Alaska field notes, v1299

Gilmore, Raymond M. (Raymond Maurice), 1907-1983

1931

Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley

Original Source

Source Material:
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org

Document Pages

654 Pages

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

R Dn Gilmore 1931 Alaska :- Species Accounts Birds pp.328-569 Section 1 Mammals pp.570-644 Section 2

No text detected

Section 1 Birds Alaska: Species Accounts 1931 R M Gilmore

No text detected

Gilmore WESTERN GREBE 1931 May 15 - Beaver Bay - alone member of this species, probably an immature, was seen about 7:00 P.M. at a distance of 75 yds. from the anchored boat. Beaver Bay is on the north side of Vancouver Is. B.C.

No text detected

329 Gilmore 1931 HORNED GREBE Sept. 22 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is. In Summer's Bay today I picked up an old battered carcass of an Horned Grebe I brought the head home + upon measuring it found that it was deeper than wide at the base. However, I have not seen any live birds as yet. Sept. 30 While cruising around in the bay in the recent rough weather, I have seen two grebes. One was close to shore + the other was feeding out about 100 yds. Both were very wary. Local people say that that the grebes are more in evidence during smooth weather. Oct. 3 English Bay, W. Unalaska Is., Aleutians Sec. No. 2214 was killed yesterday from the deck of the "Kamaga Native" just after we had anchored in the inner part of the bay. There were four others in the group of three. Oct. 25 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Aleutian Is. I have seen about 3-4 during my stay here. Generally they were close to shore and always alone. They were usually

No text detected

330 Gilmoe HORNED GREBE (2) 1931 busily engaged in diving for the smell "needle fish" found among the rocks along a rocky beach. Dives took about 30-45 seconds (estimate) and rest periods on the surface a little less, and sometimes only as much as five seconds.

No text detected

331 Gibbons Yellow Billed Loon O Gavia adamsii 1931 June 20, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska On - positiv - yellow bill - rock snugs. Seen from ship on south side of islands. July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Several pair seen near Camp Collin on June 28. Yellow bill not seen for certainty On July 5th six or seven were seen in Dirktook Bay and Lagoon - They flew high, uttering their weird laughing cry, and the general direction was from the ocean inland or vice versa: I saw one in the water within a yard of shore in the lagoon but could not approach within gunshot range. Probably they rest on the lakes & lagoons. They are quite wary. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. Aug 2. at the reindeer camp, 10 miles East, a native brought me a large dark egg that had been found by the reindeer herders. The bird, as he said was, a large loon with a black head & light bill - probably a Yellow Billed Loon. On my

No text detected

332 Gilmore YELLOW BILLED LOON (2) (1931) walk down to Cape Thompson & back I saw 7 or 8. There was one group of four that were feeding about 300 yds off shore. Aug 23 - Saw some occasionally as I visited the Shore - always out of range - sometimes singles & doubles. Said by Bob Tuckfield, native informant, to be common around Marpitt Inlet. April 1974 was brought to the boat by Charles Brower at Pt. Barrow. It had already been shorn. Eschscholtz Bay Kotzebue S't Alaska Aug. 27 Saw several of these large loons as we went mid Elephant Point in motor launch. They were too far away to see the color of the bill, but were unmistakably the large type. From notes of Commander E.D. Jones, Captain of cutter "Northland" Oct. 15, 1931 - "big loon seen on way to Cape Prince of Wales.

No text detected

333 Silmas Red Throated Loon (1) 1931 James S. St. Michael, Alaska quite common in marshes back of St. Michael - Pintches from 2-6. July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Several pairs seen near Camp Collin on June 28; small head + red throat patch seen. Several seen at odd times flying over tundra near Sevoonga. Evidently they were going to or from nest back in marshy ground at base of hills. Point Hope Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 2. While staying at summer camp, 10 miles east, I saw half dozen or so of these birds. They were generally flying over the lagoons, uttering a hoarse duck-like grack. Generally they were in pairs. Aug 6. Watched four in small lagoon, 1 mile N.E. of Mission & Rear beach. They were loafing in shallow water some 5-10 ft. from the shore. I managed to belly staff to within 20 ft. & photographed them. They appeared a little nervous when I was so close.

No text detected

334 Silmer RED THROATED LOON D 1931 but made no effort & escape. When I stood up & walked toward them, they merely dove & swam towards the middle of the lake. They were very fearless - perhaps they were young birds. Aug. 24 Have not seen many of these birds lately - p.k. perhaps they have gone south! Sept. 21 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is. Mr. Patterson of Unalga Is., identified a bird he had once killed on Unalga Is. from one of my bird books, as a Red Throated Loon. The identification was made from one of my bird books. Oct. 2 English Bay, W. Unalaska Is., Aleutians Spec. No. 2212 & 2213 were killed just inside the mouth of the harbor as we were cruising in. They had been feeding heavily on fish spawn about 2-3" long. One was wounded at the first shot and attempted to escape but was only under a few seconds before coming to the surface of attempting to fly.

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

336 Gilmore Black Throated Soon 1931 June 8, St. Michael, Alaska One taken & one other seen at Whale Island July 12. Severnaga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. One seen near Camp Collier on June 28; grey large head very distinct. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug & Jan several about lagoons generally singles. Aug 24 Seen off & on not very numerous. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, W. Aleutian Is. I am fairly certain that I saw two today while crossing the pass. The dark head was the identifying mark one appeared to have a white ring around its neck. Both were alone; the first was seen at the mouth of Walakuska Bay headed west & the other was seen in the middle of the pass, headed South. Both were flying about 150 yds. in the air.

No text detected

BLACK FOOTED ALBATROSS Gilmne Black Footed Albatross Diomedia mezripes 1931 May 5, 1931 - three of these birds picked up the ship after we had been out of the bay for several hours. They were immature birds & the white around the base of the bill showed plainly as they glided gracefully over the top of the waves some 50 yds. astern. By night fall there were three + one showed the white rump patch of a two + year old bird. They are known as "goonies" by the sailors. May 6, 1931 Today as we cruised up along the Calif coast to about Crescent City, these birds were still following in the wake of the vessel or at times would vie with the gulls for the scrap thrown from the galley. The same three that was with us yesterday seemed to still be with us. That is they seemed to be the same three. May 7, 1931 - Still with us, following

No text detected

Black Footed Albatross S. nigripes ② Filmed about 50 yds. astern. At Tonies 1931, we had as many as 6. May 8, 1931 this morning about 9:00 AM. The "goonies" left us. We were about 10-15 miles off Tillamook Bay at the time. Perhaps we were getting too close to land for these pelagic wanderers. This off, at 5:30 there was a lone "goonie" in Juan de Fuca Strait just off Port Angeles. It was just seen a half mile in front of the boat & seemed to be heading away from the sea. They are seldom seen so far away from the open sea? "Goonie" = Black Footed Albatross May 20 - off Yakutat Bay - two birds followed the ship all morning until the pistol practice at 1:00 P.M. drove them away. Oct. 2 Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska According to local report, "goonies" are rarely seen on the Bering side of the Aleutian Is.

No text detected

SHORT TAILED ALBATROSS Diomedea albatrus Gilmore 1931 May 8, 1931 - From Mr. Wood - Chief Summer on board I obtained my first [illegible] of this rare bird. Mr. Wood said that in 1929 (Summer) between Yakutat Bay and Seward (he thinks), he saw three large "goonies" that had white heads, breasts & bellies & slatey gray backs. From such a description it seems [illegible] that likely that they were D. albatrus May 9, 1931 Seattle, Washington There is a mounted Specimen in the Museum of the Univ. of Wash. It is of ancient vintage and the date has been lost, tho it probably came from the N. Pacific Oct. 2. Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska. From Capt. Henry Swanson, I gather that "white goonies" were not very rare some 30-50 years ago but since then have not been seen. Only the old timers seem to have any knowledge of their existence.

No text detected

Gilmore SHORT TAILED ALBATROSS (2) 1931 Sept. 1931 Nukulukak, St. Lawrence S. Bering Sea Spec. No. 2248 — bill of what is probably a Short Tailed Albatross — was dug up from an old house pit at the deserted village site on Cape Nukulukak. Age indeterminate, This probably from 500 - 1000 years.

No text detected

341 Gilmore PACIFIC FULMAR Fulmaris glacialis 1931 May 28 Shelikof Strait - that this evening while it was very stormy several "light phase" fulmars followed the boat. By that time it was so rough that most of the gulls had left + consequently shearwaters + fulmars had the boat to themselves. They seemed to enjoy the gale + spray, sailing + wheeling into and at right angles to the wind. Our light phase fulmar played (?) around the bow of the boat on the leeward side just forward of the flying spray. May 23 Near Shrimpoff Is. Shock of fulmars 1/4 mi. from boat - 50±dark at 3 light June 19 St. Lawrence Is Bering Sea, Alaska one in light color phase seen near N.E. cape. On July 5 while going to Siviktoke bay from Sevoonga we came upon the carcass of a dead whale that the natives had pulled up in shallow water, and saw either sitting on the water, feeding on the blubber or flying nearby, about 100 fulmars. All were in the light phase and allowed a

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Pacific Fulmar (2) Fulmaris glacialis rather close approach. They are rather heavily from the carcass & one that was wounded vomited whale oil when picked up. So far I have neither seen nor heard of a breeding colony. July 21 Anchored off Point Hope, Alaska saw a light colored fulmar astern of the boat. From a now forgotten source of information, I learned that both light & dark phase fulmars have been seen this far north. Aug 24 Learned from Capt. Jones of the Cutter that there were several dozens of the birds in light phase feeding on carcass of dead walrus on ice near Wainright. Aug 28 Cruising down thru the Bering Straits in foul weather I saw two dark Fulmars at some distance from the boat. Sept. 1 St. Matthew Is. Bering Sea. As we approached this island

No text detected

343 Gilmore Pacific (Rodber's) Fulmar (3) 1931 From the north we began to see scattered fulmars in light phase when barely within sight of the island. As we drew near and finally anchored in the calm waters on the N.W. side they became more numerous & we could make out their gliding forms around the high light colored cliffs on the N.W. tip of the island & also around the dark bluffs several miles to the south. All seemed to be light colored birds. When we landed near the very high cliffs we could see hundreds of them flying about the ledges & holes in the face of the 2000 foot cliff. I came down upon them from above & one side & they showed little fear of me as I climbed around the rocks & collected specimen after specimen. Out of the hundreds of light birds I saw, there was but one dark bird. They were tough birds to kill, their thick covering of feathers stopping

No text detected

344 Gilmne Pacific (Rodger's) Fulmar @ 1931 The force of the shot with surprising afficacy. Stomach Contents showed a variety of foods. — 4 showed feathers, appar- ently of young birds; 2 showed fish; 1 showed evidence of some kind of grain vegetation, & the rest were empty. Stomachs were long, 4-5". ran from upper left to lower right side of the body. Testicles were attached to a much longer cord than is usual in other birds & consequently "flared" away from the center about 1/4". The tongues were very smooth, and oil glands at the base of the tail very large. There was a decided "fowl" odor about the birds. Sept. 2. Around Pribilof Is. Saw quite a good many flying about generally alone or in pairs. — sometimes with flocks of Sander Billed Shearwaters. All light Colored.

No text detected

345 Galmne Pacific (Rodger's) Fulmar 1931 Oct. 2 English Bay Priest Rock, Unalaska Bay-Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska About 2 dozen (chief dark & half white) were seen today just east of Priest Rock at the S.E. end of the Unalaska Bay. The water was only moderately rough and the scatting birds were evidently feeding. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, E. Aleutian Is. While crossing the rough waters of the strait today I saw about a dozon Fulmars among the moderate (some thousands) flocks of Slender Billed Shearwaters. I only noticed two dark colored birds, tho there might have been more which I could not distinguish from Shearwaters at two distance. Oct. 26 Akutan Pass E. Aleutian Is. I saw about 2 dozen Fulmars today while in the middle of the pass. They seemed to keep well off shore and follow the general N.W. movement of the Scattered shearwaters. About one quarter of the fulmars were.

No text detected

346 Sulman Pacific (RODGERS) FOLMAR (6) 1931 in the dark phase. They were indistinguishable (easily at close range) from the shearwaters by their larger heavier bodies, broader wings, and slower movements. The some were resting on the surface when seen they did not appear to be feeding, and neither did the shearwaters. Oct. 31 - Saw a few scattered light phase birds off in Alutian and Unimak Passes. None of the dark colored tubinaires came close enough to be distinguishable as shearwaters and dark fulmars. All appeared to be the former. Appeared to be just foraging over the ocean. Nov. 1 Sunday. A few lone birds seen off western end of Alaskan Peninsula on south side. Just foraging. Nov. 2 a few seen in Shelikof Straits. about a dozen in all - 1 dark to 4 whites. They were just flying aimlessly about. Nov. 5. Off Cape St. Elias, Gulf of Alaska Today there were many fulmars

No text detected

347 Gilmore Pacific Fulmar ID 1931 Following the boat. They appeared to pick us up off Cape St. Elias and followed the ship all day toward Ocean Cape. Dark birds numbered about 50 and whites about 2-3. Many appeared to be part way between the extremes of color. This not as tame as they the gulls they stayed very close to the ship considering their usual shyness. Not. 10. Between Ocean Cape & Joy Straits. (Cross Sound) Most of the Fulmars dropped away from the Ship but about a half dozen still followed. These Fulmars have obviously adopted the garbage gleaning habit and make a regular thing of following the ships. All the Obsds were dark colored. Nov. 12 From Straits of Juan de Fuca to Mouth of Columbia River. As we cruised southward today thru a heavy sea and about 50 miles off shore we were constantly

No text detected

Gilmore PACIFIC TULMAR © 1931 shadowed by several dozen fulmars about 20 of which were dark. The flock stayed with the boat all day, vying with the gulls as to the final disposition of the ships garbage. Again there seemed to be several individuals that bridged the gap between the extremes of lights & dark color phases. There is no doubt that these fulmars have the habit of following ships at sea for garbage. They generally follow closer to the ship than the albatross and farther away than the gulls. This habit seems to be confined to fulmars south of the Red Aleutian Is. North of the Chain in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean the fulmars either absolutely ignore the presence of the ship or veer away from it. Nov. 15. San Francisco Bay. Since leaving the waters off the Coast of Washington, fulmars have been rather scarce this now and then

No text detected

349 Gilmore PACIFIC FULMAR O 1931 an occasional bird or two will pick up the ship and follow it for some distance. Perhaps a dozen or more have been thus been encountered in the last two days. Last one seen was just off Point Reyes. Invariably the birds are dark plumaged. E.D. Notes from Commander Jones - Captain of the Cutter "Northland". 1. Aug. 9, 1931 - 30 light colored birds were feeding on the carcass of a walrus; 15 miles S. of Wainright. 2. Sept. 11-12, 1931 - between Cape Cheful, Unalaska Is., and St. George Island - Fulmars were always in light-light colored birds. 3. Sept. 16, 1931 - "Fulmars in sight all day - halfway between West Cape (St. Lawrence Is.) and Krembell (St. Lawrence Is.) - light colored the varied somewhat - spot on end of wing - no dark phase Fulmars." "The rookeries between Boxer Bay and West Cape were cormorants and Kittiwakes - according to Geist (

No text detected

350 Gilmore PACIFIC FULMAR (10) 1931 O.W. Sust, of Alaska College & School of Mines) and the natives, there are no Fulmar rookeries on the (St. Lawrence) Island. however there is a big rookery between Cape Chaplin (Indian Fl.) and Providence Bay (both of Siberia just west of St. Lawrence Is.). 5. Oct. 15, 1931 - one seen on water off King Island. (C) Sk (the capt.) has never seen one east of Sledge Island. (presumably he means, in Norton Sound or close & the west coast of Alaska from Sledge Island south to the Alaska Peninsula).

No text detected

351 Gilmore 1931 SOOTY SHEARWATER Puffinus griseus May 2! Marmot Bay - between Kodiak Alagnak Is. 5-9 p.m. Today we came upon these birds for the first time in their huge flocks. One of these great flocks was some 2-3 miles off shore, water very rough, 60 mts per hr. for head gale, and they were assembled in a dense body on the water. Even anon they took flight & flew about in a dark wavy mass for a few seconds until settling on the surface again. A large black fish sprouted several times in the group. Perhaps they were feeding on some surface ovustacean that had also attracted the whale! Seemed to be at least 1000 in the single group. As one turned away & looked to the west toward Kodiak his gaze turn 180° degrees was filled with a mixture of tumbling waves flattened white caps + innumerable scattered Shearwaters skimming over the surface or wheeling & banking some 10 yd above the water. At least 2300 were in the whole bay. Flocks got smaller

No text detected

352 Sooty Shearwater (2) Silence as we approached Whale Passage & Kupreanof Strait. A night came on May 22 Aleutian Strait. Shearwaters began to follow the boat about noon Today by 3:00 they were about 18 flying mostly behind the boat which gales hovered over the windward side. There is a moderate gale blowing full on the starboard beam & these shearwater always face the wind in flying & so have to swoop up & back & to the left To catch up with the boat when they fall behind. boat wind --path of shear water following ship in a heavy wind full on starboard beam. Numbered figures are positions of pausing. Still following at 8:30 P.M. Nov. 1. Off south end of Alaska Peninsula. About 100 birds seen all day. They were scattered in distribution and were flying at random over the

No text detected

353 Gilmore SOOTY SHEARWATER (3) 1931 moderately rough water. They are indistinguishable from the Slender Billed Shearwater in flight. Have arbitrarily designated the Shearwaters north of the Aleutian Islands as Slender Billed and those south, as Sooty. This was done merely because I happened to start that way. Nov. 5 Off Cape St. Elias, Gulf of Alaska. About a half dozen of these birds were seen at various times today as they flew in the vicinity of the ship. Whether they were following in our wake or not for refuse, or not, was not easily ascertained for the birds were well scattered and one could not tell whether the closest were the same or different birds, as they flew back and forth over the rough waters. Nov. 15. San Francisco Bay. Perhaps a half dozen birds all told, have been seen since leaving Seattle. They were very shy.

No text detected

354 Gilmore 1931 SLENDER BILLED SHEARWATER Aug 31 Off N.E. Cape, St Lawrence Is. Saw a few scattered birds this evening - sea rough. Birds were flying low over the water and none seemed to be sitting on the surface. Sept. Off east side of St. Pauls Is, (59°17'N-16 9°53'W and 57°04'30"-169°43') About noon today we ran into large numbers of these birds. Many thousands were flying and many equal number were resting on the surface in large "rafts" of 100-500 individuals. Saw one small bunch of whales playing around. There were about 5- 6 in the group but it seemed a small accident number to afford an attraction to these "whale birds" which are supposed to feed on the whale excrement. However, I don't think they do, but rather are found where the whales are due to a fondness for the small Small fish & shrimps, upon school of which the whales feed. The Stomachs of the 15 birds obtained

No text detected

355 Gilmot SLENDER BILLED SHEARWATER (2) 1931 were generally very empty and those that had found anything to feed on, seem to have caught small fish or shrimp, but the remains were so well altered by gastric juices that identification was mere guess work at best. Generally the flocks on the surface took wing several hundred yards ahead of the boat but some were almost run down. Out of one of these flocks 13 specimens were obtained and the boat was right in the binch before they practically tried to escape. The noise from paddling feet and beating wings made a low roaring noise and officers on the ship state that large flocks of a thousand or so birds when they run down in a similar manner make a noise like the roaring of the surf. One such story states that the captain of a cutter, running upon such a flock in a dense fog rang "full speed astern" to the engine room, thinking he was on the surf.

No text detected

356 Gilmore SLIMDER BILLED SHEARWATER (3) 1931 All of the specimens Nos. 2058-71 were very fat, the adipose tissues lying in heavy layers over the body and blanketing some of the internal organs. None vomited when picked up alive; evidently they had nothing in their stomachs to regurgitate. The tongue and roof palate were covered with sharp projections pointing toward the throat, perhaps an adaptation to grasp wriggling living prey, quite a contrast to the smooth tongued and palated Fulmars. However, like the Fulmar, the testes of the Shear waters were attached quite laterally, a quarter to 3/8 inch from the median line. The flesh has a dark rich color and an odor much like mutton & Eders - heavy & pungent but not fishy. Sept. 3 From Unalaska Bay, 40-50 miles N.E. For the fours hours before reaching Unalaska we passed through countless thousands (millions?) of these birds, all on the wing and flying in a general Eastward direction. Looking through powerful glasses in

No text detected

357 Gilmore SKENDER BILLED SHEARWATERS (14) 1931 all directions, one could see no mud To the flying mass of birds. It was simply incredible; the numbers of birds must have been enormous for there was one every 50-700 ft. Given 1 bird for every area 50'x50' and the total estimated area of flight as 40 miles x 40 miles (purely a speculation as to how far they extended on each side), and applying a little mathematics one gets some- thng like this: 1 bird every 2500 sq.ft. in an area of 1600 sq. miles (or 4,605,470,000 sq. ft.) or a total of 17,842,176 birds. That's low! - looked to me as if there was were empty-mup million more. Not being an astronomer, I doubt if Dean figure any higher, anyhow. Adam anyhow, the birds were found in the very mouth of the bay but undoubtedly kept well off shore. Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians. Here is a peculiar phenomena related by Henry Swanson, capt. of the "Kinaga Native." He states that every time he

No text detected

358 Gilmae SKENoER BILLED SHEARWATER 1931 has cruised in from the west in a heavy fog, and along the north side of this island but out of sight of land, and has suddenly encountered the dense flocks of "Whale Birds" on the water. He has swung south and invariably can right up to Cape Makushin. On the first and second times, he thought it was a peculiar coincidence but after the regularity of its absolute occurrence was proved, he accepts it as a help to his navigation. He has guided his ship infallibly by the birds for about two dozen times so far. Sept 22 Unalaska . Spec. no. 2185 was picked up on the sandy beach at the west end of Summer's Bay. It was quite emaciated and undoubtedly was carried in on the recent storm. Oct. 2 Unalaska. As the Nanaga Nature took me to England Bay today we saw there a moderately large (few thousand) flock of Whale Birds. They were either flying or resting on the surface, and seemed to be confined to the seaward

No text detected

359 Gilmore SLIMNER SLIMNER BILLED SHEARWATERS TO 1931 areas off Priest's Rock & adjacent jutting headlands. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, W. Aleutian Is. While crossing the rough waters of the east side of the pass we ran through several thousand of these birds. The flock extended in a long line of a general north and south direction and just the north on the horizon we could see myriads of these swift flyers, seeming like notes in a sunbeam. The water was rough from rip tide and N.W. wind and none of the birds were resting on the surface but were steadily skimming the surface of the water whether in deep trough or on wave crest. One can watch these birds, for each individual acts by himself and affect is a mass of wheeling, darting, gliding birds. Their actions are cyclic: they fly on rapid pirouettes to a height of about 20 ft & then glide swiftly down over the waves, following each trough & crest with amazing precision.

No text detected

360 Gilmore 1931 SLENDER BILLED SHEARWATER. (D) Often they fly do not rise above the surface to gain momentum for their glide, but flap fly swiftly along on their original course over the waves. Sometimes certain sections of the flock seem to be moving in the same direction, never are all the birds in moving in unison. The effect of such disconcerted, un- cooperative action among thousands of birds, as a hodgepodge of darting twisting black forms mixing together without rhyme or reason and the whole macabrely famed by any sound. Paul Torgramson of Unalaska, states that on December day several years back at Pavlo Bay on the south side of the Alaska Peninsula, he counted 250 dead "Whale birds" on the beach in a 2 hour walk. A S.W. gale had evidently occurred a few days before and had evidently killed them. Oct. 25 Akutan Bay, Akutan, Is. E. Alutuim Is. Capt. Fred Pederson, Hunt at the Pac.

No text detected

361 Gimme SLUNDER BILLED SHEARWATER (8) 1931 American Whaling Station states that in the summer of 1919, Akutan Bay was filled with whale food (shrimp) for about 18 days, and as a consequence many whales and thousands of shear- waters were present all over the bay. an indubitable fact. It seems unquestionable that the shearwaters fed on the shrimp, as did the whales, and the belief that whale sperm forms a main part of their diet is purely a myth. This case also shows that the birds will enter the land locked Bays if necessary for food. Pederson is a fairly reliable informant, and as there is nothing "foul" about this story, there seems no reason to discredit it. Oct. 16. Akutan Pass, E. Aleutian Is. The shearwaters in the pass today were not numerous - 500-700 in all being seen. These birds were scattered out over many miles and were, in general, flying in a N.W. direction. Very few were resting on the surface of the water and there were evidently not feeding. Jo had food been

No text detected

362 Gilmore SLIMDER BILLED SHEARWATER (9) 1931 present there would have been flocks on the surface diving + poking about In the grey morsels. The trend of the whole group of birds was in a N.W. direction and the wind was a mild "Sou'wester". Considered in the light of Migrational possibilities, can it be that many of the birds swing across the big Bend in the Aleutian Chain to The Asiatic shore and hence south to the breeding grounds in New Zealand waters? Certainly the quantity of individuals is much less than 6 weeks ago, many having undoubtedly "moved out". Oct. 31. Akutan and Unimak Passes. Several hundred scattered birds seen in the passes as well as in between the north end of Akutan Straits. There was no directional trend to their flight. From the notes of Commander E.S. Jones, captain of the Cutter "Northland". (1) Nov. 7, 1930 - large flock seen off Dolgai Is. (2) Aug 7 or 8, 1931 - one sat on water near

No text detected

363 Gibnne SLENDER BILLO SHEARWATER (10) 1931 ship - between Lutrine & Joy Cape. (3) Aug. 1931 - young one seen (ascending to C.S.S. Brower of Pt. Barrow) - Joy Cape (4) A man who had lived for 12 years on St. George Island had never remembered seeing me - however one flew into the Chartroom of the ship one night while near the island in 1930 - Latitude 57°. 5. Sept.16, 1931 - 100 seen off West Cape St. Lawrence Is. 6. Sept.17, 1931 - 1000 seen off Boxer Bay, St. Lawrence Is. 7. Sept.22, 1931 - few seen 29 miles S.E. of Nome. 8. Sept.29, 1931 - few seen 12 miles S.W. of Slidge Island. 9. Oct.15, 1931 - 30 in sight at Cape York & birds continued to be present until the boat reached Cape Prince of Wales.

