Page:Condor21(5).djvu/21

 Sept, 1919 BIRD NOTES FROM OREGON AND CALIFORNIA 195 numerous sand bars which are resorted to by many waders and other birds. As the birds in this locality are entirely undisturbed during the summer, many notes were obtained here. Mr. and Mrs. Alva Springer and son Ed have resid- ed in the locality for many years and, having a good general -knowledge of birds, were able to furnish considerable helpful information. Dr. L. C. Hib- bard, of Burns, who has studied the birds of the region for a number of years, also supplied data of value. Though the lake and swamp were rather thoroughly covered, and I believe very little bird life was overlooked in this immediate section, the surrounding hill region was hardly touched, and it is very probable that many species occur here regularly that were not seen by me at all. Also, as a very limited area w. as covered during the migration season, the notes obtained on the migratory birds must be regarded as far from complete. In the following list of birds ob- served, unless otherwise stated, the notes refer to Malheur Lake. Fig. 40. YouNo CORMORANTS AT MALHEUR LAKE, OREOON, JUNE 18, 1918. Aechmophorus occidentalIs. Western Grebe. Nesting abundantly at Malheur Lake; most plentiful along north and west sides. Some young noted as early as June 7, but the species did not begin to nest generally until about June 10. After this date many nesting colonies were visited. These colonies consisted of from two or three to twenty nests each, and were situated in tule patches, generally near the open water. Four was the usual complement of eggs, no nests containing more than this number being seen. The species was also noted at Clear Lake during early April. Colymbus auritus. Horned Grebe. One bird seen on Malheur Lake May 12, aw other June 7, and three more June 14, all adults in high spring plumage. Upon seeing these birds present so late in the year, it was hoped to find them nesting, but they were not further noted, though care'fully sought for, and I am forced to conclude that they were present only as migrants. Colymbus nigrlcollis callfornicus. Eared Grebe. Breeding abundantly in colonies in tules at Malheur Lake, well out toward edge of open water. As with the WestenJ Grebe, a few scattering pairs evidently nest much earlier than the great majority, as a few young were noted June 14-15, at which time the bulk of the species was Just begin- ning to nest. A very peculiar feature noted was the small number of eggs laid to the