1912] Taylor: Birds and Reptiles of Northern Nevada. 365 



and had apparently been used this year (1909), as the white 

 excrement both on the nest and on the sticks and rocks under 

 it was comparatively recent. The structure was inaccessible to 

 a climber without the aid of a rope. It was a very large mass, 

 built of coarse sticks and twigs. Some of these had fallen and 

 formed a little heap under the nest. 



The limited pine-covered area of the highest ridges of the 

 mountains was Buteo's favorite hunting ground. Four indi- 

 viduals were seen in the immediate vicinity of the wild crags of 

 Duffer Peak. 



Red-tails were twice seen with prey held in their talons, and 

 on one of these occasions (see account of C alios permophilus, 

 Taylor, 1911, p. 221) I was able to determine what the quarry 

 was. The great strength of this hawk is instanced by its ability 

 to break through the tough skull of Callospermopliilus trepidus. 



No specimens of the species were preserved. 



Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus) 



Golden Eagle 



Seen only in the higher parts of the mountains. One was 

 observed near the summit of Duffer Peak on July 29 in the 

 neighborhood of a company of western red-tails. The latter 

 appeared to be somewhat afraid in its presence and to take care 

 that it did not approach too closely. 



No examples of the species were obtained. 



Falco mexicanus Schlegel 



Prairie Falcon 



Observed at Quinn River Crossing, Big Creek Ranch, Big 

 Creek Canon at 7000 feet altitude, and Thousand Creek. On 

 June 27 a nest was found in the latter locality. Two prairie 

 falcons were seen flying in front of cliffs near a mud lake, and 

 from their actions it was judged that they must have a nest with 

 young nearby. Search revealed it on a rocky ledge, which 

 proved inaccessible without a rope. The noise of young birds 

 could be clearly heard. As approach was made to the nest the 

 parents attacked the collector, flying at his head in a very 



