1788 from him to listen. He continued to sing and, at times that high, nasal overtone "broke through", has been elsewhere recorded in these notes. I had a mouse with me, but he did not want it until it escaped and ran under a bush. Then he pursued it, grabbed it while I was trying to do the same thing and ate it promptly without ritual. A little earlier than this, while probing one of his feet in typical road-runner fashion, he had picked up several twigs at his feet, only to drop them. This may be his first-seen nesting reflex of the season or, on the other hand, may have been a mere accident. He also while I was with him, performed once his odd over-the- back wing-slapping act. I was unable to determine whether he slaps his back or claps the backs of his wings together. I have never been certain on this point. (61°). At 4 P.M. (sunny, warm, calm) it was found that he had already gone to bed in his house No.1. January 22nd. Another dull, chilly morning (46° at 10 A.M., breeze from S.E.). Thrashers singing in the distance. Rhody, at this time, was found still in bed, wanting nothing. There were few birds to be seen, suggesting the presence of a hawk. though none was seen. However, at the sage patch, a cock quail was in frozen attitude and did not move when I approached to 8 feet. "Spots", the female spotted towhee, was there and had no res- ervations as to hawks and came out for worms promptly. I moved on toward the orchard. "The" golden-crowned sparrow was in a rosebush on the fence looking at me meaningly. A gesture of the empty hand brought him for worms. Again I moved on. "Nutty", the Nuttall sparrow was also in the tangle on the fence 20 feet or so from the other bird. He immediately flew to my feet for attention I said: "Where's the thrush?" Almost instantly "the" hermit thrush came through the fence for his worms. Curiously, not one of these birds had interfered with my feeding each individually, contrary to the usual experience when all are present. Of these four birds certain differences in their attitudes toward me stand out: Spots is the most persistent customer and "tagger-along", but not the boldest in approaching me, although the first to discov- er possibilities in me. He can almost always be found in the sage patch and sometimes calls on seeing me approach. He seldom comes closer than about 3 feet and usually retreats a short distance with each worm. Three or more other towhees of his kind often see him getting food from me, but have never approached me. The Nuttall sparrow is the boldest, as measured by nearness of approach and confidence in me when near. However, he applies to me for food far less often than the thrush and Spots. When he does come he will plant himself right at my feet, take and eat each worm there without retreating until satisfied. He seems perfectly with- out fear, while there. The thrush ranks next in boldness, measured by the same stand ard. He comes fearlessly from a considerable distance and will station himself about three feet from me on the ground, eat each worm