18 THE CONDOR Vol. XX 



Another surprise, and rather an exasperating one on account of not having 

 had a sufficiently good view for positive identification, was the sight of a small 

 flock of Red-winged Blackbirds flying up river on September 3. The writer was 

 occupied with some efforts at photography at the moment, and just happened to 

 turn in time to see a flock of some twenty or thirty individuals as it was swiftly 

 disappearing around a bend in the river. There was time enough to notice the 

 shoulder patches, which seemed to be red and white, and the supposition that 

 they were Tricolored Blackbirds (Agelaius tricolor) was all but confirmed by 

 their manner of flight, which is particularly rapid and what might be called more 

 ' l businesslike ' ' than that of the other red-wings. 



The foregoing notes have been selected for an article as probably being the 

 most interesting among the writer's observations, and have been strung together 

 without any attempt at system, as one thing seemed to lead to another in the au- 

 thor's mind, the main idea being not to tire the reader. Appended is a list of 

 birds noted that have not heretofore been recorded from Yosemite Valley — that 

 is, from the floor of the valley — to the author's knowledge. 



Eared Grebe (Colynvbus nigricollis calif ornicus) . One seen on Mirror Lake, Aug- 

 ust 21, and a few days after. 



Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias herodias). Tracks noticed in river mud on 

 several occasions, and one individual seen September 28, at Mirror Lake. 



Marsh Hawk (Circus hudsonius) . One seen September 26. 



Cooper Hawk (Accipiter cooperi). Two seen September 21 below the village. 



California Pigmy Owl (Glaucidium gnoma calif ornicum) . Heard first time at 

 daybreak September 8, but frequently heard at any time of day later in the month. 

 None seen. 



Red-breasted Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus ruber ruber). An immature bird seen Aug- 

 ust 28. Five or six seen at various times. Two taken. 



Lewis Woodpecker (Asyndesmus lewisi). One noted September 22, and either same 

 one or other single individuals seen at various times. 



Vaux Swift (Chaetura vauxi). One or two often seen, and quite a flock at times. 



Anna Hummingbird {Calypte anna). Several individuals noted at different times, 

 mostly immature. One taken. 



Arkansas Flycatcher (Tyrannus verticalis). One seen in El Capitan Meadow Sep- 

 tember 2 and 3. 



Hammond Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondi). One taken September 23. There 

 may have been others, but not easily identified among other Empidonax, especially im- 

 mature birds. 



California Jay (Aphelocoma californica calif ornica) . One seen near Lost Arrow 

 camp on September 25. 



Tricolored Red-wing {Agelaius tricolor). A small flock, apparently of this spe- 

 cies, seen September 3. 



Nevada Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandioichensis nevadensis). One taken 

 September 27, and possibly two seen a short time previously. 



Gambel Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambeli). First noted September 18. 

 Increased in numbers daily until quite large flocks had gathered. 



Brewer Sparrow (Spizella breweri). The only one identified was taken on Septem- 

 ber 18. 



Modoc Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia fisher ella) . A song sparrow easily 

 identified as being of this form was taken on September 27. Only two other song spar- 

 rows seen in the six weeks observation, and their subspecific rank remained unknown. 



Forbush Sparrow (Melospiza lincolni striata). Several Lincoln Sparrows seen at 

 different times after September 18. Of three taken, two proved to be striata and one 

 lincolni. 



Lutescent Warbler (Vermivora celata lutescens). First one seen and taken on 

 September 18. Increased slowly in numbers after that date until September .26 when a 

 small migratory wave appeared. The next few days not many were seen 



