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17 Journal R.E Johnson 1968 March 11 Peavine Mtn, Washoe Co., Nevada (cont.) shaft descends westward from this judging from the continuing descent of rocks rolling to that side of the mine floor when thrown from above. The 3rd shaft is located 50 ft further north (uphill) & has caved in. No rosy finches could be seen or heard at these shafts even after considerable disturbance by rock throwing. & apparently no finches, at least at this time of day (9AM). In the vicinity of the shafts a Say Phoebe, several Mtn Bluebirds, and a Meadowlark were seen. A prospect can be seen up the slope to the E., but there is no shaft. Another prospect is located on the ridgetop above the first & to the north. Again - no shaft. I descended back down to the 3 shafts passing several Rufous-sided Towhees & a flock of Oregon Juncos in sagebrush, and then headed west up creek & ascended the ridge west of the creek. Up canyon on The east side of the creek a good sized horizontal shaft was seen but was not checked. From the top of the ridge just ascended low cliffs with caves in them could be seen on the ridge to the west of this one. I descended (west) into the creek & up this latter ridge at a point south of the cliffs & then continued down a dirt road to prospect holes. One was a short horizontal hole. Another was a deep [illegible] vertical shaft. No finches were present at either of these. A claim marker indicated the location as Sec. 31, T20N, R19E. The barbed wire fence mentioned earlier is just west of the road & ridgetop. The present
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R.E. Johnson 1968 Journal March 11 Peavine Mtn, Washoe Co., Nevada (Cont.) location is quite a ways up hill from where I first encountered the fence. I then followed the rd down(s) to where I had left it earlier today, & then I crossed the fence line and headed down a side ridge (sw) that leads directly to the "big shaft" where N.K. Johnson & J. Spencer had once found finches. There were no finches present. Uphill (south) I found another vertical shaft (20 ft. deep). I returned to the big shaft & headed west on a small dirt road which On this ridge are a number of workings & an open grove of Jeffrey Pine. None of the workings include a vertical shaft suitable for rosy finches) can be seen heading west & up over a ridge. I left the big shaft at 10:30 AM following the rd at 1st, then taking a side (rt.) road up hill toward 3 prospects I had seen while descending the next ridge east (the one with the barbed wire fence). After checking the prospects I continued up this rd to the main ridgetop & cut crosscountry over into a large canyon (running N-S). I descended this to its mouth & explored a mine dump (copper) to the left(east) of the mouth. Then I cut downhill & east to a road which was the same one I had started on when leaving the big shaft. In route I passed a small pond (damed) on the left(N). In route I saw a pair of chipmunks, a flock of white-crowned sparrows & a sharp-shinned hawk. I left the big shaft for the car at 12 noon. I took a half hour to explore a dirt road up into a canyon east
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Journal R.E. Johnson 1968 March 19 Berkeley, California to southern Lassen Co. (cont.) Jim Lynch had told me that John Ralph of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory had seen rosy finches in winter in NE Califo. I called him and he indicated that he had been to the mine shaft in so. Lassen Co. that Miller & Twining had published on (Condor, 45: 78; 1943) in January about 2 yrs ago and there had been very few birds at the shaft. The Cascade race (littoralis) had been seen. He suggested I call Rich Stallcup who had been to the shaft many times. I called Stallcup this morning before leaving on the been trip. He said he had to the mine twice this winter (2 wks ago & in early Dec.) and had seen no rosy finchee. The previous winter (1966-67) he had seen only one bird, a littoralis. He also mentioned seeing a flock of 500 in Surprise Valley, NE of Alturas in approx. 1964. He also mention a fellow named McLean of San Jose who had collected an atrata near Westgard Pass [White Mt] After the phone call I dropped by school to pick up mail & the new mist nets had arrived, so I took them along. Finally left town at 11:30 AM & arrrived in Reno at 3:50 PM. Drove north on US395 to a point a couple miles south of Hallelujah Jct. where a dirt road turns east through a fence with a large No trespassing sign on it. This road is south of the one I used last week and it joins it in an open juniper stand. The road was drier than the other road & thus I could drive all the way to the mine. I forgot to notice the time
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{ "text": "FOR FURTHER\nINFORMATION, ASK\nOUR SKI PATROLMEN...\nUNPATROLLED\nCLOSED\nDANGEROUS\nTERRAIN\nTRAIL MARKINGS\nGREEN\nEASIER\nYELLOW\nMORE DIFFICULT\nBLUE\nMOST DIFFICULT\nRED\nEXTRA CAUTION\nDO NOT SKI PAST PERIMETER\nTOYABE KNOB\nDIPPER CHAIR\nLITTLE\nDIPPER BOWL\nNORTH FORK\nBOWL\nBONANZA\nBOWL\n$100\nSADDLE\nBoulder Saddle\nNEW!\n\"HEAVENLY VALLEY\nNORTH\"\nBenjamin\ndrive\nTOYABE TRAIL\nBOULDER PEAK\nSTAGECOACH SKIWAY\nNORTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nMID STATION\nEDGEWOOD CREEK\nNEVADA\nCALIF.\nMONUMENT PEAK\n10,167'\nSUNDECK\n10,020'\nELE.\nSKYLINE TRAIL\nSOUTH FORK\nSKIWAY\nELLIES\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nA SKIWAY IS A SEMI-CLEARED\nAREA THRU THE TREES\nNORTH FORK\nSKIWAY\nVON SCHMIDT FLAT\nPLEASE OBEY\nOUR SIGNS AND\nDO NOT SKI ALONE\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nBAR\n8300' ELE.