76 THE CONDOR Vol. XIII Sparrow Notes from Fresno County, California.?In my notes on the Brewer Sparrow in the November-December CONDOR I might have stated that these little sparrows are resident throughout the entire winter, frequenting much the same area as does the Western Vesper Spar- row (Pooecetes oeramineus confinis). December 26, 1910, I found several Spizella breweri in an old weed-grown berry patch that was bordered on the south by a peach orchard and on the other three sides by vineyards. One specimen was taken and is now in my collection. November 20 I observed two Slate-colored Sparrows (Passerella iliaca schistacea) and on the twenty-fourth another which was secured. This bird was associated with a large flock of mixed sparrows. The day after Christmas I also found two or three Forbush Sparrows (Melospizi lincolni striata) in a large brush pile at the edge of a weedy pasture. One was collected. All these birds were found within a few miles of Fresno. Mr. Joseph Sloanaker informs inc that on the plains near Raisin City, fifteen miles south- west of Fresno, he finds the California Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza nevadensis canescerts) to be very common during the winter. I have a specimen from there taken December 11, 1910.--JoH? G. TYLER, Brewer Sparrow Breeding in Simi Valley.--I have found the Bre?ver Sparro?v (Spizella breweri) to be a rather common resident of the Simi Valley, Ventura County, and have found many nests containing eggs and young in that vicinity. Two sets of eggs in my collection are as follows: Set of five, fresh, taken with femme bird May 21, 1899, and set of three slightly incu- bated, taken May 28, the same year. The birds are very shy, sneaking from the nest and rtm- nine through the grass instead of flying; consequently the nests are rather difficult to locate. All the nests that I have found have been on a south slope, sparsely covered with sage brush and cactus, with a thicker growth of smaller plants and shrubs between. The nests were in these smaller shrubs, generally not over a foot above the ground.--J. S. APPLETOIg. Notes on Two Birds from Santa Catalina Island, California.--On February 12, 1910, while coasting along the rocks near White's .Landing, Catalina Island, I saw and positively identified a Frazar Oystercatcher (Haematopus frazari). At first Sight of us the bird left its perch on an elbow of crumbling rock and circled toward the boat, but not near enough for a shot. It continued its rapid flight, uttering the familiar call, until it was lost to sight around a dangerous jutting reef. This is the farthest north record according to all available notes that have come under my notice, published or unpublished.. On the day following, an Ancient Murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus), a rare bird in these waters at any season, was collected from a flock of eight, grouped about one-half mile off shore. The birds were exceedingly shy, anti after one first dive of alarm were out of reach. The specimen obtained exhibited ability to swim under water, even after wounded.--PINGREE I. OSBURN. Blue-winged Teal in Southern Galffornia.--The Blue-winged Teal (Querquedula discors) has been quite common in the marshes of Los Angeles County this winter up to the preseut time. I have seen many specimens that were brought in to the local taxidermists by hunters. Although this species has not been considered a common winter visitant to southern California, I think it is safe to say that it is a fairly common visitant during some winters. Other winters, however, it is rare. This irregularity is probably due to meteorological conditions.--G. WILLard.
