20 Joint Bulletin 1 



tions that I was unable to locate their home until the grass was being 

 cut on the marsh on July 8, when the nest was found some distance 

 from the spot where the birds were most frequently seen; containing 

 seven pure white eggs. 



The nest was globular in shape with an opening in the side, com- 

 posed of fine grasses, and lined with plant down, situated about 

 one foot from the ground in a thick patch of sedge grass. 



I have observed this wren several times on the great marsh in 

 Tinmouth, where they undoubtedly breed. 



Another of our rare birds, though more common here than the 

 marsh wren, is the Henslow sparrow. These little sparrows, although 

 considered rare in New England, may be found quite common in favor- 

 able localities in West Clarendon. Their favorite habitat is moist 

 upland meadows not under the plow, grown up to clumps of ferns, tall 

 meadow rue, and scattering shrubbery. 



Arriving here the last of April or early in May, their two syllabled 

 song, which sounds like serr-it, serr-it, may be heard until the hay is 

 cut, after which they are seldom seen. Yet, I have noted one as late 

 as the middle of September. 



These birds are very difficult to identify owing to their habit of 

 hiding in the grass and not flushing until nearly stepped upon, then 

 flying but a short distance before alighting, rarely giving one a good 

 view through a field glass. 



Although I have known from six to eight pairs nesting on or near 

 our place every year, I have been unable to learn but very little about 

 their nesting habits. 



I have discovered two nests, one on August 9, 1909, and the other, 

 August 9, 1911; each containing one fresh egg. Both of these nests 

 were mowed out while men were cutting hay on their nesting grounds. 



Both nests were abandoned by the birds and are now in the writer's 

 possession. They were situated in a depression in the ground, com- 

 posed entirely of fine grasses and arched over the top; concealed in a 

 patch of thick grass. 



The eggs are pale greenish white, covered with reddish brown 

 blotches, about the size of those of the chipping sparrow, although not 

 as pointed. 