\nTRAIL MAP of\nHeavenly Valley\nSOUTH SHORE - LAKE TAHOE\nPLEASE SKI SAFELY\nAND FILL YOUR\nSITZMARKS\nNEV.\nCALIF.\nN\nJOB'S PEAK\nJob's Sister\nHIGH MEADOWS\nUNPATROLLED\nCLOSED\nVIEW ONLY\nNO SKIING\nFREEEL PEAK\n10,900'\nHIGHEST PEAK\nAROUND\nLAKE TAHOE\nVIEW POINT\nSKYCHAIR\nRIDGE RUN\nWOODS TRAIL\nCANYON\nSKIWAY\nBETTY'S\nTRAIL TO\nOLD FAITHFUL LIFT\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nBLUE ANGEL\nHAND\n9000'\nREST ROOMS\nNAR SOUTH\nPowder Bowl\nMOMBO TRAIL\nHEAVENLY VALLEY CREEK\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nSKYTRAIL\nPIONEER CHAIR\nPIONEER BOWL\nPATSY'S\nRUN\nGARDEN\nPIONEER TRAIL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nLODGE\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nSKI SHOP-RENTALS\nBAR-OFFICE\n6600' ELE.\nRIDGE CHAIR\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPOWDER BOWL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nWEST FORK\nSKIWAY\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nPIONEER CHAIR\nGROVE\nTRAMWAY\nEAST BOWL\nSKIWAY\nADVANCED SKIERS\nONLY\nFACE\nFIRST AID\nROOM\nSKI PATROL OFFICE\nTRAM STATION\nTICKETS\nTO KELLER\nROAD\nPARKING LOT\nTO SKY RUN\nBLVD.\nGUNS GARREL\nJUMP HILL\nSKI SCHOOL\nM10 STATION\nPISTOL\nWEST RIDGE\nEAST BOWL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPIONEER CHAIR\nPIONEER BOWL\nPATSY'S\nRUN\nGARDEN\nPIONEER TRAIL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nLODGE\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nSKI SHOP-RENTALS\nBAR-OFFICE\n6600' ELE.\nRIDGE CHAIR\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPOWDER BOWL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nWEST FORK\nSKIWAY\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nPIONEER CHAIR\nGROVE\nTRAMWAY\nEAST BOWL\nSKIWAY\nADVANCED SKIERS\nONLY\nFACE\nFIRST AID\nROOM\nSKI PATROL OFFICE\nTRAM STATION\nTICKETS\nTO KELLER\nROAD\nPARKING LOT\nTO SKY RUN\nBLVD.\nGUNS GARREL\nJUMP HILL\nSKI SCHOOL\nM10 STATION\nPISTOL\nWEST RIDGE\nEAST BOWL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPIONEER CHAIR\nPIONEER BOWL\nPATSY'S\nRUN\nGARDEN\nPIONEER TRAIL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nLODGE\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nSKI SHOP-RENTALS\nBAR-OFFICE\n6600' ELE.\nRIDGE CHAIR\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPOWDER BOWL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nWEST FORK\nSKIWAY\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nPIONEER CHAIR\nGROVE\nTRAMWAY\nEAST BOWL\nSKIWAY\nADVANCED SKIERS\nONLY\nFACE\nFIRST AID\nROOM\nSKI PATROL OFFICE\nTRAM STATION\nTICKETS\nTO KELLER\nROAD\nPARKING LOT\nTO SKY RUN\nBLVD.\nGUNS GARREL\nJUMP HILL\nSKI SCHOOL\nM10 STATION\nPISTOL\nWEST RIDGE\nEAST BOWL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPIONEER CHAIR\nPIONEER BOWL\nPATSY'S\nRUN\nGARDEN\nPIONEER TRAIL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nLODGE\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nSKI SHOP-RENTALS\nBAR-OFFICE\n6600' ELE.\nRIDGE CHAIR\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPOWDER BOWL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nWEST FORK\nSKIWAY\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nPIONEER CHAIR\nGROVE\nTRAMWAY\nEAST BOWL\nSKIWAY\nADVANCED SKIERS\nONLY\nFACE\nFIRST AID\nROOM\nSKI PATROL OFFICE\nTRAM STATION\nTICKETS\nTO KELLER\nROAD\nPARKING LOT\nTO SKY RUN\nBLVD.\nGUNS GARREL\nJUMP HILL\nSKI SCHOOL\nM10 STATION\nPISTOL\nWEST RIDGE\nEAST BOWL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPIONEER CHAIR\nPIONEER BOWL\nPATSY'S\nRUN\nGARDEN\nPIONEER TRAIL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nLODGE\nFOOD - REST ROOMS\nSKI SHOP-RENTALS\nBAR-OFFICE\n6600' ELE.\nRIDGE CHAIR\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH\nROUNDABOUT\nROUNDABOUT\n2 1/2 MILE TRAIL\nNO BEGINNERS\nPLEASE\nPOWDER BOWL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nWEST FORK\nSKIWAY\nPIONEER RESTAURANT\nPIONEER CHAIR\nGROVE\nTRAMWAY\nEAST BOWL\nSKIWAY\nADVANCED SKIERS\nONLY\nFACE\nFIRST AID\nROOM\nSKI PATROL OFFICE\nTRAM STATION\nTICKETS\nTO KELLER\nROAD\nPARKING LOT\nTO SKY RUN\nBLVD.\nGUNS GARREL\nJUMP HILL\nSKI SCHOOL\nM10 STATION\nPISTOL\nWEST RIDGE\nEAST BOWL\nWATERFALL\nCHUTE\nSOUTH BOWL\nSKIWAY\nPOWDER BOWL\nTRAIL\nNAR SOUTH [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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{ "text": "9 Basic Rules\nFor Skier's Safety\n\n1. All skiers shall ski under control.\nControl shall mean in such a man-\nnner that a skier can avoid other\nskiers or objects.\n\n2. When skiing downhill and over-\ntaking another skier, the overtak-\ning skier shall avoid the skier be-\nlow him.\n\n3. Skiers approaching each other on\nopposite traverses pass to the right.\n\n4. Skiers shall not stop in a location\nwhich will obstruct a trail or stop\nwhere they are not visible from\nabove or impede the normal pass-\nage of other skiers when loading\nor unloading.\n\n5. A skier entering a trail or slope\nfrom a side or intersecting trail\nshall first check for approaching\ndownhill skiers.\n\n6. A standing skier shall check for\napproaching downhill skiers be-\nfore starting.\n\n7. When walking or climbing in a\nski area, skis should be worn and\nthe climber or walker shall keep\nto the right side of the slope.\n\n8. All skiers shall wear safety straps\nor other devices to prevent run-\naway skis.\n\n9. Skiers shall keep off closed trails\nand posted areas and shall ob-\nserve all traffic signs and other\nregulations as prescribed by the\nski area.\n\nHEAVENLY VALLEY\nP. O. Box AT South Lake Tahoe, Calif. 