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WESTERN BIRDS

Volume 4, Number 4, 1973

THE STATUS OF THE BROWN PELICAN IN THE MONT-
EREY REGION OF CALIFORNIA: PAST AND PRESENT

ALAN BALDRIDGE, Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, California 93950

The status of the Brown Pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis californicus)
in California up to 1968 has been summarized by Schreiber and DeLong
(1969), to 1970 by Schreiber and Risebrough (1972) and to 1972 by
Anderson and Anderson (unpublished).

Central California’s Monterey Bay region is important to Brown Peli-
cans, both as a former breeding area and as a very important feeding
area during the northward post-breeding dispersal. It seems worthwhile
to document their status there in more detail.

HISTORY OF THE POINT LOBOS PELICANS

Loomis (1895) visited Point Lobos in 1894 during an intensive study
of marine birds in the Monterey area. Although he observed breeding
cormorants, he did not report breeding pelicans.

Williams (1927) was the first to report breeding in the area, on Bird
Island in 1927, in what is now Point Lobos State Reserve. Some 10
nests with eggs were found on 25 May. A second visit on 16 June
showed only 8 nests with eggs. Finally, 8 downy young were seen on
4 August. He indicated (1931) that no breeding took place in 1928,
but that in 1929 55 nests with eggs were found on 29 May and 78
young counted on 30 June. In the years following, small numbers of
young were seen in most years, although in some years no breeding
took place. There is no evidence that nesting was ever attempted at any
site at Point Lobos, other than Bird Island. Searches of offshore rocks
to the south in Monterey County also failed to indicate any nesting
activity (L. Williams pers. comm.). Williams’s notes for those years are
listed in Table 1. In most years the actual nesting population at Point
Lobos was considerably obscured by the usually large numbers of non-
breeders, including immature birds, which arrived from the south in
early July to use the former nesting area on Bird Island as a diurnal
resting place and nocturnal roosting site (Grinnell and Linsdale 1936).

Western Birds 4:93-100, 1973 93

BROWN PELICAN

In addition to being located at the northern periphery of the breed-
ing range of this sub-species, Bird Island is the only colony not located
on an offshore island. It is separated from the mainland by a channel a
few meters wide. The breeding history of this colony is perhaps better
known than that of any other colony on the Pacific coast. Following
the observations of Laidlaw Williams, the area became a State Reserve
in 1933. It is readily viewed but also well protected and pelican ob-
servations have been contributed by a succession of Park personnel.

The data on nesting activity in Table 1 were compared with surface
water temperature data (Skogsberg 1936, Skogsberg and Phelps 1946,
Radovich 1961, Bolin and Abbott 1963). No clear correlation emerged,
although the cold period from 1948-1956 was one of little or no pelican
reproduction at Point Lobos. In 1958, at the start of a warm water
period, an exceptionally large nesting was initiated (52 nests), however
only one nest with young was noted.

The relationship between high chlorinated hydrocarbon residue levels,
consequent egg-shell thinning and declining nesting success in the spe-
cies, has been discussed by Schreiber and Risebrough (1972). Cox
(1970) demonstrated the increase in DDT residues in California marine
phytoplankton from 1955 to 1969. The virtual absence of nesting
success from as early as 1949 and throughout the 1950s coincides with
this increase in DDT residues.

MONTEREY BAY

Regarding the Brown Pelican in Monterey Bay, Loomis (1895) stated
that in June it was “...rather common. Through July and August it in-
creased steadily in abundance, toward the last becoming one of the most
conspicuous birds of the Bay.” He further stated (Loomis 1896) that in
1894 and 1895 “...they were more numerous in December and January
than in August. The largest flock had upwards of a hundred birds in
it.” In the fall of 1896 he found “Pelicans were conspicuous from the
outset. On 3rd of October, it was evident that reinforcements had ar-
rived. From that date they were very common” (Loomis 1900a). In the
spring of 1897 “They were not common until June. Both white and
dark breasted birds were present” (Loomis 1900b).

R. H. Beck worked the area for the California Academy of Sciences
at intervals from 1903 to 1910. He reported this species as “arriving
from the south after the breeding season, they occur here commonly,
remaining until the advent of the next season of reproduction” (Beck
1910).

In addition to its importance as the. most northerly breeding site on
the Pacific coast, the Point Lobos area has also served as an important
roosting area. Grinnell and Linsdale (1936) reported 3000 birds present

94

BROWN PELICAN

Table 1. Brown Pelican nesting activity on Bird Island at Point Lobos, Monterey
County, California, 1933-1973. The figures for 1933-1945 are from L. Williams;
those from 1949-1965 are from Dr. H. L. Cogswell’s notes and from Audubon
Field Notes .

Date

6 June 1933

7 July 1933
13 July 1933
17 May 1934

17 June 193 5
11 July 1935
29 May 1936
27 June 1936
6 July 1936

22 June 1937
1938

Early May 1939

1940

1941

21 July 1942
3 July 1943
24 June 1944
24 June 1945
1946-1948

17 July 1949
2 April 1950

18 March 1951

1951-1953
15 May 1954

23 June 1955

24 June 1956
1957

1958— precise date
unknown

24 May 1959

1960

1961

1962

Remarks

44 well-formed nests with incubating birds.

Only 5 broods seen, plus 8 birds on well-formed nests.

7 broods.

9 possible incubating birds, plus 358 others. No young
observed in 1934.

9 adults on well-formed nests and 3 broods present.

20 downy young was the maximum counted.

24 adults in the incubating posture.

1 5 broods of young.

27 young.

7 broods counted.

No reports.

Indication of nesting (building?) activity.

Failed to complete nesting.

No reports.

10 young in nests, the first since 1937.

41 downy young.

Maximum of 12 families with downy young.

2 1 downy young.

No reports available.

700 estimated to be present, no nesting activity noted.

30 estimated to be present, no nesting activity noted.
“Several, only, present, though 50 on 17 Mile Drive, Peb-
ble Beach, and 80 at Point Pinos, Pacific Grove.”

No reports published on nesting activity.

None seen, though coverage thorough.

15 nests counted, but no young at any time (J. Whitehead
Supervisor) (Cogswell and Pray 1955).

2 pairs nesting, including one with dry chick (J. White-
head).

No reports.

52 nests, but only one nest containing (2) young (M.
Frincke, Supervisor, and L. Williams).

27 nests counted (M, Frincke). J. Vandevere reports total
for season of only 7 young, 2 nests with 4 young (Cutler
and Pugh 1959).

J. Vandevere (pers. comm.) reported 5 nests built, but no
eggs or young seen.

None attempted to nest (M. Frincke; Cutler and Pugh 1961).
No reports.

95

BROWN PELICAN

Table 1 (Cont.)

5 May 1963
28 June 1963

3 nests visible (H. L. Cogswell).

350 birds present, but only one nest remained with brood-
ing bird (H. L. Cogswell; De Benedictis and Chase 1963).

No reports.

No evidence of successful nesting, although birds seen
carrying nesting material (H. L. Cogswell; Chase and Pax-
ton 1965).

3 birds on nests, disappeared by 15 June (H. L. Cogswell;
Chase and Chandik 1966).

No nesting activities (pers. obs.)

1964

25 June 1965

29 May and
15 June 1966

1967-1973

on 10 November 1935, an indication of its importance as a roost. With
small numbers of birds present throughout the breeding season and a
rapid build-up after the end of June, Bird Island at Point Lobos Reserve
is still an important roost. Of 1768 birds counted on the annual Christ-
mas Bird Count for the Monterey area, in December 1965, the vast
majority were at Point Lobos (Highley 1 966). More recently I counted
270 birds on 9 October 1969. D. W. Anderson and I. T. Anderson (un-
published) give a detailed analysis of the annual Christmas Bird Count
data for this species.

