Page:Auk Volume 37-1920.djvu/130

 60 Lincoln, Birds of the Clear Creek District, Colo. [j^ BIRDS OF THE CLEAR CREEK DISTRICT, COLORADO. BY F. C. LINCOLN. While it is probably true that local lists are more or less tire- some to those entirely unacquainted with the region treated, it is nevertheless, quite as obvious that to the workers of any given territory, an accurate resume of any portion of it, is of a distinct value. Particularly is this the case when the time comes for the ultimate comprehensive work which will sum up and combine the efforts of many individuals in many districts. Recent years have seen several of these lists from Colorado, some of them containing much valuable data relative to the State's ornithology, and graphically contradicting the statement that Colorado has been "well-worked," although to those intimately associated with Colorado and her birds the fallacy was perfectly apparent. To fully appreciate this condition one had only to consider the extent of the State, the greatly varied topography and environment, coupled with the numerous life zones; all of which combine to produce an area where conclusive results are obtainable only after long and arduous activities. Accordingly, with the feeling that he is adding to the knowledge of Colorado's ornithology, the author submits the following an- notated list of the birds of the Clear Creek District. Clear Creek valley proper extends from its junction with the South Platte River in Adams County, near Denver, to the mouth of its canyon in the foothills at Golden, Jefferson County. At the union of the creek with the Platte River the valley is approximately a mile and a half in width, narrowing gradually westward to about a quarter of a mile before passing between the North and South 'Table Mountains,' immediately east of Golden, the old terri- torial capital. West of the Table Mountains and separating them from the foothills, lies a narrow, steadily ascending lateral, or " paradox " valley, known as ' Hogback Valley,' in which the town of Golden is located, and of which about four miles to the north and the same to the south is tributary to Clear Creek. Beyond this are the foothills of the Front Range, marking the dividing line