80 University of California Publications in Zoology [Vol.10 



A nest was found at the head of Tahsis Canal, July 31. It 

 was placed in a bush at the edge of the woods, about five and 

 one-half feet from the ground. The nest was quite unconcealed 

 by any vegetation, but bore such a strong resemblance to a bunch 

 of moss, such as could be seen on every tree and bush, that it 

 was only the sudden departure of the parent bird that disclosed 

 it. A few small fir twigs enter into the composition of the struc- 

 ture, but it is mainly composed of green moss, with a very slight 

 lining of small rootlets and dried leaves. It contained three 

 young birds, not yet able to fly, and one rotten egg. 



The russet-backed thrush must leave the region rather early 

 in the fall, for none was seen after leaving Nootka, August 11, 

 though it was so abundant at that point. The ensuing two weeks 

 were spent at Great Central Lake, a region poorly adapted to 

 the species and where I did not expect to see it. When we 

 reached Errington, at the end of August. I thought it would 

 surely be present as it had been early in the summer, but none 

 was seen or heard anywhere. 



Thirty-four specimens were preserved (nos. 16585-16618), 

 nineteen adults and fifteen in Juvenal plumage. An adult male 

 .shot at Friendly Cove on August 10 is far advanced in the post- 

 nuptial molt, with most of the flight feathers gone and with 

 stubby tail, less than an inch long, but none of the other seven 

 adults taken here have even begun to molt. Young birds taken 

 a1 the same place during the first two weeks in August are some 

 of them in juvenal plumage purely, while the others have nearly 

 accomplished the change into the first winter plumage. 



Hylocichla guttata nanus (Audubon) 

 Dwarf Hermit Thrush 

 Of unexpectedly rare occurrence in the region. A single bird 

 taken by Miss Kellogg at Parksville, April 26 (no. 16619) was 

 the only hermit thrush observed anywhere until I reached Nootka 

 Sound in August. They were not common at this point; I saw 

 none on the Tahsis Canal but secured six (nos. 16620-16625) in 

 the vicinity of Friendly Cove between August -1 and 10, and 

 saw and heard several others. Those secured are all young birds. 

 in the juvenal plumage or molting into the first winter plumage. 