No text detected

364 Silmoe FORK TAILED PETREL Oceanodroma furcata 1931. May 20 off S. St. Elias & Westwand. Saw a pair of these birds today - was on water & flew as we approached at about 50 yds. Sept. 25 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is. Today I saw but one of these birds and secured it. It was resting on the water in the bay between Hog Island & Natitkini Bay and allowed us to approach it closely in the power boat. Locals report them scarce. Sept. 28 I saw two this morning off the south end of Amaknak Is.; in the minor harbor, and secured both. They were not together and seemed to be feeding. No. 2208 had evidently eaten a quantity of oil, for the stomach was full of an evil smelling oily mess. None of the three taken so far, have been fat. Oct. 2 Off just off Prust Rock in the S.E. end of Unalaska Bay I saw about a half dozen of these birds Their actions are quicker than their larger cousins, but the "whale birds"

No text detected

365. Gilmore FORK TAILED PETREL (2) 1931 Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, W. Aleutian Is. While crossing the rough waters of the three pass I saw about a half dozen flocks of from 2-10 birds. Some were resting on the surface and others were flying close to the surface of the water with rapid wing beats. They lack the glide of the whale birds. No one takes much notice of these birds here. Nov. 2. Shilikof Straits, Gulf of Alaska. About a dozen birds were seen today while cruising up the south west end of the straits. They were generally alone and flying rapidly close over the surface of the moderately rough waters.

No text detected

366 Gilmore WHITE CRESTED CORMORANT 1931 Phalacrocorax auritus cucinietus May 15, Seymour Narrows - A dozen or so of these birds were seen today wither alone or in pairs. Probably many have been seen in the past days. Perhaps these "shags" were Brandt Cormorant. May 16 Queen Charlotte St.- Fulyayson Channel. Few seen today.

No text detected

Gilmore Pelagic Cormorant ⊙ Phalacrocorax pelagicus pelagicus May 15; Seymour Narrows Several of these birds were seen today their white flank patches were very obvious. Several minatures noted with one adult. May 19 - Northern part of Baland Passage. Seen all along route - most numerous in Ice Strait. White flank patches conspicuous. May 31 Dutch Harbor Amaknak Is. Unalaska Bay, Unalaska Is., Alaska. Quite common around the low rocks at the edge of Shore. More without the white flabuk patch than with. Saw a pair on Summer's Lake, which is partially fresh. July Sevoonga, St. Laurence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Quite Common here - generally seen flying a couple of hundred yards off shore or near their nests in the sea cliffs. on along these sea cliffs a dozen

No text detected

Gulmore Pelagic Cormorant (2) 1931 or so may be seen sitting out on a rock at the edges or perched here and there along the cliffs. They are quite wary & fly well before one gets within range & sweep over head. During the month of August the natives hunt the fledglings just before they are able to fly and shoot great numbers. They often climb the face of the cliff to dislodge them - a very dangerous pastime as most of the cliffs are formed from crumblly rocks. They are cooked whole (viscera removed) with only the larger feathers removed & devooured with head feet, & natal down included. They are generally hung outside for some length of time until they are good & ripe. The heavy layers of fat make them quite a delicacy (Preceding gastro- Gromic discussion taken from O.W. Geist.) also the following hunting notes) The natives do not kill the adults until they have taken toll of the fledglings. Then they shoot an

No text detected

369 Gilmore 1931 Pelagic Cormorant (3) with aid of mud + sticks aduct + prop it up on a rock near the water to serve as a decoy. Every one shot there after is like wise set up as a decoy. The natives shoot from blinds set back from the waters edge on some low promontory. There are dozens along the Shore for a mile or so each way. These blinds belong to a family & the occupants take their turns shooting, one shot apiece in sequence, hit or miss. The Blinds are made of logs + rocks, are about 3' high + shaped like the three sides of a box, each side 6-8' long, + end 4-5' long. Igara, Pt. Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug 9. Doubtful sight record - a single bird flying 60-75 yds high over the land spit about 2 miles from the point. Saw no Cormorants in the way south from Kotzebue Sound etc. Sept. 1. St. MATTHEW IS Saw Several "white flanked" Cormorants flying offshore.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 PELAGIC CORMORANT (4) Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians. Sept. 18 Today I saw several cormorants in the Bay just across from Dutch Harbor. They all (40'S) appeared to be immatures and are the first I have seen since coming here on the 3rd. Sept. 22 Unalaska - seems to be getting more common - at least I am noticing more. Sept. 25 - Unalaska I saw a dozen or so of these birds while cruising around in the N.W. part of the bay in Olson's 24' fishing boat. There seemed to be two kinds when I had them in the hand, but could not separate them in life. They are curious birds, often flying about over the boat in broad circles to investigate the intrusion. Oct. 1, Unalaska I saw a half dozen or so sitting on the rocks in the ruts between here & Summer's Bay. They are very wary and do not generally look twice before flapping away. Oct. 2. Between Unalaska & English Bay - all dozen or so were seen on the trip.

No text detected

Gilmore PELAGIC CORMORANT (5) 1931 From Unalaska to English Bay. Shags enough. I have not seen any birds here this fall with the characteristic white flanks. Oct. 3. English Bay, W. Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is. About 20-30 of these birds (Spec. No. 2217 is one) on some low rocks about 50 yds from shore on the middle north shore of the bay. They were quite wary and flopped heavily off the rocks when I was several hundred yards off, but with their usual curiosity they circled about for quite a while. Oct. 7. Akutan Pass, W. Aleutian Is. A few were in evidence in the pass along in Unalaska Bay. Lone birds and pairs may be encountered for almost anywhere in these waters and I noted them occasionally where- ever I have been: English Bay, Urelga Pass, Beaver Inlet, etc. Oct. 25. Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Aleutian Is. Common in the outer part of the bay and around the rocky Akun

No text detected

372 Gilmore PELAGIC CORMORANT © 1931 Straits where they feed extensively close To the rugged beaches and probably find "pilot fish" a large part of their diet. When flushed from their roosts on rocks or cliffs, or from their fledging, they seem greatly perturbed and fly aimlessly about in large circles, passing close to the boat at regular intervals. They seem loathe to leave "their" area. One specimen was easily decoyed back within range by the frantic waving of a cloth cap. I have never heard them utter a sound. None of the birds show any white patches on the flanks. When feeding together they go about their business with perfect amity and accord. They do not seem to quarrel, at least at this time of the year. They do not, as a general rule, seem to be very gregarious and though they do gather in numbers from 10-25 around their favorite roosting there appears to be no herd instinct or psychology to speak of. Such a flock may hang together in an awkward

No text detected

373 Glaucous Pelagic Cormorant (?) 1931 slow lumbering sort of fashion but more often they scuttle out and away like so many independent individual minds. Oct. 26. N. Akutan I., E. Alutuins. While crossing the rough lumpy stretch of water between North Head and Java Point on Akutan I., as I was enroute to Unalaska on the "Picaroon," I noted hundreds of Cormorants along the rocky rugged shore. Such numbers were not present when I came east on Oct. 7, and Hall mentioned that he did not notice them on the 15th. Thus it seems likely that they have recently gathered for some migrational purpose or perhaps by coincidence. Literally there were hundreds! They wheeled about in flight in a haphazard disconcerting fashion. They appeared to be in pursuit of such bewildering antics as perhaps the sudden presence of the boat was responsible for the aimless circular flying, many of them taking wing in

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 PELAGIC CORMORANT. (8) their aimless circular course. Neither did it seem to be food that caused the "chantagua". Such a concentration of food would invariably mean shrimps, and that "whales" and "Phocanrates" would be present, and they were not present. The cormorants seemed to stay in the general locality after we had passed.

No text detected

Gilmore BLACK BRANT O 1931 Angara, Pt. Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug 22: Walked down to Jabber- Town + along the lagoons towards the Maryatt Inlet today + for the first time saw lots of Brant. The Natives said the main flight was from 6-8 in the morning. They flew about the lagoons and over the sand spit at this point. Have not seen any out about the village. When turning away from danger, they utter a coarse nasal note. Oct.28 In a recent letter from D.W. Liest, he reports their presence on St. Lawrence Is in Aug. + early Sept.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 CACKLING GOOSE (D) Oct. 3 W. Aleutian Is. According to Capt. Henry Swanson, these geese were once much more common than they are now, but their numbers have been much depleted by the foxes planted on the islands. Now the Cackling Goose is quite rare - seen only occasionally - and I have not seen any to date. He states that they are quite evenly distributed throughout the islands tho out west (Atka, etc.) he has seen larger flocks. Oct. 29 Lieut. Commander H. Bradbury of the "Northland" reports having visited Baldin Is. in the W. Aleutians in some of his former cruises, and there the Cackling Goose nested by the thousands. The nests were located on the grassy ground on top of the island.

No text detected

377 Gimrose Snow Goose 1931 June 15, Nome, Alaska Flock of 7 seen flying 200 yds over town - black wingtips conspicuous. Sept. 1 St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. - Picked up a wing on the south slope of Cape Glory of Russia. It appeared to be the remnants of a foxes meal. Perhaps it is the wing of a Pacific Eider. Oct. 28 D.W. Grist, in a recent letter from Severnaya St. Lawrence Is., reports that Snow Geese are just beginning to arrive. (That was in early Sept.)

No text detected

Gilmae 1931 EMPEROR GOOSE D July 3, Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska So far a half dozen flocks have been seen along the shore between here and Gambell and invariably they were flying westward. Flocks numbered 6-40+. They are said to nest in great abundance around the Lake & salt lagoon at the narrow- 'est part of the island west & south of here. Saw a good many on trip to Dviktok back. Most (100 or 20) seen at Dviktok lagoon & inland. Nests were found on a low sandy island in the lagoon. They were set in a depression in the sandy soil & contained 5-6 white eggs suspect, lively. The clutch with 6 was ready to hatch, one being opened & the occupant already peeping. 16 hours later three were broken & the chicks out. The other nest had once been an Eider's (Pacific) for Two eider eggs (dark) were lying beside the 5 goose eggs. Such Nests are evidently appropriated

No text detected

February 1931 EMPEROR GOOSE (2) at will. The F took flight at about 30 yds. Flocks inhabited the banks of the river up which we traveled. Evidently they roost there for large quantities of dung were in evidence. They certainly feed on the grass along the banks. For the crops of the geese killed were filled with fresh green blades. The glass is clipped close to the ground for several yards back from the water. They are quite wary, being quite hard to stalk. (Of course they fed at vantage points where they Can easily see for long distances) and usually swerve away in their flight when they see anything suspicious.) The F no. 1742 skeleton had plucked much of the down from her belly, presumably to line her next depression. Their note is the usual short nasal cry, which they utter in flight or upon being flushed. According to Geist the island center of abundance is the big East Lagoon on the south side of the island. Hers on a quarter mile

No text detected

380 Gilmore 1931 EMPEROR GOOSE (3) nick of land separating the main body of the lagoon from the ocean thousands of these geese may be seen circling about or feeding on the succulent grass. Sept. 19. Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Aleutians A flock of 12 Emperor, "Beach" Geese were reported today over by Captain's Harbor. These birds winter in these islands about here in great numbers, and this seems to be the first word this Fall of them. Oct. 2. English Bay, E. Unalaska Is. I saw two flocks of about a dozen each here today. One flock was sitting on the rocks of the south side of the mouth of the bay and the other flock flew overhead toward the marshes at the head of the bay. My Aleut Companion remarked that they were searching for fresh water. In flight they seem to have two notes. One is a low short nasal grunt, evidently just a sociable chatter, and the other is a high falsetto note sung uttered in a striking monotone.

No text detected

Gilmae EMPEROR GOOSE (4) 1931 Oct. 15 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is. E. Aleutian As I came down off the ridge today in a heavy S. E. rain storm I saw about a dozen geese fly up the bay & the head. Their flight down wind was veering and wavering. There was no mistaking the identity of the light gray bodies. The next morning, I went down to the ponds and creeks where I supposed I might find them, but they were not there. Evidently they had stopped only long enough to get enough fresh water and then went out again. Oct. 24 Akun Straits, E. Aleutian Is. While hunting in the rocky, reef lined narrow strait today we saw two flocks of Emperor Geese, one of five and the other of three indiv. dividuals. Both flocks were sitting on the wet rocks adjacent to the water and as the flock of five took wing upon our approach, we successfully crowed up to the flock of three and secured all. Hugh and Paul Mac- Luskan were my companions in the

No text detected

Sibnne EMPEROR GEESE 1931 boat and are reliable informants, having resided at Akutan for many years. They stated that, this it was well high impossible to effect a successful stalk on roosting birds either by foot or in a small boat smaller engine power, they were quite easily approached in Pblin sight by a row boat, or any small boat powered by oars. Evidently the geese are quick to catch the slightest movement, odor or noise from the land, and are frightened by the sound of a motor but they will look upon a boat being rowed quietly and easily strictly up to them with a sort of stupid curiosity. Certainly, we had no difficulty in rowing up to the flock of three and getting to within 25 yds before Spring. Even our strenuous and recess- Dary efforts to keep the boat from hanging on the two adjacent rocks from the face of the waves did not disturb them. On the wet rocks and boulders of some promontory, the birds seem

No text detected

383 Gilmore EMPEROR GOOSE (C) 1931 to eat and sleep and loaf to their hearts' content. At times they wind their way to fresh water to drink. Their food consists of the mussels which are found clinging to the rocks in great numbers. Whether they eat the mussels whole, or somehow manage to break them open, is a mystery to me, but the stomach, gizzard and large intestines contain the tiny fragments of their shells and the meat has that strong rank odor so characteristic of sea Anatidae. The bluish gray mottling of the body with the white head and neck combine to make the bird singularly conspicuous and beautiful in flight or at rest. Their call is a short cry - very goose-like in sound. Oct. 24. Akutan Is. E. Aleutian Is. While cruising along the N.E. & N. Shores of the island on our way to Aleutiska we saw three or four flocks of geese. One pair found the boat directly in their line of flight and showing no fear, kept right

No text detected

Gilmne EMPEROR GOOSE (?) 1931 on their course, passing within 20 yds in apparently magitated manner. Evidently the Aleutians are the great wintering headquarters for this beautiful goose. Flight is steady, rather rapid for a goose, and direct. They hang well Together in a long line, a staggered V or swarm if the wind is very strong. They contribute an average, tho highly desired part of the winter's Food Supply for the natives and other Semandant residents. In lieu of their Rank odor & taste from a mussel diet I can hardly appreciate the desire to have them on the table, unless the psychology built around The sound of the word "Goose" is sufficient to overcome such epicurean, difficulties and stimulate a flow of the gastric juices.

No text detected

Gilmore MALLARD 10 1931 Sept.8. Uralaska, Uralaska Is., Aleutian Is. Osawa & ad. hanging near the gallery of the "northland" Today. A pair killed it somewhere up by Captain's Harbor. Sept. 19. Sawa flock of 10-12 in Sack Lagoon back of Captain's Harbor. Quite wary. Oct. 2-3 English Bay, W. Uralaska Is. I noted about a dozen of these birds at the mouth of the creek flowing into the head of the bay. They were quite wary and hung together in a single flock. Oct. 4 Agamgik Bay, W. Uralaska Is. There were several dozen birds along the creek mouths of the bay, and four were obtained for the table. They were surprised in a small cove, and killed as they took wing in succession several seconds apart. The Mallards fly high, 100-300-yds., and swing around in large circles over the bay, but they never alight for from fresh water. Their roosting grounds along the banks are often

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 MALLARD (2) of the small streams are often noticeable by the piles of droppings, much like those of chickens. Oct. 25. Akutan, Akutun Is., E. Aleutians. Scarce in the marshes at the head of the bay tho probably the whaling station nearby has much to do with it. Probably more common (at least so reported) at Hot Springs Bay.

No text detected

387 Silmors Pintail Suck D 1931 James & St. Michael, Alaska Quite common - pairs to 10 or 12 in flock. The flocks resided in a bunch of sloughs + lagoons that bordered the river + when flushed they wheeled overhead + settled down nearby. Point Hope (Igara), Alaska, Arctic Ocean. Angle. Four birds lit in a narrow shallow slough 1/2 mile N.E. of village. I startled them + from all appearances they seemed to be merely resting, then the bodies were of two were low in the grass + water. The other two were apparently on guard. (Specimens 1834-35) Aug. 9 These birds seem to hang out in some very shallow ponds a couple of miles N.W. Here in the grass and water they rest + feed. Quite a good proportion of young in the flocks. They are quite wary + generally the watchful guard leaps into the air + takes off while danger is still Several hundred yards away. Aug 23 Pintails have become more numerous during the last week and the flocks of 3-10 may seem

No text detected

Gilmore PINTAIL DUCK (2) 1931 even be found in the slough that passes directly thru the center of the village. I saw one bird killed out of a flock of three that lit not more than 50 yds from the bridge. When the birds are on the sloughs ponds they are very easy to stalk from the shelter of nearby hammocks of low setg rolling elevation, and the natives get quite a few with thin black powder shells. Several times have seen flocks head directly out to sea toward the Siberian coast. Oct. 31. Saw no Pintail Ducks nor around the Aleutians, nor heard of their ever being here.

No text detected

389 Gilmore Green Winged Teal D 1931 May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska One taken - they are reputed to be numerous at the heads of marshes among alders & willows that fringe the creeks & ponds. Sept. 8 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians. A Sailor on board killed a 7 yesterday probably up towards Captain's Harbor. Sept. 19 - There were upwards of 50 of these little ducks on Duck Lagoon back of Captain's Harbor. Most of them were close to shore but I found one about a mile back from the lagoon on a tiny pond just & the creek. They were shy and nervous - flapping wing at the slightest provocation. Oct. 3 English Bay W. Unalaska Is. Several dozen of these birds haunt of the stream at the head of the bay & were easily stacked. There appears to be many more & plumed birds here tho the ones I shot were 5's plumaged like 7's. Swanson states that out west he notices many more 3 plumaged birds than these 7's.

No text detected

390 Gilmore GREEN WINGED TEAL (2) 1931 Oct. 4. Ayanigide Bay, N. Unalaska Is. There were 50-75 teal along the creeks of this bay as we hunted their lengths. They were quite wary and hung together in bunches but were easily stalked killed because one generally flushed them at close range. When wounded they swim under water in the creeks with power- full wing strokes & are adept at sliding under the stream banks. Often they remain motionless when in full view of the hunter, attempting to escape notice thereby. Oct. 23 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Allutions Today I found ducks inhabiting the hot spring of Hot Spring Valley, evidently preferring the warmth of the volcanic waters & the cold stream & supage lakes. A pair were surprised at the edge of a hot spring. For the space of 4-5 seconds before they becoming aware of my presence, they sat contentedly preening themselves. They take to the heavy grass at the stream banks when flushed from

No text detected

391 Salmon GREEN WINGED TEAL (3) 1931 thin roosting or resting places on bits of sand and gravel at the edge of the water. They easily stacked around the bends in the stream. They later become very wary and their sense of hearing becomes highly attuned to any unusual sound for they rise in quick rapid flight at the sound of an incautious footstep when one is still out of sight.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 EUROPEAN TEAL Oct. 3. Capt. Henry Swanson states that there is a teal out west (Atka Is., etc.) that is locally known as "China Teal." Perhaps this is the European Teal. He says that they are not common but regularly a few are killed regularly a few are killed each year. They are rarely taken as far east as Unalaska Is.

No text detected

Gilmore CANVASBACK 1931 Oct. 3 Unalaska. Canvasbacks are reported as source in winter. Bill Shaish [illegible] states that he has killed them in Captain's Bay and Capt. Henry Swanson has killed them as far west as Atka.

No text detected

394 Gilmore HARLEQUIN DUCK Histrionicus h. pacificus 1931 May 31. Unalaska Bay - Unalaska Is., Alaska Called "Rock Duck" - commonest duck - generally in flocks of 6-20 along the rocky shore. Saw one flock of 100+ in main entrance off Simmons's Bay. Most often seen very close to rocky shore; feeds in several inches & several feet of water on shrimp, crustaceans etc. Often feeds sit on the rocks. White around base of bill in 3 is distinctive feature of color. June 20, 1931 Campbell, St. Lawrence Is., Alaska. One aa. 5 skin seen in Paul's house. June 28 Camp Collier St. Lawrence Is., Alaska One doubtful sight record, noted only because bird seemed to have the white patches on the head. July 5-7 Dirktook Bay (Hood west end), St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska - About 5 or 6 seen near rocky head lands at west end of bay - seen to be quite scarce - found right along rocky shore - white marking conspicuous. Sept. 19 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians, Alaska. Today I saw about a half a dozen "Rock Ducks" along the rocky

No text detected

395. Gilmae HARLEQUIN DUCK (2) 1931 beach between town & Summer's Bay. They hang out in sheltered places among large surf beaten boulders. Their first inclination, when bent on wedge, seems to be diving. Shot two but an outgoing tide carried them offshore. Sept. 22 Unalaska. I saw several dozen of these birds today during my walk to camp from Summer's Bay. However, they kept off shore because the surf was quite rough & there was no shelter in among the rocks. Sept. 15 Unalaska. I saw several dozens of these ducks in small flocks while cruising about the N.W. part of the bay. The great majority seemed to be immatures. Noticed only 3 adult birds & and they huddled Together. They were invariably found Close to Shore, the rocky shore. Sept. 30 Unalaska. This late afternoon I surprised a flock of 15 or so on the rocks of the South & killed three. The Only obtained me for two drifted out. I just noticed three sitting on a rock at the edge of

No text detected

396 Gilmore MARLE QUIN DUCK (3) 1931 the beach water and when I fired the rest took wing from behind the rock. This is the first time I have seen these birds sitting on the rocks, out of the water. Oct. 7 English Bay, N. Unalaska Is. Harlequin Ducks are [illegible] numerous here and hard to approach. I noted about 200 in all and the majority were in flocks of from 15-30 and frequented the smooth water next to the rocky beach. Capt. Henry Swanson states that he believes these birds nest in sea caves attainable accessible only by diving under the surface. He has seen birds dive in front of a rocky cliff and never come up. Off the rock cliff of Cape Makushin he watched this phenomena happen to a flock of a dozen or so birds. In all his hunting around the Aleutian Is. he has never seen a nest, but he has seen downy young with the mother, in the water off the rocky beaches.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 HARLEQUIN DUCK (4) Oct. 3 (cont.) Paul Ingramson, boat man on the "Kanaga Native" states that he has seen "Rock Ducks" up in the hills along streams and believes that they nest along the head waters of the creeks & streams. He seems to be quite reliable but I have my doubts about the rock duck story. Oct. 4 Agamugik Bay, W. Unalaska Bay Common here - there seem to be more adult T's than around Unalaska. I watched a wounded one swimming underwater in about a fathom of water. It swam smoothly & power- fully, using short choppy wing strokes. The first time it dove it stayed under about a minute & a half. The next time about a minute & the next time about 10 seconds. Soon it was so exhausted that we picked it up from the surface with ease. When we lost sight of it down in the water, we could follow its course by a path of bubbles.

No text detected

398 Gilmore HARLEQUIN DUCK D 1931 The flocks fly in compact bunches and hang low over the water. Oct. 13 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., W. Aleutians. Fairly common here—Have seen several flocks of a dozen or so in each, swimming several hours of strolling along the rocky beaches. Today when I rowed down the bay in a skiff I believe I saw a Rock Duck disappear under a rock cliff much as Swanson had reported. The single bird was in the water close to a small rocky cliff and dove. I never saw it come up so presume that it disappeared into some cave or recess under the cliff. In the small rocky outcrop on the beach 100 yds N.E. of the whaling station, Mr. Rungler says that four years ago a Rock Duck raised a litter of young successfully. Oct. 24 Akun Straits, E. Aleutians. During the 5-6 hour hunt around the rocky reefs of the narrow

No text detected

399 Harlequin Duck (6) 1931 Pass today - Harlequin Ducks were by far the most numerous, and consequently more seen before the quids, destined for the pot. The total number I saw must have been somewhere around 500. Their preferred haunts were the wave washed and current swirled rocks and reefs in and on the borders of the straits. Flocks of 25-75 individuals would be found on the surface diving or swimming among the strong tidal swirls and washes. Generally they could be easily approached if one "handed" them slightly with the boat. The large flocks were invariably made up of females and immatures. I doubt if I saw more than 25 adult males all diving the haunt, and then they were alone in a bunches of from 4-8 or flying with a female mate in a flock not exceeding ten in number, but were male. Thus they had to splatter with their hind feet on the surface as they rose to take wing when flight was

No text detected

Gilmore HARLEQUIN DUCK @ 1931 rapid and sure. Their line of flight was invariably low over the water. — A very gregarious duck! —

No text detected

401 Silvous Old SQUAW D. Clangula hyemalis 1931 May 18 - Clarence Strait. - First positively identified today - several pairs - Black & White coloration with long tail in 5" was distinguishable. June 3 - Cape Etolin, Nunwak Is., Alaska Many of these birds around the shallow bay & on fresh water lakes. They have paired up, tho there are occasional lone males that try to break up the harmony of another pair & are promptly driven off with much squawking & fluttering. They have a peculiar love note with 3 three calls, higher inflection on the last. Show relatively little fear when on the fresh water ponds & allow a very close approach. June 8, St. Michael, Alaska Very common in the marshes. pairs commence- the breeding note of 3 notes with rising nasal inflection on last can often be heard. June 21-July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea Alaska. By far the commonest water fowl - may be

No text detected

402 Gilmore OLD SQUAW DUCK ② 1931 Found in numbers all along the coast & back on all the lakes & ponds. Groups vary from singles & flocks of 20-75—the pairs are commonest. Curt Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 6 Saw great numbers in the many miles of lagoons between here and Cape Thompson. They are congregating in flocks now & resting seems to be about over tho I saw no fledglings. It's seem to be in the flocks. Aug 6. Found a dead bird on Small Lagoon 1/2 mile N.E. Wing feathers gone after moult & body was in emaciated condition (Specimen 836) and the kidneys greatly enlarged & pale in color. Aug 7 — found another dead bird with wing flight feathers gone from moult. Saw a live one with flight feathers gone — it escaped from the johns & the water when it dove swam away, attempting to dive in the shallow water.

