c owl Ar Smithsonian Institution Sibraries Alexander Wetmore 194 6 Sxth Secretary Liu wy @ Ae 7 {MBs N53" wl Bi ads Pee . f + fe . Xie at 15 cTs, PER COPY $1.00 Aa YEAR THE WREN : Bulletin of the Norfolk Bird Club A monthly magazine devoted to the interests of the Club Vior.: I JANUARY, 1909 No. 1 Tuis Bulletin is not a new idea with members of the Norfolk Bird Club. It is the outgrowth of another crude attempt, a history of which will be found elsewhere in this magazine. Ever since the other Bulletin was discontinued there has been a faction in the club desiring its renewal and it is hoped that this attempt will prove more successful than the other. There is a great deal of unorganized field work carried on in this part of the state by ladies and gentlemen who belong to no bird club except the American Ornithologists’ Union. Mr. C. J.” Maynard does a great deal to record the results of this unorganized observing in his weekly ‘‘record,” but if these bird students could get together in some way and record their results it would do a great deal towards promoting understanding between them. The column devoted to notes will naturally contain only birds seen by members, unless some outside notes of importance and interest are handed in. CLUB WALK. On December 5, 1908, the club took a walk to Marblehead. Six members left the North Station at nine o’clock and upon ar- riving at Marblehead chartered a launch and were carried across to the Neck. While going across the harbor we saw several Herring Gulls and a Kittiwake. The latter circled about the launch a couple of times allowing us a good view of him and showing his black feet. Almost as soon as we began our walk along the rocks we saw a Black Guillemot a little way out. Going along a little farther, one \ rc ra 109 ‘ \ . DEC g8 82 2] 2 THE WREN of our members saw a bird on the water which was soon identified as a Horned Grebe. Off a stony beach we saw four more Guille- mots and a few Old-squaws. When we got to Devereux beach we started two shore birds, one a Killdeer and the other a Sander- ling. As the Killdeer was the first any of us had ever seen we spent some time in watching him. We then walked along the shore towards Swampscott, making occasional stops to look at various ducks, usually Old-squaws. At Beach Bluffs we decided to lunch. While we were thus engaged a flock of about twenty Canada Geese flew over and when these were gone we spent some time in watching three Loons and a Holbeell’s Grebe. After finishing our lunch we walked along towards Swampscott, seeing very little worth mentioning until we arrived at Nahant. In the beach grass along the Boulevard we flushed an Ipswich Sparrow and a Lapland Longspur. A few Horned Larks were seen along the beach.- Just outside the breakers was a large flock of Buffleheads and a few Greater Scaup Ducks. After rounding Little Nahant it was decided to return as there was not enough light to make it worth while going round Big Nahant. Other species seen but not mentioned in this account were, Crow, Song Sparrow, Flicker, Tree Sparrow, Chickadee, White- breasted Nuthatch, Surf Scoter, and Black-backed Gull. NOTES. A Pigron Hawk was seen by Jamaica Pond on November 23 by J. Kittredge. It was seen both by the Pond and in the Fenway by other observers for several days after the 23rd. An unusually warm fall has kept several species of birds with us later than usual. Some of these will probably winter. THE WREN. 29 part of my stay, if I may omit the ever present Chickadee, one or more of which was always around the house picking at a doughnut or muffin strung on a bush for their special delectation. ‘The - number of their calls, especially as the month advanced, was really "quite surprising and the well-known “‘Phoebe’’-note became more and more prevalent. Indeed one lady remarked, as I had expected, that having heard the ‘‘Pewee” that very morning, she thought spring was on the way. The first, and in fact only Woodpecker seen during my stay was the Hairy, and as I learn from other observers he is the sole repre- sentative of his family there in winter. The first pair which I saw were busily engaged in fighting, but later I saw three together amicably seeking their insect prey from the trunks of pines and hardwoods. A crimson splash on the nape of one of these showed him to be a male while one of the others at least was a female. The lucky day of my first Hairy Woodpecker observation also brought forth a Ruffed Grouse which I saw picking its way gingerly through a birch thicket along the crust, which covered the snow during almost the entire month. My first week had passed, but as yet I had no indication of that rarer and more uncertain winter visitor the Pine Grosbeak. One bright, sunny morning, however, just before rising, I was startled to hear their cheery, ringing notes. Running to the window, | was just in time to catch a fleeting glimpse of two plump individuals perched upon the topmost branches of a sugar maple just outside. They were off in the twinkling of an eye but the instant’s glance at their subdued brown plumage showed them to be females or immature birds. Once afterward I heard their gladdening call, but I observed no others. The sugar maples seemed to be especially attractive to the birds, for besides my longed-for Grosbeaks and countless Chickadees, they furnished my first Red-breasted Nuthatch actually observed though I had previously heard their high nasal call in the woods. During early February the weather was uniformly cold, but the thermometer scarcely ever went below zero. It was sufficiently cold, however, to keep the Blue Jays from proudly displaying them- selves in all their beauty and making the woods resound with their discordant call. But they occasionally made sallies for the Chick- or; 30 | THE WREN. adees’ doughnuts and flew away guiltily into their forest retreats. Only a few spring days were needed to bring them out in full force and to awaken to: new life their more noisy cousins the Crows, of which I saw no evidence until Washington’s birthday. I am told that the Crows are seldom seen there in the dead of winter, but that they suddenly make an appearance at the first signs of spring. * The only other winter bird noted’ was a single Junco which flashed shyly past me on February 20, showing: his white outer tail-feathers as he sped past and was lost to view.among the pines. On the whole the trip was a most pleasant one in spite of the small variety of birds, for it was areal joy to be out-of-doors observ- ing nature in its sparkling robe of snow. i Basins Charles Schweinfurth. EAVE SWALLOWS AND THEIR NESTS. Most of us know the Eave Swallows, with chestnut patches on throat and rump, here-in New England, as migrants only. A few summers ago, I took some care and great pleasure in watching a colony of the birds build their nests. Unfortunately, I left the vicinity before the young birds hatched, so this account will be restricted to the nests and eggs: . During the last two weeks of June, 1 was in North Andover. Just back of the house where I was visiting, there was an old barn with:big, broad eaves. Under these eaves the swallows built their nests. : Partly on the wall of the barn and partly under the eaves, they began to plaster the little gray pellets of clay. Just where they procured this clay, I do not know, but I think it must have been from the wet bottom of a stone quarry a quarter of a mile away. At first the birds found difficulty in making the clay stick ’to the bare wall, so that a little pile of it formed under each of the half- dozen nesting sites. After the foundations were laid, the work progressed rapidly. Sometimes, I could see the dividing line be- tween the fresh