316 Sketches of Some Common Birds. 



and body together," it can sport with its fellows and 

 enjoy its round of existence. After the rest of several 

 days or a week on the open and unprotected ponds of the 

 inland districts, it makes its way to the swamp-lakes, or 

 other suitable nesting areas, and is seldom seen on the 

 ponds again until after its brood is reared. 



The grebes arc not handsome birds, and the colors of 

 the pied -billed species are not even attractive. Seen as 

 it floats lightly over the water, and glides away from us 

 to place itself at a safe distance, it presents a dark brown 

 as the prevailing color of the upper parts, and its breast 

 is dingy white. Its tail, like the tails of most of the 

 swimmers, is merely a pointed tuft of downy feathers. 

 The wings are similarly covered, lacking the strong flying 

 quills so essential to the wings of birds more given to 

 flight. Owing to the insertion of its legs toward the rear 

 of the body, it is extremely awkward on land, and tumbles 

 forward in its helpless attempts at locomotion. In the 

 air it is at almost equal disadvantage, its movements being 

 labored and tiresome. But on the water it floats with 

 the buoyancy of down, agile as the summer breeze, easily 

 diving to escape shot or bullet, and swimming long dis- 

 tances under water to elude its pursuers. 



The vigilance of the grebes is apparent to one who 

 visits their colonies, for on such occasions few individuals 

 are seen, and the unsuspecting visitor might determine 

 that the grebes were not nesting about any particular 

 area of water. I have sometimes spent whole days in 

 their breeding resorts, and found their nests by the dozen, 

 without getting a glimpse of a bird. When suspicious 

 of danger or observation, they are quick to secrete them- 

 selves in their reedy surroundings, and only when the 

 visitor is hidden can he watch their movements near their 

 homes. When they are undisturbed, however, they reveal 

 a nature no less buoyant than their deportment when 

 sporting in their natural element. In "Our Birds in 

 Their Haunts," Eev. J. H. Langille thus writes concern- 

 ing them : "They seem most active between daylight and 

 sunrise. Then, if one is well hid away by the still water, 

 their active swimming and graceful diving can be seen 

 to good advantage. Spreading considerably apart, they 



