BIRDS OP MADISON COUNTY 23 



113. (521) Loxia curvirostra minor (Brehm.). 



American crossbill. 



An occasional winter visitant. After a severe snow 

 storm on Feb. 5th, 1896, a flock of a hundred or more was seen 

 shearing off the maple buds. Another flock of about ten birds was 

 seen in the pines Feb. 26, 1897. May 15, 1899, six individuals were 

 noted feeding in a large elm tree. These birds may appear at 

 almost any time during the year. Seldom are they seen two years 

 in succession. The interval between two appearances may be five 

 or even ten years. 



114. (528) Acanthis linaria (Linn.). 



Redpoll. 



Common winter visitant, more especially during the 

 February storms. February 28, 1900, during a strong south wind 

 and a moderate fall of snow, a company of eight or more birds was 

 seen, mostly males. The birds kept constantly under the cover of 

 an old rail fence. 



March 2, 1900, brought many large flocks of red- 

 polls. On the evening of Feb. 28, there had been a heavy fall of 

 snow, followed by a drenching rain. The trees and weeds were 

 coated with a thin layer of ice, which made the struggle for food 

 somewhat difficult. A walk of a mile or more on March 2, disclosed 

 the presence of from three to four hundred redpolls feeding along 

 the fences. 



115. (529) Astragalinus tristis (Linn.). 



American goldfinch. 



An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Occasion- 

 ally seen in winter. 



116. (533) Spinus pinus (Wils.). 



Pine siskin. 



A rare visitant. A company of a dozen or more was 

 seen in the hemlocks on college hill April 13, 1899. 



117. (534) Passerina nivalis (Linn.). 



Snowflake. 



CommoD winter visitant. Abundant during the 

 January and February storms. Earliest seasonal record, Dec. 5th, 



