282 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



minutes 179 flying by close to tiie sand in a space of 100 yards between me and 

 a dune. It is evident that there were many thousands flying south on both of 

 these days. During these flights the birds frequently call to each other, as do 

 also the mysterious hosts that we hear but do not see in the nocturnal migra- 

 tions. 



A smooth expanse of sand on which they have rested, shows numerous 

 droppings, each made up of insect remains and of one or more bayberry seeds. 

 The tracks of the bird's feet are wide apart and show a walking gait with short 

 steps, the wings brushing the sand from time to time, especially when the birds 

 turn around. Many tracks show that the bird did not move about on the ground 

 after alighting. 



The early morning song of the Tree Swallow I have already mentioned 

 (see page 46). 



The worst enemy of this delightful and useful bird is the detestable English 

 Sparrow which has well nigh driven it from all cities and towns in the County, 

 usurping its breeding houses. Although the Tree Swallow is brave and pug- 

 nacious, and easily ousts the intruder at first, I know from observation in former 

 days in Boston that after fighting the Sparrow, who entrenches himself in the 

 bird-house during the winter, for several springs in succession, the Swallow at 

 last gives up the contest and seeks peace and quiet in some more secluded spot. 

 I do not blame him. 



253 [616] Riparia riparia (Linn.). 

 Bank Swallow. 



Common summer resident ; May 2 to September 2 (November 2) ; average 

 date of arrival for five years, May 4. 



Eggs : June 4 to June 17. 



The Bank Swallow breeds in the gravel banks of glacial drift exposed by 

 the cutting of the sea or rivers, and especially in the cuttings made in hills for 

 the purpose of mending the roads. I have also found its holes in the steep cut- 

 tings made by the wind in the Ipswich dunes. During July and August, it is 

 frequently to be seen alighting with the other Swallows on the sand beaches, or 

 on fences and telegraph wires. It is the least common of all the Swallows. It 

 collects in small numbers at this season, but I have sometimes found large flocks 

 of these birds. Thus, as early as July loth, in 1904, I found a flock of several 

 hundred Bank Swallows alighting on the rocks, weed-stalks, and fences on the 



