474 NATURALIST IN CALIFORNIA. 



through the whiter. Vegetation was just commencing to 

 bud forth now, and I observed a few Doves and Cow-birds 

 {Molothrus pecoris), apparently attracted by the opening 

 spring, as none appeared before. I cannot enumerate all 

 the species of vertebrates which now amounted to over 

 fifty, as I collected them, but must notice only the more re- 

 markable. The resident species not found westward of this 

 valley were the Ladder Woodpecker {Plcus scalaris), the 

 White-bellied Wren (^Tkriothorus leuco g aster) , Gambel's 

 Quail (^Loj)hortyx Gamhellii), the Arizona Song-sparrow 

 {Melosjnza fallax) , the lead-colored Gnatcatcher {^Polio])tila 

 plumbea), Malherbe's Flicker (^Cola/ptes chrysoides), and the 

 Yellow-headed Titmouse (Auriparus Jlaviceps). Besides 

 these, most of the species before mentioned are resident, 

 and also many common to the coast regions. Frosty nights 

 throughout January seemed to prevent the appearance of 

 any new birds. Even in February the ucav comers were 

 only such as I know winter in more northern parts of Cali- 

 fornia near the coast, though the thermometer rose to 80° 

 on the 20th. 



February 27th, a few Bank Swallows {Ootyle riparia^ 

 or serripennis* ) and bicolored Swallows {Hirundo bicolor) 

 appeared. Even these last winter near the coast much 

 farther north, to latitude 37°. It appears that there is little 

 migration along this valley of the species common in sum- 

 mer near the coast, as they have to cross the deserts, and 

 prefer a more Avestern route. Some of the icinter residents 

 however became more scarce, probably seeking the moun- 

 tains or high lands not more than a hundred miles distant, 

 while the strong-winged hawks and swimmers may have 

 gone even to the arctic regions. 



Spring. — By March 2d, the poplars ("cottonwood") were 

 in nearly full leaf, and beautiful flowers covered the richer 



*Dr. Kennerley found this species here " abundant," February 21st, 1854. Also, the 

 White-throated Swift (Paiti/pfila melanohticn), at William's Fork, February IGth, and 

 Western Whippoorwill {Autrostomus NuttalUi), February 23d. 