No text detected

403 Gilmore Old Squaw (3) 1931 Aug 23. These birds were not common along the sea shore but seemed to prefer the lagoons inland. Sept. 25 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians A. Olsen informs me that these ducks are found in appreciable numbers on the south side of the island in winter. He imitated their peculiar call note which was unmistakably that of an Old Squaw. Oct. 3 English Bay, N. Unalaska Is., W. Aleutian Is.. According to the nature with whom I am staying, and Capt. A. Swanson, these ducks are very much more common in the winter than at other seasons. Oct. 24, Norton Sound Straits, E. Aleutians Today in a bay on the Akim Is. side I saw several flocks of male birds. Each flock had about a dozen to fifteen. The flocks were very wary, quick to rise at a good distance and quick rapid in flight. The brilliant black and white plumage

No text detected

Gilmore OLD SQUAW @ 1931 scintillated in the sun's reflection and the long fusiform bodies, accented in length and taper by the long tail feathers, appeared as so many torpedoes whistling thru the air. If females were present that had separated from the males and were likely confused with Harlequin or Steller Eider Ducks. Young and immatures if also present, were in all probability remaining flocking with the females.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 WHITE WINGED SCOTAR O Melanitta deglandi Carter May 16 - Carter Bay, Fm layon Channel. B.C. Several flocks of 8-12 in number took flying as we anchored in drizzle of rain. Oct. 3 English Bay, E. Alaska Is., E. Aleutians. There were 25-50 of these coots in the bay that they were quite wary. Conspicuous due to the large size, black body & white wing patch on the secondaries. Oct. 8 Akutan Bay, Akutans Is., E. Aleutians Several flocks of a dozen or so were seen in the bay today. Quite wary. Oct. 21 Akutan Bay. Spec. 2291-92 were donated by a native who killed them from a cloy powered by an outboard motor. He says they are fine eating & hard to kill. He refused $50 for the pair in the flesh but gave the skins gratis for the same price. Oct. 24 Akin Straits, E. Aleutian Is. While hunting in the straits today

No text detected

406 Gilmore WHITE WINGED SCOTAR @ 1931 I noticed perhaps a hundred of these. large black "Coots." In open water they congregated in flocks of from 10-25 and were very wary. Along the rocky beach line with its bays and bights they split up into smaller groups and were more easily approached. Males and females are mixed indiscriminately in the groups, so at times one may see a small group of either sex. Black bodies of large size with white patch on the secondaries are the distinguishing color marks. The flight is heavy and labored to start with, the feet assisting in the takeoff for several yards, but once under way they fly rather swiftly approx. 35 m.p.h.

No text detected

407 Bulmer 1931 SURF SCOTER Melanitta perspicillata May 16 Carter Bay - Finlayson Channel. B.C. One flock took wing as we anchored- showed no white wing patches, like M. deglandi, as they flew. May 18- Clarence Strait. Saw one flock of 8-9 birds. Oct. 3 English Bay, N. Unalaska Is., N. Aleutian Is. I saw a pair of these birds today in the middle of the bay. The white patch on the crown of the S was clearly visible. Oct. 25. Akutan Is., E. Aleutian Aleutian Is. None seen here - evidently these birds are rather scarce.

No text detected

408 Gilmore AMERICAN SCOTAR 1931 Oct. 2. ENGLISH BAR, W. Uralaska Is., Alutuani Is., Alaska. Here today I positively saw my first flock of American Scotars. A flock of 15-20 passed seaward by the boat as we were about in the center of the bay. The dull uniform black body & head, and the yellow spot on the bill were noticeable. Oct. 24. Alkm Straits, E. Alutuani Is. Several flocks of 15-20 birds were seen in the straits today. They hung out in the areas of open water at least a quarter of a mile from land and were very wary. In flight they appeared identical with the White Winged Scotar save that there was no white whatever on the plumage.

No text detected

409. Gilmore STELLER'S EIDER D 1931 Oct. 4 Agamgik Bay, N. Alenuitun [illegible] Spec. 2227 was alone when it was killed in the middle of the bay. It allowed us to approach within easy range in a dinghy. As it is plumaged like a ? it was a ?; probably an immature. Oct. 24 Akun Strait, E. Alenuitun Is. We encountered one flock of about 30 of these birds in a flight of Likum Is. just off the narrow part of the Strait. The flock was composed of 4 adults D showing the brown & white plumage and about 25 ?'s and immatures. Spu. 2367-08 came from this flock. Evidently they were feeding close to the beach, and when the boat rove in sight around the marly point they rose in a scattered body headed away from the but soon circled back to within range. Only the D's had distinguishing color markings; the ?'s & immatures appeared a dark washed brown color.

No text detected

Simons 1931 King Eider July 13, Sevonga St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea, Alaska Killed one out of a mixed flock of King & Pacific Eider several miles west of Camp Collin on June 28. Those were all of the King Eider I saw on that trip. On July 5-7, going to & from Siviktook Bay from Sevonga I saw several small flocks- never more than 15-20. They seem to keep well off shore - As far I have not seen any in the lagoons or on lakes or rivers tho they probably bred here. They are smaller than the Pacific Eider & the gray head is a distinctive mark. Arctic Ocean July 22 off Shishmaref. C. Barrow Send the following information From middle of July to early August moulting King Eider are found by thousands off Joy Caps & are killed by hundreds by natives. The & young moult on the breeding grounds along the coast & east Barrow & then of N. Canada & with the young come south along the coast

No text detected

411 Gilmore KING EIDER (2) 1931 sometime in Aug. When the 0's moult they are unable to fly & hundreds are driven on the ice & killed. Cout Hope, Alaska ; Arctic Ocean Aug 2 on my trip to Cape Leads Thompson I flushed a ♀ eider from a small pool of water in the tundra along the lagoon + beach. It seemed smaller than a Pacific Eider, tho it may have been of that species. I located two chicks that at first merely swam into the grass + remained still. When touched however, they became frantically anxious to escape & dove in the shallow water, coming up among the grass & playing 'possum. The ♀ flown to a lagoon 75-yds away where she stayed until a rifle bullet kicked up the water close by. Saw quite a few other eiders some of which probably were King Eider. Sept.28 Unalaska, Unalaska, Aleutian Is., Alaska No. 2210 was taken at the mouth of Captain's Bay and was

No text detected

412. Filmore KING EIDER (13) 1931 the only one seen to date. Evidently it came far in the harbor to take refuge from rough water outside. It was very lean. Note from Commander E.D. Jones, Captain of Cutter "Northland": Oct. 14/1931 - "quite a few seen off Sledge Island.

No text detected

Gilmore Pacific Eider D 1931 June 28 Camp Collier St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Spec. No. 1684 had in its crop 45 "feet" of clams. It appeared that the bird had pulled off the "feet" as it attempted to get the whole clam out of the shell. In this vicinity the beach is low & sandy & the birds are generally within a quarter mile of shore & even sub found sitting on the ice along the beach. When flushed they almost invariably fly up & over the tundra back from the shore perhaps to their nests. Most of them have paired off or two males are seen competing for a female but once I saw one D with 3 Ps, and again 6 Ps Together. When frightened they never seen dive but take wing. However, when wounded they are expert divers and come to the surface with heads low on the water & backs just barely awash, thus making a difficult target to shoot at.

No text detected

414 Gilmae Pacific Eider (2) 1931 July 5-7 Savoonga to Siviktoak + returns. 100 or so seen both on going trip & coming back. They were found from the beach 8 1/4 mile off Johns (that's all the farther out we got). Sometimes these flocks (3-20) were made up of mostly F's or all males & mostly F's or all F's. They rested in the Siviktoak lagoon. The nest with 2 dark green eggs had been taken over by an Emperor Goose. Saw them up the river as far as we went, some 10 miles. On the lakes inland, the birds were almost exclusively F; I shot 2 out of a group of 8 & as they flew over the tundra from the shallow lake where they had been feeding. Their strong even flight & the white backs of the males are distinctive features. The flesh is good eating when soaked over night in brine. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 7. Among the several dozen eiders seen along the length of the sand spit - some looked large

No text detected

415 Elmne Pacific Eider (3) 1931 enough to be Pacific. Oct. 31. E. Allutium Is. None seen during Sept. & Oct. and from local reports Dam not certain that they are present, but logically they must. One informant spoke of seeing a stiff with a large Eiders, one winter, and Swanson of the Kamaga Native States that large Eider were to be found seen in large flocks in Ulmruk pass immediately after the heavy storm of Sept 20. From notes of Commander E. D. Jones - captain of cutter "Northland" Oct. 24, 1931 "one or swimming near boat off Nome."

No text detected

Simons 1931 Spectacled Eider June 8, St. Michael, Alaska The only eider identified with Specimens. Seen at mouth of the Dlough or back on the Marshes. 20-25 seen altogether. July Sevonga, St. Laurence Dr., Bering Sea, Alaska. Geist reports them as rare that he has taken several.

No text detected

417 Gilmore 1931 RED BREASTED AMERICAN MERGANSER. Mergus serrator May 31 Uralaska Bay- Uralaska, Alaska Quite a number of these birds present. Found on lakes, along shore & in marshy ground. Beginning to lay - one fully formed egg taken from 7. Pairs flocks of up to 6 seen. Sometimes sit on gravel of shore line. More noticed at Broad Bay Marsh than elsewhere. Sept. 19 Uralaska, Uralaska Is., Aleutians, Alaska. I saw a bunch of 6-7 on Tuck Lagoon back of Summers Bay this afternoon. All appeared to be females or immatures. They were loafing in shallow water near shore and seemed almost stupidly indifferent to my approach. Oct. 3 English Bay N. Uralaska Is., N. Aleutian Is. A flock of 5 birds hiring around the rocky north shore of the bay, and seemed loath to leave even after I had scared them up twice. They were quite wary and as they flew the white speculumes and reddish heads were conspicuous.

No text detected

418 Gilmore RED BREASTED MERGANSER (2) 1931 Oct. 9 Akutan, Akutand Is., K. Aleutians I saw a single bird on the rocky north side of the bay at its head. It was not very wary. The first time encountered it it was sitting among the rocks and the second time it was feeding among scattered patches of kelp about 20 yds off shore.

No text detected

419 Gilmore 1931 Rough Legged Hawk June 8 St. Michael, Alaska A pair was nesting on highest (100 ya) cliffs of whale island. One taken, No. 1579 Aug 27 Elephant Pt. Kotzebue Sd., Alaska Saw a pair of these hawks seed flying low over the rolling hills back from the beach. Took Spec. No. 2005.

No text detected

Gilmas 1931 RED TAILED HAWK Buteo borealis May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Alaska Several pairs seen in the hills. Very light colored. Sept. 6 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians. In the hills above Captain's Harbor, I saw several of these hawks. They soared or hovered over the hill tops in a stiff west wind. They uttered no sound. Sept. 19 Saw one about noon on the penile ridge west of Needle Peak. It was evidently curious to see just what I was for it appeared from nowhere and soared 50-60 yards over my head until a load of buckshot changed its mind. These hawks seem to be quite scarce this fall, perhaps the sailors from the cutters have taken toll of the population.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 MARSH HAWK D Aug. 27 Elephant Pt. Kotzebue Sd. Alaska Saw several birds near the beach and took Spec. No. 2006. These hawks hunted low over the lush vegetation that grew around the ice cloffs.

No text detected

422 Salmon. BALD EAGLE - 1931 May 15 - Seymour Narrows - Three adults of this magnificent species were seen today - a single, & a pair. The single flew low over the water & once dipped into it with his claws. Flight was labored & slow. May 16 - Queen Charlotte St. - Finlayson Channel. quite a number seen on one small low island of rock had about 8. May 17 - East side of Tanana St. Three of these magnificent birds - full adults - were seen perched on tree tops, as we sailed up the channel. They were within 50-100 yds of each other & were evidently drying their feathers after a wetting from the rain. Their wings were being simply by its side & exposed the whole dorsal surface of the tail. May 31, 1931 Unalaska, Unalaska D., Alaska Many of these birds around here, & they are the object of much persecution. Every- one tries to kill them but there are remarkably fast killed. Often seen

No text detected

423 (2) Gilmore BALO EAGLE Haliaeetus Leucocephalus 1931 alascanus circling around tall rocky cliffs on the sea shore, or soaring over the hills, or sitting on some promontory or sand of the beach. Probably eat a good deal of fish. May be seen anytime & place. Have heard no call notes. Sept. 18 Unalaska, Unalaska, Aleutians. The eagles are not as numerous now as they were during the latter part of May. This is due probably to two reasons. First: The sailors on the three Cutters in the Harbor having been killing many for sport & the natives having have been killing them for the bounty of 100 per each pair of claws. And second: the fish have left the vicinity & the natives claim the eagles leave with the fish & follow them to their Spawning grounds in the streams of the mainland. Of the three or four eagles I have seen around here about half were immatures and half adults.

No text detected

Gilmore BALD EAGLE (3) 1931 Sept. 19 Unalaska (cnt.) I saw 98 egles today in a long walk over the mountains & Summers Bay. Some were in very ragged plumage. There is a huge rock some 75-100 ft. high standing in the surf at the west end of Summers Bay and from all appearances it seems to be the nesting site for a pair of eagles. I saw two perched on the round, 4' diameter, grassy top so I walked by there today. Oct. 4. Agamak Bay, N. Unalaska Is. Three adults were seen along the rocky cliffs at the north entrance to the bay. Yesterday in English Bay I noticed a pair of immatures loitering about the head of the bay. Oct. 25. Akutan Bay, Akutan Is.; E. Aleutians Sporadic in numbers around the hills & mountains in the vicinity. Generally seen along the rocky cliffs of the beach, or above the nearby peaks. Mostly immatures.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Pigeon Hawk [illegible] Oct. 3. English Bay, W. Unalaska Is., N. Aleutian Is., Alaska. Today I got three shots at one, and that the military reception was mighty hot it obviously wasn't lethal. I was standing in some beached kelp at the shallow head of the bay when Mr. Falcon came flying low along the shore thru a flock of seagulls whom he did not wholist. After one shot he circled back and two long range shots only served to definitely make up his mind to get out and stay out. The Aleuts at the berraberi say that they see one every so often. See duck! Stale!!

No text detected

Gilmore DUCK HAWK (?) 1931 Sept. 19 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is. Over the peaks east of Cascade Falls about 4 miles S.E. of town I have repeatedly seen a large falcon hawk, and today I made an unsuccessful attempt to get one. One almost came within range as I was climbing a rocky steep shoulder of the peak but it was the closest any came. While I was lying on the steep slope, a pair flew rapidly westward & high above my head uttering a high pitched frenzied trilling cry. It was very distinctive but I have never heard it before. These hawks (perhaps they are Gyrfalcons) poor flap for hours about the high peaks & rock cliffs and seem to resent the intrusion of a raven or eagle. They promptly drive the raven away and annoy the eagle considerably. I have never seen one perched or sitting on the rocks or ground. Sept. 22 Unalaska. I saw one about the high sea cliffs between town & Summers' Bay today.

No text detected

Gilmore DUCK HAWK (2) 1931 Sept. 28 Unalaska, Over Pyramid Peak I saw three, two adults and one immature (smaller in size). The adults merely soared high over- head but the young one darted about the crags and vainly attempted to drive away a flock of 6 Ravens. This I waited up on a shoulder of the mountain for half an hour I could not get a shot at the Hawk. Oct. 13 Akutan Bay, Akutan, S. W. Aleutian Is. Mr. Pederson, Captain + Gunner at the whaling station here, says he has seen the following incident several times in Akun Pass by a Hawk which was probably a Duck Hawk, tho it might have been a Pale Falcon. From the bridge of the whaling boat he has seen a hawk swoop down and snatch an anklet (Least or Whiskered) out of the water and eat it on the wing. The actual eating took place on the downward glides, so that the flight of the hawk was a series of flights and glides. This, he has seen

No text detected

428 Gilmore Duck Hawk (3) 1931 at close range several times. Oct. 14 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is. W. Aleutians I saw a Duck Hawk today at a distance just out of gunshot range as it playfully made some passes at three Ravens, and a little later it threw consternation into a flock of Rosy Finches. Both demonstrations took place about 200 ft below the crest of the rocky ridge back of the whaling station. Oct. 24. Akun Strait, E. Aleutian Is. Today I had a good view of several Duck Hawks hunting over the waters of the pass. One flew almost within range while we were "rounding up" a flock of Harlequin Ducks and the other was striking at ducks flying low over the water. Twice I saw the latter hawk strike. The first time the object was a lone Scoter who dove into the water from a height of 5 to 6 feet without hesitation. The second time the plunge of

No text detected

429 Gulnne Duck HAWK (D) 1931 the hawk was avoided by a quick turn in flight on the part of the duck & Harlequin. These ducks evidently reside on the rocky islands and sea cliffs along the Straits. In flight they seem to labor to some extent and their gliders are short but when they plunge in a strike, their motion is incredibly swift. One wonders where or how this can muster such momentum and speed in so short a time and apparently out of nothing. Their color seems to be dark grayish brown with a faint mottling. Oct. 31 Unmak Pass, E. Aleutian Is. About 2:00 P.M. today, while we were in the middle of the pass heading South on board The Northland, a Duck Hawk flew very close over the boat. In a half a minute it hovered over the boat duck and then flew off. We were about 3 miles from land & probably the hawk was hunting sea birds in the pass.

No text detected

420 Gilmae 1931 Rock PTARMIGAN (1) Lagopus rupestris May 24. Solyri Harbor, Solgri D., Alaska Three birds seen - one single, prob. ♂ + 1 pair. Pair collected. B did the watching & ♂ hid. Found on top of ridges on open ground. May 31. Unalaska. Unalaska D., Alaska None seen. The sailors killed two. Wouldn't turn 'em over to me 'cause "spoiled" them for eating. Probably much hunted by men & dogs & Consequently scarce. Nobody observes any game laws around here. Sailors kill anything, anytime. Aug 25. Cape Thompson, Arctic Ocean, Alaska In a couple of hours hiking thru in the hills back of the cape I saw but one which became Spec. No. 1977. No field notes when it flew up. Sept 18. Unalaska, Unalaska D., Aleutians. During the past 10 days I have covered much territory south, east & west of town & have not seen a single rock Ptarmigan. Persistent hunting by men & foxes have probably

No text detected

431 Glinne Rock PTARMIGAN (2) 1931 all but exterminated them near by. However, I hear that there are still a few on Ballyho Mt. or Omaakrak S., and a hunter is reputed to have killed a dozen over west at Roos Bay a short time ago. Ptarmigan don't seem to stand the encroachments of civilization or foxes very well. Nothing on the ground, their home life is always in danger, and being a delicious table bird their existence is always one of persecution. Sept. 19 Spec. 2165 - came from a shoulder of the west mountain at the Canyon back of Duck Lagoon at Summers Bay. It was alone, & so far, is the only one I have seen. Oct. 14 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is. K. Aleutains. Specimen 2261 was taken on the top of the rocky peak just back of the whaling Station. As I was climbing up the steep, crumbly face of the north face with hands as well as feet, I notice a ptarmigan fly upward & around a pinnacle above. The snow was falling heavily in large mushy

No text detected

432 Gilmore Rock Ptarmigan (3) 1931 Flocks and soon three more flew around the rocks just below the summit and lit on separate rocks some 10-15' apart a hundred yards or so above me. As I finger-railed up ward they moved upward also but more slowly and soon I was in range. They sat motionless on the rocks & looked about. Often I could see nothing more than a head protruding over a rock. The victim fell and trumbled hoppingly 300 feet below to the rock slide. I had just ascended, and the others disappeared around the peak. I had certainly never expected to see Ptarmigan up in such surroundings. Oct. 18 Akutan. I worked around the flats at the head of the bay in the sporadic snowstorms today, and found that the Ptarmigan had been driven down off the hill tops by the snow storm. Hitherto they have been on the tops of the adjacent ridges and peaks. They make no vocal demonstration at rest or

No text detected

433 Silmoe Rock Ptarmigan @ 1931 in flight. Oct. 21. Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Aleutians. Today I secured 3 specimens, all from the side of the rocky ridge on the N.W. side of the bay. They were in small groups (three that I saw) from 2-4 in number. Snow covering the rocks of the peaks & ridge crests makes their former habitat uninhab- itable. In winter, the MacTashans, say, the ptarmigan gather in great numbers in the flats & valleys close to the shore.

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

435 Gilman GOLDEN PROVER (D) 1931 July 20, Teller Mission, Port Clarence, Alaska. Assoc. wide flat gravelly creek bed thru dry bare country. at least a half dozen of these birds hung around the scanty trickle of water. Generally flew ahead of me, well out of range, uttering clear lisping whistles & shrill trills. Black belly & long pointed wings conspicuous. Tigata, Point-Hope, Alaska. August. 19. Noticed today for the first time and in considerable numbers. Generally went in pairs; saw one flock of eight. Fed on the gravelly tundra and along the shallow ponds. Black bellies gone - no call notes heard. Not wary. They were a dignified birds as they feed, walking slowly and picking up the food with evident discrimination. Their flight is straight, swift and strong. August 22 Common over the sand & gravel sections of the tundra & along the ponds & sloughs. Have a clear melodious call whistle of two notes.

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

437 Gilman PECTORAL SANDPIPER D 1931 Angata, Point Hope, Alaska. Arctic Ocean Aug.9 First seen today around the small ponds or sloughs nearby. Aug.11 Very many about wet places on gravelly section of the peninsula. Migration seems to be at its height. They have a short querulous lisping whistle which they utter softly as they fly about their feeding grounds. August 14 Still a great many present. Tremendous August 22 Still present in considerable. The following are the strange antics of three birds. When first noticed by their peculiar low whistle they were about a damp spot on gravelly section of point peninsula. When flushed they flew rapidly up into the air until they became mere specks, uttering the whistling note as long as I came near them. Then they flew back down with a terrific burst of speed I now there were only two. They about original spot again until one was shot.

No text detected

438 Semi-palmtated Sandpiper O 1931 June 3. Cape Etolin, Nomwak S. Alaska These small sandpipers are common on the damp tundra & around the swamps & lakes. - Performing courtship antics - Pair off & fly around each other often sailing slowly to ground on motionless wings held almost vertical. When on the ground they often utter a soft strident chatter with rolled ts. - Took a specimen & identified it by its partially webbed feet. Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug 5. Tigar. Saw a small flock of a dozens or so feeding in very wet grass. Took one. No 1820 Aug 11. these little Sandpipers seemed to be as much at home on the sand & gravel of lagoon & seashore as on the damp grass of the tundra. On a very foggy windy night I saw many flocks in the tundra & around the lagoons. They are nervous little birds, starting up in swift zigzag flight at some imaginary danger, & then settling down to feed as if nothing

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

Gilmore Ruddy Turnstone 1931 St. Michael, Alaska, June 8 Quite Common on Marshes. July 20 Teller Mission, Port Clarence, Alaska On flat wide gravelly creek bed I make questionable sight identification of this bird. Black & white is all I can say for the distinctive marks, as it was very shy & would not allow me within gun shot. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. July 29 when walking to reindeer camp I saw several of these birds & shot one which mysteriously disappeared from the small tent at the camp. Evidently these birds rested for they were quite perturbed at my intrusion. Flying about & then alighting on the gravel. They uttered a peculiar cry when in the air. The specimen obtained showed the Typical black & white head & neck, white breast & reddish back. Aug 13 Spec. 1882 was shot on bare gravelly tundra. Another was present which, this wounded, made good its escape. They are the first seen since July 29.

No text detected

441 Silmore Ruddy Turnstone (2) 1931 Tugara Point Hope, Alaska. Aug. 19. No. 1931 was taken on gravelly Tundra. Only one seen, evidently they are quite scarce. Aug. 22. Took two today - they were singles in with flock of Red Backed Sandpipers and Golden Plover res- pictively. They were quite wary and generally flew quite along distance away in a rapid zigzag flight when flushed. Their quick banks and turns in flight are so rapid as to be almost eye-deceiving. Their general sharply marked black & white coloration, mostly white, is the characteristic sight features. Sept. 18 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians Have seen 4 or 5 birds so far here and all were along the South side of the bay between the town and Summers Bay. Generally they are in groups of 2-3 and seem to prefer the stup gravelly sections of the beach where they sit or feed among the rocks & pebbles at some distance from the waters edge. In this environment they

No text detected

Gilmore Ruddy Turnstone (3) 1931 are very difficult to detect and when they fly without the motion thru the air is swift and only moderately jerky. So far they have been a very silent bird. Oct. 31. E. Altonis. None seen after Oct. 1.

No text detected

443 Gilmore 1931 Jack Snipe James St., Nome, Alaska Notes from actions of Specimen 1014. It flew in large circles (1/4-1/2 mile in diam.) and 200 yds high. Flight was a series of rises & downward dips, a peculiar quavering scratch- out sort of noise made by voice or wings on each down dip. After few minutes it let on old boat. Whole took place on tundra west of Nome - much water in form of ponds & seepages present.

No text detected

444 Gilmore LONG BILLED DOWITCHER 1931 Tigara, Point Hope, Alaska. Aug 10. Spec. 1851 is labeled noted as Solitary Sandpiper but is of this species. Encountered in dusk of evening as it was feeding alone along shallow pond. Aug 19. Noted every day or so one timdra, but generally around the shallow ponds. Perhaps a dozen or so may be seen a day. Generally in flocks of from 4 to and their flight is rapid erratic, many twists banks & turns as they fly. When feeding they appear slate stately, and they walk & probe discriminately with their long bills in the water & grass. The fine evenly black & white barred tail and long bill are distinctive sight features. They have a plaintive querulous note, generally uttered when they are flushed from their feeding grounds in no great state of fright. Aug 22. Numbers have been increasing during the last few days. Flocks of 10-30 are common now. Alarm note is a rattling call much like a robin,

No text detected

445 Gilmore LONG BILLED DOWITCHER @ 1931 and when flying about over their feeding grounds, the shallow ponds & tiny lagoons, they utter a rapid fire "pseet pseet". The white patch on the middle of the lower back is very conspicuous. After being flushed a flock will nervously fly up & down a pond or around a marshy area in an erratic zigzag course, twittering constantly in this shrill pseet notes before alighting again to feed.

