110 AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



March 1. I went into the Haunt this morning with spring 

 strong in my mind. Many signs of the beautiful awakening were 

 apparent. Seven species appeared in the few minutes I had for 

 observing, and all but one showed change in either notes, num- 

 bers or both. Crow gave "K-r-r-r-r-uk" and indulged in rapid 

 aerial dartings and sportive maneuvers in flight. Flicker, three 

 birds drummed and gave ''wick-wick" song, neither to great per- 

 fection, but both clearly. Nuthatch sang constantly. (This song 

 is little more than a rapid repetition of his "yank" call note, the 

 rapidity with which it is given changes the tone somewhat, and 

 the song sounds a little like Flickers "wick-wick.") Creeper, dis- 

 tinct warblings from seveial birds. Last year on March 2, I 

 heard a complete song from Creeper. Downy increase in number 

 from one to two. During the entire winter there has been but 

 one bird of this species in the Haunt. Song Sparrow, perfect 

 song from a spring arrival. Have watched the wintering birds 

 with great care and am sure this one is a migrant from his 

 brighter plumage and fuller song. The Song Sparrow's song is 

 certainly a most beautiful effort, and it is never so much appre- 

 ciated as in the early spring when few other songsters are in 

 full song. I can remember my delight, almost too great to be 

 contained, when I first heard a Song Sparrow sing one day in 

 late February in the Haunt. As the season advances Song Spar- 

 rows become so abundant and so many other fine songsters are 

 present that the charm of his song is broken. 



March 4. Among the thick growth I heard some unfamiliar 

 notes. Pushing in I found several Kinglets giving many varied 

 and connected measures. There was no actual melody, such as 

 we hear in a Song Sparrow's song for example, but there was 

 a swing such as we hear in most warbler songs. The song 

 may be likened to some of the yellow warbler's variations. 



March 6. I had passed around the swamp and into the meadow 

 by the elms when I heard — yes, a Bluebird ! Again the note was 

 repeated, a beautiful sound. Almost at the same moment the 

 two Robins flew into the elms, and after a little preliminary 

 calling, one sang. Flickers were love-making in the grove, 

 spreading their tails to the fullest extent, calling, purring, dancing 

 and sidling over the branches, they set forth their feelings unmis- 

 takably. Three or more males were trying to win one apparently 

 unresponsive female. Redwings have been noted flying overhead 

 for several days. 



