BIRD MIGRATION 21 



Just imagine the vastness of the unknown and un- 

 explored territory north of the Great Lakes and south 

 of the Arctic Ocean, and the number and kinds of our 

 feathered friends that annually rear their young there; 

 then it is possible to appreciate the unlimited number of 

 migrants. Of all that countless throng only a scattering 

 few sojourn in the Arctic regions during the prolonged 

 boreal night. Millions upon millions annually make the 

 southern journey. 



The northward trip is marked by depletion in ranks 

 and is a journey made in response to the breeding in- 

 stinct. The survival of the fittest is the rule in this north- 

 ward rushing horde. 



During the seasonal migration many surprises and 

 pleasurable moments await those who go into the fields 

 and woods for a day's outing. A traveler from the 

 Mackenzie River delta may sing you a polar ditty, or a 

 visitor may bring you a song from a South American 

 winter resort. Or a tourist from the shores of Hudson's 

 Bay may pause near you to gather a few seeds from a 

 weed stalk or a cedar tree in your front yard. During 

 the night these travelers of the dark may be faintly heard 

 as they pursue their journey along the unblazoned aerial 

 highways. With a unified purpose they pursue their 

 course year after year. Their hazardous trips should 

 be made without additional risk through man 's predatory 

 inclinations. 



