A. Notes on Rhode Island Ornithology. 



Cormorant Rock colony of Cormorants is much smaller than last year. 

 At present it consists of no more than twenty-five birds, all of which are 

 the Common Connorants {Phalacrocorax carbo) no double-crested {Phal- 

 acrocorax dilophus) having been noted. The Cormorants here are par- 

 ticularly fond of lighting on the tops of spar buoys, and the one south 

 of the rock is seldom unoccupied. I have never seen a Cormorant 

 contest the privilege of sitting there if another approached with the 

 evident intention of alighting. The occupant always flys away just in 

 time for the new comer to alight. 



On shore a later date for Sora (^Porzana carolifia) was established, 

 when one was taken by Mr. H. W. H. Powel at Almy's Pond on Novem- 

 ber loth. Mr. Powel also took one on the day previous, the 9th, at 

 Wilbur's Swamp. 



A flock of about fifty Canada Geese {Brattta canadensis) passed over 

 Providence going south on December 24, 1899. 



Mr. H. W. H. Powel says that the Shoveller Duck {Spatula clypeata) 

 was not at all uncommon in "old times" in the southwest corner of 

 Easton's Pond, Newport, where there used to be a bar in the reeds on 

 which they would be found feeding. He has taken at least nine at this 

 spot, but has never seen them in other parts of the Pond, except in 

 company with flocks of Teal or Ruddy Ducks. Allen's Restaurant now 

 stands where this bar made out into the Pond. 

 Newport, December 24, 1899. Edward Sturtevant. 



An Error. — The Long-tailed Chickadee {Parus septetttrionalis) men- 

 tioned in the Hypothetical List in "The Birds of Rhode Island," p. 90, 

 Mr. J. M. Southwick has kindly forwarded to me for identification. 

 After careful examination and comparison of the specimen, I find the 

 bird to be our common Chickadee {Parus atricapillus). Editor. 



Cepphus grylle Inland : A Mr. Lannigan shot a male Black Guillemot 

 on the Taunton River, Mass., on November 19, 1899, and is now in my 

 possession. The capture being near the Rhode Island line is no doubt of 

 interest to Rhode Island observers. 



Fall River, Dec. 12, 1899. Owen Durfee. 



A New Bird for Rhode Island. — I have to record the first record for 

 the Ring-billed Gull {Larus dela-ivarensis) for the State. A young bird 

 taken at Narragansett Bay in February 1891. The specimen is now in 

 the Charles H. Smith collection at Roger Williams Park, Providence. 



South Auburn, December 19, 1899. Harry S. Hathaway. 



Odd Notes. — Briinnich's Murres {Uria lomvia) have several times 

 been reported this winter, and I have seen six which have recently been 

 taken in our waters. The first was captured November 26th, at Point 

 Judith. 



