Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/431

Rh species was numerous in the autumn of 1874, in and near Devonshire Swamp, and I procured specimens on the 24th October and on the 12th and 16th December, thus establishing it as a real 'Mudian. I wonder it had hitherto escaped notice; its loud "peche, peche," is very striking, and drew my attention at once to the presence of something new. It was very shy.

Seiurus noveboracensis, Water Thrush.—One of the commonest but most interesting of autumnal visitors. It appears regularly early in October, and a few remain all the winter. Throughout October and November there is hardly a mangrove swamp, great or small, whence its sharp but musical "chip" may not be heard at any time during the day. Early in the morning, especially when an ebbing tide has left bare the quaint tangled roots of the mangroves and their muddy surroundings, it is comparatively easy to approach this wary little bird, but later in the day it requires great caution, and a certain amount of activity, to procure a specimen. To persons out of training, requiring strong exercise, I can confidently recommend a protracted "stalk" after Seiurus among the mangrove roots, such as I undertook myself before becoming better acquainted with the habits of the species. These birds wag the tail like a Motacilla, as they feed on the edges of the tidal pools, and flit from root to root, uttering at times their loud monotonous cry. While waiting for ducks at daylight in the larger swamps, I have seen them within a few yards of me, in happy ignorance of my presence. Major Wedderburn says (Nat. in B., p. 27), "Several times, at Riddle's Bay, I have noticed seemingly a larger species of this bird, but never succeeded in killing any of them." This was perhaps the larger variety (or species), S. ludovicianus. I did not meet with any specimens myself.

Geothlypis trichas, Maryland Yellow-throat.—By no means a frequent visitor, only two specimens being known. The first was shot by Mr. Hurdis in a bushy swamp near the sluice-gates on the 18th October, 1853; the second is in Mr. Bartram's museum, obtained near Stocks Point.

Myiodioctes mitratus, Hooded Flycatcher.—A male shot at Ireland Island, by Mr. Abbott, 20th Regiment, on March 30th, 1847. The female was seen, but not obtained.

Setophaga ruticilla, American Redstart.—Two in Mr. Bartram's possession, shot by him near his house some few years since. No others are on record.