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CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE

ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM OF ZOOLOGY

No.

4:

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT
AND VICINITY, NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO
By L. L. Snyder.

(Reprinted from Transactions of the

Royal Canadian Institute, Vol. XVIII,
Part Lye ppyr 147 ‘to’ S36).

1931

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A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY,
NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO*

I. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
By L. L. SNYDER

Long Point, on the north shore of Lake Erie, is one of the southern-
most points of Ontario and of the Dominion of Canada. Although it is
within the historically old and settled part of the province, its fauna has
received comparatively little study. Consequently, concerned as we are
with a general survey of the fauna of Ontario, the area appeared to
present features which made it desirable to pursue investigations there.
The following accounts are largely in the nature of reports on prevailing
conditions and the higher forms of life found during field work in 1927
and 1928, but information from published literature and other sources
has been included.

Since the broad basin of Lake Erie is a comparatively shallow
depression in deep soils, only slight irregularities in its shore have been
necessary to provide the mechanism for the building of spits and bars
by wave and wind action. A nearly straight shore-line, extending
approximately forty-five miles from the westward, is terminated at a
point in Walsingham township (south), Norfolk county. Silt-charged
water, moving eastward, has tended to cut across the bay which is
formed by the northward bending of the lake’s outline at this point.
Here the waves have deposited their load, forming an embankment
which by continued wave and wind action has become a spit, approx-
imately twenty miles in length. The outline of this spit is, of course,
changing in detail but it may be described as being continuous and
straight on the lakeward side while the inner portion is extremely irregular
(see Fig. 6). At its widest section, measured across the marshy islands,
the distance is approximately three miles. The most of the area,
excepting the lakeward beach, is diagonally furrowed and ridged with
lagoons and wet flats, and wooded sand dunes (see map, and Figs. 4
and 5).

On de Galinée’s map of 1670 this spit is grossly indicated and named
the ‘‘Peninsula of Lake Erie’ (Coyne, 1902). On a map dated 1763

*Contribution No. 4, Royal Ontario Museum of Zoology.
117

8—

118 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

(Charlevoix, 1766) it is indicated as ‘‘Long Pt.’’. Later it was known as
‘North Foreland” (Smyth, 1799). The peninsula is now generally
known as Long Point.

On early maps such as de Galinée’s and that of H. Chewitt’s of 1794
(Cruikshank, 1925) the point is shown connected to the mainland.
Later a break through occurred at the base (Smyth, loc. cit.) and for a
time thereafter the area was referred to as “‘Long Island’. At the
present time the dividing channel has filled in and the inner bay has no
circulation of water from that source.

Long Point bay has an open expanse to the eastward but at its
middle it is constricted by Ryerson’s island (also known as Big island),
a land area apparently formed by wave action, and Turkey point on
the mainland. A reef has formed between Pottohawk point, on Ryerson’s
island and Turkey point, and at one time marshy islands were present
along this line (Smyth, loc. cit.). These barriers have effectively created
an inner and an outer bay. The inner bay is slowly filling in by the
gradual accumulation of vegetable materials and by soil which is carried
down by streams from the mainland. The pocketing of this area behind
Long Point has given rise to the prevailing marsh condition (see Fig. 9)
which in turn has become the habitat for a fauna which so largely
characterizes Long Point.

In the early seventeen-nineties the area received attention from
Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe as a possible situation for settlement and
fortification. The first land grants made in Walsingham township were
in June, 1796. The point itself was at one time somewhat developed for
agriculture. Hall (1818) states that the ‘‘finest farms in the province’”’
were to be found there. However, hardly a trace of these remain today,
and it would appear, from the nature of the area, that these farms were
small and not of a type which could be considered of the ‘‘finest’”’ at the
present time.

A mariner’s light was formerly maintained at the base of the point
near the old channel and later one was installed on the extremity of the
point (Smith, 1851). A large modern light which is now situated on the
end of the point (see Fig. 2) replaces both of these in function. This
light is responsible for heavy casualties among migrating birds (Lewis,
1927, and Saunders, 1930); additional details in this regard will be
mentioned in the following paper dealing with birds. The keeper of
this light is the only long-period resident on Long Point at the present
time, although in season, sportsmen, fishermen, and game-keepers em-
ployed by private clubs, reside there.

An interesting and well illustrated account of the history of Long
Point, particularly as to its prominence in the story of Great Lakes
navigation, has been published by Knister (1931).

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 119

The Long Point Company, a long established shooting club, has
control of the greater percentage of area of the point. It protects the
game out of season and enforces certain rules governing shooting by its
members. Other clubs, such as the Rice Bay Club, have similar organiza-
tions. A few permanent buildings are maintained for use in the fall.
The shooting of waterfowl has, since early times, been the outstanding
claim for distinction of Long Point. The adjacent mainland, however,
is notable, perhaps more particularly of recent years, as a fine agri-
cultural centre.

It is apparent that the climate of the region is somewhat moderated
by the influence of the lake. Crops cultivated on the north shore of
Lake Erie are commonly of a sort which demand a moderate climate.
The county of Norfolk has recently been found to be suited for the
cultivation of tobacco and fruits such as. strawberries and apples are
grown there extensively. Consultation of isothermal maps show that
the area of Long Point has an average annual temperature of 48° while
the average temperature for the month of January is 25° and that for
July is approximately 72°.

The sandy ridges which run diagonally across Long Point are
wooded. The relative abundance of the constituent species of the forest
has doubtless been greatly altered since Long Point’s early history
by fire (see Fig. 3), cutting and other causes, but at the present time
the forest may be described as an assortment of deciduous and
evergreen trees, the former perhaps dominating the area as a whole,
especially on the dry ridges. A brief description (Boughner, 1898)
states that the forest at that time was dense with ‘cedar and birch.
These two trees are the most common on the island, although red cedar
is a close second. Oak is abundant and pine was originally, but was
removed about thirty years ago.’’ White cedar and paper birch are still
to be found, as is also red cedar, but the latter is certainly rare as
compared with earlier times. Oaks of several species including red,
white, swamp white, and black, are to be found, as are also red maple,
sugar maple, white ash, beech and willows. Other species found in
smaller numbers are hop hornbeam, large-toothed aspen, butternut,
basswood, white elm, hackberry, sycamore, tulip tree, etc. In some
places fairly pure stands of small tamarac are found in wet hollows,
and along the beaches and on sandy islands cottonwood is well estab-
lished (see Fig. 8). Sassafras attains tree proportions on the point.

Generally speaking, there is little undergrowth beneath the forest
(see Fig. 7). Two causes seem apparent. The point has been stocked
with deer, which have multiplied to such numbers as to have almost
completely removed the lower growth in the forest on which they
browse. This effect has not been extended so completely to Ryerson’s

120 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

island which is sufficiently isolated by marshes from the main forest
to have been fairly free of browsing deer. The other cause concerns
the density of overhead foliage: light is so greatly reduced in some places
as to effectually suppress plant growth on the forest floor. Witch hazel
is perhaps the commonest shrub to be found in the forest and, in the
wet hollows between ridges, buttonbush is the principal shrub. On
Ryerson’s island (see Fig. 1) and in a few other more or less isolated
situations, dense growths of wild grape and choke cherry are found.
Dwarf juniper is found on some of the beach sand dunes. Other shrubs
and vines which are numerous enough to be worthy of mention are high-
bush cranberry, alternate-leaved dogwood, climbing bittersweet, Virginia
creeper, poison ivy, gooseberry, red raspberry and blackberry.

Original forest conditions are largely destroyed on the adjacent
mainland although fairly extensive plots are still to be found consisting
largely of hardwood trees. Around Port Rowan nut trees such as the
sweet chestnut and hickories are to be found. Early accounts of the
region mention ‘“‘walnuts’’ and this tree is now found on the mainland
perhaps in greater numbers than formerly since planting has been done
in many places. Reforestation and forestry experimental plots are now
located within Norfolk county, which county leads the province in this
respect.

Port Rowan is the largest town within the area considered in the
following papers. It is located at the base of inner Long Point bay.
A branch line of the Canadian National railway reaches it from the
county seat at Simcoe. A population of 672 was reported for Port
Rowan in the census of 1921.

Previous work

Only one section of the north shore of Lake Erie has previously
received particular attention in the way of faunal survey work. Point
Pelee, a peninsula situated near the western extremity of the lake, has
been visited by a number of naturalists and several publications record
the results of investigations there, the more noteworthy of these being
by Taverner and Swales (1907-1908), Saunders (1909a and 1909b),
Wood (1910), Dodge (1914), Taverner (1914), and Logier (1925).
These references are of particular interest in connection with an investiga-
tion of Long Point and vicinity.

A contribution to the ornithology of the general region which has an
important relation to work on the birds of Long Point is that of Todd
(1904) on the birds of Erie and Presque isle, on the southern shore of
Lake Erie.

Concerning Long Point and adjacent territory, it may be said that

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 121

although several early historic accounts mention the occurrence of a
number of species of plants and animals (mostly game) which were
indigenous to the area, they can scarcely be construed as studies and
their contents require no further reference here. Some of these will
receive citation in the specific accounts in the reports which follow.

A probable source of information which the writer has not been
able to search is one of the personal journals of William Pope, a naturalist-
artist who lived at Port Ryerse. One volume of Pope’s diary covering
about two years, however, is safely housed in the Public Reference
Library at Toronto. A publication concerning Pope’s paintings of birds
and mammals by Locke (1917) receives frequent reference in the texts.

So far as the writer is aware, the earliest publications which deal
particularly with the life of Long Point are those of Boughner (loc. cit.)
and Macoun (1898). Boughner has presented a short paper dealing
with the flora of the point, while Macoun has edited observation-notes
on birds, which were made by the former during the month of June in
1898.

Several naturalists, principally interested in birds, have been
attracted to Long Point during the past thirty years. Although there
has been little mention of the area in publications as a result of these
visits, these observers have made personal record of conditions to be
found there. Mr. W. E. Saunders of London, Ontario, has perhaps kept
most closely in touch with conditions on the point since 1908. He has
recently published an account (1930) of birds killed at the Long Point
lighthouse. Others who have gained some appreciation of the area are:
Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd of Pittsburg who visited there in 1907, Mr. James
Savage of Buffalo, who visits the marshes periodically for duck shooting,
and Mr. John Townson of Toronto, who also has hunted there in the
fall for several years. Many other individuals have made one or more
trips to the area, and have become acquainted with conditions in certain
sections. It has remained for members of the staff of this Museum to
make a more intensive study of Long Point.

Life Zone and Faunal Area

A consideration of the flora and fauna of Long Point and vicinity
discloses a rather marked tendency towards southern conditions. This
is not as obvious as in sections of the north shore of Lake Erie to the
westward, such as Point Pelee, but it is apparent that southern conditions
are more marked than is expected in the centre of the transitional life
zone. There are restricted portions of the point which appear to be
fairly typical of the Austral zone, but the writer is not inclined to consider
the area as a whole to be representative of that zone. The inclusion of

122 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

meteorological data (Klugh and McDougall, 1924) with biological data,
apparently strengthens the evidence which favours the area of Long
Point and vicinity being considered as within the Carolinian faunal area
of the Austral life zone.

In a foregoing paragraph dealing with the forest of the region a
number of species of trees were listed, which have a southern distribution.
We have the statement of Boughner (loc. cit.) that red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana) was formerly abundant. That species, and others, such as
swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), black oak (Quercus velutina),
hackberry (Celits occidentalis), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), cotton-
wood (Populus deltoides), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), sweet
chestnut (Castanea dentata), and sassafras (Sassafras variifolium) of tree
proportions, are not to be found extensively farther north in the longitude
of southern Ontario. Many additional species found on the point are
to be expected under Carolinian conditions but they normally range
through Alleghanian areas as well. Among the shrubs, the buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis) is characteristically southern. A marsh
plant known generally as lotus (Nelumbiuwm luteum) which is usually
associated with southern conditions is to be found on Long Point in
Rice bay. It also occurs on the mainland borders of Long Point bay but
according to Mr. C. M. Baldwin, it is nowhere as common as it was
formerly.

Concerning the mammals which have been found resident in the
area, the little short-tailed shrew (Cryptotis parva), is the only species
typical of a Carolinian fauna.

In regard to the bird-life of the region, the matter is complicated.
It is apparent from the occurrence of such species as the orchard oriole
(Icterus spurius), Bachman’s sparrow (Peucea estivalis bachmanit),
cerulean warbler (Dendroica c@rulea), yellow-breasted chat (Icteria
virens), and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus), etc.,
some of which may be regular summer residénts, that the area is suitable
to the existence of southern forms. Their scarcity on Long Point proper,
as noted by us, may be due in part to local habitat conditions which
have no relation to the basic factors controlling northern limitation of
range, but the fact that these and other southern species, were compa-
ratively scarce suggests that they have reached the periphery of their
range, their centre of abundance being to the south. It is of interest
to note that species such as the cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis),
field sparrow (Spzzella pusilla pusilla) and mourning dove (Zenaidura
macroura carolinensis), are more common on the mainland than on the
point proper. The occurrence of a few northern types is of especial
interest. The moderating effect of Lake Erie must tend to prohibit
extremely high temperatures in summer, and consequently the area is

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 123

tolerable to such species as the white-throated sparrow (Zonoirichia
albicollis), Blackburnian warbler (Dendroica fusca), and the _ black-
throated green warbler (Dendroica virens), their centre of abundance
being in more boreal regions. The greater proportion of the summer
resident avifauna, however, is of species which range northward through
the Alleghanian faunal area. Under original conditions, before the
forest was cleared from the vicinity of Long Point and contiguous areas
generally, it is doubtful whether the bird-life would have appeared
characteristically Carolinian.

Two representatives among the reptile life of the region are worthy
of mention as indicating southern tendencies—the soft-shelled turtle
(Amyda spinifera), and the hog-nosed snake (Heterodon contortrix).
Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowlert), is a southern representative among the
amphibians, and the banded pickerel (Esox americanus), is a species of
fish of southern distribution which has been recorded from Long Point
bay (Allin, 1930).

In conclusion it might be said that, if the boundaries of life zones in
Ontario were to be indicated by narrow lines, the present conditions of
Long Point and vicinity would perhaps best be suggested by indicating
the area as within the Carolinian life zone, but if a less hard and fast
system is employed, Long Point should be considered as within the
boundary between typical Alleghanian and Carolinian conditions.
The writer is of the opinion that original conditions, before the land was
cleared for cultivation, were representative of what is usually interpreted
as transitional; southern animals and plants were present, as would be
expected. Since then, after the clearing of the land, additional southern
forms, more particularly creatures of recognized mobility, have doubtless
come to occupy the area.

Acknowledgements

A most helpful contribution to the Museum’s work on Long Point
has been made by the Long Point Company through their officers,
particularly the late Mr. H. B. Johnston, and their representative,
Mr. C. H. Ferris. When the work was first suggested to them they
offered the use of their keepers’ cabins as camps, and when the work was
initiated they put at our disposal considerable equipment such as punts,
etc. The success of our expeditions was in no small measure due to the
assistance of this organization and the thanks of our institution and the
personnel of our field parties are here extended.

Members of the Rice Bay Club have also been interested and helpful
in our work. Mr. C. M. Baldwin, and Mr. T. W. Jull, have contributed

124 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

specimens to the collection and the former has communicated information
of much benefit in camp and during the preparation of this report.

In pursuing a work such as a faunal survey it has always been found
that the courtesies and accommodations extended by local residents are
notable aids to the work. Such considerations were frequently given
our party by Mr. J. Biddle of Port Rowan. Also the local fishermen
whom we met, contributed much to an early acquaintance with prevailing
conditions and assisted us in many ways. Mr. Geo. Barnes, Mr. Roy
Ferris, and Mr. Wm. Snooks, were particularly helpful to us while in
camp on Long Point.

Lastly, the writer of this brief introduction wishes to thank the
other members of the Museum’s field party and visitors to our camps,
for their co-operation in the work. He wishes also to acknowledge his
indebtedness to Mr. J. H. Fleming and Mr. J. L. Baillie, Jr., for references
to historical accounts dealing in part with Long Point.

LITERATURE CITED

Allin, A. E. 1930. Extension of range of Esox americanus (Gmelin).
Can. Field-Nat., 44:21.
Boughner, L. J. 1898. Notes on the flora of Long Point island, Lake
Erie, province of Ontario, Canada. Ottawa Nat., 12: 105.
Charlevoix (Father). 1766. A voyage to North America: undertaken
by the command of the present King of France. Vol. 1. Dublin.

Coyne, James H. 1902. Galinée’s narrative and map; with an English
version, including all the map-legends. Ont. Hist. Soc., Papers
and Records. Vol. 4.

Cruikshank, Brig.-Gen. E. A. 1925. Thecorrespondence of Lieutenant-
Governor John Graves Simcoe, 3:142. Ont. Hist. Soc., Toronto.

Dodge, C. K. 1914. Annotated list of flowering plants and ferns of
Point Pelee, Ont., and neighbouring districts. Dept. Mines,
Geol. Surv. Mem. 54, Biol. Series, No. 2. Ottawa.

Hall, Lieut. Francis. 1818. Travels in Canada and the United States
in 1816 and 1817. p. 203. London, Eng.

Klugh, A. B. and E.G. McDougall. 1924. The faunal areas of Canada.
Handbook of Canada, pp. 195-206. Toronto.

Knister, Raymond. 1931. Long Point, Lake Erie. Can. Geographical
Journ. 2:72-82:

Lewis, H. F. 1927. Destruction of birds by lighthouses in the provinces
of Ontario and Quebec. Can. Field-Nat., 41:76.

Locke, Geo. H. 1917. Water colour drawings by William Pope.
Public Library, Toronto.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 125

Logier, E. B.S. 1925. Notes on the herpetology of Point Pelee, Ont.
Can. Field-Nat., 39:91-95.
Macoun, W.T. 1898. Birds’ nests and breeding places. Ottawa Nat.,

12: 88-89.

Saunders, W. E. 1909a. Winter birds at Point Pelee. Ottawa Nat.,
23: 47-50.

Saunders, W. E. 1909b. Rare birds at Point Pelee. Ottawa Nat.,
23 : 161-167.

Saunders, W. E. 1930. The destruction of birds at Long Point light-
house, Ont., on four nights in 1929. Auk 47:507-511.

Smith, W. H. 1851. Canada: past, present, and future. Vol. 1,
p. 126. Toronto.

Smyth, D.W. 1799. A short topographical description of His Majesty’s
province of Upper Canada in North America, pp. 35-36. London,
Eng.

Taverner, P. A.and B. H. Swales. 1907-1908. The birds of Point Pelee.
Wilson Bull., 19:37-54, 82-99 and 133-153; 20: 79-96 and 107-129.

Taverner, P.A. 1914. Geological survey museum work on Point Pelee,
Ont. Ottawa Nat., 28:97-105.

Todd, W. E. Clyde. 1904. The birds of Erie and Presque isle, Erie
county, Pa. Annals Carnegie Museum, 2:481-596.

Wood, N. A. 1910. Bird migration at Point Pelee, Ont., in the fall
of 1909. Wilson Bull., 22: 63-78.

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A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY,
NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO

II. THE MAMMALS OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY
By L. L. SNYDER

A survey of the mammal life of Long Point and vicinity was made
during the summer of 1927 when a party from the Royal Ontario Museum
of Zoology visited the region for the purpose of studying and making
collections of the higher forms of life resident there. The party arrived
at Port Rowan, which is situated on the mainland at the base of inner
Long Point bay, on May 25th, and by evening of the same day was
partially established in a camp on Second island of Long Point. Having
remained there until June 20th camp was removed to a new locality
known as Courtright ridge. From both these camps, trips were made
to many sections of the point, a punt being a necessary conveyance from
the Second island camp while extensive trips could be made on foot from
the Courtright camp. Work during 1927 was concluded on July 26.
A party from the Museum was again encamped on Long Point from
May 1 to June 1, 1928, but little attention was given to mammal study.
The few observations made during that month, however, are included
in the paper that follows.

The major portion of the work in collecting mammal specimens was
done by Mr. H. P. Stovell, a member of the staff of the Museum. His
thorough attention to the work and careful preparation of material
contribute largely toward the report. A few references from historical
accounts, certain observations from the note-book of the writer and
reports from residents of, and visitors to, the region make up the remain-
der of the sources on which the following text is based.

The usual method employed in collecting the smaller forms was
by setting mouse-traps, but some notable results were obtained by turning
over logs and drift-wood and by capturing by hand, when possible,
such specimens as attempted to escape. The larger forms were secured
by traps or with a gun.

The inclusion of the area adjacent to Long Point (the ‘‘vicinity’’)
has been considered justifiable since our work on the point necessitated
brief visits to the mainland, allowing limited observation, and because

127

128 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

of reports from reliable persons of forms to be found there. Such reports
have been mostly substantiated by specimens taken on the point itself,
or have appeared otherwise to be unquestionable.

It is not professed that the following list is complete as there are a
number of species which very probably occur but concerning which we
secured no information. - An example of this is found among the bats.
Twice during the summer, a bat was noted but no specimen was secured.
The observations were so fleeting as to make specific, or even group
identity, uncertain, although it is almost a certainty that these individ-
uals probably represented a species not given in the following list.
Future work, especially on the adjacent mainland, will probably disclose
additional species such as shrews and moles. It has been considered
advisable to include species now extirpated, in the introduction rather
than in the list proper. :

In 1669 Dollier de Casson and de Brehant de Galinée, two French
missionary priests, parted company with LaSalle with whom they had
set out from Montreal to attempt to discover the river (Ohio) which was
thought to empty into the gulf of California. From near the present site
of the village of Hanover, Ontario, the party of twelve men proceeded
to the Grand river. Three men were to go overland to the shores of
Lake Erie to a point between Long Point and Rondeau to secure the
canoe left there by Joliet which had been placed at their disposal. The
other party, consisting of Casson and Galinée and seven men, descended
the Grand river to Lake Erie. They wintered near the present town of
Port Dover and in Galinée’s remarkable account of their travels and
experiences (Coyne, 1902) several notes concerning the wild life of the
region are recorded. The region around Port Dover was a “great
hunting ground for stags (‘‘serfs’’), does (‘‘Bisches’’), bears (‘“‘Ours’’),
red deer (‘‘schenontons’’), raccoons (‘‘Chats Sauvages’’—see Coyne’s
translation), and beavers (‘‘Castors’’).

On March 30, 1670, Galinée ‘‘awaited [some of his party] on a ridge
of sand, which joins the peninsula of Lake Erie [Long Point] to the
mainland, and separates the great from the little Lake Erie [Long Point
bay]. Here his men killed a ‘‘stag’”’. Travelling westward from Long
Point the party encountered, at Rondeau, ‘“‘a herd of more than two
hundred ‘‘bisches”’ [does]. . .‘‘and a wolf was also shot.’’ Elsewhere in
the account relating to the general region Galinée mentions the “‘chev-
reuil’”’ (translated roe-buck or red deer). It is evident that the ‘‘serfs’’
(stags) refer to the wapiti which is now extirpated in Ontario. With the
exception of the term ‘“‘bisches’’ (does) the identity of the animals
mentioned is obvious. It is probable that the term refers to females
of the wapiti. (Elsewhere in the text, moose (‘‘eslans’’) are mentioned
but not associated with the Lake Erie region). Specimens of wapiti

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 129

antlers taken on Long Point are now in the possession of Mr. M. M.
Smith, who resides at Simcoe, Norfolk county (Landon, 1931). It is
estimated from casual hearsay accounts that wild wapiti disappeared
from the region between one hundred and thirty and one hundred and forty
years ago. It is understood from conversations with local residents of
Port Rowan that an attempt was made a number of years ago to re-
introduce the species on Long Point, but the stock, which apparently
consisted of two animals, escaped to the mainland where they were
presumably destroyed.*

Most of the animals recorded by Galinée are no longer to be found
in the more southern parts of Ontario generally. The red deer is the
only one known to occur on Long Point, and it, either after it was
totally extirpated or at a time when it was nearly so, has been re-
introduced.

We heard of a recent occurrence of a wild cat on the point from a
local fisherman. This incident had taken place in the winter of 1926-7,
but although the animal was hunted it was never taken. It is quite
possible that a wandering Lynx rufus was the basis of this report.

A more recent record for the wolf than that of Galinée’s is contained
in one of the diaries (now in the Public Reference Library, Toronto) of
William Pope who lived at Port Ryerse. The actual taking of this
specimen is recorded under the date of October 20, 1842. However, the
species is no longer represented in the local fauna.

In a collection of paintings executed by William Pope (Locke, 1917)
while he was resident near Port Ryerse, Norfolk county, Ontario, there
are illustrations of three species of mammals not listed in the paper which
follows. One of these is of the cinereous shrew (Sorex personatus = Sorex
cinereus), the subject probably being obtained locally within the
vicinity of Long Point. This mammal is very probably found in the area
at the present time but we have not secured a confirmatory record. Also
Pope figured the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and the varying hare
(Lepus americanus) both of which were probably residents of the region
during the middle of the nineteenth century and were obtainable locally
by the artist. Although the lynx is now extirpated, the hare may still be
found in the heavily wooded swamps of the region. Of this, however, we
have not been able to make certain. _

Thanks are due to various individuals for records acknowledged in
the text and to other individuals who have contributed in one way or
another to the mammal work. Also acknowledgement is here made to the

*Verification of the above has been found in the report of the Ontario Game and
Fisheries Department for 1909 (1910) which states that ‘‘a number” of elk was
introduced by the Long Point Company in 1909, one of which escaped and was killed
in November of that year.

130 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Bureau of Biological Survey, Washington, D.C., for the determination or
confirmation of the identity of specimens referred to them. These are
as follows: Cryptotis parva, Tamuzas striatus lysteri, Sciurus hudsonicus
loquax, Peromyscus maniculatus bairdit and Peromyscus leucopus nove-
boracensis.

In recording in the text the measurements of the specimens it may
be stated that the dimensions are in millimeters taken from the animals
in the flesh. The symbol L., is for the length, this measurement being
from the tip of snout to the end of the tail vertebrae; T., is for the
length of tail, from body juncture to the end of vertebrae, and H.F., is for
the hind foot, from the heel to the end of the longest toe and claw.

ANNOTATED LIsT

Condylura cristata (Linnaeus). STAR-NOsSED MoLE.—Not found
on Long Point, but its occurrence on the mainland was established in
July, 1927, when Mr. R. V. Lindsay examined a specimen which had
been captured by a boy at a camp at Fisher glen. It probably inhabits
other sections of the vicinity of Long Point, more particularly in swampy
places.

Cryptotis parva (Say). LITTLE SHORT-TAILED SHREW.—The
taking of this animal was perhaps the outstanding event of collecting on
Long Point. The record of it (Snyder, 1928) constitutes the first for
Canada and its occurrence presents another of those interesting problems
concerning the redistribution of animals following the retreat of the last
continental ice-sheet. Accidental transport by some means such as
drifting vegetation appears to be the only plausible explanation although
it is admitted that this theory is already heavily taxed to explain a host
of similar problems. It would seem reasonable, however, to regard
Long Point as an area to which the species had spread from along the
north shore of Lake Erie, either from the east or west. Accidental
invasion at either end of the lake would be considerably more within
the range of possibility since it would entail only the crossing of a river
rather than the miles of open lake off Long Point.

On May 30, 1927, a pair of these shrews was captured by Mr. E. B.S.
Logier from beneath a squared beam lying in an open area near the
beach on Ryerson’s island. They had constructed several tunnel
runways to the outside from beneath the beam and at the inner end of
one of these a depression contained a nest. The nest was constructed
of dead grass and was lined with withered leaves. It was somewhat
depressed but otherwise rounded in shape, measuring approximately four
inches in diameter. Five other specimens were secured, two adults from
beneath driftwood on the beach and three young cast up from the stomach

NN Eyes =

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 131

of a milk snake which was being anesthetised in camp. We were
unsuccessful in securing other specimens in May, 1928, possibly their
habits in spring being different from those we had found for summer.
The average measurements of the four adults: L., 78.75; T., 16.5;
Pa 1A:

Blarina brevicauda talpoides (Gapper). MoLE SHREW.—Mr.
D. A. MacLulich collected three specimens of this shrew at Turkey point
on May 26 and 27, 1931. This is our only record for the region. The
average measurements of these specimens: L., 115; T., 23; H.F., 13.5.

Lasionycteris noctivagans (Le Conte). SILVER-HAIRED BAT.—
On the night of September 25, 1929, one of these bats struck the Long
Point light and was discovered by the keeper who forwarded it to Mr.
W. E. Saunders, of London. It is curious that these animals which are
ordinarily so capable of avoiding disaster should lose their powers so
completely under the flashes of light. One would expect a bat to alight
on some part of the tower and cling in safety even though the effect
of the light was blinding. It may be possible that these animals do not
strike the light but are merely confounded by it to the extent of not being
able to proceed on their migration and eventually exhaust themselves in
confused flight. The specimen is now in the collection of Mr. Saunders.

Nycteris borealis borealis (Miiller). Rep BAt.—Three specimens
of this species were victims of the Long Point light on September 7 or 9,
1929 (Saunders, 1930). At least one of these specimens is now in the
collection of Mr. Saunders and another in that of Mr. Eli Davis of
London, Ont.

Nycteris cinerea (Beauvois). Hoary Bat.—A specimen of this
species now in the collection of Mr. Saunders was secured with the silver-
haired bat mentioned above, following the night of September 25, 1929.

Procyon lotor lotor (Linnaeus). Raccoon.—Raccoons were not
very common during the summer of 1927, but signs of the species were
noted on several occasions. For a few days following the egg-laying
period of turtles (from June 22 to 24) dozens of nests of these reptiles
were excavated by some beast or beasts and a search in open sandy
situations revealed the tracks of raccoons going from one to another.
These animals do not take all of the eggs from a nest, a few at the bottom
apparently escaping their notice. It would appear that this species, and
other animals, subsist almost entirely on turtle eggs for several days
during mid-June. The large number of turtles to be found on Long
Point is evidence that this habit among certain mammals is not a serious
factor endangering the survival of turtles, it being supposed that the
robbing habit has been established for a considerable time. The eggs
which escape the marauders suffice to keep up their balance of numbers.
The fishermen in the bay who consider the turtles a nuisance to their nets

132 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

should conserve the raccoon population as well as that of certain other
carnivores.

Mustela noveboracensis noveboracensis (Emmons). NEw YorkK
WEASEL.—The numbers of weasels on Long Point vary from year to
year, probably as a result of trapping and also from a fluctuation of food
supply. During 1927 and 1928 they were sufficiently scarce to escape
detection by us but local fishermen who also trap the area in winter
state that some winters produce considerable numbers. It is of interest
to note that these weasels are taken in the marsh and about the marshy
islands, and are not confined to the wooded sections. They also occur
on the adjacent mainland, and at Turkey point they are regularly trapped
for fur.

Mustela vison vison (Schreber). Mink.—Like the weasel, this
animal is regularly trapped on the point but the numbers vary from
year to year. It, however, is more sought after because of the value
of its pelt. A method used by some of the trappers in capturing mink
is to train a small dog to track them, hunt them down and kill them
without injury to the skin. This practice is not only remunerative but
also has some element of sport in it.

Mephitis mephitis nigra (Peale and Beauvois). SKUNK.—
Information received by us indicates that skunks regularly inhabit the
point and also the mainland. Mr. R. V. Lindsay noted the species at
Fisher glen in July, 1927, and Saunders (1930) has also remarked on the
presence of skunks near the lighthouse during September, 1929. We
were aware of the presence of skunks during the summer of 1927, both
by scent and by noting their tracks on the beach. We found this
animal, like the raccoon, to be a habitual robber of turtle nests in season.

Vulpes fulva (Desmarest). REp Fox.—Local trappers informed
us that at times there were quite a few foxes on Long Point. On June 29,
1927, we saw where one of these animals had trailed over the sand and
examination of one place made it fairly certain that the fox too eats the
freshly-laid eggs of turtles.

Marmota monax rufescens Howell. WoopcHuck.—A common
inhabitant of the region. On Long Point these animals find ideal
conditions since the fox is probably their only enemy and burrow-making
is easy since the ridges are well drained and of sandy soil. The species
does not necessarily restrict itself to dry situations, however, since one
individual was found inhabiting a small, low-lying island in the marsh.

