Nov., 1909 
A LIFE HISTORY OF THE NORTHERN BALD EAGLE 
19,1 
of this as well as that of the golden eagle, in protecting their young, has been un- 
duly emphasized. 
After photographing these young birds in the nest, I lowered them to the 
ground in a fish basket and kept them with me for some time so that I had a good 
opportunity to watch the feather development. They ate heartily many times a 
day, but were the most avaricious set of individuals that I ever had anything to do 
with. When they were taken from the nest there was a noticeable gradation in 
size, and the largest one immediately took advantage of this. Every time that I 
went to feed them he would peck and maul the other two until they stuck their 
heads down; then he would gobble everything in sight. I could not teach him 
better; and as soon as I removed him, the second largest one began to persecute 
the smallest one in the same way. Together the two larger ones killed the smallest 
one, and I think that this would probably have taken place in the nest in the 
natural course of events. 
The white natal down began to give way to a sooty down when the birds 
were about three weeks old and this plumage was kept until it was replaced by the 
dark feathers of the immature bird. This dark immature plumage is not molted in 
the fall by the birds of the year but is kept at least until the following fall, so that 
the birds with the white heads and tails are two or more years old . 
Palo Alto , California. 
FURTHER NOTES FROM SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND 
By C. 15. LINTON 
D URING 1908 I added the following species to my early list of the birds of 
San Clemente Island, California. (See Condor, vol. x, no. 2, p. 82.) I 
wish to tender my sincere thanks to Mr. Charles T. Howland, lessee of San 
Clemente Island; and to Mr. Robt. Howland and the "boys” of Mr. Howland’s vari- 
ous ranches, for the many favors extended to myself and party while working this 
island. 
Gavia pacifica. Pacific Loon. A few individuals were noted during the winter 
months; not common. 
Cerorhinca monocerata. Rhinoceros Anklet. Two specimens collected. 
Among the skeletons strewn along the rocky beaches were several of this species. 
Synthliboramphus antiquus. Ancient Murrelet. During November and Decem- 
ber, 1908, several Ancient Murrelets were seen and two collected. 
Brachyramphus hypoleucus. Xantus Murrelet. One specimen, only, was 
secured here, December, 1908. 
Larus occidentalis. Western Gull. By an oversight this species was not 
recorded in my previous records. Common; several pairs breed near Northwest 
Harbor. 
Puffinus opisthomelas. Black-vented Shearwater. Noted near the island. 
Puffinus griseus. Sooty Shearwater. Noted near the island. 
Mergus serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. Several stragglers observed. 
Oidemia perspicillata. Surf Scoter. Several seen. 
Porzana Carolina. Carolina Rail. While hunting in one of the deep canyons 
near Mosquito Harbor I found the partly-eaten remains of a Sora! The wings and 
