Gri PRovINCIAL MuseuM REPORT. 1914 



These birds do considerable damage to the smaller birds’ nests. On several occasions they 
were found plundering the homes and destroying the eggs of the goldfinch and western 
chipping-sparrow, which are usually found common in the peach and apple orchards throughout 
the valley. 
*CLARKE’s NurcoracKER (Vucifraga columbiana, Wils.). 
The bird found common in the foot-hills from Penticton to Osoyoos Lake, more abundant 
on the east side. Birds were taken at Penticton (Four-mile Creek) on April 10th, and at 
Schoonover Mountain, 4,000 feet altitude, on April 20th. Birds have been known to breed 
in the latter part of February, when the thermometer often registers 20 degrees below zero. 
From the size of the young birds taken in June, it is iho doubt that the birds lay some 
time about the middle of March. Search for the nests was made daily from April 20th to 
25th on Schoonover Mountain, 4,000 feet altitude ; only one deserted nest was located in a 
yine-tree 25 feet from the ground. The nest is a large bulky affair composed of sticks and 
Pp A 2 g J I 
lined with bark, ete. 
*Bopoiink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus, Linn.). 
Fairly common. Ten specimens taken at Penticton on June 20th. Located a female 
building a nest on the ground in the meadow near Penticton on June 18th, and on my return 
a few days later found the nest deserted. A pair was seen at Okanagan Falls on May 20th. 
*CowsirD (Volothrus ater ater, Bodd.) : 
Birds taken at Penticton on June 25th. Flock of about seven were seen at Okanagan 
Falls on May 21st. On June 25th a single egg was found in the nest of a Pacific yellow- 
throat, which contained two eggs, slightly incubated. 
*San Disco Repwine (Agelaius pheniceus neutralis, Ridg.). 
Very abundant in marshes and swamps throughout the valley. Seen only in the bottom 
lands. Specimens were taken at Penticton, April 12th: Okanagan Falls, April 15th and May 
10th ; and Vaseaux Lake and Osoyoos in May. Nests and eggs were taken at Dog Lake on 
May 21st, also several fine sets at ‘Vaseaux and Osoyoos on May 24th. 
*WeresteRN Mrapow-Lark (Sturnella neglecta, Aud.). 
Common at Penticton and Okanagan Falls; abundant nearly everywhere, in the fields 
and meadows throughout the valley. Breeds. 
*BuLiock’s Orrtoxe (Leterus bullocki, Swains.). 
Abundant throughout the valley. Birds taken on May 27th at Penticton, and on June 
6th at Vaseaux Lake. Breeds commonly close to water. Nests placed usually in deciduous 
trees, resembling a hanging basket in shape. Fresh eggs were taken at Penticton on June 
15th. Eggs four in sverilbs pale bluish white, streaked and lined with black, brown, and 
grey ; size, 0.95 x 0.60. Nest containing four young was found at Dog Lake on June 20th. 
The chatter of these birds can be heard from morn till night ; and they are very busy during 
the nesting season. 
*Brewer’s Bracksird (Luphagus cyanocephalus, Wag.). 
One of the commonest birds in the valley. Large flocks were seen at Penticton on April 
12th, and also at Okanagan Falls during the months of May and June. On May 29th a nest 
containing Six ege@s was taken. Eggs were slightly incubated. The nest was situated on a 
haystack in an open meadow —rather an unusual nesting-place. Another fine set was collected 
at Okanagan Falls on June 15th. Nest was placed on the ground and contained six dull 
greyish eggs, blotched and spotted with brown and black ; size, 1 x 0.75. Incubation fresh. 
*Wesrern Eventnc Grosseak (/esperiphona vespertina montana, Ridg.). 
During the first week in June a flock of about twenty birds frequented our camp at 
Schoonover Mountain (3,500 feet). The birds were watched ‘closely in order to try and locate 
their nesting-place, but our observations proved in vain. The birds showed no signs of pairing 
up to June 15th. Several birds were collected on June 12th, and on close examination of the 
ovaries three females showed no sign of breeding whatever ; therefore it is without doubt that 
these birds lay well on into July. Mr. Blurton mentioned the fact that he once saw a female 
feeding young birds near ieee during the latter part of July. From observations, it is 
believed that the birds nest near the tops of tall conifers, 100 to 150 feet high, otherwise an 
old nest would have been found. 
