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A Swallow Roost near Portland, Conn. — On the opposite side of the 
Connecticut River from Portland are what are locally known as the 
‘Little River’ meadows. These meadows contain several hundred acres 
and through them flows Sebethe (Little) River which empties into the 
Connecticut. Along the banks of this ‘ little river ’ and its tributaries, 
water oats ( Zizania aquatica) grow in abundance, giving food and shelter 
to the Rail, Marsh Wrens, and many other birds. These oats are the 
roosting place of thousands of Swallows, the birds spending the night 
clinging to the upright reeds, one above another. As a boy it was often 
my practice to fire a gun after dark in order to start the Swallows up and 
then witness their tribulation when trying again to find a suitable place 
for the night. This habit of disturbing the poor birds has not deserted 
me in later years. 
The Swallows commence to congregate in these marshes early in 
August, and a small number may be found there the last week in October ; 
the bulk, however, are seen from the middle of August until late in 
September. During the day they leave the meadows and only a few are 
seen in the vicinity, but at half past four in the afternoon they begin to 
appear from all directions, the flight ceasing about 6 p. M. My house is 
situated on high ground some two miles east of the marsh, and the flight 
of these birds over my premises, and toward this meadow, is so regular 
(from 4.30 to 6 o’clock) each afternoon, that a watch is hardly necessary 
to tell the time of day. Tree Swallows ( Tachyciueta bicolor ) predominate 
at this roost, but many Barn Swallows ( Chelidon erytkrogaster ) are seen, 
and a few Cliff and Bank Swallows (Pel rochelidon lunifrons and Clivicola 
rifaria). Occasionally a Martin ( Progne suits') joins the multitude of 
other Swallows flying about the marsh. — Jno. H. Sage, Portland, 
Conn ’ Auk XII. Jan. 1805 p. 83 
72 
