50 THE MIGRATIONS OF BIRDS 



Expedition in 1921, recorded a lammergeier at 

 24,000 or 25,000 feet, and distinguished passing god- 

 wits and curlews at 20,000 feet.' In this instance, 

 however, the birds were flying above elevated land 

 masses, and were forced upward to cross the moun- 

 tains. Finally, it is recorded that an observer mak- 

 ing photographic observations of the sun at Dehra 

 Dun in India obtained a photograph of geese which, 

 it was estimated, were flying at an altitude of 29,000 

 feet.=* 



The observations above are given to illustrate 

 extremes, and to indicate that birds may occasion- 

 ally fly at great heights. That there is no apparent 

 advantage in altitude is indicated by the fact that 

 comparatively few attempt it. 



I have observed autumn flights of sandpipers 

 crossing the Gulf of Alaska, south of Kodiak Island 

 and the Kenai Peninsula, at heights of not more than 

 500 feet above the sea, with many at only a few 

 yards above the waves. In fact, a Peale*s falcon re- 

 mained with our ship for a day, perching on a mast- 

 head and flying out at intervals to seize some poor 

 sandpiper that came swinging up to examine our 

 vessel. Other observations certify to these results, 

 since where migrants are heard calling at night, 

 if directly overhead, many are within easy range 



' Country Life, March 25, 1922, p. 419. 

 == the Field, Dec. 18, 1920, p. 876. 



