Field notes, v1509

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY Vol. 262

Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from CLIR https://archive.org/details/fieldnotesv150900ogil

Ogilvie, F. 1943 Kings Canyon Natl Park, Calif.

Catalog of Specimens

Ogilvie 1942 Catalogue Cedar Grove, South Fork Kings River, 4600 ft., Fresno Co., California May 21, 1942 1. δ Geromyscus maniculatus 131-58.5-20-15, 9.2 gms May 22, 1942 2. δ Geromyscus maniculatus 150-65-21-19, 19.2 gms 3 δ Thomomys bottae 212-22-67-8, 118.3 gms 4 δ Sceloporus graciosus 5 δ Sceloporus graciosus May 23, 1942 6. φ Geromyscus maniculatus 158-68-20-20, 22.7 gms 7 Sceloporus graciosus May 24, 1942 8 φ Geromyscus maniculatus 190-95-23-21, 27.3 gms. 9 Sceloporus graciosus May 25, 1942 10. δ Geromyscus maniculatus 157-71-20-20, Near Cedar Grove on trail to Zumwalt Meadow, 4600-5000 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. 11. Sceloporus graciosus 12 δ Sceloporus 13. δ Sceloporus May 26 14. Sceloporus Zumwalt Meadow, Rocks immed. below Grand Sentinel, 5000 ft., Fresno Co. 15. Sceloporus Zumwalt Meadow, 5000 ft., acuminis hypochs, Female, Calif. 16. rubber snake 17. alligator lizard

Catalogue Cedar Grove May 30, 1942 18/1 Alligator lizard 19. Sceloporus undulatus 20 ♀ Sceloporus graciosus) 21 ♂ Sceloporus graciosus 22 ♀ Sceloporus graciosus 23 ♂ Sceloporus graciosus 24 ♂ Sceloporus graciosus 25 ♂ Sceloporus graciosus 26 ♂ Sceloporus graciosus 27 ♀ Sceloporus graciosus 28 Sceloporus graciosus 29 May 31, 1942 20.6 discarded 29 ♀ Geromycus maniculatus) 140-55-20-19 10.6 discarded 30 ♂ Geromycus maniculatus 130-52-20-18 10.8 31 ♂ Geromycus maniculatus 116-52-19-17 7.6 June 1, 1942 32 Yellow Racer 7 mi. from Cedar Grove on highway 33 Boreal King Snake 13 mi. . . . .

Ogilvie 1942 Journal May 21 Cedar Grove, South Fork Kings R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. Picked up 15 traps set the night before at 11 a.m. They were located among dead logs on south side of Kings River. Whole region was marshy with areas of dry land. Only one *Peromyscus maniculatus* was found – a young specimen (1). Those traps which contained nothing appeared not to have been touched. The collected specimen was prepared. About 1:15 p.m. Mr. Disor led the group to Sheep Run Falls. On the way up many yellow pines and misery plants were seen. About 4 *Sceloporus* were seen scampering very actively on dead logs. None were caught, but a small (2) specimen was; it was *[of the larvate]* *Sceloporus graciosus*. At the Falls (5200 ft.) the nest of a Calisope Hummingbird was seen in pine tree (with 2 eggs). The female was seen by some members of the group, but was not present when seen by me. Continued up along well marked trail. Mt. Gardner could be seen clearly; it was covered with snow. Mt. Gardner is app. a good 2 days hike from Cedar Grove. The crest of the Sierras is about the same distance beyond Mt. Gardner (Disor). Two White-throated Swifts were seen flying above. Their long wings made them very distinct. Yellow Pine & Sugar Pine were the most abundant trees. There were some Manzanitas and much misery flat. Some Black-throated Gray was heard. Further up a junco was seen. Its head was much blacker, body much lighter than the Berkeley race. Its song was peculiar and not very characteristic; this was noticed by Dr. Hill. A chipmunk was seen in top dead trunk – head was protruding from hole & watching us. Birds seen were: Red-tailed Hawk, Calavera Warbler, Celeolated Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Stellar Jay, Brown Creeper, White-throated Swifts, Mt. Chuckadee, Cassin Purple Finch, White-headed Woodpecker, Calisope Hummingbird. Many of these were not seen too clearly by me.

