The Birds of Concord: A Study in Population Trends [Reprint 2014 ed.] 9780674284081, 9780674284074

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NEW ENGLAND BIRD STUDIES

II THE BIRDS OF CONCORD A STUDY IN POPULATION TRENDS

The Birds of Concord L U D L O W GRISCOM

HARVARD UNIVERSITY CAMBRIDGE 1949

PRESS

COPYRIGHT, I 9 4 9 BY THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

LONDON · GEOFFREY CUMBERLEGE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

This is the second of a series of faunal studies from areas of Massachusetts which are of exceptional interest for the variety and abundance of their bird-life and the excellence of the historic record. In every case the early records of William Brewster have been extracted from his diaries and journals in the possession of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. The bird-life of former decades can thus be excellently contrasted with the detailed studies of the present generation.

PREFACE Jt*r> The preparation of this report on the birds of Concord has been an intermittent affair over a period of thirteen years, owing to the wealth of data spanning more than a century. Thanks are again due to the late Dr. Thomas Barbour, director of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University, for granting permission to publish the half century of observations of William Brewster and his companions, the earlier members of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. There were nearly 100 volumes of records, field lists, diaries, and journals to master and collate, now the property of the Museum. Secondly, over two hundred people have been actively afield in recent decades, affording proof of many changes or trends in the bird-life, in a region the history of which in terms of human occupation and land use is almost perfectly known. I am greatly indebted to my friend and constant companion, Mr. Richard J. Eaton of Concord, now president of the New England Botanical Club, for reading critically the whole of Part I and putting his great knowledge of the area freely at my disposal. Professor H. B. Bigelow of the Museum Faculty was good enough to be interested in my studies of avian population trends. He kindly read the whole of Part I, making many valuable suggestions, all of which, needless to say, were thankfully adopted, to the extent my competence permitted. Many friends and companions still living have supplied vitally important and valuable observational data, some of it the result of special effort at my request. I cannot begin to express what their interest and companionship has meant

to me over a period of twenty years. All are thanked and constantly mentioned in the appropriate places beyond. The photographs for the illustrations were obtained once more by special and courteous arrangement from the library of the National Audubon Society. A special word of appreciation is due Mrs. Hildreth A. Bourn for a superb job of typing the whole manuscript at high speed to meet the publisher's dead line. It is hard to believe that an author could receive more courteous and helpful assistance and advice from his publisher than has been my good fortune from director T . J. Wilson and his staff of the Harvard University Press. For practical reasons October i, 1948 was the virtual closing date for records and observations. LUDLOW GRISCOM

Museum of Comparative Zoology

CONTENTS J¡*p INTRODUCTION

3

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA S U M M A R Y OF ORNITHOLOGICAL WORK

3 4

METHODS OF TREATMENT

21

HISTORY OF STUDY METHODS

23

PART I POPULATION TRENDS

BASIC FACTORS

33

GEOLOGY

35

CLIMATE

37

VEGETATION

48

CIVILIZATION AND ITS DISTURBANCES

55

BIRDS AS A CLASS ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

GENERAL SUMMARY

74 74

89

SOME FLUCTUATIONS IN ANIMALS

9O

FLUCTUATIONS IN BIRDS

93

IMPORTANCE

95

OF ADAPTABILITY

POPULATION DECLINES AND INCREASES GENERAL DISCUSSION BIRD POPULATION DENSITIES

97 97 99

DECLINES FOR OTHER THAN LOCAL CAUSES

103

POPULATION INCREASES

I16

CYCLES AND PERIODICITY

123

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF POPULATION TRENDS

130

LISTS OF BIRDS WHICH HAVE INCREASED OR DECLINED 133 PART II BIRDS OF T H E CONCORD REGION

GENERAL FEATURES

141

THE PRESENT-DAY BIRD-LIFE BY GROUPS

I4I

MIGRATION ROUTES

142

PERIPHERAL SPECIES

I46

SEASONAL BIRD-LIFE

I JO

N E W L Y CREATED HABITATS

152

SPECIAL LOCALITIES AND ROUTES

156

STATISTICAL S U M M A R Y

165

SYSTEMATIC LIST

169

BIBLIOGRAPHY

325

INDEX

329

ILLUSTRATIONS J!#r> BLUE-WINGED TEAL Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO ON NEST John H. Gerard from National Audubon Society RED-SHOULDERED HAWK Samuel A. Grimes from National Audubon Society BALD EAGLE Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society EVENING GROSBEAKS Ralph E. Lawrence from National Audubon Society RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society BOBOLINK Eliot F. Porter from National Audubon Society SNOW GEESE Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society LEAST BITTERN Hal H. Harrison from National Audubon Society RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society RUFFED GROUSE Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society BROWN CREEPERS Eliot F. Porter from National Audubon Society RING-NECKED DUCK Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society MOURNING DOVE ON NEST Clarence Goodnight from National Audubon Society FLICKER Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Allan D. Cruickshank from National Audubon Society

THE BIRDS OF CONCORD A STUDY IN POPULATION TRENDS

Ce îirckUah

INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA

The area included in this book centers around the river valleys of the Sudbury and Assabet which join at Concord to form the Concord River. The Sudbury and Concord Rivers have a general northeasterly and northerly trend in a territory lying 10 to 30 miles west of Boston. This territory is in Middlesex County, and includes the towns of Concord and Sudbury and those portions of Lincoln, Wayland, Carlisle, and Bedford which are in the drainage basin of the river valley system or very near it, where there is no pronounced watershed. This section is a historic bit of eastern Massachusetts, first settled in 1635. The somewhat vague and fluid boundaries selected comprise about 100 square miles, with a population of less than 15,000. It is definitely a rural area and, barring the town and village centers and their immediate vicinity, no substantial increase in population has taken place in a century. The land is only a very few feet above sea level,1 and the rivers flow gently and almost imperceptibly into the Merrimack, not far above its mouth. The altitude of the low hills which are at most a few hundred feet high is biologically negligible. There are a few ponds of glacial origin with sandy bottoms and a depauperate flora, of no real significance to bird-life. A little more than half way to Concord from its source, the Sudbury River widens out into what is locally known as Fairhaven Bay, on which a few seafowl have occurred as stragglers. Extensive areas of wet river meadows are a feature of the Region, with a varied fauna 1

Wayland is 13j ft. above sea level; Concord is 114 ft. 3

of marsh birds. The valley floor has been intensively farmed for three centuries, and at one time far more of the country was cleared than at present. During the last century about 50 per cent of the area has been completely cleared; the balance is in woodland of two principal types, of steadily deteriorating quality and size. There never were many wooded swamps of substantial acreage, and most of them have badly deteriorated or dried up. While it is customary for authors to boost the ornithological merits of their area in terms of the variety and abundance of the birds, my own has very little outstanding. However my interest in the Concord Region is twofold. It is a section of that small part of North America which has felt the impact of the white man's civilization for three full centuries, where the avifauna has either failed the most signally, or has had to make the greatest struggle to adjust itself to constant disturbance and persecution. Secondly, for a century a greater number of competent and nationally known naturalists and ornithologists have explored its coverts than any other corner of the New World. Their records and data validate the interesting and sometimes profound changes that have taken place. S U M M A R Y OF ORNITHOLOGICAL W O R K

Thanks to New England's great naturalist-philosopher and essayist, Henry Thoreau, some notes on some birds at least of the Concord Region go back to 1832. Happily, Francis H. Allen, the noted scholar and editor of Thoreau's Journal, also a critical and competent ornithologist, wrote a book, Thoreau's Bird-Lore (1910), which extracted all the notes from the Journal and indexed the bird matter in 4

Waiden and other works. A map of the Concord of Thoreau's time, with all the farms and local place names, was a contribution of major historical value and importance; it was prepared in 1906 by the local historian and antiquarian, Mr. H. W. Gleason. Mr. Allen's critical appraisal of Thoreau's knowledge of birds and capacity as an observer needs no repetition here. Hard on Thoreau's heels came

William Brewster

(18S1-1919)

Young Brewster first started to visit Concord in 1868, one incentive being the fact that his intimate and lifelong friend Daniel C. French had moved to Concord when his parents bought an old farm on the banks of the Sudbury River a mile or two upriver from the village. Between 1868 and 1881, with unparalleled energy and enthusiasm, Brewster ranged constantly through Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland, and Concord; he hunted grouse, woodcock, and snipe; in the spring he liked to walk from Lincoln to Concord; he canoed up the Assabet, and downriver to the Carlisle Bridge; a favorite trip was up the Sudbury to Fairhaven Bay, where he camped overnight, exploring Nine Acre Corner and Gulf Meadow the next day. It is pointless to list every visit and trip in chronological sequence in these earlier years, but it must be remembered that he hunted and collected assiduously, and was often accompanied by his friends, other noted early members of the Nuttall Club. Another major incentive was Brewster's ambition to become the leading authority on New England birds. In addition to his personal collecting, he bought from others specimens of rarities for most of his life, as opportunity 5

offered. His field work was planned to cover as many strategic points as possible. He shot shore-birds in Boston Harbor and Rye Beach, New Hampshire in the late sixties and early seventies. He visited Chatham, North Truro, Great Island, Hyannis, and Marstons Mills on Cape Cod. He explored Nantucket and Muskeget on several occasions, and made a thorough survey of Marthas Vineyard in 1890 and 1891. He visited the Isles of Shoals, Isle au Haut, Maine, and various inland localities in New Hampshire. In earlier decades he visited Swampscott, Ipswich Beach, the pine barrens of Plymouth and Wareham, the upland areas of Middlesex County, Winchendon, Mount Watatic, and the summit of Mount Greylock. For forty years he explored the ever-vanishing wilderness of Lake Umbagog. He maintained an enormous correspondence, and collected and filed the records and notes of all observers in whom he had confidence, including two generations of members of the Nuttall Club. Other trips took him to various parts of eastern United States. His journals are full of critical summaries and faunistic comparisons. Practically nothing was ever published by him, as his plans and projects were never fulfilled, but his journals furnish a gold mine of information of historic value. The year 1886 was a milestone as far as the Concord Region was concerned. Brewster took rooms at the Manse and lived at Concord from late April to early October. He was afield practically every day, particularly through July and August, specializing in collecting molting adults and juveniles. His journals contain summaries of the status of every species of summer resident, and any change in status in contrast with earlier days that he noted. 6

In 1891 Brewster began buying property in Concord, beginning with Ball's Hill, to save the fine stand of old white pines. Henshaw's obituary sketch describes in detail how he gradually acquired the three hundred acres of "October Farm," but even after he acquired the Barrett Farm he loved to camp for spells with his friends in the cabin on the edge of the Concord River at the foot of Ball's Hill. From 1894 on, Brewster spent more and more time at Concord each year, barring frequent visits to Umbagog; he ceased to be at all active in the Cambridge Region, most of the favorite localities of his youth having disappeared or been spoiled, and he contented himself with following the observations of others. After 1900 Brewster practically ceased taking trips over New England, and confined himself more and more to Concord. He visited Umbagog for the last time in the fall of 1908. During the falls of 1903-04 he made arrangements for Ε. H. Forbush to live in his cabin and continue the Brewster methods of detailed observation unbroken. From 1907 to 1917 he resided almost continuously at Concord except in winter, but restricted himself to the area between Concord, the Farm, and Carlisle, a favorite drive being to the sad remnants of the Carlisle Pines. In these later years various residents of Concord appear more and more frequently in his notes, especially Reginald Heber Howe and a Miss Keyes who kept one of the first feeding stations. Rev. Smith Owen Dexter first appears about 1910; he ranged actively over much of the town, and was the leader in a group of observers who recorded the extraordinary May flight of warblers in 1917. Ill health made Brewster unable to compile any more records after 1917. 7

Brewster left his diaries, records, and journals to the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the wealth of material has never been reported. I first began to study the MSS in 1934 when the late Dr. Thomas Barbour requested me to complete the "Birds of the Lake Umbagog Region of Maine"; I went over them a second time when extracting the data for Nantucket, Cape Cod, and Marthas Vineyard; the Concord records were so voluminous that I had to go through everything twice, the first time for the skeleton list and migration dates, the second time for significant counts and changes in status. For reasons given beyond, getting all the data on any one subject is a feat of hard labor and research. This is, however, the time to express my appreciation to Dr. Barbour; he fully shared my conviction that the Brewster MSS were a gold mine of ornithological and historical value, and encouraged me in every way to study them. I am unable to find that it ever occurred to anyone to consult them for any reason whatsoever from 1919 to 1934. Nevertheless, students of birds, interested in song, habits, life-histories, nest finding, and New England faunistics, are advised to postpone publication until consulting Brewster's MSS. Brewster's basic system was as follows: ι. An annual diary, usually a page or so a day, which tells just where he was and where he went. The earlier years in particular have occasional lists of birds seen, which occur nowhere else. Some years are missing. 2. A catalogue of birds collected. 3. A long series of field lists, the list of birds seen each day each trip. Naturally chronological. The sequence of orders and families was that of the A. O. U. Check-List, 8

2nd edition, to which he adhered for the rest of his life. 4. Some 40 royal 8vo volumes of journals bound in brown leather. These were principally observations on the weather, habits, and life-history notes of various kinds, descriptions of songs and call notes, and comparisons with past experiences. Rarely and erratically the field list would be entered in the journal. As the years passed the journal was written more and more carefully and well, and more and more time was given to it. A moment's thought will show that the working up of these data for publication, as regards any one bird or any one area, involves an impossible feat of memory. No one, at the end of only twenty years of constant field work, can remember just where he was every day and just what birds he saw. Some time in the 1890's Brewster began to rearrange his daily records in systematic order. Each species of bird began a new page, the years, months, days, numbers seen; localities and observers came next, with an elaborate series of abbreviations and symbols for song, nest, callnotes, and other details, all of which must be learned. The original field lists were completely broken up and destroyed after being rewritten along these lines by Brewster's assistant, Walter Deane. One of the most creditable pieces of critical work Brewster ever did was the digest of his early field notes from 1865 to 1881. He went over them with great care, throwing out youthful inaccuracies, exaggerated counts, and errors due to ignorance and inexperience; the first five volumes of the journals were blue-penciled along the same lines. The two were combined, typewritten in systematic order, and bound in three folio volumes in russet calf, entitled "New England Systematic 9

Notes." The originals were destroyed. Brewster went over these volumes critically in 1899, and we find a few marginal notes in his handwriting of two general types: (a) "I now doubt the correctness of this observation," or (b) "I have no least recollection of this observation, but see no reason to doubt it." Several records, with the latter observation added, were published in the Birds of the Cambridge Region, and I abide by these decisions as regards the Concord area. Brewster had four publication projects in mind. ι. The Birds of the Cambridge Region. Finished, and published in 1906. 2. "The Birds of the Lake Umbagog Region of Maine." His method of preparation involved the preparation of a separate systematic field list. Many volumes of journal entries dealing with the area were arranged in systematic order, typewritten, and combined with the systematic list. This MS filled thirteen 8vo volumes in brown binders, and was the working basis for the final MS for publication, which Brewster did not live to finish. The working MS was prepared mostly by Walter Deane. 3. "The Birds of Concord." The systematic field list was begun, but never completed. There are five 8vo volumes in brown binders which cover the years 1886, 1900-1917. The last fifteen volumes of the journal apply almost wholly to Concord, not including numerous passages in earlier volumes. After 1900 Brewster decided to restrict the Concord Region, leaving out most of the Sudbury Valley. 4. A work on the birds of Massachusetts and the northeastern quarter of North America generally. Brewster never made up his mind just what the limits were to be, 10

and changed his mind from time to time. The basic preparation was, however, one of the most extraordinary ever made by an ornithologist. The M. C. Z. possesses fifty volumes in black binders in systematic sequence, a section for every species. The data for each species are arranged in geographical sequence from Newfoundland south, and include Brewster's own field notes, copied extracts from his journals, letters from correspondents, memos of conversations with colleagues, friends, and taxidermists, separates of every paper published on every bird during his lifetime, and copies or cutout lines from every article and list from the early Nuttall Club Bulletins and numbers of the Ornithologist and Oologist on down. Where a local list was cut up, each resulting slip was pasted on a slip of paper wide enough to permit the author's name, periodical reference, and page number to be written above the printed lines, and this slip was pasted in the proper geographic sequence in the systematic list. The amount of clerical labor involved is staggering. Actually this was Brewster's early project, set aside for the more local ones, each of which involved a new and more local systematic field list, and still more copying of journal extracts. The attempt to work out two or more of them simultaneously resulted in errors, inconsistencies, and incompleteness. To compile all the Concord data the following summary is offered of what proved necessary.2 1868-1881. New England Systematic Notes, except part of 1879. 1882-1885. Item 4 above; also part of 1879. 1886. Concord Systematic Lists. 2

It is patently impracticable to print all this original data. II

1887-1889. Item 4 above, 1890-1899. Eastern Massachusetts Systematic Lists, in two enormous old filing folders. «892. Fall only, in Journal volume for that year. 1900-1917. Concord Systematic Lists. The Journals, 34 volumes, and diaries must be read to find out just what part of Concord was visited each day. Thus the Systematic List for 1886 tells on which days in June and July Brewster saw one or more Nashville Warblers. Were they the same or different birds? It takes a whole day to determine the answer; 13 breeding pairs located that season. It must be remembered that Brewster, in preparing the MS for Cambridge and Lake Umbagog, not only had to go through the processes just outlined, but he also had to prepare the Systematic Notes and Lists of various kinds before these processes could commence! In the meantime he was continuously afield, adding still more data and journal observations. No wonder he lived to publish so little of his field experience, as he was swamped with an ever-increasing mass of data.3 His two principal biographers, Henshaw and Chapman, have written sympathetically of the painful difficulty with which he wrote and his exactingly high standard of literary excellence. Journal extracts, selected by Rev. Smith Owen Dexter and published as October Farm, and another series, selected by Thomas Barbour, and published as Concord River, have received wide and deserved acclaim, as in the forefront of American 3

The great degree to which Brewster never published or even mentioned interesting information and records is positively amazing. H e was presumably saving them for his projected works. 12

nature writing. Another ten volumes of extracts, without a line of repetition, could be prepared without any difficulty. Having now spent some thirteen years in studying Brewster's field work and records, it is my humble opinion that he was one of the greatest and most naturally gifted field ornithologists that America has ever produced. In our modern world we hear much of "expert field ornithologists," who amaze everyone by their ability to identify a fabulous number of species of birds at a glance, who can recognize their songs and call-notes instantly, and hear them at an astonishing distance. In my best judgment most of them cannot stand favorable comparison with Brewster for the following reasons. (a) His ability to recognize birds instantly at a distance was as great as anybody's, but the distance was reduced for lack of worthy optical instruments. (b) His hearing and musical memory were little short of marvelous. He could hear the high lisping call notes of kinglet and creeper in his 67th year. (c) The modern "expert" passes rapidly through a study period, with textbooks, bird guides, song manuals, records of bird-songs, prism binoculars, powerful telescopes, and the use of an automobile, as assets taken for granted. Moreover, ample series of specimens are available in numerous museums if he is sufficiently interested to study them. Most important of all, a vast literature tells him just what birds to expect in his region, and he can accompany members of an older and experienced generation in the field who tell him what to look for and just what he is hearing. For Brewster these assets were reduced to zero. The textbooks !3

were inaccurate, the literature was woefully defective, the few museum specimens were often erroneously determined. Nobody knew how many species of thrushes or Empidonax flycatchers there were, and which ones occurred in Massachusetts. Unfamiliar songs and call-notes had to be run down, and the bird shot for identification; Brewster described the songs and call-notes of many species for the first time, as a matter of original research and discovery. (d) He was a dead shot and an expert collector. Years of study with specimens gave him a sound and detailed knowledge of structure and plumage variations, which no modern "field expert" can acquire by ogling at birds through a glass. The present generation must realize that looking at birds through a glass was a waste of time in 1870; it was impossible to identify many species in many plumages without shooting them for identification; in many cases the specimens could not be identified at once either; in certain cases Brewster had to send specimens to Ridgway or Coues for an opinion. He wrote a whole series of papers, describing previously unknown plumages of New England birds. (e) Brewster was an expert at finding nests, and tossed off six to ten a season of those most famous for difficulty. For him field work in the breeding season presupposed the finding of the nest, to have any validity. Even in his last decade he found the nests of most of the breeding birds of October Farm each year as a matter of course. The modern expert in identification has never laid eyes on the nests of most of the breeding birds of his region, couldn't find many of them if he tried, or the effort would be so bumbling and protracted an affair as to arouse Brewster's pity and contempt. «4

Curiously enough Brewster neglected the owls, and never gave this very difficult group of birds the special effort and study required to master them, and determine their status as breeding species. His encounters with owls were at long and irregular intervals, chiefly as the result of pure chance. An appraisal of Brewster's statements of the regional status of various birds is of great importance, and involves a curious bit of ornithological history. Our present generation has inherited certain rough criteria for the use of descriptive terms such as abundant, common, rare, occasional, etc. Brewster did not, and ornithologists of his generation were free to make up their own minds and select their own standards for using these terms. Students are warned that these terms were used in what now seems to us an over-liberal way. Far too many birds were loosely termed common or abundant. The reason is obvious. Early students were perforce faunalists; they spent most of their time looking for the rare and little-known birds, and inevitably, as their experience and competence increased, they succeeded in finding more and more of them. Psychologically the rare species became less rare, and all others by contrast seemed common or abundant. Those who have read Hickey's plea (Bird Watching, pages 50-86) for counting birds as accurately as possible will be interested to hear that Brewster began counting his birds and recording the counts in 1868. When these counts are checked off against the terms used in the Journal, the term is seen to be used over-liberally; the term selected is not due to gross exaggeration of the count. Two quotations from the Journals must suffice for illustration. ( 1 ) "Small 15

sandpipers in multitudes today; there must have been at least 700 of them." (2) "Black Duck very abundant today on the Great Meadows; I cannot recall ever seeing so many before; there must have been at least 60." Many readers will probably smile at the hyperbole of the terminology used. But there was nothing the matter with the counts, which are the only facts of importance. Brewster's recollection of the Black Duck proves entirely correct; he never did see more than 60 in a day on Great Meadow in 45 years, and it is this fact that affords an interesting contrast with modern counts, and establishes a population trend. It was Brewster's misfortune that his field experience began in the days of relative plenty and abundance. He was forced to chronicle and note the decrease of group after group of birds, and in 1910, as his active field work was coming to a close, the bird population of New England reached its all-time low. Moreover, a marked personal trait was his capacity for becoming deeply attached to a locality. He lived to see all the haunts of his youth obliterated or ruined in the Cambridge region; the secluded wilderness of Lake Umbagog vanished in his lifetime, while at Concord he mourned the destruction of the "great woods," and so deeply resented the arrival of the motorboat age that he gave up canoeing on his beloved Concord River. Way land and Sudbury Valley As the Broad Meadows, Sudbury, have always been superior to the Concord Meadows for various game and water birds, there is far more lore in existence from sportsman naturalists at this end. One of the first of these was F. C. Browne of Framingham, who published a series of notes on 16

the capture of rarities in the Nuttall Club Bulletin. Charles J. Paine, a sportsman of Weston, sent reports of rarities to Brewster. Brewster himself paid occasional visits to Wayland and Sudbury from 1868 to 1894. Outram Bangs collected in Wayland from 1877 to 1879. He never kept any records, as he was interested only in systematics and the securing of specimens, but he passed his information on to Brewster. Walter Faxon began visiting Wayland in 1889 and for the next ten years went there frequently, becoming the local authority. He was often accompanied by Bradford Torrey and the then young Ralph Hoffmann. During this period Brewster's visits to Wayland and Sudbury invariably consisted in joining Faxon, who wished to show him some new discovery. Brewster filed all his observations. But for the special purposes of this study the greatest single contributor from Wayland and Sudbury has been Dr. Herbert Earnest Maynard (1877-), who grew up in Waltham. His uncle, Clarence H. Warren, an ardent hunter and fisherman, built a camp on the Sudbury River just above Sherman's Bridge, in 1884, and Maynard, enthralled by the camp and the life, was constantly there week-ends and holidays, beginning local hunting at the age of thirteen. In the fall of 1887 the boy and his uncle were standing on Sherman's Bridge when a flock of seven Passenger Pigeons flew overhead; the event was indelibly fixed in his memory, as Mr. Warren charged him to note the occasion, saying that it was probably the only chance of his life to see the bird alive. This proved correct, but Maynard happened to be given the responsibility of skinning out the last pigeon ever shot in Massachusetts on April 12, 1894, a memory of which he is now quite proud. 17

