280
Concord, Mass.
1898.
October 18
(No 2)
before I disturbed him. I wish I could
have seen him at it but as it was I saw
something new to me for his manner of moving
among the branches was unlike anything I have
ever before witnessed.
  On reaching the river at Davis's Hill I launched
the canoe and had just taken up the paddle
when I heard a rushing sound as loud as
that of a gust of wind blowing through a
pine grove. The next island an enormous flock
of Bronzed Grackles passed nearly over me
flying directly down river and keeping on out
of sight in the direction of Carlisle bridge.
Although moving in compact order the flock
covered a space of nearly a quarter of an acre.
& I estimated the number of birds at over
four hundred. There was not the slightest doubt 
as to their being Bronzed Grackles & and not either
Rusty Blackbirds or Cowbirds. It was past
sunset at the time & and they were probably on
their way to their roost. I have never seen
such a flock here in autumn before.
[margin]Evening flight
of
Bronzed Grackles [/margin]