No text detected

Wandering Tattler Unalaska Sandpiper D Sept. 18, 1931 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Allutions. This species is represented by the above name in the list of species + also by Nos. 2072-2077 + 2107. I don't know what it is so have given it the name of Unalaska Sandpiper. Probably it will turn out to be a Yellow Legs or something else as common. It was first noted on Thustbrink of Creek by Capt. Jones & Lieut. Comin. Brad- bury. They described it well + said it was "noisy." Spec. 2072 was killed by Bill Woomy while we were hunting the stream & it was not noisy. No. 2077 was taken on Pyramid Creek, also by Bill Woomy, and 2107 was taken by me on the creek flowing into the lake just south of town (which I might just as well call Seagull Lagoon because so many seagulls hang around there.) No. 2077 had a very slight teetering action as it stood on a rock in the stream. The other two 2124 & 2136 inhabited a rocky section of the beach about a mile south east of here. They generally

No text detected

447 Wandering Tattler Calmer [illegible] Alaska Sandpiper (2) 1931 took wing at 50-75 yds & flew some hundreds of yards before alighting again on a large rock in the surf or on the boulder strewn beach. The second of the pair remained about in the same vicinity until it too fell victim. When in flight they had a high pitched the low tone Staccato whistle. Are locally known as "Gray Stripe"! Sept. 22 Unalaska. Surprised one fading among the rocks on the beach in front of town today & as it flew up to come to land again a short distance away it uttered a short rapid fire series of short shrill "see see sees". While in the undecided mood it demonstrated its slight fluttering action. While feeding it stuck to the very edge of the surging & retreating water, the not following each wave back out like a Wanderling. Oct. 9 Akutan, Akutans, N. Aleutian Is. Spec. No. 2255 was encountered on the north shore at the head of the bay. It was among the rocks when first scared up and it flew out over the water and back to the

No text detected

448 Wandering Tattler Unalaska Sandpiper (3) beach some 200 yds behind me. When I returned, it was hiding or feeding up in the grass about 10 yds from the water's edge. It flew out over the water on rapid jerky wing beats when I was still 100 yds away. I crouched and watched. Its rapid flight soon slowed up, it made a big circle and headed straight back for me, finally flying close enough for me to shoot. Perhaps its feeding or hiding place was very desirable so, not seeing me, it returned.

No text detected

449 Gilmae TRIBIL OF SANDPIPER Arquetella 1931 July 12, Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is., Berming Sea, Alaska - Quite common here - found on tundra, lakes, & rivers but rarely seen along the shore. Have been confused on this form. There seem to be two forms, identical except for size. One has a bill under 1 1/4" & body under 9" & the other is larger. Nelson gives the bill measurements of 2 Tribilof Sandpipers as over 1 1/4" Both kinds are formed indiscriminately with Red Backed Sandpiper. One nest contained 4 pygiform eggs of dark color & darker blotches. They have a variety of call notes which they utter from the ground or while in flight. When feeding they have a shrill call like a Flicker or Woodpecker & when on the wing have a short shrill trill. The trill resembles that of the Red Backed Sandpiper but shorter in duration. The nest was a fairly well concealed hollow in the grass.

No text detected

450 Gilmore 1931. Alaskan Sandpiper. Unguicula (?) May 29 Solgol Harbor Solgol S., Alaska. Dr. Furness, dentist, killed me & with fully formed egg. May 31 Unalaska Unalaska Bay, Alaska Saw one? - single, down on marsh along Shaishnikof Creek at Capt. Harbor. Sept 17. Unalaska, Alaska All the specimens listed as being smaller Sharp-Tailed Sandpiper probably belong to this species. I was confused at first due to the striking change of plumage. They seem to prefer the boulder-strewn and gravelly sections of the beach and I have not seen them away from the beach here as yet. Among these boulders and rocks they feed with deliberation and when approached "freezes" in position until the danger is past or compels them to take wing. Generally seen singly or in bunches up to five. When one of a flock is dropped, the rest circle back again & again. Seems to be a very silent bird.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 ALEUTIAN SANDPIPER (2) Sept. 18 (Same locality) I took three more which seems to be almost the last of the flock of almost a dozen that fling out on the gravelly-sandy beach at the S.E. end of town. Their note when in flight seems to be a harsh high pitched cry. It is so low as to be scarcely audible. I have only seen them pull their wing stretching stunt once. Sept. 19 On the rocky wave washed beach at the west entrance to Summer's Bay I saw a fair feeding. They flew around the surf pounded boulders at my approach & seemed much at home in the flying spray. Sept. 22 Whalaska. Found three birds common among the wave pounded rocks & rocky beaches in Summer's Bay. At first they allowed me to approach 8 or 10 feet as they perched on a large rock. However, after a little shooting they became rather wary & they never left the vicinity entirely, generally flying a hundred yds. or so off away from the place they were flushed. Their alarm note seems

No text detected

452 Gilmore ALEUTIAN SANDPIPER (3) 1931 to be a sharp shrill "pseet-pseet" Oct. 3 English Bay N. Unalaska, N. Aleutian Is. I saw about 30 of these birds today. Their habitat is certainly the rocky spray covered promontories and rocky boulder strewn beaches. They were quite tame and stood nervously on the rocks half crouched and ready for flight as I approached to within 8-10 feet of them. Their flight when disturbed was short and jerky, carrying them only a few rods. I could follow a flock for hundreds of yards along the beach. Oct. 9 Akutan, Akutan Is., N. Aleutian Is. I saw perhaps 50-75 along the rocky beach between the village and the head of the bay. They haunted the rocky headlands & boulders of the beach. I followed one flock of a dozen for a quarter of a mile, easily walking to within 10 or 15 yards of them and killing one with the gun before the rest flew. Their dark coloration blended perfectly with the dark

No text detected

Gilmore ALEUTIAN SANDPIPER @ 1931 rocky background and I wacked up To within 10 feet of some before seeing them and generally my first sensation of their presence was when they suddenly flew up right before me. They certainly "lie close" and perhaps they try to hide among the rocks as a method of escape. Their absolute lack of wariness costao seems rather stupid. Even shooting into the flock does not scare them more than 50 yds. away. They utter a squeaking short note of alarm when frightened to take flight.

No text detected

Gilmoe Red Backed Sandpiper 1931 Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea. July 12 These sandpipers were very common everywhere over the damp tundras. They utter a peculiar trill, & have the peculiar mannerism of after stretching the one wing vertically above them, when on the ground. Easily confused with The Pribilof Sandpiper, which has, however, the black higher on the breast & neck & no clear cut line between the black & white. Sigara Pt. Hope Alaska Aug 9 Saw half a dozen flocks of 10-20 birds feeding on the tundra around the village. They did not seem to be working in any direction, so I presume they have started their Southward migration. The plumage is as usual save the red on the back is less distinct. Aug 19. These birds are still quite numerous on the tundra & along the shallow ponds. Spring and autumn plumages about half & half. I saw some large flocks of 20 or more feeding on the tundra today.

No text detected

Gilmore BLACK OYSTER-CATCHER 1931 MAY 24 Solgai Harbor Solgai I., Alaska. I saw several of these birds along the rocky beach. They were quite wary. Sept. 19. Unalaska Unalaska I., Aleutian Is., Alaska. Have not seen any here as yet but they are reported to be "common" at Raven Bay on the South side of the island. From Paul McLarson of Akutan Is. I learned that they are quite common on the islands east of here (Unalaska).

No text detected

456 Gilman NORTHERN PHALAROPE Lobipes lobatus 1931 May 18. Seelog. Today I saw for the the first time positive large flocks of what were positively those birds. Some of the flocks numbered 200- 250 individuals which acted + functioned as a unit especially in flight, tho the action impulses took a second or two for it to travel through the flock & thus the movements at times seemed rhythmically wavy or sinuous. The flocks seemed to be migrating north to the breeding grounds. Through the glasses the black on back, the neck and breast and white belly was distinguishable. May 20 - Up & Yakutat Bay - seen all along in flocks of 50 - 200 - most numerous in Icy Strait. One or two small flocks seen . in Gulf of Alaska on route today. June 8 St. Michael, Alaska Very common in marshes June 12, Unalakleet Alaska Very common in marshes.

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

Gilmos Red Phalarope D 1931 June 20 Campbell, St. Lawrence Is., Alaska. 3 seen in house, bailed yesterday on lake west of town. Said to be numerous. July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Very common here - generally found in the wet areas near the codot, this rarely seem in the salt water except when it is very calm. Igara, Pt. Hope, Alaska Aug 4. Saw numerous small flocks flying west along the north beach & a few flying east along the south beach. Migrating south ? - Red less intense on the breast. Aug 7 Igara. Saw hundreds of these "sea-snipe" today. The north beach was rough under a strong N.W. wind & right outside the breaker line (70 yds or so) lay straggling lines of these birds. These strong out flocks continued for several miles that I walked along. On a small lagoon just in from the beach they were also very common, feeding nervously at the edge of the waves & hardly feeding my approach

No text detected

459 Gilmore RED PHALAROPE (2) 1931 at all. About half the individuals were showed red on the breast r belly + the other half were either in or almost in the winter plumage. Aug 9. Foggy, windy night. Many R. Phalaropes on tundra + lagoon. For the first time noticed a note - a short shrill "tsip-tsip." Aug 22 Getting much scarcer - very few birds show red on breast + belly. SEPT 30 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska During the last week I have seen quite a few of these birds. Perhaps 50 or so may be seen in one flock in the inner harbor, or perhaps 2-3 may be found straggling along. Oct. 2 Unalaska Red Phalaropes seem to be getting more numerous. Today as we cruised out of the harbor for English Bay I saw several hundred red all told. Generally they were in scattered pairs or triplets, only occasionally a flock of several doz. or more. The separated birds allowed not to approach very close before

No text detected

460 Gilman RED PHALAROPE. (3) 1931 Taking wing and then they flew only a short distance before they suddenly at or the surface of the water again like an animated, active cork. The flocks, however, never allowed a close approach. This difference of behavior in the matter of wariness or shittish- ness, may be due to a difference of psychology - one an individual action and the other a group action. In the latter case the action of me may is invariably followed immediately by the others, and as each flock sends will contain at least one nervous individual its action behavior as a unit is generally started by the nervous bird. Oct. 3 English Bay, W. Uralaska, N. Valentin I saw about a dozen birds in the Shallow water at the head of the bay. They were feeding with the peculiar Phalarope action, among some beached Kelp. They were noticed occasionally out in Uralga Pass in small flocks of from 10 - 20.

No text detected

Gilmore RED PHALAROPE (4) 1931 Dec. 26. Akutan Pass, E. Aleutian Is. Noted in large flocks in Akutan Pass while crossing. The trip of the 7th also found them in the jaws. On the 36th they lay in flocks of from 25-75 on the rough waters, apparently resting. The white sides of the heads & the black streak running down the back of the neck were conspicuous.

No text detected

462 Gilmor Parasitic Jaeger D 1931 June 8 St. Michael, Alaska A dozen or so large jaegers were seen over the marshes & doubtfully identified as this species. They were about as common as the Long Tailed Jaeger and habits seemed similar. June 23 Savoonga, St. Lawrence St. Alaska. Quite common - generally found over tundra. Found one nest and took the parent birds. The rest was a mere slight depression on almost bare tundra almost bare of grass, two and contained two rather large eggs of dark background and dark blotches. The parent birds refused to leave the spot vicinity and continually soared over the spot occasionally making a sally at the intruder. They fed on the numerous minutus - Mr. Geist killed one that was feeding on the body of a mouse. July 13, Savoonga St. Lawrence St., Bering Sea, Alaska. Quite common here & over island. Generally seen over the tundra along

No text detected

463 Gilmore 1931 Pomarine Parasitic Jaeger the shore, tho I have seen them a quarter of a mile out from shore around the ice. Occasionally they chase the Kittiwakes. They seem to be very curious & often swoop within a few yards of one's head, showing no fear at all, of even a group of men around a boat. July 23. Several Miles N.W. Cape Blossom Kotzebue Sound Alaska, at anchor here tho I have observed about a dozen of these birds that hang around the ship. Two are in the dark phase but intermingle freely with the light. Early this morning, 5 A.M., Mr. Brower watched a couple of Jaegers drive a Kittiwake around in scandalous fashion. The Jaegers have evidently driven off most of the Kittiwakes, but they do not seem to molest the larger Glaucous Gull, of which there are about 25- here.

No text detected

464 Gilmore 1931 POMARINE JAEGER (3) Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. Aug 2 during the last five days spent on the sand spit between the village (Tigara) + Cape Thompson. I saw many of these jaegers & the one shot at the reindeer camp was a Pomarine. Often seen singly or in pairs, either flying over the lagoons & land or perched on some slight raise in the ground. Seemed to be more numerous near the village (seaward half of the peninsula) than nearer the foothills. Aug 7 Saw 4-5 along the north shore today - some of them hung out over the rough water, well out from land. August 22 Seems to be getting scarce - Jaw only one in a 15-mile hike over the peninsula, around lagoons etc.

No text detected

465 Gilmour Long Tailed Jaeger D 1931 June 8 St. Michael, Alaska. Several dozen or so seen as they flew over the tundra and marshes back of town. Their long tails are very conspicuous as they fly. They, together with Parasitic seem to be more common than gulls. Probably they feed on mice and eggs. June 23 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence S. Alaska Saw one feeding on body of Microtus that it had caught. It sat on a slight raise or side of low hill near beach and froze at its kill. So engrossed in its work was it, that it allowed me to approach to within 10 yds and kill it with the gun. Again - I watched one hunt and its actions closely resembled those of a Marsh Hawk. It hovered on beating wings about 20 yds up and then glided & flew off to another spot where it repeated the performance.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Long Tailed Jaeger (2) July 12, Devonga, St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea Alaska During the latter part of June, I saw several every time I went out but since then have seen none. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 2 Saw several pairs near the village. Aug 7 Saw 2 today in a 6-7 mile hike along the north shore. August 22 Have not seen any for a couple of weeks - perhaps they have gone south.

No text detected

467 Gilman Glacous Gull D 1931 James & St. Michael, Alaska Quite common on marshes - sarely seen in flocks of more than four. Often inquisitive + fly over to investigate boat. July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Not very common the occasionally one sees the large pure white gull flying singly or in small groups along the beach line. Very cautious swary, generally remaining well out of range. July 18 Nome Alaska. Common in the harbor - along with P. Kittiwakes, + a Jaeger or two, they hang a stern to get the garbage. Strangely I saw none when I came into Nome first, on June 6. Seen along coast when stops were made at Teeler, & Kotzebue. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 2. During my reconnaissance of

No text detected

Gilmore Glaucous Gull 2 (1931) the Point Hope peninsula. I saw great numbers of these gulls. Their large white forms could be made out at long distances on the tundra, over the gravel or water. They were continually to be found along the beach in small groups or occasionally in large numbers about the stranded or cut carcasses of white whales or walrus. Occasionally they were to be seen in small groups sitting on the tundra near some lagoon. They are quite wary & calmly keep out of gunshot, generally flying just out of range & alighting on the water. They are magnificent birds, very conspicuous & dignified. Once in a while on one occasion I saw a flock of 7-8 flying 400 ft high up & uttering very goose-like cries. Aug 1. Especially numerous on the small lagoon to the N.E. They sat in compact groups in the shallow water on the windward side of the lake. Very wary! August 22. Seem to be getting less

No text detected

469 Gilmore Glaucous Gull (3) 1931 numerous tho they may occasionally be seen flying along the beach or back on the lagorns. They have a couple of calls - one is a raucous scratch, across between the ears of a crow & the shrill scream of a chicken & the other is the typical gull squawk. Former is repeated half a dozen times or so in one breath. Very suspicious and wary. Aug 25 Cape Thompson, Alaska - Scarce. in the large rookery of Pallas Murre, Pacific Kittiwakes, and Horned Puffins Aug 26 Kotzebue Kotzebue Sd. Scarce. Aug 27 Elephant Pt. & Puffin Rock, Kotzebue Sd. Scarce at Elephant Pt. & quite common on Puffin Rock where many undoubtedly nest; because they were not so wary as usual. Aug 29 Nome - A large flock hung around the boat all day. There seems to be a greater percentage of immatures than before.

No text detected

470 GLAUCOUS WINGED GULL Larus glaucescens Gilmore 1931 May 8, 1931 - Coast of Washington + Juan de Fuca Strait - quite positively identified by sight - May 14, 1931 These gulls are quite Common on the Puget Sound + the inland passage east of Vancouver Is. Their numbers become more numerous in the afternoon. May 15, 1930 - Cruising thru Simon Narrows this gull was a constant companion of the boat. May 16 - Queen Charlotte Strait & Finlayson passage - numbers still here. May 20. Yakutat Bay - + south - still present in almost equal nos. with Herring Gull May 21. Gulf of Alaska - Kenai & Marmot Bay - scenes in morning, heavy gale + Jar from shine - dozen or so followed the ship thru Marmot Bay in evening; still heavy wind.

No text detected

471 Glaucous Winged Gull - Larus glaucescens (2) Gilman's Da Triplet Rocks & Whale Is. There seemed 1931 To be many nesting but we could make out no details from the deck. Mayor Shelikof Strait - quite a large flock within us now - hang on motionless wings on starboard side (windward side) in the heavy wind, 50 m.p.h. This flight is essentially side- wise rather than forward. It is the longest bunch so far - once in a while at some bird utters a [illegible] harsh note - hungry? They vie with the shearwaters now for the scrap but are much more aggressive than the latter. The wind became so strong as might feel that the gulls left. May 31 Unalaska Unalaska, Alaska Very common, especially in Harbor. Many immatures; outnumber adults 4:1. Set in flocks on beach in front of town. Seawergs plenty, Saw no breeding colonies. Sept. 18 Unalaska, Unalaska, Aleutians As far as I can ascertain, these are the only type of gull around here.

No text detected

Glaucous Winged Gull (3) 1931 The immatures in a uniform dark gray or sooty plumage still outnumber the adults. So they may be encountered anywhere in the harbor, scavenging for food, they hang out in large numbers in the lagoon (lake) just south of town, and on the rocky beach just west of Summer's Bay. In the lagoon, the adults seem to congregate in a large flock and sit out in the middle. Sept. 22 Unalaska The stomachs of 2083-84 contained shell fragments and a soft leathery mollusk or two. The shell fragments seem to link the gull with the small piles of shells which I have found on the rocks coasting rocks along the beach. Generally they have the appearance of being regurgitated but at times excreted. It is rarely a mass of clam shell fragments an eighth or a quarter of an inch across. Perhaps it is an aid in digestion the Commencement of food for they have no gizzards. [muscleless!]

No text detected

473 Gibmore Glaucous Winged Gull (4) 1931 Oct. 11 Akutan Akutan Is. K. Aleutian Is. These gulls are everywhere in goodly numbers. During my trip from Unalaska to English & Ugamgic Bays and back I saw easily several hundred. They are found along the shores, rocky headlands and out in the open rough wind swept passes. Here at Akutan they congregate in large flocks around the whaling station and head of the bay. Perhaps 200 or so are here. Oct. 31. Unalaska. E. Aleutian Is. These gulls are probably permanent residents and have now assumed their winter plumage of dusky head & neck and dark gray wing tips. Nov. 4. Zaikof Bay, Montague Is., Alaska Here at anchorage, or the outer edge of Prince William Sound. These gulls are still with the ship, lying close by in the wind & rain. They chose the leeward side of the ship and sit huddled on the water with heads drawn in & back close to the body.

No text detected

474 Gimme HERRING GULL - Larus argentatus smithsonianus 1931 May 19, 1931 Puget Sound + passage past of Vancouver. Great numbers of these gulls are found in these waters. Numbers increased in the afternoon as we cruised northward. May 15 1930 thru Seymour Narrows - still with us, with other gulls. May 16 Queen Charlotte Straits, - Finlayson Channel. - probably present. May 20 Shet present up in Gulf of Alaska. Several around boat, many more in north part of Island passage. Do not appear to have any bead red in eye - at times on yards they utter a hen-like cluck! Curiosity or attracting attention? Afognak Is May 21 Marmot Bay - still present - may not on Triple I. & Whale Is. May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Islands. Now seen for certainty during weeks stay here.

No text detected

475 Gilman HERRING GULL (2) 1931 June 8 St. Michael Alaska none seen June 16 Nome Alaska June 21-July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence St. Bering Sea, Alaska - Rather seares here - the apparently more common than Glanous Gull especially over the tundra where some of the latter have been seen. The Herring Gulls are occasionally seen flying overland, generally near water & alone, uttering their horse crees when they see a person. Swans of the gulls, taken Nos. 1679 & 1746 (3) had rod pupils so might have been Calif. Gulls. Aug 29 Nome. Several gulls of this Type were in the large flock of Glanous Gulls. Secured Spec. nos 2019 & 2020. Nov. 4 Zaikeof Bay, Montague Is., Alaska Today I saw several of these gulls in the large group of Glanous Winged Gulls. This is their first reappearance about the ship.

No text detected

476 Silvery HERRING GULL (3) 1931 Nov. 11 - Seattle, Washington. From Puget William Sound to Seattle the numbers of Silvery Herring Gulls increased tremendously, both in absolute numbers and in proportion to the last disappearing. Slanerous Winged Gulls. Here in Seattle Harbor The Herring Gulls are most numerous, with Slanerous Winged Gulls second and an occasional Western Gull present.

No text detected

477 CALIF. GULL - Larus californicus Gilmore 1931 May 8, 1931 - off coast of Washington & Juan de Fuca - just noted with any degree of certainty (still not absolute). May 14, 1931 - Puget Sound & passage east of Vancouver Is. Very probably present among the flocks of gulls who none were positively identified. May 15, 1931 Seymour Narrows & north the gulls have become more numerous in the flock that hangs around the ship. They are in all series of plumages as are the rest of the gulls. May 16, 1931 Juan Charlotte St. - & Gmailayon Channel. - quite a few still following the boat.

No text detected

Western Gull Larus occidentalis Silman 1931 May 5, 1931 - many western gulls with us all day - greater percentage of adults than young. Flying around quite close to the ship + even rode on the yard arms. May 6, 1931 - 178 mi. - 350 mi. N. of J.F. Bay - still with us - seem to be the only kind. May 7, 1931 - still present - numbers have increased. May 8 1931 up off coast of Washington. still here - this in decreased numbers. Nov. 14 Off S.W. coast of Washington. Western Gulls have become common again. Their dark backs + black wingtips are seen often in the Black & gulls following the ship.

No text detected

479 Gilmore 1931 KING BILLED GULL Larus delawarensis May 15, 1931 Seymour Narrows - Today I almost positively identified this species from a few adult individuals that flew close enough to make out the black spot on the upper bill & the red & black lower tips. They were in company with the other ships gulls May 16 Queen Charlotte St. - Finlayson Channel. several followed the boat.

No text detected

480 Gimme SHORT BILLED GULL- Larus canus 1931 May 15- Seymour Narrows Trachypteryx Almost definitely identified this species from an individual in the flock of ship's gulls. It showed the clear yellow bill + black wing tips specked with white if an adult plumage. May 16 Queen Charlotte St.- Finlayson Channel. Two followed in wake of Boat. James St. Michael Alaska Fairly common in Marshes. Oct. 20. Akutan Bay, Akutan D. E. Aleutians Spec. 2277-78 have been tentatively treated Short Billed Gulls. The identification is by no means certain. Small dark colored gulls of this type are to be seen around here in small numbers only, but are easily distinguishable by their small size and correspondingly quicker movements from the larger Blancous Winged Gulls.

No text detected

481 Gilmore BONAPARTE GULL Laurus philadelphia 1931 May 15, 1931 Seymour Narrows - Today at the east end of the narrows I saw several large flocks of these pretty tern-like gulls. One flock was flying east & south along the east shore & seemed to be traveling steadily without stopping & forage. The other flocks were encountered in the narrows as they were resting on the surface. The boat caused them to make flight but there seemed to be no foraging. All were apparently in flocks & evidently migrating !! May 16 - Luce Charlotte St.- Finlayson Charn. Several flocks - Migrating north? Sept. 25. Unalaska, Unalaska, S. Aleutian, Spec. no. 2197 was taken from a large flock of 500+ Pacific Kittiwakes with whom they associate. They appear to be immatures & are not very common. They look Too large to me for Bonaparte Gulls but I don't know what else they Can be.

No text detected

782 Gilmore BONAPARTE GULL @ 1931 Oct. 2 Between Unalaska & English Bay. During this two hour cruise immature I saw several dozen Bonaparte Gulls all told. They were scattered among the more numerous Kittiwakes but their black upper wing covers & the black tipped tails of the immatures were easily to pick out. No adults were To be seen. Oct. 7. Kutan Pass, W. Aleutian Is. I saw them occasionally thrown out the 6 hour trip across the rough windy pass. They were straggling individuals and not flocks. Most of them were immatures and only one or two had any real black feathering on the head.

