180 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XI] I 
Although naturally frailer than the Reds, birds of this species did not so frequently 
resort to the shore; and in the flocks which visited the tidal channels they were 
usually in the minority. 
15. Heteractitis incanus. Wandering Tattler. This is one of the first birds 
to extend felicitations upon our arrival; and although not a resident, there is none 
on the Farallones more characteristic at this season, nor any better fitted to sym- 
bolize the wild isolation of the group. During the first week of our stay there 
were not less than ten birds of this species, well distributed, which quavered and 
teetered, or fled, as often as we approached the surf line. But their numbers had 
dwindled to two by June 1st. 
Contrary to earlier statements these Tattlers do spend a considerable portion 
of their time upon the higher ground. The tiny boulder-strewn meadow surround- 
ing my earlier camp (just east of Franconia beach) was a favorite resting place for 
them, and I am inclined to think the birds spent the night there, for some were 
invariably startled upon my first appearance mornings. 
Having a common affection for the tide reefs, Wandering Tattlers are not in- 
frequently found in loose a.ssociation with Black Turnstones; but when put to 
flight they pay no attention whatever to the fortunes of their chance shipmates, 
nor to others of their own kind. Preferably, the Wandering Tattler, like Kipling’s 
cat, walks by himself. 
16. Arenaria melanocephala. Black Turnstone- Several small flocks — never 
more than six or eight birds at once — were seen. The Turnstones sat closer and 
flew farther when disturbed than the Tattlers; and I did not discover them else- 
where than on the dun-colored reefs. None were to be seen after June 1st, and I 
think not after the rise of the southeast breeze on the 29th of May. 
17. Zenaidura macroura carolinensis. Mourning Dove. A single bird, wind- 
driven and desolate, was sighted on the morning of May 24th. It probably lin- 
gered through our stay, as it was several times reported by one of the keepers. 
18. Speotyto cunicularia hypog»a. Burrowing Owl. A single individual, a 
sole survivor, we were informed, of a former small breeding colony, was several 
times noted upon the grassy flat south of the steam siren. The bird was almost 
black to appearance, and so, very desirable; but he proved to be correspondingly 
modest. 
19. Myiarchus cinerascens dnerascens. Ash-throated Flycatcher. Two 
birds were seen haunting the cypress “grove” on the evening of June 1st, and a 
specimen was taken the following morning. 
20. Nuttallornis borealis. Olive-sided Fycatcher. The most notable arrival 
of June 2nd. Several individuals were seen hawking at insects in situations 
which would much better have suited the Say Phoebe; and one was taken. 
21. Myiochanes richardsoni richardsoni. Western Wood Pewee. On the 
morning of May 29tli, the weather having moderated, and the wind having 
changed to the southwest, there was a notable invasion of the island by frail 
migrants, chief among whom were these Pewees, present to the number of a dozen 
or more. There was not room for them all in the tiny cypress grove, which alone 
offered congenial shelter, so they deployed over the rocks, seeking sustenance of 
the cliffs in quite unfamiliar fashion. Although so evidently ill at ease, none of 
the Passerine forms appeared to know when to leave or how to make their way to 
the mainland shore; and I am inclined to think that the majority of them wear 
themselves out miserably in a vain attempt to get adjusted to a strange environ- 
ment rather than risk the dangers of further passage overseas. 
