72 BIRDS OF 1‘. E. ISLAND.

frequent the ponds and marshes of the north shore, and an odd pair may be found nesting in creek bottoms anywhere through the country; where, at night, their curious “booming,” or “stake driving,” arouses the curiosity or superstition of country strollers. It nests in a soft reedy bog, and feeds largely on frogs, lizards, and snakes. The American Coot, a dark-colored bird the size of a ’l‘eal, but distinctly allied to the Rails, frequents our sedgy river borders in summer time. The nest is built of a mass of dried reeds, so as to float on the water. Its sharp- pointed bill, \rebless feet, and general appearance

¢

win for it the common name of ‘marsh hen.”

MW

gfiamilt) gitzttiha‘.

AM 1‘) RICAN \\'ILl) S\\'AN.

( ngzr ail/1 III/)2}? 71 115 )

This magnificent bird but seldom visits our shores, its line of migration beingT more inland, probably

up the Hudson River Valley. A specimen was