American Coot. 323 



ing left the bank of the river and threaded the growth of 

 willows, we reach the "buckbrush," among which the 

 flags appear. Pushing our way through the tangled stenas 

 and branches of the intervening brush, we see the great 

 area of green before us, and we are soon in the rank vege- 

 tation. Around us and from almost under our feet arises 

 a curious medley of strange, uncouth sounds, cackling, 

 squawking, groaning, singing, and splashing, though few 

 birds are in sight. Before the close of our visit we shall 

 learn something of the vigilance of these birds in their 

 resorts, for they are rarely surprised on the nest, and are 

 as rarely seen in its neighborhood. 



As we approach the open area we can see the coots 

 among the lily pads, feeding in social fellowship, and 

 apparently enjoying the society of their companions. 

 Having startled them by our approach, we must secrete 

 ourselves in the border of the flags if we wish an oppor- 

 tunity to observe them, for they are likely to recede as 

 we advance. Occasionally one will take flight from the 

 water, by running or skimming over the surface witk 

 flapping, whirring wings and rapidly patting feet, splash- 

 ing the water at every stroke of its large feet, thus grad- 

 ually rising into the air. Their habit of running over 

 the water has caused them to be called "splatterers " by 

 some sportsmen and hunters. Dr. Coues tells us that in 

 some parts of the Northwest they are called "shufflers " 

 or "flusterers," certainly very appropriate nicknames. 

 They do not fly far at a time at this season, but when 

 well in the air their movements are easy and swift, not 

 unlike those of the wild ducks, though for a short dis- 

 tance after rising above the water they keep up the pat- 

 ting movement of the feet. In alighting they erect the 

 body almost vertically ip the air, stopping their progress 

 by the resistance of the body and the surface of their flap- 

 ping wings. 



The coots are numerous in the flags around us, and as 

 the commotion consequent upon our arrival has now sub- 

 sided, we can hear them splashing in the water as they 

 leave their nests. The birds can step from their habita- 

 tions into the water and swim directly into the open area; 

 and along the edges of the flags individuals appear, coming 