Other important roosts in the area include Elkhorn Slough at Moss
Landing. Here the birds leave the Bay and fly across dunes and slough
to the extensive salt evaporation ponds of the Monterey Bay Salt Co.
Dykes between lagoons provide them with an undisturbed resting place.
An idea of the seasonal variation in their numbers in the Bay is found in
the water bird censuses done under direction of California Department
of Fish and Game personnel by members of the Monterey Peninsula
Audubon Society, Santa Cruz Bird Club and Moss Landing Marine Lab-
oratories from January 1967 to June 1968 (D. Pine pers. comm., Brown-
ing et al. 1972). Use commenced in mid-June and extended into De-
cember, with a peak of 2243 on 23 August 1967 and 1000+ present
from August to October. Peak numbers may be observed at sunset as
streams of birds arrive from all points on the Bay to roost. I counted
2300 there on 15 September 1968. A marked reduction took place in
1969 when their peak showed 570 on 15 September.

Laidlaw Williams (pers. comm.) indicated that Moss Landing has long
had these large roosts; at least back to the early 1930s.

The mouth of the Pajaro River, 5.5 km north of Moss Landing is al-
so a major roosting site in the fall. J. and R. Warriner in recent years
have reported large numbers (Table 2).

During summer and fall, large roosts are also present on such offshore
rocks as the Lobos Rocks off Soberanes Point, 8.5 km south of Point

96

BROWN PELICAN

Table 2. Brown Pelican counts from the mouth of the Pajaro River, Santa Cruz
County, by J. and R. Warriner.

Date

Total

% Immature

Remarks

Source

1 Nov. 1970

1,100

25% imm.

Over Monterey
Bay off river
mouth

Chandik, DeSante
and Pugh 1971

30 July 1972

862

39% 1st yr.
11% 2nd yr.

—

DeSante and Remsen
1973

25 July 1973

601

20% 1st yr.
15% 2nd yr.

—

Remsen and Gaines
1973

Lobos, and on other Big Sur coastal rocks. Bird Rock in Pebble Beach,
offshore rocks at Point Pinos and Hopkins Marine Station, in Pacific
Grove, and the sand spit at the mouth of the Salinas River are all im-
portant as roosts, and at times up to 400-450 birds or more may be
counted at any of these locations.

PROPORTION OF IMMATURE BIRDS OBSERVED

In view of the widespread breeding failure in southern California and
Baja California waters in 1968 described by Schreiber and DeLong
(1969) and in 1969 (Risebrough et al. 1971), observations were made
in the Monterey region to determine the proportion of immature birds
present in these visiting flocks. These are presented in Table 3.

Although the birds are declining in northwestern Baja California
(Jehl 1973), they are breeding successfully elsewhere (D. W. Anderson
pers. comm.). Should declines take place elsewhere in the Mexican
breeding population then we can expect regular dispersing populations
to show similar trends in the Monterey region. Brown Pelicans regular-
ly reach the mouth of the Columbia River in late fall (Palmer 1962)
and a decline at the extremity of their northern wanderings would soon
be apparent.

Ainley (1972) summarized censuses for 1965-1972 from the Point
Reyes-Farallon Islands area of north-central California, the figures show-
ing a decline, “although the trend was not absolute.”

General declines may be masked locally to some extent by the rather
marked variation in numbers using a particular area. These variations
may be brought about by anomalous oceanographic conditions causing
marked fluctuations in their food supply. In the Monterey area birds
will at times adopt a temporary roost close to a favored feeding area,
only to abandon it should food no longer remain available close by.

97

BROWN PELICAN

Table 3. Percentage of immature Brown Pelicans present in migrant flocks.
Monterey Bay Area, 1968-1973.

Date

Place

Total

Percent Immature

7 July-

9 August 1968

Hopkins Marine Sta
Pacific Grove

?

Increased from 10% to max.
of 33% 1

2 July-7 Nov.
1969

Same place

324

Varied from 10% to 42% (8
July), Av. during period 23%

1 June-28 Sept.
1969

Bird Rock,
Pebble Beach

1098

Av. 21%

15 Sept
1969

Elkhom Slough,
Moss Landing

570

12.5%

9 Oct.
1969

Bird Is., Point
Lobos Reserve

270

11%

23 July
1970

Bird Rock,
Pebble Beach

160

8% first year, 11% second year

27 Aug.-19
Sept. 1970

Hopkins Marine Sta.
Pacific Grove

4922

Av. 32% first year
Av. 8% second year

2 Oct.
1970

Bird Is,, Point
Lobos Reserve

270

6% first year, 2% second year

27 Sept.
1971

Elkhom Slough,
Moss Landing

250

—3

1972

—

_ 4

—

25 Sept.
1973

Elkhom Slough,
Moss Landing

600

—

25 Sept.
1973

Salinas River mouth

75

—

1. For 1968-1969 immature birds not separated into first and second year.

2. Included one marked with green streamer on right leg. Marked at Puerto
Refugio (north end of Isla Angel de la Garda, Gulf of California.)

3. No immature/adult ratios were noted 1971-1973. During this period the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service undertook counts along the California coast (D. W.
Anderson pers. comm.). Those of Warriner at the Pajaro River mouth have
been noted in Table 2.

4. No figures, apart from early August indications of a large build-up in Monterey
Bay, with many first year birds.

It is suggested that observers pay particular attention to age ratios
in future censuses and counts contributed to regional reports and
Christmas Bird Counts in American Birds and other publications. Pre-
liminary data indicate that there may be three or four identifiable age-
classes, before full adult plumage is attained (D. W. Anderson pers.
comm.).

98

BROWN PELICAN

SUMMARY

The known history of the occurrence and former nesting of the Brown
Pelican in the Monterey region is discussed. The most successful nesting
seasons recorded at Point Lobos were 1929 (79 young counted), 1936
(15 broods), and 1943 (41 young counted), 1959 was the last year in
which young were seen. Sporadic nest building activity and some “in-
cubating” birds were noted until 1966. Evidence is presented indicating
the great importance of the Monterey Bay area to this species, particu-
larly during the northward post-breeding dispersal.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to express special appreciation to Laidlaw Williams for exten-
sive use of his observations, and to Howard L. Cogswell, Milton Frincke
and Judson Vandevere for theirs. Daniel W. Anderson and Robert W.
Risebrough provided encouragement, the former suggesting improve-
ments in the manuscript.

LITERATURE CITED

Ainley, D. G. 1972. Brown Pelicans in north-central coastal California. Calif.
Birds 3:59-64.

Beck, R. H. 1910. Water birds of the vicinity of Point Pinos, California, Proc.
Calif. Acad, Sci., 4th Ser„ 3:57-72,

Bolin, R. L. and D, P. Abbott. 1963. Studies on the marine climate and phyto-
plankton of the central coastal area of California, 1954-1960. Calif. Coop.
Oceanic Fish. Invest. Rep. 9:23-45.

Browning, B. 1972. The natural resources of Elkhorn Slough: their present and
future use. Coastal Wetland Ser. No. 4. California Department of Fish and
Game, Sacramento.

Chandik, T., D. DeSante, and E, A. Pugh. 1971. Fall migration. Middle Pacific
Coast region. Am. Birds 25:100.

Chase, T. and T. Chandik. 1966. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Audubon Field Notes 20:596.

Chase, T. and R. O. Paxton. 1965, Spring migration. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Audubon Field Notes 19:508.

