ZooL.— Vol. II.] LOOMIS— CALIFORNIA WATER BIRDS. 281 



was secured from a passing flock. The first Pigeon Guil- 

 lemot of the season — a bird-of-the-year — was taken near the 

 kelp during the morning. 



September 2^. A low fog hung over the bay and ocean 

 early in the morning. After it lifted there was a haziness 

 that obscured the coast-line. All the forenoon Dark-bodied 

 and Black-vented Shearwaters were flying south in a con- 

 tinuous stream. Most of them doubled Point Pinos between 

 the buoy and the land. During half an hour at eleven a 

 rush occurred, the stream thickening into a solid column 

 about a sixteenth of a mile in width, with an outlying flank 

 of scattered birds extending slightly to the seaward of the 

 buoy. Fully two-thirds belonged to the larger species. 

 They showed little wariness, many going by within ten feet 

 of the boat. Accompanying this throng was a band of 

 Black-bellied Plovers — two of which were secured. Many 

 Northern Phalaropes rested upon the kelp. Some, also, 

 were winging their way down the coast, as were several 

 small flocks of Heermann's Gulls, near the surface of the 

 water, and a few Loons, high in air. 



Seftember 25. Dark-bodied Shearwaters went by on 

 their way south in considerable numbers. About half past 

 nine there was a lull for a while, and a few flew northward. 

 Then another flight began, continuing, with slight cessa- 

 tions, as long as I remained upon the water, which was 

 until midday. With the Shearwaters were two Pomarine 

 Jaegers, each in a separate band. They flew at the same 

 elevation as the Shearwaters, readily keeping abreast with 

 them. A small number of the Black-vented were likewise 

 journeying down the coast, and also a Pink-footed; the 

 latter, although following the same path, kept aloof from the 

 other species. Additional birds of special interest were 

 several southbound Loons, an immature Murre on the 

 water, and a small number of Northern Phalaropes loiter- 

 ing upon the kelp. 



September 26. In the morning, shortly before seven, a 

 dense fog settled down over the water. After one it lifted, 

 leaving the sky overcast. As soon as the boat was fairly 



