ANNOTATED LIST OF THE BIRDS 77 



CASPIAN TERN (Sterna caspia) 



In the days when this species bred in Labrador and the 

 Magdalen Islands, it was undoubtedly a regular, if uncommon 

 migrant on the coast of Long Island. There are, however, 

 only nine published records of its occurrence, one spring 

 record, May 11, 1898. The fall dates range from July 21 

 and August 10 to September 13. Not yet recorded are two 

 specimens in the Lawrence collection; Raynor South, 

 August 10, 1831, and an immature bird found in Fulton 

 Market, October 10, 1856, from "Long Island." The dis- 

 appearance of, or great decrease in, the northeastern breeding 

 colonies undoubtedly accounts for the present rarity of this 

 splendid Tern on Long Island. The records show that it 

 occurred regularly up to 1890, twice in 1898, and the last 

 specimen was taken in 1900. Since then I know of only three 

 observations in Long Island waters, and its status at present 

 is a rare or casual transient. Its great size and large red bill 

 will render it easily recognizable by the observer, who is so 

 fortunate as to see it in life. 



Long Island. Formerly uncommon but regular, now a rare 

 or casual transient. One spring record, May 11, 1898; July 21 

 and August 10 to September 28. Recent observations are given 

 below. 



MASTIC. September 8, 1914 (J. T. Nichols and B. S. 

 Bowdish) . 



LONG BEACH. Two records, September 28, 1916 and August 

 30, 1921 (Bicknell). 



ROYAL TEEN (Sterna maxima) 



Accidental visitant from the south. One record, Raynor 

 South, Long Island, August 27, 1831. 



COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) 



Dull indeed and insensible is he who does not appreciate 

 the graceful beauty of these harmless swallows of the sea, as 

 they stream down our coasts or hover over our beaches. 



