171 



when Robins are scarce, followed by a period of abundance before the 

 numbers dwindle down to the usual winter representation. This is 

 caused in all probability by the summer residents of more northern 

 regions, halting here in what to them is a mild climate, after our own 

 summer birds have departed. A similar movement is noticeable among 

 the Bluebirds. The condition of mid-autumn abundance occurred Octo- 

 ber 22," 1902. Three days later these birds became rarer and flocks were 

 seen migrating at a considerable elevation by day. 



Singing began very early in 1903. One was heard singing his spring 

 song, very low as if in rehearsal, January 16, and one burst out in 

 full song January 20. The next song was heard February 24. In other 

 years I have heard an imperfect song as early as February 23, and 

 the complete song March 4, 1902. They continue their songs till late 

 in the year. Perfect songs are heard in August, and on September 

 1, 1902, a Robin was heard singing with all the vigor if not the per- 

 fection of spring. Songs, perhaps slightly imperfect, but not very 

 noticeably so, have been heard as late as October 26, 1902. 



They have been observed mated by February 26, 1903. The first 

 nest has been completed as early as March 21, 1903 (P. J. H.). Very 

 little mud was used in the construction of this nest. That this was 

 early in the season as well as in the calendar may be judged by the 

 fact that an inch of snow fell shortly afterwards. The first egg was 

 found March 29, 1903. It was in a nest in a beech tree. The nest 

 was within ten feet of a window in Science Hall (C. G. L.). A full 

 set was not found until April 8, but on April 26 two half-grown young, 

 not accompanied by their parents, were observed. On May 3 two young 

 nearly full grown were seen. Twenty-four days (April 23 to May 17) 

 elapsed between the laying of the third egg and the flight of the young 

 in a nest watched in 1892 (G. Hitze). 



One was noticed before daybreak on March 26, 1903, sitting on the 

 ground and singing vigorously. It was observed in the same place 

 the next morning. 



When the country is snowbound Robins resort to peculiar methods 

 to obtain a livelihood; one was seen wading about in a shallow spring- 

 fed stream, feeding in the manner of a Sandpiper, February 9, 1902. 



