Study of the Avifauna of Lake Erie Islands. 145 



seen nearly every day. It seemed likely that there had heen at 

 least one nesting here, but that could not he determined certainly. 

 Ixohrychiis exilis. — Least Bittern. 



There were three at the Fishing Toint swamp all summer. 1910. 

 No nest was found there, but other evidence of breeding seemed 

 conclusive. 

 Ardca hcrodias lierodia-'^. — (ireat Blue Heron. 



From one to four were seen perched on the sand of the point 

 each morning, and were occasionally seen elsewhere or flying 

 about. If there had been a nesting on the island we did not find 

 evidence of it. 

 Florida ca'rulea. — Little Blue Heron. 



On August 27, IMO, a lone individual was discovered perched on 

 a dead tree in the midst of the swamp. It was approached closely 

 enough to make clear the bluish tips of the wings, and the green- 

 ish legs, but the man with the gun missed it. To those who must 

 have the specimen in order to fully establish the record it must 

 remain a hypothetical occurrence, but to those who saw the bird 

 there seems no reasonable doubt. The attempt to kill the bird 

 seemed to be enough to frighten it away, for it was not seen again. 

 Butorides vircscens virei^ceiis. — Green Heron. 



Two were occasionally seen about the edge of the swamp, or 

 flying about over the water or the island, 1910. A nest, probably 

 of this species, was found in the trees bordering the swamp on 

 the north. 

 Ralliis clcf/ans. — King Rail. 



Several could be seen feeding along the margin of the mars'h at 

 any time of day, if one approached cautiously. A number of nests 

 which must have been built by this species were found in the 

 swamp. The birds were so wary that the least disturbance sent 

 them skurrying into the dense vegetation bordering the water of 

 the swamp. 

 RaJlus virffinianiis. — Virginia Rail. 



Xests belonging to this and the next species were numerous in 

 the swamp, and numbers of the birds were seen feeding or were 

 •heard calling on every visit to the swamp. This little thirty acre 

 swamp seemed to be a nesting mecca for these birds. 

 Porzana Carolina. — Sora. 



There seemed to be more individuals of this species than of the 

 last, but the less wary disposition of this species might easily ac- 

 count for the apparent difference. One of our pleasant 1910 pas- 

 times was to wade into the swamp and half a dozen of us sur- 

 round a small bushy island upon which there were known to be 

 several of the small rails. The birds would cling to it with a 



