An Ancient Bird Census in Asphaltic Petroleum 297 



has developed, since it has been learned that this 'death-trap of the ages' 

 has been operating for many thousands of years, and the bones of many 

 species of animals which no longer walk the earth are stored in its depths. 



That the bones of lions, tigers, elephants, camels, horses, and other large 

 animals of species no longer living should be found is remarkable enough, 

 but that the far more fragile bones of smaller creatures should be preserved is 

 almost beyond belief. 



Birds of many kinds are represented (fifty or more species have been 

 named), some huge creatures now extinct, others that have come down to the 



BURROWING OWL TRAPPED IN ASPHALT 



Copyright by Gilbert and Winter 



present, chiefly birds of prey which collected to feed on the bodies of un- 

 fortunate animals and themselves became victims, such as Vultures, Eagles, 

 Hawks, Owls, etc. 



Sixty per cent of the species of birds represented at La Brea are still living. 

 Of the five Eagles but two remain, the Golden and the Bald. Of six cathartine 

 species only one remains unchanged — the California Condor, then very plenti- 

 ful, now nearly extinct. There are four Owls, including the Barn Owl and the 

 Great Horned Owl. 



The Meadowlark, Woodpeckers, Quail, and Blackbirds are not wanting. 

 Among the surprises were a Stork and a Peacock, both of varieties now extinct. 

 There are also the Canada Goose and another species, Blue Heron, Sandhill 



