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Memoirs of the Wuttall Ornithological Club 


Sure oe MENT 


TO 


tis BER DS OF ESSEX COUNTY 
MASSACHUSETTS 


By CHARLES WENDELL TOWNSEND, M.D. 


WITH ONE PLATE AND MAP 


CAMBRIDGE, MASS. 
PUBDISHED BY LHE CLUB 
AUGUST 1920, 


PRESS OF 
THE NEW ERA PRINTING COMPANY 
LANCASTER, PA. 


CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTIONS corey. soysvn cys ere pa Does heise ae aun ea een are cllshe os aialars on scleyes 5 


CHAPTER I. CHANGES IN THE Brrp-Lire oF Essex CouNTy SINCE 1905... 7 


GHAPTERM Eee DIRDSSOR MEIN TTED AREAS ie eeuorieesciciecinianiciee ciainietaene 17 
CrAP TERMS ANNOTATED Eg TST flags fet Sop hel share ees claves, 75 are cee seereeee 25 

SUNGNUAR Vane torrie citrate ee cacte fect makers eat ea SE) Ae Ub dP ORI LEA 182 
RRA TAM Morya ys satel e isis Pye Ise eine eens otele on Riese as Bile ab nemias 183 
STB LO GRAD Elavaleayer pence Ove octave tess co ec chnee SreNe takes OT Sreie eet LVL o OIRE eR per ior 184 


INTRODUCTION 


FIFTEEN years have passed since Memoir III of the Nuttall Ornithological 
Club, “ The Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts,’ was published. In these 
fifteen years many changes have taken place in the bird-life of the County, many 
more observers have studied it, and many notes have been accumulated. It is the 
purpose of this Supplement to bring our knowledge of the birds of the County 
up to date, and in order that it may be complete in itself all the species are listed 
whe:her or not there are any changes or additions in the annotations. 

Changes are made in the nomenclature wherever necessary to conform to the 
latest American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list.1_ As several species new to the 
list have been added, the serial numbers are changed. The additions are denoted 
by an asterisk (*). 

In the original Memoir I gave in detail the habits and field-marks of most of 
the water-birds and of several other birds of especial interest for the County. 
In this Supplement I have added to the notes on these birds, wherever possible, 
have increased this list by the addition of the hawks and some others, and in 
many cases have laid special stress on courtship habits, the study of which in the 
last fifteen years has especially interested me. 

When the original Memoir was published, there were none living in Essex 
County sufficiently interested in birds to become members of the American Orni- 
thologists’ Union. At the present time there are twelve members listed from the 
County. In addition there is a very active club—the Essex County Ornitholog- 
ical Club,—with a membership of about fifty having its headquarters and monthly 
meetings at the Peabody Museum in Salem. The Club was founded in 1916, but 
for some eight years prior many of the present members were in the habit of 
making an annual trip by canoe on the Ipswich River at the height of the warbler 
migration in May. In preparing this Memoir I have consulted the records of the 
Club, of which I have the honor to be a charter member. The first number of the 
annual Bulletin of the Club appeared in December, 1919. 

The number of contributors of notes and records to this Supplement has 
increased to a great extent. Their names will be found in the Annotated List in 
connection with their contributions. To all of them I wish to express my 
grateful thanks. 

Some of the contributors to the original Memoir who have died are: William 


1 The Check-list of 1910 has changed the names of 26 genera and of 16 species of the 
original list. 
(5) 


6 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Brewster, A. B. Clark, Julian M. Dodge, G. M. Magee, Henry A. Purdie, J. H. 
Sears, Bradford Torrey, M. A. Walton, George O. Welch. All of these I knew 
personally. To my friend William Brewster I had turned for many years for 
judicious advice and unfailing help. To many of us personally, and to all 
ornithologists in general, his death is a very great loss. Julian M. Dodge I have 
missed greatly. He always placed at my disposal his camp in the Topsfield 
Marshes, a region where with him I have made many interesting observations. 
Mr. Purdie and Mr. Torrey, each in his own way, were of help to me in writing 
the original Memoir. They are widely missed. Mr. Welch was the last of the 
band of older taxidermists who contributed so much to our knowledge of the 
bird-life of Essex County. I am glad to be able to add that Mr. Charles J. 
Maynard, always to be remembered as the discoverer of the Ipswich Sparrow, is 
still active and still visits the Ipswich dunes. 

A new source of information on the birds of the County was unearthed by 
Dr. Glover M. Allen? who published an account of a hitherto unknown ornithol- 
ogist, Benjamin F. Damsell of Amesbury, with notes gleaned from his records and 
collections. Mr. Damsell, a carriage builder by trade, was born in Amesbury, 
1854, and died there in 1911. He never published anything but left note-books 
covering a period of thirty years from 1880 to 1911. Dr. Allen says: “ The bird 
records seem to be made with much caution and as they are frequently substan- 
tiated by the actual specimens, may in most cases be deemed wholly trustworthy. 
Part of the collection was destroyed but the remainder is in good condition and 
consists of several hundred mounted specimens, some of the more interesting of 
which have been acquired by the Boston Society of Natural History for its New 
England collection.” 

As for my own work, I can state that, although most of my life is necessarily 
spent in Boston, I have continued my observations on the avifauna of Essex 
County as much as possible. I have spent a month of every summer at my house 
not far from the dunes at Ipswich, with the exception of the years when my vaca- 
tions have been in Labrador or elsewhere. Since 1915, I have gone back and forth 
daily from Boston during the remainder of the summer. In winter my week-end 
trips to Ipswich from Saturday night to Sunday night have become increasingly 
more frequent, and I have visited from time to time other parts of the County. 

As in the case of the original Memoir I am greatly indebted to my friend, 
Dr. Glover M. Allen, for his assistance in reviewing the manuscript and proof. 


1 Allen, Glover M. “ An Essex County Ornithologist.” Auk, vol. 30, p. 19-29, 1913. 


ee 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY if 


CHAPTER I 


CHANGES IN THE Brrp-Lire or Essex COUNTY SINCE 1905 


FIFTEEN years are, of course, but a mere moment of time in the life of a species, 
yet, as birds are to a large extent dependent on the works and acts of mankind, 
many changes may take place even in that limited period. 

When the original Memoir was published an increase in the gulls and terns,— 


then for a few years protected,—had already been noticed. The first practical 
work of protecting breeding bird-colonies on the Atlantic coast was begun in 1900. 
The wings, heads, and bodies, not only of terns but even of passerine birds, for- 
merly so common on women’s hats, are no longer seen and the influence of the 
National Association of Audubon Societies, incorporated in 1905, is still spreading. 

Another change wrought by man, which has increased the number of these 
and other birds, is the establishment of reservations where shooting is forbidden. 
Most of these in Essex County were already in existence at the time of the publi- 
cation of the original Memoir, but their influence has increased as the enforce- 
ment of laws has become more strict, and the birds have learned the value of these 
refuges. The peninsulas of Nahant and Marblehead Neck, the Lynn, Swamp- 
scott, and Manchester Beaches are instances. Coffin’s Beach and the Ipswich 
dunes have been protected by private owners, and more and more large estates 
throughout the County are posted against shooting. At Topsfield there is a con- 
siderable reservation of private ownership. 

The changes in the laws as regards shooting of birds have been very great 
during the last fifteen years and are destined to have a very beneficial effect in 
conserving them. Prior to 1906, it was lawful to shoot ducks up to May 20. 
Prior to 1909, the open season for Black Ducks extended from September 1 to 
March 1 and for other ducks until May 1, except in the case of Wood Ducks, 
which were then first protected at all times. In 1909, spring shooting of ducks 
was stopped and the close season began on January 1. In 1912, a law was passed 
stopping the sale of all game. 

But the most important law is the Federal law protecting migratory birds 
throughout the United States, passed by Congress in 1913. By a treaty with 
Great Britain, in 1916, the jurisdiction of this law was extended to Canada, and, 


8 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


in 1918, the Enabling Act for enforcing the law was passed by Congress. Insec- 
tivorous and song birds, Wood Ducks, Swans, Wild Pigeons, Mourning Doves, 
Herons, Bitterns, Cranes, Eagles, Fish Hawks, Marsh Hawks, small owls, gulls, 
and terns and all shore-birds,—with the exception of the Black-bellied and Golden 
are protected at all times 


Plovers, Snipe, and Greater and Lesser Yellow-legs, 
and their feathers are not to be used for millinery purposes. Spring shooting of 
water-fowl throughout the country has been forbidden. In Massachusetts, the 
open season for water-fowl extends from September 15 to December 31. The 
opening of the season for shooting shore-birds, now restricted to the two species 
of yellow-legs and of plover mentioned above, is August 16 instead of July 15 as 
previously. All birds are protected on Sundays and from sunset to a half hour 
before sunrise. In 1918, approximately 65,000 hunting licenses were issued in 
Massachusetts. 

Another cause for change in the bird-life of the County may be ascribed to 
certain insect pests. Brown-tail and gypsy moths, accidentally introduced from 
Europe, had begun their pernicious work long prior to 1905, but after that date 
they increased so in numbers and spread so universally throughout the County 
that many orchards and woodlands were devastated, and dead and dying trees 
were common. Apple trees and oaks were particularly affected. Not only 
directly in this manner did these pests influence the environment of the birds of 
the County, but indirectly the influence was still greater owing to the measures 
used for the control of the pests. Underbrush was cleaned up by cutting and 
burning, holes in trees were closed, egg-clusters were creosoted, arsenical spraying 
was conducted on a very extensive scale, and bands of workmen went through 
the country like a devouring flame. 

The remedy, as far as the birds were concerned and to a considerable extent 
.as regards the vegetation, was worse than the disease. Although spraying is 
often necessary to save individual trees, the great aid that can be rendered by 
birds is thereby to a large extent removed. The filling-up of holes in trees has a 
bad effect on the nesting of Flickers, Tree Swallows, Chickadees, and Bluebirds, 
while the cutting-down and burning of bushes and underbrush interferes with 
the nesting of warblers, thrashers, vireos, and many other birds. In Swamp- 
scott, for example, White-eyed Vireos and Chats were practically eliminated. 
That a large number of birds are killed by the arsenical fluid used in spraying, 
there can be little doubt. Birds have been seen to drink of the poisonous drops 
that remain on leaves, in the same way that they drink the dew. Mr. M. Abbott 
Frazar, the well-known Boston taxidermist, tells me that orioles and other birds, 
showing no signs of injury and presumably poisoned, are brought to him for 
mounting in considerable numbers during the spraying season. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 9 


That birds, when given a chance, are of great value in fighting these pests 
was well shown in an acre of mixed woodland on my own place. This I have made 
attractive for birds and have never sprayed, but have removed only the brown-tail 
nests. Several years ago gypsy moths started to devastate it and their egg-clusters 
were abundant in the fall. A pair of Chickadees had nested in one of my boxes 
there, and five or six of these birds were busily at work in this limited area all 
winter, with the result that the gypsy-moth eggs disappeared. Fortunately the 
insect and vegetable parasites have in the last five years made such inroads on 
these two insect pests that their influence for evil on a large scale is practically 
over in Essex County. 

Another factor influencing the numbers of birds in Essex County is the arrival 
of the Starling and its considerable increase during the last ten years. All hole- 
breeding birds are in danger of being driven out by this alien. The English 
Sparrow, on the other hand, has probably diminished in numbers to some extent. 
Our native birds are adjusting themselves to its presence. The diminution is 
more marked in towns and villages, however, than in the country. 

Another alien, in this case a human one, the Italian workman, has also 
increased in numbers in the County and has undoubtedly had a bad effect on the 
avifauna. Although these aliens are not allowed the possession of a gun unless 
they are real-estate owners to the extent of $500, and take out an alien-hunter’s 
license for $15, they have secretly done much shooting of birds as well as trapping 
and liming. Allis game that comes to their net from Chickadee to Pheasant. 

The extensive and increasing use of automobiles has undoubtedly contributed 
to the reduction in numbers of Pheasants and Ruffed Grouse. By means of the 
automobile, residents of cities are enabled to visit a number of widely separated 
shooting-areas in the same day and shoot these birds. Many of these ‘game 
hogs’ exceed the limit allowed by law, but by distributing the bag among the 
passengers of the automobile the penalty, in the rare chance that they are inspected 
by a warden, is escaped. The electric street-railroads have also contributed in 
the distribution of gunners. 

The rapid extension of cities and towns beyond their former limits, and the 
substitution of clean lawns and shade trees for natural tangles and swamps, has 
also had its effect on the bird population. 

A change has been made in the character of some of the lamps in the light- 
houses during the last five years, which has apparently rendered them less destruc- 
tive to birds. This is the case at Thatcher’s Island where formerly, as shown in 
the original Memoir, a large, although decreasing, number of birds was killed. 
Instead of ordinary kerosene lamps with their yellow lights there is now used a 
spray of kerosene oil and air, which brings a Wellsbach mantle to a white heat 


IO MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


and produces a diffuse white light more like daylight. The keepers believe that 
the birds are able to see around them more easily and are not so dazzled as by the 
old lamps, and therefore none are killed. 

Before taking up in order the various species of birds that are believed to 
have increased or diminished in the last fifteen years, it may be well to consider 
the various factors on which this belief is founded, so that we can distinguish 
between an actual and an apparent increase of birds. It is obvious that an appar- 
ent increase of any species without an actual increase may be due to a variety of 
causes which may be summed up as follows: (1) protection resulting in a greater 
tameness of the birds, a nearer view and therefore greater ease of identification ; 
(2) a more general use of powerful prismatic glasses; (3) an increase in the 
number of observers and an increase in the area covered at all seasons of the year. 

The bird reservations already referred to have made an immediate difference 
in the tameness or wildness of birds. A gull at King’s or Fisherman’s Beach will 
often allow an approach within fifteen yards, whereas on the unreserved beaches 
it flies off before the intruder has come within a distance of a hundred yards. I 
have lately seen a flock of two hundred Herring Gulls with three or four Great 
Black-backed and one Iceland Gull on Fisherman’s Beach at Swampscott, and in 
the water at its edge, separate to allow a man to row off shore. The birds by 
swimming and a few by flying a short distance barely made way for the oars, and 
closed the gap as soon as the boat had passed. Under such circumstances one 
may study at ease any particular bird and compare it with others. 

The second reason is of much interest and should be considered in all its 
bearings. When I began the study of birds in 1875, I did not use field-glasses 
but depended on the gun. That was the custom of the few bird-students of that 
day. In the ornithological books at that time very little was said of field-marks 
‘and identification except in the hand. Samuels’ “ Birds of New England” and 
Maynard’s “ Naturalist’s Guide” were the chief books of reference owned by 
and Wilson’s and Audubon’s histories 


” 


students in this region. Coues’ “ Key 
were also consulted. At that time and for many years after,—in fact until about 
the time of the publication of the original Memoir,—it is doubtful if any ornithol- 
ogist would have been rash enough to report a Glaucous Gull, for example, with- 
out first securing the specimen. The gun, not the glasses, was depended on and 
prismatic glasses, which reveal the bird almost as if it were in the hand, were not 
used to any extent before 1900. With these glasses a bird may be studied at 
leisure, and every detail of coloring and marking carefully noted even at a con- 
siderable distance. The use of a powerful telescope as described in the original 
Memoir is also of great value although it is seldom employed. 

With glasses one can obtain a far better knowledge of habits than with the 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY Il 


gun. A collector is eager to take the first opportunity to secure a rare bird, 
thereby terminating at once all observations on habits. The discharge of the gun 
drives off other birds which he might otherwise have seen, and makes the record 
doubtful or valueless if he misses the bird sought. On this account it is better, 
if possible, to make a careful examination with glasses before using the gun. It 
is very probable that many individuals, if not molested, come back year after year 
to the same place and, possibly, bring others with them. In this way the records 
are increased. 

The advantages in the use of powerful glasses are obvious but it should 
always be remembered that the man behind the glasses is of the most importance. 
Far better one indisputable record made by the gun, than dozens of records of 
doubtful authenticity by the glasses. Without the use of the gun our knowledge 
of birds would be seriously handicapped, in fact the study of birds would cease 
to be an exact science. 

The third cause for an apparent increase without an actual increase in any 
species may be due to a larger number of observers and a greater area covered 
at all seasons of the year. That there has been in Essex County a great increase 
in the number of observers, the statements in the previous chapter show. Bird 
study has become increasingly more popular. Fifteen or more years ago visits to 
the seashore in winter were rarely made; now they are common. But there is a 
source of embarrassment in this increased number of observers. One must 
beware of the enthusiastic amateur. An observer, describing herself in these 
terms, wrote that she was confident she had seen a Golden-cheeked Warbler in the 
County, a bird not previously recorded north of Texas! Another “amateur” 
reported by Dr. Dwight? in the Auk was entirely satisfied he had seen two Scarlet 
Tanagers in December; another reports a Kingbird in February. 

Although such erroneous records are easily discovered and discredited, there 
are others that are within the bounds of possibility whose erroneous nature is 
less easily detected. Particularly pernicious is the publication of this class of 
notes, which lead the ignorant and untrained amateur students into a competitive 
race for unusual records. Partly with the help of members of the Essex County 
Ornithological Club, I have endeavored to estimate the accuracy of observers in 
the County, and I have omitted all doubtful records and all records by observers 
who are known to be inaccurate. I am glad to be able to state that there is now 
a considerable number of observers for the County whose records are to be 
depended on. 

In the following remarks there is no intention to consider each species or 
even group of birds but to call attention to some of the more striking changes. 


1 Dwight, J., Jr. Auk, vol. 25, p. 262, 1918. 


12 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


There has been no marked change in the last fifteen years in the numbers of 
the loons, grebes, and auks. A fluctuating number of these birds visits the coast 
in winter. Holbcell’s Grebe, for example, uncommon in most years, may suddenly 
become abundant. This was the case in March, 1912, when I counted seventy- 
five of these birds off Gloucester. It has been said that the freezing-up of the 
inland waters drives this bird to the sea, but in the exceptionally severe winter of 
1917-18 there was no increase in the numbers of this grebe on our coast. On the 
same day in 1912 that I found so many Holbcell’s Grebes, I found also a very 
large number of Dovekies,—several thousand of this arctic bird. As these birds 
do not frequent fresh water it is evident that another explanation than that for 
the grebe must be found. The Dovekie is more uncertain and variable in num- 
bers than any other bird of these groups and it has been supposed that the appear- 
ance of large numbers of them on the coast is due to storms driving them in 
from the sea. 

Among the gulls, the increase in numbers of the Herring Gull, although 
doubtless partly actual, is also partly apparent, due to the greater protection on 
the reservations. The case of the white-winged gulls—Glaucous, Iceland, and 
Kumlien’s Gulls——is, however, of great interest. When the original Memoir 
was published, there had been no record of the last-named bird and only four for 
the Glaucous and one for the Iceland Gull in a period of fifty years. I, myself, 
had never seen any of these gulls. Since then the records have increased to such 
an extent that one and often several of each species are now reported every winter, 
and I have become familiar with all three. That there has been an actual increase 
of these birds on our coast coincident with the increase of Herring and other 
gulls, due to protection, is doubtless true, but the increase, although partly real is, 
I believe, largely only apparent and for the reasons already given. Fifteen years 

‘and more ago it is doubtful, as I have said, whether an ornithologist would have 
dared to report a white-winged gull on our coast without the bird in hand. Fur- 
thermore he would have doubted the possibility of making a sure identification 
without the gun. Nowadays with opportunities to study gulls with strong 
prismatic glasses within half a gun-shot distance, the careful observer may feel 
almost as sure of his identification as if the bird were dead in his hand. 

In the case of the Laughing Gull there has been an actual increase as the 
bird has markedly increased in numbers in the protected breeding colonies of 
Muskeget on the south and Western Egg Rock on the Maine coast. The terns, 
released from the cruel tyranny of fashion, had already begun to increase fifteen 
years ago, and the last fifteen years have added strikingly to their numbers. In 
1905, I recorded that I had never seen a Roseate Tern on the Essex County coast. 
Now they are actually abundant during the latter part of the summer at Ipswich 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 13 


and their plover-like cries are familiar sounds. Common Terns have increased 
several fold and Least Terns have been seen. It is to be hoped that the various 
species of terns that formerly bred back of the beach at Ipswich will return to 
their old breeding-haunts. 

Among the ducks, there has been at times a marked increase in the number 
of Red-breasted Mergansers. This may be partly accounted for by the protection 
of that part of their breeding range comprised in the Island of Anticosti, the great 
domaine of M. Meunier. 

The increase in the records of the European Widgeon is probably due merely 
to greater skill in recognition of this bird. Birds in female or immature plumage 
were formerly recorded as the American form of Widgeon; now, by an examina- 
tion of the axillary feathers the species can be identified with certainty. 

The Wood Duck, now preserved throughout the United States and Canada, 
seems to have responded to the kindly treatment. Instead of being a “ vanishing 
bird,” as it was called, it has already begun to increase. 

As a result of the new Federal laws there has been in the main a marked 
increase in the number of smaller shore-birds. At times the beaches swarm with 
Semipalmated Sandpipers, Sanderlings, and Semipalmated Plovers. On August 
12, 1913, at Coffin’s Beach, I watched a flock of fully 1500, nearly all Semipalmated 
Sandpipers. Piping Plovers, for a number of years absent as breeders at Ipswich, 
have again laid their eggs in this region. For most of the larger species, however, 
it would seem as if the reprieve had come too late. Hudsonian Curlews, Knots, 
Willets, and Godwits, far from increasing, have with difficulty held their own or 
are decreasing in number. Dowitchers, however, have apparently increased, due, 
I believe, to the fact that the opening of the shooting-season is deferred until 
August 15, when most of these birds have passed for the South. The Upland 
Plover is still at a low ebb but I have hopes that the tide has turned. Although 
the smaller birds are so abundant some years, seasons of scarcity occur as before. 

One of the larger shore-birds, the Killdeer, now universally protected, irreg- 
ular and accidental in former days in the County, has become within the last ten 
years a regular summer resident and its numbers appear to be on the increase. 

Bob-whites have never recovered from the severe winter of 1903-04, and 
although numbers have since been introduced into the County, they are by no 
means a common bird. It is unfortunate that the introduced birds have been 
largely of southern races, which, by interbreeding with our Bob-white, have prob- 
ably decreased its resistance and themselves easily succumb to northern winters. 
Many of these introduced birds, bred in confinement, show but little fear of man 
and fall easy victims to pot-hunters. The severe winter of 1917-18 was undoubt- 
edly fatal to many. 


14 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Ruffed Grouse, although up to their usual numbers in the winter of 1914-15, 
had so diminished throughout the State in the next few years that the Fish and 
Game Commissioner in 1918 requested sportsmen to spare them. It is believed 
that the extreme cold season of 1917-18 made the raising of broods difficult or 
impossible as the plant-lice, on which the young depend for food, were largely 
destroyed. Wet springs also had their effect. Since then the bird seems to 
have nearly or quite returned to its usual numbers. 

Notwithstanding rumors to the contrary, the Passenger Pigeon appears to be 
extinct. The last individual, which was in confinement in Cincinnati, died in 
1914. On the other hand the Mourning Dove is more frequently reported than 
formerly. 

Among the hawks the only noticeable change in numbers is to be remarked 
in the case of the Rough-legged Hawk. Since 1905, I have seen one or two and 
rarely as many as four of this species at Ipswich nearly every winter. It is pos- 
sible that these may be the same individuals coming back every year, and it is 
obvious that observers would not find them if these visitors were promptly shot 
on their first appearance. Their recognition in the field is generally so easy that 
the gun in this case has not been necessary. 

The Prairie Horned Lark, which reached the eastern seacoast at Ipswich and 
bred in 1903, has since increased in numbers and has become a regular breeder 
in the County. The Horned Lark or Shore Lark was much decreased in numbers 
in the winter of 1918-109. 

The Orchard Oriole, formerly breeding regularly at Ipswich, apparently 
ceased to do so after 1908, although I recorded a female there in September, 1918, 
and it was found singing in Lynn in May, 1913. It is very probable that the 
extensive spraying of orchards in which it nests, has been responsible for this. 
The Baltimore Oriole has been for the same reason less common but is, I believe, 
returning to its usual numbers, now that spraying of elm trees is less universal. 

The Bronzed Grackle has undoubtedly increased in numbers in the last fifteen 
years. In the original Memoir I stated that they had begun to build their nests 
in towns and cities and their numbers in these places have continued to increase. 
An index of this in Boston is given by Mr. Wright :1 in 1900, there were two pairs 
in the Public Garden, while in 1906, thirty-two nests were built. Finding the 
vicinity of human habitations favorable for nesting sites, food, and safety, they 
have taken to building in the vines of houses in increasing numbers. In 1907, for 
the first time, they built in the vines of my Ipswich house although Robins had 
found it a favorable locality for some years. They are also fond of breeding in 
evergreens near houses. 


1 Wright, H. W. Birds of the Boston Public Garden, pp. 93, 94, 1900. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY I5 


The Evening Grosbeak has of late years visited Essex County more fre- 
quently and in greater numbers. It has become almost a regular winter visitor. 
The Pine Grosbeak, on the other hand, has appeared in Essex County in only two 
winters in the last fifteen years. The other irregular winter visitors have been, 
as the Annotated List will show, as irregular as formerly, sometimes being abun- 
dant, sometimes entirely absent. 

The peculiarly interesting bird of the County, the Ipswich Sparrow, has, as 
far as records go, lost ground in the last ten years, and during the fall and winter 
of 1918-10, it was extremely rare. It is to be hoped that this period of decline 
is only temporary as in the case of other birds and that the species will swing 
back to its usual numbers. Although its breeding-grounds at Sable Island, N. S., 
have been gradually reduced in size by the storms and ocean currents, there is 
still plenty of area left for this vigorous bird. 

With the change from fragrant hay-barns with their open doors and windows 
to the ill-smelling and unpoetic garages, the number of Barn Swallows in the 
County is suffering a steady decline. At Ipswich, especially during the fall 
migrations, the number of Tree Swallows seems to be as great as ever, but it is 
believed that they are generally less common than fifteen years ago. Eave Swal- 
lows as breeders have certainly much diminished in the last fifteen years. This 
diminution can in many cases be ascribed to the English Sparrows who occupy 
their clay nesting-retorts, yet on some farms where this sparrow pest is excluded, 
the Eave Swallows have deserted eaves formerly occupied by them. 

The White-eyed Vireo, formerly a regular breeder in the Swampscott region, 
has been largely driven out by the gypsy-moth remedies and by the building-up of 
the country. The other vireos suffered a period of depression in numbers about 
1917, but are gradually coming back. 

Among the warblers there have been several startling changes during the 
last fifteen years, changes, fortunately, for the most part for the better. The 
Tennessee Warbler, recorded in the original Memoir as a ‘ 
visitor”? for which I had only three records, has in the last five years become a 


“very rare transient 


regular and at times a common visitor. In this connection it is interesting to 
note that, in 1915, I found this warbler an abundant breeder on the southern 
Labrador coast, while Audubon at the same place and season, in 1833, failed to 
find a single bird. The Cape May Warbler has also increased in numbers in the 
last ten years so that this formerly rare bird is at times common. The same may 
be said of the Bay-breasted Warbler. 

The severe winter of 1917-18 either destroyed or drove south the majority of 
Myrtle Warblers. Probably both of these effects were produced. The following 
winter, which was exceptionally mild, was remarkable for the small numbers of 


16 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


this bird. We might infer from this that the group or beginning-race of this 
warbler that formerly wintered in the North was either largely killed out in the 
previous winter or learned the advantages of a more southern station. I expect it 
to return to its usual numbers. 

The Golden-crowned Kinglet, a bird that is accustomed to winter in cold 
regions, also appeared to have suffered very much from the severe winter of 
1917-18, for it, too, came in very small numbers in the winter of 1918-19. This 
was clearly shown, not:by general impressions which are apt to be misleading, but 
by actual counts made in the Bird-Lore Christmas Census of 1918. Mr. Francis 
H. Allen’ found that while 500 of this species were recorded in 1917, in 1918 only 
76 were recorded throughout its entire range east of the Rocky Mountains. 

In the original Memoir I had collected only six records for the Mockingbird 
for Essex County. Four of the birds were shot. In the last dozen years the bird 
has become almost a resident, for individuals have been observed in various 
places in the County at all times of the year. 

In this Supplement, one species,—the Passenger Pigeon,—has been removed 
from the regular list and put among the extinct species. The Belted Piping 
Plover is now no longer considered a distinct subspecies and is removed. 

Four species,—the Ivory Gull, Brown Pelican, White-fronted Goose, and 
Clapper Rail,—have been removed from the doubtful list and added to the 
regular list. 

Eleven other native and introduced species have been added to the regular 
list, namely: Kumlien’s Gull, Western Willet, White Gyrfalcon, Yellow-headed 
Blackbird, Rough-winged Swallow, Prothonotary Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, 
Louisiana Water-Thrush, Hooded Warbler, Labrador Chickadee, Greenland 
Wheatear, and Starling. This makes a total of 335 species and subspecies for 
the County. 


1 Allen, F. H. Bird-Lore, vol. 21, p. 361, 1910. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 1t7/ 


CHARTER If 


Birps oF LIMITED AREAS 


In the original Memoir there were chapters on the birds of the ocean, of the 
sand beaches, sand dunes, salt-marshes, fresh-water marshes, and ponds of the 
County,—a series of studies in ecology. In this chapter will be found several 
bird censuses of limited areas in the County, made for the United States Biological 
Survey, a census of warblers at Nahant and Ipswich in the height of the 
spring migration, and a brief account of the birds frequenting Sagamore and 
Clark’s Ponds. 

The Bureau of Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agri- 
culture, in 1914, asked ornithologists and bird observers to make censuses of the 
birds nesting on limited areas in order to obtain some idea of the bird population 
of the country. It was evident that in a region of forty or fifty acres very few 
would have the time or skill to find all the nests therein made, and that some other 
method must be employed if anything like an accurate census was to be taken. 
It was suggested that the observer should thoroughly patrol the given area for 
three or more early mornings at the height of the breeding season, and note the 
species and number of singing males. It was assumed that the males sang 
within a reasonable distance of their nests and also that it was fair to assume that 
each singing male represented a breeding pair. The recent paper by Mr. H. 
Mousley on the singing-tree! confirms the fairness of this method. In a number 
of different species, mostly warblers, he found that the male almost invariably 
sang at some special station, generally a tree, within, on the average, seventeen 
yards of the nest. To one who has made a census and has found the same birds 
singing morning after morning the method appeals as a fairly accurate one. 

In June, 1915, I made a study of about forty-seven acres at Ipswich, which 
included the twelve acres where my summer house stands. My report was as fol- 
lows: “‘ The area studied, about a mile from the sea, comprises some forty-seven 
acres of upland sloping to the east and south to a salt-marsh, its base washed 
by the highest tides. The north boundary is a road running east and west; the 
western boundary is a stone-wall grown up with bushes and rum-cherry trees. 


1Mousley, H. Auk, vol. 34, p. 339, 1919. 
2 


18 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


The whole area is a glacial gravel hill with a broad flat top sixty feet above the 
marsh at its highest point. The eastern section, consisting of fifteen acres, con- 
tains three small summer cottages each with small flower and kitchen gardens, 
elm, maple, and black-locust shade-trees and bushes. A row of apple trees 
extends along the stone-wall by the road. The rest of the ground is a badly 
run-down mowing-field in which wild strawberries and roses abound. The middle 
area of twelve acres contains two houses and a barn, vegetable and flower gardens, 
fruit trees and berry bushes, mowing-fields and an acre and a half devoted to a 
thicket of New England trees,—about fifty species——now averaging fifteen years 
old. Especial provision is made for the birds in the thick tangle of trees,— 
evergreen and deciduous,—in the bushes and vines, especially native berry- 
bearing, at the boundary walls and elsewhere. There are many old rum-cherry 
trees and apple trees and a very large bitternut hickory. There are thirty-two 
bird boxes and several bird baths. The number of birds on this middle area of 
twelve acres is much larger than on the remaining thirty-five acres. The western 
area of twenty acres contains one summer cottage with flower and vegetable 
garden, a few fruit and shade-trees, a small thicket of evergreens, the rest mowing- 
land. There are no English Sparrows, Starlings, or cats on the whole area.” 


My list of the nesting birds of this area is as follows: 


Pairs Pairs 
Ring-neckedwBheasant’ 22s seis ecsisee ss 2 Savannah tS parrow te aeeacecteeieeeeeree 3 
Black=billed! 1€uckoo! ie. sietecteaiae Hecke 2 Chip pings Sparrow? pss cists ceils ectsie 4 
ULI CK Chie orerevetor ics Sisfeecres arses siecle sete 2 SONGS PALLOW,.s cerieie ec <isiessieiersss ier wei ciste 16 
Kan obinds Bac seistesistcieteeon ne ecretinere 6 BEhs Shyewllone mando pnGnodscoenogodacn 2 
IPhOEDe Mensetacia same niecin aioe aos teas woe 2 ree Swallows sacccet areteeienteeniticte anit 15 
GeO Wy Weateaia nics Aeustaveve a lavalerecstetssene Sateaciareiarele I GedaraWiascwancy ease cscs terete I 
IBobolinkst yz stasis iacterctelne ecicros maces aces 10 Red-éyed™ Vareo: 22734,< a5 s1.0eieee seis iors I 
Redewinged. Blackbird: 22.5 saseees cee 4 Viellow! Wiarbleric-ceccu ects sttitererciciee II 
IMeadowilarkamnecrrrccicni-ien cee eofen eee 3 Maryland Yellow-throat .............. 7 
Baltimorer Oriole areemeraeenicee neice 6 Redstart) cca visit ctcveisausttrotceie sake eteisietetelerere I 
BronzediiGracklet ee macpesctocieis nocesieterste 8 Gatbird eres. a ccpayere sce sisercderels oerteaetecroeiens 6 
Punplem@Pinchy ten ccpisriccrseleetrrscise I Brown wehrashers sis ewtelaiaters tatejsteteyeteraret 3 
Goldfinchmpenersecen sacar cence teariers 2 RRODiny sapsiave arsyaus ere speraianelaless (vere wlele wre ays cle 15 
Wiespemiopalrowanadceeie ccimeen eee nace 4 Bluebirds cava seu cannes, eerste eee I 


A total of 28 species and 139 pairs. 


Census made in June, 1915, by Mr. Arthur P. Stubbs at Thompson Farm in 
Lynn, of about 160 acres, comprising about one-half swamp, and the rest dry 
upland, with a few buildings: 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 19 

Pairs Pairs 

BTEEGEM US efi rc hie acai cyetale ves mover anes sierera/yererete I ireldts parhowientiece cnioncceseeceaee 2 
Black=pbillediiGuckoomeseemein selects tiie I GhippinemSparrowieesee cme cccieocinns ee I 
Bilickeers ies cya stirsicisystsyere a /eysynreraye, Slo Ne ceaessts I Son ga Sparro wearers cinerea eieslelsoerere 16 
Ghimneys Swift tees. neste essence aac 2 Barna S.wealllow/aarerscteteteetorcreveis:eie1s.cyeorerers.< I 
Lolieidal “Swardchs goasonndaecuncasposs 2 Cedars Wraxswin ey \jcf:.fes cielerersts steels .cto.cc6 I 
Phoebeaaterc seit ceishiekis se navel Gta s I Yellows Warbler) Jc: criscmesicecee cscs 12 
Bobolink 4 cis actqarecess alesis aise evcvelstoravactatese 6 Maryland Yellow-throat .............. 12 
Cow bind po sate ccrmistecto eins dere. te.2 Sevels I Catbirdy ssc seps scree jerrete ected s sisione asisaters Z 
Red-winged Blackbird ................ 20 Brown Uhrasher jc. scciccies sees siemiere I 
Baltim ores Oriole meee cer ctatvestssis tos set I ROD Im Wa eieciorata seas oerereis Seisieaiatt wctaiee ates 3 
Goldfinch 232% wee. since sires stiesicenne I Bitiebindis te cesses seis isisree ste scariest I 


A total of 22 species, 89 pairs. 


Census made in June, 1915, by Mr. Charles E. Moulton at the Fay Estate in 
Lynn, of about forty acres, one-third woodland, the rest brush and swamp: 


Pairs 
Black=billed#@uckoo sss esses secs: 2 
Belted@ikung fisher: ees accite cece esc I 
Downy Woodpecker J.s2..25.s-0cc00+s I 
Bilickcerans see cielreretarereoireioiarsie icici os wie oe 4 
Ruby-throated Hummingbird ......... 4 
Grestedebilycatchermre-icneeieciccciee ce I 
Wood) Pewee) <cfis.sccssste os icteric cece 's 2 
WeastesElycatchen! mcceaciccierseecrie% <1 - 3 
GLOW) secteisialasieters SG nrs aiesincs ala sioniese les siete I 
GOWDILGE Ye ectorsyctere’e arate Se. ararciaystarayoteccrw since I 
Red-winged Blackbird ................ I 
Baltimore: @riole) -ess-e =e eserves 4 
Bronzed: Grackle? <0 .)..é1s cies 1s: siei0/si.stecs's 2 
(Goin) GagoocouooudadeonaKOp DS Oeeans I 
(Cath p yore Spebscny, cgsdqanosadodanebaad 2 
Sons pagrows wemecice ccc sence 5 
(Cliaiigils: co odoscodoodoocaemAnoanoanage 3 


A total of 34 species, 121 pairs. 


Pairs 
Rose-breasted Grosbeak .............. 73 
IndigowBuntincpeesse cee enech cece ne I 
Scarlet Manag eri rctricrtelecsetecvetecieseiste I 
Cedar Wrasxcwitige vnemmrlacisjorssisievcrete ste ateie 2 
Red-eyedieVaneomasutsesccicicean perce 13 
Golden-winged Warbler .............. 2 
YellowmVWarblertscsemconcetic deeccic seine 2 
Chestnut-sided Warbler .............. 4 
Black-throated Green Warbler ........ I 
@yen-bird! | hese nine caceaiee aborts 5 
Maryland Yellow-throat .............. 4 
Redstart: -).r.catt oe sosremmtacle eerie sions 12 
Cathinrd' i5 scat awe etiarindeerciiioe «yokes 10 
Browne sborasherennechiacacecceecenk ate I 
Wood Thrushs =the w3 nceroesjettocenees 3 
MICE), calla sorte nlere eras afersaoetseeve s siais 2) 
FRODITG ME tert cite leans aieineio teveee fete ocars 18 


Census made in June, 1916, by Mr. Homer D. Poore, of forty acres of land 
near Haverhill, about one-third wooded, an acre swamp, two under cultivation, 


the rest pasture: 


Pairs 
Blitckers osy.ccrciciovicie’s wards owen nciinyorste ec I 
IWiGOdt Rewees us .minictecseecess lee eis ele I 
IBODOL ithe Pyavcyars casscreystefars oe te crotAcieeveietcieie I 
Baltimores Oriolemeccins csc sacces eee 2 
Goldfinchi®, oy: <)rac a stevens amines Secesers I 
(Chiippstarse Sevan cosgnocsoesuceoauode 5 
Son gee SDALLOW? vafeiaciatera’- teeters erate eleieieter eters 3 
Ghewink Wiasasitscsete nar sco adases cee I 
Bg lishi Sparrows «icicle: clecsls oe) etstetelereienese 2 
Purple Martine: mecetmce desert I 


A total of 19 species, 35 pairs. 


Pairs 
WellowWarbler ease cececene ee cecea : 2 
(PrainieaVWatblererceea ssi cecer ence I 
Oven-birdeerasrccs sans see Cuicione eee I 
Maryland Yellow-throat .............. 4 
Redstart vr ro asec sacdencenn bees 2 
Catbind ec mcen ses rosa eens I 
Brownecbhrashermassencesceceeenenacee 2 
RODINY Wciskirocpie sess reuse ecm asonwlen 3 
IBIWebinds raseecicmrenrae welts soars nes I 


20 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


The peninsula of Nahant is practically an island connected with the main 
by a long narrow neck of land. Mr. Horace W. Wright, whose accuracy in 
observation and care and exactitude in counting are well known, has kindly fur- 
nished me with three lists and counts of warblers made at Nahant, omitting only 
the Bass Point section. Mr. Wright has also given me two lists from Ipswich. 
The lists were made at the height of warbler migration in May, and give a good 
idea of the relative abundance of the different warblers in the same season and in 
different years. These lists will in time have considerable value for comparison. 


Ipswich Ipswich Nahant Nahant Nahant 
Name May 21, 1904 May 24, 1905 May 17,1912 May 19, 1913 May 25, 1916 

Black and White Warbler ....... 10 4 4 10 2 
Golden-winged Warbler ......... 2 2 I 
Nashville Warbler .............. it 3 2 3 
Mennessee Warbler sive cicieisierele 3 
Northern Parula Warbler ....... 5 8 10 13 10 
Cape May Warbler ...5...50..- I 
Rellowa Warbleticrctasciecreesciece 15 20 20 19 20 
Black-throated Blue Warbler .... 3 5 5 13 5 
Myrtle Warbler tsctscceceie seve siete I 2 
Macnolias Warbler simse. cs es 4 4 5 20 28 
Chestnut-sided Warbler ......... 12 8 5 II 7 
Bay-breasted Warbler .......... I 2 3 
Black=poll Warbler wi25.2 ccs. 6 2 9 6 5 
Blackburnian Warbler ........... I : 4 2 I 
Black-throated Green Warbler .. 8 4 I II 6 
Yellow! Palm Warbler (2%).00.0-1-t1< I 
Prairie "Warbler oscmcscrec crests tes I 4 
Ovensbird) Acie) sie sree aatsj.e slots lots 2 2 4 6 4 
Wrater-Thrushi) scctoc sce sccceieers 2 I 4 2 2 
Maryland Yellow-throat ......... 25 10 5 7 3 
Walsonis) ‘Warblers ess cscaoces cei: 2 II 3 5 6 
Canada Warblertense ones serace 3 4 10 4 4 
Redstart: cavestsles tars sisiewisleloisrsiste sets 12 16 10 12 10 

MO taleeeprn witesaeie ens itor eae 15 104 105 151 120 

19 sp. 16 sp. 19 sp. 19 sp 18 sp 


SAGAMORE Ponp. 


A short distance to the north of my house at Ipswich, a glacial drumlin stands 
up toa height of 150 feet. Snuggled at its southern base at the time the original 
Memoir was published was a brackish, black-grass marsh intersected with ditches 
and bordered by alders and willows, by birches and old apple trees, by bushy 
pastures and mowing-lands. It was watered by three springs of sweet water 
nearly equidistant from each other on the periphery and by the high vernal and 
autumnal salt-water tides that pushed their way through an ancient ruined dyke 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 21 


to the limits marked by the region of brackish vegetation. The dyke had been 
built to keep out the tides and the marsh thoroughly drained had once, according 
to tradition, been a region of fresh meadows where bountiful crops of English hay 
were raised from the fertile soil. With the dyke fallen into neglect and decay the 
land had reverted to its original brackish condition with the characteristic fauna 
and flora. It was a region where I was sure to find Acadian Sharp-tailed Spar- 
rows during the migrations, and the Sharp-tailed Sparrow as a permanent summer 
resident. Bitterns usually nested there, and shore-birds of the marsh tarried for 
a while on the mud sloughs, and, for their destruction, gunners had erected blinds. 
It was a region abounding in stagnant ditches and mosquitoes. Partly on this 
latter account, and partly because a sheet of water was thought to be more beauti- 
ful than a marsh, the dyke or dam was repaired in the fall of 1904, and the waters 
of the springs and the wash from the hills retained. As considerable salt water 
had been imprisoned in the area, the resulting brackish mixture spreading over 
the edge of the former area of brackish vegetation killed some of the alders and 
willows on the borders of the artificial pond. Gradually this water seeped through 
the dam, and the fresh water that took its place encouraged an active growth of 
cat-tail rushes on the shallow edges which threatened in time to obliterate the 
pond itself. The small native fish, among them the pugnacious stickleback, were 
unable to penetrate into the innumerable pools among the cat-tails. As a conse- 
quence mosquito larve flourished and the last state of that region was worse than 
the first. An active campaign was carried out in 1916, as a result of’ which the 
cat-tails were largely dug out, the borders of the pond deepened, and its height 
raised by repairs on the dam and by a more plentiful rain-fall. Muskrats which 
had become abundant and had built their houses of and among the cat-tails, were 
largely eliminated, as was also the case with the mosquitoes. The almost constant 
breezes kept the surface of the pond so agitated that mosquito larve were dis- 
couraged ; moreover, fish could penetrate to the edges. 

The area of this artificial sheet of water which I have called Sagamore Pond 
(but is variously known as Goodale’s or Crane’s or Rantoul’s Pond after its 
owners) is roughly three-quarters of a mile in its longest diameter by a third of 
a mile wide. Its shores are irregular; an interesting feature on the western side 
is a small circular bay surrounded, except at its outlet to the pond, by steep wooded 
banks forty or fifty feet high,—a typical glacial kettle-hole. 

The bird fauna of this fresh-water pond and its shores is very different from 
that of the original brackish marsh although many of the same birds visit it. All 
the herons,—the Green, Great Blue, Black-crowned Night, and Bittern visit it 
now as before, but the Bittern which formerly bred in the marshes is forced to 
seek a secluded spot on the borders of the pond. In 1911, two Egrets did honor 


22 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


to the place by spending three or four days there, and in 1914, a Least Bittern, 
I have reason to believe, nested there. 

During the cat-tail period, rails, which were only rarely seen during the 
migration in the marsh period, became abundant and Soras and Virginia Rails 
bred in considerable numbers, only to dwindle with the mosquito when the cat-tails 
were cleared. Coot are often abundant on its waters. 

Shore-birds find a less favorable spot here than in the old brackish-marsh 
days with its mud sloughs, and some of them, like the Pectoral Sandpiper, have 
largely, if not entirely, forsaken it. The two species of Yellow-legs and the 
Solitary and Least Sandpipers are common on the pond’s shores in the migra- 
tions, and Snipe have somewhat increased. 

The open water of the pond became a favorite resting and feeding place for 
migrating water-birds, and it would doubtless have been much more frequented 
had it not been for the activity of gunners. The gunners attributed the falling- 
off in numbers of birds to the building of a house a quarter of a mile from the 
pond, not realizing that in protected regions ducks come in numbers notwith- 
standing, as in city parks, the near vicinity of houses and many people. Ducks 
know too well the danger associated with the discharge of gunpowder, and a 
single boy with a gun soon puts a pond on the black list for all intelligent 
water-fowl. 

One of the commonest water-birds of the pond in the late summer and until 
the water freezes, is the Pied-billed Grebe and, I am inclined to think, if the 
cat-tail period had continued longer this species would have bred. Herring Gulls 
visit the pond at times, but rarely. Among the ducks, the Black Duck is by far 
the most abundant visitor. Flocks of forty or more feed and rest there during 
the latter part of the summer and one or two pairs have bred nearly every season. 
Other birds of this group that have been seen on the pond are the Red-breasted 
Mergansers, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Wood Duck, Redhead, Lesser Scaup 
Duck, and Golden-eye. 


CLARK’s Ponp. 


Near the eastern shore of Great Neck at the mouth of the Ipswich River and 
separated from Plum Island Sound by a low sand-bar and beach lies a pond of 
about a hundred acres in extent, known as Clark’s Pond. An artificial dam pre- 
vents its draining and holds back the tides from entering. Except on the sea- 
ward side the pond is surrounded by low rolling hills barren of trees and bushes 
and used only as pasture for cattle. The low, muddy shores form, especially in 
dry weather, extensive flats. Purple loosestrife in great thickets has occupied 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 23 


much of the southern shores and grows to the height of a man’s head. The varied 
tints of blue in the shallow waters of the pond set off by fleets of white gulls 
and terns, the yellow and green of the flats clothed with a velvety growth of spike- 
rush, the glowing purple of the loosestrife, and the patches of white sand beaches 
and clay banks, make a picture of singular beauty in its frame of barren 
moor-lands. 

Originally maintained by the late Mr. A. B. Clark as a private ducking-pond, 
provided with underground blinds on the hillside and with numerous live Black 
Ducks and Canada Goose decoys, it has been, since his death, preserved nearly 
inviolate and frequented by birds and ornithologists. Binoculars have largely 
taken the place of guns. 

I am indebted to a number of friends for records of birds observed at this 
pond, particularly to Mrs. Edmund Bridge who has sent me her lists for the last 
fifteen years, and from these, together with my own records, I have made the 
following list of water-birds that have been observed on the waters of the pond 
or on its muddy banks. 


Of the gulls and terns the following have been observed: 


Glaucous Gull Caspian Tern 
Great Black-backed Gull Common Tern 
Herring Gull Arctic Tern 
Ring-billed Gull Roseate Tern 
Laughing Gull Least Tern 
Bonaparte’s Gull Black Tern 


Among the ducks the following have been observed: 


Mallard Pintail 

Black Duck Greater Scaup Duck 
Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Duck 
Blue-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck 
Shoveller Golden-eye 


Of the herons the following: 


Bittern Green Heron 
Great Blue Heron Black-crowned Night Heron 


Shore-birds in great numbers and large variety frequent the secure shores 
of the pond. These birds were protected even in Mr. Clark’s day. The follow- 
ing is the list: 


24 


MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Northern Phalarope 
Wilson’s Snipe 
Dowitcher 

Stilt Sandpiper 

Knot 

Pectoral Sandpiper 
White-rumped Sandpiper 
Baird’s Sandpiper 

Least Sandpiper 
Red-backed Sandpiper 
Semipalmated Sandpiper 
Western Sandpiper 
Sanderling 

Hudsonian Godwit 


In addition, the Double-crested Cormorant may be put on the list. 


