6322 



Birds. 



being solitary, is always in pairs, and occasionally a number together. 

 On the roosting of these birds at Carlton you will hear at a future 

 time. 



Magpie. First seen on the 7th of October at Mosquito Point, 

 where the belted kingfisher was last seen. Observed occasionally at 

 Carlton, where it resides the winter. Not seen between Hudson's 

 Bay and Lake Winnipeg. 



Blue Jay. Seen only on two occasions, the 12th and 16th of 

 October. One shot and examined. 



Canada Jay. This companion of the voyagers is seen everywhere, 

 and never refuses " pemmican " when he can get it. 



Redbellied Nuthatch. In company with blackcap-tit and Regulus 

 on two occasions at the end of September, not far west of Lake 

 Winnipeg; a specimen preserved. You will observe that on this side 

 of Lake Winnipeg no Hudson's Bay tits were seen. 



Woodpeckers. 1. A large species, perhaps Picus pileatus, seen 

 middle of October ; also supposed, 2. P. villosus once at same time 

 of the month. 3. P. pubescens, shot and examined, end of first week 

 of October, and again on the 14th. 4. P. varius. A specimen pre- 

 served, and another shot at the end of September. 5. P. auratus. 

 Supposed seen. 



Ruffed Grouse. Sparingly as far as near the " Forks " of the Sas- 

 katchewan, where the north and sonth branches meet. 



Canada Grouse. Seen on two occasions below the " Forks." 



Sharptailed Grouse. First seen where the ruffed grouse ceased, 

 inhabiting the partially wooded parts of these plains in numbers. I 

 have many notes concerning them, which I hope to perfect by ob- 

 serving their spring and summer habits. They are said to collect in 

 great numbers and dance. 



Plover. One decided flock was seen ; and although it may appear 

 rather late, a solitary golden plover was shot near here on the 3rd of 

 November, and preserved. 



Sandpiper. Two or three species were observed, but none identified. 



Totanus vociferus. Almost always to be seen, until the beginning 

 of October, a single one being seen flying over on the 16th. This 

 bird does not apparently require soft mud, but appears as much at 

 home where all is rock. 



Snipe. The single squeak of the snipe was heard one evening 

 while waiting for ducks. 



Geese. Numerous during the whole voyage, but most particularly 

 so in the low swampy country below Cumberland, which has been 



