310
Concord, Mass.
1897.
Oct. 28
(No 2)
  The Carolina Rail seen yesterday was in the
same place this morning. Indeed it spent the entire
day there working slowly back and forth over a
space of only a few yards square keeping most of
the time under some bottom branches but occasionally
venturing out on an open space of bare mud. Why
it should stick to such a place with the great
expanse of grass meadows directly opposite is a
mystery. Its tameness was even more surprising for
two of my men were at work all day within
less than twenty feet of the bird and at times
they made a great deal of noise hammering at some
large stones which they were laying. This Rail
is a rather peculiar-looking specimen for its bill
is dark greenish & its plumage more than ordinarily
marked with white on the back and sides.
  The Woodpecker began tapping on the cabin walls
this morning & I got a good sight at it. It
proves to be a [female] Downy. I watched it for several
minutes but did not see it get anything for
its pains. It was evidently searching for food, however,
not drumming.
  While on Ball's Hill this afternoon I heard
the barking cry of a Cooper's Hawk given several
times in succession very near me. As I had
never before heard this call in autumn I went
at once to the spot & found - a Blue Jay.
Although he would not say anything further I have
no doubt whatever that he was the author of the
sound. It was an absolutely perfect imitation.