484 General Notes. [Oct. 



just below Alexandria, Virginia. As far as I am aware, this is the first 

 time Black Terns have been seen in this vicinity in spring, though there are 

 several autumn records. 



Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern. — One was seen near 

 Dyke, Virginia, on May 2, 1918. The latest previous spring record of 

 which I am cognizant is April 30, 1859. 



Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin. — Two flocks containing about 35 indi- 

 viduals were seen October 22, 1916, above Cabin John, Maryland. Fall 

 records of Siskins seem to be rare, and this is two days earlier than any 

 previously recorded. Throughout the autumn of that year Siskins were 

 quite common. 



Passerherbulus henslowi henslowi. Henslow Sparrow. — One 

 seen near New Alexandria, Virginia, April 1, 1917. The average date of 

 arrival for this species is about April 18, and the earliest previous record 

 April 10, 1889. This record was inadvertently reported by Dr. H. C. 

 Oberholser (Bird-Lore, XIX, page 153) as March 25. 



Oporornis formosus. Kentucky Warbler. — Heard in Zoological 

 Park, April 26, 1917, one day earlier than previously recorded. 



Geothlypis trichas trichas. Maryland Yellow-throat. — One 

 seen above Cabin John, Maryland, October 22, 1916. The latest previous 

 fall record for this species is October 21, 1895. 



Polioptila cserulea caerulea. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. — On Janu- 

 ary 1, 1917, a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was observed for some time at the 

 Arlington Experiment Farm, Virginia. It was very active and several 

 times uttered its characteristic squeaking note. As far as I am aware, this 

 is the first record of the occurrence of the species near Washington in winter. 

 Through a clerical error this occurrence was recorded by Dr. H. C. Ober- 

 holser (Bird-Lore, XIX, page 153) as January 2. The average date of 

 spring arrival is April 7, and the earliest March 30, 1907. — M. T. Cooke, 

 Washington, D. C. 



Scarcity of Birds in the Spring Migration of 1918. — I have seen 

 no reference, either in ' The Auk ' or ' Bird-Lore,' to a general scarcity of 

 birds this year, especially of the warblers and other small birds. 



Here, the robins, grackles, starlings, and, perhaps, the thrashers, are as 

 numerous as usual; the jays, and, perhaps, the towhees, more so. Taking 

 the birds as a whole, however, the difference from other years may be 

 indicated by the following figures: — best record to June 30, 104; average 

 record to June 30, for fourteen years, 91; this year, 67. 



Not only is the number of species seen notably smaller, but the number 

 of individuals is smaller. For instance, I could count on the fingers of one 

 hand all that I have seen of such common warblers as the Redstart, Wil- 

 son's, the Blackpoll, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Black- 

 and-White; and the record is not much better for the Myrtle, the Yellow, 

 and the Maryland Yellow-throat. 



I might say the same thing about the Vireos, and the Flycatchers. 



