SUMMER BIRDS. 
1 56 
the same species near New York City that I could not feel complete 
satisfaction regarding the identity of the birds heard singing until a 
specimen had been secured. Not only in the notes of the strain, but 
also in the manner and character of its delivery was this difference 
noticeable. In the Lower Hudson Valley the song of the Purple 
Finch, in summer resident birds, is rich and voluble, with the notes of 
definite character and number. We have, perhaps, no bird melody 
more expressive of passionate emotion than the outbursts from this 
species at the height of its breeding season. Especially is this true 
when, as is often the case, it rises full of song high over the trees, 
thence descending with undiminished melody to the earth. At such 
times its song is repeated with a precipitancy which allows no per- 
ceptible pause, and this strain may be supported for many moments 
until, the notes becoming confused, the performer ceases as if from 
breathlessness or absolute exhaustion. No approach to this exu- 
berance of song was heard in the Catskills, all the notes of the species 
there being weak and inexpressive and the songs brief and of uncer- 
tain character. Somewhat similiar songs are often heard near New 
York when the birds are passing on their migration; still, it remains 
to be demonstrated that there actually exists the geographical variation 
in song which the facts here given seem to indicate. 
Loxia cur vi rostra Americana (Wils.) Coues. American Red Crossbill. 
On the high ridge leading to the summit ot Slide Mountain, Mr. 
Pearsall observed a pair of Crossbills on the 7th day ol June ; “ they 
were apparently feeding on young balsam-tree buds and were very 
restless and wild for the species.” On the 2 5 th day of the same June, 
Dr. Fisher and I, while separated on the mountain top, both distinctly 
heard the unmistakable notes of a passing flock of these birds 
Astragal inns tristis (L.) Cab. American Goldfinch. 
Common. 
Passerculus samMcensis savana (Wils.) Ridgw. Savanna Sparrow. 
In full song, and evidently breeding, in some high upland pastures 
(about 2,5oo feet altitude) near Summit. 
Pooecetes granimeus (Gm.) Baird. Vesper Sparrow. 
The most common Sparrow ; frequenting stony pastures and hill- 
sides. A nest with a single fresh egg, June 8, 1880. 
The song of this bird remains associated with the evening twilight 
when often it faintly reaches the listener in the valley from far up 
some barren mountain side. 
Note. — Zonotrichia albicullis Bp. White-throated Sparrow. Among 
the notes of my brothers, who were never in the Catskills earlier 
