Arrivals - Red-winged blackbirds, Marsh Wrens, and Phoebe. MASS. (Middlesex Co.) 1876. (March 7) consider my imagination deceived or not; but in a moment or two another came towards me tracing his course through the heavens by frequent callings and when directly overhead as if for my special benefit, broke out into his rich "amorous" warble: this time then was no mistake and before I had proceeded quite a mile I had heard & seen dozens, all males so far as I could ascertain. As a rule they did not sing much and seldom alighted but seemed to be wandering about in upper air as if uncertain of their whereabouts or purpose. Next I was rather surprised (for is not the sudden advent of spring birds after the dreary lifeless winter always a surprise?) however probable that appearance may be made by long kept tables of dates of arrival, and seasonal accompanying natural phenomena) at the sudden appearance of a small band of Acclimatis Phoenicurus, all males. They passed directly overhead uttering a call note or two and after an investigation whel or two swept off Northwards; a few minutes after, a larger flock of some 50 individuals followed in their track. From an oak grove in the distance came up faintly but distinctly the incessant gabble of Red-winged Blackbirds; whether one or more individuals were producing it I was unable to ascertain as it rose dead, & I did not see the performers at all. Every bush & brushy water course was alive with my Sparrows, and the males own chanting delightfully on all sides or chasing each other in sport or rivalry. Mr. A. Fraser whom I saw at his house informed