SIGNPOSTS OF THE OCEAN 



also a graceful diver, and the bo'sun bird of the Pacific. In the 

 Hawaiian Islands the fisherman call the latter the "marlin 

 bird" since it is usually found over surfacing marlin. The 

 bo'sun bird was so named by sailors because it carries what 

 looks like a marlin spike in the tail. Its correct name is the 

 "tropic bird" and there are three members of the family. 



The gannets and boobies commonly dive to depths of fifty 

 to one hundred feet below the surface and have been caught 

 in fishermen's nets at a depth of ninety feet. There are three 

 varieties of gannets and a half-dozen boobies. I have picked 

 up several gannets on ships where they had flown aboard at 

 night. Every one was extremely difficult to handle, attempt- 

 ing to peck my hands in a fighting spirit. 



Next to Canada geese my favorite birds are pelicans. They 

 too are talented divers and are found in all warm climates. I 

 have had many pehcans light on my boat and take whole fish 

 right out of my hand. They usually fly in single formation 

 and, whether there are three or fifty in the line, if the leader 

 is coasting they all coast; and if he beats his wings twice or 

 ten times they will all follow his example to the letter. At 

 times pelicans will assume small V formations, and from a dis- 

 tance look somewhat like brant, except that the pelicans keep 

 a perfect line. Sometimes they rise high into the air and soar 

 around in circles, gliding on motionless wings. They are such 

 large, heavy birds that much flapping is necessary to enable 

 them to rise from the water but once fairly launched their 

 flight is buoyant and strong. On wing, their heads are carried 

 well back on the shoulders so that the large bill rests on the 

 front of the neck. Frequently they form in line a short dis- 

 tance from the shore and, by flapping their wings, drive 



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