Greater Yellow-legs 
Yellow-legs 

Solitary Sandpiper 
Willet 

Upland Plover 
Buff-breasted Sandpiper 
Spotted Sandpiper 
Hudsonian Curlew 
Black-bellied Plover 
Golden Plover 
Killdeer 
Semipalmated Plover 
Piping Plover 
Ruddy Turnstone 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 25 


CHAPTER III 
ANNOTATED LIST 


1 [2] Colymbus holbeelli (Reinh.). 
HOoLpeeiu’s GREBE. 


Not uncommon winter visitor. October 15 to May 24. 


At times this bird is common; thus, on March 17, 1912, I saw from a fishing- 
steamer over seventy-five birds within a radius of eight miles of Gloucester 
Harbor. Mr. H. W. Wright reports eighteen seen off Marblehead Neck on April 
4, 1917; thirteen of these were in one flock. 


2 [3] Colymbus auritus Linn. 
HorNED GREBE; “ DEVIL-DIVER”; “ HELL-DIVER.” 


Common winter visitor. October 1 to May 6. 


The date for molting into nuptial plumage varies, but I have seen birds in 
this plumage as early as April 14. Their cheeks and heads look very large and 
their brownish-yellow ear-tufts are conspicuous and wave in the breeze. It is a 
very different-looking bird from the ones seen during the winter. 

As an index of the occasional great abundance of this species I would cite 
the record of fifty-two birds seen at Nahant on February 22, 1909, by Mr. 
H. W. Wright. 

The Horned Grebe is very silent with us. In fact, I had never heard its 
voice until October 18, 1919, when one swimming near the beach uttered from 
time to time a loud whistling, creaking note which at times suggested a shore- 
bird, at times a gull. 


3 [6] Podilymbus podiceps (Linn.). 
PIED-BILLED GREBE; “ DABCHICK”; “ HELL-DIVER”; “ WATER-WITCH.” 


Common autumn visitor; rare spring visitor; probably rare summer resident. 
April 10 to June 3; July 22 to December I. 


26 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


This bird seems to be fond of diving under decoy ducks and on two occasions 
I have seen a Dabchick swim rapidly toward a Carolina Rail that was walking on 
the shore. In each case the frightened rail took wing. 

I recently had an opportunity to watch a Dabchick diving repeatedly within 
a few feet of me. On this occasion the bird just before diving sat quietly on the 
water with neck and head up. It then sank slowly about an inch in the water 
which was so clear that the feet could be seen hanging motionless below during 
this action. The bird then turned its head and dove, kicking out behind vigor- 
ously with both feet. Below the surface it could be seen swimming, propelled by 
its feet alone, both as it went down and when it came again to the surface. The 
wings were in place and not moved. A few air bubbles came to the surface as 
the bird descended. This method of swimming under water by the use of the 
feet alone appears to be the normal procedure in all loons and grebes, but under 
certain circumstances, especially in extreme fright, the wings are also used. 
Grebes carry their downy young on their backs under the wing-coverts and dive 
with them there. Finley? says: “ When the old birds are scared, it seems very 
difficult for them to hold the chicks in place when they dive.” This is undoubtedly 
due to the fact that the bird in fright resorts also to the use of its wings. 


4 [7] Gavia immer (Briinn.). 


Loon. 


Abundant transient visitor, common in winter; a few non-breeding birds pass 
the summer. September 1 to June 30 (July and August). 


In a recent article? the statement is made that “ migratory Loons fly with the 
bill open. Doubtless so heavy and short-winged a bird requires a great deal of 
oxygen for protracted flight.” As this experience differs from my own and as 
it is well known that all birds fly with bill generally open in warm weather, it 
occurred to me that the observations that led to this statement may have been 
made in warm weather. I have seen Crows, Song Sparrows, and numerous other 
birds fly with their bills open in warm weather and recent studies I have made 
of great numbers of Double-crested Cormorants flying to and from their nesting 
places in the Gaspé Peninsula have demonstrated that many fly with open bills in 
warm weather, but on ordinary days the bill is nearly always closed. Even when 
the bird is startled from the water and is in great haste to escape, the bill is closed. 


[9] Gavia arctica (Linn.). Brack-rHroatep Loon.—On the doubtful list. 


1 Finley, W. L. Condor, vol. 9, p. 97, 1907. 
2 Nichols, J. T., Murphy, R. C., and Griscom, L. “ Long Island Notes.” Auk, vol. 34, 
DP. 437, 1917. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 27 


5 [11] Gavia stellata (Pont.). 


RED-THROATED Loon; “ CAPE RACE”; ‘‘ CAPE RACER”; “ SCAPE-GRACE.” 


Abundant transient visitor in the autumn, uncommon in late winter and 
spring. August 27 to April 19 (June 27). 


On June 27, 1909, an adult in full plumage flew within a hundred yards of 
my boat at the mouth of the Essex River. 

I wish to correct the statement in the original edition that “in habits and 
call notes they closely resemble their larger cousin.” One of the striking differ- 
ences in habit is the fact that the Red-throated Loon is able to leap into the air 
from calm water and fly off, while this is generally impossible in the case of the 
Loon, and it is absolutely impossible if the body of water is small. I have found 
the Red-throated Loon nesting in small fresh-water ponds in the bog or tundra 
of Labrador, and have seen them rise directly from the water, even in calm 
weather. Under similar circumstances a Loon would be a helpless prisoner. 

While the notes of the Loon vary from a mournful wail to a diabolical laugh- 
ter, the range of notes of the Red-throated Loon is more limited. Very silent 
during the migrations, it is a noisy bird in the breeding range. Here I have heard 
it utter repeatedly harsh cacks which sound at times like groans. 


6 [13] Fratercula arctica arctica (Linn.). 
PuFFIN; “SEA Parrot’’; “ PERROQUET.” 


Rare winter visitor. October 16 to March 19. 


As the breeding colonies on the Labrador coast are rapidly dwindling under 
the ruthless destruction inflicted on them by the fishermen, so this bird is becom- 
ing increasingly rare on the Essex County coast. 


7 [27] Cepphus grylle (Linn.). 
Biack GuILLEMoT; “ SEA PIGEON.” 


Common winter visitor. September — to April 23. 


As early as March some of these birds have molted or partially molted into 
summer plumage. Thus on March 14, 1909, I saw off Rockport, two in the full 
black plumage, several that were dark with white breasts, and one still in full 
winter plumage. On March 25, 1905, Mr. H. W. Wright reported five in full 
black plumage off Marblehead and three on March 28. Mrs. Edmund Bridge 
reported three in dark plumage off Nahant on October 10, 1907. 


28 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Saxby? says: “ Among certain families, the divers and guillemots, for example, 
the extraordinary liability of certain individuals to retain the summer plumage 
until winter, and of others to assume it many weeks before the accustomed time 
in spring, has led, and still leads, to a vast amount of perplexity.” 


[30] Uria troille troille (Linn.). Murre—An authentic record for this bird in Essex 
County is still to be made, notwithstanding the fact that it breeds farther south than does 
Briinnich’s Murre. The only authenticated breeding-place of the latter in the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence at the present day is Bird Rock. Although the Murre breeds in various places 
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, at Gaspé, Bird Rock and southern Labrador,—the total number 
of Murres to the north of us is much less than of Briinnich’s Murre which breeds in count- 
less numbers in Greenland, Baffin’s Land, and elsewhere. 


8 [31] Uria lomvia lomvia (Linn.). 
Brunnicu’s Murre; “ Ice-prrp.” 


Not uncommon winter visitor. October 27 to March 14. 


On October 27, 1909, Mr. J. L. Peters saw over a hundred of these birds off 
Plum Island; four were in Plum Island Sound. This is an unusually large num- 
ber of this species to be found together, and an unusually early date. Late Novem- 
ber is the ordinary date of arrival, although Damsel’ notes them for November 
9, 1901. A single bird was seen by me off Rockport on March 14, 1909. Fleming® 
says there were unusually large migrations of these birds along the New England 
coast in the winters of 1890-91, 1896-97, 1899-1900, and 1901-02. 


9 [32] Alca torda Linn. 
RAZOR-BILLED AUK; “ TINKER”’; “ ICE-BIRD.” 


Not uncommon winter visitor. October 29 to March 6. 


The March 6 record is of a bird shot in 1909 at Swampscott by Dr. Charles 
G. Mixter. The larger tail, which is apt to be cocked up when the bird is swim- 
ming on the water, easily distinguishes this species from the Murre. In flight the 
tail conceals the feet which are extended below it. In the Murre the feet are 
extended beyond the diminutive tail and seem to take its place. 


[33] Plautus impennis (Linn.). Great AuK; “ Pencurn.”—Long since extinct, but 
formerly common on our shores. 


1Saxby, Henry L. Birds of Shetland. Edinburgh, 1874, p. 300. 

2 Allen, G. M. “An Essex County Ornithologist.” Auk, vol. 30, p. 19, 1913. 

3 Fleming, J. H. “The Unusual Migration of Briinnich’s Murre (Uria lomvia) in east- 
ern North America.” Proc. 4th Internat. Ornith. Congress, 1905, p. 528-543, 1906. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 29 


A note to a paper by Professor James Orton on the Great Auk,! signed “F. W. P.” 
[F. W. Putnam], reads: 

“That the Great Auk was once very abundant on our New England shores, is proved 
beyond a doubt by the large nuber of its bones that have been found in the ancient ‘ Shell- 
heaps’ scattered along the coast from British America to Massachusetts. The ‘old hunter’ 
who told Audubon of its having been found at Nahant, was undoubtedly correct in his state- 
ment, as we have bones of the species taken from the Shell-heaps of Marblehead, Eagle Hill 
in Ipswich, and Plumb Island, and Mr. Elliot Cabot has informed me that an old fisherman 
living in Ipswich described a bird to him, that was captured by his father in Ipswich many 
years ago, which, from the description, Mr. Cabot was convinced was a specimen of the 
Great Auk.” 


10 [34] Alle alle (Linn.). 
DovekiE; LitrtLe AuK; “ PINE Knot”; “Knotty”; “Icr-Birp.” 


Winter visitor, varying irregularly from uncommon to abundant. November 
4 to April 30 (June 1). 

The exceptionally late date of June 1, records a single bird seen by Mr. Charles 
R. Lamb off Rockport, in 1914. On March 17, 1912, in a trip in a fishing-steamer 
to about eight miles off Cape Ann I saw great numbers of this interesting bird, 
singly and in small and large flocks. Many were flying north close to the water. 
They dotted the calm surface for miles from the shore and even among the 
wharves at Gloucester to a distance of ten miles at sea. In all, several thousand 
must have been seen. They were so tame that they were constantly in danger 
of being run down by the steamer, but managed to get out of the way by flopping 
over the surface, or diving and flying vigorously under water. Their voices were 
frequently heard, in the form of a “whistling grunt” or ‘“‘nasal whistle” as I 
have jotted it down in my notes. On another occasion when I was watching a 
single bird swimming at its ease within six feet of me at Rockport with its tail 
cocked up between its wings, I heard a low, rather soft squeak uttered from time 
to time. The bird dabbled at the water from time to time and shook its head. 
Six days after my observation of the large number of Dovekies off Gloucester 
Mr. H. W. Wright counted seventy-five from the shore at Nahant. 

On January 7, 1905, a Dovekie was picked up by Mr. R. Larcom in the streets 
of Beverly, and in the spring of that same year I found the remains of one not 
far from my house at Ipswich. 


[35] Megalestris skua (Briinn.). Skua; “Sra-HEN.”—I have no nearer record for 
the County than the one previously noted by Captain Collins some 370 miles off the mouth 
of the Merrimac River. 


1 Amer. Naturalist, vol. 3, Pp. 540, 1860. 


30 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


11 [36] Stercorarius pomarinus (Temm.). 
POMARINE JAEGER. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. Spring; July 5 to September 28. 


12 [37] Stercorarius parasiticus (Linn.). 
PARASITIC JAEGER; ‘ MARLING-SPIKE”; “ BOATSWAIN.” 


Common transient visitor, especially in the fall. June 11 to June 25; July 4 
to October 14. 

This is the Richardson or Arctic Skua of British writers. 

This jaeger has become more common and has come earlier in the summer 
coincidentally with the increase and earlier arrival in numbers of the terns. It is 
one of the most interesting sea-birds to watch. At the time they are most abun- 
dant, namely in August, nearly all are in the usual adult plumage, dark above and 
snowy white below with a partial dark ring around the neck. Occasionally one 
as black as a crow. Those 


is seen in the black plumage, as black below as above, 
in the mottled brown plumage are also seen. The long, pointed middle tail 
feathers of the adult help to distinguish it from the Pomarine Jaeger whose cen- 
tral tail feathers have rounded ends. Nelson, speaking of the latter bird, says: 
“The peculiar twist to the long tail feathers of this species renders it conspicuous 
and identifiable almost as far as seen.” 

My notes of August 11, 1910, at Ipswich, describe a common scene enacted 
by the Parasitic Jaeger. “‘ Two chased a tern that twisted and turned in sharp 
angles and small circles over the beach, but finally secured freedom from pursuit 
by dropping the fish which one of the jaegers skillfully seized in mid-air before 
it touched the sand. Immediately afterward the two freebooters dashed into a 
flock of a hundred terns, pursuing them to right and left. The terns screamed 
loudly and darted about in great confusion, but some of them turned and chased 
the jaegers.” 

Almost always the jaeger catches the booty in the air but I have seen it settle 
on the water to pick up the fish dropped. 


1 Nelson, E. W. Report upon Natural History Collections made in Alaska between the 
years 1877 and 1881, p. 47, 1887. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 31 


13 [38] Stercorarius longicaudus Vieill. 


LONG-TAILED JAEGER. 
Rare transient visitor. 


This is Buffon’s Skua of British writers. Chapman! says: “ No dark phase 
of this species has been described.” Newton? says that this species “ rarely exhibits 
the remarkable dimorphism to which the two preceding are subject, but one 
instance (Ibis, 1865, p. 217) apparently being on record.” 

On July 23, 1910, a female in black plumage was shot at Pigeon Cove by Mr. 
C. R. Lamb,? and in the collection of the late William Brewster there are three 
birds of this species in the dark phase. 


*1t4 [39] Pagophila alba (Gunn.). 


Ivory GULL. 


Accidental visitor from the North. 


In the original Memoir, I gave George O. Welch’s report of one of these 
gulls shot off Swampscott by a fisherman some fifty years before; the bird was 
mounted by S. Jillson, but there was no further record. Although Mr. Wm. A. 
Jeffries modestly declines to consider his own observation “a record” as will be 
seen in the following note written me by him under date of May 10, 1919, I have 
decided to take this bird from the doubtful list and give it full rank. I think that 
both Welch’s and Mr. Jeffries’ evidence is satisfactory. 

Mr. Jeffries says: “‘ The following I do not consider a record, as I did not 
take the bird, but I do not see what else the bird observed could have been. 

“When I moved down [to Swampscott] some years ago,—I cannot give you 
the date now,—I noticed a small white gull near a number of common gulls but 
not going into the flock. I and my wife watched him through a telescope for some 
time. He then flew in toward my shore-line and alit on a rock, a stone’s throw 
from us, where he was for half an hour moving about so we could observe him 
from every point. It might have been an albino Kittiwake, but not likely. I 
spoke to Brewster about it and his opinion agreed with mine that every probability 
pointed to the Ivory Gull.” 


1Chapman, F. M. Birds of Eastern North America, p. 15, 1912. 
2 Newton, Alfred. A Dictionary of Birds, 1893-1896, p. 870. 
3 Lamb, C. R. Auk, vol. 35, p. 233, 1918. 


32 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


15 [40] Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (Linn.). 
KITTIWAKE; “ PInNy OwL”; “ WINTER GULL.” 


Common winter visitor. September 6 to April 2. 


On November 1, 1914, I watched what was, for this region, an unusually 
large number of these birds fishing off Ipswich bar. At times there were as many 
as five hundred. They hovered over the breakers in a compact flock all headed 
to windward, constantly flickering their white wings and constantly dropping to 
the water, where the immersion of the head and neck appeared to be all that was 
necessary to secure their prey. In this way they gradually worked to the wind- 
ward edge of the shoal, which evidently harbored a school of fish, when they 
would circle around to the leeward end and repeat the process. Later, as the 
bar became exposed with the ebbing tide, they alighted on the sand, but bands of 
a hundred or more would fly about like sandpipers, turning now this way, now 
that in the precise manner of military evolutions. A year later I saw a flock of 
fifty Kittiwakes fishing at the same place. They pursued similar tactics but as 
their prey was evidently deeper in the water they plunged completely below the 
surface at each attempt, not to emerge until after the water had closed over them. 


16 [42] Larus hyperboreus Gunn. 
GLaucous GULL; BURGOMASTER. 


Not uncommon winter visitor. August 15 to May 26. 


Since 1905, when I stated that I had never seen this bird, I have become 
familiar with it, not only in Labrador but on our Massachusetts coast. In the 
original Memoir I was able to give only four records for Essex County for fifty 
years; since then I have several records for nearly every year. Many of these 
birds I have seen myself and I have examined specimens taken at Rockport and 
Gloucester by Mr. C. R. Lamb and Mr. S. P. Fay. The months when these birds 
are most commonly found on our coast are the winter months from January to 
April inclusive. On May 26, 1907, I saw one immature bird in a flock of a hun- 
dred Herring Gulls on the beach at Ipswich. For August, I have two records: 
one for August 21, 1913, seen at Clark’s Pond, Ipswich, by Mrs. Edmund Bridge, 
and one immature bird seen by myself at Ipswich Beach on August 15, 1918. 
This surprising increase in numbers on the coast is partly real and partly appar- 
ent, a subject that is fully discussed in Chapter II. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 33 


The recognition of a white-winged gull in the field is, with a little practice, 
not difficult, and one may often with the naked eye alone pick one out in a flock 
of Herring Gulls. The more difficult thing is to distinguish between the dif- 
ferent species of white-winged gulls. It is perfectly possible, however, if the 
observer is careful and accurate, to identify with certainty a Glaucous, an Iceland, 
or a Kumlien’s Gull without resort to shooting. The limited dark tips to the 
wings in Kumlien’s Gull may be overlooked if one is not careful, but once seen 
they distinguish this gull from any others. The mantle of the adult is a lighter 
gray blue than in the Herring Gull. 

The real difficulty comes in distinguishing the Glaucous from the Iceland 
Gull, but once the distinguishing points are mastered, this difficulty disappears. 
Size alone is deceptive and is unreliable in distinguishing these two birds, espe- 
cially in the absence of other birds for comparison. The Glaucous Gull is gen- 
erally the size of the Great Black-backed Gull but may be somewhat smaller, and 
often looks no larger than a Herring Gull. It may be said here in parenthesis, 
that the Great Black-backed Gull, although often looking much larger than the 
Herring Gull with which it associates, not infrequently appears the same size. 
The Iceland Gull is slightly smaller than the Herring Gull, but the difference in 
size between the Iceland and the Glaucous Gull often disappears in the field. 
In fact it has been stated that the large male Iceland Gull equals in size the small 
female Glaucous Gull. Where the difference in size is noticeable this serves to 
distinguish the two species. A surer field-mark, however, is the size of the bill, 
head, and neck. The Iceland Gull has a small dove-like head, a small neck which 
is held up straight as the bird sits on the water, and a small bill. Dr. Dwight? 
gives the average length of the bill of the adult Glaucous Gull as 63 mm., of the 
Iceland Gull, 42 mm., a difference of 21 mm., or about three-quarters of an inch. 
Most of the Glaucous Gulls seen on the coast in winter are immature, occasionally 
pure white, the hutchinsii type,? but usually more or less mottled with brown or 
chocolate. According to Dwight the pearl-gray mantle of the adult does not as 
a rule appear until the third winter and coincidently the color of the bill changes 
from dark to yellow. Mr. Francis H. Allen® has given an excellent review of the 
white-winged gulls seen near Boston and along the Essex County coast with an 
account of their field-marks. 

The Glaucous Gulls, although sometimes seen alone, are generally associated 
with Herring Gulls. At times I have seen Great Black-backed, Herring, Iceland, 


1 Dwight, J., Jr. Auk, vol. 23, p. 28, 1906. 

2] was in error when I stated in the original Memoir that “in old age the bird is almost 
pure white.” In this I had followed previously published statements. 

3 Allen, F. H. Auk, vol. 25, p. 296-300, 1908. 


3) 


34. MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


and Glaucous Gulls in the same flock. I have seen the two first-named gulls 
pursue the Glaucous Gull as if it were an intruder, but the same treatment is often 
meted out to other members of their own race. On the Labrador coast I have 
heard them utter kuk kuks like those of the Herring Gull but here they appear 
to be generally silent. Their habits of flight and feeding seem the same as those 
of the Herring Gull. 


17 [43] Larus leucopterus Faber. 
IcELAND GULL. 


Not uncommon winter visitor. December 15 to March 13. 


The same change has come over the status of this species as of the Glaucous 
Gull and the same reasons apply. In 1905, I was able to give only one imperfect 
record but now I have records for nearly every year, and for every month from 
December to May, inclusive. There are not as many dates on which it was noted 
as in the case of the Glaucous Gull, but probably more birds in all have been seen, 
for while it has been rare to see more than one or two Glaucous Gulls at a time, 
as many as thirty-two Iceland Gulls were seen at Eastern Point, Gloucester, on 
December 24, 1917, by the late Barron Brainerd. Judge C. F. Jenney found 
fourteen at the same place on January 19, 1918, and Mr. C. R. Lamb! found 
twelve at Rockport on April 19 of the same year, the same flock, doubtless, in all 
cases. Two were taken at Gloucester by Mr. S. P. Fay on March 6 and 20, 1912, 
respectively, and are now in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History. 

A discussion of the field-marks will be found under Glaucous Gull. 


*18 [45] Larus kumlieni Brewst. 


KUuUMLIEN’s GULL. 

Rare winter visitor. October 27 to March 24. 

Almost the same remarks about its status apply to this bird as in the case of 
both the Glaucous and the Iceland Gull although it is not as common as these 
species. It is a very great pleasure to be able to add these three white-winged 
eulls to my list of acquaintances, and the Kumlien’s Gull is a new bird to Essex 
County. As far as I know, the first Kumlien’s Gull identified in Essex County 
was seen by Mrs. Edmund Bridge at Nahant on January 4, 1908. The same 
bird was seen later by Mr. F. H. Allen and by Mr. H. W. Wright. An adult 


1 Lamb, C. R. Auk, vol. 35, p. 209, 1918. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 35 


female was taken by Mr. C. R. Lamb? at Rockport on January 31, 1913. I have 
seen the bird only once at Ipswich Beach,—on January 19, 1913, when I was in 
company with Mr. J. H. Baker. The October 27 record is for the year 1909 when 
one was seen at Plum Island by Mr. J. L. Peters. The March 24 record is for 
1912, a bird seen by Mr. S. Prescott Fay and myself from a fishing-steamer, off 
Gloucester. The bird came at times within fifty yards of us to pick up the fish 
entrails thrown from the steamer. It was in immature plumage with a white and 
mottled back, but was easily distinguished from a Glaucous Gull in the same flock 
of Herring Gulls by the gray spots on the tips of its wings. On January 26, 
1919, I had an excellent opportunity to study an adult Kumlien’s Gull at fairly 
close range at King’s Beach, Swampscott. Most of the Kumlien’s Gulls recorded 
here have been in the adult plumage. 

In all I have the records of twenty different observations of Kumlien’s Gull 
in Essex County. Several of these were doubtless of the same bird. 

The field-marks of this species are discussed under Glaucous Gull. 


19 [47] Larus marinus Linn. 
GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL; ‘“‘ SADDLE-BACK.” 


Common winter visitor (summer). July 17 to May 31 (June and July). 


This magnificent bird, so vocal on its breeding-grounds in the North, is rarely 
heard during its sojourn in Essex County. The notes uttered here are generally 
limited to a hoarse cow cow cow anda harsh ha haha. Both have a very human 
quality, which may account for the fact that a bird uttering these notes while fly- 
ing over a farm-house at Ipswich in February, 1916, brought the dogs out barking 
furiously. In walking over the bogs and hills of Labrador I have often been 
startled by the human quality of the many varied calls and low conversational 
notes of this bird on its breeding-ground. Besides the loud challenge calls, which 
may be set down as the nuptial song, the Great Black-backed Gull has numerous 
calls and cries, some of which I have syllabized as follows: besides the above men- 
tioned cow cow and ha ha which are uttered in various tones of affection, scold- 
ing, sobbing, threatening, cursing and derision, there are high-pitched ki kis, croak- 
ing cahrr cahrrs, pig-like squeals and fox-like barks, and words like car-cas-sonne, 
au-par-a-vant, ma-ma, and cries of help, help. 

It is true they are freebooters and highwaymen, destroy other birds’ eggs 
and their downy callow young, but their own home life is irreproachable. I shall 


1Lamb, C.R. Auk, vol. 35, p. 233, 1918. 


36 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


always carry in my mind the picture of these splendid birds standing lovingly in 
couples on the barren rocks of Labrador. 


20 [51]Larus argentatus Pont. 
HERRING GULL; “GRAY GULL.” 


Abundant resident; does not breed. 


’ 


As in 1905, when ‘“‘ The Birds of Essex County 
Gull continues to hold the center of the stage for the ornithologist along shore. In 


’ was published, the Herring 


a general way there has been an increase, but the numbers vary from year to year 
dependent on the food supply. In the summer of 1913, I spent the month of 
August in camp in the Ipswich dunes and made many estimates of the Herring. 
Gulls that resorted to the beach. In the early half of the month there were about 
12,000 of these birds, but they began to migrate south by August 18, and diminish 
in numbers. 

When sand-lances! (Ammodytes americanus) are plentiful and fill the shal- 
lows and tide-pools with blue translucent masses and line the beach in silvery 
windrows, then gulls and terns gather in large numbers. Larger fish,—cod, had- 
dock, hake, and pollack, 


are often stranded in shallow water probably attracted 
by the small fry, and are thrown up in large numbers on the beach. These larger 
fish in turn attract the dog-fish (Squalus acanthias), small sharks, which in turn 
meet their fate in the breakers, and the beach becomes for the gulls a table of 
plenty reeking with an ancient and fishy smell. This was the case in the summer 
of 1913 when Herring Gulls were so plentiful. It was also the case in 1910; on 
June 26 of that year I counted fourteen dog-fish within a dozen yards on the beach. 

In the summer of 1918, food on the beach was unusually scarce, sand-lances 
were few, and although I estimated as many as 5,000 Herring Gulls at the beach 
on June 23, after a severe southeast storm, the numbers had sunk to 2,000 on July 
28, 1,000 on August 11, and 200 on August 30. 

As in former years these summer flocks, while mostly immature birds, con- 
tain perhaps five per cent. of birds in adult plumage. In the latter part of August 
small family flocks of young and old birds are often to be seen flying south along 
the beach. Thus on August 20, 1918, one adult and two dusky young flew by; 
later a flock of four adults and seven dark young ; later six adults, one with a black 
tip to the tail, followed by a group of dark young. It is interesting to note that 


1On page 20 of the original Memoir I have referred to young herring. Although the 
latter are sometimes found, the sand-lance is the important small fish in summer. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 37 


birds may be seen at Ipswich Beach in June and early July that still retain the 
dark plumage of the first winter. 

An interesting habit of the Herring Gull not described in the original Memoir 
I have frequently seen at Ipswich Beach and have studied by means of the tracks. 
I refer to their habit of dragging dead fish to the water before eating them. This 
is done when the fish is dry with the object, probably, of softening it. Thus on 
July 2, 1905, I found a hake, eighteen inches long, that had been dragged one 
hundred and thirty-four yards from the upper beach to the edge of the water. 
The fish was dragged head first and the gull walked backward as shown by the 
tracks. The course at first was nearly straight but soon became very tortuous, 
with occasional pauses. Sometimes the gull circled on its tracks, but its apparent 
goal, the water, was finally reached. In walking backward, the gull dragged its 
middle claw and occasionally one of the side claws. 

On July 30, 1905, I saw an immature Herring Gull flying slowly close to the 
water at Ipswich, when a large fish, possibly a shark, threw itself out of the water 
at the bird. The gull quickly flew up, then circled around and dipped close to the 
water where the fish had gone down. 

I have frequently seen Herring Gulls fly at Whistlers and Red-breasted Mer- 
gansers as they were sitting on the water. This is done either in spite or in play 
or to obtain some of the food that the diving birds brought up. Thus in one 
case the gull flew at a Whistler who dove, after which the gull settled in the water 
where the duck had been. In a few seconds the gull would fly at another duck, 
perhaps a hundred yards off, and so the game went on. In this case the gull did 
not appear to attempt to pick up any food although this is sometimes done. The 
duck flown at would always dive before the gull reached it, but other ducks 
would often come up and swim about close to the pirate gull, without sign of 
fear or hostility on either part. On another occasion a Herring Gull darted down 
at a female or young Red-breasted Merganser who turned rapidly in the water to 
avoid it. For a few seconds they twisted and turned, making a considerable 
turmoil in the water; then the gull settled peaceably within a few yards of the 
Merganser. 

A still more singular instance was that observed by me on March 17, 1914. 
This was at Chestnut Hill Reservoir, near Boston. Two female American Mer- 
gansers and one male were swimming restlessly about in courtship. A Herring 
Gull flew directly at one of the females and alighted on the water as she swam 
vigorously away. Then began an active chase on the part of the gull by short 
flights, while the Merganser by rapid turns and occasionally by diving managed 
to elude it. Finally the Merganser came up from below close to the other two 
Mergansers who had remained passive spectators, and, as the gull again pounced 


38 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


at her, all three Mergansers took flight. They easily distanced the gull, who in 
the chase ejected a small fish and soon gave up the pursuit. Spite or play seemed 
to be the motive in this little drama. 

Several observers! have called attention to the fact that gulls in flight some- 
times bring their feet and tarsi from the usual position under the tail to the breast, 
where they are generally tucked away under the feathers. It is supposed to be 
resorted to in winter for warmth, but I have seen it rarely in midsummer. I have 
observed the habit in both adults and young and also in the Glaucous and the 
Great Black-backed Gulls. Occasionally a bird will fly with one foot concealed in 
front and one in plain sight under the tail behind. Sometimes, but rarely, the 
feet are carried in plain sight in front. I once saw a gull withdraw a foot from 
the front, where both were previously in sight, and stretch it out behind. 

Like the Great Black-backed Gull, the Herring Gull has a loud, bugling chal- 
lenge-call or nuptial song and this may frequently be heard at Ipswich in April. 
I have written down the challenge-call thus: wha wha wha wha-eé-whee whee whee. 
The bird begins with its bill almost touching the sand and gradually swings the 
head up so that the cries end with the bill pointing nearly vertically upward. 
Their cries are numerous and varied. At times they so closely resemble the 
rattling of blocks that one looks about for a schooner hoisting sail. These rattles 
sometimes suggest large blocks, others small squeaking blocks. There are many 
squeaking and hissing whistling notes, deep car cars, high-pitched kee kees, loud 
cow cows and co-ah co-ahs, and numerous and varied conversational notes. 
Some of their notes resemble those of the Great Black-backed Gull so closely that 
I am unable to distinguish them. 


21 [54] Larus delawarensis Ord. 
RING-BILLED GULL. 


Not uncommon autumn transient visitor; rare in winter. July 17 to Novem- 
ber 17 (February 3) ; March 1. 


The February record was made at Nahant, in 1909, by Mrs. Edmund 
Bridge ;? the March 1 record in the same year and place by Mr. H. W. Wright. 
T have seen the bird at Moon Island, Boston Harbor, in February. Besides a 
harsh ery which is unlike that of the Herring Gull, they have numerous other 
cries which closely resemble those of this gull. Specimens obtained by me on 


1 See Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 26, p. 110, 19009. 
2 Bridge, Lidian E. Bird-Lore, vol. 12, p. 191, 1910. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 39 


their breeding-grounds in Labrador have pale greenish-yellow tarsi and feet. 
Taverner describes these parts as chrome yellow in breeding birds in Alberta and 
suggests that “it is not impossible that these prairie birds will be found to be 
distinguishable from the eastern race on the basis of leg coloration.” It would 
be interesting to note the color of the legs in adults seen or taken on our eastern 
coast, and I regret that my notes on this point are unsatisfactory. 


22 [58] Larus atricilla Linn. 
LAUGHING GULL; BLACK-HEADED GULL. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. July 19 to August 16. 


The only records of this bird for the County in 1905 were a statement by 
Mr. C. J. Maynard in the “ Naturalist’s Guide ” published in 1870, that he had seen 
the bird at Ipswich, and two specimens from the County in the Peabody Academy. 
I referred to the record of eight Laughing Gulls at Metinic Green Island on the 
Maine coast, and added, “ It ought, therefore, to be seen occasionally on the shores 
of Essex County as a migrant.” In 1907, fifty Laughing Gulls nested at Western 
Egg Rock near Bristol, Maine, and the colony to the south at Muskeget has greatly 
increased in numbers. For the last six years I have seen one or more of this 
species at Ipswich nearly every summer. Thus on July 19, 1914, I saw three 
adults at the mouth of the Ipswich River, and six more on a sand bar at the mouth 
of the Essex River. 

In flight and feeding habits the Laughing Gull resembles the Herring Gull. 
Its cry is distinctive and gives it its name. It is a deep ha ha ha followed by 
rapidly repeated sounds as of rippling laughter. It also emits complaining cries 
of ai ai and kai kai. 

In all plumages, but especially in the nuptial stage, its markings are dis- 
tinctive. The adult in summer wears a black hood and the wing-tips for a quar- 
ter of their length look as if they had been dipped in ink. Seen from above the 
wings are dark with a white posterior border. The bill and feet are dark red but 
look black in some lights. The adults in winter and the young lack the black 
hood, but their dark wings make identification simple. 


1 Taverner, P. A. Auk, vol. 36, p. 8, 1919. 


40 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


23 [60] Larus philadelphia (Ord). 
BoNAPARTE’S GULL. 


Common transient and occasional winter visitor. March to to June 3; July 
27 to December 7; January and February. 


One was seen on February 18, 1913, in Salem Harbor by Mrs. Edmund 
Bridge. A flock of about fifty was seen by Mr. Freeman B. Currier on Decem- 
ber 21, 1918, and January 15 and 19, 1919, at Newburyport near the mouth of the 
Merrimac River. They were studied with a 22-power telescope at a distance of 
a hundred yards and fully identified. This was an unusually mild winter and 
the birds were common near Boston. 

The Bonaparte’s Gull appears to change to winter plumage and discard its 
black hood earlier in the summer than does the Laughing Gull, for black-headed 
birds are rarely to be seen on the Essex County coast at that season. Mrs. Bridge 
records one with a black hood at Ipswich Beach on August 18, 1907. 

On May 28, 1905, I found a flock of twenty-five of these birds just inside the 
mouth of the Merrimac River; of these about a third had black hoods, a third were 
mottled, and a third were in winter plumage with white heads. Their small size 
and the entirely different appearance of the wing distinguish the Bonaparte’s Gull 
from the Laughing Gull, though they resemble each other in the adult nuptial 
stage by the presence of the black hood alone. The black border of the wing 
both in front and behind,—the mourning border as I am apt to think of it,—is 
_ very distinctive of the Bonaparte’s Gull, and serves to distinguish it in the imma- 
ture and winter plumage from the same plumage in the Kittiwake. The orange- 
red legs and feet of the adult and the flesh-colored ones in the immature also serve 
to distinguish the Bonaparte’s from the Kittiwake which has black legs and feet. 


24 [63] Gelochelidon nilotica (Linn.). 
GULL-BILLED TERN; Marsu TERN. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


The single record remains unique as before. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 4I 


25 [64] Sterna caspia Pallas. 
CASPIAN TERN. 


Not uncommon transient visitor in the autumn. August 8 to October 2. 


This splendid bird—la grande estorlette of the Acadians of southern Lab- 
rador—continues to fly along the coast in its southern migration. I have as yet 
no spring records. It is rare that they alight here but on August 9, 1907, I saw 
two on the beach at Ipswich. They looked as large as the Herring Gulls, and 
twice the size of the Common Terns on the beach at the same time. Their legs 
were noticeably long, elevating them above the sand, while Common Terns appear 
to have no legs at all when on the beach. They carried their tails straight out or 
slightly cocked up. 

On August 31, 1917, the largest number of Caspian Terns I had ever seen on 
the shore of the County flew by me at Ipswich.t There were twelve of them in a 
loose flock and they emitted their harsh cries as they flew by. It was indeed a 
noble sight. 


26 [65] Sterna maxima Bodd. 
Roya TERN. 


Accidental from the South. 


The record by Mr. Zerrahn still remains unique. 


27 [69] Sterna forsteri Nutt. 
Forster’s TERN. 


Very rare transient visitor. 


It is possible that this bird may be overlooked in the crowds of terns of other 
species that at times throng the beaches. It can be distinguished from the Com- 
mon Tern by its notes which Chapman describes as a “ long-drawn, reedy cackle 
and a tweet-tweet-tweet-tweet.’ Mr. A. C. Bent has described them to me as 
“a rasping, nasal buzzing sound, like zrreep suggestive of a Nighthawk. More 
rarely it says wheat wheat somewhat like a Common Tern.” 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 182, 1918. 


42 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


28 [70] Sterna hirundo Linn. 
Common TERN; WILSoN’s TERN; “ MACKEREL GULL.” 


Abundant transient visitor, locally common summer resident. May 13 to 
November 4. 


Eggs: June 14 to July 19. 

In 1905, I said that ‘Common Terns very rarely visit Ipswich Beach before 
the first of August. ... By the middle of the month they are common and flocks 
of young and old to the number of two or three hundred disport themselves about 
the beach.” This tern has increased very much since that day and appears at 
Ipswich Beach earlier in the season. Thus on July 23, 1907, there were 400 at 
the beach and on July 11, 1914, I estimated a thousand birds in a flock there. In 
1918, the first terns I saw at Ipswich were on July 14 when six or eight were 
fishing at the mouth of the Essex River. That afternoon about four o’clock eighty 
or ninety flew south over the water outside the beach. On July 15, just after 
sunset, I heard the distant screams of this species from my garden at Ipswich, 
and, looking up, I saw about seventy-five flying south very high up in the air. 
They were preceded by a small flock of Hudsonian Curlews. On August 14, 
1908, I estimated that there were 3,000 Common Terns at Ipswich Beach. In 
1909, the largest number I saw at the beach was 400. In 1913, there were fully 
2,000 birds there. The number varies from year to year dependent on the food 
supply, which is chiefly the sand-lance at Ipswich. This fish takes the place of 
the capelin of more northern waters. 

At times the beach is lined in places with young but fully fledged terns 
screaming to be fed. The young are able to plunge and catch fish for themselves, 
but are not as graceful or skillful as their parents, and, like spoiled children, evi- 
dently prefer to have the work done for them. The various methods of feeding 


the young,—in the air, on the beach, and on the water,—are similar to those of 
the Roseate Tern. 

I have seen Common Terns dart down and pick up sand-fleas from the beach, 
and Mr. F. H. Allen saw one at Ipswich dart down and pick up a sea-worm, 
leaving the mark of its bill on the sand. I have seen them on the Labrador coast 
follow whales and dart down at the water whenever the whale breached and then 
disappeared, in the same way they are said to follow and reveal the presence 
of submarines. 

Common Terns sometimes drop the small fish from their bill and catch it in 


the air. Sometimes after plunging and bringing up a fish, they throw it up in 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 43 


the air and catch it again, either in play or to get a better hold. The adults often 
fly threateningly to within a short distance of an intruder on Ipswich Beach as 
they do on the breeding-grounds, uttering sharp kik kik notes followed by a loud 
rattling of the mandibles. 

In the original Memoir I gave an instance of a Common Tern chasing a 
Sharp-shinned Hawk. On another occasion I saw one being chased by, and in 
turn chasing, a Barn Swallow over the beach. On another occasion I saw six 
Common Terns chasing two Crows that were hurriedly flying for the shore from 
high over the sea at Ipswich. Occasionally a tern would dart down at a Crow 
who would accelerate his flight for the shore. 

I visited Milk Island near Thatcher’s Island off Cape Ann, on June 15, 1919, 
and found nine pairs of Common Terns flying about the pebbly and rocky beach 
on the eastern side of the island. They acted as if they were nesting, screaming 
and darting down at me. I found only one nest which was well made of dry 
grasses and weed-stalks and contained two eggs. One of these was the usual 
kind, olive gray with chocolate-brown markings while the other was pale blue 
and destitute of any markings. As far as I know this is the only place where 
terns breed within the limits of the County. 


29 [71] Sterna paradisea Briinn. 
Arctic TERN. 


Not uncommon transient visitor, formerly summer resident. Spring; July 
31 to September —. 


30 [72] Sterna dougalli Montag. 
ROSEATE TERN. 


Abundant transient visitor; formerly summer resident. July 11 to Sep- 
tember 16. 


The successful result of the efforts of the Audubon Society in saving terns 
from the slaughter and the milliner are strikingly shown in the case of the Roseate 
Tern. Practically unknown on the Essex County coast for nearly forty years, 
the bird is now abundant at times in the summer. I have recently described their 
abundance, habits and field-marks in the pages of the Auk.t. In a few words it 
may be said that the Roseate Tern appears whiter than the Common Tern and it 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 182, 1918. 


44 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


has a longer tail. The bill is dark and not bright red tipped with black as in the 
Common Tern. Some of its cries are especially characteristic. The “cloth- 
tearing’ cry is easily recognized and especially the rather sweet double note sug- 
gestive of the call of the Ring-neck Plover, which at times is shortened and 
roughened so that it sounds like chivy. I have tried again and again to see a 
roseate tint in the breast of this bird as it flies by, but have not yet succeeded. 

I have great hopes that this and other species of terns will return to the upper 
beach and dunes at Ipswich to breed as they did fifty years ago. 


31 [74] Sterna antillarum (Less.). 
LEAST TERN. 


Accidental visitor ; formerly summer resident. 


On July 11, 1914, I identified two individuals of this species in a large flock 
of terns at Ipswich Beach. 


32 [75] Sterna fuscata Linn. 
Sooty TERN. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


33 [77] Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis (Gmel.) 
Biack TERN. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. June 7; July 19 to September 16. 


My July 19 record is of a bird at Ipswich Beach, in 1914, in full black plum- 
age. I saw another bird in the full nuptial plumage on August 27, 1910. With 
these exceptions the birds seen were all in the immature winter plumage. 


[86] Fulmarus glacialis glacialis (Linn.). Furmar; “ Noppy”; “ MARBLEHEADER” ; 
“ Oit-pirp.’—As yet no definite record for this bird. 


34 [89] Puffinus gravis (O'Reilly). 


’ 


GREATER SHEARWATER; “ Hacpon ”; “ Haciet”; “ Hac”; “ Gray Hac.” 


Common summer visitor off the coast. May to October 12. 


Many of these birds must pass our coast on their way to and from their 
breeding-grounds in the southern hemisphere, but they are rarely or never seen 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 45 


by the bird-watcher from the shore as they generally keep well outside. As an 
illustration of their great numbers it may be stated that I have seen over five 
thousand of these birds in one day off the eastern coast of Labrador. 


[90] Puffinus puffinus (Briinn.). Manx SHEARWATER.—The doubtful record of 1855 
may possibly refer to a similar species, the Bermuda Shearwater. 


35 [95] Puffinus griseus (Gmel.). 
Sooty SHEARWATER; “ BLAcK HaG”’ or “ Hacpon.” 


Not uncommon summer visitor. March to October. 


On August 19, 1913, in a strong northeast blow I was at the beach at Ipswich. 
The sea was high and the waves were breaking for the space of half a mile from 
the shore. Skimming close over the breakers was a single Sooty Shearwater. 
At one time he actually flew over a projecting point of the beach, over a bit of the 
soil of Essex County. Mr. Charles R. Lamb records the taking of a female of 
this species off Rockport on May 29, 1916.1 


[97] Priofinus cinereus (Gmel.). BLAcK-TAILED SHEARWATER.—As stated before, an 
erroneous record. 


36 [106] Oceanodroma leucorhoa (Vieill.). 
Leacu’s PETREL. 


Uncommon transient visitor. June 21; September 4 to November. 


Mrs. Edmund Bridge found the dead and frozen body of a bird of this 
species at Nahant Beach on December 21, 1907. How long since the bird was 
living it is impossible to say. The following record from Nuttall? was overlooked 
in the original Memoir: “A few years ago Mr. Ives obtained a straggler in the 
vicinity of Ipswich, on the coast.” Damsell® notes that one was shot on October 
16, 1887, at Kimball’s Pond in Amesbury some eight miles from the coast. 


37 [109] Oceanites oceanicus (Kuhl). 


Witson’s PEeTREL; “ MorHer CArey’s CHICKEN”; “StTorMY PETREL.” 


Abundant summer visitor off the coast. June 1 to September 23. 


Mr. C. R. Lamb found this species abundant off Rockport on June 1, 1914, 


1Lamb, C. R. Auk, vol. 35, p. 233, 1918. 

2 Nuttall, Thomas. A Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and of Canada. 
Vol. 2, The Water Birds, p. 326, 1834. 

3 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 3, 1913. 


46 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


so it is probable that it arrives on our coast at least as early as May. William 
Eagle-Clarke* says that the date of arrival of the Wilson’s Petrel at the breeding- 
grounds in the South Orkney Islands is a very constant one, the 11th or 12th of 
November. How much time is needed for this seven-thousand-mile migration 
from the Essex County coast to the antipodes I cannot say. 


[115] Sula leucogastra (Bodd.). Boosy.—Erroneous record. 


38 [117] Sula bassana (Linn.). 
GANNET. 


Common transient visitor. March 26 to June 7; August 28 to December 21. 


The Gannet is always well worth watching in his fishing operations. In the 
original Memoir I described these in detail and by comparison with the masts of 
schooners judged that the plunge was made from a height of from thirty to 
one hundred feet. Eagle-Clarke? was enabled from the top of the tower of the 
Eddystone Light to gauge the height from which these birds dived with a degree 
of accuracy not usually attainable. He witnessed many thousands of dives, but 
in no case did the drops exceed a height of from 130 to 140 feet. The height 
of the dive is so directly proportionate to the depth of the fish, that herring fisher- 
men are guided by watching the birds and set their nets accordingly. 

On October 11, 1908, I saw a flock off Ipswich Beach of about seventy-five 
of these birds plunging with a feeble splash from a height of only two or three 
feet. Their prey was evidently near the surface. On October 16, 1910, I 
counted 230 of these splendid birds off the beach; about two-thirds were in adult 
plumage. At times in the fall the proportion of immature birds is much larger. 

I stated in the Memoir that the bare skin at the base of the bill is yellow. 
This is an error; it is blue black. 


39 [119] Phalacrocorax carbo (Linn.). 
CoRMORANT; COMMON CORMORANT. 


Uncommon transient and winter visitor. November 13 to April. 


Even the severe winter of 1917—18 did not drive these birds from their fishing- 
grounds at the Salvages off Rockport. They were seen there by Mr. Charles R. 


1 Kagle-Clarke, W. “Birds of the South Orkney Islands.” Ibis, ser. 8, vol. 6, p. 145, 
1906. : 
2 EFagle-Clarke, W. Studies in Bird Migration, vol. 1, p. 302-303, 1918. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 47 


Lamb. While the Double-crested Cormorant holds its own on the breeding- 
grounds about the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is abundant on our coast in the migra- 
tions, this bird is steadily losing ground. In 1915, at Wapitagun, in southern 
Labrador, I was able to identify only one Common Cormorant, whereas the 
Double-crested species was breeding in large numbers. In the Gaspé Peninsula 
in 1919, 1 found Double-crested Cormorants breeding abundantly, but none of 
this species. 

On March 14, 1909, I saw on the Salvages off Rockport, six Common Cor- 
morants,—a large number for our coast. Two were adults in full black plumage 
with white malar patches and white patches on the thighs. These white marks 
were visible both when the birds were flying and when alighted. According to 
Patterson? the fowlers sometimes call the triangular white patch on the thigh 
“the watch that it carries under the wing.” The four other birds were immature 
with dusky upper breasts, and white bellies. I heard their harsh croak. One 
immature bird made four attempts to alight on the spindle before it succeeded. 
After each unsuccessful attempt it would swing around and again fly up to the 
spindle. In calm weather or with but a feeble air stirring I have seen this heavy 
bird launch itself from the lower spindle, perhaps twenty feet above the water, 
descend in a gentle curve and splash the water before it had gained impetus 
enough to rise again. 

Damsell? records the case of a “‘Common Cormorant that was seen to be 
harrassed by two Kingbirds at Amesbury on June 18, 1895. It sought refuge in 
an oak tree and fell to the ground when it was captured. An examination showed 
that one wing had been broken but had healed. The bird was a male.” 


40 [120] Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Less.). 
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT; “ SHAG.” 


Common transient visitor. April 4 to June 26 (July 7); July 17 to Novem- 
ber 24. 


The June 26 record was of a single bird at the mouth of the Essex River in 
1910. The July 17 record was a bird seen in 1915, on the spindle on the Brimbles 
off Marblehead by Robert Walcott, Esq. On July 28, 1918, I saw one sitting on a 
rock on the edge of the Essex River near Cross Island. It flew to the water, 
swam and dived. 

On September 21, 1913, in a heavy southeaster with fog and rain I counted 


1 Patterson, W. L. Birds... frequenting Belfast Lough, p. 26, 1880. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 22, 1913. 


48 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


thirty of these curious birds on the beach at Ipswich, together with ten Great 
Black-backed Gulls, six Herring Gulls, six Common Terns and one Black Duck,— 
a very black and white company. 

