Birds. 39 



was first observed swimming about like a duck, in a little 

 pond made by the melting snow and the spring rain, and 

 catching insects which were swimming on the surface of the 

 water. The bird being a strange one to the gentleman who 

 observed it, it was watched closely for some time, but as there 

 was no' means at hand to capture it, the gentleman finally went 

 about his work, which was near at hand, till his attention was 

 again attracted by the loud outcries of the bird ; a'nd on hasten- 

 ing to the pond he found that the bird had been kindly captured 

 for him by a large bullfrog, which was trying to swallow it. 

 He killed the frog and secured the bird, which shortly died 

 from the rough treatment it had received. It was then pre- 

 sented to Mrs. M. T. Brown, of Hecla, who mounted it herself 

 and preserved it. 



63. Steganopus tricolor. 



WILSON'S PHALAROPB. 



A specimen of this bird was shot near the eastern end of 

 Oneida Lake, October 6, 1883, by Mr. Morgan K. Barnum of 

 Syracuse. When first observed the bird was swimming on 

 the lake. 



64. Philohela minor. 

 WOODCOCK. 



A common summer resident. Breeds. 



65. Gallinago delicata. 



WILSON'S SNIPE. 



A common migrant. Arrives April 13 to 26. 



