In the Spartina with the Swallows 121 they continue their course. Is it not strange that they seem to think that this is the only place for Eaves to drink, though the lake is half a mile long ? Bobolinks also arrive in the marsh ; small parties pass over, and their pink is often in the air. It is now 5.30 v. .m. More Eaves come, drink, and move on. We move, too, following them through the high spartina until we see in the distance an oasis of black dots in the yellow sea of grasses. While we are still advancing, a I ^ < *^ f ^— f — ^f—^ M ^-^ — f ' BIRD NOTES TREE SWALLOWS Photographed from nature by Frank M. Chapman Pigeon Hawk darts over our heads, going straight for the oasis. In less than no time the black dots take wing and up goes the whole congregation of Eaves, up, up, scattering to all winds, and disappearing for several minutes. But the disturber is gone, and the frightened birds find courage to return and sit down again on their favorite weeds, from which they can overlook the marsh for miles around. The Bobohnks, for whose special benefit the Hawk's visit was this time meant, are still hovering in the air, but new troops arrive, and after some aimless drifting all settle down to roost amongst the grasses. The sun is down now, and perfect streams of Swallows are flow- ing from all sides toward the oasis in the center. This is the mo- ment when the Whitebreasts, who for the last hour have been con- gregating on the lotus of the neighboring lakes, mingle with the passing Eaves and accompany them to the common roost. The Roughwings, too, have left their haunts and are appearing in the marsh. The light of day is waning fast, and the smoky air gets dim and misty. The assembled Eaves are now seen to rise in clouds from their oasis, mix their forces with the invading army, and the grandest
