Bohemian Waxwings in Bangor.—The flock of Bohemian Waxwings, which has been seen about the streets of Bangor since early in February, had not left us March 30th, 1909. I had not seen them until that date, although I had made many efforts to do so. I was walking down Court Street, near my own home, when I heard the note which I knew to be a Waxwing note, but enough different from that of the Cedar bird so that I at once guessed that I was at last to see our own rare visitors. I discovered a good sized flock among some apple trees in a neighbor's yard. For a good half hour I watched the birds at close quarters. They were busy with the old fruit on the trees and flying back and forth to the ground, the snow under the trees often being thickly dotted with them. They did not seem to mind at all my close proximity, neither did they mind some chattering English Sparrows who came around to see what was going on. But the strident note of a crow seemed to disturb their nerves somewhat. At his near call they would rise and fly off a short distance, but would soon return again to the same trees. A couple of White-breasted Nuthatches and a Chickadee, seemed to be on very friendly terms of companionship with them. I had ample opportunity to observe all the distinguishing features of the Bohemian Waxwing, the shape of the crest, the white on the wings, the chestnut coloring of under tail coverts and forehead, which in the sunlight looked almost a rich orange. I think I never enjoyed a more interesting and beautiful bird sight.—Bertha L. Brown, Bangor.
Phillips Bird Notes.—I had never been able to find the Fox Sparrow in spring until last year. This spring I have found this species common, and most of the birds that I saw were singing. The song, when heard a little distance away, impressed me as being remarkably similar to that of the White-crowned Sparrow. I saw one White-crowned May 11th, two May 16th, and two the 17th. They were all in song. May 5th, I came upon a flock of nine Pipits. This is my earliest record. The same day I saw a large compact flock of Redpolls. I estimated the number to be between 100 and 200. The Sparrow Hawks have been fairly common this spring. With me this is a rare species. Up to date, the present month seems to have been most unfavorable for the observation of Warblers. They are not inclined to sing much, owing to the cold, backward weather. A few have arrived at the usual time, but it takes perseverance and sharp eyes to find them.—Dana W. Sweet, Phillips.
Fox Sparrows Sing in Bangor.—The 2nd of April I was delighted to hear again the inspiring song of the Fox Sparrow. I rushed out of doors with my glasses, and sure enough the little fellow was perched on a high branch of a young birch tree in our garden, his cinnamon back gleaming in the sunlight, and his joyous notes fairly crowding from his bursting little throat. This is the earliest spring record that I have of the Fox Sparrow. I first learned to know the song five years ago. Since then, every spring, numbers of the birds have visited our grounds, scratching among the leaves on the hillside, and singing exuberantly in the trees, generally staying with us about ten days or two weeks in April. As yet my little songster seems to be alone, but I hope soon to welcome his friends. Some bird books say the Fox Sparrow sings only on his northern breeding grounds; but I and several of my bird-lover friends know very well that of late years, at least, they sing around Bangor. In our own garden, and also in another garden somewhat similarly situated in another part of the city, we enjoy their most beautiful ringing song every April.—Bertha L. Brown, Bangor.
More Bohemian Waxwings.—Mrs. Elizabeth H. Marks, of Yarmouth, writes that Miss Ellen F. Paine, of Bangor, reports a flock of Bohemian Waxwings at Bangor, the week previous to March 7th. The birds were positively identified—W. H. Brownson, Portland.
Killdeer Plover.—Sunday, April 4th, while out for a walk looking for birds, I was very much gratified to see a Killdeer Plover. It was in fine plumage and was a beautiful bird.—H. W. Jewell, Farmington.