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 verv 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 weesc, which reminded me of Heligo- 

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