Maynard's youthful curiosity was aroused early, and he started out to secure a local collection of all the birds of interest. He took lessons as a boy from a local taxidermist, and became an accomplished taxidermist himself. As related elsewhere, this was formerly a lucrative and extensively practiced profession. Maynard entered medical school in 1898, and had to make as much money as he could on the side. Some of it was earned by taxidermy, and supplying game and specimens of interest; he recalls that he received five and ten cents apiece for small birds, and drake wood ducks were worth a dollar. Identification of his specimens was based in earlier days on a copy of Samuels, and he secured permission to consult a copy of Audubon in the Waltham town library. For twenty-five years he hunted and collected with his intimate friends George H. Priest and Charles J. Paine. As his ornithological interest grew, Maynard joined the Boston Society of Natural History to study the collections and read in the library, at a time when Glover M. Allen was Secretary. It was through Allen that he joined the Nuttall Club about 1920. As he became more and more immersed in a growing practice of surgery and general medicine, Maynard was forced to visit the Sudbury Valley less frequently in later decades, but continued to collect and hunt until 1935. He was brought up and trained to shoot for identification, and it was not until the late twenties that he ever permitted himself to give field notes not based on specimens. For years he was most generous in giving away specimens of interest to friends and museums, particularly the Boston Society of Natural History, retaining only a small and representative collection for himself. This collection and 18

his record and notebooks he is kindly bequeathing to the institution named above. For forty years I have been collecting records and information from amateur ornithologists. Never in my life have I been treated with more open-handed generosity than by Herbert E. Maynard. He prepared a systematic digest of his records, and his experience and knowledge of past conditions have been unreservedly at my disposal. Indeed my treatment of the Wayland and Sudbury end of the area could not have gone beyond the routine systematic list stage without him. Recent Decades

How much more fortunate has been the experience of my generation! We began our field work in early youth over forty years ago. The scarcity of many birds and the disappearance of others were ascertained facts which we were perfectly prepared to take for granted. There were some excellent textbooks, some basic literature, and excellent collections to study; it was much easier to get started as there was an older generation to aid and advise us. The general variety and abundance of birds have steadily increased in the northeast for forty years, which to the ornithologist is more than ample compensation for the spoiling of favored haunts of his earlier years. Other haunts aplenty can be found where birds can be studied. I first visited the Concord Region in 1928 and have explored most parts of the area constantly ever since on some 270 occasions. Dr. H. B. Bigelow introduced me to the Sudbury meadows. Mr. R. J. Eaton, a native of Concord, an accomplished amateur botanist, now President of the 19

New England Botanical Club, knew the country like a book and had amused himself trying to locate many of Thoreau's stations for rare plants. He took me down Ball Hill Road, past the former October Farm, showed me the remains of Brewster's cabin, and we poked into the stand of noble old pines. For over a dozen years we were constantly afield together in the area, and ran a series of early morning trips each spring to the Sudbury Valley after favorable nights. New and younger members of the Nuttall Club started going there too, frequently accompanying us. An active Harvard Ornithological Club furnished many eager and competent young men as companions. The extraordinary increase in the general interest in birds in recent years now sends over one hundred people annually on trips to every part of the Concord area. It is impossible to mention them all, but outstanding contributions are being made by the active leaders of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the members of the Old Colony Bird Club, Mr. and Mrs. Hervey C. Elkins, Mr. and Mrs. William Cottrell, Jr., and residents of Concord such as Miss Virginia Armstrong and Stanwood K. Bolton, Jr., and Allen Morgan of Wayland. Many of them have been so exceedingly kind as to devote some of their time to accurate counts and study of special species at my request, which had nothing to do with their search for rarities. T o those who have followed this account, it should be clear that the ornithological data available for the Concord area cover a span of over a century, and constitute the greatest continuous quantity record in the United States. For eighty years most of the New England ornithologists and bird students of note, including the very greatest, have 20

collected and observed in every corner of this charming valley. METHODS OF T R E A T M E N T

Such a wealth of data over so long a period of decades represents as great an opportunity for a study of general scientific interest as an ornithologist could wish for. I regard it as superficial merely to produce one more local bird list, with extreme migration dates, some summary statements of the status of each species, and detailed records of the rarities and stragglers, of an old-fashioned type. It is my hope to interest and appeal to a far wider audience. The following considerations prevail. ι. Our knowledge of the bird-life of Massachusetts is now so detailed that any competent bird student can make up a local list for any township and get it 90 per cent right without ever going there. All he has to be told is the major habitats present and lacking. If he visits the town himself and looks the country over he should get it 95 per cent right. This is an excellent exercise for a college student majoring in ornithology. 2. The margin of error consists chiefly in guessing which ones of the vagrant, casual, stray or lost individuals of birds, which do not belong in Massachusetts, or which find no satisfactory habitat in the town, happen to have been observed there. Chance or accident are implicit in the use of these terms. 3. Experience shows overwhelmingly that the size of any local list of casuals and vagrants is in direct proportion to the number of decades of observation and the number of competent observers. That for the Concord Region is, 21

naturally, exceptionally large, amounting to nearly half of the total list of species. The occurrence of the very great majority of these at least once in the last hundred years could have been expected as a matter of common sense. Only a very few cases are so unexpected as to cause surprise. About the same small number of cases exist of birds which have occurred in adjacent towns, but not in Concord. Both categories are matters of pure chance. 4. The normal and regular avifauna of any local area obviously consists of the permanent residents, the summer residents, the winter visitants, and those transients from southern wintering grounds to more northern breeding areas which pass through the area, finding suitable feeding and resting grounds. The composition of these groups in the Concord Region was perfectly known by 1886. The rest of Brewster's field work added vagrants to the local list only, and determined a number of population trends. It took another half century before any additions to these four categories were made, all as a result of population trends. 5. The regular avifauna of the Concord Region has few features peculiar to it. The relative numbers of the species concerned, the degree to which each is rare, common, or abundant, is precisely the same as in much of eastern Massachusetts. The Sudbury and Concord River valleys are typical of innumerable rural country areas of southern New England. The publication of a local list is not justified because of any special abundance or variety of birds. 6. The few features peculiar to Concord can be described factually in a few pages of print only. Much more interesting and worth while are the reasons or causes why these facts are true. 22

7· Eight decades of matchlessly complete data can be used, therefore, from two points of view. The author can with some local pride produce one of the largest local lists of birds in the whole northern hemisphere, with due allowance for latitude and area; or he can use the data for a study of population trends in birds, a form of biological inquiry still in its infancy. The latter approach is the one adopted in this book. The great opportunity in having eight decades of data is that proof is afforded that a large percentage of the species of the local avifauna have changed their status once or even twice in this period of time. It transpires that in many cases reasons can be given or plausibly suggested as to why this happened. These reasons prove to be manifold and complex, and different birds respond to different reasons, while some birds remain unaffected by all, and stable. The first part of this book discusses these population trends; the second part gives the systematic list with the necessary factual data. Local bird students and watchers will find in Part II the facts they desire to know so as to learn what to look for and how to evaluate their own observations. Ornithologists might find both parts of interest, and it is hoped that biologists and students of general natural history will find something worth while in Part I. HISTORY OF STUDY METHODS

For one hundred or more years ornithological studies in N e w England were perforce purely factual. The native birds were "discovered"; they were shot, described, and then classified with ever-increasing accuracy in an everimproving natural system. Their various plumages from 23

juvenile to the adult stage were slowly and painfully worked out. Their distribution and migration routes and schedules were determined. Our present detailed knowledge of the distribution of our native birds may be correctly expressed as the sum of a gigantic number of local lists of past decades. There were also "life-history" studies involved. Birds had "habits" and habitat preferences; their nests and eggs were discovered and described; the brooding period, the number of broods and eggs a season, and the length of time to reach maturity were all details to be determined. A moment's reflection will show the staggering number of facts involved in acquiring a sound knowledge of even the birds of eastern North America. Earlier generations of ornithologists were primarily collectors, secondarily observers, absorbed in a narrow and highly specialized field. The necessary equipment was rugged physical energy, keen and trained powers of observation, and a retentive memory for facts and details completely beyond the powers of the average man. Their incentive was a burning interest in and curiosity about birds, with which most of them were born, and a desire to discover new facts and add to knowledge. This was precisely what all of them did. William Brewster is an outstanding example. But 90 per cent of ornithological literature is hopelessly dull and sterile reading for anyone not especially interested in and familiar with birds, and there is nothing in it for the general biologist or student of natural history. N o effort was made to relate all these facts to any basic problems of general natural history. Biologists have been sharply critical of this, forgetting in large part that the facts have to be discovered before they can be related to anything. 2

4

The type of field work the older generation did was planned and purposive. Most of it had to be on foot, some was done by canoe; Brewster occasionally made a census by taking a long drive along country roads in an open carriage. Most of the area was inaccessible in severe winters. It is impossible to eliminate the element of chance from the observation of living things; the day's list of the birds seen and heard and their numbers would obviously be different if the observer had gone by each point ten minutes earlier or later, or if his route had happened to be 100 yards to the right or left. A field trip, described in statistical terms, is nothing but a method of sampling. The incalculable margin of error is reduced by constant and careful repetition over the same route. This is why any faunal paper of any validity has to prove sufficiently thorough and prolonged field work, and the observers have to qualify as competent. It should also be clear that one very practical reason for the innumerable "local lists" was that it was a very limited area indeed that most men could cover thoroughly and competently, when it had to be done entirely on foot. Those birds seen in numbers every trip were soon proved to be abundant; those seen nearly every trip in much smaller numbers were called common; those seen only occasionally, or only when especially sought in restricted habitats were proved to be rare. The validity of these conclusions is absolutely proportional to the number of trips. The actual numbers of all birds observed had to be recorded before any valid contrast with present-day conditions could be made. Brewster did record his counts, and we can find out exactly what territory he covered in the Concord Region each trip.

Modern methods of observation have undergone a radical change, but not nearly so radical as the change in interest and point of view of the horde of enthusiastic observers. Long hikes afoot are practically a thing of the past, and the use of an automobile is standard. One result is that much more country is sampled in one day than before. The best localities around Concord and those around Wayland and Sudbury can be visited in one day, a feat absolutely impossible for Brewster. Improved optical instruments also save a great deal of time. The ducks on the flooded Sudbury meadows in early spring can be counted by sitting on a hill and sweeping the meadows with a Zeiss 40X telescope. Maynard had to spend half a day in a canoe to do this fifty years ago. The modern observer is usually an amateur for whom bird-listing is a sport, a recreation, or a hobby, made possible by the automobile, superb optical instruments, and a wide choice of bird guides with colored plates, which enable him to learn how to identify and name the local birds with a minimum of time and trouble. His interest is the size of the list, both daily and yearly, and the route is planned to produce as big a variety as possible. Most observers have not the faintest desire to add to knowledge or discover anything new, except the excitement of finding one more casual vagrant. This is all perfectly legitimate, but their observations are scientifically purposeless and haphazard, and of no use in the present connection, unless most carefully screened. This new technique and the much better "coverage" of every part of the country is invaluable in areas where an improved and better faunal list has yet to be made; in areas where the avifauna is already well known, such observers 26

merely have the fun of finding out for themselves what is already on record. Much is made of all this as a new problem and a headache for modern ornithologists. Actually it is not new, and the problem is easily solved. Many members of the Nuttall Club for two generations were amateur bird-listers who did it for amusement; it was Brewster who "screened" their records in the Concord-Cambridge area and selected the data that were worth while; it was Brewster who interested a certain percentage of them in his projects, and inspired them with the interest and desire to give their time and energy to observations or counts that would add to the knowledge he was trying to acquire. As Brewster's leadership was gradually removed by illness, old age, and death, some of these men kept right on taking hikes and listing birds. W h o knows where they went and what birds they listed? Nothing has come down to us, except a few notes on great rarities and early dates. It is my experience that those ornithologists who complain of the "problem" engendered by the amateur are either not interested in any phase of local faunistics, incapable of inspiring amateurs in research projects, or else still intellectually interested in the old-fashioned type of faunistics, which involves spending the maximum amount of time on weighing the validity (so called) of records of freak dates and casual vagrants, facts which have always had the minimum of biological interest and value. The rise of ecology has given a new impetus to studies of birds. In the last twenty-five years an ever-increasing group of younger scientists is studying birds in relation to their environment. The habitat or ecological association or unit comes first. What birds and how many pairs per acre 27

or per hundred acres does it support? This approach has the merit of being biologically correct. This approach requires general training in biology and a sound knowledge of botany, and restricts the study primarily to the resident and breeding birds, the nests of which have to be found for complete accuracy. The species on the local list are of less importance than the number of birds. The transients are omitted from consideration on the theory that they breed in various types of habitat to the north, and that some day breeding censuses of standard area and type will be made in more northern latitudes also. T w o interesting generalizations are beginning to appear. ( ι ) Most habitats in the east so far studied support surprisingly few birds per acre. (2) Many birds characteristic of one habitat in one part of the country are equally common in one to several totally different types of habitat in other parts of their range; an excellent example is the Black-throated Green Warbler. The most able summary of this technique is by Kendeigh (1944). Dr. Kendeigh's paper raises an important point. For his special purposes, his inquiry was restricted to natural or nearly natural environments, and he specifically states that he threw out all censuses not taken in climax or subclimax associations. On this basis no study of population densities in the Concord Region would be worth while, as nothing worthy of the term subclimax remains. There are well over 50 million acres of farm and country estate land in the United States, and a million or more acres of wrecked woodlots, thickets, sprout growth, etc., in the eastern states alone, the population density of which is particularly high. This type of census work has just been extended to wintering birds. Again the environment comes first; how 28

many species will it support and for how long? This is biologically a much sounder inquiry than the old-fashioned system of a Christmas census, every team trying to get as large a list in their pet area as possible. It will graphically prove a fact of which I have been convinced by long years of experience, namely, that as we progress northward any sizable unit of area supports fewer and fewer birds all winter, and most of the species for parts of each winter only. Another fruitful field of modern research is a type of detailed life-history study which completely transcends the old-fashioned one of the "habits" of older texts. It is an effort to determine the basic requirements of each species to maintain its population and what constitute optimum conditions. It has been tried so far chiefly on game birds and certain striking species seriously reduced in numbers. The techniques are very difficult to acquire, and enormous patience and persistence are required. It is again a form of approach to the study of birds which is biologically sound, and is of basic importance in the present study (cf. Kendeigh, 1945; Edminster, 1947). The final method of study of a local avifauna is the comparative one. The present can be evaluated in terms of the past. The avifauna can be compared with that of adjacent areas, the differences if any explained. The increases or decreases of the local birds must first be validated by a continuity of observation over a sufficient number of decades. These facts are of interest to ornithologists, but the causes back of the facts take us much further afield. Older local lists reporting decreases, for instance, invariably sought to account for them in terms of unfavorable local events. But we now know that with our highly migratory and 29

widely ranging birds, they are subject to unfavorable events and pressures hundreds or even thousands of miles away. The reason why some birds are rare in Concord is not because anything is wrong with Concord. Similarly the sudden appearance of Egrets in numbers is not due to a sudden blossoming of conditions favorable to Egrets locally, but is the product of events from North Carolina to Florida over a period of exactly 43 years. Biological studies of living animals in nature are highly subjective. Observations and the inferences reached from them cannot be proved in the exact sense; they depend upon the trained competence and the critical judgment of the men concerned. But, like the chemical experiment, the observations can be repeated, and a new generation of observers can decide whether earlier inferences were correct, or whether definite population trends have taken place.

30

PART I POPULATION TRENDS

In giving the status of the various birds known from the Concord Region, so far as possible the presentation is historical, quantitative data are offered to supplement the qualitative, and comparisons with other parts of eastern Massachusetts are made whenever contrasts exist or changes of interest have taken place. An asterisk is affixed to those species which have never been collected in the area; it will be noted that a few are vagrants or accidental stragglers. N o species is listed that has not been collected in the immediate vicinity of Boston. N o sight records are published of birds very difficult to identify, or of very rare vagrants seen at the wrong season of the year, or of rare vagrants seen by one observer only, unless strikingly colored and easily recognized.

169

> I


3 < RED-THROATED LOON

Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan) A causal vagrant; one shot November n , 1858 by one John Goodwin and examined by Thoreau (see Allen, 1910). > 4 < HOLBOELL'S GREBE

Colymbus grisegena holboelli (Reinhardt) A rare vagrant, casually alighting on migration; six records. One at Wayland March 25, 1939 (Robert Walcott) One at Concord April 14, 1899 (Brewster) One at Wayland April 19, 1936 (Oliver K. Scott) Two shot at Sudbury, fall of 1896 (H. D. Eastman) One captured, frozen in the ice December 17, 1912 (R. H. Howe) One similarly frozen February 15, 1913 (Charles W. Jenks) The spring records properly reflect this Grebe's overland migration, as it occasionally alights on lakes and reservoirs throughout the state. The absence of fall records is also consistent, the species reaching salt water along the Maine coast at that season. The two winter records were part of a general flight over much of the northeast that season, supposed to be due to the freezing of the Finger Lakes and the bays of the Great Lakes.

171

> 5 * HORNED GREBE

Colymbus auritus Linnaeus A rare vagrant on the rivers; four records. September 27, i860 on Waiden Pond (Thoreau) December 26, 1853 on Waiden Pond (Thoreau) April 15, 1897 Concord River (William B. Bartlett) August 15, 1916, two at Wayland (Maynard) In spite of the remarkable date of the last record, one of these birds was closely observed for half an hour. > 6 * PIED-BILLED GREBE

Podilymbus podiceps podiceps (Linnaeus) a. As a breeding species, variable in numbers, abandoning regular localities in years of low water, or when they become choked with grass and bushes. 1879. First found nesting at Wayland (Outram Bangs) 1890-1900. Possibly a dozen pairs, Wayland and Sudbury (Maynard) 1920-1932. Hardly a pair to be found 1932-1940. Increase, at least six pairs in the same area (Griscom et al.) 1940-1948. Decline, one to three pairs 1935 on. Unknown at Concord until Great Meadows dammed, now regular February 22, 1919 (Maynard); March 12, 1946 (Arm172

strong); late March—late October; sets of eggs, April 15— June io (Maynard); December 23, 1899 (Maynard). b. As a transient, steadily decreasing as the river deteriorates. 1869-1879. Occasionally abundant in fall, up to 25 in a day (Brewster) 1886-1905. Rare in spring, uncommon in fall, maximum seven in a day (Brewster) 1930-1948. Spring, at most two or three birds, not recorded every year; in fall, at most six to ten a season on the same stretches of river Early April to May 17; August 17, 1889 (D. C. French)— November 26, 1898 (Brewster) With a little practice breeding birds are readily recognized in spring. They can always be found on the same stretch of river, and are noisy and talkative from the moment of their arrival to mid-May at least. The success of the breeding season is a gamble, the water often disappearing before the young are fully grown. It is virtually impossible to find a grebe at Wayland or Sudbury after late June, and nobody knows what becomes of them. y η < LEACH'S PETREL

Oceanodroma leucorrhoa leucorrhoa

(Vieillot)

Casual after gales; one seen at arm's length from a boat on Fairhaven Bay in early October 1878 (Daniel C. French); one shot skimming over the river at Wayland October 14, 1904 (J. B. Paine).

173

>· 8 * * DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

Phalacrocorax auritus auritus (Lesson) Formerly a vagrant, three seen flying down the river May h , 1893 (Brewster). With the great increase of this species in recent years, now seen migrating overhead inland with increasing frequency, and no longer of any special note. Three local records; flock of 20, November 13, 1945 (Aaron M. Bagg) ; two on June 3, 1946 (Griscom and Haven Parker); one on September 28, 1946 (Brookline Bird Club). * 9 < GREAT BLUE HERON

Ardea herodias herodias Linnaeus A regular and not uncommon transient, casually in winter. March 5, 1939 (Frances Elkins) to May 24, 1892 (Brewster) four records of immature birds in late June July 17, 1945 (Armstrong) to December 7, 1917 (H. P. Richardson); four recent records of winter stragglers to January 17 (Armstrong) 1868-1882. Regular transient, not uncommon; on occasion four together flushed from the meadows 1889-1899. Marked decrease 1900-1917. The few records chiefly of birds migrating high overhead 1930-1948. Back to the status of 80 years ago; marked increase, migration period greatly extended 174

> IO


II

*

*SNOWY EGRET

Egretta thula thula (Molina) 1948. Unknown until the great flight of southern herons. One adult found July 21, with occipital crest and some breeding plumes (F. Elkins, Griscom, Cora Wellman). Three birds on July 24 (Cottrell and many others). One still present August 7 (Allen Morgan). > 12

*

* L I T T L E BLUE HERON

Florida caerulea caerulea (Linnaeus) 1916. First record, August 25 (Maynard) 175

Ι

937" Ι 947· Of almost annual occurrence, maximum 12 birds August 12, 1937 (Samuel Hoar) 1948. Great flight, maximum about 250 on August 7; on August 8 Allen Morgan locates a roost and counts 189 coming in. Only two adults. Four spring records, April 21, 1941 (Groton Bird Club) to May 27, 1945 (Warren Flock). June 20, 1942 (Crompton and Eliot) to October 2, 1937 (Armstrong) In 1948 the Broad Meadows became a tourist center. Carloads of people went to the Rice Farm to see the white herons. They were easy subjects for movies and kodachromes. > 13 < EASTERN GREEN HERON

Butorides virescens virescens (Linnaeus) A summer resident, markedly uncommon. 1869-1879. "Common" breeder, more on migration (Brewster) 1886. "Uncommon" (Brewster) 1900-1917. Rare, a few scattered pairs, no nest found; only once four birds in a day, on June 27, 1900 1928-1948. Apparently no change April 7, 1946 (Griscom); April 30, 1900 (Brewster) to September 20, 1886 and October 4, 1887 (Brewster); chiefly early May to late August. The Green Heron is a very uncommon summer resident throughout eastern Massachusetts, and I am at a loss to ex176

plain why it was invariably termed "common" in all older faunal papers. The local record is unsatisfactory, as Brewster gave no exact numbers in earlier years. Peak numbers are reached with the migration in August; while there are no signs of this at Concord, local observation seems to me to be unsatisfactory and therefore unconvincing. A marked characteristic of this Heron is its slow and protracted arrival in spring, as it may take nearly a month for the breeding population to arrive. It is a commonplace experience for the observer to see the first bird in late April and not another one until late May. On only four occasions has the Green Heron been reported in Concord prior to April 30. V 14 < BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (Gmelin) Rare breeder; common visitor all summer; a few transients. 1879. Nesting rookery discovered near Hurd's Pond, Wayland, acounting for the stray birds seen all summer in the Sudbury meadows. In earlier years it contained up to 50 pairs, down to 20 by the early nineties 1892. Walter Faxon discovers a rookery of 50 nests in a remote swamp at Bedford, probably accounting for the stray birds observed all summer on the river near Concord 1886-1917. Very uncommon; occasionally one to five birds noted on migration 1928-1948. Big increase; birds from near-by rookeries feed177

ing all summer in the river marshes. Only five to six pairs nesting at Wayland March 21, 1943 (Emerson and Griscom) to November 11, 1938 (Bergstrom) >• 1 5 *YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON

Nyctanassa violacea violacea (Linnaeus) Unknown until recent years with the bird's big increase and range extension northward. 1945. At Great Meadow, Concord, May 15 (Clark and Perry) 1946. An adult May 3 (Bolton), and an immature during August 1948. Adult and two immatures, Wayland and Sudbury in late July and early August (Cottrell, Griscom, Morgan, and others) 16 < AMERICAN BITTERN

Botaurus lentiginosus (Montagu) Relatively common breeder in the river meadows, no perceptible trend since 1886. In the last 20 years, a maximum of nine in a day in late April over Route 3. At least 20 to 25 nesting pairs at present. March 21, 1944 (Norman Hill) to November 17, 1858 (Thoreau) 178

>· 17


21

*

* B L U E GOOSE

Chen caerulescens (Linnaeus) On May 3, 1948 Richard Stackpole and Allen Morgan saw three of these birds circling around Hurd's Pond, looking for a place to alight. After putting down, they rose again, passing by within shotgun range, and disappeared northward. There are numerous recent New England records since some Blue Geese have taken to joining up with the Greater Snow. y 22 ·«• MALLARD

Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos Linnaeus Uncommon transient on the Sudbury meadows, formerly shot almost annually; formerly very rare at Concord, 181

only four records in Brewster's time. N o w commoner than at any previous period in eastern Massachusetts, and also the Concord Region. Feral birds breed. Maximum in recent years, a flock of 20 on the Broad Meadows September 14, 1938 (Cottrell and Griscom). Once in winter. March 13, 1938 (Eaton, Garrison, Griscom) to April 29, 1939 (Griscom); August 7, 1948 (Cottrell, Griscom, Parker) to November 17, 1945 (Greenough) December 15, 1915 to early spring, 1916, a female at Concord in some open water below Flint's Bridge, fed with bread (Brewster). »· 23 BLACK DUCK

Anas rubripes Brewster Common breeder, often abundant transient, a few wintering in very mild seasons. 1880-1910. Steady but slow decline 1930-1945. Maynard and I agree that the Black Duck is now two and a half times as numerous as at the low point February 28, 1944 (Griscom) to May 5, 1939 for transients; late August to early December. One hundred started to winter in 1938-1939 at Wayland, 65 surviving. Population statistics are as follows: Sudbury 1889. Unusually abundant this spring, up to 100 in a day (Charles Richardson and Albert Brown in litt, to Brewster) 182

1890-1910. Maximum, 400 overhead in a fall flight day (Maynard) 1938. Over 700 on September 14 (Cottrell and Griscom) 1940. Over 500 on March 28 and 29 (Morgan) 1948. Over 400 on August 7 (Cottrell, Griscom, Morgan, Parker), to show the season's yield of breeding birds in a year when the meadows were in ideal condition Concord 1886-1917. A few pairs breed; regular but uncommon transient, the maximum 60 birds in a day 1935-1948. Common breeder, up to 1000 in fall on the Wild Life Refuge The greatest care must be taken to avoid premature conclusions about the increase or decline of the Black Duck. It occurs in numbers, and is readily found, only when the proper water levels prevail during its migration. There appear to be few in seasons of flood, and practically none in dry years when the meadows are choked with grass. With every effort to allow for this factor, peak numbers were reached in 1939 with a steady decline until 1947. The number of breeding pairs seems to be steadily and rapidly increasing; a careful and expert census might produce 100 in the Region. y 24 GADWALL

Chaulelasmus streperus (Linnaeus) Formerly a very rare vagrant, now reported annually. 1894. Four seen, two shot October 20 (Maynard) 183

1932· A female shot October 22 (O. H. P. Rodman) 1940 on. Recorded annually, collected on several occasions Three spring records of pairs, March 13, 1946 (Armstrong) to April 10, 1943 (Morgan); September 30, 1944 (Griscom) to November 11, 1947 (Cottrell, Griscom) 25 < EUROPEAN WIDGEON

Mareca penelope (Linnaeus) A rare transient. 1897. Drake shot October 15 (Maynard) 1937. A pair April 15 (Virginia Armstrong) 1939. Two drakes April 1-2 (Allen Morgan) 1945. A drake on the Ford pond at South Sudbury from Nov. 3-15 (Frances Elkins and many others) > 26 < BALDPATE

Mareca americana (Gmelin) Rare transient, becoming uncommon. 1875-1910. Regular in fall, rare in spring, usually odd birds or pairs (Maynard). Once a flock of 13 on October 1,1881 (A. Thorndike) 1910-1930. Rare. No record at Concord 1875-1935. 1930-1948. Marked increase, especially after the improvement of Great Meadows, Concord. Now recorded every spring and fall. Maximum, flock of 32 in October 1948 (Baird and Moran) 184

March 20, 1945 (Griscom) to April 13, 1937 (Garrison) Sept. 3, 1941 (Cottrell) to November 15, 1945 (many people) > 27 A MALE BALDPATE X PINTAIL HYBRID

Mr. Henry V . Greenough shot this remarkable wild hybrid at Concord on November 4, 1946 and sent it to me for examination. When he heard it was a unique record he kindly presented the specimen to the Boston Society of Natural History. > 28 · 29 < *EUROPEAN TEAL

Nettion crecca (Linnaeus) A rare vagrant or transient. 1944. A drake on April 16 (Norman Hill) 1945. A drake on the Ford pond at South Sudbury, November 15 (Griscom et al.) 1947. A drake at Wayland March 25 to April 3 (Griscom and many others) * 30 * GREEN-WINGED TEAL

Nettion carolinense (Gmelin) Formerly a common transient, becoming very rare; now often abundant, and commencing to breed. 1875. A "large flock" on April 8 (Brewster) 1880-1917. No record at Concord 1890-1910. Very rare in spring; occasional birds or small flocks in fall (Maynard) 1935-1948. Becoming common in spring in flocks up to 70, and abundant in fall, in flocks up to 300 1940. A female with nine downy young on June 28 at Wayland (Allen Morgan), first breeding record for the state. Pairs in late May from then on 1941. Seen at Wayland in July (Austin Riggs) 1948. Seen in the Broad Meadows in late July (numerous observers) 186

March 4, 1941 (Norman Hill and Henry Parker) to May ι, 1937 (Stackpole and Taber); August 29, 1946 (Martin Karplus) to November 24, 1938, flock of 130 (Griscom). > 31 < BLUE-WINGED TEAL

Querquedula discors (Linnaeus) Formerly abundant, becoming very rare. Now once more abundant in fall, and nesting regularly since 1937. 1868 on. Abundant in fall (Brewster) 1882. The last large flock (300), on September 29 1886-1917. Very rare at Concord, no record after 1905 (Brewster) 1890-1910. Uncommon in fall, becoming rare (Maynard) 1935-1948. Rapidly increasing and becoming once more abundant in fall, in flocks up to 400 1937-1948. Three pairs nest at Wayland in 1937; other pairs nest in the Broad Meadows, Sudbury; one to two pairs at Nine Acre Corner; one to three pairs at Great Meadow, Concord. In no one year have all these localities contained the maximum number of pairs March 28, 1938 (Brewer) to Nov. 17, 1940 (Henderson) 32 * SHOVELLER

Spatula clypeata (Linnaeus) Formerly a very rare vagrant; now of regular occurence with the increase of this duck in the northeast. 187

1893· O n e shot at Concord October 23 (Brewster) 1898. One shot at Sudbury September 8 (Maynard) 1937-1948. Becoming regular in spring and fall, sometimes in small flocks, occasionally shot in fall April 8, 1943 (Griscom, Hill) to May 10, 1940 (Morgan et al.); August 7, 1948 (Griscom), August 29, 1946 (Karplus) to Nov. 6, 1943 (Greenough). At the present writing the Shoveller occurs more often in the Concord Region than any other section of the state. It might possibly nest, and should be followed with care.

> 33 WOOD DUCK

Aiχ sponsa (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident, abundant in early fall; steadily declining to rare; rapidly increasing after 1920 and restored to its former numbers by 1938. Always a specialty of the Concord Region. 1869. Fifty on April 8; over 200 on October 7 (Brewster) 1871. Common on April 29 (Brewster) 1872. April 3, 24 seen (Brewster) 1886-1910. Marked decrease, becoming rare at Concord (Brewster), very uncommon at Wayland and Sudbury (Maynard) 1938. Fourteen nests between the old stone bridge at Wayland and the north end of the Broad Meadows (Maynard). At least ten more pairs Wayland—Hurd's Pond; one in a tree on lawn in front of Sudbury Town Hall (Griscom). 188

I estimate over 100 nesting pairs in the whole Region 1939. Great reduction (60 per cent) as a result of the hurricane. Every one of Maynard's nesting trees blown down, for instance 1940-1948. Slow increase generally, accelerated at Concord by Mr. Hoar, who puts up nesting boxes on poles in the marsh, which are immediately adopted 1940. 45 in a day around Wayland at the peak of the spring migration (Morgan); 60 at Great Meadows, Concord, in October 1947. 50 on May 28 at Great Meadow, breeding birds (Bolton); 281 there on October 11, and 152 on October 25 (Henry V. Greenough) Spring. February 22, 1895, one shot; March 7, 1924, next earliest; March 19, 1921 and 1927, latest arrival dates in backward seasons (Maynard) Fall. November 18, 1894 (Brewster), November 24, 1940 at Wayland (Scott), December 5, 1944 at Concord (Armstrong). Single birds in every case Winter. One bird December 15, 1937 to January 15, 1938 at Concord (Armstrong).

• 34 < REDHEAD

Nyroca americana (Eyton) Rare vagrant. 1879. One shot in October near Framingham (F. C. Browne) 1900. Flock of six, November 20, two shot (Maynard) 1936-1948. Two spring, four fall records 189

April ι, 1943 (Armstrong) to April 24, 1937 (Stackpole and Taber), pair in each case. October 1879 (Browne) to December 31, 1938, three birds (Maynard) >3 5 < R I N G - N E C K E D DUCK

Nyroca collaris (Donovan) Formerly a very rare vagrant; since 1935, rapidly increasing to the present time, in larger numbers every spring, very few in fall. 1898. One shot in spring and mounted (Maynard) 1929. A drake on March 23 in front of Brewster's old camp (Eaton and Griscom) 1931. A drake on April 17 (Griscom) 1935-1940. In small flocks of 5-10 1940-1945. In flocks of 20-30 1948. At the peak of the flight in late March, 75-100 in a day. March 5, 1946 (Griscom) to May 9, 1944 (Griscom and Hill). October 14, 1946 (Snyder) to October 24, 1943 (F. Elkins). Feb. 19, 1949, a vagrant drake (Stackpole). The only localities where the Ring-neck has occurred in fall are the Ford pond at South Sudbury, and the Great Meadows Refuge at Concord, where it is decreasing, as thick vegetation has left practically no open water. The Ring-neck will be found nesting at any moment, if the present trend continues. A drake lingered at Great Meadows to May 28, 1945; a pair were there on May 28, 1946, and the female was noted in June by C. E. Addy. 190

»· 3 6

*

CANVASBACK

Ν y roca wlisineria

(Wilson)

Rare vagrant on the Sudbury meadows. 1895. One shot at Wayland November 6 (C. J. Paine) 1896. A female shot November 9 (Maynard) 1897. One shot October 15 (Maynard) 1939. A female at Wayland March 4 to April 3 (Morgan and many others) 1943. Four drakes March 21 (Emerson and Griscom) *

37

*

GREATER SCAUP

Nyroca marila (Linnaeus) Formerly occasional in spring on the flooded Broad Meadows, Sudbury; several birds killed examined by Maynard. A flock of nine on April 7, 1939 with other ducks were thought to be this species (Griscom). > 38 « LESSER SCAUP

Nyroca afflnis (Eyton) Formerly of regular occurrence in spring in flocks up to 100; since 1925 much scarcer, with the general decline of this species in the northeast; in flocks of 5 to 26 in flood years only, six times in the past ten years. 191

March 8, 1942 (Curtis and Griscom) to May 6, 1939 (Bergstrom and Griscom) While there are no fall records for either Scaup at Sudbury, Brewster saw small flocks on Fairhaven Bay on two occasions in October, and more recently Miss Frances L. Burnett reports one on the refuge pond at Concord. There is little or no presumption as to the species, and the reader is cautioned not to feel certain that spring Scaup way out on the Broad Meadows are Lessers. *

39

*

AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE

Glaucionetta clangala americana (Bonaparte) Formerly a common transient on the flooded meadows in spring, declining to regular, but uncommon; once more very common, casual in fall; occasional in winter in very mild seasons. 1868-1875. Very common in spring, often in large flocks 1890-1915. A flock of 25 exceptional 1930-1948. Rapidly increasing, in flocks of 125-250 February 25, 1939, 68 birds (Eaton and Griscom) to May 24, 1917 (Brewster). Early March to late April; only four May records. Only three fall records; one to four birds in winters with open water near the bridges The increase of the Golden-eye is local, due to the decline of hunting, and is not part of any general change in the northeast.

192

> 4o < BUFFLEHEAD

Charitonetta albeola (Linnaeus) Formerly uncommon transient on the flooded meadows, occasional birds in fall killed by gunners; declining to a mere vagrant; now noted nearly every spring, casual in fall for lack of suitable territory. 1875-1910. Only four definite fall records, other birds killed by gunners on at least half a dozen occasions 1935-1948. Occasional in spring, occurring annually since 1945, never more than twelve birds; once in fall March 17, 1946 (Charles H. Blake) to April 25, 1940 (Griscom). October 15, 1897 (Maynard) to December 10, 1897 (Brewster) > 41


43

*

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

Oidemìa deglandi Bonaparte Rare vagrant; shot on two occasions in October, the specimens -examined by Brewster and Maynard respectively; two birds on Sandy Pond, Lincoln, October 11, 1891 (Brewster). > 44 « SURF SCOTER

Otdemia perspicillata (Linnaeus) Rare vagrant; three shot out of a flock of eight on Fairhaven Bay, October 20, 1880 (Brewster); one shot in October 1899 (Maynard); one shot on Bateman's Pond, near Middlesex School on October 14,1904 and given to Reginald Heber Howe. >· 45 * RUDDY DUCK

Erismatura jamaicensis rubida Wilson Rare fall vagrant throughout the historic era, no suitable ponds; only seven records, only once a flock of 14. September 20,1942 (Morgan) to December 8, 1946 (Bolton)

194

> 46


77 * * PURPLE GALLINULE

lonornis martinica (Linnaeus) Rare vagrant from the south. 1902. Great Meadows, Concord. A strange bird, calling steadily on the nights of May 31 and June 1, was unknown to Brewster, but was identified by Gerald H. Thayer as this species. Having read the detailed account in the Journal, I have no doubt of the identification 1946. One discovered on the Wild Life Refuge by C. E. Addy on June 8; it remained all summer, and was last seen on July 31 > 78 * FLORIDA GALLINULE

Gallínula chloropus cachtnnans Bangs Rare and irregular summer resident; regular transient in fall on the Sudbury meadows, shot annually in gunning days. 214

April 20, 1898 (Maynard) to summer September 10, 1878 (Outram Bangs) to November 2, 1898 (Maynard) The Gallinule was found nesting at Wayland by Faxon and Brewster in 1888, 1890, probably in 1895, definitely in 1900, and possibly in 1906. The locality was on the Sudbury River just below the old stone bridge, when the marshes were favorable for Least Bitterns and a large colony of marsh wrens, conditions long since changed for the worse. In recent years a pair of gallinules has occasionally nested in the bay of marshes just north of the Hurd's Pond woods. In this whole area the bird is bound to be erratic as there is usually not enough water and too much grass for years at a time. The damming of Great Meadow, Concord, created an ideal habitat, and one or two pairs now breed. > 79 * AMERICAN COOT

Fúlica americana americana Gmelin A regular transient in fall to the Sudbury meadows in very small numbers, shot annually in gunning days; an 'occasional bird in spring. Slight increase in the past ten years, reflecting a general increase in the northeast. March 16, 1946 (Griscom) to April 25, 1856 (Thoreau); casual June 1, 1900 (Brewster) September 9, 1892 (Brewster) to November 22, 1938 (Griscom) "5

On October 30, 1938 we found a flock of 42 coot on the Wild Life Refuge, and six birds elsewhere. This is the maximum number ever reported locally, and proves how poor a locality the Concord Region is. 80 SEMIPALMATED PLOVER; RING-NECK

Charadrius hiaticula semipalmcttus Bonaparte Occasionally alighting on migration in fall, very rarely in spring; regular at sewage disposal plants, and heard flying over at night. Several times in late May; August 4, 1938 (Bergstrom and Morgan) to September 20, 1942 (Morgan) During the ideal conditions of 1938 the Ring-neck was almost common on the Sudbury meadows, and was present for a month in flocks up to 25. > 81

*

KILLDEER

Oxyechus vociferus vociferus (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident; a rare vagrant for over half a century; once more common. March 4, 1946 (Morgan) to late November (Maynard) 1888. One shot in late November during the famous flight which deluged New England after a southern cyclonic storm (Maynard) 1899. One flying by April 9 (F. Hosmer, reporting to Brewster) 216

içi2. One on April 15 (Brewster's only personal record from 1868 on) 1919. T w o on March 29 (Smith Owen Dexter) 1921. One on April 3 (Maynard) 1931-1939. A summer resident, increasing to 20-25 pairs. 1940-1948. Decimated by winter mortality, 75 per cent loss; increasing but not yet as numerous as in 1939. October flocks up to 32 reported (Greenough) > 82 GOLDEN PLOVER

Pluvialis dominica dominica Müller) Rare fall transient, heard flying over, occasionally alighting on the Sudbury meadows in favorable conditions and shot in the gunning days; specimens collected on three occasions (Maynard). A t least 11 records, September 4, 1913 to October 22, 1911 (Brewster). Flock of 25 September 8-10, 1938 (Professor Eliot, Kraus, and many others) * 83 « BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER

Squa.ta.rola squatarola (Linnaeus) Rare fall transient, alighting in favorable conditions; casual in spring. Flock of four at Bedford May 24, 1940 (Qemensson) Numerous records, August 22, 1946 (Bergstrom) to October 28, 1897 (Brewster) 217

84 < RUDDY TURNSTONE

Arenaria interpres morinella (Linnaeus) Rare fall transient, single birds alighting every fall with favorable conditions (Maynard); the only recent record, August 30, 1938 (Bergstrom). > 85 « WOODCOCK

Philohela minor (Gmelin) Formerly abundant summer resident, in spectacular flights in fall; now pathetically reduced; rare and local breeder, a dozen birds in fall constituting a flight. February 22, 1938 (Maynard) to December 17, 1856 (Thoreau) 1870. Thirteen killed on October 25 (Brewster) 1871. Thirteen killed September 21; heavy flight October 19 and 20 (Brewster) 1874. "Abundant summer resident, 10-12 birds jumped daily all summer"; 11 shot September 24, 8 on October 4; 8 on October 5; 21 on October 15; 6 on November 10 1875. Poor season, the best day 10 on September 24 1876. A great flight on October 15 after a snowstorm, hundreds killed around Concord; 13 shot on the 16th; poor season thereafter 1880. Poor season 1881. The main flight October 10-27, 4 1 killed by one man 1892. Heavy fall flight 218

1893· Heavy fall flight 1894. "Tremendous" flight around Framingham November i l , over 1000 birds reported killed; very poor season at Concord from October 10 to November 21 1892, 1895, 1899. Heavy winter losses in the south, particularly in 1899 1904. Seven nesting pairs located between Concord and Ball Hill 1900-1918. No fall flights reported (Brewster) 1907. Breeding birds suffer severely in the cold May and June 1930-1939. Slight increase of breeding birds with a series of favorable years, a shortened open season, reduced bag limits and gunning pressure 1940. Terrible winter mortality in the south; 60 per cent reduction in breeding birds throughout eastern Massachusetts 1941-1948. A very slight local increase, poorer than elsewhere in eastern Massachusetts Dr. Maynard tells me that in his active gunning years around Wayland and Sudbury he never shot more than 15 in a day. There is nothing the matter with the Concord Region, which could easily support ten times as many breeding Woodcock as it does. The modern technique of night cruising in mid-April has often been tried locally but no party has ever succeeded in getting half a dozen birds a night in the Sudbury Valley. There just are not enough Woodcock.

219

>8 6 < WILSON'S SNIPE

Capello, delicata (Ord) Always a summer resident in the Sudbury meadows; formerly an abundant transient with favorable conditions, particularly in fall; steady decline with overshooting; status questionable at the present time. 1869. Flight fails completely; conditions apparently perfect 1870. A dozen birds started daily in mid-April; meadows all dried up in fall, and flight a failure 1871. Heavy spring flight, the best in years; 11 on April 20, 40 on the 22nd, over 100 on May 1 1872. "Fair" spring flight; 12 on April 25, 30 on May 7 1875. Very backward spring, a "fair" flight on May 8 1876. "Fair" fall flight 1881. "Fair" fall flight 1896. "More numerous in fall than for 20 years" (Brewster) 1901, 1902, 1905, 1911. "Good" fall flights (Brewster) 1913. Big flight on October 1; a great flight on October 12, 204 birds jumped by George Holden on Great Meadow 1922. Ideal conditions on the Sudbury meadows; a heavy fall flight, over 1000 birds killed. Dr. Maynard gets his best record, over 200 birds started, 31 shot in a day 1890-1922. No evidence of any real decline I am at a loss to understand why the regular breeding of the Snipe in eastern Massachusetts has never gotten into the literature. Brewster found at least three pairs nesting on Great Meadow, Concord in 1879, and actually saw six birds on July 4. Dr. Maynard has found the Snipe present 220

all summer on the Broad Meadows, Sudbury since 1890. While a boy his uncle caught a brood of downy young alive, and later Maynard found the nest and eggs himself. Any party today with the energy to flounder a mile or more over the meadows and remain out on the edge of the river until dusk will hear and see Snipe in June and July except in dry years. (Nine flushed on July 24, 1948, Morgan.) In the last twenty years the Snipe has bred regularly (one to three pairs) in Rock Meadow, Belmont, and various places in the general area of the Newburyport Common Pastures in Essex County, except in dry years. Its occasional nesting at two other localities in Essex County is suspected. As may be understood from the foregoing account, any judgment as to real population declines in the Snipe must take into account the presence or absence of favorable local conditions. The Snipe always appears to decline in dry years or in cycles of dry years. Thus it was very scarce in the Concord Region all during the 1930's and everyone talked about how scarce it was, compared to the "old" days. Proof of a real decline is subject to the following considerations: (1) the regular mowing of the meadows up to 1910 created conditions favorable for snipe; (2) with the abandonment of mowing, the meadows became dry and choked with grass, and a lack of snipe proved nothing; (3) the scarcity of the snipe during the 1930's was correlated with a series of particularly dry warm falls; (4) ideal conditions, caused by heavy rains rotting the grass, produced a record flight in 1922 after years of complaints; (5) hunting for snipe requires hard work and special effort, and the modern bird-lister does not do it. The Snipe population crashed badly in 1940 with heavy 221

winter losses in the south, resulting in a closed season. It has unquestionably increased since, but locally the question arises, how much? Unfortunately this cannot be determined until a fall once more comes round, when conditions for snipe are ideal; they have been consistently hopeless since 1940. March 15, 1946 (Armstrong) to breeding birds normally arrive September 2, 1893 (Brewster) (Maynard), earliest date for a

May 26, 1900 (Brewster), last week of March to late November, 1938 flock of transients April 7

* 87 « HUDSONIAN CURLEW

Phaeopus hudsonicus Latham Casual on migration; one seen flying over, July 21, 1901 (Brewster); one shot at Wayland, September 20, 1902 (J. P. Paine). * 88 « UPLAND PLOVER; BARTRAMIAN SANDPIPER

Bartramia longicauda (Bechstein) Formerly a summer resident; then a rare spring, regular fall transient, becoming very rare; once more an occasional bird on migration. April 26, 1871 (Brewster) to May 6, 1905 (Brewster) Summer formerly July 15, 1903 (Brewster) to September 16, 1893 (Brewster) 222

1886. Six fall records of alighted birds at Concord (Brewster) 1890-1900. Four spring, seven fall records of alighted birds (Brewster); frequently heard passing over the Sudbury meadows in fall, chiefly at sunset (Maynard) 1900-1917. Rarely heard flying over (Brewster) 1935-194J. Four records of birds alighted, Nine Acre Corner, and fields near Round Hill, Sudbury (Maynard, Griscom) Extirpated as a breeding bird at Concord after 1871 (Brewster). An occasional pair nested on the farm of Daniel Sherman in Lincoln in the 1890's, one shot (Maynard). * 89 * SPOTTED SANDPIPER

Actitis macularia (Linnaeus) Formerly a common breeder, and very common transient; now rare and local in summer, uncommon on migration. April 18, 1942 (Armstrong) to September 21, 1941 (Groton Bird Club); chiefly early May to late August 1886. June and July, 6 to 10 daily 1887. Up to 15 per day in May (Brewster) 1891. Four pairs nesting, Concord—Ball Hill; 12 pairs along the river, Concord—Wayland (Brewster) 1900. Eighteen on May 17 (Brewster) 1901-1917. At most 6-7 birds per spring (Brewster) 1928-1948. At most 6 nesting pairs over the territory of 1891; status of transients as in 1901-1917 223

The sharp decrease of the Spotted Sandpiper in the last 75 years in the whole of eastern Massachusetts is an event for which I have no explanation to offer. It is most marked along the coast. Only in exceptional years like August, 1938 can one see a fair number (6) in a day. I doubt if a careful census could produce more than 25 pairs in the whole region in any average year. > 90 * E A S T E R N SOLITARY SANDPIPER

Tringa solitaria solitaria Wilson Formerly an abundant transient, now usually very uncommon, sometimes unrecorded in spring. April 28, 1938 (Armstrong) to May 31, 1943 (Armstrong) July 10, 1940 (Reynolds) to October 9, 1904 (Forbush) 1868-1874. "Abundant" (Brewster) 1887. Average of 12 per day throughout spring (Brewster) 1899. Forty-eight seen in May (Brewster) 1900-1918. The best springs, six to seven birds per season (Brewster) 1928-1947. None to six birds per spring Unfortunately comparable fall data are lacking, when it is more numerous. The maximum in recent years is 15 in a day. There was a marked "flight" in the spring of 1948; I personally saw 28 in four trips over Route 3, and could notice no advantageous change in the suitable localities.

