J 52 SUMMER BIRDS. 



in June, in the Catskills/^' and writes me that he has taken both 

 species of Water Thrush in this reg-ion. Reference to its occur- 

 rence along the Neversink is also made by the same writer. f 



The song of a Water Thrush was indistinctly heard at a swampy 

 place in the mountains, beyond the source of Esopus Creek, which 

 was very probably that of the small-billed species. 



This Water Thrush is doubtless a reo^ular summer resident at suit- 

 able localities. 



Geothlypis Philadelpliisi (Wils.) Baird. Mourning Warbler. 



One of the most characteristic birds of parts of the Catskills, in- 

 habiting, chiefly, old cleared or burned-over land grown up with 

 weeds, briers, shrubbery, and saplings. Always conspicuously com- 

 ponent of these mixed growths are the Wild Red Cherry [Pn(7ius 

 Pennsxhanica) and the Great \\'illow Herb [Epilobiiim spicahnn Lam.) 

 but the breedine- season of the Mournina- Warbler must fall between 

 the times when the white flower-clusters of the former and the brill- 

 iant crimson spikes of the latter plant beautify the waste tracts which 

 are its home. 



Few Mourning Warblers were noticed in tlie valley until about half 

 its leneth had been traversed, after which its son^ was almost con- 

 stantly heard until entering the forest. At the summit of Slide 

 Mountain, however, several were noticed, and must have there been 

 breeding These remarks apply, in strictness, to the seasons pre- 

 vious to that of the last visit when, except on the mountain top. the 

 bird was found to be uncommon, and in the valley but a single in- 

 dividual was observed. 



It will be remembered that the first known nest of this species was 

 discovered by Mr. Burroughs in this region. J 



Geothlypis triehas (L.) Caban. Maryland Yellow-throat. 



Not uncommon about the more settled parts of the valley, seeming 

 to be replaced in wilder and more elevated land by G. Philadelphia. 



Myiodioctes Cauadeusis (L.) Aud. Canadian Flycatching Warbler. 



Though not abundant this species seemed to be generally dis- 

 tributedin suitable localities. Mr. Burroughs gives an account of 

 its nest.§ 

 Setopliaga rutaeilla (L.) Sw. American Redstart. 



Not uncommon about Pine Hill, but apparently rare in the Big 

 Indian \^alley, and not noticed at all on the mountains. 



* Wake Robin : ed. 1871, pp. 194-195, 220. 

 f Locusts and Wild Honey, p. 123. 

 X Wake Robin, pp. ii-}r'^'2\. 

 § Loc, cit., pp. 61-62. 



