NET 
474 NATURALIST IN CALIFORNIA. 
through the winter. Vegetation was just commencing to 
bud forth now, and I observed a few Doves and Cow-birds 
(Molothrus pecoris), apparently attracted by the opening 
spring, as none appeared before. I cannot enumerate all 
the species of vertebrates which now amounted to over 
fifty, as I collected them, but must notice only the more re- 
markable. The resident species not found westward of this 
valley were the Ladder Woodpecker (Picus scalaris), the 
White-bellied Wren (Thriothorus leucogaster), Gambel's 
Quail (Lophortyx Gambellii), the Arizona Song-sparrow 
(Melospiza fallax), the lead-colored Gnatcatcher (Polioptila 
plumbea), Malherbe's Flicker (Colaptes chrysoides), and the 
Yellow-headed Titmouse (Auriparus flaviceps). Besides 
these, most of the species before mentioned are resident, 
and also many common to the coast regions. Frosty nights 
throughout January seemed to prevent the appearance of 
any new birds. Even in February the new comers were 
only such as I know winter in more northern parts of Cali- 
fornia near the coast, though the thermometer rose to 80° 
on the 20th. : 
February 27th, a few Bank Swiillows (Cotyle riparia, 
or serripennis*) and bicolored Swallows (Hirundo bicolor) : 
appeared. Even these last winter near the coast muc 
farther north, to latitude 379. It appears that there is little 
migration along this valley of the species common in sum- 
mer near the coast, as they have to cross the deserts, and 
prefer a more western route. Some of the winter residents 
however became more scarce, probably seeking the moun- 
tains or high lands not more than a hundred miles distant, 
while the strong-winged hawks and swimmers may have 
gone even to the arctic regions. 
 Spring.— By March 2d, the poplars (“cottonwood”) were 
in nearly full leaf, and beautiful flowers covered the richer 
ag qeu UNES c 


pou A ML LII I EC E 




i EU Cue y J3 au: peci he: * abi 
White-throated Swift ( Panyptila melanoleuca), 
> 
andant,” February 21st, 1854. Also» ted 
at William's Fork, February 16th, 
February 990 



