May 1950

YOSEMITE VOL. XXIX MAY, 1950 NO. 5

YOSEMITE

By Frances Hull Topping I watched the morning sunlight creeping down the granite Walls of gray El Capitan; I saw Half Dome, his crest in shadow still, stand immobile, and mythical, and unperturbed As some old Indian warrior turned to stone; I heard the tumbling waterfall, its shimmering bridal veil Cascading from its pinnacle to greet the trembling earth waiting, as bride half shy, the coming of her lord. The crystal streams, exultant from the winter snows, leaping and rushing in their onward course, Sang a wild song, then paused to kiss the sheltered glade, leaving it bright with dogwood, aspen, and with wild azaleas Exquisite as orchids, and as rare, and then meandered idly among the pines and oaks and cedars, Amid the aged grandeur of the forest monarchs where once the Indian women ground the acorns for their pounded bread. Speak, ancient Monarchs! Tell to me the reason, and how many years agone, our redskin brothers made their exodus From this enchanted land! Grant to me the secret of your calm! I stand, a dwarf, beneath your tow 'ring height, but in my heart a psalm, For I have stood where Nature is supreme, and God is immanent. Cover Photo: Yosemite Fall. By Ansel Adams from "Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada," text by John Muir, 64 photographs by Ansel Adams. Reproduction by kind permission of Houghton Mifflin Company.

THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE YOSEMITE NATURALIST DIVISION AND THE YOSEMITE NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION, INC.

C. P. Russell, Superintendent D. E. McHenry, Park Naturalist H. C. Parker, Assoc. Park Naturalist N. B. Herkenham, Acting Asst. Park Naturalist

VOL. XXIX MAY, 1950 NO. 5 SUMMER VERTEBRATES OF MARIPOSA GROVE

An annotated check list By Richard G. Beidleman, Ranger Naturalist 1948-1949' The casual visitor to Mariposa Animals occurring in Yosemite Grove 2 is generally so preoccupied National Park have been described with timber statistics and tunnel in a number of publications, includtrees that seldom is a thought given ing Grinnell and Storer (1924), Beatty to the animal forms which inhabit and Harwell (1938), Walker (1946) the area. Those who are able to and Evans and Wallis (1949), and a spend a few hours or days within comprehensive guide to Mariposa the Grove, however, soon become Grove was written in 1949 by Mcaware of a multitude of interesting Farland; but aside from brief articles animals which, by their varying acin Yosemite Nature Notes there has tivity, assume more appealing probeen no attempt to compile a check portions over a period of time than list of the vertebrate animals of the do the sedentary trees. Grove. Mariposa Grove Museum 1 Contribution from the Zoology Department, Colorado A and M College, Fort Collins, Colorado. 2 Elevation about 6500 feet.

This publication partially rectifies tribution or abundance of each. Verthat omission by presenting an inittebrates included are those enial survey of the area ' s inhabitants, countered during the summer months based upon articles in Yosemite Nafrom the last of May through early ture Notes, ranger reports in the YoSeptember. The area covered by semite Museum library, and field this report is approximately the observations were made by this author. The on the west to the edge of the park compilation of data has produced a on the east and from the loop trail check list including seventy-nine difon the north to Rattlesnake Creek ferent vertebrates—two fishes, three on the south. amphibians, four reptiles, fifty-four I would like to express my apprebirds and sixteen mammals—which ciation to Associate Park Naturalist the visitor may encounter during a Harry C. Parker, District Ranger summer in Mariposa Grove, a listing Harry During and Ranger Clifford which, as yet, is by no means coinAnderson 3 for clarification of some plete. mammal records. It is hoped that The animals are, in general, arthis listing will stimulate additions ranged taxonomically, and a cornto the known vertebrate inhabitants ment has been made about the disof Mariposa Grove of Big Trees.

COLD-BLOODED VERTEBRATES

Because of limited field work and merit. Such fish as do exist can probsparse records, few fishes, amphiably trace their ancestry back to bians and reptiles are known from planted individuals. Reptiles and the Grove. The restricted first popuamphibians are undoubtedly more lation is explainable on the grounds common than the record indicates, that, aside from small Rattlesnake as habitats suitable for their survival Creek, there is little suitable environare numerous.

FISH

Trout, Eastern Brook (Salvelinus fontinalis) : Slightly more common in Rattlesnake Creek than the rainbow trout. Most individuals are small. Trout, Rainbow (Salmo gairdnerii) : A very few in Rattlesnake Creek, mostly small ones.

