CALIFORNIA WATER BIRDS. 213 



and flapping their wings, apparently to free the plumage 

 from water. 



Stercorarius pomarinus. Pomarine Jaeger. — During 

 August of both seasons this Jaeger became quite com- 

 mon. In 1892, it was first detected August ist, and in 

 1894, July 31st. 



Stercorarius parasiticus. Parasitic Jaeger. — Nearly 

 the same remarks apply to this species as tp the preced- 

 ing one. It was not positively identified, however, the 

 second season before August 4th. 



Both Jaegers were very bold. Often they would de- 

 coy to Gulls thrown overboard to attract them. Several 

 times individuals came and hovered over the boat for a 

 moment, apparently drawn by the dead birds plainly in 

 view in it. They did not linger, however, over wounded 

 companions as did the Gulls. Upon one occasion three 

 of them tried to capture a small bird that was flying over 

 the bay not far out from the shore. Although their at- 

 tack was a concerted one, the bird succeeded in dodging 

 them and keeping above them, finally escaping to the 

 land. 



Stercorarius longicaudus. Long -tailed Jaeger. — 

 August 23d an adult male Jaeger was obtained that is ap- 

 parently this species. The tarsi were light bluish in life, 

 in marked contrast with the black of the toes. In drying 

 the color of the tarsi has become olivaceous. The slate- 

 gray of the under tail-coverts prevails over the abdomen. 

 The nasal shield and unguis are about equal in length. 



So far as I am aware this species has not been previ- 

 ously reported from California. 



Larus occidentalis. Western Gull. — With the ex- 

 ception of the Brandt's Cormorants, the Western Gulls 

 are the most prominent birds of the bay during the early 