While we were working in our camp on the morning of July 12, 1927,
a young groundhog came through the grass to our door. Wishing to
observe him for a time, two of us cut off his retreat in the direction from
which he had come by the simple expedient of standing in his way.
He challenged us with chattering teeth and once boldly dashed at my

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT Poo

feet as if to attack. It was apparent that he was aware that safety lay
only beyond us and not in other directions and he stubbornly stuck
to that point of view. A stick gently pushed at his face was not attacked
as one might expect but was pushed away from him with his front paws
with very much the action of human hands. Needless to say he lost
no time in escaping when we ceased to bar his chosen outlet of escape.

Tamias striatus lysteri (Richardson). EASTERN CHIPMUNK.—
A very common mammal of the dry deciduous woods of the point and
mainland. Conditions are apparently ideal for the species on the point
there being few enemies and the soil and vegetation seemingly being
eminently suited asa habitat. We have seen no area so thickly populated
with chipmunks as the wooded ridges of Long Point during the summer
of 1927. A similar status, on May 30, 1908, was noted by Mr. W. E.
Saunders in his personal notes submitted for inclusion here. However,
in July the dense population appears to vanish. On July 7, 1927, a
special hunt for chipmunks yielded only one. However, it rained on
that particular day but subsequent observations suggest that a kind of
zstivation during the hot days of summer takes place.

Chipmunks were noted on several occasions demonstrating their
arboreal capabilities. On July 8, Mr. J. L. Baillie noted one about
thirty feet up in a tree, while finding them at lesser distances was not
unusual. Another seen on the same day entered a cavity in a tree
twenty feet from the ground. The absence of undergrowth food possibly
has contributed toward the development of their skill in climbing. Only
two of the large series of specimens were taken in clearings, the rest
having been taken in wooded situations. Three females collected were
bob-tailed. The average measurements of twenty-three unmutilated
poults: ds.) 2B0;75eF SS.252 H.F 34.75.

Sciurus hudsonicus loquax Bangs. RED SQUIRREL.—The red
squirrel was not common on Long Point and only a few specimens were
secured. Although there is considerable individual variation in the
six specimens collected they all exhibit much red on the upper parts.
One young, taken on July 4, 1927, is uniformly red above, there being
no pronounced dorsal stripe, and the colour is not broken by ‘“‘peppered”’
effect due to black bands on the hair. Red squirrels occur sparingly in
mixed and deciduous woods alike. The average measurements of four
adultsicles S025 241205; HF. 47:75.

Sciurus carolinensis leucotis (Gapper). GRAY oR BLACK
SQUIRREL.—The species does not occur on the point but it is to be found
on the mainland. Mr. C. H. Ferris states that the black phase is the
more plentiful at Port Rowan but the gray is becoming more common
of recent years. Mr. R. V. Lindsay did not see black individuals in 1927
at Fisher glen although the gray variety was noted.

Gg -~

134 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Glaucomys volans volans (Linnaeus). EASTERN FLYING
SQUIRREL.—No evidence of the flying squirrel was noted by us. Mr.
C. H. Ferris states that he has seen a few individuals around Port Rowan
but not within the last few years. Pope has figured the flying squirrel
(Locke, 1917) from an animal probably taken locally and the picture
has been listed under the name Sciuropterus volans volans. The ranges
of the two species occurring in southern Ontario are known in sufficient
detail to make it certain that volans is the species to be expected in the
Long Point region.

Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii (Hoy and Kennicott). Barrp
WHITE-FOOTED Mouse.—During the summer of 1927 this mouse was a
common inhabitant of open situations bordering the marsh and lake.
The remarks on habitat which are included on the labels of all specimens
preserved make it apparent that this species does not invade the woods,
consequently, as will be pointed out in connection with the following
species, P. 1. noveboracensis, the two white-footed mice on Long Point
do not come into serious competition. Driftwood and herbaceous plants
are the protective covers for this mouse. The average measurements of
eight adults: L., 149; T., 59.5; H.F., 18.5. The largest specimen:
Ly, Joes OL. O17 aa 4; 18.

Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis (Fischer). WHITE-FOOTED
Mouse.—A common inhabitant of the woods on Long Point in 1927.
It is interesting to note that of the twenty-nine specimens preserved
only nine were taken within the habitat of P.m. bairdii, seven of these
being immature or young. It would seem that adults which are engaged
in rearing young are usually confined to wooded territory or covered
situations such as about buildings. These situations constitute their
normal nesting habitat. On the other hand, young individuals which
have not reached the reproductive age are inclined to wander and may
be found in open situations with the other resident species. A great deal
depends on immediate habitat conditions since adults of P. 1. nove-
boracensis were also taken underneath drift cover on the beach of
Ryerson’s island but here the woods are so adjacent to the beach as to
discount the beach as a distinct habitat. Apparently the beach of
Ryerson’s island was not inhabited by P. m. bairdi. It is also thought
that occasionally adult P.1. noveboracensis will resort to open, even
aquatic situations. On June 10, 1927, a white-footed mouse was seen
on top of a muskrat house in the marsh, fifty yards from any dry land.
Judging from its bright colour it was thought to be an adult of this
species. One specimen of this mouse which was collected had sustained
a badly broken tail. This member had healed instead of sloughing off
as one would have expected. The average measurements of twenty-nine

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 1g5

mature specimens: L., 172.1; T., 80.3; H.F., 20.6. The largest specimen:
Re 86s Fi SOs HP BA.

Microtus pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus (Ord). Mrapow
Mouse.—A common mammal in wet, grassy situations. Specimens
were taken from the grass-and-sedge-flats of the marsh, in growths of
horse-tail and jewel-weed and on the beaches and marsh borders from
beneath protecting debris such as windrows of dead marsh vegetation.
Of the fifteen specimens preserved only five are fully adult. The
average measurements of these: L., 185.6; T., 54; H.F., 21.2. The
largest specimen: L., 201; T., 61; H.F., 22.

Ondatra zibethica zibethica (Linnaeus). Muskrat.—This pro-
lific fur-bearer flourishes in the extensive marshes of the point and
adjacent mainland. Although the yield of furs varies from year to year
according to water conditions and food supply, the trapping of muskrats
is a regular source of revenue for the Long Point Company and local
trappers. It has been stated (Giles, 1880) that ‘from 10,000 to 25,000”
rats were taken annually in favourable years. Two thousand were
trapped on the Long Point Company’s property in the spring of 1908,
(personal notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders) and Mr. D. A. MacLulich informs
the writer that sixteen hundred rats were trapped on three thousand
acres of marsh at Turkey point during the spring of 1931. During the
summer of 1927 muskrats were fairly numerous in the Long Point marsh
and their houses were conspicuous objects here and there among the
reed-beds.

On December 8, 1927, a terrific seventy-mile gale swept the Great
Lakes region. The waters of Lake Erie washed over the south beach of
Long Point and the entire marsh was devastated. Buildings were
wrecked, boats and docks lost and low islands were scoured of their
vegetation. Muskrats suffered heavy losses, eye-witnesses observing
many being swept into the open bay, adrift on their houses or other
floating vegetable masses. In the spring of 1928 no houses were to be
seen, the remnant population of rats having taken up their abode in the
windrows of dead reeds which had been swept onto the higher land areas
such as Second island and Ryerson’s island.

On May 27, 1927, the writer examined a muskrat house and found
it to contain seven naked and blind young. When the nest was again
examined on May 31, it was found that the young had been removed
although the previous inspection had not seriously disturbed the nest.
Two other nests examined by Mr. H. P. Stovell on June 9, 1927, con-
tained six and five naked young respectively. Another nest examined
by Mr. W. J. LeRay on July 12, 1929, contained five young. This litter
was fairly well furred and able to swim.

A successful muskrat farm is now maintained on the mainland at

136 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

the base of Long Point bay near Port Rowan. Dams and pumps keep
constant water levels in a vast area of natural habitat.

According to his notes, Mr. W. E. Saunders has seen an albino
muskrat taken on Long Point. Albinism in the species is apparently
rare in proportion to their numbers.

The average measurements of two adult specimens collected:
L..; 220.5; Ta Gari Py tae.

Rattus norvegicus (Erxleben). Housrt Rat.—These animals were
found living virtually in a wild state on Long Point. Their runways
were found beneath outbuildings and their burrows in the ground were
noted about our camps on Second island and Courtright ridge. The rat
is said to be found about buildings elsewhere on the point. It is interest-
ing to know that this animal can survive in these isolated situations
where there are no human inhabitants for long periods each year. The
species is supposed to have been transported accidentally to the point
in shipments of freight from the mainland.

Mus musculus musculus Linnaeus. Hous—E Movusr.—Cur-
iously enough we did not find this species about either of our camps at
Long Point. However, it is known to occur about some of the buildings
on the peninsula and it is found commonly about habitations on the
mainland.

Lepus europeus europzeus Pallas. EUROPEAN HARE.—Accord-
ing to Mr. C. H. Ferris this species has been found about Port Rowan
since about 1924. We did not see it on the point, either in 1927 or 1928,
but it is stated by Mr. Ferris that a few have now reached there.

Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsii (Allen). CorTronTarL.—Although
the cottontail is to be found in suitable situations along the mainland
the scarcity of undergrowth on Long Point precludes its general distribu-
tion over that area. A few are established where thickets are found,
such as on Ryerson’s island. It was at this place on May 9, 1928,
that a family of five helpless young was found in a grass-covered form
on the ground beneath a cottonwood tree. The species is a compa-
ratively recent addition to the fauna of the area.

Odocoileus virginianus. WHITE-TAILED DEER.—Deer were
present in the general region during the time of the earliest exploration
through the area. Galinée (Coyne, 1902) mentions them in his account
of travel and encampment along the north shore of Lake Erie. It is
probable that the animal was extirpated on the adjacent mainland before
it reached its lowest numbers on the point, and there are persons who
consider that wild deer were never completely extirpated from the
peninsula. However, the first introduction of deer on the point was
made about the year 1870 at a time when native wild deer were either
extirpated or nearly so. According to an old resident of Port Rowan

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG PONT 137

who recalled the circumstances to Mr. C. H. Ferris, this introduction
was made by the Head Gamekeeper of the Long Point Company. It is
not known from where the animals used to stock the peninsula were
obtained, but it is supposed that northern stock was secured since the
larger size of northern individuals and their availability would favour
them for game purposes. A second introduction was made in 1886,
the animals being imported from Minnesota where the large northern
form occurs. Since that time, about 1908, two males were released on
the point from the stock in Rondeau park. These latter animals were
probably not of a superior size.

At the present time deer are numerous on Long Point. During our
stay in the summer of 1927 we saw them regularly at various parts of
the peninsula. They were noted on a few occasions in the woods, but
here there was a great scarcity of food, largely due to the overstocked
condition of the area. Examination of the floor of the forest reveals
signs that browsing is largely responsible for the open, park-like condi-
tions. Early references such as that of Charlevoix (1766) state that
the point ‘produces naturally many vines’’. Such a description could
now apply only to a few of the more isolated knolls and islands but at
the present time even these are being invaded for food. Native deer
under original conditions probably had little effect on the vegetation of
Long Point because the population shifted naturally to and from the
mainland, but at the present time the cultivated and inhabited mainland
at the base of the point is a formidable barrier and the deer are virtually
confined to the point.

The original introduction of deer was for sporting purposes and
they were hunted regularly in the fall for some years. At the present
time there is little hunting of these animals and they have increased to
maximum numbers, thus threatening their food supply. Another
notable feature of the present deer population is the small size of the
animals. It was estimated that no deer seen during our visit to the
point would weigh more than two-thirds of the normal weight of wild,
northern white-tailed deer, sex for sex. They are still wild in nature
and have apparently not suffered any dulling of nervous activity by
their confinement to a restricted area.

In attempting to analyze the reasons for the dwarfed size of deer
on Long Point it is apparent that three factors have been working to
produce this result. First, hunting is a well known agency for eliminating
the larger animals which leaves those of smaller stature to reproduce.
The more restricted the area, the more rapid would be the effects.
Although deer are now only casually hunted, more intensive hunting in
the past has had its effect. Second, at the present time the animals are
very probably stunted by food shortage due to over-population. Third,

138 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

we have a situation on Long Point where the predator on deer is non-
existent. Without the weeding out of the less vigorous and alert by
natural enemies, dwarfing characteristics spread rapidly through the
population in a restricted area. All individuals fortunate enough to
find subsistence have the opportunity to mate and to intermate, there
being no elimination of the unfit. It is not here suggested that the
introduction of a large predator would improve the situation on Long
Point. Here we are dealing with too large an animal for so restricted
an area, but in extensive areas there seems no doubt that over a long
period of time the predator tends to improve the stamina and vigour of a
species on which it preys. The larger, the more fleet and physically fit
would on the average escape to reproduce, and the effects of over-
population would be eliminated. It is the business of living under
perilous wild conditions which tone an animal for successful existence,
while, on the other hand, the existence of artificial or otherwise un-
natural conditions, imperils a species.

Under the prevailing conditions at Long Point larger deer could
perhaps be most successfully maintained by keeping the population to
an optimum of numbers compatible with food supply. A regulation
which called for shooting of the smaller adults and the occasional intro-
duction of large, wild specimens from elsewhere, would improve the stock
or aid in the maintenance of a superior size.

LITERATURE CITED

Charlevoix (Father). 1766. A voyage to North America: undertaken
by the command of the present King of France. Vol. 2, Dublin.

Coyne, James H. 1902. Galinée’s narrative and map; with an English
version, including all the map-legends. Ont. Hist. Soc., Papers
and Records, Vol. 4.

Giles, J. Bevans. 1880. Long Point. ‘The happy hunting ground”’.
Forest and Stream and Rod and Gun, 15: 26.

Landon, Monroe. 1931. Elk remains in Norfolk county. Can. Field-
Nat., 45:40.

Locke, Geo. H. 1917. Water colour drawings by William Pope.
Public Library, Toronto.

[Ont. Game and Fisheries Dept.] 1910. Third annual report of the

Game and Fisheries Department 1909, p. 18. Toronto.

Saunders, W. E. 1930. The destruction of birds at Long Point light-
house, Ontario, on four nights in 1929. Auk, 47: 507-511.
Snyder, L. L. 1928. Cryptotis parva, a new shrew for the Canadian

list. Journ. Mamm., 10: 79-80.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY,
NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO

III. THE BIRDS OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY
By L. L. SNYDER
INTRODUCTION AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The importance of Long Point and its vicinity as a station for
ornithological investigation has been recognized by at least two ornitho-
logists. Mr. W. E. Saunders, of London, Ontario, has visited Long Point
and sections of the adjacent mainland on a number of occasions during
the past twenty years and Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd of the Carnegie
Museum, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, made a week’s stay there in July,
1907, during which time he obtained an insight into the interesting
character of the area. Information relative to the bird life observed
by these men has been placed at the writer’s disposal and appreciation
of this aid is here gratefully acknowledged.

Being more particularly interested in the breeding or summer
resident avifauna of Ontario, and due to the fact that other faunal
investigations could be conducted after the spring season, our party did
not journey to Long Point in 1927 until May 25. Becoming established
in a camp on Second island on that day, work was commenced almost
immediately and continued there until June 20. A change of camp from
Second island to Courtright ridge was made on June 20, at which camp
we remained until the summer’s work was concluded on July 26. Nearly
the whole of the point was reconnoitred by us during that summer—
on foot, by punt and by motor-boat. Some sections were worked
repeatedly, while others were traversed but once.

It was evident during the early part of our visit in 1927 that the
area deserved particular attention during a migration period and it was
therefore planned that in May of the following year a party would again
visit the point for the specific purpose of collecting migrating birds and
observing migration in progress. Consequently our party of three
arrived at Port Rowan on April 30, 1928. On the following day we were
again established on Second island, remaining there until June 1.

During the summer of 1927 Mr. J. L. Baillie, Mr. John Edmonds
and the writer were concerned with the bird work. Mr. Baillie’s inval-

139

140 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

uable help with the Museum’s faunal surveys has been appreciated by
the writer since 1924 and his work in the field at Long Point, as elsewhere,
has contributed greatly toward such success as we have attained. His
very complete field notes have been a valuable adjunct to those of the
writer in the preparation of the following paper.

The thanks of the Museum, and of the writer personally, are
especially due to Mr. Edmonds who generously devoted his entire time
and attention to the Museum’s enterprise on Long Point during both
expeditions. His interest and valued contributions to the survey have
only been rewarded by the satisfaction he must feel in having done
useful and interesting work. In 1928 Mr. Edmonds, Mr. H. P. Stovell
and the writer made up the party. The writer is indeed grateful to
Mr. Stovell for his assistance with the bird work in 1928.

After concluding the summer work in 1927 and the spring work in
1928, it has happened that a considerable number of specimens from
Long Point have come into the Museum’s possession through Mr.
Saunders, and from sportsmen, Mr. T. W. Jull, Mr. T. Wibby, and others,
who hunt there in the autumn. A few specimens in the collection of
Mr. J. H. Fleming and in the collection of this Museum have been
discovered which were taken in the Long Point region at various times
prior to our visits. In addition to the data furnished by specimens, and
the Museum party’s notes, many references from the valuable index to
the literature on Ontario birds which is being compiled by Mr. J. L.
Baillie have been discovered to pertain to the area. Also the collection
of bird paintings by Wm. Pope who lived at Port Ryerse on the mainland
has given us additional information, since they were executed there
between the years 1840 and 1868, and doubtless were painted from
locally taken specimens. The original paintings are now possessed by
the Toronto reference library (Locke, 1917). However, it is realized
that our work in the region, our subsequent fortune in getting additional
specimens and data, and the inclusion of published records, does not
bring the list to a state of completeness. It will be noticed by anyone
familiar with the distribution of birds in southern Ontario that a few
species which should occur at Long Point are omitted. There may be
some which occur regularly, perhaps even commonly, but as a result of
circumstances we have secured no information relative to them. It is
suggested that Turkey Point on the mainland perhaps affords the best
situation for continued work in the region, although the possibilities on
Long Point are not exhausted.

I am particularly indebted to Mr. C. H. Ferris, of Port Rowan,
for information relative to waterfowl which make Long Point a resort
during their movements to and from their nesting grounds, and to Mr.

fF

’
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- es

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 141

Lorne Brown, the present keeper of the Long Point lighthouse, who
has directly and indirectly contributed much material and information.

In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge the assistance and advice of
Mr. J. H. Fleming, obtained at various times during the prosecution
of this work.

MIGRATION

During our visit to Long Point in May, 1928, we arrived in time to
see something of the assemblage of waterfowl which make the marshes
and the waters of Long Point bay a resting resort during their movement
to their nesting grounds. Although most of the flight had passed on,
there was still a number of migrant species present, chiefly those which
nest in the Canadian west. It would appear that these birds must
follow a westerly or somewhat north-westerly course to the prairies.
A more northerly route, at least in spring, is questionable since north
Georgian bay and the Lake Superior regions cannot be shown to be on
a main course of migration of prairie nesting waterfowl. Our camp on
Second island was on the east side of the main marsh and during our
stay we secured no evidence that ducks were passing over us in a northerly
or easterly direction. Western ducks seem to detour from a Lake Huron
route to feed in the Long Point marshes; they come in from and leave
toward the west according to sportsmen.

Our best opportunity to view migration was with the shore and
passerine birds. Long Point lies more or less in an east-west line pa-
ralleling the north shore of Long Point bay. Being situated on an island
which lay in the path between the main forested body of the point and
Ryerson’s island, the latter in turn being on a direct line towards Turkey
Point on the north mainland, many of the small birds which landed on
Long Point from across Lake Erie to the south, or which reached the
point by following around the shore from the west, naturally drifted
past us towards the north shore. A feature which facilitated observa-
tions of transients on such an island was the presence of a narrow straight
line of shrubs interspersed with a few trees, which extended north and
south throughout its full length. This vegetation occupied the one
prominent sand ridge which constituted the major portion of the island.
With the beach and bay on the east side and the gradual submergence
into marsh on the west the small birds were confined to a path past our
door. Since the island was approximately only four hundred yards long
it was possible to take a census of the area in a very short time. Most
of the small birds seemed to work their way northward along the island
while feeding. If disturbed, however, they were as apt to turn toward
the direction from which they had come as to continue northward; in

142 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

other words it was not possible to drive the birds off the north end of the
island; their day migration could not be hastened.

Blackbirds (bobolinks, red-wings, grackles) were among the more
conspicuous day migrants observed, but movements of flickers, red-
headed woodpeckers, kingbirds, goldfinches and others were more or less
markedly noticeable during the day. During the first two weeks of
May, 1928, flickers passed our camp in considerable numbers and some
were seen to take flight from Second island north to Ryerson’s island.
The same was true of the red-headed woodpecker which was most
conspicuous during the end of the first week and the beginning of the
second week of May. They also were noted leaving the island and
flying north, and on one or two occasions individuals were seen coming
to the island from the south. Our frequent checking of the bird popula-
tion of the island indicated that many other species arrived and departed
during the day. For the most part these flights were a drifting of
individuals or small straggling groups. Night, of course, always brought
the greatest change of bird life.

A feature which was brought to our attention in regard to the day
movement of birds was the importance of winds as a check on migration.
Although the weather might be otherwise fair, a strong wind would
retard the gradual shifting of migrants from one place to another.
On a few occasions, some conspicuous bird, such as the red-headed
woodpecker, was seen to leave the island against a strong wind, and
after making poor headway over the open stretch of water, return to
land.

Generally speaking there were two waves as regards the number
of species and individuals during the month of May, 1928. The first
reached a peak at the end of the first week and the second about the
end of the third week. The first might be described as the sparrow and
miscellaneous wave, and the second as the shore-bird and warbler wave.
Our records show minor drops in the curve which were due to daily
weather conditions or to our daily procedure. Irregularity in the case
of the latter was unavoidable since we were primarily paying attention
to collecting and preserving specimens.

Some of the outstanding records concerning the individual numbers
of certain of the smaller birds noted during May, 1928, may be mentioned
although it is realized that one period of observation cannot be used to
characterize Long Point as a migratory route. The least flycatcher was
extremely common during the third week of May although it was known
from our work during the previous year to have been virtually absent
insummer. The willow shrubs along the shore of Second island harboured
great numbers of them during the period between May 17 and 22.
White-crowned sparrows were common in mid-May and on the 15th the

i

———E

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 143

species was indicated on our chart as ‘‘very common’’, a numerical
designation rarely used by us in expressing the daily abundance of a
species. Two other species noted in unusual numbers for their kind,
within the experience of the writer, were the Lincoln’s sparrow and the
orange-crowned warbler. Twenty of the former were positively identified
between May 17 and 22 and eight of the latter were noted between
May 20 and 27. Perhaps the most outstanding observation of unusual
numbers of an expected species was in connection with the brown creeper.
It was seen regularly during the first two weeks of May but on May 3
it was a “common”’ bird, being seen in great numbers as it passed up
Second island, and could be found scattered throughout the woods of
Ryerson’s island.

A note of interest in regard to the spring movements of certain
marsh-breeding birds which we had found established in restricted
sections of the marsh during 1927 may be noted. The black tern,
Florida gallinule, long-billed marsh wren, and even the red-winged
blackbird were found not to return immediately, at least in numbers,
to the precise section of the marsh in which they were known to have
nested the previous year. Representatives of some of the species were
first noted to be scattered here and there, frequently at some distance
from the area of summer concentration, but as the nesting season
approached they appeared gradually to converge upon it. By the end
of May, 1928, it was apparent that their interest again centred on the
same small section of the marsh in which they had nested during the
previous year.

Long Point is unquestionably an important station on the itinerary
of many migrating shore-birds in spring. Representatives of various
transient species first appear in April and the flight of these transients
continues until past mid-June, there being of course some irregularity
of numbers from day to day and also a perceptible diminution after the
first days of June. Each of the species, found by us to be fairly common,
requires a rather protracted period to pass. The dates of arrival and
departure vary with the species but there is however, a concentration
of numbers both of species and of individuals between May 12 and
June 38. In 1927 the last northward-moving shore-bird (the direction
assumed from the subsequent gap on our frequency chart) was recorded
on June 18, and in little more than two weeks (July 6) representatives of
transient species reappeared on their way southward (the direction also
assumed). By mid-July shore-birds were again present in some numbers
but the flight, as is usual, was more gradual than in spring.

The migration of shore-birds was more easily observed during 1927
than in the following year. During the spring of 1927 the shore-bird
flight passed up the beach of Second island, the extensive marshes not

144 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

offering suitable feeding-grounds since the flats were covered with
standing and flattened vegetation from the previous year’s growth.
This narrowing of their line of flight greatly facilitated regular observa-
tions of their movements. During the early part of the subsequent
winter (on December 8, 1927) a severe storm on Lake Erie and in the
Great Lakes region generally greatly affected conditions in the marsh.
Heavy seas from the open lake overwashed the south beach of the point
and raced through the marsh, scouring the mud-flats clean of their
vegetation. In the following spring (1928) great areas of bare flats
were exposed, bringing about a scattering of migrant waders. It was
found that blinds and decoys were necessary to obtain and observe shore-
birds. Food was apparently plentiful and many of the more strictly
beach birds resorted to the mud-flats to feed.

The Long Point area is on the spring and autumn migratory route
of great numbers of small birds. This is apparent from the records
acquired through specimens which had been killed at the Long Point
lighthouse, from reports from the keeper, from the observations of
Mr. W. E. Saunders and from our study of the region. Hosts of warblers,
sparrows, thrushes, vireos and flycatchers pass over or along, or perhaps
stop on and leave from the point each year. Our records show a total
of seventy species which have been killed by the light. Most of these
have been night-flying birds but a few species which fly by day have also
been destroyed there, perhaps during daytime fogs. The light which
has taken such a heavy toll of birds is considered the most destructive
one in the Dominion. Perhaps to some degree this may be attributed
to the type of light, a revolving white light, but from a study of the
statistics of other lights (Lewis, 1927b) it would appear that the geo-
graphic location, and perhaps to some extent the immediate physio-
graphic location, accounts for its destructiveness. Although the light,
so far as is known, takes the heaviest toll of bird-life in the autumn,
there is also a heavy mortality of spring migrants. The relative abund-
ance of the various species of night-flying, spring migrants is fairly
accurately revealed by the figures of destruction. This statement is
based on a comparison of these figures with the records of abundance
obtained by the Museum parties in 1927 and 1928. The following
figures from available records show the destructions within recent years:
during one night (about May 14) in the spring of 1925, 378 individuals
of 30 species were picked up at the base of the lighthouse (Lewis, Joc.
cit.); on the night of May 17, 1928, about three hundred small birds struck
the lighthouse (communication from Mr. Lorne Brown, present keeper
of the light); on May 19, 1926, 169 birds of 28 species killed there were
identified by Mr. W. E. Saunders (personal notes of W. E. S.); on
September 7 and 9, 1929, 823 individuals of 37 species were killed,

~ awe

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 145

654 on the 7th (Saunders, 1930); between September 24 and 29, 1929,
1237 individuals of 49 species were destroyed (Saunders, loc. cit.); and
between April 17th and 22nd, 1930, 269 individuals of 21 species were
killed by the light (communication from Mr. Lorne Brown). As far as
can be ascertained the heaviest destructions occur on cloudy nights, and
according to the former light keeper, Mr. S. B. Cook, who had been
stationed there for thirty years, there is a small but regular destruction
going on throughout the migratory seasons.

There is some reason for believing that many birds appear on Long
Point in the autumn as a result of being pocketed by the peninsula
during a westerly movement along the north shore of Lake Erie. Town-
son (1928) has noted a westerly movement of day-flying birds in October,
1927, near the base of the point on the bay side. Also, Mr. James
Savage has related to the writer that he observed a remarkable flight of
flickers moving westward over the marsh at the base of Long Point on
September 30, 1930. Observations made by Mr. Angus Buchanan on
the robin have indicated a like movement in that species. Saunders
(loc. cit.) states that sharp-shinned and other hawks were seen moving
to the end of the point and then returning. He also states that swallows
were flying westward along the point but attributed their direction to a
westerly wind which was blowing. It is possible that many day-flying
birds skirt Lake Erie or at least pass westward along its shore in the
fall to cross the lake, perhaps at Point Pelee. On the other hand, it
would seem that the night-flying species which strike Long Point light
are birds attempting to make a direct crossing of Lake Erie at this
point.

The most outstanding feature of the autumn migration at Long
Point is the great aggregation of migrating water-fowl which assembles
there. Since the earliest times the area has been noted as an ideal place
for duck-shooting. As long ago as 1841, before the time of modern fire-
arms, it is recorded (Godley, 1844) that four men shot 750 ducks in
twelve days during the month of October. Later, on October 2, 1876,
five men bagged 646 ducks there in a single day (Hallock, 1876). An
editorial in Forest and Stream (1883) states that a member of the Long
Point Company averaged 51 ducks per day for eleven days and another
61 ducks per day for nine days. Even with the general reduction in the
numbers of ducks throughout North America, Long Point still retains
a reputation as one of the best situations for duck-shooting in the whole
Dominion. The writer regrets to state that he has been unable to
obtain access to the important work on ducks by Phillips (1922) in
which there is doubtless considerable information relative to the Long
Point region.

146 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Ducks from the north and northeast, such as the black duck, golden
eye, etc., constitute a large percentage of the autumn flight, but there
is a heavy influx of prairie nesting species. Many of these water-fowl
appear to come from the west as previously remarked. Sportsmen have
observed their flights coming in to the marshes from the west, following
along the north shore of Lake Erie.

The lack of opportunity to investigate the movements of birds in
much detail, for extended periods over several years, has made it im-
possible to present more than the major features of Long Point as a
migratory station. It is in regard to migration that subsequent workers
will be able to add information which will bring our knowledge of this
area to a state adequate for comparison with the other Lake Erie stations
such as Point Pelee and Presque isle which have been so well investigated.

ANNOTATED LIST

The following list includes 230 species of birds which are, or have
been, resident, transient, or of accidental occurrence on Long Point
or in its vicinity. Twenty-two additional species for which we have but
vague or questionable information, but which seem to be of probable
occurrence, and species known to occur in close proximity to the
area considered, but not definitely within the area, are appended as a
hypothetical list. There are 169 species represented in the collection
of 783 specimens from the area now in the Museum’s collection. Most
of the specimens were collected during June and July, 1927, and May,
1928, but a number have been preserved from birds picked up at the
lighthouse, from sportsmen’s bags, and from a few miscellaneous sources.
A catalogue of all specimens from this area now in the Museum’s pos-
session is included in the text. Specimens in the catalogue are adult
unless otherwise stated. The sex of each has been indicated according
to findings by dissection. In the case of a large number of specimens
which were destroyed at the lighthouse in the fall, internal disintegration
made it impossible to determine the sex. Although in many cases the
sex appears to be obvious from the type of plumage, it has been con-
sidered best to mark them as, sex ‘‘?”.

The arrangement of the list is in accordance with the 1910 edition
of the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-List, and the nomenclature
used conforms with the A.O.U. list with such changes as have been
published in the supplements that have appeared in the Auk.

The inclusion of species other than those authenticated by specimens
has been done as carefully as possible. Some such records are based
on our own observations made under favourable conditions and others
are from the literature. In the latter case, the accuracy of the statement

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 147

regarding a particular species has been considered in the light of informa-
tion relative to that species for the general region, and with due con-
sideration of the ability of the observer.

Colymbus auritus. HorNED GREBE.—A common spring and fall
migrant. As many as thirty individuals were noted on April 30 during
a short trip which we made along the shore of inner Long Point bay
near Port Rowan. It remains about the open waters of the marsh and
bay until the second week in May, the last, apparently a mated pair,
having been seen on May 9, 1928.

Q@ May 2, 1928.

Podilymbus podiceps. PIED-BILLED GREBE.—This grebe is a
summer resident species, found sparingly throughout the main marsh.
A nest containing eight incubated eggs was collected on June 9, 1927.
The nest, a mass of dead, water-soaked reeds, was situated on floating
vegetation at the edge of a reed-bed near a small neck of open water
in the marsh.

In mid-May, concealed and protected from the cold wind by a grass-
blind on the mud-flats, the writer frequently heard the song of this
species, close at hand and from far across the extensive marsh. Some-
times their usual rail-like song was concluded by three pleasing notes
given in an ascending phrase, often repeated many times. This part of
the song is especially suggestive of contentment and has the effect of
being given in a minor key.

This species, a night-flying migrant, is subject to the lure of the
Long Point light as attested by a specimen now in the R.O.M.Z. col-
lection, which struck the light on September 7, 1929. Five others were
killed by the light in April, 1930 (between 17th and 22nd) and another
which struck the light between September 24 and 29, 1929, has been
recorded by Saunders (19380).

Q June 9, 1927, Im. ? September 7, 1929.