clay of that day and the dry, hardened pellets of the day before. . The nests were all finished within a week of one another. It was wonderful to see how perfectly formed they were; conical, with the larger ends attached to the wood-work, and tapering to the circular entrances which were about 14 inches in diameter. Inside THE WREN. 31 this pocket-shaped clay home, they made a shallow nest of fine grasses in which were laid usually four. mae eggs spotted with brown. Sometimes two birds would get into the nest at once, and I could - hear them gossiping to each other. Often a bird would sit at the entrance for five and ten minutes at a time with only its head pro- jecting, and sing, and-twitter, and warble contentedly. At such times the cream-white bar above the bill would show to great advantage. .Here my visit ended and also my observations, al- though I still have a nest and eBgs, Soa down later by the painters, as a souvenir. : Joseph Kittredge, Jr. J Correction: W. C. Levey did not see the Razor-billed Auks from the Gloucester boat as was stated i m the Sire nuimber, Correction: In’ the Club mister given’ in the January number it was stated that the flower list had been given up: ’ The flower list is still in existence, being kept by the assistant secretary. Sip) sae ey) se ‘ae Mite ae! at es ag a teh ' ke 1 Lak yt, S ™ J a +. { ine pe x ee Vi i a th) mht SY a i 11 ii eee wie eo) v f 15 cTs. PER COPY $1.00 A YEAR THE WREN | Bulletin of the Norfolk Bird Club A monthly magazine devoted to the interests of the Club Vou. I May, 1909 No. 5 Editor, J. L. Peters, Ridgely 66, Cambridge. Manager, JoserH KirtrREDGE, JR., 31 Holyoke St., Cambridge. MIGRATION DURING APRIL. ‘Tuts year April was a rather average month; most of the birds which arrived during that time appeared possibly a little later than last year. ‘The first few days were rather warm and laid the foun- dation for a flight which was brought about by the unusually warm weather of the 6th, 7th, and 8th. ‘This warm spell was followed by a few days of colder weather, which did not appear however to retard migration very much. From the 13th to the 20th the weather was moderately warm, but there was no general flight until about the 18th. Most of the birds arriving at that time were Myrtle and Yellow-palm Warblers, From the 20th to the end of the month the weather was quite cool, but in spite of this the birds, especially the two species of Warblers, continued to pass on. Throughout the month the flight of certain sparrows, especially of the Juncos and Fox Sparrows, has been unusually light. In the case of several species it has not been possible for the members to see them until a few days after their arrival, but in most cases the birds have been found as soon as they arrived. April 1. Female Redhead last seen on Fresh Pond. A Lesser Scaup noted on Jamaica Pond. April 3. A Hermit Thrush at Squantum. April 4. 2 Snow Buntings on the north side of Fresh Pond. April 5. Pigeon Hawk seen on Brattle St., Cambridge. 6 Tree (33) 34 THE WREN. Swallows at Marblehead. A male Lesser Scaup joined the other already on Jamaica Pond. April6. 3 Kingfishers, 2 Vesper Sparrows, and 6 Tree Swallows appeared about Fresh Pond. 1 Field Sparrow, 16 Vespers, 8 Savannas and 22 Myrtle Warblers at North Scituate. Not all the Myrtles were migrants, although many were in full plumage and in song. April 7. 9 Vesper, 3 Savanna, and 2 Swamp Sparrows at Fresh Pond. At Wayland, a flock of 73 Canada Geese, 22 Phoebes, 2 Pine Warblers, and a Winter Wren. 3 Hermit Thrushes and 2 Pine Warblers were found at Arlington Heights. 25 Canada Geese flew over Jamaica Plain. April 8. A general flight of Ruby and Golden-crowned Kinglets, particularly of the latter. A few Yellow-palm Warblers also ap- peared. At Belmont a Broad-winged Hawk was seen to fly over. April9. A storm held back migrants; a flock of 6 Fox Sparrows was noted in the Maple Swamp at Fresh Pond. April 10. 4 Field Sparrows in Franklin Park. At Dedham, an Osprey was seen flying over; 1 Barn Swallow in a flock of nearly 100 Tree Swallows; a flock of about 15 Rusty Blackbirds. A Winter Wren in song was seen in Brookline. At Scituate, Myrtle Warblers were abundant, many singing. There were few ducks and no Grebes off the shore. ‘The last Red-throated Loon and 7 Northern Loons were noted. April 11. 2 Winter Wrens, 1 singing, in Jamaica Plain. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in Franklin Park. April 12. A Pied-billed Grebe seen on the Charles River, Ded- ham. Said to have been there for some time. _ April 18. 9 Swamp Sparrows in the Fresh Pond Marshes. 1 Chipping Sparrow on the north side of Fresh Pond. April 15. A Northern Loon first appeared on Fresh Pond, April 17. At Ipswich: —1 Northern Loon, 9 Old Squaws, 9 Blue Herons, a Winter Yellow-legs heard, 2 Piping Plover, 16 Horned Larks, 2 Chipping Sparrows, 9 Yellow-palm Warblers, 9 Hermit Thrushes. April 18. Chipping Sparrows common everywhere; increase in Yellow-palm Warblers apparent. April 19. A Brown Thrasher seen at Concord. THE WREN. 35 April 20. Virginia Rail heard at the Pout Pond Swamp. 13 Myrtle Warblers and 100 Rusty Blackbirds about Fresh Pond. At Ponkapoag Pond: — 2 Pied-billed Grebes, 3 American Mer- gansers, 7 Scaup Ducks. A flock of Geese heard. April 21. An American Bittern and a female Wood Duck in Middleton, Mourning Dove in Topsfield, 2 Ospreys in Wenham. April 23. General arrival of Brown Thrashers, and Barn Swal- lows, a few White-throated Sparrows appear as migrants. 8 Buffle- heads, a large number of Horned Grebes in summer dress, 2 Old Squaws, and a flock of American Scoters off Lynn beach. Black and White Warbler in Wellesley. 2Chewinks in Brookline. Last Fox Sparrow seen. April 24. At Ipswich, first Purple Martin and last Rough- legged Hawk. A Tree Sparrow at Medway. April 27. Rose-breasted Grosbeak in song at Brookline. April 29. A Spotted Sandpiper at Ponkapoag, Pied-billed Grebe last seen at the same place. A heavy flight of Warblers in the woods about Ponkapoag, the flight consisted chiefly of Yellow palm, Myrtle, and Black and White Warblers, a Black-throated Green, and 1 or more Solitary Vireos. April 30. A Catbird in Brookline. NOTES. Many of the northern birds which visited us last winter have remained quite Jate. At the end of April, Siskins and Red Cross- bills were still present, although not very abundant. On April 11 J. L. Peters saw and heard a White-winged Crossbill flying over Brookline; on the 19th, Carlyle Morris found a male feeding on the ground in the Sargent estate, and on April 23, J. L. Peters heard one flymg over Franklin Park. Barron Brainerd saw a Redpoll in Wayland on April 7. Throughout the winter Cedar Waxwings were very scarce, only a very few were seen. ‘Towards the last of April a few began to appear as follows. April 18, 1 in the Fenway, April 24, 2 in the Fenway, Barron Brainerd. April 23, a flock of 45 in Brookline, R. L. Creesy. A Short-eared Owl was seen and 2 Carolina Wrens heard at Scituate by R. M. Marble and J. Kittredge, Jr., on April 10. 36 THE WREN. An Iceland Gull was seen on the beach at Ipswich, April 17, by R. M. Marble, Barron Brainerd, and J. L. Peters. A Hairy Woodpecker building its nest, was seen at Ponkapoag on April 20 by J. L. Peters and Barron Brainerd. 