Interesting as this bird is to watch, on the beach, on the water, or on rocks 
or spindles, it is most impressive to see a large flock sweep by on the migration 
often in perfect V-formation. It is a good thing to bear in mind that these birds 
are called “ Nigger Geese” in the South, else one may mistake these flocks for 
Canada Geese. Their black color and long tails are, however, distinctive. Some 
days one may see flock after flock stream along the coast. The migration in 
September and October, 1905, was particularly large. 


41 [125] Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gmel. 
WHITE PELICAN. 


Accidental visitor from the South or West. The specimen of 1886 still 


remains unique. 
*42 [126] Pelecanus occidentalis Linn. 
Brown PELIcan. 


The only record is from Maynard’s “ Naturalist’s Guide."*. “Mr. J. F. Le 
Baron is confident of having seen two of this species at Ipswich some years ago.” 
In the original Memoir I placed this bird on the doubtful list, but since talking 
with Mr. Le Baron I have here given it a position among the numbered species. 
Mr. Le Baron is familiar with the bird in the South, and it is a bird easy to 
recognize, 

It is of interest to note that an immature bird of this species was taken May 
I, 1907, off Great Boar’s Head, Hampton, N. H., was mounted by Mr. Damsell? 
and is now in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History through the 
gift of Col. John E. Thayer. 


43 [129] Mergus americanus Cass. 
MERGANSER; GOOSANDER; “ PoND SHELLDRAKE.” 


Not uncommon transient visitor; a few winter. October 15 to April 24. 


Although not often seen in salt water, I found two of this species off Rock- 


1 Maynard, C. J. The Naturalist’s Guide, p. 149, 1870. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 22, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 49 


port on March 14, 1909. Mr. A. P. Stubbs reports them as common in Walden 
Pond, Lynn, as soon as the ice breaks up and until well into April. 

The spectacular courtship of this bird with its display of the salmon-tinted 
breast, the bowing, the great spurt of water made by the feet, and the purring 
note I have already described. 


44 [130] Mergus serrator Linn. 
RED-BREASTED MERGANSER; “ SHELLDRAKE”; ‘“ SEA-ROBIN.” 


Abundant transient and winter visitor; rare summer resident. September 
23 to June 6. 


In 1905, I had no evidence of the breeding of this bird in Essex County; but 
in 1916 and 1917, I have reason to believe that one or more pairs of the Red- 
breasted Merganser raised broods at Ipswich. In 1916, on July 30, I found a 
group of eleven young birds nearly full grown with an adult female, while near 
at hand was an adult male in partial molt into the eclipse plumage. On July 4, 
1917, a compact flock of thirty was to be seen off Ipswich Beach. One or two 
of these were adult females and two were adult males in molt.? 

It is easy enough for Mergansers to mount into the air from the beach if the 
wind is favorable, but when both their enemy, man, and the wind, come from the 
land side the problem is difficult. Three that were resting on Ipswich Beach on 
November 8, 1914, thus solved the problem: they waddled rapidly to the water 
and flapped frantically over the surface until they were about a hundred yards off 
shore; then they turned about, faced the strong off-shore wind, rose easily from 
the water and swung around seaward. 

The courtship, imperfectly observed prior to 1905, has since been carefully 
studied, and I have described it at length in the pages of the Auk.* 

On April 14, 1918, I watched some courtship performances that were amus- 
ingly modified by the state of the tide. There were eight male and two female 
Red-breasted Mergansers in Castleneck River and the tide was low with exposed 
sand flats. The males were all actively courting, bobbing and ducking violently 
and sounding their love song. The two females modestly retreated into shallow 
water before this concerted attack, and, as the circle of admirers closed in on 
them, they walked up on to the flat. In the shallow water, the males were unable 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 9-17, 1916. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 183, 1918. 
3 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 28, p. 341-343, I911. 


50 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOI.OGICAL CLUB 


to swim, and were forced to walk, but continued their bobbing and ducking; even 
when some of them were actually on terra firma, their antics, appropriate only to 
the water, still continued. It was indeed a ludicrous sight. Not until the females 
began carelessly to preen themselves did the ardor of the males cool, and they 
followed suit. I was able to watch all this clearly from my house by the aid of 
a telescope, and the birds were of course entirely unsuspecting. 

The migration and numbers of the Red-breasted Merganser, the distribution 
of the sexes and of the immature birds and adults, are all subjects of interest 
which I have studied in some detail at Ipswich since the original Memoir was 
published, and the results may be found in the Auk.? 


45 [131] Lophodytes cuculiatus (Linn.). 
Hoopep MERGANSER; “ HAIRY-CROWN.” 


Not uncommon transient visitor. March 18 to April 14; September 28 to 
December 20. 


I have seen this bird’s courtship performance in captivity. A pair were 
swimming about in a pool; both had their tails spread and flat on the water. The 
male elevated and depressed—opened and closed—his wonderfully spectacular 
crest, and at times puffed out the neck. From time to time he elevated his head, 
pointing his black bill straight up and rapidly opening and closing it. The female 
also elevated her crest at times. 


46 [132] Anas platyrhynchos Linn. 
MALLARD, 


Uncommon and irregular transient visitor; very rare in winter. March 27 
to May 1; September 22 to December 2 (January 1). 


As illustrating the irregularity of the occurrence of this bird in Essex County, 
it may be noted that after the unusual flight in 1904 recorded in the original 
Memoir, none was seen at Wenham Lake in the four succeeding years.* 

On October 13, 1913, I saw a female Mallard in company with eight or ten 
Surf Scoters off the beach at Ipswich. 

The courtship of the Mallard I have already described.* 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 28, p. 343, 1911. 
2 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 190, 191T. 
3 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 13, 1916. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 51 


47 [133] Anas rubripes rubripes Brewst. 
RED-LEGGED BLAck Duck; “ WINTER BLack Duck.” 


Abundant transient and winter visitor. September 22 to May 1. 


When the original Memoir was published there was considerable doubt as 
to the validity of this form then known as Anas obscura rubripes Brewst., and 
my own observations, which, however, I admitted were insufficient, lead me to 
think that it might be only the adult stage in the male of Anas obscura. Since 
then I have made a further study of the subject and have convinced myself of the 
validity of rubripes as a separate form, and I may add here that Mr. Brewster 
considered my evidence conclusive. These studies were published in the Auk.* 
Since then, I have been able to show that the breeding Black Ducks of southern 
Labrador belong to the tristis race. 

The Red-legged Black Duck is a virile race and the evidence seems to show 
that it is increasing in numbers and extending its range farther south in winter. 
Whereas it was formerly rare in winter at Currituck Sound, North Carolina, it 
is now common. 

The numbers of this bird in the migrations and in winter vary. On Decem- 
ber 17, 1914, I found a large number in the estuary between Hog Island and the 
Ipswich dunes. It was a cold day; the thermometer in the early morning stood 
at 2° below zero Fahrenheit. There was no sun and no wind and snow was falling 
intermittently. The tide was low, and in the shallow water amid the ice and on 
the exposed flats were hundreds of Black Ducks. I counted 400 of these birds 
_ and estimated that there were twice as many more or 1200 in all. Many were 
sleeping, with their bills concealed in the feathers of their backs; others were 
swimming about, others feeding. A fleet of fifty came swimming rapidly around 
a bar. In deeper water a flock of fifty or more Whistlers were diving for food. 
When I discovered myself by springing up from the beach grass, the multitude 
rose and made off with a great whirring and whistling of wings. Mr. Charles W. 
Loud writes me on September 6, 1918, that the bags of Black Ducks at Chebacco 
Lake have been larger the past three years than for many years previous. 

Dr. Phillips? says of the early flight of Black Ducks that he has record of 
only three typical red-legged individuals; while after October 20 they are com- 
mon. ‘The three early records for Red-legged Black Ducks were September 29, 
1904, October 3, 1907, and October 9, 1906, all at Wenham Lake. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 20, p. 176-179, 1912. 
1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 191, 1911. 


52 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


48 [133a] Anas rubripes tristis Brewst. 


Brack Duck; Dusky Duck; “SUMMER BLack Duck”; 
“SprinG Brack Duck.” 


Resident, common in summer; abundant transient visitor ; common in winter. 
Eggs: April and May. 


In Chapter II, I have already referred to the brood of ten downy young with 
their mother in the artificial Sagamore Pond at Ipswich, found on May 30, 1913. 
Here the mother endeavored to decoy me away from her brood hidden in the cat- 
tails, by acting like a wounded bird and beating the water with her wings as she 
laboriously struggled along the shore of the pond and later out into deeper water. 
In Labrador, where the birds were nesting in small pools, the wounded-bird act 
was performed not only on the water but on the land. On the land the ducks 
ran with trailing wings, fell down, and fluttered about in exact imitation of birds 
sore wounded. 

Dr. Phillips has published an interesting resumé of his observations on this 
bird in Essex County.’ I have described the courtship elsewhere.? 


49 [135] Chaulelasmus streperus (Linn.). 
GADWALL; GRAY DUCK. 


Rare transient visitor. October 2 to November ft. 


I have no records of this bird since the publication of the original Memoir. 


50 [136] Mareca penelope (Linn.). 
EuRoPEAN WIDGEON. 


Uncommon transient visitor. October 17 to December 29. 


‘ 


The change of the characterization above from ‘‘accidental” on a single 


record to “uncommon” is due, I believe, not to any increase of this bird but to 


the fact of its more easy identification of late years. The adult drakes are 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 191, 1911. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 13-15, 1916. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 53 


distinguished from our Widgeon or Baldpate drakes by their rufous-brown heads 
which lack the glossy green patch and by the cream-colored crown which does not 
stare out so strikingly as does the whiter crown of the Baldpate. In young and 
female plumage the two species are distinguished in the field with greater diffi- 
culty, although the richer and more rufous brown of the head and throat, and 
the less amount of white in the greater wing-coverts of the European species are 
noticeable points of difference. 

An exact method of recognizing the two species is by an examination of the 
axillary feathers. These characters are fully described by Dr. J. C. Phillips.t 
In a few words it may be stated that the axillary feathers of the American bird 
are white while those of the European bird are dusky and finely patterned. 

The call-note of the European bird is a distinctive whee-you, while that of the 
American bird is a single whistling whew rapidly repeated. Dr. J. C. Phillips 
states that one European Widgeon was shot at Wenham Lake in 1912, two in 
1914, and four in 1916. 


51 [137] Mareca americana (Gmel.). 
BALDPATE; AMERICAN WIDGEON. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. March 22 to 27; September 6 to 
November 27. 


My description of the courtship of this bird is to be found in the Auk.? 


52 [139] Nettion carolinense (Gmel.). 
GREEN-WINGED TEAL. 


Not uncommon transient, rare winter visitor. March 23 to April; September 
12 to December g (winter). 

The early record of March 23 is of a bird taken at Amesbury, in 1889, by 
Damsell.2 Mr. A. P. Stubbs observed one from January 8 to March 26, 1916, 
at Hall’s Brook, Lynn, in the same place that Wilson’s Snipe winter. 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, pp. 192, 193, 1911. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 15, 1916. 
3 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 22, 1913. 


54 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


53 [140] Querquedula discors (Linn.). 


BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 


Rare spring, common autumn transient visitor. March 21 to April 25 
July 27); August 16 to November 25. 
eet eel fo hs) 5 


The March 21 record was for 1898 by Damsell; another spring specimen by 
the same authority is for April 24, 1897, both at Amesbury. On April 11, 1909, 
Mr. S. Prescott Fay? observed a pair in full plumage in a pond near Wenham 
Swamp, Topsfield. The unusually early autumnal migrant was seen in Clark’s 
Pond, Ipswich, on July 27, ro11, by Mrs. Edmund Bridge. 


54 [142] Spatula clypeata (Linn.). 


SHOVELLER; “ SPOONBILL.” 
Rare transient visitor. April 6; September 3 to November 7. 


The spring record is made by Damsell for the year 1893; he also has a record 
for September 3, 1894. Mr. Charles R. Lamb shot a female in Plum Island River 
on September 4, 1908, and Mr. Geofrey Goodale a male in Sagamore Pond near 
my house at Ipswich on October 7, 1916. 

Dr. J. C. Phillips? finds from the records of Chebacco Lake that in the ten 
years from 1900 to 1909 this species was noted on four occasions and five birds 
were taken. On October 15, 1910, three of this species, all males, were taken by 
Dr. Phillips? at Wenham Lake. 

In the field the brilliant and varied coloration of the adult drake is distinctive ; 

-the female or young or the adult male in eclipse plumage look in a general way 
like a Mallard in similar plumage although much smaller. The bill, however, is 
the distinguishing mark; this looks not only broad but long. 


55 [143] Dafila acuta (Linn.). 


PINTAIL; “ SpricTAIL”’; “ Gray Duck.” 


Uncommon transient visitor, especially in the spring. March 8 to 14; Sep- 
tember 6 to November 25. 


In the fair, calm afternoon of October 12, 1917, an unusually large flock of 


1Fay, S. P. Auk, vol. 27, p. 219, 1910. 
2 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 198, 1911. 
3 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 119, 19rT. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 55 


twenty-five birds of this species came in to Chebacco Lake and were watched for 
several minutes by Mr. Warren E. Freeman. An automobile startled them, and 
as they flew, Mr. Freeman brought down five with a single-barrelled eight-gauge 
gun. Dr. J. C. Phillips saw six Pintails at Clark’s Pond, Ipswich, on Sep- 
tember 6, 1914. 

I have watched the Pintail courting in partial confinement. The drake cocks 
up his tail and extends and lowers his head until the bill almost or quite touches 
the water, uttering at the same time a short wat wat note. He then lifts his head 
and elevates his breast like a horse backing, and presses his bill against his pure 
white shirt-front. He frequently shakes his head nervously. At times the 
motions are limited to an alternate lifting of the head and an elevation of the 
stern. The duck in the meanwhile swims near uttering a rattling note and dab- 
bing sidewise at the water in nervous trepidation. 


56 [144] Aix sponsa (Linn.). 


Woop Duck; “SumMMER Duck.” 
? 


Uncommon summer resident and transient visitor. March 20 to November 
24 (December). 

Eggs: May. 

A second December record for this duck is that of Damsell, at Amesbury, 
for December 16, 1903. 

The Wood Duck has responded to the protection it now receives at all seasons, 
and it appears not only to be holding its own but to be increasing in numbers in 
Essex County. On August 2, 1916, Dr. J. C. Phillips saw a brood of eight young 


at Wenham Lake, the first Wood Duck he had ever seen there. The courtship 
I have described.* 


57 [146] Marila americana (Eyt.). 


REDHEAD, 


Rare transient visitor, not uncommon at times in autumn. March 6 to April 
3; October 4 to December 9. 

From 1905 to 1909 inclusive, 26 of these birds were shot at Dr. Phillips’s 
stand at Wenham Lake against 56 in the five years preceding. On October 12, 
1915, five came in to decoys at Sagamore Pond, Ipswich, and four were shot by 
the Goodale brothers. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, pp. 15, 16, 1916. 


56 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


I have but a short note to add to my former notes on field-marks, namely, 
that the slate-blue speculum on the wing under usual circumstances can be seen 
only when the wing is opened. 


58 [147] Marila valisineria (Wils.). 
CANVAS-BACK, 


Rare transient visitor. October 6 to November 13. 


The October 6 record is of a bird shot at Newburyport in 1905. On Novem- 
ber 4, 1905, five came in to Wenham Lake and two on November 3, 1900, as 
reported by Dr. Phillips.” 


59 [148] Marila marila (Linn.). 


Scaup Duck; GREATER ScAUP; “ BLUEBILL”’; “ BLUEBILL WIDGEON ”; 


’ 


“WupGEon ”; ‘“ BLACKHEAD.” 


Common transient visitor in the autumn, rare in the spring and winter. 
March 1 to May 12 (August 2); September 18 to December 26; January and 
February. 


During January and February from a hundred to two hundred Greater Scaup 
have frequented Lynn Outer Harbor. As far as I know this is the only place 
within the limits of the County where this bird regularly winters, although, as 
noted on page 321 of the original Memoir, one was taken at Ipswich on Feb- 
ruary 14, 1905. On December 28, 1919, I saw eight off Ipswich Beach. From 
two to three thousand Scaup Ducks winter near Moon Island at the opening of 
the metropolitan sewer in Boston Harbor. I have been to this latter station a 
number of times in the spring with the hopes of seeing the full courtship per- 
formance of this species. Only once was I at all successful. On this occasion, 
in mid-April, a band of twenty-five or thirty Scaups, a third males and two-thirds 
females, were swimming about in close ranks. The males elevated their heads 
and necks and continually opened and shut the bills. I was unable to hear any 
sound. According to J. G. Millais,? the “call of pairing Scaup are very low in 
tone, and the spectator must be within a few yards of the birds to hear them.” 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 194, 1911. 
2 Millais, J. G. British Diving Ducks, vol. I, p. 75, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY So) 


60 [149] Marila affinis (Eyt.). 
Lesser Scaup Duck; “ LirTLe BLUEBILL.” 


Common transient visitor in the autumn, rare in the spring. March 2 to 
April 21; October 8 to November 27. 


Dr. J. C. Phillips states that a study of the Scaups taken at Wenham Lake 
in 1904 and in 1908, 1909, and 1910, shows that about eighty per cent. are of the 
Lesser species and twenty per cent. the Greater. For ten years the two species 
combined represented thirteen per cent. of the entire bag. ‘The Lesser appears 
at times in flocks of 12 to 25, while the large Scaup are often single, or three or 
four together. Nearly every flock of Redheads has had at least one or two Scaup 
among them.” 

On November 11, 1906, I saw twenty Lesser Scaup in Sagamore Pond. 


61 [150] Marila collaris (Donov.). 


RING-NECKED DUCK. 
Rare transient visitor. 


I have five definite records to be added to the one in the original Memoir, as 


“ 


well as the statement previously overlooked:* “it has been taken in several 
instances in the Merrimack just below Haverhill.” On April 7, 1889, one is 
recorded by Damsell* at Amesbury ; one was shot at Newburyport on October 13, 
1906, and is now in my collection, No. 1227; three were shot at Wenham Lake,!— 
one each on October 9 and 26, 1907, and one on October 13, 1908. 

I have had several excellent opportunities to study this bird in the Back Bay 
Basin and in Leverett and Jamaica Ponds, in Boston. The ring is not a striking 
feature as the brown does not contrast sharply with the blue-purple head and 
neck and it may be covered by these feathers unless the neck is stretched. It 
may easily escape notice. The markings on the bill are very noticeable: the body 
of the bill is slate blue with a narrow white line at the base and at the end which 
divides it from the black nail. Another good field-mark is the white triangle in 
front of the bend of the wing, a marking that is lacking in the Lesser Scaup. The 
back of the Ring-necked Duck is darker than that of the Lesser Scaup. The 
latter bird has a white speculum while the Ring-necked Duck has a blue-gray one 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 194, 1911. 
2 Baird, S. F., Brewer, T. M., and Ridgway, R. Water Birds, vol. 2, p. 27, 1884. 
3 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 22, 1913. 


58 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


which distinguishes it in any plumage except from the Redhead which also has a 
blue-gray speculum. Here, in the case of the female or immature plumage, size 
alone distinguishes the two species in the field. The amount of white at the base 
of the bill in this plumage varies greatly from almost none at all to a notice- 
able patch. 


62 [151] Clangula clangula americana Bonap. 
AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE; WHISTLER. 


Abundant winter visitor. September 27 to May 2 (August). 


The September 27 record is of a bird shot in 1905 at Sagamore Pond by Mr. 
J. L. Saltonstall. On August 27, 1911, I saw three Whistlers in immature or 
female plumage flying over the Ipswich dunes from the Essex estuary to the ocean. 

Dr. J. C. Phillips? says of this species at Wenham Lake: “A very common 
bird in the pond late in November, and always tending to become local at that 
time of the year, moving back and forth to the salt-water with the regularity of 
clock-work, but never, so far as 1 am aware, spending the night on fresh water.” 

In the original Memoir I gave but a hint of the courtship of this bird. Since 
then it has become a familiar sight and I have described it in the Auk.? 

The “ love-song” is the only sound I have heard this species utter in Essex 
County. On the breeding-ground in Labrador I have heard the female utter 
harsh croaks which appeared to be alarm notes for the guidance of the downy 
young. The young utter plaintive peeping notes. 


63 [152] Clangula islandica (Gmel.). 
Barrow’s GOLDEN-EYE. 


Accidental winter visitor. 


The late William Brewster informed me that the specimen in the Boston 
Society of Natural History, labeled “Ipswich, January 27, 1879,” reported in the 
original Memoir, was prepared by the “ Ornithological Swindler’’’ and is there- 
fore to be ruled out as a record. 

On January 26, 1919, while in company with Mr. Francis H. Allen, I saw a 
fine adult male of this species off the rocks at Lynn. A male Whistler was not 
far off and it was thus possible to study the different field-marks of the two 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 194, I9II. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 27, p. 177-170, I9I10. 
3 Brewster, William. “An Ornithological Swindler,” Auk, vol. 1, p. 205-207, 1884. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 59 


species. I was at first attracted to the Barrow’s Golden-eye by its lack of white 
on the sides. In place of the great white patch on the wings and flanks of the 
Whistler,—a field-mark noticeable at a great distance,—a horizontal row of four 
or five white dots or squares marks the wing-coverts of the Barrow’s Golden-eye. 
The elongated crescentic white marks on the head of the latter species also dis- 
tinguish it from the Whistler with its round marks. These marks are well seen 
when the bird faces the observer. As the bird swam I got a glimpse of the pale 
yellow feet, so different from the orange-colored feet of the Whistler. The bill 
is noticeably small. In the male it is black. In the female with the exception 
of the base and the nail, which are black, the bill is yellow. I have been able to 
identify two female Barrow’s Golden-eyes among some Whistlers in the Back Bay 
Basin by their small and yellow bills. 


64 [153] Charitonetta albeola (Linn.). 


BUFFLE-HEAD; “ D1IppER”; “ BUTTER-BALL.” 
Not uncommon transient and winter visitor. October 9 to May 2. 


I am indebted to Mr. H. W. Wright for a census of this bird at Little Nahant 
for the twelve years from 1906 to 1918 inclusive, during December, January, and 
February. The numbers varied from 25 to 72. I do not know any other place 
on the coast of the County where the Bufflehead regularly spends the winter. 

I have watched the courtship of this species off Lynn Beach and elsewhere.* 


65 [154] Harelda hyemalis (Linn.). 


OLD-sQUAW. 
Abundant winter visitor. October 14 to May 22. 


The rarity of this species in ponds is shown by the fact that Dr. J. C. 
Phillips? has taken it four times at Wenham Lake. 

On November 18, 1917, among a large number of Old-squaws off the beach 
at Ipswich, all but two were in the immature, female, or eclipse plumage. These 
two were in full adult winter male plumage. On April 23, 1905, off Marblehead 
Neck, I watched four of this species in summer plumage. 

The call-notes, some of which are doubtless courtship songs, are variously 
syllabized. The Scotch call it “Coal an’ can’le licht.” Preble* says, “ The Crees 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, pp. 16, 17, 1916. 
2 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 195, I91t. 
3 Preble, E. A. North Amer. Fauna, no. 27, p. 290, 1908. 


60 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


along the Athabaska call it ca ca wee’; the Chipewyans and related tribes of the 
Slave and Mackenzie rivers refer to it as a-ha-lik’; while the Eskimo are said to 
give it the name a-hau-liv’.” The name Hounds, used in Labrador by Cartwright, 
is also very expressive. Syllables I have written down from time to time are: 
ung ung a-ung hic, and a-ou a-ou a-oudlic. When these longer notes are emitted 
the birds are often bunched together and are undoubtedly courting. Each male 
carries his long tail erect. 

I have timed the Old-squaw diving at Nahant. The birds were under water 
from 34 to 39 seconds. In another place where the water was probably deeper, 
the time under water varied from 40 to 50 seconds. 


66 [155] Histrionicus histrionicus (Linn.). 


HARLEQUIN Duck; Lorp AND Lapy. 
Very rare winter visitor. November 11, November 20. 


The three records for the County have not been added to in the last 
fifteen years. 

I have seen the bird in Labrador and was impressed with the fact that it is 
a small duck with a small bill. The brown feathers of the flanks are conspicuous 
as are also the white spots and patches which suggest the clown,—otherwise the 
bird looks black. The white “false eye” is very noticeable and this with other 
white patches on the head are good marks in the otherwise dark female. The tail 
is sometimes cocked up and in diving the bird opens its wings. In flight there 
are no markings noticeable on the wings. 

[156] Camptorhynchus labradorius (Gmel.). Lasrapor Duck; Pirp Duck.—As a 
sidelight on the extinction of this species, the following note by Elliott Coues? is of consid- 


erable interest: “It is known by the peculiar appellation of ‘ Fool-bird,’ a name given on 
account of its remarkable unsuspicious nature which renders it easy to approach.” 


[159] Somateria mollissima borealis (Brehm). NorrHern Erper.—There are still no 
definite records for this species for Essex County. 


67 [160] Somateria mollissima dresseri Sharpe. 


Ewer; “SEA Duck”; “ CANVASBACK.” 
Uncommon winter visitor. September 20 to April 19. 


The early record of September 20 was made by B. F. Damsell in 1903. 
The abundance of this bird in former years off Cape Ann is plainly shown in 


1Coues, Elliott. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Philadelphia, 1861, p. 230. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 61 


the following passages which were overlooked in the publication of the orig- 
inal Memoir. Mackay? says: ‘* My friends Messrs. Nickerson and Phillips, with 
only one barrel each, shot eighteen young drakes dead out of a flock of twenty- 
three on the Salvages off Cape Ann, in the winter of 1860. These same gentlemen 
also shot eighty-seven one day in December, 1859, on the same rock.” 

Charles Hallock? says: “Towards the last of October, the Eiders begin to 
appear along the Massachusetts coast, forming in large bodies off the rocky capes. 
Good sport is had by gunners from Cape Ann in the winter months. A good boat, 
with a man to sail it, can be hired at Rockport or Gloucester, and if the day is 
pleasant, with wind to westward, and a trifle rough, the sportsman may expect 
shooting.” 

On March 14, 1909, when in company with Ralph Hoffmann and Glover M. 
Allen, I saw a flock of seventeen Eiders outside the Salvages at Rockport. All 
but two were in the plumage of the female. These two had partially molted into 
the adult male plumage. One had a black belly and white breast and the neck 
was brown behind and white in front. 

I have had excellent opportunities to study the courtship of this duck in 
Labrador and I have described it in the Auk.’ 

In diving the Eider spreads out its wings for use under water. 

The male Eider is a striking bird and easily seen and recognized when in the 
full nuptial plumage. Seen from the side when he swims on the water the black 
crown, wings, and tail contrast strongly with the general whiteness of the rest of 
the plumage. Viewed from behind, the black crown is seen to be parted by a 
white line, while the black wings and tail, separated by a white division, make a 
striking pattern. In flight the black belly and creamy-white breast are very 
conspicuous. 

The female and young and the male in eclipse plumage, which he hastens to 
don after the nuptial season, are singularly inconspicuous either on water or 
on land. 

As there are all degrees between the narrow horny processes that extend 
backward from the bill in S. mollissima borealis and the long broad ones of 
dresseri, as shown by M. Johann Beetz,* I have in this case departed from the 
Check-list of tgto and entered this bird as a subspecies of mollissima as explained 
in my notes in M. Beetz’s article. 


1 Mackay, G. H. Auk, vol. 7, p. 317, 1890. 

2 Hallock, C. The Sportsman’s Gazetteer, p. 228, 1877. 
3 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 27, pp. 180, 181, 1910. 

4 Beetz, J. Auk, vol. 33, p. 286-292, 1916. 


62 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


68 [162] Somateria spectabilis (Linn.). 
Kine Ewer. 
Very rare winter visitor. November 24 to 


Damsell adds another record for Essex County, that of a bird taken on 
November 29, 1889, within five days of the previous record. 


69 [163] Oidemia americana Swains. 
Scoter; BLack ScoTer; “ BUTTERBILL”’; “ BLACK CooT.” 


Common transient and winter visitor (summer). September 8 to May 24. 


70 [165] Oidemia deglandi Bonap. 
WHUITE-WINGED ScoTER; “ WHITE-WINGED Coot.” 

Abundant transient visitor, common in winter (summer). August 20 to 
June 4. 

On August 20, 1913, I saw forty-three of these birds flying south off Ipswich 
Beach and concluded they must be the vanguard of the migrating throng. 

Dr. J. C. Phillips? says: “The White-winged Scoter is by far the most com- 
mor [of the three Scoters] in the [Wenham] pond and represents about 4 per 


cent. of the total score.” 


71 [166] Oidemia perspicillata (Linn.). 
Surr Scoter; “ SKUNK-HEAD”; ‘“ Gray Coot.” 
Very abundant transient visitor, common in winter; summer. September 4 


to June 4. 


72 [167] Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.). 
Ruppy Duck. 
Common transient visitor in the fall, rare in the spring. September 30 to 
December 1; April 20. 


The spring record is of five seen off Nahant Beach by Mr. H. W. Wright on 
April 20, 1906. As stated in the original Memoir this bird prefers fresh-water 
ponds, but Mr. Wright has given me another record for salt water,—at Nahant 
on October 14, 1905, where three were seen. 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 195, 1911. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 63 


73 [169] Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus (Pall.). 
Snow Goose. 


Very rare transient visitor in the autumn. 


The records of this goose by Damsell are thus given by Allen:t ‘A Snow 
Goose, shot October 7, 1888, is among the birds whose measurements are entered 
in one of the notebooks. The wing length is there recorded as 14% inches, 
which indicates the Lesser Snow Goose. In the notebook for 1902, is the entry: 
‘ Albert Shaw shot a Snow Goose,’ but the exact date, if known, was not recorded. 
A further entry records, February 18, 1902, ‘Saw a flock of Snow Geese.” On 
October 20, 1913, Mr. J. F. Le Baron saw three Snow Geese alight on the spit 
at the mouth of the Essex River. 

A recent record, at Eagle Hill, I have already published.? 


[169a] Chen hyperboreus nivalis (J. R. Forst.) Greater SNow Goose.—Extirpated. 


74 [169] Chen cerulescens (Linn.). 


BLUE GOOSE. 
Accidental visitor. 


The specimen representing the only record for the County and the State has 
since been presented by Mr. W. A. Jeffries to the Boston Society of Natural 
History. 


*75 [171] Anser albifrons gambeli Hartl. 


WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 
Accidental visitor. 


Damsell notes two birds of this species that were killed on the Salisbury 
marshes on October 8, 1888. 

An adult was found winged and one leg injured by shot near Eagle Hill at 
Great Neck, in August, 1907, by A. B. Clark. The bird was captured alive and 
placed in a yard with tame geese where I saw it on August 25. It was an adult 
male in good plumage.* 

These are the first definite records of this goose in Essex County. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 33, p. 22, 1913. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 197, 1916. 
3 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 25, pp. 80, 81, 1908 


64 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


76 [172] Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn.). 


CaNnaADA GOOSE; “ WILD GOOSE.” 


Common transient visitor. March 9 to May 25 (June 2, June 5); Septem- 
ber 17 to January 11. 


Dr. J. C. Phillipst states that the western edge of the flight of this species 
crosses Cape Ann near Essex. He also finds that the greatest flights are made 
in calm weather or with light airs from the northwest. 

A large flock of semi-wild geese was kept during Mr. Clark’s lifetime at 
Great Neck, and they nested on the hillside near the pond. Their nests were 
made of dried moss and grasses lined with feathers and down like one I found in 
Labrador. The down is used as a covering for the three to five eggs when the 
female is not sitting. The gander, easily recognized by his large size and thicker 
neck, seemed always to be in the neighborhood, ready to repel the intruder. This 
he does by advancing in a threatening manner with head down but drawing it up 
and back at frequent intervals and calling woo-oup with repeated grunting sounds 
between. On my speedy departure he returned toward the nest, calling tri- 
umphantly. 

The young, even when two-thirds grown, emit a plaintive whistling sound, 
and are able to make off over the water by the use of both wings and feet with 
great speed. They also dive awkwardly. 


[172a] Branta canadensis hutchinsi (Rich.). Hurcuins’s Goosr; Lesser CANADA 
Goosre.—There are still no specimens to authenticate this subspecies in Essex County. 


77 [173a] Branta bernicla glaucogastra (Brehm). 


BRANT. 


Common transient visitor. April 7 to May 12 (June 15); September 2 to 
December 26. 


The June 15 date is of a record for 1890 overlooked in the original Memoir. 
The bird was seen by William Brewster, William A. Jeffries and Dr. John A. 
Jeffries near Swampscott. The following is the note kindly given me by Mr. 
Brewster from his Journal: “ On the way back we sailed close to Pig Rock. The 
top of the larger rock was literally covered with Herring Gulls. ... Near them on 
a rock, at the water’s edge, sat a Brant Goose preening its feathers. I had a 
good view of it through my glass at a distance of about one hundred yards. It 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 27, p. 263-271, 1910. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 65 


flew when the gulls rose and circled off over the ocean in the direction of 
Marblehead.” 

The December 26 record was reported in Bird-Lore by Edmund and Lidian 
E. Bridget Twenty were seen. In a letter to me Mrs. Bridge writes: “ The 
Brant were first seen in flight; they alighted not very far out but were frightened 
and flew off toward Rockport.” 

Brant are sufficiently uncommon at Ipswich, nowadays, to make it worth 
while recording any visitation of these birds. On October 26, 1913, in an easterly 
storm with rain, six Brant scudding before the gale passed within long gunshot 
over my head as I stood on a point of the beach. Later three more flew by out- 
side and again two more over the dunes. Mr. J. F. Le Baron writes in his notes 
for 1878: ‘‘ My father tells me that in his youth Brant were very plenty along the 
beach in stormy weather, and many were shot from the spits by lying flat on the 
back and shooting as they flew over.” 

While feeding in shallow water on eel-grass they tip up and show the white 
triangle of the lower tail-coverts edged with black. In flight they look black from 
in front but show the white belly from the side or rear. Their wings are black 
and the distinctive white marks on the neck can be made out with a good glass. 

Their call resembles somewhat that of the Canada Goose, but has a roll to it. 


[175] Branta leucopsis (Bechst.). Barnacte Goose.—Still on the doubtful list. 


78 [180] Olor columbianus (Ord). 


WHISTLING SWAN. 
Accidental visitor. 


[181] Olor buccinator (Rich.). Trumpeter Swan.—Believed to have occurred in the 
County in the early days of the settlement; now almost if not quite extinct. 


[188] Mycteria americana Linn. Woop Isrs.—Still on the doubtful list. 


79 [190] Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). 


BITTERN. 
Common summer resident. March 29 to October 23; (December 16). 


In the severe winter of 1917-18, on December 16, I flushed a Bittern from 
the salt-marsh near my house at Ipswich. It flew several hundred yards and 
alighted in a clump of tall grasses where I found it and again flushed it. There 
was snow on the ground and the temperature that morning was 2° Fahrenheit. 


1 Bridge, E., and L. E. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, p. 20, 1916. 
5 


66 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Mr. William Brewster? was first to call attention to the display of white 
plumes by this bird in courtship. These are soft, fluffy creamy-white feathers 
attached to the skin on each side of the breast near the shoulder joint. They are 
ordinarily concealed beneath the wing but are elevated and spread to the size of 
the hand in courtship display. I had a very good opportunity on May 30, 1913, 
to watch this display from the side of Sagamore Hill, Ipswich. A Bittern, prob- 
ably a female, had alighted near another, a male, who had been “ pumping” in an 
open field near the pond. The female at once disappeared in the cat-tail rushes 
and the male displayed the white nuptial plumes at the shoulder. These were 
visible at all times as he walked about just outside of the cat-tails with his head 
on a level with his shoulders. Between the “ pumpings,” which I have described 
in the original Memoir, he assumed at times the “ frozen” pose with bill pointing 
upward. Even at this time the white nuptial plumes were in plain sight. 

The Bittern, except in flight, is rarely seen off the ground, but on July 23, 
1916, in a rain storm, I watched one standing on a low hay-cock on the hillside 
near my house. His color matched well the water-soaked hay. 

It is possible for a careless observer to mistake an immature Night Heron 
for a Bittern, so it is well to bear in mind the distinguishing points. The Bittern 
is buffy yellow with darker stripes, while a young Night Heron looks gray. In 
flight the dark edging of the wings of the Bittern at once distinguishes this bird 
from the Night Heron which lacks the black border. The neck, bill, and legs of 
the Bittern look longer in comparison with those of the Night Heron, which 
appear stumpy. 


80 [191] Ixobrychus exilis (Gmel.). 


LrEAst BITTERN. 


Rare summer resident. May 11 to September 21. 

Eggs: June. 

Since the original Memoir was published, I have made the acquaintance of 
this bird, but to much less extent than I could wish. On two occasions I heard its 
curious frog-like love song and searched in vain for the performer. I have 
written down the song as coo-coo, whoo-whoo and as cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk. Both birds 
were heard in May, one in the Topsfield Marshes, the other near Sagamore Pond 
at Ipswich. Mr. Damsell’s? notebooks record it twice in the fall: September 21, 
1887, and September 1, 1888. 

Mr. J. A. Farley found a nest and eggs of this species at Lynnfield. 


1 Brewster, W. Auk, vol. 28, p. 90-100, I9II. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 23, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 67 


81 [194] Ardea herodias herodias Linn. 


” 


GreAT BLUE Heron; “ CRANE. 


Common transient visitor. March 15 to June 11 (summer); July 15 to 


November 23; December 2, 3 and 13. 


I still have no record of this bird breeding in the County although I have 
seen it a number of times throughout June and July. On December 13, 1911, 
Mr. A. P. Stubbs found three of these birds on the shores of Forest River, Salem. 

Occasionally one may see these birds in migration. Thus on April 5, 1913, at 
4.30 P.M., | saw four near Lynn rise from the salt-marsh and circle upward by 
slow wing-beats. When they had attained a considerable height, they made off 
in a straight line toward the north. At Ipswich, on October 28, 1917, at 5 P.M., 
a flock of twenty of these great birds flew south high up over the marshes in a 
loose V- or U-formation. 

On August 7, 1907, at Ipswich, a fine adult Great Blue Heron flying high in 
the air was pursued by a screaming Common Tern who darted at it from behind 
and from above. The heron screamed hoarsely, stretched out and around its 
long neck and partly dropped its legs. The feathers of its head were erected. The 
tern attacked again and the scene was repeated. It reminded one of an old 
hawking picture. 

The Great Blue Heron, like all of his tribe, walks with long strides, but even 
such a stately bird may at times act in a strange and undignified manner. Thus 
on April 27, 1919, I saw two of these herons on the beach at Ipswich and later, 
on examining their tracks, I found that one had interrupted his walk by hopping 
with both feet together three or four feet at a hop for five hops. 


82 [196] Herodias egretta (Gmel.). 
EGRET. 


Accidental visitor from the South. July 30 to November 22. 


There have been a number of visits of this interesting bird to Essex County 
in the last fifteen years, and, as it is now not allowed to be shot, birds have been 
seen by a number of people. A record, overlooked in the original Memoir, is of 
one shot at Ipswich on November 22, 1892, and mounted by Vickary.t Damsell 


1 Ornithologist and Odlogist, vol. 17, p. 165, 1892. 


68 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


records one shot September 19, 1887, and another seen at Salisbury on August 5, 
1907. In the summer of 1911, there occurred a small incursion of these white 
birds,—a reverse migration or wandering,—following the breeding season. Two 
were seen by Mr. J. Loring Woodbury near his dune farm at Ipswich in July; 
one or two were seen at Great Neck in late July and early August, and two were 
seen from August 7 to 10 on the shores of Sagamore Pond. On August 10, 1913, 
three were seen in the Topsfield Marshes of the Ipswich River by Dr. J. C. 
Phillips, and one on July 29, 1917. On August 14, 1918, one was seen in a small 
marsh in the Salem pastures by Mr. Ralph Lawson. Mr. Lawson wrote me: “I 
first saw the bird from my morning train, and as it was still in the same locality 
when my evening train home passed, I organized a small party and we made a 
fine, long, close-up observation at daylight on the 15th. I again saw the bird when 
on my way to Boston on the 15th but not since.” 

This incident illustrates the great change in bird study that has taken place 
in the last fifteen years. Prior to that time the bird would have been shot at sight. 
To my great regret, notwithstanding all my efforts, I failed to see any of these 
splendid white herons, but on October 13, 1919, while walking through the Ips- 
wich dunes, I was unexpectedly treated to a sight of one. It arose from a bog 
on great white wings, slowly doubled up its long neck, extended behind its black 
legs, and flew off over the marshes. An hour later from my house I discovered 
it wading about in the marshes. It looked fully as large as a Great Blue Heron, 
and was pure white in color with the exception of the black tarsi and yellow bill. 


[197] Egretta candidissima candidissima (Gmel.). Snowy Ecret.—Still no definite 
records for the County. This bird is but little larger than a Little Green Heron, while the 
Egret is nearly as large as a Great Blue Heron. 


83 [200] Florida cerulea (Linn.). 
LirtLe BLue HERon. 
Accidental visitor from the South. April 27 to September 10. 


In addition to the 1881 record in the original Memoir, I have to record one 
seen near the Floating Bridge in Lynn by Messrs. A. P. Stubbs and G. M. Bubier 
on April 29 and 30, 1913. This bird was seen at this place from April 27 to April 
30 by Mr. Charles E. Moulton, who was then living within sight of the pond. The 
bird was collected by Mr. James Goodrich. Another record is of an adult seen by 
Mr. Ralph Lawson in the Topsfield meadows on September 10, 1916. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 69 


84 [201] Butorides virescens virescens (Linn.). 
GREEN HERON; “ SHITE-POKE.” 
Common summer resident. April 20 to October 8. 


Eggs: May 28 to June 2. 


A common posture assumed by this heron on the sand- and mud-flats in the 
creeks at low tide is with the back and neck horizontal and the tarsi so nearly flat 
on the ground that the body is close to the sand and the bird resembles a log of 
wood. In this position it waits patiently near the water ready to pounce on the 
little fish that swim its way. 

Their common note resembles very closely the sound made by blowing a 
blade of grass stretched tightly between the thumbs side by side, and is emitted 
as they fly off from the intruder. When much startled I have heard them croak 
hoarsely as they fly away. 


85 [202] Nycticorax nycticorax nevius (Bodd.). 


BLACK-CROWNED Nicut Heron; “ Quawk.” 


Abundant summer resident; very rare in winter. March 27 to November 4; 
December, January, February. 


Eggs: April 20 to July 1. 


I have records for December 3, 1913, January 1, 1914, and February 22, 
1907, all from Ipswich. 

Although migration of this bird often takes place by day as described in the 
original Memoir, it also takes place at night. Thus on October 6, 1918, I heard a 
great outcry among the Night Herons in the marshes of the Castleneck River at 
Ipswich after dark. They all seemed to be talking together. That same night 
both Mr. R. Nichols and Mr. Ralph Lawson in Salem were surprised by the large 
numbers of Night Herons they heard flying over toward the south. 

In the original Memoir I described a heronry of these birds at Hamilton 
visited in 1904. In 1908, the heronry was apparently of the same size. In 1911, 
it was somewhat diminished as many of the white and red maples had been killed 
by the brown-tail moth and cut out. On June 3, 1915, Dr. J. C. Phillips counted 
150 nests there, nearly all with eggs. He found it at least twelve days behind the 
North Beverly colony in development. 

Mr. J. F. Le Baron told me that Night Herons used to breed in large numbers 


70 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


on Pine Island, back of the beach at Ipswich. This island, probably once covered 
with pines, is now densely filled with red oaks. In these trees the herons nested 
in 1871 and 1872. I quote from Mr. Le Baron’s notes: “ Unprincipalled and low- 
lived would-be gunners come from town and other places, and shoot wagon-loads 
of them. They tear down their nests and kill the callow young. The island reeks 
with the stench from their dead bodies. ... 1875. These birds are all gone. Not 
over a dozen pair can be found on any of the islands in a circuit of six miles. 
So much for indiscriminate slaughter.” This is an interesting commentary on 
the customs of former days. In consequence of the protection afforded these 
birds at the present day, they are undoubtedly increasing in numbers. 

There is a heronry not far from the southern end of Plum Island. In 1914, 
it was about an acre and a half in extent in a hollow in the dunes. There were 
several hundred nests built in wild cherry, poplar, gray birch and pitch pine. 

The heronry that has especially interested me of late years is one that I have 
watched from its beginnings in the large grove in the Ipswich dunes lying to 
the east of Wigwam Hill. This grove, which is extending rapidly to the south, 
is composed almost entirely of pitch pines. There are a few gray birches and 
white maples. The grove had always been a favorite roost for Night Herons 
during the day, and several hundred of these birds often rose up to greet the 
intruder but they did not nest there. In the summer of 1916, I found that several 
pairs had nested and counted 25 nests. In 1917, I counted 167 nests and believed 
from the number of birds that there were many more I had overlooked. The 
numbers had again increased in 1918 and I decided tc make a census in the winter 
when the birds had flown. 

On December 29, 1918, I began to take the censuS, with the help of Messrs. 
H. G. Balch and Charles Townsend, by counting the nests in a tree, recording 
them and tying a white string around the trunk so as to avoid counting the same 
tree over again. This we soon found was slow work and very cold for the fingers. 
There was a light snow on the ground and we found that it was much simpler and 
fully as effectual to mark the tree by stamping the snow at the foot of the trunk. 
In this way the count was accurate as far as it went. It is probable we over- 
looked a few trees on the periphery of the roost, but on the other hand we may 
have counted some old nests that were not used the previous season. I believe 
that the census is therefore nearly accurate. There were 761 nests in all, from 
one to eight in a tree, and 492 nesting trees. The nests vary in size from thin 
flimsy affairs to thick bulky masses of twigs. These twigs and small branches 
are so completely interwoven that the nest stands a good deal of rough handling 
without coming to pieces. Nests blown from the trees are often found intact 
on the ground. The construction of the nest must call for considerable skill in 
weaving on the part of the birds. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 7X 


Dr. J. C. Phillips’s notes on a small breeding colony at North Beverly are 
as follows: 

1913. Birds arrived on April 13. On June 7, 33 nests found; young birds 
mostly able to fly; 41 caught and banded. 

1914. Only three nests. 

7915. Twenty-three nests; 75 birds banded on June 3. 

1916. Twelve nests; a few banded on June 27. 


86 [203] Nyctanassa violacea (Linn.). 
YELLOW-CROWNED Nicut Heron. 


Accidental visitor from the South. The single record of 1862 is still unique. 


[206] Grus mexicana (Miill.). SAnpHILL CrANE.—Extirpated. 


87 [208] Rallus elegans Aud. 
Kine Ratt. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


In the original Memoir there were three definite records of this bird from the 
County. I can now add two more: a specimen is noted, at Amesbury, on August 
14, 1902, by Damsell,? and in 1905, on October 5, one was seen at Prankle’s Pond, 
North Saugus, by Mr. G. M. Bubier who had an excellent opportunity to watch 
the bird. 


*88 [211] Rallus crepitans crepitans Gmel. 
CLAPPER RAIL. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


This bird is now moved from the doubtful to the regular list on the strength 
of the three following records: 

On September 15, 1908, Mr. William P. Wharton? picked up on the beach at 
Plum Island, near the mouth of the Ipswich River, a dead Clapper Rail in good 
condition. There were no indications of its having been shot, but it had probably 
died in the water. Taking into consideration the direction of the winds, etc., Mr. 
Wharton thinks it very unlikely that the rail could have drifted from farther 
south. The mounted bird was presented to the Peabody Museum at Salem. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 33, 1913. 
2 Wharton, W. P. Auk, vol. 26, pp. 76, 77, 1900. 


TZ MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


On September 12, 1909, I saw a large rail on the flats of the Castleneck River 
at Ipswich, which I believe was a Clapper Rail. It ran with its head down to 
some thatch where it disappeared. I at once landed from my canoe and walked 
into the grass, whereupon the rail rose silently within a few feet of me, with legs 
dangling. It had a long curved bill and was the size of a Clapper or a King Rail. 
The light was good and its gray rather than rich brown color showed that it was 
a Clapper Rail. 

The third record, by Dr. J. C. Phillips, is as follows: “On October 20, 1916, 
Mr. T. C. Wilson, of Ipswich, brought me a young male Clapper Rail (Rallus 
crepitans crepitans). It was shot in the salt marshes of that town near the Poor 
Farm, and was a young bird of this season.” 


89 [212] Rallus virginianus Linn. 
VIRGINIA Ratt. 


Common summer resident. April 11 to October 13. 

Eggs: May 12 to July to. 

This bird welcomed the cat-tails that for a few years nearly filled the south- 
ern end of Sagamore Pond near my house at Ipswich, and on July 10, rg1o, I 
found a nest there with eight white eggs speckled with brown. The nest was 
swung in a clump of coarse grass a foot above the water among the cat-tails. It 
was made of coarse grass-stalks. I had hoped to see the curious downy young 
but on my next visit, a few days later, they had emerged from their shells and 
departed. 

On another occasion, while concealed near the cat-tails, I heard an ear- 
‘piercing spee or sce from near at hand and saw a Virginia Rail threading it way 
in and out among the rushes, thrusting continually its long curved bill into the 
water and mud. It ran within ten feet of me up on to the bank, so near that I 
could see its dark-red eyes, and, as it disappeared in the cat-tails, another one 
appeared. Their frequently emitted notes were as sharp as those of the red 
squirrel, at times suggestive of the squeak made by the grass-blade stretched 
between the thumbs, at times a low guttural chattering or grunting or moaning; 
now a mild cut-ta, cut-ta, then a loud and disdainful eh eh. The one that had 
passed me soon popped out of the cat-tails with a long worm hanging from its 
bill, but, disturbed by my presence, turned back to reappear a little farther off and 
returned to the rushes as before. It then flew out over the pond with weak feeble 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 28, p. 119, 1911. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 73 


wing-beats, legs dangling close to the water, and the worm still in its bill. It 
landed feebly and awkwardly, sitting down in the water before scrambling to its 
feet and elevating and depressing its short tail. 

