Concord Mass [Concord, Massachusetts]
1874 Sept. 25- 1874 [September 25, 1874]
I pronounced Astur atricap. [Astur atricapillus]) came
dashing overhead and plunged
into a flock of robins but missed
his aim; making a quick turn
he shot with the speed of lightening
[delete]into[/delete] across a small opening and
seizing an unfortunate Colaptes among
some wild apple trees dropped im-
mediately to the ground with his prize.
The poor bird when caught uttered
loud cries of anguish which though
continually growing fainter were [delete]continu[/delete] -
kept up unremittingly for at least
five minutes. Going to the spot
about half an hour after we
started the hawk from the ground
and plucked up the head and neck
of his victim, all that remained.
Twice during the day a grouse
passed us, flying silently but very
swiftly and evidently having taken
wing voluntarily from one feeding
ground to another. Small birds
have been very abundant all
three days. Among others I noted
several Oporornis agilis, one of which
I started among some thick birches
on a hillside: their note is I
think almost precisely like that
of G. Phil [Geothlypis philadelphia] To day I saw a
brood of Cyanos. cyanea [Cyanospiza cyanea] & heard
the full song from the adlt [adult male]. Vireo
gilvus sings every morning for a half
hour or more in front of the court
house. Called on Mrs. Buttrick in the
evening.