17 Wood Duck, were seen by Barron Brainerd and J. L. Peters on the Charles River between Bellingham Junction and Millis, April 24. On April 23, Barron Brainerd made the following notes on the morning singing of birds. At the time he was on the Charles River between South Natick and Charles River Village. Before 4 A. M. at South Natick, Grackles and Robins: 4.15, Song Sparrow: 4.20, Phoebe: 4.28, Chipping Sparrow: 4.30, Crow: 4.43, Chickadee: 4.50, Redwing: 4.54, Cowbird: 4.55, Bluebird: Sunrise, 4.58, Purple Finch: 5.01, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Pine Warbler: 5.02, Yellow Warbler: 5.07, Yellow-palm Warbler, Downy: 5.08, Goldfinch: 5.10, Swamp Sparrow. A DAY WITH THE BIRDS IN NEW JERSEY. During the Easter vacation, I spent a week in northern New Jersey, devoting much of my time to walking and bird-hunting although I was out almost every day during the week, I am going to write especially on the birds that I saw April 5. On that day I left the town where I was staying and went over toa place about eight miles distant, where I met three friends who are all very much interested in birds. When we had made ourselves ready for a good tramp, we started out and followed up a winding stream which flowed from a nearby mill pond. Our first bird was the Song Sparrow, which was ever present throughout the day. Along the brook were numerous Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, and Robins. Farther up the stream, we found two White-breasted Nuthatchs, and nearby a Brown Creeper, who was diligently searching the bark for insects and larvae. When we arrived at the pond, a Kingfisher flew across the further end, uttering his familiar rattle, and disappeared through the trees. My friend told me that this bird had wintered in the locality. We walked nearly round the pond and added the Phoebe, Crow, Blue- THE WREN. aie bird, Chickadee, Goldfinch, and Sparrow Hawk to our list. Our attention was then diverted to a young male Red-headed Wood- pecker, which we saw high up in a large oak tree. The red feathers of his head were not those of a fully developed male bird and the black and white markings were not absolutely defined and distinct. This species interested me very much as it was the first individual that I had ever seen. We spent nearly half an hour in watching him. On our way back to the big farm house, a flock of several hundred ducks flew swiftly overhead. Most of them were doubt- less Blacks. Just before we reached the house, we saw another Red-headed Woodpecker in a grove of oaks and hickories. This specimen was in full plumage and made a good climax for our morning’s walk. After a hasty but hearty dinner, we went down to the marshes where we expected to see ducks and perhaps some hawks. Our expectations were fulfilled, for, on our way down, we noted what appeared to be either a Red-shouldered or Reu-tailed Hawk. We were in deubt a moment, but when the bird wheeled in the air, our doubts were immediately dispelled by his bright rufous tail. Mead- owlarks seemed to be common, and a Downy Woodpecker was heard hammering on a nearby stump. We hastened on and soon arrived near the spot where we expected to see something of interest. Cautiously, we crept toward a small mud-hole of a pond, sometimes on our knees, sometimes half crouching, for my friends said that the ducks were very shy. A large tree stood in front of us, which we used as a blind, in order not to be seen or suspected. When we raised our glasses and looked out upon the water we saw a score of Black Ducks, and a like number of Pintail Ducks floating lazily about. ‘The Pintails were very interesting, especially as I had never seen a flock of them before. Baldpates were heard upon the pond, but we did not see them until a few moments later when the whole gathering rose and circled about overhead. We counted a few Mallards, perhaps fifteen, among the wheeling mass of ducks which flew about above us. ‘The sight was one long to be remem- bered. ‘The birds did not settle down again while we were watch- ing the pond, but flew off toward a big reservoir. As we lay there, watching the ducks, half a dozen Tree Swallows flew over us and passed on. Before going on, we took a last look 38 THE WREN. upon the water and there, to our surprise, were two Pied-billed Grebes. ‘They dove frequently and did not give us much chance to see them. As we walked on, Marsh Hawks hovered over the wet meadow in search of their prey. In a good-sized willow tree, we noticed a large hawk perching upon the topmost branch. When we looked at him through the glass, he turned out to be a Rough-legged Hawk. As we approached he rose and slowly flew away. Fox Sparrows and White-throats were seen together in a dense thicket. On our way back we saw against the darkening sky two great Blue Herons. This was an appropriate bird with which to end up the day, for me a most interesting one. Carlyle Morris. A FEW EXPERIENCES WITH BIRDS AT ALTON BAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. ALTON Bay is the extreme southerly arm of Lake Winnipesaukee. The pretty little Merrymeeting River, the largest inlet to the lake has its source in Merrymeeting Lake, a beautiful sheet of water hidden among the hills. After many miles of meandering, this little river finally enters the lower end of the bay. The country is mountainous, sparsely settled, much of it thickly wooded, and a favorable one for birds. In 1907, I had the good fortune to spend the last week of June and first week of July at Alton Bay. The one hotel had been burned the winter before and not yet rebuilt, so we were obliged to go to a boarding-house, which was situated on high ground overlooking both the lake and river. It was possible here to get in close inti- macy with the birds of the vicinity. The most interesting species to me was the kingbird. I found two of their nests. One was in a bush overhanging the river. By pushing the stern of the boat underneath the bush and standing on the seat one could look into the nest. When first observed it con- tained three eggs. These were white with large reddish brown spots. A few days after, two of the eggs had hatched, and the young were covered with reddish brown down and looked like little balls. A week later the little birds were considerably bigger, and is THE WREN. ay 39 the third egg had not yet hatched, and so of course would not, as the parents were no longer sitting on the nest, but were getting food for the young. Both birds showed great concern whenever the nest was approached, and the male flew back and forth and hovered over it uttering his harsh twitter, while the female sat in a bush near by. We left Alton Bay before the young were able to fly, which I regretted very much. The other kingbird’s nest was in a small orchard behind the house. It was in an apple tree high up from the ground so I was unable to see into it, but it contained young when I first discovered it. These kingbirds were watchful over their brood to an extreme degree. They not only fed them well, judging from the number of trips made to the young, and kept other birds away from the nest, but went out of their way to seek trouble as the following will show. At the boarding-house lived a cat whose custom it was to bask in the morning sun at the back of the house. Although the kingbird’s nest was at a safe distance from pussy’s resting place, the presence of this cat seemed to disturb the birds. One of them would often alight on the clothes line directly above her and give its war cry. Every now and then he would dart down with the seeming intention of striking her on the head with his bill, but just before he reached pussy, he would hover an instant then fly up to the line again utter- ing many threats. And pussy, who slept quietly while the bird scolded, would look up in sleepy surprise when he darted down at her, and when he returned to the line above her, she would settle down for another nap. Another interesting bird observed at Alton Bay was the Phoebe. As is well known the Phoebe’s favorite place for building is under a bridge. Over the mouth of the little Merrymeeting River where it flows into the