No text detected

483. Gilmore Sabine Gull (?) 1931 June & St. Michael Alaska Very common on ponds back of town - quite fearless of approach. July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea Alaska. Saw several during whole stay on island. Near Camp Collier I noticed a pair flying with the Kittiwakes + later out the beach at Sevoonga a pair (Deslected due) were seen foraging. Saw a single individual (immature?) from the ship at Kotzebue. July 24. Point Hope Arctic Ocean Alaska Aug. saw a single individual on a small lagoon at reindeer camp. Its invasion was vigorously disputed by a couple of Arctic Terns who failed in the defense of their territory for the gull finally lit among the grass water but the edge of the tundra. Aug. 7. On small lagoon near beach I saw about 100 of these birds. They were sitting everywhere on the water or feeding on the leeward side where

No text detected

484 Gilman SABINE GULL (3) 1931 the waves washed up a white foam on the shallow shore. Most have the black heads but there were some immatures in the bunch August 22 Saw a few along the beach the other day but they are going scarce & don't seem to be inhabiting the lagoons in large numbers any more, at least the particular small lagoon near the decem's boat house. Aug 29. None a stone bird was with the flock of Glaucous Gulls around the ship. It seemed very fearless, scarcely moving out of the way of the launches. Nov.6. Cross Sound, Alaska (S.E.) As we enter the Inside Passage tonight we leave the open gulf & heavy seas behind, and perhaps also the small dunite Sabine Gull now minus the black head, tho a dusky patch still brings & the rage of the buck. Perhaps a half dozen in all have been seen since we left Unalaska

No text detected

Gilmore SABINE GULL (3) 1931 but they never never formed a part of the garbage scavenging flock of Glaucous Winged Gulls, that always stayed with the ship. From notes of Commander E.D. Jones, captain of Coast Guard Cutter, "Northland" Oct. 14-15 1931 "Cape Prince of Wales to King Island & Port Clarence - most numerous of the gulls - winter plumage, seem to be more common west (?) of Sledge Island" (probably latter clause refers to migrational path.)

No text detected

Gibson 1931 Pacific Kittiwake O Lissa tridactyla pollicatis! May 19 Day Strait - Today the Kittiwakes sat in this appearance for the first time. Flock of 78 seen 6:30 A.M. - flew out the day many more seen. Solid black wing tips most distinguishing mark. May 21 Marmot Bay - Several dozen in sight off x on. Stayed away from The boat - very graceful flight in the strong wind. May 31 Unalaska Bay, Unalaska Is., Alaska None seen, either around beach or in open channel. June 3 - off Nome (Is.), Alaska - several flocks seen. June 8 St. Michael Alaska Commonest bird - seen in harbor only. June 11 Unalakleet, Norton Is., Alaska Commonest bird. June 17, Nome, Alaska Very common - Flock around ship for garbage. June 21- July 12, Savoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Very common

No text detected

487 Salmone Pacific Kittiwake @ 1931 Breeder on the island. Nearly every line of sea cliffs has its quota of Kittiwake nests. From a boat in the water the forms of the Kittiwake dot the face of the rock cliffs like so many white spots. They may be seen at almost any time, foraging along the shore. These ubiquitous gulls are to be seen at every part of call & even out to sea. They are undoubtedly the Commonest Bird of the Bering Sea region - at least commonest, if not the most numerous. They are much subject to the depredations & annoyances of Jaegers (Roraimie), but I have never seen them fight back. Noted at Nome, Columbi, Teller, Kotzebue. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug r. Pacific Kittiwakes were encountered in moderate numbers all along the 30 mile length of the Sand spit peninsula. Natives say they bred on the cliffs at Cape

No text detected

Gilman 1931 Pacific Kittiwake. (3) Thompson. August 22. Noted occasionally every day I have been along the beach + lagoons. Today when I was back on the peninsula halfway to the hills I noted a large flock flying straight south over lagoon + bndra. They do not appear as noisy birds and I cannot recall hearing them make any kind of a sound. Aug 29 Nome, Alaska. Several around the boat today. Not nearly as abundant as in June. Sept. 24 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Aleutian Is. Today I saw a few in the harbor while crossing over the Narrow Chambers & Expedition Is. They do not frequent the beach in front of town nor along the dock but prefer to hang out in the outer reachs of the harbor. Sept. 25 Unalaska. Today I saw at least a thousand or two of these birds in the N.W. part of the bay. The first flock of

No text detected

489 Gilmore PACIFIC KITTIAKE A 1931 500 or so was on the rough surface of the bay just off Broad Bay. It rose at quite a distance (300- 400 yds) scattered about in the air. A few Bonaparte Gulls were in the flock. It was pretty to watch the large flock of white birds rise up off the surface in a sparkling mass and disintegrate into its individual parts like so many scattering motes of dust in a beam of light. The other flock was resting on the part of Ender Point reef that was exposed above the water. Thin behavior was much like that of the first. Oct. 2 Between Unalaska and English Bay. During the two hour cruise I saw hundreds of these birds, many of them immatures showing The black blotches on the head and neck. The birds were well scattered. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass and Alcan Straits, W. Aleutian S. Kittiwakes were common all over the rough wind swept pass.

No text detected

490 Gilmore PACIFIC KITTIWAKE ⑤ 1931 In small flocks they foraged over the heaving waters. In the dark of evening as we were coming down the Alaska Aleutian Straits in the fore front of a mean nor'wester, we ran into several flocks of 50-100 individuals on the water about a quarter of a mile off shore. The flocks are compact & they moved as a unit. Oct. 11 Akutan, Akutan D., K. Aleutian. Kittiwakes are not common in the bay, at least the inner end, unless there is a heavy wind blowing outside. This evening as a nor'west gale swept down on the bay, I saw a dozen or so flying 100-200 yds. high around the whaling station at the head of the harbor. Certainly they seem to prefer the rough passes to the protected coves and bays.

No text detected

491 Filming ARCTIC TERN (1) 1931 June 3 Cape Etolin, Nenwak S., Alaska Many of these birds seen along shore & over fresh water lakes nearby. They flew singly, pairs or in groups up to fours. Often a single perched on some promontory on sea shore. At times quite inquisitive, flying near to inspect the intruder. When one is shot others gather near to hover over the wounded bird. They have a harsh grating cry & at other times a slow trip trip - trip! June 8 St. Michael, Alaska Very common - especially on marshes. Quite fearless & very inquisitive especially when one is shot, others quickly gather near and may be shot with aux. June 31 - July 12, Severnaya, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea. - Common - may be seen at odd places along the coast. I found one breeding colony of some 50 birds. It was on a small sand bar in Sviktook

No text detected

492 Gilmore ARCTIC TERN (2) 1931 Lagoon + on this same sand area 75 x 70 yds, rested Pacific Eider + Emperor Goose. The rest of the terns were mere depressions in the sand + the eggs, 2 in number + dark. The birds arose in a cloud + circled 50- 75 yds over my head, screaming in raucous crys as long as I joked around the nests. Fairly common along the Alaskan Coast from Nome to Point Hope, which is the extent of the coast line I have covered in the last couple of weeks July 18-29. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug. While traveling the length of the Pt. Hope peninsula I saw many of these terns, both about the trackish water lagoons + over the surf along the beach. Several times I was "attacked" by these birds as I was walking along the narrow sand spit. Once, a lone bird dashed at my head twice + yet again from a height of 50 or so

No text detected

493 Gilman ARCTIC TERN (3) 1931 Yet + on the other occasion several birds from a flock of a half dozen "struck" at me repeatedly. Perhaps there were nests nearby, tho a hasty search disclosed none. Many times they circled at me. They use their long forked tail a great deal in flight & except when they are flying rapidly, it is expanded to various widths & kept moving continually. August 22 Still here, tho in reduced numbers - one day I saw quite a few flying low over the gravelly land, apparently hunting some sort of food. Still common back in the lagoons towards the hills.

No text detected

494 Gilmore ALUTIAN TERN 1931 July 5 Nome, Alaska On this day Capt. Jones & Lieut. Comm. Bradbury saw 4 of these birds close to the boat as it was anchored off Nome. They were on the lookout for terns with black bills & white foreheads & the identifications was made through exceptionally fine glasses. They are reliable Observers and their sight record should stand. Aug. 24, Point Hope Alaska. While boarding the boat today a tern flew close by and the white forehead was unmistakable. I did not notice the color of the bill.

No text detected

495 CALIF. MURRE Uria aalga california Gilmore 1931 May 7, 1931 Seen in scattered flocks off the coast of Oregon - probably seen yesterday tho not positively identified. May 8 (1931) - off coast of Washington & Juan de Fuca Straits - much more numerous. at least 200 seen "entoto". The flocks in the quiet waters of the straits often gathered on the surface in a straight single file line & swam in corresponding alignment. On pieces of drift wood there were often 2-5 of these birds perched. Often we encountered a Murre that could not rise from the surface and after much hasty scrambling, dove. These birds were seen in water from 40 -70 fathoms in deptth + so could hardly have been feeding! Perhaps they ball oil on their plummages. May 14, 1931 Bay Passage east of Vancouver Is - quite a few (dozen ±) flocks of from 8-12 birds were seen this afternoon.

No text detected

496 Gilmore 1931 CALIF. MURRE (2) Uria aalgea californica They sometimes they dove & sometimes they took swing and often the boat approached it within 75-yds before they took action. Several immatures were seen in the flocks. May 15 - Seymour Narrows - many seen today in flocks from 2-12 ± a larger percentage of immatures noted. May 18 Common thrown out the day in flocks from 2-18±. Dr Snow Passage between Clarence & Summer Straits I observed a single alight in a flock of 8 in the following manner: Came up from behind on left side, circled around & approached from the front. It lit with would wing flaking & foot spreading mouth method but as soon as it touched the water it dove head foremost under the surface & did not reappear for about 5 secs. after which it was an integral member of the flock. Was approach from front a form

No text detected

497 Calif Murre ③ Gilman 1931 of introduction? Was the Submersion After alighting a natural for proceeding Yokha or only when joining with a flock, or merely a whim of the moment? Generally the mures took a party by flight or diving (half & half) at distances of 100-200 yds but occasionally allowed an approach of 30-50 yds. May 19 - these birds were common in Icy Strait + Cross Sound. Not in Gulf of Alaska, not seen. May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska Was more here. June 3. Amivat Is., Alaska Found in immense flocks off the west end of the island. June 8 St. Michael, Alaska Quite common in bay.

No text detected

498 Gilmore Pallas Murre O 1931 June 16 Nome, Alaska One specimen (1613) shot from ship as it swam near. Seemed To be a sick as it was alone and in poor condition. June 21-July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska - Common nesting bird. Found resting on all the sea cliffs in considerable numbers. All seem to be Pallas's. I have my suspicion there are some Calif Murre in the bunch. Around the rookeries they may be seen flying around in small groups or singly or in pairs, but away from the nets the flocks are generally larger. Perhaps these larger flocks are feeding flocks. Point Hope Arctic Ocean, Alaska. Tigrata Augr. These birds are exceedingly numerous here & natives say they breed in great numbers on the cliffs of Cape Lisburne & Thompson. They flying along the spit in all directions, generally several hundred

No text detected

499 Silmo 1931 PALLAS MURRE (2) yards off shore, but never have I seen them cut across the spit over the tundra, even at the neck of the spit. If the flocks are working between Liburne & Thompson, they seem to prefer to fly the 30 miles length on each side of the peninsula. "Crowbill" Duck" is the colloquial name here. Aug 4. Was out on the north beach & point this aft. in cold fog & south wind. Hundreds of these Murre were flying low & close to the beach, westward along the north shore, & a few westward along the south shore. The main V shaped flocks from the east on the North Shore swinging around the Point & headed south over the open ocean. The When a flock from the east on the south shore met a flock from the east in the north shore, the former joining into the latter & the combined flock headed south. Migrating southward? Aug 7 Very numerous on the north shore and all were flying west. Often

No text detected

500 Gilmas 1931 PALLAS MURRE③ a flock would fly westward & up the north lagoon, parallel to the beach & then swing over the sand spit when the lagoon ended. Considerable August 22. Still here in good numbers. Generally seen flying well off shore in long lines or wrigging their way over the point well out of gunshot. They are not found and very far from the sea shore, as for instance back on the lagoon. On sunny days when the observer is standing between the sun and the birds, they present a beautiful sight as they fly rapidly by the shore, for the black tails to show up & the white bellies glisten with a dazzling brightness. Aug. 25 Cape Thompson, Alaska. The cutter anchored for two hours off Cape Thompson and as a member of the shore party I had a good opportunity to observe the 'Crowded nesting sites on the cliffs. There were thousands of these birds on the slanting ledges along the face of

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 PALLAS' MURRE. (4) the precipitous cliffs, and as hundreds flew out in a downward slanting flight, swift and sure, there seemed to be no diminution in the numbers still sitting on the rocks. The face of the cliff, as one looked upwards for 500-700 ft. from the base, was the scene of continual motion, birds taking off in jumps and other all alighting. The latter stopped the force of their flight by banging against their breasts against the rock wall. In the low roaring undertone of noise I could not dis- tinguish any distinctive sounds from the [illegible] murres. Young birds were not very numerous but several were found at the base of the cliffs where they had evidently fallen from above. The specimens taken were not very fat — the pickings seem to have been quite poor. The murres were nesting alongside of a few Horned Puffins and Pacific Kittiwakes. Glaucous Gulls, which probably feed on the eggs or young

No text detected

502. Gilmore PALLAS MURRE. 1931 Of the former species, were not common. The flight of the murre is strong and swift, making them quite hard to kill in flight. In diving they go under water with a forward image that bring their feet out of the water. The natives has used to gather the eggs in great quantities in years gone by, that lately have ceased to do so. The murre is generally quite pre- garious in flight, and the flocks are easily broken up by the sudden encounter of an obstacle, such as a boat in the line of flight, the tender eg is to get back in line as soon as possible. Aug. 26 Puffin Rock Kotzetune Sd. Alaska Quite a segregated colony of murre occupied a section of the steep rocky cliff on this rocky island. Perhaps there were several hundred birds in all. Sept. 25 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. W. Valentias

No text detected

503 Gilmore PALLAS MURRE @ 1931 There are not many Murres in the bay and today I saw only 10-12. in Generally the outer harbor. About half seemed to be immatures. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, E. Alutiiq Is. Very few seen while crossing the pass and these were doubtfully identified as Pallas Murres. From notes of Commander E.S. Jones - captain of Coast Guard Cutter "Norland". Oct. 15, 1931 - Many seen at King Island.

No text detected

504 Gilmore PIGEON GUILLEMOT Cephus columba 1931 May 15 - Seymour Narrows One flock of a dozen & several pairs of this bird were doubtfully identified today. The duck like posture in the water & flight with flashing white secondaries & were conspicuous characteristics. May 18 Seelog. Saw only about a dozen today. Mostly in Clarence Street. May 19 - Dey Street. dozen or so. May 21 Marnot Bay - Few pairs present. May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska Common in bays & along shores of Unalaska Bay. Generally seen in pairs. When frightened away they often circle back near shore again & again before alighting some where else. Sept. 1. St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. In the tiny bay on the east side next to Glory of Russia Cape I saw about a dozen young birds but no adults. The young had a very white fluffy appearance as they

No text detected

505 Culmar PIGEON GUILLEMPT. (2) 1931 sat in the water, and tho they as yet could not fly, they were able to paddle well over the surface, raising their bodies slightly by on their rapidly beating wings. Diving was their usual means of escape. They were feeding about 200 yds off shore. Sept. 25 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska. Today I saw a ha. of dozen or so young birds in the N.W. part of the Bay. They invariably sought escape by diving. No adult birds were seen. A few immatures seen at English Bay on Oct. 3, and in Akutan Bay on Oct. 11. Oct. 24. Alum Straits, E. Aleutian Is. During the days' hunt in Akutan Abi, and Alum Straits I saw only a dozen or so of these scarce birds, varicolored in black & white of subdued tones. Generally they were alone. No adults seen at all. Local name- "Sea Pigeon"

No text detected

506 Gilmore 1931 Mandt's Guillemot July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Mr. Geist states that birds of the year remain here during winter, congregating in the open leads in considerable numbers, while the old birds go south. From notes of Commander E.D. Jones - captain of Coast Guard Cutter "Northland". Sept. 20, 1931 "Many young near Sevoonga, (St. Lawrence Is.) - very close to shore in varying stages of plumage succession". The Mandt Guillemot is very common around Sevoonga. They nest in appreciable numbers on the sea ciffs in the vicinity and may always be seen feeding along shore in water from 2-5 fathoms in dept.h. In general, they have paired up and occasionally larger flocks may be seen.

No text detected

587 Gibney 1931 MARBLEO MURRELET Brachyramphus marmoratus May 15 - Seymour Narrows - Several pairs of small dark birds that very closely resembled this species were seen! Sometimes they dove & sometimes they took flight. May 18 - See log for route! - present Today at odd times in pairs or triplets Summer plumage. Flew or dove with remarkable rapidity. May 19 - By Strait - many present Flying & swimming. Sometimes dove, Sometimes flew when boat came within 75-100 yds. Generally in pairs. May 21 Unalaska Bay, Unalaska Is., Alaska Saw only a few - Sailors brought in a mutilated specimen, looked like Kittlitz's Murrelet

No text detected

508 TUFTEO PUFFIN O Lunda cirthata Salmon 1931 May 8, 1931 off coast of Wash. South of Cape Glatton. Today first the first time these birds were in evidence, and were seen flying in groups of from one to fifteen. May 19 Sey Strait this morning as we steamed up & out of the northern part of the inland passages many of these birds were present in flocks from 2-8. Boat often got as close as 50 yds. Flight like ducks. Head plumes visible! As many as 200 ± seen altogether. May 21 - Marmot Bay a few seen today, singles & pairs. Generally they were flying strictly down a quartering down wind in the 50 m.p.h. wind they traveled at terrific speed but never soared. June 21 July 12 Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Quite common were found resting on the rocky cliffs around Sevonga & Gambell

No text detected

509 Gilmore 1931 TUFTED PUFFIN (2) were mingled with the Horned Puffins which seemed more abundant. The Tufted Puffins seem very pugnacious & one fight I witnessed from a whale boat did not even cease when two shots were fired into the group at long range. The Capt. of the boat did not wish to spend time with them so I could but watch them from my seat in the bow. The two birds almost stood on the water, pecking & biting viciously at each other, one on the other now & then sinking lower in the water but soon regaining its position. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska July 28. Made doubtful sight ident- ification on Two birds flying by. Aug 26. Puffin Rk, Kotzebue Sd, Alaska Here a hundred or so birds nested or resided and they flew indiscrimi- nately with the Horned Puffins, who outnumbered them about 10-1 Actions were the same.

No text detected

Gilmore TUFTED PUFFIN (3) 1931 Oct. 7. Akutan Pass, K. Aleutian Is. I saw one bird of this species in the eastern side of the pass.

No text detected

511 Gilmor HORNED PUFFIN Fratercula corniculata 1931 May 31 Kralaska Bay, Kralaska S., Alaska Saw three birds today, off seaward end of Unmaknak Is.; on first time. About 50 in all. from 9 - dozen in bunch. Bill + white underparts conspicuous. Rapid flight + torpedo shapes distinct. July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. On June 28 between Sevoonga & Camp Collier the following notes were taken. (Observation from whaleboat) "Apparently these birds copulate in the water for the antics of several pairs gave a strong suggestion. One of the pair was almost submerged while the other was directly on top and maintained his position + balance by beating his wings. They often remained in these positions for a minute or more. In general these birds are quite common here, their white under parts being the mark to distinguish them from their less numerous dark bodied cousins, the Tufted.

No text detected

HORNED BUFFIN Aug 24 Cape Thompson, Alaska Perhaps a thousand or more of these birds all told resided on the cliffs alongside of the Pallas Murres. They gave a comical appearance as they extremely sat in the rock ledges and gazed about with twistings and turn- ings of their massively beaked heads. In taking off from their perch on the rocky ledges, they gave a deep downward plunge before catching themselves on out-stretched wings. Sept. 1 St. Matthew's, Bering Sea. Quite a number rested in the cliffs of Glory of Russia Cape, along with the Palmars. At the time I was there afternoon, they seemed to prefer the nesting ledges to the water. Sept. 6 Unalaska, Unalaska Is, Aleutians Saw 40-50 in Captains' Harbor today - the flocks were small - numbering a dozen birds or so.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 PAROQUET AUKLET June 28 Camp Collin, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska The crop of No 1680 held numerous small Crustaceans (shrimp-like organisms) June 28 - July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea, Alaska. Not very common. This occasionally met with while out in the native whale boats (that is we in the boats.) They seem to be solitary, rarely congregating in flocks. I found none on the rookeries of other au[k]lets.

No text detected

Gilmore CRESTED AUKLET (2) 1931 June 21-July 13, Savoonga, St. Lawrence Ils., Bering Sea, Alaska Saw a great many of these birds during my stay but the great majority were noticed flying over the water. I found no rookeries where they nested in appreciable numbers, tho a very few did nest among the Least Auklets. When in the whale boats they were much in evidence and flocks of 50-100 + more were common - generally on the wing. Their red bill & general dark color are distinctive for the. The quail-like crest cannot be noticed until one is within 25 yds or so. The natives kill great numbers, using the flesh for meat, the crown for declarations on rain coat, & the rest of the skin for parkas cold weather parkas. Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. July 24 A bird perching somewhere on the boat was caught by a sailor & brought to me. After being

No text detected

Gilmar CRESTED AUKLET (2) 1931 handled gently it was quite content to sit on ones shouderd if within a room. When I left the boat, it was contentedly paddling around in a pink fuel of water in the sock bay. Oct. 2 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska These birds evidently winter in the western Aleutian Is. and are subject to periodic plagues (at least occasional conditions that decimate the population). The following is from Capt. Henry Swanson: Four years ago, (1927) in the writer, the shores of the islands, to the west of here were covered on the Bering Sea side by count- less thousands of dead Crested Auklets. The windrows of dead birds were largest after a North storm but the number of bodies was always high at any time during that writer. This is the only time he has ever seen such a phenomena and as he described the birds particularly by the plume on the head, there seems

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 CRESTED AUKLETS (3) To be little doubt that they were Crested Auklets. Just what caused this sudden extermination of birds is uncertain but it seems likely that it was not due to bad weather. He also states that Crested Auklets are rarely seen as far east as Uralaska Do.

No text detected

Gilmore LEAST AUKLET 1 1931 June 21 - July 12, Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Bering Sea, Alaska On the landing party at Gambell on July 19 I saw many flocks flying close to the water & Shore ice all around. The evening of the 22 + 23 I sat on schoolhouse steps at Sevoonga & watched myriads of these & probably Crested Auklets flying eastward along the coast line. The flocks dotted the sky & they came in bunches, lines, waving strings & combinations of all three. No rhyme a reason To their all alignment in flight. The weather was clear & wind & sea calm & the sight of these thousands of tiny sea birds flying across the ocean in front of a brilliant red & rose colored midnite sunset was wonderful to behold. At this time the rock cliffs & rock piles near here immediately behind showed no signs of rookery life. However in a week the rocks were alive

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 LEAST AUKLET (2) with them, the birds being especially active in the late evening about 10-12 P.M. Flocks of birds, pairs, singles flew in every direction a few yards over the rocks, and every few feet or so they one could be seen sitting on the top of a rock. At the same time from the rocks, issuing from thousands of unseen throats came an almost indescribable hodgepodge of noises that made the place sound like a hive of angry bees if one were at an appreciable enough distance to get the blended effect of the sounds. Up close, however, one could hear voices ranging from deep guttural croaks to shrill trills & crescendos. Occasionally a bird would scramble up over the rocks from the deep recesses beneath & take wing to join the throng in the air. The more I shot & moved about the louder the noise & the more the volume number of flying birds became. It was a

No text detected

Gilmore LEAST AUKLET ③ 1931 wonderful sight, not to be forgotten For a long time. In the morning hundreds of the birds may be seen perched on the remaining snow banks that hang on the Crest of the Cliffs. For the last week or so the numbers have not been as much in evidence as before. They are still here but probably spending more time feeding & studing & the rest. When out in the whale boats they are easily approachable as they sit or feed on the surface. The flocks range from 2-5. The young fellows in the boat take along several score of small beach pebbles 1-3" in diam. & throw at the birds as we run them down with the boat. They are very expert at this throwing art & score a hit every once in a while. The auklets rise rather gradually from the surface & use their feet to paddle them- about selves as they start. During rough windy weather

No text detected

520 Gilmore LEAST AUKLET. (4) 1931 they take refuges in the rookeries for none are to be seen in the water. However, as soon as it gets rough smooth & calm out they come again and many flocks may see be seen. The color of the iris is white. I saw no natives netting any, tho I am told they do. St Geist states that the entrails of the birds are allowed to stand for a while in seal oil or blubber+ then eaten. Noted occasionally along the coast from Teller to Point Hope Sept. 1. St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. On the moss grown boulders at the flanks of the high precipitous cliff of Glory of Russia Cape, I saw as a few of these feathered "bees" as I climbed about on that sunny afternoon. Evidently they rested among these rocks for it is the type of habitat they seem to like when not on the water. Foxes are

No text detected

Gilmore LEAST AUKLET (5) 1931 common among the same boulders and undoubtedly prey heavily on this bird. A few scattered flocks of 2-6 were seen as we cruised southward along the east side of the island. Sept. 21. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians. Mr. Patterson, of Unalga Is., states that at times (in winter) he has seen myriads of small birds in the grass " if they were "not much larger than my fist". These seem to answer the description of Least Auklets. He also said they were general dark color with a little gray undermark. As far as logic goes, the Aleutian Is. ought to be the wintering grounds for these "sea gull." Oct. 2. Between Unalaska and English Bay During the 2 hr. cruise saw 40-50 of these birds. They were generally alone or in pairs as well scattered. They allowed a very close approach and tried to escape at first generally by diving. After a very short time under the water [illegible] Auklet?

No text detected

Gilmore LEAST AUKLET (6) 1931 they popped up and tried to take wing. The attempt was generally successful but only after much frantic kicking & bouncing on the wave tops. The bellies were quite light colored and the white plumes on the head were easily visible. Several account of the manner in which Least Auklets are netted by the natives on King Island in the northern part of the Bering Sea by the natives. The native with a net 3'4' in diameter on the end of a 10-15' pole gets a few as they fly close over the blow of the sea cliffs. Then stringing the live captive birds thru the nostrils he hoists the line of struggling flopping birds between two upright poles some 10-15' apart. Then he states assumes a crowded position right under & somewhat behind the birds which are thus practically endeavoring to fly away but are held by the string thru their nostrils. Their struggle attract other flocks

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

524 Gilmour WHISKERED AUKLET D) 1931 Oct. 2 Between Unalaska and English Bay (described under Least Auklet) Oct. 4 Uralga Pass, W. Aleutian Is. On this foggy morning, as we ran down the smooth waters of the pass to Agamzik Bay, we passed thru some hundred odd of these small Shmoky Auklets. They were scattered all over the pass in bunches of from 2-6 and often allowed a close approach before diving or taking wing, generally the former. Sec. 2223-24-25-26 were shot from the bow of the "Kanaga Native" and re- trieved with the dory. Oct. 7. Akutan Pass. E. Aleutians. Only a few of these birds were seen while crossing the rough waters of the pass today. Oct. 26+31. None seen on these two day when I crossed Akutan Pass.

