November 1939

YOSEMITE NATURE NOTES VOL. XVIII

November 1939 No. 11 California Ring-tailed Cat

THE PUBLICATION OF THE YOSEMITE NATURALIST DEPARTMENT AND THE YOSEMITE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION

Published Monthly

VOL. XVIII NOVEMBER, 1939 NO. 1 MALLARDS IN YOSEMITE

By Ranger-Naturalist Julian A. Howard While camping recently in the Occasional accounts of the mallard vicinity of Merced Lake an observation Yosemite have also appeared in tion was made which awakened my the Yosemite Nature Notes. This ininterest in the Mallard Duck (Anas formation was summarized by platyrhynchos L.). Camp had been Ranger-Naturalist Enid Michael in pitched near a quiet stretch of the 1931 who stated in a nature note Merced River a short distance above that "Ducks are certainly rare birds the High Sierra Camp. Just at dusk I in Yosemite Valley, and they are beheard the quacking and slight splash coming more scarce each succeeding of ducks alighting on the river and ing year. Five or six years ago malcautiously walked over to investigate. The drake was almost motionless in the center of the river and appeared to be keeping a careful watch on both banks. The female, closely followed by five nearly half-grown ducklings, was swimming slowly toward the opposite shore where they waddled single file into the willows of a sandbar. The drake was not long in discovering my presence and after watching me for some minutes, took to the air.

Occasional accounts of the mallard in Yosemite have also appeared in the Yosemite Nature Notes. This information was summarized by Ranger-Naturalist Enid Michael in 1931 who stated in a nature note that "Ducks are certainly rare birds in Yosemite Valley, and they are becoming more scarce each succeeding year. Five or six years ago mallard ducks were occasionally seen. In fact, two or three pairs of these birds nested each summer in the valley from 1920 until 1926. During 1927 a pair of mallards was occasional peared to be keeping a careful ley from 1920 until 1926. During 1927 watch on both banks. The female, a pair of mallards was occasional closely followed by five nearly halfseen but there was no nesting recgrown ducklings, was swimming ord. Since 1927 mallard ducks have slowly toward the opposite shore been seldom seen." where they waddled single file into Recent observations, however, the willows of a sandbar. The drake seem was not long in discovering my pres- mallard observations in Yosemite ence and after watching me for may be on the increase. The Field some minutes, took to the air. School class of 1938 found an aban- Having thus obtained what ap- doned nest and a pair with young peared to be a nesting record for at Swamp Lake during their research the mallard near Merced Lake, the reserve stay there in the first week writer began making inquiries con- of July. On August 1, during the cerning the presence of this duck in high country trip a pair was ob- Yosemite. The bird records kept by served on a small trailside lake near Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Michael since Tiltill Valley. 1920 were invaluable in this respect. B. C. Cain, Naturalist, Oakland

Council of Boy Scouts, told the writer various places in the park during the that in July 1938 a nest was found past two or three years. containing approximately eleven According to Grinnell and Storer mallard eggs. The nest was located (Animal Life in Yosemite, 1924), "The near the junction of Cottonwood Mallard probably nests on the Creek and the Middle Fork of the marshy lands bordering some of the Tuolumne River. Feathers were slower flowing waters at low el taken from this nest to Dr. J. G. Grinvations on the west slope of the nell who made the identification. Mr. mountains, and about the sage-bordered Cain also reports having seen nine lakes at the east base of the Sierra. adults, both male and female, at Dog Sierras." Although the mallard prob- Lake on August 8, 1939. Mr. Albert ably never used Yosemite to any Duhme, Custodian of the Parsons great extent as breeding grounds Memorial Lodge observed seven they were not uncommon until adults in Tuolumne Meadows Aufew years ago. There was appargust 7, 1939. A group of five or six ently several years, beginning with adults were observed by Mr. C. W. the late 1920's, in which the Michael upon several occasions once of these birds in Yosemite was during the month of August of the looked upon as a rarity. However, present year. In each case these mallards were seen in the marshy in recent years observations seem to area of Tenaya Creek above Mirror indicate that once more the mallard Lake. Single individuals have been is coming into the Yosemite region, observed upon several occasions in in larger numbers.