What I take to be the full nuptial song is delivered with great vigor and 
rapidly repeated. It may be written down as ki'd-ick, ki'd-ick, ki’d-ick. Ata 
little distance this reminds one of the metallic sound made by the striking of an 
anvil when the hammer rebounds once or occasionally twice. Near at hand it 
suggests a telegraphic ticker. 


go [214] Porzana carolina (Linn.). 
Sora; CAROLINA RAIL. 
Common summer resident. March 20 to November 8. 


Eggs: June 9 to 11. 


The Sora is a dainty walker, choosing its steps with nicety in the intricate 
passages among the cat-tails, nervously twitching its head and neck and jerking its 
erect tail. Seen from the front this tail is a dark triangle with a white edge; from 
behind it is a conspicuous triangle, buffy white in color, matching the blown downy 
seeds of the cat-tails. It is conspicuous in the dark aisles among the rushes when 
the rest of the bird is invisible, and spring and fall this flag is displayed. Occa- 
sionally, however, a Sora may be seen to lower the triangle and quit its jerking, 
and I have seen a bird stand still on the mud with head drawn in and tail down 
apparently for concealment. The yellow bill is a noticeable feature. 

In flight for a short distance the legs are allowed to dangle, but for a longer 
flight these are drawn up and extended behind. Alighting on the water, it swims 
like a miniature duck. 

While the love song of the Virginia Rail is a telegraphic or anvil-like sound, 
the Sora sings a whistling ker-wée, with a very plaintive and human tone. It is 
repeated at frequent intervals in the height of the breeding season. 

But the Sora, like the Virginia Rail, has a great variety of other notes expres- 
sive, doubtless, of varying emotions. A stone thrown into the cat-tails evokes a 
great variety of grunts and squeaks and squeals, many doubtless from the Vir- 
ginia Rails, but some can be distinguished as belonging to the Sora. The sounds 
extend on all sides like the concentric ripples in the water from the impact of a 
stone. An alarmed or curious Sora begins often with a sharp ee or ah soon to 
change to the characteristic whinny. The whinny is at first loud and clear, 
the notes following one another with great rapidity, descending in the scale, and 
becoming fainter and fainter till they cease. At times the sound is musical and 


74 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


pleasing, and other voices, all of whose owners are invisible among the cat-tails, 
take up the refrain. One is tempted to consider this the nuptial song, but I am 
inclined to think the one previously described is the real one, and the whinny is 
an alarm or complaining or perhaps a gossipy call. 

Since the cat-tails have been largely drowned and cut out at Sagamore Pond 
the rails, like the mosquitoes, have greatly diminished in numbers. 


gt [215] Coturnicops noveboracensis (Gmel.). 


YELLOW RAIL. 
Rare transient visitor. September 30 to October 13. 


[216] Creciscus jamaicensis (Gmel.). Brack Ratt.—This is still “vox praeterea 
nihil,’ as in the original Memoir. 


92 [218] Ionornis martinicus (Linn.). 


PuRPLE GALLINULE. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


There have been no additions to the six original records. 


93 [219] Gallinula galeata (Licht.). 


FLoRIDA GALLINULE. 
Rare summer resident. March 20 to October 12. 


In the original Memoir I suspected that this bird might be a summer resident, 
and am now inclined to believe that that is the case although I have no definite 
records of breeding. 

Damsell* has two records confirmed by specimens of birds taken near Ames- 
bury, September 14, 1887, and October 3, 1903, respectively. Another was shot 
in the Topsfield meadows by Mr. Julian M. Dodge in Setember, 1906. One was 
shot at Sagamore Pond, Ipswich, on September 16, 1914, by Mr. David L. Rich- 
ardson; this is now in my collection. A second was shot at the same place on 
October 3, 1914, and a third was seen by me there on October 12, 1914. It is a 
small bird as compared with a Coot, but it swims in the same way with nodding 
head. A capital distinguishing point in the fall is the slaty-blue bill of the galli- 
nule ; the Coot has an ivory-white bill. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 23, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 75 


On March 20, 1919, a male Florida Gallinule was caught alive by some boys 
at Essex. The specimen is now in the collection of the Boston Society of 
Natural History. 


94 [221] Fulica americana Gmel. 
Coot; “ Mup-HEN ”; “ Ponp Crow”; “ BLUE PETER.” 


Transient visitor; rare in spring, common in the autumn. March 31 to 


April 15; September 3 to November 7. 


Sagamore Pond has furnished me with a good field of observation for these 
as for the other rails. Although they are expert divers they also feed in shallow 
water by dipping like river ducks. While Black Ducks and Baldpates often 
make use of the Coots’ diving capacity, by stealing the weeds brought by them to 
the surface, I have also noticed the Coots getting good feeding without any work 
by stealing the weeds brought up from below by the diving Lesser Scaup. 

Before alighting on the water they often run for several yards on the surface, 
using the wings at the same time, and when startled from the water, they some- 
times run on the surface in a similar manner for a hundred yards and then 


alight again. 


95 [222] Phalaropus fulicarius (Linn.). 
RED PHALAROPE. 


Rare and irregular transient visitor. May 15; July 11 to November 24. 


Mrs. Edmund Bridge was so fortunate as to see one of these birds in full 
nuptial plumage off Nahant on July 11, 1913. I have not seen the bird in this 
plumage in Essex County, but I had an excellent chance to observe one at No 
Man’s Land off Martha’s Vineyard, on June 15, 1913. The bird was swimming 
in a small pond back of the beach, riding lightly on the water and nodding its 
head in a dove-like manner as it advanced. The chestnut red of its throat and 
breast were very conspicuous; its back appeared light brown with white and black 
streaks and it had a broad white edging to the secondaries. When it flew, this 
white band was more conspicuous. It alighted on the shore of the little pond 
and ran along the beach. It emitted a whistle which was clear and pleasant at 
times, and again sharp and grating; at times the note could be expressed as a 


creak, 


76 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


96 [223] Lobipes lobatus (Linn.). 
NoRTHERN PHALAROPE; “ SEA Goose”; “ WEB-FOOTED PEEP.” 


Irregular, but at times common transient visitor. May 18 to 30; July 31 
to October 11. 


As an example of the very large flocks of this phalarope that are at times 
seen off our coast, resting and feeding on the surface of the water, the one 
reported by Mr. George H. Mackay? easily takes first place. From May 25 to 
May 30, 1894, he observed a flock near the ‘“ Pigs” off Swampscott of “ 10,000.” 

In the fall migrations it is unusual to see this bird in anything but the imma- 
ture and winter plumage. One in full plumage, apparently a female, was seen in 
the water off Lakeman’s Beach, Ipswich, on August 13, 1918. 

Both the Red and the Northern Phalarope are charmingly unsuspecting and 
allow of close approach. The latter bird has a variety of notes. At times it 
twitters like a Barn Swallow, at times it emits a single harsh note like that of the 
Eave Swallow. Again a gentle ee -ep is emitted, or a sharp quip. Although it 
may alight on the land it seems to prefer to alight on the water, which it does 
gracefully with feet thrust out in front, and afterward walks up on the shore. 
It swims with a graceful nodding of the head and often whirls about in circles. 

The adults in nuptial plumage look dark above with two yellow stripes on the 
back, a white line over the eye and on the wings, white below with a rufous patch 
on each side of the neck. The females are larger and are more richly colored 
than the males. The delicate needle bill is a good field-mark. 


97 [224] Steganopus tricolor Vieill. 
Witson’s PHALAROPE. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


In addition to the 1874 specimen entered in the original Memoir I am able 
to give another record for the County: a female shot at Salisbury on August 
18, 1907, and obtained for me by Mr. John H. Hardy, Jr. It is now in my 
collection, No. 1260. 


1 Mackay, G. H. Auk, vol. 11, p. 226, 1894. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY Tih 


8 [225] Recurvirostra americana Gmel. 
5 


AMERICAN AVOCET. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


The collection of Mr. B. F. Damsell contained “a fine adult of this species, 
taken May 23, 1887, doubtless on the Salisbury marshes. That it was a locally 
obtained specimen there can be no doubt, as it was skinned, sexed and measured 
by Mr. Damsell. His notebook simply makes record of it as the first of its kind 
observed, for in these earlier days of his collecting he seems not to have been 
aware of the rarity of his capture. The specimen has been acquired by the Bos- 
ton Society of Natural History for its New England Collection.”? 


99 [226] Himantopus mexicanus (Miill.). 
BLACK-NECKED STILT. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


The single specimen recorded in the original Memoir is still the only record. 


100 [228] Philohela minor (Gmel.). 


Woopcock. 


Not uncommon summer resident, more common in the migrations. March 
4 to December II. 


Eggs: May. 


Damsell’s notebooks contain a number of records of late-fall birds, as fol- 
lows: “ November 20, 1886; December 10, 1887; November 21, 1880; November 
18, December 6, 1890; November 30, 1893; December 5, 1903.”* 

On June 25, 1917, while walking through a boggy place in my “forest” at 
Ipswich I almost stepped on two young Woodcock that flew for about twenty 
yards close to the ground. Their tails were not fully grown and it is probable 
they were hatched out in the vicinity. A few days later I flushed an adult in the 
same locality and the birds remained there until July 16. The next spring I 
looked forward to watching the courtship performance of this interesting bird in 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 23, 1913. 


78 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


my forest, but was disappointed. The birds did not come back. I have had, 
however, excellent opportunities to study this performance elsewhere. It is 
worth seeing and has often been described. 


1o1 [230] Gallinago delicata (Ord). 
Witson’s SNIPE; “ ENGLISH SNIPE”; “ JACK SNIPE.” 


Common transient visitor, very rare in summer and winter. March 2 to 
ay 
May 5 (summer) ; August 27 to November 14 (winter). 


An unusually early autumn flight of this bird occurred in the last week of 
August, 1916. Dr. J. C. Phillipst reports twenty-five seen on August 27 in the 
Topsfield marshes and flocks were seen elsewhere in the State. Messrs. A. P. 
Stubbs and G. M. Bubier have found this bird spending the winter for the last 
fifteen years at Hall’s Brook in Lynn. Damsell records a bird shot at Newbury- 
port on February 8, 1880. 

The courtship of the Snipe is expressed by a flight-song, but the song is 
believed to be made by the stiff wing-primaries and not to be vocal. It may be 
heard in April on the borders of flooded meadows frequented by this bird. Soon 
after sunset, as it is beginning to grow dark, one may hear overhead, a quavering 
note, soft and mellow, repeated on all sides at frequent intervals. It is a sweet, 
wierd, musical sound, one that increases in intensity only to die out and lasting 
but two or three seconds. It has been described as a bleating sound, or like a 
distant Indian war-whoop made by striking the mouth at frequent intervals during 
the expulsion of air from the lungs. It is an all-pervading sound and its author 
is difficult to locate. In fact in the dusk one rarely or never sees the performers 
‘which appear to be at a considerable height above the ground. I have caught a 
glimpse of a bird which appeared as a speck in the sky. The song begins at 
sunset and may continue for forty-five minutes. 

Early in the evening I have heard from a bird on\the ground a clear, rapidly 
repeated whistling note which was evidently vocal. 

On May 22, 1907, Mr. Geo. M. Bubier reported that a snipe at the fresh 
marshes in Lynnfield “ flew up and alighted on a telegraph pole beside the railroad 
tracks. As we got too near it would fly to the\next pole, now and then fluttering 
about our heads uttering a peank. It very likely had a nest.” 

When disturbed with its young the adults perform the wounded-bird act. 
They fly slowly a few yards with dangling legs, drop on the ground as if wounded, 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 33, p. 434, 1916. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 79 


lie on the side, or flutter off making themselves very conspicuous, with wings and 
tail spread. 

Mr. A. P. Stubbs on October 13, 1915, saw a Wilson’s Snipe kill itself by 
flying against a trolley-wire in Lynn. 


102 [231] Macrorhamphus griseus griseus (Gmel.). 


DowITCHER; RED-BREASTED SNIPE; “ RoBIN SNIPE”; ‘“ BROWN-BACK.”’ 


Not uncommon transient visitor, rare in spring. May 20 to June 7; July 6 
to September 25. 


The September 25 record was of a bird at Eagle Hill in 1909, seen by Mr. 
Sees Hays 

In the original Memoir I said I had never seen this bird on a beach. On 
August 5, 1916, I saw one on Ipswich Beach at dead-low tide. 

The Dowitcher has probably increased slightly in numbers since the Federal 
Law went into effect. This increase, I am inclined to think, is due not so much 
to the law that protects it at all times, but to the fact that shooting is not allowed 
at all until August 15 instead of, as formerly, on July 15. Most of the Dowitchers 
have passed by August 15. With the best intentions of observing the law, 
many gunners shoot these birds under the impression they are shooting Summer 
Yellow-legs. 

‘As the Dowitcher is especially fond of shallow, brackish water and of mud- 
flats devoid of vegetation, the shores of Clark’s Pond at Great Neck, Ipswich, are 
their favorite resort. On July 26, 1914, I watched at that place a flock of nine- 
teen of these birds. They waded in water up to their bellies and their long bills 
and heads were partially or wholly immersed in the water. A chopping motion 
with head and neck is made, and the bill is rarely withdrawn entirely from 
the water. 

In feeding and in flight the Dowitcher forms compact flocks. The long 
straight bill, out of all proportion to the size of the bird, is the most noticeable 
field-mark. The legs are yellowish green. In flight the white-barred tail-feathers 
and the gray triangle on the rump with its apex on the back between the wings 
are noticeable features. 


103 [232] Macrorhamphus griseus scolopaceus (Say). 
LonG-BILLED DowiTcCHER; WESTERN DowITCHER. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


80 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


104 [233] Micropalama himantopus .(Bonap.). 
Stitt SANDPIPER; ‘‘ BASTARD YELLOW-LEG.” 
Irregular, and at times not uncommon transient visitor. July 22 to October 2. 
> 7 


I have seen the Stilt Sandpiper at Clark’s Pond. It is a diligent feeder on 
mud-flats and probes the mud with bill slightly opened. Although its body is not 
larger than that of a Ring-neck, its long legs make it look as big as a Dowitcher. 
The legs are yellow, but not as bright as those of the Yellow-legs. Its bill is 
long and slightly decurved. There is a light line through the eye. In flight it 
shows a grayish-white tail but lacks the gray rump-triangle of the Dowitcher 
and the white rump of the Yellow-leg. The note I have heard is a single whistle. 


105 [234] Tringa canutus Linn. 


’ ’ 


Knot; “ RED-BREASTED PLovER”; “ BLUE PLOVER”; 


Common transient visitor. May 20 to June 12 (June 25); July 17 to 
November 8. 


On June 11 and 12, 1910, during an easterly storm I found four full-plumaged 
Knots on the beach at Ipswich. In wading in a tidal pool one went beyond its 
depth and swam across to the other side. 

While the tarsi of the young are greenish yellow, as stated in the original 
Memoir, those of the adult are dark, almost black. 


106 [235] Arquatella maritima maritima (Briinn.). 


Purple SANDPIPER; “Rock SNIPE”; “ WINTER SNIPE.” 


Common winter visitor. (July 30) ; November 1 to May 30. 


On the late date of May 30, 1918, Mr. C. R. Lamb! found a flock of forty of 
these birds on the Salvages off Rockport. He shot six for his collection. 

On March 14, 1909, at the Salvages and at Thatcher’s Island, I saw three 
flocks of Purple Sandpipers, one of ten, another of twenty-four, and a third of 
twenty-eight individuals. In feeding at low tide among the rock-weed they are 


1Lamb, C. R. Auk, vol. 35, p. 233, 1918. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY SI 


frequently washed by the waves which they follow as eagerly as Sanderlings, but 
instead of retreating by running as the latter bird generally does on the beach, 
they flutter up the steep rocks partly in and partly out of the water. 

On the wing they resemble other sandpipers, flying in compact flocks, often 
close to the water and turning swiftly from side to side. 

No mention was made in the original Memoir of the call of this bird. I have 
since recorded it as a sweet but rather squeaky chip, and in a huddled flock low 
conversational chippings are frequently heard. 

I have also noticed that the bill is slightly decurved. The yellow base of the 
bill is a noticeable feature either in profile or in front view. 


107 [239] Pisobia maculata (Vieill.). 
PECTORAL SANDPIPER; “ GRASS-BIRD”; “‘ BROWN-BACK.” 


Very rare spring, common and at times abundant autumn transient visitor. 
May 23, 24; July 15 to November 6. 


On May 23, 1908, Mr. C. J. Maynard saw several Pectoral Sandpipers at 
Clark’s Pond; on May 24, 1912, Mrs. Edmund Bridge found two at Eagle Hill. 
These are the only spring records I have for this bird. 

On September 29, 1918, I made a careful study of a flock of fifteen or twenty 
of these birds in the salt-marshes near my house. Their behavior was character- 
istic. Flying in a compact bunch they swung in response to my whistle within easy 
gunshot of me, as I stood unconcealed. Alighting suddenly, they became invisible 
in the short grass, through and under which they ran, spreading out in all direc- 
tions. Occasionally several would stand still and stretch their necks above the 
grass and look about, but it required close attention to see them. They kept to 
the cover of the grass and avoided the bare muddy sloughs preferred by other 
shore-birds of the marsh. The name “ Grass-bird” fits them well. They did not 
flush until I was within a few yards of them and they rose a few at a time uttering 
either the alarm note, a rasping krick, or the sweet rolling or trilling whistle much 
like that of the Least Sandpiper. After flushing some of the flock I nearly stepped 
on others before they rose. 

That the Grass-bird looks like “a large Least Sandpiper” is carried out even 
to the slight decurving of the bill as in that species. Although not a brilliantly 
colored or marked bird, its well-shaded and spotted neck and breast, and deli- 
cately pencilled back, with feathers bordered with white and buff, make it very 
attractive. While the tarsi of the adult males are straw-colored, those of the 
females and young have a greenish-yellow hue. 

6 


82 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


As I was watching this flock a male Duck Hawk suddenly appeared and, 
striking down a Grass-bird within thirty yards of me, passed on in its impetuous 
flight but swung around, picked the dead bird up in its talons and was off. 

The Pectoral Sandpiper is rarely seen away from salt water in the County. 
On October 13, 1916, Dr. J. C. Phillips saw seventy-five or a hundred on the 
Topsfield meadows of the Ipswich River. About the same time several flocks 
were seen near Wenham Lake. 


1o8 [240] Pisobia fuscicollis (Vieill.). 
WHUITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER; BONAPARTE’S SANDPIPER; “ BULL-PEEP.” 


Rare spring and common autumn transient visitor. May 23 to June 9; July 
10 to November Io. 


109 [241] Pisobia bairdi (Coues). 
Barrp’s SANDPIPER; “ BULL-PEEP.” 
Rare transient visitor. July 28 to October 1. 


In the last fifteen years I have seen several Baird’s Sandpipers at Ipswich, 
both on the beach and at Clark’s Pond. When alone it does not seem much larger 
than a Semipalmated Sandpiper, but when with this latter species it looks at times 
noticeably larger. I have noted it as about the size of a Sanderling, but standing 
rather higher. The bright, almost golden pattern on the back is noticeable, and 
the buffy wash on the sides of the neck. The tarsi are greenish and there is a 
rather broad but indistinct white line seen on the wings in flight. 


110 [242] Pisobia minutilla (Vieill.). 
Least SANDPIPER; “ PEEP”; “ MuD-PEEP.” 


Abundant transient visitor. May 5 to June 7 (summer); July 3 to Septem- 
ber 13 (October 13). 


The increase in numbers of this species is at times very striking. On May 
23, 1915, Dr. J. C. Phillips saw on the beach at Great Neck, Ipswich, a number 
of flocks of 500 or more each, totalling many thousands in all. 

A surprisingly large number of early migrants from the north appeared at 
Ipswich on July 3, 911. A flock of at least fifty whirled about and alighted near 
me on the marsh. All went off but a few and I counted ten of these that 
remained. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 83 


The courtship flight-song of this bird I have observed on the breeding-grounds 
in the North. The bird rises like a mechanical toy and flies in irregular circles 
from twenty to fifty yards above the bog with wings set down and quivering 
rapidly. In the flight it emits a short fine trill suggestive of a cricket, rapidly 
repeated. On one occasion the bird remained in the air five minutes and con- 
tinued to trill after it had reached the ground. Immediately it was up again, trill- 
ing, and, as I left the bog it followed after me, still trilling. On the ground the 
colors matched so well those of the bog that the bird at once became invisible if not 
carefully noted down. 

In the original Memoir I referred to the resemblance of the Least to the 
Pectoral Sandpiper and have since come across the following by Coues:* “ This 
diminutive species in form, color and general habits, is very closely allied to the 
preceding [Pectoral Sandpiper] of which it is in fact a perfect miniature.” 

In the original Memoir I discussed at some length the field-marks of this 
species, and have to add here only the facts that the bill is slightly decurved and 
that the white line on the wings is more clearly defined than in the Semipalmated 


species. 


111 [243a] Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieill.). 
RED-BACKED SANDPIPER; DUNLIN; “ BRANT-BIRD.” 


Rare spring and common autumn transient visitor. May 20 to June 18; 
September 1 to November 8 (December 13). 


The December 13 record is of one seen at Ipswich in 1913 by Dr. G. M. Allen. 
In a large flock of Sanderlings at Ipswich on May 31, 1915, I saw a single full- 
plumaged Dunlin, and another single bird on May 28, 1916. 


112 [244] Erolia ferruginea (Brimn.). 


CuRLEW SANDPIPER. 


Accidental visitor from Europe. 


There are no additions to the three previous records. 


1Coues, Elliott. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., p. 230, 1861. 


84 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


113 [246] Ereunetes pusillus (Linn.). 
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER; ‘“‘ SAND-PEEP.”’ 


Abundant transient visitor. May 13 to June 14; summer; July 10 to 
October 30. 


The Semipalmated Sandpiper appears to have responded to the protection 
afforded by the Federal Law for Migratory Birds. On August 8, 1913, I counted 
a flock of 380 of these birds on Ipswich Beach. On August 12, 1913, I found an 
immense flock on Coffin’s Beach, composed entirely of these birds with the excep- 
tion of twenty Semipalmated Plovers and two Sanderlings. Partly by counting 
and partly by estimation I found there were at least 1500 birds in the flock. 

In the protection of Clark’s Pond at Great Neck, Ipswich, this species is 
very abundant, especially when the water is low and large flats are exposed. The 
birds are so scattered I have not been able to estimate the numbers at these times. 
Several times in August I have been much interested in the actions and notes of 
the Semipalmated Sandpipers here collected,—actions and notes that are not 
heard when the birds are busily feeding on the beach. I have noticed that the 
birds were nearly all young and were frequently fighting, probably in play. Two 
would face each other, crouching almost flat on the mud or in the water and sud- 
denly spring at each other with wings outspread. Sometimes they would slowly 
walk toward each other with neck and body almost touching the ground and with 
head up. This would be repeated again and again. Nearly all the birds appeared 
to be emitting a rapidly repeated rolling note. I have sometimes described it as 
a whinny in my notes, and have tried to reduce it to the syllables eh eh eh or 
what-er, what-er. This rolling note was constantly heard from all over the mud- 
flats, and produced a considerable volume of sound. It was entirely unlike the 
familiar whistle of the migrating flocks on the beaches. It suggests to me a modi- 
fication of the nuptial song which I described in the original Memoir. This, 
besides the succession of sweet notes that recall a Goldfinch or a Canary, has a 
rolling or whinnying character. One was heard in the nuptial song in the 
marshes by my son Charles in the darkness of the evening and of a fog at 8 P.M. 
on May 22, 1915. 

I have noticed that this species in walking on the beach sometimes pauses 
with the rear foot slightly lifted showing plainly the semipalmation. 


114 [247] Ereunetes mauri Cabanis. 
WESTERN SANDPIPER. 


Rare autumn transient visitor. July 30 to September 20. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 85 


115 [248] Calidris leucophza (Pallas). 


SANDERLING; “ BEACH-BIRD”’; “ WHITEY”; “ BEACH PLOVER.” 
, ’ , 


Abundant transient visitor. May 20 to June 8; July 10 to November 25 
(December 6, 12). 


The December 12 record is of several birds seen by Mr. A. C. Stubbs near 
the Nahant Coast Guard Station. In June 8, 1919, I saw a flock of six Sander- 
lings on Ipswich Beach. 

The Sanderling has held its own and may possibly have increased in numbers 
since the Federal Law went into effect, but the increase is not so noticeable as in 
the case of the Semipalmated Sandpiper. 

On the hard wet sand of the beaches one may see in places the characteristic 
probings of the Sanderling without a trace of their foot marks, and these may be 
the cause of considerable mystery to the uninitiated. While the Semipalmated 
Sandpiper runs about with his head down dabbing irregularly here and there, the 
Sanderling vigorously probes the sand in a series of holes a quarter of an inch to 
an inch apart in straight or curving lines a foot to two feet long. Sometimes the 
probings are so near together that the line is almost a continuous one like the 
furrow of a miniature plough. The sand is thrown up in advance so that one can 
tell in which direction the bird is going. A close inspection of the probings often 
reveals their double character, showing that the bill was introduced partly open. 
The probings are for the minute sand fleas and other crustaceans in the sand, 
their principal food. I have seen Sanderlings running about nimbly on the beach, 
catching the sand fleas which were hopping on the surface. I have also seen them 
catching flies. Ihave the record of one I shot in 1884, whose stomach was stuffed 
with small specimens of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis. 


116 [249] Limosa fedoa (Linn.). 
MarsLep Gopwit; Brown Martin. 


Accidental transient visitor. 


Besides the four records of this bird given in the original Memoir two are 
to be added from Mr. Damsell’s records.t_ Both of these birds were shot, one on 
July 28 and another on July 30, 1888. 


1 Auk, vol. 30, p. 24, 1913. 


86 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


117 [251] Limosa hemastica (Linn.). 
Hupsoni1an Gopwit; “ BLACK-TAIL.” 


Rare autumn transient visitor. July 20 to November 12. 


, 


“Large flocks” of this bird are recorded by Mr. Damsell on September 7, 
1891; and on August 26, 1908, Mr. T. C. Wilson and others reported a flock of 
seventy on the great marshes of Plum Island River. 


It is my great regret that I have never yet seen this bird alive. 


118 [254] Totanus melanoleucus (Gmel.). 


GREATER YELLOW-LEGS; GREATER TATTLER; ‘‘ WINTER 
YELLOW-LEGS ”’; “ WINTER.” 


Common transient visitor. (March 27) April 19 to June 14 (June 28, July 
6); July 20 to November to. 


On May 20, 1905, I counted 145 of these birds in a scattered flock on the 
marsh at Ipswich. 

The courtship song of the Greater Yellow-legs comes up from the marshes 
of Essex County throughout the month of May, but is heard in greater volume 
during the two middle weeks. It has a sweet and pleading character and seems to 
say wull yer? wull yer? Although it differs from the Flicker-like call described 
in the original Memoir, which may be heard at the same time, it too has a decided 
Flicker-like flavor. It is heard throughout the day, but in the evening until it is 
nearly dark, the marshes often resound with the plaintive callings. 

In walking in the shallow water of a pond these long-legged birds kick out 
their legs behind as if to rid them of weeds or grass. They dab at the mud or 
water like a plover instead of deliberately probing it like a sandpiper with head 
down. They often pick off insects from the grass or the surface of the water, 
and I have found small fish in their stomachs. 


119 [255] Totanus flavipes (Gmel.). 


YELLOW-LEGS; LESSER YELLOW-LEGS; “ SUMMER 
YELLOW-LEGS”’; “ SUMMER.” 


Common autumn transient visitor, accidental in spring. April 30, May 3; 
July 3 to September 15 (October 11, 30). 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 87 


120 [256] Helodromas solitarius solitarius (Wils.). 
SoLirary SANDPIPER. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. April 30 to May 30; July 9 to October 14. 


My record for April 30 is of a bird seen by me in Ipswich, in 1905. The 
May 30 record was of a bird seen in Wenham by Mr. Ralph Hoffmann in 1907. 
The early July records are by Mr. A. P. Stubbs of several birds seen in Lynn 
in 1916. 


121 [258] Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus (Gmel.). 
WItteET; “ HuMILItTy.” 


Uncommon transient visitor. May 13 to June 4 (June 17); August 4 to 
September 1. 


The striking black-and-white wing feathers make it easy to recognize this 
bird even when it flies over at a considerable height. It is probable that the notes 
on occurrence given above should now be transferred to the Western Willet as 
will be stated under that subspecies. 


*122 [258a] Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus (Brewst.). 


WESTERN WILLET. 


It is believed that most, if not all, of the Willets of the Essex County coast 
belong to this western subspecies, as the eastern form may not now breed north of 
Virginia, although, within a few years, a summer resident of Nova Scotia. It is 
possible, of course, for Virginia birds to wander north after the breeding season. 

In the winter plumage, which is assumed in summer, this form can be dis- 
tinguished from the eastern form only by its slightly larger size. In nuptial 
plumage it is paler above, the breast less heavily streaked and more suffused with 
buffy, and the middle tail-feathers lack black bars. 


123 [260] Machetes pugnax (Linn.). 
Rurr. 
Accidental visitor from the Old World. 


The single record of 1871 remains unique. 


88 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


124 [261] Bartramia longicauda (Bechst.). 
UpLanp PLover; “ PASTURE PLOVER.” 


Very rare spring, uncommon autumn transient visitor (summer). April 3 
to May 7 (June 24, 25, July 2, 3, 9) ; July 16 to October 26. 


I have several more spring records for this bird. One was seen by me in a 
field at Ipswich on April 29, 1906; Mr. A. P. Stubbs saw two near Lynn on June 
25, 1916; three were seen at Newburyport on June 24, 1916, by Mr. S. W. Bailey. 
The June and early July records suggest breeding birds. I saw one of the birds 
found by Mr. Stubbs near Lynn on July 3, 1913, and two had been seen there by 
Mr. Stubbs in July, 1912. This splendid bird is certainly less common than it 
was fifteen or twenty years ago. 

When an Upland Plover alights, it may hold its wings stretched vertically up 
over the back for a second, motionless, before slowly folding them. When stand- 
ing still, it often nods its head nervously by drawing it first backward; it may or 
may not jerk its tail at the same time. In walking, its head and neck are thrust 
out and back in a dove-like manner, and the tail is held parallel with the ground. 
When flushed both sexes emit the mournful, tremulous alarm or call-note 
described in the original Memoir, often several times in rapid succession. 

At No Man’s Land, off Martha’s Vineyard, on June 15, 1913, I had an oppor- 
tunity to study four or five pairs that were probably nesting on the island. Several 
of these birds were flying in irregular circles, sometimes at a considerable height, 
alternately soaring or on tremulous wings. From time to time they gave forth a 
wierd song, wild and sad, suggestive of rushing winds in desolate regions. This 
aeolian wailing melody was undoubtedly the courtship song, and although usually 
given from the air, it was at times emitted from the ground. Very inadequately 
I have endeavored to express this song by the syllables oh-whee-oup, whee you. 


125 [262] Tryngites subruficollis (Vieill.). 
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER; “ HILL GRASS-BIRD.” 


Rare transient visitor. July 28 to September 14. 


The September 14 record was made by Dr. Walter Faxon at Ipswich in 1916. 


1 Bailey, S. W. Auk, vol. 34, p. 207, 1917. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 89 


126 [263] Actitis macularia (Linn.). 
SpoTTED SANDPIPER; ‘“ TEETER-PEEP.” 

Common summer resident. April 20 to November 14. 

Eggs: May 30 to July 4. ; 

It is an interesting fact that the downy young of this species only three or 
four days out of the egg, before a sign of a tail appears, teeters the posterior 
extremity of its body up and down as do its parents. 

In Labrador I caught a nearly full grown young still unable to fly and put it 
in a small river. It at once dove and swam under water for the distance of three 
or four feet using for propulsion its wings and probably its feet although I could 
not be sure of the latter point. It then rose to the surface and swam to the 
opposite side like a little duck and walked out on the sand where the mother was 
anxiously calling. 

I have seen adults, who evidently had young near, alternately fly at Esqui- 
maux dogs and lead them away by flying low and slowly before them. 

In the spring and early summer they frequently give voice to what may be 
called a song: trru-wheet rapidly repeated several times very sweetly and sug- 
gestive of the end of the song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This may be given 
from the ground or on the wing and I have heard it in the evening when it was 
too dark to see the bird. 


127 [264] Numenius americanus Bechst. 
LONG-BILLED CURLEW; “ SICKLE-BILL’’; “ HEN CURLEW.” 
Accidental transient visitor. 


The latest authentic record given in the original Memoir was for 1884. Dam- 
sell’ left two records in his notebooks of birds shot on the Salisbury marshes, 
namely for July 21, 1887, and July 25, 1891. 


128 [265] Numenius hudsonicus Lath. 
Hupsontan CurLEw; “ JACK CURLEW.” 


Rare spring, uncommon autumn transient visitor. May 24 to May 30; July 
5 to September 17. 


The early date of July 5 records three birds flying south over the Essex 
marshes in 1912. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 24, 1913. 


go MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


This splendid bird has, I am afraid, diminished in numbers in the last fifteen 
years. In the original Memoir I said it was “an apparent, but I am inclined to 
think, only an apparent, exception to the rule that the shore birds are all decreas- 
ing in numbers,” and went on to explain that the Long-billed species was so much 
more common in proportion to the Hudsonian in former days up to the seventies, 
that the latter species was considered rare. The following quotations from 
Wayne's! “ Birds of South Carolina” put a different light on the subject and are 
of great interest. They confirm the statements of Maynard who found the Long- 
billed Curlew “not uncommon ” at Ipswich between 1867 and 1872, and the Hud- 
sonian Curlew “very rare.” Wayne says of the Hudsonian Curlew: “ This species 
supplanted the Long-billed Curlew between the years 1883 and 1885, for previous 
to these dates the former species was rare, but it gradually became more abundant 
each year until it established itself firmly in great numbers. The result was that 
the Long-billed Curlew was driven from its accustomed range by a smaller species, 
in the struggle for existence.” 

He says that the Long-billed Curlew “is now almost extinct on the South 
Carolina Coast, while it once swarmed in countless multitudes. Since 1885 it has 
been supplanted by the Hudsonian Curlew (NV. hudsonicus), which is still exceed- 
ingly abundant during the spring and autumn migrations. .. . 1 do not think that 
americanus has been exterminated by being shot, but that it has changed its route 
of migration.” 

I once watched a large bird of this species, probably a female, feeding on the 
mud-flats of Clark’s Pond. It probed with the bill partly open sometimes forcing 
it half its length into the mud. Later the bird flew up into the pasture on the hills 
and pursued and ate grasshoppers and other insects. 


129 [266] Numenius borealis (J. R. Forst.). 
Eskimo CurLew; “ DouGH-zirp.” 


Transient visitor, accidental in the spring, very rare in the autumn. August 
24 to September 15. 


An extraordinary record is the following: “ Eskimo Curlew in Massachusetts. 
—I am informed by Mr. E. H. Ives, of Boston, that a flock of about fifty Eskimo 
Curlew (Numenius borealis) was seen last spring (May 17, 1916) at Chut-Head 
Sands, near the mouth of the Rowley River between the towns of Ipswich and 
Rowley, Mass. 


1 Wayne, A. T. “Birds of South Carolina.” Contrib. Charleston Mus., no. I, pp. 55, 
57, IGIO. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY gI 


“A letter to Mr. Ives from J. E. Short (not dated) says, ‘I should say there 
were fifty of them—they stayed around two days. Charles Bartlett saw them 
(also) and he said he hadn't seen any for 15 years.’ 

“Both Short and Bartlett are ‘clammers’ and have been experienced shore- 
bird gunners in the past. Mr. Ives has talked with both these men and others at 
Rowley and feels certain that there was no mistake in identification—Joun C. 
Puitiies,t Wenham, Mass.” 

Of historical interest is the following quotation from Audubon overlooked in 
the original Memoir: “ Previous to my voyage to Labrador I had seen only a 
single bird of this species, which was kindly given me by my learned friend, Wil- 
liam Oakes, Esq., of Ipswich, Massachusetts, who had procured it in his imme- 
diate neighborhood, where, as I have since ascertained, the Esquimaux Curlew 
spends a few days in early autumn while on its way southward.” 

The only other definite record for Essex County in the last fifteen years I am 
able to give is the following: “I purchased of Mr. John Hardy of the Boston 
Market, a male Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis) taken at Newburyport, 
Mass., by A. B. Thomas, August 27, 1908. He shot two, but the other bird had 
its head so badly shot that it could not be made into a skin—Joun E. THayer,’ 
Lancaster, Mass.” 


130 [270] Squatarola squatarola (Linn.). 


BLACK-BELLIED PLover; “ BEETLE-HEAD’’; “ BLACK-HEART”’; 
“ BULL-HEAD”’; “ CHUCKLE-HEAD.” 


Common transient visitor. May 8 to June 10 (June 25, 27); July 5 to No- 
vember 20. 


On June 10, 1906, there were five on Ipswich Beach, two in full black-bellied 
plumage, three with pale bellies. On June 27, 1909, I found three on the beach, 
one in full plumage, two mottled. 

Besides the counts of the various stages of plumage seen in the spring, given 
in the original Memoir, the following of a flock of sixty-six that passed by me 
within a hundred yards as I lay concealed on the beach at Ipswich, may be added. 
This was on May 21, 1905. Nineteen were in full nuptial plumage, twenty-seven 
in various stages of molt from the pale-belly winter plumage to the summer 
plumage, and twenty were apparently still in winter plumage, but nearly all 
showed on close scrutiny with a telescope a few black feathers coming in on the 


1 Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 33, p. 434, 1916. 
2 Audubon, J. J. The Birds of America, vol. 6, p. 45, 1843.. 
3 Thayer, J. E. Auk, vol. 26, p. 77, 1909. 


92 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


lower breast. Dr. J. C. Phillips records a Black-bellied Plover shot at Wenham 
Lake on October 21, 1914, the only one he ever shot there. 

I have little to add to my former notes on this splendid bird. One of the 
very few times I have seen it in the salt-marshes was on May 20, 1906, when a 
flock of almost fifty swung around and alighted in the marsh near my house at 
Ipswich. On May 30, 1907, about four in the afternoon a flock of over twenty 
flew north over my house in perfect V-formation. Their calls came down in a 
shower of sweet yet mournful whistles. Mr. R. M. Marble at Ipswich on the 
morning of May 15, 1912, saw a flock of about two hundred of these birds fly up 
until nearly out of sight and then strike out for the north. 

A study of the wet sand where Black-bellied Plover have been feeding shows 
that the hole made by the bill is often double, indicating that the bill is open when 
the bird dabs at the sand. 


131 [272] Charadrius dominicus dominicus (Miill.). 
GOLDEN PLOVER; ‘“ PALE-BELLY”’; ‘‘ GREEN-BACK”’; “ GREEN PLOVER.” 


Accidental spring, rare autumn transient visitor. April 8 to May 18; August 
23 to November 14. 


The April 8 record was made in rort, at Plum Island by Mr. J. L. Peters' 
in company with Dr. J. B. Brainerd, Barron Brainerd, and Richard M. Marble. 
Mr. Peters shot the bird which is now in his collection. The bird proved to be a 
male with a single black feather near the middle of the breast. ‘The bird had 
not been seen by members of the Plum Island life-saving station near which it 
was shot, neither were there any traces of old wounds. His body was entirely 
free from fat. Whether he was a straggling migrant or a bird that had been 
forced to winter is a question open to discussion.” Damsell records that this 
species was abundant in 1891. In 1908, following a storm on August 26, there 
was a large flight of these birds on the Essex County coast and individuals 
remained until September 29. Mr. G. M. Bubier estimates there were 270 birds 
and that 28 were shot at Eagle Hill. Mr. George Patterson reported “a large 
bunch” crossing over the Ipswich dunes on August 26, 1918. 


132 [273] Oxyechus vociferus (Linn.). 
KILLDEER. 


Not uncommon summer resident (winter). March 13 to December 15 
(winter). 


1 Peters, J. L. Auk, vol. 28, p. 368, 1911. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 93 


This species has changed in the last seven years from a very rare and some- 
what accidental visitor to a summer resident. It is to be hoped that it has become 
a regular breeder in the County. 

Mr. Arthur P. Stubbs? on June 25, 1913, while exploring the borders of the 
Lynn marshes near Revere, discovered three Killdeer. Each year since, during 
the breeding season, he has found Killdeer in this locality, his dates ranging from 
April 25 to September 27. Although he has never found the eggs or young, their 
continued presence during the season seems to indicate their breeding. Mr. Stubbs 
kindly notified me of his discovery and I visited the region on July 3 and 12, 1913. 

On the former date I found the largest number of Killdeer I have ever seen 
together in the County. As I entered the marsh, nine birds got up together from 
several places, united, and flew off in one flock, all crying out noisily. 

Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge? reported from one to five Killdeer at Clark’s Pond, 
Ipswich, on July 24 to August 28, 1912. These were probably migrants, but may 
have nested in the County. I have seen from one to four there in other years. 
On May 18, 1918, Mr. G. M. Bubier saw one Killdeer at Ipswich. 

Mr. S. W. Bailey® reported a Killdeer at West Newbury on May 24, 1915, in 
a pasture and three flying over on September 6 and others on October 18, 1915. 
Throughout May and June, 1916, he found two to four adults frequently in 
ploughed fields and pastures. It is probable these birds were breeding. 

On October 18, 1917, fourteen birds were reported at Peabody by Mr. R. B. 
Mackintosh and in May, 1918, a pair undoubtedly nested there. In 1919, Mr. A. 
B. Fowler found a pair evidently nesting at this place. On March 30, 1910, Judge 
Robert Walcott saw a Killdeer at Gloucester. It is a great satisfaction to be able 
to report such an increase in the numbers of this interesting bird in the County. 

Dr. Allen* gives some earlier records by Daimsell. He says: “ The memorable 
winter flight of these birds in 1888 [referred to in the original Memoir] was 
noticed at Amesbury, where on December 4, four were shot, and two the following 
day. In 1884 a bird was shot on the marsh in August, and in 1895 one is recorded 
November 25.” 

The Killdeer is a noticeable bird in the field both on account of its markings 
and on account of its voice. It says kill-dee kill-dee very plainly. Its cries 
resound through the marsh and are often varied by piercing tee-ars rapidly 
repeated or by cries of ker ker ker or eet eet ect. It is a noisy bird. 

In flight the white bar on the wings is very noticeable. Alighted, its long, 


1 Stubbs, Arthur P. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, p. 364, 1916. 
2 Bridge, Lidian E. Auk, vol. 29, p. 537, 1912. 

3 Bailey, S. W. Auk, vol. 34, pp. 207, 208, 1917. 

4 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 24, 1913. 


94 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


straw-colored legs, its long tail with buff-colored upper coverts, and the two black 
bars on the breast are all good field-marks. It is rather a tall bird in proportion 
to the size of the body and it bobs occasionally, the head going up, the tail down. 
It dabs at the water or mud in the regular plover style. 


133 [274] Aégialitis semipalmata (Bonap.). 
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER; ‘“‘ RING-NECK.” 


Abundant transient visitor in the autumn, not common in the spring. May 
7 to June 14 (June 26, 30) ; July 12 to October 26 (November 10). 


The June 30 record is for 1918, when I saw three in full cry flying north over 
the Castleneck River. The November io record is of a single bird seen on 
Ipswich Beach, in 1913, by Dr. Walter Faxon and Dr. W. M. Tyler. 

On the breeding-grounds I have watched this species flying about in irregular 
circles calling frequently. These repeated calls, which are not very unlike the 
Flicker’s call are also given from the ground. I have also heard this courtship 
song, for so it may be regarded, at Ipswich in September. At the same time the 
birds, which were adults, were crouched low and chasing each other with tails 
spread and slightly cocked up, the wings partly open and the feathers of the flanks 
puffed out. Occasionally two birds walked slowly in this manner side by side. 


134 [277] Aégialitis meloda (Ord). 
Pip1nG PLOVER. 


Rare summer resident, not uncommon transient visitor. March 29 to 
October 28. 


Eggs: May 20. 


In the ’sixties and ‘seventies, Mr. C. J. Maynard described this bird as “ breed- 
ing very plentifully on the Ipswich sandhills.” It continued to breed there in fast 
diminishing numbers until about the publication of the original Memoir. Between 
1905 and 1915, I doubt if it laid its eggs in that region, but in the latter year and 
since, one and possibly more pairs have bred every summer. I have found them 
in June nervously flying about and acting like wounded birds fluttering along the 
sand. The eggs are deposited in depressions in the sand under a tuft of grass 
or in the open. Sometimes the nest is lined or decorated with bits of white shell 
which makes the sandy-colored eggs conspicuous. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 95 


Since the original Memoir was published the subspecies, circumcincta, or 
Belted Piping Plover, has very properly been dropped from the Check-List. On 
August 6, 1907, of a flock of six Piping Plover on Ipswich Beach two were beauti- 
fully belted, and on May 3, 1914, out of five all but one were belted. 


135 [280] Ochthodromus wilsonius (Ord). 
WILSon’s PLOVER. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


The record from the County for May 8, 1904, still remains unique. The bird 
was shot by Mr. Charles W. Loud, and I trust he will pardon me for not having 
given him the credit in the original Memoir. He was the “gunner” mentioned, 
and to his generosity I owe both the record and the specimen. 


136 [283a] Arenaria interpres morinella (Linn.). 
Ruppy TuRNSTONE; “ CHICKEN PLOVER”; “ CHICKEN”; “ CALICO-BIRD.” 


Common transient visitor. May 10 to June 3; July 25 to October 16. 


I have nothing to add to my account in the original Memoir of this interesting 
bird, except that I find in my notes the expression “bald head” and “the mark- 
ings on the back of the bird in flight suggest a zebra.” These may serve to impress 
on the mind some of the field-marks of the bird. 


137 [289] Colinus virginianus virginianus (Linn.). 


Bos-wHITE; “ QuAIL.” 
Rare resident. 
Eggs: May to September. 
The Bob-white has never recovered from the winter of 1903-4. As stated 
in Chapter II, the introduction of southern forms of this bird has not sufficed to 
reéstablish it and has probably done harm by weakening the little remaining native 


stock by interbreeding. 
Dr. Allen’ has found in his examination of the notebooks of Mr. B. F. Dam- 
sell that this bird is entered nearly every year among the birds seen about Ames- 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 24, 1913. 


96 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


bury, but after 1905, it appears no more. The severe winter of 1917-18 was also 
disastrous to this species. 

’ On September 8, 1918, I released eight Bob-whites at my place at Ipswich 
sent me by the Fish and Game Commission. They were seen about the place for 
two days only. I doubt if they survived the severe winter which followed. 

Numerous birds were reared and released at Wenham in 1915 and 1916 by 
Dr. J. C. Phillips—as many as seventy-five birds in one group. He has never 
learned what became of them. He states that the southern Bob-white lays about 
ten days earlier than our native bird. 


138 [298c] Canachites canadensis canace (Linn.). 


CANADIAN SPRUCE GROUSE; “ SPRUCE PARTRIDGE.” 
Accidental visitor from the North. 


The record of 1851 remains unique. 


139 [300] Bonasa umbellus umbellus (Linn.). 


RuFFED GROUSE; “ PARTRIDGE.” 
Common permanent resident. 
Eggs: May 7 to June 2. 


Dr. J. C. Phillips, who has made a careful study of the. relative abundance of 
Ruffed Grouse, has written his conclusions as follows: “In the winter of 1914— 
1915 Grouse were very plentiful indeed. I started twenty-five at Wenham in a 
short morning’s walk on February 13, 1915. The floods of July 1 to 10, 1915, 
seemed to start the decline in the Grouse of Essex County. During this period— 
nearly ten inches fell in July—I picked up nearly full-grown Pheasants, dead, 
many times. In the fall of 1915 there were less than for the past several years 
and fewer young birds. Still they were perhaps 75 to 90 per cent. normal. In 
1916, Grouse fell to about 30 per cent. normal and Pheasants to Io per cent. 
normal. In 1917, I was away, but from all reports and from what I saw in one 
day’s hunting, they were down to 20 or 25 per cent. In 1918, from all accounts, 
they were not over I5 or 20 per cent. 

“Thus far in 1919 there is without doubt a very marked increase, which I 
should estimate might be up to 50 or 60 per cent. normal.” 

The tracks of Ruffed Grouse in the snow are somewhat smaller than those of 
the Pheasant, the marks are thicker and the three toes are more nearly at right 
angles to each other. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 97 


140 [301] Lagopus lagopus lagopus (Linn.). 


WILLOW PTARMIGAN. 
Accidental visitor from the North. The record for 1859 remains unique. 


[306] Tympanuchus cupido (Linn.). HeatH Hen; “ PHEeasant.”—Extirpated. 

It is to be hoped that the remnant of this species, guarded so zealously by the State at 
Martha’s Vineyard, may so increase in numbers under wise care that in time the old haunts 
of this bird may be restocked, and that even at the northern limits of its range in Essex 
County it may come to it's own again. How interesting it would be if the spectacular court- 
ship performance of this bird could be seen on the bare hills of Essex County! 


[310a] Meleagris gallopavo silvestris Vieill. Wutp TurKey.—Extinct. 


[315] Ectopistes migratorius (Linn.). PAsseNcerR Piceon; “ Witp Piceon.”—Prob- 
ably extinct. 

