286
Concord, Mass.
1898.
October 27
  Clear and cool with high N.W. wind.
  Spent the forenoon writing. In the afternoon
walked to the Barrett farm. Saw very few birds
three Yellow-rumps, a Robin, a Creeper & two Golden Crests
being the more interesting.
 " [October] 28  
  Clear with light S.E. wind. Cold at morning and evening, very warm
in the middle of the day.
  Just after breakfast I discovered a Duck in in the river about
opposite the cabin. When I had got the gun and launched the canoe
the bird was just disappearing in some tall grass. It started soon
after this & flew out into open water on the flooded meadow.
I paddled a short distance & then finding that the wind was
strong enough to drift me at a good pace sat still with the
gun ready. The Duck paid no apparent heed to my approach
but drifted idly about near some grass. When I came within
about 30 yds. I fired at the bird on the water killing it
instantly. It proved to be a Greater Scaup a young [male] I think.
I shall preserve the skin (It proved to be an adult [female])
[margin]Greater Scaup
Duck[/margin]
  To the Barrett farm in the forenoon and again in the
afternoon. Made the morning trip by canoe landing at Dakin's 
Hill where I saw a Marsh Hawk skimming the brook meadow
& a Red shouldered Hawk flying from Holden's Hill.
  At the Barrett farm saw two Hermit Thrushes & a
small flock of Robins, besides the usual number of Chickadees.
Heard Goldfinches & Rusty Blackbirds & started two
Partridges.