7S LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



forests for miles around, particularly, in such places as the 

 species has been known to visit on its Mrst arrival, would 

 have brought some evidence of the fact. Mr. Turnbull gives 

 it as an occasional breeder in this latitude. If such was the 

 case in his day, and we have no disposition to doubt such 

 eminent authority, we can only say that either the species 

 has changed its habitat for more congenial quarters, or else. 

 still breeds in some obscure nook which has always escaped 

 our scrutinizing gaxe. 



In Massachusetts, according to Dr. Brewer, it is a fre- 

 quenter of gardens, orchards, and open grounds ; but is mainly 

 to be found on the borders of thickets. Says the same writer. 

 they manifest a strong attachment to particular localities, 

 which they yearly visit when not disturbed. He cites the 

 case of a pair which had established their hunting-grounds 

 close by a dwelling in Roxburv. which were wont to visit the 

 same spot for several successive years. These birds would 

 show their confidence, by daily repairing to the piaxxa of the 

 house, where fragments of cotton were exposed for the ben- 

 efit of such feathered creatures as would avail themselves 

 of them. They soon appreciated the kindness of their 

 human brethren, and yearly approached nearer and nearer 

 to the dwelling, until they ultimately regarded the premises 

 as common property and began to erect their home in a 

 honeysuckle-bush near the corner of the piazza, from which 

 they would emerge in quest of food without being the least 

 mindful of the near presence of their human neighbors. 

 The friendliness of their character was most strikingly man- 

 ifested in the perfect good will which they showed towards 

 the Summer Yellow Birds and the Chipping Sparrows 

 which nested in the same bush. 



Mr Kennicott found this Flycatcher breeding at Fort Reso- 

 lution as high north as latitude 62. Its nest was placed in 

 an alder bush, about five feet from the ground. Messrs. Ross 

 & Lockhart. also found it nidificating. in the same place. Mr 



