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Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Ernst Mayr Library
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Ornithology Brewster William 1851-1919

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Letter Ornithological Journal and Field-Notes Vol I. The important systematic notes are copied into "N.E.Birds, Systematic Notes, W.Brewster, Vols.1, 11, 111, 1865-1882." Walter Dean. June 11, 1898. Journal
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X 32-5741/2 (6) Letter Ornithological Journal and Vol I. The important systematic notes "N.E.Birds, Systematic Notes, W.Bro Vols.1, 11, 111, 1865-1882." The Index, pp. 495-514, will be issued shortly.
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Ornithological & Shooting JOURNAL of William Brewster. May 27, 1871.
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1871 Upton Me. The town of Upton is situated at the foot of Lake Umbagog and consists of a few scattered houses only. The adjacent country which we made our collecting ground is one vast valley with sloping hills on every side towering into mountains in the distance. To the South about a dozen miles is a range of lofty mountains which apparently forms the limit of the range of many species of birds & mammals. Sciurus Carolinensis for instance is said to be Seldom seen North of this range and Pterogyna rubra rarely strays beyond it; through this the road passes by a narrow gorge with "Saddle back" mountain in the right and a decided change of fauna is immediately perceptible. Ab. irus becomes very scarce and Eyanospiza Eyama quite disappears; D. maculosa is quite abundant all the way up, although we did not detect it at Bethel the starting point of our stage ride. At that place we found J. Snainsoni, S. noxbracensis, Z. albicollis, J. fuscaescens, D. savanna My. Canadensis; J. trichas, D. Pennsylvanica and many others species abundant and settled for the season. D. Blackbirdiana was numerous in the blossoming apple trees but apparently migrating; D. striata was also common and we took one of E. flavinutris, but now unable to detect D. castana. Jetrus latimer and E. cibus common birds we saw no further with valley. E. Frailli commenced about 4 miles to the North and was heard as far as the
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2 Upton, Maine 1871 Poplar town at Nursery when we record two & (pume 10) Why it did not occur at the lake I do not understand as the alder bines in favorite resort were there abundant. "The country at Upton was for the most part covered by the principal forest: this on high ground consisted of a growth of noble green trees interspersed with beech and white birch with occasionally poplars and maples. Swamps covered with a growth of white cedar were also frequent and in a few localities a second growth of fir and larch the favorite resort of Peris, tigrina and Hel. pirgrina. The immense tracts of second growth birch are striking a feature in the scenery about the forks of the Kennebec were then totally wanting. Springs of ice cold water are very hard to be found in the woods but the streams and lakes had all, that yellow cast, common to flowing water in Maine, and so different from the crystal clearness of the White mountains brooks. The shores of the lake have been periodically flooded for many years by dams at the different outlets, and the trees con- servatively killed by an excess of water standing in immense forests of bare shaped "stubs" present a most curious and unique appear- ance and furnish a nesting home to many kinds of His. bird's which bred in the densest Wood jockers holes and natural cavities. Several species of Ducks also bred in the "stubs" as well as Luis versicolor. The following is a list of the species we observed.
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1871 Upton Maine March 30 to June 10 Uptun Maine 1 Accipiter fuscus, saw a few flying. Pandion Haliaeetus. Saw several pairs. The nest was taken with young by J. B. Rich a few years since) 2 Bubo Virginianus, found a deserted nest with four eggs in an overturned "Stub" in the woods with four eggs. 3 Surnia ulula has been taken by Mr. Rich. 4 Coccyzus erythropthalmus, saw a single bird in the very depths of a large tree of forest; it was probably a bird straggled from the open country! 5 Pica villosus, found it rather common breeding, 6 Pica pubescens, common breeding; more partial to the flooded forest than the other Woodpeckers. 7 Picoides hirsutus took a single specimen May 31st. It was very tame and the only note I heard was a single fall speeding like that of P. pubescens, though uttered in a different tone. 8 Sphyrapicus varius. Common everywhere and breeding. Took a nest with three fresh eggs, (June 10th) in a tall stub in the flooded forest. The hole was small for the size of the bird and was drilled in horizontally, at least three inches before it began to turn downward or enlarged; its perpendicular depth was perhaps six inches. These birds now found everywhere but now most partial to the mixed woods and fed almost exclusively on the birch trees. This noise was a harsh jay like cry, and a loud prolonged singular note much that of any other birds; they were also famous for their tipping calls over the trunks of trees, which would...
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Upton, Maine 4 1871 at a great distance in still weather; both sexes incubate. 9 Hylotomus jilatus, said to be frequent though we did not see it. 10 Mlanurus erythrocephalus, took a fine female May 30; was probably a mere straggler 11 Eclafius auratus, Quite rare; breeds 12 Trehilus colubris, Quite frequent; breeds. 13 Satura felasgia, Common. do not think that it breeds in hollow trees as we found none away from the settlement. 14 Antrostomus vociferus. A single male sang very near one at the hotel: is said to occur anywhere in the woods. 15 Chloridius jufetus. Quite common breeding. The females for three nights (threw 4th, 5th & 6th) when about to deposit their eggs, came in large numbers to a small patch of cultivated ground in front of the hotel, where they moved about in the dirt, with a strange awkward sidling motion apparently picking up the fresh earth; so tame were they that if one was shot the others paid no attention but continued feeding. The males kept high up till the air occasionally dropping down and uttering this strange lowing note. 16 Coryhaleyon, frequent on the lake; & later June 10 had not commenced to lay. 17 Tyrannus Carolinensis, Rather rare; saw them occasionally on the lake among the "stubs!" 18 Parsonis fusca. Saw a few males 19 Corvopus bonalis, Quite numerous; affected the edges of the clearings and hilly pastures where they perched hawk like on the very
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Wston, Maine 5 1871 tops of the highest "thibs"; near them there are thin flooded forests though they were the favorite resort of J. Cardonensis. 20. Eupodopus visens. Saw but very few, these in the depths of the forest. 21. Enpidimay [illegible], probably occurs through- we did not detect it here; found it quite frequent however at Nairy, some twelve miles down on the Stage Road where we took several specimens. Its favorite resorts here as at Gorham V. H. are the older thickets along the borders of small "runs" and streams. All those we saw were perched on the tops of tall trees or thus quiescent, and singing vigorously in the full blaze of the midday sun: this note was a single keening utterance in a harsh squish tone, at an interval of about thirty seconds, and varied occasionally to be whiz- or he winch; at each uttance the head was thrown upward with a sudden jerk. They were fairly approached and apparently watched closely by swallows as most of the flycatchers. 22. E. minimus, very common; most partial to the swampy thickets near the lake though found rarely where through the woods. 23. E. flavivertex. Found only in the cedar swamp where it was not uncommon. Took five spec- imens during our stay which we all or saw. Found them quite tame and musus-sious keeping always from within the deepest gloomiest shade, and occasionally uttering this mournful monotonous piece. Mr. Maynard also heard another note, phil-link, which he descri-
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Wilton, Maine. 1871 as noted in "grave, measured tone"; he found both sides singing in this peculiar manner. All noises such as the crashing of branches or the report of a gun seems to more to excite than alarm them and on such occasions they will frequently alight close by as if impelled by curiosity. 24 Turdus pallasi. Found them rather common breeding. First nest placed in the top of a mossy log contained three fresh eggs June 2. The one found June 3rd was sunk in a mossy hillock and contained the eggs quite far advanced. Another pathless mossy hatched young was examined June 9th found every where in the woods though not so abundant as 25 Turdus fuscescens. Quite rare now and heard it occasionally in swampy localities: at Bethel it was much more common. 26 Turdus Swainsoni. Common everywhere in the woods: that it on several occasions while in the act of singing, were unable to detect any difference between its song and that of T. pallasi. Found numbers of nests, they were usually built about breast high in some small spruce or fir but we occasion- ally found them higher up on the horizontal branches of some of the larger trees. I just one of which contained two fresh eggs. We found them quite tame and all the specimens that we took (own agent now) were strongly marked, typical Swainsoni. 27 Turdus migratorius. frequent in the clearings. Found nests with eggs upon our first arrival,
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Upton, Maine. 7 1871 28 Sylvia nisus. Occurs sparingly in the clearing where it breeds in the Martin cups and hollow "stubs" 29 Regulus satrapa. Affects the cedar swamps and fir thickets when it is quite common, and breed. Took a female john G that had evidently been incubating some time but was unable to dislodge the nest. The males had a simple warbling song slightly resembling that of D. Blackburnia 30 Pandas Americana. Frequent; affects the tops of the beech and birch trees. 31 Catharys trichas. Found sparingly in the clearings. 32 Catharys Philadelphia. Rather common its favorite resorts are the edges of the woods and small clusings grown up to bushes. On the stage road down we heard no less than four males singing in the course of a ride of as many miles. The male, unlike G. trichas, which it otherwise greatly resembles in habits, always sings from the projecting branch of some dead "stub" at the height of about twenty or thirty feet; out of a dozen or more observed, there were no exceptions to this rule: the song is extremely beautiful; resembling somewhat that of S. woodhousei, which however it much surpasses, it commences with two high notes and ends in a most exquisite warble with a falling inflection to the end, altogether overflowing that of any bird in the region it inhabits. It ordinary ship is pretty like that of G. trichas but it has also a shrill jubilant cheering note never heard from that bird.
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8 Wilton, Maine. 1871 33 Helminthophaga syriacapilla. Quite rare; it is here almost entirely replaced by its sortotype H. furiginia. 34 Helminthophaga furigina). Very common, found anywhere in the woods, but especially partial to dead swamps and thickets of tall firs: kept always high up in the tree tops and was very restive, frequently taking long flights; sang at all times of the day; its note was very like that of H. syriacapilla, but more prolonged, shrill and rapid; frequently it would sustain a number of tones in succession without the slightest pause until it seemed wonderful that the bird could take breath: it had also a habit of singing on wing especially just as it was coming down from a long flight. The female had a sharp chip precisely like that of H. syriacapilla; they usually kept rather closer to the ground than the males, when they individually bred: Shot a female June 7th that had commenced incubation and this previous that had laid only but one or two eggs; per not fortunate enough knowers to find the nest. 35 Chirrus auricapillus. Found sparingly in the woods. 36 Turmus mureboracensis. Rather scarce: heard them occasionally in the swampy thickets. 37 Androica ferox. Not common, in the woods. 38 D. caeruleus. Rather scarce; in the heavy timber. 39 D. coronata. Quite common in the fir thickets. Found it brooding in an old feature grown up to small firs: These nests found June 8th & 9th were built about breast high in a fir spruce, and contained four eggs each, all far advanced.
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Upton, Maine. 9 1871 towards incubation. The nests were all quite large, deeply hollowed and lined principally with feathers. 40 D. Blackburnia. Common. Affected the mixed woods where both sexes put at always in the tops of the highest beech and birch trees. After a time taken June 9th showed no signs of approaching incubation and they probably bred very late. The song of the male was short and unmusical ending in a high trill. This Warbler though abundant was scarce in comparison with D. castanea, moenulae, etrigine. 41 D. castanea. Extremely abundant, in fact the most so of any birds in the region. Affected principally the mixed woods, though found even where exclusive on some of the cedar swamp. Kept always in the very tops of the highest Spruce trees, and would frequently sing fifteen minutes or more in one place without apparently moving, or exposing itself to view, and was accordingly, a very hard bird to shoot. Slow and sluggish in all its motions like D. striata, it was never found encased in fat like that bird. We very seldom saw them in any of the deciduous trees. This song was as wild yeeh cheeping out, repeated three or four times and varying considerably in different individuals, sometimes scarcely distinguishable from the gee-ga of Regular Salsapra; at other times musical and warbling like that of S. rutila. This nest of which we found several, were very large and bulky and scarcely distinguishable from that of Ears Gypsermus. All were built in Spruce trees and horizontal boughs near the extremity.
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10 Upton, Maine. 1871 at the height of about thirty feet; on timber jam contained two, another place got three fresh eggs. 42. D. Pennsylvanica. Occurs quite plentifully all the way up the valley at is not still scare at Upton in the clearings, along the edge of the woods. 43. D. striata. Took a female, the first morning May 8th, probably had straggler from th-om-gra- tin, as we did not put out afterward, though Veril gives it as "very common at the Ums. lakes breeding." Found them quite abundant at Bethel May 30th in the apple orchards. 44. D. antecularia. Common everywhere especially along the wood path, and edges of clearings? Nest always low down in the branches when in the woods. One nest found June 8th and two others June 9th were all built about breast high in a small fir and contained each four fresh eggs. 45. D. litrina. Very common everywhere but especially in the thickets of tall firs. Song precisely like D. castanea, and habits very similar, but rather more active, keeping always near the tops of the highest trees, and occasionally dashing out after a passing insect. They also had a habit of sitting perfectly motionless on the topmost spindle of some enormous branch or for for ten or fifteen minutes at a time and singing at regular intervals; at such time they are extremely hard to see, and when Nest were almost certain to lodge on the sprin- ging branches. The female like the sp-rit fly, always kept high up in the tree, we took until that were about to lay and on.
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Whiton, Maine. 1871 that June 9th had evidently deposited all but her last egg. (We were unable to detect either D. aurita D. jamaica, or D. palmarum) 46 Myi Canadensis. Found everywhere in the woods though in our locality very common. The females were evidently laying at the time of our departure. 47 Setophaga ruticilla. Common everywhere and as great a nuisance as any bird can continually shooting them for food sake for 48 Pizzanga rubra. Heard only one at Whiton, a male on the shore of the lake June 11. Heard another about four miles South of Whiston and North of the mountain range. 49 Ximando boreaeus. Common breeding. 50 " Luniipons. Common the first pair arrived June 1st and immediately commenced a nest; in a few days a colony of a dozen or more was at work. 51 H. brichis. Very common on the lake when the bird in the hollow stubs and dusted Woodpecker holes. 52 Cysta riparia. Common on the lake 53 Pssent auris. A few pairs bred in the shelter top in front of the hotel. 54 Ampelis cedrum. Common especially in the flooded forests when they perch or are the tops of the "stubs"; saw them building in a low for June 8th. 55 Vireo oliaconis. Common everywhere in the woods 56 Vireo solitarius. Not very common in the woods. (Found V. gilvus common at Bethel) 57 Troglodytes fuscescals. Very common everywhere.
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12 Upton, Maine 1871 in the woods. The males sang at all times of the day but especially in the early morning and just at sunset. So shy and retiring was they that we did not take a single specimen, and on only one occasion did I succeed so much as catching a sight at one. Found a pair of H. auden breeding in a hole in a bird stump in the woods at Bethel. 58 Euthria Americana. Dut with frequent in pairs and probably breeding. Heard the males sing as in Massachusetts on several occasions. 59 Otta Canadensis. Rather common though very silent and retiring (S. Card, as far up as Bethel). 60 Parus atricapillus. Common though always quite and inconspicuous; found two nests in birch stumps, one June 7th with five and the other June 9th with four fresh eggs. 61 Calodacus purpureus. Which to our surprise found them everywhere very common in the depths of the woods, where the males used sing from the top of some tall spruce. 62 Chlorismitri friskie. Common. 63 " Junius. Common? 64 Eurirosta Americana. Saw a small flock June 4th and a single bird June 5. 65 Pasrreulus savanna. Found it abundant in the brooding fields and grassy meadows all the way up from Bethel, and especially on the billy stump-filled pastures at Upton. 66 Poecetes Gramineus. Frequent in the high of sun pastures. 67 Zon albicollis. Common and one of the most beautiful singers of the region; we heard its exquisite melody frequently as late as
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Wpton, Maine 13 1871 10 o'clock P.M. Found in all three nests, built in nearly the same situations, viz pastures under or near fallen logs, from June 4th to 9th; one indeed (June 9th) who fed and directly under a broad slab with a space over the sitting list of a few inches only; this nest contained five eggs nearly hatched. 13. Sturnus hyemalis. Common but not nearly as abundant as at the mountains. A nest taken from was built close under the side of a fallen log in an old pasture and contained four fresh eggs. 16. Hirundo socialis. Very common everywhere but did not penetrate very deep into the woods. A nest found at Newry May 30th contained four fresh eggs. 17. Phylloscopa melodia. (Common) 18. Phylloscopa sylvaticus. Common on the shores of the lake; found a nest on a small floating Island June 3rd containing four fresh eggs. 19. Hirundo lusciviana. Rather common at the lake: Hatched them all the way up the valley and frequently two or three might be heard singing at once. (Eryannospriza berama. Heard a single male about twelve miles below the lake) (Dsychomyx originnus. Abundant up to the mountain range with a few stragglers below it but does not occur at the lake) 20. Apalains phoenicus. Common on the lake especially near the floating islands where they breed. 21. Sclerophagus ferruginus. Saw them frequently; are said to breed in great abundance up the Megalloway farther up the lake
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14 Upton, Maine. 1871 75. Discalbus versicolor. Common on the lake especially among the stubs. Nearly as shy as in Massachusetts. Found two nests: one June 3rd contained four eggs well advanced and the other (June 7) contained a like number in a similar condition. The first was built in a hole in an old "stub" with an entrance barely large enough to admit the bird, and web composed of dry grass, worn weed stalks &c without mud; the other composed of the ordinary materials was placed in the fork of a small beech growing over the water. 76. Corvus Americanus. White common everywhere. 77. Cyanusa cristata. Common; saw one May 30 take an egg from the nest of a Robin and make off with it, fiercely pursued by the parent bird. 78. Ectopistus migratoria. Common: saw them nearly every day sometimes in pairs, but frequently their effects of twenty or more. 79. Boncha umbellus. Heard the drumming of the male but did not see a single specimen. 80. Ardea herodias. Common on the lake. 81. Botaurus lentiginosus. Found three out on a small floating island in the lake June 3rd containing respectively, six, three and four eggs all quite fresh. The nests were such structures of sticks placed on the quaking boggy ground covered with a growth of low bushes (and were all within a few rods of one another. The females were all sitting and did not rise till nearly stepped on. We found only one male on the island, whom we might have missed singing at all times of the day and even after the nests were robbed, he did not desert it.
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Wilton, Maine. 15 1871 Then floating islands of which thus were several in the lake and very singular and interesting formations of nature. Of a few rods only in extent, they are composed of interlaced roots and turfs, a gnarling surface, yielding several niches beneath very soft steps and occasionally giving way under the uneasy tread, they are covered with a growth of low blueberry bushes and on low we observed two of them [arch trees] some fifteen or twenty feet high; literally are they floating as the sun and fall with the ruts of the lake and one even broke loose from its mooring and drifted a mile or more. (Philema minor is said to be quite abundant here but we did not see it Gallinago Wilsoni is also abundant in the Autumn.) (Rhyacophillus setigerus, saw it near Bethel but did not detect it at the lake) 82. Tringoides macularius. Common 83. Anas obscura. Quite common. 84. Ay sponsa. Very common! 85. Lophodytes creafatus. D with common 86. Darnus argentatus. Saw them nearly every day; are said to breed abundantly on B. pond. This includes only those actually observed, many others of Darnus occur frequently at other seasons of the year and in similar localities. The number of ducks breeding here must be very large; indeed a party making a boat excursion up the Cambridge river stated that in one day they saw between one and two hundred of different species, many of them with broods of young. We found
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Rye Beach, N. H. 1871. Upon our arrival all the birds settled down for the season and in full song. The number of birds in the woods was absolutely astonishing and far exceeded anything that I ever saw in the most favored locality in Massachusetts. Perhaps the cultivated fields of flax and musgins, that every where swarmed had something to do with this but or that as it may all species of small birds last especially the warblers were excessively abundant everywhere. Rye N. H. 1871 July 26th Started from Cambridge July 26th and drove down to Rye arriving there about noon the next day. Return Ploceus and Andor had the gallant diving and watched a H. howsoni playing with a Nestle quill feather repeatedly, carrying it up into the air then dropping it again: only 27th on the road down saw a pair of Spil socialis copulating while the o held in this bill food for her yoking. A short distance from the Sea View House I heard three Spoliki (singing at once and a & Bex Satapa in full song. Saw the P.M. went out on the marsh and found Gambetta (flavipes flying Southwest in flocks of upwards of twenty. Saw jacks, thirty or forty in the course of th afternoon. Left of these shot were adult but one was our young and wondering tame. Petstron saxifrutta and & E. petrefictus flew through the marsh in large flocks all the afternoon. July 28. Cloudy with driving fog and heavy rain from the N East in P.M. Gambetta flew in tolerable numbers through this day.
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Rye Beach, N.H. 17 1871. Macrophagus griseus flew in flocks of twenty or more all day but especially with the heavy rains of the afternoon! Both species doubled rapidly, the Snipe even better than the Yellowlegs, Answering the call whistled with a queer shrill note. Neither species when approached ought concealing, that standing or some projecting and bent tilted up and down as if unhurt: when caught they uttered loud screaming note. Ac. maculata also flew singly or in twos uttering a strange guttural note, frequently keeping company with the Peeps, and lighting on the mud banks. All the Savallors [illegible] as abundant on the marsh coming and from the N. and passing out in other side of frequently if the weather be fair remaining a day or two; sometimes many birds all in sight at once, also Chimney Sterna, probably S. hiansdo on the pond in the forenoon. Ac. semipalmatus and Strix subularius as also frequent on the marsh, the formed not so much to as late, in the season. Saw also one Strig. entrepres flying through the marsh. July 30 Sunday. Saw nothing flying but Peeps and Ac. semipalmatus. Saw also one Anas ostrata and am told that they had seen his three weeks ago, July 31 Blue mist of day with an occasional shower, mild S. West. Small flight of G. fuscus v. N. griseus and a shot into a flock of the former brought no addition to two of that species a fine adult Me. bicanotopus. Watched a flock of N. griseus and G. fuscus feeding together
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Rye Beach, N.H. 18 1871 and was struck by the similar air motion of the former to th. isolated Gal/Mlsonii Aug. 9th Clear w/sw S.East wind Saw as many as a dozen large flocks of G. flavipes but few specimens of M. griseus. Large flocks of 'Peeps' also flew and I shot four A. maculata one of which was so fat as scarely to be able to fly. The G. flavipes are now nearly all birds of the year and very animated plumaged but I have not yet found any specimen of M. griseus in similar condition. This is a small nursery of N. Garden's &d spruces near back of the house, and the birds fly over to the marsh way right at dusk. Heard the first Pacer Pleur yesterday, probably S. Olearicea) I heard the first Actitisus Bartramius this evening about 9 clock flying over in the twilight. Aug. 2 Foggy in N.W. Scarly still with light mist from the S. East. Saw only one flock of G. flavipes The whole forenoon. Als and A. Bartramicus, and an immature Circus Hudsonicus beating about over th marshes. In P.M. several small flocks of G. flavipes passed through the marsh and discovered a very fine adult M. griseus. Saw also one of the large Phom and what I took to be S. canutus. On the beach saw several Cal. arnamia the first and a single specimen of S. interpres. Aug 3 Clear and very warm. Spent the forenoon over the marsh but saw nothing but a pair of S. maculata and a few Peeps. In P.M. saw a single M. griseus
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Rye Beach, N. H. 19 1871 Aug 4th A.M. clear with S. West wind. P.M. at 5 A.M. and went down on the marsh when I found a large flock of G. flavius Saw in the course of the morning about forty G. flavius, a few M. griseus and two Ar. vociferus in a flock of the former. Each falcybn is beginning to appear and I saw also two Aras obscura probably summer resident birds, P.M. cloudy with strong wind from the S. West probably too strong as a pinch flock only of G. flavius passed through the marsh. A very fine adult S. soterus was however seen. Aug. 5. Clear with West wind. Saw several flocks in the course of the day of G. flavius, and two birds that I took for Sain. canutus, that uttered a long piping whistle. Did not go down on the marsh at all to day. Aug 6th Clear with South wind; shifting to S.W. in P.M. and quite strong. A very large flight of G. flavius all day. One flock containing as many a thirty bird being observed. Saw also 2 few S. maculata and one A. Partamius bat on the marsh. Aug.7 A.M. clear. P.M. clear but cloudy around the horizon and threatening with very strong South wind. A very large flight of birds all day but especially between 5 and 8 A.M. and 3 and 6 P.M. principally G. flavius with a few Mac. griseus and Sym. sibilantato the first heard. Of small birds Ag oreol,
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20 1871. August. Page Beach, M. H. with the two species of Peeps, flew through the marsh all the afternoon in immense flocks, as many as six or seven hundred, being probably observed. Accompanying nearly every flock were four or five Petrotroma maculata, but had seen no separate flocks of that bird as yet. one bird of that species that hit among the decoys was so tame as to allow of an approach to within six feet before flying. They were unlike the M. numipalmatus did fly as readily by the whistling shot birds. The Swallows were all extremely abundant on the marsh S. lester and H. horum the most so (Progne subis abundand yesterday). They pass through all day flying Southward, but did early come our more stationary hovering about in all directions after insects. Aug. 8 Morning broke cloudy with, frequent changes from the S. West with strong wind till 10 A.M. up to which time the birds flew very well; nearly all were G. feldrus but the first? G. melanoleuca was observed. Saw only then N. grisius but the Peeps and A. sinuifalatus flew in immense numbers. On P.M. the wind held the sand but the weather clearing off the flight stopped entirely. Aug. 9 Clear with very strong West wind all day. G. feldrus flew in abundance all day for as many as twenty or eighty being observed. Early in the morning a great flock of
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Rye Beach, N. H. 21 1871. August. came through the marsh fighting a moment among the dews and several small flocks of A. Bonaparteii passed over. Two flocks (one by the other three) of Ahas Obseura came in from the S. and passed over to the Southward evidently migrants and the first yet observed, 5th P. M. shot a few Me. himantopus among a flock of G. flavus. Yesterday saw them A. Bonaparteii for the first time and to-day several more in company with Peepers. Aug. 10 Chas with very strong W. West wind all day, morning very cold th's falling as low as 50°. An immense flight of birds passed through commencing at about 6 A.M. and ceasing with it at 12 P. M. the wind veered around to the East but only one small flock of G. flavus passed over; probably as many as five or six hundred of G. flamula were seen in the early part of the day some- times as many as thirty or forty flying in one flock; these large companies paid little attention to the storks other than to pass over them down wind, flying in a large scattered flock. This has probably been the flight of the season and the day selected for it was apparently the worst possible. The flight of Peepers & An. sumptual was quite large but not so much so as on several former days. A flock of twelve or fifteen Arab Obseura passed in from
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Rye Beach, N. H. 1871 August. the sea over the marsh and in P.M., a fair pair of Anct Ch. atricilla, Dolichonyx orizivious has been flying in large flocks, for the last two or three day. This fall plumage is now complete, saw several feathering Ac. Bonapartei. Aug. 11. Clear with light wind from the S. East. A small flight of G. flavipes from 7 to 11 A.M. perhaps a half dozen small flocks passing through. Three G. melanoleucos came in land she killed a Semipetrius semiclimata and a Mac gribens both immature birds; the former came in to the drops without any hesitation. Two Mac himantopus ow immature, came over the marsh and were both shot. They resembled G. flavipes so close on the wing, that we took them for that bird: this note was however a trifle hasty. Aug. 12 Clear with S. East wind a warm. Two or three flocks of G. flavipes flew about morning and several more in the afternoon. Saw several flocks of Peeps and Pigs sun, but no flight of other birds. Over the beach saw a large flock of Cal. arenaia and quite a number of Ars. principalis. On the morning shot the first Dus. divors and saw a G. melanoleucus in a flock of the other species. Dolichonyx orizivious can grow passing continually in enormous flocks. Aug. 13. Clear and cool with N. East wind Dickarte go out but noticed large flocks of Peeps passing over, with an occasional
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Rye Beach, N.H. 23 1871, August. Blocks of G. flavipes, Nye. Garden-jack on the marsh was right coming in about dusk. Nearly all the wood birds hard and singing through I occasionally saw Larvina and fled. butiella, also Eclans cyanus up to yesterday morning. Sepanmuscar, is still common about the fiddy and apparently but few land birds have started as yet of their migration. Aug. 14 Clear and Still. Moderate wind from S. East in P.M. Only a few storking birds found through the marshall G. flavipes with the exception of one M. griseus. Large flocks of Peeps passed through the marsh in the forenoon; but them frequently light in small flocks on the Western side of a fence that runs through the marsh. Saw a wounded Tring macularius divers repeatedly, passing over the bottom at a depth of two or three feet and using its wingingly as adustine power; this may have been partly known because one of the leg was broken. Cirrus Hudsonia is now observed nearly every day beating leisurely through the marsh, but always apparently migrating, coming up from the North and passing out the lower side. Aug. 15. Clear and putty with light S.East wind. Scarce any birds bird, flew only nine or ten G. flavipes birds observed all day. The flight of Peeps was quite large especially did in the P.M. as fast they came through the marsh continually in blocks of twenty or more). Saw but few by ampulenta
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and have not observed a single Actola maculata or Acta Bartramius for four or five days. Saw only two Glandularum flying the day. At Amisim a fine adult specimen of Barns agnatus passed through the marsh. Early in the morning and numerous flocks of Dd, viridifus passed over high up toward the North, a sort of carder migration that I have noticed below this season in G. flavipes as well. Aug 16. A.M. cloudy with light showers from the S. West. Only a few small flocks of G. flavipes were observed through the day. species of Peeps flew in large flocks all the forenoon. About 12 M. the wind shifted to S. East, the sun came out and flocks of G. flavipes flew all the afternoon as many as thirty or forty birds passing through, but as this calm misty in small flocks and stayed unusually well, the greater part of them was secured. Saw also a single specimen of Strp. intrepus that came flying through the marsh with it, and swiftness and to pair and two single bird of Acta maculata. Saw two Columba torquatus. Aug. 17. Morning clear and very warm with light S. West wind. G. flavipes flew in abundance all day upwards of fifty birds observed. A Symphonia semi-fabula was also killed during our ready to the decoys. Early in the morning there was gift a flight of Acturus Bartramius, once by birds passing over high as usual. A duck described to me as Marcelle America and called by the
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sportsman (Mr. John Dodol) a Bald eagle was shot near my decoys this afternoon. Aug. 18th Morning clear and cold with wind from the North all night. At about sunrise two Geal were seen on the pond and two (Divers divers) secured (Mr. Neil Davis). Only one G. flaviipes and a few small flocks of Geese were observed during the morning and forenoon but about 3 P.M. a very strong S. Eastward wind spring up and a flock of about ten G. flaviipas accompanied by them G. melanoleuca came into the marsh: Later another G. melanoleuca with a G. flaviipes and a solitary Ar. maculata Aug. 19th Clear and cool with strong Westerly wind. Early in the morning at daybreak more G. flaviipes flew and the first Stinga Canutus was killed, an adult male in the full breeding plumage. A minimum of Spatula vulpina was also shot on the Eel pond; a young female in good plumage: it was worthiness near the grassy margins and was easily approached which was perhaps accounted for by the facts that both eyes were much obscured by or white skin like process that was fast destroying the poor birds sight. In the afternoon a large flock of perhaps a dozen G. flaviipes passed through. Aug. 20th Chas. Very cold in A.M. the thermometer falling to probably 50 deg. At daylight we discovered a flock of nine Divers divers on the pond, and as it was Sunday they were unassisted for a long time. Through the forenoon they remained in nearly the
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Page Beach, N. H. 26 1871 August From Plan, searching for food on the bottom with tails and feet elevated above the surface. At about noon they were joined by four Anas obscura which fed with them for an hour or more until they were fed into from the shore; one Boaf and two Ducks were killed but the farms after a few whelings flights lit in the period again fast burn/ finally drove off, passing out high in air to the Southward: in an hour or two however they returned and wheeling over pond robeden decoys two or three lit for a moment but finally followed the rest of the flock which frighted was the charging and curying this heads on their feathers all about apparently to sleep: how they passed the afternoon occasionally taking short flights and settling again. The fight of "Plops" was truly surprising; a strong SEar wind Springing up in B. M. the framed through the marsh in cloud, some flocks, of at least a hundred Lin. Starred. Perhaps to dozen G. flavipes were also seen and strangely enough four or five N. grisea came through our complex angles. Dohy. orizovous is getting glut ocasa. Aug. 21 Cloudy with rain from S. West in morning, and strong cold wind from East in the afternoon. Early in the morning the flock of Geal seen yesterday was discovered still on the pond but was frightened out. Two N. grisea and one G. flavipes only were seen. A very heavy flight of Plops
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Rye Beach, N.H. 27 1871. August. passed through in the forenoon Aug. 22nd Clear and warm; stiff East wind in P.M. At about sunset found two Lms discors sitting over my dicery and killed them both (both S). Saw a small flock of fin or six G. flavipes in the morning and about noon two Nec. griseus accompanied by a St. intefus In P.M. there was a most extraordinary flight of Peeps over a hundred bars frequently seen in a flock; upon shooting a number I found the two species, viz. the proportion of about nine Gs. petrificatus to one Nc. dominula, whereas two weeks ago it was precisely the reverse. The dominula also flew in small flocks and I was quite certain that I detected Pin. suffenus in a pair of birds that flew about out of gunshot, uttering a slender whistle entirely distinct from the grating croaking note of Nc. dominula which they otherwise emitted. Aug 23 A.M. clear and very cold with but little wind; saw but two G. flavipes and much to my surprise one Seal. On the back was a flock of Cal. arenaria feeding in a clm body with heads down followed by very numerous gowd). The Seadaws after the first glints of light still came into the marsh from the South end, and brally about by hundreds close to the tops of the tall grass: when their morning meal is finished and the sun rises, they collect on some fence rail sitting close together in
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28 1871 August long rows. About one or two G. flavipes. (Perhaps a dozen) and several Mac grises flew through the marsh. The grass is now being mown and the Peep are getting thicker and thicker every day. Did not go out in the afternoon but I think that there was no flight. Aug. 24. Heavy rain from the S. West all the night; stopped raining about 5 A.M. when I went down on the marsh. I saw a flock of about twenty G. flavipes accompanied by nearly fifty Peeps drove through and, a discharge of both barrels seemed gun one of which proved to be Mic. himantus. Several others G. flav were also shot and our Mac. grises in various plumage). All the G. flavipes are now young with none than one or a dozen being adult and all are very fat indeed earlier in the season it was seldom that I took one in good condition. In the forenoon I pulled out to me about a quarter of a mile and found rather to my surprise, Thalassodromus Wilmot quite abundant and was informed by the fishermen that there or few miles but they were very numerous and tame coming frequently so near as to be knocked down with this oars. Saw also Sturnus hirundo or macronura, and Chara agrestis, most of the latter adults. On a rocky point saw five or seven Strix intush and several flocks of Cal. arenaria. For the P.M., there was a small flight of 2 flavipes with a few G. melanotus.
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Page Beach, N. H. 1871 Aug. 25. Morning broke cloudy and damp with a light wind from the S. SWst. By 9 A. M. the sun came out and the wind for the rest of the day was very light at times almost dying out. The day was about the hottest of the season. A very large flight of birds commenced at daybreak and lasted without intermission through the day: although probably not nearly so many flew as on the 16th yet they were so total and came into the dreeys as well, that one bag was much larger than on that day, counting up to sixty large birds. G. flavius of course represented the largest part of the flight but to our surprise M. griseus also flew in great numbers and flocks of fifteen or twenty big birds; all these beyond event in the immature plumage. I'm sorry every flock of G. flavius was two or three G. melanoleuca, then always taking the lead and forming within a square from three great fumes; they however came in rapidly enough to the decoy if my person was well concealed. Brotteromus maculata were unusually abun- dant flying for the most part singly or in pairs though we saw one flock of eight or ten. M. Bonapartei was also rather frequent perhaps a dozen being observed, and I took my first Sain rubescens a single bird in company with A. maculata. Three or four Bqr. Helvetica came through the marsh and then was a good flight overhead of Ac. Batrarius the first saw for some time. Early in the morning a large Cirlow which
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30 1871 August. Rye Beach, N. H. I took for N. longirostris grassed our high, uttering a loud almost shrieking note. The flight of Peeps and A. Semipalmatus has been truly extraordinary for the last three or four days, frequently thousands passing through in the course of a few hours. Saturday morning a single specimen of Chroicocephalus bimaculatus was secured, a young bird in the gray plumage. Of large birds probably about 250 were observed during the day, heard the migrating Red-winged Auc. Aug. 26. Cloudy with cold N. East wind and driving sleet and rain. Early in the morning but very few flocks were seen. For the found forty or thirty large birds flew off stripes and G. cullant. In about four numbers, one flock of six of the latter being observed. I saw Noe. spines was also seen. In P.M. only a few stragglers were seen, but Parula Aves Obscura (can) in and after a most careful stalk I secured two of them. The Peeps flew to day in greater numbers than air, and in much clouds did they come that it would be utterly impossible to compute this number; thus largest flocks are nearly always led by a dozen or more A. Semipalmatus. The beach this year is made barren of birds only a few insignificant flocks having so far been seen there. There as an very day getting snow abundant over the bean.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 31 1871 August Aug. 21. A.M. foggy clearing off at noon P.M. very warm with almost a hurricane wind from the South. Early in the morning a few large birds, [illegible] G. mellonoleuca saw been, not over a dozen in all. In the afternoon there was absolutely no flight at all. Only a few insignificant flocks of Peeps also saw during the day. Aug 25. Clear and cool. Wind from the North. During the forenoon very strong from the S. East in P.M. Before breakfast saw two small flocks of G. flavipes four M. gregarius and a flock of about ten A. maculata. In the forenoon about fifteen G. flavipes and V. prillaurena passed through the marsh. In the afternoon a fine information Trin. fasciatus I came down among the dreys and was shot (by Mr. B. [illegible]) as was also the first Charadrius Virginius, a single bird that lit on the marsh. On the afternoon beat for Woodcock about half way up to Elyria and after trying all kinds of ground finally flushed two in a large cornfield on a dry, gravelly hillside; the ground was however quite moist from last night's rain. Then only a few flocks of Peeps. Aug 29th Cloudy and calm. Dull warm with a shower from the S. West about noon. Went out before breakfast but saw only three A. maculata. In the forenoon two or three G. flavipes & G. mellonoleuca passed through. After the rain a flock of four Anas observara was discovered on the pond.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 32 1871 August The Peeps have suddenly disappeared yesterday I saw not more than twenty or thirty and to day perhaps four or five single birds. Anmodromus candaentus is rather rare on the marsh; after the grass was cut they sought shelter in the few scanty beds of reeds that were left. Aug. 30. A.M. cloudy, with strong wind from the S. East. Noon clear. P. M. heavy shows from the S. West. About sunrise four G. flavipes came into the marsh and later a single M. grisea. In the forenoon a single G. flavipes, and in the afternoon five passed. Several Sturno hirundo were driven in by a heavy fog and one settling among my Mall decays was shot. I heard last night a few Dol. origgiva immigrating but the flight has apparently passed thus as it did long since I have seen a flock of any size. Saw during the day not more than four or five Peeps and as many Ans. semipalmatus. Thringivis macularius is getting quite scarce. Saw a single At. Berlepartus. Aug. 31. Clear and cool with strong West wind. About sunrise two Lws. decors came into the pond and shortly settled among my Seal decoys. Not that appears to be in my stand however they soon flew to another part of the pond and I chased them for my boat for some time in vain.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 1871 Sept. 1 morning two G. flavipes came through. Through the day saw nothing but a few Peeps. In the afternoon saw an immense flight of Chordillas pupurea passing South, probably several hundreds, flying in a large won flock of nearly a mile in length. Sept. 1 Clear and cool with North wind shifting to N. East in the afternoon. At daybreak found two flocks of Dun. divers on the Old pond or rather the overflowed marsh adjoining it; one flock contained about twenty, and the other seven birds. The larger flock was approached by a Mr. [illegible], who sculled his boat some within about twenty five yards without the slightest alarm, and when fired into, the other flock which was feeding a few hundred yards off did not fly. The first flock broke on end, left the pond at once but four falling from the smaller flock the remaining three flew only about two hundred yards off and were easily approached in a boat and secured; one of them proved to be an immature Spatula clypeata. Later in the morning another flock of four came into this pond. At sunset a flock of four G. flavipes passed through and still later four G. melanoceua and a single Ac. maculata. A flight of Peeps also started, five or six large flocks being observed on the forenoon as well as a few Fig. Semipalmatus.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 34 1871 Sept. 2. An immature Circus Hudsonicus and a Bhy. solitarius now also seen. (Sept.) Sept. 2nd. Clear and cool with North wind. At daybreak three Lur. diuers came into the pond but were too shy to be approached. I shot an immature Halia herudias, one of two that had on the shore of the pond and allowed me to row up in an open boat without the slightest care to within forty yards. Found two Vermicines Hudsonicus on the sea wall. They were quite tame and unsuspicious till one was shot when the other continued for a long time flying about just out of range and uttering a whistle of them for four million notes, finally it hit and sank with great swiftness to the top of a small shrub where it remained in an upright form until frightened by my approach. In the afternoon started on the road for home reaching Amesbury Mass that night. Saw a J. pallad' in Hampton, nestling of Sarpanus Carolin, apparently starting for this flight, and a flock of seven thousand Swallows settling on the telegraph wires at Seabrook (The Swallows on the Rye beach marsh are fast leaving but I saw this morning representatives of the four species still remaining) (Sept. 3 Sunday at Amesbury) Sept. 4 Clear and a hot day. Door to
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Massachusetts. 1871 September Cambridge in the forenoon. At Harvard hard Vireo flavifrons in full song and several V. githus Long Island - Boston harbor "Sept. 3 Clear still and hot with a South wind in P.M. This was the largest flight of birds hitherto seen that has been seen for many years. Several persons who were enthusiasts told me that it would have been easy to have killed 100 Phalaris Virginica and the smaller birds, Peeps &c. [illegible] &c. Two Trin. rufescens and a Numenius borealis were taken. Strup. antarctus was also abundant. H. Eustace" "Sept. 7 Only a few flocks of Ch. Virginicus flew. Peeps and bower in abundance all over the island, even lighting up on the hilly pastures. Two St. Bonapartii now also heard," (R. Dams) Speeswick Mass. Sept. 9 Clear with South wind; sharp white frost in the night. On the beach found muthbirds of Cal. arenaria, probably clear or eight hundred being seen altogether. A large flock of Strup. antarctus, as single Tringa canutus, and three or four St. Bonaparti were also seen. For the marshes a single Gam. melanoleuca, a flock of two Ch. Virgin and two Numenius borealis and a very few Peeps were seen. Over the sea Lards argentatus both adult and immature, and a few
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Marston's Mills, Barnstable Co., Mass. 36 1871 October Sturna hirundo (a macroura) was seen. The great event of the day was the capture of a very broken Sturna Caspica that had come ashore on the beach and we were afterwards much delighted to see several of the big fellows fishing a short distance out, and coming down with the two Stern plungers; perhaps a dozen were seen altogether. Coming back along the beach saw a flock of about twenty Adox ferodias sitting in the beach, something Mr. Marshland tells me altogether unique for that place. Heard probably the last Dol. originous. Centerville Cape Cod. Oct. 17 Arrived here this evening at 1.30 and stayed three days shooting up with Mr. Sidney Baxter whom we found a most kind and obliging host. Our first day Oct. 18th we killed only six Rail and three Snipe; this bird has most singular habits; we were informed by several reliable persons that they were abundant all through the winter along the edge of the salt marshes, when fresh springs could force the ground. We found them almost dearshaft, frequently flushing them at the same time with Astragalus onocotata and Siringa alpina which lay in the way; I saw him for the first time after its birth was a smaller tweet any like that of the Rail. The English Snipe also found in little pond holes only a few rods square in the midst of the woods. The second day we took a town, inland course: shot down 27 Rail and three
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Marston's Mills, Barstable Co., Mass. 1871 October Buffled grouse! the latter are much tamer here than at home frequently lying well out in open cover: upon shooting one down in a little glade in the woods a small hawk (Acipara?) stooped down apparently to pick it up when I shot him with the other barrel. The Quail on the Cape are all destroyed on the same winter of 1866-7 and the past year 500 were brought from Chicago and let out and from them came the present stock. Colaptes auratus and Sturnus, oragna are abundant; the farms as at H. Harris's broods in ice boxes. Landore, etc. we can frequently study them from the old weed grown fields and rye stubbles. The third day Oct. 26 being very windy we had but poor sport killing by Quail only and two Buffled grouse. Capriflora cuspidata is found on the island of Marshon's lighter five miles off and quahog grains have been turned out here but have not been either harmed from. I shot a Pelus albus that probably came from the North as its feathers were rather stained and two Brachypterus Cox, that I startled from a sandy beach over the shore. Bubo Virgin is common and breeds here; Goots do not fly in a peregratorial migration here as on the East coast but bed down during the Autumn in the Vineyard sounds. Shad shoot many ducks with deep trained gallops to drift back and forwards on the shore. Some thirty years ago Captain Baxter shot two large wild white Swans on a pond that he showed us: this out bears any nicer. Oct. 21st left for home this morning.
