410 Wetmore, Birds of Lake Burford, N. Mex. [july 



92. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis Brewster. Western Yellow- 

 throat. — It was estimated that fifteen pairs of Yellowthroats were nesting 

 around the lake. These birds were found in the tules, usually in that 

 part of the growth that was standing in water adjacent to the shore. 

 They sang constantly, but were so retiring that they seldom came under 

 observation though it was usually possible to call them up into sight in 

 the rushes by squeaking. Occasionally they gave the grasshopper-like 

 trill that is sung so commonly by eastern birds. 



93. Wilsonia pusilla pileolata (Pallas). Pileolated Warbler. — 

 A few of these birds occurred during migration. A female was shot on 

 May 26 in oak scrub on a dry hillside and one was seen on June 2 near 

 the spring at the cotton woods. The specimen taken belongs to this form 

 and all other notes are included here. 



94. Oreoscoptes montanus (J. K. Townsend). Sage Thrasher. — 

 This Thrasher was observed first on May 29 after which it was fairly 

 common in the areas covered with sagebrush about the lake. Males 

 frequently sang from perches at the summits of the tall sage and the birds 

 were observed occasionally in passing across the knolls and flats. At its 

 beginning the song is somewhat like that of a grosbeak. As the notes 

 wander on, to change and become more intricate, burring calls, that while 

 harsh are not unmusical, creep in as an accompaniment to clearer whistled 

 notes that are varied and pleasing. Low trills and changing combinations 

 mark the song, reminding one of the improvisation of some gifted musician 

 who, playing apparently at random, brings forth tones that follow one 

 another in perfect harmony. 



95. Mimus polyglottos leucopterus (Vigors). Western Mocking- 

 bird. — The mockingbird was fairly common in the junipers on the flats 

 and in the canyons near the lake. Males were heard singing frequently 

 and one pair nested not far from the cabin. 



96. Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus (Say). Rock Wren. — The Rock 

 Wren was common around the lake and was seen frequently. Long 

 slopes covered with fragments of broken sandstone were their favorite 

 haunts. 



97. Catherpes mexicanus conspersus Ridgway. Canyon Wren. — 

 On June 2 I found a pair of these wrens about some sandstone ledges in a 

 gulch east of the lake. The female was working busily carrying nesting 

 material into a rock crevice, while the male remained nearby but made no 

 effort to assist her. Once as the female passed him he ran out across the 

 rock face with spread tail, and wings partly open and trailing, giving a 

 low churring note. And at short intervals I heard his fine song ringing 

 through the woods. The female ceased her labors once and sat for a few 

 minutes in the warm sun to preen her feathers, finally resting for some 

 time with eyes partly closed, apparently almost asleep. 



On June 9 I examined the nest site and found the female on the com- 

 pleted nest, which however was empty. She remained on the nest until I 

 had nearly touched her, though I had made considerable noise in climbing 



