92 
72. Wilsonia pusilla (Wilson) Wilson’s Warbler 
First of these golden sprites seen and taken on June 3— only adult 
female secured. Soon, species fairly common and haunted willows from 
river-level to timber-line. Its favourite habitat upper edge of spruce at 
about 4,000 feet, where it could hide in low willow tangles. Its strange, 
unmusical, explosive song, ‘ e I t-chit-chit-chit-chit-chit- chit-chit ! ’ ’ , first heard 
June 5, and from that date a common sound in upper woods and in willows 
of river bank. Bird seemed to have no intermediate range. In nesting 
season found to be very shy and clever at hiding. A most un-warblerlike 
call note of alarm heard frequently, a coarse “Chip!” suggesting a cross 
between the note of sparrow and warbler. Its “Chet!” resembled “ Chack !” 
of ruby-crowned kinglet. 
Early in August this warbler almost numerous at river-level. A half- 
dozen, undoubtedly a family group, found then in almost every bird 
company. Species still common at time of breaking camp. 
Specimens: Four adults, June 3 to 28. Four juveniles, August 11 to 14. 
All undoubtedly TF. p. pileolaia. Interesting to note that juveniles (with ungranu- 
lated skulls) more yellowish above and approach rather closely to chryseola. 
73. Anthus robescens (Tunstall) Pipit 
May 10, squeaking notes of pipit heard at McCarthy. A single bird 
observed at river-level off Barnard glacier, May 27, and not met again 
until June 14, w r hen found on open alpine slopes at about 5,500 feet, near 
receding snow — same habitat as occupied by horned larks. Later, June 
27, three males taken here and all evidence pointed to fact of their breeding, 
although no nests could be found. On July 25 feathers of a pipit scat- 
tered on a rock pinnacle up at edge of perpetual snow, at over 6,000 feet, 
showed where one of these birds had been eaten. 
Pipit seen several times in its song flight. This in fact only song heard. 
A musical outburst and a ringing “Tee-tee-tee-tee-tee!” delivered over a 
descent of a few yards. Singer not seen to rise to a greater height than 
50 or 75 feet. 
Greatest numbers of pipits of the season met on divide above Calamity 
creek, August 20. 
Specimens: Three adult males, June 26. 
In greyish-backed, vinaceous-breasted plumage, much worn but similar to those 
occasionally seen on migration farther south. It has been suggested that this plumage a 
phase rather than an age or seasonal plumage. 
74. Cinclus mexicanus Swainson Dipper 
Not met on the Chitina, but several residents of McCarthy told of 
this bird appearing every winter during coldest weather on stream that 
ran through town. Stream did not freeze. 
75. Sitta canadensis Linnaeus Red-breasted Nuthatch 
On three or four occasions between June 11 and July 3, unmistakable 
voice of this bird heard in timber in various localities near camp, but in 
no case could elusive bird be located. 
