1922] Swarth: Birds and Mammals of the Stikine Region 267 



than that formed by the abundance or scarcity of food plants, that 

 keeps the waxwing closely restricted to the upper part of the Stikine 

 Valley. 



Similarly, restriction to the lower altitudes near the river is prob- 

 ably significant of zonal limitation. We saw no waxwings at high 

 elevations until July 23, when a flock of about twenty birds was 

 encountered at timber line (about 4000 feet) on the mountain above 

 Doch-da-on Creek. 



During our first two weeks of field work, at the Junction, the 

 species was not once observed. Presumably the slightly greater eleva- 

 tion at that point was enough of a barrier to keep the waxwing in the 

 warmer section by the river. When we moved from the Junction to 

 Telegraph Creek the birds were encountered at once, and they were 

 found in some numbers thereafter at various nearby points. 



A wood road, following the creek from which the town derives its 

 name, turns abruptly aside some half a mile up stream, ascends the 

 steep embankment on the west, and thus reaches a terrace that extends 

 for several miles. Here waxwings were seen upon our first visit to the 

 place, and it was later found to be a favorite resort. 



On the morning of June 9 I had my first glimpse of the birds; 

 my attention was attracted by the call note, and a moment later a 

 flock of a dozen or more swung past and disappeared over the tree tops. 

 Later in the day others were seen at almost the same place, two to- 

 gether at two different points. During the next ten days waxwings 

 were seen continually in the same general locality, sometimes two to- 

 gether (mated pairs we supposed at the time), sometimes in small 

 flocks. We shot a few, but mostly we watched them and followed the 

 "pairs" about, hoping, but scarcely expecting, that they would lead 

 us to a nest. The actions of these birds were extremely puzzling, for 

 they seemed quite carefree, and many were in flocks. When we did 

 obtain both birds of a "pair" they proved to be two males. Finally 

 it began to dawn upon us that the waxwings were coming daily to a 

 favorite feeding ground — nothing more; when disturbed they always 

 disappeared in the same direction over some low hills to the westward ; 

 and our search was pursued in accordance with this suggestion, with 

 satisfactory results. 



The terrace or plateau above mentioned, of which so far we had 

 merely skirted the eastern edge, extends westward a mile -or more, is 

 quite level, and but sparsely covered with forest growth. A year or 

 more before oUr visit it had been swept by fire and a large part of the 