Dr. Allen, in his “ Essex County Ornithologist,” says: “ Mr. Damsell was quite familiar 
with this species and the Mourning Dove, and his collection contains specimens of both, 
locally obtained. Of the Pigeon, a male and a female were shot on August 24, 1886. In 
1887, the species is entered twice, on April 23 and November 29. The year 1888 is the last 
year in which the Passenger Pigeon was observed, a flock of five on May 6. This was about 
the year when the bird practically disappeared from New England.” 


141 [316] Zenaidura macroura carolinensis (Linn.). 


Mourninc Dove. 
Rare summer resident. March 24 to November 21; winter. 
Eggs: —— to July 28. 


Damsell has records for February 24, 1890, and January 9, 1892, for this 
bird. Dr. J. C. Phillips observed twelve of this species on the Rice estate in Ips- 
wich on August 24, 1914. 

A note in the Auk? gives the interesting stomach-contents of a nestling taken 
by me at Boxford on August 12, 1905. 


142 [325] Cathartes aura septentrionalis Wied. 


TuRKEY VULTURE. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


There have been no records as far as I know added to the three already 
published. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 24, 1913. 
2 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 23, pp. 336, 337, 1906. 


7 


98 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


143 [326] Catharista urubu (Vieill.). 
BLACK VULTURE. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


There are three more records for this bird, and, curiously enough, one was 
taken at Pigeon Cove, where the 1863 record was obtained, and one at Nahant 
near the 1850 record at Swampscott. The Nahant record is of a bird shot on 
April 1, 1913, by Mr. Albert Richards. The Pigeon Cove record is of a bird taken 
on May 12, 1916, now in the collection of Mr. C. R. Lamb. In 1917, one was 
taken at Wenham on August 18, by Archer L. Pierce. 


144 [327] Elanoides forficatus (Linn.). 
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


The one record for 1882 remains unique. 


145 [331] Circus hudsonius (Linn.). 
Marsu Hawk. 


Common summer resident, very rare in winter. March 21 to November 22 
(January I, 21, February 9). 


Eggs: May 27 to June tf. 


The January 1 record is for 1917, a single bird seen by me at Ipswich. On 
February 9, 1912, Mr. R. M. Marble saw a Marsh Hawk at Ipswich. 

The courtship flight of the Marsh Hawk is a spectacular performance. I 
have been favored with it on two occasions. On June I, 1919, at Ipswich two 
birds were soaring high in the air. One rose in circles higher and higher without 
apparent movement of the wings. At a great height it suddenly dove down head 
foremost and then “looped the loop.” This was repeated several times. Once it 
appeared to turn a somersault sidewise; it screamed at the same time. 

I am afraid this hawk does not always live up to his reputation as a hunter 
of mice alone, for certain individuals appear to be fonder of birds. The experi- 
ence of those in charge of the Heath Hen Reservation at Martha’s Vineyard shows 
this to be the case. In the original Memoir I gave an account of a nest of the 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 99 


Marsh Hawk at Ipswich with its tell-tale bird pellets and two other instances of 
bird-hunting by Marsh Hawks. On a number of occasions I have observed a 
Marsh Hawk bird-hunting at Ipswich. In the latter part of June and early July, 
in 1917, and again in 1918, I have been awakened from my bed in the “ forest” 
on my farm by a great outcry among Robins and Bronzed Grackles, and I have 
seen a male Marsh Hawk circling over the trees, diving down among them and 
making off pursued by angry birds. This has happened day after day not only 
in the early morning but at other times of day. Several times I have found the 
feathers and other remains of Grackles and Robins in the “ forest.” Mr. R. A. 
Nichols, of Salem, reported at a meeting of the Essex County Ornithological Club 
on April 28, 1919, that a Marsh Hawk had struck with its talons several of his 
pullets weighing over a pound, but was unable to carry them off. The pullets soon 
died of the injuries. The hawk succeeded in carrying off a small pullet weighing 
about three-quarters of a pound. It is a pity that a few individuals should dis- 
grace the species, for the majority are undoubtedly mouse-hunters and helpful 
to the farmers. 

The Marsh Hawk has a great variety of cries. A large brown bird, probably 
a female, was constantly to be seen near a pine grove in the dunes in June and 
July, 1917. On my approach she would circle above the trees and emit a loud 
Flicker-like call which sounded like pe'-ter pe'-ter pe’-ter. Another bird in Boxford 
I heard call stee-whit-a-whit-a-whit. A third, a female who probably had young 
concealed near, several times flew straight at me to within thirty yards and then 
sheared up and around. She screamed constantly pee pee pee repeated fifteen or 
twenty times, and swt, wat, wat, wat; at times the notes were run together so 
that they sounded like a whinny. 

Like all hawks this species is frequently set upon by Crows. As a rule the 
Marsh Hawk circles upward and makes no effort to retaliate when the Crows 
endeavor to pounce from above on their victim; but, on one occasion at Ipswich, 
a Marsh Hawk, thus annoyed, while it was peacefully quartering a meadow, 
turned and struck at one of the Crows with its talons, but failed to hit it. 

The long pointed wings and long tail, the customary manner of flight by 
quartering the ground, and especially the white ramp make the recognition of this 
bird easy in the field. The adult male is sometimes a beautiful gray blue, while 
the young and females are brown. Like all hawks they carry the legs extended 
behind under the tail in flight. When carrying prey in the talons hawks carry 
it suspended below or at an angle behind toward the tail. They seem to tow it 
along through the air. 


100 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


146 [332] Accipiter velox (Wils.). 
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. 


Common transient visitor, rare summer resident ; very rare in winter. March 
10 to November 9 (December 7, January 5). 


Eggs: May 27 to June fo. 


All the Accipiters appear to be unafraid, and do not hesitate to dash at their 
quarry in the close proximity of man. One at Ipswich flew into an apple tree 
within twenty feet of me and did not leave until it had looked me over. I have 
seen them on two occasions attack Red-tailed Hawks with great fury and once a 
Marsh Hawk. 

A pair soaring and playing together high in the air gave me a beautiful exhi- 
bition. The smaller one, the male, would dart at the larger one, the female, who 
would shake or tip the wings to spill the air and fall down only to glide up again 
without movement of the wings to a great height. Again they would dart down 
with great speed, and turn and glide up again. 

Although the Sharp-shinned Hawk is capable of soaring as just described, 
their usual and characteristic flight is a succession of flutters and sails, of wing 
flappings and glidings. 

Their alarm cry is a sharp ki ki ki and at times they whinny like a Hairy 
Woodpecker. The young have a squealing whistle. 

The short rounded wings and long tail are characteristics of the Accipiters. 
The tail of the Sharp-shinned Hawk which is frequently spread in flight has a 
straight edge which distinguishes it from the Cooper’s Hawk with its rounded tail. 
. It must be remembered that the female Sharp-shinned Hawk is about as large as 
the male Cooper’s Hawk. 


147 [333] Accipiter cooperi (Bonap.). 
Coorer’s Hawk. 


Permanent resident, common in summer, very rare in winter. April 22 to 
October 28 (January, February 10). 


Eggs: May 8 to June 11. 


I have heard a loud single whistle emitted by one of these birds circling in 
August over the dunes in small circles and occasionally advancing by flapping its 
wings. At the nest it has a loud cackling ka ka ka. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY IOI 


I watched one at Ipswich that alighted in the salt-marsh and stayed there 
for five minutes. 

One that visited my place at Ipswich on September 3, 1915, killed in a short 
time a Robin and a half-grown chicken. I flushed the hawk who was feasting on 
the remains of the chicken within ten feet of me. 


The recognition of this bird in the field is given under the Sharp-shinned 
Hawk. 


148 [334] Astur atricapillus atricapillus (Wils.). 
GosHAWK. 


Rare and irregular winter visitor; at times common. September 28 to 
April 22. 


A large flight from the North of this splendid but destructive hawk occurred 
during the winter of 1906-07, and these birds were reported from all over the 
County. A female Goshawk seized a live Black Duck decoy in the Topsfield 
Marshes of the Ipswich River in November, 1906, and was shot by Mr. Julian M. 
Dodge. On December 16 of that year, an adult alighted in the top of an apple 
tree on my place at Ipswich. Another flight occurred in the winter of 1917-18. 

The Goshawk has the same characteristics as the Accipiters in its flight, 
boldness, and general appearance. It is about twice as large as a Sharp-shinned 
Hawk but has similar short rounded wings and long tail which is rounded or 
graduated like that of the Cooper’s Hawk. The adult is bluish slate-color above 
with a dark crown and patch on cheek, but the immature is brown above and 
lighter below like a Buteo. Its characteristic shape and manner of flying easily 
distinguish it. 


149 [337] Buteo borealis borealis (Gmel.). 
ReED-TAILED HAwk; “ Hen Hawk.” 

Very rare summer resident, more common transient visitor; rare in winter. 

Eggs: April 27. 

The cry of this hawk is a piercing whistle strongly suggestive, as Chapman 
says, of the sound made by escaping steam. ; 

All the Buteos are distinguished by their broad wings and short tails and their 
habit of soaring in circles. The Red-tailed Hawk is slightly larger than the Red- 
shouldered Hawk and the adult can be recognized by its rich rufous or terra-cotta 


red tail as seen in a good light either from above or below; immature birds lack 
this tail coloring. 


102 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


150 [339] Buteo lineatus lineatus (Gmel.). 
RED-SHOULDERED Hawk; ‘“‘ Hen Hawk.” 


Permanent resident, common in summer, uncommon in winter. 

Eggs: April 3 to June 6. 

At times this hawk, like the other hawks, migrates in large companies. One 
such was recorded by Damsellt at Amesbury on September 18, 1886, when a 
“flock of about 300” passed. 

The scream of this bird is so exactly imitated by the Blue Jay that one is 
often uncertain which species is present. The hawk sailing in circles is con- 
stantly changing the locality from which the sounds come, while the Blue Jay 
often screams from the same point in the woods. The latter bird is very apt to 
betray its identity by lapsing into its customary jay jay cry. 

A Red-shouldered Hawk, sailing in circles, lowered its legs until they hung 
straight down, voided, and then drew the legs back again under the tail. 

An adult female of this species was caught by a farmer at Ipswich on Janu- 
ary 20, 1913, ina trap baited with a dead hen. Although this confirmed the farm- 
er’s contention that the hawk was a veritable ‘‘ Hen Hawk,” there is reason to 
believe that it was attracted by carrion and the case does not prove that it would 
attack living poultry. 

The large size of this hawk, its broad wings, and short tail (which is not 
rufous in color), its habit of soaring in circles, as well as its cry so often imitated 
by the Blue Jay, serve to identify it. It is to be remembered, however, that the 
immature Red-tailed Hawk lacks the rufous tail color. Only under very favor- 
able circumstances can the red shoulders of lineatus be distinguished. 


151 [342] Buteo swainsoni Bonap. 


Swatnson’s Hawk. 
Accidental visitor from the West. 


I am glad to be able to report here a fourth record of this hawk for Essex 
County. On October 28, 1917, my son and I while motoring near Candlewood 
Corner, Ipswich, saw a bird flying across the fields toward us that we at first 
thought was a Crow. It crossed the road within seventy-five yards and although 
it was nearly black it was evident from its form that it was not a Crow but a small 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 103 


Buteo. I could distinctly see the shape of its bill and a shade of chestnut-brown 
on the flanks. After talking with Mr. Brewster and examining his specimens I 
have little doubt but that this was a Swainson’s Hawk. 


152 [343] Buteo platypterus (Vieill.). 
BROAD-WINGED HAWK. 


Not uncommon transient visitor, very rare summer resident. May 3 to May 
21; July ; September 11 to November 30. 


This is one of the easiest hawks to study as it generally allows of close 
approach. Its characteristic Buteo shape,—short tail and broad wings, whose 
tips reach nearly to the end of the tail when the bird is on a perch,—and its small 
size, about that of a Crow, make its recognition in the field easy. On careful 
scrutiny one can often see a light buff line over the eye, the brown markings on 
the side, the buff middle breast and belly, and the yellow cere and tarsi. Its 
characteristic cry, which it frequently emits, also helps identify it. This is heard 
both when the bird is perched and when it is soaring in circles. It is a mournful 
double whistle suggestive of the call of the Wood Pewee. I have written it down 
as te-whe'e or tswa-ee’ and again as pss-whee'e. 


153 [347a] Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis (Gmel.). 
RouGH-LEGGED Hawk. 
Not uncommon winter visitor. October 25 to May 14. 


In the original Memoir I recorded only six instances of this bird. Only once 
had I seen it. Since then I have become familiar with it not only in Labrador 
but at Ipswich and it has even alighted on my windmill within a couple of hundred 
yards of my house. In fact the regularity with which I have seen one or two, 
and once four of these birds within a short distance of my house every winter 
with one or two exceptions since 1905, makes me think that this part of Ipswich 
near the dunes is a regular winter station or at least a stopping-place during the 
migrations. Mr. H. W. Wright saw one at Marblehead on January 22, 1907, and 
one at Nahant on December 17 of the same year. 

The Rough-legged Hawk is a noble bird. It may be known by its large size, 
broad wings, and long tail. Shaped like a Buteo, its longer tail marks it out, but 
its distinguishing mark in all but the black phase is its white rump, or rather base 
to its tail. The only other hawk with this distinguishing mark is the Marsh 
Hawk, but the much smaller size, slenderer form, narrow wings, and longer tail 
in proportion make the distinction an easy one. 


104 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


All phases of plumage are described in my notes of the Ipswich birds. A 
light phase is nearly white below with a black bar across the upper belly, and a 
black square patch in the middle of the white of the lower surface of the wing 
near the wrist joint. The tips of the primaries are dark. I have also noted indi- 
viduals that lacked the black bar on the upper belly. In the light phase the upper 
brownish surface is relieved by the strikingly white rump or base of the tail. In 
one the tail was white above to within a short distance of the tip so as to give the 
effect of a white tail with a black terminal band. In the dark phase the bird is as 
black as a Crow both above and below and lacks any sign of white rump patch. 
Intermediates occur, dark brown in color, with or without an obscure white rump. 

My notes describe a dark bird seen several times at Ipswich during the spring 
of 1905. In the winter and spring of 1908-09, four birds were seen; one in the 
dark, two in the light phase, and one was intermediate. In 1912, a bird in the 
light phase was seen. In the winter of 1913-14, two birds were at Ipswich, one 
dark, the other light. In the winter of 1916-17, a bird in the light phase was 
seen several times. In the fall of 1918, a bird in intermediate plumage, and in the 
spring of 1919, two in light plumage were seen. I have other records but they 
lack the descriptions of plumage. 

Perched, the Rough-legged Hawk sits very erect. One bird that I watched 
seemed to have a special liking for windmills. On one occasion he visited and 
perched on three in succession, 

The flight of the Rough-legged Hawk is graceful and indicative of skill and 
power. In soaring, the wings and tail are spread to their full extent; the first 
half-dozen primaries are spread out separately like fingers and curve upward at 
their tips. On motionless wings, if the wind be favorable, this bird may often be 
seen soaring high up over the land. In April and May, I have several times seen 
’ two of them, probably a pair, rising up higher and higher as they circled, and, 
arrived at a considerable elevation, striking out in flight for the northeast. 

When soaring they may be seen looking down, and I have several times seen 
them partially close their wings, lower their long feathered tarsi and drop like a 
plummet. On one occasion the bird secured a large mouse with which it flew 
to the marsh and perched on an ice cake. On another occasion a fine Rough-leg 
pounced successfully on a cotton-tail rabbit and bore it off. 

In searching the ground for game of this sort they often fly slowly, alternately 
flapping and sailing, from fifty to a hundred yards up in the air. Occasionally 
they hang over one place by hovering, and often drop their legs preparatory to 
pouncing on the prey and draw them up behind when they change their minds. 
If the wind be favorable, they hang suspended in the air as motionless as a kite. 
The wind needed for this is an up-current over the brow of a steep hill or cliff. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 105 


In this case gravitation acts like the kite-string, and by skillful disposition of 
the plane of the wings to the up-current, the bird remains motionless if the wind 
is steady. When the wind is irregular and flawy, the bird swings about more or 
less, just as a kite acts under similar circumstances. When the wind drops for a 
moment the bird hovers. 

When two birds soar upward together they are apt to whistle. It is a loud 
peeping and rather plaintive whistle suggestive somewhat of the whistle of the 
Red-tailed Hawk, but lacking the sound of escaping steam. 

I have examined the stomach of one of these birds that was shot at the 
Heath Hen Reservation in Martha’s Vineyard. It was believed by the keeper 
to have been harassing the Heath Hens. The stomach was stuffed with mice fur 
and bones; not a feather was to be found. I believe it is one of the most bene- 
ficial of our hawks. 


154 [349] Aquila chrysaétos (Linn.). 


GoLDEN EAGLE. 
Very rare visitor. 


Besides the four specimens from the County mentioned in the original 
Memoir I can add the following: a Golden Eagle was shot at Peach’s Point, Mar- 
blehead, on November 5, 1915. The specimen is now in the Museum of the Pea- 
body Academy at Salem. 


155 [352] Halizetus leucocephalus leucocephalus (Linn.). 
Bap EAacie, 


Not uncommon visitor at all seasons. 


Damsell’s! records for this bird are as follows: “In 1890, ‘one dark and two 
white-headed birds’ were seen March 1, and a single bird May 30. In 1891, 
there are records for February 7, July 15, August 3 and 11, December 20.” On 
July 16, 1905, I saw an immature Bald Eagle sitting bolt upright on Eagle Dune, 
at Ipswich, with its tail pressed into the sand. As it flew off it was attacked by 
Crows that seemed small in comparison. On January 31, 1909, Mr. G. M. Bubier 
saw one at Nahant, and Mr. H. W. Wright saw probably the same bird on Feb- 
ruary 2, 1909, on the thin ice of Lynn Harbor. On February 3, 1912, Mr. J. D. 
Sornborger saw one at Rowley and on March 5 of the same year Mr. G. M. Bubier 
saw one near Lawrence. Mrs. Martha E. Ward saw one at Birch Pond, Lynn, 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


106 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


on December 17, 1913. On June 22, 1913, I saw a Bald Eagle at Ipswich. Mr. 
G. M. Bubier has seen two and sometimes three of these birds near Groveland in 
the winters of 1915, 1916, and 1917. On January 28, 1916, he saw two in full 
plumage at Groveland. 

In the last week of August, 1916, I several times saw an immature Bald Eagle 
at Ipswich Beach where it fed on dead fish. This bird showed by its tracks on 
the beach that it walked with short steps dragging its toes. From the tip of the 
hind toe to the tip of the middle toe the distance was six and a half inches. 

The flight of this splendid bird is strong and vigorous. I have seen them 
soar in a strong breeze to a great height, at first in large and then in small circles, 
without a perceptible movement of the wings. The secondary feathers of the 
great wings appeared almost as long as the primaries which are spread so that 
each feather is distinct by itself and bent up at the ends. Arrived at a great 
height they sometimes volplane down with amazing speed. 

In the adults the snowy white head and tail flash out alternately in the sun- 
light as they soar, and they present a magnificent sight. 

The cry of this bird is a piercing whistle. I have also heard them emit a 
grunting noise. 


*156 [353] Falco islandus Brunn. 


WHITE GYRFALCON, 
Very rare winter visitor. 


I am glad to be able to add this bird to the list on the authority of Mr. Jewell 
D. Sornborger. He writes me under date of March 7, 1912, that “on January 
20, 1912, in the ‘far division’ of the Rowley woods I saw a white hawk flying 
along Mud Creek towards its mouth . . . this bird seemed so white that I think it 
must have been islandus.” 

I once had the great privilege of seeing this bird at Henley Harbor, Labrador. 
It was flying about the great cliff, alighted on a shelf and fluttered and hopped a 


few paces. It was one of a pair that had been observed there for several years 
by Dr. Grenfell. 


[354a] Falco rusticolus gyrfalco (Linn.). Gyrratcon.—An erroneous record. 


157 [354b] Falco rusticolus obsoletus Gmel. 
BLACK GyYRFALCON. 
Very rare winter visitor. 


In addition to the three records given before I have the following note to 
offer. On January 6, 1918, after a week of zero and below-zero weather, a large 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 107 


hawk as black as a Crow and with long pointed wings was seen by me flying over 
the dunes at Ipswich. At one point over a pine grove it poised for a moment like 
a Sparrow Hawk with rapidly moving wings. It disappeared behind the dunes 
and I did not see it again. It could have been none other than a Black Gyrfalcon. 


158 [356a] Falco peregrinus anatum Bonap. 
Duck Hawk. 


Not uncommon transient visitor (winter). May 12 to 24; August 17 to 
October 20 (December 16, January 19). 


The January 19 record is of a bird seen in 1913, at Ipswich Beach by Mr. J. 
H. Baker and myself. The December 16 record is an interesting one. I was at 
the beach at Ipswich on this date, in 1906, and saw a Duck Hawk fly out from the 
dunes and scale over a flock of Scoters on the ocean. It then turned about and 
disappeared among the dunes. The Scoters appeared not a whit disturbed and 
paid no attention to their very transient visitor. On relating the incident to Mr. 
Brewster and expressing my surprise at the action or rather lack of action on the 
part of the Scoters, he assured me that ducks on the water were not afraid of a 
Duck Hawk as this bird strikes them only in the air, while the reverse is the case 
with the Bald Eagle. 

The May 12 record is for 1907, at Essex, and as it is of interest I copy my 
notes as written at the time: “ Noticed a commotion among some Grackles and a 
fine blue Duck Hawk, apparently a female from its size, appeared. It flew over 
at a considerable height and then tipped quickly from side to side and fell down 
behind some trees soon to reappear with another hawk which I saw was a Marsh 
Hawk. The two circled about high up, the upper one frequently falling rapidly 
as if to strike the lower who would then turn over to grapple, although as far as 
I could see they never actually touched each other. This was repeated again and 
again, sometimes one and sometimes the other the aggressor. The white rump 
and long tail of the Marsh Hawk easily distinguished it from the Duck Hawk 
with its blue back and peculiar head-markings. They finally disappeared from 
This was apparently a case of play between 


” 


sight, still circling and striking. 
individuals of two species. 

Under the Pectoral Sandpiper I have described the killing of one of these 
birds by a Duck Hawk in the marsh at Ipswich. As the hawk flew off, the 
victim was carried in the talons below and then extended out behind. The whole 
thing was done in the twinkling of an eye so that it was difficult to realize what 
had happened. 


108 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


The Duck Hawk may be distinguished by its falcon characteristics,—the nar- 
row pointed wings which are long enough to reach nearly to the end of the tail 
when the bird is perched, and by the plainly marked black cheek-patch or 
“ mustachio.” 


159 [357] Falco columbarius Linn. 
Picron Hawk. 


Common transient visitor. March 12 to May 8; September 7 to October 9. 


The Pigeon Hawk, like all the falcons, is distinguished by its long pointed 
wings and long tail. The difference in size between a male Pigeon Hawk and a 
female Sparrow Hawk is not great, the latter being somewhat smaller, but the 
broader shoulders and dark blue rather than brown color of the back serve to 
distinguish the Pigeon Hawk. ‘The cry is a rapidly repeated wheet wheet wheet 
varied to a ki ki ki, harsher in the female than in the male. On the breeding- 
grounds both parents boldly launch themselves at the intruder with great energy 
and scold him with their quavering cries. 


160 [360] Falco sparverius sparverius Linn. 
Sparrow Hawk. 


Common permanent resident, locally. 

Eggs: April 27. 

The pretty little Sparrow Hawk is a permanent resident in the County and 
_ has, I am inclined to think, slightly increased in numbers. In winter I have found 
it roosting at nights under the piazza roofs of summer cottages at Ipswich. It 
may often be seen alighted on telegraph poles or wires gently wagging its tail, and 
it sometimes keeps ahead of the foot traveller on a road by flying from pole to 
pole. It is often seen in thickly settled regions and appears to enjoy the neighbor- 
hood of mankind. Mr. H. W. Wright has given me numerous winter records 
for this bird since 1907 at Nahant, Lynn, and Marblehead. 

Its long, pointed wings, long tail and small size make its recognition easy. 
The only hawk with which it can be confused is the Pigeon Hawk which is larger 
and broader-shouldered. The adults of the two species are easily distinguished 
if the colors can be seen. The Sparrow Hawk is chestnut-brown above and 
beautifully marked on the head; the Pigeon Hawk is dark bluish black above. 

The flight of the Sparrow Hawk is graceful and swallow-like. It has a habit 
of hovering at various heights from a few yards to sixty or more feet above the 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 109 


ground, remaining stationary in one spot by the rapid vibration of its wings while 
it scans the ground below for game. Now and again it drops quickly down and 
bears off a mouse or a grasshopper in its talons, but often its swoops are failures 
and turn to upward glides before it reaches the ground. If the wind is blowing 
strongly over the brow of a hill it will remain motionless for several minutes at a 
time like a kite, supported by the upward currents. 

Its call is suggestive of the call of the Lesser Yellow-legs, but sharper. 
It may be written as ker wee, ker wee, or killy, killy, and at times resembles a 
whinny. 


161 [364] Pandion haliaétus carolinensis (Gmel.). 
Osprey; Fish Hawk. 


Common transient visitor. April 4 to May 31 (July 11); July 31 to October 
21 (December 15). 


The Fish Hawk is now only a migrant through Essex County. Whether it 
could be induced to tarry and nest by the erection of suitable nesting-sites is open 
to doubt, but it would be an interesting experiment to try, and well worth the 
trouble if successful. In Bristol, R. I., old cart-wheels are placed at the top of 
tall poles, often close to farmhouses, and upon these the birds build huge nests. 
The use of these platforms is, however, secondary to the use of trees for this 
purpose as there is a considerable colony of Fish Hawks there. In a visit to this 
region I counted thirty nests, five of which were on cartwheels. The community- 
nesting instinct is evidently strong, although in many places the bird nests singly. 
Two or three cartwheels on long poles near the shore might be a sufficient induce- 
ment to start a summer colony of this splendid bird at Ipswich. 

The Fish Hawk is easily recognized by its large size, its dark color above with 
a noticeable white line through the eye, and its light color below. 

Its manner of fishing is characteristic. Hovering at a considerable height,— 
a hundred feet or more,—above the water with its head pointing to windward, 
it lowers its feet, which have been held extended below the tail, and drops with 
a great splash into the water. In the plunge it may become partially or wholly 
immersed ; sometimes the tips of the wings alone are to be seen. I watched one 
hover eleven times before the final plunge which after all was unsuccessful. The 
fish, sometimes of considerable size, is carried in the talons, with the head point- 
ing forward, below and slightly behind. I have seen a Fish Hawk that was carry- 
ing a fish well out behind lower it down and forward, void, and then bring the 
fish back again. 

Their cry is a whou whou whou frequently repeated, at times low, soft, and 


110 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


inquiring, at times sharp and even rasping and grating. A whistling note and 


sharp ki kis are also heard. 


162 [365] Aluco pratincola (Bonap.). 
Barn Ow. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


On October 21, 1915, Dr. J. C. Phillips caught a Barn Owl in a trap at Wen- 
ham. This is the only addition to the former scanty records. 


163 [366] Asio wilsonianus (Less.). 
LONG-EARED OWL. 


Uncommon permanent resident, rather common autumn transient visitor. 
Eggs: April and May. 


One was shot by Dr. J. L. Goodale in his orchard at Ipswich on November 
19, 1905. 

In May and June, 1917, a pair nested in an old Crow’s nest in a pitch pine in 
the Ipswich dunes as has been already recorded by me in the Auk.*/ An examina- 
tion of the pellets and upper layers of the nest by the U. S. Biological Survey, in 
Washington, showed that this pair had eaten some thirteen different species of 
birds and twenty-three individuals; also four species of mammals and twenty- 
five individuals. 

The notes of these birds suggested at times the barking of a small puppy, 

-at times the notes ud-hunk. 


164 [367] Asio flammeus (Pont.). 
SHORT-EARED OWL. 


Not uncommon transient visitor, rare in winter. March 11 to May 4; Sep- 
tember 27 to November 16 (December, January, February). 


This owl does not seem to me to be as common as in former years. The May 
4 record is of a bird seen by me at Ipswich, in 1913. I have two more winter 
records to add to those in the original Memoir, each of birds seen by me at Ips- 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 183, 1918. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 16} fb 


wich: one on December 16, 1906, and one on February 18, 1917. On the occasion 
of the excursion of the American Ornithologists’ Union to the Ipswich dunes on 
November 16, 1917, one Short-eared Owl was good enough to show himself. 

On March 11, 1917, I took Dr. A. A. Allen, of Ithaca, to the Ipswich dunes 
and we were treated with the unusual sight for Essex County of five and possibly 
six Short-eared Owls. They were seen flying about the dunes or sitting in 
elevated positions in the beach-grass back of the beach. In the latter position 
their colors and shape made them very difficult to see and they were easily mis- 
taken for stumps or posts with patches of white sand, lichen, or snow on them. 
After being deceived several times, Dr. Allen and I both were willing to consider 
a certain obvious stump to be an owl, but after deciding that it was not one, the 
“stump ”’ opened its wings and flew away! 

Although the ground seems to be their usual perch, I have seen one on a 
post as related in the original Memoir, and once in a tree, very erect. 

The flight is by alternate flapping and sailing with tail spread. 

I have yet to hear it utter a sound. 


165 [368] Strix varia varia Barton. 


BARRED OWL. 
Uncommon permanent resident, at times common in the autumn. 


This bird of the wise and benevolent countenance has of late years occa- 
sionally taken up its residence in winter in Boston, where it subsists on the Eng- 
lish Sparrows whose populous roosts are at once broken up, and each sparrow 
shifts for itself at night. Whether this has occurred in any of the cities of Essex 
County I do not know. 


166 [370] Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa (J. R. Forst.). 


GREAT GRAY OWL. 
Very rare and irregular winter visitor. 


I have one more record to add to the previous list for the County, making 
eight records in all. This was a bird shot on January 6, 1894, in the Great Swamp 
at Amesbury. The specimen, found in Mr. Damsell’s collection, has been acquired 
by the Boston Society of Natural History.t 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


112 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


167 [371] Cryptoglaux funerea richardsoni (Bonap.). 
RICHARDSON’s OWL. 


Irregular and very rare winter visitor. 


Mr. Damsell' has added two more records to the previous seven for this owl 
for the County. One was taken February 25, 1889, the other on January 5, 1903, 
both in the vicinity of Amesbury. 


168 [372] Cryptoglaux acadica acadica (Gmel.). 
SAW-WHET OwL; ACADIAN OwL. 


Rare winter visitor, possibly resident. September 20 to April 4. 

A note, overlooked in the original Memoir, from Baird, Brewer and Ridg- 
way is as follows: “On one occasion I found one of these birds in April, at 
Nahant. It was apparently migrating, and had sought shelter in the rocky cliffs 
of that peninsula. It was greatly bewildered by the light, and was several times 
almost on the point of being captured by hand.” 

On April 20, 1912, Mrs. Edmund Bridge found the wings and tail of this bird 
in the Ipswich dunes. 

Mr. H. W. Wright saw an Acadian Owl at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn, on 
December 20, 1905, and another on April 4, 1906, in the center of Marble- 
head Neck. 


169 [373] Otus asio asio (Linn.). 


ScREECH OWL. 
Common permanent resident. 


Eggs: April 15 to May 5. 


170 [375] Bubo virginianus virginianus (Gmel.). 
Great Hornep OwL. 
Not uncommon permanent resident. 


Eggs: March to April 20. 


In the latter part of December, 1918, the great Crow roost at Castle Hill, 
Ipswich, temporarily ceased to be, the Crows going elsewhere. On February 16, 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 
2 Land Birds, vol. 3, p. 46, 1874. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 113 


1919, I started a Great Horned Owl from the roosting-woods. On March 2, a 
band of two hundred or more Crows was heard making a great outcry there, 
and from their actions I concluded they were evidently mobbing and chasing a 
Great Horned Owl, the disrupter of the roost. I had previously found Crows’ 
feathers in various places where these birds had been killed. 


171 [376] Nyctea nyctea (Linn.). 
Snowy OwL. 


Irregular, but at times common visitor in the late autumn, less common in 
winter and early spring. October 18 to April 18. 


‘In the winter of 1905-06 occurred a very large flight of the Snowy Owl, 
larger probably than the great flight in the fall of 1876. For that flight, and the 
smaller one of 1901-02, the Owls were fortunate in having Mr. Ruthven Deane’ 
as their historian. Mr. Deane “received records of some eight hundred speci- 
mens from localities scattered from Nova Scotia west to Nebraska and from 
Manitoba south to Missouri, showing that in this territory, at least, the flight had 
been quite general.” 

The records for Essex County I was able to collect of this flight and send to 
Mr. Deane he enters as follows: ‘“‘ Two seen by himself in the Ipswich dunes, on 
Noy. 5, 1905, and Feb. 11, 1906; five shot in the Ipswich dunes, November 25, 
1905; one seen near Salem, Jan. 1, 1906. At different dates during November 
and December, 1905, and January, 1906, a gunner from Newburyport shot nine- 
teen specimens, most of them being taken on Plum Island.” Mr. Everett Gordon, 
taxidermist of Lynn, reported one taken at Nahant on November 22, 1905, and 
one at Gloucester on November 23. 

Mr. Damsell’s? records are for 1886, Nov. 26, Dec. 10; 1887, Feb. 10; 18809, 
Nov. 8; 1890, Jan. 23, Nov. 28, Dec. 6, 11, 20, 24; 1891, Dec. 16; 1893, Nov. 7; 
1896, Nov. 16; 1901, Dec. 26, two, Dec. 28; 1902, Jan. 3, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 3, 4, 
Apr. 3, Oct. 18, 23; 1903, Mch. 12; 1905, Nov. 21. , 

Besides my own observations shortly to be related, I have also to record a 
Snowy Owl seen at Ipswich by Mr. R. G. Vickery on April 18, 1907, one on 
November 4, 1911, at Plum Island by Mr. James L. Peters, and one on February 
9, 1912, at Ipswich, by Mr. R. M. Marble. 

Since the manuscript for the original Memoir was handed to the printers, I 


1Deane, R. Auk, vol. 23, p. 289-2098, 1906, also p. 100. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


114 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


myself have had the privilege of seeing Snowy Owls five times at Ipswich and 
once at Milk Island off Cape Ann. ; 

On November 5, 1905, Dr. G. M. Allen and I saw a Snowy Ow/l sitting on a 
sand dune at Ipswich with body inclined at the usual angle of about 45 degrees. 
It was a handsomely marked bird with white face, dark gray crown and nape and 
with diagonal rows of black spots on its back. By walking diagonally toward it 
we were able to approach within seventy yards. Its eyes were narrow slits and 
after watching us for a few minutes with one eye it would quickly turn its head 
and watch us with the other eye. Horned Larks fed undisturbed within thirty 
yards of it. When we crouched and attempted to crawl straight toward the owl 
it at once rose and flew off with broad slow sweeps of its wings and with feet 
stretched out behind. After sailing for a distance it again alighted, throwing out 
its feet in front. This time by stalking behind dunes we were able to approach 
within twenty-two yards. 

A dark bird seen on February 11, 1906, looked like a gray stump on the top 
of a dune at a distance of nearly a mile. This bird flew away alternately sailing 
and flapping close to the ground. 

A very white bird was seen on March 14, 1909, sitting on a rock on Milk 
Island. There were several Crows about it on the rocks, some within three or 
four yards. The owl was evidently on the alert and at times sat nearly erect. 
As we approached it flew off toward the mainland pursued by Crows who occa- 
sionally flew down on it from above. The owl pursued its way undisturbed, 
flying directly with steady slow flappings of its great wings. The island was full 
of the signs of rats. 

The bird seen on January 17, 1913, at Ipswich, was a dark bird, that, dis- 
turbed from a dune-top, rose in the strong wind and poised motionless like a kite, 
- with the tips of its primaries bent up. As it sailed about, it would occasionally 
stretch its neck and lift its great round head above the level of the back and look 
about. Later it skirmished for prey low over the beach-grass where it alternately 
sailed and flapped. 

On December 21, 1913, I watched a dark Snowy Owl in the dunes that was 
being mobbed by a large flock of Snow Buntings that swirled about it and darted 
down toward it, as it sat on a dune-top. On March 9, 1918, my son Charles saw 
a Snowy Owl at Ipswich. 

On November 17, 1918, I found a dead Snowy Owl in rather dark plumage 
thrown up by the waves at Ipswich Beach. The bird had been shot and the skin 
is now in the collection of the Boston Society of Natural History. 

On December 16 of the same year, I saw from my house a dark Snowy Owl 
flying by alternate flappings and sailings high over the salt-marsh. The bird 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY II5 


alighted in the top of a tree on one of the islands. On December 26, my son 
Charles saw a Snowy Owl alight on the roof of an outbuilding of a farm at 
Ipswich. 


172 [377] Surnia ulula caparoch (Mill.). 
Hawk Ow .. 
Very rare and irregular winter visitor. 


Mr. C. E. Moulton! in March, 1900, caught one of these owls in his hand at 
Lynn. The bird was hiding in a fallen pine tree in a swamp. 

Mr. Everett W. Ricker, of Andover, wrote me on September 12, 1914, that 
on November 22, 1913, he saw a Hawk Owl at dusk near his chicken coops. After 
wounding it slightly he kept it for three months, during which time it became quite 
tame. At the end of three months it died and the body was sent to Mr. C. J. 
Maynard. It was a female. 


173 [378] Speotyto cunicularia hypogzea (Bonap.). 
BurRROWING OWL. 
Accidental visitor from the West. 


The record of 1875 remains unique. 


174 [387] Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linn.). 
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. 
Not uncommon irregular and local summer resident. May 10 to September. 
Eggs: May 20 to June 30. 


I can now add Topsfield and Amesbury to the towns where this bird has been 
found. In the latter town at the northern limit of the County the bird was found 
by Damsell? in 1884, 1901, 1903, and 1906. In r1gor, on June 24, a nest and eggs 
were found. 


1 Moulton, C. E. Bull. Essex County Orn. Club, p. 38, 1919. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


116 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


175 [388] Coccyzus erythrophthalmus (Wils.). 
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. 
Common summer resident. May 10 to September 25 (October 21). 
Eggs: May 30 to July 4. 


On October 8, 1919, Mr. Ralph Hoffmann saw this species at Andover. 

In the spring and early summer the curious song of the Black-billed Cuckoo 
may be heard not only by day, but occasionally in the dusk of the evening and at 
night. It may be delivered on the wing as a flight song. The full song may be 
described as a preliminary harsh clearing of the throat followed by from six to 
twelve short coughs which in turn are succeeded by the more pleasing doublets 
and triplets of cows. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo repeats his cows or cowks in 
regular order without dividing them into sets and they sound as woodeny as if he 
were striking a plank with a mallet. 


176 [390] Ceryle alcyon (Linn.). 
BELTED KINGFISHER. 


Common summer resident (winter). March 28 to October (December 11, 
15, 29, January 31, February 16, 22). 


In August, 1917, a Kingfisher was detected at Ipswich by Mr. R. T. Crane’s 
gamekeeper pouncing on young Bob-whites hatched in captivity. He shot the 
bird, a female, and, on opening its crop, found the legs and feathers of the young 
Bob-whites.1 


177 [393] Dryobates villosus villosus (Linn.). 


Harry WOooDPECKER. 
Not uncommon permanent resident, more common autumn transient visitor. 
Eggs: May 30. 


Mr. Damsell’s? note-books “ bring out very strongly the fact that on the coast 
in the vicinity of Amesbury, at all events, the Hairy Woodpecker appears very 
regularly during October and November in small numbers, but only rarely in the 
winter and spring months.” 

As an indication of the extent to which this bird breeds in certain parts of 
the County I may instance the fact that in a two days’ canoe trip on the Ipswich 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, pp. 184, 185, 1918. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 25, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 107, 


River from Danvers to Ipswich with the annual bird trip of the Essex County 
Ornithological Club, I observed three pairs of this bird. One pair was seen going 
in and out of a hole in a dead tree, and the female carried something in her bill. 

In the winter of 1918-109, there occurred a large flight of Hairy Woodpeckers 
in eastern Massachusetts and I found them common at Ipswich. They looked 
larger than usual and I secured two specimens, whose measurements are as 
follows: 

C. W. T. Coll. 1483. January 12, 1919, 6; wing 136 mm.; tail 86 mm.; bill 
32 mm. ; tarsus 17 mm. 

C. W. T. Coll. 1486. February 1, 1919, #; wing 125 mm.; tail 77 mm.; bill 
31 mm.; tarsus 20 mm. 

One, if not both, of these appears by the measurements to be referable to the 
northern race, septentrionalis, but the plumage is that of villosus. 

Ridgway in his key to the species and subspecies of Dryobates' characterizes 
D. villosus septentrionalis, the Northern Hairy Woodpecker, as “ averaging: wing 
more than 130, tail more than 83, exposed culmen more than 31 mm.,” and D. 


‘ 


villosus villosus as “averaging: wing less than 121, tail less than 75, exposed 
culmen less than 30.” 

Of course they may have been unusually large specimens of villosus. Unfor- 
tunately, we do not know where they were reared. These birds as well as some 
Downy Woodpeckers were feeding on the flaming, furry fruit of the staghorn 
sumach. 

On one occasion I startled a female or young male Hairy Woodpecker that 
rattled like a red squirrel as it flew from tree to tree with the feathers on the nape 
erected in anger. The rattles, at times suggestive of those of the Kingfisher, were 
also given on the wing and were interspersed with sharp clicks. As the bird flew 
from tree to tree the fluttering of the wings could be distinctly heard. On the 
limb of a tree the bird kept up a vigorous up-and-down bobbing of the head. This 
performance continued for nearly ten minutes during all the time I stayed near. 

The ordinary whinny of the Hairy Woodpecker is lower in tone, more mellow, 
and lacks the sharpness of the whinny of the Downy Woodpecker. 


178 [394c] Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swains.). 
Downy WoopPECKER. 
Common permanent resident. 
Eggs: May 22 to June 21. 


In October and November, 1918, there was a considerable migration of 


1Ridgway, R. Birds of North and Middle America, pt. 6, p. 196, 1914. 


118 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Downy Woodpeckers, some of which were so much larger than the usual breed- 
ing bird that they may have been of a northern race. 


179 [400] Picoides arcticus (Swains.). 
ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. 


Irregular but on rare occasions a common winter visitor. 


Dr. G. M. Allen? found in Damsell’s notebooks the measurements of a bird 
taken November 24, 1883. ‘“ Another specimen is entered October 28, 1887, both 
no doubt from Amesbury.” 


180 [401] Picoides americanus americanus Brehm. 


THREE-TOED WOODPECKER. 
Irregular and very rare winter visitor. 


There are no additions to the three previous records. 


181 [402] Sphyrapicus varius varius (Linn.). 
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. 


Uncommon and irregular transient visitor (summer). April 19 to May 21; 
June 12, July, August 9; September 23 to October 19 (November 4). 


The November 4 record is for 1890 by Damsell* at Amesbury. 

Nearly every fall I find fresh rings or bands of holes on one at least of my 
apple trees at Ipswich, and on one occasion I saw a Sapsucker flying away from 
the tree. Whether these holes are made for practice or to obtain the inner bark 
I do not know. They are dry and free from sap. It has been stated that these 
rings or holes are made by Downy Woodpeckers. That this species makes single 
holes I do not doubt, but it hardly seems possible to me that it would make rings 
of holes so characteristic of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 26, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 119 


182 [405a] Phlceotomus pileatus abieticola (Bangs). 


NORTHERN PILEATED WOODPECKER. 
Accidental visitor. 


In the original Memoir I was unable to give the source of the record of the 
Manchester, 1885, bird. It is as follows: “Salem, Mass., Dec. 28 [1885]. <A 
pileated woodpecker was shot last week at Manchester, Mass. This is a rare 
Essex County bird. ...X. Y. Z.”?. Mr. Damsell’s notes supply two more in- 
stances, namely, “a young male shot July 8, 1886; and a bird shot by one Moses 
Tewkesbury at Kimball’s Pond, October 4, 1895. Both of these were mounted, 
and the measurements of the former are entered in one of the notebooks.” 

In the fall of the year about 1907 or 1908, Mr. Arthur B. Fuller, now taxi- 
dermist for the Boston Society of Natural History, saw one of these birds at 
Hatfield’s Corner near Essex. 

Several oblong mortised holes, characteristic of the work of this bird, were 
found by Mr. R. Nichols in a small white oak near his camp at Boxford in the 
spring of 1919. They were evidently freshly made in the living tree. The tree 
was cut down and borers found at the heart. 

On May 18, 1919, I found an old stub in the Topsfield Marshes that had a 
number of the same characteristic holes of this bird. 


183 [406] Melanerpes erythrocephalus (Linn.). 
RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. 


Rare and irregular visitor; rare summer resident. 


Damsell? records one shot at East Salisbury on August 30, 1884. On April 
14, I9II, one was seen at Hamilton by Miss M. E. Ward. Another, or perhaps 
the same bird, was seen on June 3 of the same year at Lynn by Miss Ward and 
Mr. George Bubier. 

Mr. S. Waldo Bailey? reported seeing one at Newburyport on July 13, 1912. 
The bird had been seen by others earlier in the season. He also says, “Some 
twenty years ago a pair of these birds were found nesting in an old orchard in 
the southern end of the town. Just at the time that the four young were ready 


1 Forest and Stream, vol. 25, p. 443, 1885. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 26, 1913. 
3 Bailey, S. W. Auk, vol. 20, p. 541, 1912. 


120 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


to fly, the whole family were taken, and now graces the private collection of a 
resident of the town.” 

On October 18, 1913, an immature bird was seen at Swampscott by Mr. J. 
D. Sornborger. 

On September 2, 1917, a Red-headed Woodpecker was reported at Salem, 
and during the summer of 1918, from June to September 8, one was frequently 
to be seen at the Salem Golf Links. 


184 [412a] Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs. 


NorTHERN FLicKER; ‘‘ GOLDEN-wWINGED WOODPECKER”’; 
“PIGEON WOODPECKER.” 


Resident, very common in summer, not uncommon in winter. 
Eggs: May 20 to June 20. 


The mellow rolling song of the Flicker varies much in length, in time, and in 
expression. It is sometimes given on the wing. [Each song or series of rolls 
lasting from four to nine seconds may be given four times a minute. The time is 
sometimes so slow that the notes in a series may be counted. The bill is only 
slightly elevated and slightly opened at this time. The direction of the head is 
often changed during a series of songs and this gives a ventriloquial effect as if 
the song were coming from different places. The drumming with the bill on 
posts, dead limbs, tin roofs, and chimney pots indulged in by the Flicker may be 
classed as instrumental music. I have observed a bird abruptly stop in the vocal 
performance and change to the mechanical drumming. 

The actual courtship attitudinizing and dance is well known and has often 
‘been described. 

The habit of boring holes in wooden structures mentioned in the original 
Memoir was illustrated in rather un amazing way in the spring of 1913 at Ips- 
wich, when the water was pumped by my windmill into the tank. It spouted out 
through two holes evidently made by Flickers during the winter. 

Although the Flicker spends much of its time on the ground it has not learned 
to walk but hops on its short legs. Tracks in the sand in the dunes show this. 
One foot is generally a little ahead of the other and the toes awkwardly turned out. 

The feet are so small and the flight of the Flicker so swift that I have been 
unable to determine the position of the feet in flight, but from the investigations 
of Finn? it may be inferred that all woodpeckers carry their feet in front. 


1Finn, F. Proc. Asiatic Soc. Bengal, p. 105, March, 1808. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY. [27 


185 [417] Antrostomus vociferus vociferus (Wils.). 


WHIP-POOR-WILL. 


Common summer resident. April 27 to October 3. 
Eggs: May 29 to June 12. 


The April 27 record is of a bird in Swampscott, in 1906, noted by Mr. W. A. 
Jeffries. Mr. Damsell' has a record for April 28, 1902, and Mr. R. Eustis recorded 
one at Middleton on April 28, 1906. The late date of October 3 in Amesbury is 
recorded by Damsell* in 1891. \ 

The largest number of whip-poor-will repetitions recorded in the original 
Memoir was 296. On May 10, 1905, in the Topsfield Marshes of the Ipswich 
River I listened to a bird that repeated this song 664 times, then paused for a few 
seconds and began again. 


186 [420] Chordeiles virginianus virginianus (Gmel.). 
NIGHTHAWKE. 


Not uncommon summer resident, common transient visitor. May 15 to 
October 6. 


Mr. Damsell* records “flocks” of Nighthawks migrating on May 30, 1890. 
On August 29, 1917, at Ipswich just before a thunderstorm I saw twenty Night- 
hawks flying south in a straggling flock high over the marshes. The largest 
migrating flock of these birds I ever saw was in the valley of the Connecticut 
River at Cornish, N. H., on August 30, 1914. Here, between five and six in 
the afternoon, the air was filled with these birds in beautiful noiseless flight. 
They looked like a flock of gigantic swallows winnowing the air. Their feet 
were apparently bestowed beneath their tails. There must have been many 
hundreds if not thousands of these birds. 

The loud rasping call-note of this bird, so familiar in cities where the birds 
breed on flat roofs, is commonly written down as peent or speke, but a careful 
study within a reasonably near distance shows that the call is double and I have 
written it down bee'-ak or spee'-yah. Richard King in his “ Narrative of a 
Journey to the shores of the Arctic Ocean in 1833, 1834 and 1835” (vol. 2, p. 215) 
says that this bird utters “a sharp sound resembling the dissyllable pé@sqiaw, 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 26, 1913. 


