156
2.
Concord, Mass.
1897.
June 22.
eating them or flying away with the grubs in their bills. We
saw several young birds with the old ones.
  About half way down to the Hill we heard an Orchard Ori -
ole singing in a clump of trees on the bank. The notes much
resembled those of a Purple Finch. The bird was shy and not
disposed to show himself. However we feel very sure that we 
saw him once fly out and light on an exposed branch. If so,
he was an immature bird. On our return up the river in the
afternoon, the Oriole was singing in the same spot, this time
uttering his more oriole-like notes. He is doubtless nesting
close by, for otherwise he would hardly have been found in the
same place so long.
[margin]Icterus
spurius[/margin]
  Arriving at Ball's Hill, we turned in to the landing and
walked up to the cabin. Here we enjoyed an interesting spec -
tacle. A Partridge with her covey of young had taken up her
position close by in the grove of oaks not more than 6 or 8
feet from the left - hand front corner of the cabin, and we were
close upon her ere she was aware. She uttered her whistle of
alarm, and immediately the young, which were about the size of
Robins, beat a hasty retreat, some running, some flying. The
old bird at first disappeared behind the cabin, still whistling
her warning. As we ran after her to watch her movements, she
suddenly turned about and, with extended ruff and wide - spread
wings, she came to within about four feet of us, before she
[margin]Bonasa
umbellus[/margin]