64 Munro, Birds of the Okanagan Valleij. [j^. 



locally common, as in mountains between Miller House and the White 

 Mountains. It became scarcer about July 20, and was seen last on August 14. 



Ixoreus nsevius meruloides. Northern Varied Thrush. — A few 

 were found nesting in the thick spruce forest along Fossil Creek in July 

 at 2000 ft. elevation. 



Saxicola oenanthe oenanthe. Wheatear. — The bird has the same 

 habitat as the Pipit and, like it, flits from rock to rock on the mossy slopes 

 above timber-line. Young just learning to fly, July 15. Not seen in 

 flocks, 



NOTES ON SOME BIRDS OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEY, 

 BRITISH COLUMBIA. 



BY J. A. MUNRO. 



.ffichmophorus occidentalis. Western Grebe. — Migrant and scarce 

 winter resident; April 23, 1911, is the earliest spring record. In the spring 

 of 1914 they were very plentiful. May 12 was a warm still day, without 

 a breath of wind or a ripple on the surface of the lake; from the shore 

 near Okanogan Landing, one can see down the lake for five miles, to where 

 a rocky point interrupts the view. Small bands of Western Grebe were 

 scattered everywhere, the sun glittering on their white under-parts. I 

 estimated that there were eight hundred, on this small portion of the lake. 

 In the fall, they are less common and more regular in their appearance. 

 The earliest record of arrival is September 5, and the latest, September 28. 



Colymbus holboelli. Holbcell's Grebe. — Abundant summer resi- 

 dent : a few winter on Okanagan Lake. During April, flocks of these birds 

 congregate on Okanagan Lake, keeping well out from the shore, and engage 

 in a noisy courtship, attended by much splashing and diving. For several 

 weeks, their yelping call can be heard day and night. They breed in 

 suitable places on all the marshy lakes of this district; frequently nests 

 arc found within thirty feet of each other, but I have never found them 

 breeding in colonies. On May 15 and June 8, 1916, ten nests were found 

 in the tules, fringing an alkaline lake. In every case there was a Coot's 

 nest within a few yards. 



Larus argentatus. Herring Gull. — A common winter resident on 

 Okanagan Lake; they make daily trips the length of the lake, following 

 the steamer. Unlike the Herring Gulls of the Great Lakes or the sea- 

 coast, these birds are quite wary; it is generally impossible to get within 

 gunshot range. Several times I have watched them following a flock of 



