1940. jan. 1. Raining. There has been as little rain so far that the hills have been as dry as powder with no sign of green showing. The total for the season was only about 2 ½ inches. There has also been no frost to speak of - weather warm with much clear sunshine and very little wind. jan. 2. Still raining much of the time. One can see the green on the hills. jan. 3. Cloudy. We decided to start to Boulder Creek but did not expect to reach it as rain was threatening. At Dunbarnton Bridge visibility was very poor as there was a low fog. A flock of sandpipers were Redbacks. Large numbers (400?) of Eared Grebes, and the Alcids in a group very close to the highway. There is a line of pale gray from the top of the head down the back of the neck. Willets abundant. Arcets lost; in the distance a great raft of waders but too far to be sure. Spoonbills were numerous - the first time so far. Bonaparte Gulls - 200?. At Mt. View Marsh, the tide was just going out. Plenty of mud exposed but not too much. Visibility poor because of low lying fog. (over)