iSSS.J Williams on Upper Missouri River Birds. I c; 



and all the time singing so vigorously that one might suppose it 

 had forgotten even the motion of its wings in directing all its 

 energies to music. Shorelarks are about, with young almost 

 able to fly, and the loud and well known song of the Meadow- 

 lark is heard from all directions, as the birds pause for an instant 

 on some rock or post, or fly after their mates. A bird not so 

 commonly observed, yet quite abundant, is the Missouri Skylark 

 {Anthiis sprasfuei)^ and its song, as usually noted far overhead, 

 would scarcely attract attention from any casual observer, for all 

 its wonderful melody when clearly heard. The notes more close- 

 ly resemble those of Svvainson's Thrush than of any otlier bird 

 I am acquainted with, but the song is louder and more prolonged. 

 Still another bird of the prairies, oftener heard than seen, is the 

 Western Yellow-winged Sparrow. It is often so shy that one 

 has great difficulty in approaching near enough for a shot. These 

 last two species are ixcent arrivals from the south. The earliest 

 date I have for the appearance of either is May 8, 1SS5. 



Thus far the birds mentioned are observed while passing over 

 about a mile of prairie, before reaching the river. As I approach 

 some willows by the water's edge, the mellow, ringing song of 

 the Ruby-crowned Kinglet falls on the ear, and directly the bird 

 itself appears flitting about among the lighter sprigs. This spe- 

 cies arrives during the first week of May, and breeds commonly 

 in the mountains, but is never seen in the valleys except in migra- 

 tion. Its relative, the Golden-crested, I have only noted in the 

 fall migration, and it is apparently a rare bird at all times. 

 Brewer's Blackbirds, along with Crow Blackbirds and Cowbirds, 

 stop their noise and scolding for an instant as I approach near 

 them. Soon the willows are passed and I proceed along the river 

 bank, which extends only a few feet above the water for some 

 half a mile, to where the surface becomes broken by low sand 

 hills and ridges that run parallel with tlie river for some distance, 

 and arc covered with a scant growth of box elder, cotton-wood, 

 wild cherry, etc. Just before reaching the sand hills I notice 

 three birds out in the river. They are making towards me and 

 I hastily get behind a hummock where it is easy to watch their 

 movements. From their color, large size, and especially the 

 long neck held so upright, I conclude they must be the Western 

 Grebe i^y^chnwphoriis occidental is)., and slicIi indeed tlicy 

 prove. While they are still far out of gun shot an American 



