Page:Condor7(4).djvu/21

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?o8 THE CONDOR VOL. VII vast colony, with fresh eggs at this date; common off San Domingo and Abreojos Points June ?4-x7th. This is the most abundant shearwater up and down this coast during the early summer. Puffinus auricularis C. H. TOWNSEND. Townsend Shearwater. This little- known species was found common at sea between Cape St. Lucas and San Bene- dicte Island during April, May and June, and was found breeding in a large colony on San Benedicte Island on April 3oth, with large young at this date; on Clarion Island, May ?oth, it was also breeding abundantly, with large young; was common about Socorro Island May 24th; abundant at Cape St. I, ucas June 3rd. Puffinus griseus (G?x?t,.). Dark-bodied Shearwater. Common off San Donsin- go Point June 14th and off Natividad Island June 3oth. Puffinus cuneatus SALVIN. Wedge-tailed Shearwater. This shearwater

breeds by thousands on San Benedicte Island, entering the burrows apparently 

about April xst, We found them busily occupied on April 3oth but without eggs; a second visit to the island on the ?8th of May showed in a few places green twigs dragged to the entrance of the burrow, but no eggs, and it was not until the 3?st of May, when'we visited the island a third time, that we found the first egg of this species. The species is seldom seen about Socorro or Clarion Islands, but was seen as far north as Cape St. Lucas on June 5th. Puffinus bulleri SALVIN. New Zealand Shearwater. A gray shearwater seen near Cape St. Lucas on June 5th which was not taken was conditionally referred to this species. Halocyptena microsoma Coups. Least Petrel. This little petrel breeds on San Benitos Islands, rather plentifully in certain spots among the rocks, the eggs being partially incubated on July i4th; was common off San Domingo Point on June ?4th; is apparently not seen about the ?)reeding grounds before June ist. 0ceanodroma kaedingi ANTHONY. Kaediug Petrel. This species is to be found from Guadalupe south to Socorro during June and July, but was not seen along the shore line in company with the others of the genus; apparently not seen in these waters before the middle of May. The breeding grounds of this species are as yet unkuown, but it is probable that the birds occupy the burrows of the Guad- alupe petrels on Guadalnpe Island after the breeding season of the tormer is closed. 0ceaa0droma macrodactyla (BRYANX'). Guadalupe Petrel. This species, pe- culiar to the immediate vicinity of Guadalupe Island, breeds sparingly on the island, eggs taken on the ?sth of March being slightly incubated; the birds may be seen at sea near the island. The breeding habits of this petrel differ materially from the other petrels found breeding in these waters in that they lay their eggs at least ?oo days earlier than the others, and also instead of selecting low, sandy or rocky situations for their burrows, are only to be found nesting in burrows at the extreme top of Guadalupe Island, at an altitude of over 4000 feet above sea level, and in pine and cypress groves at that. 0ceanodroma melania (BoNA?.) Black Petrel. Breeds abundantly on San Benitos Islands, eggs taken July I4th being partially incubated; was common off San Domingo Point on June i4th and near Guadalupe Island on July ?sth; ap- pears during May in these waters with the other petrels breeding on the Benitos. 0ceanodroma socorroen$i$ C. H. TOWNS?NI). Socorro Petrel. This species al- so breeds abundantly on the San Benito Islands, having eggs partially incubated on the ?4th o[ July. It is to be seen from this point south to Socorro (and beyond?) at this time of year, appearing coincident with the other petrels breeding on the Benitos. It is interesting to note that during the trip south to Socorro Island, prior to May ?st, no petrels were seen except Oc?a?zoa?roma macroa?act.?,[? at Guada-