Page:Condor17(1).djvu/43

 42 THE CONDOR Vol. XrII Branta canadensis canadensis. Canada Goose. A flock of about forty birds, headed due south, was seen on October ]], ]9]3. The Vernal transit in ]9]4 covered a rather extended period, flocks being observed from lIarch ]6. to April ]5. All passed flying very low, which seemed to be a general rule with migrating birds crossing the range. Olor columbianus. Whistling Swan. A solitary bird killed during the winter of ]9]2-]3 on Frog Creek, near Porter, Crawford county, was probably of this species. Herodias egretta. Egret. A' large white "crane" was frequently ob- served by hunters along Frog Creek, during the summer of ]9]2; but it is not known to have been killed. Butorides virescens virescens. Green Heron. A rather common summer visitant in suitable situations about the base of the mountains, but it is only occasionally found above ]$00 feet. Fulica americana. Coot. About sundown, October ]], ]9]3, a large bird was seen to alight in a field, and to then run rapidly through the tall grass. On being secured, it proved to be a mudhen. The nearest pool or pond was at least eight miles distant. Oxyechus vociferus vociferus. Killdeer. The region is poorly suited to this species. Several birds, identified by their call, were seen flying overhead March 25, ]9]4, and again on the following day. Colinus virginianus virginianus. Bobwhite. Resident, but in the higher pat of the range of very localized distribution. The only covey that I could discover, made its headquarters in a 25-acre apple orchard on the farm where I resided. Here they found a bountiful food supl]y, with few enemies. How- ever, their numbers seemed to remain stationary during my stay. They were very fond of the seed of green foxtail grass (Setaria v6'i,]s) which grew abundantly in the orchard; and of the berries of the sour gum, growing near- by. These constituted the principal items of the fall food supply. The last brood appeared about September ], and after that date their note was rarely heard. Meleag'ris gallopavo silvestris. Wild Turkey. A very few yet ]iiger in the more inaccessable ravines; but the o]y definite record I could secure dur- ing my stay, was of a flock of five seen by a farmer near Frog Creek, in Craw- ford county, in the early part of December, ]9]3. Zenaidura macroura marinella. Western lIouruing Dove. Occasional- ly seen during the spring and summer months, or from April ] to August 28. Only once were as many as five birds noted in company, single individuals be- ing the rule. Cathartes aura septentrionalis. Turkey Vulture. Present most of the year, retiring about December ], to below ]500 feet; but reascending toward the end of February. A few could be noted almost daily; but to find any num- ber in company, was unusual. Elanoides forficatus. Swallow-tailed Kite. No doubt this bird formerly was a common transient; but during the last few years it has been seldom seen. The only record that I can recall during my stay in the mountains. was that of a single bird, observed by a farmer near Winslow, on October $, ]9]3. Old residents were well acquainted with it, and described it to me minutely. They spoke of often seeing several birds togetheL which they took to be the femme adult teaching her young the aerial manoeuvers for which ths species is famed.