54 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 103 



feet deep in places and wading was treacherous and uncer- 

 tain over logs, snags and roots, and I knew of the presence 

 of at least one alligator and of some snakes. 



The Ibises and Little Blue Herons flew up together when 

 first alarmed and circled in a vast swarm. I saw no imma- 

 ture Little Blue Herons. 



On April 4, 1917, the " Ty-Ty " pond was again explored. 

 Waded through most of the pond. About 150 occupied and 

 finished nests were observed. These contained from one to 

 six eggs each. But one with six eggs, four was the most 

 common number, and five frequently. Several held but three 

 each. 



Probably eight to ten pairs of Louisiana Herons were pres- 

 ent and one of these was seen to carry a stick. At Shell point 

 this species did not have fresh eggs until the seventh of May. 

 White Ibises were still abundant and stood around on the 

 bushes as if permanently located. A few nests from which 

 Heron's eggs were removed on April 1st now contained one 

 and two eggs each. Probably the former clutch had been in- 

 complete. 



As many as eight nests were in a single clump of " Ty- 

 Ty," which made a diameter of about fifteen feet. But few 

 nests were more than eight feet up, and many not exceeding 

 five feet above the surface of the water. The nests varied 

 greatly in size and form. Some a mere loose bunch of sticks 

 through which eggs could be seen from below ; others were 

 a thick mass a foot or more of solid material. The average 

 nest was about sixteen to eighteen inches across and six to 

 eight inches in depth, with a slight central depression. In 

 one case an eii;g had rolled from the nest and lodged in sticks 

 at the side of the nest. Several eggs were on the ground be- 

 neath the nests. No Crows were seen in the vicinity. 



On April 14, 1917, another visit was made to the " Ty- 

 Ty " pond. I then estimated there were 150 pairs of the 

 Little Blue Heron at the pond and about ten pairs of Louis- 

 iana Herons. Two or three nests were noted containing 

 young just hatching. The old birds were noisy and quar- 