Gaviaimmer. Loon.—The fishermen state that the loon formerly
nested on some of the islands of the marsh but no nests have been noted
in recent years. The species may still nest in the area as it was present
throughout the summer of 1927, from one to three having been noted at
irregular intervals. On May 29, 1928, a flock of fourteen loons was seen
off-shore from Second island in outer Long Point bay. Nine or ten
of these birds were still largely in winter, or immature, plumage, their
heads and necks showing some of the dark green glossed feathers of the
second or adult nuptial plumage. These birds were probably the last
northward-moving individuals. The only specimen in the Museum’s
collection from Long Point is an interesting bird in the first winter
plumage. It is small in all its measurements which are as follows:

148 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

length, 731 mm.; wing, 310 mm.; tail, 75 mm.; culmen, 68 mm.; depth
of bill at base, 19.5 mm.; tarsus, 67 mm.; outer toe and claw, 108 mm.
It would seem that this specimen is well within the proposed race,
Gi. elasson of Bishop (1921). Another peculiarity of this specimen is
in the sharp angle of the gonys, a condition which can only in part be
attributed to shrinkage in drying. There is, however, no doubt of the
specific identity of the specimen.
Im. 2 November 12, 1930.

Gavia stellata. RED-THROATED Loon.—Mr. Lorne Brown, the
present keeper of the Long Point light, has reported that one was killed
by the light on April 17, 1980. Also a specimen in the R.O.M.Z. col-
lection was taken at Vittoria, Norfolk county, a locality outside the
‘vicinity’? of Long Point but adjacent to it. Wm. Pope has figured
a young specimen of this species (Locke, 1917) which was in all probability
taken near Port Ryerse. The picture is dated November, 1867. The
species probably appears fairly regularly as a rare transient on Long
Point bay.

Uria lomvia lomvia. BruNnnicu’s Murre.—This species has
occurred in the region during its irregular visits to the lower Great Lakes
region. The writer has seen a specimen, in a collection of mounted birds
owned by Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan, which was taken locally
about 1896.

Stercorarius parasiticus. PARASITIC JAEGER.—A rare fall and
Winter visitant. A specimen taken at Port Rowan at some time prior
to 1906 is now No. 10,568 in the collection of Mr. J. H. Fleming. Another,
a mounted, immature specimen, has been seen by the writer in the
collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan. This specimen was
collected locally about 1900. A third specimen now in the Museum’s
collection, was killed at the Long Point light on the night of September 2,
1930.

Im. o& September 2, 1930.

Larus hyperboreus. GLaucous GuLL.—Probably an occasional
visitant to the region in fall and winter but the only record for the
species is that of Townson (1928), which refers to one seen by him on
October 23, 1927.

Larus marinus. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.—Apparently an
uncommon winter visitant to the area. A mounted adult in the collection
of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan is the only specimen from the region
seen by the writer. Local hunters, however, have told me they have
seen this large, dark-backed gull in late fall.

Larus argentatus. HERRING GULL.—Small roaming flocks, and
individuals exhibiting a great variety of stages of plumage immaturity
are to be found throughout the summer about outer Long Point bay.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 149

Adult birds apparently are not to be found there in summer; they leave
in the spring and return in the fall. The summering birds seem to
depend on the waste from fisheries for food. The greatest number seen
at one time, approximately one hundred and twenty-five birds, was
congregated about the pound nets near Gravelly bay on July 19, 1927.
So far as we have been able to discover, herring gulls do not nest on
Lake Erie.

Colour sketches of the bills of six immature specimens, all collected
from the same flock on July 19, 1927, show a gradation from the dark bill
to nearly a yellow, orange-spotted condition. Comparison of the
specimens does not show a corresponding gradation of plumage.

2 Im. oS July 19,1927 4 Im. 9'8 July 19, 1927.

Larus delawarensis. RING-BILLED GULL.—Fairly common in
spring, immatures remaining until well into the summer. The latest
record we secured was that of an individual noted on June 23, 1927.
Although we have no definite information, this gull probably reappears
in some numbers in the fall after mid-October.

A specimen of gull collected by Mr. J. L. Baillie on June 4, 1927,
from a flock of ring-bills is of particular interest. It is for the most
part in badly worn immature plumage. A brief description of this
specimen is as follows:—head, neck and underparts white, the undertail
coverts with a few pale brown spots distally; back, including scapulars,
pale blue grey; upper tail coverts white; alulae and distal primaries
faded fuscous black; proximal primaries, secondaries and tertials with
fuscous brown forming a terminal wing band; greater and median wing
coverts largely dirty white, the lesser coverts faded pale brown; tail,
white, the terminal fourth faded fuscous and the remainder of the terminal
half slightly mottled with that colour. It will be seen from the following
statement of dimensions that this specimen is small for Larus dela-
warensis: length, 456 mm.; tail, 131 mm.; wing, 338 mm.; culmen,
39 mm.; depth of bill at base, 15 mm.; tarsus, 54 mm.; middle toe with
claw,44 mm. A comparison of the skin with available material indicates
that, except for the improbability of the occurrence, the specimen might
be referred to Larus canus of Europe. The range of size and colour of
immatures of Larus delawarensis, however, probably includes individuals
similar to this specimen although material available for comparison has
not demonstrated this point.

Im. oO May 13, 1928. Im. 9 June 4, 1927.

Larus philadelphia. BoNnaparte’s GuLL.—Noted regularly dur-
ing both of our visits to Long Point, either as scattered individuals or
in flocks. As many as eighty-five were seen on one day (July 6, 1927),
while forty and fifty were frequently noted. Mr. W. E. Saunders has
noted them at Turkey Point on visits there in spring. The species
seemed to invade the region in greatest numbers about May 23, 1928.

10—

150 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

There is a rather wide range of variation in the plumage of the
immature birds seen and collected. As late as July 12, an immature
specimen was taken with a nearly white head, while an immature bird
with more than fifty per cent. of the head showing new, dark feathers,
was collected as early as May 7. The extent of the dusky pattern on
the wing coverts of immatures is also greatly variable but even those
having this area almost completely erased by feather renewal and fading
have the characteristic tail band and primary pattern of immaturity.
The three adults collected are all completely dark-headed birds. Although
few of these non-breeding adults were noted, it is of interest that some
do summer in the Lake Erie region. ‘Transient birds from their northern
breeding grounds probably appear in the Long Point region after mid-
October.

Q May 8, 1928. o' June 9, 1927.
Im. o' May 26, 1927. Im. oO June 15, 1927.
“of! May 29, 1927. wg aly. G,. fa2F.
“o' May 381, 1928. 2“ o'8 July 12, 1927.
“- Q June 4, 1927. “July 12, 1927.
““ Q June 4, 1927. “of July 14, 1927.
“3 June 7, 1927. Q July 19, 1997.

Sterna caspia imperator. Cours’ CASPIAN TERN.—Transient
individuals were fairly common in early May, 1928, but by the second
week their numbers were reduced. From one to four of these birds were
seen every few days throughout the summer of 1927. A female specimen
collected on June 23, 1927, had been banded as a young bird at Gravelly
island (Lake Michigan), by Wm. I. Lyon, on July 21, 1925 (Nat’l
Parks of Can. 1928). This bird which was approximately two years old,
and another bird taken in July, are virtually adult in plumage although
both possess a slight sprinkling of white-margined feathers in the black
crown and also a few black-tipped white feathers along the upper margin
of the gape and malar region. There are no known nesting colonies
of this tern in the Lake Erie region and the birds noted by us in summer
were unquestionably non-breeding individuals.

Im. Q June 23, 1927. Im. 9 July 18, 1927.

Sterna hirundo. CommMon TERN.—A common species during
spring and summer. Local residents of the region know it by the name
“gannet’’. It was first noted in 1928 on May 1, but it was not seen in
numbers until May 4. According to Mr. W. E. Saunders, common terns
nest on the south beach of Long Point about two miles west from the
lighthouse. Mr. W. A. Gordon of Port Dover has informed the writer
that the eggs of these birds are distributed so thickly on the south beach
at this point as to make it difficult to walk through the colony without

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 151

stepping on them. Young of the year, presumably from this colony,
were first collected by us on July 17, 1927.

In a series of seven, presumably non-breeding birds in their second
year, which was taken between June 19 and 23, a gradation of plumage
change is demonstrated. The dark cubital border of the wing changes
almost to obscurity from the earliest taken specimen to the latest.
Moult, wear and fading are factors in the loss of this pattern. The
crowns exhibit a gradual darkening, the white foreheads being encroached
upon posteriorly by the growth of new feathers. The two outer primaries
in each wing of a bird taken on June 19 are old, while the next bird in
the series (taken June 23) has but one worn outer primary, the other
having been dropped. In the remainder, primary replacement is com-
plete. One of these non-breeding birds is unique to the whole series,
adults and immature alike, in having a tail 183 mm. in length, 14 mm.
longer than any other in the collection. The underparts of these
immature birds are, for the most part, clear white. Such features as
the long tail and clear white underparts on these near-adult common
terns make uncertain the use of these characters as field marks for
Forster’s tern. Birds in this particular phase of plumage were not
uncommon in flocks of typically adult common terns, at Long Point,
especially in late summer. The age of one of these birds is fairly exactly
known. It was collected on June 19, 1927, and carried a band which
was placed on it when it was a nestling on July 17, 1926, at Lone Tree
island, Huron county, Michigan, by Walter E. Hastings (Nat’l Parks of
Can., 1928).

Q May 10, 1928. Im. 2 July 18, 1927.

o' May 14, 1928. oO July 18, 1927.

o' May 27, 1927. co July 21, 1927.

6 9 ® May 27, 1927. Im. o& July 21, 1927.

Im. Q June 19, 1927. Juv. o& July 22, 1927.

‘“ of June 23, 1927. SS July 23, 1927.
Juv. co July 17, 1927. 2 Im. o'® July 23, 1927.

Be Ore pul 1771987.

Chlidonias nigra surinamensis. BLack TERN.—Local residents
refer to this species as “black gannets”. First noted in 1928 on May 3,
but it was not common until May 13. Although wandering black terns
were met with in all sections of the marsh and about the bay, the areas
in which they were particularly attached for nesting were surprisingly
restricted. Three colony sites were found by us in 1927, one on the
marsh side of Second island and two on the marsh side of Ryerson’s
island. The closest attention was given to the Second island colony
which consisted of from fifteen to twenty pairs. Their chosen area
comprised approximately one acre. Nests were placed in open situations

152 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

near and among growing reeds on low, floating masses of dead vegetation
which was subject to the rise and fall of the ever changing water level
of the marsh. One nest found was placed on the upturned bottom of a
water-logged fish-box. The nests were for the most part composed of
dead reeds like the mass on which the birds nested and could scarcely be
visualized as a distinct addition to the mass, but rather they appeared
to be a rough form made from the materials at hand.

The first set of eggs, containing two, which may have been a com-
plete clutch, was found on May 30. The usual number of eggs in a nest
was three, although a few contained but two, while one nest found
contained four eggs. All sets appeared to be complete by the end of the
first week of June in 1927. The usual variations in the size, colour and
pattern of the eggs of this species were noted.

One of the most annoying experiences of our work on Long Point
was our inability to secure downy young of this species although we
made special efforts at the time the eggs were hatching (between June 17
and 23). All nests under observation were empty on June 28. There
is probably a considerable variation in the dates of nesting from year
to year. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd records in his notes of July 12, 1907,
while visiting the Long Point marshes, that on that date he examined
several of their nests which held three eggs apiece. They were heavily
incubated at this late date. He suspected young, but did not see them.
The reed-beds were carefully searched by us in an attempt to locate
the birds in the downy plumage, but they were completely successful in
evading us. Our first proof that the young had actually been reared
in the colony was when two, fully-fledged, were collected on July 11.
At this stage the birds were prone to take wing and could be seen swim-
ming like ducks into the sheltering reed-beds. Specimens with sparse
down attached to the feathers of the heads are the nearest we came to
collecting downy young of the year.

A specimen taken on July 6, 1927, is of interest. The white plumage
of the underparts, especially about the neck and throat, is apparently
being replaced with new white feathers. The mantle and tail are very
much abraded and discoloured, but the primaries, except the outer left
one, are new, the outer right is missing. This bird is apparently a young
of the previous year which is passing from the first winter plumage to
the adult winter plumage, not having attained any of the black feathers
on the head or ventral surface characteristic of most birds in their second
summer.

In the series of seventeen adults collected, a gradation in the initial
stages of the change from summer to winter plumage is shown. The
first specimens which possessed a few white feathers in the loral region
and about the gape were taken on June 28. In a specimen taken on

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A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 153

July 23 the forehead is white, the crown grey and the lores, malar region
and throat almost entirely white. A few new white feathers are also
to be found on the breast. The moult progresses in a remarkably
uniform way as shown by the series of specimens. When arranged
according to date, the plumage change about the head and neck is
almost precisely graded.

In connection with the courtship of this species, one or two observa-
tions are worthy of note. On May 25, 1928, while concealed in a shooting
blind on the mud-flat, I had an opportunity to watch a mated pair of
black terns for some time. Twice I saw the male feed the female with
small fish which he brought from the bay. She accepted them in the
helpless manner of a young bird and waited patiently on the flat during
the interval between the two feedings. After the second offering the
male sat on her back for a time but did not attempt to copulate. Further
observations on the species at this season indicated that it was a habit
for the males to feed the females just prior to the height of nuptial
activities. Many terns (presumably males) were seen conveying small
fishes from the bay to the particular section of the marsh near where
the colony had nested the previous year. Our observations throughout
the previous summer, however, indicated that the food of this tern is
largely insects during the nesting season.

oO May 13, 1928. Q July 12, 1927.

o' May 23, 1928. Juv. & July 12, 1927.

o' May 26, 1927. mw O° “Tuly 14, 1927.

Q May 26, 1927. 3 9° July 18, 1927.

oO June 28, 1927. Juv. Q July 18, 1927.

3 98 June 28, 1927. UO! stab 21, 1927,
Im. 9 July 6, 1927. 2 Q°8 July 22, 1927.
2 9° July 11, 1927. Juv. & July 22, 1927.
Juv. July 11, 1927. Q July 23, 1927.

v7 yp, July Lh, 1927.

Phalacrocorax auritus auritus. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT.
—This species was described to us by local sportsmen as being occasion-
ally seen in the late fall, but it was not until the fall of 1930 that we
were able to substantiate their claims. A female now in the Museum’s
collection was secured and presented by Mr. T. W. Jull of Toronto.
There is an undated picture of this species in immature plumage in the
Pope collection (Locke, 1917) of paintings. The subject was probably
a bird taken near Port Ryerse.

2 October 20, 1930

Mergus americanus. MERGANSER.—A spring and fall migrant,
apparently not uncommon. None was seen during our stay on the point
in May, 1928, the species apparently leaving for its nesting grounds at

154 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

an earlier date than the red-breasted merganser. It is apparently not
a summer resident, although Mr. W. E. Saunders saw two on June 7 or 8,
1925, in the vicinity of Long Point. Mr. Hanson Ferris states that its
appearance in spring and departure in the fall are regulated somewhat by
the season’s thaw and freeze-up on Long Point bay.

2 November 12, 1930

Mergus serrator. REbD-BREASTED MERGANSER.—A spring and fall
migrant. Large flocks of these birds, some estimated to be composed
of two hundred and fifty individuals, were occasionally noted in the
bay in May, 1928. They were last noted on May 18, when a large open
raft of these ducks passed our camp some two hundred yards off shore.
As they moved along, the males were displaying to the females in great
earnest, as many as six males appearing to solicit attention from an
individual female. They would swim in circles around her, stretching
their necks forward and backward, occasionally picking at her and
frequently causing a great splashing of water in their wake. Their
courtship was without vocal utterance so far as we could detect from

shore. Im. 2 about November 9, 1929

Lophodytes cucullatus. HoopED MERGANSER. Fairly num-
erous as a spring and fall migrant. In spring it appears late in March
remaining until near the end of April. According to Mr. Ferris it does
not appear in any numbers in the fall until after the middle of October,
remaining until well into November.

2 about November 9, 1929

Anas platyrhynchos. MAaALiarp.—An early spring migrant to be
expected after the middle of March. It remains until late in April
although most of the birds have passed on toward their nesting grounds
before that date. We saw six birds on April 30, 1928. Individual males
were seen on two occasions during the summer of 1927, but the species
is apparently a rare summer resident. Giles (1880) mentions this
species as breeding in the marshes of Long Point. Although considerable
numbers of mallards are secured in the late fall, the species is not as
abundant as the black duck. MclIlwraith states (1886) that “‘it as-
sembles in vast flocks [at Long Point] in the fall to feed on the wild rice.’
At least two specimens banded at Lake Scugog, Ontario, have been taken
at Long Point by sportsmen (Lincoln, 1922).

Anas rubripes. BLack Duck.—One of the most abundant ducks
frequenting the region as a migrant; a common summer resident also.
It arrives about the middle of March and transient individuals remain until
well into April.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 155

Many birds summer in the marshes of Long Point and the species
is the most common nesting duck of the area. During the last week of
May, 1928, flocks of approximately fifty black ducks were seen well back
in the marsh in the more open water of the larger ponds. These were
probably males which had congregated after mating, while the females
were on their nests. Flocks were not seen, however, in June or July,
the birds apparently scattering and concealing themselves during their
moult.

Four nests were found during our visits to the point. In all cases
the nests were built in fairly dry situations on islands in or at the edge
of the marsh, usually several yards from water. Standing or fallen trees
and grass tufts formed an immediate protection to the nests found.
Down was used as a nest-lining in all these examples and rather fine
grasses and sedges formed the bulk of the structure. The numbers of
eggs in three completed clutches found were nine, nine and ten respec-
tively. Eggs from a nest collected on May 31, 1927, contained well
formed embryos.

Black ducks from the north appear in the marsh early in September,
the species being present in numbers until late in November. Many
ducks of this species shot at Long Point were birds banded at Lake
Scugog, Ontario, as noted in the official Canadian Record of Bird Banding
returns (see Can. Field Nat., 1924 to 1930). Several presumed hybrids
between this species and the mallard taken at Long Point have been
recorded by Fuertes (1916).

Q May 381, 1927

Chaulelasmus streperus. GapwaLi.—A rare duck in spring,
but a few occur in the late fall. A mounted pair taken locally is in the
collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan. Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917)
has figured a female which was probably taken near Port Ryerse.

Mareca penelope. EvurRorpEAN WipGEON.—Fuertes (1916) has
recorded the taking of a specimen of this duck at Long Point. It is now
in the collection of the Long Point Company at ‘‘The Cottages’’.

Mareca americana. BaLprate.—Apparently rare in the spring
but a few appear regularly in the fall. Present in September and
October, usually departing for the south by the end of October, but we
have two November specimens in the Museum’s collection. A hybrid
of this species and the mallard has been recorded from Long Point by
Bigelow (1907).

2 o'’s November 21, 1906

Nettion carolinense. GREEN-WINGED TEAL.—A regular late
March and April migrant; it returns to the marshes in September usually

156 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

after the flight of blue-winged teal has passed and remains until well into
November. About as numerous as the blue-winged teal at Long Point.
o&' about November 9, 1929

Querquedula discors. BLUE-wINGED TEAL.—Not abundant, but
appears regularly in April and early May and in September. It is said
(Giles, 1880) that this species formerly bred in the Long Point marshes.
We secured no evidence that it does so at the present time, but Mr. Ferris
states that it occasionally does. One hundred and ten were counted by
us near Port Rowan on April 30, 1928, and a pair, the latest occurrence
according to our records, was seen on May 17 of the same year.

Spatula clypeata. SHOVELLER.—Rather rare; a few appear at
Long Point each spring and fall. A male was seen by us on April 30,
1928, near Port Rowan, and a mounted male is in the collection of Mr.
Wm. Smith at Port Rowan. A painting of a female specimen which
was probably secured in the region is in the Wm. Pope collection (Locke,
1917).

Dafila acuta tzitzihoa. AMERICAN PINTAIL.—A regular and
fairly common migrant in the spring after mid-March, mostly in April,
remaining until early in May, our latest record being May 6, 1928.
In the fall numbers of them occur in the marsh, coming in after the first
of September, becoming most common in October and disappearing
about the end of November. Mr. J. H. Fleming has given the writer an
account of a curious duck shot by Mr. C. K. Rogers near Port Dover
(perhaps within the area here considered) in the fall of 1911. The duck
was forwarded to Spanner’s taxidermy establishment at Toronto on
November 11, 1911, and a consideration of its peculiarities has led Mr.
Fleming to believe it to be a hybrid between the pintail and mallard.

o' about November 9, 1929

Aix sponsa. Woop Duck.—This beautiful summer resident duck
finds Long Point particularly suitable as a breeding ground since the
wooded ridges afford the necessary hollow stubs for nesting and quiet
lagoons are near at hand. Although wood ducks are not numerous in
summer we saw them regularly and several broods were brought out
near our camps. Males were still consorting with females on May 16
in 1928. Although the males probably remained about the marshes
none was seen during our summer stay in 1927. The earliest appearance
of nestlings was noted on June 21, 1927. The local population of this
duck is augmented by birds from elsewhere in southern Ontario in the
fall.

2 o'’s May 15, 1929 2. July 2,1927
Q June 21, 1927 Nestling o& July 11, 1927

Nestling o& June 21, 1927 5 Nestling 9’s July 11, 1927
Oo about Oct. 5, 1917

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 157

Marila americana. REDHEAD.—According to Townson (1928)
the redhead is not as common at Long Point as it was thirty years ago.
However, numbers visit the point for a short time in late March and
early April, and again, perhaps in greater numbers, during October and
early in November, the middle of the autumn being the time of greatest
numbers.

Marila valisneria. CANvAs-BACK.—The dates of spring and fall
occurrence of this species are apparently about the same as those for
the redhead, except that the canvas-back is more inclined to remain
later in the fall. Townson (1928) states that this duck was very scarce
at Long Point thirty years ago while now thousands of them visit there
each fall. Only a small percentage of these ducks are subjected to
hunters’ fire since they feed extensively in the open waters of the shallow
inner bay. o' about November 9, 1929

Marila marila. Scaup DuckK.—A common species arriving in
early March and remaining until toward the end of April, returning in
October and staying until December. Like the next, this species is
not as abundant as formerly but it is still well represented in the annual
fall bags of sportsmen.

Marila affinis. Lesser Scaup Duck.—This duck arrives toward
the end of March and usually stays somewhat later in that season than
the preceding. We saw them as late as May 30 during 1927 and 1928.
These late birds are usually paired before they leave and it is possible
that an occasional pair remains in the Long Point marshes to nest, but
as to this we have no certain evidence. In the fall they return in Sept-
ember and remain until well into November. The lesser scaup is a
common migrant but its numbers at Long Point are not as great as
they were some years ago.

3 O'’s May 2, 1928 Q May 2, 1928

Marila collaris. RiNG-NECKED Duck.—A regular spring migrant,
in April, but not so numerous in spring as in the fall when it is plentiful
during October and well into November. The species is known at
Long Point, as elsewhere, as the marsh bluebill. Wm. Pope (Locke,
1917) had illustrated this species and this particular piece is dated
April 17, 1848. @ about May 9, 1929

Glaucionetta clangula americana. GoLDEN-EYE.—An open
water duck appearing in March land remaining until early May, our
latest date being May 1, 1928. It appears in numbers in November,
remaining well into December.

158 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Charitonetta albeola. BurrLe-HEAp.—A plentiful early spring
migrant remaining until May and returning after the middle of October
(Townson (1928) noted the first in the fall of 1927 on October 24) when
it is present in numbers in the open water until well into November.

o' May 2, 1928

Clangula hyemalis. OLp-sguAw.—This species arrives from the
north in the fall, usually about the first of November, and is present in
the bay until ice drives it to open water. In spring it appears again
with the opening of the bay and is present in numbers until May.
The latest record obtained by us was a fresh specimen picked up from
the beach where it had drifted, probably after being freed from the nets
off-shore by fishermen. This was on May 15, 1928. Knowing the
lifting days of the fishermen and considering the condition of the bird
we estimated that it was caught only a few days previously.

Many of these birds are accidentally caught in the gill nets set in
the bay. One specimen which we secured was taken from a net set in
25 feet of water but these birds are caught in depths many times greater
than this example according to fishermen.

co about May 11, 1928 Q about May 13, 1928

Somateria spectabilis. KinGc E1rper.—Little can be ascertained
as to the numbers of king eiders which visit this section of Lake Erie
in the late fall, but that they do occur is substantiated by two specimens
taken locally and seen by the writer in the collection of mounted birds
owned by Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan.

Oidemia deglandi. WHITE-WINGED ScoTER.—A fairly numerous
bay duck in the late fall and from early spring until mid-May. Like the
old squaw this scoter is regularly taken in gill nets set in the bay.

o' about May 9, 1928 Q about May 23, 1928
Q about May 12, 1928

Oidemia perspicillata. Surr ScoTter.—This scoter is not com-
mon and certainly not well known to local sportsmen although it prob-
ably occurs regularly in the open lake during late fall and in the spring.
An adult male specimen secured by us at rather a late date, May 29,
was probably caught in fishermen’s gill nets a few days previously.

o' about May 27, 1927

Erismatura jamaicensis. Ruppy Duck.—An April and October
migrant, not as common as it was several years ago, but occurring
regularly in some numbers. These little ducks, like the buffle-head,
are locally known to sportsmen as ‘‘Butterballs’. Two males in changing
plumage taken locally were noted in the collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of
Port Rowan, but the majority of specimens taken by hunters are said to
be in the grey, immature plumage. A ruddy duck struck the Long Point
light on April 21 or 22, 1930, according to Mr. Lorne Brown, the keeper.

Im. o&' about November 9, 1929

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 159

Chen hyperboreus hyperboreus. SNow Goosre.—This goose
occasionally appears about the marshes of Long Point in the fall. A
mounted specimen taken locally was seen by the writer in the collection
of Mr. Wm. Smith at Port Rowan and local sportsmen have informed
the writer that small flocks sometimes settle in the marshes to feed.

Chen cerulescens. BLUE GoosE.—Townson (1928) has recorded
seeing a blue goose at Long Point on October 20, 1927. An adult female
shot by Mr. J. R. Wells of Toronto on November 2, 1914, at Port Rowan
has been recorded by Fleming and Lloyd (1920). So far as can be
ascertained this goose is rare and of irregular occurrence in the region.

Branta canadensis canadensis. CANADA GoosE.—A northward
migrant in late March and early April, returning after mid-October.
The Canada goose does not appear in very large numbers at Long Point
but it is of regular occurrence, according to Mr. Ferris. Townson (1928)
records seeing one there on October 16, 1927.

Branta canadensis hutchinsi. Hutcuins’s Goose.—The only
record of this subspecies for the region has been made by Fleming (1906).
The specimen which is in Mr. Fleming’s collection was taken at Port
Rowan on October 6, 1896.

Cygnus columbianus. WHISTLING Swan.—Occasionally seen in
late March and early April on their way northward, and on their return
during October. Early records indicate a similar status one hundred
years ago (Need, 1838, and Small, 1866). An immature female taken at
Turkey Point is in the Museum’s mounted collection and a mounted
female taken locally was seen by the writer in the collection of Wm.
Smith of Port Rowan. Im. 9 October 29, 1917.

Cygnus buccinator. TRUMPETER SWAN.—Mcllwraith (1886 and
1894) states that he had ‘‘seen two which were killed at Long Point in
Lake Erie.’’ It is not likely that more recent records from this area
have been or will be obtained, but since the probability of McIlwraith’s
record being correct is great, the writer has been inclined to accept it.
There are specimens in collections which were collected, about the time
implied by Mcllwraith, in the general region of southern Ontario.
A picture in the Pope collection (Locke, 1917) is of the trumpeter swan
and Mr. J. H. Fleming states that there is no doubt about the identity.
The illustration is dated April 6, 1847, and in all probability it is based
on a locally taken specimen.

Botaurus lentiginosus. BiTrERN.—A common inhabitant of the
marshes of both the point and the adjacent mainland. Several pairs
nested near our camp on Second island and we had opportunity casually
to observe the species from the season of mating until late in the
summer. Nuptials occur in early May.- At this time bitterns were

160 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

particularly conspicuous because by day they frequently took to wing,
and on quiet evenings the voices of these birds could be heard from the
borders of the marsh near us and from far beyond where the distant
reed-beds were rapidly being obscured by the fading light. During the
day pairs would fly about in tangled circles, one bird pursuing another
in close tandem. This was no doubt a mating performance.

The bittern is a remarkable example of the close blending of an
animal with its environment; its colour, its voice and its behaviour
appeal to one as being in perfect harmony with wet, rush-grown surround-
ings. The writer had opportunity on May 14, 1928, to observe what
appeared to be the limit in the bittern’s employment of the well known
standing-reed ruse. The bird was first sighted at a distance of about
fifty yards as it was cautiously stalking through rather low marsh
vegetation. As if suddenly becoming aware of being observed it thrust
its neck upward, assuming the characteristic bittern attitude of eyes
front but bill skyward. Directing my course so that I would pass
several feet from the bird and partially circle it, the bird was confronted
with two difficulties. First, the vegetation was too short to lend the
upright bird concealment from my close approach. Second, my circling
course made it difficult for it to keep the streaked front of the neck toward
me. As I proceeded the bird lowered its body by imperceptible degrees
and in attempting to keep its front toward me it listed to one side.
The bird depended on its attitude and concealing colour until I was
within four or five feet of it, finally flushing with the expected awkward
flapping of its wings and uttering its guttural ‘‘quawk’’. The unusual
part of the observation, however, was that because the bird had been
forced to twist its body and lower itself as I approached, it was finally
lying on its side partially submerged in water. The bird’s attention
had been so strongly directed at me that it had soaked the feathers of
one side, including its wing, in water, a performance it would no doubt
have carefully avoided except in such an emergency.

In the Long Point region the eggs of the bittern hatch during the
first two weeks of June. The young are in the nest or in the immediate
vicinity of the nest for several weeks and newly hatched young are
apparently well guarded by the parent bird. One instance noted in
this connection was of a parent bird which clung to the nest until we
were within arm’s length of it. Our attention was originally directed
to the bird when some distance away by the prolonged rattling growl
produced by the parent when we were approaching.

The latest occurrence of the bittern in the fall at Long Point is
October 14, 1928. This observation was made by Mr. James Savage
and it concerned a partial albino bittern seen under good conditions for

—— eee “

NN —————eeEeEEeEeEeEeEeEeyEeeeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeeEeEeoee

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 161

close observation. The bird possessed white secondaries on the left wing
and white primaries and secondaries on the right wing.

Nestling, Q June 7, 1927. Q june 8, 1927.
: oO June 8, 1927. Q July 15, 1927.

Ixobrychus exilis. Least BITTERN.—Not as common or as
generally distributed as the bittern. The earliest date on which the
least bittern was seen by us was May 17, 1928. One struck the Long
Point lighthouse on May 19, 1926. These dates suggest that they
usually arrive about mid-May. A few nests were found in mid-June,
1927, near the border of the marsh off Second island. Some of these
were situated in growths of cattail rushes and others were in reed-beds.
All of the nests found were made of dry reeds or rushes such as were
found near at hand and were secured to growing plants approximately
one foot above the water. A nest collected on June 17, 1927, contained
four fresh eggs.

Mr. James Savage has kindly given the writer an observation for
record here which concerns the Cory’s least bittern phase. On September
16, 1928, a Cory’s bittern was seen in the Long Point marshes near the
base of the point. The skill of the observer and the conditions under
which the observation was made leave no doubt as to the accuracy
of the record. = June 1, 1927. 2 os, June 17, 1927.

Ardea herodias herodias. Great BLUE HERON.—From one to
twelve of these birds were seen almost daily throughout the summer of 1927
and the spring of 1928. They came to the shallow borders of the bay
and marsh to feed during each evening. Fish which had been discarded
from nets out in the bay and which had drifted ashore seemed to form
an important item of their diet. Such a habit cannot be interpreted
as carrion-eating, however, since the fish secured in this way are often
fairly fresh and well preserved.

This heron does not nest on Long Point and so far as we were able
to ascertain the nearest nesting colony is situated in North Walsingham
Township approximately ten miles north of Port Rowan. The birds
which feed on Long Point and about the mainland shores of the bay
are probably from this colony. Mr. Saunders has noted them at Turkey
Point, Port Rowan and Long Point, etc., during spring and early summer
trips made there since 1908.