95705\nPhone (area 916) 541-4280\n\n1967-68 RATE SCHEDULE\n\nCHAIR LIFT TICKETS\n(Good On All Facilities)\n\nChildren\nAdults\n12 & Under\n\nAll Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 7.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.00\nHalf Day (After 1:30 P.M.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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92 Journal R.E.Johnson Aug.23 Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness, Montana (cont.) personal on the way out from a week of trail work in the storme. They were snowed in! The trail crew ran onto a large group of people (pack outfit) at Big Johnson lake who were using a power saw (illegal in the wilderness area). They told them the saw shouldn't be used & got lots of lip out of it. [The packers] refused to identify themselves. So, on my arrival, I checked to see who they were. Turns out they are the American Forestry Association trail group (Trail Riders or Wilderness Riders) packed out with a Mr. Ritchie (sq?) who normally packs Ward Russell into the Bitterroot country each Fall elk hunting! The AFA has been known to have a weak view of wilderness values, use, & preservation so it all figures. I saw nor, saw, but the fresh sawdust & large wood stocks suggest they may have had one. They have 85+ head of stock! I don't know how many people Birds around the lake include: Spotted Sandpiper, Stellar Jay, Clark Nutcrackers, Mallard & (with 2? ducks with green instead of blue in the wing. Otherwise they were very similar). The lake is surrounded by forest (Lodgepole Pine, Englemann Spruce, Subalpine Fir) except at the upper end where a meadow skirts the shore (the site of the large camp). Meadow species include Yarrow, Aster, Red Heather, Dwarf Huckleberry, Bog Orchis, & Elephant Heal & Blue Gentian. Mosquitos were common- the 1st I've seen this summer. Trail mileages as judged by trail signs aren't too
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100 Journal R.E.Johnson 1968 Aug. 26 Sapphire Mtns Montana Drove from Copper Creek Campground up the dirt road to Frogpond Basin which sits adjacent the creast of the Sapphire Mtns. The object was to determine (1) if the higher pks of the range (see Aug 22) were accessible via this road and (2) if any of them might have rosy finches. There are a number of branches to the road once it enters frogpond basin. I took the leftmost 1st of them gradually worked the roads from left to right. The leftmost road ends up on a ridge which is just to the left side of the main ridge of the Sapphire Mtns. An abandoned mine (apparently the O'Brien Mine) is located on this road. A trail leaves this road & heads uphill to the right. It is marked "Bitterroot Pass & Hole-in-the-Wall." I followed it to the crest of the 1st ridge & then I veered off to hike to the highest peak on that part of the divide. This point is labeled "Frog" on the Philipsburg Ranger District, USFS Map. and has an elevation over 8400 ft. according to the Dillon 1:250,000 topo map (USGS). The top is a large rock cone which extends down either side of the ridge as very large talus slopes. Small patches of low vegetation occur on the top & in a few locations down the east talus slope. These consist of grames, bear grass, dwarf huckleberry, & creeping juniper. Trees (White-bark Pine, Subalpine Fir) cover the ridge leading up to the top from the north. Many corys were heard in the rock slides. Clark Nutcracker & a Townsend Solitaire were seen along the upper forest margin. There is no habitat
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Journal 102 R.E. Johnson 1968 Aug. 26 Sapphire Mtns, Montana (cont.) the county line & is covered by it on the Philipsburg Ranger District Map. Unfortunately an extensive mud puddle blocks the route to anything but a 4-wheel drive vehicle. This road or trail apparently would lead me almost to the top of the high peak, but it appears to be 8 or 9 miles distant. Routes to this peak had best be checked out at the district ranger station at Philipsburg before starting to it. I returned back to Copper Creek, Middle Fork of Rock Creek & finally to US [illegible] A & drove to Anaconda to pick up a few supplies, mail off some film, & etc. Camped at Spring Hill USFS Campground west of Anaconda on US [illegible] 10A Aug. 27 Anaconda-Pintlar Wilderness, Montana (Storm Lake & vicinity) Drove up the dirt road to Storm Lake into the north end of the Anaconda Range. This road leaves US 10A just east of Silver Lake. In the 1st mile there are many branches to the road (all unsigned). The correct road is usually the center road & most traveled. It is 9 miles to Storm Lake. The last 1½ miles a very rough & many leave their cars below & hike this portion. I left my VW 1 miles from the lake because of extensive muddy areas in the road at that point. I hiked to the lake & then on around the west side & up to Storm Lake Pass (2¼ miles from lake to pass). Initially the trail is in the woods, then it swings upward to the right (west) passing around a high meadow (surrounded by forest on 3 sides) & Little Rainbow
