1892.
May 13
Concord, Massachusetts.
Mass.
Concord. - Clear with clouds gathering in P.M. and light
rain about sunset.
  To Ball's Hill by canoe at 10 a.m. Spent the day
planting trees and shrubs. Common birds very numerous
on and near the hill. Two fine Goshawks in full
song near my cabin. Carolina Doves cooing at intervals
in the pines on the crest of the hill. The day after
the fire I discovered the foundations of a nest - a
mere bunch of straws - in a small, badly-scorched
pitch pine in the burnt district. We left this
tree standing but cut down a number of dead
white pines which surrounded it. To-day I saw
a Robin putting the finishing touches on this nest
which is now a very conspicuous object.
  As I was getting into my canoe to start for home
late in the afternoon I heard a Titlark piping
over the great meadows. It was evidently flying
and presently passed nearly over me, judging
by its notes, although I did not see it at all.
Yesterday I saw a [female] Red-wing building its nest
at the Holt & to-day the same bird in the
same place with its bill full of dry grass.
[margin]Tit lark[/margin]
[margin]Red-wing
building[/margin]
  Musk-rats are very numerous and bold now. I
see them out at all hours.
  As I was paddling past Bensen's landing on
my way home a Partridge drummed several
times on the old wall at the W. base of Ball's
Hill.