224

> 91 < * WESTERN W I L L E T

Catoptrophorus semipalmatus inornatus Brewster Casual vagrant; one on August 20, 1921 (E. F. Baird); one on September 30, 1945 (Armstrong). > 92 « GREATER YELLOWLEGS

Totanus melanoleucus (Gmelin) Regular transient to sewage disposal plants and the river meadows; in some numbers in very favorable years, small flocks instead of stray birds. March 25, 1945 (Bigelow) to June 1, 1912 (Brewster) August i l , 1887 (Brewster) to November 4, 1897 (Brewster) > 93 < LESSER YELLOWLEGS

Totanus flavipes (Gmelin) A transient, regular in fall, in favorable years in flocks of 100 or more; formerly casual in spring, now regular in small numbers. Much more numerous in the last 25 years. 1887. May 23 (Brewster) 1899. May 18 (Brewster) 1921 on. Annually in spring, several collected (Maynard) May 4, 1937 (Eaton, Griscom) to May 23, 1887 (Brewster) Late July to October 16, 1938 (Griscom)

«5

* 94 * * AMERICAN KNOT; ROBIN SNIPE

Calidris canutus rufus (Wilson) Casual, three at Wayland August 8, 1938 (Maynard) > 95 < PECTORAL SANDPIPER

Pisobia melanonota (Vieillot) A transient; very rare in spring; regular in fall on the meadows, common when they were mowed, but now only in favorable years; regular at sewage disposal plants; sometimes in flocks up to 50. April 17, 1943 (Armstrong) and May 14,1940 (Clemensson) August 2, 1938 (Garrison) to October 30, 1938 (Eaton, Griscom) 96 ^ WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER

Pisobia fuscicollis (Vieillot) Regular fall visitor to the sewage disposal plants; recorded on the meadows only in exceptional years, such as 1938 and 1948. August 7, 1948 (Morgan) to October 15, 1938 (Kraus)

226

> 97

*

BAIRD'S SANDPIPER

Pisobia bairdi (Coues) Once at Framingham sewer beds, August 27-30, 1938 (Dr. and Mrs. Tousey, and many others); one collected September 2, 1930, on the Broad Meadows, Sudbury (Maynard). > 98 * LEAST SANDPIPER

Pisobia minutilla (Vieillot) Regular transient, common in flocks up to 100 in favorable years. May 4, 1946 (Morgan) to May 27, 1911 (Brewster) July ι, 1939 (Eaton) to October 11, 1941 (Griscom) »· 99 < RED-BACKED SANDPIPER; DUNLIN

Pelidna alpina sakhalina (Vieillot) Casual on migration; flock of 15 on October 12, 1897 (C. J. Paine); three other records of single birds, September 25 to October 17. »· IOO LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER

himnodromus griseus scolopaceus (Say) Regular in fall at the sewer beds, in flocks up to ten; 227

casual on the meadows; one shot in late September 1899 (Maynard); a dowitcher seen on May 13, 1939, subspecies unknown (Frances Elkins). August 24, 1938 (Kraus) to September 18, 1938 (Kraus) »· 1 0 1


- 102 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER

Ereunetes pusillus (Linnaeus) Very rare in spring; occasionally common on the meadows in fall in flocks up to 200; common at the sewer beds. May (2 records); late July to October 12, 1935 (Griscom) > 103 *WESTERN SANDPIPER

Ereunetes mauri Cabanis Regular at the Framingham sewer beds in late August and early September, as many as ten in a day.

228

»• I04 < *BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER

Tryngites subruficollis (Vieillot) Twice at the Framingham sewer beds, September 16, 1933 (Eliot) and September 5, 1941 (Eliot and Kraus). > 105 < SANDERLING

Crocethia alba (Pallas) Casual; flock of nine on the shore of Hurd's Pond, early November, 1898 (Maynard); two on September 20, 1910 (Brewster). »• 106 < RED PHALAROPE

Phalaropus fulicarius (Linnaeus) Casual; one shot October 9, 1896 (Maynard and C. J. Paine); two on the Great Meadows Refuge May 26, 1940 after a severe gale (Samuel Hoar). > 107

*

WILSON'S PHALAROPE

Steganopus tricolor Vieillot Rare fall transient; one killed at South Sudbury and mounted by John Goulding sometime prior to 1890 (specimen examined by Maynard); one shot at Sudbury in 1890 by Alvin Morse; one at the Framingham sewer beds, August 27 to September 1, 1938 (Dr. and Mrs. Tousey, Eliot, Kraus, 229

Griscom, Garrison, etc.); another at Wayland, August 30, 1942 (Morgan). > 108 NORTHERN PHALAROPE

Lobipes lobatus (Linnaeus) Casual; one shot at Sudbury in the fall of 1886 by N. Brown (Morse, Birds of Wellesley); one on Hurd's Pond Qctober 5, 1907 (C. J. Maynard and J. L. Peters). 109 * *GLAUCOUS GULL

Larus hyperboreus Gunnerus An immature on the ice in the Broad Meadows, Sudbury March 8, 1947, discovered by Richard Stackpole, and shown to Griscom and several others. 110 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL

Larus martnus Linnaeus First recorded in early April 1918 (Maynard); seen occasionally in early spring from 1928 on, and now showing distinct signs of becoming regular. All birds seen fully adult. >

in

AMERICAN HERRING GULL

Larus argentatus smithsonianus Coues Always a regular transient in early spring; in recent years 230

common on thefloodedmeadows in large flocks (up to 100); now occasionally wandering inland as far as the Sudbury Valley in winter and summer; very rare in fall. March i, 1939 (Garrison) to May 24, 1941 (Griscom) September 5,1905 (Forbush) to November 3,1910 (Brewster) >· 1 1 2 < *BONAPARTE'S GULL

Larus Philadelphia (Ord) Casual on the flooded Sudbury meadows; one on April 15, 1939 (Griscom et al.); two on April 12, 1947 (Charlotte L. Smith). > 113


• 1 1 4 < BLACK TERN

Chlidonias nigra surinamensis (Gmelin) Formerly casual; of frequent occurrence in recent years, particularly in spring, a trend throughout the northeast. 1889. Two seen at Wayland and one shot June 6 (C. J. 231

Maynard), presumably the survivor shot on June 20 (H. D. Eastman) 1940 on. Seven spring, three fall records May il, 1943 (Griscom) to June 20; August 13, 1940 (Harris and Smith) to October 2, 1948 (Morgan) »· 1 1 5 < BRUNNICH'S MURRE

Uria lomvia lomvia (Linnaeus) Casual, recorded only in the historic inland invasion of 1899; one shot on Fairhaven Bay in late October by one Ed. Garfield; this bird examined, measured, described, and the head and bill drawn by S. H. Holden, a correspondent of Brewster's. 116 < DOVEKIE

Alle alle (Linnaeus) Casual after severe northeast gales; one shot at Wayland after the great storm of November 10-11, i860 by one Bradshaw (Thoreau); flocks in the river November 15-19, 1871 (Brewster) ; one in a field on the Cutting Farm November 15, and another in the river on November 16, 1932 (Maynard). »· 1x7 < *ROCK DOVE; DOMESTIC PIGEON

Columba lima Linnaeus Now feral at Wayland and Concord, occasionally visiting rural areas. 23*

ν 118 < E A S T E R N MOURNING DOVE

Ζenaidura macroura. carolinensis (Linnaeus) A summer resident of very variable status, depending upon winter mortality and shooting pressure in the south; odd birds or small flocks frequently lingering into January, but never as yet surviving through February. March 17, 1945 (Griscom) to winter 1835-1860. Well known to Thoreau, but exact numbers speculative 1886. Only four pairs located (Brewster) 1889-1903. Very uncommon; local scattered pairs, except in 1897, when there were six pairs on October Farm alone. 1905-1907. Three times as many 1908-1918. Steady decline 1928-1935. Rare and local, chiefly in sandy areas 1935-1945. Steady increase; now fairly common throughout the area. Flock of 74 in early November 1939 at Sudbury (Maynard). At least a dozen pairs over Route 3. >• 1 1 9 < PASSENGER PIGEON

Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident, spectacularly abundant on migration. March 19, 1854 (Thoreau) to October 7, 1876 (Brewster) 1845-1860. Greatly decreased in Thoreau's time; occasionai

ally seen in spring, a few nesting pairs; flights every September 1871. The last heavy flights on September 2 and 10 (Brewster) 1879. Last probable nesting pair, July 29 (Brewster) 1886. Last specimen shot in August (Brewster) > 120 < YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO

Coccyzus americanus americanus (Linnaeus) Inexplicably erratic summer resident, usually rare to uncommon, occasionally absent, at long intervals common. May 6, 1942 (Armstrong) to September 23, 1939 (Miss Snow and Howes) 1870. "Scarce" (Brewster) 1875. Practically none (Brewster) 1876. Abundant on May 23; generally common around Boston that year (Brewster) 1892. "Very common," far more so than the Black-billed; six to eight in every morning's walk through June (Brewster) 1893-1894. Generally common 1896-1897. Absent 1898. Common, a caterpillar year 1903. Absent 1943-1946. Fairly common; average of six pairs per season over Route 3 in Sudbury; two to three pairs around Hurd's Pond (Griscom et al.) 1948. Absent, no caterpillars

234

>

121


122

*

BAHN OWL

Τ y to alba pratíncola (Bonaparte) One astonishing breeding record; pair of adults and newly hatched young found in a barn at Concord on November 19, 1945 (Armstrong). The greatest care was taken not to disturb them, but the whole family was found frozen to death on December 8 after the blizzard and zero weather. 23s

This owl began moving northward about 30 years ago, appearing first at Hartford, Connecticut, and later at Springfield and on the island of Martha's Vineyard, where it is permanently established. Since 1940 it has occasionally been found near Boston, and while it has raised young successfully three years in succession at Cambridge, cannot survive the winter, and has as yet failed to acquire the necessary migratory habits. Like the Carolina Wren, therefore, northward wandering birds become resident when established, and are killed back by severe winters. The present trend may be expected to be temporary only. The reason why it is apparently unique is easily explained by the greatly increased number of observers and the modern general interest in birds. In former days owners of barns, etc., shot the owls and said nothing; now they do not, and report them. > 123 E A S T E R N SCREECH OWL

Otus asio naevius (Gmelin) Fairly common resident; marked decrease after the hurricane of 1938, one or two birds per night trip in the Sudbury Valley instead of four to six. Local field work inadequate. > 124 GREAT HORNED OWL

Bubo virginianus virginianus (Gmelin) Presumably relatively common in former times, steadily decreasing with lumbering and persecution. In recent decades accepting the wrecked woodlands near civilization more 236

and more, the number of resident pairs conditioned by the food supply. Brewster knew of six pairs in the first decade of the century. The localities of all but one of these were subsequently destroyed. There might be a total of six pairs again today. > 125

*

AMERICAN HAWK OWL

Surnia ulula caparoch (Muller) Very rare winter vagrant from the north; one captured near Framingham in January i860 and kept in captivity until the spring of 1861 (F. C. Browne); one caught in a trap at Lake Waiden in February 1907, as reported by Reginald Heber Howe. No local field work in the last flight year of 1884. > 126 SNOWY OWL

Nyctea nyctea (Linnaeus) Irregular visitor in big flight years only, the records chiefly of transients in late fall. There were numerous birds in the flight of 1945-1946, and five spent the winter, thanks to the decline of persecution. Early November to May 1, 1946 (Bolton) 127

*

NORTHERN BARRED OWL

Strix varia varia Barton Always a rare resident. Brewster knew of only two pairs

237

near Concord (only one in recent decades) and I know of only two at the Wayland and Sudbury end of the valley. The local field work is woefully inadequate. ν 128 < GREAT GRAY OWL

Scotiaptex nebulosa nebulosa (J. R. Forster) Very rare winter visitor; one shot in the Hoar woods in December 1906 as reported by Reginald Heber Howe; one shot in Sudbury in 1910 by Nelson Howe, in collection of John Goulding of Sudbury, examined by Maynard. > 129 < LONG-EARED OWL

Asio wilsonianus (Lesson) Overlooked as a summer resident; regular transient (late March to mid-April; October and November), apparently really uncommon. The Concord Region contains much ideal country for breeding Long-eared Owls, and I venture the prediction that it will prove the second commonest species. The nest has been found only twice, by pure chance, at Carlisle in 1886 and near Pulpit Rock in 1906 (Brewster). There are, however, numerous midsummer records of birds seen or heard at dusk and on moonlit nights in every part of the Region. Birds hunting over the river meadows are reported as Short-eared Owls by inexperienced observers, unaware that marked flight characteristics instantly separate the two 238

>- 1 3 0 < SHORT-EARED OWL

Asio flammeus flammeus (Pontoppidan) Formerly a regular transient, very rare in the present century, some signs of an increase since 1940. September 13, 1910 (R. A. Gilbert) to December 8, 1853 (Thoreau) * 131


134 * EASTERN NIGHTHAWK

Chordeiles minor minor (J. R. Forster) Steadily decreasing; formerly a common summer resident, last nesting in 1887; a regular transient, formerly common, now in very small numbers. May 8, 1944 (Armstrong) to June 15, 1907 (Brewster) August 12, 1904 (Forbush) to September 30, 1892 (B.) 1887. Last nesting pair 1907. Last fall flight in numbers; on September 6, flocks of 14, 18, 75, and 100 passing over the river (Brewster) 1928-1948. Modern observers rarely see an occasional flock of 12 to 15 240

> 135 * CHIMNEY SWIFT

Chaetura pelagica (Linnaeus) Common summer resident. April 20, 1871 (Brewster) to September 30, 1907 (H. W. Henshaw), early May to early September 1877. Over 100 on August 26; flock of several hundred September 13 (Brewster) 1886. Over 100 on August 20 (Brewster) 1900-1902. Peak numbers, over 600 on May 12, 1902 1903-1906. Scarce; severe mortality in June 1903 1948. Great reduction after the cold rains of May and June; careful work by Allen Morgan in Wayland and Sudbury indicates a 60-75 P e r c e n t reduction 136 < RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

Archilochus colubris (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident, "abundant" on migration every August through 1876; steadily declining; now very uncommon breeder, more numerous in August. The spring flight is mainly coastal. May 3, 1944 (Griscom) to September 29, 1918 (Brewster)

241

> 137

*

EASTERN BELTED KINGFISHER

Megaceryle alcyon alcyon (Linnaeus) Formerly uncommon summer resident, more numerous on migration; slowly but steadily declining; once in winter. March 2, 1946 (Karplus) to November 24, 1947 (Cora Wellman) One wintered at the Wayside Inn, 1942-1943 Usually late March to November 1 138 * NORTHERN FLICKER

Colaptes auratus luteus Bangs Common summer resident; more numerous on migration, over 50 on April 13, 1947 (Cottrell); rare in winter, almost never surviving until spring. March 10, 1945 (Griscom) to early November (winter) The Flicker rarely arrives in numbers until early April, and only in very advanced seasons do the first breeding birds appear before late March. Transients are at a peak from April 1 to 15, and again in late September to midOctober. Breeding birds have a population density of 5 to 10 pairs to the square mile in country given over to farms, residences, and estates. The Flicker has been abandoning deep woods for unnumbered decades, in which respect northern birds are in sharp contrast with those in the deep south, where the species steadily increases in abundance as conditions approximating the primeval wilderness are approached. 242

>• 1 3 9


140

*

RED-HEADED WOODPECKER

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

(Linnaeus)

V e r y rare visitor; one at Concord on May 21, 1896 (Wm. B. Bartlett); one at a feeder January 7-12, 1946 (Lottie M. Smith). >· 1 4 1 YELLOW-BELLIED

Sphyrapicus

< SAPSUCKER

varius varius (Linnaeus)

Rare spring, uncommon fall, transient. Much less frequent than nearer Boston. Declining. April 6, 1909 (Brewster) to May 17, 1914 (Brewster) September 27, 1910 (Brewster) to November 14, 1947 (Clemensson)

243

I897-I9 1 ?· Nine spring records in 20 years; once, ten birds in one fall 1928-1948. Two spring records; not reported every fall > 142 EASTERN HAIRY WOODPECKER

Dryobates villosus villosus (Linnaeus) Formerly a common resident, steadily declining with the wrecking of the woodlands. Now rare and local, unmated birds often seen wandering about in the breeding season. 1900-1910. Concord—Ball's Hill, eight to ten pairs, decreasing to two thereafter 1928-1948. At most four pairs Routes 3 and 4 combined > 143

*

NELSON'S DOWNY WOODPECKER

Dryobates pubescens neis ont Oberholser A winter visitor of unknown status; one collected April 12, 1888 and later identified as this subspecies by Outram Bangs. >

144

NORTHERN DOWNY WOODPECKER

Dryobates pubescens medianus (Swainson) Formerly very common resident, declining after 1886, and now relatively uncommon. Maximum number in recent years over Route 3, 14 in early April. 244

> 145 * ARCTIC THREE-TOED WOODPECKER

Picoides arcticus (Swainson) Rare winter visitor from the north; two birds shot on October 8, i860; one shot at Sudbury December 16, 1893 (A. W. Morse); several records during the cycle of years it came south regularly, as far as New Jersey, all by Dr. Maynard. 1923. 1924. 1925. 1926.

Three on December 29 along Water Row, Sudbury One there during January One in late November One on December 12 > 146 < KINGBIRD

Tyrannus tyrannus (Linnaeus) Formerly a very common summer resident, definitely declining 1895 on. No marked fall flight. April 30, 1947 (F. Elkins and Griscom) to September 18, 1875 (Brewster). May 6 to September 1; strays on April 9 and 13,1945 at Bedford and Carlisle after a gulf cyclonic storm 1870. Six nests along one mile of river June 6 (Brewster) 1886. Fifty on May 24 1887. Fifty around Concord June 6 and 7 1890. Thirty between Concord and Wayland May 30; 40 around Wayland June 1 (Brewster and Faxon) 1900-1917. Only half as common as in earlier decades

245

1928-1948. No change; perhaps 20 around Wayland; 10-15 over Route 3 > 147 < * ARKANSAS KINGBIRD

Tyrannus verticalis Say Very rare fall transient; one on October 10, 1940 (Morgan), the year it reached peak numbers on the coast. > 148 < NORTHERN CRESTED FLYCATCHER

Myiarchus crinitus boreus Bangs A summer resident varying from (1) rare to (2) uncommon to (3) rare to (4) uncommon. May 3, 1905 (Brewster) to September 8, 1907 (Forbush) 1868-1874. Rare and local (Brewster) 1886. T w o pairs at Concord 1889. Three pairs 1890. None to be found at Wayland and Sudbury (Walter Faxon and Bradford Torrey) 1900-1906. Concord, three to four pairs 1907. Only two pairs 1927-1935. An occasional pair in Wayland and Sudbury 1940-1948. Increase to six pairs per season V 149 ·< PHOEBE

Sayornis phoebe (Latham) An uncommon summer resident, more numerous on migration; formerly more numerous. 246

March 9, 1946 (Whitcomb) to November 29, 1943 (Armstrong), late March to October 15 1876. "Numbers" in a flight on September 29 (Brewster) 1890. Ten between Concord and Wayland on May 30. 1940. Fifty per cent decrease after winter mortality in the south 1928-1948. Most exceptional to see over a dozen in a trip over Route 3 in migration 150 « YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER

Empidonax flaviventris ( W . M. and S. F. Baird) Since 1886 at least, much less common than nearer Boston; a transient, now rare in spring, only one fall record. May 21, 1915 to June 9, 1907; Sept. 5, 1914 (all Brewster) 1876. "Abundant" on May 23 (Brewster) 1900-1917. Eleven birds in 18 years 1928-1948. N o change > 151 ALDER FLYCATCHER

Empidonax trailli trailli (Audubon) Very rare transient in spring; Brewster had six records in his lifetime. Found breeding regularly in a large alder swamp at South Sudbury (one to three pairs) in recent decades. This locality abandoned in 1945, when the species virtually disappeared from the whole of eastern Massachusetts. May 18, 1900 to June 5, 1917 (Brewster) 247

152


· l51


156 * NORTHERN HORNED LARK

Otocoris alpestris alpestris (Linnaeus) A regular transient on the sandy fields of the area in spring and fall in small numbers; occasional late winter flocks after heavy snow in the interior of the country. 249

March 5, 1939 (Griscom) to April 27, 1935 (Eaton and Griscom) October 22, 1916 (Brewster) to December 4, 1939 (Griscom) V 157

«

PRAIRIE HORNED LARK

Otocoris alpestris praticola Henshaw Very local summer resident, occasional flocks in early spring. February 19,1949 (Morgan et al.) to July 5,1869 (Brewster) Brewster opposed the prevailing notion that this lark began invading the east in the late nineties, because of his early record given above. There is no doubt that the invasion gained momentum at this time, and has greatly accelerated in the past twenty years. This subspecies was next seen in the Concord Region in late February 1919 by Dr. Maynard, who collected specimens. It is so early a migrant that it often collides with flocks of "late winter" larks of the other two subspecies, especially when they alight in areas where one or more pairs of praticola breed. While it is a simple matter to spot larks with white throats and white superciliaries as such, the question arises, which subspecies are they? Only the free use of a gun can settle it. The breeding population of praticola in the Concord Region is limited to the eight favorable stations in the territory so far as known. Grass or cultivation has spoiled several in the last six years. No such thing as a flock of migrating praticola has yet been proved to occur in Massachusetts, 250

though I do not deny it, and deem it highly probable, should the bird continue to increase. In the meantime all flocks of larks with white throats and superciliaries seen in winter before late February (the earliest spring arrival of praticola) have proved to be hoy ti when collected. It is therefore, quite possible that a flock of 16 such birds, seen by Miss Armstrong on January 16-17, *945 a t Concord, may have been hoy ti. > 158 < TREE SWALLOW

Iridoprocne bicolor (Vieillot) Common summer resident, abundant on migration; irregularly reduced to rare and local by spring snowstorms, cold rainy spells, and above all by winter mortality in the south; rapidly recovering in two to five years. Never in the great numbers of the coastal migration. March 11, 1945 (F. Elkins) to October 19, 1878 (Bangs), late March to September 15 1878. An immense migration on October 16, over 3000 (Brewster) 1942. Over 2000 on April 8, 1942 (Morgan) 1948. Many thousands in early August in a roost at the Great Meadows Refuge (Eaton) >· 159 BANK SWALLOW

Riparia riparia riparia (Linnaeus) Usually one to several breeding colonies a season, suit2JI

able sites constantly appearing and deteriorating in three to seven years. The largest at present known contained 128 nests in 1948 (Morgan). Regular on migration in spring, rarely noted in fall. April 12, 1947 (Nash) to September 7, 1916 (Brewster), May ι to July 15 In the great spring flight of 1945, 250 Bank Swallows were counted over the river meadows on May 19. Brewster on several occasions saw 100 in a day in May, and once over 200 at Fairhaven Bay on July 11, 1886. 160 < *ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW

Stelgidopteryx ruficollis serripennis (Audubon) A summer resident, first found in 1936, rapidly increasing and now small flocks of transients in spring. April 13, 1946 (Frances Burnett) to July 4, 1943 (Bolton) By 1943 there were six to eight pairs in the Region, and in 1945 two flocks of 14 transients each were seen with other swallows over the river meadows. >· 1 6 1 ·« BARN SWALLOW

Hirundo erythrogaster Boddaert Formerly very common, now only moderately common summer resident; very common on migration, up to 600 in a day in May 1945 and 500 in early August. 252

April 5 (Oliver Κ. Scott) to September 26, 1915 (Brewster), April 15 to September 1 162 NORTHERN CLIFF SWALLOW

Fetrochelidon albijrons albifrons Rafinesque Formerly a very common summer resident, numerous large colonies throughout the Region; rapidly decreasing with the rise of the House Sparrow, and extirpated by 1914; a general increase in the early 1930's, but all colonies prove temporary and impermanent. April 15, 1947 (A. Cottrell) to September 13, 1877 (Brewster) 1886. Very common; numerous colonies 1890. One hundred between Concord and Wayland on May 30; at Wayland on May 31 and June 1 Brewster and Faxon see 400 and 100; they visit a large barn and count 115 occupied nests and watch the House Sparrows killing the young 1892. Flock of 40 migrating south July 14 1900-1914. Rapid decrease to none 1916-1918. T w o small colonies 1928-1930. Two or three small colonies; very uncommon transient in spring, a rare straggler in fall 1935-1945. Marked increase, many small colonies appear here and there, one in a barn at Sudbury builds up to 50 pairs, but is finally put out of business by House Sparrows. Transients increase in spring, up to 120 a day in 1945.

