LETTER OF TRANSMlTTAL 



EAST HALL, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, 



BERKELEY, CAL., Sept. 16, 1912. 



'1 In llnnm-iilil, l><,<i,-(l of Fish and Game Commissioners for the State 

 <>f California. 



( IKNTI.KMKX : I have the honor to submit herewith a report on the 

 Hinl investigations from the commencement of the work, January 1, 

 1911, to June 30, 1912. 



The work of this department has consisted in the accumulation and 

 publication of data regarding the relations of certain non-game birds 

 to the agricultural interests of the State. Four methods have been 

 used in the work field investigation, experimentation, laboratory exam- 

 ination of stomachs, and circulars of inquiry. 



Field investigation has been depended on to furnish data as to the 

 ti'-predations of birds, and as to the kind, quantity, and preference of 

 food. Investigations of the relations of birds to insect outbreaks have 

 been fruitful of valuable information as to the part played by birds 

 in helping to maintain an equilibrium. 



Experimentation has been relied upon to furnish evidence as to the 

 kind, quantity, and the preference of food of nestlings, and the time 

 of digestion. 



Emphasis has been placed on the laboratory examination of stomachs, 

 is tli is affords the most reliable information as to the food of birds. 



Reports from the men most directly concerned are being depended 

 on to furnish information as to the extent of the depredations of 'cer- 

 tain birds, and as to how they are regarded by those who are in a 

 position to know their relations to agriculture. 



It seemed best to concentrate effort on those birds of whose depreda- 

 tions most complaint has arisen in recent years. Endeavor has there- 

 fore been centered on the western meadowiark (Sturnella neglecta), 

 the blackbirds ' Aydaiu* phceniceus subsp.), (Agelaius bicolor}, 

 (Euphayus cyanocephalus). the western robin (Plantesticus migrato- 

 //'//> propinquus), the horned lark (Otocoris alpestris subsp.), the west- 

 ern mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura marginetta) , and the road- 

 runner (Geococcyx calif ornicus) . Collections of these birds taken 

 every month of the year, and in over twenty-five different localities in 

 the State, have been made by the deputies of the Commission, and are 

 now on hand in process of examination. Over eight hundred and 

 thirty stomachs of meadowlarks have been examined in the laboratory, 

 and their contents analyzed and tabulated. A final report on the 

 <-,. nt.niie status of this bird is in the course of preparation. 



There is little positive information available regarding the abun- 

 <bmrr. distribution, migration, and food-habits of the game birds of 

 the State. This information is necessary to a sane conservation policy. 



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