168 NINTH REPORT. 



Several flocks of Cedar Birds were seen in the woods along the bluff, and in 

 the orchard. About sundown a flock of ten Mallard Ducks flew over from 

 the direction of Base lake and settled on Portage lake. This species breeds 

 occasionally in the marshes of this region. 



September 16. — Several flocks of Chipping Sparrows, and two Mourning 

 Doves were seen in the orchard, and Vesper Sparrows along the edge of the 

 bluff. A Marsh Hawk was seen fljdng over the low, wet marsh at the edge 

 of the lake. 



September 17. — Three Kingfishers were observed catching minnows 

 which came in large schools into the shallow water near the shore. These 

 were swallowed whole as a rule, but when too large the birds carried them 

 to the wharf and picked them to pieces. The Myrtle Warbler and Red- 

 breasted Nuthatch were seen on this date. 



September. 18. — Several Crows were seen, also large flocks of Meadow 

 Larks and Robins. In the orchard two Phoebes were busy catching insects, 

 and large flocks of Song, Vesper and Chipping Sparrows were found along 

 the fences and wooded bluffs. 



September 19. — In addition to the species of sparrows observed on the 

 18th, the Field Sparrow (in small flocks) was seen on this date; also Blue- 

 birds, Blue Jays, Crows, Robins, Cedar Birds, and the Hairy and Downy 

 Woodpeckers. A fine adult female Wood Duck was seen at close range on 

 the lake. This species also breeds here, as a female with a brood of ten half- 

 grown young was seen by the writer on July 2nd , on the outlet of Portage 

 lake. These young were still unable to fly and were doubtless hatched in 

 the vicinity. 



September 20. — The first Nashville Warbler was seen in the morning, in the 

 willows along the edge of the lake. Near the outlet a Northern Yellow- 

 throat was also seen, while in the orchard the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 

 was observed for the first time this fall. Flocks of Field, Song, Chipping and 

 Vesper Sparrows were feeding in the weeds along the edge of the bluff. A 

 flock of Blue Jays was observed feeding on the acorns of the red, and white 

 oaks near this spot. Several flocks of crows were flying over in a southeast 

 direction, and large flocks of Redwing Blackbirds seemed to be gathering 

 here from all directions. A flock of eight Coots was seen on the lake. 



September 21. — Early in the morning the first Winter Wren was found 

 along the edge of the river near the outlet. This is the earliest fall record 

 known to the writer for this vicinity. A number of Magnolia Warblers were 

 feeding in the tops of small willow and ash trees near the outlet. A few 

 Myrtle Warblers, Catbirds and Thrushes were seen near the water's edge. 

 On the lake a few Coot were seen. 



September 22. — In the orchard on this date Phoebes, Bluebirds, White- 

 breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, and many Song, Vesper and Chipping 

 Sparrows were found. A large Osprey was seen on the lake, evidently feed- 

 ing on the Lake Herring which were dying in numbers and rising to the sur- 

 face. About sundown an American Bittern flew from the edge of the lake 

 to a small island covered with rushes. On rowing near the spot I could see 

 him settled for the night on a thick bunch of rushes. A roost of Redwing 

 Blackbirds was found at the outlet of Pinckney Creek, where about svmdown 

 great flocks of these birds with a few Bronzed Grackles gathered in the tops 

 of the high ash trees and gave a grand chorus. As the sun went down these 

 flocks commenced to fly down and settle for the night in the thick tall rushes 

 at the water's edge. On clear nights the flocks came until dark and settled 

 noisily, but when it was cloudy or raining they came earlier and were less 



