544 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



75. SNOWY OWL 



NYCTEA NYCTEA (Limueus) 



This magnificent owl is a rare winter visitor to Lake Maxin- 

 kuckee. On November 22, 1905, one was killed on Long Point. 

 It had been seen several times flying about and across the lake. 

 When shot it was attempting to fly from shore with a coot in its 

 talons. Another was shot a few days later, and in February fol- 

 lowing a third example was seen flying across the south part of the 

 lake. 



76. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO; RAIN-CROW 



COCCYZUS AMERICANOS (Linnaeus) 



Rather common throughout the summer. Frequently heard on 

 Long Point, especially in muggy weather preceding a rain. Noted 

 on the following dates : July to September 20, 1899 ; July 17, 18, 

 19, August 18, 23, 27, and September 19, 1900; May 17, 18, 23, 

 24, and 27 and June 1, 3 and 9, 1901 ; June 19 and 20, 1902 ; Sep- 

 tember 12 and 13, 1907 ; August 27, 1908 ; and September 12, 21, 

 22, 25, 29 and October 3, 1913. During the last days of September 

 and the first days of October, 1913, one or more yellow-billed 

 cuckoos were seen feeding on Chironomus insects that had just 

 emerged from the water at Long Point. 



The black-billed cuckoo was not positively identified but it in 

 all probability occurs here. 



77. KINGFISHER 



CERYLE ALCYON (Linnaeus) 



The Kingfisher is one of the most interesting birds about the 

 lake. Although never abundant, its constant activity and its far- 

 reaching note at once command attention, and dull indeed must 

 be the cottager or chance visitor at the lake who has not been at- 

 tracted by this assertive bird. In the economy of the aquatic life 

 of the lake the Kingfisher is one of the most important factors. 

 These birds have their favorite perches, usually an old dead tree, 

 tall stake, or some limb near or extending over the surface of 

 the water, which they will frequent for days, or even weeks, at a 

 time. From this station they watch the water for any unsuspect- 

 ing fish that may come too near the surface. They are always 

 on the qui vive and may often be seen dropping into the water 

 after some fish that has been observed. Usually the attacks are 

 failures and the bird returns to its post, soon to repeat the per- 

 formance, perhaps with better success. The bird usually strikes 



