Viewing page 17 of 74

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

marshes - probably the largest fresh-water marshes in Mexico, begin about five miles lower down.

Jan. 8,
Anser. Our principal object here was to secure specimens of the geese which were excessively abundant. We spent the day on the marshes on the Hda. Buena Vista, about five miles from La Barca and south of the Lerma river. The great marshes near the eastern and of Lake Chapala are called "cienegas" which means simply marshes in the spanish language. Waterfowl of numerous kinds were seen including several species not noted before. Two species of geese were seen but they have been hunted a great deal and are not as easy to secure as earlier in the season. A few days ago several hunters are said to have killed 200 birds.

Duck Hawk. Several were seen flying about over the marsh. Several times two birds were seen, apparently quarreling together while on the wing.

Black Stilt. Common on the marsh. Solitary in habits. Usually seen wading about in the shallow water looking for food. They peck frequently into the mud and water with their long bills.

Macroramphus  A few were seen along the edge of the water in the marsh. Mr. Nelson had never seen them before in Mexico. They arose from among the short grass and flew ahead in a close flock about 50 yds. to the edge of some open water. They were not at all wild and were easily approached and shot.

Ajaja  Several pairs and several small flocks were seen. One flock of six or eight was seen standing in an irregular line on the ground. Several pairs flew over within easy gunshot. At such short distance, their broad bills and long legs stretched out behind could very plainly be seen and they had a very ungainly appearance.

Numenius longirostris  Single birds flew over us several times and one was shot by Mr. Nelson.

Stelgidopteryx serrapennis  Eight or 10 were seen flying over some open water near the edge of the marsh.

Tachycineta bicolor. Very common. They were flying here and there, all over the marsh, often within five or 10 feet of