

1887.] Cox on Rare New Brunswick Birds. 2 I I 



be inferred from the difference of latitude ; for the hitter place is 

 within the influence of the warm Bay of Fundy waters, whereas 

 the former are upon a coast washed by colder Arctic currents. 

 Why this species should be found hei-e more frequently than to 

 the south of us is an interesting problem for ornithologists. I 

 cannot suggest an explanation. The common food supply seems 

 neither more inviting nor abundant. Our coasts, it is true, 

 abound more in fish, and maritime garbage would likely be 

 more plentiful, but I am not sure that these birds show any 

 marked predilection for this kind of diet. 



On the fifth of last April, 1 was walking on the railroad track, 

 in the vicinity of the town, shortly before sunset, when I came 

 across three birds which were entire strangers to me. They 

 were feeding at the time on the side of an embankment that, 

 owing to its southern aspect, was already bare of snow; and as 

 they flitted to the ground and returned to the telegraph wires, 

 their blue backs and wings flashed brilliantly in the rays of the 

 setting sun, causing me to think at first of the Jay ; but no, these 

 pretty strangers were but half his size. Fearing to approach too 

 closely, lest they might take flight, I attempted to observe them 

 for some time at a distance ; but not having my field-glass, it 

 was very unsatisfactory, besides curiosity kept urging me nearer 

 and nearer. Presently, and to my great relief, it dawned on my 

 mind they were paying very little, if any, attention to me, 

 being wholly intent on foraging ; and thus I was enabled to ap- 

 proach within a few yards, whence I made out more clearly the 

 color of the plumage. Judge of my feelings of astonishment 

 and incredulity, when their general characteristics suggested 

 Slalla stalls — the Eastern Blue Bird, which I had merely read 

 of, but had never seen. Impossible ! Up in this cold dreary north 

 on the fifth of April, with the whole country, field and forest, 

 covered with a mantle of snow three feet thick ! Surely I must be 

 snow or color blind ! Look again. Observe their rapid, but 

 graceful descent, the accuracy with which they drop on their 

 prey, and their almost immediate return. How quietly and still 

 they sit on their perch, until some moving object attracts their 

 attention ; how familiar and confiding : they do not seem to 

 notice my presence at all. If they are apprehensive of danger, 

 and move oft' a little, the distrust is concealed under the 

 appearance of business, seemingly making a longer flight to 