AMPHIBIANS

Newt, Sierra (Triterus sierrae) : Fairly common in moist areas, in or under rotting wood. A number were found in moist meadows northwest of the campground in 1949. Salamander, Sierra Nevada (Ensatina sierrae) : In similar areas but not as common as Sierra newt, at least in 1949. Tree-toad, Pacific (Hyla regilla) : Only one specimen was found in 1949, under the porch of the ranger naturalist cabin; undoubtedly this amphibian is more common than the record suggests. 3 Now stationed at Muir Woods National Monument, California.

REPTILES

Lizard, Blue-bellied (Sceloporus spp.) : This represents the most common type of lizard in the area but no examination was made to determine which species occur. Lizard, Sierra Alligator (Gerrhonotus meniscus palmeri) : Often found under wood or rocks in dry areas. Snake, Pacific Rubber (Charina bottae bottae) : This is probably the area's most common snake, having been recorded on several occasions, especially in the Upper Grove. In 1948 a visitor mistook one crawling up the General Sheridan tree for an eel. Rattlesnake, Pacific (Crotalus viridis oreganus) : Occasionally seen around rocky Wawona Point. The name "Rattlesnake Creek" may have some significance, but this author has seen no rattlers in its vicinity.

WARM-BLOODED VERTEBRATES BIRDS

Included in this list are only those birds which have been encountered in the Grove during the summer months. Although not always indicated, many of these probably nest within the limits of the area. Methodical population studies in the various habitats of Mariposa Grove would undoubtedly provide additional information on the species of birds present and their distribution. Pelican, White (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) : Very rare, of course. A large flock was observed flying over Wawona Point on June 19, 1941. Vulture, Turkey (Cathartes aura) : An uncommon visitor at this elevation. Two were reported west of the Big Trees Ranger Station in 1933 and one was seen over the campground in 1949. Goshawk: Western (Astur atricapillus striatus) : One was collected in 1930 and on several occasions in 1949 one was seen flying over the Grove. Hawk, Sharp-shinned (Accipiter striatus) : One was observed in 1942. Hawk, Cooper's (Accipiter cooperi) : A possible individual was observed near Rattlesnake Creek south of the campground in 1949. Hawk, Western Red-tailed (Buteo borealis calurus) : Seen occasionally over the Grove. Tail feathers were found on the loop trail north of the campground in 1949. Hawk, Eastern Sparrow (Falco sparverius sparverius) : Several small falcons, undoubtedly sparrow hawks, were observed in 1948 and 1949. Grouse, Sierra (Dendragapus fuliginosus sierrae) : Fairly common but seldom seen. Yellow droppings are often found at the base of roost trees. Quail, Plumed (Oreortyx picta picta) : Although not often observed, the numerous distinctive calls of this bird suggest that it is fairly common. In 1949 three were seen crossing the road above the Grizzly Giant. Pigeon, Band-tailed (Columba fasciata fasciata) : An uncommon visitor at this elevation. One was observed in a treetop west of the campground on August 15, 1949, and several were seen in flight over the Biledo Meadows trail at the southeast edge of the Grove on August 24, 1949. Owl, Pacific Horned (Bubo virginianus pacificus) :One was observed in 1940. Probably more common than the single record suggests. Owl, California Pygmy (Glaucidium gnoma californicum) : Commonly occurs at lower elevations than the Grove but one was heard on several occasions in August of 1949 near the campground.

Plumed Quail Swift, White-throated (Aeronautes saxatalis saxatalis) : These can often be seen performing over Wawona Point. In 1949 they were also seen on one occasion over the campground. Hummingbird, Calliope (Stellula calliope) : Occasionally seen at flowers in the moist meadows of the area. More common at Biledo Meadows to the east. Flicker, Red-shafted (Colaptes cafer collaris) : A fairly common nesting resident. Woodpecker, Western Pileated (Ceophloeus pileatus pileatus) : Occasionally encountered in the Grove. In 1949 one was seen at the edge of the campground and one along the trail from the museum to the Grizzly Giant. Sapsucker, Southern Red-breasted (Sphyrapicus ruber daggetti) : Occasionally encountered. There is a 1939 nesting record. Sapsucker, Williamson's (Sphyrapicus thyroideus thyroideus) A female was observed on Wawona Point in 1948. Woodpecker, Modoc (Dryobates villosus arias) : Fairly common in the Grove. Woodpecker, Northern White-headed (Dryobates albolarvatus albolarvatus) : A common nesting resident of the area. Two nests with young near the museum were destroyed by thoughtless visitors in 1949. Flycatcher, Wright's (Empidonax wrightii) : In past years this bird has been both observed and collected in the Grove. Flycatcher, Western (Empidonax difficilis difficilis) : Recorded as a nesting bird in the area in 1943 Pewee, Western Wood (Myiochanes ricordii ricordii) : A common nesting resident throughout the area. Flycatcher, Olive-sided (Nuttallornis borealis) : In 1941 the song of this bird was reported as frequently heard in the Grove. Swallow, Violet-green (Tachycineta thalassina lepida) : Occasionally observed flying in flocks over the Grove but much more common at Biledo Meadows to the east. Jay, Blue-fronted (Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis) : A common nesting resident.

