GRAY JAYS DISAPPEAR.

The most conspicuous bird of the park during the entire year is the Gray Jay or Camp Robber. That is, during the entire year except for almost three weeks during the nesting period. For two weeks or more I have not seen nor heard a Gray Jay although before that they were very common. Three weeks ago they were carrying nesting material, flying from tree to tree until they lost themselves in the depths of the woods. Although I tried time and again I was never able to follow them and I have never discovered one of their nests. Within a short time they should be back again and soon we will see the half grown young about.

OTHER BIRDS.

Golden-crowned kinglets were back this week and a few pairs of that most demure of all birds, the Townsends Solitaire. A few neighbors have heard their sweet rare song but I have not yet had that privelege.

Steller jays are making a great to-do-about-nothing of late, chestnut backed chickadees are building and juncos are already nesting. Cock grouse are drumming and strutting in the woods and soon the smaller migrants will be arriving in hosts.

DEER, BEAR, AND GOAT.

Jimmie the bear has returned since last issue. Apparently he does not grow-up very fast for although he is now three years old he is still a small bear. I fear he has suffered from too easy a life among the "flesh pots of Egypt", which is to say, the garbage cans of Longmire.

Recently also we had the rare pleasure of a visit from four wild deer. We seldom see so many at a time and the three white mountain goat that have again wintered on the face of Cougar Rock have put on some fine shows for us. Soon they will be working back up the ridge and the Van Trump Park herd will unite again for in a recent visit to their summer range at 5,00 feet and above, we found many of the sunny slopes already free of snow.