29 



Before the spring moult is complete, they begin, when all 

 vegetation is dead and gray, to moult into the vermiculated 

 plumage of the fall, and finally they assume the pure white 

 plumage of winter. 



When approached they crouch as closely to the ground as 

 possible (usually near some boulder) and remain in this posi- 

 tion while the intruder is in motion ; but if he stands still, 

 they tr}^ to steal aw\ay, and thus reveal their presence. As 

 soon as another movement is made they resume their former 

 position, and if cautiously approached may, in some cases, be 

 picked up in the hand. They depend almost entirely upon 

 their color for protection, and can seldom be forced to take 

 wing. 



A low cackling when the young are disturbed was the only 

 utterance I heard. Berries and the short grass of the region 

 form their entire food supply. 



Circus hudsonius. Marsh Hawk. 



Hawks are not common in the Cook's Inlet region and this 

 species was probably the most abundant. 



Accipiter velox. Sharp-shin^ned Hawk. 



Aquila chrysaetos ? Golden Eagle. 



An eagle was seen on the Kenai Mountains feeding upon 

 the carcase of a sheep, and from its general appearance and 

 flight I believe it to be referable to the above species, though 

 of course I am not positive. 



Haliagetus leucocephalus ? Bald Eagle. 



Very common all along the timbered stretches of the coast. 

 It was especially numerous about Juneau, where it was feed- 

 ing upon the offal from the town, or upon dead fishes along 

 the beach. Its habits and appearance remind one of the 

 vultures, and inspire only disgust. Its carrion-eating habits 



