CRUISE OF STEAMER CORWIN IN THE ARCTIC OCEAX. 89 



of the Lena there was a considerable number of these birds seen upon Thaddeiis Island, one of 

 the Liakhov Croup, on August 30, ISSl, and they secured twelve of the birds. This is not a well- 

 known bird in these rejjious, but specimens have been seen and procured by nearly every Arctic 

 expedition, and its circumpolar distribution renders still more straufje the great scarcity of the bird 

 on the Norton Sound siiore, where during the four years I passed there not an individual was seen. 

 It is known, however, from the eastern coast of Asia, on the shores of Japau and China, as well as 

 on the Kurile Islands and along the Pacific coast of America in the middle latitudes. 



LIMOSA LAPPONICA NOV^-ZEALANDIi9E! Gray. 



(103.) The Pacific Godwit. 



Occurring during both migrations on the Aleutian Islands and thence north along the other 

 islands of Bering Sea, and abundant on the Bering Sea shore of Alaska during the breeding 

 season. It is not known to nest, however, except on the mainland, merely occurring during its 

 passage to and fro upon the islands mentioned. It is also known from Nortlieasteru Siberia, 

 although no examples were seen during the summer of 1881 at the points we visited in the Corwin. 

 Nor was it seen to the north of Bering Straits, either on the shore of Kotzebue Souiul or beyond, 

 and I do not know of its occurrence there. The loud notes of this bird and its large size render it 

 one of the most conspicuous among the waders of the Bering Sea coast of Alaska. Its presence 

 there in considerable numbers makes it a characteristic and important member of the avian fauna. 

 They arrive in the vicinity of Saint Michael's the last of May or first of June, and after nesting 

 leave for the South during August, a few only remaining until September. 



IiIMOSA HJEMASTICA (Linn) Coues. 



(101.) The Hudsonian Godwit. 



Mr. Dall secured two specimens of this bird at the Yukon mouth during bis explorations in 

 that region, beyond which there is no record of its presence on the coast of Bering Sea. , I did not 

 see a single individual in that region, aud it must be of considerable rarity. Nor is it known from 

 any of the Bering Sea islands and the Asiatic coast. 



TOTANUS FLAIRPES (Gmel.) Vieill. 



(105.) The Yellow Legs. 



This bird is an extremely rare accidental visitant to the coast of Bering Sea in Alaska. It 

 is perhaps more numerous at the Yukon mouth than elsewhere. In the vicinity of Saiut Michael's 

 two or three specimens were secured during four summers, mainly in August, after the breeding 

 season was over, when, like many other birds, these appear to wander from their breeding grounds, 

 visiting parts of the country unknown to them in the breeding season. 



HETEROSCELUS INCANUS (Gmel.) Coues. 



(106.) The Wandering Tattler. 



Every summer, as the end of July approaches or August begins, this bird makes its appear, 

 ance about the rocky islets and coast along Norton Sound, in the vicinity of Saint Michael's. Its 

 habits are very retired, and unless its haunts were visited not a single individual would be seen. 

 In spring it occurs very sparingly, and has been taken at this season even up the Yukon to 

 Nulato aiul Anvik, and undoubtedly a few breed in this region ; but the majority are birds which 

 have wandered from nmre southern points. It occurs ipiite frequently on all tiie islands of Bering 

 Sea, their rocky shores and isolated position apparently rendering them favorite grounds. NVhen 

 disturbed on their I'eedirig grouiuls tbese tattlers usually show l>ut little alarm, but lly on easy 

 wings a short distance, and when they alight are readily secured. They are rarely seen except 

 singly, although several may l)e found at times in the same vicinity. The young birils obtained 

 in fall are less brightly marked tlian the spring adults. Their note is a loud, ringing whistle, 

 which seems specially litted to the bird and the haunts it occupies, aud as the shrill cry re-echoes 

 H. Ex. 105 12 