bay is a wooden bridge supported by iron beams. For the past seven years, which is as far back as my observations go, Phoebes have built on the ledges of these iron beams. It is most surprising that the birds should build there, as the bridge is much frequented; and every time a wagon goes over, a great lot of dust falls through into the water, and of course into the nest, and the noise is deafening. ‘The bridge is also frequented by people fishing at all hours of the day and night. It is very low, so that passing under in a boat you can easily reach the nest by standing up. The 40 THE WREN. Phoebe, however, remains quietly on her nest as the rowboats and even launches go under, and as no one looks up the nest and birds are never seen. Summer before last, however, there was a tragedy. That year the Phoebes built on the beam nearest the river and extremely near one end of the bridge. It so happened that the river was very low that spring, exposing a large rock just from under the bridge near the nest. A boy not satisfied with fishing from the bridge, climbed down on this rock to fish, and so his head was not many feet from the nest. All went well for a time, as the Phoebe remained quietly sitting on the nest, and was not seen. But once, alas, the boy got down on the rock when the bird was not on the nest. When she returned, the boy saw her fly under the bridge, looked up and saw the nest, promptly chased the bird off, and put his hand into it. The bird, meanwhile, hovering about in distress. All this happened in a moment’s time, and as the bridge was — plainly visible from the porch of the boarding-house, we saw the whole proceeding with our glasses, and hastened down to the bridge, only to find that the boy had gone. ‘The day before this nest had contained four eggs, now it was empty! ‘The Phoebes started to build in another part of the bridge but abandoned it before they had completed more than the foundation. Last summer I was glad to see that they again built under the bridge and that they did not choose such an exposed position. W. Charlesworth Levey. 15 cTIs. PER COPY $1.00 A YEAR THE WREN Bulletin of the Norfolk Bird Club A monthly magazine devoted to the interests of the Club Vou. I JUNE-SEPT., 1909 No. 6 Editor, J. L. Peters, 35 Ridgely Hall, Cambridge. Manager, JosrpH KittrepGE, Jr., Weld 40, Cambridge. THERE were several reasons why the June number of the Wren was omitted. ‘The most important of these was the lack of support by the Club members. The only material furnished by the mem- bers was a few migration notes, from which the following list of May and June migration dates was compiled. During the summer, as all the members were scattered, it was not expected to get out any number, but with the arrival of September and the subsequent gathering of fellows, a September number should have been gotten out sooner, but as no one saw fit to hand in any notes, much less write a paper of any length, the September number was seriously delayed. This copy may be regarded as a June-September number, and has been made as large as possible to make up for the absence of the former edition and the tardiness of the latter. Although there have been a few “kickers”? who complained of our negligence in not getting out a June edition, we wish to thank all our subscribers and readers for the patience they have shown on the whole. | The following migration list was compiled from data furnished by five or six out of eleven members, and from the list of new arrivals kept by the secretary. These members, besides the editor, were the only ones to turn in anything like a complete list of migrants, Brainerd, Kittredge, Marble, Morris, and R. Morse. Most of the results are from observations made in Cambridge, Belmont, Brook- line, Jamaica Plain, Ipswich and Wayland. 42 THE WREN. At the first regular meeting of the Norfolk Bird Club held this fall, Henry F. Dunbar of Center St., Brookline, was elected to active membership. Migration during May and June. Became First seen common Last seen. Horned Grebe May 8 Loon May 22 Bonaparte’s Gull May 22 Red-breasted Merganser June 19 American Golden-eye May 9 American Scoter May 22 White-winged Scoter May 8 Surf Scoter May 8 Canada Goose May 21 Green Heron May 2 Great Blue Heron June 4 Sora May4 May 4 Wilson’s Snipe May 14 Knot June 19 White-rumped Sandpiper May 22! May 29 Least Sandpiper May 15 May 30 Semipalmated t May 12 Sanderling May 22} May 30 Greater Yellow-legs May 22 Solitary Sandpiper May 10 May 15 May 25 Spotted a May 4 Black-bellied Plover May 221 June 19 Semipalmated “ May 201 May 29 Turnstone May 22} Killdeer May 12 Pigeon Hawk May 21 Yellow-billed Cuckoo May 12 Black-billed pe May 13 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker May 10 Whip-poor-will May 9 Night-hawk May 14 May 28 Chimney Swift May 4 Ruby-throated Hummingbird May 13 Kingbird May6 # May 8 Crested Flycatcher May 9 Olive-sided Flycatcher May 16 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher May 25 Least . May 6 Bobolink i May 6 1 Probably earlier. Baltimore Oriole Rusty Blackbird Grasshopper Sparrow Henslow’s Wy White-crowned White-throated “ Tree be Slate-colored Junco Lincoln’s Sparrow Chewink Rose-breasted Grosbeak Indigo Bunting Scarlet Tanager Cliff Swallow Bank “ Red-eyed Vireo Warbling “ Yellow-throated Vireo Solitary Vireo Golden-winged © Warbler Nashville ag Tennessee Northern Parula tt Yellow ee Black-throated Blue “ Myrtle a Magnolia Chestnut-sided . Baybreasted Blackpoll i Blackburnian Black-throated green Yellow-palm Prairie Overbird Water Thrush Maryland Yellow-throat Yellow-breasted Chat Wilson’s Warbler Canadian ‘“ Redstart Pipit Catbird House Wren ce THE WREN. First seen May 6 May 13 May 273 May 10 May 7 May 4 May 11 May 13 May 2 May 2 May 9 May 8 May 8 May 6 May 6 May 15 May 4 May 4 May 12 May 12 May 8 May 14 May 11 May 12 May 6 May 6 May 5 May 4 May 20 May 12 May 11 May 6 May 7 May 4 May 6 1 Probably earlier. Became common May 14 & 15 May 25 May 4 May 5 May 15 May 15 May 13 May 9 May 11 May 25° May 7 May 6 May 14 May 9 May 26 May 15 May 14 May 5 May 9 May 25 May 6 May 24 May 26 May 8 May 5 43 Last seen May 12 May 26 May 16 May 5 May 8 May 26 May 25 May 31 May 26 May 26 May 26 June 6 May 26 May 9 May 27 May 30 May 7 44 THE WREN. Became First seen common Last seen Short-billed Marsh Wren May 13! Long-billed “ ne May5 May 5 Brown Creeper May 10 Red-breasted Nuthatch May 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet May 8 Wood Thrush May 7 #£May 10 Wilson’s ‘“ May6 May 12 Grey-cheeked Thrush May 25 May 25 Olive-backed a May 13 May 15 May 25 Hermit May 26 Northern Phalarope May 22 May 22 Blue-winged Warbler May 27! Osprey May 9 While the foregoing list gives a fairly accurate set of dates, no attempt has been made to give any idea of the numbers seen, there- fore a short account of the migration together with a few remarks on certain species may not be out of place. About May 4, most of the common resident birds, such as Mary- land Yellow-throats, Yellow Warblers, Black and White Warblers, Catbirds, Chewinks, ete., became fairly abundant. On the night of May 5 the first flight took place, bringing with it such birds as the Orioles, Grosbeaks, and Bobolinks, together with a few Warblers, such as Prairies, Golden-wings, Nashvilles and Ovenbirds. An- other and heavier flight took place on the night of May 11, so that on May 12 Blackburnian, Wilson’s, Magnolia and Black-throated Blue Warblers were fairly common. Although there was no other heavy flight of warblers, the birds passed through until about May 27, when practically all had disappeared. Unfortunately no good watch could be kept on the arrival of the shore birds. On May 22, the day of a northeast storm; five mem- bers of the club went down to Ipswich. The results of the walk can easily be seen by glancing at the list. Some species, usually rare, were seen more frequently than usual, while other species, always fairly common, were unusually abundant. In the former class belong the Bay-breasted and Tennessee Warblers and Lincoln’s Sparrow, in the latter the Solitary Sandpiper. 