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R.E.Johnson 1968 Journal 103 Aug. 27 Anaconda Buttes Wilderness, Montana - (Stormlake & vicinity) mtn on the other [south] side.) & then switch backs up the east side of Mt. Tiny in an open larch stand. A huge rock slide extends down to the meadow from Little chirps & whistles of marmots were heard suggesting # Rainbow Mtn. Many cones were heard in this slide, a that both yellow-belly & Hoaky Marmots were present in the same habitat. Rock Wren fed on insects in a large snow patch located midway down the mtn. in the rockslide. Clark's Alpine Nutcrackers were common in the larch forest. Storm Lake Pass (9100 ft.) is located between Little Rainbow Mtn (10,000 ft) & Mt. Tiny (9857 ft). Vegetation along the trail below the pass included Valerian, Penstemon virons, White Heather (Cassie), Bistort, white cousewort, speedwell, paintbrush, bush cinquefoil, Alpine larch, White Bark Pine, & Subalpine Fir. The [illegible] larch forest (trees all short - 20ft or less) extends up Tiny Mtn almost directly below the pass. Further north on the mtn a White-barked Pine forest extends up to an equal elevation. Vegetation on Stormlake Pass includes: Red & White Heather (Phylloodes), yellow Eriogonum, Dryas, Bistort, Penstemon virons, White Heathers (Cassie), Engleman Spruce (1-2 ft. tall), Alpine Larch, & White Bark Pine. These latter 3 are all short & limited to either the north or south slopes leading down from the pass or a few short trees standing alone on the barren pass. There were a number of Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels near the pass. Three Rosy Finches flew over going east. Little Rainbow Peak is east of the pass & an easy walk up a meadow, then talus & rock slope. The south
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R.E. Johnson Catalog 1 mi. n. & 0.7 mi. e. of Jefferson, 9500ft, Park Co., Colorado Jan. 30, 1969 - 529 ♂ Rosy Finch T testes 1x1mm low fat skull oz. 29.0 - 530 ♀ || || T ovary 3x2mm low fat skull oz. 23.3 - 531 ♀ n || T ovary 6x3mm mod. fat. skull oz. 29.0 - 532 ♀ n || T ovary 5x3mm heavy fat skull oz. 31.0 - 533 ♀? || || T -- heavy fat skull oz 27.8 - 534 ♂ || || C testes 1x1mm low fat skull oz. 28.7 - 535 ♂ n || T testes 1x1mm mod fat skull oz. 29.0 - 536 ♀ n n T ovary 5x3mm heavy fat skull oz 29.3 - 537 ♂ || || T testes 1x1mm low fat skull oz. 27.0 - 538 ♂ n || - Au testes 1x1mm low fat skull oz. 26.0 - 539 ♀ || || T ovary 5x4mm a few breast feathers in molt! low fat skull oz. 27.8 - 540 ♂ n || T testes 1x1mm mod fat skull oz. 27.9 - 541 ♀ || || - Lit ovary 3x1mm low fat skull oz. 28.9 - 542 ♀ || || T ovary 3x1mm mod fat. skull oz. 28.4 - 543 ♀ || || T ovary 6x2mm low fat skull oz. -- - 544 ♂ || || - Lit. testes 1x1mm heavy fat skull oz 32.5 545 ♂ n n testes 1x1mm mod fat skull oz. 32.0 546 ♀ n n ovary 4x2mm mod fat. skull oz 29.0 547 ♂ n n testes 1x1mm mod fat. skull oz. 31.5 548 ♂ n n testes 1x1mm heavy fat skull oz 33.5 1.3 mi. s. & 0.1 mi. w. of Jefferson, 9500ft, Park Co., Colorado Jan. 30, 1969 - 545 ♂ Rosy Finch-Au testes 1x1mm mod fat skull oz. 32.0 - 546 ♀ || || T ovary 4x2mm mod fat. skull oz. 29.0 - 547 ♂ || || - C testes 1x1mm mod fat skull oz 31.5 - 548 ♂ || || T. testes 1x1mm heavy fat skull oz. 33.5
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Catalog 199 R.E. Johnson 1969 1.3 mi. n.* 2.6 mi. e. of Jefferson, 9600 ft., Park Co., Colorado February 2, 1969 (9:30-10:00 AM) 592 ♀ Rosy Finch - T 4x2 mm ovary low fat skull oz. 27.3 593 ♀ ll ll - T 3x1mm ovary low fat skull oz 26.2 594 ♂ ll ll - T 1x1mm testes low-mod fat skull oz 29.0 595 ♂ ll ll - Au 1.5 x1 mm testes low fat skull oz. 27.8 3.3 mi. s. of Fairplay, 9700 ft., Park Co., Colorado February 2, 1969 596 ♀ Rosy Finch - T ovary low-mod skull 4x2mm fat oz. 29.3 597 ♂ ll ll - Au testes belly shot low-mod skull 1x1mm up. fat? oz 26.0 598 ♂ ll ll - Au testes low-mod skull 1x1mm fat oz 25.8 599 ♂ ll ll - Au testes mod skull 1x1mm fat oz 26.2 600 ♂ ll ll - Au testes low-mod skull 1.5x1.5mm fat oz. 25.7 601 ♂ ll ll -Au testes low-mod skull 1x1mm fat oz 27.6 602 ♂ ll ll ~Au testes mod skull 1x1mm fat oz 26.9 1 mi. s.* 0.8 mi. w. of Jefferson, 9500 ft., Park Co., Colorado February 7, 1969 (7:45-8:45 pm) 603 ♀ Rosy Finch - T ovary heavy crop wt. 5x3mm fat 0.4 skull oz 29.8 604 ♀ ll ll - L ovary heavy skulloz 5x2mm fat 27.3 - 605 ♀ ll ll - L ovary heavy skull oz. 4x3mm fat 29.4 606 ♂ ll ll - T testes heavy crop 1x1mm fat empty skulloz 30.4 607 ♀ ll ll - T ovary heavy crop 4x3mm fat empty skulloz 32.6 608 ♂ ll ll - T testes heavy Crop 1x1mm fat empty skulloz 30.1 609 ♀ ll ll - T ovary heavy skulloz 4x1mm fat 30.9 - 610 ♀ ll ll - L ovary heavy skull oz. 5x3mm fat 28.5 - 611 ♂ ll ll - T testes heavy skulloz 1x1mm fat 30.0
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208 Catalog RE. Johnson 1969 1 mi. s. & 0.8 mi. w. of Jefferson, 9500 ft., Park Co, Colorado February 7, 1969 (7:45 - 8:45 pm) - 612 ♀ Rosy Finch - T ovary 4x3mm mod fat skull oz 28.8 - 613 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm heavy fat skull oz 31.7 - 614 ♀ || || - T ovary 5x3mm mod-heavy fat skull oz. 30.7 - 615 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm heavy fat skull oz. 30.7 - 616 ♀ || || - T ovary 4x2mm heavy fat skull oz. 32.4 - 617 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm fat skull oz 30.2 618 ♀ || || - Au ovary 5x2mm heavy fat skull oz crop empty 30.4 619 ♂ || || - Au testes 1x1mm crop empty mod-heavy fat skull or 26.4 620 ♂ || || - Au testes 1x1mm crop empty mod-heavy fat skull or 27.4 621 ♀ || || - Au ovary 4x2mm crop wt 0.8 heavy fat skull oz 29.7 622 ♀ || || - L ovary 2x1mm crop empty heavy fat skull or 30.2 623 ♀ || || - T ovary 6x3mm crop wt. 0.2 heavy fat skull or 28.4 624 ♀ || || - T ovary 4x2mm crop wt. 0.5 mod-heavy fat skull oz 29.5 625 ♀ || || - T. ovary 3x2mm crop empty fat or 26.3 626 ♀ || || - T ovary 3x2mm crop empty mod fat skull oz 25.4 627 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm crop empty heavy fat skull or 34.2 628 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm crop empty heavy fat skull oz 26.9 629 ♀ || || - T ovary 4x3mm crop wt. 0.4 mod fat skull or 26.3 testes crop high skull 630 ♂ || || - T testes 1x1mm crop empty fat oz 30.6 631 ♀ || || - T ovary 4x2mm crop empty high fat skull oz 31.8 0.5 mi. n. & 1.0 mi. w. of Fraser, Grand Co, Colorado, 8400 ft. February 8, 1969 - 632 ♂ Rosy Finch - Au testes 1x1.5mm 30.5 633 ~~ Au ~~ 31.4