Cogswell, H. L. and R. H. Pray. 1955. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast re-
gion. Audubon Field Notes 9:398.

Cox, J, L, 1970. DDT residues in marine phytoplankton: increase from 1955 to
1969. Science 170:71-73.

Cutler, B. D. and E. A. Pugh. 1959. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Audubon Field Notes 13:451.

Cutler, B. D. and E. A. Pugh. 1961. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Audubon Field Notes 15:490.

99

BROWN PELICAN

De Benedictis, P. and T. Chase. 1963. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast re-
gion. Audubon Field Notes 17:481.

DeSante, D. and V. Remsen. 1973. Fall migration. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Am. Birds 27:113.

Grinnell, J. H. and J. M. Linsdale. 1936. Vertebrate animals of Point Lobos Re-
serve, 1934-35. Carnegie Inst. Wash. Pub 1. No. 481.

Highley, E., compiler. 1966. Christmas bird count, Monterey Peninsula. Audubon
Field Notes 20: 369.

Jehl, J. R. 1973. Studies of a declining population of Brown Pelicans in north-
western Baja California. Condor 75:69-79
Loomis, L. M. 1895. California water birds. No. I— Monterey and vicinity from
the middle of June to the end of August. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2nd Ser.,
5:177-224.

Loomis, L. M. 1896. California water birds. No. II— Vicinity of Monterey in mid-
winter. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 2nd Ser., 6:1-30.

Loomis, L. M. 1900a. California water birds. No. IV— Vicinity of Monterey in
autumn. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 3rd Ser., 2:277-322.

Loomis, L. M. 1900b. California water birds. No. V— Vicinity of Monterey in
May and early June. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci., 3rd Ser., 2:349-363.

Palmer. R. S. ed. 1962. Handbook of North American birds. Vol. 1. Loons
through flamingos. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven.

Radovieh, J. 1961. Relationships of some marine organisms of the Northeast
Pacific to water temperatures, particularly during 1957 through 1959. Calif.
Dept. Fish and Game Fish Bull. 112.

Remsen, V. and D. A. Gaines. 1973. Nesting season. Middle Pacific Coast region.
Am. Birds 27:912.

Schreiber, R. W. and R. L. DeLong. 1969. Brown Pelican status in California.
Audubon Field Notes 23:57-59.

Schreiber, R. W. and Risebrough, R. W. 1972. Studies of the Brown Pelican I:
Status of Brown Pelican populations in the United States. Wilson Bull.
84:119-135.

Skogsberg, R. 1936. Hydrography of Monterey Bay, California. Thermal con-
ditions, 1929-1933. Trans. Am. Philos. Soc. 21:1-152,

Skogsberg, R. and A. Phelps. 1946. Hydrography of Monterey Bay, California.

Thermal conditions, Part II (1934-1937). Proc. Am. Philos. Soc. 90:350-386.
Williams, L. 1927. Brown Pelicans nesting at Point Lobos, Monterey County,
California. Condor 29:246-249.

Williams, L. 1931. Further notes on Brown Pelicans at Point Lobos, California.
Condor 33:66-69.

100

THE CALIFORNIA FIELD ORNITHOLOGISTS RECORDS
COMMITTEE REPORT 1970-1972

JON WINTER, Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Box 321, Bolinas, California 94924

In the first issue of California Birds (1:2-3, 1970) the formation of
the Records Committee 1 was announced. The need for the committee
and the format for the submission of reports has been outlined (Winter,
Calif. Birds 2:109-110, 1971), and a list of species that the committee
would review has been published (C.F.O. Field List of the Birds of
California, 1972). The following is the first report from the Records
Committee and includes the years 1970-1972.

The committee system of reviewing rarities records seems, in retro-
spect, to be the best method of establishing the scientific credibility of
sight records. The care with which the records contained in this report
were reviewed, often requiring many hours of individual research, seems
to reinforce this position. The probability of erroneous data appearing
in print is therefore greatly minimized.

At a meeting in Death Valley on 24 November 1973, the committee
members deleted a number of species previously acceptable for review
and added a few others. It was agreed that if any species on the rarities
list had a total of twenty established records in California it would be
deleted from the list. The following species meet the aforementioned
criteria and will no longer be accepted for review by the committee:
Blue-footed Booby, Brown Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Little Blue
Heron, Reddish Egret, Common Teal, Long-tailed Jaeger, Black Skim-
mer, Craveri’s Murrelet, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Brown Thrasher, Red-
eyed Vireo, Northern Parula Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Black -throated
Blue Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Prairie
Warbler, Yellow Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Orchard Oriole, Rusty Black-
bird, Hepatic Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dick-
cissel, Clay-colored Sparrow, McCown’s Longspur,and Chestnut-collared
Longspur. The following species have been added to the rarities list:
Layson Albatross, Short-tailed Shearwater, and Black Rosy Finch. A
revision of the C.F.O. Field List of the Birds of California is currently
underway. Richard Stallcup was elected to the committee on 9 June
1973 to fill the seat vacated by Pierre Devillers. The rest of the com-
mittee membership remains unchanged (Calif. Birds 2:109-110, 1971).

1. Variously called the Rare Bird Committee (Calif. Birds 1:2-3, 1970), and the
California Rarities Committee (Calif. Birds 2:109-110, 1971). The official name
adopted at a recent meeting is the California Field Ornithologists Records Com-
mittee.

Western Birds 4:101-106, 1973

101

RECORDS COMMITTEE

The committee would like to thank all of the contributors listed at
the end of this report for their cooperation in submitting records. In
the first three years of operation, the committee found that less than
20% of the records submitted were unacceptable. This is a very good
average (the British Rarities Committee in its first three years of opera-
tion had an average rejection rate of about 23%) and in general seems to
attest to the high quality of the records received rather than to an un-
critical attitude of the committee. Most of the records found to be
unacceptable to the committee were lacking in detail sufficient enough
to make an adequate judgement on the reported species.

We encourage the establishment of similar committees in other west-
ern states and hope that the publication of rarities reports can become a
regular feature of Western Birds. Arizona already has an operating com-
mittee and hopefully other states will follow their fine example. As
secretary of the California committee, I will lend whatever help can be
offered to groups interested in establishing their own committees in
their respective states.

Records are grouped according to the year in which they were re-
ceived regardless of the year of observation. The number assigned to
each record is in parentheses. All the records are on file with the com-
mittee secretary and are available to interested researchers upon request.
The initials of the observers who submitted the record are in italics. Un-
italicized initials are those of additional observers.

1970 ACCEPTED RECORDS

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW ( Spizella pallida). One immature (7-1970) banded
(No. 121-89689) on 26 September 1970 at San Pedro, Los Angeles Co. (SWO.

1970 UNACCEPTED RECORDS

COOK’S PETREL ( Pterodroma cookii). One (6-1970) on 21 September 1970 SE
Farallon Island, San Francisco Co.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT ( Limosa lapponica). One (1AB-1970) on 26 September
1970 Lower Tubbs Island, Sonoma Co.

FIELD SPARROW ( Spizella pusilla). One (4-1970) on 10 September 1970 Palos
Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Co.

1971 ACCEPTED RECORDS

OLIVACEOUS CORMORANT ( Phalacrocorax olivaceous). One adult (1-1971)
on 13 April 1971 at West Pond 0.25 mile west of Imperial Dam, Imperial Co.
( LJ , BC, RMacI); first state record.

PYRRHULOXIA ( Pyrrbuloxia sinuata). One adult male (2-1971) on 24 and 28
February 1971 (same bird) at Heise Springs, 8 miles west of Westmorland, Im-
perial Co. (GMcC, JF, GSS, LJ).

