BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
31 
sandpipers. I have found, in Mr. Shaw's collection at Hampton, one 
specimen of this phalarope, which was killed late in October. I also 
found one other specimen in Mr. Turners collection at Portsmouth. 
Phalaropus lobatus. Northern Phalarope. 223. 
The Northern Phalarope is rarely seen. ?vlr. George Wentworth of 
Rollinsford, who is now in his eighty-second year, and who has been 
observing birds for more than fifty years, has three of these phalaropes 
in his collection, which he killed from a large flock off Wells Beach, 
just over the Pvlaine line. He never saw this species before or since. Of 
all the younger collectors whom I have questioned, I have found none 
who claim to have seen it. 
Family RECURVIROSTRID^. 
Himantopus mexicanus. Black-necked Stilt. 226, 
Some years ago a summer visitor at Rye Beach brought a Black- 
necked Stilt to Mr. Shaw of Hampton to be mounted. It was 
mounted, but what became of the bird or the man who brought it, I 
have not been able to ascertain. It is one of the rarest birds that 
comes to our shores. 
Family SCOLOPACID/E. 
Philohela minor. American Woodcock. 228. 
This much persecuted bird is steadily decreasing in numbers be- 
cause of its unfortunate traits. It is a table delicacy, and therefore in 
demand by epicures. It will lie to a dog, and is easily killed by 
a gunner who is a fair shot. Between the gourmand^and the sports- 
man the woodcock is on the highway to extinction. It is among the 
first spring arrivals, the earliest appearance that I have recorded being 
April I. It may be heard on April nights and mornings, near low^ 
ground, uttering its cry, which is not unlike the call of a Night Hawk. 
It is especially erratic at such times, calling a few minutes, darting up 
into the air, circling around, and dropping down as precipitately as it 
departed, almost into the very tracks that it previously occupied. The 
course of the brook in the rear of Thompson hall is frequently visited 
by woodcock when migration is going on. Some years ago Mr. 
Albert Demeritt found a woodcock's nest, but such a find is not com- 
mon. Although a few natives may be seen in August and Septem- 
