Fulica americana -84- July 21 Jewel Lake, Tilden Park, Contra Costa Co. Calif. The parent with its head and bill turned up (this same behavior was noted yesterday among the N brood birds on Lake Temescal). At 9:30 a.m. 6 of the imm. are working from G10 towards H12 - with G/B/Y at the later position. following in order are R/C, G, P/B. - with G/S at G/10, P/S and SIR at F/10. - all birds are busily feeding now -- NOTE: - When I was handling the birds the other day I noted that their fecal pellets were composed mostly of green vegetable matter, but also had a decided gritty feel to them as if considerable sand was present. - now 9:37 - most have quit actively feeding and are resting or preening. 3 or 4 are still dabbling around picking up bits here and there but none seem to be really busily eating. - I have noticed now that 4 different birds have scratched their necks where the pin is thrust, and I have also noted that each of them in scratching did so gently - not as if trying to rid themselves of the tags - but rather as if scratching a slight itch - as I would expect to occur as the skin heals around the pin. - now 9:40 - most of the birds are busily feeding again - but P/S is still resting & preening - still since about 9:36. - The head shaking while feeding that is so evident in these birds is not a result of tagging. I noticed this