122 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


which is its Cree name.” This cry is emitted by both sexes and I have heard it 
given from 16 to 36 times a minute. The bird flutters its wings quickly as it emits 
the cry. Although Nighthawks are most active in the morning from the crack of 
dawn to sunrise, and in the evening, I have heard the cry at every hour of the day 
and night. When feeding the young, the adults may be seen hawking at mid-day, 
and may be heard at midnight at time of a full moon. If the night is dark they 
are not often heard. The hawking flight for insects is generally high up in the air 
and the birds may sometimes be seen sailing with wings held up at an angle. I 
have also seen them soar in circles, like a hawk, with wings fully extended. 

The courtship performance of the male is a spectacular one and may be seen 
from the day of arrival from the South until early in August. The bird sets its 
wings held up at an angle, and plunges with great speed obliquely downward for 
the distance of a hundred feet or more, ending its plunge with an abrupt upward 
curve and glide for about half the distance of the descent. During the downward 
plunge and part of the upward glide a loud whirring or booming noise is heard, 
which is probably made by the passage of the air through the stiff wing feathers, 
a sound resembling that produced by the vibration of tense cords in violent gusts 
of wind. 

During migrations the birds sometimes alight but are very difficult to see. On 
September 9, 1917, one alighted in the driveway of my Ipswich house and allowed 
a close approach. On May 30, 1913, at four o’clock of a sunny afternoon I 
noticed on a small boulder on the side of Sagamore Hill what I first took to be a 
lichen-covered bump, but on examining it with binoculars saw that it was a Night- 
hawk. The bird, facing the wind and the sun, was flat on the rock with wings 
and tail slightly projecting. The white spots on the rump and under the chin, 
which helped to give the lichen-like appearance, were plainly visible with the 
_ naked eye at fifty yards. I approached cautiously by zig-zags,—never walking 
directly toward the bird,—five paces at a time until I was within fifteen feet. The 
bird was evidently watching me through nearly closed eyes. At fifteen feet the 
bird could stand it no longer and sprang into the air, joining another bird that 
was flying about. 


187 [423] Cheetura pelagica (Linn.). 
CHIMNEY SWIFT. 


Common summer resident. April 28 to October 4; average date of arrival 
for nine years, May 4. 


Eggs: June. 
The late date of October 4 is recorded at Amesbury by Damsell' for 1808. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 27, 19013. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 123 


In that year these birds remained unusually late and are entered in his notebook 
almost daily until that date. Dr. Walter G. Fanning saw five Chimney Swifts on 
September 29, 1918, at Danvers. 

The Chimney Swift has returned to normal numbers since its decimation in 
1903 and 1904. 

The courtship of the Chimney Swift is performed on the wing to the accom- 
paniment of loud staccato chips frequently repeated, and often so run together 
that they become a squeal. At these times the birds sail in twos or threes or 
more with wings decurved or elevated, and rival males chase each other with loud 
chipperings. 

Mr. C. A. Clark has reported a roost of Chimney Swifts in the chimney of a 
school building in Lynn. On August 31, 1919, about a thousand Swifts occupied 
it, but none were seen after September 6. 


188 [428] Archilochus colubris (Linn.). 
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. 


Common summer resident. May 6 to September 27. 
Eggs: May 30 to June 15. 


In August, 1916, I found that a Hummingbird had slit the long tubular flow- 
ers of a trumpet creeper on my house at Ipswich, apparently as a short cut to 
the nectar. Hardly a flower or even a large unopened bud was left intact. This 
habit has since been continued. 


189 [444] Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.). 
KINGBIRD. 


Abundant summer resident. May 3 to September 28; average date of arrival 
for eight years, May 9. 


Eggs: June 10 to July 4. 


I have seen a Kingbird swoop down and pick up an insect from the calm 
surface of a pond without wetting a feather. I have also seen one flying and 
picking off berries from a shad-bush without alighting. It is not uncommon to 
see a Kingbird plunge several times into the water from a post or tree, evidently 
for a bath, and afterward preen itself. I have also seen this method of bathing 
in a small shallow birds’ bath on my place at Ipswich. In this case the bird flew 


124 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


repeatedly from an overhanging birch tree, fluttered in the shallow water and at 
once returned to the tree. On another occasion a Kingbird flew into the shallow 
bath from the edge several times in succession. 

At Wenham on May 21, 1916, I saw a Kingbird pounce at a Solitary Sand- 
piper that was flying over the Ipswich River. The latter bird was driven down to 
the water where it sat for a moment in a bewildered way, then rose and flew to 
the marshy shore where it was again set upon by the Kingbird. 


190 [445] Tyrannus dominicensis (Gmel.). 
Gray KINGBIRD. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


The record of 1869 remains the only one. 


191 [452] Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.). 
CrEsTED FLYCATCHER. 

Not uncommon summer resident. May 5 to September 20. 

Eggs: June 13. 

Besides breeding in the towns mentioned in the original Memoir, it also 
breeds at Boxford and Ipswich. In the latter town I have found a pair on the 
side of Heartbreak Hill. 

192 [456] Sayornis pheebe (Lath.). 
PHBE. 

Common summer resident. March 17 to October 31 (December 19). 

Eggs: April 27 to July 3. 

The December record is for 1911 by Mr. J. D. Sornborger at Rowley. 


193 [459] Nuttallornis borealis (Swains.). 
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER. 


Very rare summer resident. May 10 to September 23. 


The following breeding record, overlooked in the original Memoir, is of 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 125 


interest :' “A nest of this Flycatcher was found in Lynn, Mass., by Mr. George 
O. Welch, in June, 1858. It was built on the top of a dead cedar, and contained 
three eggs.” 
194 [461] Myiochanes virens (Linn.). 
Woop PEWEE. 
Common summer resident. May 7 to September 21. 


Eggs: June 10 to July ro. 


195 [463] Empidonax flaviventris (Baird). 
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. 
Uncommon transient visitor. May 24 to June 3; August 25 to September. 


[465] Empidonax virescens (Vieill.). AcapiANn FLYCATCHER; SMALL GREEN-CRESTED 
FLYCATCHER.—An erroneous record. 


196 [466a] Empidonax trailli alnorum Brewst. 
ALDER FLYCATCHER. 
Rare summer resident. May 20 to August. 
Eggs: June 8 to July 3. 


On June 8, 1890, Mr. Damsell? found a nest and four eggs of this species 


near Amesbury. 


197 [467] Empidonax minimus (Baird). 
LEAST FLYCATCHER; CHEBEC. 
Common summer resident. April 22 to August 26 (September 29). 
Eggs: May 25 to July 1. 


The September 29 record is of a bird seen at Salem by Mr. R. A. Nichols 
in 1918. 
A et i eee 


i Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. Land Birds, vol. 2, p. 355, 1874. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 27, 1913. 


126 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


198 [474] Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linn.). 


Hornep LARK; SHORE LARK. 


Winter visitor, abundant in the autumn and early winter, not uncommon in 
late winter; common in spring. September 28 to April to. 


During the winter of 1918-19 which was an exceptionally mild one following 
one of unusual severity, this bird was found in greatly reduced numbers. 

The courtship and flight song of this bird I have never observed in Essex 
County but I am very familiar with it from my studies in Labrador.’ It is very 
similar to that of the Prairie Horned Lark which can now be observed in Essex 


’ 


County. On the breeding-grounds the “horns” in the males can be easily seen. 
They project backward and do not turn forward as they are sometimes portrayed. 

The tracks of the Horned Lark in sand or snow may be distinguished from 
those of the Snow Bunting by the longer hind toe and the longer stride. The 
Bunting takes shorter steps and not infrequently hops, which the Lark rarely or 


never does. 


199 [474b] Otocoris alpestris praticola Hensh. 


PRAIRIE HorNED LARK. 


Not uncommon transient visitor and summer resident locally. March 19 to 
November 9. 


This bird breeds regularly at Great Neck, Ipswich. It is a lover of golf-links 
country and probably breeds on some of the golf-links of the County. The young, 
beautifully spotted with yellow above and striped on the breast, may occasionally 
be seen. 

The courtship song of this bird appears to be identical with that of the 
Horned Lark. 


200 [477] Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linn.). 


BLuE Jay. 
Common permanent resident. 


Eggs: May 24 to June 15. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Along the Labrador Coast, pp. 54, 55, 1907. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 127 


201 [484] Perisoreus canadensis canadensis (Linn.). 


CANADA JAY. 
Accidental visitor from the North. 
The record of 1878 remains unique. 


[486a] Corvus corax principalis Ridgw. NorrHern AmericAN Raven.—Extirpated. 


202 [488] Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm. 


Crow. 
Abundant permanent resident, most numerous in winter on the coast. 
Eggs: April 15 to June 13. 


Much could be said about the Crow. One always finds something new in 
this interesting and original bird. The endless variety of its notes and calls, its 
tracks in the sand, and its pellets telling the tale of its diet are all of great interest. 

The courtship song is undoubtedly the hoarse rattling sound which is some- 
times likened to the gritting of teeth. This is uttered from a perch with the bill 
pointed downward and also on the wing like an orthodox flight-song. On July 1, 
1919, a Crow at Ipswich regaled me by repeating this song seven times in quick 
succession, and afterward at irregular intervals for half an hour. A good deal 
of fighting goes on in the spring courting. Sometimes it occurs in the air and 
the birds try to rise above one another, or one flies after another in hot pursuit. 
Suddenly the two set their wings and dash down toward the earth only to rise 
again and repeat the game. One April day I saw two Crows, cawing loudly, 
tumble all over each other on the ground, then fly up in the air and repeat the 
fight until they fell nearly to the ground again. 

On a day in May four or five Crows flew about high over my head at Ips- 
wich, scolding in the way they do when one approaches their nests. Every now 
and then one would nearly close his wings and dive down toward me at an angle 
of 45° for several hundred feet, making at the same time a whirring noise. When 
within a short distance of me, the Crow would turn sharply and glide upward. 
The performance was spectacular and rather alarming. 

Since the original Memoir was published, there have occurred great changes 
in the winter roosts of the Crows and I have made studies of a new roost initiated 
in 1916 at Ipswich, the account! of which I published at length in the Auk. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 405-416, 1918. 


128 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


This roost was on the southerly side of Castle Hill and I estimated it contained 
at times 12,000 birds. A large number of pellets collected from this roost and 
examined by the Biological Survey at Washington proved especially interesting 
and the results are tabulated in the article referred to. 

In January, 1919, the great Crow roost on Castle Hill dwindled and appar- 
ently ceased to be. Crows were to be seen flying toward the Essex Woods as 
previously and a moderate-sized roost was found on a pine island in the marshes 
near Labor-in-vain Creek and the Ipswich River. The cause of this break-up 
of the roost was, I believe, a Great Horned Owl as explained in the annotations 
under that bird. Early in April the Crows were again to be seen flying to the 
roost on Castle Hill. The owl had undoubtedly departed to its breeding-ground 
inland. 

All passerine birds hold their feet up in front as they fly, and this point can 
best be observed in the Crow, our largest passerine bird.t 


203 [494] Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linn.). 


BogBoLink. 
Abundant summer resident. April 30 to September 30. 
Eggs: June 3 to 14. 


The courtship song of this bird bubbles over with joy and merriment. Not 
only from the air but from the tops of trees and from the ground the song is 
given, but its ardor almost always carries the bird through the air. Especially is 
this the case when the courting season is in full sway. When the birds first come, 
before the arrival of the females, they often sing in trees, sometimes as many as 
a dozen together, making a splendid chorus. One may see a male courting a 
female on the ground. He spreads his tail and forcibly drags it like a Pigeon. 
He erects his buff nape feathers, points his bill downward and partly opens his 
wings, gurgling meanwhile a few of his song notes. The female indifferently 
walks away. 

On the wing his song is at the best. He rises in irregular circles or progresses 
in a horizontal plane on rapidly vibrated down-curved wings. His flight often 
concludes by a descent with wings pointing obliquely upward. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 26, p. 115, 1909. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 129 


204 [495] Molothrus ater ater (Bodd.). 


CowBirD. 


Common summer resident (winter). March 22 to November 26 (December 


20, 30, January 15). 
Eggs: May 18 to June 8. 


In the winter of 1915-16 a Cowbird was seen by Messrs. G. M. Bubier and 
A. P. Stubbs at Lynn a number of times consorting with English Sparrows. 

The courtship of the Cowbird is an interesting performance. The male puffs 
out his feathers, spreads his wings slightly, and his tail to the full extent, and 
bows low first raising his head. At the same time he utters a low gurgling chuck 
rapidly repeated followed sometimes by a squeaking hiss, rarely by a rattle. The 
gurgling chuck chuck or gluck gluck is so low that it cannot be heard fifty yards 
away. It is a pleasing, liquid note. This is evidently the courtship song, and is 
sometimes performed on the wing. I have seen three males chasing a female 
uttering these notes as they flew. She took refuge in a tree and the males alight- 
ing near, performed in turn, all puffing out their feathers and bowing low. She 
sidled out to the end of a branch and attempted to escape their attention by 
flight, but they were soon in hot pursuit. 

The partially whistled call-note phee de de commonly emitted as the bird flies 
bears a distinct resemblance to the song of the Meadowlark and suggests rela- 
tionship. It may be the ancient call-note of the group from which the Meadow- 


lark developed its song. 


*205 [497] Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.). 
YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


The observation of Mr. Francis Beach White? puts this bird on the list. “ At 
Ipswich, Mass., September 17, 1917, I had under observation for about half an 
hour, a Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus). It was in 
the plumage of the female.” 

According to Howe and Allen? there are only three other records for the 


State. 


1 White, F. B. Auk, vol. 35, p. 224, 1918. 
2 Howe, R. H., Jr., and Allen, G. M. The Birds of Massachusetts, p. 116, IgoT. 


9 


130 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


206 [498] Agelaius phceniceus phoeniceus (Linn.). 


RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. 


Abundant summer resident (winter). March 3 to August 21, October 
(November 28, February 14) ; average date of arrival for eight years, March 17. 


Eggs: May 23 to June 18. 


Two were seen in the Topsfield Marshes by Mr. Ralph Lawson on November 
28, 1918. On February 14, 1912, Mr. A. P. Stubbs found one in Palmer’s Bog, 
Swampscott. 

The courtship of the Red-winged Blackbird centers as distinctly about the 
display of the scarlet epaulettes as does the courtship of the Peacock about the 
display of his train. The adult male Red-wing when absorbed in feeding is a 
plain blackbird with a pale yellow stripe on his shoulder or one with a narrow 
band of red. The color may even be entirely covered up by the prevailing black- 
ness of his costume. When, however, his love passions are excited he spreads his 
tail, slightly opens his wings, puffs out all his feathers, and sings his quonk-quer-ee, 
or his still more watery and gurgling song, appropriate to an oozing bog, his 
dgle-dggle-yer. Now when he puffs out his body feathers he especially puffs out, 
erects, and otherwise displays to their best advantage the gorgeous scarlet epau- 
lettes. These patches become actually dazzling in their effect as he slowly flies 
toward the object of his affections, for these beauty spots are most effective when 
seen from in front. 

In the nesting season, if an intruder approaches the family home, he is met 
by the male who flies about and flutters overhead uttering most piercing shrill 
whistles that suggest the drawing in of the breath and by loud chuck, chucks. 
The feet are drawn up in front so that they show as knobs on the breast. Occa- 
sionally he lets them hang down, and setting his wings and extending the bastard 
wings he slowly drops down and settles in a thicket of grass. 

The female in her protests does not include this ear-splitting whistle, but 
chucks and rattles. The rattle takes on at times a trilling, vibrating character, 
which is almost Veery-like. 


207 [501] Sturnella magna magna (Linn.). 


MEADOWLARK; “ MarsH QUAIL.” 
, 


Very common summer resident, sometimes not uncommon in winter. March 
1 to November 31 (December, January and February). 


Eggs: May 11 to June 28. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 131 


In the original Memoir I had only one winter record, that for January 2, 1889. 
Since then one or more have spent every winter at Ipswich until the severe one 
of 1917-18, so that the bird may be called a resident. On January 28, 1912, I 
counted a flock of 22 in the marshes of the Castleneck River. On January 10, 
1913, I saw 13 and on January 11, 1914, 24. Mr. H. W. Wright has given me 
records for February, 1912, of two Meadowlarks at Nahant, for January 3, 1910, 
January 25, 1916, and December 14, 1916, for these birds at Marblehead. On the 
last-named date he counted 19 birds. On February 21, 1910, six or eight Meadow- 
larks were singing continuously nearly their full song near my house at Ipswich. 
On December 1, 1912, I counted fully fifty of these birds in the marsh near my 
house, many of them in full song. 

On February 13, 1916, as I was walking over the marsh in a driving snow 
storm on snowshoes, a Meadowlark whirled out of the snow within three inches 
of the tip of one of my shoes. He had been snugly settled in a cavity in the grass 
and had been nearly or entirely snowed in. In another part of the marsh, about 
a mile away, on the same day another Meadowlark suddenly emerged from the 
snow leaving a small round hole of exit. Into this I could insert my hand as 
into a cavity. 

On December 30, 1917, when the Fahrenheit thermometer stood at 20° 
below zero at 6.30 A.M., and the highest temperature reached during the day was 
2° below zero, I found two Meadowlarks at Ipswich. They were seen again 
after prolonged cold weather on January 13, but no more until the spring migra- 
tions in March. 

In the winter of 1918-19, which was exceptionally mild, I saw no Meadow- 
larks in my visits to Ipswich from November 16, when I saw one, until March 16. 
The previous cold winter had either killed or frightened south all the north-loving 
Meadowlarks! 

The beautiful song with a tinge of sadness in it, is one of the most familiar 
songs of the Ipswich region. It is given from the ground, from a fence-post or 
from a tree-top, and rarely in flight. The real ecstatic flight-song of this bird 
must be extremely rare, at least in Essex County, for I have never heard it. It 
is described by Forbush? as follows: “ Rarely a talented individual soars aloft, 
uttering an ecstatic flight-song, which compares favorably with that of the most 
celebrated songsters. I have heard this in full volume but once, and then found 
it difficult to believe that it came from the throat of a common Meadowlark. It 
was not at all suggestive of that bird’s ordinary song, except in some of the last 
notes, nor did it in the least resemble that of the Western Meadowlark; it more 
resembled the music of the Bobolink, but was louder and not so hurriedly given.” 


1Forbush, E. H. Useful Birds and their Protection, p. 318, 1907. 


132 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


On July 15, 1917, I heard one singing in the broad marshes of the Castle- 
neck River a song rendered unusually beautiful by the interpolation between the 
two long notes of a silvery strain suggestive of a Hermit Thrush. It was a song 
that gave me the greatest pleasure. 


208 [506] Icterus spurius (Linn.). 
ORCHARD ORIOLE. 
Rare and local summer resident. May 7 to September 28. 
Eggs: May 28 to June 25. 


The September 28 record was of a female bird seen by me near my house at 
Ipswich, in 1918. 

Orchard Orioles bred at Ipswich near my house in 1905, 1906, 1907, and 
1908. From that date until June 4, 1916, I have no record of this bird in Ipswich. 
In 1906, on May 20, I saw as many as six Orchard Orioles at Ipswich. 

Mr. A. P. Stubbs found a young male singing in Lynn on May 13, 1913. Mr. 
Damsell’ has extended the range to the northern part of the County. In twenty- 
six years he noted it three times as follows: July 4, 1883, at Newburyport; May 
12, 1891, and May 21, 1900, at Amesbury.. 

The full song of the Orchard Oriole is given with great abandon from a 
perch and especially on the wing. I have heard one sing six times in a minute 
and have tried to express his song by the words Look here, what cheer, what cheer, 
whip yo, what cheer, wee yo. Sometimes it ends with sit-e-wee, and occasionally 
a rattle is introduced. July Ist is the latest date I have heard the song. 

In making the nest the bird apparently prefers to hang it from two branches. 
I once found the nest suspended from two apple trees whose branches interlaced. 


209 [507] Icterus galbula (Linn.). 
BALTIMORE ORIOLE; “ GOLDEN Rosin.” 


Abundant summer resident. April 29 to September 25; average date of 
arrival for eleven years, May 7. 


Eggs: May 24 to July 4. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 27, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 133 


210 [509] Euphagus carolinus (Miill.). 


Rusty BLACKBIRD. 


Common transient visitor; winter. March 7 to April 30; September 23 to 
November 3; January and February. 


Dr. J. C. Phillipst found a flock of eight to eighteen of this species that spent 
the winter of 1911-12 at Danvers. He observed a single bird at Wenham on 
January 7, 1917. 

The courtship of this bird, if such it may be called, is produced with appar- 
ently great effort, wide open bill and spread tail, resulting in a series of squeaking 
notes suggestive of an unoiled windmill—zat-chee’e. At times a sweet lower 
note, often double, is heard. 


[511] Quiscalus quiscula quiscula (Linn.). Purrre Grackie.—No specimens from 
the County although it undoubtedly wanders from the South. 


2tt [511b] Quiscalus quiscalus zneus Ridgw. 
BronzED GRACKLE; Crow BLACKBIRD. 


Abundant summer resident, occasionally winters. March 6 to November 6 
(winter) ; average date of arrival for nine years, March 17. 


Eggs: May 7 to June. 


On November 25, 1917, I saw one Bronzed Grackle at Ipswich. Damsell? 
records “a large flock”? at Amesbury on November 6, 1890, and he shot one there 
on January 10, 1885. Dr. J. C. Phillips saw several at Wenham on February 22, 
1909, and Dr. W. G. Fanning reported the bird at Danvers on February 12, 1917. 
In the original Memoir I recorded the fact that three birds spent the winter of 
1903-04 at Wenham. 

The courtship of the Bronzed Grackle is not inspiring. The male puffs out 
his feathers to twice his natural size, partly opens his wings, spreads his tail and, 
if he is on the ground, drags it rigidly as he walks. At the same time he sings 
his song—such as it is—with great vigor and abandon. That this vocal per- 
formance should be classed as a song from a scientific point of view there is no 
doubt, but such it would not seem to the ordinary observer. It is harsh and dis- 
agreeable, a squeaking, saw-filing explosion of notes. It varies considerably and 


i Phillips, J. C. Auk, vol. 29, p. 395, 1912. 
2 Allen, G. M. Auk. vol. 30, p. 27, 1913. 


134 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


sometimes suggests the sound of a jet of escaping steam. I have written it down 
er whect, dam that, but my interpretation may have been influenced by my mental 
attitude induced by the performance. 

During the period of courtship the male in flight depresses the central feathers 
of its tail forming a V-shaped keel. I was at first inclined to think that this was 
of use in flight like a rudder, but I am inclined to think that it is in the nature of 
courtship display, for this arrangement of tail feathers is not seen when a bird 
is actively engaged in flight for the purpose of obtaining food. Under these cir- 
cumstances the tail is spread in the ordinary manner. 

Although the Bronzed Grackle is an undesirable bird to have about one’s 
house on account of its disagreeable song, harsh cries, and the incessant calls the 
nestlings make for food, and on account of its habit of driving out other nesting 
birds and robbing their nests of eggs and young, there are many interesting points 
about it for study. Since 1906, it has taken to nesting in the vines on my house 
at Ipswich, and, in general, as stated in Chapter IJ, it has frequented the neighbor- 
hood of man in an increasing degree since 1902. Robins’ nests in the vines of 
my house have been despoiled of their eggs and young by this bird, and I have 
known it to kill adult birds of moderate size. I once found a Grackle holding 
down the freshly killed body of a Bicknell’s Thrush while it picked out the brains. 
I have seen one with its foot firmly planted on a living male English Sparrow 
while it pecked repeatedly at the Sparrow’s head. The Grackle’s value in keeping 
down the English Sparrow nuisance in our towns and cities is probably con- 
siderable. 

The early pea-pods in my garden have been systematically slashed and split 
open by the Grackle’s powerful bill and all the peas eaten. Later peas, protected 
by more foliage and with no room to walk between the rows, have escaped. On 

‘the other hand the systematic way in which Grackles destroy grubs in grass-fields 
in the early spring is to their credit. 

After having put up with Grackles nesting in the vines of my house for sev- 
eral years and learning that it was a choice between them and Robins and Chip- 
ping Sparrows, I have naturally chosen the last two. On May 3, 1914, I pulled 
down a Grackle’s nest with its contents of five eggs from a side porch of my 
house. A week later I found the nest rebuilt and containing one egg. I again 
pulled it down. On May 17, I again destroyed a nest and one egg in the same 
place and again on May 24 and on May 31. On the last two dates, the newly 
built nests contained no eggs. On May 24, I found two other nests of Grackles 
on my house each containing five eggs and destroyed them. These were not 
rebuilt, and the first one which had been rebuilt four times, or a total of five 
nests built by the same pair, was not renewed. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 135 


At the suggestion of my friend Mr. H. Mousley, instead of destroying the 
nests, I merely took the eggs in the following year and found that this at once 
discouraged the birds and they went elsewhere. An omelette of thirty-two Bronzed 
Grackles’ eggs taken from nests on my own house and two of my neighbors I 
found excellent eating. Robins now nest undisturbed on our houses and their 
delightful manners and voices form an agreeable change from those of Bronzed 
Grackles. 

The Bronzed Grackle is, however, a most interesting bird to study, and is 
very well in its place. Its habit of dipping like a gull and picking up morsels of 
food and even small living fish from the surface of the water shows a most pro- 
gressive nature.t’ It also alights on floating drift-wood and picks food from the 
water. I once saw one fly with a piece of bread in its bill to the side of a pond, 
put the bread in the water, and after it was softened, pick it to pieces and eat it. 

More than once I have heard Bronzed Grackles scream so much like a Com- 
mon Tern that I was for a while deceived. 

The Bronzed Grackle is a terror to the English Sparrow and the Robin. 
What its relations with the Starling will be remains to be seen. A few years ago I 
observed six or eight Grackles peacefully feeding side by side in a grass-field with 
four Starlings. No enmity was shown by either side and no stealing occurred. 
When war begins the Starling will find a match in the Yankee bird. 


212 [514] Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina (W. Coop.). 
EvENING GROSBEAK. 


Irregular but, during and since the winter of 1915-16, a not uncommon win- 
ter visitor. December 8 to May 19. 


In the original Memoir an account is given of a remarkable invasion of these 
birds from their regular range in the northwest in 1890, from January to April. 
In March, 1904, five of this species were found in Beverly. These were the only 
records. Mr. Damsell, in his careful records covering the period from 1880 to 
1911 at Amesbury, has no note of this bird. 

The winter of 1915-16 saw a migration of Evening Grosbeaks of consider- 
able magnitude into New England, and every winter since there has been a return 
of these birds. As they are particularly fond of the seeds of the box elder or 
ash-leaved maple (Acer negundo), and as this tree has been extensively planted 
over the Great Plains, it has been thought that they were led to the East by this 


1 Townsend, C. W. Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes, 1913; also Auk, vol. 36, p. 627, 1919. 


136 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


favorable food supply. It is to be hoped that this handsome bird, one that always 
arouses interest by its tameness, large size, and beauty of plumage, will continue 
to visit us. Miss Viola E. Crittenden watched a flock of nine Evening Grosbeaks 
in Beverly from December 26, 1915, to April 16, 1916. Mr. Ralph Lawson found 
two in Salem on March 10, 1916; Mr. Willard Porter two in Boxford on March 
16 of the same year. Miss S. E. Lakeman found several on the Turkey Shore at 
Ipswich, in March, and three were seen on Dr. Crockett’s farm at Ipswich on 
March 23 by Miss Cutter. Marion H. Bayley reported’ twenty to thirty at New- 
buryport on March 22 to 24 in a hedge between a school and a church, feeding 
undisturbed on the buds of the hedge and dropping the bud-scales on the ground 
beneath. 

Mr. A. P. Stubbs found two flocks of twelve each at East Lynn on April 5 
of the same year and some of them stayed until April 19. 

A flock of Evening Grosbeaks variously estimated from forty to sixty in 
numbers spent the winter of 1916-17 in Beverly from December 27 to May 13. 
That same winter fifteen stayed in Lynn, and some were seen at Peach’s Point, 
Marblehead. In the winter of 1917-18, the bird was reported from North 
Saugus, Lynnfield, and Topsfield. ; 

In the winter of 1918-10, a flock of twenty was seen at Methuen on January 
14 by Mr. Thomas Smith, president of the Lawrence Natural History Society. 
Eight were seen on February 23, 1919, at Ipswich, by Mr. Wayne Henderson; 
three at Essex on April 8 by Mr. A. B. Fuller and one at Rowley on April 28 by 
Mr. J. D. Sornborger. Dr. Thomas Barbour reported a flock of 75 to 100 at 
Beverty Farms from March 10 to May 19, 1919. 

Birds in the female and immature plumage have always largely outnumbered 
_ the brilliant yellow-and-black-plumaged adult males. The recognition of the bird 
even by laymen is easy. They have a loud clear call-note besides several low 
conversational notes, some of which are slightly trilled. They are very tame and 
flocks feeding in bushes in suburban regions are often surrounded by a large 
audience and by waiting automobiles. Besides the seeds of the box-elder, Evening 
Grosbeaks are fond of various berries and particularly of small Parkman crab- 
apples. From these they extract the seed, sometimes without detaching the fruit 
from the tree. 


1 Bayley, M. H. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, pp. 182, 183, 1916. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 137 


213 [515] Pinicola enucleator leucura (Miill.). 


PINE GROSBEAK. 


Irregular and at times abundant winter visitor. October 27 to March. 


In the last fifteen years I have few records of this bird in Essex County, 
namely, in the winters of 1906-07 and 1918-19, and in November, 1910. 


214 [517] Carpodacus purpureus purpureus (Gmel.). 


PurRPLE FINCH. 


Permanent resident, common in summer, rare in winter. April 1 to Novem- 
ber 5; winter. 


Eggs: June 8 to June 19. 


The flight song of this bird is a delightful performance. On slightly quiver- 
ing wings he sails about in wide circles pouring out his most rapturous song, 
and then with wings stretched up at an angle of 45° he floats slowly down still 
singing and continues to sing for several minutes from his perch on the top of 
a tree. 

Dr. J. C. Phillips described to me, in a letter of May 23, 1915, the courtship 
display of this bird which “stood on the ground before the female very upright 
with extended wings waving back and forth over the back very fast.” Olive 
Thorne Miller’ says: “ Even the charming Purple Finch expands his plumage and 
executes a dainty and exquisite graceful dance.” 


215 [521] Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm). 
CRrossBILL; RED CROSSBILL. 
Irregular visitor at all seasons, generally in winter; very rare summer resi- 
dent. October 24 to May 25 (July 12). 


The Red Crossbill visited Essex County in the years 1905, 1906-07, 1908, 


1908-09, I9II, I9I2, 1914, 1916, 1916-17, 1918-19, and 1919-20. 
Mr. William Brewster? reported the nesting of this bird in Marblehead, a 
unique instance for eastern Massachusetts. The discovery was made by two 


i Miller, O. T. The Bird Our Brother, Boston, p. 185, 1908. 
2Brewster, W. Auk, vol. 35, p. 225, 1918. 


138 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Cambridge boys, Lovell Thompson and Charles F. Walcott. These boys on their 
visit to Marblehead in the winter of 1916-17 had seen a flock of Red Crossbills, 
and on April 22, 1917, they noticed two in pitch pines near a house. “‘ Looking 
closer we found their nest on a pine branch about eighteen feet above the ground. 
The male Crossbill flew from the tree but when I [Thompson] climbed it the 
female was on the nest and I got my hand within two feet of her before she left 
it to fly away. There were two eggs in it, both whitish with some dark markings. 
About a month later we visited the place again. There was then nothing to be 
seen of the Crossbills and only one broken egg-shell remained in the nest which 
we took and have since given to Mr. Brewster.” Mr. Brwster says: “ The nest 
above mentioned somewhat resembles that of a Song Sparrow, being similarly 
bulky and deep-cupped, with thick walls mostly composed of bleached grass- 
blades and weed stalks. But it has also a bristling outer fringe of stiff twigs six 
to ten inches long, such as no Song Sparrow would be likely to employ. Moreover 
its nest lining of fine, soft grasses includes a few Crossbill feathers at least one of 
which, brick red in color, must have come from an adult male bird. Their pres- 
ence affords, of course, convincing evidence as to the original ownership of the 
nest, thereby, indeed, it is ‘ self-identified.” 

The song of this bird which I have heard in the month of April in Ipswich, 
is a pleasant, rather rambling warble suggestive at times by its repetitions of the 
song of the Brown Thrasher. 

One may often discover these birds among pines by the noise made by their 
bills in picking the seeds from the cones. They often hang by the feet, head 
downward, extract the seed from between the rough scales, swallow the seed, and 
let the light wing blow away. The pitch-pine thickets in the Ipswich dunes are 


favorite resorts of Crossbills. 


216 [522] Loxia leucoptera Gmel. 
WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 


Irregular but at times common winter visitor. October 24 to April. 


In 1906, I had observed a failure in the cone-crop of the spruces and firs in 
Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and Labrador and inferred that there would be 
an incursion of Crossbills and Grosbeaks into New England in the following 
winter. My inference was justified. On October 24, 1906, I heard from a flock 
of these birds at Wenham parts of the beautiful courtship song that I have heard 
on their breeding-grounds. The song here is delivered with great vigor and 
abandon and usually as the bird flies in large circles. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 23, p. 177, 1906. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 139 


I have records for this bird in the County only in the winter of 1906-07, in 
1918-19, and in the early winter of 1919-20. 


217 [527a] Acanthis hornemanni exilipes (Coues). 


Hoary REDPOLL. 
Very rare winter visitor. 


The record of 1878 remains unique. 


218 [528] Acanthis linaria linaria (Linn.). 
REDPOLL. 
Irregular and at times abundant winter visitor. October 24 to April 25. 


I have records of this bird in the County in the winters of 1906-07, 1908-09, 
IQII-12, 1913-14, 1919-20. 

The courtship song is delivered by the bird flying in irregular circles and 
consists of a series of chees and chugs and fine rattling trills interspersed with 
sweet dee ahs like those of a Goldfinch, They often descend precipitately to 
their perch still singing. 

The stomach of a Redpoll I shot at Ipswich on March 10, 1912, and sent to 
Washington was reported on by Mr. W. L. McAtee as follows: ‘The stomach 
of the Redpoll contained the remains of many small cocoons of Microlepidoptera, 
probably of the family Tineide. These made up 96 per cent. of the contents and 
are no doubt what the birds were getting from the bark of the larch trees. The 
remainder of this bird’s stomach-contents was bits of the shell of ragweed seeds.” 
A flock of a dozen Redpolls together with a few Pine Siskins, some Myrtle 
Warblers, Tree Sparrows, and Chickadees were always to be found gleaning the 
branches in a grove of larches on the side of Castle Hill that winter and doubt- 
less saved this grove from destruction by these pests. 


219 [528a] Acanthis linaria holbeelli (Brehm). 


HOoLBey’s REDPOLL. 
Very rare winter visitor. 


There are no other records besides that of Mr. Brewster for 1883. 


140 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


220 [528b] Acanthis linaria rostrata (Coues). 


GREATER REDPOLL. 


Irregular and at times common winter visitor. 


Among a flock of Redpolls in an orchard at Ipswich on January 29, 1907, 
I noticed two or three distinctly larger and darker birds. One of these I col- 
lected and it proved to belong to this subspecies. 


221 [529] Astragalinus tristis tristis (Linn.). 
GOLDFINCH ; YELLOW-BIRD. 
Permanent resident, abundant in summer, not uncommon in winter. 


Eggs: July to September 13. 

The courtship season of this bird is of long duration. In May it is common 
to hear a jingling melodious concert from a number, all singing together in a tree. 
In June, July, and August the courtship ecstacy appears to be at its height and the 
delightful and cheerful song is poured out by birds flying in irregular circles as 
well as from perches. 

As late as October, I found in a small apple tree a nest of a Goldfinch with 
four young but a few days old. A high wind on the third of the month upset the 
nest, throwing out two of the birds. I set the nest on the ground at the foot of 
the tree and replaced the young, and they were cared for there by the parents in 
the new location. 


222 [533] Spinus pinus (Wils.). 


Pine Siskin; Pine Fincu. 
Irregular and at times abundant winter visitor. October 3 to May 31. 
A reference by Nuttall’ omitted in the original Memoir is this: “‘ My friend, 
Mr. Oakes, of Ipswich, has seen them in large flocks in that vicinity in winter.” 
I have records for this bird in winter in Essex County for every year in the 


last fifteen but one, namely 1915, so that it may almost be called a regular 
winter visitor. They have appeared again this last fall, coming first on October 13. 


1 Nuttall, T. Manual of the Ornithology of the United States and Canada, Land Birds, 
p. 512, 1832. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY I4I 


Although their bills are not specialized like those of the Crossbill or Grosbeak 
the birds are very skillful at extracting.the seeds from the cones of pitch pines. 
They hang from the cones, insert their bills between the hard scales, pull out the 
seed, eat off the kernel and drop the wing. They are also fond of gleaning the 
delicate branches of larch trees for insect pests. 

Their song is a high-pitched rapid trill or rattle interspersed with a variety of 
squeaky notes. It may often be heard here in April and May. For a plain bird 
they have a rather surprising courtship display. I refer to the bright yellow color 
at the base and sides of the tail and on the wing feathers. This yellow becomes 
very prominent when the wings and tail are spread at the proper angle. 


223 [534] Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linn.). 


Snow BuNnTING; SNOWFLAKE. 


Abundant winter visitor; most common in November, December, and Janu- 
ary, less common in February and March. October 12 to April 10. 


The full nuptial song of the breeding-grounds which is often given in the air 
and as the bird descends rapidly to the ground, I have not heard in Essex County. 
During March one may often hear a rather feeble warbling song with introduced 
sibilant notes and trills, as if the bird were practicing for the full song. 


224 [536] Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus (Linn.). 


LAPLAND LONGSPUR. 


Winter visitor, common in the autumn and early winter, very rare in late 
winter and spring. October 5 to May 1. 


Late winter and spring records of this bird are so rare they are worth record- 
ing. My brother, Mr. W. S. Townsend, found a male in full plumage on Ipswich 
Beach on April 19, 1905. In 1907, Mr. H. W. Wright saw four Longspurs at 
Little Nahant on February 26 and 28, and March 4 and 8. On March 10, I visited 
the place and found one Longspur there. In 1909, on January 31, at Ipswich, 
I found about a hundred Longspurs with an equal number of Snow Buntings in 
the Ipswich dunes. I saw one on February 7 of that year and five on April 18. 
The last-named birds were seen at Great Neck. 


142 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


_ 225 [538] Calcarius ornatus (J. K. Towns.). 
CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


As far as I know no bird of this species has visited the County since one was 
so inhospitably received by me in 1876. 


[539] Rhynchophanes mccowni (Lawr.). McCown’s Loncspur.—An erroneous record. 


226 [540] Pocecetes gramineus gramineus (Gmel.). 
VESPER SPARROW; BaAy-wINGceD BuntTiInG; Grass FINcH. 


Abundant summer resident. March 26 to November 10. 
Eggs: May 14 to June 10 (August 11). 


The courtship song on the wing is performed while the bird flies slowly not- 
withstanding the rapid vibration of the wings, with feet hanging down, tail and 
head elevated. In display, the male walks or runs with widely spread tail, and 
wings spread upward from time to time. Sharp chipping notes are uttered and 
fighting by rival males is common. 


227 [541] Passerculus princeps Maynard. 
IpswicH SPARROW. 


Winter visitor, locally common and at times abundant in autumn and early 
winter, very rare in late winter, uncommon in the spring. October 5 to April 20 
(May 11). 

The October 5 record is of a single bird seen at Great Neck, Ipswich, in 1913, 
by Dr. Walter Faxon. The April 20 record is of a bird seen at Plum Island, in 
1914, by Judge Charles F. Jenney. The unusual record of May 11 was of a bird 
seen at the same place by the same observer, in 1918. My own latest spring 
record is for April 16, 1916, a single bird seen in the Ipswich dunes. On March 
27, 1910, I saw as many as twenty Ipswich Sparrows in the brack on Ipswich 
Beach. 

On March 8, 1908, I heard one sing repeatedly a feeble rather scraping 
warble. It was not loud, not musical and not the true song. I have heard a 
similar performance by a Savanna Sparrow in the early spring. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 143 


228 [542a] Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wils.). 


SAVANNAH SPARROW. 


Abundant summer resident (winter). March 26 to November 12 (Decem- 
ber 6, January 1). 

Eggs: May 26 to June 20. 

Unlike the Song and Vesper and other sparrows which sing on arrival from 
the South, this bird is at first silent or emits a feeble warble or an imperfect song. 

In courtship the male stands on the ground and vibrates his wings rapidly 
above his back. He also flies slowly a short distance above the ground with head 
and tail up and rapidly vibrating wings. Two males often chase each other in 
this way making a rasping, buzzing sound. I have heard the song given on 
the wing. 


[545] Ammodramus bairdi (Aud.). Barrp’s Sparrow.—The Ipswich Sparrow was 
first believed to be this species and published as such. 


229 [546] Ammodramus savannarum australis Maynard. 


GRASSHOPPER SPARROW; YELLOW-WINGED SPARROW. 


Not uncommon summer resident, locally. May to to August r. 


In the original Memoir I mentioned Ipswich as the only known locality in the 
County for this bird. It has also been found near Salem and at Boxford and 
in Peabody and is probably a summer resident elsewhere, but its retiring ways 
make its observation difficult. 


230 [547] Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi (Aud.). 


HENSLOW’s SPARROW. 


Rare and local summer resident. May to September. 
Eggs: May 25. 


On May 31, 1918, instead of riding in a motor to the train at Ipswich, I was 
so fortunate as torwalk. Ata turn of the road near a fresh marsh that bordered 
on a region of salt-marsh I heard the distinctive song of the Henslow’s Sparrow, 
which I wrote down on this occasion as cu-sick. It was repeated several times 


1 Mackintosh, R. B. Bull. Essex County Ornith. Club, p. 40, 19109. 


144 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


and I climbed the stone-wall and walked through the high grass in the direction 
of the sound which soon ceased. I went back to the road as I feared I might 
lose my train, but was again enticed to return by the sound. This time I walked 
straight to the spot and succeeded in flushing the bird which flew up from under 
my feet, alighted on a dead weed-stalk within a few yards of me, and continued 


to sing. 
231 [549] Passerherbulus caudacutus (Gmel.). 


SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. 
Common summer resident locally. May 24 to November 8. 


Eggs: June 8 to July 12. 


232 [549-1] Passerherbulus nelsoni nelsoni (Allen). 


NELSON’s SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. 


Rare transient visitor, exceptionally rare in the spring. September 25 to 
October 13. 

Two sharp-tails which I believe to be of this species I found fluttering against 
the window in a boat-house on the marsh at Ipswich on October 8, 1905. I was 
struck with their small size, dark brown backs and breasts and very faint stripes. 


233 [549-I1a] Passerherbulus nelsoni subvirgatus (Dwight). 


ACADIAN SHARP-TAILED SPARROW. 


Common transient visitor. May 23 to June 11; September 2 to November 5. 


I have not seen this species give a flight song in Essex County, but observed 
it on the breeding-grounds in New Brunswick. The bird rises on fluttering 
wings to a height sometimes of forty feet, and gushes forth its oozy song several 
times in the descent and continues it from its perch on the grass. On one occa- 
sion the bird uttered repeatedly short clear notes which I wrote down wt wt on 
the ascent, but he gave the regular song on the downward plunge. 


234 [550] Passerherbulus maritimus maritimus (Wils.). 


SEASIDE SPARROW. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


The record of 1877 remains unique. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 145 


I have seen this bird in the southern part of the State at Westport. It is a 
larger and much darker bird than the Sharp-tail but has similar habits. Its song 
may be divided into two parts: the first a gurgling trill, followed by an insect-like 
high-pitched trill. The first part sounds as if the bird were breathing out, the 
last, as if it were drawing in its breath. 


235 [552] Chondestes grammacus grammacus (Say). 


LARK SPARROW; LARK FINCH. 


Accidental visitor from the West. 


I am able to add four more records of this bird for the County all of which, 
I believe, are certain, although all, unlike the first three, are merely sight records. 
I transcribe the note of the first from my report in the Auk:' “On August 12, 
1905, at Ipswich, Massachusetts, I observed at close range a Lark Sparrow 
(Chondestes grammacus). This makes the sixth record of this species for the 
State, and the fourth for Essex County. Nearly a year before this, on August 
21, 1904, I took at Ipswich an adult male Lark Sparrow (Birds of Essex County, 
p. 268). It has occurred to me that stragglers in the migrations along our eastern 
coast may not be so very rare, but that they are overlooked, being mistaken for 
Vesper Sparrows, owing to the white outer tail-feathers. In both of the above 
instances, however, the slightly fan-shaped tail, and the fact that the white was 
not confined to the two outer feathers, as in the Vesper Sparrow, attracted my 
eye. The characteristic markings on the side of the head in the Lark Sparrow, 
seen with a glass within thirty feet, made the diagnosis in the second case abso- 
lutely certain.” 

The next record is by Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge:? “I wish to record that on 
August 28, 1908, Miss E. D. Boardman and I saw in a newly planted field at Ips- 
wich, a fine Lark Sparrow. The bird was associated with Chipping, Vesper and 
Song Sparrows. We were attracted at once by the curious face markings, the 
unstreaked breast with a small black spot, the rounded tail tipped with white, the 
outer feathers with much white. These details were all carefully noted at a dis- 
tance of fifteen feet, as the bird was feeding. Having seen them in the West I 
knew is was a Lark Sparrow, the second record, I believe, for Ipswich.” 

On August 23 and again on September 27, 1910, Miss E. D. Boardman saw 
at close range a Lark Sparrow at Manchester. As this may have been the same 


oe Ee 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 23, pp. 103, 104, 1906. 
2Bridge, L-E. Auk, vol. 25, p. 476, 1908. 


} fe) 


146 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


bird on both occasions I have considered this as one record only although of 
course there may have been two different individuals. 

On September 15, 1911, Miss Boardman again observed a Lark Sparrow at 
Manchester. 


236 [554] Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys (J. R. Forst.). 


WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. 


Uncommon transient visitor. May 10 to May 28; October 3 to October 18 
(November 30, December 17). 


The December 17 record is for 1910, at Gloucester where a bird of this 
species was seen by Messrs. Barron Brainerd and J. L. Peters. The November 
30 record is for 1919, a bird seen at Ipswich by Mr. Ralph Lawson. 

At least three White-crowned Sparrows were singing near my house at Ips- 
wich on May 24, 1913. It was a cold wet day with a sea fog driving by, and this, 
together with the sad song—more wet wetter wet che zee —reminded me very 
strongly of the Labrador coast. 


237 [558] Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmel.). 


WHITE-THROATED SPARROW; PEABODY-BIRD. 


Common transient visitor, occasional summer resident; rare in winter. April 
11 to May 30; summer; September 10 to November 14; winter. 


The winter records are as follows: January 17, 1905, Nahant, Mr. H. W. 
Wright; February 21, 1915, and February 5, 1916, Lynn, Mr. A. P. Stubbs; 
January 24, 1919, Beverly, Miss V. E. Crittenden. 

In the summer of 1905, Mr. F. H. Allen? found evidence of the breeding of 
this species in Boxford. 


238 [559] Spizella monticola monticola (Gmel.). 


TREE SPARROW. 
Abundant winter visitor. October 7 to April 23. 


The numbers of these birds that visit us in winter vary greatly. One of the 
largest flocks I ever saw was one of at least a hundred and fifty birds feeding on 
the seeds of the beach-grass at Ipswich on January 6, 1918. 


1 Allen, F. H. Auk, vol. 22, pp. 415, 416, 1905. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 147 


239 [560] Spizella passerina passerina (Bechst.). 


CHIPPING SPARROW; CHIPPY. 


Abundant summer resident. (March 24) April 9 to November 12; average 
date of arrival for ten years, April 7. 


Eggs: May 23 to June 26. 


Mr. R. C. Robbins reports that an albino Chipping Sparrow was reared at 
Hamilton in the summer of 1911. 


. 240 [563] Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wils.). 


FIELD SPARROW. 
Common summer resident. March 18 to October 27. 


Eggs: May 21 to June 12. 


241 [567] Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linn.). 


SLATE-COLORED JUNCO; SNOWBIRD. 


Abundant transient visitor, not uncommon in winter (summer). September 
3 to November 30; winter ; March 8 to May 26 (July 26). 

The July 26 record is for 1913, at Manchester, of a bird seen by Miss E. D. 
Boardman. On September 2, 1905, Mr. F. H. Allen? saw a bird in Boxford in 
juvenal plumage which suggests that it was reared there. For the latter half of 
May I have a record for May 16, 1915, one for May 18, 1919, and one for May 
26, 1918. On September 10, 1916, Juncos were abundant at Ipswich, evident 
migrants. 


242 [581] Melospiza melodia melodia (Wils.). 


Sonc SPARROW. 


Abundant summer resident, a few winter. March 10 to November 4; winter; 
average date of arrival for five years, March ro. 
Eggs: May Io to July 29. 


The abundance of the Song Sparrow during the migrations along the coast- 


ee ee ee eee Ee 


1 Allen, F. H. Auk, vol. 23, p. 103, 1906. 


148 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


line is at times very striking. On March 30, 1919, in a walk during a snow storm 
from Rockport along the shore to the south as far as Gloucester, I found these 
birds in great numbers just back of the rocks and beaches. On March 19, 1905, 
following a warm day, during which very few Song Sparrows were to be seen, 
they became abundant at Ipswich. I counted fifty-eight flying out from a single 
clump of bushes. 

