1068 both birds began with the tips of the tongues. As in other respects, Terry is again less advanced in this change than A. There is still a lot of pink left in his mouth. Along the margins where change is taking place there is a gradual shading of the pink, through purple to "black". Caution. (These observations, of course, depend upon having the good- will of the bird, and are naturally less reliable than if they were made under controlled, laboratory conditions). September 20 to 24th., incl. During this period observations were continued as usual--there was little change. Thrashers Song as usual. There was the usual early morning song, both here and at a distance. Neighbors are commenting upon the prevalence of thrasher song in this section of Piedmont, and are delighted. I am told that they are giving me credit for "bringing the thrashers here." B responsible for much song. Brownie, I think, is principally responsible, and to him the credit should be given, as his children probably have established themselves not far away. Certainly the frequency of thrasher song is much greater than in past years. Roughneck. Roughneck was not seen with certainty during this period. Nova. Nova was not seen at all ( and identified), but was occasion- ally heard. No nesting. No nesting activities were noted. B's songs. Brownie, besides singing full song in the mornings, with an occasional outburst during the afternoons, was sub-singing for long periods of time, mostly near the oval lawn. "The" fly on the job again. This afternoon (24th.) he was seen to jump suddenly into the air a foot or so each time, scratch and look worried, plainly expecting further attacks from some tormentor. I called him to me and while he was sitting on my knee "the" fly crawled out of his back feathers and crawled about. B does not seem to be able to get rid of these pests. Road-runners Progress in changing food habits. Both A and T frequently refused live mice, at times even stepping upon them indifferently. Once, even, Archie reached over one, that he "knew all about", in order to get a piece of meat, which is a great condescension for him. Usually when he catches one, it squeals, but today, he caught the same one several times (perhaps a dozen) without hurting it at all, finally letting it go. After that he ate some meat. Moult. Still no tail feathers have been moulted except the two middle, upper ones on both birds, and no flight feathers. Terry's new ones seem to be growing out at the rate of about a quarter of an inch per day. (I.e.: these two tail feathers). The "soft" feathers are being rapidly replaced. Terry is beginning to follow A in moulting his eye-lashes. A'S domineering. Archie's domineering attitude toward Terry seems to be increas- ing somewhat in insolence, but it is noticeable that he still keeps away from Terry and his bed at bed-time. + See later, p 1071