32 
THE CONDOR 
Vol. XVII 
entrance forms a conspicuous mound in many instances. In some cases the 
tunnels have already been cleared to some extent by the Cassin Anklet and to 
a less degree by the Ancient Murrelet, but the relations of these birds ap- 
pear to be undisturbed even when two species occupy the same home. 
As a general thing the opening of the nest is about the base of stumps or 
trees or under logs, and only rarely does it occupy open ground away from 
the forest. As to the burrow, it is a highly variable structure, neglecting the 
fact that it is at least eight feet in length. In extreme instances it attains a 
length of fully twenty feet, and as indicated in the accompanying diagrams 
its configuration is subject to many variations. There is usually one main 
channel, rarely with two outlets, and from this there are one or more blind 
offshoots. In one of these the nest is frequently placed, but it is by no means 
a usual occurrence to find it close to the entrance as some of the Haidah men 
declare to be the case. 
The composition of the nest depends upon the material at hand. Where 
spruce trees abound the building materials are largely small twigs; where 
salmonberry, moss and ferns are in the vicinity these are utilized, and in either 
case are fashioned into a shallow, saucer-shaped nest. The single egg, white 
with obscure lavender spots, is laid in June from the 1st to the 15th. Neivly 
hatched young Avere found as early as the 27th, but the greater number hatch 
out during the first week in July. The period of incubation lasts about three 
Aveeks as far as can be determined from the data at hand, though it must cer- 
tainly be someAvhat more extended when the burroAv is poorly drained, and 
the nest a soggy mass. On August 6 several burroAvs Avere opened and found 
to be empty, and about the same time the fishermen reported having seen 
young birds, accompanied by one or both parents, some distance out at sea. 
The duty of incubation rests upon both parents, as individuals of either 
sex have been found in the burroAvs during the day. During this time the 
mate is fishing at sea. and returns shortly before dark, or more accurately 
about 10 p. M. The day shift noAV puts to sea to return in the early morning 
hours. 
The natives are unanimous in declaring that they now know of no other 
nesting site of the Rhinoceros Auklet in southeastern Alaska. This being the 
ease it is evident that they frequently fly considerable distances in search of 
food. On rare occasions they Avere reported by fishermen operating upwards 
of a mile from shore, but in the great majority of cases they sought more open 
water at some distance from land, such as the channel hetAveen Forrester and 
Dali Islands. A marked exception to this rule may be Avitnessed throughout 
the summer on the eastern side of Dali Island in Kaigani and Tlivak straits. 
Here the tide sets strongly, especially in the region of the narrows of Skookum 
Chuck at the north end of Dali Island, and with an abundance of floating or- 
ganisms serving as fish food the conditions are most favorable not only for 
anklets but for several other water birds such as gulls, ancient and marbled 
murrelets, pigeon guillemots and cormorants. In order to reach this locality the 
Rhinoceros Auklet makes a round trip journey of at least sixty miles if it flies 
directly over Dali Island. This, hoAvever, is doubtful as flocks haAm been seen 
at nightfall coming doAvn the straits on the east side of Dali, and. after round- 
ing the southern end, their course is doubtless a bee line for home. Under 
such circumstances it requires a completed journey of fully one hundred and 
twenty miles to bring them to the feeding grounds and back again. AVhatever 