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW ( Spizella pallida). One immature (3-1971) banded
(No. 129-98170) on 18 November 1971 at San Pedro, Los Angeles Co. (SW).

102

RECORDS COMMITTEE

1972 ACCEPTED RECORDS

YELLOW-BILLED LOON ( Gavia adamsii). One (7-1972) on 11 and 12 March
1972 at Monterey Harbor, Monterey Co. {GMcC).

OLIVACEOUS CORMORANT ( Pbalacrocorax olivaceous). One immature (13-
1972) on 22 and 23 April 1972 at West Pond 0.25 mile west of Imperial Dam,
Imperial Co. ( JW, GMcC , ST).

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD ( Fregata magnificens) . One adult male (6-1972)
on 20 February 1972 at the mouth of the Whitewater River, Salton Sea, River-
side Co. {EC, TAS). One immature (58-1972) on 17 June 1972 near the mouth
of the New River, Salton Sea, Imperial Co. {GMcC, SLi, BRa). One female
(69-1972) on 6 July 1972 at Del Mar, San Diego Co. (SS). One immature
(74-1972) on 10 July 1972 at the mouth of the New River, Salton Sea, Imperi-
al Co. {GH, RLeV). One immature (93-1972) on 6 August 1972 two miles
south of Davenport, Santa Cruz Co. {BE).

LITTLE BLUE HERON {Florida caerulea). One adult (24AB-1972) on 12 and 13
June 1972 at the mouth of the Santa Margarita River, San Diego Co. {GMcC,
GSS, AF).

REDDISH EGRET {Dicbromanassa rufescens). One adult (11-1972) on 16 April
1972 in the SW portion of San Diego Bay, San Diego Co. {GMcC). One im-
mature (81-1972) on 9 October 1972 at the salt works 0.5 mile NW of Imperi-
al Beach, San Diego Co. {RS, ST); this bird was present from 19 September
1974 until the end of the year (GMcC).

ROSEATE SPOONBILL {Ajaia ajaja). Two immatures (75-1972) on 10 July 1972
at the mouth of the New River, Salton Sea, Imperial Co. {GH, RLeV); up to 7
were present in the area between 8 July and 8 October 1972 (GMcC).

TUFTED DUCK {Aythya fuligula). One immature male or adult female (?) (5-
1972) on 20 February 1972 at Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
San Francisco Co. {GMcC, KG, JD, RW); the bird was present from 15 Febru-
ary to 3 March 1972 (GMcC).

ZONE-TAILED HAWK {Buteo albonotatus). One (94-1972) on 27 and 28 August
1972 at Big Pine, Inyo Co. {TH, GSS, LJ).

LONG-TAILED JAEGER ( Stercorarius longicaudus) . One adult (72-1972) on 16
September 1972 about 15 miles south of Anacapa Island {GSS).

BLACK SKIMMER {Ryncbops nigra). One adult (15-1972) on 24 April 1972 at
Ballona Creek channel, Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles Co. {HB, JD, KG, et al.).
Two adults (36-1972) on 29 May 1972 at the mouth of the Whitewater River,
Salton Sea, Riverside Co. {GMcC, ST). Eleven (601972) on 17 June 1972,
six birds (and a nest with four eggs) at the mouth of the New River, Imperial
Co., two in the southeast corner of Salton Sea, Imperial Co., and three at the
mouth of the Whitewater River, Salton Sea, Riverside Co. {GMcC, SLi, BRa).
Six adults (76-1972) on 10 July 1972 at the mouth of the New River, Salton
Sea, Imperial Co. {GH, RLeV).

THICK-BILLED MURRE ( Uria lomvia). One (90-1972) on 23 September 1972
approximately 13 miles southwest of Santa Cruz {RS, DS).

WHIP-POOR-WILL {Caprimulgus vociferus). One male (8-1972) on 20 March
1972 at Coronado, San Diego, San Diego Co.; the bird was present since late
December 1971 or early January 1972 {GMcC). Two (29-1972) on 28 and
29 April 1972 in the area around Lake Fulmor, San Jacinto Mts,, Riverside Co.
(LJ, JD, KG, HB).

CHIMNEY SWIFT {Cbaetura pelagica). One (22AB-1972) on 20 May 1972 at
Oasis, Mono Co. {GMcC, GSS, BB).

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER {Muscivora forficata). One (25AB-1972) on
28 May 1972 at Covington Park, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co. {GMcC,
LJ, ST, JM, RW).

103

RECORDS COMMITTEE

BROWN THRASHER (Toxostoma rufuni). One (1-1972) on 15 January 1972 at
Heise Springs 8 miles west of Westmorland, Imperial Co. ( GMcC , JW, ST). One
(3-1972) on 12 and 13 February 1972 at San Diego, San Diego Co. ( GMcC ).

WHITE WAGTAIL ( Motacilla alba). One (104ABC-1972) from 18 to 20 October
1972 at McGrath State Park, Santa Clara River estuary, Ventura Co. (VP, RP,
RD); first state record.

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER ( Vermivora cbrysoptera). One female (56AB-
1972) on 5 June 1972 at Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (RS,
JG ).

NORTHERN PARULA WARBLER ( Parula americana). One female (44-1972) on
19 May 1972 at Covington Park, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co. (RS,
GMa, JL, SL). One male (68-1972) on 25 July 1972 at Waddell Creek (near
coast), Santa Cruz Co. (BE). One immature male (?) (84-1972) from 19 to
25 September 1972 at Esplanade Park, Pacific Grove, Monterey Co. (RS, VY,
AB, LB, BRe).

MAGNOLIA WARBLER (Dendroica magnolia ). One (85-1972) on 15 September
1972 at El Carmelo Cemetery, Pacific Grove, Monterey Co. (RS, GMa, KK,
AW); the bird was reported to have stayed through 17 September 1972 (BRe).

CAPE MAY WARBLER (Dendroica tigrina). One female (26AB-1972) on 27 May
1972 at Oasis, Mono Co. (GMcC, LJ, JD, RW, ST, JM).

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Dendroica virens). One immature (?)
(80-1972) on 20 and 21 October 1972 atCrespi Pond, Point Pinos, Monterey
Co. (RS).

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER ( Dendroica fusca). One adult male (62-1972) on
6 August 1972 four miles southwest of Haskins Resort, Bucks Lake, Plumas
Co., elevation 5000 feet (RS, TM).

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (Dendroica dominica albilora). One (102-
1972) on 21 October 1972 at the Southwest Botanical Gardens, Rolling Hills,
Los Angeles Co. (GM, LM, GSS, et al.).

BAY-BREASTED WARBLER ( Dendroica castanea). One adult male (46-1972)
on 28 May 1972 at Oasis, Mono Co. (RS, PA, DD, JFa).

PRAIRIE WARBLER (Dendroica discolor). One (probable male)(78ABCD-1972)
on 6 September 1972 on Point Reyes (Mendoza Ranch), Marin Co. (RS, JL,
SL, GMa).

OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapillus). One (82-1972) on 9 October 1972 at Cabrillo
National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego, San Diego Co. (RS, ST).

HOODED WARBLER (Wilsonia citrina). One female (35-1972) on 10 June 1972
at Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (GMcC). One male (65AB-
1972) on 22 August 1972 at Wildcat Creek, near Jewel Lake, Tilden East Bay
Regional Park, Contra Costa Co. (RS, GH).