On July 14, 1927, while the writer was partially concealed by a bank
on Second island, a great blue heron was seen to alight on the open bay
about two hundred yards off shore. It would seem from the results of
casual soundings with a punt pole that this bird could not have been
resting on the bottom but that it was floating on the water. Its appear-

162 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

ance and behaviour after alighting on the water was gull-like, the wings
were carefully folded and the set of its head and neck suggested that the
bird was floating, not standing. It took off without difficulty and settled
a second time before being frightened away by my presence on shore.

Casmerodius egretta. Ecret.—Mcllwraith (1866) states that
this species ‘“‘has been taken at Long Point’’ and Mr. W. E. Saunders
has a record in his notes of a statement by G. F. Norval to the effect
that Mr. Norval collected two at Long Point in the fall about the year
1888. Mr. Norval was a taxidermist and an observer of considerable
ability who resided at Port Rowan. A more recent observation which
conforms with a known northward incursion of this species (see Auk,
October, 1930) was related to me by Mr. James Savage of Buffalo, N.Y.
The guardian of the Provincial park at the base of Long Point saw
“two large white herons’ on July 3 or 4, 1930. A description of the
birds and an estimate of their size was related to Mr. Savage who con-
cluded at the time that it could concern none other than the egret.

Florida cerulea. LittL—E BLUE HERoN.—This species was re-
corded for the Long Point region as the snowy egret (“Ardea candi-
dissima’”’ = Egretta candidissima) by Mcllwraith (1886) but the error
was corrected in the second edition of this work published in 1894.
The following sight record, however, establishes the occurrence of the
species more recently. While hunting near the base of Long Point on
September 15, 1930, Mr. James Savage saw seven immature little blue
herons. Coincident with this record there are several reports for 1930
of the species occurring in northerly sections of the eastern United
States and Canada (see Auk, October, 1930, and January, 1931).

Butorides virescens virescens. GREEN HERON. A rare species
on the point proper; it probably does not occur there in summer since
we searched many of the wet flats, where shrubby growths appeared to be
suited to it, without success. A spring specimen was secured however,
and it is possible that a few green herons may inhabit some of the stream
courses along the mainland. Mr. W. E. Saunders has not listed the
species during any of his several trips to Port Rowan, Turkey Point and
other places in the vicinity. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd saw one near Port
Rowan on July 18, 1907, and there is a specimen in Mr. William Smith’s
collection at Port Rowan taken locally. The late Mr. C. W. Nash had
informed Mr. J. L. Baillie of a nest of this heron found at Port Dover,
which is immediately outside the area here considered, in 1879. Bent
(1927a) gives the latest date of departure for this species in the fall at
Port Dover (which is somewhat outside the area considered in this report)

as September 24, 1916.
Q May 4, 1928.

.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 163

Nycticorax nycticorax nevius. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON.
—So far as has been ascertained there is only one record of this species
from the Long Point region. A specimen mounted by Mr. G. F. Norval
which is in the collection of Mr. William Smith of Port Rowan is said
to have been taken from a flock of two or three hundred at least thirty
years ago, according to the personal notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders.

Rallus elegans. Kinc Rait.—A mounted specimen in the col-
lection of Mr. William Smith of Port Rowan taken locally a number of
years ago is the only specimen of this rail from the region so far as the
writer is aware. However, Mr. C. K. Rogers of Toronto, a hunter who
knows the water birds very well, states that a pair of King rails reared
a family of young near “The Cottages’”’ during the summer of 1926.
Mr. C. H. Ferris of Port Rowan also states that he has seen the species
in the marshes of the point. |

Rallus virginianus. ViRGINIA Rai_t.—Apparently not common
in the sections visited by us. We noted the species on only two occasions
during our two visits to the point, and it would seem certain that the
characteristic notes of this rail would have attracted our attention during
May if it had been plentiful. According to Mr. Lorne Brown, the present
keeper of the light, who has taken a keen interest in the kinds of birds
which perish there, one was killed on the night of April 17 or 18, and
three on April 20 or 21, 19380. Mr. W. E. Saunders has a record of
another which struck the light on May 19, 1926.

Porzana carolina. Sora.—Not common or generally distributed
through the Long Point marshes so far as we could ascertain but noted
on a few occasions. A nest of this rail was found at the border of the
marsh near our camp on Second island but it had been partially destroyed
and the eggs spilled into the water. The one egg which was recovered
and preserved as a specimen was heavily incubated; it was found on
June 17, 1928. Soras remain in the region at least until mid-October,
one having been seen by Townson (1928) on October 14, 1927. Like the
preceding, the sora sometimes falls prey to the light, Lorne Brown
having picked one up dead which had been destroyed on the night of
April 17 or 18, 1980, and another has been recorded by Saunders (1930)
which struck the light between September 24 and 29, 1929.

o' May 16, 1929. 3 Q’s May 16, 1929.

Gallinula chloropus cachinnans. FLoripA GALLINULE.—The
local distribution of this species at Long Point closely resembled coloniza-
tion, since groups of individuals inhabited favoured sections of the marshes
while extensive areas were apparently not populated by them. For-
tunately we were encamped near one of their chosen habitats while on
Second island in 1927. Several pairs were established within a restricted
part of the marsh, which did not comprise more than three or four acres.

164 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

These birds presented an unusual problem. Although we lived and
worked within one hundred yards of the centre of this colony, heard them
daily throughout the early part of the summer, and found three of their
nests which contained full complements of eggs, we scarcely glimpsed
a single bird during the three weeks of our stay at this camp. However,
we did establish the fact that these birds dive from their nests on one’s
approach and swim under water out of danger.

Several times we were mystified by hearing their call, like a
mocking laugh, apparently coming from a bird within a few feet of us,
although we could not see it. This failure to see the bird was the more
mystifying since it occurred on a number of occasions while we waited
motionless near its nest, sometimes standing among the reeds and again
lying quietly on the bottom of a punt. The surrounding water was so
sparsely vegetated as to give a visual radius of at least fifty feet. Our
explanation of these occurrences was that the gallinule’s approach was
accomplished under water and that it protruded its bill and eyes behind
some frail reed-stalks to observe us and to utter its call, which advertised
our presence to the marsh generally.

Credit is due to Mr. A. R. Van, a visitor to our camp and an excellent
wild life photographer, who finally succeeded in procuring photographs
of a Florida gallinule. Dressed in a complete suit of reeds and with
drooping hat to match, he waited patiently for twenty-three hours
during two days before the bird could be photographed.

During our search for nests three new but unoccupied nests were
found near occupied ones. They were constructed in the same manner
as were the used nests, being anchored to reeds and capable of shifting
vertically with the ever changing water level of the marsh. The tops
of the reeds to which all of the nests were attached were bent inward
giving to the whole structure a basket or bird-cage appearance. It was
suspected that the unused nests were used as platform look-outs but we
were not able to make observations that would substantiate this. It is
possible that they were a manifestation of a more or less superfluous
nest building instinct in the species, perhaps in the male, such as is
observed in the case of marsh wrens.

The largest set of eggs found by us contained thirteen when the
clutch was completed. These we collected on June 10, 1927, and they
were all found to be fresh or only slightly incubated.

co May 15, 1929. Q June 10, 1927.
Q@ May 15, 1929.

Fulica americana. Coot.—A rare summer resident but very
common in the spring and fall. The coot returns in the spring in early
April, remaining in considerable numbers until the early part of May.
Bent (1927a) gives the earliest date of arrival at Port Rowan as March

i

TD AY TC A

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 165

16, 1884. Mr. Todd mentions in his notes having seen the coot on
July 12, 1907. We received a report from local fishermen on June 12,
1927, that a coot had been seen by them in the open water of the marsh
that day. These instances appear to be the only definite records for
summer but Mr. C. H. Ferris of Port Rowan states that he has known
them to summer in the region. In the fall coots return to the Long Point
marshes in large numbers and remain until the freeze-up. Townson
(1928) noted hundreds on the inner bay on October 28, 1927.
o' May 4, 1928.

Rubicola minor. Woopcock.—The species finds conditions on
Ryerson’s island suitable for nesting and a few pairs occupied that area
during the summer of 1927. A nest containing four fresh eggs was
discovered on June 2, 1927, and another nest with an incomplete clutch
was noted on the same day. We did not discover other areas on the
point where suitable conditions for this species prevailed, nor did we
secure records from the mainland but it seems entirely probable that
woodcock may be found there particularly at Turkey Point. They are
doubtless less common on Long Point as summer residents and as
migrants than they were in early days. Giles (1880) implies that they
were a common game bird in the region fifty years ago.

Q June 2, 1927.

Gallinago delicata. WuLson’s Snipe. During May, 1928, the
characteristic nuptial flight of this species was regularly observed over
Second island and Snow island. In the summer of the previous year
Wilson’s snipe was not seen until July when two specimens were collected.
A few pairs doubtless nest in the vast stretches of low grassy islands
of the marsh each year, but it is no longer a common species in summer.

Early records state that snipe were formerly abundant on Long
Point in the shooting season. Smith (1851), Smail (1866) and Giles
(1880) all remark on the excellence of snipe shooting in the area, but at
the present time it is not an abundant species although it still appears
in some numbers in the fall according to local sportsmen. Bent (1927b)
gives November 2 as the latest date of departure from Long Point.

Q July 11, 1927. Im. © July 12, 1927.

Limnodromus griseus griseus. DowiTcHER.—Observed on only
three occasions; one seen on May 18, two on May 24 and one on May 25,
1928. The species is doubtless a rather rare migrant in spring and
probably the same is true for the fall.

The three specimens collected are fairly uniform in plumage, all
exhibiting fairly fresh nuptial dress. The feathers of the dorsal region
retain a considerable margin of rich buff and there is only an occasional

ll=

166 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

feather from the winter plumage remaining, except on the wings; ven-
trally the birds are rather uniformly pinkish cinnamon, except on the
belly which is white, closely and finely spotted with blackish. A table
of measurements of the three specimens is given below.

R.O.M.Z. No-| Sex | Wt. in gms.| Length in mm. | Wing in mm. | Culmen in mm.

28, 5, 30,20 | of 110 261 145 55

28, 5, 30, 21 9 114 275 142 63
28, 5, 30, 22 g 113 268 137 59

The specimens have all been referred to griseus, the markings and
colour of the ventral surface agreeing with the recognized characters of
that form and the measurements conforming fairly closely with averages
of eastern birds. It is recognized, however, that the wing length of the
male and the culmen length of one of the females is large, being within
the range of size for scolopaceus.

Q May 18, 1928 Oo May 24, 1928
Q May 24, 1928

Micropalama himantopus. Stitt SANDPIPER.—In the notes
made by Mr. Todd in the summer of 1907 the following entry under date
of July 16 was made:—‘“‘Here was a flock of Least Sandpipers, and as I
watched them through the glass I made out a couple of Stilt Sandpipers
in the deep water, feeding by plunging their bills down into the slime
and withdrawing them again in a very peculiar fashion. By making a
long crawl I was lucky enough to get both birds at one shot. Although
in worn summer plumage there is nothing in their physical condition to
suggest their being pensioners .’ Wesecured no other records of this
species for the area.

Calidris canutus. Knot.—Noted as a regular but not an abund-
ant spring migrant. The earliest date of arrival obtained by us was
May 24, 1928, when ten were seen. According to our records the latest
departure date in spring was June 4, 1927, two birds having been noted.

The knot was primarily an inhabitant of the beaches although we
occasionally saw it on the mud flats. Eight of the ten specimens col-
lected are almost completely changed to nuptial plumage. Two, how-
ever, taken on May 29 and June 3, 1927, respectively, show considerable
of the winter plumage, both ventrally and dorsally.

The only information relative to the species in the fall for the Long
Point region is that of Hobson (1906) who states that he shot one at
Port Rowan on September 19, 1905. It is probable that the knot appears

- ee TS eee. a, Ww

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 167

in about the same numbers on its southward migrations as it does in the
spring.

2 d's May 24, 1928 Q May 29, 1927
2 o'’s May 27, 1927 o' June 3, 1927
Q May 27, 1927 Q June 3, 1927
o' May 29, 1927 o' June 4, 1927

Pisobia maculata. PECTORAL SANDPIPER.—As might be ex-
pected, no spring records of this species were secured by us, since it is
doubtless rare in this region in spring. There is, however, a dated
picture of this sandpiper in the Pope collection (Locke, 1917) indicated as
April 24, 1843. This was probably based on a locally taken spring
specimen. Three specimens in the Museum’s collection secured at
Port Rowan in October by Mr. G. F. Dippie give us the only definite
record of the species for the region of Long Point. It is probably of

regular occurrence there on its southward migrations.
2 October 12, 1898 o& October 15, 1898
2 October 14, 1898

Pisobia fuscicollis. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER.—Four of these
birds were seen on June 18, 1927, this observation being the only record
for our party for the species. In the notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders he
records two seen at the Long Point lighthouse on May 31, 1908. It is
unquestionably a scarce spring migrant in the region and probably a
similar status as to numbers prevails in the fall. The record made of
this species on June 18, 1927, was the latest date for any northward

moving shore-bird obtained by us at Long Point.
2 2’s June 18, 1927

Pisobia bairdi. Bairp’s SANDPIPER.—Our only record is of one
seen by Mr. W. E. Saunders in the vicinity of Long Point on June 7 or 8,
1925.

Pisobia minutilla. Least SANDPIPER.—The earliest arrival date
secured by us was May 4, 1928, the individual having been collected.
Least sandpipers did not appear in numbers until mid-May at which
time, and for some time thereafter, they were observed regularly. They
were associated at times with flocks of red-backed and seimipalmated
sandpipers. Our latest record in spring was made on June 2, 1927,
a single individual having been noted. The species reappeared on its
southward migration on July 6, it having been the first of the migrating
shore-birds to reappear in the region so far as our records indicate.

All of the specimens obtained in July are strikingly dark dorsally,
the light margins of the feathers having been largely lost by wear. This
condition of the plumage, together with remarks made on the appearance

168 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

of the gonads when the birds were dissected, suggests that these individ-
uals were non-breeding sub-adults.

co’ May 4, 1928 Q July 6, 1927
2 9’s May 11, 1928 Q July 10, 1927
o' May 15, 1928 o' July 11, 1927
2's May 16, 1928 Q July 11, 1927
Q May 26, 1928 Q July 14, 1927
Q = May 27, 1927 Oo July 22, 1927

4 o's July 6, 1927

Pelidna alpina sakhalina. Rrp-BACKED SANDPIPER.—The in-
formation which we secured relative to the migration of this species
largely concerns its movements in spring. ‘The earliest arrival noted by
us was that of an individual secured on May 12, 1928. By May 17
it was a common species, flocks of from six to twenty individuals being
seen daily. It was of common occurrence until the end of the first week
in June, after which individual records only were noted. Our latest
spring record was made on June 15, 1927.

Red-backed sandpipers were birds of the beach and also of the mud
flats. They usually flocked together, but were occasionally associated
with other species such as least sandpipers. The species had not re-
appeared from the north at the time of our departure on July 26, 1927.
According to Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd’s notes he collected two specimens
on July 16, 1907, but one of these was a wounded bird and the other was
suspected of being a ‘‘pensioner’’. Hobson (1906) states that flocks of
red-backs were seen on September 19, 1905, at Port Rowan. Bent
(1927b) gives November 2 as a late date of departure in the fall from
this region.

oOo May 12, 1928 Oo May 23, 1928
Co’ May 14, 1928 2 2's May 27, 1927
2 Q2’s May 16, 1928 oO’ May 30, 1928
3 0’’s May 17, 1928 Q May 30, 1928
Q May 17, 1928 2Q’sJune 3, 1927
2."'s May 19, 1905 3.0"’s June 6, 1927
7 O'’s May 19, 1928 Q June 11, 1927

Q May 20, 1928

Ereunetes pusillus. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER.—A common
shore-bird on Long Point from mid-May to the beginning of the second
week of June, being found along the beaches and on the mud-flats; often
found in mixed flocks with the least sandpiper. The largest single flock
of shore-birds noted was composed of this species only, so far as could
be ascertained. Our earliest spring record for the species was made on
May 8, 1928, and the latest on June 16, 1927. The species reappeared
on its southern migration on July 17, 1927. It was seen in small numbers
after that date but it was not as yet common when we left on July 26.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 169

A fall date is given by Saunders (1930) when he records a bird killed
at Long Point lighthouse between September 24 and 29, 1929.

o' May 14, 1928 3 Q’s May 27, 1928
Oo May 16, 1928 co May 29, 1928
292’s May 16, 1928 oOo June 3, 1927
Q May 20, 1928 Q June 3, 1927
May 22, 1928 Q June 5, 1927
20''’s May 23, 1928 3 Q’s June 6, 1927

June 7, 1927
about June 8, 1927
June 16, 1927
July 17, 1927
July 18, 1927

2 2’s May 23, 1928
Q May 24. 1928
3 o's May 25, 1928
Q May 25, 1928
oO May 27, 1927
2 2’s May 27, 1927

Ereunetes mauri. WESTERN SANDPIPER.—The taking of an
adult female of this species in worn nuptial plumage on July 11, 1927, by
Mr. John Edmonds was of special interest. It constituted, so far as is
known, the fourth specimen ever to have been taken in the province
(Snyder, 1928b). When this bird was observed in life it was casually
associating with least sandpipers and its larger size attracted our attention
to it. The bill appeared somewhat decurved like that of the red-backed
sandpiper, a character which is apparently more conspicuous in life than
in the preserved specimen.

The occurrence of this species in the region is very curious, parti-
cularly because of the date of its appearance. A spring migrant would,
perhaps, be less surprising, but it seems that this individual was either
moving southward or was merely a roving individual. There are no
inland records which trace a northern continental crossing of the species,
either in spring or fall, and according to our present knowledge its
breeding grounds are confined to the coastal regions of northwestern

Alaska. Q July 11, 1927

Q, 40 40 ~ 40

Crocethia alba. SANDERLING.—Seen on only three occasions as

a spring migrant during our two periods of stay on Long Point. The
first record was of a specimen observed on May 25, 1928, and the other
two records were of individuals collected on May 30 and June 4, 1927,
respectively. It seems probable that greater numbers visit the area in
spring than our records indicate; they. may occur principally on the
outer, lakeward beach, an extensive area which we were not able to
reconnoitre regularly. The first record of southward moving sanderlings
was made on July 17, 1927, one of a pair having been collected. Four
others were seen on July 21. Greater numbers probably appeared after
we left camp near the end of July. Townson (1928) saw three on
October 23, 1927.

Q May 30, 1927 & July 17, 1927

o' June 4, 1927

170 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Limosa fedoa. MARBLED Gopwit.—A specimen of this species
in the collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan, taken locally a
number of years ago, is the only record from the area so far as is known
to the writer.

Limosa hemastica. HupsoniAN Gopwit.—A specimen, appa-
rently taken in the fall, was seen by the writer in the collection of Mr.
Wm. Smith of Port Rowan. This bird which was taken locally is the
only specimen seen by the writer from this locality, but Saunders (1926)
has recorded one which was taken there in October or November, 1921.
The latter specimen, apparently a mounted bird, was examined by Mr.
Saunders. There is one other record of the species for Long Point,
that of Cottle (1859) who states that the specimen was possessed by him.
Wm. Pope has figured this species and dated the picture, October 11,
1844 (Locke, 1917).

Totanus melanoleucus. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS.—Found to be
a fairly plentiful species during the first half of May, 1928, but we did
not secure an early arrival date. According to local sportsmen these
birds had returned at least two weeks before our arrival at Port Rowan
on April 30. The latest spring record was of one collected on May 25.
The earliest southward migrants as recorded by us were of four seen
on July 21, 1927, associated with a rather large flock of the smaller
species. Townson (1928) mentions a ‘heavy migration of greater
yellow-legs during October, 1925.”’ It is perhaps during this month that
the bulk of this species passes south through this region. Bent (1927b)
gives November 20 as a late date of departure for the species at Long
Point.

These birds were largely frequenters of the mud flats and shallow
bays in the marsh, but they were occasionally seen on the sandy beaches.
The writer has noted, while concealed in a reed blind, that the greater
yellow-legs can frequently be decoyed down by an imitation of either
its rapid slightly descending, three-syllable whistle, ‘“‘teeoo-teeoo-teeoo’’
or of its rolling musical ‘“‘toowhittle, toowhittle, toowhittle’’, which is
repeated eight to twelve times.

o' May 3, 1928 2 2’s May 10, 1928
4 0’’s May 4, 1928 Q@ May 11, 1928
Q May 4, 1928 oO May 25, 1928

Totanus flavipes. YELLOW-LEGS.—We secured practically no
information relative to the movement and numbers of yellow-legs in
spring. Local sportsmen assured us that the species does appear in the
region in early spring prior to the date of our arrival there in 1928
(April 30). On June 4, 1927, one thought to have been the yellow-legs
was seen but it may have been the larger species. Bent (1927b) gives
July 17 as an early date for the return of this species in the region on

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 171

its southward migration. We were able to set an earlier record by secur-
ing a specimen on July 12, 1927. A few were noted regularly after that
date and on July 21, five days before we broke camp, thirty-five were
noted.

o' July 12, 1927 2 o'’s July 21, 1927

Q July 17, 1927 Q July 21, 1927

Tringa solitaria solitaria. SoLirary SaNppPIPpER.—The only
record for the Long Point region is of a specimen collected by Mr. H. P.
Stovell on May 6, 1928. This individual was taken on the muddy marsh
border of a wooded island. An illustration of the solitary sandpiper is
among the Wm. Pope paintings (Locke, 1917) and is under date of
July 24, 1859. The subject was probably a bird taken in the region
about that date.

Co’ May 6, 1928

Actitis macularia. SpotTtEep SANpDPIPER.—A fairly common
summer resident on Long Point and the adjacent mainland. The sandy
ridges back of the beach on both the inner and outer sides of the point
were ideal situations for this species to nest. A set of fresh eggs was
taken in such a situation on June 1, 1927. Small flocks, probably
family groups, were in evidence early in July. A wounded female was
observed to swim into the lake when pursued, and Mr. Edmonds, the
observer, stated that it swam well and high in the water.

o' May 12, 1928 Q June 6, 1927
o' May 27, 1927 Q July 4, 1927
Q June 4, 1927 o' July 8, 1927

Numenius hudsonicus. Hupsonian CurLEW.—Fishermen en-
gaged in netting carp in the Long Point marsh reported on May 24, 1928,
that they had seen a few curlew fly over on that day. A flock of ten
was noted by our party on the following day, four on May 27, and one
on May 29. All of these observations were of birds flying overhead
and we were unable to secure specimens. We were informed that curlew
frequented Turkey Point on the mainland in some numbers between
the first and last dates of our observations. A specimen taken locally
was seen by the writer in the collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan.

Squatarola squatarola cynosurae. AMERICAN BLACK-BELLIED
PLOVER.—Our earliest record of this species was of a pair noted on
May 7, 1928. On May 13 of that year the species appeared in some
numbers and continued as a fairly common shore-bird until May 26,
after which individuals only were observed. These straggling migrants
were present until the end of our stay in 1928. Our latest spring record
is of a specimen taken on June 16, 1927. Although not a crippled bird

172 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

it was not sexually vigorous as disclosed by dissection. The next latest
date, which probably more nearly marks a normal ending of northward
migration, is one seen on Long Point by Mr. W. E. Saunders on June 1,
1924. Townson (1928) noted the migration of this species on October 7
and 14, 1927. This is our only information on the species in the fall.

A discussion of the sexual difference as regards the plumage of this
species based on the series of specimens collected in May, 1928, at
Long Point, has been published (Snyder, 1930). It was demonstrated
that the nuptial plumage of females probably never includes a completely
dark ventral surface such as is possessed by most adult males in May,
and that in this series of skins the female which exhibited the greatest
amount of blackish feathers ventrally possessed more white than any
male, there being a perceptible break in the series between the sexes
when all of. the specimens were arranged according to the degree of
blackness or whiteness ventrally. It was further pointed out that there
is also a difference of colour in the dark feathers of the two sexes, the
dark feathers of males being intensely black and those of females brown-
ish black.

The very slight differences of measurements as shown by the
average of all males and all females in the series of twenty-one specimens
taken in May, 1928, have apparently no significance as regards sex.
Some measurements are as follows :—

Weight Length Wing Tail Culmen
in gm. in mm. in mm. in mm. in mm.
Largest 202 295 194 87 32
Largest 9 258 307 192 85 32
Smallest 170 274 177 ae 30
Smallest 9 169 274 179 75 30
Average of 7 o's 199.3 289.5 185.1 81.5 30.8
Average of 14Q9’s 208 290 185.6 78.1 30.7
Q May 7, 1928 2 Q2’s May 21, 1928
J May 13, 1928 Q May 23, 1928
Q = May 18, 1928 Q = May 24, 1928
QQ May 14, 1928 Q = May 25, 1928
2 Q’s May 15, 1928 20'’s May 26, 1928
Q May 16, 1928 Q = May 26, 1928
2 0"’s May 20, 1928 Q = May 27, 1928
Q- May 20, 1928 o' May 28, 1928
oOo May 21, 1928 Q June 16, 1927

Piuvialis dominica dominica. GoLDEN PLOVER.—We were in-
formed by local sportsmen that this plover occurs in the fall, and Townson

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 173

(1928), who has known these birds since the days of their abundance,
records it as a migrant, on the nights of October 7 and 14, 1927.

Oxyechus vociferus. KILLDEER.—More common on the main-
land than on Long Point, but it was present there in small numbers.
During mid-May, 1928, a pair had apparently selected the open ground
around our cottage on Second island for nesting. During the early
morning when the first faint light was perceptible they started their
courtship music, the nature of which was new to the writer. Their
long-continued, rapid ‘‘kee-a-wee, kee-a-wee, kee-a-wee”, almost without
interruption, was at least monotonous, if not quite annoying to us in
our half-conscious sleep.

o' May 10, 1928 o' May 12, 1928

Charadrius semipalmatus. SEMIPALMATED PLOVER.—First
noted in the spring of 1928, on May 7, four having been seen, one of
which was collected. It was not common until mid-May but continued
to be present in numbers until near the end of the month, the latest date
on which it was recorded by us being May 30, 1927. Mr. W. E. Saunders,
however, saw two in the region on June 7 or 8, 1925. The first appear-
ance on their return in the fall was noted on July 22, 1927, an adult
having been collected. They probably appear in numbers in this region
during early fall. This plover frequents both the sandy beaches and
the mud-flats at least during its spring migrations.

On May 19, 1928, while watching from a blind, the writer saw a
performance which appeared to be a mating solicitation. A semi-
palmated plover, with its breast puffed out, one wing extended and
raised, and with its head lowered, repeatedly advanced toward another
bird of its kind with a rapid run, uttering as he advanced rather low-
pitched chuckling notes. The ordinary call of this species is less plaintive
and “piping’’ than that of the piping plover. It is a rather weak,
musical ‘‘chooéep’’.

co’ May 7, 1928 May 22, 1928
3. 0''s May 14, 1928 Co’ May 27, 1927
co’ May 15, 1928 Co’ May 29, 1928
29's May 15, 1928 2 o's May 30, 1927
20's May 16, 1928 Q July 22, 1927

Charadrius melodus. Pirpinc PLover.—The piping plover was
present at the time of our earliest arrival on Long Point, May 1, 1928.
At that time they had not settled down to nest and apparently transient
individuals were still wandering about parts of the shore which were not
inhabited by the species in summer. We noticed that these moving
birds were active at night. They were frequently heard after dark from
our camp on Second island in 1928 as they passed up and down the
bay shore. This shore was not used as a nesting situation, in fact,

174 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

after the conclusion of migration, they were not noted away from the
main lake-shore beach during the previous summer. The species was
rarely noted on the mud-flats in spring. 3

This summer resident plover was one of the most interesting species
which we regularly observed at Long Point. It was recorded as a
probable breeding bird of Long Point by Macoun (1900). Verification
of this was made by Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd in 1907 when he secured a
downy young there on July 16 and Mr. W. E. Saunders has several sets
of eggs in his collection which were taken there in May, 1905, and May,
1908. Our party secured its first set of four fresh eggs on May 14, 1928,
and the earliest date on which we observed downy young was July 4, 1927.
The only fall date for the species which has been found is that of a young
specimen collected at Port Rowan by Mr. W. D. Hobson of Woodstock,
on September 19, 1905 (from W. E. Saunders’ notes).

To the writer, the piping plover is one of the most outstanding
examples of protectively coloured animals. When quiet, as they
frequently are for long periods when they are not aware of the presence
of humans, they blend perfectly with the colour, tone and pattern of their
pebble and dry sand habitat. The young are also remarkably concealed
by the colour of their downy plumage and by their habit of crouching
quietly when danger is imminent.

An interesting feature in connection with the concealment of the
young may be related without any attempt whatsoever of correlating
the circumstances which are doubtless accidental. Cottonwood trees
which grow on Long Point are almost entirely confined to the sand-
banks immediately back of the beaches. During the period immediately
after these trees had shed their down-transported seeds in the summer of
1928, the young piping plover hatched from the eggs. The cotton from
these trees, which is in colour very like the down of young piping plovers,
scattered over the beaches, and the wind rolled it into loose balls about
the size of young plover. On the particular day that we were searching
for and pursuing young plover the nature and velocity of the wind along
the beach produced about the same speed and interrupted movement
in the cotton balls as was observed in the case of the young birds!
This has been related merely as a striking coincidence.

The notes of the piping plover strike one as being soft, plaintive and
extremely musical. The simple, piped ‘“‘peepoo’’ is very like the notes
of the more or less obsolete instrument, the ocarina. The second
syllable of this call is usually a musical half-tone lower than the first.
The other common call which, to the writer, sounds like a gentle interroga-
tion, is a smoothly slurred ‘‘weep, weep, weep” etc. By association,
these are sounds of open, extensive beaches and boundless blue water
glimmering with the heat and light of the summer sun.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 175

The broken-wing ruse which is so well known among many birds is
highly developed in this species. This plover’s execution of it suggests
not only a broken wing but at times also a broken leg or legs; in fact, it
appears to be completely crippled as it turns half over on its back,
kicking its feet limply and extending its wings in a helpless manner.

After counting the number of piping plover which inhabited from
two to three miles of the main south beach of Long Point, we estimated
that the local adult population in summer would be one hundred pairs
or more.

Of the eighteen adult specimens in our collection from Long Point
all but one have a continuous band of dark feathers across the upper
breast and in this case the band is only slightly interrupted.

40's May 7, 1928 o' May 28, 1927

5Q’s May 7, 1928 A May 29, 1927
May 10, 1928 Q May 30, 1927
Q May 12, 1928 20'’sJuly 4, 1927
& May 27, 1927 Q July 4, 1927
Q May 27, 1927 Q July 8, 1927
o May 27, 1928

Arenaria interpres morinella. Ruppy TuRNSTONE.—Our earliest
arrival date for this species was obtained on May 14, 1928, but it was
not common until May 23. It is one of the most numerous shore-birds
at Long Point during the latter part of May, from six to fifteen being
the usual number in close flock association. It is largely a bird of the
sand and gravel beaches. Our latest spring record was made on June 17,
1927, when four were seen, one of which was collected. Dissection of the
collected specimen revealed that the gonads were small and apparently
not in a functioning condition, but it would appear that these late
migrants, which were apparently not to nest that year, passed on north-
ward since no others were seen after that date. The greater number,
however, had gone northward by the end of the first two days of June.

Turnstones are very interesting birds to watch while they are feeding
and remind one very much of common domestic pigeons as they walk the
beach in search of food. They are sometimes slightly quarrelsome, old
males tending to dominate the feeding ground by occasionally giving
chase to other individuals which are apparently infringing on their
right-of-way. This quarrelsomeness, slight though it may be, is of
particular interest, since it seems so contrary to the usual social, meek
and delicate shore-bird nature. The business of food-hunting of the
turnstones is prosecuted with vigour and energy at times. As the flock
moves along, there is a constant interchange of individuals in the rank,
those in the front tarrying to pick up a morsel while those farther back
hurry to the lead. Their bills are deftly used to flick objects aside in

176 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

the search for food and frequently these objects are stones, which dis-
closes that their name has been aptly chosen.

Nearly all flocking shore-birds have developed wonderful co-
ordination of the individuals in flight within the flock. This unity of
movement in the air is very striking with the ruddy turnstone because of
its rather large size and contrasting colour pattern. The flock lifts,
wheels, forges onwards, drops, banks and settles as if it were a close-
knit thing in itself rather than a group of independent individuals, bound
perhaps only by instinctive reflexes, or, capable of instantaneous and
voluntary reaction to the movements of a leader.

Although we have no information concerning the turnstone in the
fall at Long Point and vicinity, our knowledge concerning its occurrence
in adjacent areas suggests that it is to be expected during the latter part
of August and the first part of September in some numbers as a south-
ward moving migrant.