Ogilvie 1942 Journal May 22 Cedar Grove, S. Fork King R., 4600 ft. Collected the 11 traps at 6:15 a.m. that had been set the night before up on dry flat just below beginning of hills to west of camp (400 yards). Nothing was found, but 2 traps had been sprung & the bait gone. One trap had lost the bait but was not sprung. Later in morning accompanied H.F. & D. Le M. to set gopher traps. 6 were set by digging between the mounds & placing double traps [illegible] in order to trap gophers coming in either direction. Went back about 2 hrs. later (11:00) and found 2 gophers, brought them back & I prepared the meal (3). It was found on N. side of King R. in deep gravelly soil, amid yellow pines, misery plant, etc. There were many old fallen trees about. In late afternoon (4:00) climbed small hill to west of camp in search of lizards. Among granite outcroppings a number of Sceloporus were seen scampering about. There were fallen pines nearby, white with weathering; lizards were also seen about these. A skink was seen in the crevice of a large rock, but it slipped thru the noose. Two Sceloporus (#1 & 5) were finally caught. Continuing north east a few hundred yards we came upon a rattlesnake tightly coiled in a dead log. It remained perfectly still & did not rattle although a stick was thrown at the log. Finally the range Mr. Gimm, was brought to be killed the rattler. Ten traps were set: 9 by the west side of the bridge among the grass & old logs; 1 was set about 100 yds. from Camp.

Oplre 1942 Journal May 23 Cedar Grove S Fork King R, 4600ft., Fresno Co., Calif. At 6:15 collected the 11 traps set night before. None of those down by the river had been snapped. In a trap nearly set by another, a Microtus ? was found. It was lost from the pocket of the collector could not be found. In a trap set about 150 yds. from camp under an old dead pine stump a young ♀ Peromyscus was found. About 2:30 went to same group of rocks a short distance up hill to west of Camp. After several minutes only 1 Sceloporus was seen whereas the day before there had been 4 or 5. Went down to same dead log where the rattlesnake had been found. A beautiful stink was seen, but it got away. Also saw a Sceloporus(?) which was practically black, it also escaped. Then went about a hundred or so yards up Sheep Creek trail and caught one Sceloporus graciosus ♂.(?) The rattlesnake was skinned and the inner surface rubbed with alum & arsenic. It was nailed in the shade on a pine tree's left to dry. The snake was dissected. It was 91/2in. long.

Ojelvie 1942 Journal May 24 Cedar Grove, S Fork King R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. A & Ceromycus was collected by trunk for other side of bridge. The other traps which were set along the Pack Station road along dead logs, etc. yielded nothing. The bait was same & not tampered with. At the top of a Black Oak a & Tanayr was observed singing. Below on same limb [was] a Warbling Vireo. Both were watched for some mins. In afternoon went in search of lizards. The skink by the granite outcroppings was seen and many attempts were made to catch it. It was light dark brown with 2 [yellowish] stripes down back. Tail was also darkish in color. It was fairly slow moving but it had such a narrow head & body, it was slippery enough to slip out of the noose. Another skink with a blue tail was seen in burnt log. While in this region a large coyote - tan to buff color with a large bushy tail tipped with black - came trotting by. It was seen again a short distance from this area. The ranger later said it was a frequent visitor to the park. At foot of Sheep Creek tail a youngish Sceloporus was caught. At 5:00 pm. set about 12 traps baited with meat, down by entrance of Sheep Creek into King R. and along the grassy meadow some yds. from the King R. To the southeast of the camp. Mr. & Mrs. Dixon ate supper with the group. 6 trout had been donated by neighboring campers. Jean Russell & I then set 31 traps baited with nuts or oatmeal peanut butter mix down by the ranger's barn and neighboring region. On way back went to the Robin's nest for side of bridge. Accidentally scared & Robin from nest. We watched some distance away. She flew to nearby pine and gave a steady, single call note. After a while this note subsided & she began to preening. I arrived after about 15 min. In 30 min. neither had gotten on nest.

