NATURAL HISTORY OF THE BERMUDAS. II3 



We may, therefore, safely conclude the advance guard of 

 the great migratory column from the north to be on the 

 move. 



August $rd. — Mr. Orde brought in from the islands in 

 the Sound a remarkably fine specimen of Turnstone. It 

 was evidently an adult bird in mature plumage. This is 

 the earliest arrival of the Strepsilas interpres that I have 

 noticed. Another bird of the same species was in com- 

 pany with the above. 



August 4tA. — I learn from Mr. Orde that he shot several 

 Semipalmated Sandpipers {Tringa semipalmata), at Peni- 

 ston's Pond to-day. 



August Zth. — A solitary Sandpiper ( Totanus macularius) 

 shot by Mr. Fozard to-day. 



August 14th. — Examined a fine specimen of the Hud- 

 sonian Curlew (Numenius hudsonicus). Length, almost 

 eighteen inches. Bill, three and a half inches. This bird 

 was shot by Mr. Fozard, on the hillside, near the north 

 shore, and appears to have been a solitary straggler, as it 

 was found quite alone. 



This and the two preceding days have been dis- 

 tinguished (or the afternoons) by very dark weather 

 accompanied with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. 

 During the rain of the 12th (Sunday) a flock of birds was 

 reported to me, by Tatem, the fisherman, to have come in 

 from the eastward, and passed along the north side in a 

 westerly direction, flying very low. My informant could 

 not undertake to say what kind of birds they were, though 

 he thought they were Curlews. 

 8 



