26 
BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
until well into October. The latest record that I have is October 14, 
when I found one on the Hampton marshes. I presume they stay 
considerable later than that. Bitterns are very odd birds, acting as 
if they knew themselves to be the homely, loose-jointed, awkward 
creatures they really are. They are not so fond of the shore as herons, 
but prefer the seclusion of grassy swamps and marshes, where they 
stalk watchfully about in search for hapless frogs and other vermin, 
their long, crooked necks and stooping forms giving them a dejected 
look. If they see a man at a distance they steal guiltily away through 
the grass ; but, when surprised, they fly off with a frightened squawk, 
looking backward as they go to see if they are pursued, their legs 
dangling behind, in their awkward, disheveled haste. The heavy 
sound emitted by them, not unlike that produced by driving a stake 
into soft soil with a maul, has given rise to its common name, " stake 
driver." This sound is often heard morning and evening in spring 
where bitterns are breeding. The nest, which is niade of grass, is 
placed on the ground. 
Ardetta exilis. Least Bittern. 191. 
Though thiis is an irregular and rather rare visitor in New Hamp- 
shire it has been found in the Connecticut valley, also near Concord, 
and at Hampton. One taken at the latter place some years ago by 
Mr. Shaw is now in that gentleman's collection. It is a bird easily 
overlooked, and may be more plentiful than even bird hunters realize. 
At all events it has been found in Maine and New Brunswick a num- 
ber of times, and observers in this section ma}- entertain a hope of 
adding it to their list of bird acquaintances. August and September 
are the months in which it is most likely to be seen. 
Ardea herodius. Great Blue Heron. 194. 
Great Blue Herons are common migrants, and occasional summer 
residents, though, I believe, they are not accustomed to breed here. 
In April and early May, and from August till November they are not 
uncommon. The mill-pond, the college reservoir, and the muddy 
flats of the salt rivers and Great Bay are all feeding grounds for 
them. They are tali, keen-eyed and wary, and exceedingly difficult 
to approach. The food of this and other species of the heron family 
consists of fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects. A November 
stomach opened by me contained remains of fish and a hydrophilid 
beetle. They are still-hunters. Stealth is in every movement as 
