Walrus Island, a Bird Metropolis of Bering Sea 



49 



urile) completed the population of Walrus Island, and as there is no soil 

 in which to burrow, the Puffins had ensconced themselves here and there 

 beneath some overhanging rock, making valiant resistance with beak and 

 claw to any attempt to dislodge them. The Cormorants of the Pribilof 

 appear to be a waning race; Mr. Palmer noted that they were much less 

 abundant than formerly, and now they are comparatively scarce on St. Paul, 

 a few scattered birds breeding on the bluffs of Polovina. Very few nests 

 were to be found on Walrus Island and, although the Cormorants arrive 

 early in the season, one of these contained two perfectly fresh eggs. 

 Near by was another nest with an egg and two small, naked chicks 

 which, later on, we saw the parent bird busily engaged in feeding. 



RED-FACED CORMORANTS 



The Choochkie {Simorhynchus pusillus) , abundant on St. Paul and 

 swarming by millions (I refuse to remove a single cipher) on St. George, 

 was noticeably absent, owing probably to the lack of suitable breeding places, 

 since there are neither crevices in the rocks nor soil in which to burrow. 



The Paroquet Auklet {Cyclorhynchus psittaculus) was not seen, although 

 noted by Mr. Palmer on his visit in 1890; so, as far as species go. Walrus 

 Island may be considered poor, although this lack is compensated for by the 

 great abundance of individuals. 



The afternoon drew on, and in spite of occasional puffs of drifting fog, 

 it was one favorable for the work of the surveyors, so that before six o'clock 

 their work was done, and when the whistle of the Rush blew ' all aboard ' 

 every one was ready to depart. Fifteen minutes later the inhabitants of 

 Walrus Island were enjoying their accustomed solitude. 