CANADA WARBLER (Wilsonia canadensis). One male (?) (86-1972) from 15 to
17 September 1972 at Crespi Pond, Point Pinos, Monterey Co. (RS, AW).

ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius). One immature male_(21AB-1972) on 21
May 1972 at Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (GMcC, GSS, JW,
BB, ST). One female or immature male (67-1972) on 19 June 1972 on the
Jewel Lake Nature Trail, Tilden Park, Contra Costa Co. (GH, RS, DE, ST). One
female (88-1972) on 20 September 1972 at the Asilomar Sewage Plant, Point
Pinos, Monterey Co. (RS, BRe).

RUSTY BLACKBIRD (Euphagus carolinus). One male (103-1972) on 16 Novem-
ber 1972 at Eureka, Humboldt Co. (RD).

SCARLET TANAGER ( FHranga rubra). One adult male (66-1972) on 24 May
1972 at Palo Alto, San Mateo Co. (TL).

104

RECORDS COMMITTEE

HEPATIC TANAGER ( Piranga flam). Two adult males (18-1972) on 21 July
1972, three males and three females (probably paired) on 11 May 1972, and
three males on 31 May 1972 (same record) three to four miles east of Baldwin
Lake, San Bernardino Co.; on 18 June 1972 a nest was found about 50 feet up
in a large Ponderosa Pine ( Pinus ponderosa) along Arrastre Creek ( GSS , KG,
JD, BB). One adult male (30-1972) on 14 May 1972 three miles east of Bald-
win Lake, San Bernardino Co. (GAfcC, JD, HB).

PYRRHULOXIA ( Pyrrbuloxia sinuata). One adult male (2-1972) on 15 January
1972 at Heise Springs, 8 miles west of Westmorland, Imperial Co. ( GMcC , JW,
ST); probably the same bird reported by McCaskie (Calif. Birds 2:99-100,

1971) , present from 31 December 1971 to March 1972.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK ( Pbeucticus ludovicianus). One adult male (27AB-

1972) on 28 May 1972 at Kelso, San Bernardino Co. ( LJ , GAfcC, ST, JD, et
al.). One male (31-1972) on 20 and 21 May 1972 at Furnace Creek Ranch,
Death Valley National Monument, Inyo Co. (GAfcC, JW, ST). One adult male
(43-1972) on 21 June 1972 at Arrastre Creek four miles east of Baldwin Lake,
San Bernardino Co. (GSS, KG, SW). One adult male (47-1972) on 20 May
1972 at Hayfield Lake 32 miles east of Indio, Riverside Co. ( RS ). One im-
mature male and one female (48-1972) on 26 May 1972 at Deep Springs Col-
lege, Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (RS, DD, PA, JFa). Two immature males (49-
1972) on 2 June 1972 at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monu-
ment, Inyo Co. (RS, GMa, JG). One adult male (61-1972) on 27 June 1972 at
Glendale, Los Angeles Co. (GSS). One immature male (83-1972) on 9 October
1972 at the Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego, San Diego
Co. (RS, ST), One male (95-1972) banded (No. 78-135339) on 25 September
1972 at San Pedro, Los Angeles Co. (SW). One adult male (99-1972) on 22,
23 and 24 June 1972 two miles northwest of Sunol, Alameda Co. (AfS).

INDIGO BUNTING (Passerina cyanea). One adult male (17-1972) on 26 May
1972 at Point Loma, San Diego, San Diego Co. (AS, RMacI). One immature
male (19-1972) on 27 May 1972 at the Yucca Valley Golf Course, Yucca Val-
ley, San Bernardino Co. (GSS, JF). One female (23-1972) on 10 June 1972
at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo Co. (GAfcC).
Two to three males (28AB-1972) on 27 May 1972 at Deep Springs College,
Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (LJ, GMcC, JD et al.). One female (33-1972) on 20
May 1972 at Oasis, Mono Co. (GAfcC, JW). One adult male (41-1972) on 21
May 1972 at Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo
Co. (GAfcC, JW, ST). One adult male (50-1972) on 26 May 1972 at Batchelder
Springs (on the west slope of Westgard Pass), Inyo Co. (RS). One male (51-
1972) on 26 May 1972 at Deep Springs College, Deep Springs, Inyo Co. (RS,
PA, DD). One female (52-1972) on 27 May 1972 at Panamint Springs, Inyo
Co. (RS, PA). One immature male (54-1972) on 2 June 1972 at Furnace
Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo Co. (RS, GMa, JG). One
immature male (55-1972) on 5 June 1972 at Deep Springs College, Deep Springs,
Inyo Co. (RS, GMa, JG). Two females (63 and 64-1972) on 25 August
1972 at Scotty’s Castle, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo Co. (RS, TM,
VR, JT). One adult male (73-1972) on 27 May 1972 at Kelso, San Bernardino
Co. (SC). One female (89-1972) on 14 September 1972 near the mouth of the
Carmel River, Monterey Co. (RS).

DICKCISSEL (Spiza americana). Two females (45-1972) on 27 May 1972 at
Furnace Creek Ranch, Death Valley National Monument, Inyo Co. (RS, PA,
DD, JFa). One immature male (?) (98-1972) on 2 October 1972 on the Yucca
Valley Golf Course, Yucca Valley, San Bernardino Co. (GSS).

105

RECORDS COMMITTEE

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW ( Spizella pallida). One (87-1972) on 17 Septem-
ber 1972 at Crespi Pond, Point Pinos, Monterey Co. (RS, RB, DD, JFa, et al.).
One (91-1972) on 24 September 1972 at Crespi Pond, Point Pinos, Monterey
Co. (RS, BRo).

McCOWN’S LONGSPUR (Calcarius mccownii). One (16-1972) on 9 January 1972
seven miles northwest of Calipatria, Imperial Co. ( BB , HC, OC).
CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPUR (Calcarius omatus ). Four (4-1972) on 19
February 1972 five miles south-southeast of Litchfield, Lassen Co. (GMcC,
KG, JD, RW).

1972 UNACCEPTED RECORDS

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula nebouxii). One (14-1972) on 8 January 1972 ten
miles southwest of Ventura, Ventura Co.

MISSISSIPPI KITE (Ictinia tnisisippiensis ). One (79-1972) on 28 September 1972
at Mill Valley, Marin Co.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus). One (105-1972) on 12 October
1972 near the mouth of the Big Sur River, Monterey Co.

RUFOUS-NECKED SANDPIPER (Calidris ruficollis ). One (9-1972) on 5 May
1969 at Humboldt Bay, Eureka, Humboldt Co.

CHIMNEY SWIFT (Chaetura pelagica). One (59-1972) on 24 and 26 May 1972
at Encino Reservoir, Encino, Los Angeles Co.

GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarcbus crinitus). One (92AB-1972) on
24 September 1972 at Point Lobos State Reserve, Monterey Co.

EASTERN PHOEBE (Sayomis pboebe). One (101-1972) on 17 and 18 October
1972 at Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Co.

YELLOW-GREEN VIREO (Vireo flavoviridis). One (70-1972) on 4 September
1972 at Finney Lake, Imperial Co.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Dendroica caerulescens). One (96-1972)
on 9 September 1972 at San Pedro, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Co.
One (100-1972) on 14 October 1972 at China Lake, Inyo Co.

ORCHARD ORIOLE (Icterus spurius). One (15-1972) on 5 December 1971 at
Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Co.

PAINTED BUNTING (Passerina ciris). One (10-1972) on 18 April 1972 at Imperi-
al Beach, San Diego Co.; nearly all committee members agreed that this bird
was an escaped cage pet. One female (71-1972) on 4 May 1972 at Covington
Park, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino Co.

