2()S 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XV 
about eight or ten abreast. This stream poured from these hills continuously and 
reached as far as we could see, toward the bay of San Quentin. The stream 
was like a great black ribbon that waved in the breeze and reached to the horizon. 
It was truly a wonderful sight. The birds kept coming as though there were 
no limit to their numbers. 
At about seven-thirty a stream began to return, each individual heavily 
laden with fish. The ribbon of birds was now double — one part leaving and the 
Fig-. 61. Portion of Faratlon Cormorant Rookery on San Martin Iseand, 
Lower Caeifornia 
other returning. The flow of birds was continuous during the daylight hours of 
each day we were there. The flow was unbroken — simply one steady stream go- 
ing, all day, and a steady stream returning. 
On landing we found a nice sand beach, but very rugged and rocky hills. 
Birds were everywhere : Little birds, big birds, old and young, each trying to 
make more noise than his neighbor. They reached for us from all sides, their in- 
cessant calling was deafening, and the stench was nearly suffocating. We spent 
the next few days in exploring the island, taking notes, estimating the number of 
Fig. 62. Fueey Grown Young Brandt Cormorants, part of coeony on 
San IilARTiN ISEAND, LOWER Caeifornia 
cormorants and attempting lo find the breeding place of petrels. We were very 
much disappointed in not finding these latter birds breeding. 
Following is a list of birds seen, together with a few notes on each of the 
species : 
Brachyramphiis hypoleiicus. Xantus Murrelet. Heard each evening in the 
bay. Several sighted near-by on the way to San Quentin. 
Larus occidentalis. Western Gull. Very numerous. They seem to breed early 
