154 TH E AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



to say is, either the writer failed to obtain the actual records for 

 the first set of years, or the Song Sparrow has established itself, 

 in recent years, as a fairly common winter species. 



The winter habitat of the Song Sparrow is in the shrubbery 

 along the shores of small lakes, or in low, waste land. Secreted in 

 such places, the birds seldom show themselves, and usually the 

 observer hears them before he sees them. It is difficult under 

 such condition to know how plentiful the species is during winter. 

 From appearances it looks as if a few individuals only remain 

 throughout this season. 



Bronzed Grackle 

 Quiscalus quiscula aeneus 



The Bronzed Grackle had no winter records from 1909 to 

 1912; and for three other winters there, was a total of 23 records, 

 the species not appearing in the winter of 1914-15. The non- 

 appearance of the Bronzed Grackle for four winters, and then its 

 appearance for three winters, presents a curious case of irregularity 

 of distribution. Only one bird was ever seen at a'ny time, and this 

 fact may go far toward explaining the absence of the species for 

 five winters out of eight. Why this individual remained in winter 

 is another cruious occurrence that would be difficult to explain. 



Meadowlark 



Sturnella magna 



In eight winters the Meadowlark had but three records. 

 Usually one and sometimes two individuals were seen. The 

 presence of these birds seemed to indicate that they were wintering 

 somewhere in our vicinity, but must have been little given to 

 leaving their habitat. Another thing that strengthens this belief 

 is that the Meadowlark was seen in every month in winter. 



Sparrow Hawk 

 Falco sparverius 



In eight winters the Sparrow Hawk was found at least once 

 in each month, a fact that shows this is a true winter species. This 

 being so, it is difficult to tell why there have been only four records 

 in eight winters. Of course, like all the other hawks, this species 

 wanders about much more in winter than at other seasons of the 

 year. This habit may in fact account lor the scarcity of the Spar- 

 row Hawk. I think also that places that -are farther out in the 





