Melanerfes erythrocefhalus about Boston. — Massachusetts, at least 
the extreme eastern part, has shared in the flight of Red-headed Wood- 
peckers that has been reported as- visiting Southern Connecticut last fall.* 
During the latter part of September, through October and into November, 
the oak groves in the suburbs of Boston were tenanted by numbers of 
these truly handsome birds. I should judge that about one-third were 
in full plumage, and their conspicuous dress attracting attention many 
were shot. .Twelve years ago the individual occurrence of this species 
among us was thought worthy of record. Of late years, during the 
months above named, it has become a more frequent though irregular 
visitor, but never in such numbers as have recently shown themselves. 
In spring or summer it is rarely seen, yet an instance of its nesting in 
Brookline is given me by Mr. H. K. Job, who early in June, 1878, found 
five eggs in the hole of an apple tree. According to Dr. C. Hart Merriam, 
this Woodpecker is a common resident of Lewis County, N. Y.f May 
not our visitors have come from that direction? — H. A. Purdie, Newton, 
Mass. 
* Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. VI, pp. 78, 79. 
f This Bulletin, Vol. Ill, p. 123. 
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