253

The Cliff Swallow is having a hard time of it in eastern Massachusetts. There are fewer barns, those that remain are always being repainted, and the House Sparrow is positively attracted, arriving from goodness knows where shortly after the colony is well started. >• 163 ^ PURPLE MARTIN

Progne subis subis (Linnaeus) Formerly abundant summer resident in every town, decreasing after 1885, and extirpated by the cold rains of June 1903; since then a very rare transient, becoming regular in spring in recent years. April 10, 1903 to September 7, 1892 (Brewster) 1886. Flock of 21 migrating south over the Lincoln woods July 30 (B.) 1900. 330 over the river meadows 1903. Most of the birds killed 1904. Several pairs return to one house in Concord 1911. This colony disappears 1904-1917. An occasional spring transient 1917-1935. Very rare spring transient 1935-194J. Slight increase of transients, up to 6 to 10 per spring 164 * BLUE JAY

Cyanocitta cristata cristata (Linnaeus) Formerly common resident, more numerous on migration; now uncommon breeder, usually quite rare in winter. 254

1872. February 22 on, marked winter invasion in flocks (Brewster) 1874. Notably commoner in winter at Concord than in the Cambridge Region, because of the more extensive woodlands (Brewster) 1891. April 25, only eight birds between Concord and Wayland (Brewster) 1892. Fifty on September 25 (Brewster) 1908. May 20, "evidently a general arrival from somewhere" (Brewster). The continued deterioration of the country in recent decades near Boston has resulted in dividing the Blue Jay into two populations. One is suburban and strictly resident, chiefly in the estates around settled areas, gathering at the local feeding stations in the winter. In the rural sections of the Concord Region, however, the jay is now very uncommon, and is rare or totally absent in winter, a state of affairs just as true today as it was in 1891. One must go to the unspoiled woodlands of Essex County to find the jay still maintaining its original status of common resident. The other population is now highly migratory, passing northward in spring to more favorable woodlands to breed, and southward in fall to more favorable areas to winter. The countryside is flooded with them from late April to May 20, and again from late September through October. At these seasons 50-75, exceptionally 100 birds, can be seen in a day, passing by overhead. At irregular intervals there have always been winter invasions, invariably after severe cold and heavy snow to the north, but never more than one in any one winter. The last of these was on December *55

28, 1947 w h e n M r . Mazzeo f o u n d 60 in the Sudbury area. T h e whole of eastern Massachusetts was flooded w i t h t h e m f o r nearly a week, after w h i c h the winter population reverted t o normal.

> 165 < EASTERN CROW

Corvus brachyrhynchos brachyrhynchos Brehm U n c o m m o n resident, f o r m e r l y more numerous; always abundant on migration; n o winter roost since 1907. 1886. U n c o m m o n summer resident, less than 20 pairs (Brewster) 1901. January 5, 300 flying to winter roost (Brewster) 1907. January 1, 595 flying t o winter roost (Brewster) 1900-1917. O n l y t w o February records at Concord 1928-1948. Regular in winter in very small numbers near towns and garbage dumps T h e Sudbury Valley is a main highway f o r migrating crows, which constitute a feature of the bird-life of the area. T h e c r o w is the true harbinger of spring, and I have seen a marked flight as early as F e b r u a r y 26, 1944, well before the first Bluebird and Blackbirds that season. T h e spring flight lasts t h r o u g h March. T h e fall flight begins as early as October 18 and continues t h r o u g h N o v e m b e r . I believe that if anyone devoted the entire fall to watching the c r o w flight f r o m a good coign of vantage he would score over 50/300 birds. Brewster recorded fall flocks of over 1000 migrating crows on t w o occasions prior to 1880, only once 256

up to 500 between 1890 and 1900, and the flocks have been much smaller ever since. >· 166 BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE

Parus atricapillus atricapillus Linnaeus Formerly abundant resident, now decidedly uncommon; marked fall flights (October or November) every three or four years, during which 50 to 100 can be seen in a day; some signs of a return flight the next spring in late March and April. 1886. Abundant summer resident in the "great woods," up to 20-50 seen daily in July and August (Brewster) 1900-1917. Uncommon summer resident in the same territory (Brewster) 1928-1948. Perhaps 20 pairs over Route 3, three or four over Route 4. y 167 ·«· ACADIAN CHICKADEE

Parus hudsonicus littoralis Bryant Rare winter visitor from the north, recorded only in years when there are heavy flights of the other species. Three marked flight years in the present century (1913, 1916, 1945); none known or to be surmised in the preceding century. All records by Brewster except one. 1870. October 29 1880. October 7

257

1896. October 31 1913. October 27 to November 6, 11 birds 1916. October 7 to November 3, 8 birds 1946. One at feeder April 11 at South Lincoln (Mrs. Gropius). The small flight arrived in late December 1945 around Boston >· 168 * NORTHERN WHITE-BREASTED

NUTHATCH

Sitta carolinensis carolinensis Latham Inexplicably rare and local resident; regular fall transient, formerly abundant, and wintering commonly. 1868. Very abundant during the autumn, over 100 seen (Brewster) 1886. "One of our rarest birds," only one pair found (Brewster) 1889-1899. Maximum six nesting pairs, Concord to Ball's Hill 1900-1910. Maximum three nesting pairs, Concord to Ball's Hill 1917. None 1892. Last marked October flight 1928-1948. Never more than three pairs over Route 3, or two over Route 4. Notable to see three or four in a day in October I cannot explain the lack of nesting Nuthatches in the whole of eastern Massachusetts. The bird is common enough farther north and in the Connecticut Valley. As the local birds are very tame, occur in estates and wrecked clumps 258

of trees and woodlots, there might just as well be 100 pairs. It is the supply of Nuthatches, not the territory, that appears to be lacking. >· 169 < RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH

Sitta canadensis Linnaeus Irregular visitor from the north, formerly often abundant, and sometimes wintering commonly; now numerous for brief periods only in fall, wintering only at feeders. Definitely southbound from July 22, 1886 on (Brewster), late August to December 1, 1914 (Brewster) March 29, 1909 to late May Casual June 21, 1886 and June 29, 1916 (Brewster) One casual breeding record in 1900 in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery 1896-1897. Wintered commonly for the last time 1914. Eighty-two birds seen during the fall flight The decrease of this Nuthatch in the Concord Region is purely local, due to the deterioration of the country, and is not reflected elsewhere in the state. >· 1 7 0 BROWN CREEPER

Certhia familiaris americana Bonaparte Formerly a very common transient, wintering commonly; now sadly decreased throughout eastern Massachusetts; regular but uncommon in fall, rarely wintering, and often un259

recorded in spring. Stray pairs occasionally linger and breed in maple swamps; the last nest found in 1929. Very numerous in the falls of 1869, 1870, 1874, and 1879, up to ten birds in a day. Wintering commonly (Brewster). Winters through in 1892, 1895, 1896; none after 1900. 1892-1913. Recorded every other spring on the average; maximum of 27 birds in fall 1928-1948. If anything less numerous than in the preceding period. Less common at Concord than elsewhere Nest found on five occasions, 1890-1929, a few other summer records suggesting a possible nesting pair September 12, 1914 (Brewster) to early January March 13, 1938 (Griscom) to May 8, 1944 (Griscom) >

171

EASTERN HOUSE WREN

Troglodytes aedon aëdon Vieillot A summer resident of varying status. 1868-1886. Never seen at Concord; once, a pair in South Lincoln (Brewster) 1895. One on migration 1896. T w o on migration; one pair nests 1899. Two on migration 1908. Pair breeds 1912 on. One to three pairs 1935 on. Rapid increase, now fairly common summer resident, especially in Lincoln and Wayland, as many as 20 in a day over Routes 3 and 4 (May 8, 1945, Frances Elkins) 260

April 13, 1945 (Greenough, at Carlisle) to October 7, 1943 (Griscom). Late April to mid-September > 172 < EASTERN WINTER WREN

Nannus hiemalis hiemalis (Vieillot) A transient, now rare in fall, very rare in spring; formerly more numerous in fall. Only seven spring records, March 14, 1943 (Bolton) to May 25, 1917 (Brewster); September 17, 1913 (Brewster) to December 28, 1947 (Martin K. Bovey) 1876. Over 20 birds in October (Brewster) 1880. Three birds in October (Brewster) 1881. Five birds in October (Brewster) 1889-1899. Twice in spring; 6 birds in fall 1900-1917. Once in spring; 12 times in fall The Winter Wren is much rarer at Concord than nearer the coast, but the bird is much scarcer in eastern Massachusetts than from the Connecticut Valley westward. It has decreased throughout the northeast by about 50 per cent in my lifetime alone. > 173 ^ * CAROLINA WREN

Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham) Rare wanderer from the south; much more frequent near the coast, becoming a local resident and nesting every ten years or so. 261

1943· A male in full song in the Hurd's Pond woods at Wayland (R. C. Curtis, Griscom, Hill) 1944. September 14 to January 14, 1945 at Concord (Bolton) 1947. October 24 to December 1 at feeder (Cora Wellman) * 174 * N E W ENGLAND MARSH WREN

Telmatodytes palustris dissaëptus Bangs A very local summer resident, the colonies fluctuating in size, or coming and going with ecological shifts in the river meadows. May 17, 1898 (Brewster) to October 24, 1943 (Bolton) 1886. The colony at Wayland, first discovered by Bangs in 1877, contains 20 pairs (Brewster) 1887. This colony contains 250 birds (Brewster and Faxon) 1889. This colony contains 25 1890. This colony contains 50 1929. Completely gone; when, unknown (Griscom) 1892. Two pairs appear for the first time at Great Meadows, Concord (Brewster) 1898. Several pairs at Great Meadows, Concord 1900-1917. None there 1940 on. Small colony there, with the construction of a pond 1935-1948. Scattered pairs or small colonies in the meadows around Wayland, never the same number or in the same places two years in succession. Only in 1948, under most favorable conditions, are Marsh Wrens in every known station in any one year 262

* 175

*

SHORT-BILLED MARSH WREN

Cistothorus stellaris (Naumann) Formerly a common summer resident in all sedgy meadows throughout the area, the number of pairs in proportion to the size of the meadow; steadily declining with the meadows growing up to bushes or grass; extirpated after the winter mortality of 1940. April 30, 1939 (Morgan) to October 9, 1875 (Brewster) 1886. Ten pairs in Gulf Meadow, Sudbury; none there 1928 on 1887. Six pairs in Great Meadow, Concord; 1 pair in 1935 on 1887. Eight pairs in Broad Meadows, Sudbury; none there 1928 on 1887. Ten pairs in the Pantry Brook meadow, Sudbury 1890. Fifteen pairs along West Brook, Wayland; none there 1928 on 1928-1939. Three pairs at Pantry Brook (Griscom) 1940. Completely extirpated throughout 1945 on. One pair at Pantry Brook (Griscom) 176 *MOCKINGBIRD

Mimus polyglottes polyglottes

(Linnaeus)

Rare visitor, unknown until the recent New England invasion 1939-1947. Much rarer than on the coast near Boston. Only four records at feeding stations, the birds appear263

ing in early winter and remaining a month or more (numerous observers). January i, 1939 (Clemensson) to April 12, 1947 (Argue, Emery) * *77 * CATBIRD

Dumetella carolinensis (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident, now one of the most abundant birds in eastern Massachusetts. April 29, 1945 (Sherburne) to October 25, 1914 (Brewster) Four records of winter stragglers, none surviving. 1889-1917. Uncommon summer resident, four to eight birds per half-day trip during breeding season, most numerous along the banks of the river originally; more numerous on migration in fall 1928-1948. Completely domesticated; now swarming in every garden and farmyard, as well as all ancestral and earlier habitats. Beginning to enter all cities as a breeding bird. At least 100 pairs over Route 3 1889-1917. No spring flight; 75 between September 13 and October 10, 1911; 84 between September 8 and October 21, 1917 1928-1948. Increasing spring flight, up to 100 in a day in mid-May.

264

>

178

BROWN THRASHER

Toxostoma rttfum (Linnaeus) Formerly an abundant summer resident; now local and uncommon. April 20, 1896 (Brewster) to October 27, 1876 (Brewster). Casual twice in early winter 1886. Abundant summer resident near Concord, 120 seen in May, 20 on May 13 (Brewster). The colony at Lincoln did not exist 1893. A 50 per cent decreased noted, steadily declining 1900-1917. Uncommon and local in the same territory, never more than four pairs located; sometimes unrecorded in fall, no spring flight 1928-1948. A colony in the extensive burned areas between Lincoln and Concord; otherwise rare and local; a marked increase since 1940, now up to ten in a day on a spring flight. The collapse of the Thrasher population of eastern Massachusetts sometime after the early 1890's is a fact locked in Brewster's records and never mentioned by him. It reached peak numbers in the sandy coastal plains of the southeastern part of the state. It was a common breeder on Cape Cod, but is now almost gone. On Martha's Vineyard Brewster counted the incredible number of 450 on one June day in 1890, and it was the most abundant landbird on the island, outnumbering the Robin, Red-wing, and Song Sparrow. Some exceptional mortality must have taken place. Favorable terri265

tory for Thrashers has been greatly increased in recent decades by constant woodcutting. > 179 * EASTERN ROBIN

Turdus rmgratorius migratorius Linnaeus Abundant summer resident and transient; formerly in great summer roosts and common in winter up to 1880; now small flocks rarely reported in winter. March 2, 1902 to December 16, 1897 (Brewster) The Sudbury Valley is a great migratory highway for Robins, and during waves in late March it is a simple matter to see 500 in a day. In backward seasons transients in flocks are passing through until mid-April. The return flight may begin in late September and usually continues into early November at least, but the daily counts are never so large as in spring; indeed a flock of 100 birds seen on October 18, 1908 by Brewster is most exceptional. There is a universal tendency grossly to exaggerate the number of breeding robins. Only in suburban gardens and village centers is the number really substantial. I doubt if 2 y pairs nest in the 300-acre tract around Hurd's Pond. The robin is so completly domesticated that occasional "overflow" pairs on the edges of woodland away from human habitation now attract attention.

2 66

>- ι 8 ο ·< WOOD THRUSH

Hylocichla mustelina (Gmelin) A summer resident of very variable status, at the moment fairly common. May 4, 1938 (Griscom) to October 18, 1908 (Brewster) May 10 to early September 1868-1881. No record 1886. Unaccountably scarce, none in May or June, three located in July (Brewster) 1889. One migrant in May 1890. One migrant in May; a canoe trip May 30 to June 1 up the Sudbury River to Saxonville yields not a single bird 1892. Sudden invasion; at least 20 pairs Concord to Ball's Hill, and seven males can be heard singing at once 1893. Three pairs only in same territory 1895. One migrant in May 1898. One migrant in May 1899. Four pairs 1902. No record 1903. Three pairs 1910-1930. Apparently unrecorded 193 5-1948. Rapid increase throughout eastern Massachusetts; up to i l pairs over Routes 3 and 4, 6 to 10 pairs along Concord River

267

ι8ι

*

EASTERN HERMIT THRUSH

Hylocichla guttata faxoni Bangs and Penard A summer resident in varying numbers; as a transient formerly abundant, now regular in small numbers; one winter record. March 29, 1909 to November 30, 1891 (Brewster) One wintered at a feeder in Bedford in 1940 1869-1881. Very abundant on migration every fall, on one or more days in October in great flights, the country swarming with them (Brewster) 1870. First nest found on June 6 1886-1892. Nesting in South Lincoln, east of Fairhaven Bay 1887. Found nesting at Waiden Pond and White Pond by Walter Faxon 1892. Heavy fall flight; abundant on October 24, common on October 25 1893. Winter mortality inferred; extremely scarce everywhere; only one bird at Concord in spring 1894. Fall, "exceptionally scarce" 1895. Winter mortality in the south proved; only one bird in spring 1895-1897. Much scarcer generally throughout New England 1898. Complete recovery 1899. Winter mortality in the south again 1900-1909. No breeding birds 1910. Eight breeding pairs located 268

içii-iç 1 ?· Maximum counts of transients, 42 in fall, 17 in spring 1930-1935. Rapid increase of breeding birds, up to 25 pairs; very few transients 1940. Severe winter mortality; generally scarce throughout New England; only one breeding pair left 1945-1948. Slight increase in breeding birds and transients. Transients three to four times as numerous near coast as at Concord. The Hermit Thrush has always nested in the Concord Region in scrub growth on hilltops, with scattered pines, both pitch and white, as singing trees, a habitat exceedingly prevalent. Its rapid fluctuations in numbers are remarkable. The breeding birds are clearly an overflow population in good years. 182 < OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH

Hylocichla ustulata swainsoni (Tschudi) Uncommon transient, much less numerous than near Boston. May 5, 1902 to June 4, 1918 August 23, 1903 to October 11, 1906 (all Brewster) In the great majority found in late May and there is something of a on October 4, 1886, 33 1887. Near Boston one a wave.

of years only a few birds can be early October. On rare occasions flight. Thus Brewster saw over 50 in May 1905, and 10 on May 31, can see over 100 in a day during 269

> 183 < GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH

Hylocichla minima aliciae (Baird) A very rare transient, often unrecorded for two or three years in succession; uncommon but regular nearer Boston. May 16, 1900 to June 3, 1900 September 6, 1916 to October 17, 1917 (all Brewster) > 184 * BICKNELL'S THRUSH

Hylocichla minima minima (Fafresnaye) Rare transient, not uncommon nearer Boston. May 5, 1919 to May 28, 1917 September 24, 1913 to October 6, 1900 (all Brewster) Decades of collecting by Brewster and his friends established beyond doubt that Bicknell's is the predominant form in eastern Massachusetts. Actually the larger bird is the intermediate race of Newfoundland and Labrador, as characterized by Wallace. Twice in history, in the springs of 1876 and 1913, there has been a great flight of this species through the northeast, when on certain days it was more numerous than the Olive-backed. Otherwise at Concord notable years were 1886 (9 birds) and 1900 (11). These numbers can be quadrupled near Boston.

270

ν 185 < VEERY

Hylocichla fuscescens fuscescens (Stephens) Common summer resident, suddenly abundant at irregular periods. April 30, 1939 (Garrison) to September 12, 1907 (Brewster) May 10 to late August 1868-1886. Common summer resident, six to eight singing males per day's trip in June; no sign of spring transients (Brewster) 1890. Twelve pairs along river on canoe trip from Concord to Wayland May 30 and 31 (Brewster and Faxon) 1892. A sudden irruption; remarkably abundant, a pair every 200-300 yards along river; 12 males heard singing from one spot 1893. Usual numbers 1898. Another irruption; both years attended with a marked peak of transients 1899. Normal numbers 1945. Another irruption; breeding population triples locally throughout area; 1 6 + pairs over Route 4, instead of normal number of six to eight. General near Boston 1946. Normal numbers In normal years transient Veeries follow the coastal route primarily. I cannot explain the sudden years of abundance, or why they last only one year

271

> 186 « EASTERN BLUEBIRD

Sialia sialis stalls (Linnaeus) Formerly a very common summer resident, abundant on migration; steadily declining since 1900. Subject to spring losses in the north and heavy winter losses in the south. February 24, 1857 (Thoreau) to November 5, 1898 (Brewster). Two midwinter records. Also Feb. 19, 1949 (Eaton) 1868. Arrives March 11; heavy snow and cold March 21, many perish; six inches of snow on April 7, more perishing. 1895. Severe winter mortality; hardly any. 1896. Only four pairs between Belmont and Concord; only six pairs Concord-Wayland (Faxon and Hoffmann) 1898. Recovery 1899. Best fall flight since 1894 1903. Over 50 on March 14 1904. Five pairs at October Farm, 10 pairs Farm to West Bedford; over 100, the season's yield, in late August over this route 1905-1917. Rapid decline 1917-1927. Apparently continued decline 1930. At most 25 pairs in the whole Region; only six over Route 3 1940-1948. Marked increase, the breeding birds more than doubling; 50 on April 21, 1947 (Mazzeo)

272

> 187 < *BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER

Polioptila caerulea caerulea (Linnaeus) A vagrant from the south, unrecorded until the recent New England invasion along the coast. 1945. A male near Hurd's Pond, Wayland, May 12 (Martin Karplus) 1947. A male at Concord, April 12 (Armstrong) 1948. A male at Hurd's Pond, April 25 to May 11 in full song (Frances Elkins and many others); a female there also on May 13 (Crain, Curtis, Griscom, Ross). > 188 < GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET

Regulus satrapa satrapa Lichtenstein Formerly a very common transient; now usually rare in spring, relatively uncommon in fall; formerly wintering regularly, now rarely. The bird's decrease is marked throughout the northeast. September 22, 1910 to May 4, 1904 (Brewster). April 1-15; October 1 to January 1870-1876. Abundant; up to 50 in a day in spring, 100 in fall 1895. A crash, with winter mortality in the south 1898. Some improvement 1899. Another crash 1900-1917. Steady decline; once 30 on October 31, 1909, the maximum count

273

1928-1938· Very low; usually unrecorded in spring; occasionally 15 birds in a fall day 1940-1948. Decided increase; now seen annually in spring, sometimes fairly numerous in fall, 100 birds a season > 189 * EASTERN RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET

Regulus calendula calendula Linnaeus Uncommon transient, far less common than nearer the coast, formerly (1868-1879) much more numerous. March 31, 1946 (Armstrong) to May 24, 1915 (Brewster) September 25, 1913 (Brewster) to December 9, 1937 (Miss Whitcomb) Usually six birds a spring (28 in 1892) ; two to four per fall (23 in one year). Four times more numerous near the coast. V 190 * AMERICAN PIPIT

Anthus spinoletta rubescens (Turnstall) Common fall transient, abundant in earlier years; rare and erratic in spring, an odd bird, very rarely a large flock, only in nine years out of 80. March 28, 1948 (Mr. and Mrs. Emery) to May 17, 1933 (Eaton and Griscom); September 8, 1940 (Cottrells) to November 24, 1897 (Brewster). Late September to early November The Pipit formerly abounded on the river meadows when they were mowed, but no longer occurs there in any num*74

bers. Suitable habitats have also decreased with changes in the type of agriculture. > 191

*

CEDAR WAXWING

Bomby cilla cedrorum Vieillot Several populations, (r) Uncommon summer resident, arriving in late May; (2) a transient, fairly common in late May and early June, often abundant iri August and September (in flocks of 100 or more), some lingering much later in years of bumper berry crops; (3) formerly abundant winter visitor in huge flocks, suddenly arriving any time from early January to late February and remaining into March or early April, the length of the stay strictly dependent upon the food supply; the last year in Concord in 1897; now rare and erratic visitor in small groups between November and early April. > 192 * NORTHERN SHRIKE

Lantus borealis borealis Vieillot A winter visitor in varying numbers, recorded almost annually, often numerous two or more years in succession. Much less common at Concord than on the coast, and now rarely wintering, but a regular transient, especially in spring in the Sudbury Valley. October 20, 1880 (Brewster) to April 14, 1935 (Hustace H. Poor) It is most exceptional to see more than six Shrikes a fall 2

75

in the Concord Region (13 in 1892), one or two in midwinter, and four to six a spring (early March—mid-April). Brewster's Journal contains a remark that this Shrike was more numerous and regular prior to 1880. > 193


194 < *STARLING

Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris Linnaeus Becoming rapidly abundant and migratory, sharply declining the past 15 years. 276

1913· First one seen May 8 (Brewster) 1916. First large flock of 500 on November 13 (Brewster) 1932. Peak numbers throughout eastern Massachusetts. A common summer resident in the Concord Region, abundant in large flocks on migration with the blackbirds, and roosts of several thousand in the river meadows; very few town birds in winter 1934. Reduced by the severe winter 1938. Decimated by the hurricane 1940. Suffers severely during the winter in the south 1944. Decimated by the hurricane 1948. Suffers severely during the winter. A t present the former hordes are pleasingly absent, and the population in eastern Massachusetts is 95 per cent down over 1932 *

195 *

*WHITE-EYED VIREO

Víreo griseus griseus (Boddaert) Rare vagrant in years of influx near the coast. 1887-1890. Nesting pair at Wayland (Walter Faxon) 1892. One at Concord May 31 (Brewster) 1939. A male up to June 9 (Armstrong) 1947. A transient at South Lincoln with migratory warblers and vireos May 13 (Cottrells, Griscom) 196 YELLOW-THROATED VIREO

Vireo flavifrons Vieillot Formerly a common summer resident; now very rare. 277

May ι, 1890 to September 17, 1892 (Brewster) 1887. Twenty-four birds seen in May; up to four in a day throughout June 1890-1917. Fifty per cent decline 1917. A sudden crash throughout the northeast 1928-1948. A nesting pair on four occasions; two transients in early May T h e following table should give a graphic picture of the change in status of this handsome vireo, carefully compiled from Brewster's journals. Readers should recall he insisted it was more numerous prior to 1885. 1889-1891 Annually Cambridge Pairs 4-6 Belmont 3-5 Waverley 2 Waltham 3 Wayland 3 Wayland-Concord 2 Concord 5-7 Concord-Carlisle 3

1928-1948 1 pair once o o 1 pair once 1 pair for 3 years 1 pair once 1 pair once o

> 197 < BLUE-HEADED VIREO

Vireo solitarius solitarius (Wilson) A common transient through 1881, now rare; formerly a local and not uncommon summer resident in big pine woods, now almost extirpated. April 16, 1896 (Brewster) to October 30, 1946 (Blake) 278

1886. About 15 nesting pairs 1889-1899. Steady decrease with the cutting of the pine woods 1895. Severe winter mortality in the south; not a single bird seen at Concord; scarce throughout New England 1896-1897. Very scarce 1898. T w o nesting pairs 1899. None. A t this period a common summer resident in Essex County and inland localities like Ashby and Winchendon 1900-1915. Some recovery of breeding birds; one to five birds per fall, sometimes no spring birds 1928-1938. Further decline of breeding birds, only one pair after the hurricane of 1938, and decrease of transients 1940-1948. Slight increase of transients, more marked near the coast »· 198 * RED-EYED VIREO

Víreo oUvaceus (Linnaeus) Abundant summer resident in all woodlands except solid stands of pine; at least one breeding pair to the acre. The main flight of northbound transients is coastal. May 5, 1906 to October 18, 1902 (Brewster); May 12 to September 15 Brewster counted 80 singing males between Concord and W a y land, May 30-31, 1890.