& May 14, 1928 o' May 25, 1928
Q May 16, 1928 o& May 26, 1928
o& May 20, 1928 o& May 29, 1927
29’s May 20, 1928 Q May 29, 1927
co May 23, 1928 cS May 30, 1927
207’s May 24, 1928 30’s June 1, 1927
22’s May 24, 1928 o June 17, 1927

Colinus virginianus virginianus. Bos-wuiTe.—After the forest
had become cleared and cultivated areas became widespread in southern
Ontario the bob-white spread over the countryside and remained a more
or less plentiful species until the end of the nineteenth century. There
were periods of scarcity which brought about legislation affording
partial or complete protection for the species, but there was a gradual
depletion of numbers throughout the whole period from the time of
settlement to approximately 1900 when the species became too rare to
attract further interest. During the early years in the eighteen-fifties
when bob-whites were really abundant and market shooting was pro-
secuted on a big scale, Norfolk county ranked as one of the best districts
for the business (Harris, 1905).

The earliest record of the species for Long Point is that of Need
(1838) who remarks on the occurrence of the species in cleared lands
in July, 1832. An earlier record which can only be attributed to the
County of Norfolk is that of Harris (Joc. cit.) who states that (about 1810)
his mother heard a bob-white for the first time in the region. The new
bird song was well known to a senior member of the family who had
formerly resided in New Jersey where the bob-white was common.
Bob-whites do not now occur on Long Point at the present time but it is
said that a few may be found near Turkey Point. The progenitors of
these living birds are quite probably largely introduced stock. A

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT kia

mounted specimen in the collection of Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan
was taken at Turkey Point about thirty years ago and may represent
original birds of the district.

Bonasa umbellus togata. CANAapA RUFFED GROUSE.—Ruffed
grouse are either completely extirpated or nearly so on Long Point but
they still persist in the wet woods of Turkey Point and elsewhere on the
mainland. Local hunters believe there may still be a few left on the
point but the sparsity of undergrowth is a serious detriment to their
welfare there. We did not secure a single record for the point during
either of our visits but Mr. W. E. Saunders has noted one there as
recently as June 1, 1924. Mr. R. V. Lindsay saw a few at Fisher’s glen
during July, 1927, and Mr. H. Fulcher found a nest with fourteen eggs
there on May 3, 1931.

In the early days they were a common game bird of the region and
we find such statements as that of Giles (1880), “‘the woods is largely
supplied with partridges, etc.’’ This species cannot exist plentifully in
intensively cultivated areas but it seems regrettable that the peninsula
of Long Point has been made so barren by browsing deer as to eliminate
it as a ruffed grouse reserve.

No specimens from the locality have been examined, but a few
specimens from the general region of southern Ontario indicate that,
according to our present knowledge, birds from here may be considered as
togaia, but certainly showing tendencies toward umbellus.

Meleagris gallopavo silvestris. Witp TuRKEy.—Our earliest
record for the turkey is that of Need (1838) who states that they were
occasionally noted in July, 1832, in the woods and that they sometimes
fed on maize which was raised by farmers on the point. He also remarks
on the ease with which turkeys may be trapped. His description of the
method of trapping turkeys is worthy of repetition, it being quoted as
follows: ‘‘A small shanty or hut is built near their accustomed feeding
place, with an opening in the side large enough to admit the birds,
stooping; in and about this place grain is carefully scattered, which the
birds pick up without suspicion, stooping their heads and feeding until
they find themselves in the trap, then they raise their heads and make
great efforts to escape at the top and sides, and in every way, excepting
that by which they entered.”’

Turkeys were still a prominent game bird in the district in 1880
(Giles, 1880), but it had become extirpated throughout southern Ontario
generally (MclIlwraith, 1894) by the early nineties.

Turkey Point on the north shore of Long Point bay was doubtless
given its name after this wild bird which at one time frequented its
swamps and woods.

178 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Ectopistes migratorius. PASSENGER PIGEON.—The earliest
account of the passenger pigeon for this region is given by Howison
(1821) who states that ‘Immense flocks. . . .frequent this (Long Point)
and other parts of Upper Canada during spring and autumn; and myriads
of them are killed by fire-arms, or caught in nets by the inhabitants;
for they fly so closely and in such numbers that twenty or thirty may
sometimes be brought down at a single shot... .’’ In the diary of
Wm. Pope (only a part of which has been available) there is an entry
under date of September 15, 1842, stating: ‘‘Shot a pigeon: there were
three, but I only got one shot.’’ Other entries state that one had been
shot on each of the following days, September 18, October 11 and
October 14. All of these concern the vicinity of Port Rowan and Long
Point. Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) also painted two pictures of this species,
one of two adults and the other of a young bird; the latter is dated
June 30, 1860. Although available information on this species is
meagre, the dates are of interest and it is established that the species
was a plentiful migrant at Long Point and vicinity in the early part
of the nineteenth century. Pope’s picture of a young bird painted in
late June suggests that the passenger pigeon may have nested in the
region.

Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourninc Dove.—Appar-
ently not a nesting inhabitant of the point but well distributed on the
adjacent mainland. Our party made only one record of seeing the
species on the point proper and in this case it was a single bird on the
wing. Our records of observations at Port Rowan include the species
and Messrs. W. E. Clyde Todd, W. E. Saunders and R. V. Lindsay
have noted it elsewhere on the mainland at various times where it is
not uncommon. A spring migration date is indicated by a communica-
tion from Mr. Lorne Brown who states that one was killed at the light
on April 17 or 18, 1930. 3 May 4, 1928

Circus hudsonicus. MarsH HAwKk.—The writer has already made
record of the occurrence of this species at Long Point (1928a). From
one to six marsh hawks were seen daily as they hunted over the marshes,
and one might have been inclined to over-estimate their numbers if the
openness of their habitat and the resultant visibility had not been
considered. They nest on the drier, grassy islands of the marsh. One
nest which was found on June 4, 1927, contained five eggs in a rather
advanced state of incubation. Adult males and females were the usual
phases noted in spring and early summer, until the season when the
young of the year were on the wing, but some birds in the brown plumage
of immaturity were observed. A young male in the more or less brown

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 179

phase was collected on May 5, 1928. When collected, the feathers
possessed a marked amount of bloom most of which was lost while
handling the bird in preparation. There is still a slight amount of this
curious colour on the tertials. The feathers generally are abraded and
there appears to be no replacement in any area although the tertials
and some of the feathers of the dorsal region are not badly worn. It
would seem that this individual was entering its third summer.

One curious observation relative to the food habits of this species
was made on the specimen collected May 5. When shot it was feeding
on the plucked body of a red-headed woodpecker. Upon examining the
woodpecker it was found to be infected with fly eggs within the abdominal
cavity. The bird may have been captured and left for a time or perhaps
the marsh hawk had accepted a bird found dead. The time required to
pluck and partially consume the body would scarcely allow for fly
infection, especially early in the month of May.

An observation concerning the habits of this species, which is also
relative to feeding, is of especial interest. The following remarks relate
to a family under casual observation near our camp on Courtright ridge,
although similar observations have since been made elsewhere. When
the young marsh hawks first leave the nest they become scattered about
the wet flats and each in turn is searched out by the parent bird when the
latter returns with food. (So far as our field observations indicate,
the young are fed on small mammals, principally meadow mice.) For
the first few days the parent bird settles to offer the food. Soon the
eager young utilize their limited powers of flight by springing into the
air a few feet when the parent bird flies over at a low altitude. The food
is dropped and the young bird immediately retrieves it from the ground.
In a few more days, however, the young are more active and promptly
leave their low perch when the parent is seen approaching at a consider-
able distance. The adult was several times seen to fly, at a high altitude,
over the area where the young were located. The young, sometimes
only one, and at other times two or three, would rapidly gain altitude
until they were flying immediately below the adult. A mouse or similar
object would then be dropped by the parent and the young would catch
or attempt to catch the object in mid-air. Although this feat was
observed only three times, it appeared to be an established habit. Only
once out of the three observations was the object missed by the young,
which, however, did not attempt to retrieve it.

A performance such as related above, if it concerned certain species
other than the marsh hawk, might be interpreted as a kind of parental
training which has been evolved to aid young birds in capturing their
prey. With this species, the meaning of such behaviour is obscure.
The species usually secures its prey from the ground, more rarely striking

180 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

it down from the wing. It might be suggested that the development
of such a habit is most useful to the species in that it is a notable time-
saver. The time and energy required to hunt and capture food for
four or five (or more) young which are nearly adult in size, undoubtedly
places a heavy demand on the parent (or parents, the female only being
noted in the above observations) which must also secure food for its own
existence. Ina year of food scarcity the early development of precocity
in the young would be particularly important. One can readily ap-
preciate the value of the co-operation of the young as related above at
such a time, since the parent can uninterruptedly continue its foraging

for food. im. o May 5, 1998 Juv. o& July 15, 1927

Q June 23, 1927

Accipiter velox. SHARP-SHINNED HAwKk.—Although the species
occurs in the region at least as a migrant, it is apparent that it does not
occur in any such numbers as at Point Pelee, farther west (Taverner and
Swales, 1907 and 1908). We secured a specimen from Port Rowan
taken May 4, 1928, and another was seen on Ryerson’s island on May 6
of that year. These are the only records made by us during the two
periods of encampment on the point. Inthe notesof Mr. W. E. Saunders
he records having seen one in the region on May 31, 1908, and in his
published account of lighthouse destructions (1930) he mentions sharp-
shins moving along the point towards the end and seeing them coursing
about all day on September 11, 1930.

Im. & May 4, 1928

Accipiter cooperi. Coorrer’s HAwk.—Two records of occurrence
are made in the notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders; one was seen on August 25,
1918, at Port Rowan, and one on June 7 or 8, 1925, in the vicinity,
probably at Turkey Point.

Astur atricapillus atricapillus. GosHawKk.—The only record for
this species is a specimen, taken locally, in the collection of Mr. Wm.
Smith of Port Rowan. However, descriptions of hawks which visit the
area in the fall, as related to the writer by local sportsmen, suggest that
this species may occur frequently at that season.

Buteo borealis borealis. REp-TAILED HAwKk.—An interesting
specimen of this species was collected on Ryerson’s island on May 9,
1928. It is in worn first winter plumage, being approximately one year
old. The plumage is badly worn and bleached and at this date there is
only slight feather replacement among the scapulars and interscapulars.
The tail is very much faded, the background being a dirty buffy gray
while the ten narrow broken cross bars are faded brown.

A1g hhh pony

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 181

Our investigation on Long Point failed to establish this species as
resident there in summer and it is apparently rare in the vicinity on the

mainland. Im. 2 May 9, 1928

Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis. RouGH-LEGGED HAwK.—
Our only specimen is a skin reduced from a mount. It was taken a few
years ago in the Long Point marsh. In Mr. W. E. Saunders’ personal
notes he mentions having been shown two of these birds with ‘‘whitish
heads streaked with dusky and not the usual buff colour.’”’ The species

probably occurs in the region regularly in late fall.
Im. ? late October, 1924

Halisetus leucocephalus alascanus. NorTHERN BALD EAGLE.
—Early references show that this territory has been occupied by the
bald eagle since the time of settlement. Charles Durand (1897) men-
tions that ‘‘eagles’’ were noted there as early as 1827, and Need (1838)
speaks of the eagle being seen harassing the osprey there on July 12, 1832.
It has been recorded as a breeding species on Long Point by Halkett
(1898).

Long Point is one of the few remaining nesting areas of the bald
eagle in southern Ontario. A nest of the bald eagle on Ryerson’s island
has been a landmark in the district for years. During our visits to Long
Point in 1927 and 1928 the nest was occupied and young were reared
during the former year. The nest was situated approximately thirty-
five or forty feet up in a cottonwood, this particular nest having been
there for several years.

Certain of our observations, made in the summer of 1927, suggest
that another pair nests in the vicinity eastward from the lakeward end
of Squire’s ridge. We did not succeed in locating such a nest but the
behaviour of birds seen regularly in that section certainly indicated that
we were not far from a nest. Eagles were noted almost daily but this
was because of the close proximity of our camps to a nesting site. The
greatest number seen on a single day was five; the circumstances were
such that it was considered that no individual had been recorded twice.

Mr. Angus Buchanan has informed the writer that a pair of eagles
has nested on the mainland about two miles in from the lake, midway
between Port Ryerse and Fisher glen, for the past twenty years. Two
nests are present and these birds appear to occupy them on alternate
years.

From our casual observation about the nest on Ryerson’s island
and along the beach, this species feeds exclusively on dead fishes, many
of which are washed ashore after having been discarded by fishermen.
Hunters in the region state that these eagles sometimes take wounded
ducks in the fall. The general attitude of sportsmen in the region is

12—

182 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

favourable to eagles. They are unmolested and regarded with con-
siderable interest and the property regulations of the Long Point Com-
pany affords them virtual protection.

Falco rusticolus gyrfalco. GyrFraLcon.—A specimen of this
form in the collection of Mr. J. H. Fleming was taken at Long Point in
the autumn of 1893. This specimen has been recorded by Macoun (1909)
the same specimen having previously been recorded by him as Gr.
obsoletus (Macoun, 1903). The name here used, F. r. gyrfalco, is in
accordance with the A.O.U. check list of 1910.

Falco peregrinus anatum. Duck Hawk.—Mcllwraith (1866)
records the species as occurring at Long Point where it preys ‘‘chiefly
on that class of birds embraced under the general name of mud-hen’’.
An immature specimen taken locally was seen by the writer in the
collection of birds possessed by Mr. Wm. Smith of Port Rowan. Two
illustrations of this hawk are among the Pope paintings (Locke, 1917),
both of immature individuals. One picture is dated October 25, 1846.

Cerchneis sparveria sparveria. Sparrow HAawKk.—The rarity of
this hawk in summer is worthy of special note as one would expect that
it would occur in fair numbers in this region since there are considerable
areas of woodland adjacent to the cultivated land. One was seen by us
near the end of the point on July 19, 1927, and another was noted flying
across the flats on the lakeward end of Courtright ridge on July 23 of
the same year. Mr. R. V. Lindsay did not see it at Fisher glen during
July of 1927. The species was not recorded in the notes of Mr. W. E.
Saunders which were made on his several spring and fall visits to the
region since 1908.

Pandion haliztus carolinensis. OsprEy.—An early record of
this species has been made by Need (1838) who states under date of
July 12, 1832, that ospreys were observed being robbed of their food
by eagles. Apparently this hawk was established as a summer resident
at that date. At the present time it is not known to breed in the area
with which this paper is concerned. It has been seen, however, at a
rather late date for a spring migrant, June 7 or 8, 1925, by Mr. W. E.
Saunders, on Long Point bay.

Tyto alba pratincola. AMERICAN BARN OwL.—Howe (1902) has
recorded a specimen in the collection of the Museum of Comparative
Zoology, Cambridge, Mass. (No. 1482) which was taken on the point
in early November, 1899. Mr. Shelley Cook, former keeper of the
Long Point lighthouse, told us that a barn owl was shot on the end of the
point in the fall a few years ago. It has not been possible to trace this
specimen although it was saved, but it seems safe to consider it a record
distinct from the one mentioned above, since the year, given from
memory, was considerably later than 1899. In the notes of Mr. W. E.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 183

Saunders, he states that members of the life-saving crew formerly
stationed at the end of the point related that several were seen and shot
there in 1920 or 1921.

Asio wilsonianus. LONG-EARED OwL.—A few fresh feathers
which could not have been long removed from one of these owls were
picked up on Courtright ridge on June 25, 1927. We did not secure
further evidence of its occurrence until a specimen was collected on
May 22 of the following year. It is probably a rather rare resident
of the district. 2 May 22, 1928

Asio flammeus. SHORT-EARED OwL.—At least two pairs of these
owls were established on Snow island during the summer of 1927. Con-
siderable time was spent in attempting to establish a breeding record
of this species for Long Point and we were eventually successful when,
on June 15, 1927, Mr. John Edmonds secured a virtually flightless young
bird. The bird is in an interesting juvenile plumage which is character-
ized by the sooty facial mask and the rich reddish buff-coloured woolly
feathers of the belly and flanks. This is one of the few records which
establish the species as a breeding bird of Ontario.

We did not see this owl in the spring of the following year which
may be accounted for by the altered condition of the flats due to floods
the preceding fall. It may, however, have been present but unobserved
due to the quiescence demanded by nesting duties. There are extensive
areas apparently suited to this owl but we did not meet it elsewhere
than on Snow island.

Juv. ? June 15,1927. o& July 14, 1927

Cryptoglaux acadica acadica. Saw-wHET OwL.—In the notes
of Mr. W. E. Saunders he states that a former lighthouse keeper related
to him how numbers of these owls were captured on Long Point by
stretching a fishing net across pathways in the woods. Taverner and
Swales (1911) have previously related this interesting account. This
appears to be the only information relative to the saw-whet’s migrations
or movements on Long Point. We were successful in establishing the
species as a breeding bird in the region. Mr. John Edmonds collected
a juvenile specimen, not long out of the nest, near the south end of
Courtright ridge on July 6, 1927. This obscure little species could
easily be overlooked and the discovery of this specimen was of especial
interest and value to our collection.

Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) has figured the species, probably from a
local specimen, under date of July, 1859.

Juv. o& July 6, 1927

184 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Otus asio asio. ScreEecH OwL.—Probably a regular resident of
the region, but rather rare on the point proper. We heard it only once
during our visits there, the occasion being on the night of July 6, 1927,
while we were in camp on Courtright ridge. Macoun (1898) records it
for Long Point on June 2, 1898. Mr. Lindsay noted one at Fisher glen
during July, 1927.

Bubo virginianus virginianus. GREAT HoRNED OwL.—A resi-
dent of Long Point and probably of the wooded swamps of the adjacent
mainland. The species was seen occasionally throughout the summer
of 1927 and on one occasion, in May, 1928. No nests or young birds
were seen.

On May 31, 1927, two adult great horned owls were flushed from
the expansive treeless grass-flats on Snow island. It was mid-afternoon
and the day was sunny, the birds probably being at rest rather than
hunting at the time. The circumstances are peculiar, since the species
usually rests during the day in trees in heavily timbered areas.

Nyctea nyctea. Snowy OwLt.—The Long Point marshes are
usually invaded by snowy owls during the pronounced southern flights
of the species. Hunters told us that these owls may be observed on
muskrat houses in the marshes and that they sometimes feed upon
crippled ducks.

Baillie (1928) has recorded our observations on three individuals
which inhabited the marsh in May and June of 1927. They were
remnant birds from the widespread flight of the species which took place
during the fall and winter of 1926-27. The occurrence of these birds
at so late a date is of interest since it indicates that the species can subsist
in southern marshes and flats, remaining there until the nesting season
is upon them and although both sexes are doubtless present, they do
not become established there. Sporadic migrations seem to have little
or no effect in animal distribution. The latest date on which the species
was noted was June 18, the record being of an adult male (presumably)
which appeared to be in normal physical condition. No snowy owls
were seen after that date.

The interesting question arises as to what becomes of such birds
as these. By way of discussion it is suggested that in the case of the
snowy Owl we are dealing with a species in which the instinct for periodic
migrations is not highly developed. It does move beyond the southern
border of its summer range each fall, which indicates a tendency to
migrate, but it is not a migratory bird in a complete sense. The more
or less irregular appearance of the species at low latitudes must present
a problem to the species which, it would appear, cannot be coped with
by a slight inherent tendency to migrate. Nowadays, great numbers of
them are shot when they invade more southern, settled communities,

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 185

but as to the eventual fate of the survivors we can only conjecture.
With the approach of the nesting season and the resultant physiological
changes within the individual which would act as a stimulus to mating
impulses, each bird must become a wanderer without the inherent
directional instinct for regular and extended migrations. It would seem
that their arrival on distant breeding grounds would be more or less a
matter of accident.
? about November 4, 1925 o& about December 13, 1930

Coccyzus americanus americanus. YELLOW-BILLED CuCKOoo.—
It was difficult to form a very exact estimate of the comparative numbers
of this species and the next. It was discovered that the calls of the two
species could not always be distinguished. Certain of the calls, however,
appeared to be specific. Our records indicate that the yellow-billed
cuckoo is not as numerous as the black-billed cuckoo. We saw it
occasionally in suitable situations which were rather limited on the point.
Mr. R. V. Lindsay found it established on the mainland at Fisher glen
in the summer of 1927, and Mr. W. E. Saunders has also noted it during
visits to the region in late spring and early summer.

We found the species nesting on the point. One nest discovered by
Mr. John Edmonds was situated three feet from the ground in a button
bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) thicket. The nest contained three
young in the curious stage of plumage in which the feathers are well
developed but still sheathed. The young were quite active when
disturbed. They scrambled about the bush, using the wings and bill
for climbing. One young which was brought to our camp demonstrated
a remarkable reptile-like behaviour. When it was placed on the table
and one reached to pick it up, it erected its somewhat horny plumage
and emitted a buzzing hiss like the sound of bees escaping from a tunnel
in dry grass. This performance was certainly unbirdlike in all respects.
An egg of this cuckoo was found in the nest of the black-billed species.

oO June 21, 1927 Nestling @ July 6, 1927
Q June 21, 1927

Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. BLAcK-BILLED Cuckoo.—Our
earliest arrival date for this species is May 19, 1928. Fall migration
dates are afforded by two birds which struck Long Point light, one on
September 7 and another between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders,
1930). It was more common than the preceding, from one to five,
having been seen daily in summer when we were encamped in a suitable
area. It is also to be found on the adjacent mainland. The species
nests in the buttonbush thickets on the point as did also the yellow-billed.
A nest constructed in one of these thickets was found on June 24, 1927,
by Mr. John Edmonds. It was placed two and one-half feet above the

186 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

water and contained four fresh eggs of this species and one of the yellow-

billed cuckoo.
o June 4, 1927 ? June 24, 1927

Ceryle alcyon. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Generally distributed in
the region as a whole but not common on the point. Young leave the
nesting tunnel early in July and apparently follow the parent female to
suitable fishing areas. The sand banks on the south beach of the point
afford the most suitable situations in which to nest.

oO’ May 29, 1928 Juv. @ July 11, 1927

Dryobates villosus villosus. Harry WoopprEcKER.—Noted reg-
ularly in small numbers on the point and also to be found in suitable
situations on the mainland. The species breeds in the region, young
which had recently left the nest having been collected. The earliest
date on which young were observed was June 29, 1927.

2 June 4, 1927 Juv. @ July 4, 1927
o' June 23, 1927 Ble 2’s July 8, 1927
Juv. o& June 29, 1927 A o' July 11, 1927

OS Jaly Fee?

Dryobates pubescens medianus. Downy WoopPrECKER.—More
common than the hairy woodpecker by two or three to one according
to our records for the summer of 1927. From one to ten were seen daily
while we were stationed in a woodland camp. It is equally as common
on the adjacent mainland, and available records concerning this species
and the last indicate a larger proportion of downy woodpeckers there
than on the point. This would perhaps be expected since the smaller
species seems less disturbed by settlement. The earliest date on which
we observed young which had recently left the nest was July 4, 1927.

Q June 21, 1927 3juv. Y’s July 8, 1927

9 5 26: 1927 nao, hele, Lone

Q July 2, 1927 3 juv. o's. 2h 1ep7

Juv." = 3; 4, 1927 Juv. 2 4, 2a) 1927

JuvenY Sea 2juv. C's |, 23,4027
4 juny. O''s..,,. .. Bals27

Picoides americanus americanus. THREE-TOED WOODPECKER.
—A most unexpected record of this woodpecker was obtained when a
male specimen in the flesh was received at the Museum on May 25, 1928,
from Mr. G. W. Knechtel who secured it at Turkey Point on May 19,
1928. The record, particularly at this date, is very unusual and account-
ing for it is difficult. It does not seem possible that the species could
occur in the region as a relic member of the fauna. _It is more probably
an unusual and accidental winter visitant, the individual failing, through

some cause, to return to the north.
Oo’ May 19, 1928

aim *

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 187

Sphyrapicus varius varius. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER.—A
migrant in the region, passing through in spring before the time of our
earliest arrival. Eight struck the Long Point light on April 17 or 18,
1930, and four on April 20 or 21 of the same year. A belated migrant
was collected on May 12, 1928. A fall date of migration is given by
Saunders (1930), a sapsucker striking the light between September 24
and 29, 1929. It was not seen on the point in the summer of 1927,
and the name is not given in any late spring or summer list made on the

adjacent mainland by Mr. W. E. Saunders or others.
2 May 12, 1928

Phicotomus pileatus abieticola. NorTHERN PILEATED Woop-
PECKER.—In the notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders he records having heard a
pileated woodpecker in the Walsingham swamp and remarked that he
believes it was in 1926 or later. The wooded swamp referred to is
somewhat outside the area covered by our survey but Messrs. R. V.
Lindsay and F. H. Emery saw one on May 10, 1931, at Turkey Point
indicating that it may be found on rare occasions within the territorial
scope here considered.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus. RED-HEADED WOoOODPECKER.—A
fairly common nesting species in the district and a common migrant.
The first migrants noted were seen on May 4, 1928, and the latest date
on which individuals were seen that were very probably migrants, was
May 23 of the same year. Something of the migration of this species
has been related in the introduction to this paper. This diurnal migrant
also ‘‘falls prey’ to the lighthouse, one having been killed there on
May 19, 1926.

2 June 2, 1927 3 Nestling Q’s June 29, 1927
Nestling o June 29, 1927

Colaptes auratus luteus. NorTHERN FLICKER.—The resident
form, luteus, is the only one represented in our collection. The northern
representative, borealis, may occur as a migrant but we secured no
evidence to prove the supposition. Asa migrant the species is common,
it having been noted in the region at the time of our earliest arrival, on
April 30, 1928, and numbers continued to move past our Second island
camp until May 13. The last specimen noted, which was apparently
a transient bird, was seen on June 3, 1927. Remarks on this species in
migration are included in the introduction. The flight observed by
Mr. James Savage on September 30, 1930, was very remarkable, individ-
uals estimated to be from one to two hundred yards apart, forming a
scattered and straggling flock, passed in an almost steady stream through-
out the morning hours. The flicker is a fairly common nesting species
in wooded sections of the point and the adjacent mainland. Two

188 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

juvenile males collected on July 7, 1927, have a strong suffusion of red
in the feathers of their crowns.

Oo’ June 12, 1927 oO July 6, 1927
2juv. &’s June 26, 1927 2juv. O'’s July 7, 1927
9 July 4, 1927 Juv. 2 July 16, 1927

Antrostomus vociferus. Wuip-pooR-wiLL.—Heard on a few
occasions during May, 1928, but not seen or heard in the summer of 1927.
The point is not very well suited to the whip-poor-will at the present
time because of the cleared condition of the forest floor, but a few pairs
may be established there. In the early days it was probably more
common. Macoun (1898) records the species from the point but does
not state the numbers observed. The species is established in suitable
situations on the mainland, but according to available information it is
not very common.

Chordeiles virginianus virginianus. NiGHTHAWK.—Rather rare
on the point but more common on the mainland. The species appeared
to be established as a nesting bird on Ryerson’s island in 1927, but we
did not get definite information to prove the point. However, it is a
summer resident of the region generally.

Chetura pelagica. CHIMNEY SwiFT.—Our earliest record of the
species was made on May 15, 1928, but it no doubt arrives earlier than
this record would indicate. A few were seen at irregular intervals
throughout both periods of our visits to the point. It is more common
on the mainland than on the peninsula. We discovered a pair nesting

in the brick chimney of the keeper’s cabin at Breakwater in July, 1927.

Archilochus colubris. RuByY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD.—First
noted on May 9, 1928, which date is probably close to the usual spring
arrival date for the species according to our knowledge of its appearance
in contiguous areas. Humming-birds were observed regularly through-
out the spring periods spent on Long Point, but they were noted irreg-
ularly in summer. Records from the mainland indicate that it is
regularly distributed there in summer.

Q June 2, 1927

Tyrannus tyrannus. KING-BIRD.—Our earliest arrival date for
this species is May 6, 1928, king-birds being present in numbers from
that date on. A migration date for the fall was obtained from the
casualties at the lighthouse on September 7, 1929 (Saunders, 1930) when
two were killed. It is a fairly common summer resident of Long Point
and vicinity. Several nests were found during the summer at various
parts of the point, in apple (escaped), sycamore, and willow trees, from
eight to fifteen feet from the ground.

Oo May 26, 1927

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 189

Myiarchus crinitus. CRESTED FLYCATCHER.—First recorded in
1928 on May 4. Their numbers during the migration season did not
exceed those of summer at which time it was observed regularly and not
uncommonly. We secured evidence that it is a breeding bird on the
peninsula and it undoubtedly nests on the adjacent mainland also since
it occurs throughout that area in summer.

o' May 15, 1928 o' June 2, 1927
Q May 27, 1927 Oo June 24, 1927

Sayornis phebe. PHamsBr.—This early migrant was present on
our earliest arrival in the region, April 30, 1928, and it occurred casually
as a migrant until the middle of May of that year. One was killed by
the Long Point light on September 7, 1929 (Saunders, 1930). It isa
fairly common nesting bird on the mainland, but on the point it is rare
in summer; the latter area, probably does not offer many suitable
situations in which to nest. We found one nest in a small, dilapidated
building at Breakwater in 1927.

Q May 2, 1928

Nuttallornis borealis. OLIvE-sIDED FLYCATCHER.—Apparently
a rare migrant in the region. Two were seen on May 30, 1927, one of
which was collected. Q May 30, 1927

Myiochanes virens. Woop PEwEE.—Not seen by us until May 19
in 1928, although we visited wooded areas on several occasions prior
to that date; an earlier record (about May 14) was obtained from the
casualties at the Long Point light. They had arrived in numbers by
May 27 (1928). Casualties at the Long Point light in 1929 give fall
migration dates between September 7 and September 29 (Saunders,
1930).

Wood pewees are one of the most common summer resident and
nesting birds on Long Point. Taverner (1914) has noted a similar status
on the peninsula of Point Pelee.

3 May 27, 1927 o' July 4, 1927

Empidonax flaviventris. YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER.—The
earliest arrival date is about May 14 (lighthouse casualties) 1925, and
the latest spring record was made on June 1, 1924, by Mr. W. E. Saunders.
Although we identified only six of these birds in spring, the information
secured as a result of casualties at the lighthouse and observations of
Mr. Saunders indicate that this flycatcher occurs not uncommonly in
spring. The only information concerning its southward flight is from
a specimen killed at the light on September 25 or 26, 1929 (Saunders,
1930). This specimen, which is now in the R.O.M.Z. collection, exhibits
yellowish buff tips to the greater and median wing coverts, a character

190 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

usually attributed to the juvenile plumage but which may also be
possessed by adults in their winter plumage.

o' May 27, 1927 oO’ June 2, 1927

2 May 30, 1927 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Empidonax virescens. AcApIAN FLYCATCHER.—Two flycatchers

killed by the Long Point light about May 14, 1925, were examined by
Mr. W. E. Saunders on June 7. Needless to say the specimens could
not be preserved, but Mr. Saunders determined these birds as Acadian
flycatchers and they were recorded as such by Lewis (1927b).

Empidonax traillialnorum. ALDER FLYCATCHER.—At least two
alder flycatchers were picked up after a destruction which occurred at
the Long Point light about May 14, 1925. The majority probably come
northward after that date, but we did not see the species during either
one of the periods of our stay on the point. Some migratory dates for
the fall are indicated by specimens which struck the light on September 7,
1929 (Saunders, 1930). A specimen in the collection of Mr. W. E.
Saunders was secured from the casualty of September 25 or 26, 1929.

