74 BIRDS OF YARMOUTH AND VICINITY. ALLEN. 



166. Oidemia yers-picillata (Linn.). Surf Scoter. — They 



were common along our shore during the winter 

 of 1905. I have no other record of them. 



167. Erismatura jamaicensis (Gmel.). Ruddy Duck. — 



One sent in that was taken at Cape Sable Island, 

 Jan. 5, 1909. 



169a. Chen hyperhoreus nivalis (Forst.). Greater Snow 

 Goose. — One was shot near Comeau's Hill, Yar- 

 mouth Co., about Nov, 1, 1911, in immature 

 plumage. 



172. Branta canadensis canadensis (Linn.). Canada Goose. 



— Spring migration of this species is less observed 

 now than a few j^ears ago. I have two mid- winter 

 observations. Two seen Jan. 7, 1907. Flock of 

 forty fij^ing north, Dec. 11, 1910. 



173. Branta hernicla glaucogastra (Brehm..). Brant.^ — I have 



seen not more than two in seventeen years. 



190. Botaurus lentiginosus (Montag.). American Bittern. 

 — Found in solitary pairs breeding in our swamps, 

 meadows, and tidal marshes. First appearance 

 (4 years) May 2. Last appearance (4 years) Oct. 

 14. The mating call is heard as soon as it arrives, 

 and continues as late as June 2. A nest was found 

 at Arcadia, June 20, 1914. The four eggs were 

 laid on a rude mat of rushes in the swamp. The 

 old bird positively refused to be frightened from 

 her nest, and could be lifted or pushed aside without 

 deserting her charge. 



194. Ardea herodias herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron. — 

 This bird remains about some of our lakes and 

 streams all summer, but I have yet to find them 

 breeding. Earliest recorded appearance. May 28. 

 Last appearance (3 years) Sep. 26. 



