1929 (1942. I question this) Similar to that of a purple finch but louder. They perched on weeds or fence or hid in grass near water, then flew away a few at a time. They were certainly neither blackbirds nor sparrows. After lunch we drove to the end of the new seven-mile bridge from Mt. Eden to San Mateo where we saw in the sand a few Snowy Plover and Western and Least Sandpipers and in the bay two Western Gulls. A number of Forster Terns flew over. A beautiful warm balmy day. Drove back by way of Bay Farm Island where we saw a few Scoters (12?) and one small flock of sandpipers but nothing else - even at the turn of the tide- Valleys is certainly the place for shore birds now. Nothing in Alameda. March 27 Warm, sunny day. 30. James and I started at 8:30 a.m. for the San Joaquin Valley via San Jose, Gilroy, Pacheco Pass. A chilly N. wind but brilliant sunshine till we went through the pass when it was quite cold and not clear. Pome trees in full bloom - some peaches. In San Joaquin Valley quite dry and grass very short. Best wild flowers in Pacheco Pass - yellow violets, shooting stars etc. At Los Banos the canals were full but very little flooded land. Reached Mendota about 5:30 p.m. and went to Armandini's hotel - very dirty but the only possible place to stay. Late at Gas station Mrs. Kibbe's party came in after dark. All went to bed early. Cross at 4:25, still very dark when we left, driving toward Fresno. Stopped about six miles out where highway runs east and open fields on both sides - railway to the south. Still quite dark. Mr. Cheney and Mr. de Fremery disappeared to scout for cranes, leaving Mrs. Kibbe, Mrs. Stout and me in the car. It was very cold (the men found ice), breeze from the north; clear. I got out to listen to the birds and watch the dams.