Roosts 
of 
Red-wings 
pdcock 
The shower confined me to the cabin for more than 
an hour which I spent in getting and disposing of tea. When 
the rain ceased, twilight was falling. A Veery, Robin, 
Song Sparrow and Black-throated Green Warbler sang near the 
cabin, a Tanager a.cross the river, several Swamp Sparrows 
) 
in the marshes. 
As I passed Mrs. Barrett’s meadoY* several Red-wings 
were singing in the rank Phalaris grass (canary grass J 
where they were in the habit of roosting last year. Paddling 
close in to shore, I struck the water with the flat of my 
paddle when fully 100 Red-wings rose and flew off,about half 
going down, the remaining half up river. Most of them 
appeared to be females and young. At the Holt, a little later, 
I started at least 200, all of which flew back towards 
Ball’s Hill. It is probable that the 50 or so which went 
off to the westward from the Barrett meadow alighted at 
the Holt but even in that case there must have been thrice 
the number already settled at the latter place when 
they reached it, and as I saw no birds coming in to either 
roost it is probable that they are both frequented nightly 
by separate bodies of birds. They 3.re about 400 yards 
apart in an air line. 
As I was rounding the turn opposite Holden's Hill, 
a very large Woodcock rose from the muddy margin under the 
maples and crossing the river disappeared in the gloom of 
the woods beyond. A little later as I was approaching the 
Holt what was doubtless the same bird passed me, flying low 
