Vol .'s96"] Mack ay. Terns of Muskeget Island. 51 



observed this summer, with the exception perhaps of two nests, 

 each containing two eggs ; in each case one egg was normal, while 

 the other was of about half the usual size. On July, 30, and 

 again on August 16, about half a dozen chicks in the down, just 

 out of the shell, were observed on South Point Island. 



No correct conclusions can be based on the number of live 

 chicks noted, on account of the impossibility of making even an 

 approximate estimate of their real number. I take pleasure, 

 however, in stating that never since I have known anything about 

 them, have these Terns increased to such an extent as they did 

 from last season to this. I regret my inability to give even esti- 

 mates, there being too many of them for that. The present year 

 has also been a most favorable one, as will be evidenced by the 

 arrivals next spring. 



In regard to certain " dropped eggs" described in my former 

 article, I would say that during my first visit I found ten, eight of 

 which I caljed Roseates, and two Wilson's ; all were fresh. On 

 my second visit I found thirty. One of these was dropped by a 

 Wilson's Tern close beside me, being the direct result of the 

 excitement caused by my presence. It struck a small stick and 

 was broken. Mr. Sandsbury this summer also saw a Tern drop 

 an egg in mid air. 



It would seem as if the Terns in this locality were not adverse 

 to drinking fresh water, for the two small ponds on Muskeget 

 Island proper are constantly frequented by numbers, who take up 

 the water invariably while on the wing. 



From September 1 to 7 the Terns seemed to leave the middle 

 of Muskeget Island proper, and roosted on the outside beaches 

 at the west and south side of the island. From the 15th to the 

 2 2d they were observed to collect in large flocks, when they 

 would mount in a spiral way, circling high up, and then descend 

 again, indicating that they were getting themselves in training to 

 start on their southern migration. The weather was fine, with 

 southerly winds. On the 26th and 27th of September the wind 

 was easterly with gentle breezes. Several very large flocks rose 

 up in the air until lost to sight, being headed in a southwest 

 direction when last seen. These Terns must migrate at an 

 immense altitude, for they go up out of sight when they depart in 



