220 ANIMALS AND BIRDS COLLECTED 



Bird life was found most plentiful in the terri- 

 tory west of Stanley Post, on the Churchill 

 River, and south to the point of starting on Lake 

 lie a la Crosse, and the various other water- 

 ways. Along that part of the route the land 

 and vegetation and forest were of a richer, more 

 attractive nature than further north, and no 

 doubt that accounted for the greater presence of 

 bird life. 



In travelling through the somewhat barren- 

 looking territory of the Far North, birds, with 

 few exceptions, were encountered at rarer inter- 

 vals and in fewer numbers. Ducks were notably 

 very scarce, while, on the other hand, some of the 

 sparrows were numerous and had their first en- 

 countered breeding-grounds north of latitude 58°. 



[Holbcell's Grebe (Colymbus holbcelli)]. — Set 

 of five eggs taken on Churchill River, June 6 ; 

 bird seen at close range. Nest a pile of rotten 

 weeds, in open water among scant floating raft 

 of dead weeds. Nest elevated two or three 

 inches above water limit, but the whole water- 

 soaked. Nest close to marsh shore in narrow 

 inlet in Churchill River, some ten or fifteen miles 

 below mouth of Haultain River. 



Observed Beaver River, May 19, 20, and in 

 marsh above Sandy Lake on the Churchill River, 

 June 8. 



[Horned Grebe (Colymbus auritus)]. — One 

 pair observed on inland lake east shore lie a la 

 Crosse Lake, May 30 ; female taken. 



[Eared Grebe (Colymbus nigricollis calif or - 

 nicus)] .—Observed Crooked Lake, May 12, 18 ; 

 Beaver River, May 19. 



