36 Mearns on Loss Hardy Winter Residents. 
that a few sometimes remain, even in the Highlands, throughout the 
milder winters. I remember one bird that seemed to be permanently 
established in a pile of lumber and debris on Consook Island, in the Hud- 
son River; but it was unfortunately shot on the 19th of November, 1874. 
Mr. Bicknell writes me : “ The only instance which has come to my knowl- 
edge of M. palustris wintering was in the severe winter of 1874 - 75, when 
a single individual remained during the winter about a roadside drain, 
which, owing to a continual inflow of water, was not often frozen. The 
water was supplied through a small passageway passing beneath the 
road, in which the bird doubtless found a desirable and effectual retreat in 
severe weather, as I several times started it from within the opening of 
this passageway, where the water was quite shallow. Other than the above, 
the latest record I have is November 30, 1876, when two were noted.” 
10. Zonotrichia albicollis. White-throated Sparrow. — Mr. 
Bicknell writes me : “ A regular winter resident here (Riverdale) is Zono- 
trichia albicollis. I rarely find it, however, in winter, except in the vicin- 
ity of private residences, where an abundance of spruce-trees and other 
evergreens affords it a suitable shelter. At that season it often approaches 
familiarly about the kitchen doorstep, in company with Junco hyemalis 
and Spizella monticola.” 
11. Passerella iliaca. Fox Sparrow. — Possibly a few may stay in 
sunny sheltered situations all winter. I found them as late as December 8, 
1877, and as early as February 28, 1878. Mr. Bicknell furnishes the 
following dates: “ December 4 (1874 and 1876); February 24, 1874 (a 
warm day, temperature 74° !) ” 
12. Sturnella magna. Meadow Lark. — They remained at Fish- 
kill, Duchess Co., N. Y., during the winter of 1874 - 75. Found at various 
points along the Hudson in winter. 
13. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. — None of the collectors 
seem to have found this bird wintering, though it might easily have done 
so during the past winter. My latest capture was November 4, 1874 ; also> 
saw two November 30, 1878. It probably occurs on the lower part of the 
river in winter. 
14. Sphyrapicus varius. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker. — Fre- 
quently observed in the Highlands during the severest winter weather. 
Mr. Bicknell gives the following record from Riverdale : “ November 24, 
1872 ; December 3, 1874 ; and January 22, 1876. On the latter date one 
was shot while feeding on some decayed apples that still hung on the 
branches of a tree, close to the house.” Another was taken the same 
month, also feeding on decayed apples. Mr. A. J. Huyler states that 
“ the Yellow-bellied Woodpeckers stayed at Tenafiy, N. J., until the last 
of December, 1877 ; and that they were more abundant than they had 
been for a number of years.” 
15. Melanerpes erythrocephalus. Red-headed Woodpecker. — 
Mr. Huyler says the Red-lieaded Woodpeckers stay at Tenafly all winter. 