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38 1872 Ornithological and sporting journal 1872 Jan. 2 Obtained a Muscus serrator in the market with sketches of black coming just about the head and was much surprised to find on dissection that it was a ?. Jan. 3 At a meeting of the Boston Soc. Nat. History last evening I was appointed assistant to Dr. Brewer on birds. Jan. 10 A specimen of Shrenella magua was obtained by B. Ward on the Belmont meadows from a flock that always goes there: it had the black cravat really pure as new spring, "12 Saw two S. migratorius (a single Am. cidzorum) near a cedar grove on Belmont hill: this is the earliest spring date I have of the latter but I think it probable that they all there have continued there although this will soon be an orfury of birds N. Jan. 13 Found in the market three or four "Harlda glacius new, that came in with some Whistlers" from Providence R.I. Jan. 14 drove over to Brooklawn for S.M. with Mr. J. Nestit and with him called on I was introduced to Mr. E. A. Boardman: found him a three small nervous man, plain but a perfect gentleman without. He informed me that he has found Cow. lucostilia breeding both in winter & summer that Col. purigina is always common through the summers that D. castanea breeds sparingly while D. tigrina
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Massachusetts. 39 1872 is uncertain, some years abundant in the breeding seasons but others quite rare (Calais Me.) He starts for Florida to missouri and showed us a very fine looking English sparrow that he wished to sell for $ 30.00 Jan. 17 finished the identification of a box of Potentias belonging to the Soc. They have skins of some British species, some of them very inter- esting all from Guatemala (or S. Baltimore) S. Opicus are both found there. Jan. 18 The winter birds are beginning to become more common, evidently having already begun to move N. R. Ducks and Tural (Species to day in abundance), P. monticola Parus atr. Coramua cris, two Phil, melvolia) a Collyria bonas . For the past month birds have been scarcer than I ever saw them before. Jan. 20 Found a bunch of six Zenadurus bcc. in the market from Halton Ind. also two Sturnula magna, very dark plumaged from the same locality. Jan. 22 Saw a large flock of Corvus Anu feeding on the ice in the garden, have seen them at intervals through the winter. Saw a Lamsa a gentatus sail down to the ground drop his foot and alight along his wings without a single flap.
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40 Massachusetts. 1872 Jan. 24 In the market looked over a box of [illegible] from Baltimore, containing M. serrator Videmia An, and Haralda glacialis. Jan. 25 In a bunch of duck from Cape Cod found a dozen or more Videmia An in all phases, the young & streaked with black, also three or four Melanitta vetulina imm. and du. Haralda glacialis. In the afternoon worked up a number of Picidae that I had been unable to identify at home, from a fine French monograph on the Woodpeckers by Malherbe. Afterwards went over to the Sec. rooms with Dr. Brown and opened many of the cases of mounted birds. Found many interesting opinions from examination of these representative species. Concluded that Picus Harrisii was only a race of P. villinos and P. Gardenii or P. pubescens. P. Walthalli is undoubtedly good and P. scalaris may be distinct from it but it looked suspiciously like a young male of that species. Jan. 26 In the market found some fine X & M. serrator some Som. mollissima, and several Boreothala An. or B. Islandica or all from Cape Cod. Bought a S. M. serrator a o S. mollissima at $37 and an Antitips head for 1.00. " 28 Took a walk up through Watertown this morning and in spite of a constant fall of snow saw quite a number of birds. Back of the Cemetery was thickets saw a fine Bntw female so light colored above that he looked quite distinct: followed him about for some time to get quite near him several times; and he sailed over a small company
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Middlesex County, Mass. 41 1872, January 28. of Blue Jays which scatted in great alarm in all directions but when he lit in a great oak near by several of them followed him perching above him. Did the jays near the asparagus bed come across a small flock of Spizella passerine all sitting perfectly silent & erect while on the lower branches of an apple tree with the feathers on the summit raised and the tail forward and drooping the head drawn nearly out of sight between the shoulders presenting altogether a picture of perfect war & dispondency harmonizing well with the louring sky and thickly falling snow. In contrast with these I caught aland on a flock of Cyanus cristata with one Colaptes auratus, full of life & spirits; the latter bird I have no doubt has wintered with us as usual though I have not been out enough to see it. Here I also saw a single J. melizatorius sitting silent & still on a tall tree and afterwards two more came down with a few feble notes and sat near the asparagus bed; a little later they will be abundant here). A flock of Parus atricapillus accompanied by a Birdthir And, were feeding in a cedar grove and after whistling & few brown one of the males commenced his ambitious "le derry". See Bush pond grove saw a flock of thirty or more Chrysophris tristis that has entered there feeding in a birch tree. Saw also a small flock of Cbrinus Amm, A large flock of James hymalis was been in the grove by R. Dean last Friday Jan 26th. In the afternoon went down to see J.H. Allen for the first time since his return; found R. Dean there and stayed about two hours. Among other interesting facts he told one that on the Kansas plains he found Baptus
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42 1872 Jan. - Feb. Massachusetts. immature breeding in holes bored by the bird in perpendicular cliffs, and Zenaida Ca. bringing on the ground on the lawn perches in great numbers. He read us a letter from Cory, that surprised me much; he says that both he and Prof. Baird are convinced of the truth of Mr. Allard's conservative theories in regard to the non validity of many N.A. Birds and mammals, as species, and that in this future publication they propose to strike out upwards of a hundred species of N.A. Birds: a great triumph. for S.N.A. Jan. 30th Saw a fine adult Haliaetus leucocephalus in the market shot at Springfield Mass with the white tail feathers edged and tipped with dark brown but could not all to purchase it at any price. Jan. 31 In a barrel of ducks fresh from Norfolk I found the following species Athya Pallidior, Anas Du, [illegible] cauta, Anas obscura, Bernicla Ca in numbers: Fulica collaris a female and Eizacture subula a male in the second year, with a white patch on the cheeks. Feb. 1 In the afternoon went down to the Soc rooms and with Dr. Brewer made a catalog of the mounts Picidae Found several specimens through labelled, Saw Piers Harrisii, and P. Phillippii, the latter is very like the g. P. villosus with a washing of green in the white of the lids of the occiput. " 6 In the afternoon went down to the Soc rooms & unpacked a box of birds from J. Shunklin Wis. Among them was the so called Bernicla frontalis it looked very much like an immature B. althieri, He sent also two fin & Euracus ordianus male a g both Philadelphia, and a g Charoin agilis taken in May: it did not appear to differ much from my
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Massachusetts. 1872 February full adults though perhaps a shade more asky on the crown. Saw also among the Soc. plain Pipilo erythrophthalmus, differ from ours by having the scapulars white; do not think it good. I also saw a pair of Camp. Parvillus taber in this. It was so near Brattle that I could not see any difference. Feb. 7. Received my first letter from C. J. Mcphee, dated Black Spring 4th. He writes that Prof. Baird now considers his Electrolyx Birdi as another or a new species. Larus acutatus has been abundant all winter and continues so, among the whippings on the harbor. "8. In the afternoon went down with H. W. Kershaw to see Alvin Western's collection, of which we examined about half before I dark. Found many of them extremely interesting as peculiarly colored forms of our ordinary Eastern species and many others good specimens and rare in collections. He had Actolornis Bairdi in rather different plumage from Alvis' Eastern specimen, a strange bird like Pseudacra or Bachman's I think, and strangely washed Sparrow possibly own (Poe. belli as leftwards determined) "9. A large lot of ducks in the market from Cape Cod, among them two Herkies affinis which I was not before aware printed here. Anas obscura is sent in all through the winter from the same locality. Among a large bunch of Electrophorus cirrhulus in the market found many of the males in nearly summer plumage with hardly a trace of crown angularion, and the heads only faint white. In the afternoon took a drive back into Belmont and over the
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44 1872 Feb. 12 Middlesex County, Mass... Watertown Dayton place saw a flock of 16 I. migratorius flying; a little further on saw a Collins brebis! The Pet on the topmost twig of a walnut tree directly over a Red squirrel, and every time the latter moved, looked down at him in a frightened way, nervously half-fanning his wings. Saw also a large flock of Sphy. modestula and a fine Buteo borealis in the Elmbridge Cemetery; the latter I tried to shoot but the shrill billy frightened him and he started before I got within range. Feb. 12 A perfect winter day, warm clear and still, which I spent among the birds. Started off with my collecting gun just after breakfast time. Over through the Cemetery where I started my old friend the Buteo borealis from the identical branch on which he sat both times before and discovered the attraction of this spot in an opening ditch of open water probably rich in rats; made a trap for him baited with a dead mouse. On "the farm" found a flock of three Amphispiza, a flock of fair Junco hyemalis, Cyanura cristata (Brown New), Sphy. modestula and Lams atricapillus. Along Mt. Auburn fence saw several Melospiza mel., and heard one warbling in a faint constrained tune, its spring song. Two Cuthia Am. I found on shooting was a pair; when one got separated any distance the other sends quite shriekers about it, uttering loudly pse-pse pse; creep, which being answered it flew to the foot of a neighboring tree & running up within a number of low congratulatory cots. When they found out watching that they would remain perfectly motionless & silent for many minutes looking like a set of brown larks, heard one or two
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A bright day in the woods 45 1872 Feb. 12 Middleby County, Mass. Watertown. Chrysometris tristis and a flock of blue jays, flying out high, coming from every way of the pond; some three or four S. Dingestruds running on the snow on the edge of a cider grove also a single Spar, Admiral on a neighboring tree. Shot a pair of Vitta Carolinaensis in very fair plumage; they kept up a continual calling to one another in alarm, two uttering many notes so softly modulated that they were nearly audible beyond a few yards; many of them quite pleasing, every now and then the usual grating hank hank hank would be given. When dusk watched like the creepus, they remained perfectly immovable with the exception of an occasional quick turn of the head but on hearing them a short time I found two or my stand as busy and noisy as ever. When two was shot the 3 showed much satisfaction until he too, got the saw fet. The attachment in this species without com- timeres for life as you find them always in pairs at all seasons; with S. Cane I think it is different as far as my observations can goes. Got in about 3.30 P.M. with ten birds, having had a most enjoyable day; in the early part of the forenoon made a pretty shot at a Blue Jay as he flew over my head. On the afternoon cleaned five or six birds. Harison Spices was observed all during this morning. Feb. 13 Barns aquetatus comes up into the basin, whenever the ice breaks up at all, especially at high tide. This morning about hundred men fishing for the garbage that forms their principal food. Sitting on the ice anding a small group of two or three crows with which they kept up continual strife opening their wings and
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46 1872 February running at them in a curious manner; in the air the Crows had rather the better of it however, chasing the Bulls without any difficulty. This species (E. argentatus) fishes in the following manner: flying about the height of perhaps thirty feet above the surface, the moment they perceive anything in the water beneath, they suddenly join themselves in the air remaining in one spot for many seconds with quickly flapping wings; then with a graceful sweep which gradually to the water beneath and as they pick up with their bills drop this fat into the water trailing them for a few feet as they rise. While poising I have often times seen them shake themselves violently with a single quick perpendicular flap of the wings. End of the Belmont flock of Star Maguas has been to day by R. Dean's farm. 14 Saw a Sharp duck in the market to day from the Cape; it was of the St. Marile type very large & black. " 18 Saw several large flukes of A. cedronum flying over our yard during the day. Heard about several Maguas Saturday " 22 A cold windy day, this falling to 8 by mast. Took the first train for Concord with Charlie and Mr. Gardner Farley. Found Jins at the hotel and immediately started crossing White Bridge and striking North for Hardbards Inn; how we started three Setafu umbrellas, and I opened at hard brush shot: just before this as we came through a small alder thicket a Rabbit started, and I killed him. Soon afterwards Charlie & I became separated from Gino & Farley, and kept
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Concord, Massachusetts 47 1872. Feb. 22. a through the woods due North till we came in sight of the town of Carle[illegible]: then striking West about north or West across our friends again in fifty acre meadow we having killed each a Grouse and thus can do with the rabbit. Jim now took the lead and brought us shortly into a perfect paradisi for game: rabbits continually hopping up and Partridges thick as I ever saw them before. Charlie & I fired about an equal number of times but my chances abjured better and accordingly my misses were more inexcusable: by 2 P.M. I had fired all my cartridges killing a Grouse with my last shot. Mr. Harley being now completely tired out, lent us his Gaus (or loader) hand Jim and I struck obliquely for broom while he and Charlie took the straight road for Concord. I fired three more shots but did not kill with either. We crossed the river to Woods hill, then finding to find anything there, shouldered our guns and got into C. by 4:30 P.M. after a very hard day's tramp. She bag was: E. Castust, Rabbits 3, Grouse 1, Geese 2, J. C. Malvin, Grouse 1, Rabbit 1, S. Farley, Rabbit 2. W. Burritt, Grouse 2, Rabbits 3. Total Grouse 4, Rabbits 9, Squirrel 1. I found in all twenty-eight shots & Charlie more or less anyway. We started by actual count forty Grouse and even more than half as many Rabbits. The walking in the woods was very bad in many places the snow being six to eight inches deep with a thick crust. In the open meadows the ground was much bare. For birds I saw several flocks of Cyanusca cris. (as one of them a Coptes aratus).
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48 1872 February Two Piers pulascus, a Corticium and several can- paris of Spizella mont. Laurus atricapillus and one or two large flock of The. arivalis which with a few Crows and Bomasa umbellus spotted up some species. Feb 23 H. Dean went down to Chelsea beach where he found hundred of the. minuts, several males out of about a dozen they were in very perfect plumage with perfectly black and white plumage on the wings, but so was the common plumage formed as then I saw in the marsh a few weeks ago; the remainder are of the ordinary color but varied more than the large birds I took last winter. He saw multitudes of Laurus agensatus and repeatedly observed them take up large muscle shells high into the air and dropping them on the beach to break them following them quickly down and fasting on the opposed animal. He also observed large flocks of ducks probably Coots. 23 For the wood-shut found a very small snake Accipiter fuscus taken on Cape Cod, it was in perfectly adult plumage, the upper parts a uniform fine shiny blue color; for the stomach found the partially masticated main to of a Spig. montesta including the bill and legs and in the crop a cleanly plucked Ram's sheep, the intestinal portions of which were filled with large tapeworms about 1 1/4 inch long and apparently all dead. 26 Took the 8.15 barn car for Chelsea beach with H. A. Burdy, and arriving there at 9.30, found only a very few bird on the beach compared with the number seen the 23rd by R. Dean.
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River Beach, Mass. 1872 Feb. 28 49 Probably on account of the raging N. wind that howled all day and prevented their landing in so exposed a situation. What few we found were at high water along the bridge of heaps up air, and in a small weed-grown garden back of the hotel; none (we started at flock) of thirty or more. They were all remarkably shy, landing being evidently much harder and unless great caution was used would not permit an approach more than 100 yds. from single birds showing surprising wariness. We saw a few large geese attempt to go tackling against the wind but every one stumbled on the beach. In a little shrub swamp back from the road we found a M. fulvia, and in a thicket of alders fifteen or own feet high forward about an acre of Ayglais phoenicea, about two feet from the ground which in summer should have been completely shaded by the trees above, a situation quite unique. Mr. Bartin finding the cold unbearable we returned at 1:30 getting home by 3:00 P.M. A night before migratory fowls seen for Cambridge by T. Dand. Amphi. calcarata is remarkably abundant this winter, W.D. Scott taking 95 in two days last week; I see or more than near every day around our place. The following is a list of the ducks taken on our Mass coast this winter as found in the markets. Anas formosa, plentiful from the Cape every week, Bucephala islandica, most frequent from the coast two adults & Blaind. " " American sent into the market in large numbers nearly every day (203)
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Massachusetts. 1872 Buccinula albesa, a few specimens the greater part of them J in full development, sent in from the Cap. July affinis, a few sent in at intervals from the cap; several of them were of the S. male type Somateria mollissima, moderate numbers mostly from the Cap. " " spectabilis. Somateria spectabilis, two specimens early in the winter from Point Shirley. Mergus serrator, very abundant in the market " Anserinus, their numbers in proportion to the preceding in the market, are about one in twenty; adults of both species occasionally seen. Mlanetta velutina, large numbers sent in with immature bills. Oidemia Americana, several large lots put up at intervals during the winter, both adult and young; (did not detect a single specimen of Pelonita furcellata among heaps of the two preceding species but met on different occasions from various localities on the coast.) From Chesapeake Bay and received all through the winter Atyga obscura, A. bischoffii D. acuta, Marea Americana, Athys vallinaria N. Americana Ptilula chrynota, B. subrida, Branta Canadensis, B. lutea. Mar. 4. Broke at 6 and took a tramp up through Marlton Sound the Pentio Brasili
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Watertown, Mass. 51 1872 March 4, 8 in his accustomed place in the Cemetery with a large flock Cyanus cristata, a few hundred yards off mimicking the sounds of his cousin (B. Linatura; as frightened at my approach he took flight and sailed over the busy throng, the screams were followed with a taunting and slightly mocking inflection. Through the infiltration was very perfect. On "the farm," found a very large flock of St. cedronum fifty or more, and a company of about a dozen Turdus migratorius; saw members of native birds of the latter species at different points, and heard a 3 practising the singing song on a faint warbling tone; saw also Caloptilus curavus and the very frequent Parus atricapillus. Killed a dozen St. cedronum at a shot and a single Parus atricapillus, and got back to the house by 9.30; of the farm only then possessed the paper apparatus on the wings. Mar. 8 After coming out from the city went up on "the farm." Found a flock of Amygdi ad. and about twenty J. migratorius on the cypress bud and that one of the latter, a 9 Papus pubescens and a 9 Parus atricapillus; all the both taken this winter, are very pale. Coming home through the country came across a Colirio orbatia, that was feeding on an Aridaula simplex; and upon firing a long shot at him he dropped it; in flying he carried it in his bill with his head slouched forward as though he found it a heavy burden. Afterwards fired another shot but knew not for some unaccountable reason aimed. Got home by dark with them birds.
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Watertown, Mass. 1872 March 9, 18 Mar. 9 Rose at 7 o'clock and took a tramp up through Watertown. Found several flocks of N. colusmon on the farm and fire four shots (5-5-4-4) killed 18 one of them with curious white spots on the primaries and two with red on the tails. Saw about thirty P. migratoria, and shot one. Held the first Song Sparrows of spring singing vigorously at intervals of half a minute or more. Many of the Robin men also singing but in that peculiar warbling undulation peculiar to both this bird and N. Rubicola before the time opening of the song season) Saw four Silver sparrows about as thin had been more thin on the farm through the winter, have no doubt but they have begun working up from the North. Saw also a Colaptes and shot a junco by in smutting condition all covered with his feathers. In the afternoon took a ride and saw two Phj. monticola; they are however very scarce now as the birds continue forth we have begun to move North. 19 For the last ten day the weather has been very cold and wintry the ther not rising much above freezing at noon or 7 at night falling often to 10. Should light fall I snow. March 14 N. M. Henshaw thought he heard a Sialia sialis but another spring birds have been detected. Went up on the farm this morning with Honey but shot only a single Panus Strigip. Saw a flock of about (a dozen) junco hyemalis some of the 3 singing though their notes were not quite perfect. Amphilis edwmon is quite lean and
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Middlesex County, Mass. 1872 March 22, '25 Why probably from our shooting so many iow now more this morning. Saw a number of Y. migratorius the Yankees shoot them freely; have also seen Democrats do the same. March 22 3 in the afternoon while taking a ride in Belmont Brown across a flock of flies Sialis sialis the first that had been seen. They were fluttering about among some back thorn bushes on the south side of a hill and I don't must had been there a week or more; I heard no note from them save an occasional almost incredible squeak. I shot one which was in good condition with the testicles developed to their fullest size. The weather continues very warm and we have literally had no luck this ypt of winter. March 25- Heard the note of a Phalaropus tricolor repeated several times as the bird passed overhead in a N direction. In the afternoon took a ride up through Belmont with Huns. J.C. and was delighted to come across a flock of about 25 A. phoenicurus with a few D. merikensis sprinkled in, Brookfield & several of them turning caps on chorus and at the same time a Robin and a neighboring tree uttering one of its oblique spring call notes, made up a effect devout pleasing, and ornithological. With considerable trouble I stalked the flock and getting a long shot wounded two Beld wings one of which I got. They were feeding at the time in an old corn field and here I also put up eight Dovel but would not shoot them. There has evidently been quite a migration of Robins
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54 1872 March 26-27 Middlesex County, Mass. as we saw them daily in the open fields at many points. Haliaeetus was also seen by several this morning. Coming down from Belmont spied a Batis leucotis sitting in an apple tree and Harry driving past him he started about 100 yds off and came directly up to within about 50yds, but as the horn was not stopped quickly enough he got about 40 before I fired & escaped with the loss of a charm of feathers. I was very much chagrined as it was a very fine adult bird showing very rich color on the upper parts. March 26 A fine adult Melanospiz mythrocephalus was shot by a Mr. Lee this morning in the oak grove back of Bunkers on Smith Pond; a singular form for so far a summer resident to appear here but an undoubted one as I saw the bird in the flesh a few hours after its death at Goodale's. About forty Haliaeetus all typical 'marila' came in to the market this morning for the Capr, 11 27 The weather thus far has been cold and stormy but to day there was a slight break and the this rose to 40°F. In the P.M. took a ramble through the swamps to Belmont. Shot five Chickadees, Song Sparrow. M. melodica was quite frequent along the brisky stream courses and Anthroctus sang two I. onigratatus Several Thraellula majorae these however probably winter us. Saw also some Musk rats on the Belmont brook and just at sunset as I was putting along towards home two M. melodica stuck up their chanting songs. In market examined about 90 Buphalos from the Dabec Rapids and contrary to my expectations
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Middlesex County, Mass. 1872 March 30, Apr. 3 Concord River. did not find a single typical islandica among them nor indeed any approach to that type. Out of the whole number at least 9/10 even adult males some of them however showing traces of bronze on the green of the head; the other 1/10 were mostly opacutera shades with only one or two o. One examining a large series of females in another lot from this State I found some with terminal bend bronilla without band or great courts; others with with the dusky yellow bill of B. Americana had the courts banded quite conspicuously. Mar. 30 Attended a picnic at Concord last night, starting with the P's. After breakfast strolled down to the river and heard the first full spring chorus of red notes Blue birds, Regilbins pheo. Sol. turdigenius and Molesthus proving the last two new arrivals. Saw also a flock of Sheldraks at the boat lady fishing in the river. April 3. A lovely spring day warm and sunny. Took first track to Concord taking my br. walk. Started immediately for the bird path dawn. At the first bend found three Sheldraks & two Blacks and brushed the boat for them but the latter were too shy for us and they all went off before we got within shot. Then kept down river half a mile when we saw six Whistlers and B. littoralis pair of Ayl Sponsa at a short dropping over brush boat down on them with the current. Dan, also pulled a small hawk which fell across the air and was lost. Drabs wounded a Sparrow that looked very like Centronyx Bairdi but far too to get at. Then kept down stream to about a mile
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56 1872 April 3-5 Below Balds hill, finding ducks very little way and killing another of Pixus at dawn. Did not proceed in getting a single shot at Sheldralus though our few nummbers. Wood ducks on every occasion got in the way and tempted a fair shot that started the rest. Backed back to Flint's bridge which we reached just in time for sun to catch the last trains six thirty, having had a most delightful day. Marsh rats were swimming around in great abundance especially at noon time. Hawks of all kinds were migrating and thicker than I ever saw them before. I detected Bateo bruni, Acipiter fuscus, Falco columb., Accip. Coopsi and even when Circus Hudsonius. Total bag of W.B. Wood Duck 3, No. of shots fired 10 April 4th Had our long tabled of Pigeon shoot to day at Waverly. Six of us shot at the trap and R. Dean scored. The score was as follows: Pigeon Shoot at Waverly, April 4th 21 yds. rise, ground trap, sing. shoot without bands. Extrass in ring George Lindus 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 8 W. Brewster 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 5 2 J. Verbit 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 C. Carter 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 5 G. D. Miller 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 5 April 9th Went up to Concord with R. Dean and getting Davis boat started down river. At the Church landing saw several Whistlers & four 'Blacks.' Pushed the boat and paddled down river. At Egg rock paddled on to a 6 Whistler but he proved shy & was out of range. At Balds hill I shot a Cross which falling
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Concord River, Mass. 1872 April 5 marly quarter of a mile of me downwind by another Cross birding over it and making a great outcry now thing as the Ears do. Heli I paddled Ruth on the Ten Sheldrakes (M. Americanus and by the way think over that I was mistaken in their identification of the M. serrator can flying him on last trip, and that it does not occur here) and firing our four barrels into them we shot down three, two of which we got the other shot dead float off anyhow the ice was lost. Went south down to Carlyle bridge and saw in all about thirty ducks Whistlers & “Blackis” included. Ruth paddled me on to two Sheldrakes I shelled one I wounded the other. The Sheldrakes were very interesting to watch, keeping on the flooded meadows, in about two feet of water. Drove frequently and swallowed fish as large as our ichus box; one still “shriek”. Their notes were a harsh croak and a long, rolling, guttural cry, the latter I think uttered only by the males and audible at an immense distance). Did not appear to be paired. The males roost in excess over the females; they are very shy flying a quarter of a mile off if the approach made the boat turned toward them. The “Whistlers” we found impossible to approach: the noise made by them could be heard a long way off. On the Sheldrakes we noticed one peculiarity: When part of the flock were alarmed at anything and took flying the remainder stood aloft or show and scream unless the object of suspicion was visible to them also. April 12 Beat the Belmont meadows for Squirs but found the ground all hard underneath even in the snow and of course no birds; nothing but
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58 1872 April 16-22 Middlesex County, Mass. Stragglers can have arrived as yet. A Woodcock was started from the street at the lower end of Dunway Market Boston this morning by one of the Tremont Club. Apr. 16 B. Dean started 13 Snipe, 11 of them at Belmont. " 17 From at 4:30 and started over to Medford with the Varlot Brothers to a field reported full of Snipe. Brand them all gone but four or five which were too shy to be shot. Then after trying in vain to force a Virginia Rail to fly, because probably it was in a small isolated bird watch worth also the cover over struck over to the Fresh Pond marshes: here B.B. Varlot and I got up two Snipe and I killed them both. Then he went home and I struck up to Belmont where I saw a Mr. Thayer start a dozen Snipe at a price rise: these are followed about all the forenoon and shot all but one. I killed 4, Thayer 5 and B.Dean 1. Dart made two very nice shots. I had two good double shots but only killed a single bird each time. The Snipe were very wild although the day was as warm & fine as possible. Thanks to whom at first night I took a great dislike, was so ungentlemanly as to pick up and retain one of my wounded birds. All then birds must have perished in the heavy rain storm of Tuesday till, as there were only two seen with by Thayer Monday. Saw also on the shadow tree Boston Sportsman Boily and Martin. The front is not yet all out in the marshes. " 22 Got my new York's G. loader to day and was very much pleased with its beauty & finish. About must made four targets & fired at shot
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"Midway County, Mass. 59 1872 April 24-27 Unusually well; also shot a musk rat, its first victim. April 24 In the afternoon drove up to Belmont hatched and tried for Snipe. Put up four and killed two just at dusk, bringing three shots killing with them first from my new gun. " 25 Started at 6 with Charlie Curtis and drove up to Wayland; stopping first at Belmont when we put up three Snipe but did not kill any. Arrived there about 11 and left the horse tied in the woods. Put up about twelve birds altogether of which I bagged nine and Charlie one; Charlie was somewhat afflicted by a sore headache which forced him to kneel off and return to the wagon carly in the afternoon. My own gun shot beautifully killing 7 Snipe in 14 shots. The birds were found along a brook in a tussuckey meadow when they lay like sals. Dart did not maintain still points but passed up many bird by putting them up. Got home by 7 P.M. The day was warm with a light wind. Put up two Snipe in an old corn field when the ground was soft & wet. Drove one bird up into an apple orchard on a high hill when he lay till flushed, under a small Crash pile. Saw several Black ducks and was much interested with watching them courting or even more drakes chasing a female high up in the air, slowly twisting and circling about, frequently coming down from a great height with set wings: they bred her in numbers. Apr. 27 Went up on the Belmont meadows this morning and put up three Snipe four and one
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Middlesex County, Mass. 60 1872 April 29-30 our Block island, killing two of them; also shot a & Pigeon bank flying. April 29 Mr. G. A. Boardman called to see me to day having just returned from Florida, and among other things he told me the following facts relating to Calais Me. Being a migratory, is abundant though the winter finding both on sand beaches and rocky shores; frequently diving in deep water like Phalaropus. Has once seen Opistius agilis there. Some Spectabilis is not uncommon; breeds on Grand Manan); Has taken three black specimens of Sciurus Hudsonius in our locally. Apr. 30 Woodcock - thus love song, at Carlisle. Took the 2.30 train for Concord. Getting a team at the station I put Ginn M. at the 5 train, and we drove up to Mr. Robbins' in Carlisle trying without success for Snipe at several points on the way. Mr. Robbins a plain sensible sort of fellow expressed surprise at my coming "all the way from Boston to hear a Woodcock cry" and feared that I should be disappointed as a cold East wind made the night an unfavorable one for this performance; however about fifteen minutes after breakdown we started out and in the first few miles came to old "Dodge" pointed a flushed Woodcock that ran with the usual white though it was now guite darkly; shortly after coming round the base of a hill Mr. Dodge suddenly exclaimed "There's one got last and listening intently I heard a harsh cry sounding at a distance, very like the note of Scolopax rusticus in a few moments we heard the whistling of wings as the bird rose to the vast prospect I saw him dimly outlined against the
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Carlyle, Mass. 1872 April 30 Song of the Woodcuck Watern sky mounting straight up; whitea haghtrund and as he started downward I lost him beest than began his song and almost indescribable warbling mixture of liquid melodious words; as the song ceased and the bird dropped to the ground I was almost brich myself with spectant & pleased and listened breathless for another repetition. After having him go off several times Mr. S. said that if we ran directly to the spot where he saw I couldnd on this before he came down we should hear a note that but few had ever listened to as it was and still further few yards off. This we tried & starting at full speed when the bird got up, we succeeded in reaching ourselves in a large ground jumper on the edge of a little springy lake just as the last notes of the Woodcuck's song died away in their overhead and the bird dropped within five yards of us, the rustling of feathers being distinctly audible as it closed its wings. There we lay for a half hours or more listening to its strange vibrating cry & occasionally catching each instant glimpses of its form as it rested on the brown grass within a few feet of us, but as the light had now faded quite away in the West it did not go up again and finally getting tired of listening we went on the dog & ended the tripman for that night. Description of notes & song. The Woodcuck rose and after flying horizontally and silently close to the ground for about twenty yds, mounts straight up in a broad spiral loop its wings whistling loudly; higher & higher at rises drifting off with the wind its wings still whistling steadily now it is fully half a hundred yards high and dumb lost to sight in the uncertain light but it has reached its
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62 1872 April 30 Carlyle, Mass. Song of the Woodcock. Highest joint soaring a few moments & descends; the whistling whistle perfectly even uniform soon becomes broken or divided into syllables like chipchippchipppu -- chipchiclipu rapidly increasing in quickness & volume (all this probably produced by rapid beats of the wings the pause representing interval of sailing) soon with a short cut (from the throat, like the commencement of Mr. Baldwin's tone) begins a rapid ecstatic warble much like that of the canary but more liquid and sweet burning still spiritual and now powerful as the bird approaches the ground till it ends in perfect tumult of capricious coos & bidding out short chipchipships to the earth in silence. Then follows a few minutes interval of silence; an interval of a few seconds follow, then you hear a sound like a lazy drop of water falling into a cistern repeated twice or thrice, jet, jet, jet, jet, jet and in the same breath with the last uttitable a broad harsh pra-a-rr sounding at a distance like the cry of the Night hawk, but nearer with a strange dratiny tone and repeated at intervals of about five seconds; always followed with the jet.ul preceding. Sometimes the prap was suddenly checked in the middle of its utterance as if by the bird swallowing something. This harsh cry should be repeated about thirty times when the Woodcock would rise and sing again. As soon as the light faded from the West the song ceased though the other notes were kept up almost without intermission. Mr. Baldwin informed me that they make still another sound by coming down with out wings, a kind whinnoing whoo whoo whoo who something like the drumming of the Saps: this is boldris heard but seldom & only in the warmest weather, indeed on very cold nights they add no song; about the 12th Apr. he could hear as many as 45 at one,
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"Middlesex County, Mass. 63 1872 May 7-15- May. 7 Started at 4:30 and drove up to Wayland with Mr. Q. Westit & Mr. Carr, the former taking his two dogs. beat half a day but started only one Snipe which I shot; two were also seen in day on the Fresh Pond grounds the last of the season. At Concord previous to day J. O. Miller started about thirty birds in a gun. Vanns, He shot a single bird at the same place May 12. May 13 Started at 8 and drove fathers high up to Mr. Willington's place taking my gun, and beginning at the willows shoot all of the day stalking back. Made a very good bag of pigeons: a Cot. Henslowii, Mel. Perdicini, Bello Virgin., & D. cauculiscus, 3 My. fuscillus & 4 Orsacia ludovic. being among the best. Had a cool mild day and got home by 6 o'clock. 15 Last night took the train to Granville and met Henry H. at the depot. Mr. J. Sprague was with me this trip, & I was introduced. Found him a quiet reticent sort of man but pleasant enough without; he is apparently about 55 years of age, & very much out of health. He took us to a Hawk's nest but we found nothing in it. This morning Henry & I rose at 4 and started out coming back to breakfast at 8. At 9 started again & tramp'd till 6 when we had supper, & took the 7:20 train home. Made a very good bag my best being 2 Mel. Chrysol., 3 Pypen. dubis (12 &), 2 Orsacia ludovic., & 4 D. diversus & D. maculosa & some thirty - the common birds. Henry got a & Acip. fuscus & 2 Rapid. fusillus. Had a cool day though quite stormy at times, and enjoyed myself much.
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64 1872 May 27-30 Midology Co., Mass. May 29 Took the first train to Lincoln meeting H. A. Pierce at Walworth. Spent the day on the road from there to Cerebed. Took 34 birds among the last ten: Hcl. chrysoptera, & H. pringenta. But found 10 Papaya dubra (7 D) > 20 D. camuliscus. Was overhauled by a policeman. Mr. Sartoris being at Lincoln but showed my permit & finally calmed his wrath considerably. Eat dinner at the head of Sandy Pond. Had a cool nice day albeit rather too windy and cloudy at times. Saw numerous members of D. maculosa just as many as 25 in all. Did not have time to touch on the Hanson meadow. May 30 Spent the day at Granville with Henry Blushard. The morning was clear and beautiful with a cool B. wind but clouds soon gathered & by 3 P. M. we were driven home by the petting rain storm). For Huckle we each took an E. flavistris and saw distinctly E. tracthi. I got another E. flav. c. & H. chrysoptera, & Dabra, & Q. indoriana for the course of the day.
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1872 June 1 Lake Umbagog, Upton Me. June 1 Took the 1.30 train this morning for Bethel when we arrived at 4.45. Saw a pair of Setophagus bertramii at New Gloucester, Me. Took a team with Mr. Stockbridge to drive and reached Poplar Farm, N.H., by 7 o'clock. We took supper and as a steady drizzling rain which had commenced all the afternoon still continued falling, decided to pass the night. Virgo gilvus stopped at Bethel. June 2 Clear and a lovely day, cool almost to coldness. Took a walk before breakfast and saw numbers of E. tricolor and a G. philadelphia. Started at 6 and enjoyed the rich amargol. At the Notch H.B., Purissima, D. tristis and D. castanea began in numbers but were not detected at all before D. maculosa, Blackburnian, Hcl. melicopulus, Cardus priscus & J. fuscaeus went all that way through to the Lake. Mototetta varia stopped at the Notch; Dol. virginius & Ec. cyanus about to that point straggled through in small numbers to the Lake where I found a pair of each. E. tricolor was exceedingly abate from about a mile below Poplar Farm to within half that distance of the Lake shore. D. Strata was not common till the way off and migrating. Arrived at the lake we spent the P.M. in tidling our things ready for the weeks work, and began the next morning Monday June 3. The observations for the following two weeks are as follows. June 2 birds nearly all in small companies and migrating as the season is much later than last year. Myiost. fusillus and D. Strata not uncommon; by June 8 both had disappeared, the birds of all kinds began settled for the season.