A NOTE ON A BLACK-NECKED STILT

By John C. Weaver Having no particular training as Merced River, near the Old an ornithologist, it is perhaps with the stream bends in a curving manner undue presumption that I make recedes away from its south bank. ord of the observation of a bird herethe south side of the Merced, at tofore unknown on the floor of the point, a wide and sandy Yosemite Valley. However, so disslope, now partially covered tinctive is the appearance of the clumps of marsh grass, has been type of bird which caught my atformed. It was in the late afternoon tention, that I am encouraged to beof August 14, 1939, that I observed lieve that there can be little doubt a long-legged wading bird near as to its type. water's edge on this sandy shore About 400 yards east of the point The two features of the coloring where Sentinel Bridge spans the of this bird which were strikingly

parent, were its white breast and its determine, the presence of this bird very red legs. A conference with Mr. has never been recorded in Yosemite C. A. Harwell, Park Naturalist, and before. However, this species is a reference to several volumes on the common summer visitor in the San birds of the Pacific States, leads me Joaquin Valley to the west, and to the conclusion that the bird must one's credulity need not be unnechave been a Black-necked Stilt, Hiessarily strained by learning that an xnantopus Mexicanus (Muller). Of all individual has strayed as far east of the wading birds found in the Sias Yosemite Valley. erra and adjacent regions, no species other than the Black-necked Hoping that this instance of an Stilt has red legs, as was the case extension of range may be supported with this individual. So far as I have been able to determine, the presence of this bird has never been recorded in Yosemite before. However, this species is a common summer visitor in the San Joaquin Valley to the west, and one's credulity need not be unnecessarily strained by learning that an individual has strayed as far east as Yosemite Valley. ed by future observations, I respectSo far as I have been able to defully submit the above note.

THE EFFECT OF RAINY WEATHER ON THE FOOD HABIT OF SOME BIRDS

By Ranger-Naturalist Lowell Adams Bird students often think of sunny Chipping Sparrows foraged on the days as being best suited for bird ground and in the Coffee Berry study. But rainy days often furnish bushes nearby. Late in the aftermore opportunities for observations noon a Sierra Chickaree came to than clear days. eat some of the cake crumbs and butFor two months our bird feeding tered potatoes. tray had been in place just outside our kitchen window. On many occasions Blue-fronted Jays, Western Robins, Short-tailed Chickadees and Black-headed Grosbeaks had come to feed. Brewer and Red-winged Blackbirds had foraged on the ground in flocks, but never attempted to feed at the tray. However, on Sunday, May 21, it rained In the forenoon of the same day nearly all day, and all day we had a Golden Eagle soared over Govmany more birds than usual to ernment Center not 150 feet from study. Jays, robins and grosbeaks the ground. Possibly the low-lying were more numerous than before clouds which enshrouded the tops and, in addition, Red-winged Blackof the valley walls had forced the birds and a pair of Western Tanagers came often to the tray, while below its usual aery habitat. agers came often to the tray, while below its usual aery habitat.

A CHICKAREE PREPARES FOR WINTER

By Ranger-Naturalist Harold E. Perry Because of the rather limited crop chickarees were in the vicinity of of Western Yellow Pine cones in Yosemite Valley this season, the Sierra Chickarees are devoting a great deal of time and energy to harvesting the cones of the White Fir. Normally it is difficult to find White Fir cones on the ground. They break to pieces on the tree, the scales falling to earth, while the winged seeds go floating away some distance. Only when attacked by disease or when prematurely cut by squirrels does one ordinarily find an entire cone on the ground.

