The Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow and Other Birds at Plymouth, 
Mass. — The winter had been quite severe and on February 2, 1912, the 
harbor was nearly frozen over, only the channels, some distance off shore, 
being open. The shore was covered with snow and broken ice. Gulls 
and ducks were numerous around the open water in mid-harbor. 
Where a small stream entered the harbor, I noticed quite a modification 
of the otherwise prevalent, boreal conditions. Waste water from some 
mills enters this stream, evidently raising the temperature considerably, 
for a mist hung over the stream and the beach was bare of ice and snow for 
some thirty feet on either side of the brook where it entered the harbor. 
The birds seemed to have taken advantage of this very local, climatic 
condition. 
About a hundred Herring Gulls were feeding about the mouth of the 
stream; fifty Horned Larks were busy gleaning edible bits and two had a 
spirited contest for a choice morsel, while at times they twittered to each 
other in low, musical tones; and a bright and active Acadian Sharp-tailed 
Sparrow was noticed among the Larks. I observed it for some time, and 
it came within eight feet of me, searching for food among the sea-weed and 
stones, and rested for a minute or more upon a large beach stone. The 
creamy-buff appearance, of the back and head markings, breast and under- 
parts, longitudinal gray side streaks, the contour of the bill, and the sharp- 
tipped tail feathers were distinctly visible. I was pleased to note this- 
species on our coast in severe mid-winter. 
I am reasonably sure that this sparrow was not maritimus which species 
has some late, northern records, as its larger size and different bill would 
serve to identify it. 
I continued my observations at this point about an hour and while here 
a male Golden-eye whistled overhead, so near that his attractive dress 
and white spot near eye were distinctly seen. Also a fine adult, male 
Great Black-backed Gull was noticed with some Herring Gulls near a. 
channel. — Charles L. Phillips, JTaunton, Mass, 