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66 1872 June 4-6 Upton, Maine Big villons are found three nests with young the first from 4th. P. pubescens was not so common as last year and I saw only one pair of Picidae arcturus 2 & a o ward taken June 4th 13th & 14th. The first five days although frequently lowering and showery were often pleasant enough to admit of our collecting every morning. We limited ourselves to 15 birds birds after starting for the hour when that number was secured. After dinner we commenced on the task of cleaning the specimens usually finishing by 6 P.M. when we had supper. After that a paddle out on the lake or a chat in the office with Mr. Gideon Store the captain of the steamboat & a most intelligent and interesting man occupied the evenings. We did not on any occasion start out before breakfast (7 A.M.) and by thus optimizing our labors accomplished much more in the end. June 3 Went up on the hill as far as Frost's. I took 3 G. philadel(12) & S. trilli, 3 D. tigrina and shot my first Peregrine. R. Dean & Virs Phil. 1 Pa. Hud. & a B. phil. June 4 Went over around Store farm. Took 3 Cant. bonolis 1 My. cinctus, 1 G. phil. v.c. R. Dean shot a Picidae arcturus & another of V. phil. June 5 Cloudy with frequent rain. Shot around near the school house & in the dains. Took 4 Pams hend. 12 Virs Phil. and 6 & D. tigrina June 6 Shot around near the house as it rained frequently & the woods were out. Took 7 D. tigrina & my first Hefatonmus pilatus a fine male which I killed in a high Birch tree with a win cartridge. It did not seem very shy
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Upton, Maine. 1872 June 7-9 June 7 Clear & warm. Went up on the hill about 4 posts. Post 5 G. Whittell. (2 2) x 2 & cane bidders. June 8 Rained so hard that we did not get out all day. June 9 Clear and cool. After breakfast just the skiff into the mire above the dam and paddled up to the meadows making one curve of about 100 yds. and getting thru directly at 3 1/4 M. The distance is said to be three miles but it did not least five. The "meadows" were a large natural path, perhaps a mile long and half as far across with a stream winding down through the middle: joining however into the main fair falls later the water had risen over its banks to the depth of three or four feet and as we passed out from the dark forest shaded stream into this beautiful little lake the scene was fine beyond description with towering mountains rising on all sides in the background, and the forest surface shading from the dark green and gris on their summits to the lighter green of the forests & maples growing on the outer edge. Here however as friendswhip in the wilderness the sight of old friends dispelled in part the wildness of the scene. The mellow trill of the Swamp Sparrow came out from the bushes on either shore and the loud cheerful voice of the Robin filled the echoing woods; a Marsh harrier was beating about over the submerged meadow and a large company of Night hawks were "booming" and circling about high up in the sky. Here we found on all sides a new spot
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Upton, Maine. June 9-11 Having [illegible] map separated at intervals of about 20 seconds, and after much time spent in pursuit detected the author in Emp. flavirostris: this note which we afterwards heard quite frequently is the true song of the 'E', the piece being uttered to both sexes and is much like the
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1872 June 12-14 June 12 Went up to the E. trielli marsh with North & took 9 specimens beside a C. bonalis etc. " 13 When I went, Visited the rails flycatcher again and secured 10r also a B. G. Philadelphia) and 2 Guioeca ludoviciana.) " 14 Started shortly after breakfast and desiring to spend my last day as pleasantly as possible took the skiff and getting a tub behind the thimboat cast loose outside the point in the broad of the lake and spent the forenoon in paddling leisurely back hunting along the edge through the reeds. Was much delighted at happening to start across a B. Vreede, avete the first that I had ever been alive. It was searching a fallen log for insects & I had no difficulty in approaching & shooting it. Herd also for the first time the note of Loothdytes cruentatus a singular rolling quintal cry on my word. Packed up our Baggage for the afternoon putting all our skins in one trunk & the clothing etc in the other. (Copy) Birds observed at at Upton Me not included in the list of 1871 with additional observations on the others.) 1. Zannunculus Sparavis, Saw a female in the same place nearly every day and she undoubtedly had a nest in one of the tall stads on which she usually perched) (Acceptus fincus, Saw a pair sitting on a tall stub June 10.) Annual Individuals 1872 2. " Cooperi, a single bird flying June 9. 69
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70 1872 June 2 - 14 Upton, Maine. 3. S. Batis pennsylvanica. Very common everywhere in the woods. B. birds on, 73 " 4. Circus hudsonius. Not very common around the lake. (Gery gus try three petholamus, Van oeral) absent, and 73 (Siris pilosus, Three nests all with young the first Sunday) P. luscana, not so common as last year; saw a single pair only; both sets incubate) 5. Picoides arctius. They were taken all showing evidence of incubation. A male that I watched for some time was searching the taller trees on the lake shore for food uttering at short intervals a harsh fee different from any Woodpecker note I've heard before Both sets incubate. Mr. Dean who heard this "call" on the tree trunks describes it as entirely different from that of S. varius. 6. Hylocomus griseatus. Mr. Dean took a 2 June 3 and I shot a fine 8 on the Crt. did not seem very shy dodging around the trunk of a large dead tree, he made no sudden movement, almost graduality showing his head again and in a few minutes sidling around into full view again. I was first attracted to him by his loud singing laugh repeated up for nearly a minute without intrusion until I wondered how the bird could get breath; this note resembled the Spring song of G. flaptus versatus very closely but was much louder and a trifle shriller. The female bird killed by Mr. Dean was hammering an old frostsate log to pieces.
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1872 Upton, Maine. 71 June 2-14 Trochilus Colubris. Despite common; observed for the first time the courtship of these males which passings interfect or move about the branch on which the female was sitting, started down at an angle of 45 deg. almost brushing her back then rising on the opposite side, would turn, pause a moment and plunge down again, repeating this shrill chirrup incessantly. This was kept up for a minute or more, where he would either fly off or settle lightly on some twig near his mate. 7. Nyctacrus grinus. Took a male in a thicket of spruce & birch on the edge of the clearing; it was silent and shy. On the stage road down toward two individuals seen in Nanny and that other in an old orchard about 2 miles to the North of Bethel. 8. Empidonax traillii. On the swamps on top of the hill to the South of the lake, about a mile from the Lacy house found these birds in extraordinary abundance. In one place, especially comprising about three acres of alder thickets & with withering poplar saplings along the edge they seemed to absolutely swarm and after we had shot twenty third numbers did not appear diminished in the least. This old nests were everywhere but although at this time (June 18) they were evidently settled for the season we saw only one pair building (same 9). They were also quarrelsome, drove all other birds out of their retreats, kept low down in the bushes frequently flitting from twig to twig yet over them my inches above the ground, and launched not after insects come as often than the other flycatchers. They had a shrill,
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Wilton, Maine. July 14 They and when jumped would start quietly and fluttering off over the ground as if to light again within a few yards would fly the whole length of the thicket; this trick we noticed repeatedly and it was only by using the greatest care in capture that they were procured; they also had a habit of invariably lighting with this backs toward the pursuer, now out of tear was shot in behind. Their notes were immense I kept up incessantly. The song of the E. as sharp and harsh quack chee varying to quac excheep and sometimes quak quah; this was as frequently uttered from thick depths of the thicket as from the tops of the alders bushes and although they sometimes perched in the high trees ashmad or on some overhanging limb they can’t sang in such situations. The ordinary note bird by both sexes was a pletulant chip sometimes repeated several times in quick succession; they also had an angry grumous trill especially when fighting; all their cries were instantly dispersed on the birds being approached, although the report of a gun did not seem to alarm them much. Their nests were large bulky affairs composed of Spanish moss coarse weed stalks & grass with odd shavings of pine roots now placed about breast high in the crotch of a alder or poplar sapling. E. minimus. Abundant but locally distributed, not found in the forest depths. E. flavinutris Heard at least two bona fide songs of the male, a single clap something like the chirp of E. minimus and repeated at intervals of about 20 seconds. Found them as last year in the Alder swamps but they were much more numerous in the willows thickets along the edge of Cambridge River.
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1872 June 14 Upton, Maine 73 Judas pallasi. Not very common and found only in certain localities; while J. swainsoni was the thrush of the woods and the heavy timber along the streams this bird affected the high open pastures where the males sang along the edge of the forest. Two nests found June 3 & 11 th contained each 3 male fresh eggs or two both built at the foot of a little fir shrub in open pasture, about fifty yards or more from the woods. Their nests differed from those of J. swainsoni in being much finer higher and more ethereal and far surpassed both that bird & J. mustelinos. The slim backs song is more properly compared with that of J. fulvescens: it is the same metallic thrill shortened and ending on a few bell like notes either with a rising or falling inflection: then final notes give it somewhat of a resemblance to the others, but it is safely recognized after a little experience. J. fulvescens found them rather common up along Cambridge river J. swainsoni. Very common everywhere; usually sang low down and had a habit of fluttering a few feet at the end of each orthance (for description of song see J. pallasi above). Allotype. 9.J. aliciae. Took a typical specimen June 3 but which time several other species were still migrating. J. migratorius. Extended every fur into the depths of the forest, but common nowhere. Young were flying at our arrival, June 2. Very common 70.
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74 1872 June 2-14 Upton, Maine. Regulus Satrapa. I have seen this season; heard only one or two specimens. Rem 72 for song or diery (Monotitta varia) are noticed quite frequently up to 9 o'clock night when it unusually stopped) Parula Americana Not common this season. My common 73 G. trichas. Common in the clearing and living and breeding in the hilly pastures in jills of fallen tree tops also company with the following: G. Philadelphia Rather common but restricted locally; found them altogether on high spruce land along the brush fences and old log heaps rarely far from the edge of the woods, and indeed I sometimes saw considerable ways in in little scenery clearings but never in the gloomy depth of the forest On all this motions they only resembled G. trichas keeping usually on or near the ground; from that bird they were readily distinguished however by the different markings of the head & throat and indeed were akin, a striking resemblance to O. agilis: they were also more severe retiring & timid than G. trichas and hardly to take plunging at one into this favorite thicket when alarmed. On several occasions I shot the woods in the tops of enormous buck or Birch trees, seventy or eighty feet in height growing along the edge of the woods; in such situations they showed consider- able activity, chasing insects among the branches and frequently singing. Although they sang from both exposed situation and more often than the yellow throat; such habit is far from being the only
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Wpton, Maine. 1872 June 2-14 as noted last year I should grow call rather the operation, the song usually coming from on or over the ground among the legs; it was short but equally sweet with a warbling termination the whole made like whee-whee-whee-whee, two-two- two varying however in different individuals, in some much shorter whees whees two two. Occasionally they sang in the air soaring high up like I am so full of singing a few extra notes to the ordinary ones and at the end closing their wings & coming down as if shot to the ground. Hel. suffocilla, very rare but generally distributed, Not very common H. purpurina. With as numerous as last year. Sturnus auratulus. Not more than three or four individuals observed. Not more again distributed 72 " norboracensis. Not common around the lake but in the swampy thickets all the way up Cambridge River they absolutely abound; there is a striking uniformity in the notes of different individuals of this species. They always sing low down and in the darkest depths of the thickets, young flying by June 72 Dendrica viridis, Not common I. camiliana. Rather frequent in some parts of the woods. D. Blackburniana Found them abundant on migration on our arrival, frequenting in small companies low bushes brush piles & apple orchards; by the 5-th
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76 1872 June 2 - '4 Upton, Maine all had left or retired to the tops of the forest trees. D. castanea. Migrating on our arrival, by the 6th this number even thinned nearly one half (though the poor still very numerous) and they now settled for the season. Detected the difference in song between this species & D. tigrina; the notes of the present species are fewer and grufflier (gee-guee) than those of the capella whose song bears much closer resemblance to that of D. striata being compound of fair or fair flesh, though withall while repetitions of the syllable gee attuned in rather a slow measured tone and with a rising inflection. D. striata. Not common and migrating up to the 5th when they disappeared. Saw them all the way up from Bethel D. tigrina. Common all the way up from the North. On dark rainy weather they came out of the woods and fed among the briers of low fir savins, hanging head downward at the extremity of the branches often continuing in one position for many moments apparently picking out minute insects from under the leaves. Per a clump of blossoming plum trees directly across our window in the garden we were always sure of finding several of them; both they resorted for company with numbers of Hummingbirds, which however they were continually chasing about. On June 3. we took a fully formed egg but without the shell from a 9 and a little later judging from the fine corrugated lining of several individuals of the same sex; they were all incubating; thus they must be surely the first warble to bud in this
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Wilton, Maine. 1872 June 14 region 10 D. aestiva. Very rare: a single pair among the plum trees in the garden June 11. Did not detect it anywhere on the road up though it was observed at Bethel last year by Mr. Hayward. 11. Myiozetetes fusculus, Saw perhaps half a dozen specimens during the first of our stay; they frequented the brush heaps and thickets along the wood edges and had all disappeared by the 5th. Pycnonotus rubra. Heard a single specimen at mile or two N. of the motel. 12 Virio Philadelphicus. Three specimens were taken, all females. The first was shot by Mr. Dews June 3 from the top of a tall beech tree; I was silent the next day he secured another in a thicket of firs and handled distinctly after a rather Sylvesterian chip. From 5th I was so fortunate as to fall in with the 3rd individual and watched it for several moments before shooting; it was in a small beech tree growing in a fir glen, and looked extremely small; its motions it resembled [illegible] but was far more slow & deliberate than any of them hopping mainly from branch to another; I was quite certain that I heard the chip described by Mr. D. but may have been mistaken as there were several warblers in the same tree. As we were unable to detect any other individuals upon the shickest track, and did not hear anywhere in the woods any song that could be referred to the male, and taking into account
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78 1872 June 2-14 Wilton, Maine. I infer that these birds must have been migrating probably for the N. part of the breeding season taking into account the well known fact that the females usually close the migration of a species would tend to confirm this hypothesis, and in all three individuals the ovaries were but slightly developed showing that time for reproduction was still apace. It has been taken only once before in N.E. at Waterville Me by E. C. Hamber May 8th. 13 Mimnus polyglottis. Rather rare, brads. Anethura pygmaea. As was the case last year although they were continually singing around us in the woods we did not succeed in getting a shot at a single individual. Very flying June 70 Certhia Americana. Not common, plain & infall song am now of the opinion that the notes heard in May and described in my Dr. record were the practicing of the young bird as they can own protrasted warbling than the song heard in M which was short fond and emphatic though notal way neat. Setta. Card. Saw them more frequently than last year but the species was still very common. Although all the specimens taken & skinned were old their notes had at this season a high nasal tone not heard in Autumn or now kept up incessantly like the complaints of a young bird. 14 Parus Hudsonicus. Found them rather frequent in a certain tract of fir & spruce forest
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Wilton, Maine. 1872 June 14 near the lake. This bird must have twins in the season as several specimens are so perfect juveniles that no external marks distinguish them from the adult now clearly shown on direction by the rudimentary condition of the genital organs & the softness of the skull to be birds of not more than three or four months of age, while other of both sexes were taken with those organs developed to the highest degree although none of them had I think actually laid. The young went in companies of six or eight frequently accompanied by a pair of P atricapillus; they kept invariably in the thickest spruce trees usually near the top and were very silent quiet and hard to detect: they had all the motions of P atricap. though perhaps a trifle less lively and animated, and the same emphatic chirp, another note they also used which possibly was the song of the adults, a single che-day day very different from anything I ever heard from the other bird. Chrysometris frisona. Saws it twice June 13 & 15-th. Very abundant, everywhere in company with P tricolor 73 Curvirostra Anu. Heard them passing overhead about June 13. Abund, 4 or, 5 dists. 72 Passerculus savanna. Common all the way up from B. On the very top of the great hill above the lake found them breeding in colonies in the dry mowing fields of English gress: I think there must have been at least fifteen or twenty pairs in one enclosed field. Lonotrichia albescens, Nest & 4 moth fresh eggs June 6.
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"Upton, Maine" 80 1872 June 2-14 Genus Hypaithis. Nest with young a week old June 3. 95 Cyanospiza cyanea. Took a pair about a mile S of the lake. A pair seen June 73 16 Dolichornys disjunctus. Heard a bird male in the sand filled every day near the lake. Swed 2 but it is not certain 73 (Sternilla anasua is said not to extend much N of Portland; and although one would think the inland land up above the Androscoggin river especially suited to its habits we did not see it anywhere.) 19 Sciocephagus ferruginous. A female taken on Cambridge River June 4 showed every evidence of having commenced incubation 1870 20 Corvus parviorus. Was informed by Mr Stone that he saw them at long intervals in the Autumn & winter on the paper lakes 26 Perisoreus Canadensis. Said to be common this year round but did not see it. Mr H Bailey took two May 1870 only the hour: the Specimens was seen by Mr Oland. 27 Tetrao Canadensis. Said to be very common at all seasons that is confined almost entirely to the cedar swamps. Mr G Stone gave us some very interesting information in regard to the drumming of this species which he has often witnessed. The bird rises from the ground with strongly vibrating wings and goes straight up at an angle of 45 deg to come low Breezock when it
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1872 June 2-14 3. It is a minute than flits down on about the same inclined drumming distant descents; the sound produced is much like the call of Buteo umbellus but is shorter, more hurried, without the peculiar many beats, and less loud although it may still heard at a considerable distance in still weather. Do with 1 (of two) chick 6 days old June 28-73. Baturicus levitigiosus, Nest with five fresh eggs from Ardea herodias, Several nests with eggs slightly incubated June 2. 19. Bernica Canadensis. Was told that it occurred in the lake during the migrations. Amy Sound. Saw two large flocks on Cambridge meadows June 9th. Then the hunters informed us were the old ducks, which associate together in large companies after the females have commenced incubation. 20. Bucephala Americana, Breeds sparingly; a nest containing four eggs of this and one of B. cuniculata was found in a stub about fifteen feet high by Mr. G. Stone June 3d. 21. Mergus serrata? Saw a pair on Cambridge meadows June 9. Said to breed. 20. crecuttata commoner ducks & my horses saw 79 22 " Americanus, Common Friday. 23. Phibula minor, Said to be increasing rapidly. Started a family and four young June 5 it
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82 1872 June 2-14 Upton, Maine. The latter were so well grown that it was with difficulty that I could distinguish them from the parent bird as they are; how they could have been laid in so short a time was a mystery as far as told that three weeks before the lake was frozen over and snow on the ground. (Stop here) When twenty five species with those found last season make the list up to one hundred and nine: this includes only those actually observed or secured from the statements of a number of reliable persons; with the exception of a few of the Prothonotors and two or three Snakes, it probably includes nearly all the birds breeding here. A few weeks back in early May and in the Autumn I certainly would undoubtedly add many migrants and might bring to light important discoveries. Like Philadelphia for instance I am convinced would occur in comparative abundance a little carlier and can stragglers from the S. & W. may be expected as there is undoubtedly some route from the West by which many species comes without passing through Maine. June 15 From at 4. and started on our stage ride down to B. with Hawley Moody for dinner and enjoyed the drive much. Heard numbers of G. Traili, Pont. bivalis & S. Philadel, and I shot one of the latter; saw also two large Patos sitting on thus near the roadside and heard two Wylier Cerritus. Got to B. by 11 and into Boston by 8 P.M. Had our birds I packed in one of the trunks, and found them in rather a flattened condition when we got home.
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Middlesex County, Mass. 83 1872 June 17 Jun 17 Had our Pigeon Shoot at Concord 176 wild birds and fourteen shooters. Henry H. Chase, C. Smith, D. and myself went up with the birds on the early train. The shoot was on the old common field and commenced at 11 o'clock as follows: Pigeon Shoot June 17 Concord Mass. Wild Birds "Ground" trap 21 yds. min 60 yds. body, first barrel only to count. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Total E. Simmons 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 - 7. H. Pierce 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 - 5. B. C. Shaw 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 - 7. C. M. Curtis 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 - 7. G. Mackey 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 - 5. Aldrich 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 2. Richardson 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 - 6. G. E. Melvin 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 - 10. G. Mixer 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 - 7. Bash 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 - 3. R. Dean 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 - 6. C. Maley 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 - 5. C. Lombard 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 - 9. H. Bruster 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 - 9. W. Butterick of Concord came in at the 8th shot and finished Mr. Lombards score from that point. I used my Tarks, b. b. and was much pleased with its execution. I had specially good luck in the field bagging both then and at the trap 21 birds. June 19 Went up to Concord on the 4 P.M. train with Dan and spent the evening with him on
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84 1872 June 19 Concord, Mass. The pirs went up as far as Fairhaven when we started around for some time and returned getting in at 12. The moon was at its full the night clear and still and everything calm and beautiful. Whip poor wills were singing everywhere and we chased one a long distance through the woods but without success for although we could get nearly under him it was impossible to see him in the deceptive light. Both this bird & E. jupetinus are heard up to midnight. Of diurnal species we heard singing S. canocapillus, M. palustris, M. onobia and Camps simmons. Bostaurus lentic does not appear to sing after dark although we heard numbers after it had begun to grow dusky. A. vociferus sings much less in the open than I supposed: all that we heard were in the woods, apparently high up in the trees. The frogs were in full blast and kept up a great croir: We heard three species Rana pipiens, a small one called H. rossii & Hyla septencoloris has been silent for several weeks. June 29 Took the 2.10 train on the Prov. R.R. out to Richville to attend a (pigeon) shoot there. Found Mr. Henry Pierce at the depot introduced myself and we had quite a pleasant talk on the way out. The shoot was in the park and we suffered much from the heat which was almost overpowering. I and my Uncle's boys and killed three out of four birds in the field.
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Middlesex County, Mass. 85 1872. July 3-13 Pigeon Shoot June 29th Bridgton Mass. team birds, first traps, 21 gds sin, 40 yds. bdy., 1st bar only to count. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Total W.W. [illegible] 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 _ 6. H. Pierce) 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 __ 6. G. Linder 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 __ 8. Wales 1 1 [illegible] 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 _ 9. Train: 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 __ 3. Morran 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 __ 6. Chavis 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 _ 2. Sanborn 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 __ 4. July 3 Started off in the afternoon taking boat. [illegible] I find on the hill back of Marsh's and Button about half an hour, put up two Cock and killed both the first six and the first shot; one was an adult, the other a young bird as good plumage and very large. Shot also a Pigeon in moulting plumage. July Took out Shot for the first time and I expected could do nothing with him. He was so exceedingly timid that he would not be induced to go more than a few yds from our [illegible] indeed most of the time kept in at heel. I walked up a Woodcock, and I thought killed him but could not find him) also fell in with a brood of young Ground Thrush (three grouse) and Henry. H. was with our find at one. I shot a King Bird which I shot behind very well. July 13. Upon my way to the Woods saw this afternoon, above, taking Dart & Shot; they worked separately.
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86 1872 July Rye Beach, New Hampshire. Well together and the Gulls gained much in courage. Put up then Cock and a brood of Grinn and fired tries at the former without effect. Shot showed the first signs of Dispointing, making quite a "draw" on the spot when a Bird went up. July 16 came out of the city at 1 and drove up to the Warren farm with Charlie Gaston. We did not beat over fifteen minutes when a heavy shower struck us and we had to return drenched to the Inn; in that time farmers we mowed all the ground where I left them did, Sat. night. and I think they must have either found their ground or been killed off. Henry Hunsbaw started this morning for Salt Lake City. July 19 Started from Cambridge at 8 This morning drove down to Rye. The day was cool and pleasant with a N wind. Reached Andover by 12, put up my horse at the Elm town Stable I took dinner with my aunt; started again by 4 and got into Amesbury about 7.30. Chas. Aldon I heard abundantly all the way down to Stoneham where it stopped. Often did I did not detect anywhere, although the country all the way at Andover seems well adapted to it. At Reading saw a & J. columb following the 9 with ambulatory gestures, keeping up a shrill and somewhat Syphritic chip entirely different from the ordinary chirrup or any note
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Rye Beach, N. H. 1872 July 19-22 that I saw heard from the species before, and at Andover I saw another pair apparently mating. The male going through the [illegible] performance, described on page 71: it is possible that this bird breeds twice in the season. A little beyond Reading I was much surprised at seeing a flock of Eurystoma Amis. 6 in number and apparently all adults: they flew nearly over my head, uttering a few call notes. July 20 Left Amesbury at 9 and arrived at Wales by 12 H. Nothing of note occurred on the way except the falling down of my train in Amesbury Mills; no damage was done. In the afternoon took a walk back of the house and found across two pairs of Eurystoma which had a nest in one of two spruce trees and made at great fuss at my approach: a Bat bird that sings in the neighborhood mimics the "chee chee" of the 5 so perfectly that I was for a long time deceived. Father & mother arrived this way. 21 Clear and rather warm. I spent most of the day about the house; in the afternoon took a short ride with father. A few small flocks of Ac. minoritella and a single A. maculata passed through the marsh. 22 Rained hard all day: wind E. to S.E. Peps flew in good numbers (probably all A. minoritella) in the afternoon; have seen no large birds yet but was informed by Mr. Thomas Philbrick that he saw several large flocks of M. griseus the 20th. Saw them later still in a Wilson Guide on the shore.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 88 1872 July 23-24 July 23. Warm and cool with W. wind. In forenoon saw a large flock of Geese and the first Gambetta scholarus (sic). Last night I heard the first Dbl. singing migrating. In the afternoon found a stiff which I had kind of D. Philbrick around into the old pond and put up my shooting stand; was much surprised at seeing large Striped Snail (Coluber vertes) that I had struck in the mud and partially drained, glide tail foremost well and smoothly for several yards; this would destroy many theories concerning the agency of the scale in locomotion.
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Combat between Muskrat and Mink Rye Beach, N. H. 89 1872 July 25, 26 July 25 Clear and pleasant with W. wind; saw only one S. flaps during the day. For the afternoon started off into the woods with Dart and had with luck to strike a covey of young brown marsh grouse with which I had excellent sport, killing five in nine shots, the first three including the old hen consecutively; old Dart behind splendidly making five good points. Shot also a misting of Y. platanus in singularly speckled attire, and found to be one after one of the pleasantest afternoon's sport that I ever experienced. 26 Cloudy and hazy hard work all day; wind strong S.E. About 2 P.M. a heavy flight of birds commenced which lasted till dark. M. griseus flew in flocks of eight or ten, the interval between advent of each flock averaging about two minutes; sometimes single birds came through in company with the Peeps which flew in large flocks. Reg. psittaculatus in companies of eight or ten almost invariably accompanied by the Peeps and occasionally by one or two S. melodius were constantly passing overhead. The Snipe came through the marsh against the wind flying low down with extended front, and very rapidly. Although I think I interrupted was also seen and only one S. flaps. Although I had no dierg but I bagged 26 Snipes 4 Yellow Leg. While watching a Muskrat that was swimming near the bank in the creek I was much surprised to see a large mink come bounding along the water's edge and stopping only to gather himself for a spring. He hit directly on the poor rat's back and fastened himself to his throat; a furious
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Rye Beach, N.Y. July 26-30 Struggled several moments the combatants rising and disappearing beneath the surface and lashing the water into foam: finally the snake disappeared towing the body of this victim and with much difficulty dragging it out of the water he disappeared with it in a short wall a short distance off. All the seagulls were adrift. July 27 Clear and pleasant with wind N. A few flocks of M. gregus flew at daylight and last night about midnight I was aroused by the scolding notes of an immense flight that passed out of the marsh over the house. Did not shoot all today. C.M. came down in the 4.20 train and I drove over to meet him. " 28 Sunday. No birds flew to day. " 29 B.C. left by the 6.30 train this morning: Ron at 4 and went out in David Philbrick's boat with Mr. Hammonds, Mr. Martin and George Dean; lay off about two miles from shore till 10 A.M. and caught about 125 lbs. of halibut bake a few cod. Saw several Ptarmigans (prob. S. Wilsoni), a number of Loons agitates and a hickoos occa. The first for the afternoon the wind changed from S.E. to N. with frequent thunder storms and a few G. flavius passed through. Saw also a pair of Aig. vociferous, a sea bird in the irrigation bay. " 30 Clear and pleasant: no flight or the marsh. In the afternoon went into the woods and struck another party of Green but shot only one.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 91 1872 July 30-Aug.5 as they were too small. Saw Hel. nycticalla, Cant. orio and R. patrapa. Turdus flallasi is still in full song. "31 Cloudy in P.M. Still nothing flying, in the morning saw a snow white albino swallow on the marsh but before I could get down then it had gone. Aug. 1 Clear and pleasant : no birds. "2 Clear with S.E. wind in P.M. About 2 o'clock fair or big flocks of G. flavipes ? M. griseus started and I killed a single bird of each. Charlie Carter came this evening to spend his vacation here. "3 S.E. from all day with driving fog & rains. At 9 A.M. a flight of Red breast Thrushes started, but before they could get down they stopped and we did not find a shot. Saw the first Ac. Bartramius. Met Messrs. Tucker & Garland on the marsh. "4 Clear with S.W. wind. No flight. "5 Clear with S.E. wind, Spent the day in the woods starting at 9 and getting back at 4 P.M. Tramped about 10 miles and shot up 2 groups one of which a young bird I killed. I also shot a "grak" at about 50 yds. lying, breaking his wing. Turdus flallasi has three different notes besides the song; a chuck, a sort of mewing complaining cry, and a portament aspirated, almost whistling, and rather patriotic note common also to G. migratorius, Am. palustris, Car. fuscescens & T. fusca
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The woods here are very large and very beautiful, with a great variety of fms & groves but small birds are there.) Aug. 6 Clear and very warm with S.E. wind. 2 P.M. then flocks of Numid Hudsonius passed along over the mry at sunset two (3?) flocks of both Spc of Gambetta flew through the marsh. About 10 P.M. heard a Dr. Bartramus. Swallows of all kinds have been migrating steadily for the last weeks; have not however seen Purple Martins yet. An adult specimen of Gallinago Wilsoni was shot on the marsh. " 7 Clear and very warm with light S.E. wind. A heavy flight of G. floris started in the afternoon and continued till dark: we missed them homing by going back into the country after Woodcock. An old hunter on the depot road directed us to a white pine sun where we found two birds on they wet ground and shot each one; we also struck a brood of six or seven freshly grown gron and Charlie bagged one: I did not fire at them at all. Heard a 'S' Cir. Helli's singing. Returning to the house at about 6 we found Dan & Finch who came down in the 2.40 train.) " 8 Very warm, with light S. wind. A heavy flight of [illegible] large birds commenced at daylight, stopped at about 9 A.M. commenced again at 2 P.M. and lasted till dark. We did not go down till after dinner when we took
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"The deep and improved a stand. The flight was quite heavy and I think the most usual I ever saw. D. C. French, E. M. Carter & myself shot together and by dark we had bagged forty large birds. G. flavigula were most abundant. A. maculata rapt & more so than I ever saw them before, and G. griseus then only were seen. No flocks of other species were seen containing over twenty individuals. " 9 Clear and one of the warmest days of the season; this at Bay 90° at Boston 100°. A steady flight commenced at daylight and lasted all day hawking considerably lower in the afternoon. We now down on the marsh by 5 and stayed till dimming, eating breakfast in the stand. In the afternoon although it was intensely warm Charlie & I tried at again and stayed till supper and by night we bag counted up sixty seven large birds, a total of one hundred & twenty four for the two days. G. flavigula were most numerous. A. maculata rapt and a few Mac. griseus were shot; they are now all immature birds. Saw a pair G. pallidiceps a single Nem. hudsonius & the first Bogues seen. Also a flock of 4 Anas observed yesterday & two this morning. Sat. 10th Clear with strong S. wind. No flight at all in the P.M. went out Canner fishing caught all do. Sun, 11th Foggy with light S. E. wind. Heavy thunder shower in P.M. About the heaviest flight seen so far passed through today, principally "yellow legs" with a good sprinkling of Red Breasted Snipe & a few Jell-tales.
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Rye Beach, N. H. August 1872. Mon. 12th Cloudy + wind N.E. Little foggy. Only 40. Went down on the Marsh at & A.M. but saw only a few scattering birds of which I got 4. Shot the first A. Bonapartica of the season. Shot also a S. Herundo, one of three that came through the marsh. In the P.M. there was a heavy flight of Snipe which we however missed by going back into the woods + we put up all 90 Partridges of which I bagged three + a Woodcocks. Charly + Saw each shot a Sharp Thimble Hawks, both birds of the year. Their note was a thrice querulous whistling cry repeated 3 or 4 times in quick succession. " Dart" made some very fine points on scattered Partridges. We also had saw some ferotypes taken in our shooting through the depth costume with the dog included. Warner Longworth hand Tues. 13th Cloudy + misty, wind S. Only a few scattering birds during the day. Shot the 1st "Sympecius Semi-palmata" a bird of the year. Also 4 or 5 Yellowlegs Snipe. In the P.M. started for a walk back into the woods, but were interrupted by a Thunder shower Turned back without shooting anything. Wedns. 14th Cloudy + foggy. Thunder shown in P.M. Wind E. A few straggling flocks of large birds in the morning +in the afternoon quite a heavy flight of "Peeps" Saw a single S. Helvetica. The 1st was observed some 3 or 4 days since but I have forgotten the date. Night herons "great blue" have been migrating for the last 2 weeks; the latter we frequently see flying over the sea in small companies. D.G. French left this A.M. in the 11.47 train. In the P.M. set out my duck dogs + brought a live ducks.
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Rye Beach, N. H. 1872. Aug. 15, 16 Thurs. 15 Morning cloudy & misty: clud up at noon, afternoon with Phry S. E. wind and a thunder showr about 7. Then at 5 went down on the marsh I set out our fin decoy but saw only two or three stragling yellow leg's then Stana brings a few of a bunch I shot & found addl birds. At about 2 P. M. a good flight began & lasted till the showr. 60 cuts & I shot together & bagged 26 bids. I made them double shots and we found two shot flocks on six the other five. G. flavigus were most numerous with occasional flocks of Ac. maculata, a M. genus & few G. canardaceus & bright Num. hudsonicus & a flock of 13 Anas stearna. I also shot the first Phalaropus fuligineus as that I ever saw alive: it came over the decoys in a large flock of "preps" flew very pretty & like a landpipe and at heard a short harsh cry somewhat like the "crisp" of Cal. Wilson. G. flavigus is the only "marsh bird" that dives, except Phii. canadensis; it utter screams loudly when wounded I caught. Saw a flock of Ac. Bonaparti comprising as many as seven or eight individuals. Fri. 16 Cloudy & foggy with thunder warn in P. M. Then at 5 and went down on the marsh with Charlie but a large flock of G. flavigus from which we killed four but as we were coming out of the marsh a flock of 4 Anas stearna passed through I heard over the decoys we had
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96 1872. Aug. 17-25 Page Beach, N. H. just left. About 2 P.M. oversaw small flocks of G. flavipes flies. Sat. 17 Rained hard all the forenoon; chur and warm in P.M. No flight at all & the only two birds I saw all day was a Mew: longirostris & a N. Hurd. flying Norther. The water run so high to day as to cover all the marsh Sun. 18 Chur & warm. Wind S.E. Did not see a single bird all day. Mon. 19 Chur and warm. Wind S.W. At morn I found a flock of G. flavipes on the marsh; killed four and in the afternoon two or three stragglers and seen but no flight. In the morning this was the very heavy flight of Ac. Palustrinus & I saw one flock of as many as 15. In the morn went down on the Jurd and shot a Hight heron The migration of Dot. sigineus is about at its height. Sunday 25 During the past week the weather has been for the most part fair but there has been literally no flight at all of marsh birds. Aug 23rd & 24th there were Black ducks in the Jurd & I shot one the former date. My eye had troubled me more than ever before & I shall turn Dry to mowers). Friday Aug. 28
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1873 July 17 Drew back a mile or two I tried for Woodcock. got up one I fired at him five times without effect. Shot a full grown Partridge B. Dean came last night to pass Sunday. 1873. July 11 July 17 It was a fright to give up my journal last year on account of much trouble with my eyes and the only notes up to this date will be found in my pocket diaries for 1872 & 1873. A general resume of events since last Sept is as follows. Spent the first three weeks of Sept. at Moon river in Canoe with Messrs J. B- C. Y. & W.H. Prittall of Cambridge & H. O. Foster of Boston & Guides H. & C. Adams. Had fine duck shooting & good fishing but shunned only from six or six birds. In Oct. spent four & in Nov. then days on "the Cape" quail shooting with J.C. Melvin I had fair shot. Shot much every day through the Autumn around C.Y held fine Shooting. The total bag for the year 1872 was Woodcock Duck Paraid Bay snipe Snipe (Cape) Grouse (field) During most of the winter was confined to the house my eyes being too weak to permit my going out when the sun was shining on the snow. On the nights
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July 18, 1873 - Wotton, Maine. of March 2 and I started for Washington when I arrived March 3 & remained 7 days, sleeping by way of Phil. & New York. in each of which Places I stayed then or four day & called on most of the prominent orthologists. On the morning of the 27th March I received the paralysis fall from which I and Hill Muffin had confined to any room for weeks did little in the collecting line during the rest of the spring except a few birds which I shot along the wads from my buggy. June 12th I started for Wotton Me with H. A. Burdie while we arrived the afternoon of the 13 & spent a most pleasant & useful day. I collected principally from a boat 85 birds, some of them good and the rest bugs of J. swainsoni & E. trillii. This morning (July 17) started again for Wotton taking my Sister Shots & gun. I arrived at Bethel at 6 P.M. On the train made the acquaintance of Mr. H. Batters of Havana, Cuba; and had a long talk with him on Shooting. At Bethel found an old schoolmate Henry Reed & passed most of the evening talking over old times. July 18 Left B. at 12 o'clock at Parker & reached the lake at 6.30 P.M. At Bethel heard Mr. Priscilla. In the evening a party of 4 Boston boys arrived, all gentlemen & good fellows. They of them Magee by name; they start to tomorrow morning for Panamachony Bay, from which place a party of two N. Y. folks have just "come out"; one of them a Mr. Carter.
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July 1873 Upton, Maine They had in different sport. July 19 Cloudy & wind nearly all day. In P.M much to my surprise saw a large flock of [illegible] geese flown accompanied by five A. Amipelata Caught 2 trout July 20 Sunday. Clear Cool & windy. I spent the day around the house; took a short spaddh down river & saw 3 Exumtor fulgurificator (got near enough to see) a Rhy solitarius which lighted on the top of a stub 15 ft. high, and three Gambetta flavipes. In the evening C. popetus came very thick flying around the barn and lighters in the garden as in 1871. Two Mr. Hetchas "came out" to day from Kyle cor with about 50 lbs. of trout. " 21 Clear & windy. I spent most of S. M. a: fittting up my boat; also took a turn behind the house with Shot, I speilaled a cock which he pointed handsonly & retrieved well. After dinner went down river & shot two yellow legs both flying & a crow blackrid. Saw a [illegible] I watched an ospray as he swoled himself sit motionless & splashed going for many seconds at a time & then dive'd into the water beneath. The young of most of the birds are all out & on wing. The turtles & grasses still king morning & evening but few of other species can be heard. The cock shot was a young kid but full size well feathered.
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Upton, Maine. 1873 July 100 July 22-24 July 22 Char'd forty day. Woke up with a pain attack of colic & remained in the home all day feeling a little better in th lte I work in the morning. G. Swain an old schoolmate visited this way, but I was too sick to enjoy his company long, staying about 7 P.M. " 23 Passed last night in great exbuciating pain and did not not sleep over 15 min. Afternoon, Sent down by Clark for a doctor from Bethel this morning. Got nothing through th day. I was unable to help wear medicines close for an instant. By evening the colic pain had nearly gone but I became very faint and the Ruthfield doctor sent someone over for Mrs. Abott who came with her and a dozen of pills Gammine. Passed a very faint night with pains in the back and kidneys 1 24 Woke after morning feeling better. Stomach weak, have rather cold. Mr. B is my friend and Sat up all in the room. At daylight the white thrush sang beautifully. In th night I heard a harsh note made by some one unknown to me. That seemed to be two of them and about the same way near my window. I do not hear the first hawk's at, all eptt at dusk in the woods again are the first twilight of morning; if they can aloud him in the hours of darkness that are at least slight. My doctor has not came. I sent a telegram home, it came This wrong the doctor came but indigestion
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Upton, Maine. 1873 July 101 1873 July 25-28 [illegible] him his delay & refund to within an or July 25 Clear & warm. I spent a better little night getting an hour or two of sleep & wake this morning with the fever nearly abated. I dined around this afternoon but I was too weak to say more than a few words to [illegible] " 26 Clear and a very warm day. Sat up, and shrewd or two for the first time In P.M. Dave & John saw a number of broods of young D. tygrina, accompanied by the old males; also an addl S. sula [illegible] day a badly raised melting temperature. I was left this morning " 27 Cloudy & warm most of morning Spent the day about the barn with father coming down to my meals; feeling quite well. The birds, I presume are both very abundant and ready about the barn, had an evidently breeding. Ch. pains pigeons now, very much like C. tristis, in a wasting continued strain but not nearly so much. Farmer Mederson & Mrs frequently in the garden around the barn. " 28 Clear, still & a lovely day. Father left this afternoon having me alone and I spent a most dull evening, feeling exceedingly homesick, but as soon as I can get out again, the kids again shall call father.
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Wilton, Maine. 1873 July. July 29-31 Tuesday July 29 Cloudy. I fumed much all day. Spent most of the day in the house fried myself now gaining fast. "Charles" Bartow came down on the boat this forenoon, having been up to Parmachenee L. with Mage & friends; he seems to be a gentleman & a good fellow. 30 Clear & a lovely day. In the morning went out behind the barn & watched the birds for an hour before I found a nest of Ch. trinites by the stretching of the filling g., but was unable to reach it. The bull-bats are I think preparing to lay. I notice that H. linifrons flies much higher as a rule than the others & is harder to tell on that account; have seen no H. brista for several days. In the P.M. went down river with Bartow & I shot a kingfisher, my first bird, with my rifle at about 80 yds.; we saw about a dozen of them birds altogether. 31 Clear but warm. After breakfast went out behind the barns and shot a D. caprata x L. maculosa nest? & a H. linifrons. In P.M. went down river and on the way back had the good luck to scown two herides arching, an adult. I meeting with S. York also a J. vicius nest! & a Sp. varis do. Saw a large flock of Asp. senipal x & G. planipes & those birds are evidently not unfrequent occurence here. Board Sarah Cant. Beach's. I am now quite strong again.
