142 Drew on Birds of San Juan County , Colorado . 
85. Tetrao obscurus, Say. Dusky Grouse. — Common ; breeds. The 
Grouse, as it is called in contradistinction to the “Mountain Quail,” or 
Ptarmigan, hugs the very border of timberline throughout the year; 
wandering above in fall after “hoppers,” and coming down a little into the 
thick woods during severe winter weather. In summer their food con- 
sists of insects and berries, and at this time their flesh is excellent; but as 
soon as early frosts cut short this diet they feed on spruce needles, whence 
their flesh acquires a strong flavor. 
86. - 33 gialitis vociferus, Bp. Killdeer Plover. — Found in spring; 
breeds. 
87. Gallinago wilsoni, Bp. Wilson’s Snipe. — Found in spring and 
fall ; breeds. 
88. Tringoides macularius, Gray. Spotted Sandpiper. — Common ; 
breeds. The noisy “ Peet-weet ” is found on nearly every sandy flat in 
the river. Remains until late in August. 
89. Grus canadensis, Temm. Sandhill Crane. — I saw a large 
flock pass over in September, at an elevation of 15,000 feet. They breed 
in the upper part of Animas Park, at 7000 feet. When on the ground the 
Sandhill is not an object of beauty, but. a prettier vignette is not pro- 
duced anywhere than you can find in autumn on the plains of Kansas, 
where you see hundreds of these Cranes high in air, their long bodies 
en silhouette against the sky, with fleecy clouds near by forming the bound- 
aries of the enchanted circle. 
90. Anas bochas , Linn. Mallard. — Common. 
91. Chaulelasmus streperus, Gray. Gadwall. — A small flock 
found in September. 
92. Querquedula discors, Step//. Blue-winged Teal. — An au- 
tumnal visitant. 
93. Fuligula marila, Step h. Greater Blackhead.— Seen in De- 
cember. 
94. Fuligula affinis, Eyton. Lesser Blackhead. — Found occasion- 
ally in winter. 
95. Histrionicus minutus, Cones. Harlequin Duck. — Common; 
said to breed. 
Some of the following are accredited to the county by local observers, 
while the others may possibly range as high up as the pines, which just 
reach into San Juan. If they come at all, however, it is but rarely. 
1. Turdus swainsoni, Cab. Swainson’s Thrush. — “At 9200.” 
2. Sitta canadensis aculeata, Allen. Slender-billed Nuthatch. 
— I found this Nuthatch very rare all through southern Colorado, from 
6500 to 8000 feet. In June I found the bird in New Mexico, at 8000 feet. 
My experience with it coincides exactly with Mr. T. M. Trippe’s account 
given in “ Birds of the North-west,” page 230. Its song gave me no clue 
to the author, and more than once I thought it was a Flicker’s call. 
3. Dendroeca graciae, Cones. Grace’s Warbler. — A dainty little 
inhabitant of the pines up to 7500 feet, and perhaps higher. Common on 
the tributaries of the Rio San Juan. 
