''ol. I -1 



•Jo. I I Birds of Pnticeton. 



IQOI _l 



14 (142). Shoveler. Spatula clypeata i^Linn.). 



At present the Shoveler is a rare transient visitor. One was 

 secured March 17, 1877, and presented to the Museum by the late W. 

 J. Slidell, Esq. This bird is in the University Collection, No. 789. 



15 (143). Pintail; Sprigtail. Dafila acuta (ZzV^;/.). 



Prof. Phillips tells me that twenty years ago the Pintail was a not 

 uncommon migrant and that several were taken each year by local gun- 

 ners. At present, it is rare and I know of no records of its occurrence 

 during the last six years. Mr. Scott's experience coincides with Prof. 

 Phillips'. 



16 (144). Wood Duck; Summer Duck. Aix sponsa 



{Linn.). 



A tolerably common summer resident and common migrant. The 

 number of this species, which was formally abundant, has diminished 

 to four or five pairs which breed in secluded places along the river, 

 notably near Kingston, Bear Brook and on the Upper Millstone. Ow- 

 ing to the disastrous spring shooting, even these are decreasing each 

 year. Last season (1900), to my knowledge, two pairs were shot which 

 had already selected nesting cavities and were preparing to lay. Dur- 

 ing the migrations, however, Wood Ducks are not uncommon and ten 

 or fifteen are taken each season by local gunners. The birds arrive 

 February 25 and depart November 28. 



17 (148). American Scaup; Broadbill; Bluebill. 



Aythya marila (Linn.). 

 A regular and not uncommon visitor during fall and spring on all 

 the ponds, especially after storms from the coast. 



18 (149). Lesser Scaup Duck; Little Blackhead; 



Little Bluebill; Little Broadbill. Aythya 



affinis {Eyt.). 

 A common migrant, passing northward rather early in spring and 

 returning during October and November. After a heavy gale during 

 November, 1900, a flock of ten appeared at Grover's Pond, of which 

 six were shot by Mr. Wyckoff. 



37 