Perhaps no other bird has a greater variation in its songs. The birds of 
each locality differ. If one is familiar with the songs of the residents about one’s 
place, he is struck with the difference in the songs of birds a few miles away. 
No two birds sing exactly alike, and one bird may sing several songs. During 
the migrations the variety in the songs is very striking. Some songs are clear, 
delightful, and varied, others are short and far from musical. Every summer 
since 1908, I have listened to the simple song of a bird near my house at Ipswich 
that I have called the Russian Song Sparrow, as he sings twee twee sweetsky. 
Either the same bird has returned every year or a descendant or friend has acquired 
his song. On June 6, 1908, I heard and saw at Ipswich a Song Sparrow singing 
the clear, sweet song of the Field Sparrow with an ending which suggested that 
of his own species. I found him again on June 26 in the same place performing 
as before. On several occasions he sang the ordinary song of the Song Sparrow 
with variations. 

The courtship of the Song Sparrow is true to the bird’s name, for it is one 
chiefly of song. The song contests of the males in the early spring are one of 
the most delightful features of the country-side at that season. These peaceful 
contests sometimes begin with great display of wrath by one bird chasing another 
in the air on quivering wings, dodging about through the bushes and circling 
irregularly but never far, I suspect, from the waiting female. Each bird emits 
sharp mouse-like chips. Notwithstanding the rapid vibration of their wings, 
their speed is not great, and one never catches up with the other. Soon one bursts 
into song and is answered by the other, sometimes from a perch, sometimes in the 
air. I have seen a Song Sparrow on the top of a small spruce flutter or whir 
his wings for several seconds before he burst into a song which was shorter than 
the wing vibrations. On another occasion I saw the flight-song performed with 
the song left out: the bird flew up and down on a curve on rapidly fluttering 


wings, but no sound escaped its bill. 


243 [583] Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Aud.). 


LINCOLN’s SPARROW. 


Uncommon transient visitor. May 13 to May 31; August 30 to October 14. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 149 


244 [584] Melospiza georgiana (Lath.). 


Swamp Sparrow. 


Abundant summer resident, a few winter. (March 13) April 2 to Novem- 
ber 16 (winter). 

Eggs: May 17 to July 14. 

The March 13 record was of a bird seen at Marblehead, in 1909, by Mr. H. 
W. Wright. Messrs. A. P. Stubbs and G. M. Bubier have found it wintering 
several times at Hall’s Brook, Lynn. 

Figure 9 of Plate 46 in volume 2 of Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s History 
of North American Land Birds, is labelled “ Passerculus Caboti. Nahant, 62373.” 
There is no mention of this species in the text. Elliott Coues* called attention to 
this fact and states that the specimen which was in the Smithsonian Institute 
was a juvenal Swamp Sparrow. This erroneous species was overlooked in the 
original Memoir. 


245 [585] Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem). 


Fox SPARROW. 


Abundant transient visitor (winter). March 12 to April 28 (May 2) ; Octo- 
ber 14 to November 16 (December, January) ; average date of spring arrival for 
five years, March 20. 


I have to record four December dates as follows: December 6, 1908, Ips- 
wich; December 26, 1908, Marblehead ; December 23, 1910, Magnolia; December 
8, 1918, Newburyport; and one January date: January 15, 1911, Ipswich. 

Illustrative of the abundance of this bird at times is the count made by Mr. 
H. W. Wright at Nahant on April 10, 1907, namely of two hundred birds. Some- 
times their songs seem almost as full as on the breeding-grounds. They often 
sing in cold, foggy, easterly weather, conditions which probably remind them of 
Labrador. 


246 [587] Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linn.). 


TOWHEE; CHEWINK. 


Common summer resident. April 21 to October 17 (December 4) ; average 
date of arrival for nine years, April 27. 


Eggs: May 17 to June. 


1Coues, E. Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, vol. 8, p. 58, 1883. 


150 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


The average for nine years given above was made at Lynn from 1905 to 1913 
inclusive, by Mr. A. P. Stubbs; the limits were April 21, 1905, and May 2, 1910. 


247 [593] Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis (Linn.). 
CARDINAL. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


Damsell? records that one was shot at True’s Pond, Amesbury, on September 
27, 1899. 

From August 7 to November 15, 1905, Mr. A. P. Stubbs observed from time 
to time a Cardinal at Swampscott. From September 15 to November 9 the bird 
was not seen. Early in September he was molting and his tail was ragged. On 
November 9, the plumage was in good condition. 

On January 31, 1909, I found a Cardinal in the thick spruces close to the 
farmhouse on Castle Hill, Ipswich, and I was told he had been there three weeks. 
I found him in the same place from time to time up to April 4. This bird was 
reported by Mr. Frank A. Brown.* 


248 [595] Zamelodia ludoviciana (Linn.). 
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. 


Common summer resident. May 8 to September 26. 


249 [598] Passerina cyanea (Linn.). 


InpIGO BUNTING; INDIGO-BIRD. 
Not uncommon summer resident. May 9 to October 2. 


Eggs: June 2 to June 22. 


250 [604] Spiza americana (Gmel.). 
DicKcIssEL; BLACK-THROATED BUNTING. 
Formerly not uncommon summer resident, now accidental from the West. 


The last record for this bird for the County is that for 1879, previously 
reported. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 27, 1913. 
2Brown, F. A. Auk, vol. 26, pp. 194, 195, 1909; also (identical note) Bird-Lore, vol. 
11, pp. 85, 86, 1909. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY I51 


251 [605] Calamospiza melanocorys Stejn. 
Lark BUNTING. 
Accidental visitor from the West. 


The record of 1877 remains unique. 


252 [607] Piranga ludoviciana (Wils.). 
WESTERN TANAGER; LOUISIANA TANAGER. 
Accidental visitor from the West. 


The record of 1878 remains unique. 


253 [608] Piranga erythromelas Vieill. 


SCARLET TANAGER. 
Not uncommon summer resident. (April 30) May to to October 16. 


Eggs: June 5. 
254 [610] Piranga rubra (Linn.). 


SUMMER TANAGER. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 
In addition to the four previous records, Miss Viola E. Crittenden of Bev- 
erly, reports the following from that locality: “ April 23, 1916, Easter Sunday. 
We had a cold storm, and the bird beat against the window of a house on Essex 


St. It was brought in but soon died. School children had it mounted and refused 
to part with it when the Salem Museum offered them inducements.” 


255 [611] Progne subis (Linn.). 
PurpLe Martin. 
Rare and local summer resident. March 31 to September 16. 
Eggs: June 18. 


The early record of March 31 was for 1917, reported to me by Mr. Freeman 
B. Currier, of Newburyport. He writes: “A male, March 31, 1917, was around 


152 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


one of my bird-houses for three hours. Saw it twice the next day on bird-house 
and around my garden.” 

This beautiful, useful, and interesting bird is now rarely seen in Essex County. 
A martin-house erected for their special use at my place at Ipswich, has never 
been even inspected by this bird as far as I know. A single pair of Tree Swal- 
lows have occupied one apartment every summer. 

Mr. R. B. Mackintosh wrote me under date of June 30, 1919, that ‘‘ Mr. 
Bushby reports that Purple Martins built at his camp in Rowley last year and 
his sister-in-law reports the same birds built there again this year and had young 
three weeks ago.””. Mr. Forbush reports that there are now no colonies in Essex 


County. 


256 [612] Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons (Say). 


Cuirr SwaLLtow; EAvE SwALLow. 
Uncommon summer resident, locally. April 25 to September 14. 
Eggs: May 25 to July 20. 


This bird has rapidly decreased in numbers in the last fifteen years in the 
County. The history of the bird on my own barn in Ipswich, to which I endeav- 
ored to attract them by artificial nests as related in the original Memoir, is as 
follows: I took down the sham nests in 1904. In 1905, Cliff Swallows built and 
occupied one nest; in 1906, there were four nests; in 1908, eight nests; in 1910, 
only one nest; in 1913, one nest, and none thereafter. No English Sparrows 
interfered with them. 

The barn of my neighbor, Dr. E. A. Crockett, where I counted 58 nests, in 
1903, as reported in the original Memoir, held 50 nests in 1905. One of these was 
occupied by an English Sparrow who must have driven out the owners, for the 
nests are all destroyed by storms in winter and rebuilt every spring. In 1906, 
there were 30 nests and two were occupied by English Sparrows. In 1go9, the 
barn was moved back from the road about a hundred yards. The Eave Swal- 
lows built their nests in small numbers, but many were occupied by English Spar- 
rows that had increased greatly. In 1910, the Eave Swallows deserted the place 
and the noisy English Sparrow held full sway. 

At Great Neck, Ipswich, large numbers of Eave Swallows used to nest under 
the eaves of an ice-house near Clark’s Pond. In 1914, I counted 68 nests there. 
In 1919, there were no birds to be seen. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 153 


257 [613] Hirundo erythrogastra Bodd. 
Barn SWALLOow. 


Abundant summer resident. April 10 to September 23; average date of 
arrival for five years, May 2. 


Eggs: May 24 to July 12. 


In five years of the last fifteen, I have a record for the arrival of this bird 
earlier than April 28; the earliest date, April 10, was in 1909. 

An interesting reference to the Barn Swallow in Essex County, overlooked 
in the original Memoir, is as follows: “ The natural breeding places of these birds, 
before the settlement of the country, were caves, overhanging rocky cliffs, and 
similar localities. Swallow Cave, at Nahant, was once a favorite place of resort.’ 

Although the Barn Swallow is still abundant in the County, its numbers are 
decreasing, as already stated, owing to the decreasing numhers of old-fashioned 
barns with their inviting open windows and doors. In June, 1908, I counted 
fifty-five nests of this bird in a large barn at Ipswich, nearly all of which were 
occupied. At times the air was filled with the music of their beautiful song, which 
they delight to give in chorus; at times all was silent except for the twittering of 
the young in the nests begging to be fed. In the acre of “ forest” on my place at 
Ipswich this bird roosts to the number of fifty or more, and in July their early 
morning chorus is very delightful. The larger roosts in the groves of the sand 
dunes I have described at length elsewhere.? 

The courtship song, besides being given on the wing in rapid flight or with 
fluttering decurved wings, is also given from a perch. A group of forty or fifty 
of these birds all singing together on the sunny side of a barn roof is very pleasing. 

Like other swallows and many other birds, Barn Swallows are fond of play. 
They like to chase each other and I have seen one chasing a Sea Swallow or 
Common Tern each twisting and turning with much grace and agility. Like the 
Tree Swallow they are fond of dipping into the smooth surface of a pond, some- 
times nearly if not quite submerging themselves. 


1 Baird, Brewer and Ridgway. History of North American Birds; Land Birds, vol. 
I, p. 342, 1874. 
2? Townsend, C. W. Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes, p. 111-122, 1913. 


154 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


258 [614] Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieill.). 
TREE SWALLOW; WHITE-BELLIED SwWALLow; “ Martin.” 


Abundant summer resident. March 15 to November 2; average date of 
arrival for ten years, March 28. 


Eggs: May 14 to June 15. 


Although I had much to say of this interesting bird in the original Memoir 
I have since made many notes about it, a few of which, only, can be given. 

In courtship, besides the song previously described, the birds sometimes fly 
upward on vigorously decurved wings. The female at such times makes a grit- 
ting sound very much like the gritting song of the Bank Swallow. 

On April 19, 1909, I discovered two male Tree Swallows fighting in the grass 
at Ipswich, rolling over each other and pecking at each other’s heads. At last 
they broke apart and flew up into the air still fighting. Here others flew about 
and between them as if trying to separate them. 

In 1914, I had fifteen bird-boxes on my farm at Ipswich occupied by this bird. 


259 [616] Riparia riparia (Linn.). 
Bank SWALLow. 


Common summer resident. May 2 to September 16 (November 2) ; average 
date of arrival for five years, May 4. 


Eggs: June 4 to June 17. 


The following is from the notes of Mr. C. J. Maynard for June 11 to 18, 
1868, at Ipswich, in referring to this bird: 

“There were ‘thousands’ breeding in the sea walls! that were composed of 
sand. The burrows extended in from 18 to 36 inches. Nests composed of grass 
lined with gulls’ feathers. The eggs were from 4 to 6, generally 5 ina nest. The 
greater part were fresh, although a few were somewhat advanced in incubation. 
In some cases the nests were only just begun. Out of four or five birds captured 
in the nests, two proved to be males on dissection.” 

The Bank Swallow has decreased in numbers since this time and I have never 
found more than a half-dozen holes in the wind cuttings in the Ipswich dunes. 

I have wondered whether the gritting note which has sometimes a gentle 


1 About 15 feet high, about 500 yards southeast of Lighthouse.—C. J. M. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 155 


rattling quality may not be in the nature of a song. When disturbed at the 
nesting-holes the birds fly about uttering a complaining or scolding double note, 
the first loud and rasping. 


*260 [617] Stelgidopteryx serripennis (Aud.). 
ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. 


For this addition to the County I have two good records. Dr. John B. May, 
with Mr. Charles Floyd and the late Mr. Barron Brainerd, saw two birds of this 
species at Clark’s Pond on May 21, 1916. He says of them: “The even brown 
of the birds’ backs first attracted Mr. Brainerd’s attention, he being familiar with 
the birds at Williamstown, Mass., at the opposite end of the State. The wings of 
the Bank Swallows are darker than the back, when seen in flight with a good light, 
while the Rough-wing shows all one shade of brown. As the birds flew over, the 
brownish throat was also plainly seen, shading off over the breast into the white 
of the belly, while the white throat of the Bank Swallows was very conspicuous 
in comparison. The birds hunted together and probably were mated, but no nest 
was found.” 

The second record is that of Mr. A. P. Stubbs who on May 27, 1917, watched 
for some time a Rough-winged Swallow on a telegraph wire at Flax Pond, Lynn. 


261 [618] Bombycilla garrula (Linn.). 


BoHEMIAN WAXWING. 
Accidental visitor from the North. 


The record of 1877 remains unique. 


262 [619] Bombycilla cedrorum Vieill. 


CEDAR WAXWING; CEDAR-BIRD; “ CHERRY-BIRD.”’ 
Permanent resident, common in summer, uncommon in winter. 
Eggs: May 30 to July. 
I have observed the courtship of this bird as follows. Of three birds in the 
top of a tree one, evidently a male, was very active. He flapped his wings 


1 May, J. B. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, p. 371, 1916. 


156 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


repeatedly, standing meanwhile on his tip-toes, with crest erected and with mouth 
opened to its fullest capacity from which issued in quick succession the trilling, 
hissing notes. The other two birds remained passive and suddenly all three flew 
off together. 


263 [621] Lanius borealis Vieill. 


NorTHERN SHRIKE; BUTCHER-BIRD, 


Not uncommon winter visitor, most common in the autumn. October 14 


to May. 


On April 3, 1910, at Ipswich, I saw a female Shrike fly with a Chickadee in 
her bill to an apple tree where she fixed her prey in a crotch by the neck. Here 
she picked it, making the feathers fly, but, disturbed by my presence, seized the 
bird again in her bill and departed. 

On December 10, 1916, at Ipswich, I saw a Shrike chasing a Myrtle Warbler 
in irregular circles, mounting higher and higher meanwhile. At last when the 
warbler was nearly caught it eluded its pursuer by darting diagonally downward 
and turning sharply near the ground just as the Shrike was upon it. The chase 
still continued and both birds disappeared behind trees. 

A more pleasing observation was one I made on March 31, 1918. A male 
Northern Shrike was occupied in the pursuit of insects from a station on the top 
of a hickory at Ipswich. He would fly directly up, turn and double and then 
descend to his perch with the captured insect. After catching an especially large 
one he descended into some bushes and sang a medley of notes, some sweet and 
musical, suggesting the song of a Robin or a Vireo, others harsh and scraping, 
suggestive of comb-music or the harsh notes of a Vireo or a Catbird. The per- 
formance was interesting and often beautiful. Dr. J. C. Phillips found a Shrike 
in full song at Wenham on February 12, 1917. 


264 [622e] Lanius ludovicianus migrans W. Palmer. 


MIGRANT SHRIKE, 
Rare transient visitor. March 28 to April 17; August 21 to November. 


In addition to the six records given in the original Memoir I have the follow- 
ing: Mr. G. M. Bubier saw the bird at Lynn on March 31 and April 6, 1907, 
March 28, April 2, 3, 17, 1910, and April 7, 1912. Mr. A. P. Stubbs watched a 
bird at close range at Palmer’s Bog, Swampscott, on August 25, 1910, and again 
at Flax Pond, Lynn, on September 2, 1917. Mr. S. W. Bailey* states that he saw 


1 Bailey, S. W. Auk, vol. 34, p. 214, 1917. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 157 


a Migrant Shrike a short distance outside of the city limits of Newburyport on 
August 28, 1915, and again in the same region on August 21, 1916. On October 
7, 1917, Mr. A. B. Fowler saw a bird of this species at Plum Island. 


265 [624] Vireosylva olivacea (Linn.). 
RED-EYED VIREO. 


Abundant summer resident. May 5 to September 22 (October 4, 6, 14, 26, 
27, November 4). 


Eggs: May 25 to July 20. 


The unusually late dates of October 27 and November 4, record birds seen 
by me at Ipswich in 1907 and 1917 respectively. 


266 [626] Vireosylva philadelphica Cassin. 
PHILADELPHIA VIREO. 


Very rare transient visitor. 


I would repeat what I said in the original Memoir that this bird, which breeds 
over a wide area to the north, is probably less rare than it appears to be. During 
the spring migrations if one should follow up all songs that appear to be given by 
Red-eyed Vireos, he might discover a Philadelphia Vireo. 

On May 23, 1907, I had an excellent view of a Philadelphia Vireo in an island 
in the Topsfield Marshes. The smaller size, the distinctly yellow tinge of the 
entire under parts, and the whitish line over the eye make the recognition of this 
bird easy. The scolding note is less harsh than that of the Red-eyed species and 
the song, although very similar, is not so continuous. 


267 [627] Vireosylva gilva gilva (Vieill.). 
WARBLING VIREO. 
Common summer resident. May 5 to September 14. 


Eggs: July 11. 


158 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


268 [628] Lanivireo flavifrons (Vieill.). 
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 
Common summer resident. May 6 to September 12. 


On May 18, 1919, a bird that sang the wild clear song of the Blue-headed 
Vireo so that there seemed to be no mistake about its identity turned out to be a 
Yellow-throated Vireo. 


269 [629] Lanivireo solitarius solitarius (Wils.). 


BLUE-HEADED VIREO. 


Uncommon summer resident, rather common transient visitor. April 23 to 
October 10. 


Eggs: May 19 to May 21. 


While I have heard the Yellow-throated Vireo sing like a Blue-headed Vireo, 
so also I have heard the latter bird sing like the former. 

Twice I have been favored with a sight of the courtship performance. The 
male puffs out his yellow flank feathers very conspicuously and bobs and bows to 
the female, very slim in contrast, and sings repeatedly meanwhile with many 
variations to his song. 

On July 9, 1905, Mr. F. H. Allen found this bird at Boxford where it prob- 
ably was breeding. 


270 [631] Vireo griseus griseus (Bodd.). 
WHITE-EYED VIREO. 


Rare summer resident, locally. May 5 to September 29; average date of 
arrival for nine years, May 15 (A. P. Stubbs). 


Eggs: May 22 to June 18. 


In addition to the one locality, Swampscott, given for this bird in the original 
Memoir, I have records from Lynn, Salem, Peabody, and one from the northern 
part of the County from Amesbury. This last record is one of Mr. B. F. Damsell* 
who records that on July 1, 1890, he shot one at Amesbury. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 159 


271 [636] Mniotilta varia (Linn.). 


BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER. 


Very common summer resident. April 24 to September 25 (November 11) ; 
average date of arrival for seven years, May 3. 


Eggs: May 17 to June 18. 


As this warbler does not breed in the Ipswich dunes, the presence of two 
there on August 4, 1910, probably indicated migration. 

The November 11 record was of a bird seen at Flax Pond, Lynn, in 1914, by 
Mr. A. P. Stubbs. 


*272 [637]Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.). 


PROTHONOTARY WARBLER. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


An individual of this species, new to the list, was seen near the Pine Swamp 
Road, Ipswich, on September 13, 1913, by Dr. W. M. Tyler. 

A female Prothonotary Warbler was picked up dead after it had killed itself 
on one of the windows of the Beverly High School on May 26, 1914. It was 
given by Miss Viola E. Crittenden to Mr. C. J. Maynard. 


273 [639] Helmitheros vermivorus (Gmel.). 


WorM-EATING WARBLER. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


The 1902 record remains unique. 


*274 [641] Vermivora pinus (Linn.). 


BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


I am fortunate in being able to add this warbler to the list. A single bird 
was watched by Miss E. D. Boardman on September 1, 1913, and again on Sep- 
tember 15, bathing and on the ground in front of her bird-bath at Manchester. 
The bird-bath is forty feet from the window of her house from which she 
watched. 


160 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


275 [642] Vermivora chrysoptera (Linn.). 
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. 


Not uncommon summer resident, locally. May 3 to September 1 (Octo- 
ber 8). 


While the common song of this bird is a lazily given tzee, tzee, tzee, tzee, it 
occasionally or rarely sings sit, sit, sit, sit, tellll, the last a drawing-in of the breath 
resembling the explosive trill of a Parula Warbler. 

On July 17, 1907, I shot a female Golden-winged Warbler at Heartbreak 
Hill, Ipswich, with plumage so worn and faded that it suggested a Brewster’s 
Warbler with its white throat. Three yellow breast-feathers suggested Blue- 
winged Warbler blood.t 

Mr. Ralph Lawson has told me that the late Mrs. William Perry, who was a 
very careful observer, had several excellent opportunities to observe an example 
of the so-called Brewster's Warbler at North Andover in the spring of 1907. 
Brewster’s Warbler, V ermivora leucobronchialis is now no longer thought of as a 
possible species, but is considered a hybrid of the Golden-winged and the Blue- 
winged Warblers, or as a color-phase of these species. 


276 [645] Vermivora rubricapilla rubricapilla (Wils.). 


NASHVILLE WARBLER. 


Not uncommon summer resident, common transient visitor. May 2 to Octo- 
ber 14 (January). 


Eggs: May 21 to June 21. 


277 [646] Vermivora celata celata (Say). 


ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. 
Very rare transient or accidental visitor. 


There has been no other record than the one for 1875. 


1 Townsend, C.W. “On the Status of Brewster’s Warbler.” Auk, vol. 25, p. 65-68, 1908. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 161 


278 [647] Vermivora peregrina (Wils.). 
TENNESSEE WARBLER. 


Common transient visitor. May 17 to June 3; September 5 to October 1. 


From a “very rare” migrant, with only three records for the County, this 
bird has become actually common in the last five years. One may see several in 
the course of a day in the latter part of May. Mr. H. W. Wright saw eight at 
Nahant on May 26, 1917. 


279 [648a] Compsothlypis americana usnee Brewst. 


NorTHERN PARULA WARBLER. 


Abundant transient visitor, rare summer resident. April 26 to June 4; June, 
July ; September 2 to October 20 (November 6 to 10). 


The unusual November dates are of a bird seen at Manchester by Miss E. 
D. Boardman. 


280 [650] Dendroica tigrina (Gmel.). 


Carpe May WARBLER. 
Not uncommon transient visitor. May 7 to May 28; August 18 to Sep- 
tember 29. 


In the original Memoir I was able to collect only three records for the County. 
On May 18, 1905, a male Cape May Warbler killed itself against Thatcher’s Island 
Lighthouse and was sent to me. On May 10, 1906, Mr. R. B. Mackintosh recorded 
this species at Peabody and in 1910, and every year since the species has been not 
uncommon in both the spring and the fall. 


281 [652] Dendroica exstiva estiva (Gmel.). 


YELLOW WARBLER. 


Abundant summer resident. April 30 to September 26; average date of 
arrival for six years, May 3 to 4. 

Eggs: May 27 to June 13. 

It is probable that most of the Yellow Warblers seen here in September are 
migrants passing through from the North. I spent the month of August, 1913, 


It 


162 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


in camp in a grove in the Ipswich dunes. This species which bred in the grove 
left it by August 8. 

I have watched two flying up and fighting in the air and then tumbling down 
together in the tall grass. On another occasion four birds chased each other in 
and out among the branches of oaks and birches, for the most part silently, occa- 
sionally emitting sharp chips or all scolding together and snapping their bills. 


282 [654] Dendroica cerulescens cerulescens (Gmel.). 


BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. 


Common transient visitor. May 4 to June 1; September 10 to October 8. 


283 [655] Dendroica coronata (Linn.). 


MyrtLte WARBLER; YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. 


Abundant transient visitor, common winter resident locally. August 19 to 
May 21; average dates of migration, April 17 to May 15; September 10 to 
November I. 


In the original Memoir I have recorded this bird as wintering in Magnolia in 
1878, and also that it wintered at Swampscott and Ipswich. The following are 
some records for another part of the County:! “ At East Salisbury, Mr. Damsell 
shot one on January 23, 1884, and in several of the succeeding years he records it 
at Amesbury, namely, February 10, 1887, a flock of five or ten; December 17, 
1887; December 28, 1891; December 30, 1893; February 10, 1894; January 1, 


” 


1901. 

The unusually severe winter of 1917-18 seemed to play havoc with the 
wintering Myrtle Warblers at Ipswich. On January 6, after a long spell of cold, 
—the thermometer registering on one occasion 22° below zero Fahrenheit,—I 
could find only six of this species. After that I did not see any until May 5, 
a late date for the spring migrants. The year before I had seen fifty Myrtle 
Warblers in the Ipswich dunes on January 7. Dr. W. M. Tyler, who stayed at 
Ipswich from April 21 to 24, 1918, saw the first migrants on April 24 in the 
woods inland. 

Much farther south in the State, at Wareham, where these birds are common 
in the winter, they also disappeared in the early months of 1918. Mr. C. A. 
Robbins wrote that he found only one in January, none in February, none in 
March, and none in April until the 16th when the migrants began to arrive. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 163 


The winter of 1918-19 was unusually mild, with scarcely any snow, and 
myrtle berries were abundant, yet these warblers were much less common than 
in normal winters. 

These observed facts might show that the very cold weather killed off the 
wintering birds so that there were but few of the northern-wintering clan to 
occupy the ground in the succeeding favorable winter. Or it might show that 
the birds were driven south the first winter and many of them preferred to go 
south the next winter. 

It seems to me very possible that these northern-wintering birds may in time 
develop certain characters by which they can be distinguished from those that 
winter in the South and that a subspecies is in process of evolution. 

In the early part of the winter of 1919-20 Myrtle Warblers were especially 
abundant. 

The feeding habits of the Myrtle Warbler in winter at Ipswich are interest- 
ing. Besides feeding on their favorite winter food, the bay-berry or myrtle 
berry, they are often to be seen hopping on the snow in fields eating the seeds of 
the grasses and weeds that extend above the surface. They also visit the upper 
edges of the marshes, hopping about over the windrows of thatch, picking up 
seeds and perhaps insects and spiders. They also glean the small branches of 
trees like Kinglets and hover like them on rapidly vibrating wings below a branch 
to pick off pupe. They also cling to the bark of the trunk of a tree, resting on 
the tail like a woodpecker, and hop up and down searching for insects. In the 
spring they become active fly-catchers and often fly up into the air from the tops 
of bushes or trees after insect prey. 

While still molting and very ragged in appearance, they begin to sing in a 
feeble way. I have specimens from April 7 to 21 that show molt. 

On May 11, 1906, at Wenham, I saw a fine male give a courtship display. 
The wings were dropped so that the yellow rump became very prominent, and the 
yellow and black of the sides and breast became very noticeable by reason of the 
puffing-out of the feathers. 

On October 12, 1917, at Ipswich I watched a Myrtle Warbler chasing a 
Bluebird, flying sometimes above and sometimes below it. Another Bluebird 
flew near and the warbler transferred its attention to him. It appeared to be an 
instance of play. 


164 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


284 [657] Dendroica magnolia (Wils.). 


MaGNoLiA WARBLER. 


Common transient visitor. May 4 to May 31 (June 8); (August 24) Sep- 
tember 11 to October 8 (October 28). 


The August 24th bird I saw in the Ipswich dunes in 1916. | 


[658] Dendroica cerulea (Wils.). CERULEAN WarsLer.—An erroneous record. 


285 [659] Dendroica pensylvanica (Linn.). 


CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. 


Very common summer resident. May 4 to September 17; average date of 
arrival for seven years, May Io. 


Eggs: May 29 to June 15. 


286 [660] Dendroica castanea (Wils.). 


BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. 


Not uncommon transient visitor. May 15 to June 3; September Io to 
October 6. 


From a rare transient visitor this species has become not uncommon in the 
last five years. 
287 [661] Dendroica striata (J. R. Forst.). 
BLACK-POLL WARBLER. 
Abundant transient visitor. May 8 to June 13; August 24 to October 31. 


The Black-poll Warbler is not rarely to be found with us during the first 
week of June. I have a record for June 12, 1910, at Salisbury. The June 13 
record is of a bird seen at Ipswich, in 1907, by Dr. G. M. Allen. 


288 [662] Dendroica fusca (Miill.). 


BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. 


Rare summer resident, not uncommon transient visitor. May 5 to Septem- 
ber 30. 


Eggs: June 21. 


The earliest record is by Damsell,1 two males in 1886. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 165 


289 [667] Dendroica virens (Gmel.). 


BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. 


Very common summer resident. April 22 to October 27; average date of 
arrival for eight years, May 4. 


Eggs: May 30 to June 17. 


290 [671] Dendroica vigorsi (Aud.). 


PINE WARBLER, 
Common summer resident. March 29 to October 31. 


Eggs: May 15 to June 16. 


291 [672] Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmel.). 


PatmM WARBLER; RED-POLL WARBLER. 
Rare autumn transient visitor. September 3 to October 12. 


Mr. Ralph Hoffmann saw one in Ipswich on October 8, 1919; Dr. W. M. 
Tyler picked one up dead on the Newburyport turnpike near Ipswich a few 
days later. 


292 [672a] Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea Ridgw. 


YELLOW PALM WARBLER; YELLOW RED-POLL. 


Abundant transient visitor. April 5 to May 16 (May 21); October 1 to 
October 26 (November 2, 4) ; average date of arrival in the spring for eight years, 
April 19. 


The November 2 record is of a bird seen at Plum Island, in 1918, by Judge 
C. F. Jenney and the November 4 record is of a bird seen in Danvers, in 1917, by 
Dr. W. G. Fanning. 


293 [673] Dendroica discolor (Vieill.). 


PRAIRIE WARBLER. 
Common summer resident, locally. May 5 to September 25. 
Eggs: May 29 to June 12. 
Swampscott has been so built up and its bushy lands destroyed that it is 


doubtful if the Prairie Warbler still breeds there to any extent. It does breed in 
the pastures about Salem, but I know of no other breeding locality in the County. 


MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


166 


294 [674] Seiurus aurocapillus (Linn.). 


OVEN-BIRD. 


Common summer resident. May 1 to September 14 (October 6) ; average 


date of arrival for ten years, May 9. 
Eggs: May 17 to July 8. 
The October 6 record is of a bird seen by me in the dunes, in 1918. 


295 [675] Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis (Gmel.). 


WaTER-THRUSH. 


Common transient visitor. (April 22) May to to 31; August 11 to Octo- 


ber II. 
The April 22 record is of a bird seen in Nahant by Mr. C. E. Moulton, in 1918. 


*296 [676] Seiurus motacilla (Vieill.). 
LouIsIANA WATER-THRUSH. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 

On July 24, 1919, Judge Robert Walcott saw at a distance of ten feet and 
clearly identified a Louisiana Water-thrush at Marblehead. It was in the Small- 
pox Pastures, standing on a board across a water-course among alders and other 


bushes. 


[677] Oporornis formosus (Wils.). Kentucky WarsLer.—On the doubtful list. 


297 [678] Oporornis agilis (Wils.). 


CONNECTICUT WARBLER, 


Rare autumnal transient visitor. September 7 to October 2. 


“Mr. Damsell’s notes make mention of a specimen shot September 27, and 
another September 28, 1893, while a third was killed October 2 of the same year.” 
Mr. George M. Bubier saw a Connecticut Warbler in Lynn on September 25, 
1910, and on the same date in 1911; and on the 22d of the same month, in 1912, 


he picked one up dead by the roadside. 
One was reported as seen on May 17, 1919, near the Ipswich River.? 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 
2F[owler], A. B. Bull. Essex Co. Ornith. Club, p. 42, 1910. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 167 


298 [679] Oporornis philadelphia (Wils.). 


MourninG WARBLER. 
Very rare transient visitor. May 20 to June 3; September. 


I have a number of records for this bird in the latter part of May. On May 
31, I913, one visited my “forest” at Ipswich. The June 3 date is of a bird seen 
in Ipswich. 

In 1912, Mr. Damsell records two instances at Amesbury, both on May 30. 


» 
299 [681] Geothlypis trichas trichas (Linn.). 


MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT. 

Abundant summer resident. May 2 to October 29 (December 5, 6). 

Eggs: May 24 to June 13. 

The December 5 record was of a bird seen by Mr. George M. Bubier at 
Nahant, in 1909. 

Early in the morning of May 30, 1919, a Maryland Yellow-throat in the 
plumage of the female, entered my lean-to in my “forest” at Ipswich and flew 
about distractedly trying to get out, alighting several times on my pillow. At 
last, when I pushed aside the netting it escaped, uttered a few scolding notes in a 
tree near by and then, much to my surprise, burst into a very imperfect but quite 
recognizable song of the species. 


300 [683] Icteria virens virens (Linn.). 


YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT, 
Not uncommon local summer resident. May to to October 27. 
Eggs: May 30 to June 18. 


From Mr. Damsell’s records it is learned that one was shot at Amesbury on 
September 30, 1882. Dr. Allen remarks: “ There is little probability that it had 
bred in the vicinity but may have wandered from the breeding stations in the 
southern part of the County.”? 

On June 28, 1908, I discovered a Chat in a tangle of bayberries, wild roses, 
apples, cherries, and sumach on the north side of Sagamore Hill in Ipswich and 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 


168 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


I believe a pair bred there every year until 1914. In 1913, there appeared to be 
two pairs. This locality is, I believe, the most northern breeding locality recorded. 
It is doubtful if it still breeds in Swampscott. It was reported as probably breed- 
ing in the Lynn Woods Reservation, in 1918 and in 1910. 

The courtship performances of this bird are many and varied. I have seen 
only the following: in emitting his notes he throws his head up, swells his neck 
and sways from side to side. Every now and then he flies with fluttering wings, 
drooping tail, and dragging legs, uttering in rapid succession his mimicing notes. 
Sometimes he flies from bush to bush in this manner, sometimes he explodes 
straight up in the air and flops down again. I have heard the sound of fluttering 
wings after the vocal sounds ceased. 

I have heard at various times and years at Ipswich the Chat imitate many 
other birds so perfectly that I have often been deceived. Many of the notes and 
sounds in his selection are harsh while others are exceedingly sweet and liquid. 
The various notes of the Red-winged Blackbird, of the Brown Thrasher and Cat- 
bird were particular favorites of his. The scream of the Blue Jay, the rough call 
of the Baltimore Oriole, the whistle of the Bob-white, the alarm-note of the Robin, 
the caw of the Crow and the scolding note of the Maryland Yellow-throat were 
all easily recognized. On one occasion he imitated the bark of a small dog so 
perfectly that I looked about for that animal. 


*301 [684] Wilsonia citrina (Bodd.). 
Hoopep WARBLER. 


Accidental visitor from the South. 


I have four records for this unusual warbler new to the list. A male was 
taken at Pigeon Cove on June 20, 1909, by Mr. Charles R. Lamb. A male was 
seen on August 30, 1913, at Nahant by Messrs. Geo. M. Bubier and Arthur P. 
Stubbs. On May 17, 1916, and on June 2, 1917, Mr. C. E. Moulton saw a Hooded 
Warbler at Nahant. 


302 [685] Wilsonia pusilla pusilla (Wils.). 
Witson’s WARBLER. 


Uncommon transient visitor. May 15 to June 10; September 8 to 27. 


In some years this species is almost common. On May 10, 1907, I saw five 
at Ipswich. I am inclined to think the bird has increased in numbers in the last 


, 


fifteen years. 


ad 
SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 169 


303 [686] Wilsonia canadensis (Linn.). 


CANADIAN WARBLER. 


Common transient visitor, rare summer resident. May 16 to June 11; August 
16 to September 20. 


304 [687] Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). 


REDSTART. 
Abundant summer resident. May 3 to October 14. 


Eggs: May 29 to June 21. 


305 [697] Anthus rubescens (Tunstall). 


Pipit; TITLARK. 


Abundant transient visitor in the autumn, uncommon in spring. March 31 
to May 21 (June 8) ; August 30 to November 20 (December 1, January 4). 


The December 1 record is for 1891 by Mr. Damsell.1_ The August 30 record 
is for 1906, at Ipswich by Mrs. Edmund Bridge. On August 31, 1913, at Ipswich 
I saw a Pipit. I have made many additions to my spring records for this bird 
as follows: one was observed at Amesbury by Mr. Damsell on May 9, 1904 ;* April 
19, 1905, six seen at Ipswich by Mr. W. S. Townsend; April 30, 1905, fifteen 
seen at Ipswich by me; May 21, 1905, one at Ipswich; May 3, 1908, two at Ips- 
wich; April 3, 1909, twelve; April 18, 1919, eighteen; May 15, 1910, two,—all 
seen by me at Ipswich; May 18, 1912, twenty at Ipswich seen by Mr. R. M. 
Marble; April 4, 1917, one seen at Marblehead by Mr. H. W. Wright. 


306 [703] Mimus polyglottos polyglottos (Linn.). 


MocKINGBIRD. 
Not uncommon visitor from the South. 


In the original Memoir I collected seven records of this bird for the County. 
Four of these birds were shot. In the last fifteen years I have records of at least 
twenty-five birds seen in the County and only one shot. This would indicate 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 


170 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


that the bird is more common as a visitor and that, as it is received more kindly, 
it stays longer and comes again. It is also to be hoped that it is extending its 
range and is becoming a permanent resident. The bird has been recorded at all 
seasons of the year, and it has nested and raised young several times. Mr. F. B. 
Currier found them nesting at Newburyport, in 1914. Four young grew to full 
size. A second pair nested the same year. In 1915, two pairs also nested; one 
in 1916; and two in 1917. 

The following are the records of birds for the County I have been able to 
collect in addition to those recorded in the original Memoir: 


Date Locality Observer 
IN Gvse7/ atl CMD) EC Hel Os gL SO tare <tatelaysyelajarais|evetere wis eiereserelevere Amesbury. B. F. Damsell. 
Siimhie ado ue A ApGos aoodeonodnuadoonnocadnuacucuddeD Pigeon Cove. Mrs. Marshall. 
WD ECHZO; OOS MtO) Jats 19): LOOO | asco eislscicieroreiete nie eccveivie's Nahant. Mrs. E. Bridge and 
H. W. Wright. 

JaTssto PAP rep SOs) QOS: stare aysiscarele syorexe eloysjeye le wielelnsere le slatels Ipswich. Miss S. E. Lakeman. 
SJ LIn EMT OOS M4 aartesore sisters ieverecerers clonresierestoleaciole rei slereveietctersie Newburyport. S. W. Bailey. 
Septezoy 2IABIOLO epimtyacatentreeitucre elie eerirsscls Pigeon Cove. Go amb: 
Novi, Lolo (laterskilledsbyy aycat) ta. s-cjicieo + s.c5. Danvers. Mrs. E. S. Fowler. 
AN1P3 20510128, LONE a -EW-O) lctetsteysrersi-laieieieis fo etejolele ste sissies Ipswich. C. W. Townsend. 
GD IO FRL OID) Sores ctetoters versione ce oloieraieretctel lela: cieleselara eiatetererecs W. Gloucester. J. Kittredge, Jr. 
OCHMTOMIOIS Corer rea emia cer asics sactenws Hamilton. C. J. Maynard. 
SiummeraglOlda (three) emer rereiete tiers ete leach sleraieictalaserececlele Newburyport. F. B. Currier. 
SeptwO stor GS ml OIA! tye tistewcte crete eiclstsincatctstaretsleteyeicnetetarsiclerere Ipswich. C. W. Townsend. 
Winters sLOTARTG perp ciiecsarsiain cisleretcrstetsrehe ce ieievnlore creisiecars Newburyport. j. P. ‘O*Neil. 
Summer, TOS) (two, families) sc.'%. sce. crecorele-einierese «sie Newburyport. F, B. Currier. 
AWhinter: II OUS=IOM wicetetercterotastscve stores clenctercherstersts arevereds Newburyport. F. B. Currier. 
HATES FOB! TOTO ores fo) xfntots stave ovoleisiclaveevensesjetouei'ess feleiislouseretarers Ipswich. C. W. Townsend. 
Siimme nell 67 cioeynee oneviscoiereciaosrerake cicte eb eieeratovore nate Newburyport. F. B. Currier. 
Winter miTOTO=E 72 ie tas s srecualescovetscereiaetersaerecisierecetaartirals Newburyport. EH. B; ‘Gurrier: 
anal 7 tOMMiava Op LOL sia ncveciras nyiecions atloiersiaieieievois Pigeon Cove. Mrs. Babson. 
Summers 10172 (two ipalrs) mumiaeeiereilecievieiels vais ieielatelel= Newburyport. F. B. Currier. 
AIL Yue TERT OL. sicher elerrcteteereraelorcterecicloleerete mie mintarcis aisiaiete Newburyport. F. P. Woodbury. 
Winters TOL7=18i oc alarecrretete aie sie clelsie eieie site wieielsiai ele Newburyport. B; B. :Gurrier: 
Entire year, 1918 (found injured and given to Pea- 

DOdyeACAds SCI) ets reseis clersec. cele sromtacioetetieiierre eles Danvers. A. B. Fowler. 
NOVAS AI OLS metes wit erioinsa ore ne cle ioteereetowrearesiee sieianielcins Rowley. J. D. Sornborger. 
Spring roroa(two,one, taken)! vemscuckesieiscrcie's ceisler Danvers. A. B. Fowler. 


Mr. S. Waldo Bailey? reported a Mockingbird that remained for nearly a 
week in Newburyport and sang exceptionally well. He was able to recognize the 
songs or notes of twenty-nine species of birds in its imitations. 

The courtship display of the white in the wings and tail of the Mockingbird 
is at its best when the bird flies up a few feet in the air with wings and tail spread. 
It also flies slowly in full song from perch to perch. 


1 Bailey, S. W. Auk, vol. 28, pp. 372, 373, I9II. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY I7I 


307 [704] Dumetella carolinensis (Linn.). 


CATBIRD, 
Very common summer resident. April 27 to October 27. 
Eggs: May 23 to June 20. 


The Catbird is not as good a mimic as the Mockingbird, but I find in my notes 
that I have recorded the following birds that he has imitated: Yellow-legs, King- 
fisher, Bob-white, Flicker, Blue Jay, Goldfinch, Barn Swallow, Wood Thrush, 
Veery, and Robin. 

The song is sometimes given in flight. He frequently flirts his tail and dis- 
plays on rear view the chestnut-red lower tail-coverts. 


308 [705] Toxostoma rufum (Linn.). 


Brown THRASHER; BROWN THRUSH. 


Common summer resident (winter). (March 30, April 6) April 30 to Octo- 
ber 26 (November 14, February and March). 


The March 30 record is of a bird seen at Howe’s Landing, Danvers, in 1918, 
by Mr. Ralph Lawson. A bird was seen at Swampscott on November 14, 1918, 
by Mr. Mosley. At Methuen, during February and March, 1919, a Brown 
Thrasher was observed by Mrs. F. Schneider. 

The continuous sweet and varied song of this bird, full of surprises, com- 
pares very favorably with that of the Mockingbird. Unlike the song of that bird 
it rarely contains harsh and disagreeable notes. 


309 [718] Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Lath.). 
CAROLINA WREN. 
Accidental visitor from the South and very rare summer resident. 


In the original Memoir there is only one record for this bird from the County, 
and that bird was shot at once. In the last fifteen years a number of birds have 
visited the County, one pair at least has bred, they have been seen by numerous 
bird-lovers, and none as far as I know has been molested. 

In 1908 and 1909, there was an invasion of Carolina Wrens into New Eng- 
land and I was able to collect a considerable number of instances for all of the 
States. 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 26, p. 263-269, 1909. 


172 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


At Ipswich, Mr. A. C. Bent and I found a Carolina Wren on February 7, 
1909, in a spruce thicket on Castle Hill. It stayed there until April. At Swamp- 
scott, Mr. A. P. Stubbs observed a Carolina Wren from March 30 to August 4, 
1909. Miss Viola E. Crittenden,? on March 9, 1913, discovered a Carolina Wren 
at Beverly in brush-piles near a brook; it was in full song. On March 30a female 
appeared. They raised two broods of three and two birds respectively. 

The courtship performances of loud and varied songs, puffed-out feathers, 
erected tail and bobbing and courtesies make this bird a most attractive com- 
panion. Would that he would remain a permanent resident! 


310 [721] Troglodytes aédon aédon Vieill. 


House WREN. 
Uncommon and local summer resident. May 8 to September 25. 
Eggs: June 5. 


I am afraid that the House Wren is not fond of Essex County. I have done 
all I could to tempt him to my place at Ipswich by erecting houses with entrance- 
holes so small that only he could enter, but so far without any success. I have 
nothing to add to the statements in the original Memoir. 


311 [722] Nannus hiemalis hiemalis ( Vieill.). 


WINTER WREN. 


Uncommon transient visitor, very rare summer resident; rarely winters. 
April 4 to May 11 (June) ; September 2 to October 19 (winter). 


Mr. A. P. Stubbs found the Winter Wren in Oakland’s Swamp, Swampscott, 
on February 11, 1911, and at North Saugus on March 19, 1913. From November 
22, 1915, to March 26, 1916, he found a single bird wintering at Hall’s Brook in 
Lynn. One was reported at Ipswich on February 15, 1912, by Miss Lakeman. 


312 [724] Cistothorus stellaris (Naum.). 


SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN. 


Common summer resident, locally. May 6 to September 18. 


1Crittenden, Miss V. E. Bird-Lore, vol. 15, pp. 222, 223, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 7S 


313 [725] Telmatodytes palustris palustris (Wils.). 


LonG-BILLED MarsH WREN. 
Abundant summer resident, locally. May 14 to October 5 (November 5). 
Eggs: June 5 to August. 


314 [726] Certhia familiaris americana (Bonap.). 


BROWN CREEPER. 


Permanent resident, very rare in summer, uncommon in winter; common 
transient visitor. September 13 to May 1; summer. 


Eggs: May 16. 


The courtship song of this bird is seldom mentioned. It is loud and clear 
and sweet with only a few fine notes that suggest the ordinary call-notes. I have 
heard it repeated four times a minute and have written it down seee-a-wi't, wit. 
The last note comes after a slight pause and appears to be an afterthought. 


315 [727] Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Lath. 


WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 


Permanent resident, rare in summer, common in autumn; uncommon in 
spring and winter. 


Eggs: April 3 to May. 


The courtship song is a repetition of short clear notes which suggest a minia- 
ture Flicker. 


316 [728] Sitta canadensis Linn. 


RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 


Irregular and at times abundant autumn transient visitor, less common in 
winter and spring; rare summer resident. August 14 to May 16. 
Eggs: May 23. 


The courtship song may often be heard in the early spring. It consists of a 
rapid repetition of its short tin-trumpet calls. Sometimes the song is given from 
a perch and the wings are slightly open. In a March snow-storm at Ipswich I 


174 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


heard this given at the rate of one hundred notes a minute. The bird was appar- 
ently circling above me out of sight in the falling snow. At last I saw him 
descend and alight in a maple tree where he continued to sing for about half a 


minute longer. 


317 [735] Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus (Linn.). 


CHICKADEE. 
Very common permanent resident, especially common in winter. 
Eggs: May 4 to June 21. 


The Chickadee is a persistent singer. He may repeat his sweet and simple 
song from fifteen to twenty-five times a minute. Two whistling, phwbe-like notes 
constitute the regulation song. Sometimes only one note is given and I have occa- 
sionally heard a bird extend the song to three notes. 

Chickadees have always been common on my place at Ipswich in the winter, 
but they went elsewhere to breed until the summer of 1917 when I found a pair 
with young in one of my nesting boxes in my forest. I had made especial efforts 
that winter to keep them on the place by feeding. Since then a pair and per- 
haps two have nested every summer. In the summer of 1917 for the first time 
I had a considerable visitation of gypsy-moth caterpillars in the “forest”? and the 
eze-clusters were common in the fall. During the winter Chickadees and doubt- 
less other birds cleaned them up and I have never been obliged to spray the trees 


or to creosote eggs. 


318 [740a] Penthestes hudsonicus littoralis (H. Bryant). 


ACADIAN CHICKADEE. 
Accidental visitor from the North. 


In the original Memoir were two records of this bird. On November 12, 
1git, Mr. C. J. Maynard and Mr. R. C. Robbins observed an Acadian Chickadee 
in some spruces on Castle Hill, Ipswich. On January 28, 1912, I found him in 
the same place and again on March 3 and 10. On October 29, 1913, Dr. John C. 
Phillips and Mr. Outram Bangs discovered three at Wenham. On December 13, 
Mrs. Edmund Bridge found three on Castle Hill, Ipswich, and on January 11, 
1914, Mr. F. H. Allen and myself came upon the same birds busily at work with 
eight Chickadees gleaning the small branches in a thicket of larches. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 175 


*319 [740b] Penthestes hudsonicus nigricans C. W. Townsend. 


LABRADOR CHICKADEE. 
Accidental visitor from the North. 


Although this race has not yet been recognized by the American Ornitholo- 
gists’ Union, I have taken the liberty of introducing it here. 

