Point Ledge N. B. Habit of the Coas. 1876. (April 14) Last night some twenty birds were killed by flying against the light and we found them this morning dead on the ground beneath it. All were M. melodia with the exception of one P. Avanna and two Jaccos. There were at least 100 M. melodia in the clearing around the house to day. I have spent much time both yesterday and to day watching the sea-fowl through the glass. The Coas are especially interesting and are decidedly the most likely of the water fowl here. They have a peculiar habit of rushing around on the surface of the water apparently walking on their tips of their toes with bodies backs nearly perpendicular, and uttering incessantly meanwhile a curious and indescribable note very loud. This comes from the sea in all directions and often when the flock is too far off to be seen. Last night we heard them as late as 10 o'clock. I have noticed this habit only in C. Americana & think the note is uttered only by them. To day I saw distinctly several C. perspicillata drinking the water lifting up their bills like pens. All the Coas are exceedingly graceful on the water and stretch up their backs much more than the old Squaws which carry their bills scarcely above the surface & sit very low in the water. The Sheildskies seldom light near the Point indeed I have seen only one in the water so far.