6706 



Birds. 



Wood Duck (Anas sponsa). April 10th. Obtained a handsome 

 male specimen of this by no means common species, but which is 

 said to breed in the woods, constructing its nest in hollow stumps 

 and trees. • 



Scaup Duck (Anas marila). April 10th. Procured a specimen. 



Meadow Lark (Alauda magna). First week in April found three of 

 these gigantic larks, which appear to be common hereabouts. 



American Wigeon (Anas americana). April 14th. Examined a 

 fine specimen recently killed. 



Green or Whitebellied Swallow (Hirundo viridis). April 14th. 

 At 6 p.m. observed a number of these birds in a sheltered situation in 

 the marshes. Had previously seen one on the 1st, about the same 

 hour ; and I believe they resort there to roost among the reeds. On 

 the 5th of May I noticed that a pair had been for some days con- 

 structing their nest under the eaves of my house, on a projecting 

 quoin ; and I observed them picking up straws from the street, to 

 mix with the clay. 



Shore Lark (Alauda alpestris). April 16th. Saw a small flock, out 

 of which I shot one ; though by no means common. I subsequently 

 fell in with a few ; and a male being slightly wounded in the wing, it 

 was placed in a cage, where it thrived, but continued shy. It had a 

 plaintive but not prolonged note. They occasionally alight on the 

 fences, but never on the trees. 



Rubycrowned Wren (Regulus calendula). April 17th. Shot a 

 handsome male. 



Goldencrested Wren (Regulus cristatus). April 17th. Procured a 

 specimen. 



Belted Kingfisher (Alcedo alcyori). April 26th. Found a few of 

 these birds in a marsh about two miles from the town. One I saw 

 balancing itself over the water, being kept well nigh stationary by its 

 quivering wings before making the plunge. On emerging from the 

 water I observed it occasionally resort to a stranded log, but taking 

 care to keep out of gun shot. Others I saw alight on the branches of 

 trees overhanging the swamp, but were far too wary to be approached, 

 so I failed in my endeavours to procure specimens. 



Crow (Corvus corone). April 26th. Found a crow's nest at the top 

 of a rather lofty fir tree. On shouting out the bird never stirred, but 

 on striking the trunk with a stick it flew out. My companion having 

 ascended the tree with some difficulty, the nest was found to contain 

 five eggs, but one was broken in the descent (Wilson says the crow 

 has four). As they vary somewhat in size, 1 give the exact dimen- 

 sions, which are as follows: — First, 1 inch 7-tenths in length, by 1 



