Page:Condor19(4).djvu/16

 130 THE CONDOR Vol. XIX Spinus pinus pinus. Pine Siskin. Abundant, frequenting weed patches and clumps of sunflowers. In large flocks, associated with the sevl species of goldfinches and the Linnet. Pooecetes gramineus affinis. Oregon Vesper Sparr. ow. In the open pastures and on the hills vesper sparrows were present in numbers. But one specimen was collected, October 7, and this proved to be affinis. Zonotrichia coronata. Golden-crowned Sparrow. Listed by Tyler as a "rare win- er visitant". We found it present at Minkler in great numbers, often associated with the Intermediate Sparrows, but on the whole showing a preference for denser cover. These sparrows were rather a nuisance, intruding themselves constantly into our small mammal traps and thus forestailing the capture of more desirable specimens. Aimophila ruficeps ruficeps. Rufous-crowned Sparrow. On the foothill slope some half a mile east of Minklet this species was found in fair abundance. As many as ten or twelve might be observed in the course of half an hour. The hills they frequented are devoid of brush or trees of any sort, and the sparrows resorted for shelter to the numerous rock piles and outcroppings. Here, in company with a large Rock Wren popu- lation, they seemed to find congenial surroundings despite the lack of vegetation of a size to afford shelter. Melospiza Iincolni iincolni. Lincoln Sparrow. Of four specimens Of this species collected, one proved to be M. 1. Iincolni, the other three, M. . gracili$. The species, of whichever form, was abundant in the willows. Passerella iiiaca meruloides. Yakutat Fox Sparrow. A fox sparrow taken on Oc- tober 10, the only one seen, is of this subspecies. Oreospiza chlorura. Green-tailed Towhee. A single specimen is recorded by Tyler from Mendota. We secured one, an immature female, in the willows at Minklet, October 6. This species is undoubtedly but a mere straggler to the western base of the Sierras. Vermivora celata celata. Orange-crowned Warbler. A typical example of this subspecies was taken at Minklet, October 12. Vermivora celata lutescens. Lutescent Warbler. It seems curious that this spe- cies should be omitted from Tyler's list, for it must be of regular occurrence through the region as a migrant. We observed it at Minklet daily, though in small numbers, in the willow bottoms and also in weed patches and vineyards. Catherpes mexicanus punctuiatus. Dotted Canyon Wren. On the rock-strewn hillside east of Minklet this species was found in small numbers. Rock Wrens fairly swarmed over the hills, and were remarkably tame and confiding, but the Canyon Wrens retreated into the deeper crevices of the rocks at the first sign of danger, and were seen but with difficulty at any time. The species probably would have been overlooked had it not been for the resonant call note, audible at a surprisingly long distance. Tro/llodytes aedon parkmani. Western House Wren. Five or six seen, usually in the willow bottoms. Telmatodytes palustris plesius. Western Marsh Wren. Several marsh wrens were seen. The single specimen collected, taken October 12, proved to be of the sub- species plesius. Hylcichia guttara gUttara. Alaska Hermit Thrush. But a single hermit thrush was seen at this point, a specimen of the subspecies guttara, taken in the willows, Octo- ber 12. Ixoreus naevius meruloides. Northern Varied Thrush. The unmistakable call note of a Varied Thrush was heard in the river bottom, October 11. This may be taken as the date of arrival, for though none had been seen or heard previously, they were en- countered several times during the remainder of our stay. Berkeley, California, February 20, 1917.