135 Ferry, Summer Birds of Saskatchewan. [April 



with many islands, mostly near shore, and this is true to a lesser 

 extent of the other lakes. Most of the islands are low mud flats 

 with scanty vegetation. Muddy bottoms usually surround them 

 for a long distance. Much of the shore line, however, is gravelly 

 and sandy, and occasional large boulders attest the glacial forma- 

 tion of the country. The waters of the lakes are strongly alkaline. 

 Along the southeastern side of Big Quill, the country is broken by 

 ravines leading to the lake. They usually drain adjacent ponds, 

 which are favorite nesting grounds for ducks. 



The Field Museum of Natural History of Chicago carried on 

 field work in the above region during the time stated, but others 

 joined the party from time to time. Chief of these was Mr. R. M. 

 Barnes of Lacon, Ills., who came to make acquisitions to his fine 

 collection of North American birds eggs. Besides being successful 

 himself, he gave much assistance to his associates. Mr. F. F. Ferry 

 joined the party on July 1, entering into the arduous routine of 

 field-work enthusiastically, and in this manner spending his vaca- 

 tion. L. L. Pray of the Museum staff worked in the capacity 

 of artist and taxidermist during the latter part of the field operations. 

 John S. Charleson of Shoal Lake, Manitoba, an able taxidennist 

 and collector, was employed for the work at Prince Albert. Recog- 

 nition is also due Herbert C. Clark of Quill Lake, who acted as 

 teamster, guide and general helper in a most efficient manner. 



The following list is far from complete, as scientific investigation 

 was not the main object of this work. Mr. Barnes took full notes 

 and shot the parent bird for identification in most cases when he 

 took a set of eggs. Excerpts from these notes are included herein 

 and credited to Mr. Barnes. 



List of Species. 



1. iEchmophorus occidentalis. Western Grebe. — This species was 

 first seen in Little Quill on July 3. Several adults were met July 4 with 

 their broods, usually three in number. The young were still in the down, 

 and could not have been more than a few days old. They uttered a soft, 

 whistling peep, when the parent bird left them to seek her own safety. 

 On June 10 two nests of a large Grebe, each containing three eggs, were 

 found. They probably belonged to the Western Grebe. These nests were 

 destroj^ed later by a heavy gale on the lake. 