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R.E.Johnson 1968 Journal 125 Nov.21 Bodie, Mono Co., Calij (cont.) In route we saw a small flock of sparrow sized birds flying low over the sagebrush, one Rough-legged Hawk & one Black-billed Magpie. Earlier we had seen another Buteo (not Rough-leg) that resembled a Swainson Hawk. We returned to Bodie at 1:30 pm & ate lunch. A Horned Lark flew over [n.e]. After lunch we hiked back up Green St. (east) to the vertical mine shafts to see when & if rosy finches would return to them. I went to shaft 5 & Marr. to shaft 4, both arriving by 2 PM. Rosy Finches appeared at both shafts at 2:30 pm arriving from the south or southwest (not from the west over Bodie). At shaft 5 about 40 birds arrived at 2:30 pm & circled over my head (I was located 40 yds to the n.e). Some flew up & out of sight to the north. Others land 20 yds west of me on a shaded 30 ft. east facing cliff. Others landed within 10-15 yds. of the shaft. Birds circled & landed often but I saw none enter the shaft. After 10 minutes all the activity ceased & about 10 birds were perched on the nearly cliff face. No other birds were in sight. None of these birds were the Cascade race (L.T. littoralis) or L.atrata. I could not distinguish them further, ie they could be dawsoni or tephrocotis. At 3:00 PM one bird flew from the shaft & another hopped along its lip. I hadn't seen any birds enter or approach the shaft but there were lapses in my observation of the mine entrance. The birds on the cliff remained there preening, feeding & hopping about or just huddling in a niche. There were several brief
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Brown Towhee R.E.Johnson 1968 Nov.29 Tilden Regional Park, Contra Costa Co., Calif. 2:30 PM Three or four individuals fed on ground in litter(leaves, twigs, both green & dry grass) under a large eucalyptus tree, which with one other tree, stand isolated & surrounded by grassland on a side hill. Small (5-10ft. high) cedars have been planted at 20 ft. spacing all around the adjacent grassland. A dense eucalyptus stand is located across a paved road 50 yards down slope. When I disturbed the Towhees one flew 30ft beyond the eucalyptus canopy cores & lit 4ft up in the top of a tall dry weedy plant in a field of same. Others flew up into the lower portions of the 2 trees. I wonder how far into the grassland & away from shelter they will venture? I recall seeing them frequently on a mowed lawn early in the morning at Playfield here in Tilden (no specific notes taken). Trees ringed the grass but were some distance away. I heard the high squeely note I usually associated with aggressive interaction & also the usual "chip" note. 4:15 PM. More Towhees encountered in tall (8-9 ft.) stand of dill located 100 yds from the nearest stand of eucalyptus. Between this & the previous observations I had seen much further out in the field & though there were occasional brush patches, there were no Brown Towhees. Nov.30 Berkeley Aquatic Park, Alameda Co., Calif. Overcast, light sprinkle. Despite the narrowness of the band of vegetation(mixed ornamental evergreen shrubs) & the close proximity of a road, Freeway, & water skiers, these birds &
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R.E. Johnson 1968 White-crowned Sparrow No.29 Tilden Regional Park, Contra Costa Co., Calif. Overcast, cool. 2:30-4:00 PM. A group of about 30 feed on the ground amid grass (both green & dry) & weeds(dry) up to 4 ft. high. Once I disturbed them & many flew up into a weed patch, occupying a range of perches. A Song Sparrow appeared among them but stayed lower (max of 2 feet up) & then flew under cover. On another occasion the birds suddenly flew en mass & another weed patch. Twenty 5 were of the brown (dull) crowned form & two had black&white heads. These two occupied the 1st & 3rd highest perches. - Oops - Reexamination of this group indicates most of the dull forms were Golden- crowned Sparrows. Continued observation of this group substantiates the idea that, for this flock at least, the Black&white crowned individuals perch higher than the Golden-crowned sparrows. I can't be sure about the dull WC sp's (too few). Another flock of 10+ Black&White birds fed nearby (200?) away), not intermixed. The weed species in field include mustard, dill, & thistle. No.30 Berkeley Aquatic Park, Alameda Co., Calif. Overcast, sprinkle. Thin strip of vegetation (evergreen ornamental shrubs), waterskiers, & freeway haven't prevented the presence of this species. Three black&white headed & one brown headed Feeding on ground with one Golden-crowned Sparrow & one Brown Towhee. The Towhee & WC sp. feed gradually out further into the open until 20 ft. from the shrubs, but the Golden-crowned sp. stays close to the shrubs. They feed among Meadowlarks & Water Pipit which have
