Birds. 



6781 



Birds of Canada observed near Kingston during the latter part of 

 the Summer and in the Autumn of 1857. By Captain 

 Henry Hadfield. 



Before proceeding to enumerate the different species, I would 

 remark that the latter part of the summer, for there is neither autumn 

 nor spring in Canada, is a bad time for carrying on observations on 

 birds, or for procuring specimens ; for, the trees being then clothed 

 in a dense and all but impenetrable foliage, it is difficult to descry 

 them or watch their movements ; moreover, many of the specimens, 

 when procured, are of little value, the plumage being almost inva- 

 riably imperfect, and not unfrequently in a very ragged state ; for 

 instance, the meadow lark (Alanda magna), found in the long grass, 

 were scarcely able to rise above it, and then their flight was not sus- 

 tained. On inspection many of the quills were wanting, and the rest 

 of various lengths, all imperfect. The tail-feathers were in the same 

 plight. The ornithologist of America has in one respect a great 

 advantage, for the birds of that Continent are, I think, much easier of 

 approach than are those of Europe, apparently still unconscious of 

 the destructive powers and propensities of mankind. 



Robin (Turdus migrator -ius). August. This most common but 

 beautiful bird, in size intermediate between the blackbird and mavis, 

 is so widely spread over the face of the country that in whatever 

 direction a person goes he is sure of falling in with it ; and so tame 

 and fearless are they that even when disturbed they do not conceal 

 themselves among the foliage, but with a low, direct flight often alight 

 within gun-shot. As far as I have been able to observe, this bird in 

 its habits and manners bears a stronger resemblance to the fieldfare 

 and redwing than to either the blackbird or the thrush, being com- 

 monly found on the ground. In plumage it also somewhat resembles 

 the former. Though it has a red breast, the familiar name of robin 

 was doubtless bestowed on it on account of its great tameness and 

 sociability. They are not at present in song, but the notes of a caged 

 robin I thought somewhat like that of the blackbird, but far less 

 powerful. As an article of food they are apparently prized by the 

 Indians, for a sick squaw who I found camped in the woods was very 

 grateful for a robin or two that I gave her. The northern migration 

 of this species must be very extensive. I found great numbers 

 towards the end of July, near St. John's, Newfoundland. 



Redheaded Woodpecker {Picus erythrocephalus). August. Shot 



