68 WlUMAN.N, Vosetnite Valley Birch. \^'^ 



of trees and flowers, and the unusual tameness of the many birds, 

 which make this paradisaic spot particularly dear to our heart. 

 Those who expect to see only cold majestic grandeur are most 

 agreeably surprised to find in the heart of the Sierra such a gentle 

 garden spot, full of mellow sunshine, benevolent quiet, and bliss- 

 ful joy. 



It took only one hour of sunshine to melt most of the snow in 

 the valley on the afternoon of May 21, and though the nights 

 during our stay were frosty, the days were mild and pleasant with 

 a maximum temperature of 60° in the shade. 



List of Birds Observed in Yosemite Valley. 



1. Actitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper. — Tliough the swit't-run- 

 iiing water of Merced River was of icy coldness, four Spotted Sandpipers 

 were busily engaged feeding at favorable spots along its banks. 



2. Oreortyx pictus plumiferus. Mountain Partridge. — Seen only 

 in two places, but feathers found on the ground and some interwoven in 

 birds' nests show that thej may be more numerous than it seems. 



3. Columba fasciata. Band-tailed Pigeon. — Daily seen on wing 

 or resting in high trees (yellow pines)in parties of 2 to 5. A flock of about 

 30 were disturbed at their roost near the Bridal Falls early on May 25. 



4. Zenaidura macroura. Mourning Dove. — Only one seen, May 21. 



5. Elanus leucurus. White-tailed Kite. — About 9 A.M. on May 

 24 a great commotion was heard in a clump of trees near the Yosemite 

 Falls, and presently a White-tailed Kite, chased by two Vireos, ilew out 

 and across an opening into a tall yellow pine. 



6. Accipiterveloxrufilatus. Western Sharp-shinned Hawk. — One 

 (female) going slowly over the valley, 6.15 p. m. May 23. 



7. Falco sparverius deserticolus. Desert Sparrow Hawk. — Twice 

 seen May 23, and again on the 25th. 



8. Dryobates villosus hyloscopus. Cabanis Woodpecker. — Two 

 males seen May 22 and 24. 



9. Dryobates pubescens turati. Willow Woodpecker. — Male and 

 female in two localities along Merced River, May 23. 



10. Xenopicus albolarvatus. White-headed Woodpecker. — Only 

 one seen in the valley near Camp Currie, but several crossed our way 

 between the Yosemite and Wawona on the 25th. 



11. Ceophlceus pileatus abieticola. Northern Pileated Wood 

 pecker. — Males and females seen in different localities. 



12. Melanerpes formicivorus bairdi. California Woodpecker. — 

 One pair stationed not far from hotel. 



