K Dixon 1949 Journal Jan 2. Blackwells Corner, Kern Co., Calif. Clear day, northerly winds estimated to be in excess of 20 miles per hour. Noted several Love Mountain Plover alongside road in scantily vegetated plains area. Also Shrike (one perched on Shingle) and Sparrows perhaps Vesper, and Ravens usually single. One mile N Coalinga, Fresno Co., Calif. Noted several White-throated Swifts flying above barren fields. Another flock of 6 or so in area 1/2 mile north was were 3 or 4 Western Bluebirds. I had noted dust storms to the north and we gradually drove into same. For 8 miles (15-23 miles by road N of Coalinga on Hwy 33) dust was blowing so steadily that visibility was reduced to 100 yards or less throughout the period. At a speed of 25 mph this would have been about 30 minutes. Evidence that dust had been blowing off the plowed land was provided by mud which covered all but a narrow center strip on this 2-lane paved highway. 3 mi E Los Banos, Merced Co., Calif. Noted Coot which seemed unable to make headway against wind eventually alighting in marsh. Two flocks of +6 White-fronted Geese alighted on bare ground. Some hunters in area along road. Jan 27. 21/2 mi SE Lafayette, Contra Costa Co., Calif. (Ranch on which R.E. Stinson resides). Clear calm afternoon. Snow clearly visible on north face of Mt. Diablo; on shaded slopes on ranch front was still on ground in midafternoon while ice on