Page:Bird-lore Vol 03.djvu/64

 Walrus Island, a Bird Metropolis of Bering Sea 49 urile) completed the population of Walrus Island, and as there is no soil in which to burrow, the Puffins had ensconced themselves here and there beneath some overhanging rock, making valiant resistance with beak and claw to any attempt to dislodge them. The Cormorants of the Pribilof appear to be a waning race; Mr. Palmer noted that they were much less abundant than formerly, and now they are comparatively scarce on St. Paul, a few scattered birds breeding on the bluffs of Polovina. Very few nests were to be found on Walrus Island and, although the Cormorants arrive early in the season, one of these contained two perfectly fresh eggs. Near by was another nest with an egg and two small, naked chicks which, later on, we saw the parent bird busily engaged in feeding. RKO-FACHl) CORMORANTS 'I 111- Clioochkie {Siniorl.'yiiiljiis pi/s/////s) . abund;uit on St. Paul and swarming by millions (I refuse to remove a single cipher) on St. (icorge, was noticeably absent, owing probably to the lack of suitable breeiling places, since there are neither crevices in the rocks nor soil in which to burrow. The Paroquet Auklet {(Jyc/orbynchns psitfacu/ns) was not seen, although noted by Mr. Palmer on his visit in 1890: so, as far as species go, Walrus Island may be considered poor, although this lack is conipi-nsated for b the great abundance of individuals. The afternoon drew on, and in spite of occasional puffs of drifting fog, it was one favorable for the work of the surveyors, so that In-fore six o'clock their work was done, and when the whistle of the Rush blew ' all aboard evcrv one was readv to depart. Fifteen minutes later the inhabitants ot Walrus island were enjoing their accustomed solitude.