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Wilton, Maine. 103 1873 Aug 1-2 1873 August Aug. 1 Cloudy & rained hard all day. Brothers went up to Megalloway in the boat this morning. I spent all the forenoon on the bird nest yesterday I mounted the H. lumping. In the P.M. Mr. G. down returned from a trip up the lake bringing me a snow white swallow, an albus I think of H. brider unfortunately as it was shot last Monday it was too far gone to skin so I carbolized it. After supper while sitting on the piazza a Canada jay flew by & lit for a moment in a small birch tree; it is the first I have seen here & Mr. G informs me that it is seldom observed here the summer. A large party came down from Taylor's farm bringing five Megustians, that they had shot, all new spring birds about 1/2 grown. " 2 Started in the boat this morning at 7.30 I made the round trip getting home at 9.30 P.M. Had a most lovely day clear & still. The first stretch of the lake to the inlet is very beautiful, the livery trees & the mountain outlines bold. At the inlet saw Sanborn's party & took on board McCann, Poland & Buffon. We then entered the mouth of the Andro again & ran down to Errol seeing many ducks, of which I shot one a R. cuenotatus & as it was ahead of the boat; now we saw also a G. (illegible).
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Wilton, Maine. Aug. 1873 Aug. 2 arrival of S. Flippins & minimum number of Bby. Volunteers; so there ended for this latter bird that frequently a day would start at one from the shore. The kingfishers were also in masses & we must have passed hundreds to carry out, Stopping at Errol a few minutes for took on board Mr. Worthington's flatboat up the Megawaway; this river is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, many wild & perfectly typical of the Ducks was rather near but we passed a flock of about a dozen. Nye, gardener from the farms on the bank of Tunkishus River maintains continued about all the way up. At the landing found Mr. Spencer with a team & was carried up to his home 2 miles distant where we took dinner. The view from his place is very fine Mt. Austin in front & Mt. Agicheck on the rear. The settlement comprises about 30 inhabitants, saw large number of Coe. erythrop, along the road & Mr. S. inform me that the Woodcock has lately appeared than it is getting about, saw also over the road two small birds apparently eating black berries on dead stubs. Coming down river I shot 2 more old emellaturs, both cross plots flying & knocked over a large fish with the rifle at about 50 yds. As we came out into the lake the sun was just setting & I have rarely seen a more magnificent combination.
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Upton, Maine 105 1873. Aug. 3-6. of pink colored clouds people have a dark through outlined mountains then my eyes got for help as here or now. Then the night did come vary slow shouter at doors I reached the lake down through fired but fully repaid for them & homes. Aug. 3 Clear in A.M. Rained all P.M. Took a spoil down river in the forenoon & saw then Progre pelis among the hills. Saw P.M. tramped around the home. " 4 Clear cool & a lovely day. After breakfast started down river & beat out against the wind as far as Stony point returning in pretty quick time. Saw then Chroi Condastri & two kams agutcher. A large flock of Progre pelis has appeared on the river & I took two miniature & also a pull & rods. Had another slight attack of colic this P.M. Mr Brown & party around. " 5 Clear cool & a lovely day. Felt very weak & dizzy & sat about the home all day. Mr S. J. Brown & party started for Megalloway this morning & in the evening a large party from Cold brook arrived. Mr Monkhouse also came down on the boat with a string of 250 small trout carried in Stewardson box. " .6 Cloudy & cold. Felt much better this morning. After breakfast set down book of the house & took a D. typea sadie in interesting changing phenomena, instead of mine.
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106 1873 August Upton, Maine. August 1873 and much to my surprise a full grown full feathered bust of Ch. junius in a most interesting yellarish plumage; this of course destroys the hypothesis of their breeding late like Ch. tristi, although this may be an exceptionally early bird as an adult male later at the same time showed or distinct trails excited to the fullest breeding size; it was in full song. They resort in large numbers to the brick trap in front of the house, to feed on the seeds of the corn; In habits song & flight at this season they bear a wonderful resemblance to Ch tristi. Aug. 7 Cloudy all day cold. In A.M went out back of the barn put up a large cock & fired a charge of dust shot at him without effect. In P.M paddled down river a short distance & going ashore took fair birds including a y.y R castanea; also shot a mott. Ch. junius at the house on my return. Mss. Shackelford Greenwood & left on the boat this morning to go into camp at Sturdivant Brook. " 8 Clear cool & pleasant. After breakfast shot three mott. J. hyemalis & an adult Ch. junius that had plainly been since got on the cons of incubation, as the band flesh on the heart was nearly grown over with feathers. Mr Brown & party came out from Muglaway to day. In P.M took a sail down river & shot a pair of young Scot. furcigerous. Mss. Lynch & Crocker around this way.
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1873 August. Aug. 9 Upton, Maine. What cool & fine day. After breakfast went out back of the barn and took right birds the last two young R.castanea on a nest in a curious spotted plumage. The greater tarsus of a S Ch. finches that this morning exhibit a state of the highest development I got full grown young an not uncommon. Saw a single Cuck. one the first time any arrived. At noon after Windsor arrived with a brace of handsome setters: he claimed a very nice fellow. After dinner I took my rifle & made five successful shots in succession at an average of 50 yds. Killing 3 kingfisher, a cedar bird & a frog, the best shooting I have ever done. Mr. Godkin also shot a kingfisher with it at about 70 yds. Sunday Aug. 10 What warm & pleasant. Looped around the barn in the morning. In P.M. took a sail down to the mouth of the river with Smith. " 11 What rather hot & fine day. After breakfast went out behind the barn & shot a R.tigrina y.y, a Passus hudsonicus y.y (flying) & two Sp. various out. Hake pike is getting quite common here & one indication that the migrations are commencing as it is far in the breeding season. The note of P.hudsonicus is not to be mistaken for that of Patridge, it is shorter (show heard only one note besides the hissing chip common to all of the
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Aug. 1873 Wilton, Maine. [illegible] and fulber, aka chur, shee, shee (this note corresponds to the chick-a-dee-dee of P. atric). Sp. varius is a very sumac-bird in its actions; it is tame almost to stupidity or perhaps rather like the woodcock & quail, it depends on concealment instead of flight for safety as it will allow one frequently to approach within a few feet & when find at mind, will flatten itself against the bark & remain perfectly motionless. On P.M. went down river & took a brood of four very young mast. D. cambeus : both old birds now in attendance & the whole family moved rapidly along through the woods, flying from tree to tree, the young truttering loudly : our chick or rather chuck of the adult is precisely like that of Juncus hyemalis. Took also a P. Davana in nesth. plum. & a do Chrys. hyemalis. Mr. Norheimer with a party of others arrived at 6. Aug. 12 Clear & rather warm. After breakfast had a horse saddled, set out to the Shiff & started up C. riv. with Mr. Bodini. The morning was lovely and birds seemed to absolutely swarm. Pairs had. & P.S. frigida were about, the latter in large companies with other warblers fluttering about in the bushes overlooking the water. A short distance off was a Blue Pennsylvan[ia] tried to pass us & I shot it; further on a Night heron & a Wood duck rose together as
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Aug. 1873 Upton, Maine. 109 1873 August 12 I sounded a bird; I shot the farm with the first & latter with the second barrel. About 2 miles up we saw a woodcock coming along the mud on the margin of the river & on going ashore at another place much to our surprise found the mud both on the bank & in the alders all food up by these birds; On the way down I shot a young whistler & made a bad "muff" on a pair of black ducks the first bird missing fire & the second only sounding. After getting back went out to the spring behind the farm & shot a cock at the second fire missing both barrels the first I shot a kingfisher with my rifle at fully 120 yds. Aug. 13 Clear & pleasant. Loomped around the farm all day with Barton who came down from Skolboway last night. In P.M. shot a kingfisher with my rifle at about 100 yds. Mr. Smith brought in a pair of young Tetras can in an interesting plumage & Mr. Godwin an St. furness, which they gave me. The tops of the before direction I found to contain for needles, raspberries, cherries, chokeberries & fir bnds. " 14 Cloudy & cool. East wind. After breakfast took our to the landing & went up C. Ware with Barton. He shot a young wood duck (Hepus) & 8 small birds the last 2 out. Il. ptygocephala do. Regular set the crown plain) a D. Pennsylvanica 2nd plum & a Donson &.
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110 1873 August 14 Aug. 1873 Wilton, Maine. Saw woodcocks singing, all along the river; they must be quite plenty then. Pheas hardiness was quite absent. Very many thrice (birds) gone for the most part in countless flocks, or companies of several hundreds, warblers, shrews, cuckoos, woodpeckers etc. all keeping aloof through the woods, chirping chattering; occasionally a young male practicing up on his soft lark's song. Aug. 15 Cloudy & wind at intervals. In A.M. went down river with Perkins & shot some thrice at Kingfishers with my rifle but did not kill a bird though I caught one down to the water. So P.M. missed the birds shot yesterday. 16 A.M. fair. P.M. clear. Took the steamboat for Megallway this morning; arrived there at 2 o'clock. On the way shot a Rises Pennsylvania in air, plains & a "whistler", both flying. In the evening went up to the mouth of the Diamond & took a trout, one 9 lbs. Saw a Red Pocheps at East. X Sunday " 17 Clear & a most lovely day. In P.M. drove up to the mouth of Diamond Branch fished 3 hours & took 6 small trout. Find both barrels at a black duck & hit him very hard. Saw a Grinnaca butor, in air, plain. I heard for the first time a note which it uttered while flying & which resembled the fall notes of the
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Aug. 1873 Upton, Maine. 1873 Aug. 17 the bird. Red Diving is flying about constantly in large flocks Aug. 18 Cloudy & warm. In forenoon paddled raider up to the mouth of the Diamond & took trout all small. Shot two rust. Cl. finias & a de. D. juniperica. In P.M. Mr. Spencer drove me up to the dam in "the Diamond" when he took my good trout but I did not get a run. 19 Cloudy & threatening rain. After breakfast rode out to Sturdevant pond, a beautiful little sheet of water... At noon started down river from the Steamboat landing on my boat, shooting a young whittier by the way & stopping to fish a white at Bottle Brook when I caught a half lb. trout. Heard what I took to be Suprimum pullosine: its boot was like whoo, whoo whoo whoo whoo-a grim in both a soft coing tone. Was how taken aboard by the Steamboat & reached Upton A S.P.M shooting a night hawk out on the lake I nearly dropping it into the boat. Heard a snipe (S. wilsoni) at the Outlet, found Barton on the boat. 20 Clear & warm. In A.M. caught a small trout & shinned my kids. In P.M. put up a large cock in front of the barn but lost him my first bassel missing fin
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112 Aug: 1873 1873 Upton, Maine. Aug. 21 Cloudy & rained. I spent most of the day around the farm having another right attack of chile. " 22 Cloudy & Rainy. Spent the day around the farm not feeling well " 23 Closed up this morning. Barto & Mr. Pullston left for the Mid.dawn this morning. After breakfast Mr. Godwin & I started up C. River & he paddled me up about 2 miles. I shot them wood ducks in two shots all on the water, & a Sol Sandp. flying. The A. Gansa are I think all adult's although in nearly the plumage of the young s. Saw large numbers of small birds & was lucky enough to get a My. Passerine O.J. in 2nd plumage; whether this bird was found in the vicinity or not must be I carry a matter of conjecture but others inclined to think that it was as I have seen no witness as yet of any Southward migration influx of small birds from the North, although many of the birds have evidently left here. Birds have almost entirely stopped singing now. Don. Albright is hard but Aldon & the occasionally Sandp. & Osier Olive, & Solitarys! Churdick's Institute still keep up this "booming" & on still nights I see them out on the lake in large flocks. Bly. Solitaries & Great Aleger are just as loud as they can be in
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Aug. 1873 Upton, Maine. 1873 Aug. 23 July v the blackbirds have nearly all left us. At the Megalloway Bridge an much later apparently than here; thus I heard Hordus pallasi there Aug. 19 v Z. albrechtsi sang morning & evening. The young of Chay. joining an ours all on wing; they are forming into large flocks; I think they must breed or the average about a week in advance of Ch. tristis as a few young of that species are beginning to appear. I frequently see offsprings fishing about; they have a note here I mean heard before a short mellow whistle reminding me of the twittering of Passer palus. Also heard the unmistakable cry of the Golden Duck Hawk a day or two since on the woods East of here. Harris Hudson is quite as addicted on C. viris as Patricifallus Aug. 24 Cloudy very cool & windy. Spent most of the day in the office talking with Mr. Sampson who arrived last night v will join his friend Gallatery at the dam to morrow. After supper took my boat & caught two half lb. trout near the Stambold landing 11 25 Clear, cool & a lovely day typical of Sept or Oct. rather than the present month. After breakfast rode pins to the river & started up in the skiff. Took 8 or 9 Barrell birds when by mistake firing a heavy duck charge, that shot pretty hard struck three on onboard into the very gun in hand
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1873. Aug. 25 I went down to a considerable depth but managed to get again and swim ashore with my many gun. Among my best birds got two more big satrapa in myst. fulva & pans ludovicia & two H. pumila. I also shot an imitation D. striata which seems shows that the migrations have already commd. D. tigrina as I think all gone as I was unable to detect any during the multitude of warblers; it is I think the only one yet missing in that family. Pans ludov. I am nearly sure has the ti derry whistla of P. atricap.. with the che dea dee both in a slightly altered ton. Splay. venus is getting rare & have seen only one for a week now. In P. W. shirred very birds. Aug. 26 Clear cool & pleasant. Started up Cdmr. sun after breakfast taking my br. loader & shot six birds the best & D. tigrina 4. & & D. pumila war. y.y. Saw a y.y. Miniotta vasca but was too near to shoot & in backing out lost it. Made a very good map that at a Black duck as it was, disappearing & and a breed & killed it. Liraca ludoviciana is getting commoner. The fly about in small companies from two to two uttering the fall note often referred to: I also hear them frequently at night. Bartow came down from the camp this way he had good fishing & took trout up to 2&64.
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Aug. 1873 Upton, Maine. 1873. Aug. 27 Other cool & a most lovely day. About 10 started up the lake on the Maine with Barstow's own left at Bear brook pond like the boat running up to Megalloway to take up W. Winslow's party. Shot a prunk then started down river & sailed to the creek. Struck into a pond hole near the outlet when we saw numbers of ducks & I shot two hooded mergansers both flying & a winter yellow leg. Barstow shot two mergansers & a summer yellow leg. While in this pond the Maine line drew by and they were far left fully 12 miles from home but had to make the best of it, so taking it cool, we sailed about 8 miles before dark & board the rest of the way getting back to the boat house by 10:30 P.M. Heard a number of loons & one owl on the way down & saw large numbers of ducks swimming up from the marshes. The melancholy quarrings of one of the loons we heard at intervals up to 10 o'clock, and the faint hip of the migrating warblers swarms was almost incessant in the darkness our head; at one time a Pyramus car. came flying about us visible of corn but hiding up it querulous cries. Aug. 28 Other & a perfect day. I spent the forenoon about the house and shot a few young Sh. trister's & y.y. D. tegina & in the after noon the boat landing. After dinner started down river and Barstow went ashore and beat sand holes for drif. shooting one and a black duckie. We saw a flock of 4 Phalarope.
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Aug. 1873 Upton, Maine. [illegible] which let a moment in the middle of the gun, then found us at a lightening speed turning & doubling I ar both find but missed. Just at sunset I shot a white yellow by that tried to fly by one. Aug. 29 Clear & warm. After breakfast started up & row with Capt Perkins, for the space of three or four hours enjoyed myself to the utmost as air glided plentifully through the forest shaded stretches of that wild & beautiful little stream. Made very successful shots killing a wood duck Two pigeons & a fish hawk without missing on the way down was much pleased at running across a small porcupine which was drinking on the shore. Saw several amocapillus but think I never saw any, if not all gone. Camp flourishing & hardy respected, but have seen no signs of E. trailli. On P.M. shined the bird shot yesterday. Aug. 30 Clear & warm with S. wind, I'm for noon Barston & I pulled down to the mouth of the river separating he drove a number of ducks over us & I fired six shots getting home only one bird as several of my cartridges would fire & put me out. On the way back B. drove out another flock of musquarries from the upper pond & I made a good double shot dropping both birds but losing my own tipped in the high grove. I also shot a falco columbine; B. & Cotton. In P.M. we paddled down to the mouth again & hailed from there, clear hauled,
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Aug. 1873 117 1873 Upton, Maine. Aug. 30 to the manors when we lay for ducks until the steamer came along without getting a shot. The swallows are all, or nearly all, gone. The marsh west of the town is now filled with a chirping, lively throng of Sparrows, P. savanna being largely represented. Rhy. solitariae & macularius one daily growing less numerous. > small Hawks are beginning to increase in numbers. Sunday Aug. 31 Cloudy & clearing. Spent all the day about the town with B. Sept. 1873 Sept. 1 Cloudy & chilly with E. wind. In A.M. gwent down to the mouth of the river with B. & he shot a g.g. bittern. Saw a Choruleus virginicus. In P.M. followed the bittern and collected some Spanish moss for packing. This morning I shot a g.g. A. fascia flying over the Bern. E. migrants are collecting into large flocks. " 2 Showery & clearing with heavy N.W. winds. Looked the steamboat with B. this morning up to the outlet Dr. Amble & party also on board, bound for "the retreat." The Maine River going over the bar at the outlet; we were delayed two hours thus finally getting across we rode to Leonard's pond when we did so berked & B. started up. Leaving our station at the mouth, the duck began soon to come
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118 Sept. 1873 Wilton, Maine. 1873 Sept. 2. down & I shot four, two flying, B. shot a wood duck & came back. Hearing the whistle of the steamboat we dragged out my skiff; I stationed myself on the run while he went back to the pond. Then I shot two ower ducks & white gulls & a dst. blue heron all flying & missed another duck after wrapping the first barrel at him. The steam now came along & after another delay on the bar, we reached home by 10. P.M. Sept. 3. Clear & fine day. Barton left for "the street" this morning. After dinner started up C. run in the skiff & shot 8 bids, 2 D. cortana & Pens bnde. [illegible] 2 D. striata; the latter an evidently increasing in numbers. Why whitewins are all gone as on the swallows which seemed to have almost simultaneously, Ch. perpetua I have not seen for several days, and Chey. prinus with their young have dwindling & almost entirely disappeared. C. tristis is also I think leaving us. The Beeches are turning yellow, the furs are withering and everything both faunal & floral, begins to show signs of the approaching changes in nature. Sept. 4. Cloudy & rainy, mist & fog forenoon thundered the birds shot yesterday. In P.M. went down to the river and took two half-pounds. 15 Clear with showers. In A.M. shot a Ch. tristis with my rifle & took two Ml. [illegible] most. Banged about the house in P.M. Dan G. French arrived in the evening.
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Sept. 1873 119 1873 Wilton, Maine. Sept. 6 Clear a lovely day. We took the boat off to the Int'l in the morning & around at the District at 2 P.M. Strode across the carry on the old horn with the "truck board" battling behind and was pretty well brand up by the time I got there. In the evening went down to the river and took a 2 pound fish. Bassins caught five, on a 4 pounder Sunday Sept. 7 Cloudy with E. wind. After breakfast Dan & I started up the lake and rowed as far as the entrance to Mollychuckinawak. Saw a Piccus arthens & shot a Spevarius & a kingfisher, with my rifle. Got back to camp by 5 P.M. I fished a little in the run but without success. " 8 Rained hard last night but cleared up at sunrise. Fished at intervals during the day and gradually towards sunset but did not take a trout, and only one or two were caught by the others. The moon on the lake this evening was very fine, the mountains to the East lighting up with a changing massion of the most beautiful colors. Saw a Bh. fulgida the only swallow for a week or more & undercloudy the last " 9 Clear a fine day. Ron at 5 o'clock and went down to the river where I took three fish from backfort, all under a pound. During the morning caught two more. After dinner we packed up and bidding good bye to all
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120 Sept. 1873 1873 Wilton, Maine. Sept. 9. At the camp strolled down across the carry I riding Old Benney. Satning a boat at Cider Marsh we pulled down the lake as far as the outlet when we have taken aboard by the Diamond and reached the boat horn by 8.30. At the other I shot a merganser flying. At Richardson lake I noticed no striking difference in the air fauna except that birds & game of all kinds were scarcely seen. Paris Hudson was my want. My gun was full about, and we saw numbers of Blue, politarian, which I had noted at Wilton, as all gave a week time. Ducks and Geese the only species seen, Mergue and 2 both. circulators. A Drew Dickus was shot a day near the outlet of Umbagog. X Sept. 10. Ohm's a fine, cool day. After breakfast Dan I started up Camp. Near, making a lunch and spent the day in its beautiful forest shaded depths. At 3 o'clock ducks from a flock of six, in the first bayous, and further up we struck a flock of 60 mixed groups of which I shot five (one with my rifle). 2 to the remaining one. I also shot with my rifle a woodpecker, a long-fingered & a bit sandpiper, making amazingly good shots. Saw & Virginia Racastana, Bete fume & Gricea under us the latter I shot.
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{ "text": "Sept. 1873\n\n121\n\n1873\nUpton, Maine.\nSept. 11 Clear & lovely day. I am started off at\n\nday light with Messrs Hilton & Bates and\n\nranged around the mouth of the river\nfor duck but they returned without success\nIn the forenoon R went out again with\nSmith & killed two partridges. After\n\ndinner we with Messrs B. & T. started\nup lake for the narrows when we arrived\nat 6 & despatched partners to await\nthe arrival of the ducks. Chief command\nflying at about 6.15 and for a short\n\n\n\n\ntime we had little shooting. I killed\ntwo mergansers. I had only one fair\nshot - at two mergansers passing\nrather rather high, which I missed.\nComing back through by \"Doo are island\"\nI heard some large wild animal in\nthe woods making a harsh & rather\n\ntriumphant cry? Upon paddling in\nR firing the cracking of dry twigs was\ndistinctly audible as it started off.\n\n\" 12 Clear & a hot day. Ther 87° My hips\npaining me badly I remained on the\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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122 Sept. 1873 1873. Whiton, Maine. Sept. 13 duck but got no shots. Arrived at Sydney found that we had left our water at the lake home, so had to give up our proposed stay of several days. The two brothers Allen & a Mr. Perry went up on the boat with us. Had a Calderis arenaica sent down to me by Bostwick from the Richardson villa, to day. Sunday Sept. 14 Cloudy & cold with occasional rain. Started from Musellany on the boat at 10.30. At the outlet saw a fine pair of Eagles (Aquila) on a mossyificent adznt & the other with as little white on both had a tail they were beating about over the meadow like marsh hawks, fighting occasionally or low stars. Just as the boat came in to the landing at Whiton a flock of five Dux discors son ahead & swaying by, offering a good shot, had we been ready for them. & just the same time a large flock of Buttoris indoricius passed overhead the first I have seen here. Bostwick Greenough & party around this P.M. & shut up five wood cock in "the ravins" after a short time. " 15 Clear & cool. Went out on the boat this morning & getting into my float at the outlet sailed about the lake the greater part of the day, shooting a pair of YX4 Stone herndo near the outlet (getting only one). Boat left the P.M. we saw a fin bear & followed him about for a short time until at the fourth shot I was lucky enough to shoot a rifle bullet
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"Sept., 1873 123 1873. Wilton, Maine. Sept. 15 through his duck at about 250 yds. After a most exciting chase for a short distance I finished him with a charge of No. 6 shot: it was a very old g. I weighed 11 lbs. 2 oz. Although the jugular vein had been cut by the bullet, the neck was so thoroughly shot through he was still able to drive him for a long distance under water. Sept. 16 Clear & cool. I spent the entire day around the house with Dan as my hip is too lame to allow of much walking. In P.M. drained & made up the loin the job occupying about 2 1/2 hours. S. J. Bastar came down from the Retreat this morning. " 17 Clear & cool. Dan left for the stage for home this morning. I spent the day in the house with BB, & Mrs. Wilde who is staying here. I also seem to be a good filler! In P.M. JB went down on the marsh put up five traps & shot a Haliaeetus maculata. " 18 Clear & warm with S wind. I spent A.M. about the house while D. went down on the marsh & started 3 traps one of which he shot. In P.M. went up Camp some & shot a black duck sitting, and five small birds. Was much surprised at coming upon a rail (R. carolina) that was sitting crouched up, under a log on the edge of the stream. There has been quite a change
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124 1873. Sept. 18 in mature within the last week; the birds y species are fast assuming their autumnal tints or a few cold nights have banished nearly all the more delicate summer species of birds. Among the warblers only two species are left in any numbers—D. coronata. I saw one each of Parula anc. Rend, maculosa & D. striata but the chirping borders of thin birds that a few days since filled the woods, are gone. Zon albicollis & junco by, with Parus atrii, P. luridai, & Regulus fat. & D. coronata are now the prominent species in the woods. Passer. domesticus & M. palustris on the marsh. Chry. pinus are coming about the hour again in large, whirling, scentric flocks, and I heard a single Chry. solitariae to day. Sp. varius is still present in small numbers as is Chry. trice Mr. G. Hayward informs me that Merus ams wanted Yurdas mig. winter here every gear in small numbers, the former fishing the eddies in the streams. Sept. 19 Cloudy & rained hard all day. I spent the day about the barn but much troubled by thrombosis in my hip. 20 Cloudy & clear alternately. Rained very hard last night. After dinner started up & was in the mill. I found that stream much swollen by the late rains, flowing nearly bank full with a rapid current. Shot my birds the best a Parus—birdsome in full fall shimmerage. G. C. Brown came on this evening from Bethel & Barstow started up the
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Sept. 1873 Wilton, Maine 125 1873 Sept. 20. In galley this morning with S. P. Hunt. The steambot was "hung up" at the mouth of Couch river while attempting to come in in the dark this evening. Thursday Sept. 21 Chas & cold. Spent the day about the house in P. M. Hearing the bird that yesterday. Fished an hour or so in the river with my new rod & caught two small fish. The sunset was extremely fine this evening, the forest changing parts being fairly flooded with brilliant light. " 22 Chas & warmer than part few days. After breakfast took a trip up C. river in the skiff & shot six birds, two Pawtucknowe dr. This bird (P. hubmies?) has not a high note like Patrice; the note should made Aug. 11 is frequently preceded by the sharp che-chit or chuchit-chut, and the single chirp corresponding to that of Patr. is much louder & more fululent & not in any way to be confounded with it. Then these sets of notes are the only ones I have heard to be sure of, though the bird will sometimes give a spattering combination of them all in rapid succession. It is on the whole much more silent & less chirgy th. Patr., keeps almost upchasing on the rise & spreads very high up, has a heavier & more chirpy flight, & although often seen near does not as a rule associate with that species. Heard several Redbreast orations; this note (how made only am?) is not to be distinguished from the "chuck"
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126 1873. Upton, Maine. Sept. 22 of the common ground squirrel. Saw of Glaucis D. coronata about. D. macular virul, A virid do. Parula am do. Gesti. trichas do v D. cambicus do: The chink of the latter species is exactly like that of some humalis. Sitta can. is getting very about, Saw a few Chry. trisla & junias & a prigs. Why potatins, also one Sp. varius. Am I to chased any birds; Sept. 23 cloudy & cold. Heat most of the day packing up. " 24 Left the lake for home this morning in a pouring rain. The scenery was very through chilled & obscured to own degree by the dark gloomy morning, that foliage on the mountain sides had mostly reached its perfection of autumn Splendor and exhibited all its gorgeous coloring to perfection in contrast with the dark firs & Spruce. On the watch a rf. grouse walked out into the road in front of the horse & survived us coolly until we were marsh where her, then with a short flight disappeared among the yellow birches. Near Bethel we began to see numbers of Minias (or) along the roadside; did not observe them at all this year at Upton. Reached Cambridge at 9/14 & found all well
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Cambridge, Mass. Autumn of 1873 127 1873. No 23 Resume of Sept., Oct. & Nov: Have been confined either to horseback or to short rides by my lame hip, which makes but slow progress towards recovery. Have however derived much pleasure & profit from my rides which, as the weather has been mostly fine, have been nearly daily. Taking my gun with me on many occasions, have shot several good birds; some common ones. During Oct. W D Scott went with me almost every day. The month of Oct. was exceptionally fine but Nov. rather cold & thawing so far. Birds of all species have been very scarce, the warblers especially so. The arrival of N. Sprus was as follows. S. coronata Sept. 23 one spec, about number a few days later, Pyranza rubra, shot a driggen plumage with black wings, Oct. 15, G. hycemalis, Oct. 16 & Spec, gm arrival Oct. 20 when I saw about 50. Regulus Petrea 18 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 I shot a Verdus mig. in the speckled 1st plumage or more properly speaking in transition from that to the fall plumage. It was rather thin in flesh & on dissection I found a hard yellow cancer as large as a walnut attached to the ribs on the right side as well as the liver & crowded in among the intestines. The Stomach contained the usual quantity of food & that the bird in life was extremely tame. Oct. 23 Shot up on the hill with C.M. Carter who started a bag of quail & shot 8
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128 1873 Oct. 25 Middlesex County, Mass. Drove up to 'the hill' with Baston. He shot 2 snipe in a grove. I shot a o.g. tricked, the last of the season. Turdus pallasii saw & in our garden feeding together on honey suckle berries Oct. 26. " 29 Oct. 29 went off with Scott: he shot four Anthus ludovicianus from a large flock that was feeding on ploughed land over Belmont; when in a with grassy meadow they would remain perfectly silent & motionless at our approach of were very difficult to see. Gen. arrival of Szig monticola this morning. Nov. 1 Went off with Baston. Saw a o. Mathius fusis on Arlington Heights & fired at a grove in the willows as it ran from the roadside but missed. " 6 Shot a very fine & adult o. Buteo borealis from my buggy this morning, on the Wachusta place. Its crop contained a small rat food & body detached but both swallowed; in the stomach remains of two or three mice including both heads & bodies & among them a slender white worm about six inches in length. The birds was very fat & they are easily skinned. " 7 Cloudy & cold. Mr P. M. drove up on 'the hill' with J. Noble, he proposing to give Shot a hunt for me. At the first cast of he started a small grey two bird of which happened to come out slight near me on the roadside, calling out N. I took his gun & worked the jump up to them, he pointing both in grand style & I doing my part on each with the first barrel.
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129 1873. Nov. 21 Clear & fine. In A. M. drove up to the willows where I shot at a B. hircutus but missed him. On th. way home blew Belmont drove in to a very fine Archibates (Agopus) & fired a pin cartridge at five cozds. & missed clear. " 22 In A. M. drove over to Mr J. Smith's & spent the forenoon (ie looking over his stock of birds). He took 5 Red Virecious (last spring) but ciders it ran, took a Sterna copica at Boors head Hampton. This summer (Aug or Sept) also Sola pringipis; At Brooklin last spring he found My. Orinatus quite common in brick marshes! Shot (9 times & could have taken more; they remained all summer. He has also taken thus 2 Icteria viridis; has seen Cardinal's virgin. (a cage bird honors he thinks). In the Spring of 1872 he found D. castanea very common & in 1873 D. blackburnian. On the way over I find at a Buto birds & a crow but missed both. Nov. 25 Light Snow. Saw three or four large flocks of Turdus only; they have been present all the autumn. Mrs Belmont saw a grail cross the road & trying my horn took "Shot." I started the party (only 3) & pulled both bears or than killing with the & and a fine cock. " 26 Took my usual drive & saw Hharks & find at B.hint " 27 Saw bir Zera albicollis in our garden " 28 took a ride & find 5 Turd. at hawkly, seeing two Archibates Agopus " 29 " " " saw an Archibates or book unclear.
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Published in Forest & Stream 130 November 1873 Winter habits of Buteo's Archibutus For the last three weeks the interior of the country both to the North and West has been buried in snow while a narrow strip bordering on the sea coast and extending inland perhaps eight or ten miles has been left nearly bare. As a consequence several species of birds have flocked into our section in more than ordinary numbers, Hawks especially have soon occurred in remarkable remoter abundance, and I have had a fine opportunity of studying the habits of three of the larger species side by side - namely - B Boralis, B Lunulatus and Archibutus Lagopus. So begin with the Buteo, They are usually given by authors as possessing the same habits, cry, &c but it is not so, at least in my experience, for in all there I found them to differ essentially. B Boralis is a bird of the open, All day long it sits in an erect position on some the horizontal branch of some detached close in the meadows, or occasionally on the edge of some little oak grove over a springy "mire" on the sheltered side of a hill watching intently the ground beneath - If it perceives a mouse or other small quadruped it slides swiftly downward with half closed wings, then extending its claws and raising its wing, seizes its prey, and either devours it on the spot or moves with it to some distance - Frequently it misses its aim, stands a moment watching, then as it spies its would be victim making off perhaps several yards ahead, runs clumsily with flapping wings in pursuit and easily strikes again, but in this second attempt I have rarely seen it succeed.
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Nov. 1873 Sometimes you see one sitting for a long time motionless and erect in the tall grass watching like a cat, or perhaps walking slowly with a sideling motion - at this season it feeds exclusively on mice and rats, in early Spring on toads, frogs snakes &c. - I doubt if it ever attacks birds - for in about a dozen specimens examined at different times, I have never been able to detect any of their remains, and I have never in a single instance seen it pursue one of them on the wing. A wounded quail or snipe may occasionally fall a prey, but such instances must be very rare. A mouse when seized is usually tore in two, and the head and body bolted whole, while a rat is divided into 3 or 4 parts, but everywhere skin, bones, and all. By morning 5 or 6 mice to an generally captured, the crop and stomach both filled and the bird either removes to some high perch where it may remain undisturbed, or betakes itself to sailing in most graceful circles high up in the sky - Its flight is slow and rather heavy, but its acerial evolution extremely majestic and beautiful. When removing from one place to another it proceeds in a straight course, with 3 or 4 rather deliberate flaps of the wing, then an interval of sailing. When about to alight on a tree, it shoots upward in a cycloid curve, drops its feet to a branch, and closes its wings frequently without a single flap. Sometimes I have seen it swoop down from an height and almost grazing the ground, snap upward in the above described curv and alight almost without a perceptible motion of the wings - It near hunts its game on wing or swoops upon its directly from the air. It frequents
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Nov. 1873 the same field day after day, and may usually be found upon one of two or three favorite perches. Under ordinary circumstances you may approach it easily enough in a wagon, provided you are careful not to look at it too hard, or to drive directly towards it - but rather approach in a circle. You must however be ready to shoot the instant your horse stops, as that instant it will nearly to a certainty take wing. Should you miss or even slightly wound the bird it may remain only a few hundred yards, and you can (not unfrequently) draw up again within good range - As it seems to apprehend no danger unless you are on foot, when few birds are more systematically shy - The only cry I can refer with certainty to this species is a loud scream like the syllables - Cree-err-Cree-er-rp- repeated 5 or 6 times, and very different from the shrill whee-errr of the Red Shouldered hawk so often mimicked by the Jays - It is my impression that this species is a much rarer occurrence in Massachusetts than is usually supposed in the breeding season than is usually supposed. The following species is I think often confounded with it - B. Lincolatus, this species haunts at this season the edges of swampy woods, adjoining meadow land, or sits for hours at a time on a lofty branch of some oak or hickory that towers above the surrounding forest. During the Spring Summer and early Autumn it keeps within the woods, rarely coming out of their darkness and shadow, except when removing itself to some distant spot - or indulging in roarings common to all the family - I have never been fortunate
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Nov. 1873 133 enough to see it strike its prey, though judging from analogy I think its motion at such times must be more rapid and dashing than B. Boralis, and I suspect that it also preys on larger animals and birds, although it is in its habit nearly as sluggish as its congener; its flight is much quicker and lighter and its sailings less protracted and majestic. It may at all times be readily distinguished from the former bird— its smaller size is very apparent, and while perched its bright red breast, and in the air the whitish bars on the tail are very conspicuous. It is much more shy of a horse and wagon than the other species, and will rarely allow itself to be approached in that way. When startled from its perch it flies rapidly with continued, quick powerful flaps of the wing— like the domestic pigeon—for a few hundred yards, then proceeds more leisurely with occasional sailings. Its loud whistling whe— —wo who—o-—so often imitated by the fays is the only note I have ever heard, and is not to be confounded with the cry of any other New England Hawk. It is much less common in the vicinity of Cambridge than the “red tail” but in more densely wooded sections the reverse is true “Archibutea Lagopus”—This bird is in habits almost totally unlike either of the preceding, or indeed, any other hawk with which I am acquainted. It seems to haunt exclusively the open meadow and contrary to the usually accepted idea, is much more active than either of its fellows. Indeed in general habits, it more resembles Circaus.
