OBSERVATION OF BREWER'S BLACKBIRD Re: Colony behavior when protecting young Place: Northeast end of Lake Van Norden Time: 8:22 A.M. to 9:30 A.M. (P.O.S.T.) Date: June 26, 1950 8:22 Three observers approached willow thicket. Fledging flew uncertainly from ground to low branch of willow thicket 20 feet away. 8:25 F. in willow thicket 30 feet from baby, chirping. 8:26 M. on wire, chirping, 30 feet to right of fledgling. 8:27 Third adult flew from lodgepole pine 30 feet at left, to wire at right, both parents circling to lodgepole pine 50 feet from baby. Third adult flew from center of tree towards baby circling and giving warning cry. 8:29 Four adults now guarding, two on telephone wire to right third on pole 50 feet further right, one in lodgepole pine 30 feet to left. 8:30 Baby motionless. 8:31 One adult flew from telephone pole to tree. 8:32 M. on left, another M. flew to lodgepole pine to left, F. on wire to back and right, all chirping, still another F. on pole 100 feet to left and one pair on telephone pole to left, 50 feet away. 8:35 Baby moved head. Fewer warning chirps. 8:37 Adults quiet, only one pair on far left telephone pole chirping slightly. 8:38 Baby moved in bush. Baby has grey down on head, is greyish black, quills at tail 8:39 Two adults flew from pole to tree at left. 8:40 Baby flew to ground on other side of shrub willow, out of sight. Baby calling faintly. 8:42 Observer moved from log towards willow thicket and fledgling. M. in left lodgepole chirped. A pair of adults joined him in tree. 8:43 Twelve or more adults flew into lodgepole, to wire on left, chriped, circled about restlessly. 8:45 Fledgling wobbly on low willow branch. Protective coloration perfect against greyish branches, no leaves. 8:46 Another observer went back of thicket, saw fledgling on ground. 8:47 Baby flew to higher branch in willow. M. Circled overhead. 8:48 Fledgling moved, five adults flew overhead. 8:49 Baby uncertain, stayed in bush. Two adults on wire to left, many in lodgepole pine 50 feet to right of bird. continued