Vol. ao | General Notes. 207 
While this difference is most marked in the Mallard, the same facts hold 
good to a large extent in my nests of the following species of ducks:— 
Red-breasted Merganser (Merganser serrator), Green-winged Teal ( Nettion 
carolinense), Cinnamon Teal (Querquedula cyanoptera), and Pintail (Dafila 
acuta), all of which show the down to be considerably darker than in birds 
of the same species shot in the winter. In the following species the same 
variation holds good, although in a somewhat lesser degree:— Canvas- 
back (Marila valisineria), Seaup Duck (Marila marila), and Lesser Scaup 
Duck (Marila affinis). 
There would seem to be a possibility, even though a scant one, that this 
difference in coloration might be caused by dirt from the parent bird soiling 
the down. This theory is made practically untenable by the fact that in 
the following species there is very little difference between the down found 
in the nests and that on females shot during the winter months: — Mergan- 
ser (Mergus americanus), Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), and Redhead (Marila 
americana). Lack of material at hand prevents any further comparison, 
but these few notes may prove of interest to someone as ignorant on the 
subject as myself. 
These notes are not sent in with the wish to publish a well established 
fact, as possibly the observations of other collectors in different sections of 
the country may show very different results. However, the nesting season 
is close at hand, so it would seem to be worth while putting in print the 
results of my own observations in order that the subject may be brought 
before other observers as. a matter for more extended study.— J. H. 
Bowuzs, Tacoma, Wash. 
Killdeer (Oxyechus vociferus vociferus) in Massachusetts.— Upon the 
authority of many of the older ornithological writers it is evident that this 
species bred in earlier years at various widely separated stations in the 
state of Massachusetts. In more recent years however, it has become 
rare, so much so, as to make its occurrence noteworthy. It is with a sense 
of pleasure and satisfaction that at this time I can submit evidence of an 
increase in its numbers and frequency in this northeastern portion of the 
State at least, an increase due quite probably to the better protective laws 
now in force. The following notes briefly record its occurrence in a region 
where it has been absent for a number of years. 
West Newbury, Mass., May 24, 1915, 5.30 a.m. While walking along a 
road in the open country I was attracted by the petulant cry of a Killdeer 
Plover, and in a moment discovered the bird flying low and coming toward 
me. He alighted about 60 yards distant in an open pasture, offering me a 
very good view, and an opportunity to identify him with certainty if his 
‘ voice had not been sufficiently convincing. After afew moments of erratic 
running about in the cpen pasture he took flight in a southerly direction. 
West Newbury, Mass., Sept. 6, 1915—3 p.m. Three Killdeer Plover 
noted flying northward at great heights, their unmistakable notes bespeak- 
ing their presence and identity. 