Ogilvie 1942 Journal May 25 Cedar Grove, S. Fork King R., 4600 ft., Shasta Co., California. Only one Ceromycus was caught at the town. None of the traps by the meadows yielded anything, although 31 traps had been set. It was noticed that 3 or 4 garbage cans had been turned over contents messed about; later apparently fresh bear scat was found about 20-30 yds. from camp. No definite foot prints were seen. At 1:00 Mr. Dixon led us to Zumwalt Meadows about 5 miles from camp. Each person had approximately 30 mus. sp. traps & 3 rat traps. We drove car about 2 mi. and then hiked rest of way Trail was fairly level; there was a very gradual climb of about 500 ft. as Zumwalt Meadows is around 500ft. Heard several Chipping Sparrows but did not see them. Did see two white-headed Woodpeckers very distinctly. The two were climbing up trunk high up in a pine tree; they were close together. A Cassin Vireo was heard singing improving pine & cedar. Later on way home one was seen closely. It was medium, gray color. Along trail many yellow pines & some sugar pines were seen. Also several (Sinopines) were seen. Two Calif. mule deer does were seen in the pines. The large nests of 8 or 9 woodrats were observed. On way home 8 traps were set - scattered by several of these. A ? Black-throated Gray Warbler was seen on low limb of a pine; this was in a densely wooded area. Also farther along path a Townsend Solitaire was seen along bank of the river. It had a long narrow neck & head, trim lines, & greyish brown color. When it flew white stripes on the wing could be seen. Zumwalt meadows is a large swampy area, thickly covered with tasselgrass, & cat tails. Much of the water appeared to be stagnant. Along banks were many willows & dogwoods. Grand Sentinel Mt. overlooked the meadows. Boulders which had fallen down from Gr. Sentinel lined one side of the meadow closely. Several Sceloporus undulatus were caught here. 26 traps were

Ogilvie 1942 Journal May 26 Cedar Grove, S. Fork Kings R., 7600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. Set along south side of the meadows. A number of Red-wing Blackbirds were resting in meadows. The M's were conspicuous on Willows, etc. around. F's were occasionally seen. They are brownish with brown or white speckled breast. Three or four Olive-green swallows were flying across meadow. Song Sparrows were present also. They have a lovely song - different from Berkeley Sparrows. A Allen Hummingbird was heard & then seen on very top twig of a willow tree. On way back several lizards were caught, and birds of same type as those seen coming to meadows. It was cloudy & rained slightly on way home. 8 Rat traps were set by wood-rat houses. May 28 Left camp at 9:00 am to check traps. Mr. Dixon led way. He killed a Flycatcher with a police revolver using duat shot. He stuffed mouth with cotton immediately to prevent digestive fluids from running out & soiling feathers. He then placed bird head downward in cone of paper V. Also he killed a Paleolated Warbler (bright yellow breast, black top of head). Saw several Wood Pewees (flycatcher). Nests are usually found in fork of tree. Many service berries were in bloom. When traps were reached, nothing was found in mine. However a Microtus and a Peromyscus truei were caught. Mr. Dixon shot a Song Sparrow. I caught a Sceloporus angulatus on the large rocks below Grand Sentinel. Across river a large rubber snake was caught, while in the meadow a alligator lizard was caught.

Ogilvie 1942 journal May 27 Cedar Grove, S. Fork Tingu., 4600ft, Fresno Co., Calif. Left camp at 7:00am with Mr. Dixon for Zumwalt Meadows. Day was clear & cold. When we passed by rat traps by woodrat holes, nothing was found. Saw 2 beautiful Gray squirrels in tall pine tree. Reached Zumwalt [illegible] found none of my traps sprung. One member found a Song sparrow, another a Microstus. Mr. Dixon found a Gartersnake. Mr. Dixon shot a Song sparrow, a ♀ Redwinged Blackbird, a Calif. Linnet (Purple Finch), & a Western flycatcher. I attempted to catch a large ♂ Sceloporus unguiculatus on the rocks behind meadow, but 2 got away. Returned home for lunch 1:00 pm. About 6:00pm Mr. Dixon led group to mt. side to northeast camp. Traps were set as follows - each person keeping a distinct trap line: I set 15 traps in no. 2 position - placing them among thick bushes & beside rocks. May 28 Left camp at 7:00am to check traps on hill. Cold & clear morning, some low clouds on mountains. Found that none of my traps had been touched. Left them as they were. On way home saw a water Dayer (Dipper) fly from under bridge. Came back & set under bridge. Saw the Dippers nest under girders. ♂ & ♀ were standing on rocks bobbing up & down & flew with fluttering wing beats into nest, [illegible] & went right under it. They are dark grey with very short tails. Later male was seen feeding female. She flew to nest & entered from side entrance. Jean Gunnick & I hiked at 9:00am down east side of river. Ate lunch on way. Hiked past Zumwalt Meadow