1 Probably earlier. THE WREN. 45 At Braintree, on June 11, 1909, Barron Brainerd and I noticed what appeared to be a pair of Golden-winged Warblers acting as though they had a nest near by. ‘The female, however, turned out to be the Brewster form. We searched for some time, but were unable to find the nest, although we could tell from the actions of both birds that we were within a few feet of it. I went down to Braintree the next day and found the nest in about three minutes. It was within a few yards of a road bordered on both sides by scrubby growth. The nest was placed flat on the ground, protected by a few dried leaves. It was composed of grape- vine bark lined entirely with grasses. Within were five young birds, four or five days old. All showed the yellow wing patch distinctly. On June 14 I visited the nest again, accompanied by Dr. W. C. Mackie. ‘The nest was slightly displaced and contained two dead young ones, partly eaten by ants. There was no trace of either of the old birds or of the other three young ones. The female was exactly like a female chrysoptera except that the line through the eye was as in pinus, the ear coverts only faintly gray, and the throat a little lighter than the rest of the underparts. On the same day that we discovered the presence of these Golden- wings, we caught and killed a garter snake as it was climbing up to a Chestnut-sided Warbler’s nest containing three naked young, and a short time later found a milk snake descending from an empty Chestnut-side’s nest about which both birds were uttering cries of distress. J. L. Peters. On August 27 while sitting on that part of the South Beach of Martha’s Vineyard which separates Tisbury Pond from the ocean, I noticed a blackbird flying about, but paid no special attention to it, until it, flew past fairly close to me. Then I saw that its upper breast and throat were a clouded yellow. ‘I at once started to follow up the bird and obtain as close a view as possible, as I was clad only in a bathing suit and therefore had no glass. I pursued the bird across a marsh, waist high with water and whose bottom appeared to consist of sharp spines, but finally had the satisfaction of seeing my bird alight on the eel grass at the shore of the pond. Fortunately there happened to be a blind 46 THE WREN, between me and the bird, giving me ample cover from which to stalk the bird. In this way I approached within ten yards, and was able to make out that the bird was undoubtedly a female Yellow- headed Blackbird. The upper parts, tail, wings, neck and top of the head were black; upper breast, throat, and line over eye clouded yellow; a dusky line through the eye. The note was a “check.” It may be of interest to note that of the other four state records, two are from Eastham (on Cape Cod), and one from Monomoy Island, and one from Watertown. J. L. Peters. SHORE BIRD MIGRATION — FALL OF 1909. The southward migration of shore birds this season was remark- able for the large variety of birds which were seen. Just what the conditions were to bring about such a flight are not always easy to determine, but a heavy storm is usually responsible for driving many birds to this coast which would otherwise pass by to the eastward. The flight commenced early in July, and was at its height through- out the last half of August and the first half of September. As early as July 4 Barron Brainerd, R. L. Creesy and I saw a male Turnstone and a few Semipalmated Sandpipers at Edgartown, but these birds may have been only stragglers. However, 4 Solitary Sandpipers and a Summer Yellow-legs which I saw at Pout Pond on July 13 could not be classed as such. On August 7 I went down to West Tisbury, Marthas Vineyard. On the 8th the number of birds seen along the pond shore and in the marshes consisted of a Ring-neck, a few Peep, and a Winter Yellow- legs. On the 13th, along the South Beach from Oyster Pond to Katama Point, a distance of more than five miles, I saw the above named species and a couple of small flocks of Sanderlings. This scarcity of shorebirds continued until the 17th; on that day there was a violent northeast storm accompanied by rain. ‘The result was a large number of shore birds of all kinds (I saw fourteen species). Particularly common were Black-bellied Plover, Sander- ling, and Pectoral Sandpipers. The Black-bellies confined them- THE WREN. 47 selves chiefly to the grassy fields, the Sanderlings to the beaches, and the Pectorals to the marshes where they associated with Yellow-legs. I also found a Stilt Sandpiper on the marshes. After this storm Black-bellies, Yellow-legs and Pectorals were abundant for some time, but by the first of September the Summer Yellow-legs were scarce, while their larger relatives became more abundant. The Black-bellies and Pectorals, however, stayed on; in fact the former were still common on the 21st of September, while the latter did not perceptibly diminish in numbers until after the middle of the month. I was fortunate enough to spend ten days at the South Beach, close by the mud flats of Tisbury Pond and near to some excellent salt meadows from which the water had been drained. On these flats and meadows I had excellent opportunities to keep track of the birds. Of course being right on the ground I saw many more birds than if I had been in the village. ‘The first day that I was at the beach, the 8th of September, I saw a couple of Curlew, a Knot, and numerous Black-bellies, Pectorals and Peep. I secured a West- ern Sandpiper from a flock of Peep; the bill in this specimen measured 1.09 inches. On the days following this first I saw many more of the species mentioned above except the Western Sandpiper. On the 10th I saw a Golden Plover on the flats. I came up from the beach on the 18th but the watch on the migra- tion was continued for that day at any rate, at Ipswich, where Barron Brainerd in company with Mr. C. J. Maynard saw 2 Red-backed Sandpipers, 7 Buff-breasted Sandpipers, and 4 Golden Plover. On the 21st at West Tisbury the only new arrival was the Red- backed Sandpiper; the last Summer Yellow-legs was seen on that date. Thereafter I had no opportunities to go out at the Vineyard, but on September 25 Barron Brainerd, Joseph Kittredge and I went down to Ipswich; it was very evident however that most of the birds had gone south, and that the great majority of the late strag- glers would be cripples. 