279

> 199 * *PHILADELPHIA VIREO

Víreo philadelphicus (Cassin) Very rare transient, regular in fall on the coast; only one record with the increase of this species in New England in the last two decades, September 12, 1943 (Armstrong). >· 200 EASTERN WARBLING VIREO

Víreo gilvus gilvas (Vieillot) Formerly a common summer resident, declining to rare; once more uncommon. May ι, 1946 (Hill) to September 26,1948 (Baird and Moran) 1886. Eight pairs near the old French Farm alone (Brewster) 1900-1905. Eleven pairs between Concord and October Farm (Brewster) 1906-1916. Gradual decline 1917. Sudden and rapid decline throughout northeast 1938-1948. Marked increase throughout eastern Massachusetts; at least 12 pairs in Wayland and Sudbury 201 BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER

Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus) Formerly a very common summer resident in the big woods, numerous transients in May and August; now an 280

uncommon breeder in the wrecked woodlands, a few transients in spring, exceptionally in August. April 18, 1897 to September 26, 1916 (Brewster) 1886-1890. Abundant August transient, up to 20 in a day (Brewster) 1917. Twenty to thirty pairs October Farm—Ball's Hill (Brewster) 1928-1948. About six pairs in the same territory; 15-10 pairs over Route 3; a small flight August 17-19, 1943; 25 birds maximum over Route 3 in spring 202 ^ PROTHONOTARY WARBLER

Protonotaria citrea (Boddaert) Rare vagrant from the south. 1886. Male shot on May 9 in a swamp along the Sudbury River; female and juvenile seen August 16 and shot on August 17 in same locality; male seen there August 22 and collected August 23. Brewster was convinced he had missed establishing a definite breeding record 1908. Adult male seen May 1 (Lidian E. Bridge) 1912. Adult male seen May 17 (Brewster) > 203 * WORM-EATING WARBLER

Helmitheros verrmvorus (Gmelin) Rare vagrant from the south; one seen at South Sudbury and watched for half an hour on May 18, 1920 by Miss Lottie M. Smith. 281

> 204 < GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER

Vermivora chrysoptera (Linnaeus) Strangly rare and local summer resident; a few transients in spring, very rare in fall; a local colony in the burned Waiden Woods since 1900. May 5, 1919 (Brewster) to September 18, 1946 (Blake) 1871-1879. Up to five pairs between Lincoln and Concord (Brewster) 1886. Thirteen pairs located near Concord (Brewster) 1890-1899. Only one pair to be found in Lincoln, two in Concord (Brewster) 1900-1917. Rare and local near Concord, a few transients every spring The Golden-wing is a fairly common summer resident in a narrow belt from Lincoln center east to Boston and northeast through Essex County, where 42 have been seen in a day in spring. There is no lack of exactly similar habitats in the Concord Region, where it takes special field work to dig up three to four pairs a season outside of Waiden Woods. Ten is the greatest number ever seen in a May day, and a count of five is noteworthy. > 205 ·« BREWSTER'S WARBLER

Vermivora leucobronchialis (Brewster) Rare and erratic summer resident, invading eastern Massachusetts from the south in two principal periods, 1908-1913, 282

and 1940 to date. Locally always mating with Golden-wings, and the offspring indistinguishable from the latter. 1912. May 18, a male in the Waiden Woods (Walter Faxon) 1940. A male at Bedford May 15 (Clemensson) 1943-1948. A male annually breeds in the same spot back of Middlesex School, Concord, May 10 to June 28. Seen each year by numerous observers 1946. A male near Hurd's Pond, Wayland from May 20 to early June, apparently unmated (numerous observers) > 206 BLUE-WINGED WARBLER

Vermivora pinus (Linnaeus) Rare vagrant from the south. 1909. A male at South Sudbury mated with a Golden-wing, nest and four young found, May 19 to June 18 (Horace W . Wright) 1918. Male in another territory May 24 to July 2 (Horace W. Wright) 1940. A male at Concord, May 10 (Ball and Snyder) 1942. A male at Wayland, May 5-31 (Morgan, Griscom, et al.) V 207 TENNESSEE WARBLER

Vermivora peregrina (Wilson) Formerly very rare; regular spring transient since 1913, abundant in 1917; only nine fall records. 283

May 12, 1902 to June 8, 1917 (Brewster) August 23, 1878 (Bangs) to October 5, 1916 (Brewster) Three local records, 1872-1878, among others from 1869 on in this period in eastern Massachusetts; one in 1886, one in 1902; over 60 in the spring of 1917. In recent decades much rarer locally than near Boston. 208 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER

Verrmvora celata celata (Say) Very rare fall transient, its recent increase in the northeast in the last 30 years not reflected at Concord; only six records in 80 years. May 13, 1916 (Brewster); September 9, 1906 (Brewster) to November 11, 1947 (Cottrells, Griscom, Parker) Those ornithologists who never do any field work in the northeast and who prefer to think that almost nothing has changed since they learned their local birds around 19001915 might note Brewster's spring record and the fact that he obtained three records before September 24 in a space of seven years. They still think the bird is very rare in October and November only. 209 * NASHVILLE WARBLER

Vermivora ruficapilla ruficapilla (Wilson) Formerly an uncommon summer resident, common on 284

migration; now about gone as a breeder locally, rare on migration. April 27, 1913 (Brewster) to October 11, 1946 (Blake) 1868-1887. Common spring transient, 30-40 each May on the average, 74 in 1887; common in fall from mid-August to early September, 57 in 1886, 20 in a day (Brewster) 1886. Thirteen nesting pairs located (Brewster) 1887-1898. During this period Brewster found it an abundant summer resident in upper Middlesex County, and common in Essex County 1900 on. Steady decline as a breeding bird throughout eastern Massachusetts. At Concord a few birds every spring, very rare in the fall 1928-1948. Over Routes 3 and 4. Three breeding pairs to none; two to ten birds per spring. A common transient near Boston > 210 < NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER

Compsothlypis americana pusilla (Wilson) Formerly a common transient, and breeding regularly; now uncommon in spring, rare in fall, in marked contrast to its abundance near Boston. April 25,1891 (Faxon) to June 8, 1917 (Horace W. Wright) August 22, 1892 (Brewster) to October 25, 1943 (Hill) 1886. Two pairs nesting near Concord in big white pine woods (Brewster) 1889. Several breeding pairs near Wayland (Walter Faxon) 285

1887-1892. Continues to nest near Concord 1886-1898. Breeding c o m m o n l y in upper Middlesex County and in the interior of Essex County (Brewster). Long since gone 1900 on. Uncommon in spring, rare in fall. Common in spring only in 1900, 1917, and 1948 211

*

EASTERN Y E L L O W W A R B L E R

Dendroica aestiva aestiva (Gmelin) Common summer resident, more numerous during the spring migration; no perceptible population change. April 26, 1913 to September 14, 1914 (Brewster). Early May to mid-August Mr. and Mrs. Argue counted 80 on May 19, 1945. It is impracticable to give population density figures. The bird is often colonial in bushy tracts along the river meadows. Other pairs nest in apple orchards, farmyards, and plantings on estates, but the species is absent from many such places. y 212 MAGNOLIA WARBLER

Dendroica magnolia (Wilson) Formerly abundant in spring, uncommon in fall, as is still the case near Boston; since 1890, usually uncommon in spring, rare in fall. May 3, 1905 to June 16, 1917 (Brewster) 286

August 31, 1914 (Brewster) to November 9, 1942 (Bolton) May 12-30; September 1872. 75 on May 21 (Brewster) 1876. Over 100 on May 23 (Brewster) 1917. 44 birds during the spring, the best year since 1887 > 213

«

CAPE M A Y WARBLER

Dendroica tigrina (Gmelin) Formerly very rare; only two records prior to 1912, but recorded nearly every spring since, 21 in 1917; only six fall records. May 9, 1919 (Dexter) to June 7, 1917 (Brewster) August 31, 1914 (Brewster) to November 7, 1946 (Armstrong) >· 2 1 4 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER

Dendroica caerulescens caerulescens (Gmelin) Formerly common in spring, uncommon in fall, as near Boston; since 1890, uncommon in spring, rare in fall. May 3, 1905 to May 30, 1917 (Brewster) September 1, 1906 (Brewster) to October 26, 1940 (Clemensson) 1876. Six birds during the fall 1890-1948. Usually one to five per spring, 26 in 1917; an occasional bird in fall 287

> 215 < MYRTLE

WARBLER

Dendroica coronata coronata (Linnaeus) Common spring and abundant fall transient, up to 100 in a day in spring, at least iooo birds per fall. According to Brewster's records much less numerous from 1889 to 1899 than earlier or later. April 6, 1939 (Francis H. Allen and Winsor Tyler) to May 30, 1917 (Brewster); August 23, 1903 (Brewster) to December 1, 1914 (Brewster). Usually not until April 20, or before September 25 > 216 < BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER

Dendroica virens virens (Gmelin) Formerly a common summer resident, now uncommon and local with the cutting of the pines; still a fairly common transient in May and September. April 23, 1889 (Bradford Torrey) to October 21, 1943 (Armstrong) On occasion a dozen birds can be seen in a day in September and up to 25 in a day in May. »• 217 * CERULEAN WARBLER

Dendroica cerulea (Wilson) Rare vagrant from the south; one recent record, a female of the blue type in the Hurd's Pond woods on May 13, 1948, 288

in a big wave of warblers (Charles Crain, R. C. Curtís, Griscom, Dudley Ross). We spent five hours in these woods, coming across the bird on three different occasions. »- 2 1 8 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER

Dendroica fusca (Müller) Formerly unknown as a summer resident, gradually increasing to 1899, declining with the cutting of the tall pines, and virtually extirpated by the hurricane of 1938. As a transient uncommon in spring, very rare in fall. April 30, 1946 (Cora Wellman) to October 8, 1911 (Brewster) Brewster saw 33 birds in 1900, and 23 in 1917 1886. First found breeding at Concord (Brewster) 1887. Found nesting at Sudbury (Brewster and Faxon) 1887-1899. "Slowly but steadily increasing and spreading over the region" (Brewster) 1930. Two to six pairs in all remaining stands of tall pines; in every town (Griscom) > 219 * CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER

Dendroica pensylvanica (Linnaeus) Formerly unknown; steadily increasing to the third most abundant woodland bird in the Region; many transients in spring. April 28, 1935 (O. K. Scott) to October 1, 1916 (Brewster) 289

1868-1875· One to three nesting pairs in Lincoln; no record of even a transient at Concord (Brewster) 1886. Fairly common summer resident 1900. Over 50 males on May 9 (Brewster) The Chestnut-sided Warbler seems to thrive in both the wrecked dry deciduous woodlands and maple swamps, with a density of one pair to the acre on average. After a woodlot is cut, it takes about eight years for the sprout growth to reach a height satisfactory to this species, whereupon it is immediately occupied. There must be plenty of birds looking for territory. This warbler is of particular interest because so aggressive. It is believed to have entered Massachusetts between 1830 and 1865. I found it (for the first time, I believe) on the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula in 1924. In recent years it has been spreading rapidly southward in the Appalachians to Georgia, with the increase of country wrecked by lumbering. One wonders what its ancestral range and habitat was, before the white man began destroying the forest on a large scale. 220 * BAY-BREASTED

WARBLER

Dendroica castanea (Wilson) A transient, usually rare in spring, and still more so in autumn; more numerous at two periods, 1872-1882, and again from 1913 to date. Much scarcer than nearer Boston. May 12, 1902 to June 7, 1917 and June 27, 1917 (Brewster) August 26, 1915 to October 2, 1914 (Brewster) Brewster saw 52 birds in 1917. 290

>- 2 2 1 BLACK-POLL WARBLER

Dendroica striata (J. R. Forster) Usually common spring transient, often abundant in fall. May 7, 1913 to June 11, 1907 (Brewster) August 18, 1886 (shot) to November 3, 1893 (Brewster) Brewster saw 60 on May 29, 1900, and 300 on September 27, 1886. No counts approximating these have been made in the past 20 years. > 222 < NORTHERN P I N E W A R B L E R

Dendroica pinus pinus (Wilson) Rare and local summer resident in a few pitch pine groves in Way land and Sudbury; formerly more numerous in tall white pines. Very few spring transients (max. 14 in 1891) and very rare in fall. March 25, 1938 (Lottie M. Smith) to November 19, 1912 (Brewster) > 223 PRAIRIE W A R B L E R

Dendroica discolor discolor (Vieillot) Formerly unknown; a colony in the Waiden Woods, 1899 on; then very rare as a transient; a marked increase in recent years. May ι, 1940 (Morgan) to September 9, 1879 (Bangs) 291

1879· Une specimen in September as given above 1893. One transient on May 17 (Brewster) 1899. Large colony discovered in the burned Waiden Woods country (Walter Faxon) 1900-1917. Seven records in May (Brewster) 1940-1948. Now a regular transient, scattered pairs nesting here and there for brief periods of time. Contemporaneous with a great increase over the whole northeast, the bird is now rapidly occupying wrecked and burned over areas throughout the interior of the state, north into New Hampshire and southwestern Maine. > 224 WESTERN P A L M WARBLER

Dendroica palmarum palmarum (Gmelin) Formerly unknown; becoming a regular fall transient; now common on the coast. September 20, 1911 to November 1, 1917 (Brewster) 1880. First record for Massachusetts 1892. First record for Concord, October 10 (Brewster) 1897-1917. Eleven records in 20 years 1928-1948. Recorded every fall; now common on the coast, up to 25 in a day 225 YELLOW P A L M WARBLER

Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea Ridgway A regular transient in strangely variable numbers every 292

season, sometimes scarce, more rarely abundant; the spring and fall counts in any one year are never consistent. March 25, 1945 (Wiggin) to May 19, 1945 (Karplus) September 24, 1877 (Brewster) to November 5, 1907 (Brewster) 1875. On April 30, 300-400 (Brewster) 1876. Over 100 on October 10 (Brewster) 1881. Only three birds the whole fall (Brewster) 1928-1947. Anywhere from two to thirty a spring (Griscom) 1948. April 21-23, 100-150 a day at Wayland 226 OVEN-BIRD

Seiurus aurocapillus aurocapillus (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident in the "great" woods, common August transient up to 1895; somewhat decreased with the wrecking of the woodlands, now uncommon breeder; some transients in spring, very few in fall. April 30, 1907 (Brewster) to October 15, 1937 (Armstrong) Today in Concord the average population density of breeding birds runs about ten to the square mile. It is two and one-half times as big in the few really good areas of woodland left in eastern Massachusetts. In May a maximum of 25 birds in a day is the best count in half a century.

293

227




2

35

*

WILSON'S WARBLER

Wilsonia pusilla puñlla (Wilson) A transient, very variable in numbers in spring, one to eight on the average, rarely common as in 1900, 1905 (42 297

seen by Brewster), and 1948; very rare in the fall, only five records. Much less numerous than near Boston. May 8, 1938 (Talbot) to May 31, 1907 (Brewster) September 1, 1906 (Brewster) to October 6, 1946 (Blake) > 236 CANADA WARBLER

Wilsonia canadensis (Linnaeus) Formerly very common spring transient, as near Boston; now usually quite uncommon, occasionally numerous as in 1900, 1905 (nearly 100, Brewster), and 1948; rare in fall. Rare and local summer resident, suddenly increasing in recent years. May 8, 1941 (Griscom) to June 6, 1907 (Brewster) August 5, 1886 to September 13, 1916 (Brewster) 1871. A breeding pair near Sandy Pond, Lincoln, a locality later destroyed (Brewster) 1891. Two pairs located in cool swamps near Concord, localities subsequently destroyed (Brewster) 1928-1948. Now nesting in Lincoln, Sudbury, Wayland, Carlisle, and Bedford, new pairs appearing almost annually in small maple swamps previously untenanted »- 237 REDSTART

Setophaga ruticilla (Linnaeus) Relatively uncommon formerly, now one of the two most abundant woodland birds in eastern Massachusetts. 298

April 30, 1900 to October 9, 1904 (Brewster) 1868-1880. Relatively uncommon 1890-1900. Great increase 1890. Only 12, Concord-Wayland, May 30-31 (Brewster) 1893. Only 8, May 25 on a drive over the old turnpike from Cambridge to Concord (Brewster) 1920-1940. Further increase 1948. 50-75, over 1890 route; 25-40 over the 1893 route in spite of the wrecking of much of the country. It is a simple matter to score 100 birds in late May during a flight >

238

HOUSE SPARROW

Passer domesticus domesticus (Linnaeus) An introduced resident, common in the 1880's, abundant from 1890 to 1910, now a small number in town and village centers, some birds spreading to rural farms in the summer. > 239 * BOBOLINK

Dolichonyx oryzivorus (Linnaeus) Formerly common summer resident, gathering in flocks of many hundreds in the river meadows; steadily declining, and now uncommon and local. April 29, 1893 (Brewster) to October 3, 1948 (Maynard) May 6 to early September 299

1886. Twenty males in a day during June; 500 on August 8 1900. 300 on August 17 1905. Ten males Concord—October Farm 1914. Three males Concord—October Farm; never more than 35 to 40 in late summer flocks 1928-1948. From ten to two pairs over Route 3 The decline of the Bobolink has been due principally to two causes. In earlier decades the hay was mowed by machinery much earlier in the season. With the arrival of the motor age, hay lost its economic importance, and the fields grew up to scrub or were planted to crops. Since the war the development of truck farming has eliminated many good Bobolink fields. 240 * EASTERN

MEADOWLARK

Sturnella magna magna (Linnaeus) Formerly a common summer resident; suffered severely from winter losses during the 1890's, and continuing to decline because of the same agricultural changes affecting the Bobolink; now uncommon and local; occasionally wintering successfully. March 5, 1945 (Wellman) to early November to winter 1886. Ten to fifteen daily in every direction out of Concord, including Concord—Ball's Hill 1900-1919. Six to four pairs over this route

300

>

241


248 ·« SCARLET TANAGER

Piranga erythromelas Vieillot Formerly abundant summer resident, steadily declining with the cutting and wrecking of the woods. For the historic summary see page 85. Now uncommon; μρ to 25 in a day in a May wave in recent years. May 5, 1904 to October 14, 1917 (Brewster) Casual on November 8, 1946 (Isa Gropius) »· 249 * EASTERN CARDINAL

Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis (Linnaeus) Very rare vagrant; one in Concord January 28 to February 23,1905 (Reginald Heber Howe). > 250 * ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

Hedymeles ludovicianus (Linnaeus) Formerly uncommon summer resident, becoming common and apparently increasing still further in recent years; common on migration in spring, now quite rare in the fall. 30J

May 2, 1916 (Brewster) to September 28, 1946 (Griscom) Casual on two occasions in late April after southern cyclonic storms. 1876. Only three seen in a walk from Lincoln to Concord May 23, through the "great woods" (Brewster) 1886. Twenty-five on May 19; "now common summer resident" (Brewster). 1887. At least six males per trip during June 1890. Ten pairs along river Concord-Wayland 1891. Ten males in a late May drive from Cambridge to Concord 1900-1917. No perceptible change 1928-1948. Numbers approximately doubled; up to 60 males in a day during the May flight of transients. Five pairs in the woods around Hurd's Pond, Wayland > 251 < INDIGO BUNTING

Passerina cyanea (Linnaeus) Varying from common to rare to uncommon summer resident. See page 1 1 1 . May 10, 1916 (Brewster) to October 6, 1903 (Forbush) Causal in late April 1942, after a cyclonic storm, and November 1, 1943 at a feeder at South Lincoln (Isa Gropius, Griscom, Mason) 1868-1879. "Very common" (Brewster) 1899. Up to 5 males per day in the Esterbrook Country and around Carlisle 306

1900-1917· Four to five pairs around October Farm; 13 there on September 16, 1906 (Forbush) 1928-1935. Occasional pairs in the Region; the individual observer is lucky to find two to three a season. > 252 < *DICKCISSEL

Spiza americana (Gmelin) Rare vagrant; one at a feeder in Concord, November 1, 1947 (Armstrong and others), the year so many were seen and collected in eastern Massachusetts. •

2

53




2

55
· 256 HOARY REDPOLL

Acanthis hornemanni exilipes (Coues) Rare winter visitor, in great flight years only. No midwinter field work in Brewster's time. 1941. Adult male at Wayland March 4 (Morgan) 1944. Present from February 29 to March 25, up to five adults in a day (Griscom and at least 20 other observers) 1947. Two birds in a great flock of Redpolls at Sudbury, January 23 to February 22 (Griscom, F. Elkins, Cottrell, and others). I collected several near by that season. > 257 « GREATER REDPOLL

Acanthis flammea rostrata (Coues) Two collected at White Pond, Concord, January 22, 1947 (Griscom and C. Russell Mason). A flight year in eastern Massachusetts. 309

> 258 * Acanthis flammea subsp. Two specimens collected by Bangs at Wayland on December 7, 1878; two others shot by me at Concord and Sudbury, February 26 and March 1, 1947. These birds are currently passing as rostrata, but represent a population breeding in Baffin Land. > 259 * (HOLBOELL'S)

REDPOLL

Acanthis flammea subsp. An adult male collected at Concord, February 22, 1947, represents Brewster's idea of holboelli,1 but is not the Old World subspecies, no matter what the concept. It breeds in the far northwest, and may prove to be an extreme and inconstant variation. »- 260 LABRADOR REDPOLL

Acanthis flammea fuscescens (Coues) Five specimens collected at Concord in February 1947. These are the dark birds of intermediate size from coastal Labrador, which Ridgway called holboelli in part, and Brewster regarded quite correctly as intermediate between linaria and rostrata. As may be seen, the situation is full of technical difficulties. 1 Brewster, in H . D. Minot, Land Birds and Game Birds of England, ed. 2 (1895), p. 472, Appendix.

