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 Mar., 1911 75 FROM FIELD AND STUDY Bobolink Again Noted in Idaho.--In the March-April, 1910, CONDOR, Mr. H. C. Tracy notes the occurrence of the Bobolink (Dolichonyaa oryzivorus) near Meridian, Idaho, a point about eight miles east of my home ranch. I wish to confirm the presence of the Bobolink in this section by my own observations. In July, 1909, at a place some seven miles west and two miles north of where Mr. Tracy noted the species, I saw a male in full nuptial dress perform- ing his characteristic aerial gyrations close by the roadside, over an alfalfa field, doubtless for the benefit of the brooding female. The bird was scarcely twenty yards away and could not possibly be mistaken for any other species. This single specimen, however, is the only one I have seen in Idaho during a residence of two years.--L. E. WtAN. Pinyon Jay at Salem, Oregon.--On December 21, 1910, two specimens of Pinyon Jay (Cyanocepha/us cyanocepha/us) vere taken at Salem by Mr. H. S. Peck, and given to the writer for preservation. They were shot out of a flock of six, which had been seen for some time about the same locality. Both were males and in good condition. They had evidently been feeding on the ground, as their feet and plumage were much soiled with reddish clay.--M. E. PECK. The California Shrike as a Reptile Destroyer.--On May 12, 1910, I was waiting at the isolated station of Bixby, Los Angeles County, when a California Shrike was seen to hover for an instant over an object in the grass across the road, and strike with a vigorous downward thrust, almost immediately returning to its position above, to repeat. As I advanced to find the object of its attention, the bird struck again and arose with a snake in its talons and started off clown the road. I shouted and the bird dropped its trailing burden and flew to a nearby telegraph pole. I examined the reptile a moment later and found it to be a specimen of California garter snake, 18 inches in length, with the neck severed direct? behind the skull.--PNREE I. OSBURN. The Spotted Owl in Northern California.--On the night of Angamt 28, 1910, Mrs. Clay and anyself spent the night in camp on the north branch of Elk [liver, at a point ten miles a lit- tle east of south from Eureka. A maple flat, in the heart of the redwoods, shaded, and right on the edge of a stream, it was a most charming spot to spend a night. Soon after darkness fell over our camp, we were attracted by an odd, nerve-racking noise. It would start in with a kind of long-drown-out whining, gradually increasing to a more grating sound, which gave rise to un- certain thoughts, as to its source. It first seemed on the hill-side across the creek, then came nearer, all the while increasing in distinctness, and finally seemed to be double, with ever in- creasing loudness, until the woods seenled uncanny. My curiosity was aroused to a nervous pitch, and I found it hard to induce my wife to follow me with a paper torclL I took my collect- ing barrel from the twelve gauge and slid in a shell of number sixes. After following in the di- rection of the noise for some little distance, I located the ghostly racket nearly over my head in a large maple tree. The noise never ceased, but was continually repeated; and save the smooth branches, sparingly tipped with rustling leaves, as they swayed under the strain of the gentle night breeze, nothing could be seen except the twinkling blue background. Finally, I remarked, "It's an owl". A spread of wings was plainly visible now, and right on a bare limb, not over three feet above my head, sat an inquisitive owl with craning neck. Then came another from higher up and perched beside the first. They were attracted by the light, and sat there stretching their necks, with as much curiosity as I had shown, at the sound of a noise that seemed ahnost panther-like. In a few seconds the collecting tube replaced the num- ber sixes, and after stepping back a few feet, I took aim as best I could and fired. A hurried flapping of wings and a rustling in the branclaes was none too promising. The number twelve shot were not as effective as I expected, for in a moment everything was still, and not an owl fell to earth. Early the next morning, I started a systematic search of the nearby trees. After an hour's hunting, both in the brush and on the ground, I cast my eyes on a half-dazed and blinded owl. It proved to be an immature female of the Northern Spotted Owl (Xtriaa occ. identa/is caurina). Although we heard several owls in the night, it was my first experience wi th the Spotted Owl.-- C. I. CLAY. Early Spring Arrival of Bullock Oriole in Los Angeles.--On January 27, 1911, I was much surprised to see a male Bullock Oriole (Icierus bullocki) in a tree in nay front yard. On January 30, I also saw a male in the same place. I believe that they were two different birds as the plumage of the second one seen was much brighter than that of the firsL--ANToNN JAY.