ZooL— Vol. II.] LOOMIS— CALIFORNIA WATER BIRDS. 283 



Dark-bodied, only a few stragglers appeared, and these in 

 the track of the lesser species. No migration of Northern 

 Phalaropes occurred, and only a few tenanted the kelp. A 

 little squad of half a dozen Murres was found on the water. 

 Previously, but three individuals had been seen. A speci- 

 men taken proved to be a bird-of-the-year. A White- 

 winged Scoter, in transitu, was also observed. 



September zg. This was also a day of considerable 

 movement in Black-vented Shearwaters, but instead of 

 going down the coast in bands, they were scattered over a 

 highway, about a mile in width, which off Point Pinos 

 touched the buoy. One bird in passing over a school of 

 sardines made a sudden foray, plunging into the water. 

 Upon emerging, it immediately resumed its course south- 

 ward. A few others were attracted to the scene and tarried 

 several minutes before continuing their journey. There 

 were some Dark-bodied Shearwaters, but their numbers 

 did not exceed a tenth of the other species. Only two 

 Pink-footed Shearwaters were seen. During the forenoon 

 five Pomarine Jaegers, southward bound, came sufficiently 

 near the boat to be distinctly recognized. An Eared Grebe 

 was captured — the first one of the season observed. 



Sej^temher jo. Migration in the Loons developed addi- 

 tional strength. Besides individuals and couples, several 

 small companies passed by, flying southward high in air. 

 As upon former occasions, none occurred on the water. 

 Heermann's Gulls, previously rather scarce, showed a 

 decided increase, an inroad having taken place. Shear- 

 waters continued to go south, but the movement was feeble 

 and intermittent. Several times a few Black-vented were 

 noticed with Gulls hovering over fish. An Eared Grebe, 

 two young Pigeon Guillemots (the second and third 

 examples of the season), several Pomarine Jaegers, and 

 three Night Herons (at dusk) completed the day's list of 

 birds bearing particularly upon migration. 



Just before sundown a low fog settled over the bay. 

 Soon after dark, however, the stars were out. 



