A List of the Birds Observed on the Barnegat 



Region of the New Jersey Coast in 



August, 1908 



BY WILLIAM C. BRAISLIN, M. D. 



The rather meagre list of birds herewith presented contains a 

 few species which seem to the writer to be of special interest. 

 The short time which we were able to give to the trip is largely 

 responsible for its brevity, as it could doubtless have been in- 

 definitely extended had time allowed. The species listed 

 occurred on or between August 22 and 25, 1908, unless other- 

 wise stated, during which time the writer was the guest of Mr. 

 Benj. T. Van Nostrand at Forked River, New Jersey. 



Supplementary notes from his and Mr. John N. Drake's ob- 

 servations are likewise included; these instances being accom- 

 panied by their proper dates or definite data under the head of 

 each species thus included. That part of the great autumnal 

 migratory movement noted was so small that had it not been 

 for the additions furnished by my friend referred to, the list 

 would scarcely be worth recording. 



Larus argentatus, Herring Gull. About a dozen birds of this 

 species were noted during the days stated, most of them adult 

 birds, nearly always singly. 



Sterna hirundo, Common Tern. The abundance of these 

 birds was very noticeable throughout our stay. Terns seemed to 

 be visible at almost all times. The great number observed was 

 in pleasant contrast with their scarcity at the same place and 

 about the same date two years previously. 



Hydrochelidon nigra surinamensis, Black Tern, Common. At 

 this season the dark coloring serves to distinguish the species if 

 the observer is fairly near at hand. The difference in size is not 

 so appreciable when in flight as one might suppose. A wing- 

 tipped bird of this species was picked up on the beach at Beach 



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