Volume I No. 1 - July 1, 1928
A Migrant Tree
By Earl U. Homuth
Joseph Diller in his report on the geology of Crater Lake
(Professional Paper, No. 3, Series B. Descriptive Geology, 22),
mentions a phenomenon occasionally observed in the lake. A tree
becoming dislodged may slide from the cliffs root foremost, and come to
rest with the lower portion in the water. The root mass then becomes
water-logged, and later the tree may be pushed out into deeper water and
will float upright. A tree in this position has occassionally become
lodged near the shore again and is often pointed out as evidence that
the lake level has risen. Conclusions from one tree would hardly be
acceptable, but nevertheless this is often the case.
A tree in the position described is now lodged near the shore of
Wizard Island, on the southeast side.
Our Bears
By Earl U. Homuth
Bear signs and bear tracks in the snow were observed during the
early season, but the familiar forms of last year have been a bit shy in
appearing in public. Excellent photographs of one were obtained by the
boat-boys near the hotel. A real bear-fight was staged near
Headquarters one evening for the entertainment of all those present.
The outcome was not determined, since the battle raged through the woods
and over the ridge nearby.
Jemima, who was the well-known Jimmy until she appeard with two cubs
last year, has not been seen, and doubts are being expressed as to
whether she is still with us.
It is told of one of the rangers that while a guest at the cabin of
another ranger, he lost his supply of cooked meat, this being the only
way the host could persuade three visiting bears to depart. The points
of etiquette as opposed to necessity in such a case may still be open
for discussion.
Casual Bird Notes
By Earl U. Homuth
Two pairs of mountain bluebirds are known to have nested near the
camp on the rim during past years, but neither has been found this year.
However, the activities of a pair indicate that a nest may be
discovered near the Community House.
A flock of Brewer blackbirds is reported by Ranger Fisher on the rim
near the Lodge.
A mating pair of golden eagles was observed southeast of Union Peak
in a part of the park rarely visited.
A black-chinned hummingbird is reported from Wizard Island. An
observer in the Park has stated that he has seen more humming birds in
the park than he had ever seen elsewhere under similar
circumstances.
Clarke's Crow. The young of this bird are now coming from their
nests and the continual squalls are making the woods resounds. The
fluffy fellows, as large as their parents, are common in the tourist
camps. The Oregon or Grey Jays are not often seen near the rim and
among the tourists the Clarke's Crow or Clarke's Nutcracker has taken
the name of camp-robber.
The bird-list for the park for the past two years numbers
seventy-five and many may be added.
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