GULLS AMONG THE ICEBERGS 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



THE' MARCH-PAST OF THE MIGRANTS. 



Arrival of Migratory Birds Wagtails The Thames Afloat once more 

 More Birds Arrive An Ostiak Funeral Birds Arrive Fast The 

 Tungusk Ice Coming Down New Birds Pintail Snipe Mosquitoes on 

 the Wing. 



As soon as I was able to resume my shooting, I found 

 that there had been a general arrival of migratory birds. 

 It was very difficult to get about in the melting snow, 

 but in the willows on the steep bank of the river little 

 birds were feeding industriously, picking up insects on 

 the naked branches, and sometimes making little flights 

 in the air to catch a gnat upon the wing. Presently I 

 heard a plaintive weesi, which reminded me of Heligo- 

 land, and on shooting the bird I picked up a yellow- 



