232 Cak\, Birds of t/ie Black Hills. [^^j^ 



range is seen as a succession of ridges, finally culminating in Elk 

 Mountain, which raises its huge mass to an elevation of some fifty- 

 seven hundred feet. 



It was in this ideal situation that I spent the first half of June, 

 both in 1899 and 1900, in studying and collecting the fauna and 

 flora of the region. Unfortunately, however, the season was too 

 backward in 1899 for any tg^g^ collecting. The majority of the 

 birds were just commencing to build nests when I left, on the 

 nth of June. 



.Before going to Newcastle in 1S99, I had stopped over a day 

 at Hot Springs and Edgemont, S. Dak., respectively, and in the 

 list I give the birds observed at all three localities, with brief 

 notes as to their habits, distribution, etc. 



The season was much earlier in 1900, and the nesting season 

 was at its height in the early part of June. On this account my 

 notes for 1900, concerning the habits of certain species, are much 

 more copious than those for 1899. A goodly number of species 

 not noted in 1899 were abundant in 1900. 



In the following list localities are mentioned only in connection 

 with species observed at Hot Springs and Edgemont, S. Dak. 

 The reference in all other cases is to the immediate vicinity of 

 Campbell's Ranch, fourteen miles southeast of Newcastle. 



1. Querquedula discors. Bi.ue-winged Teal. — Several pairs seen 

 on a creek south of Buffalo Gap, S. Dak., where they were doubtless 

 breeding. 



2. Numenius longirostris. Long-billed Curlew. — Frequently seen 

 on the tablelands, where they breed. 



3. .ffigialitis vocifera. Killdeer. — On plowed fields, in Gillette Canon. 



4. Dendragapus obscurus. Dusky Grouse. — The ranchmen informed 

 me that when hunting in the higher portions of the hills they frequently 

 shot these grouse. 



5. Pedicecetes phasianellus campestris. Prairie Sharp-tailed 

 Grouse. — I noted but two specimens, one in 1899 and one in 1900. 



6. Centrocercus urophasianus. Sage Grouse. — Very common in the 

 sage brush, both in the foot-hills and on the plains. 



7. Zenaidura macroura. Mournixg Dove. — In 1899 I did not once 

 see it within the Hills, but the birds were abundant along the Elkhorn 

 R. R. south of Buffalo Gap, S. Dak. In 1900 doves were frequently seen 

 at the ranch. 



8. Cathartes aura. Turkey Vulture. — Frequently seen and doubt- 

 less breeds. 