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R.E. Johnson 1968 Song Sparrow Nov. 29 Tilden Regional Park, Contra Costa Co., Calif. Overcast, cool. 2:30 - 4:00 PM. Twice single birds were observed amid a flock of W.C. sparrows which had flown up to tops of weeds in weed patches when startled. Can't be sure if the Song Sparrow was in the weed patch all along or not. In each case it remained on a lower perch than the other birds & shortly disappeared under cover low in the weeds or on the ground. Further observations show that the Song Sparrow does feed among the WC & Golden-Crowned Sparrows on the ground in weed & grass cover. This cover is open enough to allow individuals to be followed as they forage, with binoculars, from a distance of 30 ft. away, yet it provides considerable camouflage & the birds could easily be overlooked. While the other species sit on the weed tops without moving, the Song Sparrow is nervous, constantly flitting its wings & tail & it usually moves on while the other species remain perched & still for some time. Weed species in field include mustard, dill, & thistle. Nov. 30 Berkeley Aquatic Park, Alameda Co., Calif. Overcast, sprinkling. One seen in bushes with W.C. & 6C Sparrows & Brown Towhee in two different locations. In each case when the other birds dropped to the ground to feed & then drifted away from the shrubs, the Song Sparrow stayed in the bushes perched 4 ft above the ground watching the others & finally returned into the bushes. It appears to be more reluctant than the Golden Crowned Sparrow to feed on the
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R.E.Johnson 1969 Journal 149 Feb.7 Boulder, Boulder Co. to Evergreen, Jefferson Co., Colorado Moved out of Bock's house, bought a second large cooler to place my birds in, exchanged a few ideas with Kathy & left for Denver just before noon. In Denver I bought 52 pounds of dry ice, had the front wheel alignment checked & the tires (front) balanced, & visited the Denver Museum of Natural History. Dr. Bailey took me out directly to the study skin collections with any fanfare. They have a good sized collection of birds collected in Colorado (littoralis 1 tray, atrata 1/2 tray, tephrocotis 3 trays, & australis 3 trays), but so far as I could tell, few or no other birds. The trays are small but jammed with birds. There were about 175 birds on the 3 australis trays & even more tephrocotis. I made distribution cards for australis & then drove to south park, arriving at Jefferson at about 7:30 PM (long after dark). I drove south of Jefferson 1.3 miles & turned left on a dirt road to the barn where I'd collected about a dozen australis from roosts inside a barn. I collected about 30 birds from the roosts by aiming my shotgun with the aid of a flashlight. Most were tephrocotis, but there were a couple littoralis & one australis. australis had been much more plentiful before. The first bird was collected at 7:45 PM & had a TB of 31.8° rather cold for a bird! Torpor? Several minutes later 2 more birds were shot & had TB's of 36.6° & 36.8°. Following the first shot there had been considerable fluttering in the rafters and I believe a few birds
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Journal 153 R.E. Johnson 1969 Feb. 9 Grabby, Grand Co., Colorado to Roosevelt, Duchesne Co., Utah I returned to the Fraser dump and so did the other people at a feverish pace. I managed to collect 2 more Rosy Finches & a Black-capped Chickadee at 10:30 AM. I returned again to Granby at about noon. At a ranch se of town there were many Magpies, Starlings & English Sparrows. At another ranch nw of town Starlings, Magpies & Red-winged Blackbirds were common. There were 2 Black-capped Chickadees at the Dump at 12:45 PM & I collected one. Two miles west of Granby there was a flock of 12 Rosy finches forking along the roadside. At a ranch near Hot Sulphur Springs there were Black-capped Chickadees & Black-billed Magpies. I drove back & forth through Kremmling looking for houses with bird feeders and found none. I also checked 2 ranches. The only birds seen were Black-capped Chickadees, Black-billed Magpies & English Sparrows. Starlings, Ravens & a flock of 25 Rosy Finches were seen at the Kremmling Dump between 3:30 PM & 4:10 PM. I collected 10 tephrocatis, 2 littoralis & 1 australis. (See map on next page for location). I continued up The Back Troublesome Creek Rd another 4.7 miles to a house owned by the Ritchards. I had been told by a ranchers wife in Kremmling that Mrs. Richards has noted some pink winged birds near her house this winter & that she had never seen them before this year. Mrs. Richards was not home but one of her sons was there taking care of the place. He reported that
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Journal Feb. 16 Sagehen Creek, Calif. to Peavine Mtn., Nevada, to Berkeley, Calif. (precious days). Jenny & I each took off in separate directions on snowshoes looking for Oregon Juncos (we didn't see any) and taking pictures. The snow was 8 1/2 feet deep at the Flagpole. I saw two White-headed Woodpeckers, a Hairy Woodpecker, a Cooper Hawk making a diving attack on something on the ground (but out of my sight), & many Mountain Chickadees and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Jenny indicated she had heard Kinglets & Creepers also. Vernon gave us a ride to the road at 12 noon & we drove back to Truckee, Reno & Peavine Mtn. We had to carry a load of things (traps, mist nets, cages, gun, etc.) up the road through snow & mud to the shaft. We arrived at the shaft at 2:45 PM [after hearing birds, is rosy further near the hole about 5 minutes before as we started up] the last hill in deep (16 inches) snow. We immediately stretched the net over the hole but while we were still holding the net in our hands a bird flew out (2:50 PM) & got caught. At 3:00 PM we caught a 2nd bird in the same manner & a 3rd bird flew out via the side shaft. At 3:40 PM 2 birds flew in & then out again. At 3:50 - 3:55 - several overhead but did not enter the shaft. At 4:02 PM a flock of well over 50 birds arrived & flew into the shaft. A few got caught to the remainder veered off, swirling around over the hole & diving low over it but staying clear of the net. They continued flying about in this manner & at least once landed in nearby trees. We removed the net & started