48 THE WREN. NOTES. It has been said that one way to tell a Bittern from an immature Night Heron is by the latter’s habit of alighting in trees whereas the Bittern never does so. In this connection it may be of interest to note a Bittern’s perching in a tree. On May 1, 1909, Brainerd, Peters and Creesy saw a Bittern fly across the Charles River below the Farm St. Bridge, Dover, and light in a white pine. Then he stiffened up in his characteristic manner, his streaked underparts showing conspicuously against the dark green of the tree. Among the birds noted by Messrs. Peters and Brainerd on a trip to northwestern Berkshire from May 29-31 inclusive were — May 29 Philadelphia Vireo, 2 at the base of Mt. Greylock. At the sum- mit, a few Mourning Warblers, 2 Bicknell’s Thrushes singing. May 30. On Greylock an Olive-sided Flycatcher calling. At the base, an Alder Flycatcher. May 31. A Yellow-bellied Fly- catcher at Lanesboro; a pair of Rough-winged Swallows, Pittsfield. The Killdeer, seen on May 12 at the brickyard on Concord Ave. by R. Morse bred at the Pout Pond Swamp. The nest was dis- covered by Mr. George Nelson on June 27. Mr. Nelson secured photographs of both eggs and young. The birds were seen on June 28 by Messrs. Peters, Brainerd, and Creesy. On the same day these same fellows saw a tree containing a nest of a Red- headed Woodpecker at Waverly. One of the old birds was seen in a grove near by. (Shore bird notes have been treated in the body articles.) On September 12 J. L. Peters saw a Duck Hawk attempt to carry off a tin Yellow-leg decoy, and being unsuccessful with the first one, swooped at another before he discovered his mistake. A Blue-winged Teal was seen at West Tisbury on September 15 by J. L. Peters. The Whip-poor-will was heard for the last time on that date. Jaegars of both species were unusually numerous throughout the season. A Parasitic was seen early in July by J. Kittredge. One specimen each of the Parasitic and Pomarine was seen at Plum Island, October 7, by R. M. Marble and J. L. Peters. Barron Brainerd reports the following general notes. September. THE WREN. 49 12, 1000 Bronzed Grackles in Brookline; 13, two Barn and two Tree Swallows at Nahant; 14, Virginia Rail at Pout Pond; 15, a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak in Brookline; 16, twelve Prairie Horned Larks at Ipswich, two Roseate Terns at Plum Island; 30, a Winter Wren in Brookline; 18, and October 2, a Lincoln’s Sparrow, Brookline. October. 1, three Indigo birds, Cambridge; 4, one more in Brookline, two Yellow-palm Warblers, one Water Thrush, West Roxbury, a Magnolia Warbler, Brookline. While in company with Mr. C. J. Maynard on October 2 at Plum Island, Barron Brainerd and J. L. Peters saw the Nelson’s, Sharp-tailed and Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrows, a Hudsonian Cur- lew, a Killdeer, Pigeon Hawk and Gannet; at Ipswich a Caspian Tern, Ruddy Duck and Spotted Sandpiper. On October 3 R. M. Marble and J. L. Peters found three Grey- cheeked Thrushes and a Connecticut Warbler in West Roxbury. At the same place in the afternoon, Barron Brainerd and J. L. Peters met with a large flight of Warblers including a Cape May and a couple of Palm Warblers besides Black and Whites, Parulas, Myrtles, Blackpolls and Black-throated Greens. R. M. Marble and J. L. Peters saw a Short-eared Owl at Plum Island on October 7. While walking through the Middlesex Fells on the morning of October 9 Barron Brainerd, J. L. Peters and R. L. Creesy saw a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher near the top of a medium-sized dead tree. The bird was rather quiet, making no noise and not moving about very much. If it had not been for the fact that he was in a tree absolutely devoid of leaves he would undoubtedly have been passed by. On October 17 J. L. Peters and Barron Brainerd saw a Black- billed Cuckoo at North Adams. Jamaica Pond has so far supplied a number of interesting birds. On September 25 two male Lesser Scaups were present and also a bird possibly a female of that species. From September 26-30 a female Redhead was on the Pond. On Oct. 10 the first Ruddy appeared. ‘This bird was followed by another a few days later. On the 17th R. M. Marble reported two more Ruddies and twenty- seven Coot (fulica). R. L. Creesy found three Baldpates and twenty-nine Coot on the Pond the afternoon of the 17th. The 50 THE WREN. report of the 19th showed that six Ruddies, twenty-nine Mud Hens and three Baldpates were on the pond, besides a few wild Black Ducks. TWO DAYS AT MONOMOY ISLAND. Although the name, Monomoy Island, had been familiar to me for some time, I had no clear idea of what the island really was until this fall. Nominally, it is an island but in reality, one hardly needs to wet his feet in crossing from it to the mainland. It starts at Chatham and stretches about ten miles southwest toward Nan- tucket. At no point, is it more than one mile wide. The eastern side is a straight, steep, sandy beach from which you look right out to sea. The western side forms the boundary of Chatham Bay. The shore line is very irregular and sandy flats extend for miles out into the bay. The beach itself is sandy or pebbly or weedy as the case may be. Every now and then, the beach is interrupted by * small tidal channels which run up into the marshes. Inland, the island is a series of marshes and low, sandy hills covered with coarse grass. There are no trees on the island at all. Except for two Live Saving Stations and half a dozen scattered shanties, it is uninhabited by man. ‘Two friends and I spent two days at Mono- moy, making our headquarters on board the launch in which we came. Although we did some shooting, to me the birds we did not shoot were more interesting than those we did. Sept. 7, the morning after we arrived, we walked from about the middle round the southwest end of the island. We first crossed a marshy stretch to reach the ocean side. In this marsh, we flushed a large flock of migrating Meadowlarks, one lone Bobolink in immature plumage, several Savannah and Song Sparrows, and one, possibly more, Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Along the beach Sanderling and Semipalmated Sandpipers were frequent in small flocks. Com- mon Terns were flying past continually. Twice Loons flew over- head, showing to great advantage the peculiar rudderlike position of the feet. During that walk we saw eight Pomarine and two Parasitic Jaegers. I had always considered this family of birds to be decidedly rare and to see so many was a great treat. THE WREN. 51 For those of my readers who are not familiar with the Jaegers, I would say that they resemble the Gulls in form and size. ‘The Pomarine Jaeger is larger than the Parasitic but the plumages of the two are practically identical. Both species have two color phases irrespéctive of age orsex. In one phase, the birds are wholly black; in the other, they are dark above and lighter beneath with marked white patches near the tips of the wings which show plainly in flight. We saw birds in both plumages that morning. Occasion- ally one of the Jaegers, as is their habit, would chase a tern to make it drop the fish it carried and a lively chase it would be, although the Jaeger usually won in the end. During the morning, we saw a small flock of Black Ducks flying and one Scaup which had evidently been wounded, for it tried to rise but could only flop its wings. ‘Twice during the day, we flushed a Willet but could only get near enough to see its form and hear its characteristic call, described as Will-will-willet. As we ate our lunch on the Point, three White-winged Scoters flew by; and shortly after two Roseate Terns, so close we could easily see the black bills and long forked tails. During the walk back to the boat, the birds were different but not unusual for the most part. A Black Tern was perhaps the most interesting thing. Its small size, slate-gray wings, white head and black patches back of the eye made identification easy. We also saw Yellow-legs, Spotted Sandpiper, and Black-bellied Plover. Just at twilight, several Night Herons flew over the boat and bade us a characteristic ‘ good-night.” The next day, we took in the Chatham end of the island. Most of the birds were like those of the day before. Yellow-legs, and Semipalmated Plover were more common, not to mention the abun- dance of “Peep,” gunners, and mosquitoes, whose presence added nothing to our pleasure. It was evident that the northeast end of Monomoy Island was more accessible and therefore less desirable than the ocean point where we had been so fortunate the day be- fore. As a whole, however, the island seemed to me an unusually favorable place for all kinds of shore and water birds at the right seasons. Joseph Kittredge, Jr. 52 THE WREN. At the meeting held October 16 the members of the Norfolk Bird Club elected the following officers:— President, J. L. Peters; Secretary, Barron Brainerd; Treasurer, R. M. Marble; Assistant Secretary, Charles Schweinfurth. Mr. Schweinfurth refused to serve on account of lack of time, the club therefore loses the services of the fellow best fitted for the office to which he was elected. His successor will be chosen on October 30. 