1891] MARYLAND ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 131 



As early as February, flocks of those which had left iu the 

 preceding fall make their appearance, in numbers constantly 

 increasing as the season advances, especially during March and 

 April ; but as May approaches, it ceases to gather in flocks, 

 because the time for nesting has arrived. But it is not until the 

 later part of August, when the " wild oats " Zizania aquatica 

 begins to ripen, that its numbers are again seen to increase. By 

 September and October its flocks, augmented by the young ones, 

 become actually incalculable, as may be seen by anyone who 

 will visit at that time the " Back river," or the "Patapsco." 

 In November its numbers gradually decrease. But through- 

 out the winter we may observe small flocks, or sometimes a 

 solitary specimen, in secluded or sheltered places. Most of 

 those that we have obtained and observed during winter were 

 young birds, particularly those which were solitary. 



Its usual note is a well-known cluck, delightful only to the 

 gunner ; but it has, besides, a few pleasant notes which, sound 

 like " Cong-ter-ri," each syllable of which is uttered distinctly, 

 but rapidly. In spring, particularly, these notes may be heard, 

 but not only during that season, since in the cold weather of 

 mid-winter we have occasionally recognized them. 



Sturnella magna (Linn.). Meadow Lark. 



This bird, which is usually called " Field Lark," stays in 

 this region throughout the entire year. During summer it is 

 evenly distributed all over the country, frequenting fields, 

 meadows, pastures and similar places. In the fall, par- 

 ticularly in November, and even the greater part of winter, it 

 collects in flocks of not very great number. Whether flying or 

 on the ground, the individuals keep together, but not closely. 

 When disturbed, the scattered flocks move olF quite simultane- 

 ously. During the latter part of fall, and also during winter, it ap- 

 pears much more common in the immediate vicinity of the city 

 than during the summer months. 



It almost always keeps to the ground, where it runs about 

 with great ease, while it is well protected by the color of its 

 plumage, especially when the grass and weeds are bleached, so 