Chickadee, Short-tailed (Periparus gambeli abbreviatus) : A common nesting resident. Bush-tit, California (Psaltriparus minimus californicus) : One was collected from the Grove on August 14, 1930. Nuthatch, Red-breasted (Sitta canadensis) : The most common of the nuthatches. Nuthatch, Black-eared (Sitta pygmaea nelsoni) : One was recorded in 1936. Probably more common than this one record indicates but hardly as common as the red-breasted nuthatch. Creeper, Sierra (Certhia familiaris zelotes) : Fairly common. Wren, Western House (Troglodytes aedon parkmanorum) : Occasionally seen around moist areas. On several occasions in 1949 they were observed playing among upturned sequoia roots in the meadow below the museum. Wren, Common Rock (Salpinctes obsoletus obsoletus) : Occasionally seen among the rocks at Wawona Point. Robin, Western (Turdus migratorius propinquus) : A common nesting bird of the area. Thrush, Sierra Hermit (Hylocichla guttata sequoiensis) : Fairly common. There are several nesting records. Solitaire, Townsend's (Myadestes townsendii) : Reported as a fairly common nesting resident in the Grove. In 1949 only one was seen, along the Biledo Meadows trail. Kinglet, Western Golden-crowned (Regulus satrapa olivaceus) : Fairly common in the Grove. Often seen in conifers along the upper loop trail. Kinglet, Western Ruby-crowned (Corthylio calendula cineraceus) : Reported as fairly common but less so than the golden-crowned kinglet in 1948 and 1949. Warbler, Calaveras (Vermivora ruficapilla ridgwayi) : Common, especially along the loop trail north of the campground and in the meadow below the museum in 1949. Warbler, California Yellow (Dendroica aestiva brewsteri) : Occasionally seen in moist meadow areas, though not observed by this author. Warbler, Audubon's (Dendroica auduboni auduboni) : Fairly common in same areas as Calaveras warbler. Warbler, Black-throated Gray (Dendroica nigrescens) : Common in same areas as Calaveras warbler. Warbler, Hermit (Dendroica occidentalis) : Common in some areas as Calaveras warbler. Warbler, MacGillivray's (Oporornis tolmiei) : Fairly common in same areas as Calaveras warbler. Warbler, Golden Pileolated (Wilsonia pusilla chryseola) : Fairly common in same areas as Calaveras warbler. Tanager, Western (Piranga ludoviciana) : A fairly common nesting resident. Grosbeak, Black-headed (Hedymeles melanocephalus melanocephalus) : A fairly common resident. Grosbeak, Western Evening (Hesperiphona vespertina brooksi) : One was observed near the museum in July of 1949. Finch, Cassin's Purple (Carpodacus cassinii) : One was recorded in 1942 and this author saw one perched on the museum porch in July of 1949. Siskin, Northern Pine (Carduelis pinus pinus) : Recorded in 1942 but is undoubtedly more common.

WARBLERS OF YOSEMITE

Towhee, Green-tailed (Chlorura chlorura) : Reported as fairly common in the past but none were seen in either 1948 or 1949. Towhee, Sacramento Brown (Pipilo fuscus carolae) : One was observed by this author in a manzanita bush along the loop trail about one mile north of the campground in 1949. Junco, Thurber's (Junco oreganus thurberi) : A common nesting resident. Sparrow, Yosemite Fox (Passerella iliaca mariposae) : Fairly common in the area, especially in the moist meadows. The total mammal population of an area is difficult to determine without extensive research trapping. The following list, therefore, can by no means be considered complete, as it is based on little field work. Undoubtedly, the bobcat should be added to the list, though this author has seen neither signs nor records of the animal (it has been observed near the South Entrance, however); there are several species of bats occurring throughout the Grove, especially above Wawona Point in the early evening, which have not been included because none could be positively identified; the mountain lion has been recorded from the Wawona area and may well range into the Grove, although there are no such records. In addition to these possible residents, there are probably several small rodents and shrews which should be included. Further field work will be necessary before a comprehensive picture of the Grove's mammal population can be obtained. Bear, Black (Ursus americanus) : Several bears are to be found in the Grove at almost any time. They typically raid the garbage cans in the late afternoon or evening. Raccoon (Procyon lotor) : A frequent nocturnal visitor at Big Tree campground and probably elsewhere in the area. Weasel, Mountain (Mustela frenata) : These animals have been observed in the Grove on at least two occasions in the past and are presumably resident in small numbers. Fox, Gray (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) : In 1949 one fox was observed crossing the road below Wawona Point and what appeared to be an old den was discovered about a quarter of a mile south of the museum. Observations of the gray fox in the Grove have also been made by Rangers During and Bingaman in the past, so the animal is probably resident in small numbers. It is at the upper limit of its altitudinal range in the park here. Coyote, Mountain (Canis latrans) : Although this author has not actually seen coyotes in the area, presence of tracks and scats (dung) suggests that they occur fairly commonly. District Ranger During reports them as "usually numerous in early fall." Marmot, Southern Sierra (Marmota flaviventer) :One was observed in 1939 at the Wawona Tree. Not common at the elevation of the Grove. Ground Squirrel, Sierra (Citellus beecheyi sierrae) : This species has established itself in burrows along the road above and below the Grizzly Giant and possibly elsewhere in the Grove. Ground Squirrel, Golden-mantled (Citellus lateralis) : Common throughout the area. Chipmunk, Long-eared (Eutamius quadrimaculatus) : Less common than the Tahoe Chipmunk. Photo by

