Allen on the Destruction of Birds by Light-houses. 133 
one time, a few of them now and then killing themselves by flying against 
the glass. They come mostly from the last of September till the middle 
of October. As many as 20 have been seen dead at one time. The large 
sea birds, as Ducks, Coots, etc., do not now come near the light, as they 
used to, which may be because they are not as plenty as formerly. Nearly 
all the different species of small land birds come about the light, but the 
Sparrows seem to take the lead in striking it. Frequently in the fall of 
the year we pick up 8 or 1 0 in the morning outside the light ; the cats get 
a great many that fall on the ground. A great many birds alight on the 
window-frames outside the lantern, and sometimes stay there all night, 
fluttering against the glass, trying to get inside to the light. The light 
partially blinds them, as they allow themselves to be taken in the hand. 
These birds are the most numerous in September and October. A 
great many Plovers, it is said, used to fly against the light, but have not 
done so during the four years I have been here.” 
10. Hycinnis Light , Hyannis, Mass. Fixed white light ; height, 42 
feet. Alonzo F. Lothrop, keeper. March 28, 1877. — As this is a low 
light, situated almost within the village, the water-fowl pass too high to 
strike it, none having been known to fly against it. 
11. Succannessett Shoals Light-ship , 14 miles west of Hyannis. A 
fixed white light ; height, 40 feet. — The writer of the report last given 
states that when he was at this light-ship, a few years prior to 1877, 
Ducks and Coot in the fall, and more particularly in November, would 
strike the light, sometimes breaking the glass, and fall on deck. 
12. Sandy Neck Light , entrance to Barnstable Harbor, Mass. Fixed 
white light; height, 59 feet. Jacob S. Howes, keeper. March 13, 1877. 
— During the previous year and a half, one Night-Heron and a few 
Sparrows were the only birds killed by striking the light. 
13. Cape Poge Light-house , northeast point of Martha’s Vineyard, 
Mass. Fixed white light ; height, 57 feet. E. Worth, keeper. March 
23, 1877. — Have kept this light-house eleven years, during which time a 
dozen birds may have been killed by flying against it, chiefly in the fall 
when migrating. Those recognized are 1 small Owl, 1 Night-Heron, 1 
O O O 7 O 7 
Woodpecker, and a number of “ Flycatchers” and “ Sparrows.” 
14. Point Judith JLight , southern point of Narragansett shore, B. I. 
Flashing white light ; height, 6 7 feet. Joseph Whaley, keeper. April 5, 
1877. — “1 seldom find any birds dead ; sometimes 8 to 10, and others 
crippled ; chiefly Yellowbirds in the fall months and in foggy weather. 
This light is not high enough for water-fowl to strike it.” 
15. Block Island Light , northern extremity of Block Island. Fixed 
white light ; height, 204 feet. — The writer of the last report states that 
his son, who keeps the light on Block Island, informs him that it is some- 
times struck by Brant and other sea-fowl. 
16. Montauk Point Light , extreme east end of Long Island, N. Y. 
Fixed white light varied by white flashes ; height, 172 feet. N. A. Bab- 
