44 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XVII 
Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. Many reports of 
eagles seen, came to me during my stay, and I, myself, observed it twice — on 
May 6, and September 29, 1914, in both instances adults soaring overhead. 
The bird seen on the first date was being vigorously attacked by a Red-shoub 
dered Hawk, though this appeared to cause little worry to “our emblem”. 
Falco columbarius columbarius. Pigeon Hawk. Rarely noted; the only 
definite date I can give was of an individual seen flying low over a field, Sep- 
tember 22, 1913. 
Falco sparverius sparverius. Sparrow Hawk. Has been reported as a 
common resident from many localities in the state. Nevertheless, 1 rarely 
found it within the area of which 1 treat. Seen several times during May and 
June, 1913; again in January and August, 1914. 
Strix varia varia. Barred Owl. While frequently heard, it was seldom 
seen. An adult shot January 10, 1914, as it flew from a hollow stub, proves 
to be typical of the northern form, being of large size, and with the feather- 
ing on the tarsi extending almost to the toes. It definitely proves the extension 
of the range of this form into the northern part of the state. 
Otus asio asio. Screech Owl. This bird, termed “Scritch Owl”, or sim- 
ply “Scritch”, by the mountaineers, did not appear to lie as numerous as 
either of its larger relatives, if one be allowed to estimate numbers chiefly by 
ear. As often heard at the very top of the range, as elsewhere. 
Bubo virginianus virginianus. Great Horned Owl. Among the shelving 
rock slopes of the deeper ravines, dwell in abundance wood-rats ( Neotoma ). 
It is in the vicinity of these ravines that most of the Horned Owls of the moun- 
tains were to be found, as they preyed largely on this rodent. T considered it 
to be the commonest owl. 
Coccyzus americanus americanus. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Common spring 
and summer visitant ; well distributed, and found to the summit of the highest 
hills. Ai'riving early in May (May 2, 1914), the southward movement began as 
early as September 1, but immature birds lingered until October 2. The year 
1914 was a locust ( Cicada septendecim) year in the region, and during the 
period these insects were present, they formed the principal food item of this 
bird. 
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo. 1 doubt whether the 
species breeds in the mountains. Two were found May 22, 1914, among dense 
growth margining a stream; and an immature bird was taken September 17, 
of the same year, on the top of one of the highest hills of the range. These 
records would suggest its occurrence as a transient only. 
Ceryle alcyon alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Few of the streams heading in 
these hills attain sufficient volume above 1800 feet, to persist through the dry 
spells, so kingfishers seldom seek them. Twice only did 1 find it: once on 
September 23, 1914; again next day, but along a different stream. 
Dryobates villosus villosus. Hairy Woodpecker. About as numerous as 
the Downy; possibly more frequently seen during cold weather than at other 
times. All birds examined by the Biological Survey were returned labeled 
villosus, although this must be near to the southern limit of its breeding range 
within the state. 
Dryobates pubescens medianus. Downy AYoodpecker. This proved to be 
the form found breeding. Abundant throughout the year. During the summer 
of 1913 an individual was observed frequenting a sweet-corn patch for several 
