The Condor/Volume 1/Number 3/Notes from Alameda, Cal.

Notes from Alameda, Cal. Western Bluebird: For the last seven or eight years I have not met this never common bird as formerly. On frequent trips through the county and Contra Costa County in spring I have noticed from three to ten on each trip during the past five years and at times saw none at all. It is a sparse breeder in Alameda County. An acquaintance of mine took a set of eggs in this town about fifteen years ago.

The last Dwarf Hermit Thrush was seen, rather heard, April 6, a few miles from here. It was unusually common this winter. One made itself at home about my woodshed and became quite tame, eating grubs and bore worms when I was splitting wood.

Western Robins were very scarce up to January. In February they were quite abundant, singing freely. I heard one singing in December.

One Varied Thrush noted April 12, they have nearly all departed now. Observed the first one on Sept. 27.

A few Western Golden-crowned Kinglets wintered here in the live oaks and evergreens. I observed them occasionally from October to March. The Ruby-crowns were common, as usual, this winter, but not gregarious like the Golden-crowns.

On Sept. 27 I heard the "call" notes of a Russet-backed Thrush, and although the bird remained hidden, I knew I was not deceived by its indistinguishable voice. The late date is commentable.

Nuthatches are rarely observed any year. Perhaps they do not occur at all some years in this immediate locality. They were often seen this winter. A Red-breasted was the first one seen, Aug. 30. Took one Sept. 5 and one Oct. 10, and a Slender-billed Nov. 11. The last birds seen were in the middle of February. All the birds ever seen here were seen within a radius of 300 yards.

I have observed the Western Winter Wren here only several times. Took one Oct. 6.

Plain Titmice are fast disappearing and are growing quite uncommon. Further back in the hills is where civilization has driven them. Young were found in two nests April 8.

The American Pipit in winter appears to be as much at home in town as the urban English Sparrow. After a rain they can be found singly or in small bunches along the pavements in the densest part of town looking for worms.

Took a ♂ California Creeper Jan. 14, making the first one I ever saw in the county.

Parkman's and Vigor's Wrens are seen almost the year around. Last winter (1897-8) a Parkman's remained about my garden and the winter before last (1896-7) a Vigor's wintered near by. Neither species passed this winter here.

In January I took a ♂ Tule Wren from the salt marsh near here. Several of the crown feathers and one wing primary (secondary) were pure white.