6702 Birds. 



instant. The return to their favourite ash, for there was but one 

 covered with berries, was as sudden as their departure ; at one mo- 

 ment the tree might be empty, the next it was seen crowded with 

 these elegant birds, their glossy silk-like plumage glistening in the 

 sun. Their every attitude is graceful ; and as I stood within ten 

 yards, gazing at them, I thought them the most gentle creatures I had 

 ever beheld. Nevertheless, I am bound to say that they are voracious 

 feeders, having found the throats of the specimens examined literally 

 crammed with berries. "Lesser Wax wing" would perhaps have 

 been the more appropriate name. 



Song Sparrow (Fringilla melodia). March 3rd. Procured two. 

 On the 22nd of April observed one carrying building materials. 



American Shrike {Lanius excubitor). March 8th. Having walked 

 through the snow to a very secluded spot about a mile from the town, 

 my attention was attracted by the plaintive and subdued notes of a 

 bird apparently concealed among the foliage of the fir trees over 

 head ; but, after vainly endeavouring to discover it, on emerging from 

 the wood I perceived it on one of the topmost branches of a lofty 

 tree, fully a hundred yards distant. Having to pass over an open 

 space, I was seen, and the shrike disappeared ; but I had observed 

 that on a small bird flying by he darted after it, but did not pursue it 

 to any great distance, speedily resuming its post of inspection. Al- 

 though I revisited the spot on the following day, I did not succeed in 

 finding it, but subsequently saw one or two which proved too shy and 

 wary to be approached. I had observed one, rather late in the 

 autumn, taking a southerly course ; its flight was direct, but undu- 

 lated. 



American Siskin {Fringilla psaltria). March 8th. Observed a few 

 feeding among the topmost branches of ihe pines ; they were restless, 

 and, like the tits, in constant motion. Secured two specimens. 



Snowy Owl (Stria; nyclea). March 18th. On passing through 

 some enclosed fields skirting the " bush," I was surprised and some- 

 what startled at seeing one of these noble-looking birds suddenly rise 

 from off the snake-fence, within a few yards of me, where it had sat 

 secure and unobserved, its plumage assimilating with the bleached 

 and weather-beaten palings : it was over the fence in an instant, 

 before I could get my gun to my shoulder. Knowing the sluggish 

 soporous nature of owls, and forgetting that this was the day-owl, 

 I momentarily expected to see it alight ; but on it went with buoyant 

 flight, never stopping till it had gained the shelter of a distant clump 

 of trees, among which it disappeared. Although in rapid pursuit, I 