CONTRIBUTORS

Peter Alsing (PA), Alan Baldridge (AB), Laurence Binford (LB), Ron Branson
(RB), Bruce Broadbooks (BB), Henry Rrodkin (HB), Steven Cardiff (SC), Edward
Chalif (EC), Herb Clarke (HC), Olga Clarke (OC), Bill Clow (BC), Dave DeSante
(DD), Bruce Deuel (BD), Ruby Drapeau (RD), Jon Dunn (JD), Bruce Elliott (BE),
Dick Erickson (DE), Jim Fairchild (JF), Janet Farness (JFa), Alice Fries (AF),
Kim Garrett (KG), Jim Ginestra (JG), Thomas Heindel (TH), Gene Hunn (GH),
Lee Jones (LJ), Kenn Kaufman (KK), Ron LeValley (RLeV), Steven Liston (SLi),
Tom Lund (TL), John Luther (JL), Susanne Luther (SL), Richard Macintosh
(RMacI), Gerald Maisel (GM), Laurette Maisel (LM), Georgianne Manolis (GMa),
Tim Manolis (TM), Guy McCaskie (GMcC), John Mencke (JM), Ruth Parker (RP),
Virginia Puddicombe (VP), Bill Rapeley (BRa), Bill Reese (BRe), Van Remsen
(VR), Bob Rodrigues (BRo), Ann Scales (AS), Milton Seibert (MS), David Simon
(DS), Richard Stallcup (RS), G. Shumway Suffel (GSS), Steven Summers (SS),
Tucson Audubon Society (TAS), Jerry Tangren (JT), Scott Terrill (ST), Art Wang
(AW), Richard Webster (RW), Shirley Wells (SW), Jon Winter (JW), Vern Yadon
(VY).

106

NOTES

A MIXED PAIR OF SAPSUCKERS IN THE SIERRA
NEVADA

WARDENE WEISSER, P. O. Box 26, Bonita, California 92002

On 26 June 1973 I saw an adult Red-breasted Sapsueker ( Spbyrapicus ruber)
fly across a small meadow accompanied by another sapsueker so different from
the former that it aroused my curiosity. The meadow is near Lee Vining Creek at
about 7200 feet elevation on the east side of the Sierra Nevada and only a short
distance off the Tioga Pass Road in Mono County, California.

On 1 July I again located this pair in dense Quaking Aspen ( Populus tremu-
loides) and Lodgepole Pine ( Pinus contorta) along Lee Vining Creek. It was ap-
parent I had a mixed pair of birds, the mate being a Red-naped Sapsueker (S. nucb-
alis). The latter was identified as a female by its white chin and upper throat.
After watching them for a short time I located their nest in an Aspen (Figure 1).
The nest cavity was about four feet off the ground on the south side of the trunk
and had clearly been made that year since the ground below was heavily littered
with fresh wood chippings. Both birds were seen entering the nest cavity with
food, and the voices of young birds were heard.

I set up my blind and photographic equipment hoping to record this pair on
film. As soon as I entered the blind the Red-breasted bird was at the nest with
food for the young. He continued to bring food at an average of once each ten to
fifteen minutes, undisturbed by the click of the camera and sudden burst of light
from the electronic flash. However, the Red-naped bird appeared very timid and
was reluctant to feed the young even though she could see her mate entering the
nest cavity. The following morning the female had become accustomed to the
blind and photographic equipment and came regularly to feed the young. It was
interesting that during these two days it was always the male who removed the
sawdust covered fecal sac. The nest was last checked on 6 July at which time both
parents were still feeding the noisy young. In 1973 Laurence Weisser and I found
five pairs of Red-breasted Sapsuckers nesting within 0.5 mile of this mixed pair.

Devillers (Calif. Birds 1:47-76, 1970) recently reviewed the status, distribution
and identification of three forms of sapsueker in California. These three forms
are treated as races of the Yellow-bellied Sapsueker (S. varius) by Howell (Condor
54:237-282, 1952) and by the A.O.U. Check-list (1957). The Red-naped Sap-
sucker nests in the mountains from southeastern British Columbia and southwest-
ern Alberta south to central Arizona and southern New Mexico. The Red-breasted
Sapsueker nests in the extreme West from southeastern Alaska to southern Cali-
fornia. In California the Red-naped Sapsueker is recorded nesting in the extreme
northeast comer (Warner Mountains, Modoc County), and along the eastern bor-
der intermittently to Inyo County (White Mountains). Mixed pairs of S. nuchalis
and S. ruber have been recorded in Modoc and eastern Mono counties, but hy-
bridization appears to be infrequent. The Lee Vining Creek nesting is another
documented record of hybridization between S. nuchalis and S. ruber, in an area
where normally the Red-breasted Sapsueker is virtually alone.

Western Birds 4:107-108, 1973

107

108

Figure 1. A male Red-breasted Sapsucker (left) and a female Red-naped Sapsucker (right), members of a mated pair raising
young on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada in Mono Co., California, 2 July 1973.

Photos by Wardene Wetsser

TRUMPETER SWANS WINTERING IN SOUTHWESTERN
WASHINGTON

R. L. “REX” VAN WORMER, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Ilwaco, Wash-
ington 98624

Historically, both Whistling and Trumpeter swans (Olor columbianus and O. buc-
cinator) wintered in southwestern Washington and on the Columbia River, Lewis
and Clark reported an abundant swan population and noted the difference in the
abundance of the two species (Allen, P., History of the expedition under the
command of Captains Lewis and Clark to the sources of the Missouri, thence
across the Rocky Mountains down the River Columbia to the Pacific Ocean, per-
formed during the years 1804-1805-1806. By order of the Gov. 0fU.S.,BrancI-
ford and Inkeep, Phil. 2, 1814).

Jewett et al. (Birds of Washington State, Univ. Washington Press, Seattle,
1953) gave the status of the Trumpeter Swan as “Formerly migrant and winter resi-
dent both east and west of the mountains; no record in recent years.”

In December 1967, a bird from a flock of 21 swans was shot near Clear Lake,
Skagit County, Washington. It was dissected and identified as a Trumpeter Swan
by Washington State Game Department biologists (Crowell and Nehls, Audubon
Field Notes 22:469, 1968). In following years, confiscated swan kills suggested
that the annually increasing flock in DeBay Slough, adjacent to the Skagit River,
was predominantly Trumpeters (T. R. Wahl pers. comm.).

Since 1968 Washington State Game Department waterfowl population inven-
tories have included the following Trumpeter Swan sightings: Skagit Bay (DeBay
Slough area, Barney Lake, Beaver Lake, Clear Lake and surrounding areas), 1968-
46, 1969-33, 1970-17, 1971-51, 1972-94, 1973-97, and 1974-92. (Winter Water-
fowl Population Summary Sheets and 1973-74 Skagit Game Management Area
wildlife observations, Washington State Game Department).

According to Larrison and Sonnenberg (Washington Birds Their Location and
Identification, 1968), one report had been received from Grays Harbor, Wash-
ington, and the species was considered very rare.

In December 1970, a dead juvenile Trumpeter Swan was found near Leadbetter
Point (Lat 46° 37' N, Long. 124°03' W) on the north end of Long Beach Penin-
sula, Pacific County, Washington. The specimen was identified by trachea and
sternum examination by the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge staff. In mid-
January 1971, a second juvenile mortality was found on Loomis Lake, approxi-
mately 8 miles south of the first mortality. Identification of both specimens was
confirmed 26 February 1971 by the Bird and Mammal Laboratory, Washington D.C.