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R-E-Johnson 1969 Journal March 20 Boulder & Nederland & vicinity to Denver, Colorado, to Glacier Lake & back, then up the Cariboo Rd until drifted snow prevented passage; then checked the 3 sites in Nederland again (no birds) and stopped at the Washateria at 9AM to bring these notes up to date. I talked to the lady that runs the Washateria & while I was in her house (9:20 AM) a flock of 40 flew up & landed on the wires. They flew down to the ground, then back to the wires, then cast to the wires above the next house, then to the ground in front of that house & back to the wires again. They continued in this manner back & forth between wires & ground in front of the 2 houses for 15 minutes & then flew off to the west. They were mostly L.tephrocotis, but there were a few littoralis & at least one australis. Probably: 85% tephrocotis, 10% littoralis, 5% australis. The lady said they hadn't seen many for about a week & the larger flock that we just saw was the largest they'd seen this week. She said they hadn't put out any new feed (there was still some old seed visible on the ground & bird feeder) in several days since it appeared the birds were largely gone now. She usually get large flocks of blackbirds next. So far only a few have shown up this year. She said the rosy finches usually come very early in the morning & again late in the day just before dark. She said they get fewer now than several years ago, perhaps because a number of other people in the area feed them too, thus
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Journal R.E.Johnson 1969 March 20 Boulder & Nederland & vicinity to Denver, Colorado dispersing the flock somewhat. One day several years ago she estimated they had 2000 to 3000 birds all at one time. This year they here put out about 300lbs of seed which they buy in 100lb sacks at the Ideal Feed Store in Boulder. From her description it appears they do see a few sleek rose finches. She didn't [illegible] mind if I trapped or netted birds in her yard. (Cole & Snyders) She mentioned that two other families were feeding the birds south of here on Colo. Hwy 119 above the Eldora Road. Also they are often seen in flocks near the mill (below # 2). I next drove to the 2nd house [on hill] to talk to that lady but she was away (Mrs. Conner) but the lady in the next house up the hill was present & very helpful. She said Kathy had been up there looking at the birds too. She said the birds didn't show up until mid Dec & at first they fed early in the morning (6:30AM when she got up regularly the birds were always there) & late in the day. More recently they seem to be around at most anytime, for example 9-10 AM a few days ago when they were sledding and today during the same period. She said they usually flow in from the north (from the direction of #3 or perhaps the mines over that hill) & late in the day they returned to the north. She pointed out a green house below & across the creek where some people also feed them. She said Mrs Conner said she saw a black or a brown (?) one a day or two ago. Whichever it was was considered very unusual. Mrs Conners
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R.E.Johnson 1969 March 20 Boulder & Nederland & vicinity to Denver, Colorado puts out feed for them regularly. I saw a flock of 80 of them on the wires above the Conners house. A partial count gave the following: 24 tephrocotis, 10 littoralis, + 2 australis. They came & went several times before 10:00 AM when there were 7 birds remaining in a tree above the feeder as I drove off. The birds seen coming & going appeared to be flying to the green house (mentioned above) or to house #3. At 12:15 PM I visited the green house & saw several feeders. There were Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds, Stellara Jays, & Clark Nutcrackers using it. I spoke to the lady & she said that she hadn't seen Rosy Finches this week (earlier in the day I had seen some flew over her place but not land). She said they were present in Jan-early March and it sounded as if she only got small numbers of them compared to some of the other locations in Nederland. This could be because her house is not so much out in the open & there are more pine trees around which may mean she gets more big birds (jays & nutcrackers) which prevent the others from feeding. My first impression was that this lady knew little about also the birds & was afraid to talk much to a strange man, but this may not be so. She was about to leave & was in a hurry (all dressed up) & her comparative lack of interest in conversation could be related to this. The presence of Starlings is interesting. Kathy had just suggested last
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172 Journal R.E.Johnson 1969 March 20 Boulder & Nederland & vicinity to Denver, Colorado might that the presence of Starlings may prevent the presence of Rosy Finches. This lady said both that the Starlings had been here about a wk & that she hadn't seen Rosy Finches in about a week. I had wondered about this sort of mutual exclusion as I drove back from Colorado on my last trip where it seemed I never found rosy finches at dumps, where there were Starlings. or rancbes However I only saw Rosy Finches at 2 or 3 dumps & there were other bird species involved also, so that I felt I lacked enough data to draw any conclusion or even form Kathy's hypothesis. It's beginning to look more likely now. Next I visited site #3 at about noon. There were no birds present then but Mrs. Snarely said that they occur off & on all day & that all she has to do is pour more food out & the birds would show up. She then put food out & within 10 minutes there were 50 birds there. The birds came & went but it was clear that most groups were 8 or 10 to 1 of tephrocotis over littoralis. In the last group there were several brownies. She is anxious to help me catch some birds & will get up at 5:30am to let me in & help set up traps &/or nets for that purpose! Her husband is the local minister (Presbyterian). She said the birds first arrive in mid-January. They also have Pygmy Nuthatches (I saw 3), Stellers Jays, Clark's Nuthatchers, Mt'n Chickadees & occasional WB. Nuthatches. Next I drove south to Rollinsville & W. to Tolland & East
