BIRDS OF DURHAM AND VICINITY. 
67 
Sturnella magna. Meadow Lark. 501. 
Larks are hardy birds, wintering regularly as far north as Cape Cod, 
and appearing here in March. They are very locally distributed, and 
nowhere abundant. In four years I have seen but one on the college 
farm, but in Mad bury I have observed them several times in the fields 
near the railroad station, and I have been told that they breed regu- 
larly in Lee. They are birds of the field subsisting in summer prin- 
cipally on insects, and turning more and more to seeds as the season 
advances. The nest is placed on the ground, without any regard to 
weed or bush for shelter. Larks have an unfortunate habit of nesting 
late, which probably accounts in a measure for their scarcity, as I 
have repeatedly known nests to be demolished by a mowing-machine 
early in July. 
cterus spurius. Orchard Oriole. 506. 
Mr. Geoge H. Yeaton of Rollinsford has an adult male of this 
species in his collection, which he killed in his orchard some years 
since. This is the only specimiCn of the Orchard Oriole that I have 
known to be seen here. Its normal range does not extend further 
north than Massachusetts, w'here it is only locally found. 
Icterus g-albula. Baltimore Oriole. 507. 
The Baltimore Oriole or Golden Robin as it is popularly called is 
one of the few birds that most people know, being brought into 
prominence by its color, its song, and its pendent nest, so often 
attached to the swaying branches of our village elms, and reminding 
us of its charming personality through the long months of its absence. 
Male Orioles which usually precede the females by a few days, have 
sometimes come as early as the sixth of May. _ I have never seen one 
later than the sixth of September. The majority are gone before the 
end of August. They feed on such insects as they find in trees — ants, 
beetles, bugs, etc. — and on small fruits, such as blueberries and black 
cherries. Occasionally they invade the garden, and commit depreda- 
tions there. I once opened an August stomach that was filled with 
green peas. The nest is usually placed so as to be more or less con- 
cealed from prying eyes beneath. The young are flying early in July, 
and in the course of a week or so betake themselves to pastures where 
berries and insects are plentiful. There the young grow strong, and 
all acquire a new dress. After moulting, adults frequently return to 
the elms and orchards, but as a rule the young ones prefer seclusion, 
and are more often found in out-of-the-way places up to the end of 
their stay. 