On 22 February 1971, a flock of 26 swans was closely observed on the sand
dune ponds at Surfside Estates near the south boundary of Leadbetter Point Wild-
life Refuge. Eleven of these were tentatively identified as Trumpeters. Of these
11,3 adults and 2 juveniles were further identified by their calls.

During the winter 1972-73, a flock of 80+ swans wintered on the ponds and
sloughs of Long Beach Peninsula. Of these, 10-15 were tentatively identified as
Trumpeters, although no positive confirmations were made.

On 28 December 1973, three adult swans in a flock of 15 on the sand dune
ponds near Surfside Estates, were positively identified by call as Trumpeters. The
other 12 were suspected to be Trumpeters, but not confirmed.

During the summer of 1972, Dr. W. J. L. Sladen banded and color marked
Trumpeter Swans in Alaska. On 16 December 1972, a juvenile banded 30 July
1972 near Cordova, Alaska (blue neck collar 340 Y) was sighted on Loomis Lake by
Willapa Refuge Staff. On 18 December, the same bird was found dead by Wash-
ington State Game Department personnel. Another neck-banded bird banded on

Western Birds 4:109-110, 1973

109

NOTES

the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska in June 1972 (08VY-adult female), was present with
six other swans at Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, 8-27 December 1972
(James Morris; Crowell and Nehls, Am, Birds 27:653, 1973).

In the winter 1972-73, the DeBay flock in Skagit County included one Trum-
peter Swan marked by Sladen; and the following winter two appeared (Reade
Brown fide T. R. Wahl).

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service census data on the Lower Columbia River and
Long Beach Peninsula indicate that southwest Washington is an important swan
wintering area. Populations have been counted ranging from 800 in 1968 to 3,000
in 1971. Field and confirmed identifications on Long Beach Peninsula indicate
that this area may support a number of wintering Trumpeter Swans. However,
until more marked birds appear, or better aerial identification marks are dis-
covered, the Trumpeter Swan incidence in the Lower Columbia River will remain
speculative.

Although suspicion as to swan identification is justified, both past and present,
the confirmed sightings indicate that the number of Trumpeters appear to be
definitely increasing. The origin and possible inter-relationship between western
Washington wintering populations would be of interest and worth further investi-
gation.

110

A TRUMPETER SWAN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

BRAD SCHRAM, 763-E Birch Walk, Goleta, California 93017

On 22 January 1973 my family and I were on the Carrizo Plain at Soda Lake
in San Luis Obispo County. At Ramer Lake, a small pond approximately 0.2 mile
south of the town of California Valley, I saw two white birds on the opposite
shore, little more than 100 yards distant. Training a 20x telescope on the birds,
I saw them to be swans, both apparently mature in plumage. As the swans swam
about I could see that one was significantly larger than the other. The larger swan
had a head much the shape of a Canvasback’s ( Aythya valisinerta ) . It became ob-
vious the smaller bird was the expected Whistling Swan ( Olor columbianus), and
the larger a Trumpeter Swan ( Olor buccinator). Desiring to get a photographic
record, I returned to the car and put a 640mm lens on my camera, and getting
as close as I dare to the birds, took a half dozen pictures. The pictures clearly
show a Whistling Swan with a Trumpeter Swan (Figure 1).

An interesting feature was that in bright sunlight the Trumpeter Swan’s white
plumage shaded faintly towards cream, while the Whistling Swan’s plumage tended
toward a bluish cast. This was noticeable on the entire body of both birds. Neither
of these subtle shades would be easily discernible without direct comparison be-
tween the two, but this was possible as they swam or walked the shoreline in one
another’s company.

Grinnell and Miller (The Distribution of the Birds of California, 1944) indicate
the last southern California record occurred in the 1890s. Dawson (The Birds of
California, 1923) states the last authenticated record was in 1898. Pyle and
Small (Annotated Field List, Birds of Southern California, 1961) do not mention
the Trumpeter Swan. McCaskie (American Birds 27:662,1973) cites a report
which indicates that the bird at California Valley was present from at least 13
January.

Figure 1. A Trumpeter Swan and Whistling Swan on Ramer Lake near California
Valley, San Luis Obispo County, California, 22 January 1973.

Photo by Brad Schram

111

Western Birds 4:111, 1973

NEW ALTITUDE RECORD FOR MALLARD NESTING IN
CALIFORNIA

MARTIN L. MORTON, Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles,
California 90041

GALEN A. MORTON, 1555 N. Ave. 46, Los Angeles, California 90041

The Mallard ( Anas platyrhynchos) is a year-around, widely distributed resident
of California. It is known to breed at a great range of altitudes, from seacoast
marshes to mountain lakes of the Sierra Nevada. Nests have been found as high
as 1897 m (6225 ft) near Lake Tahoe (Grinnell, Bryant and Storer, The Game
Birds of California, Univ. Calif. Press, 1918) and 2286 m (7500 ft) in Yosemite
National Park (Grinnell and Miller, The Distribution of the Birds of California,
Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 27, 1944). We have found no additional records indi-
cating that Mallards breed higher than this in the Sierra Nevada. Therefore, we
report herein our observations of a Mallard nest found in a subalpine meadow on
the east side of Tioga Pass, Mono County, at an altitude of 3002 m (9850 ft).

The nest was discovered on 23 June 1973 when the female flushed from it as
we walked by. The nest contained eight eggs. It was constructed primarily of
dried grasses and sedges, lined with down, and located on the ground in a seepage
area among clumps of scrub willow ( Salix sp.). The site was about 600 m south
of Tioga Lake and within 500 m of several small tarns.

During the 15 days following the discovery of the nest we checked it 12 times,
always during the daytime. On five of these visits the female was incubating. On
the other visits she was absent and the eggs were covered with nest material (four
times) or uncovered (three times). Eight eggs were always present. When checked
for the last time, on 8 July, the clutch showed signs of predation. Five eggs were
gone without trace, one was empty and had a hole about 2.5 cm 2 on one side, and
two were intact. The latter were taken as specimens and measured 4.14 x 5.57 cm
and 4.23 x 5.76 cm.

We have spent six summers working on vertebrate populations in the Tioga
Pass area and this is the first duck nest of any kind that we have found. Although
Mallard nests at these heights must be considered rare, our observation does in-
crease the altitude at which the species is known to breed in California by more
than 2000 ft.

112

Western Birds 4:112, 1973

BULLETIN BOARD

PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP MEETING

The Pacific Seabird Group will hold its first annual meeting in Seattle, Washing-
ton, 6-8 December 1974. A symposium on The Ecology and Biology of Alcids
will be co-chaired by Dr. M. D. F. Udvardy and Dr. Spencer Sealy. Papers on the
biology-ecology of other sea birds will also be presented. Individuals interested
in attending the meeting or presenting a paper should contact the chairman of the
local committee on arrangements, Dr, David A, Manuwal, College of Forest Re-
sources, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195. J. Michael Scott,
Chairman, Pacific Seabird Group.

PAN-AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS

This continent is now fairly well served with organizations and journals devot-
ed to the study or appreciation of birds, at most levels from the most casual to
that of the serious research worker. Many birders, however, both amateur and
professional, have often voiced the need for an organization concerned primarily
with the protection of birds. They will therefore welcome the announcement of
the recent formation of the Pan-American Society for the Protection of Birds,
with offices in Baltimore and Victoria.

The Society is particularly concerned with the avoidable and deliberate dan-
gers to birds caused by man, and current response and enthusiasm for its aims
indicate how widespread is the feeling for the need of such a Society. I would be
glad to furnish further particulars of the Society to concerned birders who may
be interested. Dr. J. B. Tatum, Department of Physics, University of Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada.

