July, 1922 WITH THE WILLOW. PTARMIGAN -107 
ing for food, and paid little attention to the mining operations which went on all 
day within a few feet of their course. 
Being instructed as to a likely spot for a picture I opened my camera and 
sat down. I had not long to wait. A low talking, as of a domestic hen and her 
chickens, told me of the advancing brood. When they came in sight the talking 
eeased and the mother bird who led the procession gave some slight indication 
of uneasiness, but they moved on leisurely. The flock consisted of the female 
Fig. 31. THr WILLOW PTARMIGAN IN WINTER 
IS AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FOOD FOR THE 
ESKIMOS. 
and five young. At this season the birds were almost an exact counterpart of 
the stream bed. 
When I arose and approached for a nearer picture, the birds paused a mo- 
ment, as though to contemplate, and then decided to cross the little stream. This 
each did with a short easy flight, and the brood proceeded up the incline on the 
opposite side without the least display of undignified haste. I pressed in my 
pursuit and got a picture just as they disappeared under a clump of willows. 
