BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
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Oceanites oceanicus. Wilson\s Petrel. 109. 
This petrel is distinguished from Leach's by its square tail and 
somewhat inferior size. It is not uncommon off our coast. I have 
found one specimen, in Mr. Phiibrick's collection at Kittery. 
Order STEGANOPODES. 
Family SULID.E. 
Sula bassana. Gannet. 117. 
Gannets come down from their breeding grounds, along the coast 
northward, at the approach of winter, and are likely to be seen at any 
time from then until spring. In size they rival the Black-backed 
Gull, thus being one of our largest sea birds. They both fly and 
swim with ease, their general habits being similar to those of gulls. 
Family PHALACROCORACID.E. 
Phalacrocorax dilophus. Double-crested Cormorant. 
120. 
Shags, as the cormorants are indiscriminately called, are not infre- 
quent fall migrants to Great Bay. Usually not more than two or three 
appear there at a time, though in October, 1900, a flock of about 
forty came and stayed there several days. On the coast they are more 
abundant, but only in autumn, as in spring, they are not seen. They 
divide their time between flying and swimming very much like Herring 
Gulls. When on the water, their color and profile as seen at a dis- 
tance, remind one of loons. 
Order ANSERES. 
Family AN ATI D.^. 
Merg-anser americanus. American Merganser. 129. 
The Sheldrake, as he is commonly called, is frequently seen on open 
rivers in winter. The cold has no terrors for him. Though sheldrakes 
are here all winter, they are most abundant late in Decem.ber, and 
again early in March. The adult male is very conspicuous with 
his predominating white plumage, as he floats on the cold blue water, 
particularly when he is illuminated by sunshine. In the hand, he 
shows a beautiful combination of colors. His head is dark, glossy 
green, the shoulders are black, rump and tail gray, other parts white, 
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