172 
TENTH REPORT. 
No stomachs were obtained, but they probably would contain the same 
food as those taken in late spring. 
Dendroica aestiva (Gmel.) Yellow Warbler. The Yellow Warbler con- 
tinues nesting during June, and young hardly able to fly are sometimes seen 
late in July. These latter are probably from parents whose earlier nests 
were destroyed. No changes of note occur in the habitat of this species 
from June to the last of August. The Cowbirds previously mentioned in 
connection with this species, gather together, usually the males and females 
forming separate flocks. 
Melospiza cinerea melodia (Wilson). Song Sparrow. The Song Sparrow 
nesting time over, wanders about the marsh and adjacent habitats in search 
of food. They are constantly passing to and fro from the bluffs to the swamp 
and back to the bluffs again. Many of the weed seeds are now ripe and 
constitute the principal food. It is for these seeds which grow more abun- 
dantly on the bluffs that the Song Sparrow leaves the swamp. It usually 
returns to the lowland to roost. 
Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Catbird. The food of this bird ex- 
periences a decided change with the coming of the berry season as previously 
stated under the spring heading. As the summer advances this change 
becomes greater and some stomachs have been taken which contained nothing 
but fruit. Very little fruit of any kind can be found in the swamp so the 
Catbirds leave this habitat and hunt for their favorite food along the bluffs 
and in the berry patches near the cemetery. A good many catbirds remain 
in the swamp, however, and as they are seen passing back and forth to the 
lowland it is probable that they simply go to these other habitats in quest 
of fruit. 
OTHER COMMON BIRDS. 
Ardetta exilis (Gmel.). Least Bittern. With the dying down of the 
sweet flags and rushes which takes place during July, the retreats of this 
bittern are destroyed. The cattails still remain standing although dead 
and in these the Least Bittern finds protection. 
Actitis macularia (Linn.). Spotted Sandpiper. As summer advances 
these birds migrate to the damp heavily shaded spots found under the ar- 
boreal willows (Sta. II.). A few birds may usually be seen along the banks 
and sand bars of the river. Here, snails, beetles, and other insect food is 
gathered. 
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
Some years the Northern Yellow-throat is common, other years only a 
few are seen. During the early part of summer these warblers may be found 
in the damp thickets, but as the season advances and these spots dry up 
they retreat into the bushes along the river where standing water is still, 
present. 
A few chickadees wander down into the swamp and now and then a Downy 
Woodpecker finds its way to the thickets. Late in June the Rose-breasted 
Grossbeak is found nesting among the dense, shrubby willows. 
Conditions in Fail. 
By the middle of August the vegetation characteristic of the swamp is 
nearly all dead and turned brown, but still stands, affording protection to 
the smaller birds. This part of the season is usually dry and much of the land 
covered with water during the spring or early summer is now dry ground. 
The banks no longer offer the soft mud flats so alluring to the sandpipers. 
