480 The Ohio Journal of Science [Vol. XIX, No. 8, 



Clangula islandica (Gmelin). Barrow Golden-eye. 



Taken August 20, from a small lake. Observed at other 

 times during the summer. From information gathered it is a 

 rather common species in the region. 



Histrionicus histrionicus (Linnaeus). Harlequin Duck. 



This species was always taken in immature plumage and is 

 one of the commonest species of the region. Flocks were fre- 

 quently observed swimming in open sea water or sunning 

 themselves in quiet coves along the shore. The people of Alaska 

 call them Kommonuskies and they are supposed to be very 

 hard to shoot. They rarely fly when shot at but dive instead 

 and returning to the surface within a few feet quite rapidly 

 move out of range. 



Somateria spectabilis (Linnaeus). King Eider. 



Hundreds of ducks were seen far out in Katmai Bay on 

 different occasions apparently lined up as if engaged in sys- 

 tematic fishing. It was not possible always to be sure of the 

 species of duck concerned but we were reasonably sure that 

 more than one was thus engaged sometimes. Specimens of the 

 King Eider were taken near the mouth of the Katmai River, 

 June 25. There is very good reason for believing that other 

 eiders and some of the scoters, at least, take part in the syste- 

 matic fishing operations of the region, but as none but the King 

 Eider was taken, the statement has to be based upon field 

 observations which are not altogether trustworthy because the 

 birds were never close enough for accurate identification. 



Phalaropus lobatus (Linnaeus). Northern Phalarope. 



Seen in small flocks swimming in pools adjacent to the 

 mouth of Katmai River, July 25, and specimens taken. Flocks 

 were seen on different occasions over a period of three or four 

 weeks. They are very quiet birds, only uttering peeping sounds 

 which may be heard only when one is near them. They never 

 showed a great deal of fear, allowing one to approach within a 

 few feet before taking wing. They swim easily and make an 

 attractive appearance in the water. 



Arquatella tnaritima couesi Ridgeway. Aleutian Sandpiper. 



Several specimens of this bird were seen along the sea shore 

 among the stones. Three specimens were taken August 20 to 23. 

 Only two or three specimens were seen at any one time. 