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134 Nov. 1873 Leaving its perch it flies a few hundred yards then poising above the meadow at the height of perhaps fifty (50) feet, maintains its position for a moment or two with continued flappings, until getting fairly balanced, it will float for many minutes at a time, on entirely motionless, outspread wings, its body nearly horizontal, the head lowered, and eyes keenly scanning the ground below. On several occasions I have seen it hover in this way a moderately strong wind for some time, without a single apparent motion or any perceptible drift- and when thus poised it simply strongly reminds one of a stuffed bird suspended by a wire. This feat I have never seen performed by any bird, though I find it attributed to Buteo Montanis, by a writer in a recent number of Nature, whose explanation of the thereof would however utterly fail in the present instance as all the conditions necessary to support his theory have been under my observations, entirely reversed. After alternately flapping and poising should it fail in its search, it proceeds to another part of the meadow, and there repeats the performance- and if after trying several places, it is still unsuccessful, it almost invariably returns to the first point, and begins again. When at length it discovers a mouse, or other small quadruped, it descends in a succession of curves as on the iris a to B (- eagerly protruding its talons as it nears the earth- (as I have seen it strike its victim only 3 or 4 times I am not sure that this singular mode of descent is always followed, indeed in the only instance where I saw one swoop from a tree, it pailed down on a nearly even plane))
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Nov. 1873 Should it miss its aim it rises to the height of a few yards, and poising again awaits the re-appearance of its prey - this, when finally secure, -is devoured on the spot. Its ordinary flight is, though straightforward and slow, rather light and easy with nearly constant flappings, and at such times it resembles more a gull than a Hawk - but in its lofty aerial sailings, it is hardly to be distinguished from the "Red Tail" except perhaps by its greater size. When about to alight, it chooses some large detached tree, and rising to the topmost twig - settles easily and lightly - keeping its wings spread for an instant to maintain its balance. In this, I think almost universal habit of choosing the topmost twig for its perch, it differs from all the other, it differs from all the other large New England Hawks, and its appearance as it sits with its body nearly horizontal, swaying up and down with the wind on some slender spray, is quite unique. Perhaps the proportionately small size of the feet, may show a special adaptation for this habit. I have heard no cry or note of any type - Resume of Dec. 1873 Compared with Nov. the month has been cold. manner very pleasant with one snow until Dec. 27. Birds of all kinds scarce with the exception of Rapacious species. Rather more Jays and R. Batskapas, about than usual, but Sparrows Chickadees & C. exceptionally few in numbers. No winter birds "par excellance" (corvidae) at all, except the our present P. ovularis but even they have been rarely seen. Did not hear of Grey Jays, (at least) at all this Autumn. My leg getting better fast, and I can
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136 Dec. 1873 my walk 42 mile without difficulty. Nov. we enlarged the Bird club, by the addition of four own members field officers &c. I gave the name of the "Nattall Cr. Club." Dec. 22 H.W.Hensoda dropped in on me quite unexpectedly he had arrived two days before, I remained in C. till Jan. when he left for Washington. Dec. 23 we (No. 29) went down to Greenwich together & passed a pleasant day with G.J.W. Dec. 25 we had a pigeon shoot (unclear conditions, tame birds &c.) at Watertown. Score of shoot, Dec. 25-1873 Total G.M. Carter 1 1 1 00 1 00 1 01 1 6 C.J. Barston 0 1 0 00 1 00 00 0 0 2 E. Read 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 R. Drane 1 1 mf 0 1 1 1 1 6 Yuchas 00 1 00 1 01 00 00 1 3 J. Smith 1 1 1 1 50 0 00 1 5 G. Dodge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Vorblagh 0 1 0 mf 0 1 0 0 00 2 H.W.Hensoda 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 7 The day was a remarkably good one, with no wind, but the shooting very poor. W.P. Scott left C. about the 19th for a three or four weeks trip to N. Jersey. W. Stone has spent a number of days with me in the first part of the month gathering points on bird shooting &c.; he is an a good fellow, Dec. 20 I left for Fla. & went over Maynard at Coday Keys, Cambridge Dec. 31 - 1873 End of year 1873
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January 1874 137 Jan. 1-14 The weather has been for the most part mild. The snow that came in Dec. lasted only a few days into the new year; the ground has since been bare up to yesterday (13th) when we had another fall of about a foot. Juncos and Bugulus saturatus still continue about. W. D. Scott returned from S. P. on the 9th. He found Siskin plentiful in abundance; also observed numbers of Brim willows there. But one day last week a man in Godale's, who is a professional falconer and who gave me much valuable information concerning the habits of that bird (Coturnix migratorius). He says that all the pigeons in the country (with the exception of straggling pairs & small communities) collect yearly into an immense breeding colony, and that only one such colony can be found at a time in the States. The birds whenever it is disturbed to an excessive extent break up the communi- ty & select a place for another at the distance of 100 or more miles. The largest breeding roast
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138 1874. Jan. 20 Went into Boston in P.M. In Gordals shop saw a Nyctala richardsoni which he had purchased in the market, it came from Minn., and is the first that he has ever had. Saw a box of birds 'in the flank' from Mr. over two fine Biscuis arturius, in much better plumage than I saw them in summer, also a 5 Curvirostra americana, in no better plumage than we get them here at the corresponding season. Drooping in at Richis bird store I was much interested in watching these or four specimens of Corvus curvirostris from germany. One of them in a curious yellow plumage with a few streaks of red, which I took to be an immature & was trying to pry apart the sides of his cage. Entertaining his bill vertically between two of them, this would open his bit it sideways and strain against the perus with other mandible until the cross lips were carried by one another, actually crossing on the other side, and the mandibles seem ready to part company. This total motion I have never seen used to such an extent before by any bird. Jan. 24 A fine warm spring day. After breakfast started off in my buggy with Scott. Took a short run through Stickney woods in Watertown when I shot two Sply-promoted, and watched a fine adult Butho borach, which we heard repeatedly utter the cry described in preceding notes on the buzzards
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Jan. 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. 1874. January 24 pages 130-134. It also rose in slow circles to an immense height without flapping its wings at all for several minutes getting into the bushes again we drove up to Waverly and getting the team with considerable difficulty up the rough rocky wood path I tied the horse and we commenced to rammap round through the woods. Although birds were very scarce, the enjoyment to me of being once more in the woods with literally sound legs under me was after my long imprisonment enough & I enjoyed the forenoon to the utmost. I shot 5 Regulus Satrapa & Scott a Barns striat. We saw also a small flock of Chry. trister and a Picus pubescens. On the way home I fired at a Crow with Scott's gun & took feathers at very long range, 90 yds at least. Two Melos. Melodia were seen to day & one shot (F. Bailey Newton) Jan. 25 Very cold & windy; ground entirely bare. Sol F.W. drove over to Medford with E. Carter & called on my ornithological friend W. Thompson. On the way saw a very large & white Collyrio bunalis feeding on a bird apparently half as large as itself. It was sitting on a low brush by the roadside. I at our approach grasped the bird in its claws and with legs extended down to their full length, flew heavily to an adjacent
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110 1874 Jan. 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. Thickt. I was sufficiently near to see distinctly that it held its booty in both feet. Jan. 24 Was visited this morning by my friend Capt. S.S. Bather of Marsters Mills, Cape. He says that Bassanago wilsoni, Ballus virginianus, & For. Carolina (?), are wintering there in numbers as usual. He also started a woodcock (P. minor) about the last of Dec. The snipe frequent a narrow strip of springy marsh, extending above them miles up a small river where the ground grows frays & the grass remains green the Mason Sound. Jan. 28 Had a call this morning from Mr. Edwin Hunt of Wren Nest. He describes Chrysomitis juncus as about thus very winter (this included) but not found in summer. He does not however think that they breed them at this season; he says this winter is a very poor one then for birds, no Pinidea canadensis at all. Regulus patriaca winters there every year in small numbers " 30 Clear & mild. For P.M. took up to Mt. Auburn on the car and tramped all over the farm but saw nothing
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1874 Middlesex County, Mass. with shooting at, except a few Ship, monticola which I find two flying shots at for practice, killing one of them. The ground continues bare of snow. Feb. 5- Had a fall of a foot of snow on the 3rd. Took a high ride this P.M. and saw a flock of about 100 B. migrals feeding among the weeds in a large fallow field in Watertown. The unusualness of their appearance inland after heavy snow storm whereas snow have been seen for perhaps weeks before, is something remarkable. Regulus falcata. This her " 15 Yesterday a sunny clear & high temperature and the snow entirely disappear. So day Ampelis Cedronum appeared in large flocks. Saw as many as 180 individuals in all, A flock of 50 remained in one yard nearly all day appear- ently sitting after this gleaning and recommencing the premises, especially the cedar tree at the corner of the lawn through some ventured into it (the tree). " 16 An early-Spring day, mixtures of cold sunshine and frequent snow squalls. Don't go to the "Hanson farm" and trying any horse
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112 Feb. 1874 1874 Feb. 16 Middlesex County, Mass. Took a tramp of a few miles Through that old haunt of mine, Shot six Pigeons Patrapa getting fairly good specimens; they are universally abundant this winter. I. adsum over all over the city and numbers invaded the cedar tree to feed on the berries, they must I think, trouble the Apples but on this first arrival preferring the ciders while this berries last. Besides this usual gee-goo, they utter while perched a low liquid note of two or three or syllables. Saw several darting out after Snow flakes and catching them adroitly a-la-sheather (also see note winter of 1867 or 8). Seems seem to be greater in numbers & are more noisy & restless: altogether the first scene of the great Panorama Spring may be said to have opened Feb. 17 Sawind today two Hinga maritima shot on Grand Menan N. B. Jan 25 or thereabouts. They were all very fat - this Stomachs I found crammed with hard substances, gravel, fragments of broken shells &c. but no soft food though it might have been eliminated by their- position which had already well adream. Four Hiniola manchata, five Parns others, a Pigeon Patrapa (o) & fin birds made up the contents of the box.
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"Feb. 1874 1874 Feb. 19 Middlery County, Mass. Cloudy but still warm & pleasant, Took a trip up to the farm with Scott and spent a pleasant forenoon there. On Smith's hill" I heard a Catharus boscalis singing in his usual varied manner. Trains and we finally detected him in a tall oak accompanied by a pair of Blue jays but he was too shy to be approached & after a long pursuit we gave him up in disgust. Afterwards we came across I think they largest flock of Chrysomitra tristis that I ever saw: there were not less than 100 of them on one small bush tree & feeding in their characteristic manner & We found 8 in two shots. Although comparatively mute they ran at times at this game all the notes except the summer song. Small flocks of A. adronum were seen circling around but they have not attacked the asparagus leaves as yet. We also met with a few Juncos and a Vireo pubescens. Crows now start in force and Cyanura cristata are getting abundant. Have not seen or heard of a single Certhia ames this month & quite unprecedented occurrence. The ground is entirely bare & the birds dry. " 23 Cloudy & foggy clearing up P.M. Saw the first Sickle Batis; a large bird that flew over one yard in the * & made springs at bound then fell.
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Feb. 1874 afternoon, uttering its call now and then. Had a small pigeon shoot in the fields near Fitch p. in the morning, but the dark lowering sky & thick fog rendered the shooting very difficult. Score of Pigeon Shoot Feb.23 - 1874 Carter C.H. 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 6 Barston 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 Deam R. 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 Brimstone W. 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 7 Read E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 W. B. Bailey made a trip to Ward's is (Boston) has return he found Emophila cornuta got about in small flocks & secured them specimens. He also presented me with a Podiceps grisegena(?) which had been taken than a week or two previous. Feb. 25 Cloudy & cold snow fell to the depth of about 2 ft. March 1 In P.M. drove out to Brookline & dropped in on A Smith. He has a Falco columbarius shot in jaw. I has killed Philadela minor about the middle of that month, the latter bird was known very much in scists and afternoon Dick & C. founds migratorius seen yesterday in E. by W. Woodman.
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March 1874 March 3 Blue & warm with S wind. The ground in now bare in patches and the roads in an almost impassable condition. Went up on 'the farm' in the morning. Saw about a dozen S. dids all males and in full song. The cedar birds seem to be less abundant than they were two weeks ago and have not touched the asparagus berries as yet. As I lay at full length on the grass under the shelter of the cedar ridge I noticed several grasshoppers (in the larval stage) stopping clumsily about and catching a few. I found them of two kinds or at least two sorts, one variety being brown and the other a uniform grass green. The large blue bodied blow fly Lobo noticed in nearly every shaded spot crawling about in a state of semi-torpor. I heard two Melanodia singing in that subdued undertone familiar to this season. I think that they are winter birds and that none have arrived from the S as yet. In an old apple stump among the cedars & pair of birds had commenced excavating a nest and the snow below was strewn for many yards around with pink chips. I think they must have been P. striatipalus a pair of which I saw not far off but the hole (already sunk to the depth of several inches) was
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146 March 1874 1874. Feb. 23 Middlesex County, Mass. Salth large and ragged for a price of this handi-work. A Scissor bird that I shot was absolutely swarming with large reddish fleas, and was in a state of transition between the winter & summer plumage). This amorous inclinations are beginning to develop, as shown by their chasing one another about the trees and being bold & more noisy. I have not however heard them fond this long rattling coo or song as I should call it, yet. March 9 I have been confined to the house again for now nearly a week by a lame knee. Going into a dark room I ran against a chair bruising my knees slightly a little below the joint. I thought nothing about it at the time but a few day after it began to be sore & painful & can I can hardly broath up & down stairs; verily any story of ill luck is inexhaustible. The ground is now quite green again tho frost nearly out & the weather fine fraging nights is warm in the day time with some of the characteristic March winds as yet. Every thing seems to totoken an early Spring & I should not wonder if one had a good flight of birds before the month is out. S. Davis I see every day
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March 1874 117 1874 March 9 in my side but this members have just increased much since the 3rd N. mulobia have been reported (R. Dean & R. Bailey) as in full joy but not having been out early on the day I have failed to hear them. R. Bailey saw (Mar. ?) a flock of blackbirds in the distance; he thought them A. Phoenicurus, March 12 Cloudy threatening, with occasional snow squalls. Very cold. The 10° at smart. Took a ride in P.M. & saw a flock of 8 Bitalia palis getting about disconsolate & in silence under the lee of a protecting ridge of land: March 16th I saw two 2° for the first time, both already frozen. My knee is rather better though by own means well. Last night arrived two large boxes offalids from Dr. Manan; 24 S. maritima, 4 Loma agulatus (ow immature) & Bombyx trillinus) a Spiz. monticola, By. petreca & Sterula glacialis. To day I skinned a few of the Krinzae we found them like the last very fat, the gizzards filled with fragments of a pink shelled crustacea & the sexual organs but a triple more sankful. For theoretical points I cannot see that they differ at all from our summer Opres; this fish has however a much less rank smell & thus fatness & far thicker
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March 1874 Upon so, on various throats I think to day, found much much more easy of manipulation than the R. butchirii(?) that I operated upon a few weeks since; they are not in fact harder to skin through specimens of L. agentatus. The inner coat of down nearest the skin was almost as impenetrable as felt & must be a most efficient protection against the cold: They are more so than very fat in this respect differing from L. agentatus which is much always laden with fat at this season. March 15 The last four or five days have been very windy & exceptionally cold for the season (the thermometer from 10° to 26°). To day the weather has moderated & things look more springlike. This morning there was a flock of about 20 juncos in our garden the males singing loudly. I think they are arrivals although there has been a small flock resident in the neighborhood & rather more heard mentioned anywhere here than usual. H.A. Sordis who has just returned from a trip to N.Y. reports Philadelphia papers (as places & lines prospector at Plainfield N.J. on the 3rd (March))
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March 1874 149 March 16 Char and marm. Took a ride this morning up through Wamly and heard about a dozen Melodia in different places, in full song. Some have evidently arrived from the S. but they are but the van guard to the army that will be here in a few days. Charles Sumner's funeral took place him, this P.M. and the streets very crowded. " 19 Rained hard all day, getting up a little towards evening when I took a ride on my usual course. Saw the first Sarnia Strata a few blue birds rc. The grass is getting green on the foot all out on the upland and then will be a rush of early spring birds in a day or two. (4 Birds recently seen by J.Moore) " 20 Char & cot with a racing N wind. In P.M. took a drive around Mt. Auburn through Belmont. A most sudden & wonderful arrival of sundry species of birds, took place to day. Turdus migratorius suddenly appeared everywhere. I saw a host twenty and birds in different places hopping about on the ground or calling in that soft grateful undertone familiar to early spring; one I heard, in the
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150 March 1874 1874 March 12, middl of the day we full song in Mr. Hillards yard Newport. I have bar known this occur before for at least a week after this general arrival... At sunset I saw a large flock so at least flying N. high up in the air. Gorms Lane. I noticed also towards evening, pushing North in compact bodies of 30 or more, A single A. phoeniceus passed over my head bound in the same direction, and the blue birds & myg Sparrows have certainly thrbled this numbers one yesterday. March 21 Than but cool with N. wind. After breakfast started for a tramp on the farm taking my new gun b. loads. As I took the car in front of the barn a Par. Wiaca was singing beautifully in the opposite yard & I detected heard others fluttering about among the cressons. One the farm birds of all th. to be expected birds were in abundance. On the tall oaks around the little pond were half a dozen or more of red kings & their old familiar "quack a see" called as moral pleasant recollections of Green meadows, but hollowy seas of waving green grass, & the croak of the saily the mellow trill of the thrumps Sparrow. On the larger asparagus bed I found a flock of about 100 A. cedarosum feeding for the first time on the brines, I certainly
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March 1874 151 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. March 21 Shy, probably from having been shot at a good deal lately. Comeco though not at all abundant even in full song as was also Shig. montfield & the Lord lough of Colaptes auratus so indispensable from its very commonness, was for brand for the first time. I saw few in a morning, more & trials, but with Sparrows have not all arrived or are far abundant than usual. I took only five birds two Juncos, 20 Amfelis, 1 one melodie. On my returning to the house at noon found & flock of about 30 Quins. suspicious on our Elms & tried to get a shot but they were too shy. In P.M. took a ride with father & saw a very white Collisio brealis in Belmont. March 22 Saw the first Circus hudsonicus. At evening this evening a number of Robins were flushed on the tree around the fence calling to one another & one or two sang for a few minutes as it was getting dark but they are not in full song yet by any means. " 25 Saturday, was very cold this morning down to 4°. with a fall of about half an inch of snow. By day the weather moderated and I took a turn up through
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152 March 1874 1874 March 25 Middlesex County, Mass. Watertown, the farm and beyond, walking in all further than I have before for a whole year. The day was very windy and birds quiet; confined to shield bunny exposures. The first specimen I shot was a q Juncus that So Day the least closely approaches q arctictors of the West. It was above & very dry tho' roots (I heard the chuck) the minor nothing alarm sign'd) exactly like q bymnds and in all other aspects indeed I noted no difference till it was record. Also shot five q hymende, a melodia halia ; 6 Schiesphas furcginus five of which including one q.) I found gabbling in their usual discord chorus from a tall oak over the trout brook. A M. melodia, that during teuf'd actually ran so fast (not using its wings at all) that it beat me in a chase 5 yards stretch for a brush pile; I escaped though I am now nearly as quick to throw on my fags as of old. Saw a large flock of Arq phoenius & another of q cedronens near the asparagus beds. Heard very few birds singing this morning except many sparrows & an occasional blubrid; a 6 of the latter that I shot although apparently well & in good spirits, showed on dissection a wound in the abdomen around which the flesh & skin had completely mortific'd. Mr. J. Bann informed me a few days since the woodcock run sun in several places this weeks ago.
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March 1874 153 1874 March 26 Middlery County, Mass. - Belmont. Cloudy & warm with moist S. wind. After breakfast drove up to the Belmont meadows taking shot & beat for Snipe but found the ground frozen mudless and no signs of birds a few Pigeons may be here but the time is not yet. Afterwards drove up to the Warren run & tried to show Shot a woodcock but could find no traces of any; he however drew on the track of a grouse I going too fast ran in or her! Saw only two birds a G. l. pecoris, three of which I saw for the first time, and a Passer domesticus which I was much surprised at detecting among a prodigious throng of Sparrows on the North p. turnpike; it was a young bird in exceedingly shabby and worn plumage, and attracted my attention by its peculiar note & manner of flight. Then was I think a general arrival of Sc. ferrugineus: I saw them wing when at least thirty in all. Saw for first time, Car. purpureus (S. ranging in midstream) M. pecoris (vö 20 the former already settling himself up & forging his addresses to the latter) and Sturmelia magna (two whistling on the B. meadow). The migration of the early-coming Sparrows is now at its height: busy bushy hollow and hedgerow is swarming with M. subulata & S. monticola & Chubbers are in abundance in the fallow fields & overgrown thickets. Heard also a Par. thace singing finely & Mr. Halletto fis, this morning. Saw As. phoeniceus
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March 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. March 26 Ruthered one Walh prangies & meadow for the first time. The late severe frost has killed the sterling grass & the fields an as brown & bere as in winter. Have just learned that R. Nesbitt was ahead of me on the meadows this morning and flashed a single rifle on the small brook below Magnus's house. March 27 W. Woodman brought one d Zoa, allerting that he shot this morning in Victor's words: it was an curious pharrage. The under parts finely stratated like the rest before its first out; the dorsal aspect as an immation bird of a year growth. I think that under some abnormal condition I had failed to overt at least the under portions of its plumage, and may very probably have found the winter down as it is much too early in the season to effect any straggles of the migration. " 28 Had a new fall of at least 10 inches this morning but it cannot diggeep rapidly as the ground is soft and moist. " 31 Cloudy and very chilly & cold. The ground is again bare. Drove out to Brooklin after breakfast & sent A. Smith by appointment. Having taken out
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March 1874 Brookline, Mass. 1874 March 31 my horse I put him up in the barn or set out for a tramp. The country in that neighborhood is very wild & beautiful and I enjoyed the day much despite the inclemency of the weather. Scarcely had we left the road that a grouse rose from a clump of barberry bushes & I doubled hers up pretty at 35 paces with an ounce of No 8. from my Jones & loader, considering the fact that I wanted a bird in spring plumage a sufficient excuse for disregarding the draw. On direction I found the birds but slightly developed more of them larger than the No 1 shot. We shortly came across the largest flock of Par. vilica that I was ever saw at least 100, the males singing in chorus like blackbirds. They were in oak & pine large growth & were extremely shy, but by persevering I secured a dog in all. Among some thickly growing white pines we heard a soft hooting, what species I knew not, as it was a different cry from any I am familiar with though most likely belonging the barred owl. On another occasion we heard a short sharp bark from a huge pine ahead. Smith immediately remarked that he had never heard a similar sound in the woods before but thought it might be some unnatural cry of a gray squirrel but scarcely were the words out of his mouth than a bid about the size & shape of ac. Cooperii left the tree &
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156 April 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. 1874 March 31 made off with a juvenile mother- lite, fluttering flight. Following on me again heard its barking note but was unable to discover it. We got agreed that it was most probably Sarnia ubla. I saw a single Cestria ann, for the first time this year 18. also affirming that he has not watched other than or Sitta carolinensis this winter. After a lunch at his house I reached home by 2 P.M. The Par. place proved as usual very fat & hard to skin. They have when answered a "chuck" merely like that of Sarcora Regulus; their ordinary whistle is louder than any other Sparrows except Lon. albeola, the song is rich bold & beautiful more sonorous than that of St. monticola though otherwise bearing a flight resemblance to it. April 3 drove up to the Belmont Meadows and beat in vain for Drip. Huddled a Day. Juncus for the first time knew though Fodale shot one at Dyms on the 23rd, " 5 Clear & warm. In the forenoon took a walk up in the fields with D.G. French & started a Snipe which "Shot" glanced, it is the first that I have seen. During the last two weeks the external feel of the country has A changed little or more to The grass is still low.
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April 1874 157 1874 Apr. 8 Middlesex County, Mass. Dear & Pleasant. Saw three H.H. bredor flying about my box this morning for the first time though they was seen in Boston more than a week ago by Miss Baby & Pordue "10 The weather during the past week has been most capricious Nearly every morning ushered in by a lowering sky & thickly falling Snow, the frost out by noon & Snow all gone by evening leaving everything in a miserably sloppy condition. Have been confined to the house aris[ing] after dark by a bad sore throat with feverish symptoms accompanying. But am at last coming out of it. Saw this morning a single NYC gardenie flying high over our place & its dark figure outlined against the fading light recalled an April morning now four seasons past, when with eager eyes, through the barn window I watched, perhaps this self same bird, silently winging its way Northward. I at c[illegible] & finus & destined to remain so (though I know it not) through the longest glass I was hope to plan. as Apr. 13 A & Porcus granivorus was heard singing at Newton this morning.
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158 April 1874 1874 Middlsex County, Mass. Watertown. Apr. 14 Was with warm S. wind; rather too much wind in fact for a good day. Feeling nearly well of any powthreat I took my guns after breakfast & can up on the farm". Birds were remarkably quiet & shy & hardly at all singing. Took some eight specimens Saw for first time Regulus calendula Dend. Pinas, D. macularius & S. galbasi. The kinglet was singing most exquisitely & with full vigor. Saw two D. pinus both males & both attracted me by their song which however was not uttered with the usual strength but rather in undertone. The S. galbasi were fluttered about in various places I must have seen half a dozen in all! The only note I heard was the usual characteristic chuck; one little group of three I found exceedingly shy & so much that I followed them a long distance before getting a shot. The migration of juncos is apparently at its height; I must have seen 38 in one flock their snaks uttering this monotonous songs & chasing one another continually through the trees Heard several Bse. fuliginae in the air overhead but saw none lighted. Saw Anthopa butterflis for the first time but there is but little stirring up of vegetation yet except in my shaded places & the ground this morning was frozen hard. The bicolour appeared again to day in our yard; they have been about since the 25th!
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April 1874 1874 April 15 Middlesex County, Mass. - Belmont. Dear S. wind very warm, the 60°. After breakfast drove up to the Belmont meadows for a try at the Snipe. Ward beaten but a short distance when “Shot” came to a point near the brook; seeing a Robin a few rods ahead of him I paid with attention to his warning & was walking by him when a Snipe son directly in front of his nose & I knocked it over fifteen paces or so off. Afterwards I found abundance of signs in the hollow of Bostings ploughed field but as no birds were there, concluded they had fed them during the night. I moved on towards day back or perhaps removed but a short listen into the large Tuscotcy meadows. The occurrence of finding a surprising how of fresh signs & no bird this is of constant occurrence in Spring Shooting. I think however that we have had so many flight of birds yet, the meadows are still hard underneath in places although the warmth of the last two days has started the grass a little. Last night I heard the larks for the first time & to day Blue Jay was in full fill: usually he is several weeks later than his cousin. In the Swamp heard members of M. Yachester on the meadows a few P. Caranna, 7 on Sparks St. a singl. S. Socialis. B. Dan strata Rand. Johnsonum this morning. I also heard P. gannurus brigadum.
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160 1874 April 16 April 1874 Middlesex County, Mass. - Watertown. Cloudy & with cooler. The 42° at dawn. After Breakfast took my gun & went up on the farms but the wind blew such a gale that it was hard to either see or hear anything. I shot in all 9 specimens & D. finna (2 g), 1 D. palmarum & 2 D. pallasi. D. palmarum has a chip differing from that of any other warbler though approximating amount to the guttural one of D. coronata. In the woods beyond the brook I found a Crows nest but as the tree was a hard one did not try to ascend it. Both old birds were on the ground and made considerable anxiety flying about out of range & calling loudly; this I consider unusual as they generally avoid the vicinity of the post or which near keep silence. For the oak woods near the Arsenal I found a brood of 13 quail and going cautiously to the shot when they lit, ran them running swiftly through the brush. This Codies so upright as to offer quite perpen- dicular & looking much larger than they really are. Saw two new Spc. socialis to day. The which of Potato granivorus is speeding loud and strong & is vomiting up in a hurried manner find 2 mix times in succession. I am confident that I can distinguish it from any other granivorus mot. The quail are now onlyflying with wild pigeons from No. Many of the females containing eggs.
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April 1874 161 1874 April 17 Blindy & cold with E. wind. Started off as usual in the morning taking "Shot". Beat the fields below Fish pond without finding any birds. So set to work up small birds and took in all down, 2 P. gramineus, 2 D. palmarum, 1 M. przewalskii, 1 L. Palavana). Saw D. coronata for first time, about 6 specimens in all. Saw also a trip Peg. Ostrapa, P. gramineus an in companies of 20 or more and are violently migratory. They were singing in a rather unfinished practicing strain. P. palavana are also in flocks and have not scattered for the shadows as yet. Heard a few fox sparrows on Gray's woods, the only ones since my expedition with Smith in Brooklyn. Forgot to note A. cedrosae yesterday; I saw several small flocks on the farm. April 22 Left Boston this evening by the 9 P.M. train on the B & A. R.R. with R. Dean for a two weeks collecting trip to Petroleum, Dutch Co. W. Va. Took a sleeping berth and passed a good night. April 23 Arrived at N. Y. city at 7 this morning. By delaying too long in the car we lost the transfer carriage and had to make the best of our way across the city in
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162 April 1874 Jersey City N.J. to Washington, D.C. 1874. April 23 Left early on foot. At Taylor's hotel in Jersey city we had a most excellent breakfast, and left them by the 8.45 train on the P.R.R., arriving in Washington at 5.20 P.M. Very little advance in vegetation was noticed in Delaware & Jersey. although we saw large numbers of No. horesemen just outside the city but as we approached Phil, a very sudden advance of season was manifest. Peach trees were in full bloom and blow Baltimore cherry, pear and apple trees. Near Harris & Grace we saw the first Cathartha Aura, six or seven sitting together on an old tree. On Bush and Hempstead rivers ducks ability swarmed; at least 1000 were in sight a once, not in a clear flock but scattered at intervals of a few rods over several miles of water dotting the surface as far as the eye could reach; apparently the great number were Atherga—? and some species of Perky. The country from New York to Washington is remarkably level and uniform. Not to say monotone in appearance. Deciduous trees predominate in the woods, but the red cedar and scrub pine are not wanting; the former grows much more luxuriantly than in Mass,
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April. 1874 Washington, D.C. 1874 April 24 Washington. Arrived here last night and were most cordially received by Henry S. whom we dropped in on at 1741 G St. and found him most comfortable, a indeed elegant quarters. Sat up in his room talking till about 11 when we turned in. R. D. & myself occupying one bed. I believe my misfortunes are unpleasant; in the night my bed fellow turned our bedding striking my knee with such force as to cause me an agony of pain and in the morning I found myself barely able to walk. Hours after breakfast we took a horse car for the S. J. and found Ridgway & Brown in the W. town. To the latter I was introduced for the first time and had a talk of an hour or more with him. He was not in address or appearance, at all as I had pictured him; showed little of that dashy nervous energy which is so universally accredited to him. On the contrary he was quite slow & deliberate in movement, & my pleasant in conversation, a little too much to conscious self advance perhaps, cropping out now & then. We next called on Prof Baird in his room; he seemed
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April 1874 164 1874 Washington D.C. to Petroleum, Md. April 24 With much hindrance but profited a poor collecting ground at Petroleum. After dining with Henry & Ridgway we left W. in the 7.40 train. We passed Harper's Ferry at 10 P.M. & although the night was cloudy we got quite a good view of the bold rugged scenery & then turned in. In Washington we saw members of D. Astor, Mr. Ardon, Hon. Rufus & Mrs. Rhines Carolinensis, April 25 Woke up this morning to find the train just running into Grafton -- a most desolate place where we were obliged to wait half an hour for a freight train, the express not stopping at Petroleum. After a most execrable breakfast which the proprietor considered worth 15c we embarked on our "slow freight" and slow indeed we found it; its running time averaging 6 miles per hour. All day long the rain poured in torrents, and we passed the time in smoking, chatting and reading, especially the forms. The country from Grafton to Petroleum (distance 50 miles) is to the eye of a New Englander most unique. Straight ridges
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West Va April 1874 165 1874 Grafton to Petroleum, West Virginia. April 25 ride about the valleys to the height of 100 feet or more with their sides almost perpendicular, bush showing from it that rugged variety & beauty of outline so characteristic of Mr & N. H. hills, & and differing in another important feature, namely in the total absence of any of the coniferous trees. At one place indeed we did see a few white pines & hemlocks but every where else the growth was entirely beech oak & other hard wood trees continuum to me. The sides of these ridges are excessively steep, & so much so that very often one sees smooth slides from the woodcutters as in the habit of sliding down logs to the valley beneath. Rocks of any size and very scarce and there is hardly any underbrush or fallen log indeed nor it not for the steepness of the slopes one might ride through the woods almost anywhere on horseback. Very few birds were seen all day. At one place we heard the song of the Cardinal for the first time at another South saw a J & Cy. cyana & I saw near Grafton a Sandron Car sailing about over the stream Arrived in P at 5.30 & our warmth welcomed by S.
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156 West Va April 1874 1874 Petroleum, West Va. April 26 Cloudy & cold; this not I should say, about 40° Wind W. After breakfast took a walk down the railroad and saw a number of birds. Cardinals Bis. ran in great abundance and [illegible] in full song. I saw also Pipilo eryth. N. Speciosus &c. Sp. Insilla, Zon. albicollis Sturnus pubis ?s. P.D. saw them or fan S. ludovicianus, Z. Cassinanus & a Phyllosta canula. I shall defer a description of the country until I become more familiar with its details. Miss. Dorsey & Dean found a nest of Sayoras from this morning containing six eggs, two of which was spotted, and several of them as much so as average specimens of Contopus virgus. The nest was attached to the stem work under a bridge and differed but little in architecture, from Norton examples. The eggs were quite far down set or advanced, perhaps a week or ten days. In the P.M. I went out just before sunset & heard a Sc motthinus in full song. The Pipilos are easy about. The song of the is differs not much from Man examples but the chirink is totally different & continually declins so: it is a harsh tow-gosh, very guttural & characteristic invariably of all I have seen,
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"West Va April 1874 167 1874 April 27. Petrolinum, West Va. Clear warm & sunny. Clouded up towards night. We all started out after breakfast. I took the S. side of the creek & had hardly entered the woods before a fly, junco jumped up from a fallen log & I knocked him one on the wrist. Fairly in the woods I paused listened in astonishment to the melody of strange & new bird notes that saluted me but soon got to work to unravel the mystery. By noon I returned with 17 birds, 8 L. crester (2 with eggs ready for shell) 2 P. carula, 1 c C. Disjunctus, 2 Lm. Carolinensis 2 P. erythropt. & Say. fuscesc. & 1 H. fulveta. Cardinalis has no end of variation to its song & at present I am not sure of any; its chip is exceedingly like that of Cg. Cyama, L. crester reminds me much of Cg. citata in motion. Its song is also like one of the blue jays crowed, an extremely broad note repeated incessantly. It has also a feminine chip & a Paradin chu de de, L. Carolinensis is a most interesting bird. They are all paired or rather shy & show much conjugal affection. I crowed one & the other would not harm him but just as I was going to shoot again hit by his side caused pain with her bill. P. carula has the note like one the "whew" of L. Carolinensis song. Sp. poichi is apparently absent and is its old familiar self in every respect; S. pusilla likewise. An Aglaurus
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West Va April 1874 Pheonius that sings behind the barn in nearly exactly the same strain as our Pheilo at the N. [illegible] purposes? Is abundant; Have noticed nothing peculiar p. notes or habits. I think they breed in clods of the tall stubs as they are continually lighting on them. R. Dean brought in twenty birds the best 2 S. Indocians which still persistently blends one. He also shot 2 P. Hallasis, 1 an [illegible] sveral [illegible], Ratthnames as said to be plenty in the woods but an [illegible] made by the boss which brutes are roaming about at large anywhere, Short of the people he sided with the South in the late war. They are not unlike the Me backwoods in appearance averaging a trifle darker in complexion perhaps, and with less fine physiquess but they are said to be far behind them in intellect: not more than an [illegible] can read or write. They travel about riding on horseback the broken paths This babies in this area; many of their horses are really fine looking animals, and are very sure footed. There is not a carriage road in this whole region, nothing but bridle paths
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West Va. April 28 - 1874 Apr. 28 Morning broke cloudy & raining hard. Saw the first [illegible] Carolinensis, Rained all day and on kept down winter. c. Pagesoll went to Marietta by the morning train & has not got returned. As the day closed the rain changed to snow and the air was extremely chilly. Haylas keep up this furry storm all night town in front of the house and I have heard a few Bubo Am. Samia striata is especially abundant in the woods; etc. I note on habits on all entirely familiar but judging from a 2 shot by J. The white stripes are more obscure than in Mes. Specimens. Catharta aura is tardy to pass over or about here but is now seldom seen, Apr. 29 Clear with N. wind and very cold. About an inch of snow fell in the night and many of the hill tops were white as late as 10 A.M. although exposed to the sun's; water also froze to the thickness of window glass. Ruth & I started off after breakfast looking as before for S. side of Goose creek. The day was a poor one for birds & I had to work hard for it; the best thing. Indovie 3 (at least), C. cantha ?
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West Va April 29 - 1874 3 Parns Cor, 2 Sparus nov? 1 Lo. Picorn 16 Cardinlis, Sciures norbracensis is quite abundant along the creek. I in notes R.C. was exactly as at then. The Johnny is honors I think a little peculiar. T. Cassulla has a harsh dispiny note and I heard a boy for some time in a broken warbling. I think practicing Strass, Thy, Indorice is very tame fun, reminds me of J. Cardin, in fact in motions I can see no difference: A few on hop into a robins nest with egg (found them nests of that bird) when the owner appeared and Chrysothemus beat a hasty flight; he has a most singular indescribable chip, very loud. Heard Virio Sotarius singing. Heard at least a dozen different J. Corolinensis cooing. Its commences with a high note with rising inflection then low low low is almost exactly like the first two notes of Bubo Vir: the bird while thus employed usually sits on the top of a dead tree. I watched six of them feeding together on the ground; they run over quicker than the domestic pigeon but otherwise resemble them; or throwing they can hardly be distinguished from Sc. omig. Thought lay egg. Found a nest of Parns Cor, but could not think to it. Have heard only two protects. The passerine chip noted last nights I am allusion in field.
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West Va April 1871 Tom of the ch de d of P Strick. Scirpus avos, & Suth. initially two of each, an entirely familiar. Pipilos does not differ appreciably the further note is characteristic of all. Heard an entirely strange note from Agelais phor. a harsh indistinct all monosyllable: all very in song. Limiculus is familiar in all its notes ! shot & & r it found typical Genus. Saw a D. aurivra & & Pactus battison whose song was hardly recognizable, shorter than the N bird; chatter the same. Saw also a Gambetta flarjus in a wet morning field, Lopus sylvaticus. I am every day in the woods this morning caught a glimpse of Aertonyx monorak. While sitting down on a little gully a flock of Chaturus delasia at last so in full passed over my head in a close body, flying towards the W very rapidly and evidently migrating. Aprs 30 Coldland cordy. Commenced sailing at 10 A.M. & sound till sunset when it cleared up. Off after breakfast, striking up Boon creek. Shot 15 birds, the last 3 P ludovic, 2 Barns ear 1 Cardinals, 1 Y oedon &c. Animals for the day were Florida caerula, Troglodor Xol. cruficapilla, Xol. vernivora, Vires flavifrons, Pies pubo, P. vitlton, C. Casa
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West Va April 1874 The Florida carolina I started from the river bank whrn it flows to the top of a night oak. I found at very shy I could not obtain a shot. Next heard a Serious voice whether birdie, or not. I am unable to say but think it must have been the other as I found them so about there yesterday. The song however was very different from at the N. though having the same general character: its alarm chirp was exactly identical. The Carolina's sings almost as frequently as the & I goes through all his variations. Molothrus ater is common has the familiar big red or [illegible] but in addition a note entirely new, a harsh hipping z—up. The handle order of A. phoenicurs described on last page is peculiar to all (doings) I then heard him. I was so unfortuned as to miss a good shot at a Carolina Carolinus. He was a woodpecker or very suspect nothing noticeable for action or flight, made a rarely swoak almost like a prop. His rattling tree trunk tapping was also peculiar being rather faster than in most of the family. Heard the song of Paurus Car. I took it a first for an abnormal song of Red Bird. It consisted of four distinct notes, the first high, the second several octaves higher, the third lower than the first
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"May" Indica has occasionally the exact character of Saurora as I shot one to day in the act of making it; they latter a number of other notes more of which are as yet familiar to me, Pardalotus is quite familiar. Indica sometimes does not I think sing with so much vigor as in May. Sicus pubescens & Villona exhibit no peculiar features. May 1 Alternately cloudy & clear. Off after breakfast as usual & took 20 birds the best Myr. mutatus 8, Hc. versicolor 4, Saurora 8, Thy. Indica 7 Cotyph. seripennis 3 & 2 Cardinals 3, L.brevis 2-10. The arrivals noted were Vireo gilvus 6, Dolichopus my., I batmanov ov. oren, Pyronoma pulchra 8, Hydanulus Indica 2, Sc. sirus 8, Myr. mutatus 8, D. Blackburnia 8, Cotyph. seripennis 3 &c. Myr. cretatus 8, Jol. versicolor 2. Struck down the track this morning I found the country much better for collecting than any I have before seen. Birds are very silent and go much in flocks as in fact Sparrows warbling petunia &c. picking up the caterin. I was much surprised at finding two broods of young Thy. Indica able to fly; one brood got up all together in an open pasture like a flock of quail & I made an easy double shot on
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"Them! the parent of this cross I next also found she was on the point of laying an egg it being quite ready for the shell. Heard the song of this bird to day for the first time, it is loud I own of the most faultlessly clear that I know of: it consists of a note of two syllables repeated a number of times. The ordinary call note is similarly repeated incessantly, also a chatter precisely like Garden. I was much pleased on crossing a railroad bridge at perceiving a pair of swallows which I instantly recognized as C. purpurinus; they an unmistakable flight over like H. brisoi, the single note repeated at rare interval & much harsher & louder than C. riparia's. They had evidently selected the stone abutment under the bridge as a resting place for they continually perched on & out lighting on the projecting stones. After watching them a long time I shot both. Next I started a Sedgwick from a gun while pursuing him up a steep hill side, I heard a song new to me, a strong clear raspable with the most emphasis on the last two syllables, like whew whew see-der "altogether it reminded one of R. maculosa's. I soon discovered its author in a beautiful & My vintained! In
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West Va May 1874 looked at him, especially the M. Fusillus that I saw near passing him by. My next locality was an P. virius which flew across the track into a briary thicket where I pursued & shot him. He retired not more 7 in motions surrounded one of Virinus Car. While dropping him up my eye caught a bird just alighting on a dry branch of a humlock I instantly reaching for it as Hcl. virinosus I dropped my shot I knocked at once it proved a &. Heard again to day the song of Parous Car. It reminds me as before stated much of that of Dead virinus, consists of four measures. May 2 Birdy as usual with occasional sprinklings in P.M. Off all the forenoon and took 14 birds, 2 Pc. virius, 1 Hcl. virinosus, 1 My. strictus, 1 S. ludovic, 2 Zon. Carolin, 2 Cotyla terrifennis &c. Arrivals for the day war, Trochilus colubris 1 Dnd. virius g.a., Ac. Coopri, 10, Sandrus fruscusens, Rhyacoph. Whitarius; Pypanya rubra was abundant & 4 arms shot. Collected on the dam ground as yesterday but found birds very rare & silent. Saw two Hcl. virinosus birds the one second I had a fair closer to observe them they keep very low down & frequently hop about
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West Va May 1874 on the ground still, carry the tail high and have somewhat the air of Musia varia; like that bird they also creep around the branches & tree trunks; the only note I have heard is a sharp chip indistinguishable from that of the water thrush. The Simus ludovic was in full joy & I also heard its note several times before I fired; the call seemed to me precisely like that of our boboxin, but the former is different though sufficiently near to suggest to him the author: it commences in nearly the same way, is nearly as hurried but lacks the beautiful crescendo termination: it may be represented by the following pseur pseur per- seé-se. In actions I noticed nothing differing from that bird. I views looks very small especially when in thick brush; I took both that I shot to day for D. formosus: they carry the tail rather high & are very tawny. Heard Polysticta pim: littleeffort reminds one of the cat bird but is not so loud. Saw a number of Cotyle orlyquans but noticed nothing new. My Myird ornistrus was in full joy & in the same place as those occured yesterday; the song was generally the calm: it is perhaps a little clear that of Dend. Pervet, than d. macendroid; or rather it is that if
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West Va May 4 1874 the last with the emphasis of its first, Begulus Calandula is generally abundant do. Lar. albicollis Iardus multiviridis does not sing with nearly the same vigor him as at the N. In the P.M. went out again and took 11 birds nearly all common, the best & so: Cardinalis & Sturnus nonbracensis Sunday May 3 Cloudy clearing up by sunset. Very warm. Spent the whole day in our Sanctum working on the birds shot yesterday. writing rc. May 4 Cloudy of course but still a warm, a fair day for birds. Got started about 9 A.M. R.D. I hitching down the Railroad, I shot all 18 birds the best C. formosus 6, My. mitratus 4 6, H. vernivorus 5, My. crinitus 6, Cotyla persip. 2 6, rc. Arrivals were C. formosus 2 6, My. mitratus g.a His. limifrons g.a, Md. erythropteris 8. I saw altogether about 12 My. mitratus. They vary sort of all individually in song, this alarm chirp is very like that of My. canadensis. Saw this Hb. vernivorus copulating & shot th. 6. Have not had this song; they are as usual
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178 West Va May 1874 man the ground, they can be Distinguished at once by their almost unvarying habit of carrying the tail up. The Oporis was perfectly silent, shy and while flitting ahead of me hit invariably on the ground. I recognized it at once by the peculiar markings of the head. Shot four of my M ostratus from the top of high oaks, 100 ft above the ground & observed they often sang from such situations! They are very ruthless in habit & not only ruthless but actually shy; indeed! I think I stand one half a mile before getting a hit May 5 Cloudy all day. Started down the track after breakfast and took about a dozen birds the best Pyranga castanea & Centurus Carolinus &! My ostratus 3 &! Hel chrysoptera & Semius hedic, Arrivals were D. caerulea & (R. D.) D. caruleceus & Py. astiva & Hel chrysoph &. Pyranga castanea was perching the tops of some high oaks, reminded exactly P. rubra launching up occasionally after a fly, was quite shy & perfectly silent: it looked much larger than rubra haver & the absence of the black wings betrays it at once
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"West Va May 1874" "Heard the H. chrysoptera sing one bravely as at the N. it proved however the curious & rare with white separating the black of its throat from the base of the lower mandible. The Centurion attended the same numerous cr-awk as the one previously noted, was very shy, but perfectly woodpeckerlike in all its motions. Shot also a 8 Picea villorus much smaller than at the N. they are not uncommon as I see one or more every day. May 6 Clear and very warm at noon, The first really fine day that we have had. Started down the track cafter breakfast and struck up into "Oil cake run." The woods were very lovely in the clear came own light and the birds in full song. I took 13 specimens, the best D. carula 8, Op. formosus 2 8, H. arnivorus 4 8, My. mitratus 2 8, H. chrysoptera 9, Thy. ludovic 9, D. caruleceens 8, Arrivals were, O. formosus g. a. [illegible] Heard four songs new to me. Saw about 5 Op. formosus; they keep almost entirely on the ground when they walk about among the grass, are fastidulous to thekit's thro of motions but do not at all simoid one of C. agilis. The alarm notes of this species is with difficulty
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180 West Va May 1874 to be distinguished from that of My. imitator & Oc. vesuvianus; it is exactly like the chuck of Camia striata; that of the two latter birds I cannot yet separate. The song of C. formosus was a rich treat to me. It is a rich liquid trill, exceeding by far like that of S. Philadelphia with the preliminary whew, whew, omitted; the bird usually sings from a low branch of sour oak or from the thinnest twig of a bush pile. Heard this full performance of Oc. virius, it a most remarkable one; commencing with a series of loud whistles, a deciding chatter follows, then a single very loud bell like note: it is at times ventriloqual to a very large degree. Was very much pleased at getting D. canula. Mr. Doane had warned me that his song was very near that of lando but I was not prepared for so closely close a resemblance; shot it from a high oak only because I noticed its dendroica-like motions & suspected its identity. M. imitator keeps more among the tree tops than I at first supposed. It is fond of singing a few times in a place then spreading its wings & tail it fies to another tree without a single flap: it also frequently juts & flights its large tail somewhat like Bath. anticilla, which bird I am
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West Va. May 1874 inclined to think it bears only as close natural affinity to as to Majidactes. Hal. virminos is quite unique ; unlike anything else. It keeps almost entirely on the ground, walks instead of hopping, is shy restless & potentual, the male continually chatting one another through the woods. At sometimes mounts to a short distance above the ground winding about the trunks & branches exactly like M. varia. Its song which I heard to day for the first time, is a weak feeble trill so exactly Resembling that of Spizella socialis that had I not been within a yard or two of the bird & shot it in the very act & should not have hazarded recording it. May 7 Clear still & warm. a model day for collecting. Ruth intended starting for home yesterday but received a telegram at the last moment granting another week so we all started out together this morning as usual. I took my favourite ground up "Ahem cave Rim" & made a good day of it bringing in 24 birds, the best D. camba 60', My. mitratus 30', C. prunus 8x2, H. virminos 5', Hal. chrysip. 8+2,
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182 West Va May 1874 Arrivals are Dend. Jina (or o paid, & prob. settled for the summer shot in high oak woods). Emp. minimus, on; Dend. calceola g. a., about, Pirulus calceula, only one seen, or prob. gone by, Zon. abietis but about. The woods are very pleasant this morning, butterflies are coming out in force; I see no new ones, but have noticed several skippers unknown to me; saw also the green cicindilla & a quest acting legend of large size that can nearly as fast as a squirrel. Dend. calceola was very about. I heard them singing at once, their song is so exactly like the divided variation of Parulas that I am more certain of it; in addition to the peculiar warble hip, they have the harsh note of D. coronata which I had previously supposed peculiar to that bird. They keep uniformly high up in the tall trees. Saw at least 6 Dend. Blackbirds, most of them & and singing. My. cinetus is a common bird in the oak woods; I shot him this morning heard others; they have in addition to the peculiar kind whisth, a harsh chatter rather loud & peculiar; they are not very shy & an fond of sailing from one tree to another in a way that reminds one of Passerous Canadensis. Saw a pair of S. ludovicensis & extenuate, tho courting of the 6. He daved some! has a few moments with gunning
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"West Va. May 1874" 183 ings than obtaining her consent they performed the sexual act; in many as before described, the clam mote I cannot distinguish from that of nonboreensis; it may be a trifle fuller & less sharp; in all thin motion i habits they are identical, though indiviidians seems more fond of rocky streams while the other (though I suppose most of them are migrants here) is found on the muddy margin of Gonor Creek. Among some high oaks found a Mel ether, and provided him merely when he took to a high dead tree top and kept so pertinacing on the opposite side from her that after walking around it some twenty minutes or more I was fain to give him up & so left him there. R. D. confirms my observation on the way of N. varivonus; he heard numbers to day & others it as I did to that of Spij. Poicallis. Some of the Sains an very picturesqu: The water burns in all the streams though cold & good, shows a peculiar light thique indigo blue color & clear great in roots 6 ft. deep it is quite opaque & the bottom undistin- guishable; Many of the forest trees are commencing to leaf out; I notice one very entirely new to me indeed the only familiar ones on the
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West Va. May 1874 oaks, beech hemlock (the only coniferous tree here) maple and willow. The "red bird" is in full blossom and as a very beautiful thing. Wake robins are abundant everywhere and in full bloom; in many places in the low lying thickets the ground is carpeted with them. I also notice what I take to be a species of the same genus with red instead of white petals. Numbers of Anthostoma vociferus were heard last night by Mr. Burgessoll and they must be abundant here though we have started roses in the woods as yet. The weather is now delightful, cold nights and very warm in the middle of the day. May 8th. Clear, morning cold, but this at noon prob. as high as 80°. A boil on my face was so painful this morning that I was obliged to spend the day in the house. R.D. J Burgessoll went out as usual. I brought in the good assortment of warblers &c., but nothing new. I heard a Sturnella magna in the fields across the creek for the first time. His long drawn plaintive whistle was entirely typical. In the forenoon Skinned Birds shot yesterday. One P.M. not later &c.