Ogilvie 1942 May 28 Cedar Grove, S Fork Tling R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., California Did not see much animal life on trail. The grey squirrel was seen closely - eating a nut of some sort. Also saw a 5 & 4 Chipping Sparrow, a Grouse, & a Dilolated Warbler. Ate dinner at Mrs. Stephani cooked by Mr. Dixon's. May 29 Left camp at 7:45 with Mr. Dixon. Headed up old trail to Summit Meadows, 8000 ft., then hiked to Lookout Peak, 8,470ft, and ate lunch on the granite peak. Returned by following deer trails down around to other side of mountain. Walked thru snow fields & took several pictures of the region. Came upon the new trail and followed it to Sheeks Creek. Watched a Calliope Hummingbird on nest for about 15 min. Returned to camp about 4:30. We had hiked approximately 7 miles, climbing about 4000 ft. On this hike several new birds & plants were seen. Black Kittal Flycatcher, Dickcissel heard first for some some before seen, had a song - ^\ = /^. Also a Sierra Creeper was seen hopping up trunk of a dead pine. A Fox Sparrow was also seen & heard often & clearly. Bird is reddish brown above - breast is whitish with triangular brown spots. Also the Dilolated Woodpecker was heard but not seen by me. The Mt Quail Call was heard several times. At Summit Meadows the Rosebreasted Sapsucker was seen on a dead Lodgepole Pine. 7gyla (?) was also present in the meadows. Many Robins were also seen heard. While on the top of Mt. Lookout the Clarke Nutracker (or crow) was seen - color were grey, black, & white. Several new plants were seen - Jeffrey Pine, Snow Bush, Lodgepole Pine, & White violets.

May 29 Cedar Grove Species seen: Fox Sparrow Western Robin Scaled Woodpecker Western Tanager Mt. Chickadee Calaveras Wren Mt. Quail (heard) Oregon Junco Rose-breasted Grosbeak White-throated Swift Black-headed Grosbeak Hutton's Thrasher Clark's Nutcracker Sierra Creeper Calliope Hummingbird May 30 Checked the 15 traps on hillside which had been set May 27. 3 of them had been snapped, but no animals were caught. Later in morning took trail lunch and with B. E. Paulson went toward Jumawat Meadows. Caught 9 Sceloporus gracilous on the way. Ate lunch on rock on far side of Grassing River. While climbing to top of this hill a Sceloporus undulatus was caught. Further down trail an alligator lizard was caught. Several Grey Squirrel were seen on route. Returned to camp about 2:00 p.m. After supper 14 traps were set on far side of river & across road. A coiled Snake was seen on road. May 31 At 7:30 am found that of the traps on this side of road 3 had been snapped with the bait gone. On far side of road by a fallen piece of log, a very young Spermomyscus was found. It had been caught across a leg & his tail had bled. Several feet from the rock by a old log an adult ? was caught. Further away from road & across small stream another young ? Spermomyscus was caught. The 3 were brought back to camp & put up. Then set a line of traps up hill to back

Agilae 1942 Journal May 31 Cedar Grove, S. Fork King R., 4600ft, Fresno Co., Calif. I camp'd at 5:00 p.m. walked up to Sheep Creek Falls & observed Callophus Hummingbirds. They were disturbed by our presence & flew about frantically from branch to branch of several trees. After supper trap lines were inspected. Several had been snapped but nothing caught. Traps lines were left. June 1 Trap lines were followed and 3 young Peromycus were found in line on other side of river. Nothing was found in traps set on hill in back of camp. Peromycus were given away as there was not time to prepare skins. R.E. Paulson & I left camp about 9:30 a.m. 7 mi. along highway (4000ft) a Yellow racer was found dead in road. 12 miles along highway a Coral King Snake was likewise found. Ate lunch at Omar Khayyam in Fresno. Saw 4 Calif. Redheaded Woodpeckers on fence by road just a few miles out of Fresno. Stopped at drugstore in Fresno & bought some rubbing alcohol for snakes. Left Fresno about 2:00 p.m. & drove thru Yosemite Nat. Park. Arrived in Berkeley about 1:30 a.m. on way to Merced, Calif.

