Mar., 1908 SOME NOTES AND RECORDS FROM THE WHETSTONE MOUNTAINS 11 



trees. Examples of C. iwopyg-ialis secured at this period, were all discolored about 

 the forehead and chin with juice of Opuntia fruit. 



Altho I well knew I was within the described range of Dryobates arizoncr, 

 several days passed before a noise, leading one to the suspicion that it was the rapping 

 of a small woodpecker, drew attention. It was not a loud sound, and being inter- 

 spersed with periods of silence, made the clew somewhat difficult to follow; thus some 

 time elapsed before reaching the origin of the noise. Here a ? Z>. arizonce was 

 working on an oak-trunk, not three feet above the base; while the trees around 

 harbored unnumbered Bridled Tits {Bcsolophiis zvollzuebej'i) , lycad-colored Bush- 

 tits {,Psaltriparus plumbeiis) and Rocky Mountain Nuthatches {Sitta carolinefisis 

 nehoni) . Very often did I run across a similar assemblage, but rarely were there 

 more than one or two Arizona Woodpeckers in it. There is no recollection at 

 hand, of noting above four adult woodpeckers of this species in view at once; more 

 likely to chance upon a solitary individual than a pair at any time. The noisiest 

 occasion I can accredit to the species occurred one spring day, when two adult 

 females were located, perched upon a horizontal limb of a madrona, facing each 

 other, and emitting a continuous volume of characteristic woodpecker notes, the 

 effect being hightened by that peculiar muscular movement which accompanies 

 the vocal utterances of some Pici. The continuity was possible by a relay system; 

 and so engrossed were the participants, that I approached to directly under the 

 limb and stood there at least two minutes, without being detected. 



Taken as a rule, the Arizona Woodpecker is quite indifferent to one's presence; 

 nevertheless it can be erratic at times. This is best observed during the breeding 

 season, which may be counted as May here (this year only). Few male birds are 

 then to be found, except on the lower declivities of the range, where they are nearly 

 as difficult of approach as the largest members of the family. 



There is a certain ravine here, that might with propriety be called Flycatcher 

 Canyon. It was the delight of several of the species, that would be looked for in 

 vain elsewhere in the range. So along this canyon, well up toward the neutral 

 ground of oak and pine, the lonely Olivaceous Flycatcher {Myiarchns lawroicei 

 olivascens) dwelt. It was a late comer tho, and not until June 9, did I secure any. 

 On two occasions a pair were seen; all others as single individuals. Their note 

 given at measured intervals was long drawn out, and of a single syllable. Tameness 

 is of the usual Tyrannidae average. 



The same canyon was the sole resting ground of such Olive-sided Flycatchers 

 {NuttaUornis borealis) as were recorded. Spending odd days here between Sep- 

 tember 6 and 17, it contrived to form a temporary brotherhood with a near relative, 

 the Western Pewee {Contopus 7'ichardsouii) . An amusing situation was developed 

 on several occasions; the two species were observed side by side, on some dead 

 bunch of trees growing on the canyon's side. Affinity in color and movement, 

 and similarity in note, however, did not offset the disparagement in size. 



Jays — three representatives of the group here. The Arizona Jay {Aphelocoina 

 sieberi arizoncs), oi ^^hom Qvery coW&clor coming within its habitat will have a 

 changing opinion, as to the advisability of existence as a link in the avian chain of 

 nature: Depending on whether you are out to study its habits; or whether an in- 

 terview with a varied bird life be frustrated by .4. 5. arizonce spying you out and 

 declaiming the discovery with enthusiasm for many minutes. But after all, its per- 

 sonality overbalances the hereditary meanness. Economically, it certainly does no 

 harm. For dissect one and examine its craw any time before the acorns come, and 

 you will find remains of Carabid, Elator, Buprestid and other beetles; true bugs of 