On July 23, 1915, at the head of Shekatika Inlet in Canadian Labrador I 
collected the type-specimen of this race to which I gave the subspecific name 
nigricans. I described it in “The Auk”! and remarked that “the short, stout 
bill and dark back almost devoid of brown tint as well as the absence of a strong 
brown tint on the sides make this a well marked subspecies.” There the matter 
rested until a little over a year later, when, in the fall of 1916, there appeared an 
invasion of this Labrador form of Hudsonian Chickadee throughout New Eng- 
land and even into New York and New Jersey. I was indeed fortunate in having 
this race return my visit and confirm the truth of the discovery !* 

On November 5, 1916, at Castle Hill, Ipswich, I found three Hudsonian 
Chickadees which seemed to me to belong to the Labrador race. At the first 
opportunity, which was on December 10, I collected two of these birds whose 
numbers had then reached seven. These two were plainly the Labrador Chick- 
adee. Later I collected two more at Ipswich, one at Belmont, and one at Arling- 
ton, and had five others sent me taken at Harvard, Lexington, Belmont, Staten 
Island, N. Y., and Plainfield, N. J. All were of the nigricans type. The migra- 
tion was a large and extensive one as a reference to the articles quoted will show. 
I saw these birds at Ipswich as late as March 11, 1917. 

In the field the Labrador Chickadee is distinguished from the Acadian Chick- 
adee by being distinctly dusky instead of brown on the back. The mouse-colored 
cap is generally clearly differentiated from the back which is not so dark and is 
generally a noticeable field-mark. It appears to be a more silent bird and more 
secretive in its ways, whereas the Acadian Chickadee, like our common Black- 
capped Chickadee, is very tame and familiar. 


ET 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 33, p. 74, 1916. 

2 Townsend, C. W. “ The Labrador Chickadee in a southward migration,” Auk, vol. 34, 
p. 160-163, 1917. 

Wright, H. W. “Labrador Chickadee in Boston and vicinity in the fall of 1916,” Auk, 
vol. 34, p. 164-170, 1917. “Labrador Chickadee in its return flight,” Auk, vol. 35, p. 37-40, 
1918. 


176 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


320 [748] Regulus satrapa satrapa Licht. 


GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. 


Abundant transient visitor, common in winter, very rare in summer. Sep- 
tember 16 to May 24 (summer). 


The May 24 record is of a bird found singing in Lynn in 1907, by Mr. H. 
W. Wright. 

The song is far inferior to that of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet and suggests a 
feeble and languid Black-poll Warbler. 


321 [749] Regulus calendula calendula (Linn.). 


RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. 
Common transient visitor. April 7 to May 28; September 17 to November 26. 


I have three November records for the County. The November 26 record is 
for 1885, by Mr. Damsell+ at Amesbury. 

The courtship song of this bird heard on the breeding-grounds in Newfound- 
lond and Labrador is alone worth the long journey. It is there heard at its best 
and is given with an ecstasy rarely attained in this part of the world during the 
migrations. Songs in endless variations follow each other with hardly any pauses 
from these tiny singers in the spruce forests. On one occasion I watched one 
singing within six feet, and it was evident that he was at the same time making 
a display of his ruby crown. 


322 [751] Polioptila cerulea cerulea (Linn.). 


BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. 
Accidental visitor from the South. 


In addition to the two records in the original Memoir, I have three others, 
viz.: one watched from a distance of fifteen feet in a garden in Salem in May, 
1897, by Miss Annie L. Warner; one seen in the Ipswich dunes on August 24, 
1912, by Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge? and Miss E. D. Boardman; one seen at Ipswich 
on September 1, 1919, by Mr. C. B. Floyd. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 28, 1913. 
2 Bridge, Mrs. L. E. Auk, vol. 29, p. 546, 1912. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY Li, 


323 [755] Hylocichla mustelina (Gmel.). 


Woop THRUSH. 


Common summer resident. May 4 to September 16; average date of arrival 
for sixteen years, May 10. 


Eggs: May 25 to June I5. 


324 [756] Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens (Steph.). 
VEERY; WILSON’s THRUSH. 
Abundant summer resident. May 1 to October 6. 


Eggs: May 20 to June 30. 


325 [757] Hylocichla alicie alicia (Baird). 
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. 
Common transient visitor. May 10 to May 30 (June 18); September 10 to 
October 5. 
326 [757a] Hylocichla aliciz bicknelli Ridgw. 
BICKNELL’s THRUSH. 
Not uncommon transient visitor. May; September 18 to October. 


The relative abundance of this and the Gray-cheeked Thrush cannot be deter- 
mined without the gun, as the two cannot be distinguished with certainty except 
by measurements. 


327 [758a] Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi). 


OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH. 


Common transient visitor. May 7 to June; September ro to October 6. 


328 [759b] Hylocichla guttata pallasi (Cab.). 


HerMIt THRUSH. 
Very common transient visitor; not uncommon summer resident locally. 
April 4 to June 1 (summer) ; October 4 to November 24 (winter). 
Eggs: May 30 to June 14. 


12 


178 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Mr.‘ Ralph Lawson observed one at Salem on January 4, 1919. 

On November 7, 1915, at Ipswich I watched a Hermit Thrush pick at a 
woolly-bear caterpillar on the ground till he had beaten off all the hairs after which 
he swallowed the naked black worm. 

Besides the breeding stations of Lynn, North Beverly, Gloucester, Magnolia, 
Essex, Georgetown, Topsfield, and Boxford, Amesbury must be added on the 
authority of Mr. Damsell.* 


329 [761] Planesticus migratorius migratorius (Linn.). 


ROBIN. 


Permanent resident, abundant in summer, uncommon in winter; average date 
of arrival for eight years, March 16. 


Eggs: April 27 to July 25. 


The nest referred to in the original Memoir that was built over the lintel of 
my front door at Ipswich was added to and occupied every year from rgo1 to 
1906 inclusive. It had then attained a height of eight inches. The following 
winter it was blown down, and a pair of Robins built the next summer in a bush 
close to the door. Lately they have built over the door again. 

A multiple nest was built, presumably by one pair of Robins, in the spring of 
1907, on the ledge over the window of a boat-house, on the marsh at Ipswich, 
and a brood was raised in one of the nests. On the ledge, four nests were built 
side by side of mud and dried eel-grass. Each of these nests was only about one- 
third of the height of the usual Robin’s nest. Beyond these on the ledge was a 
fifth nest, represented by a slight cup-shaped depression, while beyond this was a 
sixth represented by but a small amount of mud, not shaped, and covered with eel- 
grass alone.” 

The Robin is a beautiful singer; his familiar notes are full of cheer and hope, 
but there is a great variation in the excellence of the performance. I have known 
two Robins who utterly failed: one sang a hoarse and squeaky song while another, 
that has nested on my place at Ipswich for the last two years, sings so poorly that 
I was at first unable to recognize the origin. Two notes, wee you, repeated three 
to five times, constitute his song. 

In the summer of 1915, Robins began to roost in my “ forest”? at Ipswich— 
the acre of native trees, most of them set out as seedlings in 1g00—and they have 
continued to roost there much to my delight every year since. I have never 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 29, 1913. 
? Townsend, C. W. Journ. Maine Ornith. Soc., vol. 11, pp. 30, 31, 1900. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 179 


counted them but they must number three of four hundred. They roost there 
from May to October. During the early part of the season the morning song is 
of great volume and beauty. By the middle of August nearly all song has ceased, 
but the conversational notes that arise from the roost and the fluttering sounds as 
the birds move about are very interesting and occupy as much time as the morn- 
ing song of previous days. Before entering the roost in the afternoon the Robins 
generally alight in the near-by fields or in separate trees and suddenly dive from 
there into the “ forest.” In stormy weather they sometimes drop down directly 
from the air. 

During April, 1919, I saw a partially albino Robin, apparently a male, about 
my place. He had white patches on each side of the breast and on the back and 
middle of his tail. As he flew he displayed a pure white rump and back up to the 
middle and patches of white on the wings. The head was of normal color. 


330 [763] Ixoreus nevius nevius (Gmel.). 


VARIED THRUSH. 
Accidental visitor from the West. 


The record of 1864 remains unique. 


*331 [765a] Saxicola cenanthe leucorhoa (Gmel.). 


GREENLAND WHEATEAR. 
Accidental visitor from the North. 


This addition to the list was seen at Pigeon Cove—a single bird—by Mr. C. 
R. Lamb? on September 17, 1910. Mr. Lamb says: “I flushed the bird four or 
five times and as it made low flights from me, it spread its tail, which looked 
short, and the large white spot, on the upper tail-coverts and tail, with broad 
blackish band at the end of the tail, was particularly conspicuous.” 


332 [766] Sialia sialis sialis (Linn.). 


BLUEBIRD. 


Common summer resident. February 16 to October 26; average date of 
arrival for eight years, March 7. 


Eggs: April 23 to June 5. 


iLamb, C. R. Auk, vol. 29, pp. 250, 251, 1912. 


180 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Mr. Damsell' furnishes two February records for 1902: February 16 and 27. 
In 1916, the first Bluebird was not seen until April 1. 

In active courtship the male Bluebird sings rapturously both in the air and on 
a perch. In the latter case he elevates and flutters his wings and jumps up 
and down. 

The Bluebird may be added to the list of birds that visit the salt-marsh. I 
have occasionally seen it in the black-grass zone. 


INTRODUCED SPECIES. 
1 Phasianus torquatus Gmel. 


RING PHEASANT. 


Common permanent resident. 


Notwithstanding the large numbers that are shot every open season, this bird 
holds its own. 

On January 4, 1913, in a westerly gale a dead cock Pheasant was found lying 
in the gutter of my house at Ipswich. On examination I found that the muscles 
of the breast were ruptured and the breast-bone badly splintered, but there was 
no injury to the plumage or skin. It would seem that the bird in very rapid flight 
urged on by the gale had been instantly killed by striking a chimney. 

In courtship the ear-tufts of the cock are erected and the bare skin about 
the eyes is prominent and very red. He struts before the hens turning in all 
directions to display his gorgeous plumage, or walks with an exaggerated bobbing 
motion. Every now and again he flaps his wings almost inaudibly, crows and 
flaps again with a loud clapping sound. 

In flight, like all gallinaceous birds, the Pheasant carries the feet extended 
under the tail. 

A low wire-fence I have put up to keep cotton-tail rabbits out of my vege- 
table patch, has had a deterring effect on Pheasants also. I am inclined to think 
these birds are more apt to run into the garden from the fields than to fly in. At 
one time they were very destructive to my sweet corn, reaching up from the 
ground and pecking through the envelopes to the kernels. 

In the autumn the Pheasant is commonly to be found in the salt-marshes. 
On October 26, 1913, I started eight of these birds in a small area of salt-marsh 
at Ipswich. I suppose they eat crabs and snails but have no exact evidence. 


1 Allen, G. M. Auk, vol. 30, p. 29, 1913. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY ISI 


*2 [493] Sturnus vulgaris Linn. 


STARLING. 
Common permanent resident. 


Although this was included in the Check-list as a North American bird on 
the ground that it was accidental in Greenland, it was not until 1890 that it was 
introduced into the United States in New York City. From there it has spread 
widely and is increasing with great rapidity. 

As far as I can learn, the first Starling to reach Essex County came in 1908. 
In that year and in three years following, a female was found nesting in Peabody 
by Mr. R. B. Mackintosh but no male was seen. In December, 1913, a flock of 
a hundred Starlings was seen in Gloucester by Mr. C. E. Brown and one shot, and 
another flock was seen by Mr. Brown at Willowdale. A pair bred in Gloucester 
in 1914, and the young were seen on May 6. On June 14, 1914, I saw a single 
Starling near my house at Ipswich and a flock of twelve at Wenham on October 3. 
In 1916, they bred at Ipswich and at Rockport. During June of 1916, I fre- 
quently saw a flock of about thirty of these birds flying about my place and alight- 
ing in the top of a tall bitternut hickory. Since this date the Starling has rapidly 
increased and flocks of several hundred or even a thousand are now not uncom- 
mon. In the next fifteen years it is probable that they will become a pest to agri- 
culturists and affect considerably the hole-nesting birds. 

The short tail and in general a meadowlark build distinguish this species 
from other black birds. 


3 Passer domesticus (Linn.). 


EvurorEAn House Sparrow; “ ENGLISH SPARROW.” 
Abundant permanent resident. 


I am inclined to think that the English Sparrow has passed the summit of the 
curve of increase in this part of the country and has begun to decline in num- 
bers, and that he will in time take a more humble place in respect to other birds 
as is the case in his native country. Our birds are less afraid of him than for- 
merly, and are not so easily imposed on. They are gradually coming back to the 
suburban towns. On my own place, although I have between twenty-five and 
thirty bird-boxes, none is ever occupied by English Sparrows and it is rare to 
see any of this species near my house. The tradition of my use of the gun appar- 
ently still exists among these alien pests. 


182 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


The song, the courtship, and the roosting habits of this bird I have discussed 


elsewhere at some length.* 


4 Perdix cinerea Lath. 


EUROPEAN PARTRIDGE. 


In 1910 and 1911, Dr. J. C. Phillips released at Wenham about thirty or forty 
of these birds. They wintered through 1911 and 1912, but after that they were 


not seen. 
APOCRYPHAL SPECIES. 
1 Muscicapa minuta Wils. SMALL-HEADED FLYCATCHER. 
SUMMARY 
1905 
Extant species and subspecies. ; : : - 319 
Introduced species : : : : ‘ ; ; 2 
321 
Extirpated species . ; : : : : ; : 6 
Extinct species. : ; : é : : : 2 
329 
Species of doubtful record . : ; ; : a iKs3 
Species of erroneous record . 
Apocryphal species ; : : ; I 
Total number of species oonsidered : : »~— 355 


Species removed from doubtful to regular list 


Other species added to regular list 
Total 


Species dropped from list 
(One extinct, one no longer pondered a ait Bibenecics) 


1 Townsend, C. W. Auk, vol. 26, p. 13-19, 1909. 


1920 


335 


344 


366 


16 


14 


ERRATA 


The following misprints in the original Memoir are here corrected : 


P. 7, 15 lines from bottom read northeasterly for northwesterly. 
Pan 60:-10" Fs i oH “ at for by. 

1D, GA, Ws. = i ss « 4. B. Clark for A. H. Clark. 

IE. ito, 10) 5 7 “low for high. 

Pe a8oa. 4) a) Op “Teeter for Teter. 

12y Aves 3 “bottom * Polynices for Polyinices. 


183 


184 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 
ALLEN, FRANCIs H. 
1905. The White-throated Sparrow breeding in eastern Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 
22, pp. 415, 416. 
1906. Possible breeding of Junco hyemalis in Essex County, Mass. Auk, vol. 23, 
p. 103. 
1908. Larus kumlieni and other northern gulls in the neighborhood of Boston. 
Auk, vol. 25, p. 296-300. 
ALLEN, GLoveER M. 
1913. An Essex County ornithologist. Auk, vol. 30, p. 19-20. 
BAILEY, S. WALDO. 
1912. Red-headed Woodpecker at Newburyport, Mass. Auk, vol. 29, p. 541. 
1917. Killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus vociferus) in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 34, 
pp. 207, 208. 
1917. Migrant Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus migrans) at Newburyport, Mass. 
Auk, vol. 34, p. 214. 
Barsour, THOMAS. 
1919. Evening Grosbeaks about Beverly Farms, Mass. Auk, vol. 36, p. 572. 
Baytey, Marion H. 
1916. Evening Grosbeak at Newburyport, Mass. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, pp. 182, 183. 
BREWSTER, WILLIAM. 
1884. An ornithological swindler. Auk, vol. 1, p. 295-297. 
1918. Nesting of the Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra minor) in Essex County, 
Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 35, p. 225. 
Bripce, Epmunp and Lipian E. 
1916. Bird-Lore’s sixteenth Christmas census. Ipswich, Mass. (Castle Hill and 
Beach). Bird-Lore, vol. 18, p. 20. 
Brioce, Lip1an E. 
1908. Chondestes grammacus at Ipswich, Mass. Auk, vol. 25, p. 476. 
1910. The Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Bird-lists. Bird-Lore, vol. 12, 
p. 191-195. 
1912. Uncommon shore-birds seen in Essex County, Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 
29, DP. 537: 
1912, Another occurrence of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher in Essex County, Massa- 
chusetts. Auk, vol. 29, p. 546. 
Brown, FRANK A. 
1909. The Cardinal at Ipswich, Mass. Auk, vol. 26, pp. 194, 195. 
1909. The Cardinal in Massachusetts. Bird-Lore, vol. 11, pp. 85, 86. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 185 


CovueEs, ELLiorr. 

1883. Note on “ Passerculus caboti.” Bull. Nuttall Ornith. Club, vol. 8, p. 58. 
CRITTENDEN, VIOLA E. 

1913. The Carolina Wren in Beverly, Mass. Bird-Lore, vol. 15, pp. 222, 223. 
DEANE, RUTHVEN. 

1906. Another large flight of Snowy Owls. Auk, vol. 23, pp. 100, Io1. 

1906. Unusual abundance of the Snowy Owl (Nyctea nyctea). Auk, vol. 23, p. 


283-298. 
Essex County Orn1tTH. Ciups, Bulletin. See Stubbs, Arthur P., Editor. 
Far ey, J. A. 
1895. Breeding of Traill’s Flycatcher in eastern Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 12, 
p. 302. 


Fay, S. PRESCOTT. 
1910. Massachusetts notes. Auk, vol. 27, pp. 219, 220. 
FLEMING, JAMEs H. 
1906. The unusual migration of Briinnich’s Murre (Uria lomvia) in eastern 
North America. Proc. 4th Intern. Ornith. Congress, 1905, p. 528-543. 
HALLocK, CHARLES. 
1877. The Sportsman’s Gazetteer. 
Lamp, CHARLES R. 
1912. Greenland Wheatear seen in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 29, pp. 250, 251. 
1918. Massachusetts notes. Auk, vol. 35, pp. 233, 234. 
Mackay, GerorcE H. 
1890. Somateria dresseri, the American Eider. Auk, vol. 7, p. 315-319. 
1894. Notes on certain water birds in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 11, p. 223-228. 
May, Joun B. 
1916. Rough-winged Swallows in Essex County, Mass. Bird-Lore, vol. 18, pp. 
371, 372. 
PETERS, JAMES L. 
tg1t. A Golden Plover in Massachusetts in April. Auk, vol. 28, p. 368. 
PHILLIPS, JOHN C. 
1910. Notes on the autumn migration of the Canada Goose in eastern Massa- 
chusetts. Auk, vol. 27, p. 263-271. 
1911. Two unusual Massachusetts records. Auk, vol. 28, p. 119. 
1gtI. Ten years of observation on the migration of Anatide at Wenham Lake, 
Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 28, p. 188-200. 
1912. Rusty Blackbirds (Euphagus carolinus) wintering in Essex Co., Mass. 
Auk, vol. 29, p. 395- 
1916. Eskimo Curlew in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 33, p. 434. 
1916. Early flight of Wilson’s Snipe in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 33, P. 434. 
PuTNAM, FREDERICK W. 
1869. [Note on Great Auk.] Amer. Naturalist, vol. 3, p. 540. 


186 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Sears, JoHN H. 
1874. Breeding of Passenger Pigeon in Essex County. Amer. Sportsman, vol. 
4, P. 155. 
Stupes, ARTHUR P, 
1916, Killdeer breeding in eastern Massachusetts. Bird-Lore, vol, 18, p. 365. 
Stupss, ARTHUR P., Epitor. 
1919. Bulletin of the Essex County Ornithological Club, no. 1. 
THAYER, JOHN E. 
1909. Eskimo Curlew taken at Newburyport, Mass. Auk, vol. 26, p. 77. 
TOWNSEND, CHARLES W. 
1906. The Lark Sparrow in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 23, pp. 103, 104. 
1906. Note on the crop contents of a nestling Mourning Dove (Zenaidura 
macroura). Auk, vol. 23, pp. 336, 337. 
1908. On the status of Brewster’s Warbler (Helminthophila leucobronchialis). 
Auk, vol. 25, p. 65-68. 
1908. An American White-fronted Goose and Wilson’s Phalarope in Essex 
County, Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 25, pp. 80, 81. 
1909. Robins used same nests six seasons. Journ. Maine Ornith. Soc., vol. 11, 
PP. 30, 31. 
1909. The position of birds’ feet in flight. Auk, vol. 26, p. 109-116. 
1909. The use of the wings and feet by diving birds. Auk, vol. 26, p. 234-248. 
1909. A Carolina Wren invasion of New England. Auk, vol. 26, p. 263-269. 
1910. The courtships of Golden-eye and Eider Ducks. Auk, vol. 27, p. 177-181. 
1911. The courtship and migration of the Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus 
serrator). Auk, vol. 28, p. 341-345. 
1912. The validity of the Red-legged subspecies of Black Duck. Auk, vol. 29, 
p. 176-179. 
1913. Sand Dunes and Salt-Marshes. Boston. 
1916. The courtship of the Merganser, Mallard, Black Duck, Baldpate, Wood 
Duck and Bufflehead. Auk, vol. 33, p. 9-17. 
1916, Lesser Snow Goose (Chen h. hyperboreus) in Massachusetts. Auk, vol. 
33, P. 197. 
1917. The Labrador Chickadee (Penthestes hudsonicus nigricans) in a south- 
ward migration. Auk, vol. 34, p. 160-163. 
1918. Ipswich bird notes. Auk, vol. 35, p. 182-185. 
1918. A winter Crow roost. Auk, vol. 35, p. 405-416. 
[WexsTER, FRANK B.] 
1892. [American Egret at Ipswich.] Ornithologist and Odlogist, vol. 17, p. 165. 
WHARTON, WILLIAM P. 
1909. The Clapper Rail in Essex County, Mass. Auk, vol. 26, pp. 76, 77. 
Wuiter, FRANcIS BEACH. 
1918. Yellow-headed Blackbird at Ipswich, Mass. Auk, vol. 35, p. 224. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY I 


oe) 
Ny 


Wricut, Horace W. 
1917. Labrador Chickadee (Penthestes hudsonicus nigricans) in Boston and 
vicinity in the fall of 1916. Auk, vol. 24, p. 164-170. 
1918. Labrador Chickadee (Penthestes hudsonicus nigricans) in its return flight 
from the fall migration of 1916. Auk, vol. 35, p. 37-40. 
DN bp 
1885. [Pileated Woodpecker in Manchester.] Forest and Stream, vol. 25, p. 443. 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 189 


INDEX 
AcCANTHIs hornemanni exilipes, 139 Bluebill, 56 
linaria holbeelli, 139 Little, 57 
linaria, 139 Bluebird, 8, 179 
rostrata, 140 Blue Peter, 75 
Accipiter cooperi, 100 Boatswain, 30 
velox, 100 Bobolink, 128 
Actitis macularia, 89 Bob-white, 13, 95 
Additional species to list, 16 Bombycilla cedrorum, 155 
Aegialitis meloda, 94 garrula, 155 
circumcincta, 95 Bonasa umbellus umbellus, 96 
semipalmata, 94 Booby, 46 
wilsoni, 95 Botaurus lentiginosus, 65 
Agelaius phceniceus phceniceus, 130 Brant, 64 
Aix sponsa, 55 Brant-bird, 83 
Alca torda, 28 Branta bernicla glaucogastra, 64 
Alle alle, 28 canadensis canadensis, 64 
Aluco pratincola, 110 hutchinsi, 64 
American Ornithologists’ Union, 5, 111 leucopsis, 65 
Ammodramus bairdi, 143 Brown-back, 79, 81 
savannarum australis, 143 Brown-tail moths, 9 
Anas platyrhynchos, 50 Bubo virginianus virginianus, 112 
rubripes rubripes, 51 Bufflehead, 59 
tristis, 52 Bull-head, o1 
Anser albifrons gambeli, 63 Bunting, Bay-winged, 142 
Anthus rubescens, 169 Black-throated, 150 
Antrostomus vociferus vociferus, 121 Indigo, 150 
Apocryphal species, 182 Lark, 150 
Aquila chrysaétos, 105 Snow, 141 
Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis, 103 Burgomaster, 32 
Archilochus colubris, 123 Butcher-bird, 156 
Ardea herodias herodias, 67 Buteo borealis borealis, 101 
Arenaria interpres morinella, 95 lineatus lineatus, 102 
Arquatella maritima maritima, 80 platypterus platypterus, 103 
Asio flammeus, I10 swainsoni, 102 
wilsonianus, I10 Butorides virescens virescens, 69 
Astragalinus tristis tristis, 140 Butter-ball, 59 
Astur atricapillus atricapillus, 1o1 Butterbill, 62 
Auk, Great, 28 
Little, 12, 28 Catcarius lapponicus lapponicus, 141 
Razor-billed, 28 ornatus, 142 
Avocet, 77 Calico-bird, 95 
‘ Calidris leucophza, 85 
BALDPATE, 53 Calamospiza melanocorys, I51 
Bartramia longicauda, 88 Camptorhynchus labradorius, 60 
Beach-bird, 85 Canachites canadensis canace, 96 
Beetle-head, o1 Canvas-back, 56, 60 
Bird Protection, 7 Cape Race, 27 
Bittern, 8, 21, 65 Cape Racer, 27 
Least, 22, 66 Cardinal, 150 
Blackbird, Crow, 133 Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis, 150 
Red-winged, 130 Carpodacus purpureus purpureus, 137 
Rusty, 133 Catbird, 171 
Yellow-headed, 16, 129 Catharista urubu urubu, 98 
Blackhead, 56 Cathartes aura septentrionalis, 97 
Black-heart, 91 Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus, 87 


Black-tail, 86 é semipalmatus, 87 


190 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Cedar-bird, 155 
Censuses, Bird, 17-20 
Cepphus grylle, 2 
Certhia familiaris americana, 173 
Ceryle alcyon, 116 
Chetura pelagica, 122 
Changes in Bird Life of the Country, 7-16 
Charadrius dominicus dominicus, 92 
Charitonetta albeola, 59 
Chat, Yellow-breasted, 8, 167 
Chaulelasmus streperus, 52 
Chebee, 125 
Chen cerulescens, 63 
hyperboreus hyperboreus, 63 
nivalis, 63 
Cherry-bird, 155 
Chewink, 149 
Chickadee, 8, 9, 174 
Acadian, 174 
Labrador, 16, 174 
Chicken, 95 
Chicken, Mother Carey’s, 45 
Chippy, 147 
Chondestes grammacus grammacus, 145 
Chordeiles virginianus virginianus, 121 
Chuckle-head, 91 
Circus hudsonius, 98 
Cistothorus stellaris, 172 
Clangula clangula americana, 58 
islandica, 58 
Clark’s Pond, 22-24 
Coccyzus peer americanus, 115 
erythrophthalmus, 115 
Colaptes auratus luteus, 120 
Colinus eineinents virginianus, 95 
Colymbus auritus, 
holbeelli, 25 
eompsod yas americana usnez, I61 
Coot, 22,75 
Black, 62 
ronan 62 
Gray, 62 
Skunk-head, 62 
White-winged, 62 
Cormorant, 46 
Common, 46 
Double-crested, 47 
Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos, 127 
corax principalis, 127 
Coturnicops noveboracensis, 74 
Courtship, 5, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58, 59, 
60, 61, 66, 78, "83, 84, 86, 88, 08, 100, 
om 122, 123, 128, 120, 130, 133, 138, 
141, 142, 143, 144, 148, 153, 154, 155, 
163, 168, 172, 174, 176, 180 
Cowbird, 129 
Crane, 67 
Sandhill, 71 
Creciscus jamaicensis, 74 
Creeper, Black and White, 159 
Brown, 173 
Crossbill, 137 
ed, 137 
White-winged, 138 


Crow, 127 
Crow roost, 112, 127 
Cryptoglaux acadica acadica, 112 
funerea richardsoni, 112 
Cuckoo, Black-billed, 116 
Yellow-billed, 115 
Curlew, Eskimo, 90 
Hen, &9 
Hudsonian, 13, 80 
Jack, 89 
Long-billed, & 
Sickle-billed, 89 
Cyanocitta cristata cristata, 126 


DABCHICK, 25 
Dafila acuta, 54 
Damsell, Benjamin F., 6 
Dendroica estiva estiva, 161 
cerulescens caerulescens, 162 
castanea, 104 
cerulea, 164 
coronata, 162 
discolor, 165 
fusca, 1604 
magnolia, 164 
palmarum hypochrysea, 165 
palmarum, 165 
pensylvanica, 104 
striata, 164 
tigrina, 161 
vigorsi, 165 
virens, 165 
Dickcissel, 150 
Dipper, 59 
Diver, Hell, 25 
Devil, 25 
Great Northern, 26 
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 128 
Dough-bird, 90 
Dove, Mourning, 8, 14, 97 
Dovekie, 12, 2 
Dowitcher, 13, 79 
Long-billed, 79 
Western, 70 
Dryobates pubescens medianus, 117 
villosus, 116 
septentrionalis, 117 
Duck, Black, 7, 22, 52 
Dusky, 52 
Gray, 52, 54 
Greater Scaup, 56 
Harlequin, 60 
Labrador, 60 
Lesser Scaup, 22, 57 
Long-tailed, 59 
Pied, 60 
Red-legged Black, 51 
Ring-necked, 57 
Ruddy, 62 
Scaup, 56 
Sea, 60 
Spring Black, 52 
Spoon-bill, 54 
Summer, 55 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 


Duck, Summer Black, 52, 55 
Winter Black, 51 
Wood, 7, 8, 13, 22, 55 

Dumetella carolinensis, 171 

Dunlin, 83 


Eacte, Bald, 105 
Golden, 105 
Ectopistes migratorius, 97 
Egret, 21, 67 
Snowy, 68 ; 
Egretta candidissima candidissima, 68 
Eider, 60 
King, 62 
Northern, 60 
Elanoides forficatus, 98 
Empidonax flaviventris, 125 
minimus, 125 
trailli alnorum, 125 
Ereunetes mauri, 84 
pusillus, 84 
Erismatura jamaicensis, 62 
Erolia ferruginea, 83 
Erroneous records, II 


Essex County Ornithological Club, 5, 11 


Euphagus carolinus, 133 
Extinct species, 16 


Fatco columbarius, 108 
islandus, 106 
peregrinus anatum, 107 
rusticolus gyrfalco, 106 

obsoletus, 106 
sparverius sparverius, 108 

Federal Law, 7, 13 

Field-glasses, 10 

Finch, Grass, 142 
Lark, 145 
Pine, 140 
Purple, 137 

Flicker, Northern, 8, 120 

Florida czrulea, 68 

Flycatcher, Alder, 125 
Crested, 124 
Least, 125 
Olive-sided, 124 
Small-headed, 182 
Yellow-bellied, 125 

Fool-bird, 60 

Fratercula arctica arctica, 27 

Fulica americana, 75 


GADWALL, 52 
Gallinago delicata, 78 
Gallinula galeata, 74 
Gallinule, Florida, 74 
Purple, 74 
Gannet, 46 
Gavia arctica, 26 
immer, 26 
stellata, 26 
Gelochelidon nilotica, 40 
Geothlypis trichas trichas, 167 
Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 176 


Godwit, Hudsonian, 13, 85 
Marbled, 86 

Golden-eye, 22, 58 
Barrow’s, 58 

Goldfinch, 140 

Goosander, 48 

Goose, Barnacle, 65 
Blue, 63 
Canada, 64 
Greater Snow, 63 
Hutchins’, 64 
Lesser Snow, 63 
Nigger, 48 
Sea, 76 
Snow, 63 
White-fronted, 16, 63 
Wild, 64 

Goshawk, 101 

Grackle, Bronzed, 14, 133 
Purple, 133 

Grass-bird, 81 
Hill, 88 

Grebe, Holbeell’s, 12, 2 
Horned, 25 
Pied-billed, 22, 25 

Green-back, 92 

Grosbeak, Evening, 15, 135 
Pinesis5, 137) 7 
Rose-breasted, 150 

Grouse, Canadian Spruce, 96 
Ruffed, 9, 14, 96 

Grus mexicana, 71 

Guillemot, Black, 27 

Gull, Black-headed, 39 
Bonaparte’s, 40 
Glaucous, 12, 32 
Great Black-backed, 10, 35 
Herring, 10, 12, 22, 36 
Hutchins’, 33 
Iceland, 10, 12, 34 
Ivory, 16, 31 
Kumlien’s, 12, 16, 34 
Laughing, 12, 39 
Mackerel, 42 
Ring-billed, 38 
Winter, 32 

Gun, Use of, 11 

Gypsy moths, 9 

Gyrfalcon, 106 
Black, 106 
White, 16, 106 


Hac, Black, 45 
Gray, 44 
Hagdon, 44, 45 
Haglet, 44 
Hairy-crown, 50 


Halieetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, 


Harelda hhiemalis, 50 
Hawk, Broad-winged, 103 
Cooper’s, 100 
Duck, 82, 107 

Fish, 8, 109 
Hen, tor, 102 


I9I 


105 


192 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Hawk, Marsh, 8, 98, 107 
Pigeon, 108 
Red-shouldered, 102 
Red-tailed, ror 
Rough-legged, 14, 103 
Sharp-shinned, 100 
Sparrow, 108 
Swainson’s, 102 
Heath Hen, 97 
Helmitheros vermivorus, 150 
Helodromas solitarius solitarius, 87 
Herodias egretta, 68 
Heron, Black-crowned Night, 21, 69 
- Great Blue, 21, 67 
Green, 21, 69 
Little Blue, 68 
Yellow-crowned Night, 71 
Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina, 135 
Hill Grass-bird, 88 
Himantopus mexicanus, 77 
Hirundo erythrogastra, 103 
Histrionicus histrionicus, 60 
Humility, 87 
Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 123 
Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis, 44 
Hylocichla alicie alicie, 177 
bicknelli, 177 
fuscescens fuscescens, 177 
guttata pallasi, 177 
mustelina, 177 
ustulata swainsoni, 177 


Isrts, Wood, 65 

Ice-bird, 28 

Icteria virens virens, 167 

Icterus galbula, 132 
spurius, 132 


Increase of Birds, Actual and apparent, 10 


Indigo-bird, 150 

Insect Pests, 9 

Introduced Species, 180 
Introduction, 5, 6 

Ionornis martinicus, 74 
Tridoprocne bicolor, 154 
Italian workmen, 9 
Ixobrychus exilis, 66 
Ixoreus nevius nevius, 179 


JarceER, Long-tailed, 31 
Parasitic, 30 
Pomarine, 30 
Jay, Blue, 102, 126 
Canada, 127 
Junco, Slate-colored, 147 
Junco hyemalis hyemalis, 147 


KILLDEER, 13, 02 

Kingbird, 123 
Gray, 124 

Kingfisher, Belted, 116 

Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 16, 176 
Ruby-crowned, 176 

Kite, Swallow-tailed, 908 

Kittiwake, 32 


Knot, 13, 80 
Pine, 12, 28 
Knotty, 12, 28 


Lacopus lagopus lagopus, 97 
Lanius borealis, 156 
ludovicianus migrans, 156 
Lanivireo flavifrons, 158 
solitarius solitarius, 158 
T ark, Horned, 126 
Prairie Horned, 14, 126 
Shore, 126 
Larus argentatus, 36 
atricilla, 39 
delawarensis, 38 
hyperboreus, 32 
kumlieni, 34 
leucopterus, 34 
marinus, 35 
philadelphia, 40 
Light-houses, 9 
Limited Areas, Birds of, 17-24 
Limosa fedoa, 85 
hzemastica, 86 
Lobipes lobatus, 76 
Longspur, Chestnut-collared, 142 
Lapland, 141 
McCown’s, 142 
Loon, 26, 27 
Black-throated, 26 
Red-throatied, 26 
Lophodytes cucullatus, 50 
Lord and Lady, 60 
Loxia curvirostra minor, 137 


MacHETES pugnax, 87 


Macrorhamphus griseus griseus, 79 


scolopaceus, 79 
Mallard, 50 
Mareca americana, 53 

penelope, 52 
Marila affinis, 57 

americana, 55 

collaris, 57 

marila, 56 

valisineria, 56 
Marling-spike, 30 
Martin, Purple, 151 
Maryland Yellow-throat, 167 
Meadowlark, 120, 130 
Megalestris skua, 2 
Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 119 
Meleagris gallopavo silvestris, 97 
Melospiza georgiana, 148 

lincolni lincolni, 148 

melodia melodia, 147 
Merganser, 37, 48 

Hooded, 50 

Red-breasted, 13, 22, 37, 49 
Mereus americanus, 48 

serrator, 49 
Micropalama himantopus, 80 
Mimus polyglottos polyglottos, 169 
Mniotilta varia, 159 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 193 


Mockingbird, 16, 169 
Molothrus ater ater, 129 
Mother Carey’s Chicken, 45 
Mud-hen, 75 
Murre, 28 

Briinnich’s, 28 
Muscicapa minuta, 182 
Mycteria americana, 65 
Myiarchus crinitus, 124 
Myiochanes virens, 125 


Nannus hyemalis hyemalis, 172 
Nettion carolinense, 53 
Nighthawk, 121 
Numenius americanus, 89 
borealis, 90 
hudsonicus, 89 
Nuthatch, Red-breasted, 173 
White-breasted, 173 
Nuttallornis borealis, 124 
Nyctanassa violacea, 71 
Nyctea nyctea, 113 
Nycticorax nycticorax nevius, 69 


Osservers, Increased number of, 10 
Oceanites oceanicus, 45 
Oceanodroma leucorhoa, 45 
Ochthodromus wilsonius, 95 
Oidemia americana, 62 
deglandi, 62 
perspicillata, 62 
Old-squaw, 59 
Olor buccinator, 65 
columbianus, 65 
Oporornis agilis, 166 
formosus, 166 
philadelphia, 167 
Oriole, Baltimore, 14, 132 
Orchard, 14, 132 
Ornithological Swindler, 58 
Osprey, 109 
Otocoris alpestris alpestris, 126 
praticola, 126 
Otus asio asio, 112 
Oven-bird, 166 
Owl, Acadian, 112 
Barn, 110 
Barred, III 
Burrowing, 115 
Great Gray, III 
Great Horned, 112, 128 
Hawk, 115 
Long-eared, 110 - 
Pinny, 32 
Richardson’s, 112 
Saw-whet, 112 
Screech, 112 
Short-eared, 110 
Snowy, 113 
Oxyechus vociferus vociferus, 90 


PacoPpHILA alba, 31 
Pandion haliaétus carolinensis, 109 


Pale-belly, 92 
Partridge, 96 
European, 182 
Spruce, 96 
Passer domesticus, 181 
Passerculus princeps, 142 
sandwichensis savanna, 143 
Passerella iliaca iliaca, 149 
Passerherbulus caudacutus, 144 
henslowi henslowi, 143 
maritimus maritimus, 144 
nelsoni nelsoni, 144 
subvirgatus, 144 
Passerina cyanea, 150 
Peabody-bird, 146 
Peep, 82, 84 
Bull, 82 
Mud, 82 
Sand, 84 
Teeter, 890 
Web-footed, 76 
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, 48 
occidentalis, 48 
Pelican, Brown, 16, 48 
White, 48 
Pelidna alpina sakhalina, 83 
Penguin, 28 
Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus, 174 
hudsonicus littoralis, 174 
nigricans, 174 
Perdix cinerea, 182 
Perisoreus canadensis canadensis, 127 
Perroquet, 2 
Petrel, Leach’s, 45 
Stormy, 45 
Wilson’s, 45 
Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons, 152 
Pewee, Wood, 125 
Phalacrocorax auritus auritus, 47 
carbo, 46 
Phalarope, Northern, 76 
Red, 75 
Wilson’s, 76 
Phalaropus fulicarius, 75 
Phasianus torquatus, 180 
Pheasant, Ring-necked, 9, 180 
Philohela minor, 77 
Phliceotomus pileatus abieticola, 119 
Pheebe, 124 
Picoides americanus americanus, 118 
arcticus, 118 
Pigeon, Passenger, 14, 16, 97 
Wild, 8, 97 
Pinicola enucleator leucura, 137 
Pintail, 54 
Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus, 
149 
Pipit, 169 
Piranga erythromelas, 151 
ludoviciana, 511 
Pisobia bairdi, 82 
fuscicollis, 82 
maculata, 81 
minutilla, 82 


194 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Planesticus migratorius migratorius, 178 Ruff, 87 
Plautus impennis, 28 Rynchophanes mecowni, 142 
Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis, 141 
Plover, Beach, 85 SADDLE-BACK, 36 
Belted Piping, 16, 95 Sagamore Pond, 20-22 
Black-bellied, 8, 91 Sanderling, 13, 85 
Blue, 80 Sandpiper, Baird’s, 82 
Chicken, 95 F Bartramian, 88 
Golden, 8, 92 Bonaparte’s, 82 
Green, 92 Buff-breasted, 88 
Pasture, 88 Curlew, 83 
Piping, 13, 94 Least, 22, 82 
Ring-neck, 94 Pectoral, 22, 81, 107 
Semipalmated, 13, 94 Purple, 80 
Silver, 80 Red-backed, 83 
Upland, 13, 88 Semipalmated, 13, 84 
Wilson’s, 95 Solitary, 22, 87, 124 
Podilymbus podiceps, 2 Spotted, 89 
Poisoning by spraying fluids, 8 Stilt, 80 
Polioptila cerulea cerulea, 176 Western, 84 
Pond Crow, 75 White-rumped, 82 
Pocecetes gramineus gramineus, 142 Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 118 
Porzana carolina, 73 Saxicola cenanthe leucorhoa, 179 
Priofinus cinereus, 45 Sayornis pheebe, 124 
Progne subis subis, 151 Scoter, 62 
Protonotaria citrea, 159 Black, 62 
Ptarmigan, Willow, 97 Surf, 62 
Puffin, 27 White-winged, 62 
Puffinus gravis, 44 Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa, 111 
griseus, 45 Sea-parrot, 27 
puffinus, 45 Sea-pigeon, 27 
Sea-robin, 49 
QUAIL, 95 Seiurus aurocapillus, 166 
Marsh, 130 motacilla, 166 
Quawk, 60 noveboracensis noveboracensis, 166 
Querquedula discors, 54 Setophaga ruticilla, 169 
Quiscalus quiscula eneus, 133 Shag, 47 
quiscula, 133 Shearwater, Bermuda, 45 
Black-tailed, 45 
Ratt, Black, 74 Greater, 44 
Carolina, 26, 73 Manx, 45 
Clapper, 71 Sooty, 45 
King, 71 Shelldrake, 49 
Virginia, 22, 72 Pond, 48 
Yellow, 74 Shite-poke, 69 
Rallus crepitans crepitans, 71 Shoveller, 22, 54 
elegans, 71 Shrike, Migrant, 156 
virginianus, 72 Northern, 156 
Raven, Northern, 127 ~  Sjialia sialis sialis, 179 
Recurvirostra americana, 77 Sickle-bill, 89 
Redhead, 22, 55 Singing-tree, 17 
Redpoll, 139 Siskin, Pine, 140 
Greater, 140 Sitta canadensis, 173 
Hoary, 139 carolinensis carolinensis, 173 
Holbeell’s, 139 Skua, 20 
Redstart, 169 Arctic, 30 
Regulus calendula calendula, 176 Buffon’s, 31 
satrapa satrapa, 176 Richardson’s, 30 
Reservations, 7, 10 Skunk-head, 62 
Riparia riparia, 154 Snipe, 8, 22, 78 
Rissa tridactyla tridactyla, 32 English, 78 
Robin, 14, 178 Jack, 78 
Golden, 132 Red-breasted, 79 


Robin roost, 178 Robin, 79 


SUPPLEMENT TO BIRDS OF ESSEX COUNTY 195 


Snipe, Rock, 80 
Wilson’s, 78 
Winter, 80 
Snowbird, 147 
Snowflake, 141 
Somateria molissima borealis, 60 
dresseri, 60 
spectabilis, 62 
Sora, 22, 73 
Sparrow, Acadian Sharp-tailed, 21, 144 
Baird’s, 143 
Chipping, 147 
English, 9, 15, 181 
European House, 181 
Field, 147 
Fox, 147 
Grasshopper, 143 
Henslow’s, 143 
Ipswich, 15, 142 
Lark, 145 
Lincoln’s, 148 
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed, 144 
Savannah, 143 
Seaside, 144 
Sharp-tailed, 21, 144 
Song, 147 
Swamp, 149 
Tree, 146 
Vesper, 142 
White-crowned, 146 
White-throated, 146 
Yellow-winged, 143 
Spatula clypeata, 54 
Speotyto cunicularia hypogea, 115 
Sphyrapicus varius varius, 118 
Spinus pinus, 140 
Spiza americana, 150 
Spizella monticola monticola, 146 
passerina passerina, 147 
pusilla pusilla, 147 
Spoonbill, 54 
Spraying, 8, 14 
Sprigtail, 54 
Spring Shooting, 8 
Squatarola squatarola, 91 
Starling, 9, 16, 181 
Steganopus tricolor, 76 
Stegidopteryx serripennis, 155 
Stercorarius longicaudus, 31 
parasiticus, 30 
pomarinus, 30 
Sterna antillarum, 44 
caspia, 41 
dougalli, 43 
forsteri, 41 
fuscata, 44 
hirundo, 42 
maxima, 41 
paradisea, 43 
Stilt, Black-necked, 77 
Strix varia varia, III 
Sturnella magna, 130 
Sturnus vulgaris, 181 


Sula bassana, 46 
leucogastra, 46 
Summer, 86 
Surnia ulula caparoch, 115 
Swallow, Bank, 154 
Barn, 15, 154 
Cliff, 152 
Eave, 15, 152 
Rough-winged, 16, 154 
Tree, 8, 15, 154 
White-bellied, 154 
Swan, Trumpeter, 65 
Whistling, 8, 65 
Swift, Chimney, 122 


TANAGER, Scarlet, 151 
Summer, 151 
Tattler, Greater, 86 
Lesser, 86 
Teal, Blue-winged, 22, 54 
Green-winged, 53 
Telmatodytes palustris palustris, 173 
Tern, Arctic, 43 
Black, 44 
Caspian, 41 
Common, 13, 42 
Forster’s, 41 
Gull-billed, 40 
Least, 13, 42 
Marsh, 40 
Roseate, 12, 43 
Royal, 41 
Sooty, 44 
Wilson’s, 42 
Thrasher, Brown, 171 
Thrush, Bicknell’s, 177 
Brown, 171 
Gray-cheeked, 177 
Hermit, 177 
Olive-backed, 177 
Varied, 179 
Wilson’s, 177 
Wood, 177 
Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus, 171 
Tinker, 28 
Titlark, 169 
Totanus flavipes, 86 
melanoleucus, 86 
Towhee, 149 
Toxostoma rufum, I71 
Tringa canutus, 80 
Troglodytes aédon aédon, 172 
Tryngites subruficollis, 88 
Turkey, Wild, 97 
Turnstone, Ruddy, 95 
Tympanuchus cupido, 97 
Tyrannus tyrannus, 123 
dominicensis, 124 


UrtA lomvia lomvia, 28 
troille troille, 28 


VEERY, 177 
Vermivora celata celata, 160 


196 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 


Vermivora chrysoptera, 160 
leucobronchialis, 160 
peregrina, 161 
pinus, 159 
rubricapilla rubricapilla, 160 

Vireo griseus griseus, 158 
Blue- headed, 158 
Philadelphia, 157 
Red-eyed, 157 
Solitary, 158 
Warbling, 157 
White-eyed, 8, 15, 158 
Yellow-throated, 158 

Vireosylva gilva gilva, 157 
olivacea, 157 
philadelphica, 157 

Vulture, Black, 98 
Turkey, 97 


Wanrs.er, Bay-breasted, 15, 164 
Black and White, 159 
Blackburnian, 164 
Black-throated Blue, 162 
Black-throated Green, 165 
Blackpoll, 164 
Blue-winged, 16, 159 
Blue Yellow-backed, 161 
Brewster’s, 160 
Canadian, 169 
Cape May, 15, 161 
Cerulean, 164 
Chestnut-sided, 164 
Connecticut, 166 
Golden-winged, 160 
Hooded, 16, 168 
Kentucky, 166 
Magnolia, 164 
Mourning, 167 
Myrtle, 15, 162 
Nashville, 160 
Northern Parula, 161 
Orange-crowned, 160 
Palm, 165 
Parula, 161 
Pine, 165 
Prairie, 165 
Prothonotary, 16, 159 
Red-poll, 165 
Tennessee, 15, 161 
Wilson’s, 168 
Worm-eating, 159 
Yellow, 161 


Warbler, Yellow Palm, 165 
. Yellow Red-poll, 165 

Yellow-rumped, 162 

Water-Thrush, 166 
Louisiana, 16, 166 

Water-witch, 25 

Waxwing, Bohemian, 155 
Cedar, 155 

Wheatear, Greenland, 16, 179 

Whip-poor-will, 121 

Whistler, 37, 58 

Whitey, 85 

Widgeon, American, 53 
Bluebill, 56 
European, 13, 52 

Willet, 13, 87 
Western, 16, 87 

Wilsonia canadensis, 168 
citrina, 168 
pusilla pusilla, 168 

Winter, 86 

Woodcock, 77 

Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed, 118 
Downey, 117 
Golden-winged, 120 
Hairy, 116 
Northern Hairy, 117 
Northern Pileated, 119 
Pigeon, 120 
Red-headed, 119 
Three-toed, 118 

Wren, Carolina, 171 
House, 172 
Long-billed Marsh, 172 
Short-billed Marsh, 172 
Winter, 172 


XANTHOCEPHALUS xanthocephalus, 129. 


YELLOW-BIRD, 140 
Yellow-legs, 86 
Bastard, 80 
Greater, 8, 22, 86 
Lesser, 8, 22, 86 
Summer, 86 
Winter, 86 
Yellow-throat, Maryland, 167 


ZAMELODIA ludoviciana, 150 

Zenaidura macroura carolinensis, 97 

Zonotrichia albicollis, 146 
leucophrys leucophrys, 146 


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