86 Grundtvig—On the Birds of Shiocton , Wisconsin. 
January was the deadest month. For daily enjoyment the 
most lively element near the house was a little company of 
Gyanocitta cristata , and a flock of Parus atricapillus which paid 
a short visit in company with Sitta carolinensis or Dryobates 
villosus. Occasionally a flock of Plectrophencix nivalis was seen 
and a single hawk circled over the fields or woods. At night 
the hideous screech of the horned owl (Bubo virginianus ) was 
heard. In the swamps not a thing was seen, in the woods here 
and there a single ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). 
It was somewhat better in February. I was glad to see and 
hear the first crow (Gorvus americanus ), and I went into trans¬ 
ports over the little lark (Otocoris alpestris ) that sang and 
sported on fluttering wings and recalled its sister in Denmark. 
The 24th was mild and the sun shone. A few tree sparrows 
showed themselves and a shrike (Lanius borealis ) sang cheerily. 
26th. A single robin (Merida migratoria ) was seen. 
27th. Hard rain, and the following day a thaw. Shioc River 
began to break up. 
March began very mildly. 
3d. A. few bluebirds appeared. 
5th. The first ducks, and a few shivering purple finches 
(Garpodacus purpureus). 
6th. Began to be cold again and a plover (JEgialitis vocifera) 
called in vain. 
7th. Shioc River began to freeze. 
13th. It was closed. Wolf River had not broken up at all. 
No new birds were seen, but the hardy tree sparrows began 
to arrive in large flocks. It was wretchedly cold and a north 
wind blew; but on the 18th it thawed, and the storm broke up 
the ice in Shioc River, which was open the 19th. Wolf River 
followed the 25th. It had been clear frosty weather the pre¬ 
vious days, but on the 25th in the afternoon it became over¬ 
cast. 
26th. It rained. Wind north, but not strong. Wood ducks 
(Aix sponsa ) appeared in great companies, some bluebirds flew 
over the house and a single creeper (Certhia familiaris americana ) 
was seen in the wood. 
The night of the 28th was mild and still, but in the morning 
