1891-92]. ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT. 83- 



Evening Grosbeak at Hamilton, Ont — This bird was first 

 observed here on December 19, feeding on the berries of the 

 cedar ; flock after flock passed along, going east, till near the end 

 of January, when for a few days none were seen. I heard of them all 

 along the north shore of the lake, as far down as Kingston. About 

 February 10, the return migration began, and was very active while it 

 lasted, but they were only noticed for three or four days. At this time 

 they fed mostly on the seeds of such apples as were found still hanging 

 on the trees in the orchards, the berry bushes being well cleared of fruit 

 on the eastern trip. I made enquiry at different points west to find out 

 if possible by what route they travelled, but Chatham was the only point 

 where I heard of them, around Chicago they were not observed. Most 

 likely they came down the east shore of lake Huron. — T. MclLWRAITH. 



Evening Grosbeak. — This bird is a common winter visitor to 

 the Province of Manitoba, frequenting the woods along the banks 

 of the Assiniboine River in great numbers; on the Red River 

 it is common at times, but does not appear to settle down into 

 permanent winter quarters there. In the Riding Mountains latitude 50° 

 30' I found it common in December 1884, the thermometer at the time 

 ranging from 30 to 40° below zero. 



It is also found in all other parts of the Province that are heavily 

 timbered, its favorite resorts being the groves of North-west maple or 

 box elder, which usually grows on the banks of rivers or lakes, on the 

 seeds of this tree it feeds, perhaps occasionally varying its diet with buds 

 of other deciduous trees. I examined the stomachs of a great many 

 in Manitoba, and never found anything else contained in them. Whilst 

 here they seldom visit the low scrub or the ground, except in spring, 

 when they will sometimes crowd thickly together on a bare spot, appar- 

 ently seeking gravel for digestive purposes. 



They first arrive early in October, continually increasing in numbers 

 until the 1st of December, when they reach the maximum, and they 

 remain until about May 16th, when they all disappear together. 



The following are dates of their arrival and departure for three years : 



FIRST SEEN. 

 1884, 



1885, October 12th, one flock. 

 [886, October 1st, a small flock. 



LAST SEEN. 

 May 1 6th, several flocks. 

 May 1 6th, many seen. 

 April 23rd, a few seen. 



Mr. Thos. S. Roberts records them as regular visitors in winter to 

 Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in 1880 says he saw them last on May 3rd, 

 though they usually stay much later, but the weather being very warm 

 at that time, probably hastened their departure. At this place they 



