1892.
Oct. 14
Concord, Massachusetts.
Mass.
Concord. A perfect Indian summer day, deliciously
warm although there was a strong W. wind. Various
kinds of Dragonflies were out in considerable numbers
along the river and Butterflies rose nearly as common
as in midsummer while I heard our Mole Cricket
chirping steadily and strongly at sunset. Painted Turtles
sunning in fair numbers and many small Frogs
apparently young Pickerel or Leopard Frogs. At evening
heard an old Leopard Frog "snoring" just as in spring
but not so loudly.
  Up river by boat with C. starting at 10 a.m. and
reaching Fairhaven at noon, making most of the 
distance beyond Clamshell Hill under an umbrella
sail & home slowly. A few scattered Crows, a female
Marsh Hawk, a Jay or two, and several Song & Savanna Sparrows
were the only birds seen or heard.
  Landed at Staples camp and lunched there. While
thus engaged we saw a Loon rise, apparently
from the water near the inlet, and
after circling several times to attain sufficient
elevation, go out over the woods to the north in the
direction of Walden Pond where, however, we could
not find it later. Perhaps it went to Sandy Pond
instead. It was a rather large bird with pure white
throat & fore neck. When first observed it was not
more than 20 feet above the water.
[margin]A Loon on Fairhaven[/margin]
  Yellow-jacket Hornets came in numbers to a tumbler
of currant jelly which we opened and into which
they crawled fearlessly. They were tame & gentle as
possible alighting repeatedly on my face & hands.