310

New

A monographic study is in preparation, and formal proposals are carefully avoided at the present time. Nor does it follow that any ideas of mine will be sustained by the A. O. U. Check-List Committee. The reader is warned not to assume that the last three populations will ever be proposed as subspecies worthy of recognition by anyone. My chief reason for listing them in the present connection is to prove to local observers that obviously large, dark, and heavily streaked redpolls are not necessarily Greater Redpolls from Greenland! > 261 COMMON

REDPOLL

Acanthis flammea flammea (Linnaeus) Irregular winter visitor, sometimes common several years in succession, again unrecorded for several years; occasionally in spectacular abundance, in flocks of 500-2000 birds, as in 1909, 1911, 1944, and 1947. October 24, 1910 (Brewster) to late April, 1939, chiefly December—early March >· 262 ·< PINE

SISKIN

Spinus pinus pinus (Wilson) Irregular transient or winter visitor, occasionally common in fall in flocks up to 150, and then always recorded the following spring. Has not spent the winter locally in numbers since 1887, for lack of an adequate food supply; occa3"

sional birds or small flocks at winter feeding stations in recent years. September 25, 1908 to December 1, 1914 (Brewster) March 19, 1911 to June 2, 1917 (Brewster) 263

*

EASTERN GOLDFINCH

Spinus tristis tristis (Linnaeus) Uncommon summer resident; and erratic transient; rarely common, highly variable in numbers and month of passage; rare and erratic in winter in the country, a few regularly at feeding stations in recent years. No individuals are resident. 1891. Marked flight in October (Brewster) 1892. Flock of 100 on January 29 in weed fields 1903. Transient flocks in late March 1906. Transient flocks in September 1908. Transient flocks in May 1934. Virtually absent all fall (Griscom) 1939. March 25, 100 in a flock; no more until summer residents arrive in late May and early June 1941. Transient flocks numerous in November 1944. Transient flocks numerous in December, none remaining 1946. Transient flocks in May 1947. Flock of n o on January 2 in weed fields; two single birds in February. The above extracts should clearly indicate the seasonal vagaries of the Goldfinch, formerly disposed of as a "common resident." 3"

264 < RED CROSSBILL

Loxia curvirostra pusilla Gloger Erratic visitor defying classification; formerly of frequent occurrence in numbers every three years or so; vagrant flocks appearing at any time of year; numerous midsummer records, and positively common in July and August 1886. Great southward flights in 1899-1900, 1903-1904, 1906-1907, and 1919-1920, when the species arrived in fall, remained all winter and late into the following spring. Rare and sporadic in the whole of New England ever since, scarcely any records for the Concord Region since. The species is unrecorded between late August and October 12. > 265 ·· 2 66 < RED-EYED TOWHEE

Pipilo erythrophthalmus erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus) Mostly a common summer resident, now at its maximum known abundance. 313

April 24,1871 (Brewster) to November 7, 1937 (Armstrong) May ι to October 15 Collected at Bedford January 2, 1896 1868-1886. Common, according to Brewster, but no details 1895-1896. Very scarce after the winter mortality in the south 1900-1917. Uncommon, never more than six in a day; no transients 1918. Common during the fall flight 1928-1948. Common breeder in the dry wrecked deciduous woods, markedly increasing after the hurricane of 1938. N o w great migratory waves pour north and south along the coast, and marked flights of transients pass through Concord, up to 40 in a day The Towhee is the principal species to profit locally from lumbering, woodcutting, fires, and hurricanes, events which almost at once create a favorable habitat for several years. The population is, therefore, constantly shifting and changing, and, as most of the areas are small, no tangible density figures can be given. > 267 *LARK BUNTING

Calamospiza melanocorys Stejneger Adult male at Wayland November 1 1 , 1947 (Mr. and Mrs. Cottrell, Griscom, Mrs. Haven Parker). The bird was abnormal, diseased, sick and tame to the point of stupidity. It was abnormally jet black all over, in exceedingly worn plumage, with only traces of white in the wings, and a few 314

buffy contour feathers, and it had obviously failed to moult. One foot was deformed and swollen, and the middle toe was swollen, greatly elongated and bent, rendering it useless. It flew with the greatest reluctance, and when alighting, had difficulty in keeping its balance. > 268 EASTERN SAVANNAH SPARROW

Passerculus sandwichensis savanna (Wilson) Local and erratic summer resident in wet meadows, never more than six pairs located in one season; regular transient, relatively uncommon in spring (rarely 50 in a day), common in fall (up to 200 a day). Migration route chiefly coastal. March 29, 1898 to November 2, 1894 (Brewster) > 269 χ LABRADOR SAVANNAH SPARROW

Passerculus sandwichensis labradorius (Howe) One specimen at Concord April 12, 1888 (Brewster), as recorded by Peters and Griscom. The most inland record for the state. > 270 « EASTERN GRASSHOPPER SPARROW

Aftimodramus savannarum australis Maynard Formerly a common summer resident, rare and local by 1899; fluctuating since, but the total favorable habitat greatly decreased.

3l5

April 30, 1891 (Faxon) to July 31, 1886 (Brewster) 1869-1882. A common summer resident. At this period in spectacular abundance on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Marthas Vineyard (Brewster), lasting through 1891 1886. Five singing males located 1899. Now rare and local 1900-1917. Found in only five years in a total of four localities (Brewster and Smith Owen Dexter) 1928-1933. Not uncommon, at least 20 pairs in 15 stations 1933-1940. Mysteriously disappears 1943. Back again; 12 singing males located around Concord (Armstrong) 1944-1948. Fading out V 271 * EASTERN HENSLOW'S SPARROW

Passerherbulus henslowi susurrons Brewster Rare and erratic summer resident, a small overflow population disappearing from and reappearing in the same sedgy meadows decade after decade. Many old localities now destroyed. April 28, 1938 (Griscom) to early August 1867. First found May 25, when Brewster was only 16 years old 1879. Located in five stations, but all five never occupied in any one year. All localities now destroyed 1886. Sixteen males located between Gulf Meadow, Sudbury, and the Assabet River. Maximum number 1899. Only four pairs located 3x6

1900-1911. Found at four additional localities, two of these now destroyed 1905. Last pair at Nine Acre Corner 1912-1915. Completely absent from the entire Region 1928-1948. None to two pairs erratically at the same station in Gulf Meadow; none to four pairs erratically in the Mill Brook meadow at Concord >· 272 *NELSON'S?

SHARP-TAILED SPARROW

Ammospiza caudacuta nelsoni? (Allen) Overlooked fall transient for lack of proper field work. 1908. One on the Sudbury River meadows near Sherman's Bridge, September 26 (C. J. Maynard and J. L. Peters) 1938-1948. Of regular occurrence at the Great Meadows Refuge, Concord, in small numbers, from September 23, 1939 (Miss Snow) to November 11, 1947 (Cottrell, Griscom) Both nelsoni and altera, the James Bay Sharptail, are possible, the chances greatly favoring the former, fide J. L. Peters. > 273 « EASTERN VESPER SPARROW

Poœcetes grarmneus gramineus (Gmelin) Common summer resident formerly; steadily declining with agricultural changes, and a sharp decrease in 1899 caused by presumed winter mortality in the south; now very local and uncommon. 317

March 22, 1903 (Brewster) to November 28, 1944 (Armstrong) Once in early winter, January 3, 1946 (Armstrong); April 5 to October 20 1886. Common, up to 10 males daily all summer; 20 on October 3 1891. Canoe trip in late April, Concord-Wayland, 21 males 1900-1903. Eleven breeding stations, Concord-October Farm, up to eight pairs at one, four pairs at several 1917. Only eight pairs at five stations over this route 1930. Only two males at one station over the 1891 route >· 2 7 4 * SLATE-COLORED J U N C O

Junco hyemalis hyemalis (Linnaeus) Regular winter resident, now chiefly at feeding stations; common spring and fall transient, occasionally abundant. Maximum daily counts, 200 in spring, 1000 in fall. September 11, 1917 (Brewster) to May 22, 1916 (Walter Faxon) ; October 1 to May 1 Brewster's field records make it clear that the Junco was relatively quite scarce from 1899 to 1907, a period of frequent unfavorable weather of various kinds. *

2

75 < subspecies Junco oregonus subsp.

*OREGON J U N C O

Rare winter visitor from the west. Adult male appeared at a feeding tray at Wayland, March 22, 1940, and remained 318

some days (Morgan). In 1948 another male spent January at a feeder in Concord (Armstrong and others); possibly the same bird appeared at a feeder in North Sudbury, and remained all February (Morrison). These birds were either montanus of Miller's treatment, or cismontamis Dwight. Collectively they are readily recognized at 6 to 15 feet away, but the subspecies are exceedingly critical. On the basis of specimens collected or trapped near Boston, the chances greatly favor the latter. > 276 EASTERN TREE

SPARROW

Sptzella arborea arborea (Wilson) A winter resident in small numbers; as a transient usually common in fall, regular but very uncommon in spring. October^ 1876 to May 1, 1898 (Brewster) Late October to early April Flocks of 100 to 300 are occasional in fall. On March 21, 1906, J . H. Hardy, Jr. reported a flock of 500 to 600. > 277

*

E A S T E R N CHIPPING SPARROW

Sptzella passerina passerina (Bechstein) Formerly a fairly common and familiar summer resident; rapidly increasing since 1910, and now about doubled in numbers. March 26, 1943 (Armstrong) to November 22, 1895 (Brewster) April 15 to late October 3J9

On only two occasions did Brewster ever see a flock of ioo chippies in Concord, at the peak of the fall migration. On August 29, 1946 Martin Karplus saw over 200. The recent increase of the Chipping Sparrow is principally due to the decline of agriculture, and the development of residences and estates, possibly also the decrease of the House Sparrow. There is ample proof of the little sparrow's decline from 1880 on, as this pest multiplied. »· 278 « FIELD SPARROW

Spizella pusilla pusilla (Wilson) Formerly a common summer resident, nesting locally in colonies; a marked decrease in 1895, and steadily declining thereafter; now very uncommon, chiefly scattered pairs. As a transient formerly fairly common in spring and common in fall. March 26,1945 (Armstrong) to November 25, 1944 (Bolton) Mid-April to late October 1871-1879. In numbers during October (Brewster) 1886. Up to 20 a day in early May, up to 10 daily all summer 1891. Ten males, Concord-Wayland by canoe; 10 to 20 daily in October 1900-1917. Concord—October Farm, six to three pairs 1928-1938. One male over the 1891 route; at most one to three a day throughout the spring over Route 3 in Sudbury; an occasional bird in October 1940-1948. Slight increase, up to 10 to 12 in a day on occa320

sion; 34 on August 29, 1946. This increase throughout eastern Massachusetts As there appears to be no reduction of habitat in the Concord Region, indeed quite the contrary if anything, the decrease of the Field Sparrow must be due to other than local causes. * 279


280 < WHITE-THROATED SPARROW

Zonotrichia albicollis (Gmelin) A transient in very variable numbers, usually uncommon in spring, common in fall; occasionally abundant at both seasons, as near the coast. Unknown in winter until 1937, regular at feeding stations thereafter. On two occasions unmated males have spent part of the summer. April 18, 1896 to May 30, 1892 (Brewster) 321

September 9, 1913 to November 4, 1915 (Brewster) May ι to 20; September 20 to October 20 In the very best years, 100 birds can be seen in a May wave, and about 1000 birds during the fall. >· 281 < FOX SPARROW

Passerella iliaca iliaca (Merrem) A regular transient in exceedingly erratic numbers, not only in the Concord Region but throughout the northeast; occasionally in lavish abundance at either season, the flight may amount to nothing the preceding and the following seasons. Good years are scarcer at Concord than near the coast. March 12, 1942 (Griscom) to May 4, 1894 (Brewster) October 13, 1911 (Brewster) to November 26, 1944 (Armstrong); March 20 to April 5: October 20 to November 10 Optimum counts are 150 in a day in spring (1893) and 610 in the fall of 1904. The Fox Sparrow suffered severely in the south in 1895, but like most other species recovered by 1898. > 282 < L I N C O L N ' S SPARROW

Melospiza lincolni lincolni (Audubon) Rare spring, very rare fall transient; in sharp contrast to its regular occurrence in small numbers near the coast. Brewster found it in 9 springs in 20, and only once in fall; he saw 13 in May 1900. 3 "

May i l , 1900 to May 22, 1915 (Brewster) September 19, 1940 (Eaton) to October 13, 1946 (Mazzeo) 283 E A S T E R N S W A M P SPARROW

Melospiza georgiana georgiana (Latham) Common summer resident in the river meadows, a few pairs elsewhere in open swamps; some transients in the uplands, in small numbers compared to the coast, up to 25 in a day. March 14, 1945 (Clemensson) to November 20, 1894 (Brewster) Causal in winter on three occasions in recent years Usual April 10 to October 20 1890. 1891. 1895. 1898.

Concord-Wayland by canoe in late May, 70 males Same route in late April, 64 males Great reduction in numbers Complete recovery >

284

W E S T E R N S W A M P SPARROW

Melospiza georgiana ericrypta Oberholser Two specimens, May 10, 1886 at Concord (Brewster); one in a spring hole on the Wayland-Sudbury line, January 2 to February 3, 1947 (Morgan and Griscom). Both specimens resemble the average Newfoundland population (Griscom, Auk, 1948). 323

> 285 < EASTERN SONG SPARROW

Melospiza melodia melodia (Wilson) Very common summer resident, abundant on migration; wintering at Wayland in recent years. 1890. Concord to Wayland in May, 75 males 1895. Severe mortality, and reduction in numbers 1898. Recovery During flights in spring and fall, 100-200 can be seen in a day. > 286 * LAPLAND LONGSPUR

Calcarius lapponicus lapponicus (Linnaeus) Very rare, as in all interior localities in eastern Massachusetts; two at Concord on October 25, 1914 (Brewster); one with larks and pipits on November 11, 1947 at South Sudbury (Cottrell, Griscom). > 287 ·« SNOW BUNTING

Plectrophenax nivalis nivalis (Linnaeus) Rare and irregular transient in fall on some eight occasions, usually single birds; irregular visitor in mid or late winter, often in large flocks, after heavy snow, about seven years out of ten. October 22, 1910 (Brewster) to April 7, 1914 (Ralph Lawson) 3M

^

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adams, Charles C. 1908. "The Ecological Succession of Birds," Auk, vol. 25, pp. 109-IJ3. An important pioneer study. Bach, R. N . 1944. "Population Fluctuations of the North Dakota Pheasant, 1938-194}," North Dakota Outdoors, vol. 6, No. 7, pp. 8-10. Barrows, W . B. 1912. "Michigan Bird Life," Spec. Bull., Mich. Agrie. College, pp. 616-618.

Brewster, William 1906. "Birds of the Cambridge Region of Massachusetts," Mem. Nuttall Orn. Club, No. 4, 462 pp. Bryan, Kirk 1928. "Glacial Climate in Non-Glaciated Regions," Amer. Journ. Science,

vol. 16, pp. 162-164.

1936. "Geological Features in New England Ground Water Supply," Journ. N. E. Water Works Assoc., vol. jo, pp. 222-228.

Cartwright, B. W . 1944. "The 'Crash' Decline in Sharp-Tailed Grouse and Hungarian Partridge in Western Canada," Trans. N. A. Wildlife Conf., vol. 9, pp. 324-330. Clarke, C. H. D. 1936. "Fluctuations in Numbers of the Ruffed Grouse, with Special Reference to Ontario," Biol. Series, Univ. Toronto Studies, No. 41. Clements, F. E. and Victor E. Shelford 1939. Bio-ecology (New York). See particularly chapter on cycles and numbers, pp. 175-199. Dice, Lee R. 1943. The Biotic Provinces of North America (Univ. Michigan Press), pp. vii 78. Dymond, J. R. 1947. "Fluctuations in Animal Populations, with Special Refer3*5

enee to those of Canada," Trans. Royal Soc., Canada, vol. 41, sec. 5, pp. 1-34. A valuable paper summarizing all the more important papers on the subject for mammals, birds, and fish. Complete bibliography. Eaton, R. J . 1947. "Lemna Minor as an Aggressive Weed in the Sudbury River," Rhodora, vol. 49, No. 583 (July), pp. 16J-172. Edminster, Frank C. 1947. The Ruffed Grouse, Its Life Story, Ecology and Management (New York), pp. xxvi 385. Contains a bibliography of 55 titles on grouse cycles alone. Elton, C. 1942. Voles, Mice, and Lemmings: Dynamics (Oxford), 496 pp.

Problems

in

Population

Errington, Paul L. 1946. "Prédation and Vertebrate Populations," Quart, Rev. Biol., vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 144-177. Extended American and European bibliography. Forbush, Ε. H. 1912. A History of the Game Birds, Wild Fowl and Shore Birds of Massachusetts. Frazar, M. A. 1881. "Destruction of Birds by a Storm While Migrating," Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 250-252. Griscom, Ludlow 1926. "The Observations of the Late Eugene P. Bicknell at Riverdale, New York City, Fifty Years Ago," Abstract Ρ roc. Lirmaean Soc. (New York), Nos. 37-38, pp. i - i j . 1938. "Birds of Lake Umbagog Region," Part IV, Bidl. Mus. Comp. Zool., vol. 66, No. 4. 1946. "The Passing of the Passenger Pigeon," Amer. Scholar, vol. i j , N o . 2, pp. 212-217.

Helmuth, W . T . 1920. "Extracts from Notes Made while in Naval Service," Auk, vol. 37, N o . 2, pp. 255-261.

326

Henshaw, H. W . 1920. "William Brewster: In Memoriam," Auk, vol. 37, pp. 1-23. Herrington, W . C. 1944. "Factors Controlling Population Size," Trans. N. Wildlife Conf., vol. 9, pp. 2J0-263.

Amer.

Hickey, Joseph J. 1943. A Guide to Bird Watching (Oxford University Press), 8vo, 262 pp. See particularly pp. jo-86. Hicks, L. E. 193J. "A Ten-Year Study of a Bird Population in Ohio," Amer. Midi. Nat., vol. 16, pp. 177-186. Kendeigh, S. C. 1937. "Factors Affecting Yearly Abundance of Passerine Birds," Ecolog. Monographs, vol. 7, pp. 91-124. (With S. P. Baldwin.) 1944. "Measurements of Bird Populations," Ecolog. Monographs, vol. 14, No. ι, pp. 67-106. A most important paper. 194J. "Community Selection by Birds in the Helderberg Plateau of New York," Auk, vol. 62, pp. 418-436. 1947. "Bird Population Studies in the Coniferous Forest Biome During a Spruce Bud Worm Outbreak," Canadian Dept. of Lands and Forests, Biol. Bull. No. i, pp. 1-100. Important paper; good bibliography. Lack, David 1937. "A Review of Census Work and Bird Population Problems," Ibis (1937), pp. 369-395· Mendall, H. L. and C. M. Aldous 1943. The Ecology and Management of the American Woodcock. Maine Coop. Wildlife Research Unit (Orono), 201 pp. Nicholson, A. J. 1933. "The Balance of Animal Populations," Journ. Ecology, vol. 2, pp. 132-178.

Animal

Peabody, Rev. W . B. O. 1840. "A Report on the Birds of Massachusetts," Boston Journ. Nat. Hist., vol. 3, art. 2, pp. 2-266. Reprint of a State report issued in 1839. 3*7

Peterson, Roger Tory 1940. "How Many Birds Are There?" Audubon Mag., vol. 43, pp. 179-187. Preston, F. W . 1948. "The Commonness and Rarity of Species," Ecology, vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 254-283. Raup, Hugh M. 1937. "Recent Changes of Climate and Vegetation in Southern New England and Adjacent New York," Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, vol. 18, No. 2 (April), pp. 79-117. Roberts, Thomas S. 1907. "A Longspur Catastrophe," Auk, vol. 24, pp. 369-377. Schorger, A. W . 1947. "The Ruffed Grouse in Early Wisconsin," Tram. Acad. Sci., Arts and Letters, vol. 37, pp. 35-90.

Wise.

Sears, Paul B. 1948. "Forest Sequence and Climatic Change in Northeastern North America Since Early Wisconsin Time," Ecology, vol. 29, No. 3, pp. 326-333. Shattuck, Lemuel 1835. History of the Town of Concord (Boston, Russell Odiorne and Co.). See particularly chapters 1, 12, and 13. Starr, Anna M. 1926. "Massachusetts," in Naturalist's Guide to the Americas (Baltimore: Williams and Wilkie Co.). See pp. 318-326. Trautmann, Milton, B. 1940. "Birds of Buckeye Lake, Ohio," Misc. Pubi. Mus. Zool., Univ. Michigan, No. 44, 466 pp. See particularly pp. 21-51. Wetmore, Alexander 1928. "Birds of the Past," Annual Report pp· 377-389·

328

Smithsonian Inst.,

INDEX Abundant, definition of term, 97-98, 101 Acanthis flammea flammea, 311 flammia fuscescens, 310 flammea rostrata, 309 flammea subsp., 310 bornemanm exilipes, 309 Accipiter atricapillus, 197 cooperi, 198 velox, 197 Actitis macularia, 223 Adams estate, John, 156 Adaptability, 82-88, 92, 95-96 Agelaius phoeniceus, 301 Agricultural activity, 55-56, 58-59 sponsa, 188 Aldrich, John W., 133 Alle alle, 232 Allen, Francis H., 4 Allen, Glover M., 18 Amateurs, role of, 27 Ammodramus savannarwm australi!, 315 Ammosptza caudacuta nelsoni?, 3«7 Anas platyrhynchos, 181 rubripes, 182 Animals, fluctuations in population, 90-91 introduction of, 65-66 periodic cycles, 127-129 Anthus spinoletta, 274 Aquila chrysaëtos canadensis, 202 Archilochus colubris, 241 Ardea herodias, 174 Arenaria interpres, 218 Army worm, 63 Asia flammeus, 239

imlsonianus, 238 Assabet River, 3, ij6 Audubon Field Notes, 150 Audubon Magazine, 133 Auk, Great, 130 Baldpate, 184 Hybrid, 185 Ball's Hill, 7, 156 Bangs, Outram, 17, 105 Barbour, Thomas, 8, 12 Barrett Farm, 7 Bartramia longicauda, 222 Bedford, 3, 51 Bicknell, E. P., 40 Bigelow, H. B., 19, 78 Biotte Provinces of North America (Dice), 83 Bird Watching (Hickey), 15 Birds, adaptability, 82-88, 92, 9596 annual mortality, 80-81 distribution, 81-82 fluctuations in population, 9091. 93-94 food requirements, 74-76 habitat preferences, 76-77 reproductive capacity, 77-80 shelter, 76 temperature tolerance, 74 "Birds of Concord, The" (Brewster), 10 "Birds of Lake Umbagog, Maine" (Brewster and Griscom), 8, io, 12, 107 Birds of the Cambridge Region, The (Brewster), 10, 12, 39, 66 Bittern, American, 178

329

Least, 179 Blackbird, Eastern Red-winged, 301 Rusty, 302 Bluebird, Eastern, 272 Bobolink, 299 Bob-white, Eastern, 207 Bogs, drainage of, 62-63 Bombycilla cedrorum, 275 Bonasa umbellus, 207 Boston Society of Natural History, 18 Botaurus lentiginosus, 178 Brant, 94 Branta canadensis, 180 Breeding birds, defined, 165 estimated population, 99-101 Hurd's Pond area, 159-162 Breeding grounds, destruction of northern, 107 Brewster, William, ambition, j basic system, 8-9, 11-12 correspondence, 6 diaries, records, and journals, 8-10, 12-13 estimate of, 13-ití, 24, 27 field work, 6, 22, 25, 53 owls, neglect of, i j population overflow theory, 108-109 property in Concord, 7 publications and projects, 6, 10-12 work in Concord Region, 5, 6-7, 17, 142 British Isles, 98, 102 Broad Meadows, Sudbury, 16, 157 Brown, F. C., 16 Brown-tail moth, 63 Bryan, Kirk, 37 Bubo virgtnianus, 236

