1912 J Smyth, Birds of Montgomery County, Va. 515 



from persons who stated positively that they saw flocks of Wild Pigeons, 

 from one to a thousand birds, but " no positive evidence, no specimens, 

 heads, wings or feathers, no statement from any reliable bird student 

 have been received. Many things point to their occurrence in the State 

 last fall." And again this Fall — 1911 — a persistent report reached me 

 that Wild Pigeons in some numbers were seen near Pulaski, Va., not far 

 from here. But that they were very wild, and allowed no one to get within 

 gunshot of them, though many efforts were made to secure some. I failed, 

 however, to " nail " this rumor, and could never find the man who had 

 Been them, though many said they had heard others say that they had seen 

 the birds. I mention these rumors for what they may be worth. 



53. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourning Dove. — Com- 

 mon resident; breeds. 



54. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. Turkey Vulture. — Resi- 

 dent. In the caves and among the rocks that overhang the New River 

 near here, the " Turkey Buzzard " breeds in some numbers. I have had 

 several sets of eggs from there, and in late May, the 26th, I once saw a 

 nearly fledged young, about the size of an ordinary hen, in one of these caves. 



55. Catharista urubu. Black Vulture. — Very rare; three rec- 

 ords. On October 8 and 9, 1909, there was one Black Vulture with the 

 number of Turkey Vultures that frequent the Experiment Station cattle 

 grounds. The square-cut tail, shorter alar expanse, and quicker flap of 

 the wing, as well as the different tone of black, and the position of the 

 feet in flight, were diagnostic of the bird, in contrast with the Turkey Vul- 

 tures with which it was flying. On March 12, 1911, I also saw one speci- 

 men, and on January 22, 1912, I saw five in company with one Turkey 

 Vulture. In Charleston, S. C, my old home, I used often to note the 

 marked contrast in many respects between these two species. 



56. Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. — Common in the fall and 

 winter months, and seen as late as April 2. A large proportion of my 

 winter records are for blue males. I have no breeding records. 



57. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk. — Not very abundant. 

 Seen at odd times throughout the year. A pair seen together in early 

 May, evidently male and female, gives color to a report of their breeding 

 in the neighborhood. On one occasion I saw one attacking a Red-headed 

 Woodpecker, which, however, eluded the hawk. 



58. Accipter cooperi. Cooper's Hawk. — Of constant occurrence, 

 though not abundant; breeds. One nest with young found in an old 

 crow's nest. 



59. Astur atricapillus atricapillus. Goshawk. — Very rare. One 

 adult female, of rather small size brought in to me, recently shot, after a 

 cold, windy snowstorm, November 19, 1906. The specimen was in fine 

 plumage. 



60. Buteo borealis borealis. Red-tailed Hawk. — A fall and 

 winter resident. My records are for October 30, through November, 

 December, January, February and up to March 31. Most abundant in 

 December and January. 