No text detected

Gilmore RHINOCERAS AUKLET 1931 Oct. 4. Urnala Pass, N. Alcutun Is. Spic. m. 2228 was shot from the bow of the "Kanaga Native" while we were cruising thru the pass in a light fog. Only a few of these birds were to be seen on the still waters, and then they might easily be confused with immature Horned Puffins Oct. 24. Akun Straits, E. Alcutun Is. Today I saw about four-five of these large auklets. Invariably, each bird was alone and tried to escape by diving. I never saw one take wing. Generally they frequented the open passes between the rocks & islands, and occasionally were to be found close to shore in some sheltered light. They fed heavily upon pilot-fish, as their oesophagus held at least many as 50-75 fish. Oct. 31. Alcutun Pass E. Alcutun Is. Today while headed east on the outer I saw several birds. Again each was alone and escaped by diving. Attempts to take wing were unsuccessful.

No text detected

Gilmore St. Michael Horned Owl 1931 Mr. Kugler, here at the Pacific Amer- ican Whaling Station of Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., relates the following: In the fall of 1929 three owls, "larger than ravens" hung around the buildings of the station for about a week. They flew close about him in the dusk of evening and uttered no sounds. He shot one but was not able to locate the body the next morning. Perhaps they were Great Gray Owls

No text detected

527 Elmore SNOWY OWL D 1931 Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. Aug. Took me today about 5 miles east of village. It was sitting on a timber, several hundred yds away from an inhabited house, + took flight when I got within 40 yds. It had 5 mice in its stomach, 4 of which were quite fresh. Aug 6+7 Noted one on each of the above days. They always took flight from this perch on some tundra hammock, so I came to within 100 yds. They have a combative flight low over the ground, of leisure flapping & soaring. August 22 Haven't seen many - occasionally one (always alone) sitting on some hammock or mass of debris. Their pellets found around their perching places resemble cylindrical masses of feet interspersed with bones. Bird bones seem to be about as numerous as mouse bones. Sept.1 St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. Mason (A.L.) reported seeing several on his wal (across the islands).

No text detected

528 Gilmore Snowy Owl (2) 1931 Sept. 18. Unalaska, Uralaska Is., Aleutians Local people say they occur irregularly on the Aleutians in Winter. I have interviewed a trapper from Kamagad Is. who states he has seen them there in winter, but not rarely.

No text detected

529 Gilman 1931 Short Eared Owl D June 8, St. Michael, Alaska One taken (No. 1568) near old river boats on Marsh 15 miles S. of St. Michael. Said to nest in the boats but careful exploration for trinkets failed to dislodge any. Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians Saw an owl by the lagoon just south of town. It flew up about 100 yds ahead of me and was soon lost to sight over some low rises but I noticed white areas on the wings. General color was light brown. Owls are reported at in the old buildings at Dutch Harbor and are d said to be very numerous on the west end of this island. They may be of this species. Oct. 15 Akutan, Akutan Is., E. Aleutians Today I flushed one right under my foot in some tall grass on a side hill some 100 yds from the beach. Had my gun in its case for it was raining and the owl flew shuscated right up in the air where I lost

No text detected

Gilmore Short Eared Owl 12 1931 right of it. Oct. 18. Akutan, Akutan Is. Adluntian Is. Today I walked thru falling snow about the flats at the head of the bay and in two closely adjacent areas on the side hill right to the flat I flushed at least a dozen and possibly 15 Short Eared Owls. They were roosting in the grass & took wing me by one and flew aimlessly about the meadow before all alighting together again. Spec. 2268-69-70 came from the flock. Why should they gather together like this? Was it the snow storm, or a migrational urge or just a coincidence? Their flight is silent and jerky, the long wings flapping at irregular intervals and giving the today a disconcerted up & down motion. Very frequently they interrupt their flight by a long circular soar, much like a Butet Hawk. All the owls sit again within a short time but the original flock

No text detected

Gilmore SHORT EARED OWL (3) 1931 was disrupted. Oct. 20 Akutan Bay Spec. 2276 was taken in same place as the above, and 9 others were also seen. Mr. Kugler states that a month ago when berry picking was on, these owls were not seen in this place at all. Thus it seems likely that they have just recently assembled. This one had remains of a Microtus in its stomach. Undoubt- ably mice form its principal source of food. Oct. 21 Akutan Bay. Spec. 2284 was shot as flew over the water from some long grass at the head of the beach. In these country with no trees, these owls roost on the ground & seem to prefer the side of a hill, tho this one was at least 300 yds from the nearest hill and was almost on the Sandy beach. So far I have not heard them utter any sounds.

No text detected

Gilmore WESTERN BELTED KINGFISHER 1931 Oct. 3 Unalaska Capt. Swanson reports seeing an individual at Cape Matushin some two weeks ago and also a pair recently around the dock at Unalaska. He knows the bird and has positively identified them by pictures. Have not, as yet, seen the pair around the dock.

No text detected

533 Genus MAGPIE Pica pica hudsonia 1931 May 24 Solgoi Harbor, Solgoi S., Alaska Saw three here - very wild. May 31 Unalaska. Unalaska S., Alaska One seen. Oct. 3 Unalaska. Bill Shaushnikof - whose old man has been in this country for years & after whom the river in Captains Bay was named, reports that on one occasion, several years back, he saw a Magpie at Captain's Bay. The description of long tail and black and white coloration tallied. He seemed to have a previous know- ledge of the bird.

No text detected

534 Gilman NORTHERN RAVEN O Corvus corax principalis 1931 May 24 Solgol Harbor, Solgol Is. Alaska Several seen—very wild. May 31 Unalaska Unalaska Is. Alaska Very common—may be seen from sea shore to mountains. Often in pairs. Sometimes alone or in bunches of 10-12. Even fed on peach in front of Toub, Ito as a general rule pretty wild. Seen to scavenge a lot. Have an evil reputation for eating spring ducks & duck & gull eggs. Nos. 1477, 78, 79, represent family. ♂ guarded the nest & while returning to defend it was shot by Mason. ♀ fled far over the hills at the first shot. I Returned to the spot 2-3 some days later & saw lone dead raven near nest. June 21–July 12, Levooonga, St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea, Alaska. Not common —I saw only one or two back by the hills. One was being strenuously attacked by Parasitic & Long Tailed Jaguars. They probably nest some- where in the rocky cliffs. Saw

No text detected

535 Gilmore 1931 NORTHERN RAVEN (2) Shoutman, schoolteacher at Sevoonga and reliable informant states that in winter the ravens come around the village in small groups may easily be killed. In fact, last winter, he shot a half dozen to be rid of them. Members of the crew reported Ravens resting on Besboro Island. Informants were reliable. (Norton Sound.) Point Hope, Arctic Ocean, Alaska. Aug 2. Saw 4 ravens flying over the beach + then across the tundra about 6 miles east of the village. Made doubtful sight record in hills just north of Cape Thompson August 12 Spec. 1868 was alone - and hovered long enough about the Mission graveyard to get shot. Sept. 1 St. Matthews, Bering Sea. I saw several pairs among the seething crags at the side of Cape Sloy of Russia's Cliff.

No text detected

Silmore NORTHERN RAVEN (3) 1931 Sept. 10 Unalaska, Unalaska Is, Aleutian Exceedingly common especially about the village + harbor. They have been seen wherever I have gone so far & are generally found around the low hills + cliff next to the stack. Flocks of 15 or so gather about the wharf + around the adjacent side of Amakrak Is. Here they loiter all day long, flying back and forth with some raucous calling and much dipping, darting and general "horseplay." Perhaps they are merely sporting themselves. I have seen their tracks in numerous places along the sand at the edge of the small lake nearby. Such signs seem to indicate that they spend quite some time sitting motion- less at the water's edge. I saw none hanging around the mouth of Shaashnikof River where salmon are spawning and dying and thus where one would surely expect to find such a sea- scavenger as the Raven. Their ab-

No text detected

Gilmore NORTHERN RAVEN 4 1931 sence is due perhaps to the almost daily visits of bombing parties of sailors from the cutter who consider the ravens fair game. Under such conditions it wouldn't take long for the ravens to "get out & stay out." Sept. 18 Ravens still quite plentiful - noticed from sea level to the tops of the highest peaks. Their loud "cawing" may be heard for miles. They also have a harsh "coughing" note which I have, them utter only when perched near a congrega. Companion! Immatures seems far outnumber the adults. Ravens were seen occasionally in English Bay on Oct 3, and in Ayangik Bay on Oct. 4. Oct 12 Akutan, Akutan Is., N. Aleutian Is. Ravens are Common about this bay, especially around the rocky cliffs and the whaling Station where Mr. Kugler, the mgr., states that he has killed up as high as 200 in one season.

No text detected

Gilmore Northern Violet Green Swallow 1931 June 8 St. Michael, Alaska Many seen - dozen + pair resting in old river boats on marsh 15 miles S. of town. June 11 Unalakleet, Norton St. Alaska Many resting in buildings in town.

No text detected

539 Gilmore WATER OUZEL I 1931 Sept. 11. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutian Is., Alaska. Spec. No. 2086 was taken on the stream flowing into Gull Lake just South East of town. Sept. 19 Spec. No. 2154 was taken on the stream that flows into Suck Lagoon back of Immme's Bay. I was upstream from it when it flew and it circled off below, swinging back and flew upstream. I followed the stream up for several hundred yards before I found it. The tendency to escape this occasion was certainly upstream rather than downstream. The testicles are black. Oct. 2 English Bay, N. Unalaska Is., Aleutians. Spec. No. 2218; 2219 were taken at the mouth of the stream at the head of English Bay and one of them exhibited the following antics. At my approach around a bend it flushed about 15-yds to a small rock in the stream. When I shot, it tumbled off into the swift current and was carried rapidly down stream, aiding its progress by short jerk jerky diving motions. It sunk very low

No text detected

Gibson WATER OUZEL @ 1931 in the water and preserved its equilibrium perfectly. Finally it took refuge under a bank of sod and as I waded into the water to dislodge the apparently wounded bird, it suddenly flew off out from under my hands and dashed around a bend in the creek some 10 yds up stream. and apparently saw it was evidently unhurt. Waded cautiously towards the bend and there saw it perched on a rock. Inframed from shooting and after several minutes of bobbing up and down it flew back to its former perch nearer me and unconcernedly commenced to feed in the shallow rippling water. It fed here for about 5 minutes before I secured it. Was its pantomime of a wounded bird merely a blind ? Its feeding actions were rapid and pure. Wading into the water it thrust its bill under the surface to catch every noticeable grub and when the water became too deep it due to some small pocket, it traversed it on the surface with a lunching take off. Occasionally it completely submerged itself in its probing after food. It uttered no call

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

Gilmore The Unalaska Winter When 1931 May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska. One dessicated carcass seen - it was picked up in cave. None others seen. Sept. 18 Have found these tiny wrens only along the rocky beaches. They seem to be quite at home on the large boulders in the surf or among the piles of beach debris nearby. Quite scarce. Sept. 19 At the base of the crumbling cliffs at the west entrance, to Summer's Bay and next to the pounding surf I found a half a dozen of these birds flitting about the rocks & beach debris. They furiously flew from rock to plank to boulder, and at my approach took refuges in any bit of dense vegetation at the base of the cliff. Sept. 22 Unalaska. Saw only 5 today on my walk 8+ from Summer's Bay. They were generally in pairs. I have not to get heard any note. Oct. 9 Akutan, Akutan Is., K. Alutun Is. Saw but one chummy my walk along the rocky beach but was not able to secure it.

No text detected

543 Gilmore UNALASKA WINTER WREN @ 1931 Oct. 14 Akutan Bay, Akutans, N. Alutians. Spec. m. 2259 was secured among the fall grass at the edge of the beach near the whaling station. Some of these tiny birds hang around the buildings & plant smits of the station. As far I have not heard them utter a sound.

No text detected

Salmon Robin 1931 Nest at St. Michael, Alaska Cascade Creek, + None. One pair is nesting over door of Rex Beach's old cabin.

No text detected

Silmane Olive Backed Thrush 1931 June 9 Cascade Creek, Norton St. Alaska Several pairs seen in the woodies creek bottom - birches, willows, + few spruces, + berry bushes

No text detected

546 WHEATKAR Aug.17 Tigara, Ft.Hope, Alaska Spec. 1903 in the first I have seen. It was accompanied by another which disappeared at the report of the gun. I first noticed the bird as it was bending over a squirrel trap. It was hopping along a gravelly ridge on the tundra & its companion was 10 yds away. At my first movement it flew about 20 yds farther off Aug 18 (Same locality) Spec. no. 1907 was taken off while it was perched on the gravelly tundra, sparsely grown with grass, near the school house. It was alone. The distinguishing feature of sight identification is the pure white upper & lower tail covert & rump and the black tip to the end of the tail. The rest of the bird has a light creamy brown appearance. Aug 19 - First day of abundance. Generally seen perched on some hummocks on the tundra where they had alighted. They were quite wary flying before me at a distance of 30-75 yds with exasperating monotony. The momentum

No text detected

547 Silmore WHEATEAR (2) 1931 of their flight generally carried them several feet along the ground on a rapid run after they lit. White patch at base of tail very conspicuous. No notes or calls noticed as yet; generally I haven't given them time to do much but dodge lead shot. August 22 Very common everywhere on the peninsula from the end of the point, along the long stretch of sand + gravel + grass to the tundra rises halfway to the hills. They nervously fly about or run rapidly over the tundra. No call notes noted. Aug 24 Cape Thompson, Alaska, Several pairs were seen in the rocky cliff of the cape.

No text detected

Gilmore RED SPOTTED BLUETHROAT 1931 Igara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug 17. Spec. 1901 was the first I have seen & was taken among the old house ruins of the old village site. It had been in a damp depression & suddenly flew up in front of me and lit about 30 yds away on a better point of vantage. There I secured it & the detonation of the native that was the house pits, climbing out to see what was going on. The distinctive color feature was the rich reddish brown tail coverts, which are flashed conspicuously in flight. August 23 Noticed several about the old village site this morning but The I chased them assiduously they failed to select & become "size" Splendens. They continually skirled about the ruins, kept keeping well out of sight until they took wing with a rapid dodging flight for a hundred yards or so & then the performance was repeated. No call notes noted.

No text detected

549 Gilmore ALASKA WILLOW WARBLER (O) 1931 NOME ALASKA July 12 Spec. 1611 flew aboard in a dense fog as we anchored off Nome & was caught by a sailor. There was another also that served as a semivolent pet in the wardroom. Tugara, Point Hope, Alaska Aug 16 Spec. No. 1891 was caught in a mouse trap set on an old house mound in the ancient village site. None others I have not seen any others.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 YELLOW WAGTAIL D Tigara, Point Hope, Alaska. Arctic Ocean. Aug 17 No. 1902 is the first taken who caught in a mouse trap set in the ruins of an old house in the old village site.

No text detected

551 Gilmore American Pipit 1931 Dolgori Harbor Solgur Island, S.W. Alaska May 24 saw several of these birds on the tops of the hills. They flew high in the air & hovered like a lark. Sept. 11. Unalaska Unalaska Is., Aleutians. Spec. No. 2089 was taken, near the summit of a high saddle between the peaks to the southeast. It was in company with another. Sept. 18. This particular saddle, is the pass over to Beaver Inlet & here is the only place I have seen Pipits. For three consecutive days I saw them in the same spot and then they were gone.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Aleutian Rosy Finch Leucosticta griseonucha May 31, Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska Mason ran into a huge bunch 50 ± at. snow bank above Captain's Harbor. + later saw a few on Lincoln Pt. on Amaknak Is. Sept. 1 St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. During my afternoons walk around Cape, Glory of Russia, I saw about a dozen or so of these finches. The first one was flying around a pinnacle of rock that overlooked the beach several hundred feet below. The rest were seen in flocks of 3-6 up a rocky canyon nearby. Sept. 6 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska In the rocky narrow portion of the Shaishnikof River back of Captain's Harbor I saw about half a dozen of those birds. One scattered flock of 5 was working up the precipitous side of the canyon when I encountered them. Sept. 18 These birds seem to be quite scarce, at least in the areas I have been working. Took one, Ms. 2111, in

No text detected

553 Gilmore ALEUTIAN ROSY FINCH (2) 1931 The narrow rocky portion of Cascade Cr. and another, 2133, in a rocky dry stream bed at the edge of the beach. So far I have not heard them utter a single note. The testicles of these birds are black, and they are infested with a worm of some sort. Sept. 22. Unalaska. While walking back from Summers' Bay this morning in a drizzle of rain, I came upon a large flock of these birds. The 70-85 birds flew down the rocky beach from the cliffs above & then began to forage on the scant vegetation growing on the steep slope at the base of the cliff. They were quite wary & I heard no notes. Oct. 14, Akutan Bay, Akutan & S. A. Aleutians. While walking around & climbing the rugged peak back of the whaling station today I saw several flocks. One was flying distractedly around the crests of the peak in disorderly & nervous fashion, uttering a disconnected series of limpid chirps. The other two flocks were on the hilltops below the

No text detected

554. Gilmore Aleutian Rosy Finch (3) 1931 peak or in the campas. 20-25 individuals made up the flocks and they fly around with a reckless abandon and devil-may-care attitude, under delayed follow-the-leader impulse from any leader whom whose actions may happen to seem desirable to the majority. Sometimes they fly long distances in a straight course, as if bound for some rendezvous; at other times they scatter around, veering from camp wall to camp wall or from pinnacle to pinnacle with no apparent object or purpose. One such wandering flock was broken up in consternation by the sudden dive of a Duck Hawk into this midst, but they soon assembled again and resumed their aimless erratic course. Oct. 20 Akutan Bay, Akutans. Spec. 2273-74-75 were killed halfway up the rocky rat. in rear of the whaling station as I walked up in a cold drizzle of rain and hail. Evidently they were curious about my intrusion for

No text detected

555 Gilmore ALEUTIAN ROSY FINCH © 1931 they halted suddenly in their flight and lit on some nearby rocks above me. Another flock of 15 or 20 flew down the mountain from the summit to me. They uttered a clear slow limpid chirp as they flew aimlessly about. Oct. 21 No. 2285 was alone when taken on the side of the rocky ridge & the N.W. Generally these birds are in flocks & rarely are found alone.

No text detected

536 Gilmoq Common Reppell 1931 June 9 Cascade Cr. Norton St. Alaska Found along the creek bottom, among dense willows & birches. Found in pairs. July 19 Teller, Port Clarence, Alaska No 1794 taken along small streams - in scattering of willows 8-10' high.

No text detected

557. Gilmore 1931 Alcuitian SAVANNAH Sparrow 01 May 24 Solgoci Harbo, Solgoci Is., Alaska Very common - most often seen on hill sides & flats - around willows, Scarse on top of ridges & along sea shore. Commonest form of bird. May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska Very common - by far the commonest form - seen often from sea level far up sides of hills. Seems to prefer open fields. June 11 Unalakleet Norton Sd. Alaska Quite common in tundra. Two nests found, well concealed. Concealed under dwarf birch. 4" across, 3" deep - lined with duck (?) feathers; 5 eggs, light blue background & dark brown blotches. Sept. 10 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians The commonest land bird. Seen almost every where one goes, but they prefer a bushy or heavily overgrown habitat. I have seen them skylk along a path in front of me for 100 yds or so, progressing by short swift runs rather than

No text detected

Gilmore ALEUTIAN SAVANNAH SPARROW © 1931 by flight. Their flights are short jerky affairs and they rarely stay perched on one perch very long. In short their whole action complex is very nervous. Sept 11 (Same) Nos. 2084, 85 were infested with tape worms (perhaps round worms). Saw several flocks of 8-10 on the ridges. These flocks seemed to be merely flying about for sport and not feeding. At some unknown cause they would suddenly take wing and dart off down the mountain side in a breath taking zig- zagging drop, continuing toward the bottom of the canyon until they were lost to sight. Sept. 18 Have found them very common along the beach between here on Simmie's Bay; In fact, their center of abundance seems to be along the beach where high grassy flats come lie right behind. There seems to be juveniles and immatures in the flocks. Perhaps they nest more than once a season! Oct. 1 (Same locality, Alaska). These sparrows are still quite plentiful, especially around the end of town.

No text detected

559 Gilmore ALEUTIAN SAVANNAH SPARROW (3) 1931 Oct. 14. Akutan Bay, Akutan D., Aleutians No. 2260 was caught in a 'mouse' trap set in heavy grass on side hill from beach. I have not seen many of these Sparrows here - perhaps 3 or 4 and presume that they have, as the McLaslans claim, gone south. Noticed that they were scarce on the east end of Unalaska Is., at English & Agamgik Bay.

No text detected

560 Gilmoe Fox Sparrow 1931 May 24 Solgai Harba, Dolgoi S. Alaska Quite common tho very shy. Found in scrub-willow thickets on hillside. May 31 Uralaska, Uralaska S., Alaska None seen. Aug. 27 Kotzebue, Kotzebue Sd., Alaska. One bird seen perched in someone's back yard.

No text detected

561 Gilmar 1931 Iue Sparrow June 11 Unalakleet, Norton Sd. Alaska Several pairs seen on Tundra just of town. Acted like Savannah Sparrows tho seemed to hang around drift wood more.

No text detected

Star [illegible] Aleutian Song Sparrow (1) 1931 May 24 Dolgoi Harbor, Dolgoi Island, Alaska Several seen but only along rocks on shore. Seemed to feed on sea bank, cliff & among wave washed rocks & beach stranded kelp. Generally alone. May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is, Alaska Mason took, only one seen - same habitat as on Dolgoi. Sept. 18 (Unalaska) - The habitat of this bird, jointly shy bird seems to be along the rocky, gravelly beaches. The only other place I have ever seen one was in the front garden of a house in the center of town. Along the whole length of the beach between here and Summers Bay & the east, they may be found in appreciable numbers, generally singly, but sometimes in pairs. As they feed among the wet boulders & beach debris, they cock their tails over their backs in a very jointly manner much like a wren. They are quite shy and elusive and when disturbed are very quick to hide under any cover. I have not heard them utter a single

No text detected

Gilmore ALEUTIAN SONG SPARROW. (2) 1931 Note as yet. Sept. 19. These birds are very common along the rocky beach between town and Summer's Bay and seem to do most of their feeding on the rocks & boulders of the beach. I watched one feeding on the face of a crumbly cliff and it hopped from ledge to ledge, scattering tiny pebbles down, as it searched diligently for some sort of food. Just what kind of food exists on those ledges & in the cracks and crevices of the rock, I don't know. Sept. 22 Unalaska. Today at Summer's Bay I heard a Song Sparrow sing for the first time. It sat on a moderate sized rock - 3-4' tall - in the surf and uttered a melodious trill of double noted syllables. The first note was lower in tone than the last which was sucked by a rising inflection in the voice Common at English Bay, Oct. 3. - Seen only along the rocky beach line and along the mouth of the stream

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 ALEUTIAN SONG SPARROW (3) Oct. 12 Akutan, Akutan Is., W. Aleutian Is. These birds are very common here along the shore line, among grass and rocks, and about the clock of the whaling station. Oct. 14 Akutan Bay. These sparrows are common around the whaling station and here I have heard them sing more often than usual. Their song is a typical song sparrow song, tho it seems a little less melodious & smooth than the song sparrows of the western U.S. Seem to run in pairs. Do they mate for life? - If so they must be residents thru out the year which so far seems likely.

No text detected

565 Gilmore Alaska Longspur 1931 May 24. Solgol Harbor, Solgol Is Few seen. May 31. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska Common—same habitat as Savannah Sparrows thus they seem to prefer higher altitudes. Have a short whistle similar to Lark. Dark throat is conspicuous feature. June 3 Cape Etolin, Nunwak Is., Alaska there birds together with Snowflakes were the only land birds seen. A dog of 20 pairs were seen on the tundra. June 5 St. Michael Alaska Common June 11 Unalakleet, Norton Is., Alaska Commonest bird. June 21–July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska — The commonest bird on land, and apparently the only Fringillidae. along with the Snow Bunting. Invariably seen in pairs. Common at Teller. Point Hope Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug r. Common on the tundra of

No text detected

566 Gilmoе ALASKAN LONGSPUR (2) 1931 the peninoula. Their colors seem much more subdued - perhaps the fall moult is on & young birds are present in the groups. August 28 Common - apparently a resident bird. The white outer tail feathers and general dark brown plumage are distinctive sight features. Sept 18 Unalaska, Unalaska, Aleutians Not very common now. Noticed in the meadows, about the lagoons or on the outskirts of town.

No text detected

567 Gilms PRIBILOF SNOW BUNTING 1931 May 31 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska. Quite common on foothills. Black + white coloration conspicuous. June 3 Cape Etolin, Nunwak Is., Alaska Several pairs seen around the rocks on the beach - allow very close approach. June 21-July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Common- seen in pairs & generally near the beach or rocky cliffs or creeks. Point Hope Arctic Ocean, Alaska Aug 2. About 20 have been seen - plumage subdued in tree, Aug 22. Commonest about the old village site & the mission graveyard. They feed about the ruins of the old houses & mounds & are quite tame. Often caught in mouse traps. Sept. 18. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Aleutians So far I have seen "snowflakes" only on the crests of the highest peaks & ridges. They seem to confine themselves to this bleak rocky habitat.

