Quiscalus q . aeneus . 
Concord, 
1898. 
Oct .18. 
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| Oct. 19. 
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Mass. Evening Plight. 
On reaching the river at Davis's Hill I launched the ca- 
noe and had just taken up the paddle when I heard a rushing 
sound as loud as that of a gale of wind blowing through a 
pine grove. Tiie next instant an enormous flock of Bronzed 
Grackles passed nearly over me flying directly down river and 
keeping on out of sight in the direction of Carlisle bridge. 
Although moving in compact order the flock covered a space of 
pearly a quarter of an acre, and I estimated thus number of 
birds at over four hundred. There was not the slightest doubt 
as to their being Bronzed Grackles and not either Rusty Black- 
birds or Cowbirds. It was past sunset at the time and they 
were probably on their way to their roost. I have never seen 
such a flock here in autumn before. 
As I was standing at the west end of Holden's Hill an im- 
mense flock of Bronzed Grackles cane from up river and pass- 
ing directly over the Rusty Blackbird roost at Beaver Dan 
Lagoon kept on eastward. Ten minutes later I found them in 
the oaks and chestnuts on the Blackmore ridge. They appeared 
to be looking for acorns and chestnuts for they flew from tree 
to tree clustering all over the ends of the upper branches. 
As far as I could see they 1 were unsuccessful in their search 
(both acorns and chestnuts aife scarce this autumn). Finally 
they all took wing at once and crossing the Barrett meadow 
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