OFE HISTORIES OF NORTH AMERICAN WILD FOWL 149 



tion, following- the coast line, as a rule, but sometimes passing over 

 capes or points to make short cuts. Mr. Mackay (1891) writes: 



I have uoticed during the spring migration northward in April that frequently 

 the larger flocks of the surf scoter are led by an old drake. That the selection 

 of such a leader is a wise precaution has frequently been brought to my notice, 

 for on first perceiving such a flock coming toward me in the distance they would 

 be flying close to the water ; as they neared the line of boats, although still a 

 considerable distance away, the old drake would become suspicious and com- 

 mence to rise higher and higher, the flock following him, until the line of boats 

 is passed, when the flock again descends to the water. When over the boats 

 shots are frequently fired up at them, but so well has the distance been cal- 

 culated that it is seldom a bird is shot from the flock. 



As a diver the surf scoter is fully equal to the other sea ducks, 

 depending on its diving powers in its daily pursuit of food and to 

 escape from its enemies in emergencies. It dives Avith an awkward 

 splash, but very quickly and effectively, opening its wings as it goes 

 under, and using them in its subaqueous flight. It can remain 

 under for a long time and swim for a long distance without coming 

 up; it is useless to attempt to chase a slightly wounded bird. Mrs. 

 Florence Merriam Bailey (1916) has graphically described the 

 ability of this species to dive through the breaking surf, as follows : 



It was a pretty sight when, under a gray sky, the beautiful long green rolls 

 of surf rose and combed over and the surf scoters came in from the green 

 swells behind to feed in front of the surf and do skillful diving stunts to 

 escape being pounded by the white waterfalls. As the green wall ridged up 

 over their heads they would sit unmoved, but just as the white line of foam 

 began to appear along the crest they would dive, staying under till the surf 

 had broken and the water was level again. When diving through the green 

 rollers near the shore the black bodies of the scoters, paddling feet and all, 

 showed as plainly as beetles in yellow amber. 



I have never heard the surf scoter utter a sound ; and Mr. Mackay 

 (1891) says: "My experiences show that all the scoters are unusu- 

 ally silent and seem to depend entirely on their sight in discovering 

 their companions. I have rarely heard the surf scoter make an}' 

 sound, and then only a low, guttural croak, like the clucking of a 

 hen; they are said to utter a low whistle." Doctor Nelson (1887) 

 says : " In the mating season they have a low, clear whistle for a 

 call note, and may be readily decoyed within gunshot by imitating 

 it from a blind." 



Fall. — Referring to the fall migration, Dr. Charles W. Townsend 

 (1905) writes: 



Although scoters fly most in stormy weather and are often found quietly 

 feeding on calm days, still they sometimes go south in great numbers even in 

 pleasant weather. This flight is greatest in the early morning, but may be con- 

 tinued all day. At times flock succeeds flock as far as the eye can see off the 

 beach at Ipswich. Occasionally four or five exclusive ones go along together, 



