614 



THE AMERICAN COOT. 



colonics, but in nii^raiion ilic\ iiio\f in large llocks : and when resting during 

 migrations, tlie_\' often sit luuldled together closely. As we reclined on the 

 bank of the Colnnibia near 'i'wo Rixers earlv one April morning, we were 

 permitted to witness the exhibition of an interesting trait common to several 

 species of migrant water-fowl. The current of the river at this point (nearly 

 opposite Homely Island) is jjretty swift and it breaks into bad rapids below': 

 but the birds, having recently conic up tlint the great gap, would settle on the 

 water a mile or so above us and float down stream — apparently for the sheer 

 fun of the thing. In this way an endless procession of Scaups, Mallards. Teal, 

 Shovellers, and Canvas-backs, was hurried along before our admiring gaze. 

 Most of the birds rose upon reaching the rapids, to re-alight well up stream; 

 but some, Butterballs, Mergansers, and such, preferred the exhilaration of the 

 rapids themseh'es. Glancing upstream, we noted what appeared to ].)e a log. 

 turning lazily with tlie shifting of the current. Judge of our surprise when, at 

 close quarters, the log resolved itself into a compact mass of Coots, a hundred 

 or so at least. They made a pretty sight with their new spring suits and their 

 glistening ivorv l)ills, each ci'owding his neighljor like boys on a bob-sled. As 

 they swept [)ast we could almost belie\e that the leader shouted, "Isn't this 

 sport!" "Great!" we answered. Ro\al sport it certainh- was, and the l)irds 

 took their ducking in the rajiids with tlie best of humor, altho the companv 

 was badly broken up by the pounding of the waters. We found them half an 



Taken in Douglas County. 



Photo bj' tlu- Author. 



BIRD TR.'XCKS. 



THE COOT DID NOT "T.^KE" WELL (SL.^TE AGAINST A GREEN BACKGROUND). BUT IT MAY BE DESCRIED AT THE LEFT 



EXECUTING THE LAST KICK, THE WHITE PATCH FORMED BY THE TIPS OF THE 



SECONDARIES SHOWING PLAINLY. 



