A List of the Birds of the Hudson Highlands, with 

 Annotations. 



By EDGAR A. MEARNS. 



[Continued from Vol. XII, page 128.] 

 Family, ABDEIDJE. 



150. Ardea herodias, Linne. GREAT BLUE HEKON. A sum- 

 mer resident; abundant during spring and fall migrations; probably 

 breeds. Arrives in April (26, 1874; 21, 1876; 4, 1877; 11, 1878). De- 

 parts the last of September, or later (September 20, 1876 ; 23, 1878 ; 

 25, 1879). A fine male was shot on Consook marsh on the 12th of 

 December, 1880, when the temperature was low, and the Hudson 

 frozen along shore, and the mountain lakes and ponds entirely closed. 



This large and beautiful Heron remains in the Highlands during the 

 breeding season and throughout the summer. I frequently see it fly- 

 ing over my house, towards the mountain, just at evening; but where 

 it builds its nest, I have never discovered. Its large tracks are sel- 

 dom absent during spring and summer, from the muddy margins of 

 our solitary ponds. In general it is quite shy, flying away on the first 

 approach of mankind ; but, by seeking concealment and awaiting its 

 return, its interesting habits can be studied. Soon it may be seen 

 flying back, just skimming the tree-tops, and sailing slowly down over 

 the pond. As it approaches the spot where it wishes to alight, it 

 assumes a perpendicular position and holds its legs straight down- 

 ward, and seems really to have alighted, but still glides onward, then 

 actually settles, sinking in the water nearly up to its body. Then it 

 casts a cautious glance around, and, should it descry any dangerous 

 object, instantly betakes itself to flight, with heavy flapping of wings, 

 soon mounting well up in the air. Should a number of Herons be 

 present, as is the case during migrations, they may be seen chasing 

 one another, dancing and executing various amusing antics. 



Dimensions. Measurements of No. 1,773, $ juv., September 23, 

 1878, Hudson River, at Cornwall, E. A. M. : length, 43-75; stretch, 

 69-50; wing, 16*75; tail, 7-00; length from tip of bill to end of longest 

 toe, 59-00; culmen, 5-20; gape, 6-65; tarsus, 7-10. Measurements of 



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