BIRDS OF THE REGION 155 



stores of nectar as well as the insects from these 

 blossoms. 



One of the most beautiful male Sennett orioles that I 

 ever saw was examining the materials of a cactus 

 wren's nest in a cholla bush at my cabin door on March 

 24, and several other individuals were seen later about 

 the cave. Their naming orange bodies and black 

 heads make a startling color pattern of unusual beauty. 



Bullock orioles are common in Carlsbad, and wherever 

 the cottonwood trees furnish swaying branches for their 

 basket nests and juicy caterpillars for their food. 

 Their rich songs are heard all day in the tree tops, 

 and an occasional flash of orange and black, with white 

 wing-spots, identifies the singers. 



An occasional brilliant painted bunting, western blue 

 grosbeak, or cardinal is found nesting in the Pecos 

 Valley or in the canyons along the sides of the valley, 

 while the little brown Cassin sparrow would be easily 

 overlooked but for its enthusiastic flight song, uttered 

 in a wild abandon of joy as it flutters over the mesquite 

 tops. 



The Mexican house finch is one of the best guides to 

 springs and water holes in this arid region, as it is 

 rarely found far from a supply of drinking water. In 

 the canyons the nests of this species found among the 

 dry leaves of tall yuccas, or inside of old oriole nests, 

 are generally an indication of springs or rainwater 

 holes in the rocks. In town and about ranches these 

 bright little crimson-headed finches are among the most 

 familiar and cheerful members of the bird population, 

 always warbling and twittering in a happy strain as 



