188 Smith, Birds of Kerr Co., Texas. [April 



the river broadens out, forming a number of small mud flats; it was there 

 that most of the wading birds were observed. The present species was 

 noted between May 8 and 25 and during most of that period, was the 

 most abundant member of its family. 



Pisobia bairdi. Baird's Sandpiper. — On May 26 a lone individual 

 of this species was recorded; it was in the company of a small flock of 

 Semipalmated Sandpiper. 



Pisobia minutilla. Least Sandpiper. — As far as I could ascertain, 

 the Least Sandpiper was much less numerous than the following with 

 which it generally associated. Both species appeared early in May, and 

 remained up to about June 1. 



Ereunetes pusillus. Semipalmated Sandpiper. — This species was 

 quite abundant, considering the limited area suited to its requirements; 

 especially so during the final two weeks of its stay. Neither this nor the 

 preceding tln-ee species are listed by Lacey. 



Helodromas solitarius cinnamomeus. Western Solitary Sand- 

 piper. — It was the western subspecies of the Solitary Sandpiper that I 

 found occurring. It was present during May but never more than one or 

 two birds were seen in a day, and at all times very shy. 



Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper. — Lacey surmises that the 

 Spotted Sandpiper breeds in the region. This is undoubtedly so, as I saw 

 the species up to the day preceding my departure. It was first noted 

 about May 5. 



Colinus virginianus texanus. Texas Bob-white. — Nests contain- 

 ing sets of 23 and 30 eggs were found. These were in all probability com- 

 munity nests, as the eggs in both followed several types in form and were 

 of considerable difference in size. 



Meleagris gallopavo intermedia. Rio Grande Wild Turkey. — 

 There can be little doubt that, at the present time, Wild Turkeys exist in 

 greater numbers in Kerr and adjoining counties than in any other part of 

 Texas. Their abundance may be accounted for, as the result of the en- 

 croachment of the Cedar and various species of scrubby oaks upon lands 

 formerly under cultivation or in pasture; to the decrease in numbers of the 

 Armadillo ( Tatu novemcinctum texanum) which of late years have been 

 much hunted for commercial purposes; and to the enactment of a law 

 limiting the open season and the number that may be killed. During the 

 winter spent in the region several heavy snowfalls occurred. These caused 

 many turkeys to seek open spots in the valleys and along fence rows, often 

 ^n the vicinity of human habitations, and I recall one flock of seven hunt- 

 ing for several hours within a hundred feet of the building I lived in. 



Polyborus cheriway. Audubon's Caracara. — - Seen on several dates 

 during March, usually along the river, but occasionally small streams 

 higher up in the hills. 



Strix varia albogilva. Texas Barred Owl. — Although Lacey 

 judges this owl to be a rather common resident, I was able, during my 

 residence, to locate but one, and to hear perhaps one or two others. Evi- 