One of those puzzling individual specimens so well known to orni-
thologists is represented in the Museum’s Long Point collection. The
measurements of the specimen, a male, are as follows: Weight, 117 gms;
length, 141 mm; wing, 66 mm; tail, 59 mm; culmen, 11 mm. This
individual has been named E. trailli alnorum, although it is recognized
that the size is small—within the range of males of E. minimus.

o&' September 7, 1929 Im. o' September 7, 1929

Empidonax minimus. LrAst FLYCATCHER.—First noted on
May 38, 1928, when four individuals were seen. This appears to be a
fairly early arrival date. It was seen regularly from that date on
throughout May of that year being at its height in numbers between
May 17 and 22 during which time it was a common bird. Our latest
spring migration date is June 14, 1927. For some unknown reason the
species is virtually absent from the point as a summer resident. One was
noted on July 16, 1927, and again on July 23, but these were considered
early returning migrants or wanderers, since the species had not been
seen for over a month although we had been encamped during most
of that period in an area apparently suited to them. We have no record
of its occurrence in summer on the adjacent mainland, but it may be
present in spite of the fact that we did not see it about Port Rowan in
1927. Mr. R. V. Lindsay did not observe it at Fisher’s glen in July,
1927, and no summer occurrences on the mainland have been noted
by Mr. W. E. Saunders. Casualties at the Long Point light present a
late fall migration date, four least flycatchers having been destroyed
there on September 7, 1929. A note of possible interest concerns the

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 191

bird collected on July 16. It was uttering the characteristic ‘‘chebec’’
and proved to be a female.
Q May 26, 1927 Q july 16, 1927

Octocoris alpestris praticola. PRAIRIE HORNED LARK.—Mr.
W. E. Saunders has recorded the prairie horned lark in his personal notes
made at Turkey Point (May 17, 1925), at the base of Long Point (May 30,
1908) and at Port Rowan (May 31, 1908), from three to six having been
noted on each of these days. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd also noted the
species once at the base of Long Point and twice on the mainland near
Port Rowan in July, 1907. We have no records concerning the species
in other seasons within the area.

Cyanocitta cristata cristata. BLur JAy.—A rare summer resi-
dent of Long Point but more numerous on the mainland. On May 22,
1928, we saw four blue jays on Ryerson’s island, a restricted area which
was not occupied by this species during the previous summer. These
birds were probably wanderers or migrants and the example is an excellent
one to show the advantages of making observations on moving birds in
an isolated and restricted area where a knowledge of summer resident
species has previously been obtained.

Q May 12, 1928

Corvus corax principalis. NoRTHERN RAVEN.—A very early
record for the species has been made by Durand (1897) who remarks
on its occurrence at Long Point about the year 1827. A specimen taken
locally about thirty years ago is now in the collection of Mr. Wm. Smith
of Port Rowan. An illustration of the raven is among the Pope paintings
(Locke, 1917) and is dated November, 1859.

Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhnchos. Crow.—A common
species throughout the region. We usually found it nesting in the ever-
greens in the woods on the point in 1927. One nest was situated fifteen
feet from the ground in a lone red cedar tree which stood in an exposed
situation on top of the sand dune, bordering the south beach. Judging
by the situation, the parent birds depended on the open beach for much
of their foraging for food. Four well grown young occupied the nest
at the time, June 27.

On July 4, 1927, the writer discovered the tracks of crows leading
from one excavated turtle nest to another. The evidence was that the
crows followed up the depredations of carnivorous mammals, a fox in
the present case, and salvaged the remains of turtle eggs left by these
animals.

An amusing incident illustrating something of the character of crows
was observed by the writer on May 10, 1928. While well concealed in a
reed blind on the sand bar of Second island I watched a pair of crows

192 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

come over and settle within fifteen feet of the blind. Apparently any
suspicion of the blind itself had long since been allayed because of its
long standing in this situation. As the birds walked about they exhibited
that careful and at the same time careless dignity possessed by crows,
feeding at times on the carcass of a dead fish at the water’s edge. At first
I remained motionless, fearing that a sound from the blind would send
them off in haste. However, the sound of slight movements in the dry
reeds inside my shelter did not particularly attract their attention.
I then attempted to experiment with their nerves to ascertain whether
certain movements might be interpreted as due to the presence of danger.
I stuck a stiff, dry stalk of rush through the top of the blind which was
open, and rattled it fiercely. The crows cocked their heads on one side
and eyed this unusual occurrence skeptically, but did not appear alarmed.
The same thing was repeated but their reaction was that of little interest.
I whistled various bird-calls from the blind. They were mildly interested
but not alarmed even at my poor imitations. Presently, while I was
thinking of what to do next, a small band of yellowlegs came over.
I had been hoping for these and instantly rose to my feet with head
and shoulders out of the blind and fired at the nearest yellowlegs. The
surprise to the two crows must have been great. When I turned, they
were dashing away across the marsh in a direct, silent and speedy manner.
After getting perhaps a hundred yards distant (out of gun range!) their
voices broke out in loud staccato cries, seeming to proclaim to the world
the closeness of their escape and also to explain by what courage and
generalship they had avoided danger.
Juv. o June 21, 1927

Sturnus vulgaris. StTaritinc.—Established on Ryerson’s island
as a nesting species in 1927. Also known to be generally distributed
along the adjacent mainland. The species probably invaded the general
region for the first time in 1921 (Lewis, 1927a), but was not recorded
from there until 1923.

From July 1 to the end of our stay in 1927 we noted flocks of starlings
making daily trips eastward along the point in the early morning and
back again in the evening. They appeared in specific flocks or associated
with grackles and red-winged blackbirds. From nine to sixty were
noted on several of the occasions on which we attempted to determine
the starling numbers in these blackbird flocks.

Juv. ? May 30, 1927

Dolichonyx oryzivorus. BosBoLink.—Bobolinks are common
birds in summer on the adjacent mainland, but they apparently do not
find suitable nesting grounds on the point. Their spring migration was
under way on Long Point on May 4, 1928, and did not cease until
May 25. A usual date of arrival in spring is probably about the first

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 193

of May. Macoun (1898) records the species as having been seen on
Long Point on June 13, 1898. Bobolinks may have been resident on the
point at that date, or the observation may have concerned wandering
birds. The earliest southward movement in the summer of 1927 was
noted on July 11, two having been seen, after which they became in-
creasingly conspicuous. Flocks visited the wet, grassy flats of Long
Point to feed. These birds were too wild to be easily collected so that
we had little success in attempting to get males in changing plumage,
but the one we did secure showed some replacement of nuptial dress
in the ventral tracts and in the crown, interscapulars, and the greater
wing coverts. The two females secured did not show obvious replace-
ment.

Late fall dates are available through records of casualties at the
lighthouse. Thirty-two bobolinks were destroyed there on September 7,
five on September 9 and one between September 24 and 29, 1929
(Saunders, 1930).

2 Q’s July 21, 1927 oO July 23, 1927

Molothrus ater. Cowsirp.—A common migrant in spring and a
fairly common summer resident of the point and adjacent mainland.
The earliest available spring record is April 17 or 18, 1930, a bird having
been killed by the Long Point light at that time, but it doubtless appears
in the region two or three weeks earlier. Judging from our knowledge
of its appearance in contiguous areas, it perhaps usually arrives the first
week of April.

Oo June 8, 1927 Juv. 2 June 29, 1927

Agelaius phceeniceus phceniceus. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.—
The species doubtless arrives in early March in this region. It was
present in numbers on April 30, 1928. It certainly appears to be more
common and generally distributed in spring than in summer, perhaps
due to the presence of transient individuals as well as those which will
remain to nest, and also because nesting concentrates these birds into
certain chosen sections of the extensive marshes, large and small, of the
point and mainland. Nests with full complements of eggs are to be
found by mid-May, but the majority of redwings appear to nest some-
what later than that, and it seems apparent that two broods are reared
in this region. Two interesting nests of this species were found in 1927.
One was somewhat out of the ordinary since it was situated in the crown
of a hummock of grass on a rather dry section of Snow island, somewhat
removed from the marsh, and apparently it stood alone rather than with
others. The other, which was at least unusual for Long Point, was
situated five feet up in a dog-wood shrub in a wet section of fairly dense
woods on Ryerson’s island. Red-winged blackbirds usually place their
nests in rush or reed beds in the marshes of this region.

194 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

This species congregated in flocks by July 1, 1927, and was observed
making daily visits toward the end of Long Point. These flocks could
be seen flying eastward over our camp in the early hours of morning,
flock after flock coming from the direction of the main marsh, west and
north of Courtright ridge, and going out of sight to the east. In the
evening between six and eight o’clock they returned. The whole flight,
taking place in a spasmodic fashion, would require an hour or so to pass.
We could not ascertain from whence these birds came or where they
were going, but it would appear that birds from the main marsh and
from the marshes on the mainland collected and scattered over the
smaller marshes toward the end of the point to feed during the day.
At night they probably sought some part of the main marsh in which
to roost.

Our use of reed or rush blinds proved a method unequalled from
the standpoint of watching birds at close quarters. Incidental observa-
tions were made in this way which gave one a true picture of the natural
behaviour of many species. Even the common red-winged blackbird
became a new study under such conditions. The writer observed this
species for a considerable time at a distance of no more than three feet
and saw with what dexterity they used their bills in searching for food.
Bits of debris were ‘‘rooted’’ over or pushed to one side, these objects
being turned and moved with ease during the birds’ minute search for
acceptable morsels. One bird attempted to bath in a small pool near
the blind but found the water beyond the ideal depth for the performance.
Reaching up, it grasped a small willow sprout in its bill and drew it over.
In an instant the bird was perched upon the recumbent sprout, and
finding its elevation to be satisfactory, proceeded to dip and wet its
plumage. The alternate dipping, spattering, fluffing and preening were
all carried on within arms-length of the writer’s face.

May 26, 1927 Im. co June 14, 1927

QO) o May: 27,4927 Juv. 2 June 15, 1927

2 o's May 28, 1928 o' June 24, 1927
Q May 28, 1928 QO. Tuly 8, 1927
Juve'O > May 'B1 1097 Juv. 2? July 4, 1927

O° unmet 2; 1927

Sturnella magna magna. MEADOWLARK.—A rare summer resi-
dent on Long Point, but fairly common on the adjacent mainland.
We found at least two pairs, with broods of young, which were certainly
established on the point. These were found in an extensive burnt and
cleared area near the Bluffs. The species was observed, however, on
the point near the base in a comparatively dry area bordering the
marsh, on July 19, 1927. It may have been established there.

On July 17, 1927, a meadowlark was observed in a large flock of red-
winged blackbirds flying over our camp on Courtright ridge.

Q July 1, 1927

}
)
|
|

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 195

Icterus spurius. ORCHARD ORIOLE.—Nash (1908) states that he
found the species regularly in Norfolk county. It is established more or
less irregularly on the mainland adjacent to Long Point, Mr. W. E.
Clyde Todd noting it as numerous about orchards and shade trees near
Port Rowan in 1907. Apparently it occurs only as a migrant on the
point. It is a late migrant according to our records. Mr. W. E.
Saunders noted it at Port Rowan on May 31, 1908, and we collected a
specimen on June 2, 1927. 4 June 2, 1997

Icterus galbula. BALTIMORE ORIOLE.—Our earliest record con-
cerning the arrival of this species in spring was May 7, 1928. It did not
appear in numbers, however, until the middle of the month. It is a
common nesting bird on the point and the adjacent mainland, from one
to ten having been seen daily during the summer of 1927.

Oo’ May 81, 1927 Juv, (2?) Jaly'3; 1927
Q May 31, 1927

Euphagus carolinus. Rusty BLAcKBIRD.—Four rusty black-
birds were killed by striking the Long Point light on April 17 or 18, 1930,
and two were destroyed there on April 20 or 21 of the same year. The
species probably arrives somewhat earlier than these dates indicate and
their flight probably continues throughout April. We did not record
the species during our visit there in the spring of 1928 (April 30 and
through May). No information is available relative to the species in
the fall.

Quiscalus quiscula seneus. BRoNzZED GRACKLE.—A common
migrant and also a fairly common nesting species on Long Point and
the adjacent mainland. We found it nesting on a few occasions and
it is apparent that the species prefers vine-covered trees in this region.
Grackles appeared in flocks during the first week of July, 1927, and
were noted in great numbers, as described elsewhere in this paper in
connection with the red-winged blackbird. Sometimes grackles were
associated with the red-wings in flocks. These flocks doubtless increase
in numbers as the fall approaches. Mr. Saunders estimated the numbers
in a flock at five thousand, the observation having been made on August
25, 1918, at Port Rowan.

Juv. o&' May 27, 1927 Juv. o& June 8, 1927
Q June 7, 1927 o' June 14, 1927
2 o’’s June 8, 1927

Carpodacus purpureus purpureus. PuRPLE Fincu.—A speci-
men forwarded to the Museum by Mr. Munroe Landon, in November,
1929, had been picked up dead on the shore of Long Point bay. The bird
which was in good condition was preserved and is now in the Museum’s
collection. It is our only record for the region.

2 about November 7, 1929

196 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Loxia curvirostra minor. CrossBILL.—A specimen of this species
was picked up on the roadway near Turkey Point on May 10, 1931, by
Mr. R. V. Lindsay. The bird had been badly damaged by motor cars
but diagnostic parts are preserved in the Museum’s collection and it
constitutes our only record of the species for the region.

? May 10, 1931

Passer domesticus. House Sparrow.—This species does not
find suitable territory on the point except at the extreme end where the
habitation of the lightkeeper and other buildings afford it a habitat.
On May 2 and 5, 1928, we observed this species on Second island, and
once again on May 18. These few individuals were wanderers since
they were not seen there again nor had they been observed there during
the summer of 1927. House sparrows are, of course, plentiful about
towns and farmhouses on the mainland.

Q July 19, 1927

Astragalinus tristis tristis. Go LprincH.—First noted by us on
May 9, 1928; a week later it had become quite common and of regular
occurrence. It is not an uncommon nesting bird on the point and on
the adjacent mainland, where it is equally, if not more numerous.

Q June 2, 1927 oO’ June 25, 1927

Pocccetes gramineus gramineus. VESPER SPARROW.—Three
vesper sparrows struck the lighthouse on April 17 or 18, 1930. We were
present early enough to obtain a late spring migration date for this
species in 1928, the date being May 8, one bird having been collected.
So far as we could ascertain this sparrow does not now inhabit the point
in summer, but it is a common bird of the adjacent mainland. Macoun
(1898) however, notes the species as having occurred on the point on
June 21, 1898. Mr. R. V. Lindsay found two nests with four and three
eggs respectively during the first two weeks of July, 1927, at Fisher glen.

Q May 3, 1928

Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. SAVANNAH SPARROW.—
This species which normally arrives in southern Ontario in early April
was still to be found as a migrant on Long Point in May, 1928, the last
having been noted on May 21. Savannah sparrows are regularly
destroyed by the Long Point light in the spring and in the fall. Forty-
four were noted by Mr. Lorne Brown, the present keeper, which had
been killed between April 17 and 19, 1930, and eighty-three were
destroyed between September 24 and 29, 1929. The point apparently
does not offer suitable habitat for this species except at the base, but it is
a common summer resident of the adjacent mainland.

An adult male specimen killed at the Long Point light on September
25 or 26, 1929, is of interest. It is a large, dark bird which shows white

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 197

on the lores and along the superciliary stripes rather than yellow, and
there is remarkably little buff in the plumage for the season. The
measurements of this specimen are as follows: weight, 21.7 gms; length,
155 mm.; wing, 75 mm.; tail, 61 mm.; culmen, 10.5 mm.

Q May 3, 1928 2? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Q_ May 17, 1928 Im. o Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

co Sept. 25 or 26,1929 2Im. ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Ammodramus savannarum australis. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
—The earliest arrival date for this species is May 14, 1925, a bird having
struck the Long Point light on that date. We secured a specimen on
May 17, 1928. A fall date is given by Saunders (1930) who records a
specimen which struck the light between September 24 and 29, 1929.

During the summer of 1927 we made on observation which seemed
to suggest that this species was established one the point. On June 14,
Mr. Baillie and the writer observed a sparrow in an open glade in the
woods of Ryerson’s island which, although it could not be collected,
appeared to both of us as being of this species. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd
noted one in the region during July, 1907. It is known to be established
in summer at Fisher glen where it was observed by Mr. W. E. Saunders
on July 21, 1927, and also on a number of occasions by Mr. R. V. Lindsay
during July of the same year.

Co May 17, 1928

Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi. HENsLow’s SPARROW.—
Although the form occurring at Long Point is probably referable to
occidenialis, material for comparison has not been available. The name
P.h. henslowi has therefore been used provisionally and is in accord
with the stated distribution of forms in the 1910 edition of the A.O.U.
Check List.

An extensive colony of this species was established in the wet,
grassy flats between Courtright ridge and Squire’s ridge during the
summer of 1927. Examination of specimens collected, and an observa-
tion made by Mr. Baillie on July 14, when a bird was seen carrying some
material in its beak, leaves no doubt that these birds were nesting there,
but we were unsuccessful in finding a nest in the limited time for such
work. The opportunity of observing this sparrow in a characteristic
summer habitat was full of interest. Its simple song, ‘‘tsr’slick’’, and
brief, deceptive, butterflylike flight, when heard and seen for the first
time, or at least on rare occasions, constitute a memorable experience.

o' June 24, 1927 Oo July 14, 1927

Q June 27, 1927 2 o's July 23, 1927
oO July 7, 1927

13=

198 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.
—The date of the earliest arrival of this sparrow so far as ascertained
is April 18 or 19, 19380, a specimen having struck Long Point light at
that time. Our earliest record in 1928 was made on May 3. Only a few
birds were noted on that date but by the middle of the month they
became more numerous; in fact, on May 15, they were recorded on our
charts as ‘‘very common’’, a status accorded few species. The spring
migration continued until May 21, three birds having been noted by us
on that date. In the fall we have but a single record, that of Saunders
(1930) who lists seventeen specimens killed at the light between Sept-
ember 24 and 29, 1929.

o' May 3, 1928 Im. 9 Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
co May 10, 1928 Im. ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
2 o's Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Zonotrichia albicollis. | WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.—A single
white-throat was picked up at the lighthouse by Mr. Lorne Brown after
a destruction of birds there on April 17 or 18, 1930. Three others were
found which had been killed on April 18 or 19. It doubtless appears in
increasing numbers, reaching its height about May 19 according to our
observations in 1928. This date is about one week earlier than that
on which the white-crowned sparrow reached its maximum numbers.
Their migration is practically over by May 18, but we saw individual
birds on May 22 and May 27, 1928. A fresh specimen was washed up
on the beach on May 31, 1927.

An unusual record of a singing white-throat was made on July 16,
1927. The bird was heard and seen in the woods on Courtright ridge
but we were not fortunate enough to secureit. This occurrence in mid-
summer is of particular interest since the individual was considerably
astray from a known breeding area and was apparently in normal
physical condition. White-throats migrate southward in numbers
during September and sixteen were destroyed at the lighthouse on
September 24 or 25, 1929 (Saunders, 1930).

QQ May 2, 1928 Im. oOo Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Im. @ about May 31, 1927 Im. 2 Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
o' Sept. 25 or 26, 1929 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Spizella monticola monticola. TREE SPARROW.—Tree sparrows
had largely passed northward at the time of our earliest arrival in the
region, April 30, 1928. Although we noted them as fairly common on
May 2, no others were seen after that date. The earliest record has
been obtained from lighthouse casualties, four having been destroyed
there on April 17 or 18, 19830. We have no information relative to the
occurrence of the species in the region in fall or winter.

2 o's May 2, 1928

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 199

Spizella passerina passerina. CHIPPING SPARROW.—The spring
movement of this species was largely concluded by the end of April in
1928, but we noted one bird on May 3 which was evidently a migrant.
It is one of the most common breeding birds of the wooded parts of
Long Point and also of the adjacent mainland.

So May 3, 1928 2 juv. 2’s July 4, 1927
oO June 4, 1927

Spizella pusilla pusilla. FirLp SPARROW.—We were not success-
ful in discovering this species established on Long Point in summer,
but it is to be found sparingly on the adjacent mainland. <A migrant
individual was observed on May 1 and two were noted on May 10 in 1928.

oS’ May 10,1928

Junco hyemalis hyemalis. SLATE-cOLORED JUNco.—A common
migrant, still present in numbers when we arrived in the region in 1928.
It was common until May 4, after which its numbers dropped rather
abruptly, the last normal migrant having been noted on May 9. An
injured bird was secured as late as May 27, in 1927. Their northward
movement in April has been shown by casualties at the lighthouse,
fourteen having been killed on April 17 or 18, seven on April 18 or 19
and eight on April 20 or 21, 1930. Unfortunately we have no information
concerning the junco in fall or winter.

Q May 2, 1928 Q = May 27, 1927

Peuczea estivalis bachmani. BacHMAN’s Sparrow.—A female
collected on Ryerson’s island on May 6, 1928, is apparently the second
specimen taken in Canada (Snyder, 1929). This record was one of the
surprises of bird collecting on the point and such records hold considerable
interest. If individuals of typically southern forms, through some cause
or another, overfly their mark in migrating northward, they probably
fail to establish themselves as resident species in most cases. But if
conditions are suitable, and individuals of both sexes find themselves
in new territory at the breeding season, they may establish themselves
temporarily or for an extended period. Such might be the case with
Bachman’s sparrow in the Long Point region. The changing physical
conditions through advancing civilization are undoubtedly making
possible acquisition of new territory on the northern periphery of the
range of several species. 2 May 6, 1928

Melospiza melodia melodia. Sonc Sparrow.—It was difficult
to detect migratory movements in this species since it arrives much
earlier than our records start. It probably arrives in March. Two
April records are given among lighthouse casualties—one bird killed on
April 18 or 19 and two killed on April 20 or 21, 1980. This latter record

200 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

indicates that the species is still on the move through the region at a
date near that of our arrival, April 30 (1928), and our observations on
Second island, where estimates of population could be fairly accurately
made, indicated that the song sparrow population did not drop to summer
numbers until the second week of May. This lessening of individuals
observed was apparently not associated with nidification duties which
requires the more or less inactivity of one half of the resident population,
since a further reduction, attributed to this cause, was noted about
May 21. Further evidence was secured on this latter point by finding
an incomplete set of three eggs of the species, the first noted in 1928,
on May 18. This nest was of interest as regards its location since it was
placed in a loose roll of dry nightshade vines which had been left exposed
on the bare mud flats near Second island, presumably by the wind and
waves which scoured the marsh on December 8, 1927. The song sparrow
is a common nesting species in suitable situations on the point and
adjacent mainland.

Our collection of skins exhibits a marked uniformity and the birds
are by comparison identical with those found in southern Ontario

generally.

June 12, 1927
June 14, 1927
June 26, 1927
July 1, 1927
July 7, 1927
July 11, 1927
July 14, 1927
July 14, 1927
July 21, 1927

Q May 2, 1928 Juv.
o' May 7, 1928
oO May 8, 1928

2 2’s May 12, 1928 Juv.
co May 19, 1928
Q May 26, 1927
Q = May 27, 1927
Q = May 29, 1927 Juv.
o' May 30, 1927

2 o's June 12, 1927

Dy WA A A A 40 Q, 10

Melospiza lincolni lincolni. LincoLn’s SpaRRow.—Our records
of this species in 1928 are perhaps worthy of complete enumeration since
Lincoln’s sparrow is rarely seen during migration in southern Ontario.
A single bird was noted on May 17, six on May 18, three on May 19,
four on May 20, two on May 21 and four on May 22. These observa-
tions were all made on Second and Ryerson’s islands. The dates
probably set the usual time of spring occurrence of the species in this
region, although an earlier date is shown by lighthouse casualties, two
having been destroyed about May 14, 1925 (Lewis, 1927b). Fall migra-
tion dates are shown by the destruction of two on September 9, 1929,
and ten between September 24 and 29 of the same year (Saunders, 1930).

oO May 17, 1928 o' May 22, 1928
Q- May 21, 1928 Q about Sept. 26, 1929

Melospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow.—This species probably

arrives in early April, but our earliest record is of three birds killed at the

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 201

lighthouse on April 17 or 18, 1930. We noted it fairly commonly in
May, 1928, until the 18th, in situations that suggested that these birds
were still moving through the region. Substantiation of this is given
by the destruction of three birds, undoubtedly migrants, at the lighthouse
on May 19, 1926. The species is not a plentiful summer resident,
but Mr. W. E. Saunders has noted it at Turkey Point in the breeding
season and we found a few here and there on Long Point where it breeds.
A fall date of migration is given by lighthouse casualties, three having
been killed between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders, 1930).
oO June 12, 1927 2 o'’s June 24, 1927

Passerella iliaca iliaca. Fox SparRow.—-Fox sparrows probably
pass through the Long Point region in the greatest numbers in early
April. Twenty struck the lighthouse on April 17 or 18, eight on April 18
or 19, and four on April 20 or 21, 1930. We found stragglers passing
through at the time of our arrival there on April 30, 1928, the last record
being of an individual collected on May 4. We have not been able to
secure accurate information relative to the occurrence of the species
in the region in the fall.

QQ May 2, 1928 ? = May 4, 1928

Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythropthalmus. TowHErr.—This
early migrant was still on the move in May, 1928, and we recorded a
few regularly until past mid-May, the last—two birds—were seen on the
twentieth. It is an extremely rare summer resident of the point, only
two having been seen in 1927, but it is not uncommon on the adjacent
mainland. Mr. R. V. Lindsay found a nest with four eggs at Fisher glen
in July, 1927.

Oo June 12, 1927 Q July 8, 1927

Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis. CarpbinaL.—This species has
not found suitable conditions on the point proper, probably because of
the absence of thickets and vines for cover, but at least one pair was
established on Ryerson’s island where undergrowth is plentiful. Condi-
tions on the adjacent mainland are apparently more suitable, since it has
increased during the past few years. Mr. Angus Buchanan who has
made yearly trips to Fisher glen has informed the writer that in April,
1922, he saw one cardinal. Annual visits were made at the same
season and the number of cardinals seen increased, twenty-five having
been noted in April, 1929. Mr. R. V. Lindsay also observed a number
of them at Fisher glen in July, 1927, and found a nest there and Mr.
W. E. Saunders has seen the species at Turkey Point and at Port Rowan.

o' June 7, 1927

202 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Hedymeles ludovicianus. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.—First
noted as a migrant on May 12, 1928, after which it was seen regularly,
but rather uncommonly, until May 22. Representatives of this species
have been destroyed by the light between these spring dates. A bird
seen on Ryerson’s island, May 30, 1927, may have been a migrant or
established as a summer resident bird. It was not noted on the point
again in the summer of 1927. It is apparently not numerous as a summer
resident species on the mainland, but Mr. W. E. Saunders has noted it
at Port Rowan. Four were destroyed at the lighthouse during their
souther: migration between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders, 1930).

Co May 17, 1928 Q about Sept. 26, 1929
co’ May 18, 1928

Passerina cyanea. INpIiGoO BuNnTING.—First noted as a migrant
on May 20, 1928. The species is not an uncommon breeding bird on
the point, but it is more common on the mainland. The sparseness of
undergrowth is probably a controlling factor in their numbers on Long
Point. One nest found on Courtright ridge was situated two feet from
the ground, attached to thistle and fireweed stalks, the only available
cover in the vicinity. This nest contained three newly-hatched young
and one egg on July 12, 1927. Mr. R. V. Lindsay found the species
nesting in dwarf juniper at Fisher glen in July, 1927. Indigo buntings
are moving southward in late September as attested by lighthouse
casualties (Saunders, 1930) five having been picked up after destructions
between September 24 and 29, 1929.

J May 20, 1928 J July 22, 1927
Co May 27, 1927 ? ~=Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q June 21, 1927 3 Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Piranga erythromelas. ScARLET TANAGER.—The earliest arrival
date in the available records is about May 14, 1925. Fifteen specimens
of this species were destroyed by the light at that time. Two
were seen at Turkey Point on May 17, 1925, by Mr. W. E. Saunders.
They occur regularly as migrants on the point until May 27, one having
been noted on that date in 1927. Transient individuals are probably
present in the region until the first of June. The species is to be found
in certain areas of the adjacent mainland in summer, but not on the
point. A similar distribution exists in the Point Pelee region according
to Taverner (1914). Mr. R. V. Lindsay noted several at Fisher glen
in July, 1927. A scarlet tanager was destroyed at the lighthouse on
September 7, 1929, and fourteen others were killed between September
24 and 29 of that year.

Oo May 22, 1928 Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Im. @ Sept. 7, 1929 Im. Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
o' Sept. 25 or 26, 1929 Im. ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 203

Progne subis subis. PurrPLeE MArtIN.—This early migrant was
present in numbers at Port Rowan when we arrived on April 30, 1928,
and we were informed that it had returned about the first of April that
year. Mr. J. Biddle of Port Rowan stated that it usually returns early
in the second week of April. Although we saw a few martins regularly
throughout both periods of our stay on Long Point we had no reason
to suspect that the species nested elsewhere on the point than at ‘‘The
Cottages’’, where nesting boxes have been provided. The species nests
commonly about Port Rowan and also at other settlements along the
adjacent mainland shore. J May 26, 1927

Petrochelidon lunifrons lunifrons. Ciirr SwaL_Low.—The
earliest record for the area is that of Macoun (1898) who recorded this
species at the point on June 3, 1898. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd saw several
around Port Rowan in July, 1907, and on July 13 he records having
seen an adult bird feeding a young one east of the town. The species
does not appear on any of the lists made by Mr. W. E. Saunders during
his several visits to the region, and our party did not note it in 1927 or
1928. It may, however, still be present as a summer resident of the
region although the species is more or less subject to a fluctuation or
general reduction of numbers.

Hirundo erythrogastra. BARN SwALLow.—A common breeding
bird of the region. Isolated pairs nest about buildings on the point and
occur in greater numbers on the adjacent mainland. Barn swallows
appeared to be more common on the point after the first of July when
young birds that had left the nest became conspicuous as they foraged
over the open expanse of marsh.

Co’ May 27, 1927

Iridoprocne bicolor. TREE SwALLow.—An early migrant which
reached the region of Long Point in spring prior to our earliest arrival,
April 30, 1928. Numbers remain in the district to breed, and we found
them well distributed throughout the area. They are seen in the
greatest numbers after the first of July when small open flocks begin to
appear. As the season advances their numbers are augmented by new
broods and perhaps by birds from adjacent territory.

Oo May 81, 1927 -NestlingQ June 21, 1927

Riparia riparia. BANK SwALLow.—The earliest record was made
on May 1, 1928, when one bird was noted. A few were seen on May 5
after which they were of regular occurrence, increasing in numbers up to
May 26, a date when they were ‘‘very common’’. The species is present
in numbers throughout the summer. They nest in suitable situations
in the sand banks bordering the south beach of Long Point and in certain

204 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

places on the mainland. Mr. R. V. Lindsay found them nesting in
hundreds at Fisher glen in 1927. Flocks congregate during the first week
of July, the number and compactness increasing as the season advances.
On July 12, 1927, Mr. Baillie and Mr. Edmonds observed an enormous
flight of these birds near Second island. The flock, estimated at twenty
thousand birds, was trying to proceed northward against a strong gale
which was blowing across the bay. They flew in a long, dense flock and
although they made poor headway against the storm, they fought it out
on the wing, the flight having been in sight for fully half an hour.
CO' June 4, 1927

Stelgidopteryx serripennis. ROUuGH-WINGED SWALLow.—Our
only records for this species were obtained from the notes of Mr. W. E.
Saunders, who saw two birds at Turkey Point on May 17, 1925, and nine
on Long Point on June 1, 1924. It is quite probable that the species is
established in the region as a regular summer resident.

Bombycilla cedrorum. CEDAR Waxwinc.—Although this species
probably occurs throughout the year in the Long Point region, we did
not see it in May, 1928, until the fifteenth. It was observed moving
about in flocks throughout the first two weeks of June, 1927. It became
more settled after that date. A few were noted daily for the remainder
of the summer.

o' June 8, 1927 Q June 12, 1927
Q June 8, 1927

Lanius ludovicianus migrans. MIGRANT SHRIKE.—Not seen by
us on Long Point and apparently scarce on the mainland. Mr. W. E.
Saunders noted one at Turkey Point on May 17, 1925.

Vireosylva olivacea. RED-EYED VIREO.—Our earliest record was
made on May 14, 1925, thirty-two birds having been destroyed on that
date at the Long Point light (Lewis, 1927b). We noted it as a migrant
on May 19, 1928, and again on May 22, the latter date probably being
near the close of their northward spring movement. This vireo is one
of the common summer residents of the point and adjacent mainland.
We found it nesting in the lower branches of sugar maples and also in
witch-hazel shrubs. The species migrates through and from the region
during September, one hundred and nine having been picked up about
the Long Point light after the destruction of September 7, twenty-six on
September 9 and forty-one between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders,
1930).

