Spring Weather and the Arrival of Migratory Birds . 78 
a storm came on from the south. A crowd of ducks arrived and 
the first Sturnella magna and Agelaius phoeniceus were seen. 
In the evening Antrostomus vociferus was heard. The storm had 
spent itself and the clouds broke. 
29th. All nature was changed. The wood, so silent before, was 
ringing. Everywhere the song sparrow (Melospiza fasciata) 
chanted its pretty song, and the bluebird played on its mellow 
flute. The robin ( Merula migratoria ) bustled about in the gar¬ 
den, and a single swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor) flew over Wolf 
River. Quiscalus qniscida ceneus and Scolecophagus carolinus 
chuckled, each in his way. A little flock of snowbirds ( Junco 
hyemalis ) was seen in the grove. A multitude of hawks sailed 
over Shioc Meadows, and thousands of passenger pigeons ( Ecto - 
pistes migratorius) stretched northward. 
The following days were not so enjoyable. Even the song 
sparrows were silent. We had frost and snow again. 
31st. In the evening came a change of weather and the snow 
melted. It became clear and still. The first Troglodytes hie- 
malis was seen. 
April thus began very well. A mild wind blew, and the sun 
shone. Butterflies began to fly. Ducks were very numerous, 
many plover ( AEgialitis vociferci) appeared, gulls and king¬ 
fishers ( Ceryle alcyon) flew over Wolf river. Cranes (Grus can¬ 
adensis) 9 called in the swamps, and a flock of small snowbirds 
(Junco hyemalis) was near the house. Also a curlew and a 
single Colaptes auratus. 
2d. In the morning we had our flycatcher (Sayornis phcebe) at 
the house. 
3d. The first kinglets were seen. 
From the 4th till the 14th of April cold north winds were 
prevalent and only a few new birds arrived. A single Dendroica 
coronata. Also Turdus aonalaschkce pallasii and Passerella iliaca 
From the 15th to the 18th of April south winds prevailed. 
17th. It was delightful summer weather, and the first cow- 
birds ( Molothrus ater) were seen. Towards evening it became 
still and cloudy. Snipes ( Gallinago delicata) bleated. 
[ 9 These were sandhill cranes {Grus mexicana of the A. O. U. Check 
List), as pointed out by the author in a letter to the translator.] 
