2 26 Anthony on the Black-vented Shearwater. \ f u , k 



LJuly 



am satisfied that Shearwaters do not nest on either San Clemente 

 or Santa Catalina Islands. From information obtained from a 

 reliable source I am inclined to think they are not uncommon on 

 two or more of the smaller outlying islands. 



During February and March of the current year ninety-eight 

 per cent, of the Black-vented Shearwaters observed off San Diego 

 were flying northward and the reproductive organs of those taken 

 late in February indicated that the nesting season was very near 

 at hand. They would have bred within two or three weeks I 

 think ; since then none have been shot, so I am unable to carry 

 the data further. 



The presence of this species along the coast of Southern and 

 Lower California seems to be governed very largely by the food 

 supply. They are common at any time, less so during the 

 breeding season, when many are in the burrows during the 

 day, — and vastly more abundant in late July, August, and 

 September when they follow the large schools of herring and 

 other small fish that come in shore at that season. 



They are often seen in flocks of several thousands where fish 

 are plenty. On one occasion I met with a flock on the coast of 

 Lower California that I estimated contained not less than 50,000 

 Shearwaters. Many were so gorged with herring that they could 

 not rise from the water, but flapped along the surface in advance 

 of the steamer until nearly overtaken when they would dive. 

 They would usually come up near enough to the vessel to be, 

 if anything, more frightened than before, but could not take 

 wing until they had disgorged a quantity of half digested 

 fish, after which they flew off with apparent ease. It is only 

 during very calm weather that this species is seen resting on the 

 water. At such times they collect in very compact flocks, cover- 

 ing the water till there is but little room left within the circle 

 that they almost invariably form. The first gentle breeze will 

 start them on their journey again, and I have learned to have 

 confidence in a breeze that starts them flying, for as far as my 

 observations go they only rise if the wind is to be continuous, 

 and will pay no attention to a gentle puff that will die out in a 

 few minutes. 



None of our Pacific coast seabirds adhere so closely to 