Q June 2, 1927 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Oo July 4, 1927 Im. oc Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929 Im. 9 _ Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

ec at te

eae eee ee

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 205

Vireosylva philadelphica. PHILADELPHIA VIREO.—Fourteen
individuals of this species were destroyed by the Long Point light on
May 14, 1925 (Lewis, 1927), this being our earliest date for the species
in spring. A specimen collected on Ryerson’s island on May 22, 1928,
and one collected on May 27, 1931, at Turkey Point by Mr. D. A.
MacLulich, give us our only spring records other than the above. This
vireo migrates southward in September, one having been found at the
foot of the lighthouse after the destruction on September 7, one on
September 9, and two between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders,
1930). This vireo is apparently a rather plentiful transient in the region.

oO’ May 22, 1928 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
? May 27, 1931

Vireosylva gilva gilva. WaARBLING ViIREO.—On May 5, 1928, the
writer, while employed within a camp building on Second island, heard
the warbling song of a bird outside and my first impression was that
it was the song of a purple finch. When I reached the outside, however,
the bird had disappeared, but the sound was still vivid in my mind and
I realized that I had been listening to a warbling vireo. Mr. W. E.
Clyde Todd noted quite a number of warbling vireos about Port Rowan
in July, 1907. We did not see it on the point during the summer of 1927.

Lanivireo flavifrons. YELLOW-THROATED VirREO.—Mr. W. E.
Clyde Todd saw a yellow-throated vireo near Port Rowan on July 15,
1907. Our only observation of this species was that of a bird seen on
Ryerson’s island on May 30, 1927. Our knowledge of the general
distribution of this species in southern Ontario suggests that it should be
found as a more or less rare summer resident in the region.

Lanivireo solitarius solitarius. BLUE-HEADED VIREO.—Our
earliest record of this rather uncommon migrant in spring was of an
individual noted on May 10, 1928, the latest, May 27, of the same year.
Lewis (1927b) has recorded an individual bird which struck the light
on May 14, 1925. A fall date of migration is given by Saunders (1930),
a specimen having struck the lighthouse between September 24 and 29,
1929. Apparently the species is not a plentiful migrant.

Q May 22, 1928

Mniotilta varia. BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER.—The earliest
spring arrival date according to our records is May 6, 1928, four having
been noted. It was a regular and not uncommon migrant until May 18,
1928, on Long Point. A later date, May 19, 1926, is available since
seven birds were destroyed at the lighthouse on that date. Mr. R. V.
Lindsay saw four between July 4 and 16, 1927, Mr. W. E. Saunders saw
one at Turkey Point on June 7 or 8, 1925, and Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd
noted a few in the woods about Port Rowan in July, 1907, indicating that
this warbler is not a rare summer resident of sections of the mainland.

206 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Mr. Angus Buchanan has informed the writer that the species bred at
Fisher glen in 1926. We did not observe it on Long Point in summer.
In September the species is again migrating through the region. The
following lighthouse casualties were recorded by Saunders (1930), five

on September 7, two on September 9, and two between September 24

. ( A
and 29, 1929. Q May 9, 1928

Vermivora chrysoptera. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER.—Mc-
Ilwraith (1886) has recorded having heard of this species being noticed
at Port Rowan. We have three records of more recent date; one bird
was seen by Mr. W. E. Saunders at Turkey Point on May 17, 1925,
another was picked up at the lighthouse on Long Point after having been
killed there on September 7, 1929, and one was collected at Turkey Point
on May 26, 1931, by Mr. D. A. MacLulich who also saw several others
there on that day. This warbler has not been seen in summer but it is
possible that it occurs as a rare resident during this season.

Co’ May 26, 1931 co’ Sept. 7, 1929

Vermivora ruficapilla ruficapilla. NAsHvILLE WARBLER.—Our
earliest arrival date is May 6, 1928, when two birds were noted; one of
them was collected. The species was particularly common by May 20
of that year. It was seen more infrequently and in decreasing numbers
until the end of that month; the last seen, a single individual, was
observed on May 30. Mr. W. E. Saunders has noted two in the region as
late as June 7 or 8, 1925. This latter record suggests that the species
may be found in summer in some sections of the mainland. Nashville
warblers are en route southward during September, one having fallen
victim to the light on September 7, 1929, and nine between September 24
and 29, 1929 (Saunders, 1930).

co May 6, 1928 o' Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q May 20, 1928 Im. ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Im. @ _ Sept. 7, 1929

Vermivora celata celata. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.—The
earliest spring record on Long Point of this migrant which is rare in
southern Ontario, is May 14, 1925, a bird having struck the light on that
date. Our first record in 1928 was made on May 20, four birds having
been seen. Three individuals were noted on May 22 and one, the latest
spring record, on May 27. The identification of eight specimens of
this species in the field without a specific search for them indicates that
numbers pass through this region in spring. No fall records have been

secured. Q May 20, 1928 ? May 22, 1928

Vermivora peregrina. TENNESSEE WARBLER.—Apparently not
an uncommon spring migrant. Our records include twenty-two which

ley

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 207

struck the light on May 14, 1925 (Lewis, 1927b) and three individuals
seen by our party, all on May 22, 1928. It perhaps occurs more plenti-
fully in the fall, thirteen having struck the light on September 7, three
on September 9, and twenty-two between September 24 and 29, 1929
(Saunders, 1930).

oO May 22, 1929 Im. ? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 Im. ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Compsothlypis americana pusilla. NorRTHERN PARULA WAR-
BLER.—On July 8, 1927, two singing males were discovered shifting about
in the tops of old white pines which grew in clumps among deciduous
trees on Squire’s ridge. Mr. W. E. Saunders had noted the species on
the point on June 1, 1924. Although this warbler is established as a
rare summer resident on Long Point, we did not procure information
relative to its arrival or migration through the region in spring. Casualties
of birds at the lighthouse during September, 1929, however, suggest the
time of southward movement of the species. Eight of these birds were
destroyed between September 24 and 29 (Saunders, 1930).

2 o'’s July 8, 1927 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Oo Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica tigrina. Care May WaArBLER.—A fairly plentiful
spring migrant first observed and collected by us on May 20 in 1928.
Our latest spring record was made on May 27 of that year. Earlier
spring arrivals are shown by the records of destructions at the Long Point
light, two specimens having been killed on May 14, 1925, and one on
May 19, 1926. Also a later migration date in spring was made by
Mr. W. E. Saunders who saw four of these birds on the point on June 1,
1924. It occurs in the fall in some numbers, the records of casualties
being as follows: Fourteen destroyed on September 7, one on September
9, and fifteen between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders, 1930).

In attempting to analyze the age and sex of the fall specimens from
Long Point according to the descriptions of the various plumages given
in recent literature, it has been found that no agreement is possible with
the ages and sexes as determined by dissection. One specimen positively
sexed as a female and marked ‘‘skull and ovaries mature”’ conforms in
plumage to the description by Forbush (1929) of young females in the
first winter. On the other hand, a specimen, which was too disintegrated
to sex, is marked “‘skull clear, soft and thin”’ while the plumage conforms
with Forbush’s description of adult males in winter. This bird and
others are considered young males (although not listed below as such)
and their plumage is more brilliant than that of adult males at any

208 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

season so far as our comparisons with available museum material have
shown.
9

May 20, 1928 2 Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

o' May 22, 1928 Im. o Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Q May 22, 1928 Im. 9 _ Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

3 Im. ?’s Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 4 Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica estiva westiva. YELLOW WARBLER.—Our earliest
record of the spring migration of this species in 1928 was made on May 4,
although it probably arrives regularly a few days prior to that date.
It is a common migrant during early May and a common summer resi-
dent, nesting in suitable situations on the point and also on the adjacent
mainland. On Ryerson’s island, where there were particularly favour-
able conditions, this warbler used the raspberry canes and thickets of
choke cherries in which to nest.

Yellow warblers migrate southward during the early part of Sept-
ember, seven having struck the lighthouse on September 7 and two on
September 9, 1929.

3 O'’s May 12, 1928
2 o'’s May 27, 1927
Q June 8, 1927
oO June 14, 1927 Im.

July 4, 1927
July 8, 1927
Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

ea

Dendroica cerulescens cerulescens. BLACK-THROATED BLUE
WARBLER.—First observed by our party on May 10, 1928. The latest
spring observation was made by Mr. W. E. Saunders on June 1, 1924.
This warbler was not particularly plentiful during the spring migration
period. In the fall the species occurs in numbers during September and
it has been found among the victims of the powerful Long Point light.
Saunders (1930) has recorded three that were destroyed on September 7,
four on September 9 and thirty-five between September 24 and 29, 1929.

oOo May 9, 1928 Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Co Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Im. ? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 2Im. oO Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

oO Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica coronata. MyrtTLE WARBLER.—This warbler, an early
migrant, was probably present as a transient at the time of our earliest
arrival in the Long Point region, April 30, 1928, but it was a few days
before we visited a tract where it was most apt to be found. It was
noted regularly, however, from May 3 to 23; it is a fairly common
species in the region in spring. Our latest spring date is May 27, 1927,
one bird having been seen on that date. Curiously enough, only one of
these birds has been destroyed by the mariners’ light on the end of the
point, in spring or fall, so far as our records indicate, although heavy
casualties of their allies have occurred during periods in which this species

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 209

is known to be transient in the region. This record is of a female picked
up after a destruction which occurred on May 19, 1926.

oO May 8, 1928 o' May 6, 1928

o' May 5, 1928

Dendroica magnolia. MAGNOLIA WARBLER.—Our earliest spring
record for this species is May 9, 1928. It was not common, however,
in that year, until the period between May 17 and 27. Quite a number of
casualties of this species have occurred at the lighthouse during May
of 1925 and 1926. Our latest spring occurrence was noted on May 30,
1927. Mr. W. E. Saunders noted it as a migrant in the region on
June 1, 1924.

Mr. W. E. Saunders has informed the writer that during July
(about the year 1926) he heard and saw a male of this species at Fisher
glen. This is an unusual occurrence and it seems unlikely that this
warbler is more than a rare, perhaps irregular, summer resident of the
region. Thirty-two struck the lighthouse on September 7, six on
September 9 and thirty-six between September 24 and 29, 1929 (Saunders,

1930). i’ May 19, 1928 6 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1930

o' May 27, 1927

Dendroica cerulea. CERULEAN WARBLER.—A singing male was
collected on June 27, 1927. It repeatedly changed its singing station in
the tops of deciduous trees, and uttered its ascending, somewhat ‘“‘buzzy’”’
trill at regular intervals. The song was remarkably like one version
of the parula warbler’s song which was also heard by us in the same
vicinity a little later in the season.

The only other record of this species for the Long Point region is
from the notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders who remarks that one was shot
in the region in 1908 by Mr. G. F. Norval, a local taxidermist.

o' June 27, 1927

Dendroica pensylvanica. | CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER.—Lewis
(1927) has recorded one striking the light on May 14, 1925. It was first
recorded by us on May 15, in the spring of 1928, and last noted on
May 30, 1927. Mr. W. E. Saunders noted it as late as June 1, 1924 on
Long Point. It reached its greatest numbers between May 18 and 27,
1928, at which time it was a common migrant. Although the species
might be expected in summer, no occurrences have been noted. Wm.
Pope has figured the nest of this warbler (Locke, 1917), probably one
found locally near Port Ryerse. This species is among those subject
to destruction by the Long Point lighthouse during both spring and fall
seasons. It is on its southern migration during September, casualties
at the light giving a range of dates from September 7 to September 29,

1929 (Saunders, 1930).
o' May 15, 1928 2Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

210 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Dendroica castanea. Bay-BREASTED WARBLER.—A fairly com-
mon spring and fall migrant. The earliest spring record is given by
Lewis (1927) twenty-seven birds having been destroyed at the light
on that date. We noted a few regularly from May 20 to 27, 1928, our
latest record being May 30, 1927, although Mr. W. E. Saunders noted
nine on the point on June 1, 1924. In the fall the species reappears in
September, seven having been destroyed at the light on September 7,
seven on September 9 and thirty-one between September 24 and 29,
1929 (Saunders, 1930).

d’ May 20, 1928 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica striata. BLACK-POLL WARBLER.—The earliest record
of the arrival of this species in spring has been recorded by Lewis (1927b)
eighteen representatives having been picked up at the lighthouse follow-
ing the destruction on May 14, 1925. Available information indicates
that this species is not an uncommon spring migrant. Our records show
it to occur through an extended period; we collected a specimen as late
as June 2, 1927, and another was positively identified on June 12 of the
same year. In the fall, presuming that statistics from lighthouse
casualties indicate to a certain extent the numbers of a given migrant,
the species is more common than in the spring. Mr. W. E. Saunders
(1930) has recorded the exceptionally heavy destruction of this species
in the fall of 1929. Thirty-one were killed on September 7, six on
September 9 and one hundred and ninety-nine between September 24

and 29.

Q June 2, 1927 Im. oc Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
2 2’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929 3 Im. 2’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

4 Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica fusca. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER.—Not noted as a
spring migrant in 1928 until after mid-May. Lewis (1927b) records ten
which were destroyed by the light on May 14, 1925. It was a fairly
common migrant in 1928 between May 18 and 22. Two were noted as
late as May 30 in 1927, and Mr. W. E. Saunders saw five, which may
have been migrants, on June 1, 1924. In the fall the species is a common
migrant in the region. Saunders (1930) has recorded casualties at the
light as follows: Eighty-seven on September 7, twelve on September 9,
and four between September 24 and 29, 1929.

This warbler is a rare summer resident of the point. A singing male
was collected on June 29, 1927, and a female was observed on July 7,
near the situation where the male had been collected. On July 8 ina
wooded area, widely separated from the location where previous records

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 211

had been made, two singing males were observed. The species is
probably a rare summer resident on the adjacent mainland.

o' May 20, 1928 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
oO June 29, 1927 2Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

. Dendroica virens. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER.—The
earliest arrival date of this warbler, according to our records, is May 8,
1928. It was noted during that year rather sparingly until May 18,
it being very much in evidence on May 22. Casualties at the light
during the spring season are within the dates presented by our frequency
charts for 1928. Saunders (1930) records one black-throated green
killed at the light on September 7 and seventeen during the period
between September 24 and 29, 1929. This species is a common migrant
in the region and as a summer resident it is not rare. It was noted on
thirteen days during the latter half of June and during July, 1927. The
observations were made at a number of distinct localities on the wooded
part of the point and as many as five individuals were noted on a single
day. The species nests in the white pine to be found on the wooded
ridges. One occupied nest which was discovered on Squire’s ridge on
June 21, 1927, was built on a horizontal limb of a white pine about
thirty-five feet from the ground near the top of the tree and situated
approximately three feet out from the trunk.

Mr. R. V. Lindsay has noted a “‘few’’ black-throated green warblers
at Fisher glen in July (1927). The species doubtless occurs regularly
in suitable situations along the adjacent mainland.

o' May 3, 1928 Im. ? . Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
co June 23, 1927

Dendroica vigorsi. PINE WARBLER.—The discovery of this
warbler at Long Point in the summer of 1927 added a distinct note of
interest to our field work since the summer distribution of the species
is so irregular in Ontario as to make the finding of it something of a
surprise. It was first heard and seen on July 4. We were attracted to
a brief, rather musical trill coming from the top of a clump of white
pines on Courtright ridge. The singer was discovered and immediately
collected, and we were surprised to find it to be a young pine warbler
in that nondescript plumage in which the genera! aspect of the woolly
feathers below are dirty grey while the back is washed with drab brown.
The fact that this young of the year was singing is of no less interest than
the establishment of a breeding record for the species. Another bird
was collected at the same place immediately after the one described above
and it also proved to be a juvenile of the pine warbler. A third specimen
was later taken on Courtright ridge somewhat removed from the site
where the species was first noted but it may have been from the same

212 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

brood. Other plots of pine on Long Point suggest that several sections
may be suited to the species.

Juv. & July 4, 1927 Juv. 2 July 23, 1927
Juv. Q@ July 4, 1927

Dendroica palmarum palmarum. PALM WARBLER.—This
warbler was not listed by us until May 6 in 1928, although it may have
been overlooked previous to that date. It was a fairly common migrant
during the remainder of the month reaching the point of greatest
number on May 9. Our station on Second island during May, 1928,
was a particularly good one in which to observe this species, since it
frequented the long line of low willows which fringed the beach of Long
Point bay. Our last record was of two individuals seen on May 30, 1928.
Judging from casualties at the lighthouse, this species is not on the
southward migration through the Long Point region until late September,
since none of these birds was picked up until the period between
September 24 and 29, 1929.

Oo May 6, 1928 Oo Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q May 6, 1928 2 Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
May 9, 1928 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

2 Im. 9’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Dendroica discolor. PRAIRIE WARBLER.—In the notes of Mr.
W. E. Saunders, he records having been told by Mr. A. Preston of Port
Dover that the latter had seen a prairie warbler there on May 7, 1914.
Although this observation is extralimital to the region with which we are
concerned it is included with the following, to indicate the possibility
of the occurrence of the species in the general region. On May 31, 1930,
Mr. W. E. Saunders saw the prairie warbler on the mainland back of
Turkey Point.

Seiurus aurocapillus. Oven-prrp.—Lewis (1927b) records six-
teen of these birds as having struck the Long Point light on May 14, 1925.
The earliest record made by our party was of an individual seen on
May 15, 1928. It was noted fairly commonly during the period between
May 18 and 27 during that year. Our latest record was of a few seen
on the latter date. We did not discover the species on the point during
the summer of 1927. The species is known to be a summer resident of
suitable woods on the adjacent mainland. Taverner (1914) has also
remarked on its absence in the peninsular area of Point Pelee and its
presence on the adjacent mainland in that area. A nest was found at
Fisher glen in July, 1927, by Mr. R. V. Lindsay and Mr. W. E. Clyde
Todd found it breeding near Port Rowan in July, 1917. A tremendous
destruction of oven-birds occurred at the lighthouse in September, 1929

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 213

(Saunders, 1930): thirty on September 7, nine on September 9, and one
hundred and seven between September 24 and 29.

Q = May 15, 1928 Q Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
2 o's Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Seiurus noveboracensis noveboracensis. WATER-THRUSH.—
Our earliest record for the water-thrush was made on May 6, 1930,
three individuals being seen, one of which was collected. Lewis (1927b)
records two which had struck the light on May 14, 1925, and reports
from the lighthouse keeper mention two destroyed on May 19, 1926,
which is the latest date of the spring migration of the species. From our
observation it is not a plentiful migrant in spring. No summer records
are known to the writer, but it would seem that it should be found in
favourable dark swampy woods on the adjacent mainland. Saunders
(1930) records it as a September migrant, thirty-six striking the light
on September 7, five on September 9, and five between September 24
and 29, 1929.

An examination of the five skins of this species from Long Point,
one in spring and four in the fall, does not disclose specimens which
are not referable to noveboracensis, although it might here be admitted
that the writer has not been able to get a very clear conception of these
two forms from available material, or from the literature.

o' May 6, 1928 2 9’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Seiurus motacilla. LourstanA WaATER-THRUSH.—Mr. W. E.
Saunders observed a Louisiana water-thrush at Turkey Point on May 17,
1925. We have no other evidence suggesting that the species is estab-
lished in the region.

Oporornis agilis. CONNECTICUT WARBLER.—A _ specimen of
Connecticut warbler was listed by Lewis (1927b) among the bird casual-
ties at the Long Point lighthouse on May 14, 1925. This constitutes the
earliest record in spring for this species. Mr. W. E. Saunders noted one
on the point on June 1, 1924, and we collected a specimen on June 4, 1927.
This warbler can only be considered as a scarce, late spring migrant
in the region, although in the fall it appears in numbers as attested by
specimens picked up at the lighthouse. Mr. W. E. Saunders (1930)
has recorded the fatality of eight on September 7, six on September 9,
and thirty-five between September 24 and 29, 1929.

Q June 4, 1927 o' Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
O'’s Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 3 Q’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
2 Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 ? «Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
2Im. Q’s Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 Im. oo Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

3 ?’s Sept. 7 or 9, 1929 2Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

14—

214 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Oporornis philadelphia. Mourninc WARBLER.— Not uncommon
as a spring migrant; twenty-three struck the lighthouse on May 14, 1925
(Lewis, 1927b), one picked up by the lighthouse keeper on May 19, 1926,
and one collected by us on June 4, 1927. In the fall the species passes
through the region in considerable numbers during September. The
records of casualties at the light as recorded by Saunders (1930) are as
follows: Twenty on September 7, five on September 9, and twelve
between September 24 and 29, 1929.

oO’ May 20, 1928 Im. ? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
2 Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

Geothlypis trichas trichas. MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT.—
A common spring and fall migrant and also a plentiful summer inhabitant
of suitable situations both on the point and on the adjacent mainland.
The earliest arrival date for the species according to available records
is May 3, two having been noted by us on that date in 1928. It was at
its greatest numbers from May 17 to 22 during that spring.

A nest found in a small wet hollow in the open wood of Ryerson’s
island was concealed in a tufted clump of coarse, marsh grass. It con-
tained one fresh egg on June 8, 1927. Although the nest and egg were
not disturbed they were found to be abandoned a few days later.

A very heavy destruction of this warbler took place during the fall
of 1929 (Saunders, 1930). One hundred and eleven were killed on
September 7, twenty-nine on September 9 and one hundred and fourteen
between September 24 and 29. This is the heaviest toll of any species
within any one month so far as our records indicate.

o' May 9, 1928 o' Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
2 May 19, 1928 Im. o Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
2 o'’s May 27, 1927 Im. Q_ Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
Q May 27, 1927 2Im. ?’s Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

Juv. 2 July 15, 1927

Icteria virens virens. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT.—On June 14,
1927, a chat was collected from a dense tangle of berry canes, climbing
vines and other plants at the end of a small clearing in the woods of
Ryerson’s island. The surroundings were very suited to the species and
the lateness of the date indicates that the bird was established as a
summer resident. Although we have secured no other records for the
region covered in the present paper, the information as to the distribution
of this species on the north shore of Lake Erie suggests that it may be
found as a rare summer resident of suitable situations on the mainland
adjacent to Long Point. 2 June 14, 1927

Wilsonia citrina. HooprEpD WARBLER.—Mcllwraith (1886) states
that Mr. G. F. Norval reported finding this warbler occasionally at

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 215

Port Rowan. In the notes of Mr. W. E. Saunders he records having
been told by Mr. Norval that the latter had shot one on the point about
1888. Although no more recent records of the occurrence of the species
in the Long Point region have been found, it may still be expected as a
rare visitor, perhaps a summer resident.

Wilsonia pusilla pusilla. Wutson’s WARBLER.—Lewis’ record
(1927b) of casualties at the lighthouse lists fifteen Wilson’s warblers
destroyed by the Long Point light on May 14, 1925, the date being the
earliest for the spring season. We saw one on May 22, 1928, and one
on May 27 of the same year. The latest spring migration date is of four
birds noted on Long Point by Mr. W. E. Saunders on June 1, 1924.
It is apparently not a common warbler in spring, and our fall records
which only apply to September suggest that it is not numerous in that
month. Saunders (1930) lists only eight birds destroyed between

September 7 and 29, 1929.
Co May 22, 1928 Im. ? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
Q@_ Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

Wilsonia canadensis. CANADA WARBLER.—The earliest arrival
of this species is recorded by Lewis (1927b) in his paper on lighthouse
destruction of birds. This was on May 14, 1925, thirty-one representa-
tives of the species having been found after a destruction on that date.
Our earliest record in 1928 was made on May 18, two birds having been
noted, and our latest record of this species as a migrant in spring was
two birds seen on May 30, 1927. Mr. W. E. Saunders saw it on June 1,
1924, on Long Point, this observation doubtless being of transient
individuals, since we did not find the species a summer resident of the
point. Mr. R. V. Lindsay noted four during the first two weeks of
July, 1927, at Fisher glen. The species is probably an uncommon
summer resident elsewhere along the mainland adjacent to Long Point.
Saunders (1930) gives migration dates for this species in the fall in
recording casualties as follows: eleven on September 7, seven on Sept-
ember 9, and three between September 24 and 29, 1929.

oOo May 22, 1928 Im. o Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
? Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

Setophaga ruticilla. Repstart.—The earliest spring arrival
date was obtained by our party on May 6, 1928, but the species did not
reach the area in numbers until mid-May. It continued to be recorded
as a migrant until the third week of May of that year. It wasa common
nesting species on the point in 1927—one of the most common woodland
birds noted there. Available information suggests that it is more
common on the peninsula than on the adjacent mainland as a summer
resident.

216 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

We found it nesting on Ryerson’s island on June 8, 1927, and later
in the summer incidental observation in wooded areas such as Courtright
and Squire’s ridges revealed several occupied nests. September is the
period of southern migration of the redstart. The earliest date is
marked by an individual specimen forwarded to the Museum by Mr.
Lorne Brown, which had been killed at the lighthouse on September 2,
1930. Saunders (1930) records twenty-three individuals as having been
picked up following a destruction by the light on September 7, three on
September 9, and forty between September 24 and 29, 1929.

Immature males (first breeding plumage) collected during the
summer of 1927, appeared to be breeding birds. The testes were greatly
enlarged and the birds were in full song.

Q May 19, 1928 Im. o& June 29, 1927
Im. o& May 22, 1928 Im. @Q Sept. 2, 1930
Im. co June 7, 1927 2 o's Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
o' June 21, 1927 2 ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Im. co June 23, 1927 2Im. ?’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Anthus rubescens. Pipit.—On the morning of our arrival at
Port Rowan on April 30, 1928, we paid a brief visit to the area bordering
the western edge of inner Long Point bay and the base of the peninsula.
Along the new road which had been constructed through the marsh of
this section, twenty pipits were observed. The species was again noted
on Second island on May 17 of that year. These were the only records
obtained although it is probably a fairly common and regular transient
in spring and perhaps the same is true for the fall, but we have no records
for that season. The probabilities are based on occurrences in the

general region. Q May 17, 1928

Dumetella carolinensis. CATBirRD.—Our earliest spring record is
of five individuals observed on May 6, 1928. It was a fairly common
transient from that date until the third week of May. It has not been
possible to set an exact date when the last transient of this species was
noted since circumstances of observations confuse individuals which
may have been established for the summer with those which may have
been on the move, but May 18 was the latest date on which considerably
greater numbers were recorded for Ryerson’s island than would represent
its summer population. Four casualties of this species at the Long Point
lighthouse have been reported, all on May 19, 1926. This gives the
latest date for the spring migration.

Very few catbirds remain on Long Point to nest since the barren
conditions in regard to undergrowth restrict suitable habitat for the
species. We found a nest with three young on June 14, 1927, on Ryer-

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 217

son’s island. The species is a more plentiful summer resident on the
adjacent mainland. J June 8, 1927

Toxostoma rufum. Brown THRASHER.—This species was found
only as a scarce migrant on Long Point, five being the greatest number
noted on any one day during the first half of May, 1928. The last one
was recorded on May 20. Available records do not list the brown
thrasher as a summer resident in the region. Although it is probable
that a few may inhabit suitable sections of the mainland, it is rather
surprising that it is not found to be a fairly numerous species generally.

Q May 8, 1928

Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus. CAROLINA WREN.—
On June 12, 1927, our party made a preliminary trip to the wooded ridge
south of our Second island camp to ascertain the nature of that territory
for further collecting. Immediately after landing a Carolina wren was
heard in a vine-draped tree near the shore. The specimen was dis-
covered and shot, but, much to the disappointment of the four men who
gathered round the spot, the badly injured bird escaped into the tangle
of vines at the base of the tree and disappeared. During a brief instant
the bird was within two feet of the writer’s face. All efforts to uncover
the specimen failed, and through some curious circumstance we did not
again discover this species on the point until the day of our departure
on July 26. To make the two observations more remarkable, the
second was heard in the same vine-draped tree as the first, this cover
being within fifty feet of our Courtright ridge camp, where we had
remained for a period of over a month.

Troglodytes edon edon. HovusrE WreEN.—First noted by us on
May 7, 1928, although this date would appear to be late for the usual
arrival of the species in spring. It was noted as a migrant until the
third week of May. The latest record is of a bird killed at the lighthouse
on May 19, 1926. No information relative to the fall migration of this
species is available. It isa common summer resident of Long Point and
vicinity, nesting in clearings in the woods and about habitations.

oO June 8, 1927 Q@ June 30, 1927
Juv. & June 29, 1927 Juv. 9 July 21, 1927
Juv. Q June 29, 1927

Nannus hiemalis hiemalis. WINTER WrReEN.—This early mi-
grant was present at the time of our earliest arrival in the region (April
30, 1928) but it was still moving in limited numbers during the first few
days of our stay. Three were noted on May 6, this being the latest
spring record. No evidence that the species is a summer resident of the
region has been secured. 2 May 2, 1928

218 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Cistothorus stellaris. SHortT-BILLED MArRsH WREN.—On June
12, 1927, short-billed marsh wrens were discovered in the somewhat wet,
grassy, flat land between Squire’s and Courtright ridges. Four individ-
uals were noted on this occasion. A search of this area later in the
summer disclosed that an extensive territory was occupied by this
species and a few were noted regularly; as many as ten individuals
were seen on a single day. Mr. W. E. Clyde Todd had discovered a
marsh wren’s nest containing four white eggs which were collected.
He considered these to be of the short-billed species although he did
not see the bird. We collected a juvenile bird on July 16, which leaves
no doubt that the species breeds in the region.

o' June 24, 1927 Juv. ? July 16, 1927
Oo July 14, 1927 5 o's July 23, 1927
S' July 16, 1927

Telmatodytes palustris palustris. LoNG-BILLED MARSH WREN.
—First observed in the spring of 1928, on May 12, but not noted com-
monly until May 25 and thereafter. It was a common inhabitant of
certain favoured sections of the marsh during the summer of 1927.
Many nests were found during the summer of that year. The earliest
date on which a set of five eggs was found was June 4. It may have
been a completed clutch. The species is also found in the marshes on
the mainland such as those of Turkey Point.

May 81, 1927 4 &’s July 11, 1927
oO June 4, 1927 oO July 18, 1927
Co' June 14, 1927 oO July 28, 1927

July 7, 1927

Certhia familiaris americana. BRowN CREEPER.—The brown
creeper was present as a migrant at the time of our arrival in the region
on April 30, 1928. On May 3 it was present in great numbers, this
being the peak of their spring movement so far as our observations were
concerned. They were transient in the region until May 12, this date
marking our latest spring record. No creepers were seen on the point
during the summer of 1927, and we have no summer records for the
mainland. J May 2, 1928

Sitta carolinensis carolinensis. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH.—
A few migrating white-breasted nuthatches were observed during the
early part of May in 1928, five being the greatest number noted on one
day. May 10 appeared to mark the close of their movement although
one was seen on May 20; it may have been a transient bird. Quite a
number of these nuthatches remain on Long Point to breed, and they
are summer residents of the adjacent mai:ia..J also. We noted a few
rather irregularly when encamped in a wooded section of the point,

SS et oe eee

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 219

the numbers observed increasing somewhat after the first of July,
doubtless due to the young birds being on the wing.

The white-breasted nuthatch was included by Taverner (1914) in
a list of species which reside on the mainland at the base of Point Pelee
but not on the peninsula. Although a similar distributional status for
several of the same species recorded by Taverner has been noted by us
in the Long Point region, the nuthatch is exceptional since it occurs both
on the mainland and on the point.

Q May 2, 1928 Q June 23, 1927
co June 4, 1927 Juv. ? June 23, 1927

Sitta canadensis. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.—Our only record
of this species is of the five seen on Long Point by Mr. W. E. Saunders
on June 1, 1924. It is probably a regular transient in the region.

Penthestes atricapillus atricapillus. CHICKADEE.—It was
rather difficult to distinguish transient or wandering chickadees from
resident individuals, but our observations show that these birds were
moving about in early May of 1928. May 6 is the latest date for known
transients. The species is not an uncommon nesting one on the penin-
sula. Wesaw from one to six almost daily, more individuals having been
seen after the first of July when the young were in evidence. It is a
fairly common inhabitant of the adjacent mainland.

Oo June 12, 1927 Q July 4, 1927
oO July 3, 1927 Juv. 2 July 16, 1927
o July 4, 1927

Regulus satrapa satrapa. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET.—A few
rear-guard spring migrants were noted in early May, 1928, the last,

a single individual, on May 6. We have no information relative to this
species in fall or winter, but it probably occurs in numbers during those

manees. Q May 6, 1928

Regulus calendula calendula. RuBy-cROWNED KINGLET.—Like
the preceding, this kinglet was still present as a migrant on Long Point
during early May of 1928, but this species remained much later and was
seen in greater numbers. It was a common bird on May 6, and we
continued to note it until May 18. It also probably occurs in the region
in some numbers in the fall.

Q May 3, 1928

Hylocichla mustelina. Woop Turusy.—A specimen of wood
thrush which struck the Long Point light on September 26 constitutes
our only record of the species in the region. The specimen is preserved
in the collection of Mr. W. E. Saunders.

