CONCORD* 
1892 
April 5 
Queer 
behavior of 
Kingfishers 
|Spent an hour or more after breakfast in directing 
some work on a boathouse by the river. While thus engaged 
I heard the rich notes of a Purple Martin and looking up saw 
the bird sailing directly overhead, Presently three others 
appeared and then all four flew off towards the Great 
Meadows. A pair of Nuthatches, doubtless those which breed 
at the Manse, came to an apple tree near the willows and 
inspected all its holes and crevices and a Yellow Palm 
Warbler flitted through the orchard singing freely7j 
At 10.30 A.M. I started for Ball’s Hill in my 
decked canoe, paddling down. Heard Swallows over the 
meadows and once a Martin. Song Sparrows and Red-wings 
swarming. Bluebirds not diminishing in numbers as yet. 
Four Kingfishers at the Holt very noisy and acting 
queerly, flying about two together high in air, making 
in addition to the rattle a harsh, grating scold exceedingly 
like that of a Jay. At times one would sail on motionless 
wings, at others beat the wings rapidly with a fluttering 
motion like a butterfly. As nearly as I could make out 
through my glass, all four birds were males. I have 
never seen Kingfishers act in this way before. 
saw in all four Palm Warblers along the river 
and heard a Ruby-crowned Kinglet sing once. As I was 
passing Holden’s Hill a Carolina Dove began cooing in some 
pines. Afterwards a dog started four of these Doves all 
together from the ground among some oaks on the west side 
of the swamp. 
