MASS. (Middlesex Co.) [Middlesex County, Massachusetts]
1875.
(Oct. 13) [October 13, 1875] and began circling about when
fearing that they would not light
we shot into them at long range
and wounded one which settled
in the farthest nook and was
immediately joined by four
others. Exposed as we were to
their full gaze we could do 
nothing but sit still and
watch them until at length they
rose and went off. Three of the 
five were splendid drakes and
as they sat on the edge of the
water preening their feathers in
the last rays of the setting sun their
beautiful plumage showed off 
to the best advantage. The leaves
this fall are a disappointment.
Killed by the early frosts they
have failed to attain anything near
their usual brightness and many
of the trees are now nearly bare.
Zon. albicollis [Zonotrichia albicollis] has been abundant
for a week past. Warblers
and small birds generally - with the
exception of sparrow - have been
very scarce. Very few good bags
of woodcock have been made
and of snipe we have had only
a few stragglers. Saw a few 
Anthus Ludovic.  [Anthus ludovicianus] and heard a
Gambetta mel [Gambetta melanoleuca] on "Great meadows".
Took the 6.35 train down. A very 
fine Buteo lineatus [female] was given me
by A. Frazar a few days since Oct. 9 [October 9, 1875].