220 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens. VrEery.—The arrival date of
this thrush in 1928 was May 6, four individuals having been seen. It was
a fairly common bird by May 18, gradually diminishing in numbers,
the last having been seen on the 27th. One had previously been seen
on that date in 1927. It is rather interesting that the veery was not
found on Long Point in summer since it is not an uncommon summer
resident of the adjacent mainland. The absence of this species on the
peninsula of Point Pelee and its presence in the surrounding country
at the base has been noted by Taverner (1914). Habitat conditions
partially account for the absence of the veery on Long Point. Six
specimens which struck Long Point light on September 7 and one
destroyed there on September 9 have been recorded by Saunders (1930).

Oo May 6, 1928 Im. Q_ Sept. 7 or 9, 1929

Hylocichla alicie alicia. GrAy-CHEEKED THRUSH.—Noted rarely
by us in May of 1927 and 1928. The records are as follows: One on
May 4, one on May 12, and one on May 18, 1928; and one on May 27,
and one on June 4, 1927. Lighthouse casualties during the period
indicated by the above dates, together with our observations, show that
this species is present in fair numbers in spring, and that its movement
through the region is protracted. In the fall heavy casualties occur
(Saunders, 1930) especially in late September. One hundred and fifty
were picked up after destructions at the light between September 24

and 29, 1929.
Q = May 27, 1927 2 2’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Q June 4, 1927 2 Im. o’s Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
4 O's Sept. 25 or 26, 1929

Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni. OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH.—
The earliest date of arrival obtained by us was May 4, 1928, two birds
having been seen. The species was common on May 6, 18 and 27,
being noted in less numbers regularly between those dates. Our latest
date was May 28, 1927, one bird having been noted. Olive-backed
thrushes are common migrants again in the fall. Saunders (1930) has
recorded eighteen as having been destroyed at the lighthouse on Sept-
ember 7, ten on September 9, and one hundred and forty between
September 24 and 29, 1929.

o' May 5, 1928 2 Sept. 7 or 9, 1929
G' May 27, 1927 ? Sept. 25 or 26, 1929
Hylocichla guttata pallasi. Hermit THrusy.—Six hermit

thrushes struck the lighthouse on April 17 or 18, and two on April 20
or 21, 19380. This thrush was present at the time of our arrival in the
Long Point region on April 30, 1928. It was fairly common for the
first few days, the last being seen on May 6. Our only record for the

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A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 221

fall is that of Saunders (1930), an individual being listed among the
casualties at the light which occurred between September 24 and 29,

1929. Q May 3, 1928

Planesticus migratorius migratorius. Ropin.—Six robins were
killed at the Long Point light on April 17 or 18, 1930. Although the
species is an early migrant there was some evidence of a northward
movement during the first few days of May in 1928. A few birds were
noted daily on Second island where only one pair was known to be
established during the previous summer. Lewis (1927b) has recorded
a robin which struck the lighthouse on May 14, 1925. The bird was
undoubtedly a migrant. Robins were not plentiful on Long Point in
summer. A pair was established here and there, particularly about the
various camps which have been built there. The species is not to be
met with regularly or in numbers in the woods away from camps. They
are, of course, common on the mainland.

Mr. Angus Buchanan has related to the writer that he had made a
motor trip along the north shore of Long Point bay during the fall of 1928.
He stated that in travelling from five miles east of Port Dover to Turkey
Point flocks of robins were almost constantly in evidence. These birds
were feeding and travelling westward along the shore, giving a rather
clear impression of the birds skirting the bay rather than flying across it.

Juv. o& June 12, 1927

Sialia sialis sialis. BLurpirp.—Noted fairly regularly but not
commonly as a migrant during May, 1928, the last transient bird having
been noted on May 19. It is a rather scarce summer resident of the
point but more common on the mainland. We secured no information
relative to the status of the species as a migrant in the fail.

Q June 25, 1927

HYpoTuHETICAL List

Colymbus holbeelli. HOLBeLL’s GREBE.—Local sportsmen
appeared to know this species and described it to us as a fairly regular
but rather an uncommon bird found in early spring and late fall. Among
the paintings by Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) which are housed in the
Toronto reference library there is one of an adult of this species in winter
plumage, which is dated October 20, 1859. The representation was
probably from a bird taken locally, but our evidence as to the occurrence
of this grebe is such as to make its inclusion more satisfactory with
hypothetical cases.

Gavia pacifica. Paciric Loon.—Mr. L. J. Boughner reported the
black-throated loon as being observed at Long Point by him in June,

15—

222 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

1898, and the name, Urinator arcticus, was included under Boughner’s
bird notes edited by W. T. Macoun (1898). If the bird observed was
of the black-throated type, it should be considered as the Pacific loon.

Pelecanus erythrorhynchus. WuitrE PELICAN.—A member of
the life-saving crew stationed near the end of Long Point informed
Mr. W. E. Saunders on June 7, 1925, that a white pelican had been seen
there in April, 1923. Although the information is probably correct,
the record is perhaps best placed under the hypothetical list.

Branta bernicla glaucogastra. BrANnt.—Apparently no speci-
mens of this species are extant in collections but the brant is included
in the hypothetical list on the authority of local sportsmen who have
stated that they have seen and shot it in the Long Point marshes in the
fall. The brant can only be suspected as being a rare and irregular
migrant of the district.

Mycteria americana. Woop IBpis.—Fleming (1913) has recorded
the taking of a specimen of this species near Simcoe, Norfolk county,
in November, 1892. The excellent drawing of the dead bird on which
this record was based is now on file in the Museum. The species is
included in the hypothetical list of birds of Long Point because the
specimen recorded was taken but a short distance outside of the area
considered as the ‘‘vicinity’’ of Long Point, and to record the present
location of the original basis for the record.

Grus americana. WHOOPING CRANE.—Macoun (1898) reports
this species in a list of birds submitted to him by L. J. Boughner as
having been seen on ‘Long Island, Lake Erie”’ in 1898. The crane was
supposed to have been seen on June 29, but the record is merely the
casual inclusion of the name without comments. Since the species was
of such rare occurrence in Ontario, strong evidence would appear neces-
sary to give credit to the report, although the list as a whole appears
to be well founded.

Phalaropes fulicarius. RED PHALAROPE.—Townson (1928)
writes that ‘‘two phalaropes passed the decoys and settled on the water
about two hundred yards to windward” on October 24, 1927. Two days
later he saw another phalarope pass the decoys, but it ‘refused to mingle
with the imitation ducks, as they sometimes do.”’” Mr. Townson has
informed the writer that he was not certain of the species but suspected
from the size of these birds that they were Wilson’s phalarope (Steganopus
tricolor). The dates and circumstances of this observation and the
large size of the birds seen suggest that they were more probably P.
fulicarius. Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) figures this species and dates the
work, October 15, 1868.

Bartramia longicauda. UPpiaANnp PLOVER.—Nash (1908) states
that he has found it breeding in Norfolk county. The species may occur

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 223

within the area considered in the present report, but definite information
has not been obtained.

Columba livia. Domestic Piczon.—Although it may appear that
the inclusion of the domestic pigeon is out of place in this list, the writer
here includes it with hypothetical cases since there is a suspicion that
the species may have the status of a wild bird in the area. On July 4,
1927, a pigeon of the ordinary blue phase was seen at Breakwater on
the south beach. This location is approximately ten miles across the
marsh from any settlement or habitation. Again on July 8 the same
or a similar bird was seen at Breakwater. It was perched in the branches
of a dead tree and upon being flushed it again returned to this situation.

Cathartes aura septentrionalis. TuRKEY VULTURE.—In a letter
to Professor J. R. Dymond, under date of December 13, 1930, Mr.
Munroe Landon, an observer at Simcoe, Norfolk county, states that a
pair of turkey buzzards “have been in Norfolk this summer’’. This
record brings the casual occurrence of the species within the realm of
possibility for the more exact locality, Long Point.

Buteo lineatus lineatus. RED-sHOULDERED HAawk.—Although
this species is probably of regular occurrence in the Long Point region
and indeed one would expect that it was a summer resident of wooded
sections of the mainland, we have secured no positive evidence of its
occurrence at any season. William Pope painted a picture of this hawk
(Locke, 1917) and it is probable that the illustration was made from a
specimen secured near Port Ryerse.

Buteo platypterus. Broap-wincGED Hawk.—It would appear
that this hawk should occur during migrations in the Long Point region
but our only evidence is a painting in the Pope collection (Locke, 1917)
which was probably made at Port Ryerse from a locally taken specimen.

Falco columbarius columbarius. PiGEoNn Hawx.—The only
record covering this species was obtained from the notes of Mr. W. E.
Saunders, who states that Mr. Lorne Brown, the present lighthouse
keeper, saw one strike down a dove near the light. Although the species
should occur regularly, particularly as a fall migrant, it is perhaps best
to consider it as hypothetical until substantiation is obtained. The
observation might well describe the behaviour of a species other than the
pigeon hawk, one or two of which would be similar in general appearance,

Strix varia varia. BArrep OwL.—There is apparently no reason
why the barred owl should not occur on Long Point or in its immediate
vicinity but no positive evidence that it does so has been secured. Mr.
W. E. Saunders heard it on June 5, 1926, at Walsingham swamp, north-
west of Port Rowan. This record is, however, somewhat removed from
the area being considered in this paper. An illustration of the species

224 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

among the Pope pictures (Locke, 1917) was probably based on a speci-
men found in the neighbourhood of Port Ryerse.

Centurus carolinus. RED-BELLIED WoopPECKER.—The only
indication that this species occurs, or has occurred in the region, is the
inclusion of it among the bird illustrations made by Wm. Pope (Locke,
1917) while he was resident at Port Ryerse.

Hesperiphona vespertina. EVENING GROSBEAK.—A painting of
this bird in the collection of illustrations by Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) was
probably taken from a specimen secured in the neighbourhood of Port
Ryerse, but the evidence is too uncertain to be presented other than
under hypothetical cases. The picture here referred to is of a male and
is dated February, 1860.

Pinicola enucleator leucura. PINE GRrosBEAK—Three illustra-
tions of this grosbeak are among the Pope pictures (Locke, 1917) now
in the public reference library of Toronto. Pope probably based his
illustrations on birds collected near Port Ryerse. One painting of a
female is dated November, 1842, and another March 2, 1865.

Loxia leucoptera. WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.—A male specimen,
probably taken locally, is among the bird illustrations executed by Wm.
Pope during his residence at Port Ryerse, Ontario (Locke, 1917). The
picture is dated November, 1875.

Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis. SNow BuNnTING.—A picture of
this species, dated February 9, 1860, is among the Pope paintings
(Locke, 1917). The picture was probably made from a specimen taken
locally near Port Ryerse.

Chondestes grammacus grammacus. Lark SPpARROW.— Dale
(1931) has recorded the finding of a nest containing four eggs, by J. F.
Calvert, about half a mile south of Walsingham village on May 24, 1930.
This locality is sufficiently close to the area here considered to render
possible the occurrence of the species within the area.

Bombycilla garrula. BoHEMIAN WaAxwiNnGc.—Cross (1890) has
recorded the taking of three specimens of this waxwing at Port Dover,
Norfolk county, on February 20, 1890, one of which was forwarded to
him. The occurrence of the species at Port Dover is somewhat outside
the area considered in this paper, but it indicates the possibility of
occurrence in the region during any one of the sporadic invasions of the
species into southern Ontario.

Lanius borealis. NorTHERN SHRIKE.—Probably occurs more or
less regularly in winter, but our only evidence of occurrence is based on
an illustration by Wm. Pope (Locke, 1917) made October 23, 1865,
probably from a bird taken in the region.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 225

LITERATURE CITED

Baillie, J. L., Jr. 1928. Some late records of the snowy ow! for southern
Ontario, Auk, 45:99-100. ;

Bent, A. C. 1927a. Life histories of North American marsh birds.
U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 134.

Bent, A. C. 1927b. Life histories of North American shore birds.
U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull., 142.

Bigelow, Henry B. 1907. On hybrids between the mallard (Anas

boschas) and certain other ducks. Auk, 24:382-388.

Bishop, Louis B. 1921. Description of a new loon, Auk, 38:364-370.

Cottle, T. 1859. A list of birds found in Upper Canada. Can. Nat.
and Geol., 4:232.

Cross, Wm. 1890. Ampelis garrulus in Ontario. Trans. Can. Inst.,
i =De.

Dale, E. M.S. 1931. Nesting of the lark sparrow. Can. Field-Nat.,
45:21.

Durand, Chas. 1897. Reminiscences of Charles Durand of Toronto,
Barrister. Toronto, p. 45.

Fleming, J. H., and Hoyes Lloyd. 1920. Ontario bird notes. Auk,
37 : 432.

Fleming, J. H. 1906. Birds of Toronto, Ontario. Auk, 23:446.

Fleming, J. H. 1913. Ontario bird notes. Auk, 30:226.

Forbush, Edward Howe. 1929. Birds of Massachusetts and other
New England states. Dept. of Agri., Boston. Vol. III, p. 228.

Fuertes, L.A. 1916. Notes on hybrid ducks from Long Point, Ontario.
Auk, 33:75.

Giles, J. Bevans. 1880. Long Point. The happy hunting ground.
Forest and Stream and Rod and Gun, 15:26.

Godley, John Robert. 1844. Letters from America, London, Eng.,
vol. 1, p. 246.

Halkett, Andrew. 1898. An Ottawa naturalist’s journey westward.

Ottawa Nat., 12:83.

(Hallock, Chas.]. 1876. Forest and stream, 7:150.

Harris, Edward. 1905. The quail. Wm Briggs, pub. Toronto.

Hobson; W. D. 1906. A knot on Lake Erie. Ont. Nat. Sc. Bull.,
No. 2, p. 42.

Howe, Reginald Heber, Jr. 1902. Occurrence of the barn owl in
Canada. Auk, 19:79.

Howison, John. 1821. Sketches of Upper Canada. London, Eng.,
p. 160.

Lewis, H. F. 1927a. A distributional and economic study of the
European starling in Ontario. Univ. Toronto Stud., Biol.
Series, No. 30, p. 9. 3

226 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Lewis, H. F. 1927b. Destruction of birds by lighthouses in the
provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Can. Field-Nat., 41: 55-58;
75-77.

Lincoln, Frederick C. 1922. Trapping ducks for banding purposes.
Auk, 39:322-334.

Locke, George H. 1917. Water colour drawings by William Pope.
Public Library, Toronto.

Mcllwraith, T. 1866. List of birds observed near Hamilton, Canada
West. Essex Inst. Communications, 5:80-91.

Mcllwraith, T. 1886. The birds of Ontario. Hamilton, lst edition.

Mcllwraith, T. 1894. The birds of Ontario. Toronto. 2nd edition.

Macoun, W. T. [Editor] 1898. Bird notes for June. Ottawa Nat.,

12:88.

Macoun, John. 1900-1903. Catalogue of Canadian birds (Parts I and
2). Ottawa.

Macoun, J., ad J. M. Macoun, 1909. Catalogue of Canadian birds.
Ottawa.

Nash, C. W. 1908. Vertebrates of Ontario. Dept. of Education,
Toronto.

National Parks of Canada. 1928. Official Canadian record of bird
banding returns. Can. Field-Nat., 42:110.

Need, Thomas. 1838. Six yearsin the bush. London, Eng., pp. 29-33.

Phillips, John C. 1922. A natural history of the ducks. Boston and
New York.

Saunders, W. E. 1926. Hudsonian godwit in Ontario. Can. Field-
Nat., 40:113.

Saunders, W. E. 1930. The destruction of birds at Long Point light-
house, Ontario, on 4 nights in 1929. Auk, 47:507-511.

Small, H. B. 1866. The Canadian handbook and tourists’ guide.
Montreal, p. 161.

Smith, Wm. H. 1851. Canada: Past, present and future. Toronto,

vol. 1, p. 126.
Snyder, L. L. 1928a. Double ovaries in Circus hudsonius. Auk,
45: 98-99.

Snyder, L. L. 1928b. The western sandpiper, Ereunetes mauri, in
Ontario. Auk, 45:207.

Snyder, L. L. 1929. Second Canadian record of Bachman’s sparrow.
Auk, 46:119.

Snyder, L.L. 19380. Sexual differentiation in the plumage of the black-
bellied plover. Auk, 47:79-80.

Taverner, P. A., and B. H. Swales. 1907-1908. The birds of Point
Pelee. Wilson Bull., 14:37-54 and 15:82-99.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 227

Taverner, P. A.,and B. H.Swales. 1911. Noteson the migration of the
saw-whet owl. Auk, 28:33.

Taverner, P. A. 1914. Geological survey museum work on Point
Pelee, Ont. Ottawa Nat., 28:97-105.

Townson, John. 1928. Some observations of bird life. Rod and Gun
and Can. Silver Fox News. 30:401-402.

(Editorial) 1883. Forest and Stream, 21:15.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT AND VICINITY,
NORFOLK COUNTY, ONTARIO

IV. THE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES OF LONG POINT
By E. B. S. LoGIER

In 1927 the writer spent eighteen days between May 25 and June 13
at Long Point as a member of the Museum party. The other members
of the party remained at the point that year until the end of July and
visited it again in May, 1928, remaining there for a month. In May,
1929, Mr. W. J. LeRay spent one day, the 14th, at Long Point in com-
pany with Dr. J. A. Campbell. In July, 1929, the writer in company
with Mr. LeRay, spent two more days, the 12th and 13th, at this interest-
ing place. It was during these visits that the specimens and data upon
which the present paper is based were gathered and the writer wishes
here to acknowledge the kind co-operation of his fellow members of the
Museum party and the above mentioned gentlemen. All of the visits
to Long Point were made possible through the kindness of the late
Mr. H. B. Johnson.

The herpetological fauna of Long Point exhibits some interesting
peculiarities as compared with that of other localities in southern Ontario.
One is impressed by the apparent absence of Ambystoma and Plethodon
among the salamanders, of all Hylidae, of Rana clamitans and Rana
sylvatica, and by the scarcity of Bufo americanus. Long Point offers a
variety of physiographic conditions which appear to comply with the
requirements of these species as indicated by their habitat preferences in
localities where they are common. There can be little doubt that the
great abundance of garter snakes is a potent factor in suppressing
amphibians. On the other hand, that certain species as the leopard
frog and Fowler’s toad should escape destruction while other equally
or more powerful species like the green frog and the American toad
should be preyed upon to, or nearly to the point of extermination, seems
unlikely.

Jefferson’s salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), the spotted
salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), the red-backed salamander (Pleth-
odon cinereus), the American toad (Bufo americanus), the spring peeper
(Hyla crucifer), the tree-toad (Hyla versicolor), the wood frog (Rana
sylvatica) and the green frog (Rana clamitans) are all common and
successful species in southern Ontario and their ranges include the north

229

230 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

shore of Lake Erie. Yet for some reason they are apparently unsuccess-
ful at Long Point where the leopard frog and Fowler’s toad are the
dominant amphibians and the only ones which appear to be at all
plentiful.

Among the reptiles, the apparent absence of the blue-tailed skink
(Eumeces fasciatus) and the red-bellied snake (Storeria occipito-maculata)
was notable, though the woods on Ryerson island and Courtright ridge
appeared to offer ideal conditions for these species.

The most notable features in the reptile fauna were the abundance
of the common garter snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis), and its pronounced
melanistic tendency. The fox snake (Elaphe vulpina) and the brown
snake (Sloreria dekayi) were common. The blowing adder (Heterodon
contortrix) which seems to be nowhere abundant in Ontario, was common
for the species, six specimens having been taken in eighteen days in 1927.
The water snake (Nairix sipedon) was common though not abundant
for its species.

When Mr. LeRay and Dr. Campbell visited Long Point on May 14,
1929, they collected on Ryerson island and at the Oak ridges and found
garter snakes and fox snakes congregated in large numbers at the Oak
ridges, where they collected over one hundred and forty snakes, including
six blowing adders, in about two and a half hours. On July 13 of the
same year few snakes were seen at the ridges, only two fox snakes and
about a dozen garter snakes having been taken in three or four hours.

The Oak ridges rise to a height of seven or eight feet above the
surrounding marsh affording dry ground even when the water is high.
They are unshaded except for a few scattered oaks along the crests,
and since they lie in an east and west direction the southern slope would
receive the maximum amount of sunshine in the autumn and early spring.
The above observations would suggest that large numbers of snakes
avail themselves of the protection of these ridges for winter quarters,
scattering out over the marsh again when the weather becomes warm
and settled.

The turtles are well represented at Long Point. Six species were
found. Their relative abundance, in descending order, appeared to be
as follows: Blanding’s turtle (Emys blandingii), the map turtle (Grapt-
emys geographica), the snapping turtle (Cheledra serpentina), the painted
turtle (Chrysemys m. marginata), the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata),
and the soft-shelled turtle (Amyda spinifera).

The list on the following pages includes eighteen species, six amphi-
bians and twelve reptiles. It cannot be positively stated that certain
species not included do not occur at Long Point, but if they do, they
must be very uncommon.

Sa a ee

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A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 2a

AMPHIBIANS

Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque). Mup Puppy.—Two speci-
mens were seen in 1927, both dead. One was found by the writer on
June 7; it was decayed and had been partly devoured but the head was
still intact. The other was seen by Mr. J. L. Baillie Jr., on June 16,
but was considered too badly decayed to be worth saving.

This salamander was evidently not plentiful in the waters of the
marsh because between May 25 and the end of June, 1927, while the
fishermen were seining for carp not a single specimen was captured.

Triturus v. viridescens (Rafinesque). GREEN NrwtT.—Nine
young specimens ranging from 32 to 44 mm. in length were taken from
under cover on the ground on Ryerson island in May and June, 1927.
and four specimens within about the same size limits in July, 1929.
They were all of orange or red coloration. No adults were found.

Bufo americanus Holbrook. AMERICAN Toap.—This toad was
not common. Three specimens were taken in 1927, no others were seen.

Bufo fowleri Garman. FOWLER’s ToAp.—This was the dominant
toad at Long Point and was quite common. It was first noted on the
evening of May 30, 1927, on the sand beach of Second island and was heard
calling from the sand bar pools under an air temperature of 58° F. and
a water temperature of 61°F. On the evening of June 1, it was again
heard calling with the air temperature at 53°F., and on the evening of
June 3 with air temperature at 63°F. and water temperatures of 64° to
67.5°F. On the night of June 2, a windy night, when the air temperature
dropped to 52°F the toads were silent.

The sand bar pool where the toads were observed after dark by aid
of a flashlight, had a maximum depth of about ten inches and varied in
width from five or six to about fifteen feet. It was formed by the washing
up of a low sand bar just beyond the edge of the beach, impounding the
water in the area between. It sustained a sparse growth of aquatic
grasses on the clean, sand bottom.

The singing males were found in water of from two to six inches deep
and would sit or float with the head and shoulders above the surface.
One male was found singing on the sand a few feet from the water.
Specimens singled out and timed gave calls of from one and a half to two
seconds duration with intervals mostly of eight to ten seconds between
calls.

During the day these toads would remain buried in the sand of the
beach and toward evening could be seen emerging in numbers, leaving
little pits of one and a half or two inches in depth. They were mostly
of pale coloration resembling that of the sand.

On June 8, 1927, a quantity of spawn was found strewn about

232 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

among the grasses in water one foot deep in a sand bar pool on Ryerson
island.

The males were greatly in excess of the females. Out of forty-four
specimens in our collections thirty-four are males, four are females and
six are young specimens of uncertain sex.

On July 13, 1929, large numbers of recently transformed specimens
were found on a flat, sandy area edging on the marsh near the outer
beach, but sheltered from it by the high, wooded ridge which separates
the marsh from the beach.

Rana catesbeiana Shaw. BuLi_ Froc.—The bull frog was not
abundant at Long Point. Its call was heard occasionally in the evenings
in June, 1927, but no specimens were seen that year. On July 12, 1929,
a few specimens were heard calling near the Long Point Company’s
cottages and two were collected, they were floating among the reeds in
water of three or four feet in depth.

Rana pipiens Schreber. LEOPARD Froc.—Leopard frogs were
found to be plentiful toward the western end of Ryerson island. They
were seen in the beach pools and in the shallow, marshy water between
the wooded ridges. A few were also seen at other parts of the point.
Considering the apparently ideal leopard frog habitat conditions which
exist in many places on the point, one would have expected to have found
them more plentiful than they were. The suppression of their numbers
may be due in part to the great abundance of garter snakes.

On May 30, 1927, some leopard frogs were croaking at night in the
sand bar pools on Second island. On June 8 a clump of spawn was seen
in one of the pools on Ryerson’s island, but was apparently infertile and
was commencing to spoil.

REPTILES

Heterodon contortrix (Linné). BLowinc ApDDER.—Six adult
specimens of this species were taken on Ryerson island in 1927, most of
them on the sandy beach where they came to bask. They were all of
dark coloration with the blotching nearly obscured. Two more speci-
mens were taken by Mr. H. P. Stovell in 1928 and six by Mr. LeRay and
Dr. Campbell in 1929.

Elaphe vulpina (Baird and Girard). Fox SNAKE.—This species
was found to be common. Seventeen specimens were taken between
May 27 and June 12, 1927. About as many, but of the exact number
there is no record, were taken by Mr. LeRay and Dr. Campbell on May
14, 1929, and three were taken on July 12 and 13, 1929. Most of the
specimens taken were basking in the sun at the time of capture.

In the majority of cases in the writer’s experience these snakes would

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 233

not exhibit any excitement or make any attempt to escape when ap-
proached. On one occasion the writer was collecting at some logs on
Ryerson island, and after working there for about ten minutes discovered
a fox snake lying quietly on the grass not more than eight feet away.
It was apparently not in the least disturbed by all the movement of
turning the logs and stripping the bark. On another occasion a speci-
men betrayed itself by vibrating its tail in the grass when we passed at
a distance of eight or ten feet.

A young specimen about two feet in length taken on Ryerson island
on June 2, 1927, later disgorged a bundle of undigested earthworms.
This same specimen escaped from its bag in our cabin on the night of its
capture and finally found its way into the writer’s bed. This method
on the part of these snakes of seeking warmth at night was known to
the fishermen on the point.

Lampropeltis t. triangulum enboade): MILK SNAKE.—A
single specimen of 366 mm. in length was taken by Mr. Stovell at Court-
right ridge on June 26, 1927. After capture it disgorged three young
shrews, Cryptotis parva, two of which revived later.

Natrix s. sipedon (Linné). WATER SNAKE.—The water snake
could hardly be considered as plentiful. Only thirteen specimens were
found between May 25 and June 13, 1927. One specimen was found on
July 12, 1929.

Storeria dekayi (Holbrook). LittLE BRowNn SNAKE.—This species
was common and was taken from under cover on the ground, mostly on
Ryerson island. Thirteen specimens were taken in 1927 and fourteen
on July 12, 1929.

Thamnophis s. sirtalis (Linné). GARTER SNAKE.—This was by
far the most abundant reptile at Long Point, and is of especial interest
because of the pronounced melanistic tendency which it exhibits. The
truly melanistic individuals, which would comprise perhaps thirty-five per
cent. of the garter snake population of the point, are of a deep, satiny
black with white throats. In some specimens the white had a pale
greenish hue and in some it was soiled with brown.

As the time for shedding approaches, the skin loses its intense black-
ness and becomes dull, the belly becomes milky and the back may
become grayish or brownish, sometimes showing a rather faint striping.
In preserved material this condition is even more apparent and even
brilliant specimens may become dull. Many of the striped specimens
found were very dusky, and since the yellow pigment washes out in
preservative it often becomes a difficult matter to distinguish these from
those that were originally black.

In the museum collection there are one hundred and seventy-three
specimens from Long Point. Of these thirty-seven are definitely black,

234 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

twenty-seven are dull or faintly striped but show a deep, black under
skin where the outer skin has been removed, so there seems to be little
doubt that the latter were melanos approaching the time of shedding,
making a total of practically thirty-seven per cent. melanos in the
collection. At least another twenty-six specimens, though not actually
black, show a great excess of black pigment which in some cases almost
obscures the striping.

While at Long Point for two days in July, 1929, we decided to
collect every garter snake we saw regardless of colour or size. A number
escaped, but we secured a total of eighty-six out of which forty-four or
51.16 per cent. were black. The high percentage of melanos in this
collection is perhaps due in part to the fact that their colour does not
conceal them in the field, they are more easily seen and so less likely to
escape.

Females apparently are more abundant than males, and especially
so in the case of the black specimens. The thirty-seven definitely black
specimens in the museum collection were examined for sex and there
were nine males and twenty-eight females. An equal number of definite-
ly striped specimens were examined and there were sixteen males and
twenty-one females. In the black specimens, then, we find 75.67 per
cent. of females and in the striped specimens 56.75 per cent. of females.
In the total of seventy-four specimens examined we find 66.21 per cent.
of females.

In the years 1927 and 1929 a total of fifteen pregnant females, nine
striped and six black, were isolated in separate containers until after
their litters were born, when the numbers of black and striped young in
the different litters were counted. (Copeia, Nos. 172 and 1930.1.)
The results for these observations are as follows: The nine striped females
produced two hundred and forty-eight young of which eighty-eight, or
35.48 per cent. were black. The six black females produced one hundred
and thirty young of which sixty-eight, or 52.30 per cent. were black.
The total of all young born was three hundred and seventy-eight of which
one hundred and fifty-six, or 41.26 per cent. were black.

The yellow striped specimens found at Long Point did not exhibit
the brilliant lemon yellow so common in the striping of this species from
Lake Ontario northward, but a deep yellow of straw, orange or brownish
hue, and frequently rather dull. A few showed red skin anteriorly
between the scales of the lateral stripes.

It was noted that many of the garter snakes taken at Long Point
were unusually pugnacious and would flatten themselves and strike
repeatedly when first handled.

Chelydra serpentina (Linné). SNAPPING TURTLE.—This turtle
was common at Long Point and was often caught by the fishermen when
seining in the marsh for carp.

A FAUNAL INVESTIGATION OF LONG POINT 235

Mr. L. L. Snyder, in his diary for 1927, records seeing large numbers
of them wandering about on Courtright ridge on June 23 and some of
them in the act of excavating nests. On June 26 he found that many
of the nests had been dug up by raccoons, the tracks of which were
plainly evident. These animals had been devouring the eggs and the
empty shells were scattered about their diggings. The raccoons did not
always steal the full complement of eggs from any nest and a few could
be found which were left in the ground undamaged.

Clemmys guttata (Schneider). SpotreED TuRTLE.—Four speci-
mens of this species were taken in 1927 and a few others were reported
as seen by the fishermen. Two of the specimens taken were found under
a water logged plank in about four inches of water. The dark plank
and the water and mud beneath it had accumulated considerable heat
from the direct rays of the sun. About twenty specimens were taken on
the Oak ridges on May 14, 1929, and others were seen.

Emys blandingii (Holbrook). BLANDING’s TURTLE.—This was
the most abundant turtle and it was frequently found wandering about
in shallow water in the marsh on Second and Ryerson islands. It was
also seen in the marshy ponds between the ridges on Ryerson island.
Three young specimens of four inches or less in length were taken in the
sand bar pools on the beach. The carapaces of these specimens were
covered with algae which is not usually present on older specimens.

Seventeen specimens were taken in 1927 and many others were seen.

Mr. Snyder in his diary for 1927 records seeing large numbers of
them wandering about on Courtright ridge on June 23 and digging nests.
He records seeing a pair copulating on May 10, 1928.

Mr. LeRay reports that on May 14, 1929, he saw hundreds of these
turtles sunning themselves on the Oak ridges, and described them as being
‘dotted all over the place’’.

Graptemys geographica (LeSueur). Map TurtLe.—This turtle
was very common at Long Point. Six specimens were taken in 1927 and
many others were seen. They would congregate in numbers on certain
logs in the marsh where they would bask in the sun, and could be iden-
tified through the field glasses. It was impossible to approach them in
such places since they would dive while our boat was still three or four
hundred feet away. They seemed to be the most wary of the turtles.

Mr. J. L. Baillie, Jr. reports seeing forty-two at one time on the
outer beach on July 4, 1927.

Chrysemys m. marginata (Agassiz). PAINTED TuRTLE.—Ten
specimens of this species were taken in 1927 during the eighteen days
that the writer was at the point. It was common though not abundant.
Mr. LeRay reports seeing it in about equal numbers with the spotted
turtle on the Oak ridges in May, 1929.

236 TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN INSTITUTE

Amyda spinifera (LeSueur). Sorr SHELLED TuRTLE.—One speci-
men of this turtle was taken in 1927 and three in 1928. According to
the fishermen, these turtles were not uncommon, but were not often seen
except when they came ashore in June to lay their eggs. They were
occasionally taken in the fishing nets.

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