Sept, 1912 DISCOVERY OF NEST AND EGGS OF CALIFORNIA PINE GROSBEAK 167 
We reached Phillips’ Station late the following afternoon, however, without 
having seen a single Pine Grosbeak. In ornithology, as in politics, it seems that 
the unexpected so often happens ; and so it occurred the following morning, 
when we came upon a pair of the long-sought Grosbeaks by the roadside near 
Deerington’s. One of the birds was on the ground and the other on a fir bough 
just above. The discovery brought us to an abrupt standstill, and while engaged 
in observing the pair we saw with disgust the approach of a six horse mountain 
team. On it came, with the crack of whip, the creak of wheels and the clatter of 
hoofs. Our birds paused a moment and then took wing. Wistfully we watched 
them as they flew up the mountain side until they were lost to view. With the 
exception of a pair I closely observed for several hours feeding in the trees on 
Fig. 67. ECHO, ELEVATION 5700 FEET, THE NEAREST POST-OFFICE TO THE TYPE LOCALITY 
OF Pinicola californica\ The photo gives an ide.a of the ruggedness of The 
COUNTRY EN ROUTE; IT IS NEAR HERE THAT BOTH .A TRAIL AND A ROAD 
START FOR THE PYRAMID PEAK REGION, THE FORMER BEING 
DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STATE ROAD OPPOSITE THE TALL 
dead tree IN THE FOREGROUND 
the edge of Cold Creek Meadow on Tune 24 these were the only birds seen during 
the year 1911. 
At the beginning of the present year (1912), notwithstanding past reverses, 
plans were laid for a return journey to the Pyramid Peak region to make another 
search for the eggs of the California Pine Grosbeak. Both Littlejohn and I 
desired to make another attempt, but Carriger, although also willing, found that 
he would be unable to accompany us. Heinemann, my companion on many for- 
mer trips, volunteered his services as photographer, of which we were very glad 
to avail ourselves. 
By early spring every detail was carefully worked out, as we endeavored 
where we could to overcome the difficulties and prevent the mistakes of previous 