INDEX ORNITHOLOGORUM

This 112-page soft cover booklet, compiled by W. Rydzewski and published as
Vol VI, Nos. 71-73 of The Ring (1972), is divided into two parts. First is a Personal
Index which lists the name, address, occupation, principal ornithological interests
and organizational affiliations of 711 ornithologists responding from 59 countries
of the world. Following is a Subject Index, listing those individuals from the first
part under a broad range of subject headings, including specialties in various taxo-
nomic groups, geographical distribution, banding, behavior, conservation, field
ornithology, migration, parasitology, territoriality, vocalization and a variety of
other subjects.

Designed as a medium for information exchange for people with similar inter-
ests, this Index should prove a valuable directory for individuals seeking personal
contacts around the world. Orders with check ($3.00 U.S.) payable to the Polish
Zoological Society should be addressed to: The Editor of The Ring, Laboratory
for Ornithology, Sienkiewicza 21, Wroclaw, Poland. Bruce Webb

113

BULLETIN BOARD

BIRD ALERT PHONE NUMBERS

For a tape recorded bird alert phone message in northern California phone
(415) 843-2211; report sightings for the recording to JoeMorlan, (415) 654-1358;
Bud (Mrs. Hubert M.) Fry, (415) 731-2874; or Golden Gate Audubon Society,
(415) 843-2222. In southern California phone (213) 874-1318 for the message
and report sightings to Los Angeles Audubon Society, (213) 876-0202. When
reporting sightings include complete details, especially the precise location. Bill
Principe

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The advice and constructive criticism of the following individuals who have
refereed manuscripts for Western Birds is gratefully acknowledged: Alan Baldridge,
Laurence C. Binford, David F. DeSante, Pierre Devillers, Joseph Greenberg, Patti
Greenberg, Thomas R. Howell, Joseph R. Jehl Jr., Paul A. Johnsgard, Ned K.
Johnson, Charles S. Lawson, Tim Manolis, Guy McCaskie, Andrew J. Meyerriecks,
Harry B. Nehls, Thomas L. Rodgers, Stephen M. Russell, Arnold Small, Richard
W. Stallcup, Terence R. Wahl, Roland H. Wauer, Bruce Webb, Bob Yutzy, Carol
Yutzy. Special thanks also go to Jeanne Conry and Bruce Webb for countless
hours of invaluable editorial assistance, to Tim Manolis for contributing numerous
bird sketches, and to Virginia P. Johnson, layout artist, Shirley and Earl Talken
of Earl Talken Graphics, and Doyle V. Blackwood of Crest Offset Printing for
final production of the journal. AMC

114

W^- Here’s the definitive book
# on the diverse and beautiful

bird life of the Golden State

THE BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA

by Arnold Small, President, Los Angeles Audubon Society

Here’s the most complete, authora-
tative, up-to-date book available on
the natural habitats of California
and the birds that inhabit them.
BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA is the cul-
mination of 25 years of research and
observation by Arnold Small, college
professor, noted ornithologist and
President of the Los Angeles Audu-
bon Society.

The lucid, well organized text fea-
tures a comprehensive, annotated
list of the more than 500 birds that
have appeared in California since
1900, with distribution, seasonal
status and habitat preference noted
for every bird. In addition, each of
the 25 major habitats is described
as to range, climate,, topography, and
bird life. Also included is an intro-
duction to bird study on the sub-
professional level, with valuable ad-
vice on equipment, techniques, and
places to go during different seasons
of the year.

Accompanied by maps and over
300 photographs illustrating 280
species, BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA is

a volume that belongs in the book-
case of every bird lover. $12.50

MORE THAN 300 MAGNIFICENT
PHOTOGRAPHS ILLUSTRATING
280 CALIFORNIA BIRDS IN
THEIR 25 NATURAL HABITATS

Availab e at Pickw ck E Daltor
a-fi-ff orrer Ire nookstcres o r n,
-a tr cri r*tB c ..b' s u e ■

1 A-1ZO I

l WINCHESTER PRESS

s 460 Park Ave., New York, N Y. 10022 j
* Please send me: s

I copies BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA |

{ @$12.50 ■

I I enclose check or money order for J

! $ If not satisfied I may return |

j the books within 10 days for a full refund, j

| NAME I

J ADDRESS |

1 CITY |

2 STATE ZIP I

| (New York State residents add sales tax.) I
Please add 35£ for postage and handling. f

115

Manuscripts should be sent to Alan M. Craig, Box 98 Nimshew Stage, Chico,
CA 95926. For matters of style consult Suggestions to Contributors to Western
Birds (6 pp. mimeo available at no cost from the Editor) and CBE Style Manual ,
3rd ed., 1972 (available from American Institute of Biological Sciences, 3900
Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016 for $6.00).

Papers are desired that are based upon field studies of birds, that are both under-
standable and useful to amateurs, and that make a significant contribution to
scientific literature. Appropriate topics include distribution, migration, status,
behavior, ecology, population dynamics, habitat requirements, the effects of
pollution, and techniques for identifying, censusing, sound recording and photo-
graphing birds in the field. Papers of general interest will be considered regardless
of their geographic origin, but particularly desired are papers dealing with studies
accomplished in or bearing on Rocky Mountain states and provinces westward,
including Alaska and Hawaii; adjacent portions of the Pacific Ocean and Mexico;
and western Texas.

Authors are provided 50 free reprints of each paper. Additional reprints can be
ordered at author's expense from the Editor when proof is returned or earlier.

Good photographs of rare and unusual birds, unaccompanied by an article but
with caption including species, date, locality and other pertinent information,
should be submitted to Arnold Small, 608 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
90210.

Send rare bird reports for California to Jon Winter, Point Reyes Bird Observatory,
Box 321, Bolinas, CA 94924; see Calif. Birds 2:109-110. For Arizona, send re-
ports to Robert A. Witzeman, 4619 E. Arcadia Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85018,

Membership dues and changes of address should be sent to Clifford R. Lyons,
Treasurer, Post Office Box 369, Del Mar, California 92014. Classes of member-
ship (all include subscription to Western Birds): Patron, $1000; Life, $150;

Supporting, $20 annually; Contributing, $10 annually; Regular, $5 annually.
Make checks payable to California Field Ornithologists. Dues and contributions
are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Back issues of California Birds are available at $6.00 for Volume 2 (1971) and
$5.00 for Volume 3 (1972). The CFO Field List of the Birds of California
(1972), a 16 page checklist designed for recording 10 field trips, can be obtained
at a cost of $1.00 for 4 copies (additional copies, 254 each), including tax and
postage. Back issues and field lists may be ordered from Clifford R. Lyons,
Treasurer, Post Office Box 369, Del Mar, California 92014. Make checks payable
to California Field Ornithologists.

WESTERN BIRDS ADVERTISING RATES AND SPECIFICATIONS
Full Page 4 x 6-3/4 inches $60 per issue $200 per year

Half Page 4 x 3-3/8 inches $40 per issue $130 per year

Quarter Page 4 x 1-11/16 inches $30 per issue $110 per year

Offset printing, one column per page, 4 inches wide. Glossy, black and white
photos are acceptable; half tone screen size: 133 line. Photo-ready copy is re-
quested, If this is not possible, extra charges for typesetting will be made as
follows: $15 full page, $10 half page, $5 quarter page. Send copy with remit-

tance to Clifford R. Lyons, P. O. Box 369, Del Mar, Calif. 92014, and make
checks payable to California Field Ornithologists. A 15% commission is allowed
for agencies.

116