iSSS.] Merrill on Birds of Fort Klamath, Oregon. IJ.? 



tains, and on the east by a spur from the same range, all averaging a 

 height of over 6500 feet. On stormy days, if the wind was not blowing 

 from the south, Geese flying low up the valley had great difficult}' in rising 

 sufficiently to cross the abrupt divide, and most of them would return to 

 the marsh and its vicinity to wait for a more favorable opportunity. At 

 such times Geese of this and the next species gathered by thousands and 

 afforded great sport. The immense numbers of these birds that migrate 

 through Western Oregon cannot be appreciated until one has seen their 

 spring flight, which, I am informed, extends in width from the coast 

 inland about two hundred and fifty or three hundred miles. About fifty 

 of this species were seen at the marsh on May 23, and twenty on May 27 

 and June 3, after which none were observed ; their remaining so late excited 

 general remark among the settlers. 



Branta canadensis. This was the only Goose that remained in the 

 valley during the winter. It breeds in considerable numbers. Many of 

 the young are caught by Indians, and are easily domesticated. A few were 

 kept at the Fort as pets; they were perfectly tame and fearless, flying 

 from place to place for food, and sometimes circling around for an hour at 

 a time for exercise. When old enough to breed they usually build their 

 nests on the edge of Fort Creek or Wood River, sometimes within the 

 Fort, at others two or three miles distant. When the female is sitting the 

 gander is generally not far away, and a call of his mate, when her nest is 

 approached, promptly brings him. At such times he generally flies 

 directly at the intruder, whether man or dog, and unless dodged will strike 

 a heavy blow. 



Branta canadensis hutchinsii. This form migrates earlier in the spring 

 than does minima, and is somewhat less abundant. These two birds are 

 called Black Brant by the settlers, Avho call the White-fronted Goose 

 Brant. They did not seem to know the true Black Brant, B. nigricans, 

 nor did I see any. 



Branta canadensis minima. Very common during the latter part of 

 Apiil. While at Fort Klamath I examined a large numbei- of this group 

 of Geese. Of occidenialis I saw none, although they are doubtless to be 

 found here. Canadensis seemed to be typical. Most of the hutchinsii tind 

 minima were well marked, and could be easily identified. The chief vari- 

 ation in the latter was in the white collar, which was sometimes hardly 

 perceptible; the abrupt demarcation between the dark and white in the 

 anal region was very constant and striking. 



Olor . Swans, probably of both species, are not rare during the 



migrations, and are often seen on the lake. On February 13, and for two 

 or three days thereafter, flocks were seen flying north up the valley; this 

 was said to be extremely early for their spring flight. 



Botaurus lentiginosus. Common in the marsh, where in April and 

 May their 'pumping' is heard on all sides, and where they breed plenti- 

 fully. 



Ardea herodias. Resident, but most common in summer. 



Ardea egretta. A few seen in summer. One passed the winter on Wood 

 River. 



