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(“REPORT OF THE ORNITHOLOGIST AND MAMMALOGIST. 429 
proach within shooting distance. Theonly way I could kill them 
“was to get where they fly from the lake to the fields and shoot them 
as they passed. I am told that they will not eat grain soaked in 
strychnine or arsenic, but I think a series of experiments in poison- 
ing them might be profitable. They seem easily baited, and per- 
haps could be caught in nets like pigeons. 
The legislature of Minnesota has authorized the county commis- 
sioners to allow a bounty on Blackbirds and Gophers, but in this » 
county no action has been taken in the matter, and the people do not 
seem to think it much use. Perhaps the birds could be killed when 
they have young by going among their nests, 
Round Lake, Nobles County, Minn., May 12, 1887.—Abundant. A great many 
are just beginning to build nests. 
Ortonville, Big Stone County, Minn., June 15, 1887.—Numerous; breeding in the 
reeds along the lake. Found 21 nests in going about 40 rods along the shore. They 
were all built in the reeds, and were from 1 to 5 feet high. Two nests had sets of 
four eggs; two of three; one of two; one of one; one three young and one egg; and 
two had shells of eggs. Twelve nests were empty, though all completed. Most of 
the empty nests were over dry ground. Only one nest on dry ground had eggs; it 
was 4} feet high. Most of the nests over water contained eggs. 
Brown’s Valley, Traverse County, Minn., June 21 to July 8, 1887.—Numerous; 
a great many breed in the reeds at the south end of Lake Traverse. June 23, all 
the young were out of the nests, and many of the adults had gathered into loose 
flocks along with Purple Grackles, Red-wings, and Cowbirds, and were feeding on 
a field of Hungarian grass (Setaria italica) which has just been sown. This field 
contains about 80 acres, and I estimated that there were not less than 300 Black- 
birds and 100 Mourning Doves on'‘it at onetime. The stomachs sent will show | 
their food. 
Graceville, Big Stone County, Minn., July 11, 1887.—There are two clear lakes 
here surrounded by timber, and in places by high grass, rushes, and reeds. There 
is a large slough with rushes and grass. Here I found large flocks of Blackbirds 
(seemingly composed of about equal numbers of Red-wings, Yellow-heads, and 
Purple Grackles). There was a flock of about 200 near the elevator when the train 
came in, and many small flocks and loose birds were picking grain in the streets. 
Having to wait seven hours for the train, I went among the sloughs and found the 
birds very numerous. Many young that could fly only a short distance were in the 
grass. Many of the adult Yellow-heads were in the midst of their moult, the new 
black feathers showing plainly among the old rusty ones. Their wings were gen- 
erally ragged, and some were minus atail. The moult was not noticeable among 
the Red-wings and Purple Grackles at a distance. Later in the afternoon I saw 
several large flocks in the wheat and oat fields. This is the first time I have seen 
them feeding on grain. 
Flandreau, Moody County, Dak., May 25-31, 1887.—Saw one pair; they do not 
stay here. 
Fort Sisseton, Marshall County, Dak., June 15-18, 1887.—Numerous about the 
sloughs. 
Harwood, Cass County, Dak., July 12-15, 1887.—Common. 
Devil's Lake, Ramsey County, Dak., August 6-19, 1887.—Numerous in large flocks 
with Red-wings, Cowbirds, and Purple Grackles, and feeding on wheat and oats. 
They seem to prefer ripe grain, and feed from the shocks. They are about in equal 
numbers with Red-wings.  - 
Bottineau, Dak. (western edge of Turtle Mountain), August 22-30, 1887.—Scarce; 
have seen but 2 or 3in flocks with other Blackbirds. 
Fort Buford, Dak., September 1-20, 1887.—About 20 were in the flocks of other 
blackbirds at first, but none were seen after about September 10. They were feed- 
ing on grasshoppers and wild sunflower seeds. 
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius phoeniceus.) 
Round Lake, Nobles County, Minn., May 12, 1887.—Numerous. 
Heron Lake, Jackon County, Minn., May 14, 1887.—Numerous; breeding. Great 
romplaints are made of their depredations. (See remarks under Yellow-headed 
Blackbird.) 
Ortonville. Big Stone County, Minn., June 13, 1887.—Not numerous. 
Brown’s Valley, Traverse County, Minn., June 21-July 8, 1887.—Numerous. 
