K. Dixon 1948 49? Carpodacus mexicanus Aug 15. NE face San Pablo Ridge, Contra Costa Co., Calif. High fog clearing; breeze 5 mph from W. House Finches seemed more abundant than usual for in draw where cattle trough is located (See notes on topography for details). Small flocks of a dozen or so seemed centered about spring as always. Finches mostly in 2 plumage were lined up on both sides of cement watering trough. During the minute I watched them I saw one drink from water surface about level to top of trough and saw one dip into water while in flight (bathing?). Other individuals fed on heads of dried thistles with heads of 1" diameter or more. They were active on bench where 200+ 100 yards N of spring, feeding on thistles, mustard and in some cases active on ground but too far away for me to determine type of foraging.