28 The Birds of Albany County 



While migratory as his scientific name implies, individuals 

 frequently are found in Winter in warm valleys as far north 

 as Albany County. 



Throughout the Summer, Robin builds his nest in any decent 

 sort of place. I have seen them in sand banks, on beams in 

 old sheds, and in trees of all kinds. Baird, Brewer, and 

 Ridgeway in their classic work, "The Land Birds," state that 

 Robin lays five eggs. I have exeunined hundreds of nests in 

 many parts of the East and never saw but four in one nest, 

 though it may be that occasionally five are laid. 



Robin bears no relation to the EngUsh Robin Redbreast for 

 he is classed with the true Thrushes. The adult shows little 

 trace of this, but the young-of-the-year have spotted breasts, 

 which is one of the characteristics of Thrushes the world over. 



Hermit Thrush. — H^lodchla guttata pallasU. 7.20 



Common Spring and Fall Migrant; Quite a Number Remain 

 Through the Summer and Breed 



Field marks. — Tail reddish-brown, of a distinctly brighter 

 shade than the olive-brown back; ashy, or tawny, 

 throat, streaked and spotted with black. 



TTiis elegant bird, attractive in voice and personality, 

 occasionally spends the Summer in Washington Park. In 

 vocal powers he is regarded by many writers as the Nightingale 

 of America, and while the migrating individuals seen about 

 Albany are silent, those that remain to breed sing freely. Mr. 

 Horace G. Young informs me that one sang gloriously near 



