Todd : Birds of Erie and Presque Isle. 577 



Simpson reported it in 1902 on April 26. In the spring of 1900 it 

 was first noted April 25, as a prominent component of a considerable 

 flock of swallows observed near Big Pond. In the fall August 24 

 and 25 were days of considerable movement, and it was recorded 

 thereafter at intervals until as late as September 18. An immature 

 specimen taken by Mr. Bacon July 25, 1895 (now in the National 

 Museum, Biological Survey Collection), is an almost perfect albino, 

 showing on the upper parts merely a light wash of rusty. 



177. Iridoprocne bicolor. White-bellied Swallow. 



This hardy swallow was the first to put in an appearance in the spring 

 of 1900, arriving as early as April 9, and soon becoming numerous, 

 frequenting the bay and ponds in search of its insect prey. Usually 

 several birds were observed together, and on April 24 and 25 a con- 

 siderable number were found flocking in the vicinity of Big Pond, 

 accompanied by three other species of swallows. While it is quite 

 probable that this species breeds on the Peninsula occasionally, the 

 evidence is inconclusive. It was noted as late as May 19, however, 

 and was present in the fall movement August 21, although the last 

 individual of the season was not observed until September 21, a month 

 later. Conclusive evidence of the nesting of the present species in 

 this locality is afforded by Mr. A. M. Howes, who states that on June 

 7, 1893, he took seven eggs from a bird-box in the rear of his home 

 in the city. Three birds were seen, and from the fact that on two 

 consecutive days two eggs were laid he thinks that the male must have 

 been a bigamist. 



178. Riparia riparia. Bank Swallow. 



A common summer resident, very plentiful in certain favorable local- 

 ities. It was first noted in the spring of 1900 on April 25, as the least 

 numerous of the flock of swallows seen near Big Pond on that day. On 

 May 28 a nesting colony on the mainland a few miles west of the city 

 was visited, where perhaps five hundred pairs were breeding. Their 

 burrows were excavated in the sandy banks of a deep ravine leading to 

 the lake shore, usually near the top, and in certain favorable spots the 

 face of the bluff was very thickly punctured indeed, while the birds com- 

 ing and going and hovering in the air were a pretty sight. Apparently 

 no eggs were laid at this time, although no nests were actually exam- 

 ined. Some of the birds were seen carrying in nesting material, how- 

 ever. As a rule the birds entered their holes in pairs, but in more 



