22 Ornithological Observations. * [ ZOE 
The first contact was at 12 h. 25 m. 23 s., about one hour 
previous to my note-taking. Weather, sunny, calm and fairly clear. 
t:20—Robins (Merula migratoria propingua) were scattered 
about the vineyard feeding upon dry grapes left upon the vines, or 
collected in the leafless oak trees, singing loudly in confusion with 
a flock of blackbirds (Scolecophagus cyanocephalus and Agelaius 
gubernator ). | 
1:25—No difference in the behavior of the above mentioned 
birds, whose abundance and noisyness were closely watched through- 
out. A few Audubon’s warblers (Dendroica auduboni) were seen 
feeding in the vineyard. 
1:30—There was a momentary lull in the medley ot bird notes 
due, I believe, to a change in position of some of the robins and 
blackbirds, for the songs at once recommenced after they had 
alighted. 
1:35—Most of the robins had ceased singing, but continued their 
startled calls ; the notes of the blackbirds became quieter. 
1:40—The robins became very restless, frequently calling, but 
not one singing ; the blackbirds, too, were uneasy, and almost 
wholly silent. It was now getting very dark, and stars were visible. 
A few ground squirrels ( Spermophilus grammurus douglassi) were 
out from their holes, and one that had his cheek-pouches crowded 
full of corn, stood bewildered near his hole until I came within ten 
feet of him. This species is usually very shy, so much so that it is 
often difficult to shoot them over open ground, yet here was an in- 
dividual that did not seem to realize that I was so close, for his 
entire demeanor was fearless. 
1:45—The blackbirds took wing and circled in a close flock about 
the trees ; but few sounds were uttered by the robins. 
1:50—At this time I recorded the sudden disappearance of all 
sun rays. The actual time may have differed two minutes, more or 
less. The sudden totality was accompanied by an awful stillness. 
The trees were full of birds, but not a sound was heard except a 
faint chirp from a goldfinch ( ‘Spinus) flying overhead, and sug- 
gestive of a bird migrating at night. The sky had a peculiar 
greenish color, and well may have caused terror among the birds. 
During this period I was told by some neighbors that their | 
. chickens had gone to roost. Those which | observed appeared to. 
be too suddenly overcome by the change, and did not go to roost, 
but huddled together close to the sides of buildings and fences. — 