No text detected

568 Gilmore PRIBILOF SNOW BUNTING (2) 1931 Oct. 25. Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Aleutians Here at Akutan I wandered about the hills many days before I saw any and then I encountered a flock of 8-12 on the side of a rocky ridge of gentle slope. The birds in full white plumage of brown, black and white were resting on or around a small boulder. The unity of the group gave me the impression of a migrating group, resting after a long flight. Spec. 2290 came from the group.

No text detected

569 Gilmore McKay's Snow Bunting 1931 Sept. 1 St. Matthew Is., Bering Sea. During 3½ hrs ashore, I saw about 75-100 of these large "snow flakes". They were in flocks of 10-20 and preferred the rocky slopes and hill tops to the flats below. Quite tame.

No text detected

Section 2 Mammals Alaska : Species Accounts 1931 R M Gilmore

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

570 Gilman 1931 SOREX jacksoni Sorex crenatus hollisteri July 12, Savoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Three pairs teats in ♀ (1 inguinal, 1 lower abdominal, 1 upper abdominal) The neck of a Least Auklet, Caught in a rat trap, had been eaten out by what was probably a Shrew. Perhaps these voracious devils live off the eggs & restings of the Least Auklets in the rookeries. Apparently they are found, in summer at least, in the rock piles where auklets rest - I caught them nowhere else. In winter however, the Natives claim that they come into the villages & eat the meat in the houses. Caught during the day as often as night. Tigara, Point Hope, Alaska Aug 24. I did not catch a single Shrew during my whole Stay of almost four weeks, tho I trapped assiduously for them. The natives know what they are and say that they are to be found in the houses, in the old village sites, and in the meat cellars. I gave traps

No text detected

571 Silmore SOREX (cont.) (2) 1931 to natives and offered to pay them well for every specimen, and I planted traps thru out the old village site and in the meat cellars, but not a single shrew was taken. Undoubt- ably this is a year of scarcity. June 1 St. Michael, Alaska. Jumping back in time several months I recall Mrs. Evans, Gout, Nurse, saying that this past last winter and spring shrews were very common around St. Michael. They entered the homes in such numbers that every morning for a week or so, their dead bodies would be found in all water containers. Sept 14. Unalaska, Alaska I have been trapping extensively since my arrival for these animals but have had negative results. I have tried all types of suitable association from sea level up to 1000 or more feet. In addition, 700+ every one in town that I have questioned, and they in- clude storekeepers, fishermen, trappers and plain civilians, have never seen

No text detected

Gilmore SOREX (cont.) (3) 1931 a shrew on this island. The only place I have yet to trap in, is the rocky cliff backed beach on the S.E. side of the harbor. The following information was offered by Mr. Albert Olsen, and concerns the shrews around the base head of the Alaska Peninsula; False Pass, Morzovik, Cold, & Dzembeck Bays. Several years ago (shrews are subject to periodic fluctuations?) The shrews became to numbers numerous that they invaded every shack and shanty in quest of meat for food. Olsen had hams & baccons flavoured so he on one occasion he placed the meat in a pan & set the pan in a tub of shallow water so that water entirely surrounded the inside meat & gilled pan. The next morning the tub was almost filled with drowned shrews, and several had reached the meat, wi- derly over the bodies of their dead comrades. Shrews do not seem to be known

No text detected

Silmore SORTEX (cont.) (4) 1931 on any island west of the Alaska Peninsula, with the possible exception of Unimak. Sept 18 Unalaska - Mr. Paul McLauren, whom I just met today, states that shrews are common on Tigilda Is. This is as far west as I can trace them. Oct. 12 Akutan Akutan Is W. Aleutian Is. From the McLaurens here, I learn that shrews are common on Tigilda and Unimak but not found farther west. In lieu of the stormy weather herereabouts I doubt if I will get any farther east than Akutan Is. Navigating in a small boat is very dangerous and I doubt if I could get any skipper to take me over to Tigilda Is.

No text detected

574 Gilmore Ursus D 1931 June 11 Unalakleet, Norton St. Alaska Said to be common in hills back of coast where they bother the reindeer considerably. A half dozen or so are killed every season. Our native, Edward, guile intelligent, said that he knew the bears herded the reindeer, one bear on each flank + one at the rear. Again; that they kill the calves for plasme but prefer to eat the older ones. Igata, Point Hope, Alaska Arctic Ocean August 22 Learned from Bob Tuckfield, reliable as a rule, that there are quite a few brown bears in the hills between Lishume and Thompson + that one is killed every year or so by the reindeer herders. From this attitude I gather that the bears are not very large and not feared very much. Sept. 10 Unalaska, Unaleska St., Alaska From Henry Swanson and Albert

No text detected

Gilmore URSUS (cont.) (2) 1931 Olsen I have gleaned the following information about the great brown Bear of Unimak and the lower Alaskan Peninsula. They are very numerous on Unimak Is. Duvenson, while weather bound in a northern bay, saw five in a short walk back from the beach. The few old trappers left on the island, those who were on it when it was made a game reserve and allowed to stay, report that the bears tear down their shacks whenever they are left for a short time, as a month or two. The largest skull Swanson reports measured 418" across the "brow" Perhaps this means across the frontal bones just posterior to the orbits. Even so, it sounds like a "tall one" to me. Albert Olsen, who has shot more many bear, states that the largest skull he has ever seen measured 23" from the foramen magnum to the upper incisors; straight line measurements. A very large skin he once helped to kill, measured 10'4"

No text detected

Gilmore URSUS cont. (3) 1931 in length. He states that the distance between the claws of the front feet on a skinned hide should be very close to the total length. They seem to go into hibernation about the latter part of December and come out sometime in April. However, Le has seen tracks in January & on the 4th of January some years ago a bear ate up some his fresh meat at his La Cabin on Nelson's Lagoon - very low in altitude for bears at that time of the year. They prefer the hills to hibernate in. Since 1909 bears have about doubled in numbers and their trails line the creeks like sweet beaten laid out sideways, etc. and one may follow their paths from one end of the peninsula to the other.

No text detected

Gilmore Thalarectos D 1931 June 19 - South Side of St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska 10 miles off land. This morning about 10:30 A.M., we overtook a polar bear cub (half grown) swimming in the water and followed it up with the ship. It swam steadily thru the water in between the ice cakes and when a small shatter piece of ice was in the way it gracefully dove underneath. It swam almost entirely with its fore legs with occasional speeded kicks with its four hind feet. As we came upon it the first time it veered suddenly to one side and gained about 100 yds on us before the ship could be swung about. Again we approached it and soon it was directly under the bow. This time it swung to one side, and climbing nearly upon a cake of ice, lumbered off across it and dove heading off the other side. Here the chase ended and we resumed our way. It uttered no sound throughout the entire pursuit.

No text detected

578 Almoy Thalaretor (2) 1931 June 24, 1931 Sevoonga St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska Today two polar bears were killed by the natives from a whale boat far out on the ice. They were a mother & a cub and were found swimming along between the cakes of ice & shot. The killing of a polar bear is quite an achievement and is attended by a shot ceremony at the spot where the bear is killed. When skinned the skin of the nose is left on. This peculiar thing is practiced on all seal also but not the walrus. The skulls of polar bear are religiously guarded & finally placed upon the graves of the hunter. Native name is "Nanook". Point Hope, Alaska Arctic Ocean Aug. 24 About a dozen were killed here this spring. Evidently they are more numerous than farther south to this year, one was killed at St. Michael. There seems to be an 11 foot

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

580 Gilmore MUSTELA 1931 Aug. 24 Point Hope, Alaska. A few ermine are taken in the foot- fall, every winter but they do not seem To come out on the long sand & gravel peninsula to Tigira at the end of Point Hope. No form of weasel known on St. Lawrence Is. Aug. 26 Kotzebue, Kotzebue St. Alaska A hundred of ermine skins come into Kotzebue from the trapping grounds on the Noatak, Kobuk & Selawik Rivers. Right now, prime good W.1 skins sell for from 150 - 125 a piece. They seem to be Mustela archieus this I eredn't be sure. Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Alaska No weasels are known from Unalaska or adjacent islands. Probably they occur on Unimak Is; and they are trapped in moderate numbers on the Alaska Peninsula. Albert Olam at False Pass, catches a few, & is willing to send skins or skulls out to my museum.

No text detected

581 Gibmore MUSTELA RIXOSA 1931 June 16. Nome Alaska. H.d. Mason bought a few skins of this tiny weasel in Nome for 50¢ apiece. Aug. 26 Kotzebue, Kotzebue St. Alaska I didn't notice any skins of least weazels in the trading stores. Sept 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Is. Alaska, Alcuations Is. From Albert Olsen, it seems that least weasels are quite common on the end of the Alaskan Peninsula. He states that they inhabit his shacks and in the winter time he catches them just to be rid of them. They seem to be only 5-7 inches in length.

No text detected

Gilmore MUSTELA VISON - MINK 1931 July 12 St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea. Otto Wm. Furst is preparing to plant Mink on some of the streams on the island but as yet has not done so. He feels confident that they will live and flourish, tho there may be some danger of the streams & ponds freezing solid in winter. Aug. 26. Kotzebue, Kotzebue Sd., Alaska Hundreds of mink come into the trading stores from the Noatak, Kobuk, and Selawik Rivers. A good prime W. 1 skin brings 10-15. Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska, Alaska, Aleutian Is. According to Albert Olson, mink are found on the end of the Alaska Peninsula but are not very common. Perhaps they even extend to Unmak Is.

No text detected

Silmore Gulo D 1931 June 11 Undalakleet, Norton Sd, Alaska Wolverine are reported as being fairly numerous in the hills east of here. June 16, Nome, Alaska I saw quite a few wolverine on sale in the fur stores at 40¢ a piece. July 12 Severnqa, St. Lawrence Ss, Bering Sea. The trading boats from the main land get 600 oz in trade for a wolverine fur. Carcasses from the Natives. Besides being the most fashionable fur for parka ruffs, it is the most useful, for it will withstand freezing much longer than ordinary fur due to its oiliness, and it is very durable. Aug 25 Kotzebue, Kotzebue Sd, Alaska Many wolverine skins come into this town from the mountains to the east. Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Sd, Alutun Ss, Alaska Albert Oseen of False Pass offers the following information. Wolverine are not very numerous on the end of the Alaska Peninsula,

No text detected

584 Gilmore Gulo (2) 1931 and as far as he knows or has heard during his 24 years in the country, only one has ever been taken on Glomiah Is. When hungry they will enter shacks and shanties looking for food and will raise hell with any fun they find, tearing it all to pieces. Olsen [illegible] says he knows of a wolverine entering a house of his thru a broken out window pane at least 6' from the floor, and accomplishing the feat without breaking the other panes in the same window. When very hungry, they will attack porcupine but often come out proud best in the extremiter. He states that wolverine are com- mon on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Siberia where he stayed from 1904-7.

No text detected

585 Gilmoe LUTRA - OTTER 1931 July 12, St. Lawrence Is. Bering Sea. Old Wm. Grist has proposed to the Alaskan Game Commission to plant river otters on the permanent ice-free streams on this island but the experiment has not as yet been carried out. Aug. 26. Kotzebue, Kotzebue Is., Alaska. A few otters come into the trading store in this town from the rivers to the east. Sept. 15. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska. Aleutian Is. Albert Olsen states that a few otters are found on the end of the Alaska Peninsula & [illegible] perhaps even on Unimak Is.

No text detected

Gilmore SEA OTTER 1931 Sept. 8 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska The following data was gathered from Henry Swanson, skipper of the "Kanaga Native". Sea otters are common from Atka Is., westward and may be seen almost any time feeding in the kelp beds or resting on the rocks of the beach. He has watched them diving & feeding on "Sea eggs", a globular, spiny Echomoderna ata, in the kelp areas a little ways off shore. They bring the sea egg to the surface in their mouth & there, holding it in their front flippers, they crack the thin calcareous shell and devour the contents. While hunting seal off the rocky beaches, he has noticed sea otter sunning or resting themselves on the rocks. Every year several are found dead on the beach and their skins turned over to the govt., who sells them at the best price they will bring, returning the money to the original finder. Tradition has it that several years, a man poached twelve and smuggled the skins out to London where, [illegible]

No text detected

Gilmore SEA OTTER (cont.)2 1931 through private sales he averaged $900 apiece on the skins. Swenson also states that during his 30 years of sailing & trapping on the whole Aleutian Chain, the numbers of sea otter have remained quite constant. The general opinion, according to him, is that the goat. Should allow a certain limited number to be trapped each year, and thus allow the trappers, whether white or native, to realize a profit there by. Here is a story which I have some doubts about. Swenson once landed a party of trappers on an inhabited island. These trappers, while walking through some tall grass near the beach, suddenly scared up 25-50 (?) sea otters, who flopped frantically towards the beach. The sea otter had evidently drawn up into the grass to rest. Oct. 7 Unalaska I was recently in- formed by a man who this spring was offered three sea otter skins for $75 in Kodiak, that sea otter pelts are

No text detected

Gilmore SEA OTTER (3) 1931 being shipped to London thru Canadian ports every year by Alaskan fisherman. These people secure the sea otter while out during the fishing season and bring the stretched pelts into Victoria or Vancouver, or more often into Prince Rupert. Often these pelts are stretched to 9-11 feet.

No text detected

589 Gilmore 1931 VULPES D Tigata, Point Hope, Alaska Aug.22 about 15-25 red foxes came into the village this winter from the region between Cowin Coal mine & Cape Thompson. Reds are found all over the mainland in varying numbers. One cross fox was taken last winter. Good prime fur will sell for $15.00. Sept 14. Unalaska, Alaska From all I can gather, the red fox seems to be indigenous but I'm not so sure. Anyhow right now there seems to be lots of crosses & silvers in the fox population.

No text detected

590 Gilmore ALOPEX D 1931 June 21-July 12 Sevonga, St. Lawrence S. Bering Sea, Alaska. White foxes are common on the island and have been the source of large incomes for the natives. Sixteen hours ashied, on the river flowing into Sitkotok Lagoon, during which we covered 50 miles, gave us glimpses of a dozen or so foxes. They hole up in dens along the creek bed & one den investigated by Mason & Geist held 2 young. At least 4 adults were seen. The pelage is scrappy row, great patches of hair having been shed to make way for the bluer summer coat. The young were a dirty gray color. Two young were captured alive by cornering them on a sand beach at the river's edge & running them until they were subdued. They were very vicious at first but enough soothing & stroking pacified them a good deal. At one time during the phase they took refuge in the decayed carcass of a reindeer. The mother was seen nearby but fled.

No text detected

Gilmore ALOPEX (2) 1931 About 6-8 are born in a little litter. The natives do not keep them as pets, giving some "rationalistic" excuse, but in reality I think they are looking after their trapping interests. Each native who traps, has his own area, which he alone traps. During the summer the progressive ones scatter food (walrus & reindeer) around their area to attract the foxes, & during winter then when they are trapping, cover meat & blubber with rocks on the beach to provide an attractive smell but still keep the morsels out of reach. A good trapping season nets 40 Fox with one or two black of the "blue" color phase. However, some natives have caught as many as 200 in a season. When prime No 1's were selling for $10.00 apiece the income thus derived was considerable. Now however, the price is around $40.00 for No 1's, & $20-$25 for poorer grades. The average litter is said to contain from 6-8. (cont.)

No text detected

592. Gilmore ALOPEX (3) 1931 Tigara, Point Hope Alaska Aug. 22 Not very Common here - about 30 came into the native store this winter & the Archdeacon probably got a couple dozen - This catch represents the area between Corwin Coal Mine to Cape Thompson. Sept. 1 St. Matthews, Bering Sea. Foxes are probably quite Common on the island for I saw three in my short walk around over Cape Glory of Russia. They seem to prefer the high rocky places to the low flat areas. Dens, inhabited by Foxes, were found in a mass of tumbling Moss grown rocks where several Least Sucklets were seen. Probably the latter just there. It seems to be commonly recognized up here in the north that island Foxes take toll of the available bird stockeries. The absolute profusion of mice on St. Matthews, Should tend to bring the fox population up To its maximum.

No text detected

593 Gilmor Canis (Wolf) June 22 Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is. Alaska Report taken from Mr. Otto Wm. Geist of Alaska College, reliable informant. During the year 1927, a large lone wolf was seen in the island & inhabited it for 2 winters + 1 summer (winter 1926-27 - winter 1927-28). It come over on the ice and did much damage to the reindeer herd by harassing them & killed many lambs. It was shot at many times and probably died from gunshot wounds or left the island on the ice. Geist offered $25.00 reward for the wolf but it had no results. was never collected. Sept 14 Unalaska, Alaska According to Albert Olsen, wolves were once quite numerous on the Alaska Peninsula & its tip but now there are none at all, at least on the western end.

No text detected

594 Gilmne SEA LION 1931 Oct. 2. Crest Rock, Unalaska Bay. I saw about a dozen sea lions among the reef rocks here today as I was purout to English Bay on the "Kamaga Native". They were just inside the "white water" of the reef, and kept bobbing several feet out of the water in curiosity or sport. Oct. 4. Fisherman's Rocks, English Bay, E. Unalaska Is. About a half dozen sea lion were "bobbing" in the water about the reef rocks, as I went by in the "Kamaga Native", until they were scared under by a shot from the rifle of the boat land. Fisherman to shoot at sea lions at every opportunity to kill them for the pure lust of killing and to "save the salmon", as they put it. They claim the sea lions destroy thous- ands of Salmon every year and accordingly ought to be killed. The the sea lion is protected on its bred- ing ground it is fair game anywhere else. Big males are said to attain the length of 15-18' & the weight of two tons.

No text detected

Gilmore SEA LION (2) 1931 Oct. 8 Akutan, Akutan Is., E. Aleutians Hugh McLasham states that the ruffs + rocks at the N.E. end of Igaldia Is. are the breeding grounds of thousands of Sea Lions. This place, and Bogoslov Is., are the only areas around where there seems to be pookeries of Sea Lions.

No text detected

596 Gilmore FUR SEAL - Callorhinus alascanus (1) 1931 May 19 - off Fairweather Mt. just north of Cross Sound. 3 miles off shore. This evening 6:30 - 9:00 there were many fur seals in the waters. in pairs, threes, + fours. Identification is based on reliable opinion of all the old timers on board, particularly Mr. Wood, Chief Gunner. As he says, "the fur seal comes up to breath + look + goes under again in one continuous forward movement; while the har seal slips back under the surface when it goes under." Many of those seals were playing in the water, leaping several feet into the air, or rolling over with flippers waving. We then approached it within 100 yds, before they dove away. Sept. 2 just East St. Paul Is., Bering Sea. Fur seal were common in the sea as we cruised south with St. Paul Is & St. George Is on our Starboard bow beam all day. The herds of seal were

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

598 Gilmore BEARDED SEAL (D) 1931 Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is, Bering Sea. July 12. Not many of the "big" seal are killed compared with the Spotted seal but they are very much desired after. Oogrook is the native name of the skin is used for the soles of muk lubs, rifle cases, et. Skin sells for 15¢ per foot. Tigara, Point Hope, Alaska Aug 22 about 1 in 10 or 15 seal killed here is an Oogrook. Much desired for food, mukluk sole leather & boot covers for kayaks & tumiaks. Sept. 21 Unalaska Unalaska, Aleutians Mr. Patterson, of Unalga Is. States that last year he killed a tremendous seal, about 6' long, weighing 300-400 lbs & having long stiff Whiskers. Its general color was dark and he called it into the beach by emitting an ululating cry with his hand over his mouth. From the description, I judge it to have been a bearded seal. It is the first one he has ever seen here. Its liver weighed 15 lbs.

No text detected

Gilmae 1931 Spotted or Harbor Seal D June 21- July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Rts., Bering Sea, Alaska. Commonest seal - how a good many young are seen & are much less wary than the adults which are rarely seen on shore. On the contrary, the almost white young, 3-4 feet long, are frequently found asleep on rocks or the strand of the beach & are shot & even captured alive by the natives. The summer seems to be the special hunting season for them, mainly because the other sea mammals are not present, having gone north with the ice. As soon as one is sighted the boat is swung in its direction, rifles extracted & the chase is on. Every time the seal comes up for air, his is quickly scared below again by a bullet, and this keeps up until the seal is winded or killed. Generally the boat has gotten quite close before a bullet finds its mark, whereupon the motor speeded up to get to the body before it sinks

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Spotted or Harbor Seal which is generally what happens 2 out of 3 times. One boat got 51 seal in a morning hunting off broken shore ice. In winter when the shubber is thicker the seals sink less often. They are used for food, oil, & leather. Often they are skinned from the mouth so that the finished skin has a hole at the mouth & anus only. The mouth is sewed shut & an airy plug inserted in the anus. These skins may thus be filled with air by blowing & used for floats, "poaks". Tigara, Pt. Hope, Alaska Aug 15: These seals seem to be very Curious - they rose out of the water, exposing head & buck, to stare at me sit on the beach, & hold its position for a minute or so before they sank from sight perhaps to come up nearby & repeat the investigation.

No text detected

601. Gilmore SPOTTED SEAL . (3) 1931 Sept. 21 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alution Mr. Patterson of Unalga S. states that he kills a dozen or two of these seals every winter. He uses the liver (which he says is delicious) for his own consumption, the skin for his own use, and the rest for of the carcass for fox food. Oct. 4 Mr. Swanson said that yesterday, while at the Baby Is. just east of Unalga, he had seen hundreds of deported Hair Seals.

No text detected

602. Silmo Odobenus Walrus O 1931 June 3 Walrus were seen on the ice of Norton Sound. There were several bunches of 4-6 sitting in huddled masses on the ice. The ice where they stay is often quite dirty from the soft sea bottom brought up on their tusks when they feed. Nearly all the Bering Sea is under 30 fathoms. June 24, 1931 Sevonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. Several walrus have been killed by the natives the last few days and the shooting during this time of the ice break-up is almost continuous throughout the day & short night. Mr. Beist and the natives claim claim that the 9 walrus tend to go with the retreating ice along its eastern part and the males on the western part, thus these are mostly B's claimed killed at Sevonga & the catch at Gambell is almost entirely Q's and young. Fresh walrus ivory seals from

No text detected

603. Silurus Olobenus Walrus (2) 1931 50-75$ per pound from the native stores; the male tusks generally selling for more than those from & old ivory dug from the ancient village sites sells for $1.50 per lb., and walrus teeth for .15$ per pound. Imuk Islands seem to be a great gathering place for walrus & when unavailable elsewhere they the natives go to Imuk for their kill. Much beach ivory found here on the beaches of Imuk indicate great numbers, at least in the past. Tigara Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug. 23. Very few walrus are killed. From this village for the north and south migration takes place quite a ways out to sea where the ice is constantly moving being moved about & leads formed by the main current. This current swings Coastward up towards Wanwright and the walrus there approach close enough to land to be regularly hunted. On the

No text detected

604. Silmore OOOBENDS Walrus (3) 1931 South shore of the Point Hope And spit I found the carcasses of two walrus, a 5+7, still intact except for he head which had been severed. The natives say that these walrus are killed around the Diomede r King Islands, the tusks cut out of the bodies cast adrift. Sept.10 Unalaska,Unalaska Is., Alaska How Albert Olsen states that up until 1922 a herd of 15-50 walruses spent the entire year on the low land islands north of Izyambek Bay. Ivory tusks broken in conflict or from dead carcasses have been found by him all along the beach, on the north side of the peninsula. Otto Wm. Grist Claims that he has found a "dying place" of old walruses, on the north side of the peninsula and has dug up and picked up many fine aged old tusks, colored wildlace. Just where this place, is, he didn't mention, but it seems to be located near some hot springs.

No text detected

Gilmoe ODObENUS (4) 1931 Oct. 1. Unalaska Have seen beach ivory picked up recently here in Unalaska. It was old ivory for if walrus ever got this far south it must have been a long time ago.

No text detected

Gilmore Marmota 1931 June 17, Nome Alaska Said to occur very rarely in mountains back of Nome. Iugara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean, Aug 2. Marmots are found thru out the hills from Cape Thompson up past Cape Lisbourne, + along & back of the coast up into the De Long & Endicott Mts. The preponderance of skins, which are greatly valued for parkas, come from the Pt. Headwaters & middle course of the Pitmegea River some 50 miles N.E. of Lisbourne. I saw one p. "Sugirikpook" parka + the fur were of a general golden brown grizzled color. I made an attempt to secure some by hiking to the hills back of Cape Thompson from the local Reindeer Camp, but I did not have enough time for much of a re- connaissance & saw no signs. Quite a few skins also come from the headwaters of the Kobuk & Noatak Rivers.

