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In the autumn of 1827, large flocks of Pine Grosbeaks visited 

 Long Island, Hoboken, and various places in the lower parts of New 

 Jersey and New York. Since that period until the present year, I 

 have not seen or heard of its occurring on Long Island. In the 

 interval, a few have been observed in Rockland County, in which 

 section, as with us, it was quite common during the month of 

 January of the present year. I first met with them while making 

 an excursion in Rockland, in company with the Messrs. Bell, on 

 the second day of January. The ground was covered with a deep 

 snow, on which was lying, under a group of cedar trees, a large 

 quantity of berries and small twigs, which we supposed had been 

 placed there by the Robin, or some other winter resident ; but on 

 advancing to another cluster of trees, Ave discovered that their work 

 had acquired a great acquisition by the presence of a large flock of 

 Pine Grosbeaks — which, however, were all young birds, as were 

 all those that we fell in with during the day. Although large num- 

 bers were during the winter observed in the vicinity of New York, 

 very few adults were procured. From this circumstance we are in- 

 clined to the opinion, that the adult only visits the lower part of the 

 State of New York in severe winters. It is very gentle, and 

 seems to be unaccustomed to the report of the gun. When fired into 

 the survivors fly to a neighboring tree, and again allow you to ap- 

 proach quite near. I have remained for minutes together within a 

 few feet of the tree, amusing myself by watching its vigorous 

 manner when engaged in collecting food — which consists chiefly 

 of cedar berries. It is a robust bird, and is furnished with a strong 

 bill — and when feeding, scatters the clustered fruit in all directions. 

 It is said to possess considerable musical talent— but with us, during 

 winter, its song is reduced to a simple chirp. Dr. Latham observes 

 they are found at Hudson's Bay — that they make their nest in trees 

 at a small height from the ground, composed of sticks, lined with 

 feathers — -laying four white eggs. 

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