A short distance beyond, in each of the little streams flowing and through the foot-bridge across Happy Isles Swamp, Chickarees are devoting a great A short distance beyond, in each deal of time and energy to harvest of the little streams flowing and

ing the cones of the White Fir. Usually it is difficult to find White Fir the foot-bridge across the Happy Isles swamp, we were delighted to cones on the ground. Normally they find seventy-five or more White Fir break to pieces on the tree, the cones cached in the stream. Water scales falling to earth, while the was flowing over them, keeping winged seeds go floating away some distance. Only when attacked by disease or when prematurely cut by squirrels does one ordinarily find an entire cone on the ground. This has been an exceptionally good season for such discoveries, for the chickarees are cutting them down in great numbers. On a Nature Walk which I conducted from Happy Isles the morning of August 22, we saw many evidences of such work. In one place at the back of the parking area, several broken White Fir cones were to be seen, as were also the piles of their scales tightly closed until cone scales where a chickaree had a time as the chickarees might in busied itself in uncovering the seeds free to remove their seeds. Possibly which lie at the base of the scales. that harvest may be near at hand. Our interest was aroused. Several More probably the cones will be

in damp storage until winter. At that ry it through the wintry depression. time when food is scarce, when The cones can be brought forth, a hunger might otherwise be abroad few at a time, to dry in the winter in squirrel-land, some far-seeing litsunshine, and an abundance of tle chickaree will have a supply of fresh seeds will be available when nourishment at hand which will carmost needed.

BUCK PERFORMS " DERMATECTOMY"

By Ranger-Naturalist Julian A. Howard Just at dusk, September 17, the in the process, some rather large writer heard a series of loud, crashones being thrown as far as 25 feet ing noises at the rear of the Rangfrom the scene of action. Apparently ers' Club. A cautious investigation being satisfied with his efforts he disclosed a handsome three-point abandoned the attempt. An examibuck facing an old apple tree. As I nation of the spot disclosed numerwatched the buck began thrashing ous shreds of "velvet" some of which about in the lower branches, obwere in quite a fresh condition. viously in an attempt to dislodge the shreds of "velvet" hanging from his antlers. His motions were so violent that, as I watched, I marveled that he did not emerge from the foray with an eye or ear missing. An occasional pause seemed to be devoted to attempting to remove the hanging strands with his mouth or by pawing at them with a hind hoof. After successfully removing a portion of the velvet, I was surprised to see the buck calmly proceed to eat it, then resume the thrashing process. His technique was most effective. He seemed to select a particularly strong branch and maneuvered it between his antlers, then began throwing his head from side to side, back and forth with a violent shaking motion until the "stance " was no longer effective. Many of the branches were broken

NATURE NOTELETS

A Sierra Pine Marten (Martes caurina sierrae) sprang from an area of high grass near the garbage pits at Tuolumne Meadows, on August 2, and caught a Hudsonian Whitecrowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys leucophrys) which was feeding at the edge of the grass. The marten bit the wings off and disappeared with the body. A Southern Sierra Marmot (Marmota flaviventer sierrae) with two half-grown young was seen at timberline above the Lyell Base Camp on July 21. The young were about thirty feet from the parent when first seen but scurried to the parent at the first note of alarm. M. D. Bryant.

GLACIER POINT IMPRESSIONS

By Ranger-Naturalist Harold E. Perry Having been stationed at Glacier Lure of Things. Point as a Ranger-Naturalist for a For one visitor, Glacier Point was portion of the time this summer almost too much. After gazing for (1939), I am greatly impressed with some time in silent wonderment at the high quality of the reaction that the magnitude of the situation he comes to an individual as he gets his finally burst forth with, " 't ain't so first view of Yosemite Valley, 3254 His powers of comprehension were feet below him, and as he tried to overcome. comprehend the magnitude of the High Sierra stretching out beyond him. Of course there are some persons who become physically ill as they approach the railing at the edge of Glacier Point. They quickly retreat a safe distance, where they slowly recuperate and gradually build up a desire to try it once more. Then there are those few at another extreme who are not often on intimate terms with their innermost being—those whose vocal reactions are usually of a superficial, flippant nature. Their forced expressions relative to the size of the "big ditch " bespeak their own shallowness. But the great majority of Glacier Point visitors experience a breathtaking adventure. They are mentally and spiritually moved to their depths. Frequently their lips are sealed by a knowledge of the inadequacy of words. They are the ones who write the record of the day in memories that will never fade. For the moment they rise out of themselves almost completely, and they seem quite closely attuned to their Infinite. To such as these, Glacier Point is a challenge—a challenge to understand, to comprehend the Nature. A reaction of a more poetic nature was the one voiced by Dr. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt, President of Mills College. Park Naturalist C. A. Harwell, who was with Dr. Reinhardt at the time, reports that after drinking in the majesty of the scenes in silence, her first words were,

one could ever again be mean or stimulation to the vast majority of petty after looking down upon this its visitors. May there be a yearly inview. No, nor afterward remembercrease in the attendance of those ing! " who are open to its challenging imGlacier Point is a source of great mensity.

