BIRDS OF NORTH-WESTERN CANADA. 47 



birds being largely augmented in the fall by arrivals from more 

 northern regions. This species was last seen on October 21st. 

 Even in the remote region investigated, the Mallards were far 

 warier and more difficult to approach than any other species of 

 wildfowl. 



Dusky Duck, Anas obscura. — A specimen (male) shot on 

 Long Creek, near the Canadian boundary, extends the western 

 limit of this species more than a hundred miles, and disposes of 

 Hunter's statement that " Manitoba is their most western limit." 

 It was, however, the only one met with, or, at all events, secured ; 

 the species is rare in this region. 



Gadwall, Anas strepera. — Numerous as a breeding species 

 on Moose Creek, and young birds were obtained in several stages 

 of development. In September it became common on Long 

 Creek and the Souris Biver. 



American Widgeon, Mareca americana. — Only met with in 

 the neighbourhood of Long Creek, where it was plentiful in 

 September. 



Green-winged Teal, Querquedula carolinensis. — Abundant 

 on Long Creek and on the alkaline sloughs in September, but we 

 did not find it nesting. 



Blue-winged Teal, Querquedula discors. — One of the com- 

 monest ducks on Moose Creek, and many young ones were shot 

 for the " pot." Plentiful throughout the region. The nests 

 which I found were uniformly situated on the banks of a creek, 

 sheltered from observation by a dense growth of tall grasses. 

 The sex of the young in first dress is easily distinguished by a 

 reference to the greater coverts. 



Shoveler, Spatula clypeata. — The most abundant duck on 

 Moose Creek, where many pairs breed ; plentiful likewise on all 

 adjacent waters. I caught several ducklings of tender age, and 

 found that ten was the usual complement of a brood. The old 

 birds were feeding on aquatic plants. 



Pintail, Dajila acuta. — The only Pintails which we found 

 breeding were two pairs of birds, which nested on Moose Creek. 

 I secured two of the ducklings and one of the old birds ; the 

 latter proved to have been feeding on the seeds of some species 

 of rush. 



Pochard, Aythya americana. — An adult drake, shot out of a 

 family paity at Long Creek, on the 10th September, was the only 



