in walking, the breaking of the crust upon the snow made 
so much noise, I was unable to approach very near without 
flushing them. It then occurred to me that the true 
obscura had been driven south by the cold, and only the 
northern form remained. Last Saturday I visited the 
place again, and found about the same number there as 
at the last time and succeeded in capturing one, which 
proved to be a rubripes, and as you described it in the 
Auk last April. I am inclined to think that only a few 
of this sub species visit us, but further investigation 
may show the contrary. 
About a month ago a red winged blackbird flew into 
a large wire coop in which peacocks and doves are con~ 
fined in Forest Park, Springfield, and has stayed there 
ever since, becoming quite content to confinement. I 
never have known of this species wintering here but 
once before. 
Yours truly, 
Mr. William Brewster. 