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"West Va May 18, 185 May 9 Clear & very warm. Our post about 85° at noon. My knees was so much worse this morning that I determined leaving for home by the coming train. Spent all the forenoon with P.D. feaching our birds. Soregson went out for an hour or two, brought in a Contopus virrens: he saw several others as well as a pair of Ceganslujje cyana, a 6 of which I heard Singing at daybreak this morning. Last evening I heard a gnail whistling Bob White in the field behind the frown. Also a beautiful warbling Carpodacus like song which I refer with a ? to Detud Opinus. Antrostomus viriferus were out in force last evening and several could be heard at once. The forest trees are all putting out their leaves and the woods have now that beautiful delicate green familiar to the first few days of this resurrection. At 6:30 P.M. we bid good bye to Petrolum, taking the accommodation train to Laurel Junction when we were to hit the express East. Sitting on the platform behind the depot at this place, we smoked our cigars & enjoyed that quiet Sunset how to the utmost. Below us was perhaps the most beautiful both scenes that my eyes have rested upon since leaving home.
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West Va. May 1874. a brawling mountain stream full fifty feet below us walled in by hills so steep & high, that the cut through them formed rather a canyon than a valley; add to this a large herd of cows standing up to their knees in the water, a horse laden with two wild unkempt looking W. Va. boys, just emerging from the ford and struggling up the steep bank on the further side & my picture is complete & perhaps a typical one of this whole section of country, But the birds; as the planting days at the getting over streaching through the gaps in the Western divide tinged the floating mists with a beautiful rosy hue, in others when the beams fell more directly threw so strong a light that that smallest insect was disarmable at hundreds of yards distance in the still clear air, the chorus of
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West Va. May 1874 Below the same song noted at Petroleum we descended (with much pain & difficulty) and discovered its author as I suspected in Octon opinions. The song is said 'the most beautiful by all odds, that I have heard here, possessing that plaintive sweetness so characteristic of the songs of Pass. Nicaea which indeed it resembles very closely many way. The bird after singing for some time from the top of a lofty sycamore down into a clump of low bushes when I had a good chance to watch him! His long tail which he kept continually jisking about, gave him a very different look from J. Baltimore, and his note was so like the one of Dr. Pheniccaus that we both agreed we could see no difference; his colors were conspicuous & unmistakable. By this time the sun had set, & the gloom of twilight was fast creeping on the valley: the clank of the cow bells began to have a broomy sound, the last red bird was just finishing his song with a few good night chips to his mate became silent, when suddenly a whip poor will struck up from the wood below us, a bat whirled by on flickering wing, the shrub jipe of the hykes.
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188 May 1874 milled into a full chorus & the transition from day to night was complete. The whistle of an locomotive & the rumbling rush of this train warned us that we had seen the last of West Va. & after putting our own trunks aboard P.O.P.R. station we soon fell asleep in our berths. I must not omit to note that one of Antioch heard this evening regularly finished his song by omitting the preliminary syllable on the last half dozen notes. They poor will & poor will d.c. single Chorus. Station was heard here. May 10 Clear, warm & in fact a summer day. Obs. at noon about 85°. Awoke this morning to find the train running down the E. side of the mountains through other more cultivated country. Harpers Ferry was soon reached; The scenery was far decidedly the finest one had encountered, though still lacking that varied variety of outline & wilderness of feature that makes our N.C. Mountains so grand, the hills rose like artificial walls on either side to a vast height. From the perpendicular face of this opposite cliff (as the train stopped for a moment) came the rapidly enunciated two de dee two de dee two de dee of the throats & I suppose the little fellow must han
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May 1874 had a nest somewhere in the crevices of the rocks. Stelgidopteryx serripennis was in abundance and numbers of Cathartes were circling about the tops of the cliffs. By 11 A.M. we reached the Relay from 10 miles S. of Baltimore when we were obliged to disembark to await a 9.15 evening train. The country from Harpers ferry to Washington is a the finest for collecting that I have seen but then in few points where one could locate as the country is almost entirely unsettled. Just outside of Washington I saw as many as four Mel. erythropoda, in the spire fields, flying from an isolated tree to another as the train approached; Bupada? tortile dorsa were also frequent & I had a passing view of a Sparrow sitting on a little knoll, which I took to be Buspija Anna. At Relay we had a good dinner & lunched away the afternoon & evening. My knee is very painful & gives me perfect agony at times. Birds noted here were Cardinalis fs., Keiph. brictor, May, Cardic (Steg.) serripennis (in hundreds about & under the stone abutments of the R.R. bridge). Taking the train for Baltimore we were jolted across the city in a transportation coach,
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May 1874 After waiting an hour embarked on the train for N.Y. returning at once to our berths. May 11 Wrote this morning as the cars were running into Jersey City. Showing the transportation coach over I obliged to him a hack across N.Y. to the Grand Central depot where I took the 8.10 train for the New Haven road, R.D. remaining behind to look up our trunks which had not arrived. Passed quite a comfortable day in the cars getting into Boston by 8.15 C.M. The only ornithological note worthy of record was a Mel. erythropthalmus 10 m. E. of Worcester. Phylacophus solitarius has been common all the way from Harpers ferry to Boston: at one place as many as thirty started off from a small pool near the track! There is a very fine looking The region about Westboro Mass is a very fine looking on for Woodcock & grouse, with a capital strip meadow winding for miles across the railroad. Found Chads at the depot & at the house all well & a pleasant surprise in meeting Henry H. then. He stayed all the evening & we talked over affairs to our hearts content. Beyond the face of the country in Mass.
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March May 1874 almost exactly as I left it. No long stood (except a few lilacs in sheltered place) the grass only just starting, but altogether the aspect of about the 15 April. Under then conditions the arrival of the birds promises this year an unusual interest & as I have always maintained, with a certain reasonable margin they go more by date than season. Thus I found Peturs better off in abundance; P. never knew him here before until the cherry trees were in bloom but as yet not one has shown a blossom. I also hear from my window Vireo gilvus, dend. aestiva & Swg. cedro, May 12 Clear & warmer than yesterday. The at noon perhaps 65°. Our thrush arrived to day & we unpacked our birds in rather a demoralized condition. I. aestiva is building in the same honeysuckle bush occupied by old pair (arguably the same) last year & is constant quarreling with a Spz. socialis with one pure white tail feather which I distinctly remember as a companion of my last Spring confinement & solitude, Stop. Solier is still very painful, the boil growing steadily larger.
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May 1874 May 13 Was very warm. The 85°. Afternoon, the transition day from spring to Summer. The rapidity with which the leaves unfolded so remarkable; I trees which this morning saw can by coming over round with a display of green. None but the earliest, horn chestnuts, willows &c. have however started. In P.M., took a ride & found birds plentiful. Many from their abundance I suspect have been for some time so in the following list will return to characterize them as arrivals. Semiurus nov. 1; Teyraemus Cin. abdt; Viscos gilvus & flavifrons abdt, Adt. oriporus abdt; Seth. outrella 2♂; Iaricus fuscescens 1; Viois. lunifrons pural, G. tuchas abdt. Hydemus Buds. 2♂. The grosbeaks I saw in front of Dr. Mack's place, two beautiful males, each trying to outdo the other in song. The woods are still as bare & desolate looking as in winter. As I was sitting at my open or May 14 Was very warm with S. wind. Sitting at my open window this morning, a flock of some or eight Aldsireeni passed over the yard. I have never seen them so early in May before. In P.M. Took a ride up through
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May 1874 Monley, and saw near Bards Pond a very handsome albino Hudson migratorius, which had the entire head & neck white or nearly so; the remaining parts the normal color. The boil on my knees has been discharging for three or four days but it is still my greatest inconvenience that I am barely able to move about at all. May 15 Clear with cool & mild air: Spent the A.M. in the house writing & reading. About noon Henry H. dropped in to show me his cage for birds, and stayed two or three hours talking dicine with me. In the afternoon had my hair combed and took a short drive around Fish P. spending an hour of two on the wood path along the edge of the pine swamp listening to the birds of which I heard several old favorites. The tawny thrushes were in abundance but as is usual on their first apparance, all silent with the exception of their usual monosyllabic notes. Out on the broad green meadows to the E. the bobolinks were holding high carnival & I heard both species of rails at intervals. In the chickadee along the brook a tree acerbraensis occasionally jerked out
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May 1874 his great duty & a remarkably fine performer he was too, one of the best I ever heard. This season is certainly ornithologically lucking a perfect paradox. Dead Coronate as still abundant and numbers of Scl. ferrugineus as full with us while most of the summer bird seem to be seen. I saw the same albino robin & in the same place as yesterday. I had rather a better view of him to day & as nearly as I could make out, he has a perfectly white ring around his neck with the head & throat blotched conspicuously with the same color. Possibly it is pigment but he seems to me clearly one third larger than the typical bird. Apropos it has just occurred to me that I saw in passing the same place last season a bird with much white about the back & scapulars & this may possibly be the same still further out and now proved or perhaps one of its offspring returned to the spot of its nativity. On the way back called in at the Vestibule for a few minutes & saw them both. They informed me that there was a good flight of bird last week, the birds remaining on the swadows from May 5th to 9th. On man taking their on the farm day.
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May 1874 May 18 A most lovely May morning but cloudy & sunny afternoon. After breakfast had my horse harness'd & drove up to Rock meadow where I spent a pleasant hour listening to the birds. Saw several new arrivals, Myiod. pusillus, Lard. maculatus D. striata (mind) and Contopus lonchus. Yesterday I saw the first Trochilus cobitis. D. coronates is still here and it seems strange to see them associated with such birds as D. striata from which they are ordinarily separated in the migration by an interval of a week or more. Hear'd also a single Coccyzus Americanus (I am not quite positive of my ability to distinguish the notes) The Contopus pives on the old haunt at Wampy oak's; at intervals of a half minute or so uttered his gheck - phibeair or simply phibeair, from the title of an ancient physician. (Description of notes taken on th 18th.) On the Newtown Road saw my albino robin in the same place again. The apple trees are just putting out their leaves, the Shad bush is in bloom in the woods, as are the cherry & pear trees in the garden. The lilacs are still in full blast and the bird chorus is now nearly arrived at its full perfection. How short is Spring after all our winter longings for its arrival.
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196 May 1874 At the Eastern end of the willow meadow, a nestling in the bushes, I pulling up my lawn quickly, saw a pair of grail so near one that I was tempted to strike at them with my whip; watched them for some time till they finally walked over a low stone wall and disappeared. This tannum not to say chumpains at this season is quite remarkable. The bob white of the male will be heard in a few days more. In the afternoon saw a pair of Herondo broder copulating, the female sitting on the van of our corn and reducing the attention of the male more than a dozen times in succession) he cattering continually, a rattling pesto resembling that produced by drawing a small stick across the bars of a fencer or a watchman. Rattle turned slowly, Sunday May 24 Cloudy and warm. Have spent my days during the past week principally in reading and writing, bins still laid up by our barn, which although the soil has quite molded, is still my stiff and tow. The season is now at its very briliest, pear & apple trees in full blossom, the cherry trees getting,
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just a little grass, birds who have collected a little along report birds rather scarce this season. Cordial was out I think about the 19th and took two Lind. Castanea both S. D. Stricta is not as abundant as usual though I hear their full listless song occasionally in the garden. Yesterday I heard the first Cyanospiza and Corticops dives though both have been some time seen in adjoining towns. May 26 Clear with S. wind & rather warm, Max. temp. 70°. One of the most fine days of the season. Henry Hanson came out yesterday & spent the night & this morning proving so good we decided to try the birds together. Started immediately after breakfast and stopped first at the foot of the Mandle Hill when Henry killed 2 G. Cort. borealis, 3 Pube. 3 Pigeon. I shot a pair of botrys riparia and watched one of them for some time as it sent the sand out in showers from a hole it had commenced digging, and hemming to see its progress in the operation as it gave them a vigorous first way turn the sand flew out. He must draw up into the "willows" when we
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198 May, 1874 found a few of the N. migrants still remaining. I shot him entirely. Henry remains in the buggy; took & My joshuas, & S. morbor. vs. few commoner species. Saw quite a number of My. Canadensis & shot a pair. I also shot in Wavrlng a very fine Sc. Baltimore which I shall mount. Got back at 2 P.M. after having had a most pleasant day with my friend and the first shoot with him for nearly two years. At about 4 P.M. he started into Boston where he found a telegram awaiting him & will have for Denver to arrive morning. May 28 Clear but very warm. Started off in my buggy immediately after breakfast for a few birds I spent the forenoon in the willows with rather poor success, taking about five birds & most of those Common, the last &c My. Canadensis (for mount) All the N. joshuas were gone but I saw a few S. morbor across & hard the 8 sky. While walking along quietly in the road was attracted by a surprisingly shrill squeaking and stepping up to the spot disclosed a number of Shrews chasing each other about the trunks of two long willows occasionally running up this stems
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to the height of 6 or 8 feet then returning to the ground appearing and disappearing in (numerous) hops among the cars with marvelous quickness & agility; many of them were barely 1/2 grown & was frequently 6 or 7 cars in sight at once. I estimated the whole colony at about a dozen. Whether they were fighting or at play I could not decide, but thought the latter. On the way back caught my albinos robin in a rather safe place than usual and getting out my gun shot him as he sat in a maple tree one side of the road and got off without any trouble. Upon dissecting him found that from some previous injury his sternum was crushed over to one side giving his body a deformed appearance though he was otherwise in good flesh & apparently healthy. May 29 After I left with E. wind, H.H. Parchi came out on P.M. and at 6 o'clock we started in my buggy for Concord where we arrived at 9 spending much time on the way stopping to listen to the birds &c. A little after sun down the whip poor will struck up on all sides I at
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200 Concord May 30 - 1874 Sandy found leaning on me the road I got out and tried to shoot him but after firing over at him on the wing & another trim at a clod of earth through mistake, I had to gin it up; when within a few rods a chick may or plainly heard, occasionally interpolated between the syllables, and once we heard him give a succession of about a dozen very loud chicks without singing at all. Between Waltham & Wineston we had a number of quail and I should judge it might be a good country for them in Oct. (Heard the bit whit of th 8 May 28 for first time) After a good supper at the Middlesex we traveled down Monument St. down as far as S. Birds's barn, enjoying the still moonlight night & listening to the whip-poor-will. Returning to the hotel I found Reed whom I met there last winter and talked a half hour or more with him. May 30 War and very warm. Getting an early breakfast we started for home at about 7. Stopped first at the meadow near Bacchus where we quickly discovered a cot. Slowly arising from a tall mud stalk & shooting him.
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Concord May 30 - 1874 another (2?) started near me and lit and walking her up. I shot her on wing getting four specimens of both. We afterwards heard another & but could not start him. The song is very faint & may be perfectly represented by the Capadulas. Sk. lip repeated at intervals of ten seconds or more. They have also a chuck very like that of P. javanna. Their flight as they rise is fully as undulating as that of Chrysophis tristis & they usually go not more than 20 yds. at a time. They are not shy & when only in may be fairly shot but if pressed shall like a morn in my own. I had left in the billfold woods when I cornered an outlaught on the tanager shooting it in all, one of them a male with plumage of nearly equal green & yellow like the adult. In August, Saw a pair copulating & on a number of occasions the & pursuing his mate through the trees singing most beautifully & occasionally uttering a single very sweet note like a certain one in Virio obscurus' song. Heard 2 My Can, in a swamp near Sandy H.
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June - 1874 when I sold on June 17-21, I think for still remain to read. D. Ariata is still abundant and I saw on S. norbor. Found two nests of D. Pennsylvanic one nearly finished, reached home at 1.30 after a very pleasant day. June 2 Clear and cool. Getting an early supper I started off in my wagon at 6.30 P.M. to try for a whip-poor-will. Driven up through the willows and tied my horse in the dense oaks beyond when I waited till nearly 8 o'clock without success. Was however amply repaid by witnessing the close of a June day in the woods, as thus sun went down the very began to be hard on all sides and a little later Pleiurus auriculatus was going up in all directions and his beautiful warth which I have always considered so rare a cost was long when heard over the woods. I think however that like the Emu, minimus each individual goes up usually but once; it is a sort of warring hymn with him, a prayer to heaven for protection during the night which one he consumes himself for rest. This up-mirth earth is however marred by the up-tuning one or twice of the ordinary song, whil
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father I believe no one can hear long without to say the least get kind of it. As it grew darker I could hear some animal, probably a rabbit, crashing through the underbrush. The very clear his dogs and could be heard in all directions flying about over the woods uttering his yoo; he seemed quite at home in the darkness. Indeed I always suspected him of a more or less nocturnal dispose I now heard a not entirely one to me, a word which, who-who-ho. it was no out of my acquaintance and I should have guessed a raccoon (I can run hard on) had it been possible him. On the way home I heard two whip-poor-wills below the willows but it was too dark to follow them. June 3 Once I cool. After breakfast drove up to The Warren saw I to my great delight found Mrs. Chrysopara then shooting a fine adult male hunting two others. Took in all 12 birds, all common D. virg &, Cox. enthyop. c., P. subra d., etc. The migrants are staying very late as I saw both Cardus Simmonsi' D. striata; the latter left en masse two days ago. Hearing a S Hydnomis Androie, sizing I pursued
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June 3 - 1874 Wattham Woodcock v young him a short distance when he suddenly flew into a half finished fust and settled down as if sitting on eggs. While forcing my way through some thick bushes at the head of the run I flushed a very large woodcock directly under my feet; she flew about ten paces down dropping, commenced to beat the ground with her wings, & uttering a whining quizz like a young puppy. Looking carefully among the leaves I soon discovered a young bird, about the size of a smoky fratched Chicken spotted among the leaves; it allowed me to grasp it with my hand before moving but no sooner was it caught than it set up a clattering peeping which immediately startled up three others, which fluttered off at a great pace, spreading their feicinant wings like so many ostriches, & likewise peeping loudly. The old bird now came running pretty on the ground but would not approach nearer than two rods through the shrub much concerned. Following my path timbered with he started off after his fellows & I left them. Heard two songs which were new to me, but may have been been abnormal notes of Common Birds. Saw a Buteo Pennsylvanicus, two distinctly for any possible doubt of identity.
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Juny 5 - 1874 June 5 Started off in my team after breakfast and tied my horse in Wellington's lawn, & Box. Shot during the forenoon 12 birds the best Coe Am. 3. Hd. Infusip! Six of the trees now for my mounted collection. Found a nest of D. austina 3 eggs; 1 of M. pecoris, several nest of Minus Car. One of the latter I took & laid on a stone wall intending to take it out as I drove by the place but when are home afterwards I stopped for it, I found two of the egg broken open apparently by some bird but as they contained large embryos. The contents was untouched. Coeypus Am is by far the commonest of the cockroos here this year. I am very much of the difference of their notes now. That of C. Am. is a long drawn rattth or sometimes a deep low like cooing its notes of one syllable coo, coo, coo, coo, eoo. The other has a softer coo of more less than two & frequently so away as four syllables, coo-coo-cro-cro; coo-coo-coo- coo, and this is I think its only note. Saw a Chacture break off a large twig i carry it in its bill a half mile or so when it (the bird) dropped into a chimney. Heard a single R. thirata this evening. The forest trees are still only scantily dotted with birds,
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June 8 - 1874 Snake & power of charming June 8 Clear & warm. The weather for the past three or four days has been quite hot but the oaks etc. are now in nearly full leaf. After breakfast drove up to the Warren "farm" when I tied my horse and struck through the woods to the West for a mile or two. Shot only 1 bird the last a [illegible] Phil. Chrysophila, v a D. Penns.) Cont. views for mounting. H. chrysip. has sometimes three notes (exclusive of the preliminary one) more commonly two & occasionally only one: its song cannot be heard much over 100 yds although when you are near it seems very loud. Contopus virius has no note that can be called under my definition a song as I shot the [illegible] gathering the phe phoe. Witnessed this morning one of Nature's tragedies: while walking quietly along the edge of a small meadow encircled by heavy woodland I was attracted to the edge of the bushes by a juble calling note very like the chatter of Jays, etc. Walking quietly up to a clump of raspberry bushes whence the sound proceeded, I found myself within a yard of a Pardina fusca that was acting in a very strange manner hopping backwards & forwards between two twigs with dropping & spreadal wing & tail, &gm & panting mouth.
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and a generally dispirited & feeble look. I thought at first that it was dancing around tho o but could detect no other bird in the vicinity. As I watched it, it seemed every moment to grow weaker; its leaps became shorter, its chatter fainter and it fairly lolled on its perch. I now took a step forward & was about to grasp it in my hand, when it spoorrd me for the first time instantly took flight & alighted some twenty yards off where it gave its plumage a shake, uttered a wheez expression of the (to my imagination) utmost relief & taking wing again disappeared in the dense foliage. I next sought an explanation of the mystery & parting the bushes at my feet discovered the nest of the bird containing two eggs, one of which was just disappear- ing down the mouth of a large Shrike adder [Cohors spinosus] whose hideously blotched & banded cords lay in & around the nest. That GEE seemed to be in quite a cathartic state as I had to poke him quite forcibly with my ramrod before he would disgorge the egg (which was quit squinted) and then suffered himself to be struck quite forcibly before he would leave the nest. This car
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Notes of the American cuckoos June 1874 presents quite a curious problem. The thrush was beyond a question in a fascinated & semi-unconscious condition but was the snake instinctually bringing his jaws to bear on her? I think not for she was within easy striking distance all the time that I watched her, & beside a snake of that size (circumference as large as a man's forefinger) could hardly bear swallow to large a bird. June 9 Clear & hot. After breakfast took a turn up our "the farm" & got in by noon with 10 birds 2 Cor. erythrop, 1 B. Am. 2 Cast. virgins 1 Red. Injpec. 1 Cyanos cyanus etc. I settled the difference in the cuckoos' notes to day beyond a doubt & am now sure of them. The difference in the cooing is as described on p. 205. C. erythrop. has however also a preliminary cuc one cue etc. but way like, tho thr bird but faster & a little softer & less guttural. Both deps of both species use all the notes to the bird can hardly be said to have a love song. Birds are breeding very late this season. I found two nests of Set. muticella to day not quite finished, & one or 2 Cast. virgins. Heard my
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Jun 12 - 1874 209 Old friend Coats, breeds in Mt. Auburn. Got also a nest of Cy. cristata with 2 eggs. Coast Sunday I drove over to see J.A. Purdin & he took me to see a young [illegible] by name J.Wallum who had two broods of Serp. asio In one the parents were both red & the three young also of the same color. The other brood of four were all gray with a red mother (cast taken) I bought one of the young & it is now doing well: although not fully fledged it finds itself tearing up & devouring small birds &c. when just in its cage. Jun 12 Cloudy & misty with heavy thunder showers in the morning. In V.P.N. drove up to Rock madron where I listened in hopes of hearing the marsh owls but in vain. I cannot find one any where this season. Drove next through "Prospect St." tried my horse near the top of the hill The bushes & grass were saturated with moisture & I was soon wet through but was handsomely repaid by a great extraordinary run of luck in finding nests. My first find was a Coo. erythrops & eggs; the female sat rather close & when started off gave utterance to the usual notes, preferring them by a natural voice rattleroo which may be
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peculiar to this species, I must took two nests of D. lincolor on containing 4 the other 5 eggs all well advanced. The former of the two was built quite near the spring where Henry H. V myself hunched, on last June day years ago; the latter in the very run where we that same day discovered our first nest. I firmly believe it is the self same pair of birds. The females of both nests sat rather close to this mate just in an appearance at the first alarm. Both bird chirping away like D. austria & tittering their tail, apprehensively. Neither of these nests were as deep as usual & one was lined loosely with feathers. I found also near the same place a nest of D. Pennsylv. built in a barberry bush & begin to think they prefer them to hazel & as I have found several so this season. The 2 allowed me to almost touch her before she would him the nest; it contained one young bird, 2 eggs ready to hatch & one abortin one. I found next two Har. Rufes (Heys each a Spix) [illegible] in a barberry bush [some is inch about] ground) with young, & several Minias for one with young. Har. Rufes both sat very close & when the left the nest simulated lameness. Both nests were in low barberries. Taking a short cut for the wagon through a yellow pine grew a most interesting
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June 12 - 1874 Long cared owl & young bith experence awaited me. While pushing quickly ahead I suddly heard on only right a push creaking note of three syllable crick-a-crick, like the squall of a wheel-barrow. Advancing cautiously in the direction of the sound I was suddenly startled by a most piercing shriek followed by dozen others in quick succession each one less loud than that that preceded it the whole occupying 30 seconds perhaps of time, & suggesting the screams of a bird caught by a hawk, but very much more intensive. Instantly stopping what was my surprise to see a large owl suddenly pitch down to the ground about 30 paces offroad me & stand facing me with menacing gaw spread wings & gestures of unmistakable menace. A very demon he looked & I confess that for a moment his fierce wild expression quite awed me, in other instant however he took wing threading the intricacies of of the thood with marvelous ease & rapidity & as he lighted on a low bunk he again emitted his piercing shrieks. I now started in pursuit but forced it for some time, quite impossible to get within range. Occasionally he (or rather she for it was the ♀) would light on a tall dead chest top & give a deep low whoo, whooh (more uttered more than twere)
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June 12 - 1874 difficult to describe but very like the sound produced by blowing forcibly into the bung hole of an empty cask. After trying a long shot with my light shot-shot charge, I gave up the pursuit v hearing the squeaking noise again started off in search v soon discovered other just in a small cedar, with the white downy head of a young bird appearing over the edge. As it was now quite dark I resolved to leave them for the time so leaped over the wall into an open pasture but had not gone far when one of the old birds (the & I think as) I still heard the shrieking notes of the other among the pines) came sailing along close over my head looking at me quite familiarly v lighted on a dead tree [illegible] easy range, but I was unwilling to try my light shot on them again. June 13 Clear but cool. After spending th A.M. in stuffing a Saw-whet v E D. Bros. Shot yesterday, I started off immediately after dinner v drove up to owl's nest. I startled both birds from trees over the nest v shot the & without difficulty as he flipped lazily off through the pines within 15 yds of me but this 2 gave me a long chase v was quite as shy
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by daylight as she had been in the Dark, and went through all the same manœuvres at times swooting but often within the purring shrubs, The dashing rapidity & quick windings of her flight absolutely amazed me & I think I never saw any other bird show such perfect Command of wing among thick branches. The flight of the 8 (as seen last night) was slow & easy with frequent sailing & his wings looked broad & his head extremely large in proportion, but the 2 I had during a very different aspect & her wings appeared very long & swift. like. I finally secured her & right turned my attention to the nest. It was in a Red Cedar about 20 ft. above the ground & on examination proved a flat platform correspond outwardly of sticks, & lined with strips of cedar bark. By diam. 18 in. i. do 9 in. One young bird sat on the edge & another was perched on the branch of an adjoining Yellow Pine. When first seen they appeared a partly spherical ball of feathers, but as soon as they noticed me they drew themselves up to their full height, exactly like S. asio but unlike him did not seem to demonstrate the power of "marrowin' the cyphes into slits" When I had climbed to within a few feet
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June 13-18 74 Victoria views of them to my great surprize they stooped down & raising their hind part of their wings so that the secundaries touched over their backs the tips of the primaries trailing on the branch on each side of their feet stood facing me with raised wings exactly inverted that is the secundaries when the tip should be. I caught them easily though they were very savage clicking their bills & snoring through their nostrils. Proceeding onward in search of further adventures I found a nest of Dot. crizicorus on which the O sat so closely that I nearly trud on her it contained 5 eggs. While searching some thick bushes for nests in general an Victoria view the first I ever detected in Mass. struck up his familiar notes & sang for some time but I was unable to get close a sight at him. Finding no more nests except two D. Penns both empty I strove home arriving about 6P.M. I forgot to note that the nest of Othus contained only a few feathers of Melis. melodia & a partially devoured dar beetle. Under the tree I found only an pellet composed entirely of mouse hair & bones. The lining of the nest was quite felty & matted together with the uppias of the young.
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June 17 - 1874 215 Marston's Mills - Cape Cod. June 17 Left Boston yesterday 4 P.M. with D.C. Melvin and arrived at N. Barnstable at 7. Then driven on to Capt. Baptist by our old friend Jones with his excellent horses and enjoyed the ride much as the driving was cool and pleasant. This morning woke to find it raining hard and had to spend the forenoon in lounging about the house &c. At noon however the rain held off and after dinner we started out for a try at the blue fish in the Captain's boat the 'Star'. Sailed down through the channels by 'Old Bridge' as far as Cotuit and 'High Ground' trolling all the way but did not get a run. On the way back however I struck a 3 lb. blue fish just opposite Mr. Perkins place, and as I was fishing with a small ash rod he gave fine play for a few minutes rushing wildly in all directions & occasionally haping out of the water but he finally shook the hook from his mouth and escaped. Got back at 6&1/2 P.M. After supper I went in pursuit of a whaleshare that struck up near the home and after a long chase secured him. The P.M. was cloudy & cold. I saw no birds worthy of mention.
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Jun 18 - 1874 Cape Cod Jun 18 Clear with very strong N.W. wind. After breakfast we started out with the Capt, prepared to spend the day on the water. We were also accompanied by Barnard & Frank Hinckley. We drove down to Cotuit at a furious rate under two reefs and then flood out into the Sound for the 'bell buoy' when we came to try the ground fish but finding the wind too strong was obliged to put in again. On a Sand Bar near 'High ground' about 100 terns were sitting & getting the Capt. to put our ashore I shot four but secured only one as the others fell into the water & drifted off. I was how much pleased at seeing my acquaintance with C. atricilla about a dozen of which started off the island among the terns and rising high into the air saluted us with a wild laughing chorus that brought back old Mashkegot days & crowded memories of a friend, never also to be met with again upon this earth. We spent the rest of the day cruising about near shore shooting in all six terns; (I could detect two species, but exact S. hirundo) a pair of A. melodius and a pair of Mac. gissus. Of the latter bird I saw three individuals
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June 18 - 1874 the two shot were feeding together on a sand beach, and found in dissection a 6's & 9 each with the generation organs in healthy condition. The testicles of the 6's are perhaps half the maximum size, while four of the ovaries of the 9 was as large as small peas and I think would undoubtedly have been laid sometime this season. The tuns now all paired, each pair sitting close together on the sand bars & keeping over each other while on wing. I saw a number flying about with mud fish in their bills which fact I cannot easily explain as they cannot (judging from the sexual organs which were hardly enlarged at all) can have laid yet. They have a frequent habit when sitting on the bars of raising both wings above their backs & exposing them to the breez. The wind moderating late in the P.M. we sailed out to the broy where we very soon satisfied the wants of all on board with scup & trauts, catching them in that most untutary way on hand lines. The scup is a most beautiful fish when first taken from the water, its scales tinged with a delicate rose color which fades soon after death. I also caught a huge rock bass.
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June 1874 Apparently a near relative of the Striped bass. Returning the wind nearly died out, as we passed through the channels which gave us a good opportunity to listen to the birds. Cordius gracilis seemed to be a common species & I heard some magnificent songsters. Dred. Fina was also common & I heard one Perula Avis. The sunset was a remarkably fine one the beams streaming through breaks in the clouds & throwing an exceedingly strong light on the open oak woodland. We reached the landing at 8 P.M. well pleased with our day's sail. I forgot to mention two or three Habicatus lanceofolus & one Lacies agutalus in minuta phymaga which were obviated. Dr. Origineurs is said to be quite uncommon here: I see's now. Dmail seemed to be not very common, thought we heard them in several places. Smithia & Cathinensis is not very common at this season: two were observed. On the evening packed up for our return home to morrow. Cambridge. June 20 Got into Boston yesterday at noon. A Spizella Socialis which has a nest in front of my window is fed at frequent intervals, while bathing, by her mate.