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Journal 176 R.E.Johnson 1969 March 22 San Luis Valley to Boulder, Colorado We drove over Poncha Pass into the San Luis Valley where Kathy reported seeing flocks of australis a week or two ago. Just south of Alder we saw a flock of 100 Rosy Finches that appeared to be predominantly australis. We examined a couple ranch yards that are unused in winter & found no Rosy finches so we continued south (2.8 mi. S. of Alder on US 285) to the Bagwell Herford Ranch where Kathy had seen many Rosy finches recently. Now we saw no more than 15 total + never more than 4 or 5 at once. They appeared to be 2 to 1 in favor of australis over tephroscitis. Other birds present included Slate-colored Junco, Oregon Junco, Black-billed Magpie, Starlings & English Sparrows. We left at about 10:40AM without having collected any birds. We had tried placing traps to no avail. Other birds seen in the morning so far include: Mt'n Bluebird, Robin, Raven, Sparrow Hawk, Horned Lark, Meadowlark & Clay-colored Sparrow. (7.0 mi. S. of Alder) We visited another ranch further south at 11:20AM. We saw only 5 Rosy finches (tephroscitis). The rancher said there had been about 300 2 hours earlier on the hay stacks! We also saw White-crowned Sparrows, Magpies, Red-winged Blackbirds, Starlings, English Sparrows & Killdeer. We drove on south on US 285 to Saguache, Monte Vista & Alamosa, then north on Colo Hwy 17. The so. part of the valley had little snow & appeared poor habitat for Rosy finches. In some ponds SO. of Saguache we saw a pair of Mallards & 3 pairs of Pintail.
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Journal R.E. Johnson 1969 March 30 Bay Farm Island Cool, sunny, scattered clouds, breeze from the west off the bay. I drove out to Bay Farm Island in the afternoon, arriving at 3:30 PM, just to get some fresh air, sun, & relaxation without the pressures of purpose & time limitations. I stopped beside a stretch of estuary between Bay Farm & Alameda Islands where there were many ducks in the water. The tide appears to be in & no shore birds were initially apparent. Scaup were the most abundant duck, but there were also some Ruddy Ducks floating singly near the raft of Scaup & a few Mallards (8?) on an island of salicornia. A few coots were in the area & a few females & 2 males Red-breasted Mergansers were toward the far side of the estuary. Starlings, Red-winged Blackbirds & Gulls flew over regularly. A Killdeer ran in short bursts here & there on a green lawn feeding. W.C Sparrows, & a Golden-crowned Sparrow & a Brewer's Blackbird fed along the uncut margins. Back in the estuary I noticed a single male Bufflehead, a Canada Goose (a smaller race) & several Canvasback. A Meadowlark sang from a phone wire behind me. The goose floated alone and gradually came toward me looking me over thoroughly until he was much closer than any of the others had been, finally he turned & sailed away but still never fully turned his back on me. He seemed to have a favorite cove in the Salicornia where he liked to feed & float. Two Barn Swallows flew high above the water calling then dropped close to the water & flew there irregular course.
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188 Journal R.E.Johnson 1969 April 11 Berkeley, Calif. to Peavine Mtn., Nevada & Squaw Valley, Calif. Left Berkeley at 11:30 AM in a UC station wagon & drove straight through to Reno over Interstate 80. Bought gas & a few groceries and then drove to the mine shaft on Peavine Mtn where I captured live birds on Feb. 16, arriving lower at 3:30 PM. There is no snow remaining on the south slope of the mountain and the road & ground is very dry allowing me to drive all the way to the mine shaft. The Sierras to the west are deep & glistening with snow but only 2 very small snow patches can be seen high on Peavine Mtn as viewed from the mine. Other patches can be seen from the highway, & from Reno it appears that the north slope may have some snow. Still the impression is one of dry midsummer in sagebrush country — hardly where one would expect to find rosy finches. The sky is clear, the sun very warm, but the air temp. is cool (18°C in shade). I threw many rocks down the shaft & got no response. During the next couple hours I occasionally heard a Say’s Phoebe in the nearby Ponderosa pine and once a yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Three cycles rood up the road beside the barbed wire fence to the east. Patches of flowering (white to deep pink) Onion decorated the stoney ground. I took several pictures of these & the shafts. At 5:45 PM the sun was still up but its intensity began to decrease due to the haze in the west. An Antelope Ground Squirrel dashed across the tailinge pile beside the mine. The sun completely disappeared below the horizon at 6:01 PM. Its still quite light however & rosy finches could be feeding in the sun in other locations. The