Vol. raed General Notes. 213 
Always associated with the Waxwings were flocks of the Western Robin 
(Planesticus migratorius propinquus), of this species the individuals num- 
bered several thousands, and at times when suddenly startled, this immense 
body of birds would arise scattering in every direction, and then begin 
to congregate in flocks. On some occasions they would all amalgamate 
into one vast flock and after flying about, would again break up into 
small flocks which alighted in the berry laden trees and immediately 
resumed feeding until again disturbed, when these evolutions would be 
repeated. At all times the soft rolling chatter of the many Waxwings 
could be heard, which added to the interesting spectacle. On one particu- 
slar occasion apparently all the individuals in a large portion of the section 
became associated, forming a flock that by careful estimate was an eighth 
of a mile in length and of considerable width. 
Many times in these flocks of Bohemian Waxwings we observed a few 
Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), and also in the same locality 
small flocks of Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) and Willow Goldfinches (Astra- 
galinus tristis salicamans), which would sometimes mingle with the former 
in flight but disassociate when the Waxwings alighted. 
About January 25 the supply of Madrona berries in the section described 
became practically exhausted, and thereafter the Waxwings were seen 
in smaller flocks and became scattered throughout the city in quest of suit- 
able food. On many occasions the birds were seen in the parks of the city 
and about the residences wherever there was shrubbery that might bear 
berries, and this continued until about February 15, after which date we 
have failed to note them. 
How extended the incursion of this species has been we do not know, 
but have received reports of its occurrence at Port Angeles, sixty-five miles 
northwest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and beyond Olympia to the south, 
and it is fair to assume that it must have been of very marked extent. 
During this winter season there has also been an unusual flight of Rap- 
tores. About the middle of November, Snowy Owls ( Nyctea nyclea) began 
to appear in numbers, the first flight of any importance since 1896: the local 
taxidermists up to February 1 having received upwards of fifty specimens, 
most of which present the usual form of plumage. The species has also 
been quite generally observed throughout the Sound region. There have 
also been brought to the local taxidermists a very large number of Great 
Horned Owls, and on looking over the mounted specimens, I found that 
the larger proportion were typical saturatus, among them some very dark 
and beautiful birds. There were also certain specimens apparently assign- 
able to occidentalis and lagophonus, and one particular specimen which was 
very light and quite suggestive of wapacuthu. Numerous reports have alse 
been received of individual birds being seen in various localities, and the 
flight of this species seems to have been widely extended throughout this 
region. Goshawks likewise have appeared in more than the usual numbers 
and with hardly an exception those examined were representative of 
striatulus. Mr. D. BE. Brown of this city has two adults in fine plumage 
taken January 7 and 18.—S. F. Ratusoun, Seattle, Wash. 
