A Joarnci/ Across ihc f^ierra^j^S. California. 321 
were several i)airs. Woodpeckers were also numerous. After 
a mile or two, we bog-aii to dei^cend. In front of us was a large 
pond or lake, on which a flock of duck were feeding, princip- 
ally Mallards {A7ias hoscas) and Pintail (Daphila acuta) and 
as far as I could see mostly males. As we wanted meat for 
supper I took the gun and tried to stalk them. There was no 
cover and I failed to get near them, but fortune favoured us, 
as when they were on the wing a Falcon (Falco peregrinuii 
anatum) swooped at them fi'om out of the blue and scattered 
them in all directions. Having failed in its first attempt, it 
singled out a Pintail, and quickly overhauling it struck it to 
the ground. As it happened, it fell within a short distance 
of my partner in the waggon, and he was able to rescue it 
before the Peregrine had begun to tear it. There was also a 
small flock of Grebes on the pond. They did not suffer a very 
near approach, but looked fi'om the distance much smaller than 
the Hell Divers {Podicipes podicipes) of Buena Vista. It is 
possible that they might have been lialf grown young. The 
valley we were now following was not heavily timbered, but 
here and there were a few fine oaks. Feeding under these 
were nearly always a few greenish -yeKow Woodpeckers, locally 
known as Yellow Hammers (C. chri/boides) . These birds are 
more or less gregarious and spend much of their time on the 
ground, looking for ants and other ground insects. They are 
considered good eating by the Ranchers. Another bird met 
with in this valley was that very interesting creature the 
Road Runner {Geococcyx mexieanus) . It is, I believe, a 
variety of Ground Cuckoo. It is about the size of a hen 
Pheasant, and its long tail makes it look a little like one. Its 
speed is phenomenal and our dog had quite a long chase before 
he made it take wing. When it did do so, it simply plaaed 
down to a lower i)art of the valley, apparently not moving its 
wings at all. I have seen this bird perched on a low fence 
in New Mexico, ljut I am inclined to think that it I'arely leaves 
the ground or uses its wings unless i)ursued. It lives on yomig 
snakes, lizards, etc., and is consequently most strictly j^reserved 
throughout the West. Notwithstanding this, it is, I consider, 
a rare bird in most parts of California. 
{To be continued). 