THE WEASEL PUTS ON A SHOW

By Ranger-Naturalist Enid Michael On the morning of August 15 batic animal I have ever seen. The when I stepped out of the tent there speed with which it could race was a stranger in camp. There was through the intricate interstices of a weasel in the woodpile, in fact the woodpile was most amazing, its there appeared to be a family of long slim neck and beady eyes gave young weasels in the woodpile. As it a reptilian appearance. I walked alongside of the woodpile a weasel head popped up here, and everywhere, but never did I see more than one head at any one time and after watching for some time I finally became convinced that all the heads that popped up to stare with beady eyes belonged to the same animal. This little animal, about the body size of a meadow mouse but twice as long, was as much interested in me as I was in it. It wanted to look at me from all angles. When I stood still it stood still, we had a grand chance to examine one another. The weasel 's upper body was a sort of brownish gray, its belly and four little feet were pure white and its bushy tail was tipped with black. The weasel was seen on six successive mornings. We came to consider it as a friend and nicknamed it "Snowy-toes". It was not the least bit shy, two different mornings it accepted a mouse from my hand. It was the most active, alert and acroOne morning after eating a mouse the weasel was in a most frisky mood. It came out from the cover of the woodpile into the open where a number of jays were feeding on the ground and apparently, just for the fun of it, promoted a game of tag. The jays entered into the spirit of the play, but nevertheless took good care not to be tagged. The weasel would leap toward a jay, the jay would leap into the air. A second leap would carry the weasel upward in pursuit of the jay; the jay always just out of reach. The weasel when it reached for the jay would often turn a perfect back-flip, always to

come down lightly and gracefully ment, she took refuge in a crack at to land on its four white-booted feet. the base of the platform. But I 'm When it back-flipped in the air its sure this smart toad didn't starve belly would flash snow white. It really was a bi-colored animal, the upper body brownish gray, the under body pure white. As a result of my curiosity. ly was a bi-colored animal, the upper body brownish gray, the under body pure white. Jays usually make a great fuss when they discover a weasel, but in the case of Snowy-toes it was different, for the jays set up no chorus of scolding when it appeared. Seemingly they considered it an interesting but harmless youngster. I myself was not so sure that it was harmless for I know the weasel to be a very tough animal.

MOUNTAIN LION SEEN

District Ranger John W. Bingaman. On the night of June 9 while driving along the Wawona Road, just north of Alder Creek I saw a grown mountain lion along the roadside, no doubt stalking a deer. The light from my car partly confused it. It seemed not in any great hurry to disappear but ran about fifty feet alongside of road before going down over the steep bank. It was a fine specimen and looked in excellent condition. Its range is probably throughout the South Fork Canyon, living on the numerous deer in that locality.

NATURE NOTELETS

By Ranger-Naturalist C. W. Schwartz We know that our campfire programs at Camp 14 offer attractions to guests of Yosemite, but are we aware of the non-human visitors at our entertainments? The California Toad, (Bufo boreas), which spends its evenings hunting food in the form of insects, also attends. However, it is not the entertainment which interests it but the abundant supply of insects which in turn have been attracted by the bright lights. On the night of June 14 I enjoyed watching a fat female toad snapping at crane flies and beetles which were hovering around the flood lights. After awhile I picked up the toad, examined her, then let her loose. Apparently frightened by this treatment, she took refuge in a crack at the base of the platform. But I'm sure this smart toad didn't starve as a result of my curiosity.

On the evening of August 27, 1939, as I was driving out of Camp Curry parking area I saw what at first appeared to be an alley cat in front of my headlights. After looking more closely I noted the long, banded tail. white underparts and darker upper parts and then recognized the animal to be a California Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus raptor). This animal is more typical of the Upper Sonoran zone but it occasionally wanders up into Yosemite Valley which is in the Transition zone. Vincent Mowbray, Yosemite Field School, 1939

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