DAILY OBSERVATIONS 01^ OUR BIRDS 23 



Daily Observations of Our Birds. — I. 



BY BROTHER ALPHONSUS, C. S. C. 



SEPT. 4, 1912. 



5:30 a. m. — Many Swifts and two Martins flying about a 

 church steeple. The Martins looked large compared with the 

 Swifts. 



7:30 to 8:30 a. m. — Jays were numerous and noisy. A few 

 notes of a Song Sparrow. Saw a Grackle and a Dove. Warbling 

 Vireos plentiful and in full song. Saw a Baltimore Oriole — 

 no note. Many Indigo Birds — counted seven sitting on a fallen 

 branch — all brown. Note of Downy Woodpecker. A few notes of 

 the Goldfinch. Flicker's call-note. A few notes of the Pewee. 

 A note somewhat similar to the White-breasted Nuthatch's, but 

 sufficiently different to make me look carefully for the bird. 

 In a minute out flew a Red-breasted Nuthatch — the first arrival 

 of this species from the north. Two Catbirds in bushes; heard 

 call-note. 



4:45 to 5:15 p. m. — A few Robins, and many Grackles in 

 tops of trees. A Red-headed Woodpecker resting on top of a cross 

 on a tower; the bird flew out after a passing insect. Note of young 

 Goldfinches. 



September 5, 1912. 



5 130 a. m. — Many Swifts and a few Robins seen. 



7:30 to 8:30 a. m. — Jays plentiful; heard several different 

 call-notes and their bell-like note. Saw some Robins and one Song 

 Sparrow. A Grackle flew overhead. Two Kingfishers flew out over 

 the lake. Warbling Verios not so much in evidence as yesterday, 

 but still in song. Indigoes numerous. Goldfinches here and there. 

 Note of Flicker. Saw first Yellow-legs this month. 



4:15 to 5:15 p. m. — Hawk-note of Jay. Call-note of Robin. 

 Note of Grackle. Note of Screech Owl at 5:10. Saw a few Swifts. 

 Song of Warbling Vireo. Indigo call-note. Tree toad note of 

 Red-headed Woodpecker. Notes of Downy Woodpecker, White- 

 breasted Nuthatch, Goldfinch. Saw and heard a Flicker. 



7 p. m. — Note of Killdeer. 



September 6, 1912. 

 5 130 a. m. — Call-note of Robin. Saw several Grackles. 