15 cTs. PER COPY $1.00 a YEAR THE WREN Bulletin of the Norfolk Bird Club A monthly magazine devoted to the interests of the Club Vou. I OcToBER 1909 No. 7 Editor, J. L. Peters, 35 Ridgely Hall, Cambridge. Manager, JosrpH KitTREDGE, JR., Weld 40, Cambridge. AFTER a little urging, a few of the members decided that it was about time for them to contribute to the Wren and thus make another number possible. ‘This number, while it does not contain as much news as the last one, has two interesting articles; one a result of observations on the Baltimore Oriole, the other the story of successful artificial rearing of young birds. ‘The latter is espe- cially interesting because it gives an idea of how interest in birds was aroused. THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Tue Baltimore Oriole belongs to the family Icteridae which includes the Blackbirds, Meadowlark, Orioles and Grackles. ‘The genus Icterus or Orioles contains about forty species, most of which are confined to the tropics. ‘The only two that come as far north as New England are the Orchard Oriole which is uncommon as far north as Massachusetts, and the Baltimore. The Baltimore Oriole is found in summer throughout the eastern United States, east of the Mississippi, and north to the southern provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It arrives in Massachusetts from South and Central America, its winter home, early in the second week of May, and shortly afterward selects a site for its nest. The site preferred is the extremity of a drooping branch of an elm, though other trees are often chosen. ‘The nest is suspended, and is six to eight inches deep. It is composed of yarn, string, horsehair, grass, etc., woven in and out, forming a sort of coarse 54 THE WREN. cloth. It is lined with horsehair. It is one of the most durable nests made, and will often remain several years in a tree, and still appear to be in about as good condition as when just finished. When we lived on the corner of Cypress and Waverly Streets, Brookline, a pair of these birds built in an elm directly across the way. ‘They built on the branches that drooped over the street, and could be seen from our front porch. The female did all the work on the nest, and finished it in a few days. After the completion of the nest four to six dull white eggs irregu- larly blotched with dark brown are laid, and incubation begins. This is done wholly by the female. The only contribution to it given by the male is to bring food to his mate. ‘The remainder of his time is occupied in singing, and, if the nest is in a tree on a street, in chasing away any English Sparrow that ventures to alight in the road near by. It is amusing to see this bright colored bird in hot pursuit of a dull-colored sparrow. The incubation lasts about two weeks and then the young hatch out. Both parents are then kept busy feeding the ever hungry little ones. ‘The young remain in the nest for two weeks; but long after they are able to fly they are fed by their parents. ‘They often climb to the edge of the nest before they can fly, and in case of storms or heavy winds are often thrown out. If uninjured, they are good climbers, and by means of wings, bill, and claws are often able to reach places of safety. If they come to a tree with a smooth bark they cannot getup. If, however, a rough barked one is encountered they will flutter up using their bill and feet to help them. When tired they cling to the trunk, and after resting a while continue their journey until they reach a branch. The Baltimore Oriole has an endless variety of songs. No two birds sing alike. The bird that built on the corner of Cypress and Waverly Sts. had a most remarkable song. At the time, I thought the Oriole was the most beautiful singer of any bird I had heard. The song was something, like, this: THE WREN. 55 It is the custom among birds, if they are not disturbed to return the next year to the same locality, and even build in the same tree. A pair of Orioles built in this same elm the next year. It was, however, not the same pair that built the year before; for the song of the male was mediocre in comparison. The typical song of the Oriole resembles this:— But there was one around our house last spring and spring before last that sang thus: A -9- ~~“ B- Sle ———_ #2— te» [pare Taben omen Nene iesaNs sue — rig once soa eg Soa ora iS as acorrancare nem hn SOU A A a CER The Oriole is not so accommodating as the Chickadee or Field Spar- row, who, when you imitate their song will come into the trees above you and answer as long as you care to whistle. When you imitate the Oriole’s song he soon gets angry, and flies away. Once while standing on the sidewalk in front of our house one flew into an elm near by, and began to sing. I imitated him. Immediately he gave his scolding chatter. When I gave the call again he flew directly toward my head. I thought he was going to light on it; but he cleared it by about a foot, and lit on a low branch of a pear tree above me. When I again gave his call he seemed to be dis- gusted for he flew away. The female also has a song, and this fact was once instrumental in saving the life of one of them. It was on a day when I was in the back yard shooting English Sparrows. A bird lit in a tree close by. I thought at first it was a sparrow, but it looked rather large, and I thought I saw a little yellow on the bird when it alighted. I aimed and was about to shoot, when it occurred to me that the bird might be a female Oriole. So I gave the Oriole call, and to my surprise, I was answered immediately. The reply was different from any Oriole’s I had ever heard, and lacked some of the rich 56 THE WREN, clear quality of the male, but it was about the length of their song, and was characteristic enough to be easily recognized. It is need- less to say I quickly lowered my gun. I kept imitating the song, and she flew into the cherry tree under which I was standing, and remained there several minutes. The food of the Oriole is varied, and shows the bird to be of great economic value. Professor Beal finds that eighty-three and four- tenths per cent of the Oriole’s food consists of animal matter; cater- pillars forming thirty-four per cent. of the whole. Forbush says, “The Oriole is one of the first among the birds known to destroy hairy caterpillars, and for this alone it may be ranked as one of the chief friends of the orchardist and forester. The tussock, gipsy, brown-tail, tent, and forest caterpillars, the fall webworm and even the spiny caterpillar of the mourning cloak butterfly,— all are greedily eaten by the Baltimore; and it does not usually swallow many, but merely kills them and eats a small portion of the inner parts. It thus destroys many more than would be needed to satisfy its appetite were they swallowed whole, while at the same time no recognizable portion of the caterpillar can be found in the bird’s stomach.”’ Other things which they eat are May and other leaf-eating beetles. “‘Bagworms, curculios, wasps, bugs, plant lice, scale insects, March flies, and crane flies are among the insects eaten by this bird.” + One of the chief complaints brought against the Oriole is that it occasionally helps itself to green peas. Dr. Harris says in his “Insects Injurious to Vegetation” that the Oriole splits open the green pea pods to get the weevil grubs contained in the peas, thereby greatly helping to prevent the spread of these noxious insects. This seems to indicate that it is not always the peas he is seeking. Thus the Baltimore Oriole is not only a most beautiful bird, and a fine singer, but one of the most useful birds that visits us. Hence it should be considered as a friend and every possible means taken to encourage its increase. W. Charlesworth Levy. 1 Useful Birds and their protection, by Edward Howe Forbush. THE WREN. 57 AN EARLY INCENTIVE. In the summer of 1903, an event occurred which was one of the means of interesting me in the study of birds. Of course, I was several years younger, and had not devoted much attention to birds, except as they make up a part of nature’s general attraction. The place where we were staying was Alandar, in the extreme western part of Massachusetts, not far from the New York state boundary. Alandar is a section of the Berkshire Hills, and is eight miles from the nearest town. As this was so long ago, I do not remember all the events of the summer, but the one I now tell about made such an impression upon me that I can never forget it. It was a midsummer’s day, when a party set out from a white farm-house upon a winding country road for an afternoon’s outing. My father was the only grown person of the group, which was com- posed of children about my own age. After we had journeyed on for about two miles, we made a halt to pick berries, which was our chief object in the walk. When we had gathered all we wanted, and were on the point of turning back, one of our party heard faint chirps by the road-side. We all hastened toward the spot from which these sounds came, and there under a large tree, were three baby-birds. We looked about in the trees to see if we could see a nest from which they might have fallen, but saw none. We were all anxious to save the little orphans, who looked hungry and fright- ened, so my father put them in his hat, and we hurried back toward the house. When we reached home, we looked about for a large box, knocked off one side, put a soft piece of cloth and some straw in it, laid the little birds comfortably upon this matting, and then fastened slats over the open side. We got some warm milk and crumbs and con- cocted a sort of a mush, which we gave the youngsters. For the first few days, this was their only food, but later, having found out that they were cedar-birds, we tried giving them berries of various kinds. ‘These seemed to please them very much, and after that they lived almost wholly on berries. Before their feathers were fully developed, we could see the round pellets passing down the throats of the birds, a process we used to think very amusing. There was a cat about the place, but the box was firmly built, and 58 THE WREN. there was usually someone near it to chase the beast away, so that the birds were not bothered by this enemy. It certainly was very interesting and instructive to watch the little things play and grow and we took an added interest in them, because we felt that we had been the means of saving their lives. After we had had the birds two weeks or more, we decided to let them have their freedom. So we opened their temporary prison, and gave them lessons in flying, or at least we aided them in their learning. We would hold them up on our fingers a little way from the ground and then gently push them off. At first they fell, but soon they seemed to realize what their wings were for, and began to flutter them a little. We gradually raised our fingers higher from the ground, and changed their positions so often, that they soon became quite capable flyers. One of the birds was not seen after this; it probably flew away to some other place. The other two, however, stayed around the rest of the summer and were still in the vicinity when we had to leave. This was a very interesting experience for me, and really was one of the things that started me in my interest for birds. CarLYLE Morris. NOTES. W. C. Levey reports the following general notes. October 16. While in company with Mr. C. J. Maynard at Moon Island, two adult and one young Ring-billed Gull; one Kumlein’s Gull. October 18. A flock of about fifty Pipits near Concord Ave., Cambridge. November 6. In company with Mr. C. J. Maynard on the shore of the Cambridge Water Basin, Waltham. A flock of Even- ing Grosbeaks. ‘The birds were in flight showing the white wing patch as they wheeled. ‘The flight was swift and direct in contrast to the drifting flight of the Snow Bunting. November 13. With Mr. C. J. Maynard at Plum Island and on the Ipswich River. A Briinnich’s Murre was almost run down by the boat. Both Bonaparte’s Gulls and Kittiwakes were seen at close range about the wharf at Plum Island. THE WREN. 59 Jamaica Pond Notes to November 21. The fall of 1909 has brought with it one of the most interesting displays of water birds ever seen on Jamaica Pond. Up to October 16 the only birds seen there were a few Black Ducks and a female Redhead; the latter being present during the last four days in Sep- tember. On the 17th of October five Ruddy Ducks, two males and a female Baldpate and twenty-nine Coot were seen on the Pond. The same Baldpates were on the pond at the time of writing. The Ruddies have varied between five and thirteen, while the number of Coot has averaged about thirty-two, although the maximum number was thirty-six. Two Ring-necked Ducks appeared October 26. ‘They were first seen by W. C. Levey, but were not identified until the 28th when Barron Brainerd saw them. Both birds were on the pond at the time of writing. A male and female Lesser Scaup were seen on the 31st, and either other Scaups, or the same ones have been seen since; there have been only two birds seen at one time, however. On October 29 a female Wood Duck pre- pared to alight on the pond, but remained for only a few moments. The bird was both seen and heard by Barron Brainerd and R. L. Creesy. A young male Golden-eye was seen on November 11 by R. L. Creesy; the bird was gone the next day. A female Green-winged Teal was present on November 13 and for a day or two after; it was first seen by R. L. Creesy. One Pied-billed Grebe has been seen constantly since October 31. The bird is very tame. Departure of Shore Birds. Semipalmated Plover. A few seen along Lynn beach, October 19 by Barron Brainerd and R. L. Creesy. Black-bellied Plover. One heard at Plum Island, October 30, by J. L. Peters. Sanderling. Eight seen at Plum Island, October 30, by Barron Brainerd and J. L. Peters. Red-backed Sandpiper. Two seen at Plum Island, October 23 by J. L. Peters, Barron Brainerd and R. L. Creesy. 69 THE WREN. Pectoral Sandpiper. A flock of about ten individuals seen along the Ipswich River, October 30, by J. L. Peters and Barron Brainerd. Hudsonian Godwit. While in company with Mr. C. J. Maynard at Plum Island on November 13, W. C. Levey saw a bird of this species flying at great speed a short distance off shore. J. L. Peters observed a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren and two Mockingbirds in the Arboretum, October 31. The Mock- ingbirds may have been young ones as their plumage had a rather light gray tone. W. C. Levey heard one of them singing on Novem- ber 12. When the song was ended both birds chased each other about. J. L. Peters and R. L. Creesy saw two Green-winged Teal in the Fells on November 6. J. L. Peters saw a Vesper Sparrow and heard Pipits at Waltham on November 8. ; R. M. 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