KOBUK 133 



of these Eskimo experts in natural history, for the people are extremely 

 critical about accuracy in recognition of species and they cultivate 

 precision in observation. However, Eskimo appreciation for com- 

 petent interest in birds is so great that evidence of a visitor's serious 

 scientific interest serves as an introduction which in due time opens for 

 him the store of their knowledge, and they then eagerly join in making 

 observations and records in order to provide for the transfer of their 

 knowledge into the terms of scientific ornithology. 



The Birds of Kobuk 



On the following pages is presented the new information gained 

 from our investigations at Kobuk, together with comments upon earlier 

 reports. From these sources, too, has been compiled the list given in 

 table 4 (p. 246) of species now known at Kobuk. Because the named 

 races give important indications of geographical distribution in arctic 

 Alaska, I have designated them in every case where it was possible 

 to do so on the basis of specimens found in the U. S. National Museum, 

 on identifications by Townsend and Grinnell (made consistent with 

 modern nomenclature), and on specimens which Sheldon and I have 

 obtained. The status of most species in respect to residence, migration 

 and nesting appears clear. The designation of a bird as a visitor is 

 not intended to suggest that the bird's occurrence was accidental. In 

 most cases these birds were known in nesting areas or on migratory 

 paths nearby and their appearance at Kobuk, although not known to 

 be for nesting, migration, or residence, is not to be considered abnormal. 

 In order to reduce the categories used a few birds are designated 

 visitors because the scant information now available does not indicate 

 their true status. 



Family PODICIPEDIDAE: Grebes 



Podiceps grisegena holbollii Reinhardt 



Podiceps auritus cornutus Gmelin 



Eed-necked and horned grebes were clearly described in appear- 

 ance, behavior, and call by Sheldon. Both had been found at the 

 mouth of the Kobuk Eiver to the west (Grinnell, 1900) . I have seen 

 red-necked grebes at Kobuk, horned grebes on the Alatna Eiver 

 about 80 miles east of Kobuk, and I have collected and designated 

 the latter a rare visitor north of the forests at Anaktuvuk. Sidney 

 Peyton saw red-necked grebes at Bettles on the Koyukuk, 140 miles 

 east of Kobuk. Both species accordingly occur on the forested south- 

 em watershed of the Brooks Eange across Alaska. Since they also 



