california condor Eben McMillan 17 July 1963 It was cool and a mild West wind was blowing as I drove to the Cholame Flats at 10:30 A.M.. Two Buzzards and four Raven were feeding on the remains of a Jackrabbit, Near the Roadside, about three miles South- Headquarters East of Cholame Rancho Headquarters. I photographed one of these Buzzards in flight as it circled overhead. Driving up the Cholame Valley to a point one mile North of Gene Rambo Ranch house, I reversed my direction, returned to the road that leads across the Cholame Valley and out towards the East. Following this Roadway I photographed a Burrowing Owl near the Roadside then drove to the draw that extends Northeastward to the Matesy and Sam Wallace places where I found the Carcass of a grown Cow that appeared to have perished from not being able to extract itself from the Mud in the bottom of this draw, into which it had probably gone for water. Four Buzzards were on or about this Carcass that appeared to have been dead about three days and was bloated to the maximum. No scavengers had broken the Skin. I took a sharp axe and striking the Carcass with this axe, in the area of the front Shoulder, was unable to cut through the Skin that having become dry was very Tough, as well as well as resilient, due to the air trapped under the Skin in the bloating process. Any Carrion bird or Mammal would have trouble puncturing this Skin. I remained about this Carcass for some time after photographing it. No Condor came into view. I left the Cholame Flats and returned home at 1:30 P.M. It was interesting to note that only 6 Buzzards were seen during my sojourn about the Cholame Flats today. Also that adult Cattle, due to the toughness of the hide, and with no Coyotes to eat out the anus, offer little food for Condor.