68 BIRDS OF YARMOUTH AND VICINITY. ALLEN. 



as any indication of the scarcity of the former in this vicinity. 

 The writer has given most of his attention to the land birds* 

 and the few observations on the other groups are presented 

 for what they are worth. 



Where dates for ''first appearance," ''becoming common/' 

 "last appearance," etc., are given, the number of years on 

 which the average date was reckoned is enclosed in paren- 

 theses. Except in two or three cases the writer is not respon- 

 sible for the birds reported as "taken" or "shot". 



The numbers and nomenclature are those used by the 

 American Ornithologists' Union. The list contains 170 

 species and subspecies. 



2. Colynihus holhoellii (Reinh.). Holboell's Grebe. — 

 One observation only. A specimen shot at Sand 

 Beach, Jan. 1, 1906. 



6. Podilymhus podiceps (Linn.). Pied-billed Grebe. — 



Two observations only. A specimen in winter 

 plumage and without ear-tufts taken off Yarmouth, 

 Nov. 16, 1906(?), and brought in to local taxidermist. 

 Another shot at Barrington Passage, by Chas. 

 Weddleton, about Mar. 15, 1915. 



7. Gavia immer (Briinn.). Loon. — Breeds in all our 



secluded woodland lakes where there are islands. 

 July 17, 1906, a nest with the usual two eggs was 

 found very close to the water's edge on a small 

 island in a lake near Deerfield. We did not observe 

 the bird leave the nest, but on July 18th we paddled 

 noiselessl}' around the end of the island and surprised 

 the old bird. She launched herself into the water 

 and splashed along over the surface for about 

 seventy-five yards using her wings as paddles 

 with great effect, then dived to reappear a quarter 

 of a mile up the lake. On the night of July 21st. 

 and also on the 24th and 25th we had much rain, 



