Fort Fairfield is 415 feet above the sea, and has a mean annual temperature of 38.11° F.
Through the kindness of Mr. H. A. Purdie I have been enabled to supplement our observations by extracts from some manuscript notes on the birds occurring at Houlton, Maine, made by Mr. Robert R. McLeod. These notes were written in 1877, and are based on his experience during a residence of four years at Houlton.
This town is in the southeastern part of Aroostook County, on the Meduxnekeag River about twelve miles from its junction with the St. John. It is forty-five miles south of Fort Fairfield, its Latitude being 46° 8′. I quote the following from Mr. McLeod’s notes: “The country round about is well watered with lakes and streams. Much of the land is under cultivation, but where it is not, the old forests are standing in great tracts of many miles in extent. The first snow falls about the 10th of November, and it generally remains on the fields till the middle of April, and in the woods until the last of May.”
At each locality several species, that would doubtless have been much more abundant had local conditions been favorable, were absent or represented by but few individuals.
All statements are given on the authority of both the observers at the locality to which they refer, except in some few cases, in which the initials of the observer are appended. All references to Houlton are, unless otherwise stated, on the authority of Mr. McLeod.
1. Turdus migratorius Linn. Robin.—Rather common at Fort Fairfield. At Grand Falls it was abundant everywhere.
2. Turdus fuscescens Steph. Wilson’s Thrush.—Rare at Grand Falls. On June 16 a nest with four fresh eggs was found on top of a stump. Not met with at Fort Fairfield. Mr. McLeod says that it appears at Houlton by May 15, and by the 10th of June becomes common. Breeds.
3. Turdus pallasi Caban. Hermit Thrush.—Common. One nest taken May 30 at Grand Falls was about three feet from the ground in a small fir tree.
4. Turdus ustulatus swainsoni (Caban.) Coues. Olive-backed Thrush.—Common at Grand Falls, especially in the hard woods and more open fir woods. At Fort Fairfield it appeared to be rather common, though seldom seen. Common and breeding at Houlton.
5. Mimus carolinensis (Linn.) Gr.. Catbird.—At Houlton “very rare. A pair has bred in this vicinity each year since I have been here” (R. R. McL.). Not met with at Fort Fairfield or Grand Falls.