1893
May 29
(No 2)
Concord, Mass.
  After a marked hiatus in the passage of northern birds
they have appeared again in small numbers. To-day I heard
singing two Black-polls and a Wilson's Black cap and saw
an Olive-backed Thrush and a Water Thrush.
[margin]N. migrants[/margin]
  Green Herons appeared on the river meadows to-day for
the first time. I saw two pairs and several single
birds flying about pressured invariably by irate Red wings.
Why do the latter assail these Herons as well as the
Bittern whenever either species passes near their breeding
grounds? Perhaps it is merely because the Herons are
big and awkward, suspicious-looking and easily bullied;
or it may be that they gobble a young Blackbird or
two when opportunity offers.
[margin]Green Herons
appear on the
river meadows[/margin]
  The young Song Sparrows in the nest by the cabin were
just a week old to-day. I examined them & found that
they had their eyes open for the first time. They were
fully half grown and covered with feathers on the back &
wings yet the mother bird was brooding them. Early in
the afternoon she was absent and the young had their
mouths wide open & were panting visably although the
day was not warm. The old birds are so accustomed
to my visits that they never chirp or show any signs of
anxiety. 
[margin]Song Sparrow's
nest[/margin]
  Visited the Grosbeak's nest at 10 A.M. The male bird
sitting. At 6 P.M. yesterday the female was on.
The male signs very near the nest & 200 yards distant
in every direction.
[margin]Grosbeak's
nest[/margin]