Beidleman Long-eared Chipmunk

Chipmunk, Tahoe (Eutamius speciosus) : Common throughout the area. Chickaree, Sierra (Sciurus douglasii) : Common throughout the area. Squirrel, California Gray (Sciurus griseus) : Much less common than the chickaree. Only three were observed by this author in 1949. It is more common at lower elevations. Gopher, Sierra Nevada Pocket (Thomomys monticellus) : These rodents occur in restricted numbers in some small meadows of the area, especially along the loop trail north of the campground where in 1949 their diggings were quite evident. Mouse, Gambel White-footed (Peromyscus maniculatus gambeli) : This is the area's most common mammal but is seldom actually seen because of its nocturnal habits. Live-trapping experiments during the summer of 1949 indicated that it would be possible to trap one or more of these mice in a single locality nightly for a considerable period of time before exhausting the population. Over a forty-five day interval the author trapped about the same number of mice in his tent cabin. Porcupine, Yellow-haired (Erethizon dorsatum) : Occasionally seen in the area. In 1949 a small porcupine was observed along Rattlesnake Creek south of the campground; another waddled through the hole at the base of the Haverford Tree, leaving a trail of quills behind him. Deer, Mule (Odocoileus hemionus) : Common throughout the area. Two newborn fawns were discovered within a hundred feet of the loop road in the Upper Grove in 1949. The deer especially congregate at the Grizzly Giant, the Fallen Monarch and around the museum in late afternoon. Photo by R. G. Beidleman Yellow-haired Porcupine with Young

REFERENCES CITED

Beatty, M. E. and C. A. Harwell. 1938. Birds of Yosemite. Yosemite Nature Notes 17(1). 36 pp., illus. Evans, Willis A. and O. L. Wallis. 1949. Fishes of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Nature Notes 23(1), revised. 32 pp., illus. Grinnell, Joseph and T. I. Storer. 1924. Animal Life in the Yosemite. 752 pp., illus. Berkeley. University of California Press. McFarland, James W. 1949. A guide to the giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Nature Notes 28(6). 51 pp., illus. Walker, M. V. 1946. Reptiles and amphibians of Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Nature Notes 25(1). 48 pp., illus.

NEW BIRD RECORD

By Harry C. Parker, Associate Park Naturalist During the heavy snowstorm of the lowlands, hence is not often enApril 8, 1950, Mr. Hilmer Oehlmann countered in the Yosemite section was surprised to see in his yard a... In 1919 there were exhibited in bright, male yellow-headed blackthe Park Superintendent ' s office in bird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) Yosemite Valley, a male... which with a mixed flock of other blackwas said to have been killed 'almost birds and cowbirds. The birds were at the door of Sentinel Hotel about relatively unafraid, seemingly conJanuary, 1917 : " This specimen, precerned chiefly with finding food and pared by the late Chief Ranger Forshelter under the severe weather est Townsley, is now in the study conditions. The feeding station was collection of the Yosemite Museum. kept supplied and the birds, includThe other records which we can ing the yellow-head, remained in the find are : 1925, Spring, near the site vicinity until the next day. of the Ahwahnee Hotel, one seen by While this is not the first record for Herbert Senn; August 18, Bridalveil the park of this species, it is a very Meadow, Yosemite Valley, one rare occurrence, being the fifth recyoung male collected by D. D. Mcord that we can uncover. Grinnell Lean and now in the Yosemite Muand Storer in "Animal Life in the seum collection; 1930, May 8-11,

YOSEMITE"

make this statement: near the Administration Building, "The Yellow-headed Blackbird beGovernment Center, one, first seen longs to the fields and marshes of by Ranger Homer Hoyt. Coyote and Gopher

BIG TREE LODGE — Mariposa Grove

Digitized by Yosemite Online Library Dan Anderson