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June 20 - 1874 In P.M. drove up to the "Warren Gun" with Bartlett taking Shot but no guns. In the upper corn started a pair of coo's the ? of which went through the performance of beating her wings on the ground &c. So that I judged she must have young in the vicinity but we were unable to find them. Shot Schand remarkably well making six or seven points on the old birds which he chased about for some time. Saw two broods of Carduelis fuscescens & one of Poecile gramm. Both able to fly well. Many Robins (S. migr.) have been out about a week. Visited 2 nests of Fly. Indicus & Dorbeed found a week ago but both were empty. June 23 Clear and very warm. Started off in my buggy at 9 A.M. to visit two or three nests. The first a Seth. Carduelis on the farm was completely deserted. The other was a Lark Virens (on the hill beyond Rock meadows) upon which the female was sitting. This bird sits very high on the nest or rather the nest is so small in proportion & her size that much all her body may be seen over the edge; she
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Jan. 1874 Littow keeps her head rolling about as if looking out for insects. When climbing to a level with the nest I found it contained three eggs, but although from the ground it looked within easy reach of the main trunk I could not even touch the edge stretch as I ought. However as the branch though small looked sound & the tree was an oak I determined to crawl out upon it and putting this into operation I soon grasped the nest & was cautious by pulling it towards me when without an instant warning the bough split off at its junction with the main stem and I was precipitated head foremost through the leaves towards the earth; that moment seemed an hour & any escape from a fall of fifty feet to the ground below (which by the way was jagged & rocky) appeared quite impossible for no branches intermeddle to break the fall but by the help of God I was saved, for the branch to which I still clung, still held by a strip of bark to the tree & swinging in the wind like a pendulum I was at length enabled to grasp another limb & draw myself up to a firm footing
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June 1874 once more), and found myself now the worse for the scrap, through it was certainly a very narrow escape. The finches eggs were of course all broken but the nest which I drew in & discarded was a very fine one laid with fine needles. I afterwards found a nest of Vireo Swain. (2 eggs & 1 of N. jileosin all fresh) and shot a nuthatch fuscarano, the adult I saw, & ad. Sith. cuticilla, & Hy. Lendovic. & Dumd. astoria. I forgot to mention that in diving up through the willows I saw a woodpeck apparently an old sitting on the road; upon my getting within about 8 yds. it hopped the willows & disappeared June 24 Rose early & had a light breakfast at 6. Started off on foot and skirted up around the swamps. Saw a D. astiva & N. phoeniceus for mounting. Came across a ? Pygama car, with a large brood of young only one of which I was able to dissect. They kept up a continual calling for food in a rather harsh querulous strain, but the instant the parent bird perceived me she uttered a sharpe note which alarmed the young at once, though in a few
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June 26 - 1874 Vantucket Mass. moments they would begin again. She finally led them off into a thicket of tangled briars where I could not follow. In one shot was squattling on a broad lily leaf when first killed had a blood red knob or protuberance on the base of the upper mandible; this, poor thrunk away after death. June 26 Left Boston at 11.30 for Vantucket via Woods Hole, with E. J. Maynard. Had a pleasant boat across the Sound on the steam 'Island Home', arrived at the island at 7 P.M. Took board at Mrs Stasbeck's on Darling St. Saw nothing of note on the passage save slept multitudes of terns as we approached Vantucket. A few saw them all the way across though they were far more about, when the land. June 27 Clear and quite warm north E. wind which is remarkably soft & pleasant here. Started off after breakfast striking towards South Beach. For an hour or two saw nothing worth shooting but finally coming out of a large 'codwisher'
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June 27 - 1874 Nantucket Mass. we found Cornuculus [illegible] in abundance: aided in one place in an area of 100 yds. I think then were four or five pairs and they stand girtly evenly distributed over the whole island, which is then or four miles in extent, I shot fifteen during the forenoon. Mr. M. ten, I had the good fortune to discover them nestling in my lot in a most interesting situation. They varied Connecticut individ uals with regard to wildness but as the aggregate are much tame than I have found them at Concord Mass. The males usually sing from the tops of small little shrubed red cedars that own (scattered) on the plain or in default of those from a bayberry or even a tall weed stalk. The ordinary song was as usually compared with the sir of some of the grasshoppers pebble (though entomologists) short > all over the same key. They had also another song new to us both -- a fluttering disconnected strain somewhat suggesting Cictethorus [illegible] but longer & less impetuous. This would frequently be continued 30 seconds at a time. The
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221 June 27- 1874 Nantucket Chip of both sexes is quite dif- ferent from that of any other Sparrow that I am acquainted with; it is quite sharp & easier from one to three syllables some- what ended like the chirping of one of the crickets. The bird when first flushed flies rather swiftly & vigorously twisting a little, though not so much as (P. savanna); it then changes it flight to a long regular undulating sweep quivering the wing like a Bristothorus. While singing it sits quite upright with the back bunch hunched. On the ground they both run & hop, but they seem I think lie close like C. Henlowi. I saw two broods of young both willow way & found the nest of one brood; the young chirp (for food) almost precisely like the great adult bird. Besides, Juniperus (et canus ?) Poecetes gramineus, As phoeniceus, Sturnus migratorius & Mel. mulotica are the characteristic land birds here. Have also observed a few each of Par. savanna Dol. rizzivens [1 0] G. trichas [1 0] Chachra palasgia [pair] Rhi' sonorum & H. Victor (both rather common) Simoella verspa
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June 28 - 1874 Vantechet Corvus am (common) Ardea herodia, H. Gadeni, Da P.M. Shunned our birds, Sunday Junds Char is a most lovely day. Wind N.W. & cool. In A.M. walked over to 'the Cliffs,' with Mr. Howies (on Jan. Boarders) and had a glorious bath off the beach. Setting concealed on an old wreck for had a rare chance to watch the terns multitudes, of which were flying about near us. The herodia bore the relations unnaturally to S. hirundo of about one in twenty five. It look smaller or having the tail longer & the dorsal aspect pure white; it also flaps more shortly & easily. Its not is a very light & slender character very like that of Agelater sempalmatus. The cries of S. hirundo are the usual harsh vibration on, and a much softer click; the former sound a note of anger or discontent while the latter had a self satisfied oppression. He saw several dive so near us that we could placed our hand under water. They went to the depth of a foot or more & sometimes
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June 29 - 1874 Nantucket were under water, surrounded before rising again; whether they need them or not I could not decide but think they do just. We saw only two S. macromia and I am in hopes of detecting a difference of taste, but will not commit myself yet. The fishermen say that the presence of a flock of terns hovering over the water is an indication of a school of blue fish; the latter driving the small fishes to the surface where the birds seize them. A flock of terns hovering in this way over the water, dozens plunging down at at time within a radius of a few yards, presents a most interesting appearance. They seem to strike their prey on an average of about once in five attempts. Saw a single Chordila perpetua this evening. June 29 Clear & warm with E wind In S.W. we went out to the old wreck when I got a boat to recover the birds that spent the whole morning pulling about, picking up
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June 30 - 1874 227 Nartrichit the turn shot by M. Guppy I killed about 20, S. thrush S. Paradina the Swan & in S. friends I also picked up 9 shot by M. Saw then Chri: Patricilla one of which I brought down at my long range. In PM D.Hill and my brother V the gull. June 30 Clear with N wind very warm. Off after breakfast M. Striking S for Passions when I thought the old cruse again but finding no turns flying within range I took a boat and drifting down along shore until the tide rounded N.S. Paradise with the utmost care I could have killed more. I also shot 3 S. friends & one Sec. modius, S. Paradina has three notes: one V the most common a mellow monosyllable like the gliber of Pocon Jurquesa (whick bird I noted a pair this morning) another hew it, the third V the one denoting anger or pain exactly. She that, produced by gripping forcibly a short piece of
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July 1st 1874 Portsmouth Mass. cloth, they are rather good sky than J. S. hirundo & as a rule will hover over the dead bird of no species other than their own. I saw a large Circus hudsonius in mus. pl. this morning. E. J. Fl. got in a little catn that day with 16 G. fraserians also about 7 specimens of Ae. phoenixus all in the finest plumage I ever saw; on a C had the shoulder as red as a poor male in April; tho throat a beautiful pure rose color. July 1 Clear and warm. Wind W. Off after breakfast in the Albion Wriggled finch "maid Joan", Capt Watson Burgess. Intended to steer for Muskeget but the wind proved ahead we stood up the harbor inside of Boatne point. Landed on 2nd point where about 100 terns were flying & shot four of them. S. hudsonia, Continuing on up the bay we ran nearly within shot of a jutel which I took to be Wilson's but He convinced it looks At the head of the harbor we went ashore & I found a nest of Skua bird 3 eggs. Here I shot a fly. Dimpalmenus (adult in company with another) I saw three Eremitas Dimpalmenus A part.
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July 1 - 1874 Narruckit Man mortem examination of the Deigulutes revealed the fact that it was an exhausted & that would not have bred this year. Seth. Tricks, was hun quite numerous & seemed to be the only warbur on the whole island. After a good swim we started for the town with the wind dead ahead. As we passed the end of 1st pt, we saw a number & turms flying then so bow in to investigate & getting a good look shot down 5 or 6 at the first fire. Getting on shore as quickly as possible we killed about 2 dozen in a few minutes picking out as many S. Paradise as possible. While shooting there latter birds two turms that we both took for them came up & war shot down, I killing the last & both together pulling trigger on the first; upon picking them up we were amazed to find them Stone begun an imperfect damage. Upon examination they proved a pair of having just laid her one plenum of egg judging from the oriduct & the bird spots on the breast & abdomen. The only note I heard was short harsh & raucous in nearly like that of Paradisea That
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July 2 - 1874 Mantucket I hardly noticed the difference. It was also surprising that we neither recognized the enormous difference in size between this bird & S. paradisea, until we had them in the hand: both birds when gripped up were all and like all the Sterninae bit fiercely at the extended finger; the occipital was kept considerably raised & was a notable feature. The tarsi were nearly black with the under surface of the webs spotted with yellow. Received from Dr. G. S. 30/24.
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July 2 - 1874 Nantucket was while in the water & that they were led about quite easily by a rope passed around the body behind the fins but then would stick with the knife their death struggles are terrible & heard of the men had narrow escapes at such times. The largest fish was about twenty feet long, it's yield of oil was estimated at about 2 barrels; this is worth at present $20.00 per bh. & the total value of fish as they lay on the beach was said to be about $2,000.00. Before we left some old whalers arrived & immediately set to work to strip off the blubber; cutting this into strips of about 4 inches in width it was torn off forcibly the whole length of the animal: the thickest blubber that I saw, perhaps exceeded by a trifle, 4 inches. The mammas of the cows were situated in two lumps near the anus & were quite visible. The penis of the S had an external expansion of about 3 inches, its diameter of perhaps 1 1/2 or 2 inches. The "Alert inhabitant" affirms that no such catch as this ever fell to the luck of Nantucket before though one 200 was record at Portsmouth 2 years ago. On
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232 July 3 - 1874 Antwerp The way back I saw an Brachyotus Basini hawking about in the bright sunshine, as of old on Musket and also noted a pair of Botaurus cinereous. The Brachyotus frequently sailed in circular ways while I waited. In O.M. Ahmad all the birds shot yesterday, except a tern & the Avocet. July 3 Clear & warm! Wind W. After breakfast loaded one cartridges for yellow war & struck S. for "the Commons." We soon separated & I returned at 11 with 18 birds: 15 Cot. Jay, 2 Pas. Savanna & 1 Potoaugam. M. took 21 Coturniculus va nest with 6 fresh eggs. It was built in a small tract of Beach grass & the 2 sat very close, orientating themselves when I walked off. I found all my former notes on Coturniculus could good; I have one new one: it has a frequent habit of quivering the wings like a Sicki Chick. July 4 Alternately cloudy & clear. Started an island for a trip to Musket, to day but upon arriving at the wharf Capt. Burgess said that
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July 4—1874 Nantucket It would be impossible as wind & tide run against us. At this juncture a talkative fellow, Mr. C. Lehman by name, made his appearance on the scene & offered to take us out in the harbor all day for 2.00, which offer we accepted & are soon standing across to Coalm pt. in his little schoone rigged craft. We spent the whole day sailing about in sight of the town with a very light breeze occasionally making a sally or the terms altogether enjoying ourselves well upon the whols. I secured 8 S. Paradise & 8 or 10 S. friends & 1 S. antillano. We made several good shots into flocks sitting on the small points sailing up fairly within range. They are very shy of a sail boat when on the arms however, I rarely come within shot. M. secured a dog fish from a fisherman & skinned it at the deck of our boat. Putting in to the dock late in the afternoon the middle of our boat fouled on the bowser d of a fishing schooner & it took a half hour or more before we got clear our Capt. hurrying furiously at every
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July 4 - 1874 Nantucket living being that came within range. After landing I noticed 9 Sturma frenata flying about near the wharves; during a small boat pulled out, In the course of an hour or two three I had a good opportunity of watching their motions. They both on wings very approp- riately smaller than any others of the Sturina) I flap very quickly continuously they usually glance from a higher elevation than the others (about 30ft.) and if they miss their aim or quickly drop agains frequently falling three or four times in half a minute. When joining they flap their wings quickly like a buzz-saw, their vocal note is loud & high very like that one of Hirundo bcedor. They have also a scolding chatter like S hirundo but much weaker. Although I shot several birds the midst of a flock the sur- vivors showed not the slightest signs of horroing, though they frequently passed within a short distance of of the fallen bird as it lay broken wings or the water. Mr. hummers or- forms one that he seen them in autumn swoop down departedly to the morundo.
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July 4-1874 235 Kantucket birds. I also saw a pair of S. huswuds, fishing in the masses of Bassus, skimming along close to the surface picking up dead fishes (dapper) without diving. They also very early light & swim on the water. On the sand bars they present a most beautiful aspect with the black of the crown contrasted with the beautiful pearly blue of the mantle; at such times the graind birds sit together side by side. Those near the waters edge are generally engaged in washing & pluming themselves, and whenever a new comr settles among them he is greeted with loud cries of welcome from th assemld fowry. I have several times seen a Bird newly wounded & taken into the boat set im- mmediately about pluming & arranging his feathers so neat are that: to say this happened with one that had both eyes shot out & a wing broken. the song of all, these Herceis, that I have descreted him on very flexible & will bird to almost any extent without beating. The testicles of the males I an, at their maximumed size, very,
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July 5 - 1674 Vermont small (o) for so large a bird. Both eggs incubate as is indicated by the thin bare spots on the breast & abdomens. I find it very hard to remove good specimens as the blood flows profusely from the slightest wound & stains the feathers beyond remedy. All of the S. antillarum were in full one or two had already laid at least part of their eggs. July 5 My birthday & a dismal one, with driving fire & heavy cloudiness. Worked up forest of the birds shot yesterday. Last evening (as called) a Mr. Kim & saw his collection of Stormed bird, which was shown me by his daughter, Mr. K. being out. He had about 80 among them a gallinula galata & Ostyp Virginians which we are performing now formerly studied on the island but were after- natured by a severe winter some years back; Whether the gallinula was shot him or not or could not ascertain at first on calling on him again if possible.
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July 6 - 1874 Nantucket July 6 Cloudy all day. Maid N. 6. Off at forenoon in usual fashion the Cliffs this time other no found the turns flying in multitudes, driven close in shore by the heavy wind. They came so thick & fast that we could hardly killed hundreds but contented ourselves with picking out the Cestus of which I secured 10 & N. 20. I also killed 8 Antillanum) and skinned all grey birds in the sand on the beach. Saw one Barno a gestatus or bird. At 1 p.m. I made off my shoes while Mr. went out to the Cliffs to try the turns again but the flight was nearly exhausted & he got only 8 paradina & 8 Antillanum). The flight of turns here is a most uneasy, pleasurable affair: they would fly in myriads all day long from the Westward when the wind is in that quarter & continue so doing for as long as the land hold all apparently going & come returning. This was the case last week; but to day the wind veering into the E. they flocked along shore all day on a steady stream in that direction, barely stopping.
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July 7 - 1874 Muskeget to fish by the way; Mr. said Tells us that when he left at twilight they were still flying. All thru seen him an said to come from Muskeget as nearly all our time I crediting this statement is probably correct. When there is but little wind in any direction they fish about the rips then fly but little along the shore, July 7 Cloudy clear atmosphere. Wind S.W. increasing to "half a gale" by evening. After breakfast put Capt. Denham at the wheel by appointment and getting everything stowed smoothly into the boat set sail for Muskeget. The course from Bobart point lighthouse at the entrance of this harbor is N.W. by W. The wind being light we did not rain Mon Island till about 11.30 and landed at 12 after a most daring and dangerous run through the rips, which had our Captain but been one of the best we should have stood but little chance of getting through. We spent altogether about 5 hours on
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July 1 - 1874 Muskeget The island, landing on the point near McBeth's house I struck up towards our old hut spending much time by the way watching the Gulls &c. I satisfactorily identified only two times just; both of those Muscovdos was also fortunate enough to take one of Charri. Atrocilla Spps ; this I found by watching the redsent bird from a distance until she settled on our eggs, I saw altogether only 3 gulls although I fired long shots at two of them I killed neither. As I walked over the sand hills the terns would rise in clouds four or five hundred yards ahead & circle about which ones may had keeping up their shrill cries. If a gull appeared they would immediately give chase & continue to harass him so long as he remained in the air. If a turn was shot down several hundreds would fly mostly collect over him in the course of a few minutes. Although the eggs say it's commoner to lay about 15" I did not see a single "Wipper" so justicantly an any herand; indeed a
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July 7 - 1874 Mustkist Great change in the condition of the colony is apparent since the time of our last visit in '70. I should say there was not more than one farm then (now to twenty them). The potatoes are faring much more abundant than formerly & now represent nearly one half of the birds feeding there, M. What a single S. Macerous on the sand next but I was unable to secure a single specimen then every bird that I brought home proving to be humdo. I found out old hut in rather a better dilapidated condition with the window frame knocked entirely in, the spring was also quite choked up with mud & a turn stagnated by the ooze lay on it brink. But I did not leave without a draught of its great yellow water & a long sad look at the spot where poor N. & myself spent our first night on Musktist, rolled up in the same blanket, induced old recollections stirred then bleak desart hills with a mist thicker than the sea fog that was drifting over it & I enjoyed the day but little.
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July 7 - 1874 Mustekit On the way back to the boat Mr Warren & Mrs Davis who had been away thus for four or five days, I was introduced. They had killed at at a coker gulls & 2 owl (B. Corvini) I had taken & 10 eggs of the former. They showed me a nest of Crows and built in a bush not higher than 4 ft. nor saw 3 young Crows which they said had just left it. I first & S. Paradina a parrot, S. Furundo with the bill mad of S. Paradina; it may prove a hybrid. Also took a pair of Az. Melodous & another nest now than 3 day old. Then down to Mantucket after a very strong wind catching a plaice on our drift & killing a Petrel (Ap. ?). The Mantuckites call Az. melodous "pebblo" & the terns "tieces" They say "Pharwatus" tend to breed abundantly on Mustekit & that that Island with the Grandly & Smith's Islands were formerly covered a forest Mantucket, Capt Dunham also told me that while cod fishing 35 miles off Gnet point last week he saw shoals of two flens in great abundance.
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212 July 8 Spent the day in facticing up our time &c I visited the Nantucket Athenaeum, they had little of it outside of nautical curiosities. July 9 Left Nantucket this morning on the side-wheel steamer "Elmira Drew" I reached Boston at 2.20 P.M. Saw number of terns at Woods Hole including S. Maradina. M. came out to Cambridge & spent the night with her. July 11 Clear and very warm took the 3.15 train for Portsmouth with father & arriving there at 6.30 embarked on the propeller Appleton (50 tons) for the Isles of Shoals. By this time a heavy sea had set in and as we emerged from the shelter of the great Petrels of two Sheis (I. Beachin & Wilderit) became very numerous. I was very tame so I had a very good opportunity to obtain their motions. This ordinary flight is swift & Humming Bird fly swallows like indeed that it would be hard to characterize any difference they frequently picked up something from the
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"July 11 - 1874 'Isles of Shoals' Surface. They also had a most curious habit that I never saw our bird & before namely of walking on the water; this was done in the following manner. The bird half spreading its wing on a horizontal plane would actually walk with long strides on the surface of the water, apparently using its wings no more than to keep its balance inasmuch as there was no perceptible motion of their numbers, and at this manner it would proceed many rods, picking up its food whatever that may be from time to time. I saw at least 100 of them birds all told. Also saw a small porpoise which "brachid" went at times under the bows of the shamm. Arrived at Appledore at 8 and after a poor supper & a first rate waltzing party, went to bed. July 12 Cloudy with a driving E. & N. wind storm all day. While looking out of the window a large black bird which I took to be a murre came dipping over the island before the storm; its flight reminded me of that of M. called. In P.M. the rain held up a little & I strolled
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over the island enjoying the fine sight presented by the heavy surf as it broke upon the iron bound shore, Melospiza melodia is the characteristic bird here & absolutely plentys, Yringoides maculatus is also common & had young running about on the hilly pastures. These swallows H. brevior horreum bifrons and Tpyramus Carolinus are also in moderate [illegible]. The poison ivy grows very thickly in the hollows among the rocks as are Marsh-jet is, & the wild rose & Bayberry are very abundant. July 13 Took the boat back to Portsmouth This morning I arrived in Boston by noon. The gulls were so numer- ous as ever this morning but I noticed nothing new concerning them. July 18 Rain & comparatively cool. Started off in my buggy after breakfast to try the woodcock but was unable to start a feather. Had good luck with young warblers H. Zonura Tenny Hcl. Chrysotima 3 mets, D. Pennsylv. 1 do. M. ruficapilla 1 do, Genth. Triches 1 do. Spiz. Musilla 1 do. Petronis Baltimore 1 do. Melothrus precis 1 do. The young Ab. Chrysotima now in Belmont
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July 21-1874 Concord Mass. When I have seen the bird before, the chip of the Qi: different noticeably appreciably from that of N. Rufa. That of it yours was quite different from anything I have heard very far & other. The Motothus was fully grown & was attended by a Q. Pennsylvania. The chipping of the young S. Junilla was different from that of do. Sociol: much weaker. A pair of Disci monbracensis which were fairly thin young scolded me with a continuous harsh chatter very like that of D. flaripara. Birds are still up full & I but most of the young I shot were passing into their second plumage. July 21 Condy in S. M. Clear: off beautifully at noon. Took the 4 P. M. train for Concord, & after getting supper at the Branch's Dan'y I took an early start up the Assabet. That naturally beautified river was looking its best in its hyginant garb of summer green and brown of its scenery certainly surpasses anything that I have yet seen in Mass. We got as far up as the "one arch bridge" by dark & then flitted most of the way back as the current was quite swift. Nearly
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all the characteristic birds were singing at sunset and after dark a few whip-poor-wills were heard in the distance. I saw a single Nyctarcha gardini; was the first observed on the river. At dusk I distinctly saw swallows flying to roost in the thick alder and the river bank, but was unable to determine the species, though I took them to be H. brevirostris. After dark the large moon shed a dim light over the fen and the nocturnal sights & sounds succeeded the diurnal. Bats were busy somewhere and their shrill squealing was heard every now and then also a cry new to us both; It proceeded from some uncertain bird or mammal or insect that passed over our heads, and was a monosyllabic note very loud & sharp. The cuckoos at one time became very noisy singing many times in succession & answering one another from the opposite bank. Rana pipiens was heard at intervals & close on one place I tried very hard to capture a solitary [Probably Bufo fowleri W.A. 1709] (Crane foot (?)) that was piping his last plaint notes. Reached the landing by 10 P.M. well paid for my trip. I forgot to enter a god. Frogs keep that I saw distinctly from the cars at Waltham.
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"Umbagog July 24 - 1874 July 24th clear warm and pleasant. Left Boston at 8.15 on the Eastern road and arrived at the Lake by 11 P.M. after a most lonely ride through the notch by moonlight. Saw a Blue Jay Alighting at Bryant's pond. Took possession of my last year's room and turned in at once. 25th clear very warm in forenoon but good breeze in P.M. Unpacked my things in forenoon that is as many as I have one trunk & velin of ammunition having been left at Bethel as Clerk had too many a load to bring them up to night. After dinner took my John's gun & with 7 cartridges all I had, strolled out to try for Cock. Put up four and killed 2 in silver shots. Shot behind rather poorly pointing fairly but when when three birds jumped together from a spring roll quail and a fine double shot of which I killed only the first. The birds filled the woods with thin chirping & Glory for my best shot.
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July 26 - 1874 Sunday July 26 Clear and warm with a good breeze. Spent most of the day about the house taking a stroll up into the pasture side back of Abbotts on O-No with me to try for a shot at a woodchuck but saw none. Shot a thrush at about 50 yds, Cardinals Inain, Lon. albidotis, I. Pallasin, Cant. bonalis & a few others and Hill singing. Shot a Pir. Carduelis (Bird pl.) July 27 Cloudy. Commenced raining at about 10 A.M. and continued till evening. Started after Bird for a trip to the River with Sargent but the rainstorm turned us back before we had got out of sight of the house. Passed most of the day getting on the Niagara and shot 2 2nd pl. His humphous & a Picus pubescens with the whole top of head red, Leuman Sargent informs me that he once took a pair of young [illegible] leucophle from the nest & kept them alive until the third year they changed but little - then the head & tail both showed a little white; the fourth year both assumed their perfect plumage.
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July 28 - 1874 Shiner grouse young July 28 Cloudy; wind all P.M. In forenoon took a time through the "lains" with my home gun & shot young birds, the best D. Tigrina 3 D. Tigrina 2, Pt. Petrofa Jon Elbiesli; Petros Caas. While pushing my way through the thorns I found a brood of young Petros Cas, which were about as large as quail. They sat on a tree with a many whistling to the tops of the low firs when they got gazing at me after and occasionally a low whistling note & the mother of the brood let also on a fir near by and kept called continually hreck hreck krek krek to her young. Approaching her slowly I actually got close enough to push her off the bough with the muzzle of my gun; when she flew rapidly with bird whirling to another small tree & allowed me to approach quite as once a gain, gone off a few yards she broke the call a rare lonely sound the young birds alerwing she took wing and alighted among them in flight.
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general altitude. I noticed nothing widely different from W.B. umbellata, and the springs were at a little distance surprising, like them of that bird at the same cage. Most of the warblers seem to be in transition from the summer to the fall plumage. I heard maculosa singing, The young of Zon. albicollis and S. trichas showed precisely the same parts as the adult. Yucoid Conirostra, an flying ? Mr. Miller (a woodpecker) shot a Fly. jubatae which clung to a huge tree & has not yet fallen. The chirping of the broods of young birds is the characteristic sound of the woods now & all sparrow warblers seem to make exactly the same sound. Dr. W. H. Friend my birds & M. Godwin? Sargent brought back 26 trout from Taylors corn, July 29 Cloudy and rainy at intervals all day. In P.M. Messrs Thirst Miller, Godwin, I, myself chased the shams for 5.00 and walked up to Tyburn corn when I
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caught about a dozen small trout & the others about the same number. Nothing in the bird line of special note except that we were treated to a glorious concert from the hummit thrushes but the owl. Got back by dark rather wet, but well satisfied with our trip. July 30 Clear and cool. Wind N.W. Dr A.M. took a short tour through the Lanius bringing me 11 birds among them B.D. castanea (must.) 1, I. graculosa do. 1 do Yon. albicollis, 1 Pagus Hudson adult 1 de. Campe trillii &c. The chirping of the young of the different varieties is absolutely unlistening whole. That of the young Py. Petreus is very like but a trifle different; A young Vireo olivaens that I shot kept up a war so exactly like a herch note of the adult I. graculosa that I was decided until I saw it. Saw a Probus aretius & a young Coc. myrthus just able to fly & around with
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July - 1874 which dawn which uttered the Coo Coo in exactly the tone of the adolt. After supper had some good sport in the pool under the dam landing & trout & holding a four pounder for about 10 minutes but finally loosing him by an leader breaking Chorthiles perhaps. I heard those moorlight sights as late as 10. All the Blackbirds was gone at the time of my arrival, except a few S. ferrugineus which I saw dead. I think of Hirundo brevis has left as have seen more for two days. I have noted the dawn of Bot. riparia. July 31 J. No. clear P. No cloudy with light rain. After breakfast struck up the N. bank of Cambridge river & took 8 clicks the best 3 P. Archins (1st) / 1 Eurp Swathi (north.) / 1 A. ciconia (nort.) r.c. The young E. Psicidis although bare able to fly called out one wrechy in almost exactly tone of the adolt, and left darting off after this although they was fed at frequent intervals by the parent. In the
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Aug. 1874 253 Rains I fell in with my brood of summer grouse again and watched them for some time; one of the young, the largest, walked out on a Spruce limb and threw his tail up like a Turkey cock and kept calling but nearly the maximum of the adult G. The young Caracata had a different chirping from the other carbers, more guttural and continued for a longer time without cessation. In the afternoon and evening caught the trout below the dam; one of the half pounds. Aug 1 Obs with three heavy thunder showers. Off after breakfast as usual, falling down to Pesky landing when I went ashore and took No. 5 bird the best Hw. Sandorciiana (2 y.y.) Picis villous / (y.y. with crown red) P. pubescens (1 molt) & D. castane (young change). Shot also a fair adult S Wild Pigeon. The young woodpeckers kept together 22 birds but small as the P. pubescens were; it was hammering vigorously on a dead bird & I doubt if they are fed at all after leaving the nest.
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Aug. 1 - 1874 The young grobecks of which I saw two broods (an accompanied by a supost & in full jul) had the plaintive note recorded last season but also attend the sharp chick of the adult. Very few birds are singing now except the white throats. I however heard a Thr. Hypomnis in full song to day. Botriolania has not left yet. I saw them to day. Small birds of all kinds are very scarce in the woods. I have species apparently failing about. The lake continues very high - all over the meadows as in spring and consequently none of the bass, pike or shingals have appeared yet. Ducks are reported quite here. I have seen but two or three. A deer was said to have been killed in the Megalony quarry last Sunday last 8 hours took 12 trout below the dam. Sunday Aug. 2 Attenally cloudy & clear rained at frequent intervals during the whole day. Spent most of the time on doors taking few trout below the dam about.
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Aug. 3 - 1874 255 Aug. 3 Cloudy and cold. After breakfast went up C. Pine in the Hill and took 6 birds that beat Mr. Consani molt 1 D. maculosa do. 2 y BĹ“ub jubicans do 1, J. Sarissorini do. 1, /Saw a Scirpus proboacensis and a hawk which uttered a very juvenile shrill whistle; also Comp. plumiferus add. I molt. Both of the latter were sitting side by side on a dry dead limb uttering a juvenile version of that sharp call of the adult. In P.M. climbed my birds and took 1 front. 4 Cloudy and very cold. After breakfast rode up to the top of the hill with Mr. S. and after getting the meal, started down beating for Cook by the way. Almost failed to see a flock of stupid grouse all about half grown birds and shot two individuals both over shady points. I had brush shots at them. Did not see any traces of Cook. I judge that the season being dry not they have taken to the big woods. While
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Aug. 4th 1874 Accepted Cooper's young walking over the edge of a depo basin I was attracted by a shrill whistling cry repeated at intervals and peeling quietly down to the place saw a brood of four Cooper's hawks sitting in a row along a fallen log. Every little while one or other of them would raise his wings and flapping them to maintain his balance would walk a few steps lengthwise on the log at the same time uttering the whistle above described which by the way was quite a different note from that heard yesterday. They sat very quiet and motionless as they now had all their feathers and stem characteristic of those of the family. Shooting one of them the rest flapped up into the tree above when I heard another when the remaining two disappeared. I found under their roost a half grown grown molly plucked with the head & brast around. Further down the hill I started three pigeons quite unexpected- ly and putting both,
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berself begged the first bird and passed the other. Saw several broods of Hydrus Londorice, and a number of Camp. [illegible] all apparently old birds. Shot also on a brood of Coracias Vernalis; as previously noted, at Pye brack the young were calling out oh, oh,bray in public audibles. Saw several Sphyx varius for the first time and also seen the horn three C [illegible] And, the broods of young grunts were quite tame, of one of that shot found, roading and casting to a dead point on the old bird which lay spread on the turf in a little glade not two yards ahead of his nest; they took to the trees for the most part and many of them exhibited most comical demonstration of anger, bistering up and obstipating up a continual [illegible] whistling and grunting as of quite indignant at such intrusion). In the afternoon hunted my birds and took 7 trout. Messrs. [illegible] & [illegible] came out to day.
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Aug. 5 - 1874 Aug. 5 Char warm and a fine day. In forenoon went out collecting as usual taking the forest path towards Stow's Crossing. Took 10 birds the first 2 Blackbirds 4 (1 male, Parula Am.) 1 (male), Y. Swainsoni 1 nest, etc. Came across a large brood of young Cross-hymalis: they were very tame one of them coming up almost within reach of my hand as I stood motionless watching him. They kept calling out in a fast fine shrill whistling tone reminding me somewhat of a note made by the whole family of Verdidae. Saw a large flock of Chry. griseus feeding on a Birch tree for company with two & Curr. Am. And, I shooting a 6 of the former I found the gemination organs of a very small size. While last season I rarely saw or hear this bird near the Lake Woods > & what fun I have seen eluder here the habits of the species in fall. I have been fully able to detect either D. nigra or gr. grisea within the last few days I think that the bulk of both species have already left here. I took a
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Seth. muticilla, a ♂ of last year that was beginning to moult his own plumage; the new feathers that had already feathered indicated a fall plumage like the young: whether the adult ♂ assumes this plumage or not I am at present uncertain). I heard two bird notes to -day that I was unable to determine); one was very like the chip-chip of Pyrrhura mosa (or may have been the call of the young. Aug. 6 When I came, I sprinkled a little in P.M. after breakfast with MS. Taken the higher road & going past one to the farm. Took 11 birds: the best H. pruninea, 4 2 Tigrina 1 (im. ♂) E. Kailla 1 ♀♀ & S. flavicorn. 1 (adlt ♂) Grocchilus columbus 1 (O.V.). Came across a brood of young E. Kaillii on Moffits farm; they were in a thicket of low bushes & the young as of the former Gwood called at qui witch while the ♀ saturated the path of attack. The humming was sitting on a high branch and did lift up an insect.
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260 Shrike jays which puzzled me for some time until I caught sight of its author. In an open second growth I heard & peeped at came across a large company of owlses 3/4 of which were Cyo. purgine & among them I shot the D. to find a very young swift. JD, Blackbirds. The first species had a whip saw (fy not exactly) like that of JB. sufficapiilla & were rather shy & restless. We saw two large flocks of Bounce om- bifexes & a couple Americanas. In a small larch swamp were a number of Mel. Palustris & G. tricares : how they find out their little concealed homes in the depths of the forest is a mere abstruse wonder to us. In P.M. Skinned our birds & I caught two small trout. Aug. 7 Clear and very warm. Had two very heavy thunder showers in P.M. I drove off in forenoon with S. Talking with good faith to Stone's dairing. Good birds rather.
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Scarce but took the best D. tigrina (ad.)...Ples willows 1 & g.y. changing...Rend coronata [male, without yellow rump] Seth. suticilla [ad. & dry to fall pl.] Empl. flammatus g.y., S. shot a Rend Penasi on nearly completed fall pl. also a Cont. Ponai ad. in good plumage. The saw our "partridge" an old cock. Aug. 8 Cloudy with E. wind & blowing in forenoon. After breakfast W.S. I myself went down river in my boat & I shot another bust D. coronata rd D. maculosa in fine fall plumage. A flock of Ag. senipalmatus came over the meadow but find no resting place passed out over the hills to the S. Bot. riparia is still with us as an Hb. horrons & Chaline Jutazicis. At 3 P.M. the rain holding off we went out again taking the Stony road. I took 7 birds I. pallasi 2 [nest, in fledgled pl.] Centopus grims 3 [2 nest!] Mr. Canadensis 1 [y.g & pl.] The young I. pallasi now chicking as in fall.
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mott. C. virgins are being fed by the parent bird & our first young calling out for for for for is in a yank. For my like the you of C. oblimus, the old one was in perfect spring plumage; indeed I begin to suspect that the two E. representations of this genus do not meet at all in summer. The young J. Mr. Cana Davis, R. Blackburn, and D. macerlore have now, for the most part acquired their full adult plumage. S. shot two Cast Dorals and a H. virgins in imperfect 2nd pl. Tuesday Aug.9 Rained most of the day. Spent all the P.M. skimming the birds shot yesterday. Aug.10 Clear and hot. Off after breakfast taking the Bye road & going as far as the Bye farm. Shot 11 birds the best D. Tigrina & addt, G. triphas mott, D. macarsole mott, Pious villoms very white &; Chantua pelagia
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1 addt. D. castaneus 1 y.y. Storm shot a young Q P. Arcturus with yellow on the crown; but he saw the unique can of a young Q bird possessing the admixture of the addt. & is losing them I'm the first most as I am convinced this bird would have done. I obtained this specimen from him via W. for my addt & shot last week. & also ex. A. Bup. fluenting for a very fine young Q Sphyx parulus. Jalo shot a y.y. Reinurus aureicap. He saw no game excepting a pair of pigeons flying high up. Dr P.M. Johnson one birds. The dusk of the warblers I have heard for rural nights past & I think they an already beginning to come). No bird sings regularly now excepting Zonotrichia & he is just bopping into silence. His two first notes are exactly those of the Mullican gabbie. After 12 o'clock a paddle down river I enjoyed a fine sunset. Every thing is as yet green & redent like in the woods but the autumn is close at hand.
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261 Aug. 11 - 1874 Aug. 11 Char and ern lost. Charles Barstow & George Lombard came last night. After breakfast seeing a bird flapping its wings on a drift of smuders below the house, as though unable to rise S. & myself paddled down & found a Sandpiper eating a large fish which he carried off with the utmost difficulty upon our approach. On P.N. we then (S. & B.) started out to try for cock but failed to find a bird. He saw however funnel pigeons back of Pearls's which B. & myself fired at without success. I shot a fine S Philadelphia on full fall plumage but unfortunately I cut it up so badly that it was worthless. We also shot two young Geothejus metups it may be of Phil, which puzzled me completely. They with unlike tricks were darker about the head & rather large. About tricks was homing chirping approximately near the spot & I heard one of the young mtns the characteristic chag 1/ that speaks: Hill Patin violin to the belief that they may be Philadelphia,
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Aug. 12 - 1874 Aug. 12 Clear and the hottest day of the season I am. This got me After breakfast Steve Bombard & self started down swim in Darcaste's Sail boat & spent the day on the lake going around "800 acre" island as far up as Metallic is. Saw several fish hawks two loons & a few ducks. Did not shoot a single bird though we tried a few shots at the loons with our rifles. On the way down seeing a large bird light on a rock in front of Olm woods home we sailed down on him and I was on the front of shooting when I noticed that he was feeding from a tin dipper and as we ran close up to him he flapped his wings and squaked a few notes of pleasure or recognition. I saw & saw that it was a full grown Barna a gnatula in brown plumage & evidently a tame bird. Very possibly it was raised from an egg taken at B. Pond when this species breeds. A party of angler worm fishermen having deposited on front pool I had no for fishing of late. Our evenings are very quite enjoyable with the company of S. B. W.
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Aug. 13 - 1874 Aug. 13 Cloudy, rained at intervals during the day. Off collecting in J.M. with S. Taking the Stone Road. Shot 12 birds the first 5. Philadelphia full fall pl. D. tigrina 1 addt d. P. Willows 10 P. junceus 2 1 male & with head shot) Sp. varies (2 y.y. 1 addt) D. Blackburnian 2 Fly, jilatus 1 addt d. The H. jilatus I killed on the edge of the Stone farm. I was attracted to it by its laugh which was very like that of Colaptes but lower rather louder and ending in a slight tremolo: it might be readily mistaken for the song of that bird indeed I am conscious of having heard it near the house (a few days since) when at most I only suspected it real author, Mr. S. Phil. I shot on the wood path. It is a more deliberate bird than its prototype; I think does not jerk it tail at all: its chirp which I heard distinctly was almost precisely similar to that of Starus nori. Dmis. juniperinus is still with us; I saw a large flock in the pasture to day. Chordils still booms anody, & earning d of the Swallows only H. ricola is gone. My Canadian's trips off next mon, in the words, 'Pat N. Wits Off Phil in 4'.
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Aug. 14 - 1874 267 Aug. 14 Cloudy & Rain in C. M. Off after breakfast later with Stone path. We both had most execrable luck missing loosing our birds, &c. I took wild H, S. aurora, 2. P. purpureus l y y &, Cantopres borclis 1 adult. After dinner shot a S. Phil. in the Abbott's garden. It was very tame allowing me to approach within six feet. It had no addition to the sharp wren Brush chip (described under Aug. 13) a faint Dendrocinum chirp. On the edge of the Stone farm I heard a Mr. crinietus very distinctly & S. saw the bird perched on th top of a tall white pine. In P. M. strolled out for birds and lounged about the house. Aug. 15 Clear cool and a fine day, with that crystal charm in the air characteristic of Oct weather. After breakfast S & I with Leonard Sargent as guide, took a team & driving fore to the Cross place started on for a days fishing at "the Shiner". The distance is 4 miles.
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"The Smear" Left with a fair path we made it early by 10 o'clock and getting my rod together I had the small trout jumping most exhilaratingly. Every time a cloud passed over the scene the fish struck the flies almost as soon as they touched the water and by 5 P.M. I had taken about 75 from one 1/2 lb. honors! Starting for home we had a most delightful tramp through the woods in the cool of the afternoon & as we emerged from their dark shade just as the sun was filling the light on the mountains to the S. it was most lovely passing through all the indescribable shades from son color to deep azure blue. We saw many bear "signs"-logs that they had rolled over in quest of grubs & c. 4 old Thompson literally to pieces by their powerful claws. Birds of all kinds were exceedingly numerous at the Smear a very fine adit. Crows passed over our heads and some of the familiar small birds, M. Melodia Zan. &c. had young then. On the way out I shot a very fine Merican of
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"The Shrike" G. Philadelphia as well as a Persons Bar, in nearly perfection full plumage; the latter as noted in '871 strolled so exactly like Icterus Baltimore that I could not detect the highest difference: he was drawing on the top of a Green Down 300 yds. away when drawing as he spread his wings and sailed in a long curve without a single flap to a brush within a few yds. I when an own standing, Garden Sw. was especially abundant everywhere. We saw them flocks of 6 Green & I shot Two with my rifle missing besides two flying shots with stone guns. While driving towards home at twilight an owl passed high over our heads flying almost like a night black. It was I think a Syrius nebulous and I was much pleased at getting this little insight into his habits. We saw Garden mis Amphis edron & others in the very heart of the woods. Heard also a gry. Gallatous The note is unnistakable though not like that of Todlaphus.
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Sunday Aug.16 Clear and cool. Spent the day about the house writing to C. &c. Aug.17 Clear and warm. In the morning took the steamboat with S. and disembarked in my boat at Leonards pond when we found about 20 brood of young geese. Paddled S. off to a flock of 4 of which he killed three & threw them into the water: at the report a larger flock ran from the grass and grazed the boat when I found both Barry killing my first bird. The steam steaming from Bristol in about an hour took us on board & we reached the lake home by 12 o'clock. On the broad of the lake I saw a flock of about a dozen Blwi: Bonapartii as well as a number of Barus agutatus. Spent all the afternoon in making a broad sail for my boat. Bats went in, to the shies this morning and came out with a large basket of trout as well as a black duck & several partridges.
