144 MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



other waterfowl, were made from the dune shown in the frontispiece. In 

 stormy weather, I am told (and I have no doubt of it from their actions else- 

 where), they fly directly over the base of the Cape, but the storm prevents this 

 being seen from Ipswich Beach. 



The different species of Scoters fly by themselves or in mixed flocks. In 

 the latter case the different species are generally grouped by themselves in the 

 flock. As to which species is the least common there is no doubt, namely, the 

 American Scoter. But opinions differ as to whether or not the Surf Scoter is 

 commoner than the White-winged species. My own observations place the 

 Surf Scoter as the more common of these two. At Wenham Lake, Dr. 

 Phillips has found the Surf Scoter the least common and the White-winged the 

 most common, while the American Scoter occupies a middle place. His 

 records there for the three species are as follows : in 1900, 12 shot ; in 1901, 7 

 shot ; in 1902, 12 shot ; in 1903, 18 shot; in 1904, 15 shot. 



Although the Scoters commonly enter the mouths of the Essex, Ipswich, 

 and Merrimac Rivers, they are not often found in the smaller creeks among the 

 marshes. After the middle of November, and during the winter, Scoters are 

 to be found commonly off the shore, but never as abundantly as in the migra- 

 tions. They have probably diminished considerably in numbers at this season 

 of late years. They fly back and forth about sunrise, and if the weather is 

 pleasant, remain feeding quietly during the day. In stormy weather the Scoters 

 often collect in great numbers inside the bars close to the beach, diving under 

 the breakers as they roll shoreward. In the spring, Scoters are not seen in 

 such numbers as in the autumn migration. 



It is unusual to see Scoters on the shore. On October 1 ith, 1903, in a 

 northeaster, I saw a young Surf Scoter standing on the edge of the beach. His 

 legs were so far back and his breast and head were so upright that he looked 

 like a small Cormorant. On wounding him, he took to the shallow water and I 

 after him. He clove and I could see him flying along under water using his 

 wings. In his weakened condition I managed to overtake him and seize him 

 by the neck. It was, however, a close race. In diving, the wings are flopped 

 open just as they go under water, in preparation for the subaqueous flight. 

 Scoters, especially when wounded, sometimes swim with only the head above 

 water to escape notice. 



In calm weather Scoters have much difficulty in rising from the water, and 

 sometimes flap along the surface for many yards, before they can rise above it. 



The pursuit of Scoters by gunners, "cooting" as it is called, has already 

 been described (page 16). On days of heavy flight there is an almost continu- 

 ous fusillade going on along the Essex County coast. 



On the water, Scoters are easily distinguished from the other dark Duck 



