332 SWIMMERS. 



extends its residence to the opposite side of the continent, 

 having been seen at Nootka Sound by Captain Cook. 



During summer these Ducks feed principally in the sea ; 

 they also commonly frequent shallow bars and surf-lashed 

 shores and bays in quest of various kinds of small shell-fish, 

 for which while on our coast they are almost perpetually div- 

 ing. They begin to migrate southward from their northern 

 resorts in company with the Long- Tailed Ducks, at which 

 period the flocks halt both on the shores of Hudson Bay and 

 on the lakes of the interior as long as they remain open, 

 feeding on tender shelly moUusca. 



The Surf Duck, or Sea Coot, breeds also along the shores of 

 Hudson Bay and in Labrador, and is said to make a nest of 

 grass, lining it with down or feathers, and lays from four to 

 six white eggs, which are hatched in the month of July. It 

 selects the borders of freshwater ponds for its eyries, on 

 which the young are fed, and protected until they are nearly 

 ready to fly. Although these birds extend their migrations to 

 the coast of Florida, they often continue along all the shores 

 and open bays of the Union throughout the winter ; or at least 

 parties go and come during the greater part of the period. 

 Early in May, or the close of April, they are again seen bend- 

 ing their course towards the North. They are shy birds to 

 approach, but can be decoyed by imitative wooden ducks of 

 the same general appearance. Their flesh, however, remark- 

 ably red and dark when cooked, is very fishy, and has but lit- 

 tle to recommend it ; the young birds are somewhat superior 

 in flavor, but the whole are of little consequence as game, 

 though often eaten by the inhabitants of the neighboring 

 coasts. 



The Surf Scoter breeds regularly throughout Labrador and in the 

 Hudson Bay and Great Slave Lake regions. It is common on the 

 Atlantic coast and in Manitoba while migrating, and winters from 

 Massachusetts to the Carolinas and the lower valley of the Ohio. 



