NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BERMUDAS. 55 



The length given by Audubon is decidedly too little. 

 Wilson and the '' New York Fauna," are more correct. 

 This is another addition to our Ornithology. It proved a 

 male bird. 



Examined four specimens of the Wax-wing, or Cedar 

 bird [Bombycilla carolinensis), shot near the Chief Justice's 

 Pond this morning by Mr. Wedderburn. They were killed 

 at one shot, and no others seen in company. One only of 

 these birds exhibited the coral-like tips on the wings and 

 that in a very small degree, for on two of the secondaries 

 in each wing only were the red marks visible, and these 

 were so diminutive as to leave no doubt of their recent 

 formation. On comparing these elegant birds with the 

 best of the specimens killed on October nth last, the 

 change towards adult plumage was strikingly evident, 

 particularly about the head, the black band over the eye, 

 with its border of brilliant white, appearing to be perfect. 

 These birds were very fat. 



December \%th, 1847. — Saw two common Snipe which 

 had been shot by Mr. Wedderburn in the Governor's Marsh 

 this afternoon. They were both in a state of moult. No 

 others met with. 



A Woodpecker was seen by Mr. Wedderburn, and fired 

 at without success ; and also a large bird on the wing, very 

 like a Cormorant, and of a black colour, which carried its 

 neck extended in a straight line, but hovered in the air, 

 and occasionally increased its elevation, as a Hawk would 

 do. What this can be I am at a loss to conceive. 



December 20th, 1847. — Lieutenant Wedderburn shot 

 another Snipe to-day, which he was disposed to think dif- 



