172 
THE CONDOR 
VOL. VI 
FROM FIELD AND STUDY 
The Texas Kingfisher at New Braunfels, Texas. — While spending a Sunday at Landa’s 
Park, New Braunfels last June I observed a pair of these rare kingfishers {Ceryle americana septen- 
Irionalis) flying about in search of food. While enjoying a boat ride on the lake, I had a good 
op])ortunity to observe them. They were alwaj’s in sight and were constantly uttering their 
curious call-note, which somewhat resembles the notes of the common kingfisher. Presently 
one alighted on a dead pecan tree on the margin of the lake and I cautiously approached so as to 
get a l)etter view, but before I had gotten within viewing distance it was off, and soon again was 
seen flying down the lake with its mate. This species is considerably smaller than the common 
kingfisher and is very rare in this locality except at New Braunfels near the springs in Landa’s 
Park. I have never found this species breeding but I am inclined to believe that it still breeds 
in Comal county, Texas. — A. E. ScHUTZii, Austin, Texas. 
The Inca Dove in Central Texas. — On account of the long droughts that have occured 
throughout southwest Texas for the past few 3-ears, many birds have suffered considerably from 
scarcity of food and water. For long years the Inca dove {Scardafella inca) or Mexican dove, as 
it is often called, was confined to a region between San Antonio and the Rio Grande and south 
ward into Mexico. Bexar count}- was perhaps the northern limit in Texas. 
On account of the continued droughts, this dove, as well as many other species of birds 
moved north and eastward to a country where they found food and water in abundance. In 
Comal county, especially at New Braunfels, they are now plentiful, where but a few years ago 
the}- had never been seen. They are also quite common in Travis county. The first birds that I ob- 
served near Austin, were seen in the fall of 1902 when I unexpectedly came upon a flock of five. They 
were feeding together on the side of a hill and showed no fear at my presence. Only one nest 
has so far been found north of Comal county. This was found in a small bush in Caldwell 
county and contained two fresh eggs. Last summer I made several trips to New Braunfels, 
Comal county where I found this diminutive dove in abundance. They were confined to 
the city and not a single individual was seen in the immediate vicinity. No nests were discov- 
ered, but I was told by a resident that they had nested abundantly the previous spring. 
Like the common dove, they are residents. After the breeding season they form small flocks 
and can usually be found feeding together in a shady ravine or grove. They are rapidly increas- 
ing in numbers and probably in a few years they will be as abundant as the common dove. They 
are slowly moving northward and have also been observed as far east as College Station. — A. E. 
ScHUT/.K, Austin, Texas. 
Northern Flicker at Auburn, California. — Dr. R. F. Rooney has sent the writer a wing 
of Cotaptes auratus tuteus. The bird was taken by his son on the outskirts of Auburn, Califor- 
nia, October 3, 1904. Dr. Rooney says it is the first specimen he has seen on the Pacific coast 
during a residence of twenty-seven years. Auburn is a rather southern station although, as 
stated in Grinnell's check-list, "auratus" has been recorded as far south as Warm .Springs, vSan 
Diego county. — W.xi.TKR K. Fisiier. 
The Destruction of Bird Life by Light Towers. — Hundreds if not thousands of birds 
lose their lives yearly, by coming in contact with the light towers of the city of Austin. There are 
thirty-four of these towers, 150 feet in height, built entirely of steel, and held in place by stout wires 
or iron ropes. At the top of each are suspenrled six large globes or arc lamps which make a 
verv brilliant light. During the fall and spring migrations the birds encounter a great difficultv 
when passing over this city at night. They are attracted by the lights from the towers and begin to 
flv about in great confusion. The light is so strong that when they come within a certain distance 
thev are temporarily blinded at which time so many lose their lives. They begin to fly about in all 
directions and not 1 eing able to see they strike the steel tower with such great force that they 
fall to the ground, with perhaps a broken wing, crushed body or shattered head. Warblers, 
sparrows, thrushes and other small birds that fly at irght are the principal victims. Ducks, 
geese, plover and other water fowl suffer considerably. I have often been awakened at night by 
the screaming geese that had been betrayed by the light. In some instances the birds were so 
stupified that thev flew around the light for hours in great confusion. During storms the birds 
are more easily attracted. Martins have also suffered since the towers were erected. When they 
arrive from the south their first stopping place is invariably the light tower, where after a few days 
of noisy courtship they begin to build their homes in the suspended globes. The towers are 
cleaned dailv and consequently the nests are destroyed. After the great dam and power 
house was destroyed at Austin, in April 1900, the towers were neglected for several 
months. The martins became aware of this fact and many built their nests in the globes. The 
