1889.] DutcueR, Birds of Little Gull Island, N. Y. 129 
1o. Arenariainterpres. TuRNSTONE.—F locks of these birds could be 
seen at almost any time flying around the islands, and alighting on the 
rocks to feed. They seemed to prefer the larger rocks to the shore, and 
especially those that werein the water. So common were the Turnstones 
on Great Gull that the Terns did not seem to pay the least attention to 
them. I presume the Terns had learned that the Turnstone. unlike al- 
most every other visitor, did not go for the purpose of killing them or 
their young, or of robbing them of their eggs. Two specimens shot 
proved to be so fat as to render good skinsimpossible; in fact a few hours 
after they were killed the feathers of the breasts of both birds were matted 
with oil. The keepers at Little Gull consider these birds very pooreating, 
so never kill them for food. 
rr. Circus hudsonius. MArsu HAwk.— A single specimen was seen 
and secured on Great Gull, August 12. The bird was first flushed from the 
swamp, where he had probably been feeding. As we had no guns with us 
when he was first flushed, we left him undisturbed, but returned later in 
the day better prepared. As we approached the island a large flock of 
Terns were observed hovering over asmall depression near the summit. 
We very cautiously approached the spot around which the Terns were fly- 
ing, suspecting that they were worrying the Hawk. This conjecture 
proved true, but the bird was so engaged in feeding, or was so intimidated 
by the Terns, that he did not rise until we were within twenty feet of him; 
and then flew off very slowly, keeping within afew feet of the ground. 
Some cold lead, however, soon put an end to his career. In the stomach 
I found the remains of a mouse and of a Yellow Warbler. This Hawk is 
known at Little Gull as the ‘Mouse Hawk.’ 
12. Pandion haliaétus carolinensis. AMERICAN OspREyY.— Several 
individuals of this species were seen in Gardiner’s Bay. while we were 
en route for Little Gull; and one or two were seen fishing around that 
island. It was the exception rather than the rule, however, to see them 
so far out; they seem to prefer to stay nearer the main land. 
13. Ceryle alcyon. BELTED KINGFISHER.—Chas. B. Field informed 
me that he saw one around Little Gull early on the morning of August 12. 
14. Corvus americanus. AMERICAN Crow.—Four unlucky Crows 
some time in the spring before the Terns arrived, decided to take up their. 
residence on Great Gull Island. By what motives they were actuated I 
do not know. It might have been that they came in search of food, or they 
might have been seeking solitude. Ifthe first conjecture be true they must 
have gotten plenty of that that they sought; for the island was well 
stocked with the eggs and young of the Terns. If the last conjecture be 
true they were sadly disappointed, for no sooner had the Terns arrived 
than they fell on the Crows and persecuted them relentlessly until we put 
an end to their misery. Leave the island they could not, for did one at- 
tempt to rise a horde of Terns was at him almost before he had risen above 
the grass, and screaming, diving,and dashing at the unfortunate bird, 
would soon drive him back to the earth again, and then, as if not content 
with that, would continue to worry him long after he had settled down. 
