530 Annals of the Carnegie Museum. 



44. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern. 



A summer resident on the Peninsula, fairly common for a species of 

 such solitary habits, finding congenial haunts in the rank growth of 

 rushes and other aquatic plants fringing the various ponds, but not 

 averse to bushy places. Although no nests are actually known to have 

 been found, it doubtless breeds in such situations, where it has been 

 observed in every month from April to October inclusive. The ear- 

 liest dates of arrival are those borne by two specimens in Mr. Sen- 

 nett's collection, marked respectively April 4, 18S8, and April 10, 

 1875. Mr. Bacon has not noted it earlier than April 13 (1895) or 

 15 (1892). In the spring of 1900 its first recorded appearance was 

 on April 17, but it could scarcely be said to have reached its normal 

 summer abundance until May. The latest fall records are October 26, 

 1875 (Sennett) ; October 28, 1893, and 17, 1S92 (Bacon). We 

 did not see it in 1900 after October 6. It is rare anywhere away from 

 the Peninsula save during migrations, but Mr. Bacon saw one in a 

 grassy marsh on the mainland June 27, 1891. 



45. Ardetta exilis. Least Bhtern. 



This diminutive species occurs as a summer resident, more common 

 than its larger relative, but unlike it never observed away from the 

 tracts of rushes and marsh grass save when disturbed, when it will 

 occasionally alight in the shrubbery. Yellow Bass and Niagara Ponds, 

 accordingly, are the ponds where it is most numerous, affording as 

 they do the most extensive areas of this kind. A number of individ- 

 uals, two of which were secured, were noted here on June 26 and 27, 

 1899, when they were doubtless breeding. There is no record of this 

 bird away from the Peninsula or bay shore, nor has its nest been found 

 up to date, although search at the proper season would undoubtedly 

 discover it. It is a much later comer than the American Bittern, the 

 first to arrive in 1900 being recorded May 21, and becoming common 

 soon thereafter. In other years the observed dates of arrival have been 

 May 24, 1875 (Sennett); May 19, 1S92, ]\Iay 25, 1893 and 1901 

 (Bacon). The only instance of its occurrence in the fall which was 

 observed related to specimens secured on August 2 7 and September 3 

 respectively, which would indicate its early departure at this season. 

 September 7, 1892, is Mr. Bacon's latest date, but in 1902 Mr. 

 Simpson reported that a single bird had been seen September 25. 



[ArdeUa neoxena. Cory's Least Bittern. 



This species (if species it be) has been found near Toronto, also in Michigan, and 

 should occur at Erie at least as a transient.] 



