134 



TEANSACTIONS OF THE [1891 



frequenting localities of all descriptions, now running over some 

 cultivated field, then gathering upon some swampy, muddy shore, 

 or along the road. 



The crow builds rather early. The nest is a somewhat course 

 and rough looking structure, situated usually at a considerable 

 distance from the ground, on a tree, very often of the pine species. 

 A nest with three nestlings almost ready to fly was obtained by 

 the writer early in May. 



A well known fact is their gathering in immense numbers at 

 certain roosting places, in tracts of woods, from whence they start 

 regularly in the morning, and return in the evening, always 

 flying in a particular direction. 



CyanodUa cristata (Linn.). Blue Jay. 



This fine and stately-looking bird is likewise a resident, but 

 its numbers vary somewhat according to the season. Both in 

 the spring and in the fall it is exceedingly common in the imme- 

 diate vicinity of the city, particularly during October and the 

 greater part of November, when it gathers in small flocks, flies 

 from ;tree to tree, and is readily recognized by the screeching 

 notes. But during [summer, and still more during winter, it 

 retires to the depths of the woods and to the interior of the 

 country, so thatfhardly any are to be seen within a few miles of 

 the city. In the month of July, while traversing the woods 

 along the middle Patuxent river, the writer never before saw so 

 many gathered together, hovering between the gigantic trees 

 whichiborder both'^sides of that river. 



The usual notes of this bird are of a rather crying and scream- 

 ing character, and far from pleasant. 



When assembled together their screaming sometimes becomes 

 rather annoying. : But besides this unpleasant screaming, the 

 Jay possesses a few notes so plaintive, and so at variance with the 

 vivacity and boldness of the bird, that we could hardly believe the 