No text detected

Gimme Citellus 1 1931 May 31— Vralaska, Vralaska S. Alaska ♀ have 5 paws teats, 1 inguinal, 2 abdominal, 1 thoracic, 1 axillary. B's, especially old, very scarred + cut, probably from fighting with each other for food. Seem to store up supplies of fern bulbs Polypodium (refers Mason 1931—No 6037) Very common. found from sea level up to tops of high hills 200' high. Burrows everywhere. They probably are the principal source of food for foxes + hawks. June 11 Vralakleet, Norton Sd. Alaska Said to be common in hills 3 miles back of town. I saw 4 inside out peltts in Ekmud's house Used for parkas & trimmings etc. June 17 Nome Alaska — one seen alongside of road as we drove to gold drages. Stood on hind quarters like picket pin. June 21— July 12 Sevoonga S. Lawrence Sd., Bering Sea, Alaska. Not very Common tho perhaps in places

No text detected

608. Gilmore CITELLUS (2) 1931 There are large colonies. They seem to prefer high sandy or rocky places near the beach. Natives call them tsik-tsik. Igara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Aug 8. Have seen squirrels, "Sigitik," along the South side of the spit from the village of Igara to Cape Thompson. They inhabit the hammocks in the tundra & old sod houses are a favorite place. They are quite numerous & often allow a close approach so it is a comparatively easy matter to get them with a shotgun. The "sure catch" rat traps don't even phase them. One squirrel lost an eye upon being hit on the head by such trap & the next day I shot it as it was foraging about its burrow. They seem to eat the green leaves of a certain plant that grows quite abundantly here. I have saved the cheek pouch contents of Nov 1873 & 1874. Only when surprised

No text detected

609 Gibone CITELLUS (3) 1931 at close quarters do they seem to utter their shrill placcats whistle. Strangely I have caught males almost exclusively (In retrospect, Nos. 1809, 1860 may be 8's too). Perhaps the 8's are in the nests raising a litter of young. Some are quite fat + others lean, tho it seems time to start piling up the fat for the long winter hibernation. The "paniculus camosus" muscle is very heavy in this species, the meat is tough & the touch x has a strong odor. Aug 31 Data on spec. Mw. 1860 - It was feeding in a damp depression of land about 50 yds from its burrow toward which it ran when I surprised it. It still clutched a bunch of dead vegetation between its teeth after death. Five pairs of teats (1mngmal, 2 abdominal, 1 upper thoracic + 1 axillary). It is the first definitely identified & I have taken here at St. Hope. It had three nipples in the anus - very similar to those in the skull. One is They are located on each side

No text detected

610 Gilmae CITELLUS (F) 1931 + the anterior side of the anus & seem to be scent glands. Aug. 12. Took a young individual No. 1867 - perhaps born in hibernation, perhaps just after they came out in the spring! (April !) Aug. 14. The 3 citellus have the those scent nipples in the anus much as in the F. As a rule the immatures are very hard to sex for the F. show no signs of mammary glands and the clitoris is so well developed in the Ps that by merely feeling the groin will give one the impression that the specimen in hand is a male. Close examination is necessary. The greater proportion of the population seems to be immatures; old adults are seldom taken. The natives are trapping them quite extensively to obtain the fur. One individual, when being extracted from a steel trap uttered a continuous stream of plaintive cries, shrill and loud, and interspersed

No text detected

611. Gilmore CITELLUS (S) .1931 them with a grunting growl. It was really surprising what a volume and variety of noises it voiced when in Pain, anger and fear. Aug.19. Today noticed many small holes scratched in the tundra about their burrows. Purpose ?? Sept.1. No squirrels noticed on St. Matthews. Sept.14 Unalaska, Alaska. Tho the squirrels are not in much evidence just now on account of the tall dense vegetation, they are still very much present, their identity being often betrayed by a loud short whistle or squeak. By far the majority of the population seems to be made up of young of the year. The three ripples in the anus, much as described on preceding pages from the squirrels of Point Hope, are present and are greatly in evidence when an animal is being extracted from a trap. The odor at the time, however, was rather difficult to detect. Was it detected? No! The tops of many of the large

No text detected

612. Gilmore Citellus (a) mushroom-like funguses fungi that grow in this region, have been gnawed by squirrels. Sept. 19. (same locality) — I was much surprised to find fresh burrows and recent excrement on the very summit of the high peak at the head of Cascade Falls, which I have named "Needle Peak," because it is so sharp. These burrows are right in the very crust in soil among the rocks and got so fat away is the roosting place of Bald Eagles & Goshawks. Mr. Pedler of the A.C. Co. says he has heard that the squirrels were introduced on this island for fox food some 20-30 years ago. Sept. 19. Unalaska. I was much sur- prised to see fresh burrows on the very top of Needle Peak. The dirt and excrement was fresh and the mouth of the burrows were not more than 15 ft. from a little mound used as a perching spot by eagles. Sept. 21. Unalaska. Today, while Talking to Capt. Nelson of the "Eunice" & Mr. Patterson of Unalga Is, learned

No text detected

Gibmore CITELLUS (7) 1931 that from 1894-1900, or thereabouts, a Mr. Applegate planted squirrels on this island for fox food. Where he got them I should't [illegible], but it seems logical to suppose that was from the most easily accessible spot on the mainland. The foxes, however, do not eat them. Pattetton says the squirrels are too big for the foxes to handle, but I believe the squirrels are in general distasteful! Mr. Applegate was a surveyor by trade until he took up fox farming on all the islands he could get, and the indiscriminate transplanting of mice + squirrels from island to island. Oct. 16 Akutan Bay, Akutan Is., E. Aleutians No squirrels on Akutan Is.; at least I did not see any, and the inhabitants say that there are none here.

No text detected

614 Gilmore Lemmus O 1931 June 11, 1931 Nulalakleet, Norton Sl., Alaska Said to occur in mountains tho reports as to numbers vary from "rare" to "common". Iqjara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean Fig 1. Specimen No. 1805 was brought to me by a couple of Eskimo kids while I was at the reindeer camp. They had caught it at the edge of the tundra so bordering on the sands of the beach very close to the row of tents. It is the only one I have seen so far & the Watrous' say they are common, & have "natural" boys & traps on the watch. None have been caught here at the village. No. 1805 had 4 pair of teats (inmugmal, 1 lower abdominal, 1 upper Thoracic & 1 axillary).

No text detected

615. Silmo Sicrastonyx O 1931 June 11 Unalakleet, Norton Sd, Alaska Eskimo women ripated me last winter. Said it was found on snow Drift & thought by some to have dropped from the sky. Most Natives interviewed denied my knowledge of them. They are certainly stars at any rate. June 20, Campbell, St. Lawrence Sd, Alaska. No. 1616 was taken from a couple of Eskimo kids on the beach by Mr. Otto Wm Eust, who kindly turned it over to me. They are scarred, this being the third seen on St. Lawrence in 3 yrs by Mr. Eust & and are almost unknown by the younger people. The older people have same belief that they fall from the sky when found & even ascribe a zigzag descent to their fall. No. 1616 had four embryos, fairly well developed, and had four teeth (1 mugual, 1 abdominal, 1 thoracic, and 1 axillary) June 21- July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Sd, Bering Sea, Alaska - Obtained

No text detected

6/6. Gilmore 1931 Dicrostonyx (2) one specimen in the flesh + one dried skin at Severnaga. An Eskimo boy caught the former in a suite of tundra a quarter of mile back from the beach. The history of the other is unknown. Anyhow - they are scarce + may be encountered almost anywhere. Iugara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean I did not take any specimens here - they seem to be very scarce. The occasion- ally I ran across a native who knew the "white mouse" Aug. 24. Sept. 15 Unalaska Unalaska Is., Alaska, Alutuian Is. This there is a Dicro- stonyx from this island, I cannot locate a trace of it. No one here knows what it is and so far the traps have yielded none. Sept. 18 Ahoy! Caught one - No. 2137 - Female - four pairs teeth (1 incisal, 1 abdominal D, tincis + 1 axillary) - it was taken in a rock slide up under the high knife ridge at the head of Cascade Falls. Piles of excrement were common

No text detected

617. Gilmore Dicrostonyx (3) 1931 about and under the rocks but only one of the 15 traps set there produced a lemming. Sept. 19 Unalaska. Spec. 2150 was taken in the same locality as the last one. Skull was damaged and it had 3 medium sized embryos. Probably the Dicrostonyx population is larger up around Pyramid Peak which has numerous rock slides on its north & west faces. Later: Investigated Pyramid Peak & found the rock slides to be small and thin & devoid of Dicrostonyx sign. Oct. 16 Akutan Bay Akutan Is. E. Aleutians There are mouse sign up to the tops of the adjacent peaks and in the scattered rock slides but I have my doubts whether they were made by Dicrostonyx. A heavy slide that I investigated had no sign like the rock slide at Unalaska.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 CLEITHRONOMYS SYNAPTOMYS June 9 Cascade Creek, Norton Sound, Alaska - No 1583 was trapped among dry grass & leaves in a canyon bottom. It was an accidental catch for I hadn't supposed anything there when I set the trap. June 21 - July 12 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence Is., Bering Sea, Alaska. The three caught here were taken among jumbled rocks of an ankle cookery. Some traps produced shrews also & anklets - no Microtus. The Natures know of their existence & seem to indicate that they are to be found only in such a habitat. Anyhow they are scarce for a line of 30-40 traps produced only 3 in 2 wks.

No text detected

619. Microtus Elmore 1931 May 31 Uralaska, Uralaska Is., Alaska Runway thru grass & tundra are very common but population is scattered. Caught two in one runway near snowbank & one at mouth of squirrel burrow. June 7 St. Michael, Alaska No. 1532 was caught as it ran into small pipe near abandoned Ravi steamer 15 miles S. E. St. Michael. Out on these damp tundra flats, with many ponds, was numerous runways. Nos. 1533-37 were caught in 2½ hours in line of 24 traps set on Whale Is. 1:30 P.M.- 4:00 P.M. The island is about 50-75 acres in extent & 60-70 ft high at south end. 50' high at north end. Whale island is 1/4 mile from St. Michael. Tundra & birch, Labrador tea & chicken, sedge and thick gross was dry; runways plentiful. Foggy day! It's have an area of fatty tissue adhering to the skin of the buttocks and a pair of fatty glands at the base of the tail. Tail on buttocks is shorter than elsewhere.

No text detected

620 MICROTUS Gilman (1931) These fatty areas probably have an odiferous function of some kind. F's have 4 pairs teats. 1 inguinal, 1 lower abdominal, 1 upper thoracic, + 1 axillary. June 11 Unalakleet Norton St., Alaska Very common even in town. Mason caught two two in afternoon after we saw them run into burrows in the tundra. Probably bear more than one litter a year. June 25 Sevoonga, St. Lawrence St., Bering. Sea Alaska F's have four pairs of teats - 1 inguinal, 1 lower abdominal, 1 upper thoracic and 1 axillary. Both F's & M have a growth of fatty tissue around the anus. The the growth on the F's is much larger. F's in addition have a glandular area covering flanks & buttocks just under the skin. This glandular tissue adheres to the skin when the animal is being skinned and cannot be removed without tearing the skin. Sounds like a skin game, I guess. Remaways of these mice are everywhere.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 Microrus (3) In evidence. Everyone in a while, as one walks over the tundra, a circular built-up mound of grass is encountered. These grassmounds may be the winter rests of the microrus, who build them under the snow. The height of the mounds is 6-8" and the diameter 5-6" while a nest-like depression is evident on the top. Now are inhabited now. The mice live in all kinds of associations visited except the centers of huge rocky areas near the cliffs. Their run- ways course thru grass, tundra, along the sand & gravel of the beach, among the rocks at the edges of cliffs etc. & thru shallow seepage water. In these latter places where the water is standing on the surface of the ground, every high tussock down 1s a foot or so in diameter is riddled with tunnels. These "high" areas are probably the present homes in this marshy gro type of ground. So numerous are these mice that a dozen or so may be

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 MICROTUS seen running before one's approach During the course of a day's walk anywhere. at the present time, the (first) litters of the year have scarcely nearly all appeared for all females not heavy with young show signs of recent delivery. The mouse population furnishes the year around (?) (at least the summer) good supply for foxes, jaguars and owls. The only type of habitat where they do not seem to live is the rocky bucklet rookeries where poxys & Clethrionomys are taken. However, the day I left I took a young one in the middle of the rock pile - evidently it is merely a dispersion of young after due to over- populating the other habitats. Piles of droppings are occasionally seen along the runway. General appearances indicate that these piles are built up during the winter. I found no fresh large piles but on

No text detected

Gilmore MICROTUS (5) 1931 the contrary the droppings were found scattered everywhere. Igara, Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean. Aug 8. After several nights (some the 3rd) of trapping I have come to the conclusion that these mice are scarce & those that are out and about, are mainly juveniles. I have caught 7 just & 5 adults in 150 trap nights - not such a good average. Spec. no. 1839 appeared to be nursing a litter of young, perhaps her second. Sogs & Jangers have the annoying habit of following my trap line & gleaning the spoils therefrom. I generally find the traps again but not the mice. Natives here call all mice "Aviñgyok" (that sign over the "n" is a horse feather & it means a nasal intonation to that syllable) Aug. 15 After a week of trapping along the Pisters & Amudra ridges for a couple of miles & getting about a dozen mice all told, I at last located a well populated

No text detected

Gilmore MICROTUS (6) 1931 spot; the old village sits only several hundred yards away. I had seen the numerous runways before but had thought that trapping would be very difficult due to the close proximity to the village whence issued many prowling dogs & kids. However, since I lost all the skulls of the mice & squirrels I have taken & date, by leaving a boy, others where native children uncovered the removed the covering & the dogs did the rest; I had to trap in the old house mounds pits. 30 traps in the last 12 hours have yielded 12 mice. Run the line every 5-6 hours to get the mice before the dogs do. These old mounds & pits are overgrown with grass, littered with whale bone & the depressions filled with water. Natives are constantly digging in them for old relics & seal to greable whites, there are meat cellers still in use among the ruminis & kids & dogs are always

No text detected

625 Silmore 1931 MICROTUS D Snofping around. Measurements on two large adults that have smashed skulls are as follows: large ♂ 178-39-20-10 " ♀ 172-35-20-9 Strapped out several small areas rather rapidly, getting about 20 mice out of 25 traps in a couple of days. Investigating farther I discovered some small tracts of marshy grassy ground where runway are plentiful and piles of experiment show up on every elevated spot, such as on a bone or a piece of wood. Of those 20 mice about 15 were immature evidently members of the first litters of the season. One ♀ taken had 6 embryos, evidently a second litter. Aug 18. Trapping around the old village site has been very productive of immatures & juveniles. Almost 8-9 out of 10 fall in this class. The three large adults I caught had smashed skulls. They equally active during the day as the night.

No text detected

626. Gilmore MICROTUS (8) 1931 Sept. Aug 27 Elephant Point, Kotzebue Sound, Alaska. Microtus are quite Common here, according to the Eng. of the Loman Bros. Reinder Slaughter House. He states that they seem inhabit the houses & even live in the underground meat refrigerator where the temp. gets very low- as low as 23° F. in Summer. Sept. 1 St. Matthew Is. Bering Sea. Microtus inhabited the island, at least around Cape Glory of Russia in incredible numbers. Their burrows & rnways were everywhere, particularly on the drier portions of the hillsides and the little mounds of fresh earth appeared like tiny squirrel burrows. Twenty traps run twice in 3½ hours yielded 20 mice - 18 of which were immatures. The mice themselves were much in evidence, being quite fearless of my approach. They would run to the mouth of a burrow & stand on their haunches, watching the intruder until he came too close. They often made a high

No text detected

627 Gilmore 1931 MICROTUS (cont.) (9) pitched squeaking noise that was a note of alarm or interest rather than fear and pain. Observing microtus in such great numbers and in such close and in- timate contact was very interesting. Foxes would certainly find easy picking on the mouse population + undoubtedly preyed upon them considerably as a side menu from nesting birds. I'm write the mice form probably the only source of food for the foxes. No pregnant females noted. Sept. 15- Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska, Aleutian Is. Moderately common around here from sea level to the tops of the ridges. They seem to live everywhere do nowhere in very great numbers.. Spec. 2082 was a young, 9 and had three embryos, all in the same uteral horn. Probably it was her first litter. All the rest of the females seem to have some litters some weeks previously. The great majority of the victims from the trap line seem to be almost full grown immatures or full adults. Thus

No text detected

628 Gilmae MICROTUS (cont.) (10) 1931 have been only three juveniles caught so far. In certain small areas on certain hillsides, there seems to be a concentration of a small population. The runways & burrows are thick and the first nightly trapping generally results in a full catch in the traps. Oct. 16. Akutan Bay, Akutan, S. E. Aleutians Microtus are plentiful - their runways and ephemeral pills are to be seen almost anywhere from beach line to the tops of the peaks. Wherever there is soil in which they may dig, they seem to be able to live. And they do a lot of digging for Microtus. Every once in a while I will come across an 8-10 sq. ft. area of loose dirt brought to the surface by Microtus. Their tiny burrows are found in and around these dirt areas which are generally found on some hillsides where a little horizontal or downward pushing will bring the fresh loose dirt out on top of the moss & grass.

No text detected

Mountain Beaver Aplodontia rufus May 13, 1931 S. Lake ridge Tract - B miles S. Seattle City Limits. This locality is in a creek bottom that has been ornamented + retat landscaped. The lower part is heavily overgrown with sweet grass and there were many large runways + burrows the hummocks and small raises in the ground. These burrows average 6-8" in diameter and were evidently in use for fresh tracks were seen in nearby mud. Just how much work a single beaver does was indeterminate as too short length of stay was possible for any specimens procured. The burrows were found in the drier, higher parts of the banks. Down in the cross + grass many Zapus were taken. Incidentally the locality is 14 miles from the shore of the Lake Washington.

No text detected

Galmae ZAPUS 1931 Sept. 15. Unalaska Unalaska Is., Alaska. According to Albert Olsen of False Pass, Zapus are scarce on the end of the Alaska Peninsula this in Some places one may be able to get a half a dozen or so in a short time.

No text detected

631 GILMORE 1931 ERETHIZON June 11 Cascade Creek, Norton Sd. Alaska. One young female taken on flat above Canyon the only a few rods away from Trees. Mrs. Evans, Scot. Nurse at St. Michaels, say they are Common in eastern Norton Sd. Sept. 15- Unalaska, Unalaska Sd., Aleutian Is, Alaska. Albert Olsen, of False Pass, offers the following information: Porcupines are common in the Alaska Peninsula in spite of lack of real timber. In winter when food is scarce, foxes and wolverines often attack the porcupines and sometimes die from the effect of the quills. I think he said they were not found on Unimak Is.

No text detected

Gilmore RANGIFER (REINDER) D 1931 June 7, St. Michael, Alaska. There is a large Slaughter house where hundreds of reindeer are butchered annually. I think the Roman C. of Nome owns the grounds of the herd. The horns lie in huge files outside the slaughter house. July 12, Sevonga St. Lawrence D. Bering Sea. Only twice or three times have I been remain since Come here on June 21. Twice. I saw isolated animals, evidently separated from the herd. They were half-wild in their actions. On the other occasion I watched a large herd (some 900) flee then a large snow bank to higher ground. All used the beaten trail. July 19. Teller, Port Clarence, Seward Peninsula, Alaska This afternoon I witnessed, herding, corraling and handling a herd of several thousand reindeer by

No text detected

633. Gilmoe RANGIFER (REINDEER) (2) 1931 agents and employees of the Loman Commercial Co. The whole performance was marked by unnecessary roughness, cruelty and indifference. It may have been due partially to ignorance and partially by the eskimo workers who seemed to be entirely inconsiderate of the animals and even took a peculiar sort of glee in the panic & suffering of the animals. The animals were crowded into the various corals where they milled around and back and forth in frenzied confusion. In the maelstrom of kicking plunging feet, many horns were broken off and spite a few young animals trampled under. The latter were dragged to one side by larger native boys who enthusiastically proceeded to dispatch the victims by the slow & uncertain method of thrusting a heavy short knife blade into the spinal cord at the base of the brain. Needless to say,

No text detected

Gilmore RANGIFER (REINDEER) (3) 1931 By the time the atlas was freed loose from the form occipital condyles, the deer was generally well nigh dead and the youths covered with blood. When the frightened deer were driven thru the chutes, a comet was taken and all yearlings thrown violently to the ground by several natives, who grasping the horns, threw their body knee back fashion over the hamches of the deer and bore it to the ground by their sheer weight. Often the legs were of the animal were stretched straight out behind, there being no time to double them under in a natural unstrained position during the quick downward & forward fall. Males were castrated by punching off the vas deferentia with a hand squeezing tool, and both sexes were ear marked in very very generous fashion. Some of the severed portions of the ear cartilage could have covered the palm of my hand. Throughout my whole visit the natives showed great pleasure in this work.

No text detected

635 Silmne RANGIFER (REINDEER) 14 1931 Aug. 1, Point Hope, Alaska (Arctic Area) The reindeer camp is situated about 10 miles east of Tegara, and is located near a narrow neck of land separating two long lagoons that run parallel to the beach and a hundred back from it. Here the den are easily corralled with the aid of the three bodies of water. Hirding is hard, the deer do not drive in a marching formation like cattle, but mill around in a wide sort circle, moving along the desired directing all the time. Thus it generally takes a dozen herders to handle 100 deer. This when bedded down, several men and dogs can do the work. Many of the "husky" dogs are trained to help. In working their own herd, the whole native village as can be present, help out. The yearlings, or the Chutes, are handled as roughly as usual but kidding and castrating are done different. Killing is done

No text detected

Silmo RANGIFER (REINDEER) 5 1931 by rolling the animal on its side, stabbing it suddenly with a stiletto-like knife, and then bending a fore leg up so that it is to a position between the horns, a position from which the animal cannot extricate it. Such a proceeding hinders the breathing & the animal soon dies, meanwhile affording amusement to several small youngsters astride its prostrate form. Castrating is accomplished by jabbing a long & narrow knife blade into the testicle and squeezing the contents out thru the puncture by a clever sliding & twisting grasping motion of the thumb and fore finger. I found one two year old male death on the tundra about a half mile from the corral, & and although it showed bloody evidence of having been recently castrated, I could not be certain as to the means of its death. This year the herd has increased 25% over last year; 5000 : 4000.

No text detected

Gilmoe RANGIFER GRANTI 1931 Sept. 15. Unalaska Is, Alaska, Aleutian Is. From Albert Olsen I gathered the following information: Grant's Caribou are very common in Unalaska Unimak Is, & the sud of the Alaska Peninsula. They were so plentiful that several years ago several thousand perished during a severe winter. That number applies both To the island and the mainland.

No text detected

Bilmore 1931 MOUNTAIN SHEEP Tigara, Point Hope, Alaska Aug. 22 From Bob Tuckfield of Jabber town I learned today that Mountain sheep are regularly found in the hills east & north of here. Remiden herders kill a few - 4 were killed last year, and they often come within sight Smocilar sight of Tuckfields' summer cabin on Maryatt Duket.

No text detected

639 Gilmore ORCINUS RECTIPINNA - PACIFIC KILLER 1931 May 19. Off Fairweather Mt., Gulf of Alaska While watching the birds immensous fur seal in the water today, the tack turned to Killer Whales & whether they do much damage to the herds of seal. Lieut. Commander Bradbury stated that some years back, the cutter, he was stationed on, was ordered by the grot. to investigate the problem and kill all the killer whales they were able. Tho they saw many "killers", they neither killed any or solved the problem. He stated that the cutter would draw up to a herd of whales + a clip or two of 50 rounds apiece would be emptied into the animals from a machine gun without any noticeable effect. Probably the whales died, tho at least from lead poisoning if not from the wounds themselves. Aug 1 10 miles S.E. of St. Hope, Alaska. Today, a school of "killers" drove a large school of belugas right up next to the beach. I didn't see the killers, but the natives claimed they were out there and never came in close.

No text detected

640. Gillmore ORCINUS RECTIPINNA (2) 1931 to shore. Sept. 15. Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska, Aleutian Is. Killer whales seem to be common around these islands and have even been seen alongside the wharf here. No one seems to have very much respect for them and Mr. Nicklasson, an old whaler states that he has never seen them attack whales. A 15' specimen was caught in a salmon net the other day in the harbor, but only the tail was saved & that was stacked up on the front of a barn in Dutch Harbor. Oct. 7 Akutan Pass, E. Aleutian Is. While crossing the pass this aft. we saw on bunch of 5-6 "Killers". The black sinister appearing fins were cutting the water close & geeker directly for the boat when of a sudden they disappeared, and we did not see them any more. Evidently they had heard the noise of the propeller & motor.

No text detected

Gilmore 1931 PORPOISE May 8. Entrance to Juan de Fuca St. Pacific Coast. - Two played around the bow of the boat with apparent ease - dark above + white on belly. May 16 Finlayson Channel - B.C. - Several played around the ship for about 15 minutes. May 17 Chat ham Sound S.E. Alaska. - 4-5 played around the ship about 5 P.M. May 18 - Chat ham St. S. End End Baramof L. a couple played around bow about 5 P.M. water choppy - near ocean Dorsal Side May 19 6-7 seen in Joy Strait. No. 2 Two seen in Shilokof Straits.

No text detected

Gilmore WHITE WHALE "Beluga" D 1931 Point Hope, Alaska, Arctic Ocean. Aug. 2. While I have been at the seider camp & thereabout for the past 4-5 days I have seen many white whales, 50 or so all told. They swim close along the shore in a westward direction, and generally in schools of a dozen. When killer whales are present farther out, the Belugas swim within a few feet of the beach, and are easily killed from the beach with rifles. In fact the natives hunt them this way. When a school swims along, the Eskimo on lookout, who is always seated on the tundra bank next to the beach, sounds a warning & runs to the water's edge followed by every other man who has the opportunity to grab up his rifle & join in the hunt. The natives strung along the beach for distky miles ahead of & parallel to the swimming whales & everytime one sizes close to the shore they let a volley go at its head. A pool of blood on the surface

No text detected

643. Gilmae WHITE WHALE (2) 1931 indicates a mortal wound, and upon a small weighted grappling hooks on the end of a heavy cord is thrown out over the spot where the whale was shot & dragged back over the spot in question. This procedure is repeated until the whale is "hooked" & then it is gently eased up to the water's edge with the keep of the waves. There it is fastened by a free flipper to the end & dragged along the water to the camp. The process is much the same as towing a canoe. At the beach in front of Camp a rope is fastened to a flipper & passed around the body half a dozen times so that when the rope is pulled the body rolls up over the sand out of the water. Before cutting starts, all gather about the body in solemn attention, while one of the natives (the killer) kneels on one knee at the head of the whale & recites a silent whispered prayer.

No text detected

Silmore WHITE WHALE (3) 1931 In cutting up the whale, a large elliptical section of blubber, Covering the area between the lower neck, each flipper & the anus, is first plus pulled off + then the rest of the skin & fat from the head to the "small" is stripped off in one piece. The meat is cut off in strips & dried, while the tendons in the "small" are pulled out for sinews. Belugas ("sheeshok") are very common along the shore in the spring, according to the natives. They seemed to be working in a westerly direction, whether in annual migration, or just this time by accident I don't know. Whale skin with the blubber on & cut in strips is highly prized for food. In this form it is known as "muktuk". Sept. 15 Unalaska, Unalaska Is., Alaska, Alutuian Is. According to Albert Olsen white whales are known to occur in Bristol Bay in appreciable numbers.

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected

No text detected