BIRD NOTES AFIELD 



changing to dull crimson on the under parts, the whole effect 

 of coloration being striking and unusual. 



I have seen the evening grosbeak in Berkeley only twice 

 during the past twelve years. On both occasions a good-sized 

 flock was present, and the birds were so tame that I approached 

 to within a few feet of them. They are even more unusual in 

 coloration and general appearance than Lewis's woodpecker. 

 The bill is immensely thickened and the whole effect of the 

 bird is very thick-set and heavy. The general color is yellow, 

 though mostly dull, in places changing to olive-brown or dusky. 

 The top of the head, wings and tail are blackish, the wings 

 being varied by a broad, conspicuous patch of white. 



I have described but a few of our winter birds — enough, 

 however, to show that our hills and plains are far from de- 

 serted during the month of January. Midwinter is a season 

 of rain, but the birds rejoice with the rest of us in the bountiful 

 soaking — in the new-sprung grass, the roar of the creek, and in 

 the burst of light and life which follows the downpour. Then 

 the air is cleansed until the far-off regions of the bay stand out 

 in transparent blue, and the whole vast amphitheater of water 

 and mountain lies before us so sharply outlined that the red- 

 wood trees upon the Coast Range thirty miles off across the bay 

 are plainly visible. No more favorable time in the year could 

 be chosen to seek out the birds, for the air is cool enough to 

 make hill-climbing a delight, and all nature is refreshed and 

 happy. 



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