THE AUK : 



A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF 

 ORNITHOLOGY. 



Vol. XXV. July, 1908. No. 3. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE GOLDEN EAGLE IN 

 MONTANA. 



BY E. S. CAMERON. 



Plates I-IV. 



From January to September in 1907, I lived about a mile and 

 a half from the eyrie of the Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysoeios) 

 which have nested on Mr. J. H. Price's ranch at Knowlton for 

 seven years. I saw one or other of the splendid birds almost daily, 

 and it was interesting for me to compare their habits with those of 

 the eagles nesting near my ranch in Dawson County of which I 

 have already written a full description.* In contradistinction to 

 the latter (which occupied a ledge of rock) these Knowlton eagles 

 have selected a tall pine about half way up a steep hillside, the 

 largest tree in the grove. This hill forms one of a wild pine-clad 

 range facing east and approached across open prairie from that 

 side. It is possible, however, to ride up through timber and rocks 

 behind, and look down into the nest from the hilltop without 

 alarming the eagles. All that takes place therein is plainly visible 

 through powerful binoculars. The Eagles have become so famil- 

 iarized with the sight of large droves of horses and attendant riders, 

 as to take scarcely any notice of a horseman. On this account 

 many actions can be observed, such as the capture of prey, its 

 conveyance to the nest, and feeding the eaglets, which the more 

 shy badland birds never allowed me to witness. The eyrie, which 



1 See Auk, Vol. XXII, 1905, pp. 158-167. 

 251 



