Fulica americana -8- Apr 17 Lake Jewell, Tilden Park, Contra Costa Co., Calif. the cat-tails nearby- as I approached the nest the bird began to move tree between one and the nest, actually coming towards me, giving a low "pukh = pukh" note,- the closer I approached the nest the more vigorous became the warning notes- but the cost would not come closer than about four feet. I left without disturbing the nest further, and the defending bird became quiet again. Moving E along the dam, I saw another bird near the boat, the bird defending the nest came out, gave its louder call note, (which seems to be a male note) and joined the ♀ ? after a little fooling around. Earlier a pair (I believe this came & pair) were "spreading" near position 4). At least two paird displays were made. At the southern part of the lake two other costs were found. First a small one flew out of area 6 across to 7. There it was met by a larger bird, as I moved down into the cat-tails a 8, both came across the pond in the charging pose but no notes. They came along the edge of the cat-tails but would not enter them. They are either building a nest, or have a site picked out, but I don't think they actually have a nest finished or eggs laid as yet. These birds were seen "billing" in the open water and some caressing of necks took place. (I should add that so far, all the mating or courtship displays I have seen have been on open water, but right