JLaguna Ratine Laboratory 189 



Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Hudsonian Curlew. 

 Two rather large flocks of curlew were seen at different times. 

 They were usually found on long open stretches of sandy beach, and 

 were exceedingly shy, not allowing one to approach within three 

 hundred yards. When flying from the beach after being alarmed, 

 they flew directly out to sea for some hundred yards, and then fol- 

 lowed the coast, finally alighting a good half mile from the danger 

 point. They seemed to be feeding on sand-crabs, for the whole flock 

 would run down the beach after each receding wave, and then back 

 in front of the approaching one. 



Aegialitis vocifera (Linn.) Bonap. Killdeer. 



Large numbers of these birds frequented the mud flats around the 

 tule lakes. They were constantly moving and kept up a continual 

 noise. These birds are not at all shy. 



Arenaria melanocephala (Vig.) Stejn. Black Turnstone. 

 One specimen taken on the beach among piles of dried kelp. It 

 was very bold, showing no fear. It, also, appeared to be feeding on 

 sand-crabs. 



Lophortyx californicus vallicola (Ridgw.) Valley Quail. 

 This quail was abundant, feeding throughout the hills and can- 

 yons. Early in the mornings flocks of from fifty to a hundred were 

 often seen. When flushed in some small gulch, the noise of their 

 wings as they rise from the ground produces a most startling roar. 



Zenaidura macrura (Linn.) Mourning Dove. 



Abundant about all springs and water holes, especially those at a 

 good distance from all houses. To one particularly lonely watering 

 spot they came in great numbers and at all -hours; here they were 

 especially easy to approach. On August 19th a dove was flushed 

 from its nest, which contained one egg. Infested commonly with 

 Nirmus foedus and Lipeurus bacnloides. 



Cathartes aurea ( Linn.) Spix. Turkey Vulture. 



These buzzards were very abundant through the hills and canyons, 

 possibly on account of the cattle herds. One of these birds shot and 

 placed in a conspicuous spot soon drew at least thirty others to the 

 place. A certain eucalyptus grove appeared to serve as a regular 

 roost for these birds. They are infested by Colpocephaluni keHoggi 

 and Menopon alternatum. 



Circus hudsonicus (Linn.) Vieill. Marsh Hawk. 

 Quite common about the bay at Balboa. One was seen devouring 

 a freshly killed ground squirrel. They are not very shy and speci- 

 mens are easily obtained. 