Buckeye Lake, Ohio, j j Bufflehead, 193 Bunting, Indigo, h i , 114, 306 Lark, 314 Snow, 324 Buteo borealis, 199 lagopus, 202 lineatus, 200 platypterus, 201 swainsoni, 202 Butorides virescens, 176 Calamospiza melanocorys, 314 Calcarius lapponicus, 324 Calidris canutus, 226 Canvasback, 191 Capella delicata, 220 Caprimulgus vociferus, 240 Cardinal, Eastern, 305 Cardinalis cardinalis, 305 Carlisle, 3, 51 Carlisle Pines, 7 Carpodacus purpureus, 308 Casmerodius egretta, 175 Casuals, local lists, 21-22 Catbird, 138, 264 Cathartes aura septentrionalis, 196 Catoptrophorus inornatus, 225 Cats, 6j-66 Census method, of population study, 27-29, 102 Ceophloeus pileatus, 243 Certhia familiaris, 259 Chaetura pelagica, 241 Charadrius semipalmatus, 216 Charitonetta albeola, 193 Chat, Yellow-breasted, 105, r 10,297 Chaulelasmus streperus, 183 Chebec, 248 Chen caerulescens, 181 hyper borea atlantica, 180

330

hyperborea hyperborea, i8i Chestnut blight, 65 Chickadee, Acadian, 257 Black-capped, 257 Chinch bugs, 6} Chlidonias nigra, 231 Chordeiles minor, 240 Christmas census, 29 Circus hudsonius, 204 Cistothorus stellarti, 263 Civilization, influence of, on bird population, 55-73, 89-90 Clangula hy emails, 193 Climate, influence of, 89 of Concord Region, 37-48 Coccyzus americanus, 234 eryphthrophthalmus, 235 Colaptes auratus, 242 Colinus virginianus, 207 Colorado potato beetle, 63 Columba livia, 232 Colymbus auritus, 172 grisegena, 171 Common, definition of term, 9798, ι01 Comparative studies, 29-30 Compsothlypis americana, 285 Concord Meadows, 16 Concord Region, adaptability of birds, 83-85 avifauna, 22, 81-82, 141 basic factors in study of, 333i casuals and vagrants, 21-22 census of breeding birds, 159162 civilization and its disturbances, 55-73 climate, 37-48 described, 3-4 food supply, 75 geology, 33, 35-37

331

habitats, 76-77, 152-156 increase and decline by species, 133-138 local lists, 21-23 migration losses, 104-105 migration routes, 142-146 ornithological data, 4-21 peripheral species, 146-150 population curve, 98 present-day bird-life by groups, 141-142 seasonal bird-life, 150-152 shore birds, 155-156 special localities and routes, 156-159 statistical summary, 165-167 study methods, 23-25, 28 vegetation, 48-55 winter losses, 105-107 Concord River, 3, 22, 156 Concord River (Brewster), 12 Condor, California, 93 Coot, American, 215 Cormorant, Double-crested, 174 Pallas', 130 Corn-borer, 64 Corvus brachyrhynchos, 256 Coturnicops noveboracensis, 211 Counts, 15, 22, 25, 97-98 Coverage, past and present, 25 Cowbird, 304 Crayfish, 36 Creeper, Brown, 259 Cresciscus jamaicensis, 214 Crocethia alba, 229 Crossbill, Red, 123, 313 White-winged, 123, 313 Crow, Eastern, 256 Cryptoglaux acadica, 239 funerea, 239 Cuckoo, Black-billed, 64-65, 235 Yellow-billed, 64-65, 234

Curlew, Hudsonian, 222 Cutworm, 63 Cyanocitta cristata, 254 Cycles, 127-130 Dafila acuta tzitzihoa, 185 Deane, Walter, 9, 10 Dendroica aestiva, 286 caerulescem, 287 castanea, 290 cerulea, 288 coronata, 288 discolor, 291 fusca, 289 magnolia, 286 palmarían, 292 palmarum hypochrysea, 292 pensylvanica, 289 pinus, 291 striata, 291 tigrina, 287 virens, 288 Density of population, complex cases, 111-116 destruction of northern breeding grounds, 107 migratory destruction, 103IOJ

overflow, 107-111, 122 study of, 99-103 winter losses, 105-107 "Destruction of Birds by the Elements in 1903-04" (Forbush), 41 Dexter, Rev. Smith Owen, 7, 12 Dice, Lee R., 83 Dickcissel, 307 Disaster, application of term to bird life, 132 Diseases, plant, 6j Distribution, of birds in eastern North America, 81-82 33*

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 299 Dove, Eastern Mourning, 233 Rock, 232 Dovekie, 232 Dowitcher, Long-billed, 227 Droughts, influence of, 45-46 Dryobates pubescens medianus, pubescens nelsoni, 244 villosus, 244 Duck, Black, i i j , 182 Labrador, 97, 130 Ring-necked, 190 Ruddy, 194 Wood, 61, 118-120, 122-123, 188 Dumetella carolinensis, 264 Dunlin, 227 Dymond, J. R., 123 Eagle, Golden, 202 Northern Bald, 203 Southern Bald, 203 Eaton, R. J., 19, 53, 57 Ecology, rise of, 27-29 Ectopistes migratorius, 233 Edminster, Frank C., 29, 124, 125, 128 Egret, American, 94, 120-121, 122, 175 Snowy, 121, 17 j Egretta thula, 17 j Elm tree beetle, 64 Empidonax flaviventris, 247 minimus, 248 trailli, 247 Ereunetes mauri, 228 purìllus, 228 Erismatura jamaicensis rabida, 194 Esterbrook Country, 35, j i Euphagus carolinus, 302

Extinction, of birds and mammals, 97, 132 Falco columbarius, 206 peregrirtus anatum, 206 rusticolus candicans, 205 rusticolus obsoletas, 206 sparverius, 207

lation, 59-60

Fisher, R. T., 85 Fishes, fluctuations in population, 91-92, 93 of the Gulf

of

Gavia immer elasson, 1 7 0 immer immer, 1 7 0 stellata, 171

Geology, of region, 35-37

Fairhaven Bay, 3, j i , j2 Fall web-worm, 64 Farrar's Pond, 156 Faxon, Walter, 17, 53, 60, 159 Field work, 25 Finch, Eastern Purple, 308 Fires, influence of, on bird popu-

Fishes

Gallinule, Florida, 214 Purple, 214

Maine

(Bigelow and Welsh), 91 Flicker, Northern, 242 Florida caerulea, 1 7 5

Fluctuation, in animal population, 90-91

in bird population, 90-91, 93-94 Flycatcher, Alder, 247 Crested, 111-112 Least, 248 Northern Crested, 246 Olive-sided, 108-109, '45> 2 49

Yellow-bellied, 247 Food requirements, 74-76

Forbush, Ε . H . , 7 , 6 8 , 1 0 2 , 1 0 5

Forests, 4 8 - j i , j 6 Frazar, Μ. Α., 104 French, Daniel C., 5

Geothlypis trichas, 296 Glaucionetta americana, 192

Gleason, H. W., 5 Gnatcatcher, Blue-gray, 134, 273 Golden-eye, American, 192 Goldfinch, Eastern, 312 Goose, Blue, 181 Canada, 180 Greater Snow, 180 Lesser Snow, 181 Goshawk, Eastern, 123, 197 Grackle, Bronzed, 303 Ridgway's, 304 Great Meadows, 1 5 2 - i j j Grebe, Holboell's, 171 Horned, 172 Pied-billed, 172 Grosbeak, Eastern Evening, 307 Eastern Pine, 123, 309 Rose-breasted, 30J Grouse, Eastern Ruffed, 124-127, 207

Gulf Meadow, 5, 16, j 2 , 1 5 6 Gull, American Herring, 230 Bonaparte's, 231 Glaucous, 230 Great Black-backed, 230 Gypsy moth, 63 Gyrfalcon, White, 205 Black, 206 Habitats, newly created, 152-156 preferences, 7 6 - 7 7 study of, 2 7 - 2 9 Haliaeëtus leucocephalus, 203 leucocephalus alascanus, 203

Fúlica americana, 21 j

Gadwall, 183

Gallínula chlor opus, 2 1 4

333

Harvard Ornithological Club, 20 Hawk, American Rough-legged, 202 Broad-winged, 201 Cooper's, 198 Duck, 206 Eastern Pigeon, 206 Eastern Red-shouldered, 200 Eastern Red-tailed, 199 Eastern Sparrow, 207 Fish, 20J Marsh, 204 Sharp-shinned, 96, 197 Swainson's, 202 Heat waves, influence of, 45-46 Hedymeles ludovicianus, 305 Helmitheros vemñvorus, 281 Helmuth, W . T., 104 Hen, Heath, 94 Henshaw, H. W., 7, 12 Heron, Black-crowned Night, 177 Eastern Green, 176 Great Blue, 174 Little Blue, 121,175 Yellow-crowned night, 133, 178 Hesperiphona vespertina, 307 Hickey, Joseph J., i j Hirundo erythrogaster, 252 Hoar, Samuel, 152-1J3 Hoffmann, Ralph, 17 Howe, Reginald Heber, 7 Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 241 Hunting and shooting, 67-71, 92 Hurd's Pond area, approximate acreage, 163 described, iJ7-iJ9 ecological map, 158, 163 list o f breeding birds, 1J9-162 population statistics, 150,164

summary by species, 163 Hurricane of 1938, 61-62 Hylocichla fuscescens, 271 guttata, 268 mnima aliciae, 270 minima minima, 270 mustelina, 267 ustulata, 269 Ibis, Glossy, 180 Icteria virens, 297 Icterus galbula, 302 spurius, 302 Insects, 63-65, 90-91, 128 lonornis martinica, 214 iridoprocne bicolor, 251 lxobrychus exilis, 179 Jay, Blue, 254 Junco, Oregon, subsp., 318 Slate-colored, 318 Junco hy emails, 318 Junco oregonus subsp., 318 Kendeigh, S. C., 28, 29 Keyes, Miss, 7 Killdeer, 216 Kingbird, 245 Arkansas, 246 Kingfisher, Eastern Belted, 242 Kinglet, Eastern Ruby-crowned,

334

2

74

Golden-crowned, 273 Knot, American, 226 Lantus borealis, 275 ludovicianus, 276 Lark, Hoyt's Horned, 249 Northern Horned, 249 Prairie Horned, 250 Larus argentatus, 230 hyperboreus, 230

marinus, 230 Philadelphia, 231 Lice, plant, 63 Life-history studies, 24, 29 Linrnodrofttus scolopaceus, 227 Lincoln, 3, 51 Literature, ornithological, 24 Lobipes lobatus, 230 Local lists, 21-24, 2 S Localities, special, in Concord Region, 156-159 Longspur, Lapland, 324 Longspurs, death of, in Minnesota, 103 Loon, Common, 170 Lesser, 170 Red-throated, 171 Lophodytes cucullatus, 195 Loxia curvirostra, 313 leucoptera, 313 Lumbering, 56, 57-58 Mackerel, fluctuations in catch, 91-92, 93 Mallard, 181 Mammals. See Animals Maree a americana, 184 penelope, 184 Marshes, 51-53 Martin, Purple, 90, 254 Massachusetts Audubon Society, 20, 71 Massachusetts Fish and Game Association, 71 Maynard, Dr. Herbert E., 17-19, 26, 56, 57 Meadowlark, Eastern, 300 Meadows, river, 51-53 Megaceryle alcyon, 242 Melanerpes erythrocephalus, 243 Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris, 208 33S

Melospiza

georgiana

ericrypta,

3*3

georgiana georgiana, 323 lincolni, 332 melodia, 324 Merganser, American, 195 Hooded, 195 Red-breasted, 196 Mergus americanus, 195 serrator, 196 Merrimack River, 3, 51 Micropalama himantopus, 228 Migration, Concord Region as highway, 142-146 loss of birds by, 103-105 Miller, Alden H., 165 Mimus polyglottes, 263 Mniotilta varia, 280 Mockingbird, 133, 263 Molothrus ater, 304 Mortality, annual, of birds, 80-81 Morton of Merrymount, 67 Murre, Brunnich's, 232 Mussels, fresh-water, 36 Myiarchus crinitus boreus, Bangs, 246 Myiochanes virens, 248 Nannus hiemalis, 261 National Wild Life Institute, 115 Naturalist's Guide to the Americas, 83 Nettion carolinense, 186 crecca, 186 "New England Systematic Notes" (Brewster), 9-10 Nighthawk, Eastern, 112-114, 240 Nine Acre Corner, 5, 52, 63, 156 Nuthatch, Northern Whitebreasted, 258 Red-breasted, 259 Nuttall, Thomas, 71

Nuttall Club, 5, 6, 20, 27 Nuttallomis mesoleucus, 249 Nyctanassa violacea, 178 Nyctea nyctea, 237 Nycticorax nycticorax, 177 Nyroca affinis, 191 americana, 189 collaris, 190 marila, 191 νalmneria, 191

Saw-whet, 239 Short-eared, 239 Snowy, 6j, 123-124, 237 Oxyechus vociferus, 216

Observation methods, past and jresent, 23-27 roma leucorrhoa, 173 October Farm, 7,14, 20 October Farm (Brewster), 12 Oiderma americana, 193 deglandi, 194 perspicillata, 194 Old Colony Bird Club, 20, ijo, 159 Old-squaw, 193 Oporornis agilts, 296 Philadelphia, 296 Oriole, Baltimore, 302 Orchard, 109-110, 302 Osprey, 205 Otocoris alpestris alpestris, 249 alpestris hoyti, 249 alpestris praticola, 250 Otus asio naevius, 236 Oven-bird, 293 Overflow, of bird population, 107I I I , 122 Owl, American Hawk, 237 Barn, 87, 133, 235 Eastern Screech, 62, 236 Great Gray, 238 Great Horned, 86, 236 Long-eared, 238 Northern Barred, 237 Richardson's, 239

j

Paine, Charles J., 17, 18 Pandion haliaetus carolinensis, 205 Parus atricapillus, 257 hudsonicus littoralis, 257 Passer domesticus, 299 Passerculus sandviichensis labradorius, 315 sandwichensis savanna, 315 Passerella iliaca, 322 Passerherbulus henslovñ susurrons, 316 Passerina cyanea, 306 Peabody, Rev. W . Β. O., 39, 63 Pelidna alpina, 227 Periodicity. See Cycles Peripheral species, in Concord Region, 146-150 Petrel, Leach's, 173 Petrochelidon albifrons, 253 Pewee, Wood, 62, 248 Phaeopus hudsonicus, 222 Phalacrocorax auritus, 174 Phalarope, Northern, 230 Red, 229 Wilson's, 229 Phalaropus fulicarius, 229 Phasianus torquatus, 208 Pheasant, Ring-necked, 208 Philohela minor, 218 Phoebe, 246 Picoides arcticus, 245 Pigeon, Domestic, 232 Passenger, 17, 86, 92, 93, 95, 233 Pinícola enucleator, 309 Pintail, 185 Hybrid, 185

336

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 313 Pipit, American, 274 Piranga erythromelas, 305 Pisobia bairdi, 227 fascicoliti, 226 melanonota, 226 minutilla, 227 Plectrophenax nivalis, 324 Ρlegadis falcinellus, 180 Plover, Black-bellied, 217 Golden, 217 Semipalmated, 216 Upland, 222 Pluvialis dominica, 217 Ρodilymbus podtceps, 172 Polioptila caerulea, 273 Pollution, of Sudbury River, 53 Ρoœcetes gramineus, 317 Population, cycles, 123-130 densities, 99-116, 122, 133-138 increases, 116-123, 133-138 mathematical studies, 98 Porzana carolina, 210 Precipitation, 38 Preston, F. W., 98, 99 Priest, George H., 18 Progne subis, 254 Protection, of birds and game, 68, 71-72, 87, 118-122 Protonotaria citrea, 281 Quail, 207 Querquedula discors, 187 Qutscalus aeneus, 303 ridgwayi, 304 Rail, King, 133, 209 Little Black, 214 Virginia, 209 Yellow, 211 Rallas elegans, 209 limicola, 209

Rare, definition of term, 97-98 Rats, 65 Raup, Hugh M., 37, 49, j8 Raven, 34, 50 Redhead, 189 Redpoll, Common, 311 Greater, 309 Hoary, 309 Holboell's, 310 Labrador, 310 Redstart, 138, 298 Red-wing, 138 Regulus calendula, 274 satrapa, 273 Reproductive capacity, 77-80 Resident, definition of, 165 Ring-neck, 216 Riparia riparia, 2ji Roberts, Thomas S., 103 Robin, Eastern, 87-88, 138, 266 Routes, 156-159 Sand deposits, 36 Sanderling, 229 Sandpiper, Baird's, 227 Bartramian, 222 Buff-breasted, 229 Eastern Solitary, 224 Least, 227 Pectoral, 226 Red-backed, 227 Semipalmated, 228 Spotted, 223 Stilt, 228 Western, 228 White-rumped, 226 Sapsucker, Yellow-bellied, 243 Sayorms phoebe, 246 Scaup, Greater, 191 Lesser, 191 Scoter, American, 193 Surf, 194 337

White-winged, 194 Scotìaptex nebulosa nebulosa, 238 Sea-cow, Steller's 130 Sears, Paul B., 37 Seiurus aurocapillus, 293 motacilla, 29J noveboracensis, 294 noveboracensis (notabilis Ridgway)?, 294 Setophaga ruticilla, 298 Shelter, 7 6 Sherman's Bridge, 157 Shore birds, in Concord Region, IJJ-IJÓ Shoveller, 187 Shrike, Migrant, 2 7 6 Northern, 123, 275 Sialia sialis, 272 Siskin, Pine, 3 1 1 Sitta canadensis, 259 carolinensis, 258 Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, 61, i j 6 Snipe, Robin, 226 Wilson's, 220 Snowfall, 38 Sora, 2 1 0 Sparrow, Eastern Chipping, 3 1 9 Eastern Grasshopper, 31 j Eastern Henslow's, 3 1 6 Eastern Savannah, 3 1 5 Eastern Song, 138, 324 Eastern Swamp, 323 Eastern Tree, 3 1 9 Eastern Vesper, 3 1 7 English, 63, 66, 105 Field, 320 Fox, 3 2 2 House, 11 j , 299 Labrador Savannah, 315 Lincoln's, 322 Nelson's? Sharp-tailed, 3 1 7 Western Swamp, 323

White-crowned, 321 White-throated, 321 Spanila clypeata, 187 Sphyrapicus varius, 243 Spinus pinus, 311 tristis, 312 Spiza americana, 307 Spizella arborea arborea, 3 1 9 passerina, 3 1 9 pusilla, 320 Squatarola squatarola, 2 1 7 Starling, 6 1 , 66-67, Starr, Anna M., 37 Statutory Bird Protection (Forbush) , 68 Steganopus tricolor, 229 Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 252 Sterna hirundo, 231 Storms, 6 1 - 6 2 , 1 0 3 - 1 0 J Strix varia, 237 Study methods, amateurs, 27 comparative, 29-30 Christmas census, 2 9 counts, i j , 22, 25, 9 7 - 9 8 coverage, 2 6 ecology, 2 7 - 2 9 field work, 25-26 habitat, 2 7 - 2 9 incentive, 24 life-histories, 24, 29 literature, 24 local lists, 21-24, 2 i Sturnella magna, 300 Sturnus vulgaris, 276 Sudbury, 3, 51 Sudbury meadows, 26 Sudbury River, 3, 22, j 2 , 53, 156 Sudbury Valley, 1 6 - 1 9 , 7 2 i 151, 2

Surnia ulula capar och, 237 Swallow, Barn, 34, 87, 2j2 Northern Cliff, 253

338

Rough-winged, 133, 252 Tree, 62, 251 Swamps, drainage of, 62-63 Swift, Chimney, 87, 1 1 6 - 1 1 7 , H 1

verticalis, 246 Τ y to alba pratíncola, 23 j

Tanager, Scarlet, 62, 84-86, 305 Tax rate, 57 Taxidermy, 18, 6 9 - 7 0 Teal, Blue-winged, 187 European, 186 Green-winged, 186 Telmatodytes palustris dissaëptus, 262

Temperature tolerance, 7 4 Tent caterpillars, 63, 64, 128 Tern, Black, 231 Common, 231 Thoreau, H . D., 4 , 4 7 , 56, 60, 71 Thoreau's Bird-Lore (Allen), 4 Thrasher, Brown, 26J Thrush, Bicknell's, 270 Eastern Hermit, 109, 149, 268 Gray-cheeked, 270 Olive-backed, 269 W o o d , 267 Thryothorus ludovtcianus, 261 Torrey, Bradford, 17 Totanus flavipes, 2 2 5 melanoleucus, 225 Tower, F. Α., 40 Towhee, Red-eyed, 313 Toxostoma rufum, 26y Transient, definition of, i 6 j Trautmann, Milton B., 55 Tringa solitaria, 224 Troglodytes aëdon, 260 Tropics, bird-life, 1 2 9 - 1 3 0 Tryngites subruficollis, 229 Turdus migratorius, 266 Turkey, Eastern Wild, 86, 90, 208 Turnstone, Ruddy, 218 Tyrannus tyrannus, 24J 339

Umbagog, Lake, 6, 7 , 1 6 United States Fish and Wild Life Service, 133, 153 Uria lomvia, 232 Vagrants, definition of, 166 local lists, 2 1 - 2 2 Veery, 271 Vegetation, forest and woodlands, 4 8 - y i , 56 miscellaneous types, 54-5J river meadows and marshes, 51-53 Vermivora celata, 284 chrysoptera, 282 leucobronchialis, 282 peregrina, 283 pinus, 283 ruficaptlla, 284 Vireo, Blue-headed, 62, 63, 278 Eastern Warbling, ioj, 110, 280

Philadelphia, 118, 280 Red-eyed, 138, 2 7 9 White-eyed, 105, 110, 277 Yellow-throated, 105, n o , »4- 277 Vireo flavifrons, 2 7 7 gilvus, 280 griseus, 277 olivaceus, 279 philadelphicus, 280 solitarius, 278 Vulture, Turkey, 133,196 Waiden Woods, 60 Warbler, Bay-breasted, 290 Black and White, 280 Warbler, Blackburnian, 61, 289

Black-poll, 291 Black-throated Blue, 287 Black-throated Green, 28, 84, 288 Blue-winged, 134, 28} Brewster's, 282 Canada, 62, 109,149, 298 Cape May, 287 Cerulean, 134, 288 Chestnut-sided, 34, 289 Connecticut, 146, 296 Eastern Yellow, 286 Golden-winged, 131, 282 Hooded, 134, 297 Magnolia, 286 Mourning, 118, 296 Myrtle, 288 Nashville, 63, 109, 145, 284 Northern Parula, 285 Northern Pine, 291 Orange-crowned, 284 Prairie, 60, 291 Prothonotary, 281 Tennessee, 118, 283 Western Palm, 292 Wilson's, 297 Worm-eating, 281 Yellow Palm, 292 Warren, Clarence H., 17 Water-thrush, 145,149 Grinnell's?, 294 Louisiana, 134, 295 Northern, 294 Waxwing, Cedar, 275 Wayland, 3, 16-19 Wetmore, Alexander, 97

340

Wheat midge, 63 Whippoorwill, Eastern, 240 Widgeon, European, 184 Wilderness, primeval, bird population, 97 Willet, Western, 225 Wilsonia canadensis, 298 citrina, 297 pusilla, 297 Wisconsin ice sheet, 36 Woodcock, 96, 218 Woodcutting, 56, 57-58 Woodlands, 48-51, 56 Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed, »45

Eastern Hairy, 62, 244 Nelson's Downy, 244 Northern Downy, 62, 244 Northern Pileated, 34, 87, 243 Red-headed, 243 Wren, Carolina, 261 Eastern House, 112, 114-115, 260 Eastern Winter, 261 Long-billed Marsh, 53 New England Marsh, 262 Short-billed Marsh, 263 Yellowlegs, Greater, 225 Lesser, 225 Yellow-throat, Northern, 296 Zenaidura macroura, 233 Ζonotrichta albicollis, 321 leucophrys, 321