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Apr. 18 - 1874 Hyderwaddon Jhumbra Apr. 18 Blondy and shooting through the forenoon. Came up in P.D. Started up the lake in the Shamboat this morning for a days shoot on the lake & Lo's pond. Took to my boat at the outlet and after firing about 25 rifle shots at a low (who by the way damn'd rather to take this kind paying no more attention to my shots than to occasionally rise & flap his wings when I came very near) I paddled across the flooded meadow into the pond. In one of its most secluded nooks I was much surprised at coming suddenly upon a very large loon: he dived instantly & marking his corn by a line of bubbles on the water spread out under my boat & crept into the river. I saw a number of ducks (one A. standing) in the pond but fired only one shot at a flying bird wounding & losing him in the cuddy. Saw and at Benson's Bar: heard them with a variety of shrill hawk like whistles. Came across two Picoids Arcticus both & shot
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then our flying. Saw a flock of about 80 pigeons flying, On the wooded island at water thrush was singing most gloriously its than beautiful warble bounding all the fine from the perfect silence around. Starting down river at 1 P.M. I hoisted my sail and reached the lake horn by 5 without taking a photo with paddle or oars the whole distance. At the mouth of the river I saw small flocks of Gambetta flaps as well as a few S. melanoceca X 1 Osinga maculata. A large flock of Hirundo bicolor was also flying about the hubs! did not seen them at Upson for three weeks. Emerging into the lake I saw flying over the water four birds which I at perceived were now to me and after watching them a few moments I came to the conclusion that the words Hydrochlidon plumbea, and After chasing them about for some time I got a shot. learning the bird found that my conjecture had been correct. Shortly after I killed another then a third which was flying near around shooting down to the dead bird
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I houred on time term style. This bird I also killed but the remaining one escaped. Their flight was peculiar & very humble any of the other Species; it more resembled a swallow or a petrel and they kept quite high up frequently hastening about 1000 feet or more above the water! Again they would seem to be skimming its surface flying easily along & occasionally dropping down like a fall but in no instance in the course of an hours observation did I see one actually touch the surface. Upon distraction I found their stone acts filled entirely with insects; principally grasshoppers with a few Coleoptera & Diptera. All were quite fat but their bodies omitted none of that salty fishy smell peculiar to the marine Species. The only note that I heard was a shrill & rather feeble keek, keek. Their they looked from every side nearly black, & about as large as night hawks. Saw a few Rhyncophelus out during the day & five or six offspring. The latter is a very shy bird here. A Providence gentleman took some fine trout today at Standwate
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Aug. 19 - 1874 Aug. 19 Clear and cool. Spent the D.M. about the brown shinning birds &c. In P.M. took a them up on the hill with S. Oppost Pearships we found a flock of about a dozen pigeons & I fired three shots at them flying without success though I took feathers from two of my birds. S killed one sitting. Saw two S. Phil. I shot a young Solitary Turpentine de Berge (Leyton) 1 Holy Lindovicianus. Birds kind, is not an uncommon bird for I see them nearly every day. In the morning with wh several large arrivals at the lake house; among them Dr. Allen and Drs Greenough & Grew of Boston. Aug. 20 Cloudy and barred most of D.M. Spent the first part of the day in the brown shinning birds &c. Late in P.M. started up on "the hill" with Stone. Oppost Pearships we found a flock of about twenty five pigeons and got a number of shots at them. I brought down two from the very 1 S shot one from a tree. They were quite tame and were attracted them by the blueberries & raspberries. Their flight is 9
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think at times more rapid than any bird I am acquainte with and their habit of sailing I twisting about passing through the woods makes them very hard to hit. Took also two S. Phil. (one adult & three Pins villosus and an adult 2 Ostrav Can). The latter I flashed from a clump of raspberry bushes on the open pasture. Pursual rods from the woods which were had wood growth; quite an unseer haunt for this bird. She flew with a magnificent burst and hurled off for the woods in fine style. Then find a dust spired at her on way i but her fairly but the small shot had little effect on her & I was obliged to follow her into the woods when I shot her through the head as she sat on a log. Probably educated & in a good shooting country I think this species would make a fine game bird. Aug 21 D.M char i hit, P.M. going. Started up the hill after brook Taking my forks gun. Shot all the Forenoon for game & shot three pigeons; two of them
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cross shots flying. killed also a fine y.y.g. Phil. of a fly-budwire. The former I came suddenly upon as he was wading in a brook, and watched him for some time before shooting. Common birds have become very abundant within a few days. I was out a while and got a young warbler which I think is D. trigrise, I'm P.M. hummed our birds. Aug. 22 Clear cool and a very fine day with a strong bracing N wind. Took the Shamboat into the lake with S. and passed one of the pleasantest days that I ever remember, in '9 about Leonards pond. We had most excellent shooting tassings & ducks, 7 of which were killed singly on the wing. Of these I killed 6 & 3 black and 3 burgansers. I also shot a very fine bird in the pond hitting him first with my rifle at about 100 yds distance & killing him instantly after got a sharp shot as he rowed within twenty yds. The first bullet I found passed through his throat severing the tongue at its base, the last through the back of the head. As he lay dead on the surface of the water among the green lily pads.
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he presented a most beautiful appearance, frosted over as he was with minute air bubbles and we paddled around him dveral times before picking him up. I & myself each made a most wonderful cross shot on two mergansers killing both birds dead at our 85 yds. I used my Jones B. loads. I was much pleased with its shooting. I also shot a Buto Plana. at a great height cutting him in the wings but losing sight of him as he crashed down I could not find him. One of the black ducks was wounded in the wing & made up the bank into the wood at a most surprising rate of speed. He went in about 50 yds. I should certainly by hand lost him in the thick brush had I been active. Shot who found & pointed him as he lay crouched among the alders. Saw both flocks of grackles and cut for other inland birds. Coming down the lake in the steambot I saw several Phalaropus hyperboreus, had my first good chance to observe their habits. Their flight was very like that of Calidris and they resembled that bird
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278 a good deal on wing, looking however considerably smaller. In this manner of circling about over the water it reminded me somewhat of a miniature gull. It lit frequently on the surface in the middle of the lake although the waves were running quite high. One of them passed near the boat: I shot at it but missed; the next instant I was much amazed to see it suddenly start upwards in pursuit of a small moth which it chased eagerly for some distance but without proceeding far catching it. Saw also a pair of Chrois. Bonaparti in in. Mr. Lewis Brown was on the boat; he had been up the M'galloway aboard Panmachury Jr and exploring expedition. Mrs. Howshaw with his wife & sister arrived on the stage in the evening. Sunday Aug. 23 Clear and a fine day. In A.M. out about the lake near &c. spent most of P.M. in letter writing &c. Aug. 24 Clear & cool. Started at 8 o'clock with S. & Mr. Godwin for a tramp in to "The Shire" which
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wr reached by 11. Fished then until 4 P. M. when wr hoed out. S. I myself took in all about 50 small fish only one (my take) reaching a pound weight. Saw three broods of Partridges but as they were uncommonly wild and had nothing but my rifle I did not kill any. One brood of about a dozen poor from half open showing among the firms, going up one or two at a time. If I had my B. loader I think I could have got 5 or 6 down on the ground at once. S. spent most of the day shooting along the path and bagged Canadella's Petrao Carn. with a number of smaller birds, including a very young Empidonas which I think must be Ocellini, heard a G. Phil near an old camp & S. saw the bird clearly. Find a number of Orots with my rifle at a giving large White Donald's which kept dailing about over my head but did not succeed in hitting him. At th farm at the Cross Place I had heard on our last trip some C. Jalasia twittering after dark & hearing the farms this morning.
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I was pleased at discovering one of these nests built against our land, just near the sidewalk. It was fastened against the flat face of the boards & diffred not at all from the usual type. I have twice lately had a Trochilus Colubris upon itself within a foot of the bright purple flower of my Cardigan jacket as I stood fishing widely by mistaking the garment for a bank of brilliant flowers? in neither case did it perceive quite one of its mistake, until I moved & frightened it. Reached the harbor by 6.1/4. Aug.25 Clear & a fine day. Spent the whole of the forenoon in skimming nonchancy up my book. It was not so tough a bird as the one shot last year but I spent much time & washing & cleaning off the blood. It proved a 8 wighed 8 1/2 lbs. Rate in P.N. took a turn up the swamp road on Cant, skin & shot 6 birds, 1 morky 2 dot Persons & Y. Savannas: g.g. fell he) / Cows Buck (do) / Little Can.(do) 2 Perigun Satrape! changing to peps All the young birds are just,
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getting out of the moulting yet. but they also seem to be having been fairly started on their 9 migration by the almost frosty nights which we have had lately. Saw a flock of thrush [illegible] they acted in their usual manner. Heard for the first time distinctly Cinclus leucopterus flying overhead. Aug. 26 Cloudy most of the day. Shot the forenoon in shooting the birds shot yesterday. After dinner started out North S & B taking the Stony road. Found birds very scarce indeed the woods seemed almost completely deserted. I shot then Scott fluvigrinus (g. y.) a very young nest of Junco hyemalis & a nest Geothlypis trichas. Returning S. & J took a paddle up C. Rim in the skiff but saw nothing of note. I knocked down an old cock partridge to Shots point flushing him from the ferns over the path. Also shot a kingfisher as he flew by the boat: it proved a very young bird & with four or five others now keeping up a continuous rattling in a new thicket on them to add.
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Aug. 27, 1874 Aug. 27 Chas & a fine day with little wind. S. B. & Self took the boat up lake and started in at Leonard's Pond for a day duck shooting. Found about a dozen ducks in the pond and spent the forenoon chasing them; at least B. did S. & I having Orson Station on the two narrows. S. & B. both had a number of shots but bagged only one duck. I find only one shot a very long one & I while lying in my hand I was much surprised at hearing the whistle of a Caracara. After imitating his call for a few minutes I got him within range & killed him; it proved a young bird in a plumage quite new to me. Saw also a number of Blue Jays solitaries him. After lunch S. & I sailed down the lake to Block Island Cove firing away shot at a Black duck as far passed out of the river. In the pond hole by the cove we found about a dozen mergansers but they all got off without our getting a shot. As we approached it at least 30 Redwing cardinals rose at once and after whirling about in circles hit on the tops of some dead pines which
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Presented a curious appearance surround with the great Birds. Then I also saw two adult Larus gregatatus light on an immense Dead tree top & sat them down. Then, this white plumage con- trasting beautifully with a dark Cloud which formed the background. We found a flock of L. Gambetta flavipes feeding in the wind's S. pick at one of them flying northward success. Took the boat off B. corn reached the brown by 12 o'clock. All the swallows left him day after gesterday (25th) when we started them collecting into large flocks. Aug. 28 Clear and a very warm day. In A.M. Skimmed a few birds. Boat in P.M. took a tramp with S. corn on the Dyke road but had miserable luck, bagging only 4 birds. Petrea Can & y.y. Of. inficajilla y.y. 4 triche, 2 y.y. 1 D. maculosa yy. just beyond the bog as we rowed walking quietly along I chanced to look up and my attention was immediately attracted by a pair of young of some grouse which were sitting on a small larch.
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B. Wilson killed & brought me y2 Buteos over the path one with neck outstretched, the other squatted close on the limb. When they sat perfectly motionless & presenting a beautiful sight, amid the delicate green frondage of the tree. After looking at them for some moments I shot one sitting and missed a snap shot at the other as he disappeared in the thicket, the bird killed had his crop filled with larch noodles. I find at a H. Columbian sitting but missed. I heard a P. Vestitus & a Canada Jay. Aug 29 Char and my host. Off after breakfast with S. taking the Clyde Road. Made a very growing work of it taking 6 good birds. 2 Vireo Philadelphicus, 1 D. Black, 1 H. Jungerina 2 My. Canadensis, 1 Vireo Dolatias, S took 1 N. Phil. & D. castanea sc. He shot the first vireo when I immediately started after the heterogamous assembly of warblers Chickadees &c. Among which he found at a poon elevated & shot two. They were both own tame within no note & Contrary to observations made on this species in Germ. appear even more active.
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en than others than the other species I indeed quite so much as as any of the Dendrocidae, I two of the there were in the act of eating a large greenish caterpillar, when shot. They were all killed on a low second growth of birch & maple; I should judge their habits in this respect may be analogous to that of Y. noribaccus; I obtained 25 specimens in exchange for the Green gros- bet yesterday. When dissected they proved to be all or an others as I thought adult. One of the My. Cani was an adult & in full pl. a most beautiful bird; he was in full song. Birds of all kinds came very numerous to day. He struck our flock of warblers which must have contained over 100 individuals. I find that a few Hirundis harronum are still left, all the other species how I think left. We found two broods of 4 young & I killed my first three birds in good flight, afterwards missing thru rather hard shots. In P.M., B. went down to the marsh & shot Two Gambetta finch, a song sparrow.
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Aug. 30 - 1874 Sunday Aug. 30 Has a fin day. Had a heavy thunder storm about 9mst. Spent the day about the house. Capt A. Yicket informs me that Scimus Carolinensis was one year (about 1860) very abundant on the Megalway when numerous were shot; a few were also seen about the same time at Errol N.H. Both since [illegible] furious to that time now have been seen. Aug. 31 Clear and warm. Started out immediately after breakfast with S. taking the Tyler road. Found birds rather scare but I made a fair bag nevertheless, 10 birds in all. The best were Vireo Phil. [illegible] y.y.), Antros. vociferus 1 (att 1), D. Caeruleans 2 ([illegible]) D. Black (y.y.q in very unique pl.), Sitta Can & Colaptes auratus (y.y.q). The Vireo was in nearly the same place as then taken on the 29th; nothing was observed concerning it. The Whip-poor-will I shot near the Tyler opening in a stunted second growth of buck on burnt land; it was perfectly silent & I killed it at a very hard cross shot, flying. Shot also a D. Striata and saw a number of others. The Colaptes had
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quite distinct black cheek patches though its dissection was so carefully made by both S & myself & the ovaries so conspicuous that there was not the slightest room for doubt as to the identity of its sex. S got a Perseus from a little company of three which we both pursued. Though reputably tame they nevertheless soon got quickly through the woods & are not always easy to get. This bird was wing broken & when approached seemed boldy & bit fierce but with to little strength to cause pain. The others seemed to play with or no heed to its cries. The fall plumage of most species of birds is now complete. The small birds are becoming scare & are almost exclusively in flocks. Spent the P.M. in Skimming our birds. J. Monhumer & Walter Bracket assisted, Sept. 1 Clear with very Strong N. Wind. Feeling rather tired did not go out this morning but staid in my boat writing to, In P.M. took my boat and went down river along. At the second bend saw a Landripe running on the mud and firing at it, at once throwing a single smaller sweet and fine
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288 a short distance dropped dead. Picking it up I was delighted to find that I had got a very beautiful specimen of J. Bairdii the first I had ever seen alive. Noticed nothing peculiar in its actions excepting that it saw rather more rapidly than most of the genus. Continuing down river I saw a pair of Black Ducks feeding in a muddy creek and shooting them I killed one on the water & the other as it rose. Was quite surprised to find that the first was quite blind in both eyes the pupil ring opaque & white. I must have come across a small flock of Geese & Ring necks (A. enipal) & shot the off the latter at one discharge. Also killed a Phy. Politarus & a Gambella and the latter at sun long range. Storm went on to Pyle field in N.W. & made a good bag: 16 par, 20 refic. D. Castanea, D. Penn etc. Sept. 2 Clear & Cool with bracing N wind. After breakfast started for a paddle up C. river. In the willows below the home I made a good snap shot at a Pigeon & shot also a fine young J. Bairdovie. While wrapping him up two
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bird passed over my head at a great [illegible] flying close together, like pigeons. I shot the nearest one and found that it was a Fales Harversin, a y.y. bird in fine plumage. Taking the boat up river I got 5 or 6 birds diverse. 2 little Gans. 1/8. Saw [illegible] very large flocks of wablos but they were quite thin. Saw also a Pschilus etc. probably almost the last. Shunned bird call P.M. Sept. 3 cloudy muggy & smoky. Heavy Gale of wind with rain late in the P.M. At 9 I took the boat up lake in the morning & disembarked at Leonard's Pt. Stay on the narrows for ducks for two hours or so, and I got several shots killing one Gans, divers etc but from a flocks of which hit me. I had only one shot a long one when I missed. Killed a Pigeons Gans. Heard a ?? Arctious After eating dinner we paddled down river & landed. Tried for snipe flushing thru all of which I killed the first six without missing. While eating lunch we amused ourselves with fielding the chubs multitude of which soon collected around the boat.
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Putting my hand down among them they would nibble at my fingers and I found no difficulty in catching even large ones in my hand. Took the thinner at the outlet and found that she had struck a rock at Bottle Brook I was making badly. *Sproff* Swift was aboard & a gentleman in his party gave me a Red- Goriceps in very exquisite plumage. I think it is a young bird. Coming down the lake the wind blew almost a gale and to my surprise marily very soon that our Daws would run on wing easily at our approach. They tell me that it is impossible for them to swim in a dead calm. *Visando homewards* is still with us. At the outlet was very pure that I heard *Osiya Baird's* but may have been mistaken Sept. 4 Clear cool and a most brisky day. After breakfast took the Tyler road with S. and walked out to the farm. Found small birds very scater. In the larch marsh I shot a thrush & going in to pick him up came suddenly upon an old cock (Grouse) grouse). Standing on a little knoll amid a chorus of bench birds with *a* Gomband lighting up his dark plumage. He presented a most beautiful appearance. I looked at him several moments before shooting. Killed a & D. carmelcous & a few other worthless birds & came home meeting on the way from Donglas who gave me a fine g.g.s. *Peter's* hen which he had killed. Sports the P.M. m skimming the grass & the birds shot quite. The marsh is now nearly as dry as last year & heaves so, getting very abundant.
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Sept 5 - 1874 291 Sept. 5 Clear cool & fine day Took the boat up lake in the morning and got off at the outlet. As I was arranging things on my boat a large trout swam repeatedly near me taking each time a dead moth, members of which lay dead on the surface. Paddling into the pine protection and that nearly the edge of the marsh for snipe but could find none although fresh "pigeons" were in abundance. Saw here only a few rusty blackbirds & a brace of dusky ducks. Left tried downwards ground but found no tracks. Saw a large osprey stoop down within 50 yds of me and seize a chub, making nearly as much noise as the fall of a large plank would have done. After eating lunch sailed down the river to within a mile of Ernst when I was taken on board the steamer. Saw annual large flocks of warblers & fired a single shot at a merganser but missed. Saw two ibis, humifrons at the outlet, May. Cochlearius is also still here in moderate abundance. The bulk of the warblers have I think left. Sunday Sept. 6 Cloudy & warm. Spent the A.M. reading. In P.M. wrote letters. The maple on the river are fast turning crimson and the frost has touched the furs a little but the woods are as green as ever. Sept. 7 Cloudy. Rained most of P.M. Off after breakfast with S. taking the steam road across the farm & thence through a wood path to Ellinwoods, Saw but very few birds. I
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Philomachus pugnax 202 Took Ac fusca, adult ?, Sitta Cani, 2 Trog. hysmalis. Sept on %o. Infecap. I shot the hawk flying and lingered hard that as he crouched on the wood path. He fell winged and made off at quick a pace taking long leaps that I was obliged to shoot him over to get him. I found remains of an old, infecap. in his crop. I also shot a partridge one of them which now in the open on the storm farm; saw a large flock but being unable to put them up after a long chase turned around to speak to S., when they got up & off before I could fire. Heard a flock of Geese. leucopitra. D. striata is getting abundant Sept. 8 Clear a fine day. In forenoon took a short beat for Gunn near the house but drew blank. I went over the Lynn road & took Emp. flavi,2, Cinerea Can. y.y. & yc. In P.M. took a turn down to the marsh with S. & had some fair sport. Put up them snipes of which I shot 2 without missing. Previous to this & shortly after landing from the boat I chanced to look up & saw a bird flying by at good flying with slow easy flapping like a hawk. I instantly fired and it went down on a long glant falling dead. Upon picking it up I found it was a new bird to me, P. pugnax. It returned no more. I also shot a Bittern & an Ac orenietette missing two shots at the latter. S. killed a rail (P. Can) & a sheep (A. ani) Shot behaved very well & made several points. Saw two black ducks, and several Pigs. 20 of which latter I took a fine specimen. The marsh is in fine condition & the "signs"of snipe very numerous. Hotel around this comin
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Sept. 9 Char y warm: In A.M. bagged about the poun & skinned my birds. The P.fungus was in good flesh but literally alive with parasites. It proved a g. I also shot a very fine D.virginis & a J.hymach3. Last night the air seemed literally filled with migrating warbles & the note of the nigh bird heard so often last year was also not wanting. I believe I then referred it with some doubt to Hy. Loudovic. Last evening I criticized it very carefully & came to the decision that it is not made by that bird but by some species unknown or at least unrecognized by one. It resembles somewhat the note of Cardus Swain, but I think is not that latter. Whatever may be its author the species must be a large (common) one as I hear them nearly any dark night. Warbles are getting very scarce in the woods with the exception of D.striata & coronata. In P.M. wrote a few letters & skinned a bird or two. S.& B. went down on the marsh and B. killed a snipe the only one that they saw. Sept. 10 Fair day but very sultry and smokey with S.wind. Took the boat in the morning and got off at B. point, Paddled ashore at Sargents landing and shot a small tract of corn for duck. He soon started some birds in my hard shooting, and I bagged 4 in 9 shots. S. did not fire at all. We started at the utmost east over 5 birds. Only one or two of them
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whistled, they for the most part came with a many flutter going off in fima. They were nearly through the mouth. Afterwards beat on a good extent of promising looking ground without starting a feather! Padded home, I Shooting a ring duck by th way, and reached the hom by noon. On the P.M. beat one [illegible] along the Cifer road and Started a brood of Y. grouse passing two flying shots & killing a bird on the ground. At the mouth of the river this morning saw two Calco Hawsin chasing one another across the corn, flying easily and very unlike swallows. Saw also several very large flocks of Gris. Purpureus. Sept. 11 Clear and a lovely day. After breakfast tramped on to the Elmwood clearing with S. and R. Wilson. On the Stony road started a very large Bubio Vis. and fired three shots at him, killing him. I thought, with the last bit as he scaled down into some thick brush I could not find him. Beyond the farm I came across a brood of Y. grouse in the path, shot them in two shots hitting, and afterward two more flying in three shots. Took a very fine Vireo Phil. It was among a large flock of martins & in a high teach tree. S. shot a Sitta Carolinensis. Saw D. Bla[c]culus, Carola Ans.
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D. camberensis, Sturnus aureocap. (Sturnus Sarus). Reached the Oak house by noon shooting a pigeon behind the stable while Mr Godwin drove across the path for me. In P.M. shinned two small birds and took a drive with S. up on East B. hill, taking my gun but doing nothing to shoot on the way. Shillings and party arrived in the evening. C. Burston killed a very fine cock green goose on the Taylor road, this P.M. Sept. 12 Clear cool & a fine day. Spent the morning in subculting the opium garden for B. In P.M. S. & I went over on the Taylor road. Struck a large flock of warblers over the brook and shot D. maculosa s.y.g. D. virio s.y.g. 8. & Parus ludov in fine fall plumage. Saw H. indicap. The wood clearing was completely deserted. Had a very pleasant walk home in the cool of the evening, Sept. 13 Clear and warm. Spent the forenoon about the house. Got up in P.M. took a walk through the Stone path taking my rifle. I shot a Pirus Wilsonus with pins and S. killed a Sparrow. After mount I heard several birds singing faintly but could distinguish only 5. trica8. That Singula
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not heard throughout the [Max] woods in Autumn to not wanting (but) this having its unknown author was especially noisy on all sides: I think it must be some insect. We also heard off some distance in the gloomy depths of the forest a single bird 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: noted a few shortly after my arrival in July but had noticed other times. The ferns have nearly all turned brown but otherwise the woods are still nearly as green and luxuriant as ever, and are filled with wild flowers among which the golden rod & several fine species of asters are most prominent. Sept. 14 Clear and nearly the most buttery day of the season. Started down river at about [10] A.M. and paddled to [T.] mouth. When S. shot a Gambetta and one of two, & I found both barrels at long range after a Podopodiceps: we had been chasing it for some time when ito our great surprise it bow directly & easily out of the water chasing it's 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
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again). I also saw his two Anthus Sondoricians, and watched a & Hales Sparrow flying over the marsh in the manner described a few days since, and once I was posting I saw him dart up & catch an insect. After taking a swim & eating lunch we went ashore in the Boon chasing & beat for cock. Rushed on among low shrubs over a springy run and killed him at the first shot. Next Shot stood handsonly on a brood of 6 grouse which were among some weeds in an open field. I find both barrels at the first & he fell dead after flying some distance. Also shot at another & thought I killed him but Shot was so concerned with heat that he could do nothing but lie down & pant. Returned to the house late in P.M. Henry Purdie arrived Tb night & woke me up at nearly midnight. Sept. 15 Cloudy nearly all day with occasional glimpses of sunshine. Purdie S. Bastow & self took the boat this morning for a trip up the Megantic, and arrived at the landing at 1 P.M. Messrs Windsor & Skidell & Mr. Brown now with us. Put up at Browns. After dinner 8 o walked over to Sturdevant p when
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298 (we) found a (canoe shaped) little boat and embarking, paddled up to the inlet of the pond. Guided her awhile without success though late it is a fine ground. On the marshy shore at this point we saw the tracks of a herd of caribou some of them however very large). Paddled up the stream down 200 yds, to where the quick water commenced hastening two wood duck: they have a curious habit of watching their heads violently while flying & also occasionally merely stopping in the air at the same time striking themselves. this I have often noted before. Saw also a flock of about 45 black ducks but singularly enough there was not a one on the pond. Stridvant is a most beautiful little lake, erratic in shape & about 2 miles in length. The water is very rather deep & clear but not colder than in Umbagoz. Reached the house by dark. Sept. 16 Cloudy & very warm & sultry. We (all four) took a team and started for Agieschus falls, tying the horses at a distant house or walked 1/2 mile to the head of the falls and fished down getting in all about 20 small trout
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of which I took only 4. The falls are rather though as remarkably fine the highest pitch being perhaps 20 feet; their beauty is, as usual in Mr. Thomas bunch marred by the dinginess of the water & the shiny brown moss which covers the rocks. After getting back to the house beat the edge of the clearing for grama but found none. Bleached Brown by darks being a large hood of Sicke Sickle's and two groun By the way. The woods here are much more open & free of underbrush than at Wpton, Sept. 17 Still cloudy & warm with occasional light showers. Started immediately after breakfast with S. & P. & walked up to the dam on "Dead" Diamond when Mr. Winslow took 61 small trout last evening. Fished only about 40 minutes but took only 6 small fish of which I caught 4. Was much surprised to hear at this place the note of Gambella melanochra; he was apparently flying & high up. Came back on the double quick reaching the house in just 30 minutes. After dinner took the boat for Wpton & had a most dismal
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fail through the mist. Saw a few ducks on the Megallaway & a curious looking hawk was shot from the boat near the outlet: as it dropped apparently dead I of[fered] $5 to any one who would get it for me & catch the boat on its return from the inlet. Flint volunteered to try it; we left him. At the inlet Barstow left us for the dam Coming down lake we took Flint aboard: he had not found the hawk but saw it or another and fly off at his approach. My boat we ran up quite close to a flock of 15- Plumetta pusillata. Also saw a Columbus septentrionalis and two Gal. arenaia all of which were probably driven inland by the heavy N.E. gusts which is now prevailing. Reached the lake horn by dark & felt as if I had got home once more. Small birds of all kinds were on our board on the Megallaway & we saw absolutely nothing worth shooting at. Ducks do not seem to be getting any more numerous on the lake as the season advances. Sept. 18 Cloudy and wind hard all day. Wind N.E. & very cold. Spent only
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"the whole day in packing our birds &c. In the P.M. Gordin took 8 half pound trout in th prr & caught 2. Sept. 19 Blondy with thick fog all day. Left the lake at 5.30 this morning on the stage, Clark driving as usual, P. & S. both accompanied me. At Brook's town when we stopped a few moments I heard a Hylotomus filicatus and in Newry we passed a partridge sitting in a poplar sapling so near the stage that I was almost tempted to grasp at her with my hand. As we Guard Bethel one of the horses which had for sometime shown signs of weariness gave out completely and after staggering on for a few rods drawing his limbs ridiculous from one side of the road to the other, he stopped leaning heavily against the side of a bridge with drooping head & tail & general expression of the most total despair. Leaving him on the post we drove in with the remaining three horses. The down train was no usual one an hour late and we barely made the necessary connection at Portland, Arrived in Boston at 7.30 & found Charles on hand, and by 8.30 we reached home bag & baggage.
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302 Arrival of birds as witnessed in Cambridge Mass & Vicinity 303 Abbreviations—g.a.= general arrival i.a.= constant during its season f.b.= one flock 1865-66-67-68-69 1870-71-72 13-74-75-76-77-78-79-1880-81-82-83-84-85-86 Surdus migratorius Mar. 17, a. " mollimus g.a. " pallasi Apr. 16 Apr. 21 Apr. 14 " fuscescens May 2 " Swainsonii a.g. Mar. 17 Hudson I bank, May 21 May 18 Sept. 26 Scirpus aurocapillus g.a. " Norumbensis Apr. 29 Haetophychus rufus 1 g.b. 3 g.a. 18 b.t. Apr. 30 May 2 May 1 Mimus Carolinensis May 9 Sialia sialis Mar. 11 Feb. 24 Mar. 29 Mar. 1 Regulus calendula Apr. 12 " pulchris Kra. Oerthia familiaris May 13 Sitta Carolinensis Cina densa Serglodytes auduboni May 9 " viximae Apr. 9 Jan. 4th Jan. 2nd Vestothrus stellaris May 13 " pachyrhros Anthus hedvicianus Sept. 12 Oct. 8 Sept. 21 Sept. 2 Mniotilta varia Apr. 23 Pardal americana Apr. 29 Geothlypis trichas May 9 " petila delphica Oporornis agilis Oct. 4 Setaria striata Helmiriga rugicapilla May 1 " melignina May 11 Chrysoptera May 8 Dendroica virens Apr. 27 " carolinensis May 9 " coronata Apr. 17 Apr. 11 Apr. 1 Apr. 13 Apr. 15 " castanea May 26 " Blackbirdias May 18 Jina Mar. 14 a. May 13 May 13 Apr. 10 May 12 May 20 May 12 May 11 May 6 May 12 Feb. 23-5 Mar. 26 Apr. 14 Apr. 11 Winds. Mar. 31 Mar. 27-day Mar. 21 May 8 May 19 Apr. 17 May 26 May 6 May 4 May 26 May 15 May 19 May 6 May 4 April 29 April 4 April 29 May 13 May 11 May 12 May 6 Apr. 14 Apr. 17 Mar. 20 a. Winds May 13 May 12 May 9 Mar. 18 May 14 May 4 May 6 May 12 18 winter added Winds not with Winds a.g. Mar. g.a. 1 Grand. May 3 a.baldt bank June 1 Hatch bank, Jan 1 Apr. 9 5 family 2 youngs May 14 3 fowl May 8 6 Grands. Jame 8 g.a. Mar. 2 C.b. John May 12 gale. May 11 2 Grands, June 8 3 Winter May 16 18 b.t. Mar. 6 3 g.b. Baldt May 13 John bond Apr. 27 Apr. 7 Apr. 14 May 11
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304 Dendroica flammea " atrata " aestiva " maculosa " (palmarum) " discolor " tigrina Mniodectes fasciatus " caradensis Sitothaga anteaella Hormoza persorum) " fumigons " bicolor " riparia " rubis Virio olivaceus " gilvus " Solitarius " flavifrons " Nordmannensis Amphelis garzochs " citronum Colinus borealis Pyrranga atra Paride cinereator Cuphlaedon perfusus Chrysomptros trotes " primus Aegithous Sinarius Curvirostra americana " lincolnia Electrophorus Vinachis " lapponicus Passerculus jameepo " Savanna 1865-66-67-68-69-1870-71-72 May 1 red May 16 May 1 Migrator 5 Apr.13 May 9 May 13 July May 13 May 4 May 15 Mar. 18 Apr. 2 Apr. 8 Mar. 10 Apr. 5 Apr. 29 Apr.23 May 6 Apr. 25 May 1 May 14 Mar. 8 Feb. 21 Mar. 2 Apr. 15 Feb. 14 Oct. 28 Apr. 17 Mar. 19 Apr. 14 Mar. 19 Mar. 19 Apr. 4 May 10 May 16 Apr. 27 May 1 Nov. 3 Oct. 30 Mar. 24 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 Apr. 7 April Apr. 3 1873-74 May 12 9 a.m. May 26 May 11 9 a. Stant May 15 Apr. 11 April 14 May 20 May 13 May 2 May 11 8 Winter May 5 May 12 Wolfert May 14 1 block Mar. 18 Feb. 15 a.m. May 20 May 15 May 17 9 April 11 305 -69 May 11 10th Belmont May 20 9 a.-6. May 10 18 Belmont May 14 12 Belmont Apr. 12 9 a. Belmont May 14 6 p.m. School May 10 18 Belmont May 14 10th Belmont May 24 18 a. May 12 a.a. Apr. 30 9 a.-6. May 7 6 Winter Mar. 26 9 a. Belmont May 13 Balanced May 8 18 Belmont May 13 9 a.-6. May 11 5th Vermont April 30 9 a. 6. May 11 18 Belmont May 19 Feb. 17 p.a. Feb. 19 a.m. (May 24th Worm) 18 Newton May 12 Absent H. red W. red W. red W. red W. red 3 spring Belmont May 17 Apr. 15 Nch. 30
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{ "text": "306\n\nPoecetes graminus\nOsternachis sparimus\nhumboldi\nLonotichia lincolhyra\n\" allicolis\nAmmodemus candacuts\nJunco hyemalis\nSpizella monticola\n\" socialis\n\" pusilla\nMelo fuga melodia\n\" majorstris\nlincolnii\nPasserila ilaica\nOryzya apameana\nGruca redoviciano\nCyanopaga cyanus\nCyptio Orthothophmus\nOrnithila albastris\nDichonyx crassius\nMolothrus aterris\nAcalan Sphanicus\nSturmla magna\nIcterus batimnus\n\" oparuis\nScolocphalus larrugium\nDumachus Vericlor\nOganna cristata\nConus americanus\nTayannus cardenial\nMajarchus Cretius\nSayonis fuscus\nContopus borealis\n\" virius\nEmpidorax tritita\n\n1865-66 67-68-69-1870-11-12 -13-14-15-16-17-18-19-1880-81-82-83-84-85-86\n\nApr. 3\nApr. 6\nApr. 17\nApr. 6\nApr. 3\nMay 13\nApr. 14\nMay 15\nApr. 26\nMay 2\nMarch 27\nMay 1\nMar. 17\nApr. 7\nApr. 29\nApr. 2\nApr. 14\nApr. 11\nOct. 23\nOct. 25\nApr. 17\nApr. 17\nApr. 19\nApr. 8\nApr. 15\nApr. 10\nApr. 15\nApr. 10\nApr. 11\nMar. 12\nFeb. 22\nApr. 7\nMar. 5\nMar. 27\nMay 3\nMar. 16\nApr. 17\nApr. 9\nApr. 14\nApr. 7\nApr. 12\nMay 18\nMay 17\nMar. 22\nNo. 26\nApr. 9\nMar. 3\nApr. 2\nMay 15\nMar. 21\nMeh. 6\nMay 4\nMay 20\nMay 15\nD.D. Buj.\nMay 6\nOct. 28\nApr. 3\nMay 6\nMay 16\nMay 1\nMay 29\nApr. 7\nApr. 4\nMar. 30\nApr. 1\nMeh. 26\nMeh. 29\nMeh. 30\nMar. 12\nMar. 14\nMar. 23\nMar. 6\nMar. 25\nMay 30\nMar. 22\nMar. 30\nMay 8\nMay 11\nMeh. 29\nMar. 14\nMar. 24\nMar. 23\nMar. 13\nMay 30\nMay 27\nMar. 25\nMeh. 30\nMar. 14\nMar. 14\nMar. 22\nMar. 6\nMar. 25\nMay 20\nMar. 20\nMar. 21\nMeh. 28\nMar. 14\nMar. 23\nApr. 3\nMay 1\nMay 13\nMay 9\nMay 13\nMar. 25\nApr. 3\nApr. 9\nMar. 19\nApr. 5\nApr. 6\nMay 25\nMay 19\nMay 24\nMay 13\nMay 30\nMay 31\nMay 18\nMay 18\nMay 19\nMay 20\nMar. 24\nApr. 17\nApr. 17\nApr. 17\nApr. 15\nMay 16\nApr. 16\nMay 16\nMeh. 24\nMay 27\nMay 13\nMay 29\nMay 10\nMar. 29\nMay 10\nMay 28\nMay 10\nMay 15\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\nMay 10\n [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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308 309 1865 - 66 - 67 - 68 - 69 / 70 - 71 - 72 - 73 - 74 - 75 - 76 77 - 78 - 79- 1880-81 - 82 - 83 - 84 85 - 1886 Empidonax minimus
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310 311 1865-66-67-68-69 1870-71-72-73-74-75-76-77-78-79-1880-81-82-83-84-85-1886 Octopus migratorius Zonaidura carolinensis Charadrius Virginius Actolites Vieifanus " Amipalmatus " melodius Sematordea heliotica Philohula minor Gallinago Gulltonii Macrorhamphus gregius Vahidis armavia Singa canutus " marina " Sarbasgnala " american " maculata " minutella " bonapartei Oeunetes fuscila Micropalma hemantips Symphica Semipahnda Gambetta ondanbeuca " flaricus Rhyacolithus solitasius Schingidas maculasis Actinmyu barstraminis Singetus inferescens Linnna fedra. " medranica Numinus lonzevotus " hondroensis " bonalis Phalrajus wilsonii " furicasins " hyperbonus
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312 313 1865 - 66 - 67 - 68 - 69 - 1870 - 71 - 72 -73 - 74 - 75 - 76 - 77 - 78 - 79 - 1880 - 81 - 82 - 83 - 84 - 85 - 1886 Andra herodias Cipridis crotta Parzetta candidissima Florida caudata Arctica rubis Botamus botiginosus Bortvisi viruens Vychianda gardini Nycthusidus violacus Salomiblos ordi Rabus crepitans " Virginiamu Pazana (archina) " morboamin Julica americana Gallinda galata " Martinica Coggmus americanus Bemela bunta " canadensis Anas boskai " obsosa Dafila acuta Vettion gaslinensis " crecca Largnudula discus Sachita chypeta Chandlassmus stypanu Marca jendspo " americanus Air Arona Indiy maila " allani " affinis Ahyra calhomica Apr.9. 12 Sept. Aug. 11 3 May 11 Apr. 16 Apr. 22 Apr.4 Apr.15 Apr.9 Apr.12 Apr.17 Apr.27 20 25 Apr.3 Mar.27 Apr.8 Apr.7 Mar.16 Apr.3 Apr.9 Apr.10 Sept.12 Sept.6 Apr. 27 Apr. 13 Apr. 5 Apr.29 Apr.3 Nov.2 1 Brondshol Apr.9 Reynardts Mark Apr.20 1 Broeklyn Apr. 21 1 Brondsh May 8 1 Brondsh Mar.4 2 Apr. 15 Apr.10 Apr.11 2 c.a. May7 1 Carand Apr.22 Broekshoend May4 1 apr. Apr. 24 8 Lockhart Apr.10 1 Brondsh Apr.23
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314 1865-66-67-68-69-70-1871-72 73-74-75-76-77-78-79-1880-81-82-83-84-85-1886 Atrixa americana Brachylaena Islandica " " Americana " " albida Buthuricus virgatus Hartula glacialis Campsostomus labradorensis Mianetta Valeriana Silonetta perspicillata Ciduna Americana Somateria mollissima " " spectabilis Ommatnana trivida Herqius purator " " Americanus Loophodysts occultatus Sula basana fibra Graenhus dilophon " " casto Byphagus stina Sturcoetus frumarius " " paraisthenus " " Buffoni Larus melvinus " " glaucus " " leucophius " " agintatus " " Lihnwaunriis Chimacocephala atricilla " " Philadelphia Pissa tridactyla Sterna Caspia " " Acuflandta " " b. 1 3rd.hj. Oct.27 2 3rd.hj. Nov.8 Jun 3rd.hj. 5 3rd.hj. 1 4th.hj. Oct.20 Oct.26 Nov.3 3 3rd.hj. 1st week 1 3rd.hj. 2 3 3rd.hj. Oct.1 Oct.11 Oct.23 Oct.13 2nd 3rd.hj. Oct.9 30 4th.j. 5 3rd.j. 1 3rd.j. 1 3rd.j. Sept.30 Oct.9 Oct.14 Oct.21 3 2 2 Land Dec.8 Aug.11 Nov.11 Nov.11 Oct.17
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316 317 Sterna hisundo macoma " " macradina antillaram Hydroshidion fissipu 1 Hilsbath Heliolana fusiginea Sept.1 Saffinus major " " arachnum) " " feldmannus Procellaria pelagica Oceanus oceanca Cosmochaca leucosphara Colymbus torquatus " " archiens " " Wtentiundis Podiceps grysicena " " cristatus Cornutus 23 Oct.1 Podilymnus podiceps Sept.14 1 Aug.1875 9 Sept. Vittima toda Aug 23 Sept.15 Gratunda arctica Urva grypho Lomua trille " " singvia " " Marbas Mercurius alle
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318 1865-66-67-68-69-1870-71-72-73-74-75-76-77-78-79-1880-81-82-83-84-85-86 319
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