BIRDS OF INDIANA. 665 



makes its nest not far from water, often in orchards. These birds are 

 commonly known as "Schytepoke," "Poke" and "Fly-up-the-creek." 



It usually appears in the southern part of the State between April 

 10 and May 1, and in the northern part from April 18 to May 5. I 

 have noted it at Brookville as early as April 12 (1881), and Prof. 

 Blatchley reported it from Terre Haute April 13 (1888). The follow- 

 ing dates of its first appearance at Brookville for a number of years, 

 excepting the one above noted, will give an idea of its variations year 

 after year: 1882, April 18; 1883, April 13; 1884, April 15; 1885, 

 April 18; 1887, April 21; 1889, April 19; 1892, April 25; 1896, May 1. 



They begin nesting immediately upon arriving, usually, selecting a 

 thicket or second growth near the water. They often breed in 

 orchards, frequently at some distance from water. They usually 

 nest singly, but sometimes in colonies. (Ridgway.) 



The nests are sometimes placed from eight to twenty feet above the 

 ground. Prof. Evermann found full sets of eggs in Carroll County by 

 May 15, and Mrs. Hine reports the bird sitting in Dekalb County 

 May 15, 1897. Mr. H. 1ST. McCoy caught young ready to fly near Rich- 

 mond, May 19, 1886. After leaving the nest the family keeps together 

 for some time; then they may be found along the streams and about the 

 ponds and sloughs. Sometimes they are standing upon the shore; at 

 others upon a drift pile; again upon a log or pole above the water, but 

 more frequently, perhaps, upon a tree or bush, from which the ap- 

 proach of the intruder will frighten them to an awkward flight, which 

 is usually preceded or accompanied by a startled squawk. In some 

 localities they are becoming less common than formerly, but still it is 

 the most common and best known heron in the State. In the northern 

 part of the State they are leaving late in August, and by early Septem- 

 ber seem to have left. Steuben County, Aug. 15, 1894 (Cass); Tippe- 

 canoe County, September 4, 1896; Warren County, September 22, 

 1897 (Barnett). In the southern portion of the State they remain 

 later some years, but not often far into October. Brookville, October 

 11, 1886; October 1, 1889. Greensburg, October 17, 1894 (Shannon), 

 is the latest fall record. 



