1922] Sivarth: Birds and Mammals of the Stikine Region 197 



Larus Philadelphia (Ord). Bonaparte Gull 

 One or two flocks were seen just after we passed Dixon Entrance, 

 going north, on May 19. They were apparently migrating, the only 

 migrants in evidence at that time, and were traveling in a manner 

 characteristic of the Bonaparte gull, but different from most of our 

 other species. The flocks were in compact formation and flying swiftly, 

 more like large waders than gulls in appearance ; there was no soaring 

 whatever, and no lingering. 



A single Bonaparte gull was seen on Sawmill Lake, June 17. A 

 small gull seen flying up stream past our Flood Glacier camp on 

 August 4 was probably of this species. 



Sterna paradisaea Briinnich. Arctic Tern 



On our trip up stream. May 21 to 23, terns believed to be of this 

 species, were seen at intervals up to within thirty miles of Telegraph 

 Creek. On July 14, at Doeh-da-on Creek, several were flying about 

 over some sand bars in midstream; from then on they were noted at 

 various times and places, always far out over the river. 



Mergus americanus Cassin. American Merganser 



On May 21, mergansers were seen in fair abundance at the mouth 

 of the Stikine ; they lessened in numbers as we went up stream, and 

 flnally disappeared, none being observed above "the canon." Those 

 that came near enough for identification were all M. americanus. 



Later in the summer, at Flood Glacier, at least two different broods 

 of mergansers were seen, but of what species could not be ascertained. 

 On July 29 a family of ten or twelve plunged into the stream opposite 

 our camp, hotly pursued by a bald eagle. The eagle was very much in 

 earnest, but it was curious to see, once the water was reached, the 

 indifference with which the mergansers regarded their formidable 

 pursuer. None took the trouble to dive, even, except the one specifically 

 selected as a victim. Then, at the last moment, that particular indi- 

 vidual disappeared easily beneath the water, leaving the eagle flounder- 

 ing and gathering himself for another try at the flock. He soon gave 

 up the task, and the mergansers swam down stream out of our sight. 