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Species accounts

Ogilvie 1942 Thomomys bottae May 22 Cedar Grove, S. Fork Kings R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. A ♂ Thomomys was collected by a gopher trap placed in center of runway. The mound was on north side of Kings R. amid old fallen logs; soil was light color, coarse, & dry. There was some grass and misery plant about. The trap was set about 9:30am. & the Thomomys was collected between 11 & 11:30. There were cut stems in his pockets - all were approximately same size.

Agilvie 1942 Crotalus May 22 Cedar Grove, S. Fork Kings River, 7600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. 5:20 p.m. A rattlesnake was found coiled in the crevice of an old fallen pine which had appearance of being burnt. Snake was coiled in at least two coils (drawing); tail was not visible and no rattling was heard. A stick was thrown against the log. Snake stuck tongue out quickly several times & then held it out for a longer period vibrating it. Color of snake is light tan background with dark brown spots down back. Pale yellowish splotches are irregularly placed about dark brown ones. Eyes are yellow. Fallen pine is about 50 yds. from paved road; other yellow pines are growing about. Manzanita brush and very young Incense cedar are about. Ground is dry & gravelly. We got very close to him but he held completely still. Did not even stick out tongue (did so only when stick was thrown at log). The Ranger, Mr. Kimm, came to kill the rattler. It had uncoiled itself but was in the same crevice of the log. A large stick was poked at it & it for the first time began to rattle and crawl in straight path down middle of log. It was hit at again, & this time it crawled up into a bush which was hanging over an end of the log. Over a half of its body would be held upright from a branch, a smaller portion holding to branch. It was knocked down to ground. It struck at stick - a small piece of the bark from the stick stuck on his fangs as he drew away. The next blow landed on his head & killed him. His rattlers were lost in the scuffle. After dissection it was found to be a male. The testis were large. The upper part of the lungs were very red - but no hemorrhage had occurred. The trachea was May 23

Oylvie 1942 Crotalus May 23 Cedar Grove, S. Fork Kings R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. extremely long. The other organs were also long & narrow lungs Ant. the gall bladder was large [illegible] and full of very dark (black-green) bile. The stomach was apparently empty - being very light ivory color, long, and soft. The intestine was small in diameter and coiled to a medium degree. The testis were posterior to the anus, being long thick tubular structures.

Ogilvie 1942 Sceloporus graciosus May 22 Cedar Grove, South Fork King R., 4600 ft., Fresno, Calif. In the hot afternoon (about 4:05 (mstime)) went about 300 yds west of camp, climbed only a few yds. uphill to a flat dry area. Around one large outcropping of granite several Sceloporus were seen. They dashed quickly about the rocks or scurried from base of rocks over to a near by dead log. Several sizes were seen. The area was very dry and many dead trees were lying about. Miery plant was abundant. Two Sceloporus graciosus were noosed (4 & 5). May 23 A ♂ Sceloporus was noosed about a 100 yds. uptrail to Sheep Creek Falls. It was scampering over a weathered log and jumped to a granite rock. While on rock it lifted itself up & down by front legs about 10 times. May 24 A ♂ Sceloporus was caught in an old log about 150 yds. from camp.

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Oylvie 1942 Ceromycus maniculatus May 21 Cedar Grove, South Fork King R., 4600 ft., Fresno Co., Calif. One Ceromycus maniculatus was found in trap by dead log about 50 ft. from Kings R. A young male specimen, grayish above - wt. 9.2 gmo. Trap was set about 7:30 p.m. the night before. May 22 Another Peromyscus (2) was collected on north side of King R. close by a dead log in marsh grass area. It was collected by Virginia D. Miller. May 23 A female Peromyscus maniculatus was collected about 100 yds. from camp by an old pine trunk. Area around had only a few pines; ground was sparsely covered with thin grass and small low plants; it was mostly covered with pine needles. This female had 3 pairs of well developed mammae. The vagina was large and very pink. A little blood was oozing from the urinary papillae. The trap had caught her well up on the back and not in the pelvic region. When it was dissected the horns of the uterus each contained four distinct swelling, but the embryos were so minute as to be undistinguishable. May 24 A female Peromyscus was collected several hundred yds. on north side of bridge. It was caught by an old upright cedar trunk. Four very slight swellings in each horn of uterus. May 25 A male was caught at the barn behind Ranger's house. May 31 Three Peromyscus maniculatus, 2 very young ones and a mature female. There were no embryos in the female.