264 



CALIFORNIA BIRD STUDIES 



more stately in its movements. It did not veer so often, or 

 trim its sails to the wind as tlie Vulture does; but, carrying 

 more ballast, was steadier in the air. The Condor's tail is 

 evidently shorter than the Vulture's, but in other respects 

 the birds looked much alike. When perched in the same 

 tree the Condor seemed to be fully three times larger than 

 its less distinguished relative. 



Turkey Vultures and Burro 



A burro of Whittaker's, which chanced to die at this 

 time, was exposed on a hill-top overlooking the valley, with 

 a hope that it might attract the Condors. For three 

 mornings I watched it from a very carefully concealed 

 blind, but although the Condors evidently saw the feast, 

 they were too wary to partake of it. I awaited some evi- 

 dence of their interest in the bait before going to the blind, 

 which was already in position ; but the burro had been dead 

 nearly forty-eight hours before the Condors were attracted 

 to it. After a j)i'olonged reconnoisance, during which it 



