204 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



constantly observed later and I shall refer to it again. 

 On settling- on the water the unwelcome suitor was re- 

 pulsed. The two birds would face each other with lowered 

 beaks and ruffled plumage, just like two " fighting-cocks " 



(Fig. 2). 



Fio. 2 — " With lowered beaks and ruffled plumage, just like two fighting 



cocks." 



From this time onwards, till June 26th, we hunted 

 daily for nests without success. Each pair we found had 

 its own bomidaries, any intrusion on the part of neighbours 

 being vigorously resented, but all were engaged in courting, 

 and had not begun the more serious business of nest- 

 building. 



There is such an infinity of grace in its every movement 

 that we never tired of watching this gem of a bird. Whilst 

 engaged in feeding, a happy couple twittering contentedly 

 to each other would hurry along paddling through the 

 mud, and swim the puddles amongst such marshy spots as 



Fig. 3. " They appeared to find abundance of food on every leaf.' 



are loved by the bog-bean and marsh-marigold. Moving 

 their heads quickly from side to side in their characteristic 

 way they appeared to find abundance of food on every 

 leaf (Fig. 3). Quite an original method is employed, 

 while feeding in shallow water. In doing so they 



