BY P. A. TAVERNER.[24]
(Continued from p. 21.)
Since the first part of this paper went to press, I am in receipt of a series of notes from F. L. Farley, now of Camrose but formerly of Red Deer. His observations extend from 1892 to 1906 at the former locality and from then to date at the latter. They consist chiefly of lists of spring arrivals but have been supplemented by further details in correspondence. I have also received some comments upon the list as published from J. H. Fleming. The pertinent new information is embodied in the following continuation and the Addenda at the end.
80. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher.—We found the species rather scarce on the river. This is probably accounted for by the cloudiness of the water which hides the fish. One bird was seen near Camp 4 near Nevis and Young recorded two at Camp 11 at Little Sandhill Creek. We have three birds taken by Geo. Sternberg at Morrin, August and September, 1915. Horsbrough records the Kingfisher nesting at Red Deer and Farley notes it occasionally at Camrose.
81. Dryobates villosus. Hairy Woodpecker.—Not very common anywhere but more seen in the upper parts of the river in the wooded sections than lower down. Singles or pairs seen at camps 1, 4, 6 and 8½. Specimen from Camp 1 also one from Rumsey, September 24, 1915, taken by Geo. Sternberg and another from Buffalo Lake, November 9, 1914, by Horsbrough who reports nest at Sylvan Lake. I ascribe them all by their large size to leucomelas. One specimen in Fleming’s collection lately examined by me overmeasures any D. v. leucomelas I have previously seen, having a wing 140 mm. Our next largest specimen is but 132.